bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rattractor—Instant guidance of a rat into a virtual cage using the deep brain stimulation
Authors: Sudo Naoki , Fujiwara Sei-etsu , Isoyama Takashi , Fukayama Osamu
Published: June 2023

We developed “Rattractor” (rat attractor), a system to apply electrical stimuli to the deep brain of a rat as it stays in a specified region or a virtual cage to demonstrate an instant electrophysiological feedback guidance for animals. Two wire electrodes were implanted in the brains of nine rats. The electrodes targeted the medial forebrain bundle (MFB), which is a part of the reward system in the deep brain. Following the recovery period, the rats were placed in a plain field where they could move freely, but wired to a stimulation circuit. An image sensor installed over the field detected the subject’s position, which triggered the stimulator such that the rat remained within the virtual cage. We conducted a behavioral experiment to evaluate the sojourn ratio of rats residing in the region. Thereafter, a histological analysis of the rat brain was performed to confirm the position of the stimulation sites in the brain. Seven rats survived the surgery and the recovery period without technical failures such as connector breaks. We observed that three of them tended to stay in the virtual cage during stimulation, and this effect was maintained for two weeks. Histological analysis revealed that the electrode tips were correctly placed in the MFB region of the rats. The other four subjects showed no apparent preference for the virtual cage. In these rats, we did not find electrode tips in the MFB, or could not determine their positions. Almost half of the rats tended to remain inside the virtual cage when position-related reward stimuli were triggered in the MFB region. Notably, our system did not require previous training or sequential interventions to affect the behavioral preferences of subjects. This process is similar to the situation in which sheep are chased by a shepherd dog in the desired direction.
Test and evaluation of driving comfort of rice combine harvester
Authors: Zhao Ying , Liu Jinyi , Ma Lina , Zhang Jianfei , Zhan Caixue
Published: June 2023

During the field operation of rice combine harvester, the vibration generated by vibration component will only reduce mechanical reliability and yield, but also cause resonance in the human body, leading to a decrease in driving comfort and even damage to the driver’s health. To study the impact of combine harvester vibration on driving comfort, a certain type of tracked rice combine harvester was selected as the research object, and vibration tests were carried out based on vibration source analysis in the driving cab during field harvesting operations. The study showed that under the influence of field road conditions and crop flow, the operating speed of the engine, threshing rotor, stirrer, cutting blade, threshing cylinder, vibration sieve and conveyor were fluctuating, and their rotation and reciprocating motion would produce vibration excitation in the driving cab. A spectrum analysis was conducted on the acceleration signal of the driver’s cab, and it was found that vibration frequencies at three measuring points, namely the pedal, control lever, and seat, can reach up to 36.7~43.3 Hz. These frequencies can cause resonance in various parts of the driver’s body, such as the head and lower limbs, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, throat discomfort, leg pain, defecation anxiety, and frequent urination, and even affect vision of the driver. At the same time, a weighted root-mean-square acceleration evaluation method was used to evaluate the driving comfort of the harvester. The evaluation method showed that the vibration at the foot pedal (Aw1= 4.4 m/s2>2.5 m/s2) caused extreme discomfort, while the vibration at the seat (0.5 m/s2<Aw2= 0.67 m/s2<1.0 m/s2) and the control lever (0.5 m/s2<Aw3= 0.55 m/s2<1.0 m/s2) caused relatively less discomfort. This research can provide some reference for the optimization design of the joint harvester driver’s cab.
Arsenic in groundwater in the Grand Canyon region and an evaluation of potential pathways for arsenic contamination of groundwater from breccia pipe uranium mining
Authors: Tillman Fred D. , Beisner Kimberly R. , Jones Casey J. R.
Published: June 2023

The Grand Canyon in northern Arizona is an international tourist destination, a home or sacred place to many Native Americans, and hosts some of the highest-grade uranium deposits in the United States. Although potential contamination of water resources by uranium from mining activities is a concern, other elements commonly associated with these uranium deposits may pose a greater risk to human populations in the area. This study presents an assessment of arsenic in groundwater in the Grand Canyon area. First, sampling results for arsenic are presented and areas with elevated arsenic concentrations are discussed. Potential pathways of groundwater contamination by arsenic from uranium mines are then discussed to elucidate situations and conditions under which elevated concentrations of arsenic might be expected to become mobilized from breccia-pipe uranium mining activities. Results for arsenic in groundwater in the study area were available for 652 samples collected from 230 sites. Arsenic concentrations in groundwater ranged from less than reporting limits in 60 samples to a maximum concentration of 875 μg/L at Pumpkin Spring. About 88% (202) of the sites sampled had a maximum arsenic concentration below the drinking water standard of 10 μg/L. Available data from near former or current breccia-pipe uranium mines in the area indicate limited evidence to-date of mining effects on elevated arsenic in groundwater, although slow groundwater flow paths in the region may result in extended times of decades or more for groundwater to reach discharge locations. Post-mining entry of groundwater into the shaft and underground mine workings, with subsequent transport of metal-enriched groundwater offsite, may be a potential pathway of groundwater arsenic contamination from mining, although concentrations would likely be attenuated by contact with sedimentary rock units and dilution with native groundwater along flow paths. Monitoring of perched groundwater at reclaimed mine sites post-reclamation could provide data on the effectiveness of clean-closure practices on protecting groundwater quality in the area.
A longitudinal study on the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in the multiethnic communities of Jhargram, West Bengal
Authors: Mandal Moumi , Mishra Niladri Prasad , Chatterjee Poulomi , Bhattacharyya Sanchari , Mondal Keshab Chandra , Acharya Sagar
Published: June 2023

Anemia is a significant public health concern in India, with an esti-mated prevalence of 38% to 82% in non-pregnant females and 18% to 59% in males. Destitution, poor nutrition, illiteracy, unhealthy practices, obliviousness, and inadequate health service is the significant reasons for the higher rate of IDA in the tribals of India. The objective of the present study was to estimate the disease burden in Binpur-I and II, Jhargram blocks in West Bengal, India. The research was planned as a multiethnic community-based investigation that includes age and sex-specific gradation of anemia with iron status (SF, SI, TIBC). 910 participants (female: 529 and male: 381) were enrolled in the study. Overall, 67.47% of individuals were diagnosed with anemia (female: 42.74% and male: 24.73% ). According to severity, 29.12%, 27.14%, and 11.2% of individuals were moderate, mild, and severely anemic. Results also showed that IDA is prevalent among all age groups irrespective of sex, with the highest rates in the 40.1 - 60 age group (female). The higher prevalence of the geriatric population could be due to chronic disease, iron deficiency, and genetic polymorphisms, which require future investigations.
Prevalence and Natural History of Segmental Colitis Associated With Diverticulosis
Authors: Tursi Antonio , Piovani Daniele , Brandimarte Giovanni , Di Mario Francesco , Elisei Walter , Picchio Marcello , Allegretta Leonardo , Annunziata Maria Laura , Bafutto Mauro , Bassotti Gabrio , Bianco Maria Antonia , Colucci Raffaele , Conigliaro Rita , Dumitrascu Dan L. , Escalante Ricardo , Ferrini Luciano , Forti Giacomo , Franceschi Marilisa , Graziani Maria Giovanna , Lammert Frank , Latella Giovanni , Maconi Giovanni , Compare Debora , Nardone Gerardo , Camara De Castro Oliveira Lucia , Chaves Oliveira Enio , Papagrigoriadis Savvas , Pietrzak Anna , Pontone Stefano , Stundiene Ieva , Pranzo Giuseppe , Reichert Matthias Christian , Rodinò Stefano , Regula Jaroslaw , Scaccianoce Giuseppe , Scaldaferri Franco , Vassallo Roberto , Zampaletta Costantino , Zullo Angelo , Spaziani Erasmo , Bonovas Stefanos , Papa Alfredo , Danese Silvio ,   DICA International Group
Published: June 2023

INTRODUCTION:

We assessed the prevalence and clinical outcomes of segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) in patients with newly diagnosed diverticulosis.

METHODS:

A 3-year international, multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted involving 2,215 patients.

RESULTS:

SCAD diagnosis was posed in 44 patients (30 male patients; median age: 64.5 years; prevalence of 1.99%, 95% confidence interval, 1.45%–2.66%). Patients with SCAD types D and B showed worse symptoms, higher fecal calprotectin values, needed more steroids, and reached less likely complete remission.

DISCUSSION:

Although SCAD generally had a benign outcome, types B and D were associated with more severe symptoms and worse clinical course.
Analyzing (and comparing) policy mobilities in federal education systems: Potentials of a topological lens
Authors: Hartong Sigrid , Urbas Christopher
Published: June 2023

This contribution takes up and discusses topology as a relational approach to better understand and empirically trace policy mobilities in federal education systems. While topology echoes other relational approaches in its simultaneous focus on ongoing change and the “making” of stabilized forms (e.g., policy scales), it also brings attention to facets of policy mobility research that other approaches have, at least so far, considered to a much lesser extent. Such facets include the systematic integration of a temporal dimension (e.g., rhythms of scale- or policy-making) as well as the consideration of digital/data space-times. Equally, topology reminds us that policy itself is increasingly becoming topological—that is to say, policy-making is increasingly ruled by movement spaces, logics of connectedness, and capacities for change, instead of formal authority, position, or transmission. Integrating these different dimensions into a heuristic framework, we illuminate what we see differently when applying a topological lens to policy mobility analysis in federal education systems, using the example of German education policies since the 2000s, particularly transformations induced by the ongoing pandemic, as a case study.
Corporate Debt Profile And Financial Performance Of Listed Consumer Goods Firms In Nigeria
Authors: Jabar Adebola Abass , Akinadewo Israel S.
Published: June 2023

This study examined the connectivity between corporate debt profile and financial performance of consumer goods firms in Nigeria. The corporate debt profile is captured with short term debt, long term debt and total debt while the outcome variables is capture with earnings per share and Tobin’s Q. Expo-facto design was adopted and covered 16 listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria based on the availability of data spanning from 2011 to 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the variables of the study while the inferential statistics cover Pearson correlation and panel regression (random and fixed effect estimations) to analyze the proposed hypotheses of the study. Firstly, it was discovered that short- and long-term debt profile have a negative insignificant effect on financial performance captured with earnings per share of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria to the tunes of -4.848905 (p=0.655>0.05) for short term debt and -6.150678 (p=0.785>0.05) for long term debt. Also, it was discovered that total debt profile has a positive significant effect on earnings per share of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria with the coefficient and probability values of 4.735095 and 0.004 respectively. From the findings of this study, it was concluded that there is a statistical relationship between corporate debt profile and financial performance of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. Thus, it was recommended that the management of the listed consumer goods firms should maximize the functions of the risk committee formed to measure the risks involved in debt financing.
Linking Organizational Culture to Employee Creativity: Mediating Role of Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Ahmed Athar F M
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether organizational culture is related to employee creativity and whether employees' psychological well-being has a mediating role in this relationship. In order to achieve this aim, data were collected from 310 employees working at the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation using the questionnaire technique. Hypotheses were tested with linear regression analysis. The findings showed that market, clan and adhocracy cultures were positively associated with employee creativity. However, it was seen that hierarchy culture had a negative relationship with employee creativity. In addition, it has been understood that psychological well-being mediates the relationship between market culture and employee creativity. It has been revealed that there is a negative relationship between market culture and psychological well-being in the mediation relationship, and a positive relationship between psychological well-being and employee creativity. As far as is known, these relationships have been examined in a single model for the first time. For this reason, it is believed that the findings have valuable insights in terms of practice and theory.
Role of Social Science Research in National Development: A Review of Relevant Literature
Authors: Moyo Felistus , Kanyamuna Vincent , Mubita Aurick
Published: June 2023

There has been increasing pressure on universities to demonstrate the impact of the research they produce. This has involved demonstrating impact through quality measures such as citation counts and journal impact factors. When it comes to the social sciences, the issue of measuring research impact has been regarded as especially challenging, with many analysts claiming that such assessment needs involved both quantitative and qualitative indicators. The research study employed a mixed methodology, drawing on quantitative and qualitative data sources, to investigate whether or not social science research findings had been utilised by policymakers in Zambia, taking the University of Zambia as a case study. Two main research questions were considered in order to structure this inquiry, namely, 1. What is the state of social science research in Zambia? 2. Under what conditions have specific social studies informed policy in Zambia? The study has provided a reflection of the state of social science research in Zambia in terms of the research types that are produced, how the research findings are disseminated, and who the main funders of research were. Additionally, the study also aimed to find out the agendas driving research, whether and how the government utilised social science research findings, the conditions under which social science research had been utilised by policymakers and of course the barriers that hindered research utilisation for social science research in Zambia. Among other things, the study established that some evidence existed that the government utilised some of the research findings from social science research in their policymaking decisions but to a lesser extent than expected. There were barriers to research use by Policy Makers—sustainability of local journals, restrictions in the modes of disseminating research findings, lack of visibility and accessibility of research findings, restrictions in participating in setting of research agendas, as well as lack of mentorship among researchers. Going forward, the research recommends the following: government needs to understand that research is one of the key drivers of development and should funding research; develop national guidelines to provide a framework for equitable participation in research ventures; establish and strengthen linkages between researchers and policymakers; Government should employ technocrats and not political cadres in decision-making positions; and researchers should conduct meaningful research that has policy implications and make deliberate efforts to send policy briefs to policymakers through the ministries and encourage them to use them for the betterment of the country.
NIMASA’s Lacunas in the Discharge of Its Regulatory Functions in the Management of Oil Spills Pollution in Nigeria
Authors: Akpan Etuk Etiese
Published: June 2023

Nigeria and Niger Delta region in particular have experienced environmental pollutions consequent from oil exploration and production activities. Fauna and flora as well as the entire marine ecosystem in these areas are at risk from oil spills pollution. Investigation to establish the indebt consequences of oil spill pollution on key performance indicators as well as the remedial actions for resuscitation is most times hinged on effective implementation, monitoring of the regulatory framework of the regulatory agencies saddled with such responsibilities. The overall success of which depends fully much on the environmental ambient and the enforcement capacity of the regulatory agencies. Effective maritime safety administration, maritime labor regulation, marine pollution prevention and control, search and rescue, inspections, cabotage enforcement, shipping development and ship registration, training and certification of seafarers, and maritime capacity development are the main focus of NIMASA as a governmental agency. However, all these specific roles are often not met due to certain lacunas within the corridors of the regulatory framework.
The Academic Turn of Child and Youth Care Practicum Coordination at MacEwan University
Authors: Pope Christine , McGrath Jenny , Stiller Rebecca , Bellefeuille Gerard
Published: June 2023

The established agency-based approach to child and youth care (CYC) practicum coordination in post-secondary education is no longer sustainable. It has been impacted by the persistent expansion of professional programs requiring practicum placements for increasing student populations and must be rethought to address the changing needs of stakeholder service providers. This article discusses the creation of a non-administrative, academic CYC practicum coordination position at MacEwan University. The primary focus of this newly created position is to lead the transition from an all-inclusive agency-based placement model of field education to a multifaceted approach to coordination, which will include both research-focused and project-based practicum opportunities.
Ectopic thyroid tissue in the breast: A case report
Authors: Gong Zheng , Yang Yan , Liu Zegang
Published: June 2023

Ectopic thyroid tissue is a rare condition manifested as the appearance of thyroid tissue outside the thyroid gland. Here, we report a case of ectopic thyroid tissue in the breast. A 48-year-old Chinese woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer received modified radical mastectomy. A thyroid tissue was found on subsequent pathological examination. The ectopic thyroid tissue was confirmed by immunohistochemistry staining of thyroid biomarkers, including thyroglobulin, thyroid transcription factor-1, and thyroid peroxidase. Currently, abnormal thyroid anlage descent is the main theory to explain ectopic thyroid tissue, especially lingual thyroid. However, it is far-fetched to explain the pathogenesis of ectopic thyroid tissues existed in organs or tissues far from thyroid such as iris, cardiac, pulmonary, duodenal, adrenal, and vertebral. Here, we reviewed the previous cases of ectopic thyroid tissue in breast and proposed a “entoderm migration” theory to explain distant ectopic thyroid tissues based on embryonic development perspective.
The MBL2 genotype relates to COVID-19 severity and may help to select the optimal therapy
Authors: Scialò Filippo , Cernera Gustavo , Esposito Speranza , Pinchera Biagio , Gentile Ivan , Di Domenico Marina , Bianco Andrea , Pastore Lucio , Amato Felice , Castaldo Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Sars-CoV-2 acute infection is clinically heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic cases to patients with a severe, systemic clinical course. Among the involved factors age and preexisting morbidities play a major role; genetic host susceptibility contributes to modulating the clinical expression and outcome of the disease. Mannose-binding lectin is an acute-phase protein that activates the lectin-complement pathway, promotes opsonophagocytosis and modulates inflammation, and is involved in several bacterial and viral infections in humans. Understanding its role in Sars-CoV-2 infection could help select a better therapy.

Methods

We studied MBL2 haplotypes in 419 patients with acute COVID-19 in comparison to the general population and related the haplotypes to clinical and laboratory markers of severity.

Results

We recorded an enhanced frequency of MBL2 null alleles in patients with severe acute COVID-19. The homozygous null genotypes were significantly more frequent in patients with advanced WHO score 4–7 (OR of about 4) and related to more severe inflammation, neutrophilia, and lymphopenia.

Conclusions

Subjects with a defective MBL2 genotype (i.e., 0/0) are predisposed to a more severe acute Sars-CoV-2 infection; they may benefit from early replacement therapy with recombinant MBL. Furthermore, a subset of subjects with the A/A MBL genotype develop a relevant increase of serum MBL during the early phases of the disease and develop a more severe pulmonary disease; in these patients, the targeting of the complement may help. Therefore, COVID-19 patients should be tested at hospitalization with serum MBL analysis and MBL2 genotype, to define the optimal therapy.
Self-sampling of blood using a topper and pediatric tubes; a prospective feasibility study for PSA analysis using 120 prostate cancer patients
Authors: van den Brink Nicas , Even Rixt , Delic Enver , van Hellenberg Hubar-Fisher Sarah , van Rossum Huub H.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Self-collection of blood for diagnostic purposes by blood collection assist devices (BCAD) has gained a lot of momentum. Nonetheless, there are a lack of studies demonstrating the feasibility and reliability of self-collecting capillary blood for routine (immuno)chemistry testing. In this study we describe the topper technology together with pediatric tubes to enable self-collection of blood and investigated its feasibility for PSA testing by prostate cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 120 prostate cancer patients for which a routine follow-up PSA test was requested, were included in this study. Patients received instruction materials and the blood-collection device consisting of a topper, pediatric tube and base-part, and performed the blood collection procedure themselves. Afterwards a questionnaire was filled-in. Finally, PSA was measured on a Roche Cobas Pro.

Results

The overall self-sampling success rate was 86.7 %. Furthermore, when specified per age category, a 94.7 % success rate for patients under 70 years and a 25 % success rate for patients of 80 years and older was observed. Venous and self-collected PSA were highly comparable when analyzed by Passing–Bablok regression with a slope of 0.99 and intercept of 0.00011, Spearmans correlation coefficient (0.998) and average self-collected PSA recovery of 99.8 %.

Conclusions

Evidence is presented that self-collected capillary blood by topper and pediatric tube from the finger is feasible, particularly for patients under 70 years. Furthermore, capillary blood self-sampling did not compromise any of the PSA test results. Future validation in a real-world setting, without supervision and including sample stability and logistics, is required.
Landweber Iterative Method for an Inverse Source Problem of Time-Space Fractional Diffusion-Wave Equation
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhang Yan , Li Xiao-Xiao
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we apply a Landweber iterative regularization method to determine a space-dependent source for a time-space fractional diffusion-wave equation from the final measurement.
In general, this problem is ill-posed, and a Landweber iterative regularization method is used to obtain the regularization solution.
Under the a priori parameter choice rule and the a posteriori parameter choice rule, we give the error estimates between the regularization solution and the exact solution, respectively.
Some numerical results in the one-dimensional and two-dimensional cases show the utility of the used regularization method.
The “neo-intermediation” of large on-line platforms: Perspectives of analysis of the “state of health” of the digital information ecosystem
Authors: de Vivo Isabella
Published: June 2023

The key role played by online platforms in the neo-intermediation of the public debate requires a review of current tools for mapping the digital information ecosystem, highlighting the political nature of such an analysis: Starting from a synoptic overview of the main models of platform governance, we try to understand whether the ongoing European shift towards the Limited Government Regulation (LGR) model will be able to counterbalance the “systemic opinion power” of the giant platforms and restore the “health” of the digital information ecosystem. A close analysis of the European Digital Services Act (DSA) has highlighted some limitations in achieving its goals, because of the features of the LGR on the one hand, and the disruptive features of the algorithmic neo-intermediation phenomenon on the other. Thus, we suggest a tripartite regulatory model, that can be defined as “neo-editorial accountability.” However, increasing users’ critical algorithmic awareness is an essential prerequisite for implementing the suggested template, and mitigating an outstanding effect of the LGR model: the normalization of the ideological assumptions underlying informational capitalism.
Mechanism elucidation for wood sandwich compression from the perspective of yield stress
Authors: Huang Rongfeng , Feng Shanghuan , Gao Zhiqiang , Liu Hao
Published: June 2023

To elucidate the mechanism of wood sandwich compression, the response of wood compressing yield stress to hygrothermal conditions was investigated in this study with respect to preheating temperature (30–210 °C) and moisture content (MC, 0–100 %). An associated functional model was developed to predict wood yield stress based on the measured MC and temperature in wood. A 1 % increase in wood MC or a 10 °C increase of temperature led to a decrease in wood yield stress exceeding 0.1 MPa. Significant variations in yield stress, exceeding 0.8 MPa, were observed between high MC layer(s) and the remaining layer(s) along the wood thickness when there was an MC variation over 5 %. Preheating the wood with by heating platens accelerated water/moisture migration in wood, resulting in relatively low yield stress in the wood interior areas where water/moisture had migrated. This study demonstrated that the comparatively low yield stress of some wood areas was responsible for sandwich compression. When mechanically compressed, only the wood layer(s) with lower yield stress was compressed, leading to sandwich compression, regardless of whether the mechanical force was applied tangentially or radially.
On weak commutativity in 𝑝-groups
Authors: Bastos Raimundo , de Melo Emerson , de Oliveira Ricardo , Monetta Carmine
Published: June 2023

The weak commutativity group

χ
⁢

(
G
)

\chi(G)

is generated by two isomorphic groups 𝐺 and

G
φ

G^{\varphi}

subject to the relations

[
g
,

g
φ

]

=
1

[g,g^{\varphi}]=1

for all

g
∈
G

g\in G

.
We present new bounds for the exponent of

χ
⁢

(
G
)

\chi(G)

and its sections, when 𝐺 is a finite 𝑝-group.
Seismic monitoring of strength in stabilized foundations by P-wave reflection and downhole geophysical logging for drill borehole core
Authors: Lindh Per , Lemenkova Polina
Published: June 2023

Evaluating the subground properties during the initial stage of a construction of building is important in order to estimate the suitability of soil quality to the technical requirements of bearing capacity, resistance to stress, and strength. This study presented the evaluation of the geotechnical properties of soil intended for the construction of Max IV facility of Lund University, performed in fieldwork and laboratory. The in situ methods included drilling boreholes, core sampling and assessment, crosshole measurements, and borehole logging. The laboratory-based measurements were performed at Swedish Geotechnical Institute and combined seismic measurements of drill cores, determination of the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), and examination of material property: sieve analysis and natural moisture content. UCS was evaluated with regard to velocities of elastic P-waves. The synchronous light test by X-ray diffraction was performed for qualitative analysis of mineral composition of samples. The study applied integrated approach of the diverse geophysical methods to solve practical tasks on the evaluation of foundation strength and geotechnical parameters. This study demonstrated the benefits of integrated seismic and geophysical methods applied to soil exploration in civil engineering for testing quality of foundation materials.
Two-dimensional layered nanomaterials for tumor diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Hong Chengyuan , Liu Zhusheng , Chen Tianxiang , Wu Aiguo
Published: June 2023

With the evolution of nanomedicine, the past decades witnessed diversified nanomaterials as marvelous anti-tumor tools ushering in a new era of tumor diagnosis and treatment. Among them, two-dimensional layered nanomaterial as an emerging class of nanomaterials has one dimension less than 100 nm, showing a high specific area and the thinnest sheet-like structure (Liu S, Pan X, Liu H. Twodimensional nanomaterials for photothermal therapy. Angew Chem Int Ed 2020;59:5890–900). The discovery of graphene drove the exploration of various new two-dimensional layered nanomaterials for tumor diagnosis and treatment including graphene-based nanomaterials, black phosphorus (BP), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), layered double hydroxides (LDHs), and bismuth oxyhalides (BiOX, X=F, Cl, Br, I) (Ma H, Xue MQ. Recent advances in the photothermal applications of two-dimensional nanomaterial: photothermal therapy and beyond. J Mater Chem 2021;9:17569). On the one hand, they exhibit strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption and the capacity of optimizing corresponding properties by adjusting the crystal structure. On the other hand, they own unique strengths such as fantastic physicochemical properties (graphene-based nanomaterials), high loading capacity (BP), distinct phase-dependent optical properties (TMDs), a specific chemical response to the tumor microenvironment (LDHs), and large X-ray attenuation coefficient (BiOX). Herein, we briefly introduce three typical two-dimensional layered nanomaterials, their prospects and future research priorities in tumor diagnosis and treatment are concluded.
The Size Distribution Measurement and Shape Quality Evaluation Method of Manufactured Aggregate Material Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Zang Bo , Peng Xiong , Zhong Xingu , Zhao Chao , Zhou Kun
Published: June 2023

Manufactured aggregate is a substitute for natural aggregate particles that is formed by mechanically crushing parent rock. Its particle shape has a great impact on the working performance, mechanical performance, and durability for preparing high-performance concrete. Therefore, a particle shape quality evaluation method combining deep learning and distance transformation topology is proposed. In this method, the YOLO v4 network is used to locate the particle region, and the centroid point is recognized as the feature point of this region; then, the feature points are used for distance transformation topology to approximately divide the particles area. Based on the divided results, the pixel-level segmentation result is obtained using a local threshold algorithm. The 2–8-mm limestone manufactured aggregate in a 2 million ton (1,000 kg)/year manufactured aggregate production line is carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, achieving above 90 % precision in the real manufactured aggregate quality evaluation.
Effect of the Solder Powder Size of Sn-Bi-Ag-In Lead-Free Solder on the Wettability and Microstructure of Cu Substrate
Authors: Hu Tianhan , Li Zhen , Wu Guanzhi , Li Shun , Ding Kai , Gao Yulai
Published: June 2023

In this study, tin-bismuth-silver-indium (Sn-Bi-Ag-In) lead-free solder powders are prepared by the consumable-electrode direct current arc (CDCA) method. Without agglomeration, the satellite-free solder powders show good sphericity. The effect of solder powder sizes on the wettability and microstructure of Sn-Bi-Ag-In solder alloy on copper substrate is systematically investigated. The solder joints prepared by solder powder in a size of 53–120 μm exhibit relatively small wetting angles. In addition, the microstructure of the solder joints is composed of bismuth-rich phases, tin-rich phases, and Ag3Sn phases. A continuous intermetallic compound (IMC) layer with a thickness in the range of 0.64–0.70 μm is formed at the interface between the solder and the copper substrate. The results show that the formation and morphology variety of the IMC layers for different solder joints are unobvious, reflecting the good wettability of the Sn-Bi-Ag-In lead-free solder powders on the copper substrate in a wide size range.
Lesbian and bisexual women's health beliefs about performing the Papanicolaou’s test
Authors: Maciel Nathanael de Souza , Nascimento Anna Beatriz Justino do , Castro Gabriely Bezerra de , Bandeira Breno Sousa , Alves José Gerfeson , Sousa Leilane Barbosa de
Published: June 2023

Objective: to identify the health beliefs of lesbian and bisexual women about performing the Papanicolaou’s test. Methods: cross-sectional study developed exclusively online, with fifty-five participants. Google Forms® were used for data collection, with sociodemographic and economic questions, as well as questions related to practices, intention, and beliefs about performing the Papanicolaou’s test. Data were organized in Google Sheets® and analyzed in SPSS® software. Results: it was found that bisexual women believe more in the benefit "when I do the preventive exam, I am relieved" (p=0.047). However, they have higher scores of ashamed for doing the preventive exam (p=0.005). Significant association was identified between having done the exam and perceived benefits (p=0.040); perceived severity and education level (p=0.006); having done the exam (p=0.039); and having fixed partnership (p=0.028). Conclusion: bisexual women believe that performing the exam generates relief, but feelings of shame may hinder adherence to the exam. Lesbian and bisexual women without access to higher education, who never had the exam, and who have multiple sexual partnerships are more vulnerable to cervical cancer. Contributions to practice: reflect on this scenario so that educational strategies are effective for cervical cancer prevention.
Preventive measures against risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in the prison environment: an integrative review
Authors: Cabral Danielle Cristina Pimentel , Lima Monique de Freitas Gonçalves , Albuquerque Nila Larisse Silva de , Pontes Cleide Maria , Guedes Tatiane Gomes , Linhares Francisca Márcia Pereira
Published: June 2023

Objective: to analyze preventive measures against risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in the prison environment. Methods: integrative review carried out in the databases MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, CINAHL, LILACS, EMBASE, and SciELO. The descriptors and keywords used, combined with the Boolean operators OR and AND were: prisons, prisoners, health promotion, health education, cardiovascular diseases, heart diseases and heart. We included articles in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, that addressed preventive measures against the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the prison environment, with no specific time frame. Results: the final sample included seven articles. Preventive measures found were related with exercising, nutritional improvement, weight control, smoking cessation, stress control, and laboratory follow up, focusing specially in physical activities and nutritional improvement. Conclusion: identifying preventive measures can aid in the development of health promotion actions for the population deprived of freedom. Nonetheless, more studies on the topic are required. Contributions to practice: understanding the preventive measures against risk factors for cardiovascular diseases used in the prison environment can give support to the developing of health promotion interventions.
Legal Instruments of Social Control in Swiss and Polish Self-Government: A Doctrinal and Legal Study
Authors: Salachna Joanna M. , Zawadzka-Pąk Urszula K.
Published: June 2023

One of the basic instruments of direct democracy is the referendum, which is particularly developed in Switzerland. In Poland, due to historical conditions, there is no tradition of using referendums; however, in recent years, the participation of citizens in public co-decision has started to be implemented through the instruments of governance (participatory democracy), i.e. the village council fund and participatory budgeting. Apart from the basic function, i.e. active participation in making public decisions, all the above-mentioned instruments should also fulfill another important role: it is social control in the financial sphere. Therefore, this study attempts to answer the following research question: do the instruments of direct and participatory democracy fulfil the function of social control in the field of public financial decisions, and if so, how? According to the adopted hypothesis, both the forms of direct and participatory democracy also constitute (contain) elements of social control of the activities of public authorities. And by their very nature, these legal instruments of social control are implemented in the form of ex ante external control. To verify this view, the study interprets the content of foreign and domestic acts of universally binding law (cantonal constitutions, statutory provisions).
Free-flow discharge characteristics of an overshot gate: A non-hydrostatic numerical modeling approach
Authors: Zerihun Yebegaeshet
Published: June 2023

Overshot gates, such as the Lay-flat gate, have been used extensively as a flow-measuring structure in open-channel irrigation conveyance systems. Despite their simple geometric shape, the free flow over such structures possesses a substantial curvature of streamline and a steep free-surface slope, thereby making the assumption of a hydrostatic pressure distribution invalid. Accordingly, the shallow-water approach becomes inapplicable for analyzing their discharge characteristics. Using the depth-averaged Boussinesq-type model, the critical flow conditions based on this lower-order approach were extended, leading to an equation for the free-flow coefficient of discharge that implicitly incorporates the flow’s dynamic effects. The developed model was tested for free-flow cases, with a satisfactory agreement between computational results and experimental data. Overall, it was shown that the proposed model is capable of accurately simulating a sharply-curved flow over an overshot gate. The study found that the relative overflow depth prominently affects the characteristics of the curvilinear transcritical flow and hence the free-flow coefficient of discharge. Furthermore, the angle of inclination has a moderate influence on the discharge characteristics of a full-width overshot gate with a face slope flatter than 56°.
Expansión de sistemas de transmisión eléctrica usando tablas de probabilidad de pérdida de capacidad en el modelo generación-transmisión
Authors: Maita-Sánchez Santiago Javier , Barrera-Singaña Carlos Andrés
Published: June 2023

Los sistemas eléctricos de potencia, en la etapa de generación - transmisión, tienen gran preponderancia a nivel mundial. Estos sistemas constituyen la vía para distribuir vastas cantidades de energía eléctrica desde los centros de generación eléctrica hacia los distintos sectores de consumo. La planeación de la expansión de los sistemas de generación y transmisión tiene una gran representatividad, por lo que atender la respuesta de la demanda y su crecimiento es el desafío de las empresas dedicadas a este giro de negocio. En este trabajo, se realiza la planeación de la expansión del sistema de generación y transmisión en un sistema eléctrico de prueba mediante dos fases. En primera instancia, se desarrolla un algoritmo que permita construir tablas de probabilidad de pérdida de capacidad y utilizar criterios de confiabilidad para determinar los nuevos proyectos de generación necesarios para cubrir la demanda y tener la reserva necesaria al año horizonte de planificación. Con los resultados de la primera fase se da apertura a la segunda fase, en la cual se utiliza un algoritmo de optimización para un problema de carácter entero lineal mixto y aplicación del flujo óptimo de potencia DC para determinar los proyectos de transmisión necesarios para conectar, al sistema base, los nuevos proyectos de generación determinados en la primera fase y su despacho de potencia óptimo para minimizar costos tanto de inversión como de operación.
Thermo-vacuum modification of spruce (Picea abies Karst.) and fir (Abies alba Mill.) wood
Authors: Allegretti Ottaviano , Brunetti Michele , Cuccui Ignazia , Ferrari Silvia , Nocetti Michela , Terziev Nasko
Published: June 2023

The study presents results of the characterization of Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) and fir (Abies alba Mill.) wood thermally modified by TERMOVUOTO® technology at temperatures in the range of 160 to 220°C in vacuum conditions. Sixteen thermo-vacuum treatment tests were carried out using a pilot laboratory unit on 30-mm-thick spruce and fir boards in various combinations of the process parameters, i.e. temperature ( T ), duration ( t), and pressure ( p ). The treated material was characterized to reveal the changes of the physical-mechanical properties including color and durability. The treated wood showed an improved performance with relation to the dimensional stability and durability. The measured mechanical properties did not show any significant decrease. Analytical models, based on the existing correlations between wood properties and process parameters, were assessed, thus allowing the control of the process.
Determination of effective moisture diffusivity and activation energy for drying of powdered peanut shell under isothermal conditions
Authors: Chen Dengyu , Li Kai , Zhu Xifeng
Published: June 2023

In this study, the effect of drying temperature, from 50 °C to 90 °C, on the drying characteristics of powdered peanut shell was investigated, and an isothermal procedure was used to determine the moisture diffusivity and the activation energy. All the experiments were performed using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) for rapidly achieving the isothermal condition and accurately recording the mass loss of the sample. With increasing drying temperature, the drying rate increased and the drying time decreased. A short rising rate period was found in all drying processes due to increasing temperature of the sample in the beginning of drying. The predicted values by the diffusion model based on Fick’s second law were in good agreement with the experimental data obtained from the falling rate period. The values of effective moisture diffusivity ranged from 9.60 x 10-9 to 2.26 x 10-8 m2/s, and the activation energy was determined to be 21.2 kJ/mol.
Improving enzymatic saccharification of sugarcane bagasse by biological/physico-chemical pretreatment using Trametes versicolor and Bacillus sp.
Authors: Krongtaew Sakdaronnarong Chularat , Onsrithong Nattawat , Suwankrua Rujira , Jonglertjunya Woranart
Published: June 2023

In this work, laccase biosynthesis of two microorganisms, Trametes versicolor TISTR 3224 and Bacillus sp. TISTR 908 isolated in Thailand, was investigated using sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as substrate. Two-stage biological/physico-chemical pretreatment of SCB on delignification and saccharification yield was studied. A two-level full factorial design was applied and 3 factors influencing delignification and saccharification processes of SCB were studied including C:N ratio (10:1 to 20:1), temperature (100 to 140°C), and alkali concentration (0 to 5% w/w NaOH). It was found that during biological pretreatment of SCB, a greater amount of laccase was produced from T. versicolor in the early stage of growth compared with Bacillus sp. Nitrogen supplement enhanced laccase biosynthesis of T. versicolor. By contrast, Bacillus sp. required a smaller amount of nitrogen source to produce laccase. Biological treated bagasse was subsequently subjected to a physico-chemical treatment. The results showed that the highest xylose and glucose yield of 51.97% w/w based on carbohydrate content was obtained from T. versicolor cultivation at a C:N ratio of 20:1, and consecutively treated in 5% w/w NaOH solution at 140°C for 1 h. Bacterial/alkali and alkali pretreatment yielded xylose and glucose in smaller degrees compared with fungal/alkali pretreatment. T. versicolor preferentially degraded lignin in sugarcane bagasse relative to cellulose and hemicelluloses constituents, while Bacillus sp. simultaneously attacked both lignin and carbohydrate moieties, as indicated by analysis of relative FT-IR intensities ratios of pretreated and untreated sugarcane bagasse.
Effect of metal oxide on anti-microbial finishing of cotton fabric
Authors: Lam Yin Ling , Kan Chi Wai , Yuen Chun Wah M.
Published: June 2023

Cellulosic fibres provide a very agreeable environment for growth of bacteria due to large surfaces with high moisture absorbability. Therefore, the demand for an anti-microbial finish as an effective means of preventing disease transmission is high; it inhibits growth of or kills microorganisms on textile fabrics. This paper reports results of experiments where silver oxide (Ag2O) or zinc oxide (ZnO) was used as a catalyst with the halogenated phenoxy compound (Microfresh, MF) and a binder (Microban, MB) on cotton fabrics to improve treatment effectiveness and minimize its side effects. Anti-microbial-treated fabrics showed some new characteristic peaks in chemical structure as evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. In an anti-microbial test, it was found that anti-bacterial activity increased as MF-MB chemical agents were applied to the fabrics. A noticeable result was that the metal oxide catalyst had a significant effect on enhancing the performance. Surface morphology of anti-microbial-treated cotton specimens showed roughened and wrinkled fabric surface with high deposition of the finishing agent, which had a lower breaking load and tearing strength resulting from side effects of the acidic treatment. However, the addition of the Ag2O catalyst was able to compensate for the reduction in tensile and tearing strength, and it is considered harmless for human skin.