bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ninjin’yoeito reduces fatigue-like conditions by alleviating inflammation of the brain and skeletal muscles in aging mice
Authors: Otsuka Shotaro , Matsuzaki Ryoma , Kakimoto Shogo , Tachibe Yuta , Kawatani Takuya , Takada Seiya , Tani Akira , Nakanishi Kazuki , Matsuoka Teruki , Kato Yuki , Inadome Masaki , Nojima Nao , Sakakima Harutoshi , Mizuno Keita , Matsubara Yosuke , Maruyama Ikuro
Published: May 2024

Fatigue can lead to several health issues and is particularly prevalent among elderly individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions. Ninjin’yoeito, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, is used to address fatigue and malaise, anorexia, and anemia. This study aimed to examine whether relieving inflammation in the brain and skeletal muscle of senescence-accelerated mice prone 8 (SAMP8) could reduce fatigue-like conditions associated with aging. First, SAMP8 mice were divided into two groups, with and without ninjin’yoeito treatment. The ninjin’yoeito-treated group received a diet containing 3% ninjin’yoeito for a period of 4 months starting at 3 months of age. At 7 months of age, all mice underwent motor function, treadmill fatigue, and behavioral tests. They were then euthanized and the skeletal muscle weight, muscle cross-sectional area, and concentration of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) in both the brain and skeletal muscle were measured. The results showed that the ninjin’yoeito-treated group had higher motor function and spontaneous locomotor activity than the untreated group did and ran for significantly longer in the treadmill fatigue test. Moreover, larger muscle cross-sectional area, lower IL-1β concentrations, and higher IL-1RA concentrations were observed in both the brain and skeletal muscle tissues of the ninjin’yoeito-treated group than in the untreated group. The results suggest that ninjin’yoeito improves age-related inflammatory conditions in both the central and peripheral tissues and reduces fatigue.
Impact of childhood traumatic brain injury on fitness for service class, length of service period, and cognitive performance during military service in Finland from 1998 to 2018: A retrospective register-based nationwide cohort study
Authors: Möttönen Julius , Ponkilainen Ville T. , Mattila Ville M. , Kuitunen Ilari
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause neuronal damage and cerebrovascular dysfunction, leading to acute brain dysfunction and considerable physical and mental impairment long after initial injury. Our goal was to assess the impact of pediatric TBI (pTBI) on military service, completed by 65–70% of men in Finland.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective register-based nationwide cohort study. All patients aged 0 to 17 years at the time of TBI, between 1998 and 2018, were included. Operatively and conservatively treated patients with pTBI were analyzed separately. The reference group was comprised of individuals with upper and lower extremity fractures. Information on length of service time, service completion, fitness for service class, and cognitive performance in a basic cognitive test (b-test) was gathered from the Finnish Military Records for both groups. Linear and logistic regression with 95% CI were used in comparisons.

Results

Our study group comprised 12 281 patients with pTBI and 20 338 reference group patients who participated in conscription. A total of 8 507 (66.5%) men in the pTBI group and 14 953 (71.2%) men in the reference group completed military service during the follow-up period. Men in the reference group were more likely to complete military service (OR 1.26, CI 1.18–1.34). A total of 31 (23.3%) men with operatively treated pTBI completed the military service. Men with conservatively treated pTBI had a much higher service rate (OR 7.20, CI 4.73–11.1). In the pTBI group, men (OR 1.26, CI 1.18–1.34) and women (OR 2.05, CI 1.27–3.36) were more likely to interrupt military service than the reference group. The PTBI group scored 0.15 points (CI 0.10–0.20) less than the reference group in cognitive b-test.

Conclusions

PTBI groups had slightly shorter military service periods and higher interruption rate than our reference-group. There were only minor differences between groups in cognitive b-test.
Association between family income to poverty ratio and nocturia in adults aged 20 years and older: A study from NHANES 2005–2010
Authors: Jia Yangtao , Ca Jiacheng , Yang Fangzheng , Dong Xinke , Zhou Libin , Long Huimin
Published: May 2024

Background

Nocturia, the most common lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS), significantly impacts socioeconomic factors and individuals’ quality of life and is closely related to many diseases. This study utilized data from NHANES 2005–2010 to explore the relationship between family income to poverty ratio (PIR) and the presence of nocturia symptoms in adults aged 20 or older in the United States.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2005–2010, including 6,662 adults aged 20 or older, were utilized for this cross-sectional study. The baseline data was used to display the distribution of each characteristic visually. Multiple linear regression and smooth curve fitting were used to study the linear and non-linear correlations between PIR and nocturia. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were conducted to examine the stability of intergroup relationships.

Results

Out of the 6,662 adult participants aged 20 or older, 1,300 households were categorized as living in poverty, 3,671 households had a moderate income, and 1,691 households were classified as affluent. Among these participants, 3,139 individuals experienced nocturia, representing 47.12% of the total, while 3,523 individuals were nocturia-free, constituting 52.88% of the total population. After adjusting for all other covariates, it was found that PIR was significantly negatively correlated with nocturia (OR: 0.875, 95%CI: 0.836–0.916 P<0.0001). This trend persisted when PIR was divided into three groups (PIR <1, PIR 1–4, PIR > 4) or quartiles. There was a non-linear negative correlation between PIR and nocturia.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that lower PlR was associated with a higher risk of nocturia in adults aged 20 or older in the United States. These findings highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic factors in preventing and managing nocturia. Nonetheless, further exploration of the causal nexus between these factors was precluded due to the constraints of a cross-sectional design.
Evaluating the association between lifetime physical activity and oral squamous cell carcinoma: A case-control study
Authors: Tabatabaie-Zadeh Seyyed Abolfazl , Mahdavi Nazanin , Mahdaviani Behnaz , Selk-Ghaffari Maryam
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Oral cancers are the 6th most common malignancy worldwide and oral squamous cell carcinoma, comprises over 90% of oral cancers. This study investigates the relationship between physical activity level during the lifetime and oral squamous cell carcinoma risk.

Methods

100 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and 200 healthy individuals participated in this case-control study. Physical activity level was evaluated via the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire. The occupational, household, and sports domains of lifetime physical activity were determined. Case and control groups’ participants were matched in terms of sex, age, smoking, and alcohol consumption by the Frequency Matching Method. Mann-Whitney U Test was applied to compare physical activity levels between groups.

Results

The Body Mass Index was higher among cases compared with controls. The average amounts of lifetime physical activity among cases and controls were approximately identical. However, only a statistically significant difference between time spent on total lifetime physical activities and the oral squamous cell carcinoma risk was discovered. Moreover, there were no statistically significant odds ratios in examining the risk associated with each domain of activities.

Conclusions

The total time spent on lifetime physical activity may decrease the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma; However, the total level and intensity of lifetime physical activity are not significantly associated with the oral squamous cell carcinoma risk. Further studies are required in this field.
Short versus long duration of ceftaroline combination therapy and outcomes in persistent or high-grade MRSA bacteremia: A retrospective single-center study
Authors: Cabanilla M. Gabriela , Bernauer Michael L. , Atallah Liana M. , Briski Matthew J. , Koury Jason , Thompson Cecilia M. , Rodriguez Chelsea N. , Jakeman Bernadette , Byrd Thomas F.
Published: May 2024

Background

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is associated with high mortality rates. Despite antibiotic therapy, persistent bacteremia is challenging to treat. Combination therapy with ceftaroline has emerged as a potential treatment option; however, the optimal duration and clinical implications after bacteremia clearance are unknown.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study examined patients with high-grade or persistent MRSA bacteremia who were treated with ceftaroline combination therapy at the University of New Mexico Hospital between January 2014 and June 2021. Patients were categorized into short- (<7 days) or long-duration (≥7 days) groups based on the duration of combination therapy after bacteremia clearance. Outcomes included 30-day all-cause mortality, bacteremia recurrence, post-bacteremia clearance length of stay, and adverse events.

Results

A total of 32 patients were included in this study. The most common sources of bacteremia were bone/joint and endovascular (28.1%, 9/32 each). The median duration of combination therapy after clearance was seven days (IQR 2.8, 11). Patients in the long-duration group had a lower Charlson comorbidity index (1.0 vs 5.5, p = 0.017) than those in the short-duration group. After adjusting for confounders, there was no significant difference in the 30-day all-cause mortality between the groups (AOR 0.17, 95% CI 0.007–1.85, p = 0.18). No association was found between combination therapy duration and recurrence (OR 2.53, 95% CI 0.19–inf, p = 0.24) or adverse drug events (OR 3.46, 95% CI 0.39–74.86, p = 0.31). After controlling for total hospital length of stay, there was no significant difference in the post-bacteremia clearance length of stay between the two groups (p = 0.37).

Conclusions

Prolonging ceftaroline combination therapy after bacteremia clearance did not significantly improve outcomes in patients with persistent or high-grade MRSA bacteremia. The limitations of this study warrant cautious interpretation of its results. Larger studies are needed to determine the optimal duration and role of combination therapy for this difficult-to-treat infection.
CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION USING GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE
Authors: Akhnoukh Amin , Sadique Monower
Published: May 2024

The size and complex nature of today's construction project resulted in a global increase of the carbon footprint. Increased carbon dioxide emissions results in a severe deterioration to the environment and negative health implications. Recent studies showed that the production of 1 metric ton of portland cement results in the evolution of 0.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide. At this rate, the construction industry represents a significant threat on mankind. This paper presents geopolymer (cement-free) concrete applications in the United States local construction market. Geopolymer concrete production depends on the activation of a pozzolanic supplementary cementitious material (SCM) with a high aluminosilicate content using alkaline solution as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The SCM activated material-known as precursor-forms a three-dimensional polymer that binds the aggregates instead of hydrated portland cement. The widespread of geopolymer concrete will significantly reduce the need to portland cement; hence, reduces the carbon emissions resulting from cement production. In addition to the environmental advantages, geopolymer concrete is highly durable due to the fine size of SCMs particles. Geopolymer concrete is more resistant to alkali-silica reactivity, and early age cracking. The widespread of geopolymer concrete in construction industry, especially in infrastructure projects, will result in significant improvement in projects condition, and lower the need to frequent maintenance, repair, and replacement of projects.
EXPLORING COMPOSITE LAMINATED BAMBOO LUMBER TO SUBSTITUTE DIMENSIONAL LUMBER
Authors: Rittironk Supreedee
Published: May 2024

In upcoming sustainability trend, new materials are in the ongoing search. Bamboo has become one of them, due to its renewability. Bamboo is seen to have varied properties from different species. With the advanced engineering technology, bamboo pieces are able to put together into solid lumber in a form of laminated bamboo lumber (LBL). This makes laminated bamboo having greater mechanical properties. Yet to make LBL to perform better, the experiment to explore LBL to be composited with other strong materials. LBL are composited with aluminum and steel sheets. Both Glue lamination and steel bolt through are two different forms of bonding. There are four beam prototypes, plus a plain LBL. All beams are tested using the universal testing machine in engineering lab, in the 4-point simply supported beam format. The test result seems to be a twist with all efforts to strengthen. It is overall a great improvement in loading capacity of all composite beams, comparing to wood lumber. The best performance is plain LBL beam, due to the monolithic nature. Both metal composites were delaminated at bottom of beams and at vertical lamination. Nuts and bolts composite beams perform less than glued laminates alone, because of stiffness differences at top and bottom of beams. The key to this research is about lamination nature that should be made of materials that are compatible and do not create much strength differences. Lastly, bamboo composites are still to further develop. Composite LBL is still potential materials to substitute wood lumber.
DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR REHABILITATION OF A WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Authors: Meghea Irina , Lesnic Mihai , Manea-Saghin Ana-Maria
Published: May 2024

Pharmaceutical pollutants (PhP) represent a serious problem for surface, underground and even drinkable waters. PhP removal is of crucial importance since pharmaceutics production and consumption have been increasing during the last decades. The rehabilitation of the existent treatment plants is a viable solution to clean the water also by removing this type of contaminants which cause hazardous effects on human health and on environment. In this paper, the design of such improved plant with indications for technological objects including components, calculation details and examples are presented. The schemes for the improvement of the existent plants are explained, the introduction of corresponding membranes is sustained by appropriate computations and all the necessary elements for such an action are described in accordance with a lot of specialty studies. A flow balance scheme to calculate the water flow at the entrance in the installation of advanced treatment with filter membranes is also proposed.
DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY (DfMA) – WHAT AFFECTS ITS ADOPTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS?
Authors: SHEN LIZ LZ , Wong Peter SP , Too Eric
Published: May 2024

There is a consensus among industry leaders and scholars that the construction sector will lose its competitive advantages if its lethargy to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies continues. As a response, the construction industry has been advocating the more extensive use of the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) in projects. Research studies on this topic mainly reported technological advancement but rarely addressed the factors that lead to the development of positive organizational behavior towards the implementation of DfMA. A systematic literature review will be adopted to achieve the research aims. A total number of 18 behavioral traits were identified through the method, including client's interest, stakeholders support, availability of DfMA related resources, companies' capability, early involvement of all parties in design, development of DfMA-friendly procurement approach, the use of digital technology, government involvement, etc. The findings will shed light on DfMA adoption on behavioral aspects for global DfMA adoption in the construction industry.
EXPLORING MICROGRIDS AS A PROMISING SOLUTION FOR EQUITABLE ELECTRICITY ACCESSIBILITY
Authors: Talebpour Niousha , Ilbeigi Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Ensuring fair access to electricity in urban areas is a major challenge that calls for a fresh perspective on urban development. One promising approach is to explore innovative solutions, like improving electrical infrastructure using distributed energy systems such as microgrids. The first step toward creating novel distributed solutions is to better understand the equity problem and identify potential implementation challenges. This study addresses this, taking a two-step approach. First, using historical data, the potential association between people's socioeconomic backgrounds and their access to electricity is investigated. This will help to determine if current electrical systems are serving all citizens equitably. Second, insights from experts were gathered through a semi-structured interview to uncover potential challenges in implementing widespread distributed energy systems and equitable energy solutions. By combining the findings from the data analysis and expert input, this study sets the groundwork for future research. This research will focus on identifying new potential solutions to improve equitable access to electricity in urban areas. The results of this study will provide valuable information to decision-makers, helping them identify opportunities and challenges in implementing distributed energy solutions, ultimately leading to a more equitable urban electricity infrastructure.
MARITIME DEPLOYMENT PLANNING AND EXECUTION FOR FIELD TESTING OF OCEAN CURRENT POWER GENERATOR
Authors: Lee Chuanu-Tsung , Chen Yang-Yih , Lee Chung-Pan , Shyue Shiahn-Wern , Liu-Huang Tsung-Lung
Published: May 2024

To develop ocean current power generation, this study explored the planning and execution of the installation and deployment of a 20kW Floating Kuroshio Turbine (FKT) system and anchoring system for field-testing in the southwest coast of Liuqiu Island. During the experiment, the 20kW FKT and anchoring system were loaded onto a vessel from the Kaohsiung Port Intercontinental Container Center by a barge and tugboat for deployment in the southwest coast of Liuqiu Island. The field testing of the 20kW FKT was conducted during this period, and upon completion, the unit will be retrieved. The deployment and retrieval of marine devices are easily affected by wave conditions, which increase the difficulty of the operation. Therefore, when designing the hanging and unhooking system, under the consideration of safety, the convenience of operation for the operators should be simplified as much as possible and safety, The study aims to further develop Taiwan's domestic ocean current power generation technology and provides maritime engineering experience through the installation of the 20kW FKT unit and field mooring tests. Additionally, this research seeks to facilitate a local marine green energy industry development through the economic benefits and commercialization of ocean current power generation.
EFFECT OF DUNE SAND AND FLY ASH ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE
Authors: Hamada Hussein , Abed Farid
Published: May 2024

The current study investigates the effect of dune sand (DS) and fly ash (FA) on the microstructure of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). Concrete is a widely used construction material, and understanding its behavior under different conditions is important for optimizing its performance. The use of alternative materials, like FA and DS, in concrete production has gained attention due to their abundance and potential environmental benefits. The research methodology involved the preparation of FRC mixes with different combinations of FA and DS, along with varying fiber content. The microstructural analysis of the samples was conducted through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The findings revealed that the addition of FA and DS influenced the microstructure of the FRC. Furthermore, the inclusion of FA contributed to improved pore structure and enhanced the pozzolanic reaction, resulting in a denser microstructure. The incorporation of steel and basalt fibers demonstrated significant effects on the microstructure of the concrete. The results provide valuable insights for optimizing the design and performance of concrete structures in arid regions while considering sustainable materials.
GYROID CELL USAGE IN TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION OF LOAD-CARRYING PARTS
Authors: Kegl Marko , Harl Boštjan , Dinevski Dejan , Predan Jožef
Published: May 2024

This paper discusses the implementation and usage of a gyroid cell in topology optimization of load-carrying structural parts. Conventional topology optimization relies on a linear elastic model and the strain energy density field of the structure in order to optimally distribute the material within a given domain. This procedure may take place either on a completely unrestricted topological domain space or on a restricted preconfigured domain. The latter option is often chosen in order to enforce a cellular type structure of the part. In this context, surface-based cells like the gyroid cell may be an attractive option under special circumstances. For that reason, this paper addresses briefly the problem of numerical processing of the topological domain space in case of gyroid cell usage. In this context, a numerically efficient and stable procedure is proposed, suitable to be engaged on very large finite element meshes. Furthermore, an interesting numerical example demonstrates that conventional topology optimization of a linear model can even be used to tune the plastic dissipation of a structure under large deformations.
DECISION SUPPORT MODEL FOR SELECTING PROJECT DELIVERY METHODS IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Ahmed Salma , El-Sayegh Sameh
Published: May 2024

Selecting the appropriate delivery approach holds a huge significance level, especially in sustainable construction projects, which exhibit unparalleled attributes compared to traditional counterparts. This paper introduces a novel decision support model aimed at assisting owners in this crucial nomination process. Critical review analysis was used to identify 36 important nomination factors for project delivery methods and categorized into traditional and sustainability-specific factors. In order to determine how well typical delivery methods—Design-Bid-Build (DBB), Design-Build (DB), and Construction Management at Risk (CMR)—meet the nomination factors, a poll was subsequently sent to construction experts in the United Arab Emirates. Paired analyses of the three delivery systems were performed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process. The results showed that DBB, the traditional delivery technique, is not up to the increased needs for integration and collaboration in sustainable construction projects. Alternative delivery techniques, like CMR and DB better meet these needs. Three functions make up the suggested decision support model: screening of nomination factors, evaluation of project delivery methods, and strategic alignment of project goals and project delivery methods nomination factors. Users of this model can alter the weights assigned to the nomination factors that are essential to accomplishing the objectives of their green construction projects. It also offers an extensive set of nomination factors, enabling choice determiners to formulate a convincing argument for pinpointing the best delivery method for their green construction project.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE WOODEN MEMBER CONNECTION METHOD IN SEISMIC PANEL DAMPERS FOR STEEL STRUCTURES
Authors: Kuratomi Yo , Inada Tatso
Published: May 2024

Recently, government of Japan has encouraged using forest resources to expand the use of timber. Although moderate-or large-scale buildings are generally steel constructed structures, the authors proposed using cross-laminated timber (CLT) as support members for seismic panel damper systems. The benefits of employing mass timber as support members include the effective utilization of forest resources and a reduction in the building weight. To investigate the shear transfer performance between the shear panel damper and the mass timber, 16 specimens were meticulously prepared. Based on the test results, steel types such as H-shaped steel, circular tube, cruciform steel and steel plate were shown to be effective as the shear connector. In cases where H-shaped steel, circular tubes, and cruciform steel are utilized as shear connectors, significant labor is required for welding to the H-shaped steel and cutting into the mass timber, demanding time and effort from workers. Ensuring the shear connector section has high stiffness is crucial to maintain the energy dissipation capacity of the shear panel. Steel plates offer an advantage in their flexibility to control both strength and stiffness through the size of the plate used.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF “LEED” CERTIFIED SCHOOLS WITH “YES-TR” IN THE CONTEXT OF “GREEN CERTIFICATION”
Authors: AKYEL IZEL , KOMURLU RUVEYDA
Published: May 2024

With the emergence of green building concept in the construction sector, the increase in green building production has resulted in green building certification systems. It is important to establish these certification systems on a national scale for reasons such as the compatibility of sustainable architecture with local conditions and differences in the legislation of countries. It is inevitable to change the criteria of the certification system in accordance with the function of the building. As the schools are directly related to learning as well as providing the health and comfort to the users, there are internationally specialized certification systems for green schools. In this study, some of the LEED-certified schools in Turkiye were compared; these buildings were evaluated within the framework of the “Green Certificate (YeS-TR)” introduced by the Turkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change in 2022. The main categories of “LEED v2009 for Schools” and “Green Certificate” were compared; while “sustainable sites” and “regional priority” categories in “LEED v2009 for Schools” are not included in the “Green Certificate”, the main category of “integrated design, construction and management” and “life cycle assessment” were not met in “LEED v2009 for Schools”. As a result of the study, various suggestions were made for the development of certificates in this context.
On “gardens” and “cars”: Otto Jespersen’s metaphors for Interlinguistics and his quest for the best language
Authors: Fortes Fabio
Published: May 2024

With this paper, I intend to present some theoretical contributions that Jespersen made to the field of Interlinguistics, by analysing some images he used for understanding the field of Interlinguistics and the character of interlanguages, based on his articles published from 1921 to 1933: “Artificial languages ​​after the World War” (AL 1921), “History of our language” (HL 1921); “Introduction, an international language” (IL 1928), “Interlinguistics” (I 1931) and “Nature and art in language” (NA 1933).  I assume here a broad definition of Interlinguistics, as the interdisciplinary branch of linguistic knowledge dealing with international communication by means of interlanguages, which can be both ethnic languages used as a common ground for speakers of different mother tongues, and created languages, such as Esperanto, designed for international and intercultural communication. I approach particularly the concepts and terminology proposed by Jespersen to refer to these interlanguages and the parameters and norms for the construction, standardization and adoption of a planned language for international communication. I do not intend to present a general overview of Jespersen’s contributions to Theoretical Linguistics or to English Language Studies.
Geometry of analytic continuation on complex manifolds – history, survey, and report
Authors: Ohsawa Takeo
Published: May 2024

Beginning with the state of art around 1953, solutions of the Levi problem on complex manifolds will be recalled at first up to Takayama’s result in 1998. Then, the activity of extending the results by the

L

2

{L}^{2}

method in these decades will be reported. The method is by exploiting the finite dimensionality of certain

L

2

{L}^{2}

∂

¯

\bar{\partial }

-cohomology groups to prove that a Hermitian holomorphic line bundle

L

L

over a complex manifold

M

M

is bimeromorphically equivalent to an ample bundle when it is restricted to a bounded locally pseudoconvex domain

Ω

⋐

M

\Omega \hspace{0.15em}\Subset \hspace{0.15em}M

under the positivity of

L
∣

∂
Ω

{L| }_{\partial \Omega }

and the regularity of

∂
Ω

\partial \Omega

.
Two-unitary complex Hadamard matrices of order 36
Authors: Bruzda Wojciech , Życzkowski Karol
Published: May 2024

A family of two-unitary complex Hadamard matrices (CHMs) of size 36 stemming from a particular matrix is constructed. Every matrix in this orbit remains unitary after operations of partial transpose and reshuffling which makes it a distinguished subset of CHM. It provides a novel solution to the quantum version of the Euler problem, in which each field of the Graeco-Latin square of size six contains a symmetric superposition of all 36 officers with phases being multiples of sixth root of unity. This simplifies previously known solutions as all amplitudes of the superposition are equal and the set of phases consists of six elements only. Multidimensional parameterization allows for more flexibility in a potential experimental realization.
Cortical Networks Relating to Arousal Are Differentially Coupled to Neural Activity and Hemodynamics
Authors: Meyer-Baese Lisa , Morrissette Arthur E. , Wang Yunmiao , Le Chatelier Brune , Borden Peter Y. , Keilholz Shella D. , Stanley Garrett B. , Jaeger Dieter
Published: May 2024

Even in the absence of specific sensory input or a behavioral task, the brain produces structured patterns of activity. This organized activity is modulated by changes in arousal. Here, we use wide-field voltage imaging to establish how arousal relates to cortical network voltage and hemodynamic activity in spontaneously behaving head-fixed male and female mice expressing the voltage-sensitive fluorescent FRET sensor Butterfly 1.2. We find that global voltage and hemodynamic signals are both positively correlated with changes in arousal with a maximum correlation of 0.5 and 0.25, respectively, at a time lag of 0 s. We next show that arousal influences distinct cortical regions for both voltage and hemodynamic signals. These include a broad positive correlation across most sensory-motor cortices extending posteriorly to the primary visual cortex observed in both signals. In contrast, activity in the prefrontal cortex is positively correlated to changes in arousal for the voltage signal while it is a slight net negative correlation observed in the hemodynamic signal. Additionally, we show that coherence between voltage and hemodynamic signals relative to arousal is strongest for slow frequencies below 0.15 Hz and is near zero for frequencies >1 Hz. We finally show that coupling patterns are dependent on the behavioral state of the animal with correlations being driven by periods of increased orofacial movement. Our results indicate that while hemodynamic signals show strong relations to behavior and arousal, these relations are distinct from those observed by voltage activity.
EPAS1-related pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma
Authors: Alzahrani Ali S , Alswailem Meshael , Buffet Alexandre , Alghamdi Balgees , Alobaid Lulu , Alsagheir Osamah , Al-Hindi Hindi , Pacak Karel
Published: May 2024

In 2012, somatic EPAS1 pathogenic variants were found to cause a triad of pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas (PPGLs), polycythemia, and somatostatinoma. Since then, a limited number of studies on this subject have been reported, and data on the long-term outcome of metastatic disease are not available on this rare syndrome. We comprehensively reviewed EPAS1-related PPGL and describe an unusual patient who has been living with an EPAS1-related metastatic PPGL for 47 years. The results of this work show that EPAS1 pathogenic variants are rare, more in females and patients without pathogenic variants in other PPGL susceptibility genes. PPGLs are the most common manifestation followed by polycythemia and somatostatinoma. The EPAS1 pathogenic variants are often postzygotic, and the timing of their acquirement during embryonic development seems to correlate with the number and timing of development of the disease manifestations. Although recurrent and multifocal disease is common in EPAS1-related PPGL, distant metastases are uncommon and usually indolent. This is illustrated by a case of a man who was diagnosed at the age of 9 years and is currently 56 years old, alive, and well for 47 years with these metastases. He was found to have a somatic EPAS1 pathogenic variant (c.1592C>A, p.Pro531His) in bilateral pheochomocytoma and a pancreatic NET (somatostatinoma) but not in genomic DNA isolated from peripheral leukocytes. This and previous reports suggest that distant metastases are uncommon and less aggressive in EPAS1-related PPGLs compared to those found in other hereditary PPGLs.
Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of CaMgAl10O17:Sm3+ phosphor for n-UV solid-state lighting
Authors: Yerojwar R.M. , Kokode N.S. , Nandanwar C.M. , Ingole D.K. , Meshram R.S.
Published: May 2024

The combustion method was used to synthesize CaMgAl10O17:Sm3+ phosphor. The scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence properties of phosphors were thoroughly investigated. The emission spectrum has three distinct peaks at 563, 604 and 642 nm under 405 nm excitation, which is corresponding to the transitions 4G5/2→6H5/2, 4G5/2→6H7/2 and 4G5/2→6H9/2 of Sm3+ ions. The optimum concentration of CaMgAl10O17:Sm3+ phosphor was discovered to be 1 mole %, above which concentration quenching was observed. The CIE coordinates for the CaMgAl10O17 phosphor with Sm3+ ion doped are 604 nm (x=0.644, y=0.355) falling in the red region. According to the current findings, CaMgAl10O17:Sm3+ phosphors might be useful in the fields of near UV-excited solid-state lighting.
Energy structure of mixed halide CeF2Cl and CeFCl2 crystals
Authors: Chornodolskyy Ya.M. , Karnaushenko V.O. , Ihnatsevych S.O. , Voloshinovskii A.S. , Syrotyuk S.V. , Vankevych P.I. , Bolkot P.A. , Derevjanchuk A.Y.
Published: May 2024

The band energy structures of CeF2Cl and CeFCl2 crystals have been calculated using the projector augmented-wave (PAW) method and the hybrid exchange-correlation functional PBE0. The valence band top consists of 2p states of F and 3p states of Cl. An energy gap is observed between the 5d states of Ce in the bottom part of the conduction band of both crystals, forming two subbands, 5d1 and 5d2, with very different effective electron masses (2.49 m0 and 0.19 m0 for CeF2Cl and 5.95 m0 and 0.84 m0 for CeFCl2, respectively). The 4f states of Ce are placed within the forbidden band. The obtained values for the band gap of CeF2Cl and CeFCl2 crystals are 6 eV and 4.6 eV, respectively.
Color properties of tannin-treated wood
Authors: Yasar Sekip Sadiye , Yalinkilic Ahmet Cihangir , Yasar Mehmet
Published: May 2024

The color-changing effect of tannin, which is a sustainable and environmentally friendly material used in wood preservation, was studied on varnished and un-varnished wood samples. For this purpose, walnut tannin was applied on samples prepared from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and walnut (Juglans regia L.) wood in accordance with ISO 3129 (2019) standard with a brush, and then samples were coated with polyurethane varnish and water-based varnish according to ASTM D3023-98 (2017) principles. Color changes were determined according to ASTM D2244-21 (2021). The obtained data indicated that the highest value in the red color tone (a*) was observed in Scots pine+tannin+polyurethane varnish (PU) (14.4) and the lowest was in Scots pine+control+unvarnished (Uvr) (6.5). The highest value for the yellow color tone (b*) was observed in Scots pine+tannin+PU (34.1), the lowest was in walnut+control+Uvr (14.4), and the highest color lightness value (L*) was obtained in Scots pine+control+Uvr (77.0), and the lowest was obtained in walnut+tannin+PU (18.9). The tannin application, which darkened the wood surface, increased the a* and b* values in both wood types while decreasing the color lightness values 60% to 70%. Tannin application caused a noticeable decrease in total color changes in Scots pine.
Optimization of hardness values via Taguchi method for chestnut wood etched or impregnated with sodium bicarbonate after artificial aging
Authors: Bayraktar D. Kemal , Güneş Mehmet
Published: May 2024

In today’s wood industry, research is being conducted to increase material strength, ensure long-term use, and increase its hardness against many harmful external factors. With the studies on the protection of wood, new protection materials and methods are introduced. In this study, wood was etched with solid sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and 1, 2, and 3 bars of air pressure after treatment with NaHCO3 solution and drying. The change in hardness values of impregnated and surface-treated (paint, varnish) chestnut wood after artificial aging was examined. Etching, impregnation, and surface treatment factors were optimized using the Taguchi design of experiments (DoE) after artificial aging for 3, 6, and 9 months. L16 orthogonal array was used to determine the optimum conditions for determining hardness values and their percentage changes. The results showed that the abrasive factor prevails over the effect of surface treatments. It has been understood that the most effective factor in the hardness value changes during the artificial aging period (3-6-9 months) is abrasion, and the factor with the least effect is the surface parameter. The percentage accuracy of the model used in estimating the wear factor average R2 across all dependent variables was 95%.
Influence of pH on the formation of benzyl ester bonds between dehydrogenation polymer and cellulose
Authors: Liu Wenhao , Le Xi , Chen Junjun , Xie Junxian , An Junjian , Zhang Guangyan , Feng Nianjie , Wang Peng , Xie Yimin
Published: May 2024

Generation of lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) between dehydrogenation polymer (DHP) and pulp fibers may have an important impact on the properties of pulp. In this work, the benzyl ester-type LCC was formed between oxidized cellulose and DHP. The effect of pH on the addition reaction of oxidized cellulose to quinone methide in the synthesis of DHP-cellulose complex (DHPCC) was investigated. The structure of the product was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Carbon 13-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C-NMR), and 2-Dimensional Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (2D HSQC NMR) analyses. The results indicated that cellulose was indeed oxidized and carboxyl groups were introduced into cellulose by the oxidation process. The formed DHPCC was connected by benzyl ester linkage. In addition, the pH of the reaction system had an important role in the formation of the benzyl ester bonds. The acidic condition (pH = 4.0) was conducive to the addition reaction of quinone methide with carboxyl groups of cellulose. Overall, this study provides helpful guidance for the generation of LCC between DHP and paper pulp fibers.
Positive solutions for a Hadamard-type fractional p-Laplacian integral boundary value problem
Authors: Xu Yihui , Wang Feng , O'Regan Donal , Xu Jiafa
Published: May 2024

In this paper we study the existence of positive solutions to a Hadamard-type fractional integral boundary value problem using fixed point index. We construct a new linear operator and obtain our main results under some conditions concerning the spectral radius of this linear operator. Our method improves and generalizes some results in the literature.
Teistų asmenų sprendimų priėmimas dėl sukčiavimo nusikaltimų darymo
Authors:   , Cimalanskaitė-Kazlauskienė Violeta
Published: May 2024

Atsižvelgiant į didelį sukčiavimo nusikaltimų paplitimą bei padaromos žalos mastą, daug dėmesio skiriama situaciniams veiksniams, kuriuos kontroliuojant būtų galima mažinti sukčiavimo nusikaltimų riziką bei didinti jų išaiškinimą. Tačiau žinių apie individualius veiksnius, susijusius su sprendimu sukčiauti, vis dar trūksta. Pasitelkiant dvejopo informacijos apdorojimo teorinę prieigą, disertacijoje siekiama atskleisti sprendimų priėmimo dėl sukčiavimo nusikaltimų darymo ypatumus, vertinant psichologinius ir psichofiziologinius rodiklius, atsižvelgiant į laiką, skiriamą situacijai įvertinti, ir pykčio patyrimą. Atliktame eksperimentiniame tyrime dalyvavo 67 suaugę vyrai, atliekantys laisvės atėmimo bausmę. Rezultatai parodė, kad, sprendžiant dėl sukčiavimo ir patiriant nestiprų pyktį, aktyvinami tiek automatiniai, intuityvūs (pirmojo tipo), tiek racionalūs, analitiniai (antrojo tipo) informacijos apdorojimo procesai. Nestipraus pykčio patyrimas ir situacijai įvertinti skirtas laikas turi įtakos sprendimų, susijusių su sukčiavimu, pobūdžiui. Be to, sprendimas nesukčiauti yra susijęs su didesniu širdies ritmo variabilumu ir akių vyzdžių išsiplėtimu. Galiausiai, nustatyta, kad sprendimams dėl sukčiavimo būdingas numatomos „nusikaltimo naudos“ pervertinimas ir rizikos nuvertinimas. Remiantis gautais rezultatais disertacijoje pateikiamos gairės sukčiavimo nusikaltimų prevencijai ir intervencijai.
Exploring COVID-19 case fatality rate trends in the UnionTerritory of Jammu & Kashmir, India: A comprehensive study
Authors: Zaidi Ilham , Saleem Sheikh Mohd , Vardha Jagadeeswari , Anjum Sahifa , Chaudhary Shikhar , Khayum Abdul , Shoib Sheikh , Nuguru Gayathree
Published: May 2024

Background: In 2021, India witnessed a resurgence in Coronavirus cases, marking the onset of the second wave of the pandemic, six months after the first wave peaked in September 2020. This study aims to investigate trends and disparities in COVID-19 case-fatality rates across various districts within the Union territory of Kashmir Division during the period of escalating cases after the decline of the initial wave. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a region of the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, India. After obtaining necessary permissions, data collection took spanned from November 1, 2020, to May 8, 2021. Aggregated weekly data from various zones in India was collected during the study period and exploratory analysis was conducted. Results: The data analysis reveals that, from November 2020 to May 2021, COVID-19 cases in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir demonstrated fluctuating tendencies. Notably, there was a substantial surge in March 2020, especially in Srinagar, which suggests the possibility of localised breakouts or dynamics of transmission. Even though Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) positivity rates were originally low in all districts, by the end of the study period, they had significantly increased, particularly in Srinagar and Shopian. This suggests that the dynamics of virus transmission may have changed, either as a result of new variations or behavioural changes. Conclusion: Our findings highlight those disparities in case-fatality rates between districts, whether low or high, are significantly influenced by the number of confirmed cases. Case-fatality rates were highly impacted by variations in the testing accessibility, containment strategies, and healthcare infrastructure. The results highlight how crucial it is to allocate resources fairly and implement focused interventions in order to lessen the pandemic's effects and safeguard the region's public health.
Mapping The Landscape of Machine Translation Error Research: A Bibliometric Review (1980-2023)
Authors: Siregar Sri Dewi Priwarti , Al Farisi Mohamad Zaka , Naser Abdurrahman Do. Muhamad
Published: May 2024

PurposeDespite machine translation enhances communication process, it faces problems to guarantee accurate translation. Efforts to address these problems have been done by many researchers. The study aimed to reveal a comprehensive bibliometric review considering research trends, publishing contributions, and development in 1980-2023.MethodThis qualitative study made uses of a descriptive research design engaging some research on machine translation errors. This study employed bibliometric analysis to comprehensively examine the landscape of previous research on machine translation errors from 1980 to 2023. Based on a Scopus database, 138 publications were initially identified and subsequently refined to 98 articles that were directly relevant to the research topic. The bibliometric analysis highlighted the intriguing patterns and trends in this field.Results/FindingsThe findings revealed that the year 2021 witnessed the highest number of article publications, totaling 13 articles, indicating a growing interest in the topic. Moreover, a notable citation trend emerged in 2011, with 103 citations, signifying the significance and influence of research related to translation errors in machine translation. China notably emerged as the leading country to publish articles on this subject, with 23 publications and 28 collaborative links established with other countries. Among the 98 journals that published research in this domain, 45 of them were classified as Q1 journals, signifying their high impact and scholarly reputation.ConclusionThe three main aspects comprising errors and human factors, exploration of machine translation, machine learning, and translation languages, and investigations within the field of computational linguistics collectively contributed to a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with translation errors in machine translation.
The Acehnese Language Use in South Aceh Regency: A Sociolinguistic Analysis
Authors: Zulkhairi Zulkhairi , Zulhelmi Anshar , Azhari Azhari , Sumardi Sumardi , Shaliha Chairunnisa Ahsana Amalan
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to find out how the Acehnese language is used by residents in the South Aceh Regency.MethodThis research used a qualitative approach with documentary studies, meta-ethnographic research, field studies, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The instruments used comprised data analysis forms, observation forms, focus group discussion guidelines, and in-depth interview guidelines. Data were analyzed qualitatively using the theory and concept of sociolinguistics Results/findingsThis study demonstrated that speakers of the Acehnese language in the South Aceh Regency came from distinct places than those in other Aceh regencies. The performance comprised performances in Acehnese language with and without acculturation of other languages, performances in Acehnese language with acculturation of the Aneuk Jamee language, performances in Acehnese language with acculturation of the Kluet language, performances in Acehnese language with acculturation of the Aneuk Jamee and Kluet languages, and performances in Acehnese language with acculturation of the Indonesian language. Conclusion The performance resulted from the presence of Acehnese speakers in multiethnic areas (Aneuk Jamee and Kluet tribes). Acehnese speakers have been encouraged to integrate with these tribes by their living conditions. Seeking a language that enables them to communicate with one another was the outward manifestation of these adaptation efforts.