bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Complication Rates of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty in the Treatment of Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis of 280 Patients
Authors: Cerny Jan , Soukup Jan , Petrosian Kadzhik , Loukotova Lucie , Novotny Tomas
Published: March 2024

Background: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and kyphoplasty (PKP) are established methods in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). In our manuscript, the target was to evaluate the efficacy of PVPs/PKPs and to determine the implications of potential periprocedural complications. Methods: 280 patients, specifically 194 women (69.3%) and 86 men (30.7%), were enrolled. We used the AO spine fractures classification and the Yeom classification to determine the subtype of cement leakage. Only single-level VCFs of the thoracic or lumbar spine were included. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was assessed preoperatively and regularly after the surgery. Vertebral compression ratio (VBCR) was used to determine postoperative vertebral body collapse. Results: We recorded 54 cases (19.3%) of cement leakage. There was a significant decrease in mean VAS scores (6.82–0.76 in PVPs, 7.15–0.81 in PKPs). The decrease in VBCR was greater in the VP group (4.39%; 84.21–79.82) compared to the KP group (1.95%; 74.36–72.41). Conclusions: No significant difference in the risk of cement leakage when comparing KPs and VPs was found. VPs and KPs provide rapid and significant pain relief in patients with VCFs. Clinically relevant complications of VPs and KPs are rare. Kyphoplasties prevent further vertebral body collapse more effectively compared to vertebroplasties.
The Role of Adjuvant Therapy for the Treatment of Micrometastases in Endometrial Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ronsini Carlo , Napolitano Stefania , Iavarone Irene , Fumiento Pietro , Vastarella Maria Giovanna , Reino Antonella , Molitierno Rossella , Cobellis Lugi , De Franciscis Pasquale , Cianci Stefano
Published: March 2024

Endometrial cancer is the most incident gynecological cancer. Lymph node dissemination is one of the most important factors for the patient’s prognosis. Pelvic lymph nodes are the primary site of extra-uterine dissemination in endometrial cancer (EC), setting the 5-year survival to 44–52%. It is standard practice for radiation therapy (RT) and/or chemotherapy (CTX) to be given as adjuvant treatments to prevent the progression of micrometastases. Also, administration of EC patients with RT and/or CTX regimens before surgery may decrease micrometastases, hence the need for lymphadenectomy. The primary aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess whether adjuvant RT and/or CTX improve oncological outcomes through the management of micrometastases and nodal recurrence. We performed systematic research using the string “Endometrial Neoplasms” [Mesh] AND “Lymphatic Metastasis/therapy” [Mesh]. The methods for this study were specified a priori based on the recommendations in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Outcomes were 5-year overall survival, progression-free survival, recurrence rate, and complications rate. We assessed the quality of studies using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). A total of 1682 patients with stage I-to-IV EC were included. Adjuvant treatment protocols involved external-beam RT, brachytherapy, and CTX either alone or in combination. The no-treatment group showed a non-statistically significant higher recurrence risk than any adjuvant treatment group (OR 1.39 [95% CI 0.68–2.85] p = 0.36). The no-treatment group documented a non-statistically significant higher risk of death than those who underwent any adjuvant treatment (RR 1.47 [95% CI 0.44–4.89] p = 0.53; I2 = 55% p = 0.000001). Despite the fact that early-stage EC may show micrometastases, adjuvant treatment is not significantly associated with better survival outcomes, and the combination of EBRT and CTX is the most valid option in the early stages.
Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa Secondary to TOPORS Mutations: A Report of a Novel Mutation and Clinical Findings
Authors: Eid Alen T. , Eid Kevin Toni , Odom James Vernon , Hinkle David , Leys Monique
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Mutations in Topoisomerase I–binding RS protein (TOPORS) have been previously documented and have been described to result in pathological autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). In our study, we describe the various genotypes and clinical/phenotypic manifestations of TOPORS-related mutations of our unique patient population in Rural Appalachia. Methods: The medical records of 416 patients with inherited retinal disease at the West Virginia University Eye Institute who had undergone genetic testing between the years of 2015–2022 were reviewed. Patients found to have pathologic RP and mutations related to TOPORS were then analyzed. Results: In total, 7 patients (ages 12–70) were identified amongst three unique families. All patients were female in our study. The average follow-up period was 7.7 years. A mother (70 yr) and daughter (51 yr) had a novel heterozygous nonsense point mutation in TOPORS c.2431C > T, p.Gln811X (Exon 3) that led to premature termination of the desired protein resulting in early onset vision loss, cataract formation, and visual field restriction. The mother developed a full-thickness macular hole which was successfully repaired. Five other patients were found to have previously described TOPORS mutations. Visual field loss was progressive with age in both cohorts. Conclusions: Seven patients at our institution were identified to have mutations in TOPORS resulting in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Two patients were found to have novel truncating mutations in the TOPORS gene resulting in profound night blindness and visual field loss, recurrent macular edema, and in one individual, epiretinal membrane formation leading to a macular hole which was able to be successfully repaired.
Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Atropine on Myopia Prevention in Premyopic Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Ssu-Hsien , Tseng Bor-Yuan , Wang Jen-Hung , Chiu Cheng-Jen
Published: March 2024

Background: Early-onset myopia increases the risk of irreversible high myopia. Methods: This study systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of low-dose atropine for myopia control in children with premyopia through meta-analysis using random-effects models. Effect sizes were calculated using risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Comprehensive searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were conducted until 20 December 2023, without language restrictions. Results: Four studies involving 644 children with premyopia aged 4–12 years were identified, with atropine concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.05%. The analysis focused on myopia incidence and atropine-related adverse events. Lower myopia incidence (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.40–0.97 D/y; p = 0.03) and reduction in rapid myopia shift (≥0.5 D/1y) (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26–0.96 D/y; p < 0.01) were observed in the 12–24-month period. Spherical equivalent and axial length exhibited attenuated progression in the atropine group. No major adverse events were detected in either group, whereas the incidence of photophobia and allergic conjunctivitis did not vary in the 12–24-month period. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis supports atropine’s efficacy and safety for delaying myopia incidence and controlling progression in children with premyopia. However, further investigation is warranted due to limited studies.
Historical Text Line Segmentation Using Deep Learning Algorithms: Mask-RCNN against U-Net Networks
Authors: Fizaine Florian Côme , Bard Patrick , Paindavoine Michel , Robin Cécile , Bouyé Edouard , Lefèvre Raphaël , Vinter Annie
Published: March 2024

Text line segmentation is a necessary preliminary step before most text transcription algorithms are applied. The leading deep learning networks used in this context (ARU-Net, dhSegment, and Doc-UFCN) are based on the U-Net architecture. They are efficient, but fall under the same concept, requiring a post-processing step to perform instance (e.g., text line) segmentation. In the present work, we test the advantages of Mask-RCNN, which is designed to perform instance segmentation directly. This work is the first to directly compare Mask-RCNN- and U-Net-based networks on text segmentation of historical documents, showing the superiority of the former over the latter. Three studies were conducted, one comparing these networks on different historical databases, another comparing Mask-RCNN with Doc-UFCN on a private historical database, and a third comparing the handwritten text recognition (HTR) performance of the tested networks. The results showed that Mask-RCNN outperformed ARU-Net, dhSegment, and Doc-UFCN using relevant line segmentation metrics, that performance evaluation should not focus on the raw masks generated by the networks, that a light mask processing is an efficient and simple solution to improve evaluation, and that Mask-RCNN leads to better HTR performance.
Psycho-Educational Assessments: Theory and Practice
Authors: Bulut Okan
Published: March 2024

Psycho-educational assessments, such as intelligence tests, cognitive test batteries, and behavioral measures, serve as invaluable tools for school psychologists and educators [...]
Characterization of the Dimensional Precision, Physical Bonding, and Tensile Performance of 3D-Printed PLA Parts with Different Printing Temperature
Authors: Pang Rayson , Lai Mun Kou , Ismail Khairul Izwan , Yap Tze Chuen
Published: March 2024

In this study, tensile test specimens were fabricated using a material extrusion 3D-printer at various printing temperatures to evaluate the development of physical bonds within the same layer as well as in between previous layers. The tensile test specimens were fabricated using PLA material, with printing temperatures ranging from 180 °C to 260 °C. Experimental investigations were conducted to investigate the dimensional accuracy and physical appearance of the parts across printing temperatures. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted at a strain rate of 1 mm/min and repeated five times for each variable in accordance with the ASTM D638-14 standard. Results showed that increasing the printing temperatures yielded parts with better tensile properties. An approximate difference of 40% in tensile strength was observed between specimens fabricated under the two most extreme conditions (180 °C and 260 °C). The changes in tensile properties were attributed to bonding mechanisms related to interlayer bonding strength and a reduction in voids within the internal geometry. Analysis of the fracture surface using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed fewer and smaller voids within the internal geometry for parts printed at higher temperature. The percentage area of voids reduced significantly when the printing temperature was increased from 180 °C to 220 °C. The tensile properties continuously improved with the printing temperature, with parts printed at 220 °C exhibiting the highest dimensional accuracy. The findings offer insight into the impact of the printing temperature on both the external physical bonds between printed roads, affecting the physical appearance and dimensional accuracy, and the internal bonds, affecting the tensile properties of the fabricated parts.
A Novel Vision-Based Outline Extraction Method for Hull Components in Shipbuilding
Authors: Yu Hang , Zhao Yixi , Ni Chongben , Ding Jinhong , Zhang Tao , Zhang Ran , Jiang Xintian
Published: March 2024

The diverse nature of hull components in shipbuilding has created a demand for intelligent robots capable of performing various tasks without pre-teaching or template-based programming. Visual perception of a target’s outline is crucial for path planning in robotic edge grinding and other processes. Providing the target’s outline from point cloud or image data is essential for autonomous programming, requiring a high-performance algorithm to handle large amounts of data in real-time construction while preserving geometric details. The high computational cost of triangulation has hindered real-time industrial applications, prompting efforts to improve efficiency. To address this, a new improvement called Directive Searching has been proposed to enhance search efficiency by directing the search towards the target triangle cell and avoiding redundant searches. Another improvement, Heritable Initial, reduces the search amount by inheriting the start position from the last search. Combining Directive Searching and Heritable Initial into a new method called DSHI has led to a significant efficiency advancement, with a calculation efficiency improvement of nearly 300–3000 times compared to the ordinary Bowyer–Watson method. In terms of outlines extraction, DSHI has improved the extraction efficiency by 4–16 times compared to the ordinary Bowyer–Watson methods, while ensuring stable outlines results, and has also increased the extraction efficiency by 2–4 times compared to PCL. The DSHI method is also applied to actual ship component edge-grinding equipment, and its effect meets the shipbuilding process requirements. It could be inferred that the new method has potential applications in shipbuilding and other industries, offering satisfying efficiency and robustness for tasks such as automatic edge grinding.
Towards a Multi-Scale Effect of Land Mixed Use on Resident Population—A Novel Explanatory Framework of Interactive Spatial Factors
Authors: Liu Liu , Huang Huang , Qi Jiaxin
Published: March 2024

Starting from Jane Jacobs’ critiques and largely promoted and emphasized by New Urbanism, land mixed use (LMU) has become prevalent worldwide. It is believed to be an efficient approach to shaping a higher level of vitality in the economy, equality in society, and quality in the environment. To reveal the differences of this effect at distinct spatial scales, this study selected the two most related outcomes of LMU—resident population distribution and changes—to investigate the LMU impacts. A novel framework is developed to quantify the interactive impact of pairwise LMU-related factors at multiple scales, and the geographical detector is applied to identify the relationship between resident population distribution/changes and LMU. Taking the Jiading District of Shanghai as a pilot case, the framework was applied and tested. The results showed LMU affected resident population distribution distinctively from 600 m to 3000 m grid scales. The grid scale of 1800 m, approximately ten blocks, is revealed to be the optimal scale for discussing LMU with the selected factors. Also, these factors play different roles at different spatial scales. Some factors strongly affect the resident population distribution only when working with other factors. The study emphasized the crucial role of scale in LMU and suggested an open framework to support the decision making and policy making in planning for a better performance of smart growth and sustainability via LMU. It can help researchers obtain the optimal scale for the LMU plans with different sets of factors and identify the key factors in various contexts. Thus, this framework also contributes to supporting other practices of land mixed use beyond our study region.
Erosion Analysis and Optimal Design of Sand Resistant Pipe Fittings
Authors: Song Xiaoning , Mi Kaifu , Lei Yu , Li Zhengyang , Yan Dongjia
Published: March 2024

Erosion of solid particles in a pipe elbow containing a 90° angle is investigated by simulation methods. In the process of shale gas exploitation, the impact of solid particles carried by fluid on the inner surface wall of pipes, as well as the turbulent flow, cause the erosion of pipes, which brings about heavy economic losses for the oil and gas industry. In the impact erosion of the inner surface wall of the pipe, the worst erosion occurs at the elbow. In this study, the erosion of a pipe elbow which has been widely used in actual production is analyzed, and the influence of the fluid velocity, the solid particle size, and the wall roughness on the erosion is investigated. Additionally, the simulation results of the erosion with the rebound and freeze boundary conditions are compared, indicating that setting the freeze boundary condition could significantly improve the computational efficiency by 74% with the acceptable accuracy. In order to reduce the impact erosion in the pipe elbow containing a 90° angle, an optimal design is proposed that can reduce the maximum erosion rate by 52.4%. These results complement the research of elbow erosion and provide ideas for the optimization problem of a pipe elbow containing a 90° angle.
Examining Differences of Invariance Alignment in the Mplus Software and the R Package Sirt
Authors: Robitzsch Alexander
Published: March 2024

Invariance alignment (IA) is a multivariate statistical technique to compare the means and standard deviations of a factor variable in a one-dimensional factor model across multiple groups. To date, the IA method is most frequently estimated using the commercial Mplus software. IA has also been implemented in the R package sirt. In this article, the performance of IA in the software packages Mplus and R are compared. It is argued and empirically shown in a simulation study and an empirical example that differences between software packages are primarily the cause of different identification constraints in IA. With a change of the identification constraint employing an argument in the IA function in sirt, Mplus and sirt resulted in comparable performance. Moreover, in line with previous work, the simulation study also highlighted that the tuning parameter ε=0.001 in IA is preferable to ε=0.01. Furthermore, an empirical example raises the question of whether IA, in its current implementations, behaves as expected in the case of many groups.
Navigating the Dynamics of Squeeze Film Dampers: Unraveling Stiffness and Damping Using a Dual Lens of Reynolds Equation and Neural Network Models for Sensitivity Analysis and Predictive Insights
Authors: Wang Haobo , Zhao Yulai , Yang Tongguang , Luo Zhong , Han Qingkai
Published: March 2024

The squeeze film damper (SFD) is proven to be highly effective in mitigating rotor vibration as it traverses the critical speed, thus making it extensively utilized in the aeroengine domain. In this paper, we investigate the stiffness and damping of SFD using the Reynolds equation and neural network models. Our specific focus includes examining the structural and operating parameters of SFDs, such as clearance, feed pressure of oil, rotor whirl, and rotational speed. Firstly, the pressure distribution analytical model of the oil film inside the SFD based on the hydrodynamic lubrication theory is established, as described by the Reynolds equation. It obtained oil film forces, pressure, stiffness, and damping values under various sets of structural, lubrication, and operating parameters, including length, clearance, boundary pressure at both sides, rotational speed, and whirling motion, by applying difference computations to the Reynolds equation. Secondly, according to the significant analyses of the obtained oil film stiffness and damping, the following three parameters of the most significance are found: clearance, rotational speed, and rotor whirl. Furthermore, neural network models, including GA-BP and decision tree models, are established based on the obtained results of difference computation. The numerical simulation and calculation of these models are then applied to show their validity with all given parameters and the three significant parameters separately as two sets of model input. Regardless of either set of model inputs, these established neural network models are capable of predicting the nonlinear stiffness and damping of the oil film inside an SFD. These sensitive parameters merely require measurement, followed by the utilization of a neural network to predict stiffness and damping instead of the Reynolds equation. This process serves structural enhancement, facilitates parameter optimization in SFDs, and provides crucial support for refining the design parameters of SFDs.
Distributed Traffic Signal Optimization at V2X Intersections
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2024

This paper presents our research on a traffic signal control system (TSCS) at V2X intersections. The overall objective of the study is to create an implementable TSCS. The specific objective of this paper is to investigate a distributed system towards implementation. The objective function of minimizing queue delay is formulated as the integral of queue lengths. The discrete queueing estimation is mixed with macro and micro traffic flow models. The novel proposed architecture alleviates the communication network bandwidth constraint by processing BSMs and computing queue lengths at the local intersection. In addition, a two-stage distributed system is designed to optimize offsets, splits, and cycle length simultaneously and in real time. The paper advances TSCS theories by contributing a novel analytic formulation of delay functions and their first degree of derivatives for a two-stage optimization model. The open-source traffic simulation engine Enhanced Transportation Flow Open-Source Microscopic Model (ETFOMM version 1.2) was selected as a simulation environment to develop, debug, and evaluate the models and the system. The control delay of the major direction, minor direction, and the total network were collected to assess the system performance. Compared with the optimized TSCS timing plan by the Virginia Department of Transportation, the system generated a 21% control delay reduction in the major direction and a 7% control delay reduction in the minor direction at just a 10% penetration rate of connected vehicles. Finally, the proposed distributed and centralized systems present similar performances in the case study.
Study of Electroless Nickel Plating on Super Duplex Stainless Steel for Lithium-Ion Battery Cases: Electrochemical Behaviour and Effects of Plating Time
Authors: Shin Byung-Hyun , Park Jinyong , Kim Seongjun , Ok Jung-Woo , Kim Doo-In , Yoon Jang-Hee
Published: March 2024

With increasing demand for Li-ion batteries, studies are focusing on enhancing battery performance and safety. However, studies on battery cases remain scarce. Herein, we propose the use of super duplex stainless steel SAF2507, which is a two-phase (austenite + ferrite) steel, for battery casings. Unlike conventional AISI304, SAF2507 maintains its corrosion resistance and strength at high temperatures and precipitates a secondary phase at approximately 975 °C. However, the effects of Ni plating on this secondary phase are not well documented. Therefore, the electroless Ni plating of SAF2507 after secondary-phase precipitation was studied. Briefly, heat treatment at 1000 °C was used to induce precipitation, and the electroless Ni plating behaviour over varying plating periods was analysed using open-circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarisation, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The plating state and corrosion behaviour were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Heat-treated SAF2507 steel with a secondary phase exhibited excellent electroless Ni plating behaviour, which enhances the safety and durability of Li-ion batteries. Furthermore, uniform plating and electrochemical behaviour were achieved after 180 s, suggesting that SAF2507 is superior to AISI304. These findings contribute to the development of safer and more efficient batteries and address the growing demand for Li-ion battery case materials.
Combined Effect of Early Nutrition Therapy and Rehabilitation for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Oyama Yohei , Tatsumi Hiroomi , Takikawa Hiroko , Taniguchi Natsuko , Masuda Yoshiki
Published: March 2024

The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs (RP) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation remains controversial. However, few studies have investigated the combined effects of exercise and nutritional therapy. This study aimed to determine the effects of combined nutritional therapy on the physical function and nutritional status of patients with COPD exacerbation who underwent early RP. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbations. Patients were assigned to receive a regular diet in addition to RP (control group) or RP and nutrition therapy (intervention group). Physical function, including quadricep strength and body composition, was assessed. The intervention group was administered protein-rich oral nutritional supplements. A total of 38 patients with negligible baseline differences were included in the analysis. The intervention group showed a notably greater change in quadriceps strength. Lean body mass and skeletal muscle indices markedly decreased in the control group but were maintained in the intervention group. Logistic regression analysis identified nutritional therapy as a significant factor associated with increased muscle strength. No serious adverse events were observed in either group. Therefore, nutritional therapy combined with RP is safe and effective for improving exercise function while maintaining body composition in patients with COPD exacerbation.
Porcine Monocyte DNA Traps Formed during Infection with Pathogenic Clostridioides difficile Strains
Authors: Lawrence Jade , Barrow Paul , Foster Neil
Published: March 2024

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile is an enteric pathogen of several mammalian species including man, frequently involving nosocomial resurgence, following oral administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, but also with human-to-human infection occurring, and neonatal pigs with zoonotic transmission. To date, the immune response to C. difficile has mostly focused on neutrophils and cytokine/chemokines, particularly in human infection. The neonatal pig is now recognized as a valuable model for human infection. We show that porcine monocytes respond to C. difficile differently compared with many other bacterial infections. Infection of porcine monocytes with human C. difficile strains CD630 (Ribotype 078) or R20291 (Ribotype 027) for 3 or 24 h post-infection (pi) resulted in a lack of oxidative burst or nitrite ion production when compared to uninfected controls (p > 0.05). The survival dynamics of both CD630 and R20291 in monocytes were similar with intracellular bacterial numbers being similar at 3 h pi and 24 h pi (p > 0.05). However, we show that porcine monocytes entrap C. difficile via extracellular DNA traps. This process began as early as 3 h pi, and at 24 h pi the nuclei appeared to be depleted of DNA, although extracellular DNA was associated with the cell membrane. Our preliminary study also suggests that entrapment of C. difficile by extracellular DNA may occur via a process of monocyte etosis.
Nanocomposite-Supported Polymeric Composites Prepared with Different Deposition Bases: Characterization and Application in X-ray Shielding
Authors: Fayyadh Shaymaa Mohammed , Ben Ahmed Ali
Published: March 2024

This study deals with the preparation of magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) via a coprecipitation method using several precipitation bases: binary precipitator (NH4OH), mono precipitator (NaOH), and weak precipitator (Ca(OH)2). The prepared magnetite NPs were identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, surface area analysis, magnetic properties, Fourier-transformed infrared spectra (FT-IR), and ultra-violet UV–visible spectra. As a result, the phases of the produced magnetite NPs were unaffected by the use of various bases, but their crystallite sizes were affected. It was found that the binary base provided the smallest crystallite size, the mono base provided an average size, and the weak base provided the largest crystallite size. The UV–visible absorption spectroscopy investigation revealed that the absorption and the energy gap rose with a reduction in nanoparticle size. The prepared magnetite NPs were used to manufacture polymeric-based nanocomposites employed as protective shields from low-energy X-rays that are light in weight. These samples were identified using XRD, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and FT-IR spectroscopy. The crystallite size was slightly larger than it was in the case of magnetite NPs. This is consistent with the results of AFM. The interference between the two phases was observed in the results of the FT-IR spectra. The effects of the size of the magnetite NPs on the attenuation tests, linear attenuation coefficient, mass attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, and mean free path were investigated. The results showed that the efficiency of using manufactured shields increases with the decrease in the NPs size of the magnetite used as a reinforcement phase for a range of low operating voltages.
Green Plasticizer for Poly(vinyl chloride) Re-Granulate Production: Case Study of Sustainability Concept Implementation
Authors: Vuksanović Marija M. , Milošević Milena , Dimitrijević Ivan , Milentijević Gordana , Babincev Ljiljana , Gržetić Jelena , Marinković Aleksandar , Milosavljević Milutin
Published: March 2024

The increase in waste polymer recycling has helped in promoting sustainability, and together with the use of renewable raw materials, it has become a widespread concept with positive effects on both the economy and ecology. Accordingly, the aim of this study was the synthesis of “green” plasticizers, marked as LA/PG/PET/EG/LA, formed from waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and bio-based platform chemicals propylene glycol (PG) and levulinic acid (LA). The structure of the obtained plasticizers was complex, as confirmed by results from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The LA/PG/PET/EG/LA plasticizers and waste poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) were used in an optimized technology for PVC re-granulate production. The hardness of the PVC-based material with “green” plasticizers, in comparison to commercial plasticizer dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP), increased by 11.3%, while migration decreased. An improved material homogeneity and wettability of the fibers by the matrix were observed using SEM analysis of the material’s fracture surface, with a higher efficiency of intermolecular interactions leading to better mechanical performances of the newly designed materials. Thus, LA/PG/PET/EG/LA are unique materials with good compounding and plasticizing potential for PVC, as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). In that manner, the use of bio-renewable resources and recycled polymers will contribute to diminishing waste polymer generation, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Severe Acute Adult Poisonings in French Amazonia: Urgent Need for a Toxicovigilance Monitoring Framework
Authors: Pujo Jean Marc , Simon Yann , Lontsi Ngoulla Guy Roger , Signaté Boubacar , Mutricy Rémi , Frémery Alexis , Burin Antoine , Toffol Bertrand de , Ben Amara Ibtissem , Houcke Stephanie , Nasri Amina , Resiere Dabor , Kallel Hatem
Published: March 2024

Background: Acute poisonings (AP) are a significant public health problem, accounting for a high number of emergency department visits and thousands of deaths worldwide. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology of AP in an adult population admitted to Cayenne Hospital (French Guiana) and to investigate the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: We conducted a monocentric retrospective study from January 2010 to December 2022, including patients over eighteen years of age who had been admitted to the emergency department of Cayenne Hospital for acute poisoning. Results: We included 425 patients. The median age was 34 years (IQR: 25–47). The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.52. A psychiatric disorder was found in 41.9% of patients. The Poisoning Severity Score (PSS) on admission was 1 or 2 for 84% of patients, and the mortality rate was 3.9%. The main involved toxicants were psychotropic drugs (43.1%), benzodiazepines (34.8%), and paracetamol (25.6%). The most lethal toxic was paraquat (5.2%). Intoxication was due to intentional self-poisoning in 84.2% of cases. Independent factors associated with severe poisoning (PSS 3 or 4) were chloroquine, neuroleptics, or paraquat poisoning; metabolic acidosis; and hyperglycemia (>5.5 mmol/L). The mortality rate was 3.9%, and the most involved toxic in death was paraquat. Conclusion: This study shows the frequent and deadly use of paraquat in APs in French Guiana. Urgent attention should be given to establishing a toxicovigilance monitoring framework and an antipoison center in the region.
Firefighters’ Occupational Exposure in Preparation for Wildfire Season: Addressing Biological Impact
Authors: Esteves Filipa , Slezakova Klara , Madureira Joana , Vaz Josiana , Fernandes Adília , Morais Simone , do Carmo Pereira Maria , Teixeira João Paulo , Costa Solange
Published: March 2024

The characterization of wildland firefighters’ occupational exposure must consider different exposures, including those at the fire station. The present study aimed to characterize the occupational exposure of 172 Northern Portuguese wildland firefighters in fire stations during the pre-wildfire season of 2021. The biological impact of estimated inhaled doses of PM10 and PM2.5 (indoor/outdoor) was accessed through a buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay in exfoliated buccal cells of a subgroup of 80 firefighters. No significant association was found between estimated inhaled doses of PM10 and PM2.5 (mean 1.73 ± 0.43 µg kg−1 and 0.53 ± 0.21 µg kg−1, respectively) and biological endpoints. However, increased frequencies of cell death parameters were found among subjects of the Permanent Intervention Teams (full-time firefighters). The intake of nutritional supplements was associated with a significant decrease in micronucleus frequencies (i.e., DNA damage or chromosome breakage). In addition, our findings showed a significantly increased frequency of cell death endpoints (i.e., nuclear fragmentation) with coffee consumption, while daily consumption of vegetables significantly decreased it (i.e., nuclear shrinkage). Our results provide data on the occupational exposure of wildland firefighters while working in fire stations during the pre-wildfire season, providing the essential baseline for further studies throughout the wildfire season.
Interactive Vehicle Trajectory Prediction for Highways Based on a Graph Attention Mechanism
Authors: Song Zhenyu , Qian Yubin
Published: March 2024

Precise trajectory prediction is pivotal for autonomous vehicles operating in real-world traffic conditions, and can help them make the right decisions to ensure safety on the road. However, state-of-the-art approaches consider limited information about the historical movements of vehicles. On highways, drivers make their next judgments according to the behavior of the ambient vehicles. Thus, vehicles need to consider temporal and spatial interactions to reduce the risk of future collisions. In the current work, a trajectory prediction method is put forward in accordance with a graph attention mechanism. We add the absolute and relative motion information of vehicles to the input of the model to describe the vehicles’ past motion states more accurately. LSTM models are employed to process the historical motion information of vehicles, as well as the temporal correlations in interactions. The graph attention mechanism is applied to capture the spatial correlations between vehicles. Utilizing a decoder rooted in an LSTM framework, the future trajectory distribution is generated. Evaluation on the NGSIM US-101 and I-80 datasets substantiates the superiority of our approach over existing state-of-the-art algorithms. Moreover, the predictions of our model are analyzed.
Percepção de saúde bucal de pessoas idosas na atenção básica: uma abordagem narrativa
Authors: Ribeiro Cristiane Galvão , Pezzato Luciane Maria , Mendes Rosilda
Published: March 2024

O Brasil acompanha as curvas da transição demográfica com aumento significativo da expectativa de vida, relacionado também ao avanço tecnológico no setor da saúde. Porém, o cuidado odontológico historicamente ofertado pelo Sistema Único de Saúde não tem atendido às demandas da população idosa. Este artigo tem como objetivo conhecer a percepção de saúde bucal de pessoas idosas usuárias de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde, a fim de discutir suas necessidades e demandas de saúde bucal, na perspectiva da ampliação da clínica. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa com abordagem narrativa. As narrativas foram construídas a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas e de registros no diário de pesquisa, em diálogo com o referencial teórico-metodológico da abordagem narrativa e da bucalidade. Na análise do material foram elaboradas duas categorias: a naturalização da perda dentária e as necessidades e demandas de atenção odontológica para as pessoas idosas no território. Das histórias narradas, emerge um contexto de exclusão, constrangimento, tensão e dor. Pode-se perceber que, mesmo com alguns avanços nas políticas de saúde, ainda faltam respostas na Atenção Básica às crescentes demandas da população que envelhece e apresenta problemas bucais persistentes.
Identidade corporal na prostituição
Authors: Castellucci Martins Dariene , Geraldo Benzoni Selma Aparecida
Published: March 2024

A identidade corporal e a expressão da sexualidade na cultura ocidental são marcadas por tabus, devendo ser restritas à intimidade das “quatro paredes”. Entretanto, a experiência da intimidade é construída socialmente e carrega consigo todas as marcas de um tempo histórico, no qual os corpos estão inscritos. As mulheres prostitutas que desafiam os prescritivos morais da sexualidade atrelados à reprodução e ao matrimônio e que monetizam a experiência sexual, sofrem penalidades sociais, como a exclusão. O objetivo deste trabalho é refletir, a partir do filme Uma linda mulher, o modo como a identidade corporal das mulheres profissionais do sexo é significado socialmente, com base na literatura brasileira. A metodologia eleita é a análise de filme, por meio das categorias temáticas: objetificação do corpo feminino, invisibilização social do corpo feminino e adestramento corporal. As vestimentas, a composição estética de uma profissional do sexo pertencente a um contexto de classe baixa, como retratado no filme pela personagem Vivian, são alvo de um estereótipo de vulgaridade e a reduz a um objeto sexual. Essas mulheres tornam-se mais vulneráveis aos diversos tipos de violência, abuso e exploração, que, além da desumanização dos corpos, promove a invisibilização e o descarte para aqueles que não alimentam o estereótipo da prostituição. Para pertencer à classe das mulheres “respeitáveis”, rendem-se ao adestramento corporal e cultural, tornando-se este o passaporte para a visibilidade social. Tal percurso ocorre no filme com a personagem Vivian, que passa por um adestramento do seu corpo, por meio da contenção de seus hábitos gestuais anteriores, a fim de performar socialmente o lugar de uma mulher moralmente respeitável, o que também pode ser entendido como violência, podendo ser considerada uma ilustração do cenário brasileiro.
Achieving better Resource Utilization by Implementing a High-Performance Intelligent Framework in a Distributed Environment
Authors: Narayanasamy Srinivasan , Palanichamy MohanKumar , Lakshmanan Selvam , Jerald ArokiaRenjith
Published: March 2024

Multi-distributed high-performance computers from many companies are aggregated into a single computing platform to provide handlers with uniform contact besides convention outlines. Job arrangement strategies in High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments are lacking in flexibility, so an enhanced computational intelligence automated system in the task ready queue, refinement of the principal planner aimed at every job, and increased arrangement of the job setting up plan are proposed in this paper, which introduces an improved task scheduling model. The swarm intelligence method is used in core task scheduling to reduce the average scheduling time for completing tasks by assigning jobs to each node in the most efficient manner possible. The suggested scheduling technique outperforms the standard work scheduling approach in simulations. Task waiting times can be reduced, system throughput increased, task response times improved, and system resources better utilized by using a job setting up method created on group Acumen systems
COVID-19 AND THE DECLINE IN INVESTMENT IN WEST NUSA TENGGARA: INDONESIA
Authors: Dewayani Eka Kadharpa Utama , Ginting Yanti Mayasari , Azizurrohman Muhammad , Pramuja Risky Angga
Published: March 2024

This research examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on investment in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Indonesia. Using a combination of quantitative data from the Republic of Indonesia's Investment Coordinating Board and qualitative data from the Head of the Office of Investment and One Stop Integrated Services, the study investigates investment realization by district and city, sector, and investor's country of origin. The analysis reveals that even prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, investment levels in NTB were declining due to a series of natural disasters, including an earthquake in 2018. The pandemic further exacerbated the decline in investment, with many investors opting to delay their investments in the region. However, some sectors such as mining, tourism, and transportation showed improvements during the period. The findings highlight the challenges faced by West Nusa Tenggara in attracting investment and achieving regional development goals. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding a region's potential and creating favorable investment conditions to stimulate economic growth.
Keywords: Covid-19, Investment, NTB
TECHNOLOGY «CARE ASSISTANT»: ORGANIZATION OF CARE ASSISTANT’ ACTIVITIES AND QUALITY OF SERVICE (BASED ON MATERIALS OF THE VOLGOGRAD REGION)
Authors: Скобелина Н.А.
Published: March 2024

В системе долговременного ухода услуги сиделок осуществляются по технологии «Помощник по уходу», по индивидуальной программе и договору о предоставлении социальных услуг нуждающимся в обслуживании пожилым гражданам. В статье представлен многоуровневый механизм технологии. Формальные правила, регулирующие деятельность субъектов системы долговременного ухода, составляют макроуровень технологии. К мезоуровню относятся формы и способы деятельности специалистов по уходу в рамках отдельной организации социального обслуживания. Микроуровень предполагает взаимодействие сиделок с различными специалистами на всех этапах предоставления социальных услуг в долговременном уходе. Предметом рассмотрения в данном исследовании является организация деятельности помощника по уходу в Волгоградском регионе. Опираясь на результаты экспертного опроса сиделок и анкетного опроса получателей услуг, а также на положения структуралистской теории Э. Гидденса, автор проанализировал особенности организации деятельности специалистов по уходу. Как показывают результаты экспертного опроса, для повышения качества обслуживания пожилых людей на практике выстраивается многоуровневый механизм технологии. В ходе эмпирического исследования выявлены проблемы, касающиеся условий работы помощников по уходу, оказания ими дополнительных услуг и оформления отчетных документов. Результаты анкетного опроса свидетельствуют о том, что получатели услуг удовлетворены качеством обслуживания, их устраивает доступность и своевременность оказания социальных услуг.

The organization of the activity of сare assistant using the «Care Assistant» technology in the Volgograd region is the subject of consideration in this study. The provisions of E.Giddens’ structural theory help to determine the specifics of the organization of the care assistant’s activities. The analysis of the activities of care professionals and the assessment of the quality of service is based on the results of an expert survey of сare assistant and a questionnaire survey of service recipients in the region. The formal rules governing the activities of the subjects of the long-term care system constitute the macro-level of the «Care Assistant» technology. The meso-level includes the forms and methods of care professionals’ activities within a separate social service organization. The micro-level is the interaction of сare assistant with various specialists at all stages of providing social services in long-term care. The survey results showed that care assistants provide free services included in the social package of long-term care. Defining the specifics of the organization of the care assistants, the author identified problems related to working conditions, the provision of additional services, paperwork, education. The results of the questionnaire survey of service recipients indicate that respondents are satisfied with the quality of service, availability and timeliness of social services.
Influence SIA, SPI, and Budget Targets the Quality Financial Reports PT. Mappadeceng Jaya Lestari
Authors: Ar Andi , M Nurwani
Published: March 2024

This study aims to analyze the partial and simultaneous influence between accounting information systems, internal control systems, and budget targets on the quality of financial reports PT. Mappadeceng Jaya Lestari Parepare City to determine and analyze which variables have the most influence or dominant on the quality of financial reports PT. Mappadeceng Jaya Lestari Parepare City, This study uses quantitative data and the data sources used are primary data and secondary data. The analysis method used is multiple regression analysis, t-test, f-test, correlation coefficient (r) and coefficient of determination (r2). The results showed that the accounting information system and budget goals partially had a positive and significant effect on the quality of financial statements PT. Mappadeceng Jaya Lestari Parepare City, while the internal control system partially did not have a positive and significant effect on the quality of financial statements PT. Mappadeceng Jaya Lestari Parepare City, but simultaneously or together had a positive and significant effect on the quality of financial statements PT. Mappadeceng Jaya Lestari Parepare City and the accounting information system variable is the most influential or dominant variable on the quality of financial statements PT. Mappadeceng Jaya Lestari Parepare City.
THE INFLUENCE OF FIRM KNOWLEDGE CHARACTERISTICS ON TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: A MULTILEVEL NETWORK STRUCTURE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Jiao Jianwei , Hu Jie
Published: March 2024

As a necessary informal system, media attention plays a supervisory role in the implementation of formal systems such as environmental regulations, which is an important force to enhance enterprises' green technology innovation. This paper takes listed companies in heavily polluting industries in China's A-share market as the research object, selects data from 2008 to 2017, and establishes a hierarchical regression model to explore the influence of media attention and environmental regulation on enterprises' green technology innovation. The results show: (1) there is a significant positive correlation between media attention and green technology innovation; (2) command-based and market-based environmental regulations positively regulate the relationship between media attention and green technology innovation for enterprises. This paper argues that media attention plays a role in external supervision and governance, stimulating enterprises' green technology innovation behavior. Therefore, we should actively utilize media attention in corporate environmental governance and gradually strengthen both command-based and market-based environmental regulations.