bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of pumice stone and silica fume as precursor material for the design of a geopolymer
Authors: Andrade Valle Alexis Iván , Castillo Campoverde Tito Oswaldo , Marcillo Zapata Cristian Andrés , Zúñiga Rodríguez María Gabriela , Zárate Villacrés Andrea Natalí , Guerra Valladares Marcelo David , Mieles Mariño Mayte Lisbeth , Castillo Cevallos Jefferson Javier
Published: August 2024

Background Geopolymers are alternative materials to cement because they require less energy in their production process; hence, they contribute to the reduction in CO2 emissions. This study aims to evaluate the possibility of using industrial residues such as silica fume (SF) to improve the physical and mechanical properties of a pumice stone (PS)-based geopolymer. Methods Through an experimental methodology, the process starts with the extraction, grinding, and sieving of the raw material to carry out the physical and chemical characterization of the resulting material, followed by the dosage of the geopolymer mixture considering the factors that influence the resistance mechanical strength. Finally, the physical and mechanical properties of the geopolymer were characterized. This research was carried out in four stages: characterization of the pumice stone, design of the geopolymer through laboratory tests, application according to the dosage of the concrete, and analysis of the data through a multi-criteria analysis. Results It was determined that the optimal percentage of SF replacement is 10%, which to improves the properties of the geopolymer allowing to reach a maximum resistance to compression and flexion of 14.10 MPa and 4.78 MPa respectively, showing that there is a direct relationship between the percentage of SF and the resistance. Conclusions Geopolymer preparation involves the use of PS powder with a composition rich in silicon and aluminum. The factors influencing strength include the ratio of sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide, water content, temperature, curing time, molarity of sodium hydroxide, and binder ratio. The results showed an increase in the compression and flexural strength with 10% SF replacement. The geopolymer’s maximum compressive strength indicates its non-structural use, but it can be improved by reducing the PS powder size.
Improved processing workflow and student transparency with student mistreatment reports leads to graduation questionnaire data gains
Authors: Channell Adam
Published: August 2024

Mistreatment of students has been historically documented as common in U.S. medical schools, but graduate questionnaire (GQ) data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) displays high numbers of students who have experienced mistreatment but not reported the incident. There are many reasons within the literature as to why students do not report their experiences, including fear of academic repercussion or a misunderstanding of what constitutes as mistreatment. Our institution found through GQ data that there was a shortcoming in understanding policies and knowledge of procedures associated with mistreatment, and student focus group responses showed that many students were not confident that their reports would receive follow-up on the part of the institution. These factors led to the formation of a task force to investigate our school’s workflow once a report of concern for mistreatment is received and examine measures to increase transparency to the student body that their reports are acted upon. We took measures to place a greater emphasis on communication with students during the mistreatment report workflow, as well as releasing name-blinded data within our weekly student communication emails regarding reports that had been processed and resolved. The results after one year of these efforts saw our GQ percentile data jump from falling between the 10th to 25th percentile to the 90th percentile for student awareness of mistreatment policies and from between the 25th to 50th percentile to between the 75th to 90th percentile for student knowledge of mistreatment procedures. These jumps in GQ figures provide insight for policy changes that could benefit other institutions struggling with building a safe environment for students to confidently report incidents of mistreatment with knowledge that their concerns are important and acted upon.
Children and young people as research collaborators in a large-scale migration research project
Authors: Martin Shirley , Horgan Deirdre , Maier Reana
Published: August 2024

In this paper we detail and contextualise the collaborative participatory research process developed throughout the IMMERSE research project which maps the integration of migrant children in education in Europe. We begin with a brief overview of IMMERSE and thereafter discuss the research design with reference to literature on collaborative research approaches and on working with children and young people’s research advisory groups. IMMERSE involved a large-scale data collection with over 24,000 children and young people in six countries and such large-scale data collection presents a challenging context in which to include children as collaborators and influencers in the research process. We demonstrate how, drawing on existing knowledge as well as our own experiences of working with children as research partners, we developed innovative ways of ensuring children’s voices were integral to and embedded in the research at various points of the process. Throughout the duration of the project, we developed several strategies to ensure that children were involved as research partners and influencers. To ensure children and young people’s active involvement and influence on the research, a Children and Young People’s Advisory Group was established at the beginning of IMMERSE which was composed of 18 migrant and refugee children resident in Ireland. This group acted as an expert group, to reflect on the experiences of migrant children and represent their peers in this process. In addition, children across the six IMMERSE countries were involved in the design and validation of the dashboard of socio-educational integration indicators and the ensuing research instruments.
Pharmacokinetics of drugs used to treat drug sensitive-tuberculosis in breastfeeding mother-infant pairs: An observational pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Nakijoba Ritah , Nakayiwa Kawuma Aida , Ojara Francis Williams , Tabwenda Jovia C. , Kyeyune Jacqueline , Turyamureba Christine , Peter Asiimwe Simon , Magoola Johnson , Castelnuovo Barbara , Buzibye Allan , Waitt Catriona
Published: August 2024

Background Globally, more than half of women take medicines whilst breastfeeding. Data concerning the exposure of the breastfed infant to drugs and any related risks are sparce. Lactation studies are only rarely performed close to licensing for medicines anticipated to be widely used in women of childbearing age. Medicines taken by breastfeeding mothers on tuberculosis (TB) treatment can be transferred to the breastfed infant. Potential effects of anti-tuberculosis medicines on nursing infants are not well understood. Similarly, women face mental health challenges while taking medications, including postpartum depression, hence the need to assess the psychological behavior of a breastfeeding woman. Potential risks are the development of adverse drug effects in the breastfed infant and selection for resistance, whereas potential benefits might include exposure to potentially prophylactic concentrations of the drug. Pharmacokinetic studies are therefore necessary to understand this situation fully. Methods This study will enroll 20 mothers receiving first-line anti-tuberculosis medicines, together with their breastfed infants, with the aim of characterizing the breastmilk transfer of the medicines from the mother to the infants. Samples of maternal blood, breastmilk, and breastfeeding infant’s blood will be obtained at specific time points for bioanalysis of drug concentrations. Pharmacokinetic data will be analyzed using a population pharmacokinetic approach. Additionally, the study will assess the psychological status of breastfeeding women and the well-being of their infants. Maternal depression is linked to long-term negative consequences for the infant’s physiological regulation, poor growth-promoting setting for the infants, and inappropriate interactive conduct, characterized by low compassion, constrained range of emotional expression, and varying provision of the infant’s budding engagement. Conclusions This study will provide the first systematic characterization of mother-to-infant transfer of first-line anti-tuberculosis medicines through breast milk. A mathematical pharmacokinetics model characterizing plasma-to-breastmilk transfer of rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide will be developed and used to characterize infant exposure through breast milk. Our findings will contribute towards treatment optimization in breastfeeding and provide a framework to foster other lactation pharmacokinetic studies.
SEVUparin as a potential Adjunctive Treatment in children with severe malaria: A phase I trial safety and dose finding trial (SEVUSMAART)
Authors: Maitland Kathryn , Hamaluba Mainga , Obonyo Nchafatso , Oguda Emmanuel , Mogoka Christabel , Williams Thomas N. , Chaponda Mike , Miti Sam , Kamavu Luc Kambale , Jonathan Gwasupika Jonathan , Connon Roisin , Gibb Diana M. , Dondorp Arjen , Day Nick , White Nick , Walker A. Sarah , George Elizabeth C. ,   Severe Malaria in African Children A Research and Trials (SMAART) consortium
Published: August 2024

Background Even on the best antimalarial treatments (injectable artesunate) African children with severe malaria have poor outcomes with most deaths occurring early in the course of hospital admission (<24hours). Lactic acidosis, largely due to impairment of the microcirculatory flow due to parasite sequestration, is a main risk factor for poor outcome. There are no adjuvant treatments for severe malaria that target this complication. Sevuparin, a heparin-like drug, binds to Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein blocking merozoite invasion, preventing cytoadherence and transiently de-sequestering infected erythrocytes. Leading to improved microcirculatory flow by reversing/preventing parasite sequestration. If given early during admission this could result in improvements in outcomes. Sevuparin has been shown to be safe and well tolerated in adults with only some mild transient effects on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were reported, without clinical consequences. Methods A Phase I trial designed to provide data on safety, dosing, feasibility of sevuparin as an adjuvant therapy in Kenya and Zambian children with severe malaria complicated by lactic acidosis (> 2mmol/l). Three intravenous doses will be given at admission (0 hours), 8 and 16 hours. APPT will be measured 1 hour after each dose (to assess maximum toxicity). Studying 20 children will allow sufficient data on safety to be generated across a range of doses to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) using the Continual Reassessment Method, which adapts or informs subsequent doses for each child based on the data from previously enrolled children. The MTD will be identified based on the dose-toxicity model updated by each previous patient’s APTT results using standard methods. Conclusions The results of the Phase I trial will identify the final dose to be tested in a Phase II trial in terms of both efficacy and safety outcomes. Registration PACTR number: 202007890194806 (date 20/07/2020) ISRCTN32271864 (date 28/07/2021)
The genome sequence of an ichneumonid wasp, Ephialtes manifestator (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Boyes Clare , Crowley Liam M. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Ephialtes manifestator (ichneumonid wasp; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Ichneumonidae). The genome sequence spans 577.70 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 15 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 30.82 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of a hoverfly, Melangyna quadrimaculata (Verrall, 1873)
Authors: Mitchell Ryan ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Melangyna quadrimaculata (a hoverfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence spans 951.90 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 5 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.07 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 35,607 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of a lichen-forming fungus, Platismatia glauca Linnaeus, 1753
Authors: Yahr Rebecca ,   Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Platismatia glauca (lichen-forming fungus; Ascomycota; Lecanoromycetes; Lecanorales; Parmeliaceae). The genome sequence is 33.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 21 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 95.06 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the bumblebee hoverfly, Volucella bombylans (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Sivell Olga , Mitchell Ryan , Woodcock Katie J. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female bumblebee hoverfly, Volucella bombylans (Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence is 1,213.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.15 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,774 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Essex Skipper butterfly, Thymelicus lineola (Ochsenheimer, 1808)
Authors: Lohse Konrad , Vila Roger , Hayward Alex , Laetsch Dominik R. , Harnqvist Simon ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Essex Skipper butterfly, Thymelicus lineola (Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Hesperiidae). The genome sequence spans 511.80 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.24 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the Common Tamarisk-moss, Thuidium tamariscinum (Hedw.) Schimp. (Thuidiaceae)
Authors: Bell David , Kungu Liz ,   Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Genome Acquisition Lab,   Plant Genome Sizing collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory Team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics Team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual Thuidium tamariscinum gametophyte (the Common Tamarisk-moss; Streptophyta; Bryopsida; Hypnales; Thuidiaceae). The genome sequence has a length of 363.00 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 103.12 kilobases and 125.05 kilobases, respectively.
The genome sequence of the Spring Usher moth, Agriopis leucophaearia (Denis & Schiffermüller), 1775
Authors: Hammond James , Eagles Marianne ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Agriopis leucophaearia (the Spring Usher; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence has a total length of 491.30 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.7 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 17,449 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of a braconid wasp, Dinocampus coccinellae (Schrank, 1802)
Authors: Barclay Maxwell V. L. , Broad Gavin R. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Dinocampus coccinellae (a braconid wasp; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Braconidae). The genome sequence spans 110.40 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 8 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 22.88 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of an ichneumonid wasp, Dyspetes luteomarginatus Habermehl, 1925
Authors: Broad Gavin R. , Crowley Liam M. , Januszczak Inez , Fletcher Chris , Barnes Ian ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Dyspetes luteomarginatus (Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Ichneumonidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 249.60 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 29.33 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 10,439 protein-coding genes.
EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND MINERAL FERTILIZERS AND ITS COMBINATION WHEN APPLIED TO POTATOES ON CHERNOZEM OF KAMA ZONE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Authors: Shaykhutdinov Farit , Serzhanov Igor , Garaev Razil , Davletov Kamil' , Nizamov Rustam
Published: August 2024

. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the effect of organic and mineral fertilizers and their combination on the yield and quality indicators of potato tubers during irrigation on chernozem soils of the Republic of Tatarstan. The research was carried out in 2021-2022 in Kama zone on leached chernozem of medium loamy granulometric composition. The medium-early variety of Gala potatoes served as the material for research. The experiment was performed to study the effect of organic and mineral fertilizers and their combination by creating the following nutrition backgrounds: mineral fertilizers with a rate of application of N60P60K90 d.v. kg/ha (general background); organic fertilizer (manure 60 t/ha); general background + manure 60 t/ha; general background + organic fertilizer (siderate); general background + siderate + straw; general background + organic matter (manure 60 t/ha) + straw; organic fertilizer (manure 60 t/ha + siderate + straw); natural background (control). The weather conditions in both years of research were both satisfactorily favorable for the growth and development of potatoes. In the budding and tuber formation phase, artificial sprinkling was carried out at the rate of 300 m3 of water per 1 ha, thereby the potato agrocenosis was fully provided with productive moisture. On average, over two years, the highest yield was achieved in variant 7 (background + manure + straw), and it amounted to 38.8 t/ha, which is 20.6 t/ha more than in the control, in other experimental variants this difference ranged from 10.46-18.8 t/ha. The dry matter content in tubers during the application of various types of fertilizers was lower by 0.49...1.49% than in the control, starch – by 0.25...0.79%. On average, over 2 years, the highest protein and vitamin C content was in variant 6 – 2.95% and 21,24 mg%, respectively, which is higher than the control by 0.37% and 3.03 mg%.
DETERMINATION OF DISSIPATIVE LOSSES IN THE HYDRAULIC DRIVE OF THE GAS DISTRIBUTION MECHANISM OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
Authors: Maximov Alexey , Shogenov Yuriy , Baigildeeva Ekaterina , Zimina Larisa , Gayfullin Ilnur
Published: August 2024

Controlling the opening and closing times of intake and exhaust valves can improve the efficient parameters of an internal combustion engine and reduce the toxicity of combustion products. The valves are moved by an electronically controlled hydraulic drive. The energy consumption for the operation of a hydraulic valve drive is greater than when using a traditional mechanical drive. The dissipative energy losses in the accumulator one-way hydraulic valve drive are investigated. The working fluid of the hydraulic drive is SAE 5W-30 motor oil. The oil pressure behind the pump is 8 MPa, the diameter of the hydraulic cylinder is 16 mm. The main items of energy consumption are identified, and a methodology for their determination is proposed. The assessment of the efficiency of the hydraulic drive was based on the law of conservation of energy. To determine energy costs, a hydraulic drive model was compiled in the Simulink environment. A law of valve movement similar in shape to trapezoidal was obtained. The maximum speed of valve movement during the opening process is 4 m/s, during the closing process 3.8 m/s. During the period when the valve is held near the maximum lift of 14 mm, free oscillations with an amplitude of about 1 mm are observed. The energy consumption for a single actuation of the valve, which has a progressively moving mass of 0.5 kg, amounted to 25.9 J. Of this, a little more than 70% is spent on filling the hydraulic cylinder with liquid, the rest is spent when emptying it. As a result of throttling the fluid flow in the hydraulic cylinder rod stroke limiter and hydraulic brake, 56% of the energy is lost. Large energy losses are observed between the hydraulic accumulators and the hydraulic cylinder. When the cylinder is filled, 21.1% is lost here, and when it is emptied, 10.4%. Increasing the capacity of the supply and drain lines between hydraulic accumulators and hydraulic cylinders allows you to increase the speed of opening and closing valves. The main ways to increase the energy efficiency of the drive are to shift the hydraulic accumulators to the hydraulic cylinder, increase the diameter of the connecting lines, and increase the throughput of the solenoid valves.
Zbrodnia w Srebrnicy koło Koronowa 26 października 1939 roku
Authors: Sikorski Grzegorz
Published: August 2024

W artykule opisano zbrodnię dokonaną w miejscowości Srebrnica koło Koronowa w październiku 1939 r. przez członków miejscowego Selbstschutzu. Ofiarami byli miejscowi polscy obywatele Koronowa, znani ze swoich patriotycznych przekonań oraz przedwojennej działalności politycznej i społecznej. Zbrodnia stała się również kanwą rozważań na temat przedwojennych stosunków panujących na ziemiach Pomorza Gdańskiego oraz podjętej jesienią 1939 r. przez okupanta akcji eksterminacyjnej skierowanej do warstwy społeczeństwa polskiego przejawiającej postawę patriotyczną (tzw. Intelligenzaktion).
Simultaneous laparoscopic management of coexisting cholecystitis and appendicitis - a case report
Authors: Błaszczyszyn Katarzyna , Bińczyk Wiktoria , Dróżdż Olgierd , Siudek Bartosz , Grzelka Michalina , Pupka Dominika , Orzechowski Janusz
Published: August 2024

Background: Acute cholecystitis and acute appendicitis are among the most common conditions leading to surgical admissions. However, their concurrent presentation is rare and poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Compared with traditional open surgery, laparoscopy has revolutionized the management of various abdominal pathologies by providing enhanced visualization, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.
 
Case Presentation: A 66-year-old woman with severe right upper quadrant and lateral abdominal pain, and nausea was admitted to the general surgical ward. Physical examination showed tenderness and muscle guarding in the right upper quadrant, and a positive Murphy's sign. Laboratory investigations revealed leukocytosis, elevated inflammatory markers, and abnormal liver function. An inconclusive ultrasound led to a CT scan, diagnosing acute cholecystitis and acute appendicitis. A decision was made to perform simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendectomy. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged after ten days with standard surgical recommendations.
 
Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of considering multiple potential causes of abdominal pain, especially with inconclusive initial imaging. Simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendectomy demonstrated in this case proved to be feasible, safe, and effective. Early and accurate diagnosis, facilitated by thorough clinical examination and advanced imaging, is crucial for prompt treatment. Surgeons must be prepared for rare concurrent presentations and capable of performing synchronous laparoscopic surgeries to improve patient outcomes and streamline recovery.
THERAPEUTIC CARE
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: August 2024

With a post-pandemic surge in demand for mental health and emotional wellbeing support, service providers are working to meet the needs of children and young people requiring therapeutic care
Putting research into practice
Authors: Bacchoo Anna
Published: August 2024

Understand which interventions really work through research, and make sure the findings are used by those who can implement policy and practice changes to make a difference in children and families' lives
The Generations Game
Authors: Fanning Paul
Published: August 2024

What’s it like to host an event for National Manufacturing Day? Having thrown itself into the scheme wholeheartedly, G&B Electronics knows better than most.
The Correlation Between Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Levels and the Extent of Coronary Lesions Based on SYNTAX Scores in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
Authors: Siallagan Delpiana , Loesnihari Ricke , Hasan Refli
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Atherosclerosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Inflammation plays a causal role in atherosclerosis. There are many inflammatory markers related to ACS, including C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, matrix metal loproteinases, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-27. IL-6 is the sign of synthesis of acute phase proteins. Recently, the clinical trials related to ACS showed that IL-6 may be an indicator of increased risk for ACS.  An Interleukin-6 (IL-6) examination is can be used  to assess risk factors for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Interleukin-6 is a marker of local inflammation of coronary plaque and peripheral blood circulation which increases the occurrence of coronary heart disease causing plaque instability and rupture. The SYNTAX scoring system has   correlation assessed through angiography assessing the complexity of the severity of coronary artery stenosis. This study aims to determine the between Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and the extent of coronary lesions based on the SYNTAX score in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 45 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who were treated at H. Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan (February 2023 – May 2023). IL-6 levels were examined using the Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay (ECLIA) method using Cobas e 411. The extent of the coronary lesion was calculated based on the SYNTAX score from coronary angiography which was calculated by two invasive cardiologist as suggested before using an online calculator. We used the Spearman correlation test and Mann Whitney test to analyze the data.

Results: The were 39 male subjects (86.7%) total.  The mean age of the subjects was 54.89 ± 10.3 years old. Most of the subjects experienced STEMI in total 28 people (62.2%). The Median IL-6  levels was  19.22 pg/mL  while the median of SYNTAX score level was 13.00. By using cross-sectional study and the spearman correlationa test, there is a significant correlation between IL-6 and the SYNTAX score with the correlation value obtained r = 0.343 (p = 0.021).

Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between IL-6 and the extent of coronary lesions based on the SYNTAX score in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

 
Adaptive matching strategies for 3D digital image correlation in strain measurement of an aerostat envelope
Authors: Chen Yue , Wang Quanbao , Cheng Yujia , He Renjun
Published: August 2024

To address the limitations of two-dimensional digital image correlation (2D-DIC) in measuring strain on the aerostat envelope, the more precise 3D-DIC has been introduced to handle curved surfaces. However, the increased computational load of 3D-DIC requires more efficient correlation strategies. This paper evaluates three basic matching strategies and introduces two adaptive strategies to enhance the efficiency of 3D-DIC. The experimental results show that the adaptive composite matching (ACM) strategy automatically switches strategies based on deformation, improving the matching correlation. Meanwhile, the adaptive grouping matching (AGM) strategy dynamically adjusts image groups based on real-time data, optimizing the computational speed and enhancing measurement flexibility. These strategies provide crucial support for the application of 3D-DIC in the monitoring aerostat envelope strain, especially in managing significant or uneven deformations.
Optimized design of horseshoe-and-spur filterless networks leveraging point-to-multipoint coherent pluggable transceivers
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad M. , Pedro João , Costa Nelson , Castro Carlos , Napoli Antonio
Published: August 2024

Cutting-edge network architectures and solutions are needed to empower operators to address capacity demands in metro and access networks efficiently. The horseshoe topology, along with similar topologies, is commonly employed in metro-aggregation segments due to its compatibility with the hub-and-spoke traffic pattern present in these networks and the survivability that they can provide. A filterless architecture can enhance cost-effectiveness by replacing active elements with passive components. Moreover, supporting coherent-based point-to-multipoint transceivers—enabled by digital subcarrier multiplexing (DSCM)—can yield additional cost savings. It is noteworthy that telecommunication network topologies often evolve to accommodate more end (leaf) nodes, extending the original horseshoe with spurs or small and short trees. This paper targets these types of networks and proposes combining the utilization of coherent pluggable transceivers leveraging DSCM to guarantee transparent communication between the hub and leaf nodes while adopting different filterless node architectures with selective amplifier deployment. Moreover, it discusses the potential advantages of the architecture using an exact optimization framework tailored to various network sizes and scenarios, which accounts for the amplifiers’ placement and the available types of power splitters/combiners/couplers. The results demonstrate that strategically deploying add/drop and express amplifiers, along with optimizing coupler ratios, can effectively meet design requirements while minimizing the number of optical amplifiers required.
Vibrational effect in conventional and laser-induced electron diffractions
Authors: Nguyen Hien T. , Trieu Doan-An , Hoang-Trong Duong D. , Le Van-Hoang , Phan Ngoc-Loan
Published: August 2024

Comprehensively and accurately characterizing matter information is the ultimate goal of physics and chemistry, which can be achieved by conventional electron diffraction (CED) and, recently, laser-induced electron diffraction (LIED). Remarkably, the latter method allows the retrieval of molecular structures during its rapid dynamical processes; however, the nuclear vibrational effect is still understudied. Moreover, if the vibrational effect in CED and LIED is substantial, a natural question is whether it is possible to reconstruct anharmonic interatomic potential from their measurements. The goal of this paper is to study the vibrational effect in LIED images, and then to examine the possibility of retrieving anharmonic interatomic potential from CED and LIED. To achieve this goal, we simulate the diffraction images incorporating the nuclear vibrations induced either by thermal vibration in CED or by an intense laser interaction in LIED. We show that the vibrational effect in LIED is significantly enhanced compared to that in the CED due to the presence of intense laser interaction. As a consequence, the diffraction images in LIED are much more sensitive to the potential shape; thus, it is possible to retrieve anharmonic interatomic potential. We also indicate that in CED, this extraction is also possible but requires far more stringent measurements. Although the retrieval is performed for simple Morse potential in this study, it can be generalized to retrieve other parameterized anharmonic interatomic potentials. In our study, the LIED images are simulated numerically but can be experimentally measured as well.
Nonlinear optical properties of meso-substituted porphyrins using spatial self-phase modulation
Authors: Zhang Qian , Lu Bishuai , Liu Shan , Li Tuo , Lü Xiangfei , Cheng Xuemei
Published: August 2024

Herein, we studied the nonlinear optical properties of four meso-substituted porphyrins (H2MHTPP, H2THTPP, H2DETPP, and H2TETPP) by the spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM) method, using CW lasers with wavelengths of 532 nm and 780 nm. All samples exhibit strong nonlinear response due to the thermal optical nonlinear effect at 532 nm, which corresponds to the strong absorption band. In addition, four porphyrin samples were calculated that have nonlinear refractive index coefficients of the same order of magnitude (10−10 m2/W) at 532 nm. However, four porphyrins exhibited different optical nonlinear responses affected by the type and numbers of peripheral substituents at 780 nm. This work is of significance for reasonably adjusting the structure of compounds and improving their third-order nonlinear optical coefficients.
Predictive pixel-wise optical encoding: towards single-shot high dynamic range moving object recognition
Authors: He Yutong , Liang Yu , Huang Honghao , Hu Chengyang , Yang Sigang , Chen Hongwei
Published: August 2024

Conventional low dynamic range (LDR) imaging devices fail to preserve much information for further vision tasks because of the saturation effect. Thus, high dynamic range (HDR) imaging is an important imaging technology in extreme illuminance conditions, which enables a wide range of applications, including photography, autonomous driving, and robotics. Mainstream approaches require multi-shot methods because the conventional camera can only control the exposure globally. Although they perform well on static HDR imaging, they face a challenge with real-time HDR imaging for motional scenes because of the artifact and time latency caused by multi-shot and post-processing. To this end, we propose a framework, termed POE-VP, which achieves single-shot HDR imaging via a pixel-wise optical encoder driven by video prediction. We use highlighted motional license plate recognition as a downstream vision task to demonstrate the performance of POE-VP. From the results of simulation and real scene experiments, we validate that POE-VP outperforms conventional LDR cameras by more than 5 times in recognition accuracy and by more than 200% in information entropy. The dynamic range could reach 120 dB, and the captured data size is verified to be lower than mainstream multi-shot methods by 67%. The running time of POE-VP is also validated to satisfy the needs of high-speed HDR imaging.
Electronic properties of single vacancy defect in boron nitride nanoribbons with edge perturbation
Authors: Riyadi Munawar Agus , Wong Yuki , Khoo Sheng Xuan , Hamzah Afiq , Alias Nurul Ezaila , Lim Cheng Siong , Cheong Choon Min , Tan Michael Loong Peng
Published: August 2024

Two-dimensional material hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and its one-dimensional thin strips, boron nitride nanoribbons (BNNRs) are electrically insulating with high thermal stability, making them excellent thermal conductors suitable for high-temperature application. BNNRs are wide bandgap semiconductors with bandgaps ranging from 4 to 6 eV. This study investigates the electronic properties of BNNRs with single vacancy defects in armchair and zigzag configurations. The nearest-neighbour tight-binding model and numerical method were used to simulate the electronic properties of BNNRs with a single vacancy, including band structure and local density of states. The alpha and beta matrices were adjusted to account for missing boron or nitrogen atoms. Furthermore, a small perturbations were introduced to model the effects of impurities and edge imperfections. The simulation result from this work was compared with pristine BNNRs to examine the impact of a single vacancy on their electronic properties. The findings reveal that both armchair and zigzag BNNRs with single vacancy defects exhibit distorted band structures and local density of states due to the delocalization of pz orbitals. The valence bands show a higher concentration of nitrogen, while the conduction bands are richer in boron. These findings provide insights into how vacancy defects and edge perturbations can influence the electronic properties of BNNRs, which can guide the design and optimization of BNNR-based electronic devices in future research.
The hare syphilis agent is related to, but distinct from, the treponeme causing rabbit syphilis
Authors: Pospíšilová Petra , Čejková Darina , Buršíková Pavla , Fedrová Pavla , Mikalová Lenka , Najt David , Tom Nikola , Hisgen Linda , Lueert Simone , Lumeij Johannes T. , Ågren Erik O. , Knauf Sascha , Šmajs David
Published: August 2024

The treponemes infecting lagomorphs include Treponema paraluisleporidarum ecovar Cuniculus (TPeC) and ecovar Lepus (TPeL), infecting rabbits and hares, respectively. In this study, we described the first complete genome sequence of TPeL, isolate V3603-13, from an infected mountain hare (Lepus timidus) in Sweden. In addition, we determined 99.0% of the genome sequence of isolate V246-08 (also from an infected mountain hare, Sweden) and 31.7% of the genome sequence of isolate Z27 A77/78 (from a European hare, Lepus europeaus, The Netherlands). The TPeL V3603-13 genome had considerable gene synteny with the TPeC Cuniculi A genome and with the human pathogen T. pallidum, which causes syphilis (ssp. pallidum, TPA), yaws (ssp. pertenue, TPE) and endemic syphilis (ssp. endemicum, TEN). Compared to the TPeC Cuniculi A genome, TPeL V3603-13 contained four insertions and 11 deletions longer than three nucleotides (ranging between 6 and2,932 nts). In addition, there were 25 additional indels, from one to three nucleotides long, altogether spanning 36 nts. The number of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) between TPeC Cuniculi A and TPeL V3603-13 were represented by 309 nucleotide differences. Major proteome coding differences between TPeL and TPeC were found in the tpr gene family, and (predicted) genes coding for outer membrane proteins, suggesting that these components are essential for host adaptation in lagomorph syphilis. The phylogeny revealed that the TPeL sample from the European brown hare was more distantly related to TPeC Cuniculi A than V3603-13 and V246-08.
Substitution of acidic residues near the catalytic Glu131 leads to human HYAL1 activity at neutral pH via charge-charge interactions
Authors: Nguyen Tu Anh , Hoang Trang , Nguyen Thu-Thuy , Jeong ChanSu , Tran Trang Van , Choi Mal-Gi , Lee ChangWoo
Published: August 2024

Human hyaluronidase 1 (HYAL1) and PH20 play vital roles in degrading hyaluronic acids through the substrate-assisted double displacement mechanism. While HYAL1, a lysosomal enzyme, functions optimally under acidic conditions, PH20, a sperm surface hyaluronidase, displays a broader pH range, from acidic to neutral. Our objective was to extend HYAL1’s pH range towards neutral pH by introducing repulsive charge-charge interactions involving the catalytic Glu131, increasing its pKa as the proton donor. Substituting individual acidic residues in the β3-loop (S77D), β3′-β3″ hairpin (T86D and P87E), and at Ala132 (A132D and A132E) enabled HYAL1 to demonstrate enzyme activity at pH 7, with the mutants S77D, P87E, and A132E showing the highest activity in the substrate gel assay. However, double and triple substitutions, including S77D/T86D/A132E as found in the PH20 configuration, did not result in enhanced activity compared to single substitutions. Conversely, PH20 mutants with non-acidic substitutions, such as D94S in the β3-loop and D103T in the β3′-β3″ hairpin, significantly reduced activity within the pH range of 4 to 7. However, the PH20 mutant E149A, reciprocally substituted compared to A132E in HYAL1, exhibited activity similar to PH20 wild-type (WT) at pH 7. In a turbidimetric assay, HYAL1 mutants with single acidic substitutions exhibited activity similar to that of PH20 WT at pH 7. These results suggest that substituting acidic residues near Glu131 results in HYAL1 activity at neutral pH through electrostatic repulsion. This study highlights the significance of charge-charge interactions in both HYAL1 and PH20 in regulating the pH-dependent activity of hyaluronidases.
Protective and vulnerability personality traits associated with PTSD diagnosis after preterm delivery
Authors: Grand Laurane , Hammami Sabrina , Bourdon Sarah , Demarly Drumelle Claudia , Auer Julie , Rolland Anne-Catherine , Eutrope Julien , Olivier Marie
Published: August 2024

Giving birth prematurely is a traumatic event that has many consequences for the mother but also for her baby and their family. Studies have shown that about a quarter of these mothers will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result. This study aims to identify internal personality factors associated with the development of PTSD in mothers who gave birth before 33 weeks. The results revealed significant correlations between two personality dimensions (neuroticism and extraversion) and the likeliness of developing PTSD in mothers who gave birth prematurely. Neuroticism is positively liked with the disorder while extraversion is negatively correlated with it. Studies should now focus on early detection of PTSD and better interventions for these mothers.
Burden and bacterial etiology of neonatal meningitis at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia
Authors: Ali Musa Mohammed
Published: August 2024

Background

Meningitis poses a significant challenge to public health in low-income nations, such as Ethiopia, with a particular impact on newborns. The magnitude and etiologies of meningitis vary based on geographic location and age of patients. There is limited data regarding the magnitude and etiology of meningitis from Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the magnitude and bacterial profile of meningitis among newborns aged less than 90 days at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH).

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among newborns under 90 days who were suspected of meningitis at HUCSH from January 2019 to July 2023, and for whom Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture was performed. At HUCSH, bacteria are isolated and identified using standard microbiological techniques. Socio-demographic characteristics and culture results were extracted from the laboratory register. Data were entered into Excel and exported it to SPSS version 20 for analysis.

Results

Overall 1061 newborns suspected of meningitis were included in the study. Among the participants, 767 individuals (72.3%) fell within the age range of 8 to 90 days. Of the total participants, 437 (41.2%) were females. The magnitude of culture-confirmed meningitis was 90(8.5%) 95% CI: 6.8%−10.1%. The magnitude of culture-confirmed meningitis among newborns aged 0−7 days and 8−90 days were 1.6% and 6.9% respectively. The proportion of bacteria among newborns aged 0−7 days and 8−90 days were 18.9% and 81.1% respectively. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CONS) were the most common bacteria (n = 26; 28.9%) recovered followed by Acinetobacter species (n = 12, 13.3%), Escherichia coli (n = 9; 10%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 7; 7.8%). K. pneumoniae was the predominant bacteria among newborns within the age group of 0 to 7 days while Acinetobacter species was the most common among newborns within the 8 to 90 days age group. The prevalence of culture-confirmed neonatal meningitis was found to be greater in male newborns (x2 = 1.74, p = 0.18), newborns aged between 8 to 90 days (x2 = 0.07, p = 3.4), and newborns admitted in 2022 (x2 = 2.4, p = 0.66),

Conclusions

In this study, the overall magnitude of culture-confirmed meningitis was relatively high. Culture-confirmed meningitis was high in newborns within the age range of 8 to 90 days. The most common bacteria were CONS in both age groups followed by Acinetobacter species, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae.