bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of changes in leakage currents under a contaminated and moistened surface of insulators of the PS-6B, PS-120A, PSD-70E types of overhead power lines
Authors: Shevchenko Sergey , Borzenkov Igor
Published: November 2023

In the process of operation, insulators are exposed to repeated pollution and atmospheric influences. This is due to the removal of pollutants from industrial metallurgical enterprises, chemical plants and their deposition on the surface of insulators near power transmission lines. In normal operation, when the insulators are dirty, but their surface is not wetted, the active component of the total leakage current can be neglected. It is another matter when the surface of the contaminated insulator is intensively moistened by atmospheric influences, for example: rain, fog, dew, respectively, and the value of the active component of the leakage current also increases in proportion to the conductivity of the formed electrolyte, the layer of contamination on the surface of the insulating surface of the insulator. The article discusses the method of measuring leakage currents on the contaminated surface of various types of glass plate insulators in laboratory conditions, with artificial and natural contamination. In the dry state, a leakage current flows through contaminated insulators, which mainly depends on the electrical capacity of the insulator. A method of calculating the active component of the leakage current is proposed, since the active component of the leakage current is the main parameter for determining energy losses due to its dissipation into the environment. The results of the change in the value of the leakage currents in the time characteristics after wetting the surface layer of pollution to the leakage current in the dry state of the insulator surface are given. The observation of drying processes of a contaminated and moistened surface due to the influence of leakage currents is given. The formation of dried zones on the surface of contaminated insulation of plate insulators of overhead power lines under the action of leakage currents was investigated. An analysis of the obtained results was carried out, conclusions were drawn.
Prospects for creating a refined model of leakage current losses due to contamination on insulator surfaces
Authors: Shevchenko Sergii , Hanus Roman
Published: November 2023

This paper is devoted to identifying the prospects for creating a model of leakage current losses due to contamination on insulator surfaces. The aim of this study was to find mathematical models that would describe leakage current losses accurately enough to assess their importance for the integrated power system of Ukraine. The existing, widely used methodology for calculating leakage current losses was evaluated and found to be inappropriate because it is based solely on the insulator resistance with a constant value of m, which does not reflect the actual situation. Therefore, in order to improve the existing model, another one is proposed, which takes into account all atmospheric phenomena that affect the conductivity on the insulator surface, including fog, drizzle, rain and dew, which are recorded using gradations. It was found that the wind speed and humidity of the contamination layer on the insulator surface have a significant impact. The graphs of the average power loss rate for a single wetting in a garland of insulators under different climatic conditions are presented. The methodology was used to calculate the power loss rate in a 35 kV AC network and is presented in the table. The results show that it is possible to dynamically determine losses depending on climatic conditions on insulators at any point, depending on the available meteorological data. The methodology for determining the conductivity of the contamination layer on the insulator surface has been revised. It is shown how the resistance of contamination is represented, the method of its calculation, which allows further determining the conductivity of contamination, and the effect of precipitation on the cleaning of the insulator surface from contamination. It is established that under direct precipitation, insulator cleaning is insignificant, and the humidity of the contamination layer increases, which increases its conductivity. The conclusions show that the model has a high potential and the need to take into account dielectric losses.
Effect of pulsed hydrogen and helium plasma irradiation on the formation of solid solutions in the thin-film CdTe/CdS heterosystem
Authors: Khrypunov Gennadiy , Meriuts Andrii , Kharchenko Mykola , Herashchenko Stanislav , Kolodiy Іhor , Pudov Aleksey , Khramova Tetiana , Shelest Tetiana , Kuziakin Oleksandr
Published: November 2023

The interphase interaction of cadmium sulfide and cadmium telluride thin film layers under irradiation with pulses of hydrogen and helium plasma was investigated by the X-ray diffraction method. CdS/CdTe heterosystem samples were obtained by the hot wall method on glass substrates with a transparent FTO electrode. During deposition of CdS layers 0.3–0.32 µm thick, the temperature of the evaporator zone was 590 °C, and the substrate temperature was 395 °C. CdTe layers 3.8–4.0 µm thick were deposited at an evaporation zone temperature of 520 °C and a substrate temperature of 497 °C. After deposition, the “chloride” treatment of the heterosystem was carried out. The “chloride” treatment consisted in the deposition of a cadmium chloride film 0.7 μm thick on the surface of a CdTe by thermal vacuum evaporation without heating the substrate and by annealing the entire structure in air at a temperature of 410-415 °C for 20 min. The composition of the solid solutions was determined from the lattice period according to Vegard's rule. In the initial state, along with the cubic phase of cadmium telluride, the presence of CdTe1-xSx solid solutions with a sulfur concentration of 3 % and 8.2 % is observed. After irradiation of the CdS/CdTe heterosystems with hydrogen plasma pulses, the entire base layer turned into a solid solution with a sulfur concentration of 3 %. At the same time, two more phases of CdTe1-xSx solid solutions with sulfur concentrations of 6 % and 11.5 % were observed. The relative concentration of the cadmium telluride phase in the initial state was 84 %, after irradiation with hydrogen plasma pulses it was 82 %. In the initial state, the phases of solid solutions with sulfur content of 3 % and 8.2 % had relative concentrations of 7 % and 9 %, respectively; after irradiation, their relative concentrations became 15 % and 3 %, respectively. After irradiation of the CdS/CdTe heterosystem with helium plasma pulses, the entire base layer turned into a solid solution with a sulfur concentration of 1.5 %. In this case, two more phases with a sulfur concentration of 3.7 % and 7.9 % were observed. The relative concentration of cadmium phase telluride after irradiation with hydrogen plasma pulses decreases to 79 %. After irradiation, the relative concentration of the phase of solid solutions with sulfur contents of 3 % and 8.2 % increases to 17 % and 12 %, respectively. The experimentally observed difference in the evolution of the phase composition of the CdS/CdTe film heterosystem under irradiation with hydrogen and helium plasma pulses may be due to the fact that irradiation with more massive helium atoms leads to a greater thermal effect, which causes melting.
Investigations of the variable magnetic moment automatic compensation efficiency improving possibility of three-phase electrical equipment currents
Authors: Sereda Oleksandr , Sereda Olena , Kruykova Nataliya
Published: November 2023

An analysis and review of known parametric systems for automatic compensation of electrical equipment the external magnetic field was carried out. It was found that the known parametric electrical equipment automatic compensation systems of the external magnetic field do not take into account the change in the order of alternating power phases when the level of the external magnetic field changes, which reduces the effectiveness of the three-phase electrical equipment magnetic field compensation by two to three times. The parametric system of three-phase electrical equipment sinusoidal currents magnetic moment automatic compensation with the phase alternation order sensor was improved, the distinguishing features of which are the preliminary determination of the phases alternation order in the power circuit of three-phase electrical equipment and the formation electromagnets compensators currents taking into account this order, which allows to increase the efficiency of three-phase electrical equipment currents magnetic moment compensation  and use such a system in a three-phase distribution device containing a plurality of three-phase feeders. The system parameters bench adjustment method of the sinusoidal currents magnetic moment automatic compensation of three-phase electrical equipment with the phase alternation order sensor has been improved, which differs from known methods in that the phases order in the power circuit is determined in advance and the currents of the electromagnets compensators are formed taking into account this order and only then the power is supplied in turn, in each independent circuit of the electrical equipment power circuit an electromagnet compensator oriented along the selected axis is simultaneously turned on, the component of the total magnetic moment along the same axis is measured, and depending on its value, the magnitude and phase of the compensation currents signals are adjusted, then the sequence of alternating phases is changed and the rest of the operations are repeated. It is recommended to improve the non-sinusoidal currents magnetic moment system automatic compensation of three-phase electrical equipment with the phases alternating order sensor to ensure high efficiency of the magnetic moment compensation and the external magnetic field regardless of the power supply phases alternating order of three-phase electrical equipment.
LABORATORY STUDIES OF MATHEMATICAL MODELS THERMAL OBJECTS
Authors: Мигущенко Руслан Павлович , Кропачек Ольга Юріївна , Шустік Лілія Степанівна , Мигущенко Катерина Русланівна
Published: November 2023

Is devoted to the development and analysis of mathematical models of thermal objects. The extruder adopted as a thermal object is a vivid example of multi-zone pass-through technological units, the value of which is enormous for the domestic economy. In the article, the replacement of a real industrial object with a laboratory sample is carried out to work out the methodology of practical identification when obtaining a mathematical model with its subsequent analysis. A positive result is able to transfer the obtained results to a real technological unit. In the article, the object of research was selected, possible representations of mathematical models of industrial objects were analyzed, methods of practical identification were reviewed, the method of practical identification of thermal objects was selected, a series of natural experiments was prepared in laboratory conditions and numerical results were obtained, numerical parameters of coefficients were determined transmission and transport delay of mathematical models, time constants of mathematical models were found, analysis of mathematical models of a laboratory installation from the angle of optimization was carried out. The obtained results made it possible to correctly approach the identification of the working zone of a multi-zone pass-through technological unit using the example of an extruder, which carries out the technological process of processing agricultural raw materials by separating product fractions. Namely, decide on the type of primary converter (temperature sensor), the location of the sensors on the object, evaluate the cross effects of the heating zones in statics, choose the structure and parameters of PI (proportional, integrating components) and PID (proportional, integrating, differential components) regulators to maintain the temperature specified by the technical task in the working area of the extruder.
METHODS OF ENERGY SAVING IN DEVICES FOR HYDRO-CRACKING OF SCALE
Authors: Mironov Konstantin , Dmytriienko Olha
Published: November 2023

The cause of scale formation on the cast blanks and in the process of ivy is considered, the difference between the physical properties of the scale and base metal is shown, which reduces the quality and stability of the metal, and also complicates the processing of the product. The proposed effective way to remove the scale, which is environmentally friendly, does not require additional water treatment and does not deform the metal surface. The analysis of devices for removal of scale from the metal surface showed that the first collectors with nozzles had problems with operation: high water and energy consumption and poor cleaning of the metal surface. They are proposed to replace them with a hydraulic device with a rotary principle with rotary heads that use very low cost at high impact pressure, which also reduces electricity consumption. A comparative table of ordinary collectors and collectors with a different principle is provided by improving the design of devices for supplying fluid to the metal surface with the quality of cleaning of the metal from scale. Electricity is proposed. It is revealed that you can reduce the eager expenses by optimizing the operation of the pumping station. The optimization result is given in the form of an energy saving schedule in the period of hydraulic pauses by means of an adjustable electric drive with frequency control and hydraulic rods. It is proposed on the basis of the analysis of devices for removal of scale another way to reduce electro -energy by improving the design of water supply devices to the metal surface by improving their properties. It is revealed that not only the features of the design of the nozzles, but their optimal location, plays an important role in removing the scale. The hydraulic scale system is fully controlled by the machine, which allows to regulate the parameters of removal of the scale and to provide the required working pressure in the system, to compensate for the wear of the nozzles.
El uso de dispositivos digitales de escolares de 5º y 6º de Educación Primaria: control parental y riesgos
Authors: García-Rojas Antonio Daniel , Hernando-Gómez Ángel , Gutiérrez-Arenas María Pilar , Prieto-Medel Cinta
Published: November 2023

Los dispositivos digitales como los smartphones y las tablets se han convertido en herramientas de fácil acceso para los escolares nacidos en pleno avance de la sociedad del conocimiento. Sin embargo, la mayoría no son conscientes de los riesgos que conlleva este uso temprano de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación y tampoco están preparados desde el punto de vista competencial y madurativo. Es por ello que esta investigación tiene como objetivos conocer el uso, frecuencia y tiempo que emplea el alumnado en el uso de dispositivos móviles, la percepción que tienen sobre los posibles riesgos de su utilización y determinar si cuentan con supervisión y control parental. Se ha llevado a cabo una investigación con enfoque metodológico cuantitativo, un diseño descriptivo, no experimental y correlacional. Como instrumento se utilizó un cuestionario sobre una muestra de 273 estudiantes de tercer ciclo de Educación Primaria de la provincia de Cádiz, Córdoba y Huelva. Los resultados muestran que existen diferencias significativas entre el control parental y las variables independientes estudiadas (sexo, curso y nivel de estudios del padre y de la madre), lo que evidencia la necesidad de trabajar con el alumnado la actitud crítica ante los medios, el uso formativo de internet y de las redes sociales.
“¡La Sirenita es como yo!”: diversidad intercultural, inclusión y autoestima infantil en TikTok
Authors: Bonilla-del-Río Mónica , Vizcaíno-Verdú Arantxa
Published: November 2023

A medida que los medios extienden mundialmente la concienciación sobre la inclusión y la diversidad intercultural, en redes sociales como TikTok emergen nuevas vías para el debate, lo que afecta, entre otros, al público infantil. Una muestra de ello son los populares vídeos-reacción que, ante lanzamientos cinematográficos como el teaser del live action de La Sirenita de Disney, construyen cadenas de interacción en las que se polemiza sobre la representación simbólica, la descentralización colonial, la ruptura estereotípica o el imaginario caucásico en la infancia. Este estudio explora las reacciones infantiles y el sentimiento comunitario desplegado en TikTok mediante el análisis cualitativo de 50 vídeo-reacciones y el análisis de sentimiento de 11,510 comentarios. Para ello, se desarrolló un análisis de contenido inductivo que introducía 10 códigos, como “diversidad e inclusión”, “emociones”, “prejuicios” e “identidad racial/étnica”, y un análisis de sentimiento codificado con procesamiento del lenguaje natural e inteligencia artificial basado en el modelo GPT de OpenAI. Los resultados revelan que la representación de una protagonista afroamericana, Halle Bailey, es bien recibida por los menores, generando un positivismo generalizado en torno a la diversidad intercultural. La tez negra y el cabello castaño cobrizo frente a la que fue un icono caucásico y pelirrojo parece no amedrentar a los infantes, que expresan entusiasmo y emoción ante su papel. Esta representación denota una suerte de positivismo generalizado, en el que el imaginario “Disneyzado” adulto e infantil apunta hacia un futuro basado en la diversidad y la autoestima infantil.
Long-ranged charge order conspired by magnetism and lattice in an antiferromagnetic Kagome metal
Authors: Yan Ya-Jun , Chen Ziyuan , Wu X. L. , Zhou Shiming , Zhang Jiakang , Yin Ruotong , Li Yuanji , Li Mingzhe , Gong Jiashuo , He Mingquan , Chai Yisheng , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Wang Yilin , Wang Aifeng , Feng Donglai
Published: November 2023

Exotic quantum states could be induced due to the interplay of various degrees of freedom such as charge, spin, orbital, and lattice. Recently, a novel short-ranged charge order (CO) was discovered deep inside the antiferromagnetic phase of a correlated Kagome magnet FeGe. Since the spin-polarization is significantly enhanced in the CO state, magnetism may play an important role. However, its short-ranged nature hinders the precise identification of CO properties, and its mechanism is still controversial. Here, we report the observation of a long-ranged CO in high-quality FeGe samples, in contrast to the previously reported short-ranged ones. Moreover, the distorted 2 ×2×2 CO superstructure can now be precisely refined, which is characterized by a strong dimerization along the c-axis of 1/4 of the Ge1-sites in the Fe3Ge layers. Our results provide strong support to the recent theoretical prediction (arXiv:2304.01604), where the CO in FeGe is driven by saving magnetic exchange energies via such dimerization. Consequently, the enhancement of spin-polarization and the previously observed short-ranged CO can be understood. Our experiments, combined with the theory, have provided a comprehensive understanding of the puzzling CO behavior in FeGe, and established a novel charge order mechanism conspired by magnetism and lattice, different from conventional charge density wave mechanisms.
Evaluating Bacterial Spore Preparation Methods for Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Malyshev Dmitry , Lee Cheng Choo , Andersson Magnus
Published: November 2023

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) can reveal the ultrastructure of bacterial spores, including morphology, surface features, texture, spore damage, germination, and appendages. Understanding these features can provide a basis for adherence, how physical and environmental stressors affect spore viability, integrity and functionality, as well as the distribution and function of surface appendages. However, the spore sample preparation method can significantly impact the SEM images' appearance, resolution, and overall quality. In this study, we compare different spore preparation methods to identify optimal approaches for preparation time, spore appearance and resolved features, including the exosporium and spore pili, for SEM imaging. We use B. paranthracis as model species and evaluate the efficacy of preparation protocols using different fixation and drying methods, as well as imaging under room- and cryogenic temperatures. We compare and assess method complexity to the visibility of the spore exosporium and spore appendages across different methods. Additionally, we use Haralick texture features to quantify the differences in spore surface appearance and determine the most suitable method for preserving spore structures and surface features during SEM evaluation. The findings from this study will help establish protocols for preparing bacterial spores for SEM and facilitating accurate and reliable analysis of spores' characteristics.
Crop type discrimination through low cost proximal RGB imaging and multivariate analysis
Authors: Banerjee Koushik , Dutta Suman , Das Bappa , Roy Debasis , Sen Suman , Mandal Bhabani Prasad , Chatterjee Arghya
Published: November 2023

The current study is an attempt to use low cost red green blue (RGB) image based vegetation indices (VIs), obtained from simple RGB camera, in separating six different field crops. To achieve this, sixteen common VIs were calculated and used as inputs in different multivariate analysis for separating wheat (Triticum spp), mustard (Brassica spp), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), brinjal (Solanum app) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Based on the variation in the green red ratio index (GRRI), Colour intensity index (INT), Color index of vegetation (CIVE) and Woebbecke index (WI) were identified performing significantly (p < 0.05) in discriminating six different crops e.g., cabbage, wheat, mustard, brinjal, pigeon pea, chick pea through classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. The results obtained from CART analysis were subsequently compared with discriminant analysis, which showed an accuracy of 96.3% of classifying different crops. The study meaningfully identified sensitive VIs that can be used to classify different field crop. The information achieved in this study can help in commercial and scientific decision making, planning in agribusinesses, and can be an important tool for conducting crop survey at regional scale.
Neuron-type-specific optogenetic stimulation for differential stroke recovery in chronic capsular infarct
Authors: Kim Hyoung-Ihl , Kim Ra Gyung , Cho Jongwook , Park Ji-Young , Kim Young Ro , Lee Min-Cheol
Published: November 2023

Cortical electrical stimulation (CNM) is widely used to promote recovery after stroke. Despite beneficial results, current CNM techniques are unable to differentiate the roles played by different neuron types in their effects. Our aim was to use selective optogenetic cortical stimulation to explore how different subpopulations of neuronal cells contribute to post-stroke recovery. We transduced sensory-parietal cortex (SPC) in rats with CamKII-ChR2 (pyramidal neurons), PV-ChR2 (parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory neurons), or hSyn-ChR2 (pan-neuronal population) before inducing photothrombotic capsular infarct lesions. We found that selective stimulation of inhibitory neurons produced significantly greater motor recovery than stimulation of excitatory neurons or the pan-neuronal population. Furthermore, 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose microPET (FDG-microPET) imaging revealed the significant reduction of cortical diaschisis and activation of corticostriatal neural circuit, which were correlated with behavioral recovery in the PV-ChR2 group. The spatial pattern of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was evident in stimulated cortex and underlying cortico-subcortical circuit. Our results indicate that plasticity of inhibitory neurons is crucial for functional recovery after capsular infarct. Modifying CNM parameters to potentiate the stimulation of inhibitory neurons could enhance post-stroke outcomes.
Artisanal mining of monazite and cassiterite in the Amazon: Potential risks of rare earth elements for the environment and human health
Authors: Filho PEDRO PAULO DA COSTA Alves , Pereira Wendel Valter Silveira , Dias Yan Nunes , Moraes Adriele Laena Ferreira , Rodrigues Flavio Henrique Santos , Ramos Sílvio Junio , Souza Edna Santos , Amaral Anna Maria Fontes , Fernandes Antonio Rodrigues
Published: November 2023

A artisanal mining is applied on a large scale in developing countries, and in the Amazon region, the scenario is no different. This method of mineral exploration generally does not employ mitigation techniques for potential damages and can lead to various environmental problems and risks to human health. The objectives of this study were to quantify the concentrations of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and estimate the environmental and human health risks in artisanal mining areas for cassiterite and monazite in the Amazon region, as well as to understand the dynamics of this risk over time after exploitation. A total of 32 samples of waste classified as sterile and mining reject in active areas, as well as in areas deactivated for one and ten years, were collected. Soil samples were also collected in a forest area considered as a reference site. The concentrations of REEs were quantified using alkaline fusion and ICP-MS. The results were used to calculate pollution indices and environmental and human health risks. REEs showed higher concentrations in anthropized areas. Pollution and environmental risk levels were higher in areas deactivated for one year, with considerable contamination factors for Gd and Sm and significant to extreme enrichment factors for Sc. Human health risks were low in all studied areas. The results indicate that artisanal mining of cassiterite and monazite has the potential for contamination and enrichment by REEs.
Nonlinear Coupled Motions of a Pipe-in-Pipe System Experiencing Vortex-Induced Vibrations
Authors: Hou Xiangyu , Liu Xianbo , Long Xinhua , Meng Guang
Published: November 2023

This paper delves into the dynamics of the pipe-in-pipe system, crucial in offshore oil and gas exploration, featuring an inner drill string nestled within an outer riser. A reduced-order model with five degrees of freedom is proposed to capture the coupled dynamics of this system. Here, the inner drill string is depicted as a torsional-lateral coupled rotor constrained by the outer riser. In contrast, the outer riser is modeled as a suspended stator subjected to vortex-induced excitations and contact forces. The model incorporates nonlinearities, including dry frictions, collisions, loss of contact, and nonlinear damping through the van der Pol wake oscillator. This comprehensive model allows an in-depth exploration of the dynamics of the coupled pipe-in-pipe system. Parametric analysis is conducted based on the non-dimensional numerical model, revealing a novel and stable whirling phenomenon termed "follower whirling" at low rotary speeds of the drill string. During this stable follower whirling, the riser's vortex-induced vibration traces an "8"-shaped trajectory, while the drill string follows suit, oscillating between forward- and backward-whirling, forming a "C"-shaped trajectory relative to the riser. Additionally, within the frequency lock-in region of the vortex-induced vibration, frequency analysis indicates induced nonlinear resonances through the continuous contact whirling of the drill string, showcasing a strong coupling between the drill string and the riser. In contrast, within the non-lock-in region, the system dynamics are primarily dominated by the backward whirling of the drill string. Furthermore, the parametric study reveals that the backward whirling of the drill string can significantly reduce both the cross-flow and the in-line vortex-induced vibration of the riser. However, as a side-effect, it introduces higher-frequency vibrations and potential fatigue damage to the inner drill string. This research lays a foundation for comprehending the coupled dynamics of pipe-in-pipe systems in offshore drilling applications.
Whole exome sequencing as the first-tier test for patients in neonatal intensive care unit: A Chinese single-center study
Authors: Zhang Ruiping , Cui Xiaoyu , Zhang Yan , Ma Huiqing , Gao Jing , Zhang Ying , Shu Jianbo , Cai Chunquan , Liu Yang
Published: November 2023

Background: Genetic disorders are the part of critical patients in neonatal intensive care unit, it is difficult to establish the diagnosis of pathogenesis via rountine detections and accessory examination. Whole exome sequencing may provide the evidence based on molecular diagnose for genetic disorders. Our aim was to explore the significance of whole exome sequencing for patients in neonatal intensive care unit by the retrospective observational study in a Chinese cohort of neonates.
Methods: The neonatal patients were collected in Tianjin Children’s Hospital from January 2018 to April 2021, who had an acute illness and were suspected with genetic disorders performed by whole exome sequencing. We analysed retrospectively the clinical data, genetic findings, and the relationship between phenotype and genetic variation in this study.
Results: A total of 121 neonates were enrolled in this study. Multiple organ or system were involved in the current study, mainly in metabolic, neurologic, endocrine system. The overall positive rate of whole exome sequencing was 55.4% (67/121), 94 pathogenic or likely pathogenic genomic variants of were identified in 67 neonates, of which the number of copy number varation and single-nucleotide variant were 20 and 74 respectively. The most common inheritance pattern of them was autosomal recessive, up to the rate of 56.7% (38/67), the second one was autosomal dominant inheritance, accounting for 29.8% (19/67). Up to 40 diseases were diagnosed via whole exome sequencing in this study.
Conclusion: Based on the study and the available evidence of this cohort , we strongly recommend and support whole exome sequencing as the first-tier test for patients with suspected genetic disorders in neonatal intensive care unit. Whole exome sequencing demonstrates clinical utility and the significance for patients and their familes in situation of the absence of dignosis.
Sequencing-guided re-estimation and promotion of cultivability for environmental bacteria
Authors: Guo Feng , Zheng Minjia , Wen Linran , He Cailing , Chen Xinlan , Si Laiting , Li Hao , Liang Yiting , Zheng Wei
Published: November 2023

The low cultivability of environmental bacteria has been widely acknowledged, but previous estimates focused on the proportion of cultivable cells (PCC) rather than cultivable taxa (PCT). Here we determined PCT through sequencing to profile bacterial taxa and genomes of the inoculum and culturomic agar plates for two types of environmental samples (soil and activated sludge). Results reveal that PCTs at the culturomics-level significantly exceed PCCs. Both amplicons and metagenomes indicate the presence of a large proportion of novel taxa in culturomics, albeit mostly at low relative abundances, consistently linked to the prevalence of microcolonies on plates. The distribution of novel taxa in culturomics guided the isolation of a strain representing a yet-uncultured class in the Bacteroidota. More importantly, with the definition of cultivable/uncultivable phenotype among environmental bacteria, we detected that cultivable taxa exhibit higher metabolic activity, under both in-situ conditions and laboratory treatment, as assessed by cellular rRNA content. Linking uncultivable phenotypes to genomic features facilitated the modification of culture media, and successfully enhanced the cultivable diversity of Burkholderiales from activated sludge samples. In conclusion, our study provides an experimental approach to reassess the cultivability of environmental bacteria and offers a promising path to optimize microbial cultivation.
Results from a retrospective case finding and re-engagement exercise for people previously diagnosed with hepatitis C virus to increase uptake of directly acting antiviral treatment
Authors: Etoori David , Simmons Ruth , Desai Monica , Foster Graham R , Stuart Avelie , Sabin Caroline , Mandal Sema , Rosenberg William
Published: November 2023

Background
Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) for the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) have shifted the World Health Organisation global strategic focus to the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. In England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) led a national ‘patient re-engagement exercise’, using routine surveillance data, which was delivered through the HCV Operational Delivery Networks (ODNs) with support from NHSE, to help find and support people previously diagnosed to access treatment. We report a quantitative evaluation of outcomes of this exercise.
Methods
Individuals with a recorded diagnosis of HCV (antibody or RNA) between 1996 and 2017 were identified using UKHSA’s records of HCV laboratory diagnosis. Linkage with established health-care datasets helped to enhance patient identification and minimise attempts to contact deceased or previously treated individuals. In September-November 2018 each ODN was provided with a local list of diagnosed individuals, asked to perform further data quality checks through local systems and then write to each individual’s GP to inform them that the individual would be contacted by the ODN to offer confirmatory HCV RNA testing, assessment and treatment unless the GP advised otherwise. ODNs then contacted patients and data were collected in 2022.
Results
Of 176,555 individuals with an HCV laboratory report, 55,329 individuals were included in the exercise following linkage to healthcare datasets and data reconciliation. Participants in the study had a median age of 51 years (IQR: 43, 59), 36,779 (65.5%) were males, 47,668 (86.2%) were diagnosed before 2016 and 11,148 (20.2%) lived in London. Of the study population, 7,442 (13.4%) had evidence of treatment after the re-engagement exercise commenced, 6,435 (11.6%) were reported as RNA negative (96% of whom had no previous treatment records), 4,195 (7.6%) had prescription data indicating treatment before the exercise commenced or were reported to have been treated previously by their ODN, and 2,990 (5.4%) had died. The status of 32,802 (59.3%) people remains unknown.
Conclusions
A substantial number of those included had a treatment recorded after the exercise commenced, however, many more remain unengaged. Evaluation of the exercise highlighted areas that could be streamlined to improve future exercises.
Future Population Exposure to Flood Risk: A Decomposition Approach across Shared-Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)
Authors: Shu Evelyn , Hauer Mathew , Porter Jeremy
Published: November 2023

Extreme weather events, such as flooding, are expected to become more severe due to climate change. These impacts are connected to impacts on human systems including economic, social, and political crises. Adding to the challenge, populations have concurrently settled in risky areas that were previously thought to have low, or no, exposure. As such, it is important to understand how population exposure to flooding may change over time. Here, we build on existing research to project future populations with their demographic components under all five Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) at the block group level across the US. These projections are evaluated with future flood projections to characterize exposure changes over time. Broadly, across the five SSPs, the most increase in exposure will occur in SSP5 (+470,719), and the least will occur in SSP 3 (+57,189). Across all five SSPs, we find that there will be significant increases in expected annual exposure for populations 80 years and older, with an increase in exposure by approximately 216% under SSP5. By decomposing the contributions from flood and population growth, we find that the population growth induced effect contributed to an increase in the population exposure for all of the SSPs except for SSP3. In SSP5, this effect was the largest (+72.7% more exposure), while in SSP3, the population effect decreased the overall exposure by 83.5%.
The Shifting Landscape of Cybersecurity: The Impact of Remote Work and COVID-19 on Data Breach Trends
Authors: Ozer Murat , Kose Yasin , Bastug Mehmet Fatih , Kucukkaya Goksel
Published: November 2023

This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cybersecurity and data breaches, with a specific focus on the shift toward remote work. The study identifies trends and offers insights into cybersecurity incidents by analyzing data breaches two years before and two years after the start of remote work. Data was collected from the Montana Department of Justice Data Breach database and consisted of data breaches that occurred between April 2018 and April 2022. The findings inform best practices for cybersecurity preparedness in remote work environments, aiding organizations to enhance their defenses. Although the study's data is limited to Montana, it offers valuable insights for cybersecurity professionals worldwide. As remote work continues to evolve, organizations must remain adaptable and vigilant in their cybersecurity strategies.
Forerunners vs. Latecomers - Institutional Competition in the German Federalism during the COVID Crisis
Authors: Breide Lukas , Budzinski Oliver , Grebel Thomas , Mendelsohn Juliane
Published: November 2023

The COVID pandemic caused the political competition between the prime ministers of the German states to reach its peak. Whoever is the best at announcing, launching, or implementing policies to combat the pandemic can hope to capitalize most politically. In this paper, we attempt to document which state leaders are forerunners or latecomers in this political competition, when going more into depth of a region's contextual factors. Based on several databases, we perform a survival analysis to compare state leaders' relative determination to implement COVID policies. As our results show, the forerunners in the political discourse are not necessarily forerunners in the implementation, nor in the enforcement of COVID policies.
JEL Classification: D7 , H7 , H11 , H12 , R5
Effectiveness and pregnancy outcomes of ultrasound-indicated and physical examination-indicated cervical cerclage: A retrospective study from a single centre
Authors: Huang Linxiang , Wang Wenting , Wang Yuchuan , Chen Jie , Jin Shuping , Qi Xiaoxuan , Qian Yujia , Cheng Qing
Published: November 2023

Objective: The objective was to investigate and compare the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of patients who underwent ultrasound- and physical examination-indicatedcervical cerclage and to explore the influencing factors of preterm delivery before 34 weeks.
Methods:The sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data of patients with a diagnosis of cervical incompetence who underwent ultrasound- and physical examination-indicated transvaginal cervical cerclage at Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of the patients were evaluated.
Results: This study included 141 participants who underwent cervical cerclage, including 71 with ultrasound-indicated cerclage and 70 with physical examination-indicated cerclage. Compared to the ultrasound-indicated cerclage group, in the physical examination-indicated cerclage group, the duration from cerclage to delivery, birth weight, and APGAR score were significantly lower, and the rates of delivery at <28 weeks, <32 weeks, <34 weeks, and <37 weeks of gestation and neonatal mortality were significantly higher (all P<0.05). Compared to the physical ultrasound-indicated cerclage group, in the physical examination-indicated cerclage group, maternal blood inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, the systemic immune-inflammation index and the systemic inflammation response index were significantly higher (P <0.05). Additionally, maternal blood inflammatory markers, such as the C-reactive protein level, white blood cell count, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, the systemic immune-inflammation index, and the systemic inflammation response index were significantly higher in the group with delivery before 34 weeks of gestation. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that twin pregnancy had the highest OR for preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation (OR=3.829; 95% CI 1.413-10.373; P=0.008), as well as the following: the SII level (OR = 1.001; 95% CI 1.000-1.002; P=0.003) and C-reactive protein level (OR =1.083; 95% CI 1.038-1.131; P=0.022). The risk factors for preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation are twin gestation, an increased SII level and an increased C-reactive protein level, which have good combined predictive value.
Conclusion: In patients with cervical insufficiency, ultrasound-indicated cervical cerclage appears to lead to better pregnancy outcomes than physical examination-indicated cerclage. Twin pregnancy and maternal blood inflammatory markers, such as the CRP level and the SII, are associated with premature delivery before 34 weeks of gestation.
Nutrition and fluid management at 1 week postnatally and the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Jiayi , Mei Hua , Huo Mengyue , Zhang Yuheng , Zhang Yanbo , Xin Chun
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE
To explore the intricate interplay between nutritional status, fluid management in the early postnatal phase of preterm infants, and the susceptibility to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
METHODS
A meticulous review encompassing PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China Knowledge Network, Wanfang Database, and Wipu Database was conducted. The search spanned up to October 7, 2023, focusing on case-control and cohort studies delving into the nexus of nutritional management and BPD. Meta-analysis, employing RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software, was carried out to synthesize the findings.
RESULTS
Incorporating 10 studies with a total of 1325 subjects (644 with BPD and 681 normal control), our meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in calorie intake during the 1st week postnatally in the BPD group compared to the non-BPD group (MD = -5.94, 95% CI: -7.38 to -4.51, P < 0.05). Although fluid loading in both groups exhibited no statistical significance (MD = 5.83, 95% CI: -1.37-13.03, P = 0.11 > 0.05), macronutrient disparities were evident in the BPD group. Protein (MD = -0.13, 95% CI: -0.22 to -0.04, P < 0.05), lipids (MD = -0.39, 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.299,, P < 0.05), and carbohydrates (MD = -0.74, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.54, P < 0.05) in the BPD group exhibited significantly lower intake during the initial postnatal week. Moreover, the BPD group experienced a prolonged time to achieve complete enteral nutrition compared to the non-BPD group (MD = 9.71, 95% CI: 7.78–11.63, P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Insufficient early nutritional intake may correlate with heightened BPD risk. Vigilant attention to nutritional and fluid management, coupled with optimization of respiratory support protocols, is imperative to mitigate BPD incidence.
Path analysis reveals intercultural differences between Czech and Chinese university students in technology addiction, mental health, and personality traits on academic achievement
Authors: Kvintova Jana , Novotny Jan Sebastian , Liu Hongyang , Vachova Lucie , Kantor Jiri
Published: November 2023

There is growing evidence on the impact of technology addiction on different aspects of college / university students´ life; however, its relationship towards academic achievement has been understudied so far. Following a prolonged period of pandemic restrictions and online study, there is a need to explore how academic achievement was impacted and mediated by different health-related and psychological factors. The aim of this intercultural study was to find out how smartphone / internet addiction, mental health (depression, anxiety, stress, and resilience), and personality traits interact to affect individual aspects of academic achievement of Czech and Chinese college / university students. Data from an online survey that included a number of tests were analyzed using a path analysis. Academic achievement correlated positively with technology addiction in Chinese students, compared to the opposite trend in the Czech sample. Except for the common influences of gender, extroversion, conscientiousness, and stress, there were factors specific to the Chinese sample (agreeableness, anxiety), as well as for Czech students (resilience). Also, the level of explained variance in internet addiction and academic achievement differed in both samples. Future studies may better explore and explain the potentially positive role of technology addiction that is probably specific for many Chinese students in tertiary education.
Decentralized pilot-scale biofilm-based system integrated with microbial electrolysis cell for household wastewater treatment: Enhanced pollutant removal and hydrogen production
Authors: Estrada-Arriaga Edson Baltazar , Montero-Farías Raúl , Morales-Morales Cornelio , García-Sánchez Liliana , Falcón-Rojas Axel , Garzón-Zúñiga Marco A. , Gutierrez-Macias Tania
Published: November 2023

The septic tank is the most commonly used decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS) for household wastewater treatment in on-site applications. However, the removal rate of various pollutans is lower. The integration of a microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) into biofilm-based system can be a green and sustainable DEWATS technology for enhanced household wastewater treatment. In this study, a 50-L septic tank was converted into a 50-L biofilm-based system coupled with MEC for household wastewater treatment and hydrogen production. The maximum pollutant removal rate was achieved with an HRT of 1.5 d and an applied voltage of 1.0 V. Global COD removal ranged from 79 to 84%, and for TN, removal rates ranged from 45 to 71%. Concentrations of COD, BOD, NH4+, TN, TP, and TSS in the final effluent were all below 66, 30, 3, 19, 8.5, and 72 mg/L, respectively. The current density generated in the MEC (0.21–0.41 A/m2) contributed to hydrogen production and pollutan removals. The maximum volumetric hydrogen production rate in the MEC was 0.007 L/L.d. The integration of the MEC into biofilm-based system generate anodic and cathodic reactions, allowing different bioelectrochemical nitrogen and phosphorus transformations within the system, generating a simultaneous denitrification-nitrification process with phosphorus removal, allowing to increase the removal of the pollutans. The novel filter module and biocarriers developed in this work were successful permitting high biofilm-based reactors performance during household wastewater treatment.