bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutronic peculiarities of the MTRR-SCW reactor as an experimental base for testing advanced light-water reactor technologies
Authors: Lapin Anton S. , Blandinsky Viktor Yu. , Nevinitsa Vladimir A. , Pustovalov Stanislav B. , Sedov Alexey A. , Subbotin Stanislav A. , Fomichenko Pyotr A.
Published: February 2025

The nuclear power system has faced a challenging issue of significantly improving the characteristics of nuclear fuel breeding while maximizing the advantages of the technology of vessel-type pressurized water reactors used extensively in nuclear power. This is possible via switching to supercritical coolant parameters. An increase in production of fissile nuclides, as compared with traditional pressurized water reactors, is achieved by switching to a harder neutron spectrum due to reducing greatly the coolant density and using a dense fuel lattice. A necessary condition for the VVER-SKD design development is the establishment of an experimental base. A multipurpose test research reactor, MTRR-SCW, is the potential testing ground for the reactor technology, and for new structural and fuel materials and fuel rods. The paper presents the key characteristics of the MTRR-SCW reactor, as well as the potential MTRR-SCW applications at different stages of its operation (testing and research). A concept is proposed at the initial stage for the reactor phased rise to power, which will make it possible to justify the efficiency of the MTRR-SCW fuel with increased linear loads through experiments in the independent central loop channel. This concept also involves phased validation and study of the joint operation of the reactor plant and the steam turbine plant as part of the MTRR-SCW nuclear power plant. At the research stage of operation, safe operating limits need to be determined, and the choice of normal operating modes for the VVER-SKD power reactor justified, and experimental studies need to be undertaken to investigate the behavior of structural materials and fuel compositions as part of experimental fuel rods for the advanced light-water reactor cores with different neutron spectra. Long-term irradiation of experimental fuel rods is planned to be carried out in the MTRR-SCW’s independent peripheral loop channel, and experimental simulation of emergency processes to be performed in the reactor’s central loop channel. This paper deals with the issues to be addressed prior to starting the VVER-SKD power reactor design. Issues have been identified that can be fully or partially solved at effective facilities, as well as the applications for the MTRR-SCW prototype reactor. The paper presents the key characteristics of the MTRR-SCW reactor, and describes in detail the concept for the phased development of the research reactor capabilities and phased rise to power.
Advancements and global perspectives in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: A two-decade analysis
Authors: Hamad Islam , Aleidi Shereen M. , Alshaer Walhan , Twal Shrouq , Al Olabi Mona , Bustanji Yasser
Published: February 2025

Silver nanoparticles, also known as AgNPs, have earned significant attention from scientists due to their remarkable physicochemical characteristics. These traits encompass potent antibacterial effects, plasmonic activity, and a notable surface area-to-volume ratio. The conventional methods for synthesizing (AgNPs) typically involve the use of hazardous chemicals. This practice not only poses risks to the environment and human health but also goes against the core principles of sustainability that underpin modern scientific research. This has led to the concept of “green synthesis,” which pertains to the utilization of natural resources, including plant extracts, microbes, and biomolecules, with the intent of filling the role of stabilizing and reducing agents. Bibliometric research analyzes systematic literary data statistically. This study used bibliometric indicators to examine, map, and evaluate global green synthesis research output on AgNPs. A Scopus search was performed to find all English-language peer-reviewed scientific works on AgNPs produced in the last two decades. Bibliometric indicators were determined using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny. We made thematic, conceptual, and visualization charts. A grand total of 4079 published documents were obtained. Indian authors exhibited the highest level of activity, accounting for around 41.8% of the overall publications. Conversely, researchers from the United States (USA) demonstrated the most substantial scientific influence. The findings of the study indicate a lack of substantial international collaboration within the scope of this research domain. The process of keyword mapping has successfully identified the primary areas of research focus and current trends within this particular field of study. The key clusters identified through theme and hotspot analyses included multimodal techniques in biosynthesis and characterization, antibacterial and antifungal action, in addition to anticancer, antioxidant activity, and apoptosis. The present work undertook an analysis and mapping of the growing domain of green synthesis research of (AgNPs), while also identifying diverse applications associated with AgNPs. AgNPs were employed as drug delivery systems in order to selectively target cancer cells and enhance the bioavailability of anticancer drugs. The study demonstrated the potential of customizing these NPs for precise medication administration by including biocompatible chemicals through biofunctionalization. Moreover, AgNPs have been applied in diagnostic imaging due to their good optical characteristics. However, clinical research is still required in order to transform this fundamental insight into formulations that are clinically useful.
Un modèle bayésien multidimensionnel pour tester l’impact du sentiment des investisseurs sur la prime de risque des actions
Authors: Braune Éric , Mili Mehdi , Hikkerova Lubica , Sahut Jean-Michel
Published: February 2025

Dans cet article, nous testons l’impact du sentiment des investisseurs et des stratégies techniques du marché sur la prime de risque des actions à l’aide de modèles bayésiens multidimensionnels. Nous examinons dans quelle mesure les amorces de sélection stochastique de variables de recherche (SSVS) affectent la performance de prévision du modèle bayésien. Nos résultats montrent que les prieurs SSVS traitent la sur-paramétrisation et surpassent les prieurs conventionnels dans la modélisation de la relation entre le sentiment de l’investisseur, la stratégie technique et les primes d’actions. Nous constatons que le sentiment des investisseurs a un impact plus important sur les primes des actions que les stratégies techniques. Parmi les indicateurs de contrôle, la volatilité du marché et les taux d’intérêt à long terme affectent de manière significative les primes de risque des actions.
Leçons d’agilité de la part d’un spécialiste de l’urgence
Authors: Gallet Jean-Claude
Published: February 2025

Afin de rendre les sapeurs-pompiers de Paris plus agiles face à l’imprévu, Jean-Claude Gallet a participé à l’élaboration de nouvelles doctrines et pratiques. Il témoigne de l’effet de ces dernières dans la gestion de crises majeures : les attentats de 2015 et l’incendie de Notre-Dame de Paris .
Modernité et archaïsme dans l’emploi des formes verbales hors récit dans la Vie d’Avvakum
Authors: Azam Olivier
Published: February 2025

Faisant suite à une précédente étude consacrée à l’étude des formes verbales en chronopoïèse ou situation de récit dans la Vie d’Avvakum, le présent article propose cette fois une analyse systématique des formes verbales dans l’autobiographie de l’archiprêtre hors contexte chronopoïétique. Chef-d’œuvre de la littérature moyen-russe, la Vie d’Avvakum occupe une place toute particulière dans l’histoire de la transition du vieux russe au russe moderne par la volonté explicite de son auteur d’employer la langue parlée de son époque. Notre étude se concentre aussi bien sur les archaïsmes morphologiques et syntaxiques hérités du vieux russe qu’emploie encore Avvakum que sur les usages des formes verbales déjà conformes à ceux du russe moderne, avec pour objectif de dresser un tableau aussi précis que possible du système verbal moyen russe du milieu du xviie siècle tel qu’il apparaît dans l’œuvre d’Avvakum. Il est démontré que si presque tous les aspects de la syntaxe des formes verbales du russe contemporain sont déjà connus d’Avvakum, la persistance des nombreux traits remontant au vieux russe met à la disposition d’un auteur aussi talentueux que l’archiprêtre un système verbal nettement plus riche et plus diversifié que celui du russe littéraire contemporain.
Comment l’archiprêtre Avvakum apprit à Remizov la « langue russe naturelle »
Authors: Dyachenko-Escalle Liliya
Published: February 2025

Cet article a pour but d’étudier comment l’écrivain russe Aleksej Remizov (1877‑1957) a emprunté à l’archiprêtre Avvakum la formule de « langue russe naturelle » (prirodnyj russkij jazyk) pour la placer au centre de ses recherches esthétiques et de ses réflexions sur la langue et la Russie. Si Avvakum fait l’éloge de la langue russe maternelle et vernaculaire pour l’opposer à la langue savante propre aux écrits de son époque, au milieu du xxe siècle cette expression acquiert bien d’autres connotations. Pour étudier ce que Remizov entend par « langue naturelle », l’A. aborde l’histoire de son intérêt pour la Vie de l’archiprêtre Avvakum lors de son exil à Paris et son insistance sur les liens presque mystiques qu’il a tissés avec cette œuvre depuis son enfance. Sont également analysées les tentatives remizoviennes de théoriser la « langue naturelle », motivées par le rêve de retrouver une sorte d’authenticité de la langue et de l’identité nationales.
Extraits de la correspondance de Pierre Pascal avec ses amis romains
Authors: Chichkine Andrei
Published: February 2025

Cet article présente un choix de lettres tiré de la correspondance de Pierre Pascal avec la famille du poète symboliste Vjačeslav Ivanov (1866-1949) : ses enfants, Dimitrij et Lidija Ivanov et Olʹga Šor, sa compagne en émigration. Les archives romaines de Vjačeslav Ivanov contiennent plus de cent cinquante lettres du slaviste, couvrant les années 1955-1981. Elles concernent les sujets les plus divers : la vie littéraire contemporaine, la religion et la culture, l’athéisme et le marxisme, les répressions en URSS. Elles évoquent également Dostoevskij et Solženicyn, ou le milieu universitaire. Elles abordent des problèmes religieux en général, ainsi que des questions pratiques liées à la publication et à l’interprétation des œuvres de Vjačeslav Ivanov. L’article est complété par un bref descriptif du Fonds Pascal des archives romaines d’Ivanov.
Model for determining the adequacy of drinking water intake in the Nambo coastal area of Indonesia
Authors: Tasnim Tasnim , Saafi La Ode , Karuniawati Kadek Ayu , Fitri Fitri , Tias Nuzul Wahyuning , Handayani Ririn Putri , Indriani Indriani , Saripati Eka Putri , Saripati Wa Ode Fitra
Published: February 2025

The availability of drinking water in the Nambo coastal area is still challenging, leading to inadequate water intake. This research investigates a model for evaluating the adequacy of drinking water consumption in the Nambo coastal area. The study employs a quantitative cross-sectional design involving 100 participants aged 15 years and older. Data analysis was conducted using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that a person's belief has a positive and moderate effect on their water intake (p=0.000; R2=0.352; CI 97.5%: 0.179-1.531). This belief mediates the person's knowledge and attitudes about the importance of staying hydrated (p=0.046; R2=0.226; CI 97.5%: -0.005-0.440). Additionally, knowledge positively and moderately affects individual attitudes (p=0.000; R2=0.369; CI 97.5%: 0.226-0.635). Belief also has a positive and moderate influence on health maintenance (p=0.000; R2=0.428; CI 97.5%: 0.189-0.604). In conclusion, personal beliefs about the benefits of drinking water are critical to increasing water intake. Confidence in these beliefs stems from knowledge and positive attitudes toward the health benefits of water.
Simultaneous determination of antibiotic residues in edible tissue of farmed fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from the Umbria and Marche regions
Authors: Diamanti Irene , Branciari Raffaella , Saluti Giorgio , Carloni Cristiano , Roila Rossana , Fioroni Laura
Published: February 2025

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing sectors in global food production, and its expansion has driven the adoption and consolidation of intensive and semi-intensive production methods, which can increase the risk of infectious diseases. The use of various antibacterial compounds for therapeutic purposes has become increasingly common. Monitoring the presence of antimicrobial substances in aquaculture is of the utmost importance to prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure food safety. A multi-residue method was applied to investigate the incidence and the concentration of antibiotic residues in fish flesh collected from Umbria and Marche aquaculture farms over the 4-year period 2020-2023. Due to its rapidity and reliability, this method allowed for the evaluation of 70 antimicrobial molecules in fish flesh and for the verification of European Union legislation compliance. Overall, 102 samples were analyzed, and only three antibiotic substances were detected, namely, sulfadiazine, oxytetracycline, and trimethoprim, with a variable presence of positive samples and residue concentration through different seasons with higher values in winter. The highest value of positive samples was registered in 2021, with 63.2%, followed by 62.2% in 2022 and 51.7% in 2020; 11.1% was registered in 2023. Non-compliant samples were recorded for sulfadiazine (only one at the concentration of 222 µg/kg) and trimethoprim (the concentration ranged from 10 µg/kg to 226 µg/kg). The results indicated that 53.9% of the samples contained residues of authorized substances, with a 6.9% above the respective maximum residue limits.
Clinico-genetic Analysis of Adenosine Signaling Pathway in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Authors: Dhiman Vikas , Karan Kalpita , Satischandra Parthasarathy , Mahadevan Anita , Arimappamagan Arivazhagan , Bharath Rose D , Raj Dharma , Thennarasu Kandavel , Viswanathan Lakshminarayanpuram G , Mundlamuri Ravindranadh , Kenchaiah Raghavendra , Asranna Ajay , Saini Jitender , Rajeswaran Jamuna R , Kumar Keshav , Rao Malla Bhaskara , Anand Anuranjan , Sinha Sanjib
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives:

The adenosine pathway in drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) due to hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is largely unexplored. The present study aims to provide new insights into the role of adenosine pathway in patients with DRE associated with HS (DRE-HS).

Methods:

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze 10 genes involved in adenosine pathway (ADARB1, ADK, NT5E, ADORA1, C-FOS, C-MYC, CREB1, C-JUN, NF-kB1, and MAPK) in surgically resected sclerosed hippocampi (n = 37) and compare their expressions with control hippocampi (n = 38) obtained from the autopsy. Expression analyses were also carried out in peripheral blood of 20 matched patients and 30 healthy controls.

Results:

C-JUN, NT5E, C-FOS, ADARB1, and ADORA1 were significantly upregulated in the hippocampus, whereas in blood, C-JUN, NT5E, C-FOS, and ADORA1 were significantly downregulated. ADARB1, NF-kB1, MAPK1, C-FOS, and CREB1 showed the reverse direction of expressions in post-surgery blood samples. On clinico-genetic analysis, MAPK1 and ADARB1 correlated with neuronal dispersion in the dentate gyrus (P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively) and C-JUN correlated with neuronal loss in CA1 (P = 0.01) and CA4 (P = 0.04) areas. In blood, MAPK1, NF-kB1, and C-FOS expressions correlated negatively with the age of onset of seizures (P = 0.02, 0.03, and 0.03, respectively). In addition, ADARB1 expression correlated with neuronal loss in CA3 and CA4 areas (P ≤ 0.001 and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion:

Genes with similar expression patterns in the brain and peripheral blood are potential biomarkers in DRE-HS. Significant clinico-genetic correlations warrant further studies for developing novel therapeutic interventions.
Anatomical considerations, testicular, and scrotal anatomy of nonobstructive azoospermia patients
Authors: Lin Hao-Cheng , Chen Yan , Fang Yang-Yi , Hong Kai
Published: February 2025

Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse, impacts 10%–20% of couples globally. Both male and female factors contribute equally to this condition. Azoospermia, particularly nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), which affects 10%–15% of infertile men, represents a significant challenge in male infertility. The advent of assisted reproductive technology (ART), specifically microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), offers a possibility for men with NOA to father biological children. Recent studies have focused on the predictors of sperm retrieval in NOA patients, such as age, testicular volume, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level. This review aims to explore the limited data on the anatomical characteristics of NOA patients and provide surgical considerations for micro-TESE, thereby enhancing understanding and improving outcomes for this challenging condition.
Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome in an Infant with PHACTR1 Mutation Triggered by Whole-Cell-Pertussis Vaccine: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Sharma Sreejana , Khound Murchana , Das Bipul Kumar , Kaushik Jaya Shankar
Published: February 2025

Background:

Early-onset infantile epileptic spasm syndrome is a known feature of phosphatase and actin regulator 1 (PHACTR1) gene mutation. However, its association with whole-cell pertussis vaccination is unknown.

Clinical Description:

A 1-year-old child presented with history of recurrent seizures for the past 8 months, having onset within a few hours after third dose of pentavalent vaccination containing whole-cell pertussis vaccine. There was associated developmental delay. Examination revealed generalized hypotonia with preserved reflexes.

Management and Outcome:

Routine blood investigations were largely normal. Electroencephalography showed classical hypsarrhythmia, while magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was unremarkable. Whole exome sequencing showed c.1499T>C heterozygous mutation in exon 12 of the PHACTR1 gene. The infant was treated with prednisolone, followed by vigabatrin, resulting in seizure-free state.

Conclusion:

Genetic analysis is advisable for infants with epileptic infantile spasms which are triggered by vaccination. PHACTR1 gene mutation could be one of the genetic variations, predisposing infants to vaccine-triggered seizures.
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome with Anorexia Nervosa: A Rare Case of Postprandial Vomiting in an Adolescent
Authors: Reshmi Y. S. , Basker Mona M. , Ebenezer Ananthi
Published: February 2025

Background:

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is an underdiagnosed complication of acute, severe weight loss, usually seen among adolescents. Reduction of mesenteric fat causes SMA to compress the duodenum against the abdominal aorta. It is a known complication of restrictive eating disorder like anorexia nervosa (AN).

Clinical Description:

An 11-years-8-month-old girl presented with vomiting after feeds, and avoidance of food over 1.5 years, with weight loss, fatigue, and excessive sleepiness over the past 5 months. She attained menarche 10 months ago, preceded by an apparent spurt in height, but developed amenorrhea following two cycles. On examination, she was tall, relative to her weight with a low body mass index (BMI) of 12.3 kg/m2, Tanner stage 3. She showed exaggerated orthostatic pulse and blood pressure changes. Her general physical and systemic examinations were otherwise normal.

Management and Outcome:

Routine blood investigations were unremarkable. Abdominal X-ray and barium swallow were normal. Investigations for common chronic infections were negative, and she fulfilled the criteria for AN binge-purge type. Further, ultrasound abdomen showed reduction in the aortomesenteric distance and upstream dilation of the second and third part of the duodenum, suggestive of SMA syndrome, confirmed by computed tomography abdomen. Nutritional rehabilitation was done initially via nasogastric tube, later through nasojejunostomy, with high-calorie diet, gradually being shifted to oral. With multidisciplinary team management, the child recovered, with weight gain of 2.67 kg over 3 weeks.

Conclusion:

Pediatricians need to keep in mind SMA syndrome as a rare cause of intractable vomiting and food aversion, especially during growth spurt with drastic fall in BMI due to eating disorders. Nutritional rehabilitation and counseling are enough to reverse all symptoms.
Screening of the most common MEFV variants in 416 patients of familial mediterranean fever living in Northwest of Iran
Authors: Gharibi Armin , Babaei Esmaeil , Vahabi Ali
Published: February 2025

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an inherited disorder with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. FMF is the most prevalent among ethnic populations originating from the Mediterranean region and results from pathogenic mutations in the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene. For the materials and methods employed in this study, a total of 416 patients from the northwestern region of Iran were screened for the presence of 18 commonly occurring variants in the MEFV gene. The screening process involved the use of multiplex amplification-ligation polymerase chain reaction coupled with fluorescently labeled DNA probes. This technique enabled the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms, which are variations in a single nucleotide base within the MEFV gene sequence. The initial manifestation of symptoms occurred between the ages of 1 and 20 years in 63.46% of the cases studied. The four most commonly observed clinical manifestations among the patients were abdominal pain, fever, joint pain, and vomiting. Molecular analysis of 18 prevalent MEFV variants in 416 FMF patients revealed the underlying genetic causes in 242 individuals. Out of these 242 cases, 129 patients (53.3%) were heterozygous carriers of a single pathogenic variant, 19 patients (7.8%) were homozygous for a single variant, 48 patients (19.83%) were compound heterozygotes harboring two different pathogenic variants, and 46 patients (19%) exhibited multiple variants, which were classified as complex cases. The R202Q variation emerged as the most prevalent among the four genotypic groups and exhibited the highest allele frequency (39.94%), followed by E148Q (20.62%), M694V (15.14%), and V726A (15.14%). Genetic profiling of MEFV variations revealed a predominance of R202Q, with E148Q, M694V, and V726A occurring in descending order of frequency. The allele frequency of the R202Q variant exhibited a statistically significant difference when compared to other ethnic groups, with the exception of the Turkish population. Interestingly, while the M694V variant is reported as the most prevalent in several other populations and ethnic groups, in our study cohort, it emerged as the third most common variant. This finding suggests that the frequencies of specific alleles can vary substantially across different countries, populations, and ethnic groups.
The immunomodulatory activity of parijoto fruit (Medinilla speciosa) fraction against phagocytosis macrophages and lymphocyte proliferation
Authors: Winanta Aji , Bagir Haidar , Febriansah Rifki , Nugraha Arde Toga
Published: February 2025

The immune system’s principal functions are to preserve health and defend against dangerous invaders (antigens). Parijoto fruit (Medinilla speciosa) is a plant that can potentially have immunomodulatory activity because it contains flavonoid and terpenoid compounds. The aim of this research is to ascertain the total flavonoid and phytochemical content of the parijoto fruit fraction, as well as its potential in vitro immunomodulatory activity. The extraction of powdered parijoto fruit was conducted using 70% ethanol, followed by the separation into n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water fraction. The phytochemical content was analyzed with gas chromatography (GC)–mass spectrometry. The total flavonoid contents were determined by colorimetric analysis. In addition, the immunomodulatory activity assay was conducted in vitro to evaluate the phagocytic activity (phagocytic capacity [PC] and phagocytic index) of macrophages and the proliferation of lymphocytes (stimulation index [SI]). The GC results showed that parijoto fruit extract contains 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid-, and phthalic acid. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the greatest total flavonoid concentration at 7.4094 ± 0.49 mg QE/g sample. In vitro, immunomodulatory tests showed that all fractions could significantly increase macrophage phagocytic activity compared to control cells. The highest value of PC and phagocytic index was found in the n-hexane phase with a concentration of 750 g/mL of 82.75 ± 0.87 and a concentration of 500 g/mL of 6.62 ± 0.19, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most significant SI for lymphocyte proliferation, recorded at a concentration of 750 g/mL with a value of 8.70 ± 1.01. The ethyl acetate fraction’s SI >3 value in the lymphocyte proliferation test suggests that it exhibits lymphocyte proliferation activity. The parijoto fruit may enhance the phagocytic role of macrophages and promote lymphocyte proliferation, indicating its potential as an immunomodulatory therapy.
A Modified Clip-and-drop Technique Using LigaSure Device in the Management of Multifocal Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Bawazir Osama A. , Baajlan Ohoud Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Despite the acknowledgment in the previous decades and all the extensive studies of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the controversy regarding this problem is still on-going and unsolved. It is a common gastrointestinal life-threatening emergency that occurs primarily in 90% of the preterm infants. Surgery is usually indicated in approximately 27%–52% of infants with NEC.

Case 1:

Full-term, birth weight of 3.2 kg. At 14 days old, he developed pneumoperitonea, at exploratory laparotomy, all the necrotic segments were sealed and divided using 5 mm LigaSure device. All the edges of the resected bowel were sealed and return in the abdominal cavity. At the second look surgery, assurance of bowel viability was established. The sealed bowel segments were completely closed.

Case 2:

A 33-week-old gestational age, of 2000 g. was operated upon at the age of 14 days for developing pneumoperitoneum. At exploration, there was evidence of extensive NEC involving the entire small intestine reaching to the cecum with multiple necrotic and perforated areas was found. All the segments of necrosis were resected using 5-mm LigaSure device. The small areas of perforation were patched. At second-look surgery, all the sealed bowel segments and the areas of patch perforation were viable, with good sealing without any complications. Anastomosis of the multiple resected segments was done with “Shish-Kebab” technique.

Discussion:

Multifocal NEC is a challenging spectrum of the disease for pediatric surgeon, as there are various surgical options in their management. LigaSure is an electrothermal sealing system that combines dissecting and reconstructing abilities in a single instrument, without the need to reload with each use. Thus, it reduces the cost as well as shorten the operative time as mentioned in the previous studies. In addition, it has the advantage over clips as they do not leave any metallics in the body, furthermore, the risk to damage the surrounding structures is less due to minimal thermal spread so limited injury, and it considers easy to use.

Conclusion:

LigaSure device is an effective and safe method in sealing small bowel in sick neonates with multifocal NEC if applied with single application and with minimal manipulation of the bowel and most importantly minimizing the operative time.
Comparison of Noncontact Forehead Infrared Thermometer with Digital Axillary Thermometer in Newborns in Low- and Middle-income Countries
Authors: Das Sreetama , Pal Somnath , Ghosh Moumita
Published: February 2025

Background:

Noncontact forehead infrared thermometry can be a rapid and developmentally supportive measurement of temperature in newborns. This study compared forehead infrared temperature with digital axillary temperature in newborns in the setting of a developing country.

Materials and Methods:

An agreement study was conducted from March 2024 to May 2024 in a tertiary neonatal unit of India. A maximum acceptable limit of ±0.5° between 2 methods was chosen. Agreement between both readings was assessed by Bland–Altman analysis. A multiple linear regression model was built to predict factors affecting the difference between both methods and validated using bootstrap samples with replacement. Revised Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) was used for documenting pain attributed by each method and the difference was assessed using paired t-test.

Results:

Three hundred temperature records were collected from 181 infants. Mean difference between 2 methods was −0.004°C signifying the absence of systematic bias. Upper and lower limit of agreements was 0.61°C and −0.62°C. There was a proportional bias with forehead temperature underestimating axillary temperature above 37.5°C, which increased further while using warmer. Infrared thermometer showed good accuracy in detecting hyperthermia (area under curve 0.964, P < 0.001). Revised PIPP score was higher in digital axillary thermometry (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Forehead infrared temperatures were found to be distributed within ±0.6°C of the axillary temperatures. It can be used as a screening tool for hyperthermia in newborns in developing countries.
The Correlation between the Axilla and Different Parts of the Body Skin Temperature in Premature Infants Hospitalized
Authors: Shoghi Mahnaz , Rahimi Ashraf , Kheradmand Motahareh
Published: February 2025

Background:

Continuous temperature monitoring using a skin sensor is the standard method for temperature measurement in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This study aimed to determine the correlation between left axillary temperature and five body sites, including the liver, left flank, area between the xiphoid and umbilicus, right flank, and back, in premature infants hospitalized in the NICU.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 185 premature infants placed under radiant warmer in the NICU. The skin temperature at five body sites, including the liver, left flank, between the xiphoid and umbilicus region, right flank, and back, was compared with the results of a digital thermometer measuring the left axillary temperature as a reference temperature. The sensors were placed at 15-min intervals, and the temperature of the left axilla was measured separately and recorded simultaneously with the sensor. The data were then compared using analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation test, and the Bland–Altman method.

Results:

The infants’ mean gestational age and weight were 36.09 and 2808.43 ± 240.654, respectively. The correlations between the temperature of the skin sensor on the left flank, right flank, back skin, liver area, and the area between the xiphoid and umbilicus skin sensors and the digital temperature on the left axilla were 0.804, 0.646, 0.723, 0.746, and 0.766, respectively. The extent of agreement between the temperature of the skin sensor on the left flank, right flank, back skin, liver area, and the area between the xiphoid and umbilicus skin sensors and the digital temperature on the left axilla was 1.528, 1.054, 0.948, 0.9003, and 0.9016, respectively.

Conclusion:

There was a significant correlation between the temperature of the skin sensors at the five sites and the digital thermometer in the left axilla as the reference temperature, which was measured simultaneously and separately at each skin sensor site.
MFO-RIMS Tandem Workshop: Algebraic Geometry and Noncommutative Projective Varieties
Authors: Belmans Pieter , Mori Izuru , Okawa Shinnosuke , Sierra Susan
Published: February 2025

The workshop focused on noncommutative projective varieties, and the role they play in algebraic geometry. The talks ranged from discussing noncommutative ring theory and the role derived categories play in the subject to novel constructions, classifications, and moduli theory for noncommutative varieties. The interactions between the Japanese and European sides of the workshop were particularly enriching.
Mathematical scattering theory in electromagnetic waveguides
Authors: Plamenevskii Boris Alekseevich , Poretskii Aleksandr S , Sarafanov Oleg Vasil'evich
Published: February 2025

A waveguide occupying a 3D domain $G$ with several cylindrical outlets to infinity is described by
the non-stationary Maxwell system with conductive boundary conditions. Dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability are assumed to be positive definite matrices $\varepsilon(x)$ and $\mu(x)$ depending on a point $x$ in $G$. At infinity, in each cylindrical outlet, the
matrix-valued functions converge with exponential rate to matrix-valued functions that do not depend on the axial coordinate of the cylinder.
For the corresponding stationary problem with spectral parameter, we define continuous spectrum eigenfunctions and the scattering matrix. The non-stationary Maxwell system is extended up to an equation of the form $i \partial_t \mathcal{U}(x,t)=\mathcal{A}(x,D_x)\mathcal{U}(x,t)$ with elliptic operator $\mathcal{A}(x,D_x)$. We associate with the equation a boundary value problem and, for an appropriate couple of such problems, construct the scattering theory. We calculate the wave operators, define the scattering operator,
and describe its relation to the scattering matrix. From the obtained results we extract information about the original Maxwell system.
On the period of the continued fraction expansion for $\sqrt{d}$
Authors: Korolev Maxim Aleksandrovich
Published: February 2025

If $d$ is not a perfect square, we define $T(d)$ as the length of the
minimal period of the simple continued fraction expansion for $\sqrt{d}$.
Otherwise, we put $T(d)=0$. In the recent paper (2024), F. Battistoni,
L. Grenié and G. Molteni established (in particular) an upper bound
for the second moment of $T(d)$ over the segment $x<d\leqslant 2x$.
As a corollary, they derived a new upper estimate for the number of $d$
such that $T(d)>\alpha\sqrt{x}$. In this paper, we slightly improve this
result of three authors.
On the unification problem for $\mathrm{GLP}$
Authors: Beklemishev Lev Dmitrievich
Published: February 2025

We show that the polymodal provability logic $\mathrm{GLP}$, in a language with at least two modalities and one variable, has nullary unification type. More specifically, we show that the formula $[1]p$ does not have maximal unifiers, and exhibit an infinite complete set of unifiers for it. Further, we discuss the algorithmic problem of whether a given formula is unifiable in $\mathrm{GLP}$ and remark that this problem has a positive solution. Finally, we state the arithmetical analogues of the unification and admissibility problems for $\mathrm{GLP}$ and formulate a number of open questions.
Study on the Impact of Arrangement of Urea Injector and Mixer in
Diesel Engine Selective Catalytic Reduction System on Ammonia
Uniformity
Authors: Jie Wang , Jin Jianjiao , Wu Yifan
Published: February 2025

With the continuous upgrading of emission regulations for internal combustion
engines, the nitrogen oxide treatment capacity of selective catalytic reduction
(SCR) aftertreatment needs to be continuously improved. In this study, based on
a prototype of SCR aftertreatment, the impact of the arrangement of key
components in the SCR system (urea injector, mixer, and catalyst unit) on
ammonia uniformity was investigated. First, parameterized designs of the urea
injector, mixer, and SCR unit were conducted. Then, using computational fluid
dynamics (CFD), numerical simulations of the established aftertreatment system
models with different parameter factors were performed under a high-exhaust
temperature and a low-exhaust temperature conditions to study the impact of each
individual parameter on ammonia uniformity. Finally, an optimized solution was
designed based on the observed patterns, and the optimized samples were tested
on an engine performance and emission test bench to compare their ammonia
uniformity. The test results showed that the ammonia uniformity of the optimized
solution was improved by 2%–3% compared to the original design, reaching 0.952
and 0.967, respectively.
Active Unmatched Disturbance Rejection Quasi-Sliding Observer for
Electronic Throttle Valve System Based on Backstepping Control
Authors: Hameed Akram Hashim , Al-Samarraie Shibly Ahmed , Humaidi Amjad Jaleel
Published: February 2025

This study addresses the control problem of the electronic throttle valve (ETV)
system in the presence of unmatched perturbations. Most previous works have
ignored the effect of actuating motor inductance, which results in an
approximated model with a matched perturbation structure. However, if this
assumption is not permitted, the ETV model turns into an exact model with
unmatched perturbation and the control task becomes more challenging. In this
article, a backstepping control design based on a quasi-sliding mode disturbance
observer (BS-QSMDO) has been proposed to effectively reject the unmatched
perturbation in the ETV system. A rigorous stability analysis has been conducted
to prove the ultimate boundedness for disturbance estimation error and tracking
error. The key to this proposed observer-based control design is to obtain a
robust and chattering-free controller based on a quasi-sliding mode methodology.
The proposed quasi-sliding mode observer works to estimate the unmatched
perturbation to be then actively rejected by the backstepping controller.
Moreover, the observer adds a boundary layer around the sliding manifold to
confine the estimation errors within a non-zero layer at the sliding phase,
which leads to a considerable reduction of the chattering effect. A comparison
study of the proposed BS-QSMDO is made with another backstepping controller
based on a nonlinear disturbance observer (BS-NLDO). The numerical results
showed the superiority of BS-QSMDO over BS-NLDO in terms of the ultimate bound
of estimation and tracking errors. The numerical results showed that the
BS-QSMDO could improve the tracking position error, control effort, and
estimation errors of unmatched uncertainty by percentages of 26.67%, 1.46% and
92.5%, respectively, as compared to BS-NLDO.
Ready or Not, Here We Come: A Qualitative Study of the Transition From Graduate Medical Education to Independent Practice
Authors: Diemer Gretchen , Kuchera Timothy , Zavodnick Jillian , Frasso Rosemary , Jaffe Rebecca
Published: February 2025

Background The transition from graduate medical education (GME) into independent practice is challenging for new attendings despite achieving “readiness for practice,” by Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Milestones. Most medical literature on this transition is specialty-specific and rarely involves assessment of new-to-practice attendings (NTPAs).

Objective Lack of attending readiness results in compromised patient care. To inform GME leaders and managers, we sought to identify areas of struggle for NTPAs across specialties. With this information, we hope to spur national GME curriculum evolution, better support our NTPAs, and ultimately provide better patient care.

Methods Qualitative freelisting was used in 2021 to explore how NTPAs, educational program leaders, and managers perceive the transition struggles. Response lists were collected electronically, then cleaned and categorized by the research team using iterative inductive combination of similar concepts. Salience index scores (Smith’s S) were calculated and plotted graphically to identify inflection points for each group, above which domains were deemed salient.

Results One hundred eighty-six participants completed surveys, yielding 518 individual responses and a response rate of 34%. Of the ACGME competencies, systems-based practice domains were most frequently salient, including “workload” and “billing.” “Confidence,” “supervision,” “work-life balance,” “decision-making,” and “time management” were salient struggles in all groups. Each group had domains only achieving salience for them. Professional development domains including “confidence,” “imposter syndrome,” and “culture” achieved salience in different groups.

Conclusions This study identifies domains of struggle for NTPAs, which fall outside ACGME competency frameworks including workload, new environments, and professional development. Domains identified by NTPAs, program leaders, and managers were not identical.
A Visual Arts Activity to Support Residents as They Care for “Difficult Patients”
Authors: Quinn Mariah A. , Fletcher Kathlyn E. , Floden Sarah L. , Zelenski Amy B.
Published: February 2025

Background Certain patients significantly challenge the care team, increasing the risk of burnout as clinicians struggle to perform their best work while meeting the needs of their patients. Imagining another’s perspective, a clinical empathy skill, can increase compassion and lower distress when interacting with these patients.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of an art-based perspective-taking activity on clinicians’ feelings of discomfort when anticipating encounters with challenging patients.

Methods This museum-based session was conducted from 2017 to 2022 (virtual sessions in 2020) by faculty trained in using arts-based methods to teach. Residents (n=142) in a university-based internal medicine residency program along with health professionals, trainees, and faculty (n=12) attending an international conference were invited to participate. Participants recalled a challenging patient, chose a piece of art that might be meaningful to this person, and discussed their choice and insights gained. Participants completed pre-post ratings of anticipated discomfort. Inaugural participants submitted written reflections on these ratings. Data were analyzed using paired t tests and content analysis.

Results Five 90-minute sessions were conducted with 65 internal medicine residents and 12 faculty; 75 of 77 total participants completed pre-post discomfort ratings (response rate 97.4%). Anticipated discomfort decreased after sessions (mean pre=5.38; post=4.13; P<.01). Open-ended responses aligned with a transition from self to other focus in perspective-taking. Costs were minimized by using art from a campus museum, paper and pencil surveys, and faculty academic time.

Conclusions This innovative visual arts–based activity to increase empathy for challenging patients is simple, feasible, self-contained, and cost-effective.
Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Photoprotective Analysis of Mangrove Extracts as Additives Ingredients in a Cosmetic Cream
Authors: Putri Dear Berliana , Pringgenies Delianis , Trianto Agus
Published: February 2025

Mangroves are a rich source of natural antioxidant compounds that can inhibit and reduce tissue damage caused by free radical activity. Currently, cosmetic creams are widely recommended for maintaining skin health and aesthetics, especially in protecting against the harmful effects of free radicals. This study applied mangrove extract as an additive ingredient in a cosmetic cream, serving as an antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and photoprotective agent. Mangrove samples were collected from the mangrove ecosystem in Tapak Village, Semarang, Indonesia. Three mangrove species were evaluated for their bioactivity, and the species with the highest bioactivity was selected for use in the cream formulation. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested using the disc diffusion method, antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH method, and photoprotective activity was determined using UV spectrophotometry, with analysis based on the Mansur mathematical equation. The cream was evaluated for its characteristics, including spreadability, homogeneity, sensory properties, pH, sun protection factor (SPF), phytochemical content, stability, and microbial contamination. An in vivo was conducted to assess the cream’s effectiveness on white mice. Results indicated that Avicennia marina leaf extract exhibited the highest bioactivity compared to the other two species, Rhizophora mucronata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza. Consequently, A. marina leaf extract was selected as the active additive ingredient in the cream formulation. Characterization tests demonstrated that the cream was stable and met standard criteria for quality. The in vivo analysis revealed that the mangrove leaf extract cream significantly prevented epidermal thinning, reduced neutrophil counts, and preserved fibroblast numbers.
Renewal of structural anthropology through a new concept of knowledge origin ‘The dynamic mixed origin’ or ‘The deepest remembering process’
Authors: Chaabani Hassen
Published: February 2025

The first incentive leading to this study is to search for the origin and the nature of what Levis-Strauss meant by fundamental structures and/or hidden rules that contribute to the construction of languages and cultures within the principal idea of structural anthropology. This leads to rethink the process of knowledge origin that is still a matter of controversial debates. I propose the DNA as a physical source of these hidden innate structures. Supported by evidence and substantial arguments derived from the latest scientific findings, this suggestion is developed and formulated into a new concept of the process of knowledge formation that I call ‘The dynamic mixed origin of knowledge’ or ‘The deepest remembering process’. According to it, the formation of knowledge occurs thanks to our mental abilities through a complex dynamic network of reciprocal interconnections involving (1) extrinsic inputs, (2) what is stored in our conscious and/or in our unconscious and (3) genetic factors. Furthermore, I show how this mechanism of knowledge formation represents a particular remembering process deeper than the known remembering ones. Based on this concept, I clarify some issues such as what we call usually intuition, and I regenerate the principal idea of structural anthropology in a modern vision that is not subject to the criticisms directed at the classical vision. According to this modern vision, among other things, it is considered that cultures are based on the same structural foundations emanated from our genome, but each culture wears a different dress reflecting the impact of accumulating extrinsic inputs and historic events that it was exposed to during its formative stages.