bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence Technological Innovation, Social Media & Marketing Increasing Productivity And Growth Jakarta's UMKM
Authors: Nur Sadjadah Aisyah , Andini Adristy Yumi , Usman Osly
Published: May 2024

The growth and sustainability of DKI Jakarta's micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) in the current digital era is greatly influenced by their ability to utilize technological innovation, social media, and effective, interactive, and creative marketing strategies. This research aims to study the effect of using technological innovation, social media and creative, interactive and effective marketing media on the productivity and growth rate of UMKM in DKI Jakarta. This case study was conducted on Jakarta residents, and data was collected through a questionnaire survey. The results of the analysis show that DKI Jakarta UMKM that are successful in utilizing the latest technology and integrating it into their daily operations experience a significant increase in productivity and business growth. The use of apps, interactive marketing on social media and product and service innovation are key factors that support the success of this study. This research makes an important contribution in understanding the role of technology, marketing media and social media in supporting DKI Jakarta UMKM. The implication of the findings of this research is the importance of training and mentoring in assisting DKI Jakarta UMKM in developing their digital skills. In addition, cooperation with e-commerce platforms and the use of interactive marketing strategies also need to be improved.
Research on the Attenuation Characteristics of Frequency Domain Parameters in Different Rock Medium
Authors: Liu Xiling , Liu Huini , Xiong Feng , Xie Qin , Zhong Yuchen , Hao Qi
Published: May 2024

This study examines the frequency attenuation characteristics of elastic waves in marble, granite, and red sandstone through laboratory tests and numerical simulations based on ABAQUS software on eight rock samples. The correlation between the distance of the decay of the peak frequency and the petrophysical and mechanical parameters is also analyzed. The results show that elastic waves undergo stepwise attenuation of their peak frequency during laboratory attenuation tests. This finding was confirmed by numerical simulations. As elastic waves propagate through a rock medium, the amplitude of the high-frequency peak area near the excitation frequency decreases rapidly, while the proportion of low-frequency signals increases. As the propagation continues, the signal spectrum is dominated by low-frequency components, resulting in a stepwise attenuation of the peak frequency. It has been observed that the step decay distance of the peak frequency of elastic waves varies with the degree of particle bonding, which can be used to characterize the attenuation properties of elastic waves in a medium.
Effect of ultrasound-guided injection of botulinum toxin type A into shoulder joint cavity on shoulder pain in poststroke patients: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zheng Peng , Zheng Manxu , Fan Tao
Published: May 2024

Background
Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a common complication after stroke. It severely affects the recovery of upper limb motor function. Early shoulder pain in hemiplegic patients are mainly neuropathic caused by central nerve injury or neuroplasticity. Commonly used corticosteroid injections in the shoulder joint can reduce shoulder pain, however, the side effects also include soft tissue degeneration or increased tendon fragility, and the long-term effects remain controversial. Botulinum toxin injections are relatively new and are thought to block the transmission of pain receptors in the shoulder joint cavity, inhibit the production of neuropathogenic substances to reduce neurogenic inflammation. However, there is no conclusive evidence as to whether or not the amelioration of pain by botulinum toxin affects brain function. In previous studies of botulinum toxin versus glucocorticoids in the treatment of shoulder pain, there is a lack of observation of differences in changes in brain function. As the content of previous assessments of pain improvement was predominantly subjective, objective quantitative assessment indicators were lacking. Functional near-infrared imaging (fNIRS) can remedy this problem.
Methods
This study protocol was designed for a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial of patients with post-stroke HSP without biceps longus tenosynovitis or acromion bursitis. 78 patients will be randomly assigned to either the botulinum toxin type A or glucocorticoid group. At baseline, patients in each group will receive shoulder cavity injections of either botulinum toxin or glucocorticoids and will be followed for 1 and 4 weeks. The primary outcome is change in shoulder pain on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes is the assessment of changes in oxyhemoglobin levels in the corresponding brain regions by fNIRS imaging, shoulder flexion, external rotation range of motion, upper extremity Fugl-Meyer, and modified Ashworth score.
Discussion
Ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin type A shoulder joint cavity injections may provide evidence of pain improvement in patients with HSP. The results of this trial are also help to analyse the correlation between changes in shoulder pain and changes in cerebral haemodynamics and shoulder joint motor function.
Trial registration
www.chictr.org.cn, identififier: ChiCTR2300070132
Trial registration: Chinese clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300070132. Registered 03 April 2023, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=193722
Deformation and failure law and control technology of roadway surrounding rock in island working face based on distribution characteristics of deviatoric stress invariant
Authors: Jing Wu , Wang Xiao-He , Wang Yi-Qing , You Zhi-Qiang , Wei Xiao-Xiang , Song Chong-yu
Published: May 2024

In view of the severe problem of mine pressure behavior under the influence of mining stress superposition on both sides of the working face, this paper takes the isolated working face of Shanxi Yangquan H-N Coal Mine as the research object, and uses FLAC3D numerical simulation software to study the evolution of the plastic zone of the mining roadway in the isolated working face, the distribution of the second invariant field of the partial stress and the distribution of the third invariant field of the partial stress. The results show that there is a large-scale non-uniform failure in the roadway within 15 m of the advanced working face, and the plastic zone of the negative side and the floor appears through the phenomenon. The plastic zone at the roof extends to the positive side, and the shape is ' eagle beak '. The distribution pattern of J2 is basically consistent with the distribution pattern of plastic zone; According to the distribution pattern of J3, within 15 m from the working face, large compressive strain appears in the deep part of both sides of the roadway, and a certain range of tensile strain appears in the shallow part of the roadway. The J2 distribution of roof and floor of mining roadway is ' inverted trapezoid ' distribution, and both sides of roof and floor are more prone to large damage. The J3 distribution of floor of mining roadway is ' trapezoid ' distribution, both sides of floor are in compressive strain state, the middle part of roadway is in tensile strain state, and the J2 distribution of roadway side is ' inverted V ' distribution. With the closer to the working face, the vertex of ' inverted V ' is farther from the roadway, and the vertex value of ' inverted V ' is larger, that is, the greater the damage; the distribution of J3 in the side of the mining roadway is ' V-shaped '. On the positive side, only the coal in the middle of the coal pillar is in compressive strain, and the rest is tensile strain. On the negative side, only the shallow part of the roadway is in tensile strain, and the rest is compressive strain. According to the shape of plastic zone, J2 and J3 distribution, the roof roadway is reinforced and the angle of anchoring hole is adjusted. According to the observation results of surface displacement on site, the optimization of support parameters has a good effect on controlling the deformation of surrounding rock of mining roadway in island working face.
The Use of Carbon Fiber Restricted Access Material for Cadmium Determination in Milk Whey
Authors: Costa Nathália C. , Lima Giovana F. , Magalhães Cristiana S. , Arruda Eduardo J. , Marcuzzo Jossano S. , Almeida Gizele A. , Luccas Pedro Orival
Published: May 2024

Considered one of the most consumed foods in the world, milk has many nutritional properties healthily to human. The toxic elements in milk can come from environmental sources such as the area where livestock are confined, as well as food and water. In addition, milk can be contaminated during and after ordering, in the industrialization process or, during transport and packaging. Whey is often discarded in the manufacture of milk, however some applications of this by-product can be useful, and among the advantages is the reduction of waste generation, thus becoming an environmentally correct action. In this work, an FIA-FAAS system was proposed using activated carbon fibers (ACF) modified with albumin forming Restricted Access Material (ACF-RAM) and using this material as an adsorbent in SPE, for determination of cadmium in whey. The abbreviation adopted for this method was FIA-SPE-ACF-RAM-FAAS. The RAM possibility the directed introduction of the whey samples to the system without any prior treatment because only ions could be adsorbed into ACS, the bigger molecules, e.g. proteins, were discarded to waste during the process. The FIA system was optimized by chemometric tools such as Factorial Design and Doehlert Matrix. The Limit of Detection was 0.24 µg L-1 and the Limit of Quantification was 0.81 µg L-1. The method was applied to a whey sample, the precision checked through Relative Standard Deviation was always less than 5.0 %. The accuracy was verified through the spiked sample and recovery were between 95% and 105%.
Assessment of extreme climate stress across China’s maize harvest region in CMIP6 simulations
Authors: Xiao Dengpan , Shi Zexu , Chen Xinmin , Lu Yang , Bai Huizi , Zhang Man , Ren Dandan , Qi Yongqing
Published: May 2024

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of climate extremes, which will negatively impact crop production. As one of the main food and feed crops, maize is also vulnerable to extreme climate events. In order to accurately and comprehensively assess the future climate risk to maize, it is urgent to project and evaluate the stress of extreme climate related maize production under future climate scenarios. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the spatio-temporal changes in the frequency and intensity of six extreme climate indices (ECIs) across China’s maize harvest region by using a multi-model ensemble method, and examined the capability of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) to capture these variations. We found that the Independence Weight Mean (IWM) ensemble results calculated by multiple Global Change Models (GCMs) with bias correction could better reproduce each ECI. The results indicated that heat stress for maize showed consistent increase trends under four future climate scenarios in the 21st century. The intensity and frequency of the three extreme temperature indices in 2080s were significantly higher than these in 2040s, and in the high emission scenario were significantly higher than these in the low emission scenario. The three extreme precipitation indices changed slightly in the future, but the spatial changes were relatively prominent. Overall, the temporal characteristics and trends of extreme temperature events were consistent, while the spatial heterogeneity of extreme precipitation events was more significant.
Study on the effect of slit length of borehole on blasting effect
Authors: Jin Junxiao , Han Gang , Su Hong , Wei Xiaohu , Yue Wenhao , Li Zhaojun
Published: May 2024

The dynamic caustics system combined with numerical simulation is used to study the effect of the slit in the borehole on the blasting effect. The result show that: slit blasting of the borehole has a significant directional fracture effect when compared with ordinary blasting, the length of cracks in the slit direction is significantly larger than that of ordinary blasting, and the length and number of cracks in the non-slit direction are significantly smaller than that of ordinary blasting. The slit in the borehole wall causes the blast energy to be released mainly in the slit direction and suppressed in the non-slit direction. Crack inhibition zone exists at the root of slit in the borehole wall. Once blasting produced the direction cracks in the slit direction, the surroundings of the blast hole wall will not produce cracks. Slit blasting can inhibit cracks near the slits, so as to achieve the purpose of controlling the direction of rock fracture. As the slit length increased, the major crack propagation length of the slits decreased before increasing. When the slit length increased to 5mm (diameter to length ratio of 1.2), the crack propagation length was the largest, then the slit length continued to increase, the crack extension length did not change much. With the increase of the slit length, the peak value of the slit main crack propagation stress intensity factor and the peak value of the velocity show the trend of decreasing and then increasing, and the two peak values are the lowest when the slit length is 3 mm. The horizontal incident tensile wave reflected by rock mass defects and blasthole unloading waves increase the stress intensity factor and crack propagation rate, promoting crack propagation. Considering the blasting effect, the cost and time of drilling slits, it is more appropriate to choose a slit length of 0.5mm (diameter to length ratio λ is 12). The research results provide a certain significance of guidance for the slit blasting of the borehole wall in practical engineering.
Validation of a multiplexed immunoassay for use in vaccine clinical trials and immunology studies of pre-erythrocytic malaria
Authors: Stockdale Lisa , Provstgaard-Morys Samuel , Bellamy Duncan , Woods Danielle , Rapi Katerina , Bajer Amelia , Hollingdale Ben , Munoz Olivia , Hill Adrian , Ewer Katie
Published: May 2024

Background: The primary immunological readout for clinical vaccine trials of the Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccine, R21/MatrixM, is total IgG antibody specific to the central four amino acid (NANP) repeat region of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP). A multiplexed Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) assay, which includes the NANP repeat region of CSP, was developed and validated.
Methods: Here we describe the validation of a multiplexed MSD assay to measure serum or plasma antibody binding to four antigens: six repeats of the NANP repeat region of P. falciparum (Pf) CSP, the C-terminus (C-term) region of CSP, full length R21 vaccine construct, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Initial assay optimisation, which included validation of the HBsAg international standard, was performed by MSD. Further validation performed in Oxford covered intra and inter-assay, and inter-operator variability, accuracy of QC and standard curve samples, and included bridging between the singleplex ELISA used in previous R21/MM studies, and this multiplexed assay.
Results: The multiplexed MSD assay was shown to be a robust and specific assay with a broad dynamic range. We report a strong linear relationship between NANP6 IgG as measured by the singleplex ELISA and the multiplexed assay.
Conclusions: This multiplexed MSD assay can be used to measure antibodies specific to the CSP NANP repeat region, CSP C-term region, full length R21 vaccine construct, and HBsAg. This assay can be used to determine humoral immune responses elicited by CSP-containing Pf malaria vaccines.
Establishment and identification of the gill cell line from the blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) and its application in studying gill remodeling under hypoxia
Authors: Xu Wenya , Feng Yahui , Chen Songlin , Wang Huihu , Wen Jian , Zheng Guodong , Wang Ganxiang , zou Shuming
Published: May 2024

To probe the mechanisms of gill remodeling in blunt snout bream under hypoxic conditions, we selected gill tissue for primary cell culture to establish and characterize the first blunt snout bream gill cell line, named MAG. The gill cells were efficiently passaged in M199 medium supplemented with 8% antibiotics and 15% fetal bovine serum at 28 °C, exhibiting primarily an epithelial-fibroblast mixed type. Additionally, the MAG cells (17th generation) were subjected to four experimental conditions—normoxia, hypoxia 12 h, hypoxia 24 h, and reoxygenation 24 h (R24h)—to evaluate the effects of hypoxia and reoxygenation on MAG cells during gill remodeling. We found that the MAG cell morphology underwent shrinkage and mitochondrial potential gradually lost, even leading to gradual apoptosis with increasing hypoxia duration and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity. Upon reoxygenation, MAG cells gradually regain cellular homeostasis, accompanied by a decrease in ROS activity. Analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), catalase (CAT), anti-superoxide anion, and other enzyme activities revealed enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity in MAG cells during hypoxia, aiding in adapting to hypoxic stress and preserving cell morphology. After reoxygenation, the cells gradually returned to normoxic levels. Our findings underscore the MAG cells can be used to study hypoxic cell apoptosis during gill remodeling. Therefore, the MAG cell line will serve as a vital in vitro model for exploring gill remodeling in blunt snout bream under hypoxia.
Comparative genomics of Vibrio toranzoniae strains
Authors: Barcia-Cruz Rubén , Balboa Sabela , Lema Alberto , Romalde Jesús L.
Published: May 2024

Vibrio toranzoniae is a marine bacterium belonging to the Splendidus clade, originally isolated from healthy clams in Galicia (NW Spain). Its isolation from different hosts and seawater indicated two lifestyles and wide geographical distribution. The aim of the present study was to determine the differences at genome level among strains, as well as to determine their phylogeny. For this purpose, whole genomes were sequenced by different technologies and the resulting sequences corrected. Genomes were annotated and compared with different online tools. Furthermore, the study of core and pan genome was examined, and the phylogeny was inferred. The content of the core genome ranged from 2,953 to 2,766 genes and that of the pangenome from 6,278 to 6,132, depending on the tool used. The comparison revealed that although the strains shared certain homology, with DDH values ranging from 77.10 to 82.30 and values of OrthoANI higher than 97%,notable differences were found related to motility, capsule synthesis, iron acquisition system or mobile genetic elements. The phylogenetic analysis of the core genome did not reveal a differentiation of the strains according to their lifestyle, but that of the pangenome pointed out certain geographical isolation in the same growing area. The study led to a reclassification of some isolates formerly described as V. toranzoniae and manifested the importance of cured deposited sequences to proper phylogenetic assignment.
Mandibular Second Molar Impaction: Introducing a Novel and Validated 3D Classification System
Authors: Barone Selene , Cevidanes Lucia , Bocchino Tecla , Michelotti Ambra , Borrelli Massimo , Giudice Amerigo
Published: May 2024

Objectives
The primary aim was to investigate the impact of the three-dimensional (3D) characterization on clinical and therapeutic decisions for mandibular second molar (M2M) impaction. The secondary aim was to introduce a validated 3D classification system incorporating both surgical and orthodontic parameters.
Materials and methods
Bidimensional (2D) and 3D radiological records of 15 impacted M2M were collected and deidentified. Ten experienced clinicians(5 oral surgeons;5 orthodontists) categorized each case, first based on 2D records and then with 3D scans. The primary outcome variable was the assessment of differences in diagnosis and decision-making protocol using 2D or 3D records (clinical relevance:from 0 to 5). The secondary outcome variable was the validation analysis of the proposed 3D classification to determine the concordance among clinicians. Descriptive statistics and multivariable inferential analysis based on Akaike information criterion (AIC) were performed(α = 0.05).
Results
3D examination allowed a better visualization of M2M impaction with higher clinical relevance for diagnosis of M2M root relationship to alveolar nerve and lingual plate, its depth and inclination(range:2.69–3.43). The proposed 3D classification of M2M impaction changed clinical decisions regarding surgical-orthodontic approach, biomechanics, patient education, and treatment time estimate(range:2.59–3.33). In the validation analysis of the classification, no evidence of inter- or intra-group (surgeon/orthodontist) bias in score attribution occurred(null model:AIC = 718.04).
Conclusion
3D evaluation of impacted M2Ms could enhance diagnostic accuracy, and a classification system was proposed and validated by a group of experienced surgeons and orthodontists with high concordance.
Rab44-knockout mice exhibit reduced progression of inflammation in collagen antibody-induced arthritis
Authors: Yamaguchi Yu , Kadowaki Tomoko , Sakai Eiko , Noguromi Mayuko , Oyakawa Shun , Tsukuba Takayuki
Published: May 2024

Objective:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune cell-mediated joint inflammation and subsequent osteoclast-dependent bone destruction. This study aimed to investigate whether Rab44 is involved in RA because Rab44 is predominantly distributed in immune cells and osteoclasts.
Methods: Collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) was induced in Rab44-knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice. Arthritis severity was assessed daily for 4–9 days by macroscopic observation. Histopathological analysis, real-time PCR analysis for gene expression, immunohistochemical analysis, and µ-computed tomography were performed.
Results: Compared to WT mice, Rab44 KO mice showed reduced inflammation in arthritis under CAIA-inducing conditions. Rab44 KO CAIA mice exhibited reduced cell filtration in the radiocarpal joints. Consistent with these findings, Rab44-KO CAIA mice showed decreased mRNA levels of arthritis-related marker genes, including inflammation, cartilage turnover, bone formation and bone absorption markers. Rab44-KO CAIA mice exhibited predominant infiltration of M2-type macrophages at the inflammatory sites, and reduced bone loss compared to WT CAIA mice.
Conclusions: These results indicate that Rab44 deficiency reduces the progression of inflammation in CAIA in mice.
Aortic Arch registry of type A aortic dissection (AoArch) - rationale, design and definition criteria
Authors: Nappi Francesco , Schoell Thibaut , Singh Sanjeet Singh Avtaar , Salsano Antonio , Abdou Ibrahim , Gambardella Ivancarmine , Santini Francesco , Fiore Antonio , Garufi Luigi , Demondion Pierre , Leprince Pascal , Bonnet Nicolas , Spadaccio Cristiano
Published: May 2024

Background: Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) is a deadly condition that demands immediate surgery, because it involves a patient in critical, unstable condition. The mortality and morbidity associated with it are significant, and it is vital that the patient's conditions and treatment strategies are fully understood to ensure the appropriate management of TAAAD. This study will definitively answer whether hemiarch repair (HAR) versus extended arch repair (EAR) with or without descending aortic intervention results in better perioperative and late outcomes for patients with TAAAD.
Methods: Four leading centers of cardiac surgery from two European countries have joined forces to create a groundbreaking multicenter observational registry (AoArch). This registry will enroll consecutive patients who underwent surgery for TAAAD from January 2005 to March 2024. We will analyze how patient comorbidities, referral conditions, and surgical strategies involving hemiarch repair (HAR) and extended arch repair (EAR) impact early and late adverse events. We have developed a procedure urgency algorithm based on the severity of preoperative hemodynamic conditions and malperfusion due to TAAAD, and we will use it to assess the primary clinical outcomes: in-hospital mortality, late mortality, and reoperations on the aorta. We will define secondary outcomes as permanent neurologic deficit, the need for new dialysis, respiratory failure, a composite of major adverse events (myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, the need for dialysis, or the need for tracheostomy), and a composite of major adverse pulmonary events (intubation over 48 hours, pneumonia, reintubation, tracheostomy), and reoperation due to bleeding.
Discussion: This multicenter registry will definitively determine the prognostic significance of critical preoperative conditions and the efficacy of extended arch interventions and hemiarch repair in reducing the risk of early adverse events after surgery for TAAAD. This registry will provide insights into the long-term durability of different strategies of surgical repair for TAAAD.
Analysis of alpha-synuclein harvested from intra-cranial instruments used in deep brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: sorrentino zachary , Riklan Joshua , Lloyd Grace , Lucke-Wold Brandon , Mampre David , Quintin Stephan , Zakare-Fagbamila Rasheedat , Still Megan , Chandra Vyshak , Foote Kelly , Giasson Benoit , Hilliard Justin
Published: May 2024

Alpha-synuclein (αSyn) forms pathologic aggregates in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is implicated in mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. While pathologic αSyn has been extensively studied, there is currently no method to evaluate αSyn within the brains of living patients. Patients with PD are often treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in which surgical instruments are in direct contact with neuronal tissue; herein, we describe a method by which tissue is purified from DBS surgical instruments in PD and essential tremor (ET) patients and demonstrate that αSyn is robustly detected. 24 patients undergoing DBS surgery for PD (17 patients) or ET (7 patients) were enrolled; from patient samples, 81.2 ± 44.8 µg protein (n=15) is able to be purified, with immunoblot assays specific for αSyn reactive in all tested samples. Light microscopy revealed axons and capillaries as the primary components of purified tissue (n=3). Further analysis was conducted using western blot, demonstrating that truncated αSyn (1-125 αSyn) was significantly increased in PD (n=5) compared to ET (n=3), in which αSyn misfolding is not expected (0.64 ± 0.25 vs. 0.25 ± 0.12, P = 0.046), thus showing that pathologic αSyn can be reliably purified from living PD patients with this method.
Tuning the morphology and energy levels in organic solar cells with metal- organic framework nanosheets
Authors: Sasitharan Kezia , Frisch Johannes , Kuliček Jaroslav , Iraqi Ahmed , Lidzey David G. , Bär Marcus , Rezek Bohuslav , Foster Jonathan A.
Published: May 2024

Metal-organic framework nanosheets (MONs) have proved themselves to be useful additives for enhancing the performance of a variety of thin film solar cell devices. However, to date only isolated examples have been reported. In this work we take advantage of the modular structure of MONs in order to resolve the effect of their different structural and optoelectronic features on the performance of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Three different MONs were synthesized using different combinations of two porphyrin-based ligands meso-tetracarboxyphenyl porphyrin (TCPP) or tetrapyridyl-porphyrin (TPyP) with either zinc and/or copper ions and the effect of their addition to polythiophene-fullerene (P3HT-PCBM) OPV devices was investigated. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of devices was found to approximately double with the addition of MONs of Zn2(ZnTCPP), but was unchanged with the addition of Cu2(ZnTPyP) and halved upon the addition of Cu2(CuTCPP) compared to devices without nanosheets. Our analysis indicates that there are three different mechanisms by which MONs can influence the photoactive layer – light absorption, energy level alignment, and morphological changes. Analysis of external quantum efficiency, UV-vis photoelectron spectroscopy data found that MONs have similar effects on light absorption and energy level alignment. However, atomic force and Raman microscopy studies revealed that the nanosheet thickness and lateral size are crucial parameters in enabling the MONs to act as beneficial additives resulting in an improvement of the OPV device performance. We anticipate this study will aid in the design of MONs and other 2D materials for future use in other light harvesting and emitting devices.
Increased biocrust cover and activity in the highlands of Iceland after five growing seasons of experimental warming
Authors: Salazar Alejandro , Gunnlaugsdóttir Eyrún , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg , Klupar Ian , Wandji Ruth-Phoebe , Arnalds Ólafur , Andrésson Ólafur
Published: May 2024

Aims One of the most important questions of our time is how ecosystems will be transformed by climate change. Here, we used a five-year field experiment to investigate the effects of climate warming on the cover and function of a sub-Arctic alpine ecosystem in the highlands of Iceland dominated by biocrust, mosses and vascular plants.Methods We used Open Top Chambers (OTCs) to simulate warming; standard surface and NDVI analyses to measure plant cover and function; gas analyzers to monitor biocrust respiration; and the Tea Bag Index approach to estimate mass loss, decomposition and soil carbon stabilization rates.Results Contrary to our initial hypothesis of warming accelerating an ecological succession of plants growing on biocrust, we observed a warming-induced decreased abundance of vascular plants and mosses —possibly caused by high temperature summer peaks that resemble heat waves— and an increase in the cover of biocrust. The functional responses of biocrust to warming, including increased litter mass loss and respiration rates and a lower soil carbon stabilization rates, may suggest climate-driven depletion of soil nutrients in the future.Conclusion It remains to be studied how the effects of warming on biocrusts from high northern regions could interact with other drivers of ecosystem change, such as grazing; and if in the long-term global change could favor the growth of vascular plants on biocrust in the highlands of Iceland and similar ecosystems. For the moment, our experiment points to a warming-induced increase in the cover and activity of biocrust.
Anlotinib plus Temozolomide for Recurrent Glioma: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study of 30 cases
Authors: Xu Liping , Yu Dandan , Li Fei , Liu Yanyan , Ding Xiaofeng , Pu Juan , Cao Yuandong
Published: May 2024

Objective
To determine the efficacy and tolerability of Anlotinib plus temozolomide (TMZ) as a first-line treatment for recurrent malignant glioma (rMG).
Methods
A total of 30 eligible patients who relapsed from the standard chemoradiotherapy regimen (TMZ and radiotherapy) or had macroscopic residual tumor after surgery because of tumor located in the eloquent brain areas were enrolled in this study between March 2018 and January 2021. Patients were subjected to a concurrent treatment of Anlotinib (12mg qd, 14 days on with 7 days off) and TMZ (200mg/m2, 5 days on with 23 days off) until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Efficacy was evaluated using Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology(RANO) criteria for high-grade glioma. Safety was assessed using NCI-CTCAE 4.0. Survival was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test.
Results
Until April 2023, our median follow-up time was 28.1 ± 5.07 months(95% CI:18.20-38.06m). The median OS(from recurrence to death or end of follow-up) was 17.87 ± 4.29 m(95%CI: 9.46-26.28m). 1-year, 1.5 year, 2-year OS rates were were 60.0%, 46.7% and 36.7% respectively. The median PFS(from the treatment of Anlotinib and TMZ to the endpoint) was 7.83 ± 0.82m(95%CI, 6.22-9.44m). 6-month, 1-year PFS rates were 63.3%, 36.7%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, patients of WHO Ⅱ group have a longer mOS and mPFS than that of WHO Ⅲ and Ⅳ group(Ⅱ: 30.45 ± 4.32m, Ⅲ: 15.07 ± 5.72m, Ⅳ: 9.21 ± 1.90m, P = 0.035). Patients ≤ 55 had a longer mPFS compared with those > 55 years old(12.97 ± 1.71m vs. 7.33 ± 1.95m. p = 0.010), but failed to reach statistical difference in OS(19.90 ± 6.29m vs. 10.53 ± 1.68m, p = 0.106). While their gender, 1p/19q and IDH mutation are not independent negative predictors on OS or PFS. In the multivariate analysis, age, pathological grade and IDH mutation all failed to serve as an independent negative predictor of PFS or OS in recurrent glioma.
Conclusion
Anlotinib combined with TMZ was effective for recurrent glioma in terms of OS and PFS, and was well tolerated in patients. Further randomized controlled clinical studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of Anlotinib combined with TMZ for the treatment of rMG.
Magnesium-modified biochar improves tea quality and growth of tea plant by improving soil properties and promoting nutrient uptake
Authors: Luo Yubo , Li Ronghui , Lv Xinhang , Dong Dubin , Liu Wenbin , Yang Pan , Ma Jiawei , Ye Zhengqian , Liu Dan
Published: May 2024

Soil acidification affects the growth of tea plants and induces magnesium loss, which further reduces tea quality. In this study, magnesium-modified biochar was developed from discarded tea plant branches, via potting test to evaluate the effect on the red loam soil, and to study the quality of tea in acidified tea gardens. Four treatments were set up as control (no biochar added, CK), conventional magnesium fertilizer treatment (FC), tea plant branch biochar treatment (BC) and magnesium-modified biochar with acetic acid (BCY) respectively. Our results showed that soil pH was significantly increased by 0.3 and 0.42 units in BC and BCY treatments respectively, conventional magnesium fertilizer, biochar, and magnesium-modified biochar treatments could significantly increase soil organic matter, alkaline-dissolved nitrogen, effective phosphorus, quick-acting potassium, and exchanged calcium and magnesium content in acidified tea plantations. Compared with CK treatment, both conventional magnesium fertilizer treatment and biochar treatment could increase the root dry weight and tea plant height to some extent; the SPAD values of tea fresh leaves of BC and BCY treatments were significantly higher than those of CK and FC treatments by 17.6, 37.6 and 6.4, 26.4, respectively; and the increase in accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in tea leaves of FC, BC, and BCY treatments compared with that of CK was 2.49~8.04 g·kg-1, 0.19~0.49 g·kg-1, 0.30~3.27 g·kg-1, 0.26~0.50 g·kg-1, and 0.15~1.45 g·kg-1; and SPAD value, tea polyphenols, water leachate, caffeine, and amino acid contents of tea leaves in BC and BCY treatments were significantly higher than CK treatment (P < 0.05). Our study showed that magnesium-modified biochar improved the quality of tea significantly via enhancing the pH, organic matter and nutrient content of soil, increasing the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in the tea plant, and ascending photosynthesis, The best results were obtained with magnesium chloride modified biochar (BCL) treatment. This study plays a guiding role for the improvement and nutrient supplementation of acidified soil in tea plantations and promotes the healthy development of tea plantation soil..
Coconut Shell Agro-waste-derived Cellulosic Powder as a Potential Reinforcement for Sustainable Polymeric Composite Application
Authors: Bichang'a Dennis O. , Oladele Isiaka O. , Alabi Oladunni O. , Aramide Fatai Olufemi , Oluseye Olasunkanmi , Borisade Sunday G. , Githinji David N. , Ojemaye Mike O.
Published: May 2024

The use of environmentally friendly materials for industrial applications has increased tremendously in the past decades due to environmental concerns and the problems associated with the use of synthetic materials. Coconut shell is an agro-waste and source of biomass that has attracted increasing research attention as a potential alternative reinforcing material to synthetic. This study considered chemical modification and characterization of coconut shell powder in an attempt to enhance compatibility with the hydrophilic polymer matrix. The coconut shell powder was treated with alkali (NaOH), bleaching and combined NaOH-bleaching solutions before investigating the surface morphology, chemical transformations, and thermal stability. It was discovered from the results that combined treatment gave the optimum enhancement. The surface treatments resulted in chemical transformations of coconut shell powder, while FTIR analysis confirmed partial removal of lignin and hemicellulose. Also, XRD investigation revealed that surface treatments enhanced the crystallographic properties, whereas TGA analysis showed that the thermal stability of the treated sample was enhanced. Hence, treated coconut shell powder can be considered a sustainable and environmentally friendly reinforcing material for lightweight polymer composites needed for industrial applications, such as automotive dashboards and panels.
Informal Caregiving and Role Transformation as Means of Patient Coping – A Qualitative Study on Hungary's Scarce Health Environment in the Covid-19 Era
Authors: FERENCZ Veronika , KOLTAI Borbála Gabriella , BERTA Fanni Krisztina , CSEH Ágota , KEREKES Jozefa Gabriella , RÁCZ József
Published: May 2024

Background
Hungary was hit hard by the pandemic, with more than 3,000 deaths per million people, the highest figure of any EU country. We aimed to examine patients’ lived experiences recovering from COVID-19 infection within the Hungarian hospital setting during the pandemic by examining the psychological characteristics of their recovery.
Methods
The experiences of 31 patients (adults diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated in a hospital) were collected via semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The transcripts formed the text base on which our research group performed reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
The final thematic map includes five overarching themes, from which we present the following ones: (1) patient (self)care, a functional element of the hospital system in COVID-19, and (2) ingenuity and resilience, solutions for individuals in the healthcare system.
Conclusions
Our study’s findings reveal how patients and their relatives actively engaged in the healthcare system during the pandemic. The consequences of the system’s lack of resources and workload become visible, together with the resilience mobilised by the crisis, which sometimes requires the transformation of the patient role.
Health care utilization of patients with acute abdominal pain before and after emergency department visits
Authors: Verleger Katharina Masal , Fischer-Rosinsky Antje , Möckel Martin , Schneider Anna , Slagman Anna , Keil Thomas , Schenk Liane
Published: May 2024

Background
Acute abdominal pain (AAP) is a major driver for capacity-use in emergency departments (EDs) worldwide. Yet, the association of health care utilization of patients with AAP before and after the ED remains unclear. The primary objective of this study was to describe adult patients presenting to the ED with AAP and their outpatient care (OC) use before and after the ED. Secondary objectives included description of hospitalization rates, in-hospital mortality, ED re-visits, and exploration of potential risk factors for hospitalization and ED re-visits.
Methods
For the analysis, we combined routine hospital data from patients who visited 15 EDs in Germany in 2016 with their statutory health insurance OC claims data from 2014 to 2017. Adult patients were included based on a chief complaint or an ED diagnosis indicating unspecific AAP or the Manchester Triage System indicator “Abdominal pain in adults”. Baseline characteristics, ED diagnosis, frequency and reason of hospitalization, frequency and type of prior-OC (prOC) use up to 3 days before and of post-OC use up to 30 days after the ED visit.
Main results
We identified 28085 adults aged ≥20 years with AAP. 39.8% were hospitalized, 33.9% sought prOC before the ED visit (48.6% of them were hospitalized) and 62.7% sought post-OC up to 30 days after the ED visit. Hospitalization was significantly more likely for elderly patients (aged 65 and above vs. younger; adjusted OR 3.05 [95% CI: 2.87; 3.25]), prOC users (1.71 [1.61; 1.90]) and men (1.44 [1.37; 1.52]). In-hospital mortality rate was 3.1% overall. Re-visiting the ED within 30 days was more likely for elderly patients (1.32 [1.13; 1.55) and less likely for those with prOC use (0.37 [0.31; 0.44]).
Conclusions
prOC use was associated with more frequent hospitalizations but fewer ED re-visits. ED visits by prOC patients without subsequent hospitalization may indicate difficulties of OC resources to meet the complex diagnostic requirements and expectations of this patient population. Less ED re-visits in prOC users indicate effective care in this subgroup.
Innovative Approaches to Clinical Diagnosis: Transfer Learning in Facial Image Classification for Celiac Disease Identification
Authors: BİLGİÇ Elif KESKİN , GÖKBAY Asst.Prof.Dr. Inci ZAİM , KAYAR Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yusuf
Published: May 2024

Background: Celiac disease arises from gluten consumption and shares symptoms with other conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis. Untreated celiac disease heightens the risk of autoimmune disorders, neurological issues, and certain cancers like lymphoma while also impacting skin health due to intestinal disruptions. This study uses facial photos to distinguish individuals with celiac disease from those without. Surprisingly, there is a lack of research involving transfer learning for this purpose despite its benefits such as faster training, enhanced performance, and reduced overfitting. While numerous studies exist on endoscopic intestinal photo classification and few have explored the link between facial morphology measurements and celiac disease, none has concentrated on diagnosing celiac disease through facial photo classification.
Methods: This study sought to apply transfer learning techniques with VGG16 to address a gap in research by identifying distinct facial features that differentiate patients with celiac disease from healthy individuals. A dataset containing total 200 adult facial images of individuals with and without celiac condition was utilized. Half of the dataset comprised a ratio of 70% females to 30% males with celiac condition, and the rest of half has 60% females to 40% males without celiac condition. Among those with celiac condition, 28 were newly diagnosed and 72 were previously diagnosed, with 25 not adhering to a gluten-free diet and 47 partially adhering to such a diet.
Results: Utilizing transfer learning, the model achieved a 73% accuracy in classifying facial images of patients during testing, with corresponding precision, recall, and F1-score values of 0.54, 0.56, and 0.52 respectively. Training involved 50,178 parameters, showcasing the model's efficacy in diagnostic image analysis.
Conclusions: The model correctly classified approximately three-quarters of the test images. While this is a reasonable level of accuracy, it also suggests that there is room for improvement as the dataset contains images that are inherently difficult to classify even for human. Increasing the proportion of newly diagnosed patients in the dataset and expanding the dataset size could have notably improved the model's efficacy. Despite being the first study in this field, further refinement holds promise for the development of a diagnostic tool for celiac disease using transfer learning in medical image analysis, addressing the lack of prior studies in this area.
Exploring the Interplay of Meteorological Variables, Government Policies, and Malaria Epidemiology: Towards an Optimal Predictive Model for Malaria Spread in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Egbom S. E. , Nduka F. O. , Nzeako S. O. , NWAFOR G.O , Bartholomew D. C. , Nwaigwe C.C , Iwu H. C , Ogbonna C.J , Nwokike C. I. , Opara M. C , Ezenwaka C. O , Anyanwu E. O , Nwachukwu J. I
Published: May 2024

Background:
Malaria continues to be a serious public health issue, especially in tropical and subtropical areas where the dynamics of its transmission are greatly influenced by environmental conditions. The objective of this research is to examine the impact of meteorological factors, and governmental policies on malaria epidemiology to determine the most effective model for forecasting and comprehending the transmission of malaria in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Method:
Three statistical models for count data were compared to identify the most influential meteorological variables and government policy and establish their associations with malaria transmission. The best count data model was compared with a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model using some known model evaluation metrics.
Results:
The results obtained showed that the best count data model out of the two models considered in this study is the Quasi-Poisson Model because it resulted in a smaller Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value. The SARIMAX Model outperformed the Quasi-Poisson model and showed that season, precipitation and government policies were significant at a 5% level of significance in explaining the variations in the monthly number of malaria cases in Rivers State, Nigeria (Jan. 2007 – Dec. 2021). Further, the SARIMAX (1,1,0)(1,1,1)12 model showed that the current number of malaria cases depends on the past year’s number of cases.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study highlight the need for a multifaceted approach to malaria control in Rivers State, addressing not only the meteorological factors but also the governance-related determinant of the disease. The identified optimal model serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare practitioners, enabling them to make informed decisions and implement targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of malaria outbreaks.
Submerged Arc Welding process: enhancement of production performance based on metallurgical observations
Authors: Conte Romina , Battista Francesco Raffaele , Ambrogio Giuseppina
Published: May 2024

Welding processes are widely used technologies in the industrial context for creating permanent connections between mechanical components. This popularity is due to their versatility, which arises from the numerous available process variants and the multiple advantages they offer compared to other joining techniques. In the manufacturing context, where devices often operate in extreme conditions, the quality of welds becomes a critical factor in ensuring the safety and reliability of the manufactured products. Additionally, the increasingly stringent design specifications demanded by customers must be carefully considered. To address these needs and to define the optimal roadmap for the investigated process condition, an experimental investigation was conducted on the Submerged Arc Welding process. The experimental trials involved butt joints of ASTM A516 Gr.70 carbon steel plates with different thicknesses in a flat position, utilizing a U-shaped chamfer and a multi-pass welding technique. For each weldment, the effects of the main process parameters on the qualitative characteristics of the manufactured products was evaluated from a metallurgical perspective. This evaluation included an in-depth metallographic analysis, which measured the dimensions of the heat-affected zones and the amount of ferrite and perlite in the final joint microstructure. Furthermore, the joint quality was assessed with regard to mechanical strength through hardness measurements. By analysing the experimental data, the paper provides a valuable contribution for increasing the productivity of the investigated welding process, while simultaneously meeting the specified industrial quality requirements for the products made of medium-thickness carbon steels.