bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Omicron Strain on Febrile Convulsions Requiring Hospitalization in Children: A Single-Center Observational Study
Authors: Nagasawa Masayuki , Shimoyama Teruyoshi , Hashimoto Sayuri , Nakagawa Ryuichi , Yokoyama Haruna , Okada Mari , Udagawa Tomohiro , Oshiba Akihiro
Published: May 2024

Background. The emergence of the Omicron strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the end of December 2021 has drastically increased the number of infected children in Japan, along with the number of children with febrile convulsions, but its clinical impact is unclear. Materials and Methods. We compared the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children hospitalized with febrile convulsions with the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with fever and respiratory symptoms without convulsions. Results. In 2021 and 2022, 49 and 58 children required emergency hospitalization for febrile convulsions (FC group) with status epilepticus or cluster spasms, in which 24 and 38 children underwent a Filmarray® respiratory panel test (FA test), respectively, and others received a quantitative antigen test for SARS-CoV-2. In 2022, only six patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (10.3%, 6/58). As a reference group, 655 children aged <10 years who underwent the FA test for fever and respiratory symptoms during the same period were investigated, and 4 (1.8%, 4/223) and 42 (9.7%, 42/432) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV) was the most frequently detected virus (40.3%, 264/655), followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (18.9%, 124/655) and parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV3) (7.8%, 51/655). There was no significant difference in the trend of detected viruses between the two groups. Conclusions. The frequency and severity of febrile convulsions requiring hospitalization associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection of the Omicron strain may be similar to that of other respiratory viruses in children.
Synthesis, Antibacterial Effects, and Toxicity of Licochalcone C
Authors: Ozanique Patrick Rômbola , Helena Alvaro Luiz , Menezes Ralciane de Paula , Gonçalves Daniela Silva , Santiago Mariana Brentini , Dilarri Guilherme , Sardi Janaína de Cássia Orlandi , Ferreira Henrique , Martins Carlos Henrique Gomes , Regasini Luis Octávio
Published: May 2024

Drug-resistant bacteria constitute a big barrier against current pharmacotherapy. Efforts are urgent to discover antibacterial drugs with novel chemical and biological features. Our work aimed at the synthesis, evaluation of antibacterial effects, and toxicity of licochalcone C (LCC), a naturally occurring chalcone. The synthetic route included six steps, affording a 10% overall yield. LCC showed effects against Gram-positive bacteria (MIC = 6.2–50.0 µg/mL), Mycobacterium species (MIC = 36.2–125 µg/mL), and Helicobacter pylori (MIC = 25 µg/mL). LCC inhibited the biofilm formation of MSSA and MRSA, demonstrating MBIC50 values of 6.25 μg/mL for both strains. The investigations by fluorescence microscopy, using PI and SYTO9 as fluorophores, indicated that LCC was able to disrupt the S. aureus membrane, similarly to nisin. Systemic toxicity assays using Galleria mellonella larvae showed that LCC was not lethal at 100 µg/mL after 80 h treatment. These data suggest new uses for LCC as a compound with potential applications in antibacterial drug discovery and medical device coating.
Anticancer Mechanism of Astragalus Polysaccharide and Its Application in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: He Ziqing , Liu Xiyu , Qin Simin , Yang Qun , Na Jintong , Xue Zhigang , Zhong Liping
Published: May 2024

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) derived from A. membranaceus plays a crucial role in traditional Chinese medicine. These polysaccharides have shown antitumor effects and are considered safe. Thus, they have become increasingly important in cancer immunotherapy. APS can limit the spread of cancer by influencing immune cells, promoting cell death, triggering cancer cell autophagy, and impacting the tumor microenvironment. When used in combination with other therapies, APS can enhance treatment outcomes and reduce toxicity and side effects. APS combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, relay cellular immunotherapy, and cancer vaccines have broadened the application of cancer immunotherapy and enhanced treatment effectiveness. By summarizing the research on APS in cancer immunotherapy over the past two decades, this review elaborates on the anticancer mechanism of APS and its use in cancer immunotherapy and clinical trials. Considering the multiple roles of APS, this review emphasizes the importance of using APS as an adjunct to cancer immunotherapy and compares other polysaccharides with APS. This discussion provides insights into the specific mechanism of action of APS, reveals the molecular targets of APS for developing effective clinical strategies, and highlights the wide application of APS in clinical cancer therapy in the future.
Aeration Alleviated the Adverse Effects of Nitrogen Topdressing Reduction on Tomato Root Vigor, Photosynthetic Performance, and Fruit Development
Authors: Li Jingang , He Pingru , Jin Qiu , Chen Jing , Chen Dan , Dai Xiaoping , Ding Siyu , Chu Linlin
Published: May 2024

To explore the compensation effect of aeration on tomato vegetative and reproductive growth in arid and semi-arid areas, a two-year field experiment was conducted with four micro-nano aeration ratios (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) and three nitrogen topdressing levels (80, 60, and 40 kg·ha−1) during the tomato growth period in Ningxia, China. The results showed that increasing the aeration ratio in the range of 0–15% was conducive to the enhancement of tomato root vigor (the ability of triphenyltetrazolium chloride to be reduced, 3–104%) and the leaf net photosynthetic rate (14–63%), favorable to the facilitation of plant dry matter accumulation (3–59%) and plant nitrogen accumulation (2–70%), and beneficial to the improvement of tomato yield (12–44%) and fruit quality. Interestingly, since the aeration ratio exceeded 10%, the increase in the aeration ratio showed no significant effects on the single-fruit weight, tomato yield, and fruit quality. Moreover, with aerated underground drip irrigation, properly reducing the traditional nitrogen topdressing level (80 kg·ha−1) by 25% was favorable for enhancing tomato root vigor (5–31%), increasing tomato yield (0.5–9%), and improving fruit soluble solid accumulation (2–5%) and soluble sugar formation (4–9%). Importantly, increasing the aeration ratio by 5% could compensate for the adverse effects of reducing the nitrogen topdressing level by 25% by improving the leaf photosynthetic rate, promoting plant dry matter accumulation, increasing tomato yield, and enhancing the soluble solid and soluble sugar accumulation in tomato fruits. Synthetically considering the decrease in the nitrogen topdressing amount, leading to plant growth promotion, a tomato yield increase, and fruit quality improvement, a favorable nitrogen topdressing level of 60 kg·ha−1 and the corresponding proper aeration ratio of 10% were suggested for tomato underground drip irrigation in the Yinbei Irrigation District of Ningxia.
The Use of Phosphogypsum as a Source of Raw Materials for Gypsum-Based Materials
Authors: Levickaya Kseniya , Alfimova Nataliya , Nikulin Ivan , Kozhukhova Natalia , Buryanov Aleksander
Published: May 2024

Gypsum binders and the products based on them are widely in demand in the construction materials market, which is due to their easy production technology, lower energy consumption, and low environmental impact in relation to Portland cement. Not only natural gypsum (NG), but also phosphogypsum (PG), which is a by-product of the synthesis of orthophosphoric acid from phosphorite rock, can be used as a source of raw materials for the production of gypsum materials. PG is produced annually in large quantities throughout the world. In chemical composition, PG mainly consists of calcium sulfate dihydrate CaSO4·2H2O, so it is a good potential analogue of natural gypsum, which is used as the main component of gypsum building materials. Thus, the useful recycling of PG as a technogenic resource with valuable properties will expand the raw material base for the production of gypsum materials. This approach to handling technogenic resources fits well with the principles of a circular economy. However, like any technogenic resource, PGs from different enterprises normally differ in their deposits of the original phosphate rock and production technologies. Therefore, PG contains a large number of undesirable impurities, the proportion and composition of which vary over a wide range. This feature does not allow for predicting the properties of PG-based materials without a preliminary detailed study of PG. This research was aimed at carrying out a comprehensive study of the characteristics of PGs from three different industrial plants to evaluate their relationship with the properties of gypsum materials based on them. It was found that PGs have significant differences in their structural and morphological characteristics both in relation to each other and in relation to NG. Also, binders based on PG and NG have significant differences in their physical properties. The average density, compressive strength, and flexural strength for the PG binders with equal workability are lower than those of NG binders. At a water/solid ratio (W/S) < 0.7, all PG binders exhibit comparable compressive strength to NG binders. Thus, PG can act as an alternative to natural gypsum in gypsum binders.
Evaluation of Near Real-Time Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Precipitation Products for Hydrological Modelling and Flood Inundation Mapping of Sparsely Gauged Large Transboundary Basins—A Case Study of the Brahmaputra Basin
Authors: Jawad Muhammad , Bhattacharya Biswa , Young Adele , van Andel Schalk Jan
Published: May 2024

Limited availability of hydrometeorological data and lack of data sharing practices have added to the challenge of hydrological modelling of large and transboundary catchments. This research evaluates the suitability of latest near real-time global precipitation measurement (GPM)-era satellite precipitation products (SPPs), IMERG-Early, IMERG-Late and GSMaP-NRT, for hydrological and hydrodynamic modelling of the Brahmaputra Basin. The HEC-HMS modelling system was used for the hydrological modelling of the Brahmaputra Basin, using IMERG-Early, IMERG-Late, and GSMaP-NRT. The findings showed good results using GPM SPPs for hydrological modelling of large basins like Brahmaputra, with Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and R2 values in the range of 0.75–0.85, and root mean square error (RMSE) between 7000 and 9000 m3 s−1, and the average discharge was 20611 m3 s−1. Output of the GPM-based hydrological models was then used as input to a 1D hydrodynamic model to assess suitability for flood inundation mapping of the Brahmaputra River. Simulated flood extents were compared with Landsat satellite-captured images of flood extents. In critical areas along the river, the probability of detection (POD) and critical success index (CSI) values were above 0.70 with all the SPPs used in this study. The accuracy of the models was found to increase when simulated using SPPs corrected with ground-based precipitation datasets. It was also found that IMERG-Late performed better than the other two precipitation products as far as hydrological modelling was concerned. However, for flood inundation mapping, all of the three selected products showed equally good results. The conclusion is reached that for sparsely gauged large basins, particularly for trans-boundary ones, GPM-era SPPs can be used for discharge simulation and flood inundation mapping.
Revisiting China’s Urban Transition from the Perspective of Urbanisation: A Critical Review and Analysis
Authors: Liu Hailiang , Chen Weixuan , Sun Siqi , Yu Jiapei , Zhang Yanhao , Ye Changdong
Published: May 2024

Amidst global sustainability challenges across domains such as energy, water, and transportation, China’s urbanisation process presents unique socio-economic dynamics, particularly following the Reform and Opening Up policy. The existing literature has not fully captured the complex interplay between urban growth and sustainability challenges in China, nor has it adequately explored the phased nature of urbanisation informed by evolving policies. This paper provides a comprehensive review of China’s urban transition, emphasising its evolution since the Reform and Opening Up policy. Through systematic analysis, it delineates the multifaceted nature of urbanisation, reflecting on policy impacts and socio-economic shifts. Findings indicate transformative urban growth characterised by new challenges in environmental sustainability, social equity, and urban–rural integration. The research unveils the transition to a human-centric urban development model, highlighting policy shifts towards sustainable practices. The results suggest a nuanced urban–rural convergence, advocating for participatory governance and balanced growth. The unique contribution of this study lies in its empirical and theoretical examination of China’s urbanisation within a global context, offering a critical perspective on policy formulation and sustainable urban development.
Correction: Jun, J.; Song, M. Study on the Redevelopment of the Hangang River Waterfront from an Urban Resilience Perspective. Sustainability 2023, 15, 14249
Authors: Jun Jinhyun , Song Minkyung
Published: May 2024

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]
Book Review: Powdyel, T.S. My Green School: An Outline; 2020; ISBN-13: 979-8677417979
Authors: Hoang Anh-Tuan , Lin Tzu-Bin
Published: May 2024

The Green School—An outline reflects on the author’s vision of a holistic approach to the education system as a leading arrow for human beings and social prosperity. It is a needed book, an education of choice, conviction, and passion by Thakur S. Powdyel, former Minister of Education, Royal Government of Bhutan a long with several studies in terms of reflections on Gross National Happiness in the education context and globalization, and context of development. Thus, Powdyel’s Green School conducts all the fundamentals as well as many other crucial aspects related to greenery concepts in the entire school as a whole-green school approach for future education.
Deficit Irrigation-Based Improvement in Growth and Yield of Quinoa in the Northwestern Arid Region in China
Authors: Awa Mukeran , Zhao Jinghua , Tumaerbai Hudan
Published: May 2024

Given the current global water scarcity issues, which particularly affect arid regions such as northwestern China, it is crucial to find crop planting patterns that result in efficient water resource utilization. Quinoa, as a drought-resistant and highly nutritious crop, has garnered significant attention from agricultural researchers in recent years. From 2019 to 2020, a series of experimental studies were conducted under non-mulching drip irrigation conditions to investigate the growth adaptability and the response to different irrigation levels of quinoa in an arid region in northwestern China. A comparative analysis of quinoa’s dry matter accumulation, yield, thousand-grain weight, harvest index, and water use efficiency under varying irrigation levels revealed that increasing irrigation significantly enhanced quinoa’s dry matter accumulation and yield. By optimizing the irrigation strategies, we found that the water-saving practice of initiating moderate irrigation in the sensitive water-demanding stages (flowering and fruiting) of quinoa increased the yield. The experiment results showed that, in 2020, the optimal irrigation amount was 3675 m3·ha−1 during a 14-day irrigation cycle, meeting quinoa’s growth requirements while improving water resource utilization efficiency. This study not only provides a scientific basis for the efficient cultivation of quinoa in the arid regions of northwestern China, but also offers new insights into and technical support for agricultural water resource management in the region, contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture in arid areas.
Environmental, Energy, and Techno-Economic Assessment of Waste-to-Energy Incineration
Authors: Zeng Jincan , Mustafa Ade Brian , Liu Minwei , Huang Guori , Shang Nan , Liu Xi , Wei Kexin , Wang Peng , Dong Huijuan
Published: May 2024

Waste-to-energy (WtE) incineration is a feasible way to respond to both the municipal solid waste management and renewable energy challenges, but few studies have been carried out on its environmental and economic impact in fast-developing southeastern Asian countries. To fill such a research gap, this study innovatively conducted a holistic assessment of WtE incineration application potential in Java Island, Indonesia. Here, we have established a life cycle assessment model for WtE incineration in Java, and have estimated the environmental impact, electricity generation potential, and techno-economic feasibility of implementing incineration by 2025. We have revealed that global warming potential, terrestrial ecotoxicity potential, eutrophication potential, and acidification potential are the major environmental impacts stemming from incineration activities. Moreover, we have estimated that promoting incineration in Java could reduce CO2 emissions by 41% on average. The electricity generated from incineration could contribute to 3.72% of Indonesia’s renewable energy target for the electricity grid mix by 2025. The cumulative energy production potential from incineration is estimated to reach 2,316,523 MWh/year in 2025 and will increase by 14.3% in 2050. The techno-economic assessment of incineration implementation in Java cities has been enumerated as feasible. The levelized cost of electricity from incineration (0.044 USD/kWh) is competitive with the current Indonesian electricity price (0.069 USD/kWh). Policies of minimizing incineration pollution, providing financial support guarantees, and overcoming social barriers have been proposed to facilitate the application of WtE incineration.
How Does Environmental Protection Tax Affect Urban Energy Consumption in China? New Insights from the Intensity Difference-in-Differences Model
Authors: Xu Xianpu , Huang Lingyun
Published: May 2024

Against the backdrop of accelerating environmental protection and resource conservation, it is of great significance to achieve energy conservation and sustainable growth. In this context, by collecting panel data from 284 cities in China from 2009 to 2021, this paper constructs an intensity difference-in-differences (I-DID) model, using the implementation of China’s environmental protection law in 2018 as an event shock, to explore the impact of environmental protection tax (EPT) on urban energy consumption. The results indicate that EPT significantly reduces urban energy consumption. After several robustness tests, the estimation results shown above still hold. The mechanism test reveals that EPT mainly reduces energy consumption by promoting urban industrial upgrading, economic openness, and technological innovation. In addition, the heterogeneity test shows that EPT has a greater impact on energy consumption in central and western cities, small and medium-sized cities, non-resource-based cities, and non-old industrial bases. Therefore, to fully improve the positive effect of EPT on urban energy consumption, we suggest increasing energy efficiency, promoting the green transformation of energy structures, enhancing the ability to open-up and innovate, and improving a differentiated regional EPT management system.
On the Maximum Likelihood Estimators’ Uniqueness and Existence for Two Unitary Distributions: Analytically and Graphically, with Application
Authors: Alomair Gadir , Akdoğan Yunus , Bakouch Hassan S. , Erbayram Tenzile
Published: May 2024

Unit distributions, exhibiting inherent symmetrical properties, have been extensively studied across various fields. A significant challenge in these studies, particularly evident in parameter estimations, is the existence and uniqueness of estimators. Often, it is challenging to demonstrate the existence of a unique estimator. The major issue with maximum likelihood and other estimator-finding methods that use iterative methods is that they need an initial value to reach the solution. This dependency on initial values can lead to local extremes that fail to represent the global extremities, highlighting a lack of symmetry in solution robustness. This study applies a very simple, and unique, estimation method for unit Weibull and unit Burr XII distributions that both attain the global maximum value. Therefore, we can conclude that the findings from the obtained propositions demonstrate that both the maximum likelihood and graphical methods are symmetrically similar. In addition, three real-world data applications are made to show that the method works efficiently.
Based on Symmetric Jump Risk Market: Study on the Ruin Problem of a Risk Model with Liquid Reserves and Proportional Investment
Authors: Wang Chunwei , Wang Shujing , Xu Jiaen , Li Shaohua
Published: May 2024

In order to deal with complex risk scenarios involving claims, uncertainty, and investments, we consider the ruin problems in a compound Poisson risk model with liquid reserves and proportional investments and study the expected discounted penalty function under threshold dividend strategies. Firstly, the integral differential equation of the expected discounted penalty function is derived. Secondly, since the closed-form solution of the equation cannot be obtained, a sinc method is used to obtain the numerical approximation solution of the equation. Finally, the feasibility and superiority of the sinc method are illustrated by error analysis. In addition, based on a symmetric jump risk market, we discuss the influence of some parameters on the ruin probability with some examples. This study can help actuaries develop more robust risk management strategies and ensure the long-term stability and profitability of insurance companies. It provides a theoretical basis for actuaries to carry out risk management.
Quantitative Analysis of Fungal Contamination of Different Herbal Medicines in China
Authors: Wang Gang , Jiao Mingyue , Hu Junqiang , Xun Yiren , Chen Longyun , Qiu Jianbo , Ji Fang , Lee Yin-Won , Shi Jianrong , Xu Jianhong
Published: May 2024

Herbal medicines are widely used for clinical purposes worldwide. These herbs are susceptible to phytopathogenic fungal invasion during the culturing, harvesting, storage, and processing stages. The threat of fungal and mycotoxin contamination requires the evaluation of the health risks associated with these herbal medicines. In this study, we collected 138 samples of 23 commonly used herbs from 20 regions in China, from which we isolated a total of 200 phytopathogenic fungi. Through morphological observation and ITS sequencing, 173 fungal isolates were identified and classified into 24 genera, of which the predominant genera were Fusarium (27.74%) and Alternaria (20.81%), followed by Epicoccum (11.56%), Nigrospora (7.51%), and Trichocladium (6.84%). Quantitative analysis of the abundance of both Fusarium and Alternaria in herbal medicines via RT-qPCR revealed that the most abundant fungi were found on the herb Taraxacum mongolicum, reaching 300,000 copies/μL for Fusarium and 700 copies/μL for Alternaria. The in vitro mycotoxin productivities of the isolated Fusarium and Alternaria strains were evaluated by using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and it was found that the Fusarium species mainly produced the acetyl forms of deoxynivalenol, while Alternaria species mainly produced altertoxins. These findings revealed widely distributed fungal contamination in herbal medicines and thus raise concerns for the sake of the quality and safety of herbal medicines.
Water Quality and the First-Flush Effect in Roof-Based Rainwater Harvesting, Part I: Water Quality and Soil Accumulation
Authors: Lay Jessica J. , Vogel Jason R. , Belden Jason B. , Brown Glenn O. , Storm Daniel E.
Published: May 2024

Rainfall runoff may be captured and stored for later use, but the quality of this water can be detrimental in some uses without the use of appropriately designed first-flush diverters. The rainfall runoff water quality was measured on nineteen new small-scale and two aged commercial roofs located near high traffic highways. Roof coverings included asphalt shingles, sheet metal, clay tiles, and tar and gravel. Runoff samples were evaluated for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), and pyrethroid insecticides. Eighteen small-scale roofs were subjected to a range of simulated rainfall events, while natural runoff was sampled on the commercial roofs and one small-scale roof. Runoff was analyzed for pH, conductivity, turbidity, total suspended solids, boron, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, sodium adsorption ratio, nitrate-nitrogen, seventeen PAHs, tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate, bifenthrin, cypermethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin. Samples from four natural storm events were also analyzed for total coliforms and Escherichia coli. In addition, soils below seventeen existing gutter downspouts were sampled to determine long-term pollutant accumulation. Atmospheric deposition was the main contributor of pollutants in the roof runoff. A majority of samples fell within the U.S. EPA guidelines for non-potable urban and agricultural water reuse. Trace levels of PAHs, PFRs, and insecticides were detected, but all detections were three orders of magnitude below the USGS health-based screening level benchmark concentrations. Results indicate that diverting the first flush, based on turbidity, total suspended solids, or conductivity, can improve the overall water quality and reduce the concentrations of PAHs in harvested rainwater. Downspout soil sampling showed potential for the long-term accumulation of PAHs at concentrations exceeding the minimum human-health risk-based screening levels at these high runoff-loading locations.
Life Cycle Assessment of Pervious Pavements: Integrative Review and Novel Ideas of Analysis
Authors: Martins Vaz Igor Catão , Antunes Lucas Niehuns , Ghisi Enedir , Thives Liseane Padilha
Published: May 2024

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA) are essential tools for environmental and economic assessment and decision-making in an evolving world with continuous climate change. In the same conditions, one of the most used and assessed solutions for facing climate change is using pervious pavements, with many papers proving its benefits. However, the literature has shown a need for more research on the LCA methodological aspects in the context of new green infrastructure. This research aims to review pervious pavements, LCA and LCCA combined, while discussing possible differences in boundaries, functional units, and other parameters. Thus, a string search was performed, leading to 89 documents. The main results indicate LCA is usually scope-bounded in the field of pervious pavements, with different benefits and characteristics, such as traffic impact, urban heat island effects, and carbonation. As for LCCA, private and public cost differentiation provide a scope definition and monetisation difficulties. In conclusion, both tools offer promising applications in pervious pavements. As a significant deliverable and recommendation of this paper, both LCA and LCCA theoretical frameworks were provided based on the benefits and specific characteristics included in the literature. These frameworks introduce novel ideas and perspectives, inviting further exploration and discussion.
Study on Permeability Evolution Law of Rock Mass under Mining Stress
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Ji Xuan , Li Yanheng , Xu Mingjing , Yao Bin , Zhang Chenliang
Published: May 2024

In order to study the stress–strain–permeability coefficient relationship of overlying strata in a fractured zone after coal mining, taking the Changcun coal mine in the Changzhi basin as an example, the permeability evolution law of coarse sandstone, fine sandstone, siltstone and mudstone during a stress–strain process was analyzed through a triaxial compression permeability test. The generalized model of the rock mass permeability evolution process under mining stress was summarized, and then a coupling model of the stress–water pressure–permeability coefficient of fractured rock was established based on the continuum model of rock mass. The results showed that the maximum permeability coefficient of different coal overburden types was quite different, and the peak strength of the rock mass preceded the maximum permeability coefficient during the rock mass failure process; the permeability coefficient first decreased and then increased, reaching its maximum value after the peak stress, which occurred during the strain-softening stage; the generalized model of rock mass permeability included the compaction stage, elasticity stage, stable fracture stage, unstable fracture stage, macroscopic failure stage and residual strength stage.
Experimental Study on Near-Wall Laser-Induced Cavitation Bubble Micro-Dimple Formation on 7050 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Cao Yupeng , Hu Ranran , Shi Weidong , Zhou Rui
Published: May 2024

To investigate the feasibility and formation laws of fabricating micro-dimples induced by near-wall laser-induced cavitation bubble (LICB) on 7050 aluminum alloy. A high-speed camera and a fiber-optic hydrophone system were used to capture pulsation evolution images and acoustic signals of LICB. Meanwhile, a three-dimensional profilometer was employed to examine the contour morphology of the surface micro-dimple on the specimen. The results show that at an energy level of 500 mJ, the total pulsation period for the empty bubble is 795 μs, with individual pulsation periods of 412.5 μs, 217 μs, and 165 μs for the first, second, and third cycles, respectively, with most energy of the laser and bubble being consumed during the first evolution period. Under the synergy of the plasma shock wave and collapse shock wave, a spherical dimple with a diameter of 450 μm is formed on the sample surface with copper foil as the absorption layer. A model of micro-dimple formed by LICB impact is established. As the energy increases, the depth of the surface micro-dimple peaks at an energy of 400 mJ and then decreases. The depth of the surface micro-dimple increases with the increase in the number of impacts; the optimal technology parameters for the micro-dimple formation by LICB impact are as follows: the absorption layer is copper foil, the energy is 400 mJ, and the number of impacts is three.
Evaluating the impact of interactive cinema in audiovisual literacy and education: An eye-tracking study
Authors: Dimitriadis Giorgos , Gouleti Katerina , Kokonis Michalis
Published: May 2024

The present paper explores the use of interactive cinema in education from the perspective of young students’ responsiveness. With the use of an eye-tracker, gaze data was collected from students aged between 10-13 years who watched a short film extract, enhanced with a number of interactive elements or “hotspots” that appeared during playback. During the experiment, the eye-tracker collected data on the behavioral patterns of student participants with regard to their willingness to access the interactive elements on screen, the time they devoted to reading them, possible optimal positions of those elements, etc., also studied in relation to demographic information concerning age group, area of living, and gender of the participants. The aim of the experiment was to assess students’ responses in the context of exploring the prospects for using interactive cinema in education in order to teach elements of audiovisual literacy as well as any other cross-curricular content.
The role and importance of communications in a medical organization
Authors:   SBHI of the city of Moscow «City Clinical Hospital named after S. P. Botkin» Department of Healthcare of the City of Moscow,, Ekimova N. A. , Izevlina N. L. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Samara State Medical University» of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia,
Published: May 2024

In any medical organization, the role and importance of communications is very high, because the position of a medical worker itself involves communication with both well-known people (colleagues) and unfamiliar ones. A special role is given to the middle manager, as he is the link between the administration and subordinates, doctors and nurses. Target. Determine the role and importance of communications in the professional activities of nursing specialists. Results. The process of vertical communication among nursing staff, the vertical and horizontal communication processes in the activities of the head of the nursing service are analyzed, and aspects that have a negative impact on interpersonal communications are identified. Conclusion. In business communication of nursing staff, communication of a professional nature takes a central place. The task of business communication between medical personnel is productive cooperation aimed at solving current problems and improving nursing in a medical organization.
Quality of life and mental health of patients with coronary heart disease
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Samara State Medical University» of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Kuznetsov A. I.
Published: May 2024

According to WHO, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. The most common form of heart disease is coronary heart disease (CHD). IHD is the most acute medical problem in most countries of the world, including Russia, due to high morbidity, mortality, persistent and temporary disability among the most productive part of the population, which causes significant economic damage to modern society [1, 2, 3]. Target. To study factors influencing the quality of life and mental health of patients with coronary artery disease. Results. The prevalence of risk factors among patients with coronary artery disease is analyzed, the impact of the disease on the physical and emotional state of patients is considered, and the influence of rehabilitation measures that help improve the quality of life of patients with coronary artery disease is shown.Conclusion. To improve the quality of life of patients with coronary artery disease, it is necessary to develop new forms of rehabilitation assistance and methods of financial support, and create rehabilitation centers at the place of residence and work.
Safe environment of a medical organization for patients of the burn unit
Authors:   SBHI SR «Tolyatty city hospital №. 4», Tolyatty, Russia, Baklushina L. I.
Published: May 2024

One of problems of modern medicine is the organization of an emergency aid and intensive therapy by the victim with thermal defeats [1]. The number of victims of burns around the world, especially in industrialized countries, steadily grows. High death rate in state of shock or after it requires in the nearest future further enhancement of the organization of assistance to patients, intensive therapy and surgical treatment.
Illusions of labor law: delusion or reality?
Authors:   Department of Theory and History of State and Law, Law Institute of the Vladimir State University named after A. G. and N. G. Stoletov, Kuzmin I. M.
Published: May 2024

In modern legislation there are many legal illusions, arising both systematically, for the development of society and the state, and spontaneously as reactionary measures to certain social circumstances (pandemic, sanctions). There are also legal illusions in labor law. Identification and classification of legal illusions will improve labor legislation. The article defines the role of legal illusion as an element that constitutes a new social reality. The key doctrinal approaches to the understanding of legal illusion are analyzed. It is proposed to distinguish target illusions, which in turn are divided into illusions and simulacra. Legal simulacra in the process of implementation entail distortion of legal reality, conflicts and violations of the rights of participants of social relations. The implementation of certain provisions of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation is considered as examples of legal illusions and simulacra.
Reduced working hours
Authors:   Department of Labor and Environmental Law, Faculty of Law, Baku State University, Aleskerova Lala , Aliyeva Farida ,   Department of Labor and Environmental Law, Faculty of Law, Baku State University
Published: May 2024

This article discusses the issues of legal regulation of reduced working hours under the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Based on the analysis of the norms of the Labor Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a number of other normative legal acts, the distinctive features of such a type of working time as shortened working hours are revealed, the conditions and procedure for establishing some of its types are shown.
Zoogeographical composition of macroinvertebrates in low-mountain lakes of the Russian Altai
Authors:   Institute for Water and Environmental Problems SB RAS, Russia, Barnaul, Vdovina O.N. , Bezmaternykh D.M. ,   Institute for Water and Environmental Problems SB RAS, Russia, Barnaul
Published: May 2024

In 2022 the taxonomic and zoogeographic composition of the macrozoobenthos of six lowland lakes of the Russian Altai: Aya, Beloe, Kireevo, Kolyvanskoe, Koksha and Svetloye was investigated. In the studied lakes 156 species of zoobenthos from 9 classes of invertebrates were identified. The largest number of species is characteristic of the insect class. Chironomids and oligochaetes dominated in terms of frequency of occurrence in the lakes. Of the oligochaetes, the family Tubificidae (68%) was more frequently observed. Tubificidae (68%), chironomids — subfamilies Chironominae (91%) and Tanypodinae (66%). The maximum species diversity of zoobenthos was observed in lakes Beloe (81 species) and Koksha (76 species), the least number of species was found in lakes Aya (41 species) and Kireevo (52 species). Lakes Beloe — Kireevo — Kolyvanskoe and Koksha — Svetloye are the most similar in composition of benthic invertebrates. The most original was the taxonomic composition of the deepest lake Aya. According to the taxonomic composition of the fauna of bottom invertebrates, most lakes (Aya, Beloe, Kireevo, Kolyvanskoe) were closer to plain water bodies, two lakes (Koksha, Svetloe) combined features of both plain and mountain lakes. Zoogeographic analysis of the fauna of benthic invertebrates of foothill lakes revealed 12 types of distribution. Holarctic (39%), Palaearctic (23%) and Western Palaearctic species (21%) were predominant in the lake fauna. Comparative analysis of the fauna of the identified homotopic and heterotopic species showed that the most extensive areas are found only among homotopic primary aquatic archaic taxa. Zoogeographic analysis of the studied lakes indicate their proximity to the border of the Western and Eastern Palearctic.
Morphometric characteristics as an indicator of the breeding process in carp
Authors:   Branch for Freshwater Fishery of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Russian Federation Research Institute of Fishery and Oceanography”, Russia, Moscow Region, Rybnoye, Simonov V.M.
Published: May 2024

The study of the variability of exterior indicators in two-year-olds of three different strains of carp: the natural population of the Volga carp, the breed group of the Zagorsky carp and the butterfly carp breed. The research was carried out on the basis of the pond base of the experimental breeding farm of the VNIIPRH. It is shown that the introduction of the index of the relative size of the head to the total body surface into the analysis of a new breeding trait determines the significant discrepancy between the groups of the Volga carp and carp in the complex of morphotype features. It was found that the Volga carp is the most distant from the butterfly carp (the distance of the Mahalanobis is 13.18), as well as from the breed group of the Zagorsky carp (8,66). The breed groups of carp are located closer to each other (4.18). The greatest contribution to the separation of the studied groups of cyprinid fish is made by 7 morphotype features — body length, indices of pectoventral and antedorsal distance, length of snout, tail and dorsal fin, the ratio of head area to body area of fish. The relative head sizes of the carp breed groups are significantly higher than those of the Volga carp, which has not been selected in fish aquaculture. Thus, the head size of the Volga carp occupies 15.06%, and that of the carp after 7 generations of breeding — 15.93–16.82%. The Volga carp is characterized by higher values of body length and low values of relative head size, high back, fatness coefficient and body girth. It is shown that the relative size of the head can serve as an indicator of the difference in the breed groups of carp. An increase in the ratio of the head area to the surface of the entire fish is observed in the series: Volga carp — Zagorsky carp — butterfly. It is proposed to use this indicator as an additional characteristic of the breeding process and domestication of cyprinid fish.
Fatty Acids of Erythrocyte Membranes in the Differentiation of Patients with Fatty Liver Disease of Alcoholic, Non-Alcoholic and Mixed Genesis
Authors:   Research Institute of Internal and Preventive Medicine – Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Kruchinina M.V. , Kruchinina E.V. , Osipenko M.F. , Parulikova M.V. ,   Novosibirsk State Medical University
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the study: to study the possibilities of using fatty acids of erythrocyte membranes in differentiating patients with fatty liver disease of alcoholic, non-alcoholic and mixed genesis (metabolic + alcohol). Material and methods. 38 men (average age 47.5 ± 2.9 years) with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); 31 men with alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) (45.1 ± 3.1 years) and 30 men (48.2 ± 3.2 years) with fatty liver disease of mixed genesis (metabolic + alcoholic) were examined. The degree of fibrosis in the groups did not exceed grade I. The composition and levels of the fatty acids (FA) of erythrocyte,s membranes were studied using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, a system based on three Agilent 7000B quadrupoles (USA). Results. The levels of elaidic, 9-palmitoleic, eicosapentaenoic fatty acids were higher (p = 0.041–0.058), and the content of margaric, stearic and alpha-linolenic acids (p = 0.043–0.05) were lower in alcoholic genesis compared with non-alcoholic. The use of a panel of fatty acids – C18:1;t9, C17:0, C18:0, C18:3 n-3, C16:1;9, C20:5 n-3 – provided high diagnostic accuracy with an AUC of 0.914, sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 93% when distinguishing NAFLD from AFLD. It was found that the total content of unsaturated, monounsaturated, levels of arachidonic (n-6), oleic, eicosapentaenoic (n-3), palmitoleic, elaidic, the total content of two n-3 PUFA – eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic in patients with mixed-genesis fatty liver disease were statistically significantly higher, and the levels of stearic, the total content of saturated, arachinic and the ratios of saturated FA/unsaturated FA, saturated FA/polyunsaturated FA were lower than in patients with non–alcoholic fatty liver disease (p = 0.000004–0.04). In patients with fatty liver disease of mixed genesis, the total content of monounsaturated FA, especially oleic and palmitoleic, linoleic (n-6) and saturated lauric, were significantly higher, and the levels of saturated FA arachinic, stearic, SFA/USFA, SFA/PUFA ratios were lower than in AFLD (p = 0.0009–0.06). Conclusion. The revealed differences in the levels of fatty acids of erythrocyte membranes in patients with fatty liver disease of various origins are probably associated with the main etiological factor and can be used to develop new diagnostic methods and targets for therapy.
Aloysio de Castro: neurologista esquecido, clínico consagrado
Authors: Santos Gabriel Ronatty Tavares , Campos Vitória Thame Amaral Curi , Neves Afonso Carlos
Published: May 2024

Aloysio de Castro (1881-1959) foi um médico, professor, escritor e músico brasileiro de destaque nesses campos. Sempre quando citado, é inevitável lembrar que era filho de Francisco de Castro (1857-1901) marcante médico, professor e escritor da Faculdade de Medicina do Rio de Janeiro. O que nos chama a atenção sobre Aloysio de Castro é o fato de que sua atuação como clínico e professor de Clínica em medicina foram tão fortes que ofuscaram o aspecto peculiar dele ser, praticamente, um “neurologista”, ainda antes de haver neurologia instalada no Brasil institucionalmente. Este trabalho procura levantar os elementos que podem esclarecer melhor essa afirmação.
Cardiovascular, Kidney Failure, and All-Cause Mortality Events in Patients with FSGS in a US Real-World Database
Authors: Velez Juan Carlos Q. , Thakker Kamlesh M. , Bensink Mark E. , Lerma Edgar V. , Lieblich Richard , Bunke C. Martin , Gong Wu , Wang Kaijun , Rava Andrew R. , Amari Diana T. , Oliveri David , Murphy Michael V. , Cork David M.W.
Published: May 2024

Key Points

In our patients with FSGS, elevated proteinuria and progression to kidney failure (KF) were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease/all-cause mortality events.

In addition, elevated pre-KF proteinuria was associated with KF/all-cause mortality events.

CKD stage, nephrotic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease event rates, as well as the incremental costs of these events, were high.

Background

FSGS leads to proteinuria and progressive decline in GFR, which correlates with kidney failure (KF) and increased cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of proteinuria on KF status/all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events/all-cause mortality, as well as the relationship between progression to KF and occurrence of CVD/mortality events among adult patients (18 years or older) with FSGS.

Methods

This was an observational, retrospective cohort study utilizing Optum deidentified Market Clarity Data and proprietary Natural Language Processing data. The study period was from January 1, 2007, through March 31, 2021, with patients in the overall cohort being identified from July 1, 2007, through March 31, 2021. The index date was the first FSGS ICD-10 diagnosis code or FSGS-related natural language processing term within the identification period.

Results

Elevated proteinuria >1.5 and ≥3.5 g/g increased the risk of KF/all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval (CI)], 2.34 [1.99 to 2.74] and 2.44 [2.09 to 2.84], respectively) and CVD/all-cause mortality (adjusted HR [95% CI], 2.11 [1.38 to 3.22] and 2.27 [1.44 to 3.58], respectively). Progression to KF was also associated with a higher risk of CVD/all-cause mortality (adjusted HR [95% CI], 3.04 [2.66 to 3.48]).

Conclusions

A significant proportion of patients with FSGS experience KF and CVD events. Elevated proteinuria and progression to KF were associated with a higher risk of CVD/all-cause mortality events, and elevated pre-KF proteinuria was associated with progression to KF/all-cause mortality events. Treatments that meaningfully reduce proteinuria and slow the decline in GFR have the potential to reduce the risk of CVD, KF, and early mortality in patients with FSGS.