bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of pH on Subsurface Denitrification Stimulated with Emulsified Vegetable Oil
Authors: Gonsalez Veronica L. , Dombrowski Paul M. , Lee Michael D. , Ramsburg C. Andrew
Published: February 2023

Treatment of nitrate rich groundwater using permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) established with injection of emulsified vegetable oil is receiving attention in areas where groundwater discharges contribute to eutrophication (e.g., Cape Cod, MA). To better understand the biogeochemical process kinetics when emulsified vegetable oil (EVO) is used to stimulate denitrification within the subsurface, microcosm experiments and process-based modeling were conducted for pH conditions ranging from 4 to 8. Biomass variability in soil and pH variations were found to affect denitrification, with limited nitrate reduction observed below pH 5.0. Different rates for denitrification associated with biomass variability suggest that a greater characterization of the indigenous biological community may improve PRB design and operation. Process-based modeling employed the activated sludge model No 3 (AMS3) framework that assumes denitrification as a two-step anoxic process dependent primarily on heterotrophic bacteria, soluble substrate, nitrate, and nitrite. Experimental data were used to calibrate the model under neutral to low pH, resulting in a robust set of equations that can be coupled with transport in future research to improve PRB effectiveness.
Study on the Soil Deterioration Mechanism in the Subsidence Zone of the Wildcat Landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area
Authors: Wang Ruihong , Zhao Kaiqiang , Wei Can , Li Xuan , Li Mingxin , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: February 2023

The stability of soil mass near the dam bank in the Three Gorges Reservoir is closely related to the periodic variation in the reservoir water level. In order to study the influence of water level variation on soil mass, the soil mass in the water level fluctuation zone of the Wildcat landslide was taken as the research object, and the mechanism of soil mass deterioration in this area was revealed by comparing the strength and mineral structure characteristics of soil mass at different elevations by means of macro- and meso-microscopic analysis. The results show the following: (1) With the increase in sampling elevation, the natural water content of the soil decreases, and the dry density of the soil is a minimum when the elevation is 155 m and at a maximum when the elevation is 175 m. (2) The soil mass in the water dissipation zone of the Wildcat landslide can be divided into three areas: When the elevation is 145–155 m, the fractal dimension increases, the soil fragmentation increases, the cohesion decreases, and the soil deterioration increases. When the elevation is 155–175 m, the fractal dimension decreases, the soil fragmentation decreases, the cohesion increases, and the soil deterioration weakens. When the elevation is greater than 175 m, there is no soil deterioration. (3) X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to test the soil’s mineral composition and pore size at different elevations. It was found that the main reason for the severe deterioration of macro-strength parameters of the soil at the elevation of 155 m was that the proportion of clay minerals and quartz was at the lowest, and the proportion of medium pores and large pores was at the highest. (4) Through the combination of macro and mesoscopic testing and analysis, it was found that the rise and fall of the reservoir water level will lead to the strong chemical action of the skeleton and cemented mineral dissolution in the soil degradation-enhanced area, as well as the physical action of soil particles, resulting in the formation of more medium pores and large pores in the soil and eventually the formation of seepage channels.
Understanding Climate Change and Heavy Metals in Coastal Areas: A Macroanalysis Assessment
Authors: Mok Wen Jye , Ghaffar Mazlan Abd , Noor Mohd Iqbal Mohd , Lananan Fathurrahman , Azra Mohamad Nor
Published: February 2023

Increasing human-induced climate issues, such as water pollution, have triggered rapid physiochemical changes, especially in coastal regions. These changes have directly impacted aquatic animals that live near coastal areas, such as bivalves and crustaceans (e.g., clams, crabs), as well as those that live in the lower areas of the habitat (i.e., sediment). Heavy metal pollution (e.g., mercury) is one of the most concerning physiochemical changes in these areas. The effects of heavy metals on coastal environments and organisms can be substantial, in spite of restoration efforts. Thus, more studies are needed to analyze the current situation of the impacts of climate-change-related issues on heavy metal concentrations in coastal areas. In this paper, we provide a scientometrics analysis of the interactions between climate change and heavy metal concentrations in coastal regions around the world. Scientometrics is the quantitative analysis of the available literature, with a focus on research patterns, using continuous and systematic methods. Our results showed that there was a total of 7922 related studies from 1979 to 2021. Heavy metal contamination, ecological quality status and ocean acidification are among the most influential keywords in this field. We concluded that among climate change issues, heavy metals are becoming a popular topic within research associated with climate change.
An Innovative Sorption Technology for Removing Microplastics from Wastewater
Authors: Spacilova Marketa , Dytrych Pavel , Lexa Martin , Wimmerova Lenka , Masin Pavel , Kvacek Robert , Solcova Olga
Published: February 2023

This study is focused on technology development for microplastic removal from wastewater using a sorption process, which would be suitable not only as a tertiary stage of purification in wastewater treatment plants but also for other waters, e.g., process water and surface water. Therefore, cheap natural materials such as zeolites and bentonites were tested as possible sorbents. This study aims not only at sorbent selection but also at their possible modification by a special water regime improving sorption efficiency and lifetime. Microplastic particles of the majority of common types of plastics were prepared by a newly developed abrasion technique from various plastic items used at home, thus microplastic particle sizes and shapes corresponded to the real microplastics found in waters. Based on results with high reproducibility, a novel method for microplastic characterization based on Raman spectroscopy in combination with SEM/EDX was developed. The removal of microplastics from waste water was tested not only at the laboratory scale but also in a developed semi-operational sorption unit at a real wastewater treatment plant throughout the year with the efficiency of over 90%.
Evaluating Nature-Based Solutions for Water Management in Peri-Urban Areas
Authors: Hale Sarah E. , Tann Loretta von der , Rebelo Alanna J. , Esler Karen J. , de Lima Ana Paula Morais , Rodrigues Aline F. , Latawiec Agnieszka Ewa , Ramírez-Agudelo Nancy Andrea , Bosch Elisabet Roca , Suleiman Lina , Singh Nandita , Oen Amy M. P.
Published: February 2023

The term nature-based solutions (NBS) has gained traction in recent years and has been applied in many settings. There are few comprehensive assessment frameworks available that can guide NBS planning and implementation while at the same time capturing the short- and long-term impacts and benefits of the NBS. Here a recently presented framework, which builds on the theory of change and was developed to assess NBS at different phases of the project cycle, was applied to seven diverse case studies. The case studies addressed water quality and quantity issues in peri-urban areas across the global north and south. Framework indicators covering the sustainability dimensions (environmental, social and economic) were assessed at three stages of the framework: context, process and results. The work sought to investigate the following research objectives: (1) Can this framework be robust and yet flexible enough to be applied across a diverse selection of NBS projects that are at different phases of the project cycle and address different kinds of water challenges within varied ecological, social and economic contexts? (2) Is it possible to draw generalisations from a comparative analysis of the application of the framework to the case studies? Results showed that the framework was able to be applied to the case studies; however, their diversity showed that NBS projects designed in one context, for a specific purpose in a specific location, can not necessarily be transferred easily to another location. There were several process-based indicators that were universally significant for the case studies, including expertise, skills and knowledge of the involved actors, roles and responsibilities of involved actors and political support. The result-based indicators were case study-specific when environmental indicators were case study-specific, and important social indicators were environmental identity and recreational values. Overall, the use of the framework benefits the recognition of the implementation’s advances, such as the change in context, the processes in place and the results obtained.
Water Distribution Characteristics of Slopes Based on the High-Density Electrical Method
Authors: Lu Xiaochun , Liu Xiao , Xiong Bobo , Cui Xue , Tian Bin , Cai Zhenglong , Shuang Ning , Zhou Mi
Published: February 2023

Measuring the water content of slopes is essential because the distribution and migration of water within slopes are important factors of landslide instability. In this study, the relationship between the resistivity, volumetric temperature water content and temperature of landslide soil was modelled. The model was validated by indoor landslide model tests and field tests in Baijiabao to investigate the effect of reservoir water levels on the water content of landslide slopes. Test results showed that, as the reservoir levels rose, the water content of the landslide soil increased. Moreover, a good correspondence between the measured results and the inversion results based on the resistivity data was obtained by using the high-density electrical method in combination with the developed model of the relationship between resistivity, volumetric water content and temperature, indicating that the proposed method is reliable and practicable in hydrodynamic landslide monitoring.
Impact of Red Sludge Dumps, Originating from Industrial Activity, on the Soil and Underground Water
Authors: Mintaș Olimpia Smaranda , Simeanu Cristina , Berchez Octavian , Marele Daniela Camelia , Osiceanu Adrian Gheorghe , Rusu Teodor
Published: February 2023

In the aluminum industry, one of the most sensitive economic and environmental problems is the management of resulting waste such as slag, ash and sludge, which become potential sources of pollution. Red sludge, which results from the aluminum industry, is a mixture made up of different forms of iron and aluminum oxides, sodium and aluminum silicates, various titanium compounds, constituted in the residue left after the alkaline solubilization of alumina. The Purpose of this research is to quantify the environmental aspects involved in the storage of sludge in a landfill that has an area of 381,189 square meters and is located in the hearth of a former ballast tank in the western industrial area of the town of Oradea, Romania. The objective of the research was to determine the impact of red sludge dumps, which originated from industrial activity, on the soil and groundwater. The degree of degradation of the soil cover was highlighted by analyzing a number of 12 soil samples (4 collection points, at 3 depths). A total of 14 samples (7 samples on 2 depths) were investigated to monitor the migration mode of the sludge in the structure of the dam. In order to monitor the quality of groundwater, samples from 3 observation boreholes were analyzed. Soil monitoring results did not indicate values of the analyzed parameters above the values imposed by the national legislation on soil quality. Since the dumps were not waterproofed, the quality parameters of the water from the observation boreholes were exceeded, and gravity caused the water to drain into the underground water network in the area. Based on the samples from the observation boreholes, several measurements exceeded allowable values: pH values of the water sample taken from upstream of the dump exceeded the value limits by about 7%, and both upstream and downstream, water samples indicate an excess of 13.60% in the aluminum indicator, 267% in the sulfate ion, and 417% in the sodium ion. This shows a risk of pollution which requires additional monitoring.
Research Progress of Dike Leak Rescue Technology
Authors: Yu Guoqing , Li Chenchen
Published: February 2023

Leaks refer to seepage holes running through a dike body or foundation, the formation of which may pose dire threats to dike safety and cause dike breaching due to a large flow rate and strong scouring force. Once the water inlet of a leak is detected, sealing and rescue measures should be taken in accordance with the principle of “inlet plugging and outlet anti-filtration”. The key is the quick filling and stability of the plugging materials. Herein, the rescue technology of dike leaks is systematically laid out; the formation causes and development mechanism of the leaks are analyzed; the dike leak detection, plugging, and sealing technology is summarized; and the future research direction is clarified. Existing plugging technology and equipment are complicated and time-consuming. Hence, plugging methods should be innovated and improved to effectively improve the efficiency and success rate of emergency rescues. A new concept of “grade-by-grade plugging and sealing” is correspondingly proposed for dike leaks, changing leak rescues from “single-level plugging and sealing at the leak inlet” to “grade-by-grade plugging and sealing at the portal and inside the leak”. A tandem closed space is formed in the leak. The hydrodynamic pressure is changed from the independent bearing of the portal to the gradual bearing of the plugging materials at the portal and inside the leak.
Chinese Violet Cress (Orychophragmusviolaceus L.) Yield and Nitrogen Balance in Response to Coupling Effects of Water–Nitrogen Application—A Case Study Using 15N Tracing Technique
Authors: Jin Qiu , Tong Jian , Yao Yutian , Chen Chao , Wang Fan , Peng Hao , You Junjian , Shaghaleh Hiba , Hamoud Yousef Alhaj
Published: February 2023

The accurate and efficient management of water and nitrogen is of significance for the intensive production of field-cultivated flowers. To investigate the effects of different irrigation and nitrogen application modes on the growth, development, and nitrogen use of Orychophragmus violaceus, three nitrogen application doses of 120, 160, and 200 kg/ha and three irrigation treatments of 50 + 30 mm (overwintering water and regreening water), 75 + 45 mm, and 100 + 60 mm were implemented. The 15N isotope tracing technique was used to investigate the fertilizer nitrogen use, soil nitrogen residue, and nitrogen balance of Orychophragmus violaceus, and the entropy weight coefficient evaluation model was employed to optimize the water and nitrogen strategy. Results showed that after the application of water and nitrogen, the fresh yield of Orychophragmus violaceus increased by 21.4–49.3%, W2N3 possessed the most obvious effect on promoting yield increase, and the fresh yield reached 31.1 t/ha. The highest plant nitrogen use efficiency (39.1%) was detected in W2N2, but no significant (p > 0.05) difference of nitrogen use efficiency was found between W2N2 andW3N2. After the peak flowering period, 23.8–39.1% of the fertilizer nitrogen was absorbed by the plants, 44.3–59.2% remained in the soil, and 13.7–21.6% was lost via deep seepage, a gaseous state, or other unknown ways. A higher application amount of water or nitrogen increased the risk of nitrogen loss. Among the treatments, W2N2 treatment has the highest entropy weight coefficient evaluation value of 0.905, indicating that W2N2 was the water–nitrogen coupling mode with optimal comprehensive benefits. It was recommended that 75 mm of overwintering water and 45 mm of regreening water combined with a 160 kg/ha nitrogen application amount is the suitable water and nitrogen regulation scheme for Orychophragmus violaceus.
Hydrochemical Characterization and Quality Assessment of Groundwater in Hatiya Island, Southeastern Coastal Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Tajwar Mahir , Uddin Ashraf , Lee Ming-Kuo , Nelson Jake , Zahid Anwar , Sakib Nazmus
Published: February 2023

Groundwater is a vital source of fresh water for drinking and agricultural purposes in the region of Hatiya Island, Bangladesh, yet it is subject to contamination by natural and anthropogenic activities. Over time, the contamination has resulted in a variety of negative effects on human health. This research aims to examine groundwater hydrogeochemical characterization and suitability for irrigation and drinking purposes on different indices utilizing a combined geochemical method, multivariate statistical approaches, and geospatial analysis. Results of hydrogeochemical analyses of 15 groundwater samples from the intermediate aquifer (60–90 m depth) represent the order of cations, anions, and metal concentrations as Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+, Cl− > SO42− > HCO3− > NO3−, and Fe > I > Br > Mn > As, respectively. Saltwater intrusion has been determined to be the most important hydrogeochemical process influencing the chemistry of groundwater. Principal component analysis, Pearson’s correlation matrix, and hierarchical cluster analysis indicate that groundwater quality is highly governed by geogenic influences. This information has been evaluated using a drinking water quality index map, which found that six (40%) of the groundwater samples are suitable for human consumption, whereas the other nine (60%) are unfit for drinking. The analysis of irrigation quality parameters revealed that eight (54%) of the groundwater samples are in excellent or good condition for agricultural uses; however, the other seven (46%) samples are unsuitable.
More about Persulfate-Assisted Ferrilanthanide-Mediated Photocatalysis of Textile Industry Dye Reactive Black 5: Surface Properties and Structural Assessment
Authors: Arslan-Alaton Idil , Koba-Ucun Olga , Turkten Nazli , Sora Isabella Natali , Bekbolet Miray
Published: February 2023

Color and organic matter removal from dyehouse effluent remains a challenging issue for the environmentalist and textile dyer. Until now, various treatment processes have been proposed with limited success. In this study, the textile dye and model industrial pollutant Reactive Black 5 (RB5; 20 mg/L) could be rapidly degraded by persulfate (PS)-enhanced photocatalytic treatment using a novel, home-made lanthanum iron oxide (LF; 0.5 g/L). LF-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis was effective when the solution pH was kept below 4. The photocatalytic degradation of RB5 solution was enhanced in the presence of 0.6 and 1.2 mM PS. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content of the aqueous, hydrolyzed RB5 solution (initial DOC = 5.15 mg/L) was effectively reduced by LF/UV-A (LF = 0.5 g/L; 52–54% DOC removal after 150–180 min) and LF/PS/UV-A (LF = 0.5 g/L; 60–66% DOC removal after 120 min) treatments. LF photocatalyst could be reused in four consecutive cycles for complete color and partial DOC removals without significant deterioration of the treatment performance with the LF/PS/UV-A/pH 3 process. Instrumental analyses of LF’s surface morphology/chemical composition and structural features via EDAX/SEM/Raman/FTIR/UV-vis/fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that LF remained practically intact throughout photocatalytic treatment, though slight changes/decreases in particle size/partial surface deformation and agglomeration coverage were observed, particularly during LF/PS/UV-A treatment. The presence of RB5 and its degradation products on the LF surface revealed that surface adsorption played a major role in LF-mediated photocatalysis. The Fe-content did not deviate appreciably from its original value after photocatalytic treatment.
Effects of Shelter on the Hatching, Immune Performance, and Profitability of the Ovigerous Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus clarkii under High Stocking Density
Authors: Qin Lirong , Guo Chao , Xiong Mantang , Gong Kun , Liu Jiashou , Zhang Tanglin , Li Wei
Published: February 2023

To develop the intensive breeding technology of the seed of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii, the survival rates, hatching effects (hatching rate, incubation level, and number of juveniles), and immune performance of ovigerous P. clarkia as well as economic benefits are evaluated under different shelter conditions under a high stocking density in this study. The experimental design includes three different forms of shelter treatments (D1: experiment without any shelters; D2: experiment with closed shelters; D3: experiment with open shelters), each with three replicates. The results show that the concentration of the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and activities of phenoloxidase (PO), catalase (CAT), and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the D3 treatment are higher than those in the D1 treatment (all p < 0.05), with the highest concentrations of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the highest activities of phenoloxidase (PO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) among the treatments being present in the ovigerous P. clarkii in the D3 treatment. The hatching rates of the three treatments vary from 69.51% to 94.28%, with the highest rate found in the D3 treatment and the lowest in the D1 treatment, but there is no significant difference among them (p > 0.05). The highest incubation level (ind.·m−2) and the highest number of juveniles (ind.·m−2) among treatments are found in the D3 treatment, with the incubation level (ind.·m−2) in the D3 treatment being significantly higher than that in the D1 treatment (p < 0.05). The benefit–cost ratios (BCRs) of the D2 and D3 treatments remain significantly higher than that of the D1 treatment when P. clarkii prices change (all p < 0.05). Our results indicate that a high stocking density habitat with open shelters could effectively improve the hatching and immune performance of ovigerous P. clarkii. Our findings are relevant for the indoor aquaculture management of ovigerous P. clarkii.
Exploratory and Descriptive Comparison Using the WAIS-IV and LSC-SUA of the Cognitive Profile of Italian University Students with Reading Comprehension Disorder (RCD) vs. Decoding Difficulties—Dyslexia
Authors: D’Elia Daniela , Carpinelli Luna , Savarese Giulia
Published: February 2023

Background: The “Guidelines for the Management of Specific Learning Disorders” provide clear diagnostic and evaluative guidance on Reading Comprehension Disorder (RCD), as suggested by the DSM-5. The present study investigated the relationship between cognitive abilities in university students with RCD compared to students with Decoding Difficulties—i.e., dyslexia (DD)—and examined possible diagnostic procedures for RCD in young adults. Methods: Twenty university students from the University of Salerno “Disabilities/SLD Help Desk” participated. The sample was divided into the RCD Group (10) and DD Group (10). They were administered (a) the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) to assess their cognitive profile; and (b) the LSC-SUA-Reading tests for the assessment of text comprehension, writing, and calculation skills. Results: With regard to their cognitive profile, the DD Group had a lower mean of FSIQ (91.90 ± 5.82 vs. 92.50 ± 2.41). The RCD Group showed higher means in the subscales of CPI (94.80 ± 5.77), WMI (91.80 ± 78.80), and PSI (101.20 ± 6.20). Text comprehension assessment showed high averages in the DD Group (Track A = 11.50 ± 1.08; Track B = 11.40 ± 0.95). Conclusions: A valid psychodiagnostic model to examine reading comprehension skills for adults must assess the interaction between higher-level linguistic and cognitive processes in order to best define the pathways of skill enhancement.
Challenges experienced by GPs when providing palliative care in the UK: a systematic qualitative literature review
Authors: Jones Rachelle , Dale Jeremy , MacArtney John
Published: February 2023

Background

GPs in the UK will face increased palliative care demands in the coming years. Understanding what makes providing palliative care difficult for GPs is an important step to planning future services, but currently there is an absence of synthesised literature addressing this area.

Aim

To identify the range of issues that affect GPs’ provision of palliative care.

Design & setting

A qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis of studies exploring GPs’ experiences of providing palliative care in the UK.

Method

Four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL [Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature]) were searched on 1 June 2022 to identify relevant primary qualitative literature published between 2008 and 2022.

Results

Twelve articles were included in the review. The following four themes were identified that affect GPs’ experiences of providing palliative care: lack of resources to support palliative care provision; fragmented multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach; challenging communication with patients and carers; and inadequate training to address the complexities of palliative care. Pressures caused by increasing workloads and a lack of staffing combined with difficulty accessing specialist teams impeded GPs’ provision of palliative care. Further challenges were deficiencies in GP training, and a lack of patient understanding or unwillingness to engage in palliative care discussions.

Conclusion

A multifaceted approach focusing on increased resources, improved training, and a seamless interface between services, including improved access to specialist palliative teams when necessary, is needed to address the difficulties that GPs face in palliative care. Regular in-house MDT discussion of palliative cases and exploration of community resources could generate a supportive environment for GPs.
Responsabilidade socioambiental: um olhar ético na formação de engenheiros
Authors: Ávila Wellington , Baratta Luiz Antônio Fonseca Punaro , Maruyama Úrsula Gomes Rosa
Published: February 2023

As decisões empresariais apresentam interferências sociais relacionadas ao sistema social global e não devem ser tomadas com base somente em fatores econômicos. A Responsabilidade Social Corporativa (RSC) tornou-se um dos principais focos de interesse dos profissionais de desenvolvimento nos últimos anos. Este trabalho objetivou identificar as informações acerca da Responsabilidade SocioAmbiental baseados em preceitos éticos e focado para o bem estar social, onde integram o poder público, as empresas e as comunidades. A metodologia de pesquisa de natureza qualitativa baseou-se na utilização do método do estudo de caso múltiplos, tendo como objeto de estudo o Centro de Educação Física Almirante Adalberto Nunes (CEFAN) e o Colégio Estadual Erich Walter Heine. Os resultados demonstraram que ambas as Instituições obtiveram certificações (RSC), onde a área de engenharia proporcionou ao estabelecimento de construções sustentáveis capazes de reduzir o consumo de energia elétrica e de água. Além disso, proporcionou uma ênfase na importância da consciência ambiental com a integração da sociedade, dentre os estudantes destas instituições que são beneficiadas com as parcerias.
Análise de mortalidade e procedimentos de diagnóstico e cirúrgicos relacionados ao Câncer a região de cabeça e pescoço no Rio Grande do Norte
Authors: Batista Anna Flávia Silveira , Da Silva Rayane Emanuelle Nascimento , Pessoa Daniela Mendes da Veiga , Moura Jamille Marinho Bezerra de Oliveira , De Almeida Gilmara Celli Maia
Published: February 2023

Introdução: Apesar dos avanços no âmbito da saúde, o câncer na região de cabeça e pescoço continua sendo um problema de saúde pública, e possui existência de 600 mil novos casos por ano no mundo. Objetivo: Avaliar, no Rio Grande do Norte (RN), registros de mortalidade e procedimentos de diagnóstico e cirúrgicos voltados para o câncer de cabeça e pescoço. Método: Estudo exploratório, descritivo e inferencial, com dados secundários disponíveis. Foi analisada proporção de procedimentos de diagnóstico e cirúrgicos na região de cabeça e pescoço no RN, entre 2010-2019. Resultados: A mesorregião Leste Potiguar (LP) foi a que apresentou as maiores frequências absolutas em relação a biópsias e procedimentos cirúrgicos, tendo como destaque a capital Natal para os maiores valores. Em relação às biópsias de tecidos moles da boca, LP também apresentou maior proporção (n=586;56,6%). As regiões anatômicas da tireóide e paratireóide foram as mais representativas (n=3.467;75,9%), seguida da região de tecidos moles da boca (n=919;20,1%). O procedimento cirúrgico mais registrado foi tireoidectomia total. A taxa de mortalidade por 100 mil habitantes foi mais representativa nas mesorregiões com maiores temperaturas e atividades rurais (Central e Oeste Potiguar). Conclusão: Os procedimentos com finalidade diagnóstica foram díspares quando comparados aos de remoção cirúrgica da lesão no mesmo sítio de diagnóstico. A mesorregião mais desenvolvida e de maior densidade populacional (Leste Potiguar) apresentou maiores registros de procedimentos de diagnóstico para o câncer de cabeça e pescoço e menor taxa de mortalidade.
Influence of IL-28B serum level and gene polymorphism in a sample of Iraqi patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Abdulmalek Hadeel Waleed , Mohammed Abed Reema , Ahmad Yaaqoob Laith , Altaee Maha Fakhry , Kamona Zaid Kadim
Published: February 2023

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) represents one kind of advanced arthritis formed via inflammatory stimuli long-term in the spin‘s joints. Interleukin (IL)-29 (interferon- lambda1(IFN- λ1)), interleukin (IL)-28A (interferon- lambda 2 (IFN- λ2)) and interleukin (IL)-28B (interferon- lambda 3(IFN-λ3)) are three interferon lambda (IFN- λs) molecules that have recently been identified as new members of the IFN family. IL-28B expression in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is not well understood. 150 male healthy controls ((HC) and 160 males with AS as patients group participated in this study. Serum level and gene polymorphism were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Sanger sequencing for IL-28B, respectively. The results showed significantly lower serum IL-28B concentrations in the AS groups in comparison to the HC groups (both p values equal to 0.003). There was a large difference in IL-28B genotype and allele frequency between the two individuals. IL-28B heterozygote genotype CT of rs12979860 SNP exhibits a substantial correlation with AS (P = 0.008). While the genotypes of rs12980275 SNP were not shown any significant correlation with AS. The findings suggest that serum concentration of IL-28B is a potential diagnostic biomarker in patients with AS, and that the heterozygote CT of rs12979860 SNP serves as a potential risk factor for the onset of AS in the Iraqi population.
Ensamble de coleópteros necrófilos (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Silphidae, Scarabaeidae y Trogidae) en dos tipos de hábitats en el Altiplano Mexicano
Authors: Jiménez-Sánchez Esteban , García Fernández Cindy , Quezada-García Roberto , Deloya Cuauhtémoc , Padilla-Ramírez Jorge R.
Published: February 2023

Resumen. Se comparó el ensamble de coleópteros de las familias Staphylinidae, Silphidae, Scarabaeidae y Trogidae atraídas a la carroña en un matorral xerófilo (MX) y un bosque de encino (BE) en el norte de Guanajuato, México. Se realizaron muestreos mensuales durante 11 meses con trampas cebadas con carroña. La riqueza de especies obtenida para cada familia, tanto en el MX como en el BE está en el rango observado en bosques templados y semiáridos de México, y corrobora el 100% de cobertura de la muestra. La diversidad (órdenes q=0, q=1 y q=2) fue significativamente mayor en el BE que en el MX. El recambio espacial fue el componente de la diversidad beta responsable de la disimilitud entre sitios (Β SNE =0,13); 33,3% de las especies fueron exclusivas del BE y 19,6% del MX. Ocho especies (Belonuchus sp. 1, Thanatophilus truncatus (Say), Onthophagus lecontei Harold, Rugilus sp. 2, Belonuchus erichsoni Bernhauer, Platydracus castaneus (Nordmann), Anotylus sp., Trox plicatus Robinson) fueron indicadoras (IndVal) del MX y cuatro (Nicrophorus mexicanus Matthews, Philonthus hoegei Sharp, Stamnoderus sp., Phloeonomus centralis Blackwelder) del BE. En el MX la riqueza y la abundancia fueron mayores en las lluvias, en el BE hubo menor variación entre épocas. Nueve especies se registraron por primera vez para Guanajuato. Esta investigación constituye la primera que realiza muestreos sistemáticos para el estudio de coleópteros del estado, por lo que la diversidad se incrementará conforme se exploren más sitios.
A new species of Polypoetes Druce, 1885 (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) from Colombia, with confirmation of a new host plant for the Dioptinae
Authors: Prada-Lara Liliana , Jiménez-Bolívar Andrea C. , St Laurent Ryan A.
Published: February 2023

A new species of the genus Polypoetes Druce, 1885, Polypoetes milleri spec. nov. from Colombia is described. We provide diagnostic characters for the species, photographs of the adults and genital structures of both sexes. Additionally, we confirm a new host plant for the subfamily Dioptinae, Quararibea cordata (Malvaceae), commonly known as “zapote”.
Implantable AC-driven CMOS chip for distributed multichip retinal prosthesis capable of high-rate stimulation
Authors: Nakanishi Yuki , Sasagawa Kiyotaka , Siwadamrongpong Ronnakorn , Shodo Kenzo , Terasawa Yasuo , Takehara Hironari , Haruta Makito , Tashiro Hiroyuki , Ohta Jun
Published: February 2023

Implantable retinal prostheses are stimulation devices used to compensate for the light sensitivity loss of retinal cells. In this study, we propose and demonstrate a novel method to significantly reduce the setting time for the stimulation conditions of a retinal prosthesis chip capable of multi-electrode stimulation. The efficiency of the control method is increased while using only two wires, as in our previous work. The chip comprises an 8 bit ID and 7 electrodes, and the stimulation current value can be set from 50 to 1550 μA. The fabricated chip requires only 32 pulses to set the stimulation conditions, which is approximately 1/65 of that of our previous chip. Furthermore, it is equipped with a complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor rectifier to enable it to be driven by a rectangular AC power supply. The effectiveness of the chip is demonstrated by setting the stimulation conditions at approximately 18 μs per electrode at a clock frequency of 2.3 MHz.
العلماء المكفوفون وآثارهم في التراث العربي الإسلامي (140 هـ- 712 هـ) " دراسة تاريخية انتقائية "
Authors: أ.م.د. عبد الرضا حسن جياد  , أ.م.د. علي عبد مشالي
Published: February 2023

تمثل الدراسة عرضاً مستفيضاً لشريحة من العلماء المكفوفين من العرب المسلمين الذين كان لهم الأثر المميز في مختلف المجالات العلمية، وتضم تراجم (19) عالماً أغلبهم غير مشهورين، فضلاً عن ذكر مصنفاتهم من بداية أول من توفى منهم عام (140هـ/757م) إلى آخر من توفى عام (712هـ/1312م) غير مقيدين بمدينة أو بنشاط علمي يخص أي منهم، ولاسيما من الذين أسهمت انجازاتهم في إثراء مجالات فكرية وعلمية عدة سادت مجتمعهم آنذاك. ومع أن مفهوم المكفوفين لا يعني مساواتهم بأقرانهم المبصرين؛ إلا أن الكثير منهم سنحت له الفرصة في السعي جاهداً بالاعتماد على ذكائه الحاد، وبمساعدة الدولة العربية الإسلامية التي كانت تطبق تعاليم الإسلام في رعاية المكفوفين بحيث بزغ شأنهم ليرتقوا سلّم طبقات العلماء ويكونوا من رجالها؛ لما امتازوا به من رجاحة عقل، فضلاً عن القدرات الفذة والقابليات المتنوعة في مختلف الميادين الإنسانية والعلمية على حد سواء، ودليلنا على ذلك ما خلفوه من مصنفات فكرية وعلمية لا تزال خالدة في التراث الفكري والعلمي العربي، فضلاً عن أهميتها الكبيرة في وقتنا الحاضر.
REFRACTORY PLANTAR FASCIITIS- PRP OR LOCAL CORTICOSTEROID?
Authors: Gupta Parag , Jha Ashish , Patel Zeel , Kadam Rahul , Asawa Tanmay , Malhotra Vishakha
Published: February 2023

Background/Purpose: Plantar Fasciitis is often a nuisance to treat because of its intractable nature. Corticosteroid
injections have been conventionally used to treat such cases.One emerging therapeutic modality is the use of PlateletRich-Plasma.We compare the efficacy of the two modalities.Methods: 60 patients with intractable plantar fasciitis were
randomised to receive either autologous PRP or Corticosteroid injection. All patients were assessed with the Visual
Analogue Score (VAS) for pain and the Foot & Ankle Disability Index (FADI) Score.Data was collected prospectively on
the cohort,pre-treatment,and at 1st,2nd,6th and 12th week post injection and the results were compared. Results:Both
treatment cohorts had 30 patients, with the PRP injection group having an average age of 42.0 ± 12.98 years and
Corticosteroid injection had an average age of 39.4 ± 10.09 years.PRP injection group had male to female ratio of 0.875
while corticosteroid injection group had a ratio of 0.67.Mean FADI scores and VAS scores on 2nd and 6th week of study
were significantly higher in corticosteroid injection group as compared to the PRP injection group,while the mean of two
scores had no significant difference between the two groups when measured on 1st and 12th week.Conclusion:
Although both techniques have similar immediate and long term results,corticosteroid injection has better pain relief in
short term
HIDDEN MELANOMA- APPROACH OF A CASE REPORT
Authors: Neves Batista Joana , Pedro Silva José
Published: February 2023

Anal mucosal melanoma is rare and is associated with a poor prognosis.The unusual and ambiguous symptoms often
account for the late diagnosis and poor prognosis of anal melanoma. An 83-year-old woman presented to our family
doctor with a pigmented swelling of the anal margin.She was examined and was referred to the hospital.The diagnosis
evidenced an anal malignant melanoma,after the complementary diagnostic tests prescribes by family physician. Our
observation underscores the importance of early detection and diagnosis of a malignant disease and the importance of a
family physician in accuracy observation patient
CUSTOMERS' SATISFACTION WITH APPLICATION BASED BANKING: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF UDAIPUR CITY
Authors: Joshi Amrita , S. Ranawa S.
Published: February 2023

In the present era, Technology is affecting both qualitatively and quantitatively life of each and every one. The
exponential growth of information technology has touched the lives of millions of people and introduced major changes
in the worldwide economic and business atmosphere.The developments in the banking technology have speeded up
the banking communication and transactions for clients via various apps of banking so keeping this in view this research
has been conducted to study the customers' satisfaction with application based banking.The data has been collected
from 300 customers with the help of semi structured questionnaire and it has been concluded that majority of customers
were satisfied with application based banking services in Udaipur city
VARYING CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS OF CESAREAN SCAR ECTOPIC IN TERTIARY CARE CENTRE
Authors: Devi Priyanka G. , Pulivarthy Mounika
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Cesarean scar pregnancy [CSP] is the implantation of gestational sac within the myometrium of prior
caesarean surgery scar. The incidence of caesarean scar ectopic is 1 in 2000 normal pregnancies. CSP possess great risk
for maternal haemorrhage, placenta accreta spectrum and uterine rupture. Women with caesarean scar ectopic usually
present early. Pain and bleeding are common. However 40% of women are asymptomatic. Diagnosis is made by routine
USG examination. Rarely early rupture can lead to abdominal pregnancy. To study various Aims And Objectives:
clinical presentations, management, outcome of 3 caesarean scar pregnancies at a tertiary care centre. Materials And
Methods: Retrospective study done in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Government Hospital Guntur from
June 2021- June 2022. Sample size -3
Results:
Out of 3 cases
Ÿ One was presented with bleeding p/v as ?incomplete abortion
Ÿ Other 2 cases were presented with pain abdomen with ?unruptured tubal ectopic
Procedure:
Ÿ Exploratory laparotomy with scar ectopic excision and repair
Ÿ Exploratory laparotomy followed by sub total hysterectomy
Conclusion: Cesarean scar ectopic is a rare and potentially life threatening ectopic pregnancy. Diagnosis of CSP could
be done by comprehensive history taking and examination. Ultrasound is the main modality to identify. Early diagnosis
and intervention is very important to decrease morbidity and mortality of Cesarean Scar Ectopic
RED CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH: A NOVEL BIOMARKER FOR HYPOXIA IN COPD
Authors: Akhila Chitteddi , Vinod Kolla , Ponnathota Vindhya , Viney Kumar Ishita
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Acute hypoxia is an important prognostic indicator in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as
a biomarker. RDW can aid in identification of persistent Hypoxia. Objective: To investigate the association of red cell
Distribution Width (RDW) values in COPD exacerbation patients. Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study of
50 patients with COPD evaluated between September 2021 to December 2021.Hemogram,demographics,Spirometry
and 2D echo data collected.Results: Mean age of the patients was 56 ± 10 years.Correlation between RDW with hypoxia,
6MWT,Pulmonary hypertension,CAT was found to be significant (p = 0.001 respectively) Patients with poor expiratory
volumes (FEV1) were found to have higher CAT scores. Most patients in the study cohort were seen to be older, with
significant smoking exposure and belonging to Stage 1 COPD. Conclusion: In conclusion, we demonstrated that
elevated RDW levels in patients with COPD were associated with disease severity.It might be an indicator of hypoxemia.
Therefore, an inexpensive and simple laboratory parameter, such as RDW, could be considered as a biomarker in the
evaluation of the severity of COPD
The addition of Curcuma Xanthorriza to Vitamin D3 supplementation did not affect fatigue and cytokines in lupus patients with hypovitaminosis D
Authors: Wahono Cesarius Singgih , Saveria Irene , Kalim Handono , Handono Kusworini
Published: February 2023

Background: Seventy percent of Lupus patients in Indonesia have hypovitaminosis D.  Curcumin is a novel VDR ligand and has synergic effects with vitamin D.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of Curcuma xanthorriza addition to vitamin D3 supplementation on fatigue, serum IL-6, TGF- ?1, and to study the correlation between fatigue, serum IL-6 and TGF-?1 in lupus patients with hypovitaminosis D.

Methods: This was a double blind randomized controlled trial involving 40 SLE patients with hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D<30 ng/ml). The first group consisted of 20 patients who received Cholecalciferol 1200 IU/day and placebo, and the other group received Cholecalciferol 1200 IU/day and Curcuma xanthorriza 60 mg/day. The subjects were followed up at the end of 3 months. Fatigue were measured by Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Visual Analogue Scale-Fatigue (VAS-F). Vitamin D, serum IL-6 and TGF-?1 were measured by ELISA.

Result: There was no significant difference between the decrease of FSS (p = 0.300) and VAS-F score (p = 0.085) in curcuma Vs placebo groups, respectively. The decrease of IL-6 (p = 0.061) and increase of TGF-?1 (p = 0.261) in curcuma Vs placebo group also did not differ significantly. There was no correlation between fatigue and IL-6 [FSS, r=0.255, p=0.117], [VAS, r=0.086, p=0.625], also between fatigue and TGF-?1 [FSS, r=0.127, p=0.441], [VAS-F, r=0.510, p=0.109].

Conclusion: The addition of Curcuma xanthorriza had no significant effect on fatigue and alteration of IL-6, as well as TGF-?1 serum. There were no correlations between fatigue, IL-6 and TGF-?1 serum.
Hubungan antara rasio netrofil limfosit terhadap kematian pasien delirium geriatri di RSUP Sanglah: Studi kohort prospektif
Authors: Abigail Nirmala Dewi , Astika Nyoman , Kuswardhani RA Tuty , Aryana I Gusti Putu Suka , Putrawan Ida Bagus Putu , Purnami Ni Ketut Rai
Published: February 2023

Latar Belakang: Delirium merupakan suatu kumpulan gejala neuropsikiatrik yang sering terjadi pada geriatri di rumah sakit dengan gejala yang berubah-ubah sehingga seringkali diagnosis terlambat dan mengakibatkan penanganan terlambat sehingga meningkatkan angka kematian.
Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara rasio netrofil limfosit (RNL) terhadap kematian pasien delirium geriatri di RSUP Sanglah.
Metode: Studi ini  merupakan observasional analitik dengan rancangan penelitian kohort prospektif. Diagnosis delirium menggunakan penilaian Confusion Assessment Method. Rasio netrofil-limfosit diukur dengan cara membagi kadar netrofil dan limfosit absolut. Dilakukan perhitungan rerata RNL dan limfosit serta perbandingan rerata pada kelompok penyintas dan kematian. Nilai potong RNL didapat dengan menggunakan kurva ROC dan dikategorikan menjadi tinggi dan rendah, selanjutnya dilakukan uji chi-square. Nilai kesintasan median dihitung pada masing-masing kelompok dan analisis cox regresi untuk mengukur hazard ratio. 
Hasil: Sebanyak 73 pasien delirium terdiri dari 38 perempuan dan 35 laki-laki dengan rata-rata usia adalah 73,49 tahun. Kelompok yang meninggal pada penelitian ini sebesar 48 orang dan penyintas 25 orang. Rerata RNL pada kelompok yang meninggal lebih tinggi sebesar 15,64. Secara bivariat diperoleh hubungan yang bermakna antara RNL terhadap kematian geriatric delirium dengan RR 2,47 (95% CI: 1,11-5,46, p=0,014). Berdasarkan analisis regresi Cox proportional model, subjek dengan hasil RNL tinggi akan mengalami peningkatan mortalitas sebanyak hampir 2,5 kali lebih tinggi (Cox HR 2,46; 95% IK 1,03 – 5,90; p=0.044).
Simpulan: Nilai RNL yang tinggi memiliki hubungan terhadap kematian delirium geriatri. Subjek dengan hasil RNL tinggi akan mengalami peningkatan mortalitas sebanyak hampir 2,5 kali lebih tinggi.
Technologies enabling evolution of Integrated Local Energy Communities
Authors: Morch Andrei , Di Somma Marialaura , Papadimitriou Christina , Sæle Hanne , Palladino Valeria , Ardanuy Jesús Fraile , Conti Giuseppe , Rossi Mosè , Comodi Gabriele
Published: February 2023

Integrated local multi-energy systems are recognized as a promising bottom-up alternative to achieve the ambitious energy and climate goals set by the European Commission for 2030. The nature of integrated multi-energy systems presumes a very complex interaction of different aspects from various energy sectors, which historically functioned more or less independently. Therefore, configuration and development of an integrated local energy system under the energy community concept is an extremely demanding task, requiring a sound interdisciplinary knowledge base. The present study shares results from an activity in H2020 project eNeuron aiming to cover this gap, by introducing the Integrated Local Energy Community definition and providing a deep-dive review of multiple factors influencing the future development of these emerging systems, reviewing the three levels: political priorities, technical overview and limitations plus barriers. The paper has been accepted by ISC2 2022 Conference