bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Operations: Evaluating Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) And Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) For Muratec Qpro Ex Winding Machines at PT XYZ
Authors: Pitoyo Djoko , Azwar Ade Geovania , Aprilia Anggi
Published: December 2024

PT. XYZ is a leading manufacturing company that focuses on the textile industry, especially in producing yarn from cotton, polyester, and rayon raw materials. Even though it has adequate infrastructure and machines, the performance of the Winding machines at PT. XYZ is not yet optimal, characterized by machine downtime problems and defective products. This research aims to identify and analyze the performance of Winding machines to find the root of the problem and formulate the necessary follow-up actions. The analysis method used is Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) which includes three main aspects: Availability, Performance Rate, and Quality Rate. International standards set optimal values for OEE, where Availability Ratio > 90%, Performance Rate > 95%, Quality Rate > 99%, and OEE > 85.4%. The research results show that although the average Availability Ratio reaches 90.5%, the Performance Rate and Quality Rate are still below international standards. Improvements in Performance Rate and Quality Rate are needed to meet international standards and increase production efficiency. The average OEE value is 77.1%, therefore improvements are needed in the Performance Ratio and Quality Rate to meet international standards. Among the factors causing Six Big Losses, three main causes contribute to losses, namely: Equipment Failure (Breakdown Losses) of 11.7%, Process Defect Losses of 7.34%, and Reduce Yield Losses of 64.6%. Of these three main causes, reduced yield Losses have the largest impact with a percentage of 64.6%, which is caused by machine instability due to improper handling by maintenance operators. Through the application of the Failure Mode Effect and Analysis (FMEA) method, it was found that bearings that experienced cracks were the most influential cause of failure with a Risk Priority Number (RPN) value reaching 60. This problem is caused by the production operator’s lack of concern regarding machine damage, delays in reporting to maintenance officers, errors in installing spare parts, poor maintenance control, and insufficient compressor air pressure. Therefore, the main improvements that need to be made to increase the productivity of Winding machines at PT. XYZ is in the areas of Equipment Failure (Breakdown Losses), Process Defect Losses, and Reduce Yield.
Corrigendum: Average spectral density of multiparametric Gaussian ensembles of complex matrices (2024 J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 57 095005)
Authors: Ansari Mohd Gayas , Shukla Pragya
Published: December 2024

In the initial version of the article, the mathematical steps given in section 2.1 lead to a diffusion equation for the joint probability density function for the eigenvalues that appeared as equation (6) of [31]. But as reported later in Shukla (2024 arXiv:cond-mat/0105007), equation (6) of [31] had a sign misprint and is different from equation (10) of the present article. We note that, contrary to equation (6) of [31], equation (10) of present article is based on the assumption of matrices U and V as unitary. Here we provide the required corrections which lead to equation (10). As the article is based on equation (10), the corrections have no effect on subsequent sections or results of the article.
Magnetic characterization of soils in landslide area (Case study: Cihanjuang Village, Sumedang, West Java)
Authors: Hajar Kirana Kartika , Angelia Hutabalian May , Fitriani Dini , Agustine Eleonora , Mujahid Hamdan Abd , Rosandi Yudi
Published: December 2024

A landslide is one type of natural disaster due to the movement of masses of soil or rock moving down the slope. There is a place in Cihanjuang Village, Sumedang Regency that has experienced a landslide disaster. A landslide is a form of natural disaster resulting from the descent of large quantities of soil or rock down a slope. Cihanjuang Village in Sumedang Regency is one area that has been affected by such a landslide. The rock magnetism is one of the methods that can be used to analyze the characteristics of soil in potential landslide areas. Regarding the landslide and its soil properties, this research aims to distinguish the soil characteristics between non-landslide and landslide-prone areas in Cihanjuang Village, Sumedang Regency. The soil characteristics will be analyzed using magnetic susceptibility by low-frequency magnetic susceptibility (χLF) and frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility (χFD%) values along with the morphology and mineralogy of magnetic grains by scanning electron microscopeenergy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX) and x-ray diffractometer (XRD). The χLF values of soil samples from non-landslide areas (outcrop) ranged from 327,21 – 409,34 × 10−8 m3/kg, whereas in the landslide-prone ranged from 202,87 – 408,56 × 10−8 m3/kg. The cFD% value in non-landslide and landslide areas ranged between 3,32 – 7,53% and 1,46 – 6,30%, respectively. The soil from non-landslide areas tends to have higher magnetic susceptibility values than landslide areas. Both soil samples have an abundance of superparamagnetic (SP) [ine grain. However, the morphology of non-landslide and landslide areas can be distinguished by grain size. This differentiation is based on the size of magnetite minerals present in the soil samples, as identi[ied by XRD analysis. Based on SEM-EDX analysis, the lower magnetic susceptibility values in landslide areas were identi[ied due to the low abundance of superparamagnetic or the high abundance of multi-domain (MD) particles that have a bigger size of magnetic grains than non-landslide areas.
Effect of Activation Parameters on Palm Kernel Shell-Based Activated Carbon as Catalyst Support for Biodiesel from Discarded Beef Tallow
Authors: Aliff Shakir Mohammad , Idayu Ahmad Mardiana , Harris Zuknik Mark , Abdul Khalil H.P.S.
Published: December 2024

In an effort to valorize agricultural byproducts and promote sustainable biofuel production, this study harnesses palm kernel shell residues from palm oil milling as a precursor for activated carbon synthesis. Employing phosphoric acid (H3PO4) as the activating agent, this research investigated the effect of acid concentration (55%, 70%, and 85%), impregnation duration (4, 14, and 24 hours), and activation time (2.5 and 4 hours) on the yield and iodine adsorption efficacy of the produced activated carbon. The process involved carbonization at 400°C, followed by chemical activation at 450°C to optimize the structural properties of the activated carbon. The investigation of these parameters address the economic and environmental challenges associated with biodiesel production, providing a viable solution through the repurposing of waste biomass. The highest yield of 85.20% and highest iodine adsorption capacity of 3292.68 mg/g were obtained for the activated carbon prepared at acid concentration 70 %, impregnation time of 4 hours and activation time of 2.5 hours. FTIR spectroscopy highlighted the presence of functional groups pertinent to the biodiesel reaction process. BET analysis showed a substantial increase in surface area and pore volume, affirming the efficient activation process. The high-performance activated carbon was subsequently utilized as a catalyst support in the transesterification of extracted beef tallow oil to produce biodiesel. The synthesized biodiesel exhibited favorable properties, underscoring the potential of this approach in integrating waste-toenergy strategies with the enhancement of biodiesel production processes.
Effects of herbs enriched copepod and its potential use in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) post-larvae culture
Authors: Ashaari Aisyah , Syazlyn Abdul Jalal Amilya , Abdul Hadi Nabilah , Rohana Yatim Siti , Wan Rasdi Nadiah
Published: December 2024

Copepods are important source of food for prawn larvae in hatcheries because of their rich nutritional content including proteins, lipids and fatty acids. However, copepod needed nutritional enhancement due to their insufficient nutrition to meet the requirement of fish and shrimp species. This study was conducted to observe the potential of herb plants in boosting the nutritional value of copepods as well as to determine the nutritional composition of Litopenaeus vannamei fed with the enriched copepod. Four treatments with three replicates used to analyze the effectiveness of enriched copepod to L. vannamei post-larvae. The diets consist of ginger, (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), mint (Mentha piperita), spadeleaf (Centella asiatica) and unfed treatments that serve as a control. Copepods supplemented twice daily at concentration of 500 mg/L. Whiteleg shrimp post-larvae growth and nutritional composition performed to observe the efficacy of each selected diet. Protein, lipid, specific population growth rate and hatching rate of the enriched copepod was found to be highest in the treatment of C. asiatica and it also has been observed that survival rate and specific growth rate of L. vannamei fed with copepod that enriched with C. asiatica were the highest with value of 85.00±5.00% and 8.14±0.39% respectively. This study contributes to the development of cost-effective and sustainable alternatives, emphasizing the potential of herb-enriched copepods, particularly with C. asiatica, to address economic challenges and promote environmental sustainability in shrimp farming practices.
The effect of concrete maintenance measures on the colour variation in concrete
Authors: Daukšys Mindaugas , Fadejevas Edgaras , Wagih Abdou Mohamed Meneaem Mohamed , Juočiūnas Svajūnas
Published: December 2024

This research provides valuable insights into the effects of various maintenance measures on concrete colour variation, helping civil engineers and architects make informed decisions in their projects. During the research, specimens were cast using moulds whose surfaces were covered with different release agents (RA) or without them. To see the impact of measures for concrete maintenance on colour variation, the following ways of coating specimens were chosen: test specimen left in plastic mould (M), specimen wrapped using a flexible polyethene sheet (PS), one test specimen left without any coatings (WC), specimen sprayed with water and wrapped using a flexible polyethene sheet (PSW), specimen coated using a wax-based curing agent (WBA), specimen was coated using siloxane-based water repellent (SBR). The NCS Colour Scan 2.0 instrument was employed to assess colour variation and determine the appropriate colour notation, reducing the influence of subjective evaluator opinion. The research showed that the most popular detected grey colour had the following notation: S 3502-Y. This colour can be described as follows: its visual blackness is 35%, its chromaticity is 2%, and its hue (Y) is yellow. Different measures mainly influenced the hue, which varied in the range from yellow to green. M, PS, PSW, and WBA had the most visible effect on grey colour clouding and marbling. Using those maintenance measures, the visual blackness of the grey colour has reached 50% or even 60%.
Impact of Impurities on the Properties of Recycled Aggregate for Use in Civil Engineering Work and Road Construction. Part 1: Technical Assessment
Authors: Zaharieva Roumiana , Petrov Boyan , Evlogiev Daniel , Kostadinova Magdalena , Simonov Borislav
Published: December 2024

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is a significant source of mineral resources. Recycled concrete aggregate fraction 0/63 mm is among the most used materials. The present study aims to evaluate the influence of impurities such as asphalt, bricks, soil, and lightweight materials on the properties of recycled aggregate. Two types of blended recycled materials are composed – one, representative for recycled aggregate from CDW generated at road projects and another type, representative for recycled materials from buildings rehabilitation and demolition. The main characteristics of blended recycled aggregate with different amounts of impurities are being investigated according to EN 13 242. The maximum dry density and optimum water content according to EN 13286-2 and the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) according to EN 13286-47 are also determined. The source of CDW is found to have a significant impact on the performance of the recycled material. The rule of mixtures and some testing methods are not always appropriate for the recycled materials. Based on the results, some recommendations regarding the management of CDW and the appropriate use of recycled aggregates in civil engineering and road construction are made.
Effect of the washers on the bearing resistance of the bolted connections
Authors: Zdravkov Lyubomir , Tanev Vatyu , Dinev Dobromir
Published: December 2024

Bolted connections are the most common method of joining thin-walled galvanized sheets on site. Small diameter bolts (M8, M10 or M12) and the corresponding nuts are used for this purpose. Washers should be provided both under the heads of the bolts and the nuts in case of a single shear connection with one row of bolts, according to the standard BDS EN 1993-1-8. I.e. it is unnecessary to place washers under the bolt head in case of two or more rows of bolts. In laboratory tests of bolted connections with two rows of bolts without washers under the nuts, is accounted bearing capacity lower than the theoretically determined one. The initial explanation is that the lack of flat washers results in high bolt rotations and hence reduced load resistance. To verify this seemingly logical explanation, the authors has conducted series of finite element analyses (FEA) on connections with two rows of bolts. It turned out that this was not the reason for the reduced bearing resistance. The presence of washers under the bolt head and the nut had a negligible effect.
Numerical simulation of mechanical behavior of reinforced concrete column - short corbel assembly repaired and strengthened by bonding composite materials
Authors: Stankov Veselin , Ivanova Ivelina , Assih Jules , Dontchev Dimitar
Published: December 2024

The experimental investigation of reinforced concrete structures is a high time resource consuming process. One of the best solutions to reduce the consumed resource is the finite element simulation of those structures. The biggest challenge for the engineers modeling reinforced concrete structures is to choose the proper mathematical model who can represent with good accuracy the mechanical behavior. The study is focused on the Numerical simulation of the mechanical behavior of reinforced concrete structures column - short corbel assembly repaired and strengthened by bonding composite materials. The presented simulation is developed in two steps. The first loading step leads to complete damage to the structure. In the second step, it is assumed that the concrete section is fully repaired, but the material properties of the steel reinforcement are taken from the first step. In the second step, the structure is subjected to cyclically increasing load. The mechanical behavior is successfully simulated and the model was prepared for future parametrical study.
Deflections in reinforced concrete slabs at an early age in the loading stage from a self-weight of the slabs and adjoining period-instant temporary load
Authors: Bakardzhiev Stanislav , Gorolomov Anton
Published: December 2024

This study researches the behaviour of experimental reinforced concrete slabs at early age, in a loading stage for several days from the self-weight of the slabs and corresponding temporary loads for the same stage, namely parts of a formwork system used during construction with the values of the loads close to specified in the Eurocode for temporary loading during construction. The deflections for the relevant stage and period were examined as comparison of the theoretical values of deformations with experimentally measured results for the corresponding stage, as well as the relevant observations and conclusions are described.
Inspection and evaluation of the technical condition of a monolithic frame reinforced concrete structure of a hotel in Borovets resort
Authors: Neshev Hristian
Published: December 2024

This study examines, the current research endeavours to analyse the results of structural inspection of an existing hotel building situated within the confines of Borovets resort. The structure consists of one basement level, four above-ground levels and one unusable attic level. The building was built site-cast in the period from 1983 until 1985. For the inspection, a series of activities were carried out, and the load-bearing structural elements of the building were established, the strength characteristics of the inserted materials were determined through destructive and non-destructive activities, a geometric survey of the load-bearing vertical and horizontal elements was carried out, existing defects and damages were found, an analysis of the impacts on the structure was made, the results of the structural assessment were summarized and basic recommendations were presented for bringing the building into compliance with the requirements of the current regulatory documents. The purpose of the performed in-situ, analytical, and computational activities is to establish the current technical condition of the load-bearing and non-load-bearing structural elements and to assess the possibilities for ensuring the future operation of the building, according to the construction and investment intentions of the owner.
Performance evaluation of high ductility class RC framed structure by seismic event time histories
Authors: Boshnakov Krasimir
Published: December 2024

The seismic performance of new designed to high ductility class, mid-rise RC framed structure is numerically tested by non-linear dynamic time history analysis using records adjusted to represent events with different periods of recurrence. The earthquake performance assessment employs the code-defined limit states criteria. The results of the numerical non-linear studies are indicative of the seismic performance of mid-rise RC framed structures designed to Eurocode ductility classes.
FEM Parameters for Earthquake Analysis of Retaining Walls
Authors: Topalska Maria , Mihova Lena
Published: December 2024

The paper presents the main characteristics and features of numerical finite element (FE) models for the study of the seismic response of soil-retaining wall. Since walls are linear structures, 2D plane strain models are suitable for conducting of the analysis. The models need to include a finitely sized soil domain, whose boundary conditions are defined according to the way earthquake loading is defined, respectively as pseudo-static impact or dynamic impact as a function of time. The FE mesh must meet the criteria of sufficient density in order to ensure the necessary accuracy of the solution. With the use of multi-nodal finite elements the displacements function in the model is improved. Retaining walls as well as other structural elements and devices are modelled with 2D plate and 1D linear elements defined in terms of a full or limited set of stresses. To simulate the behaviour in the contact of the structural elements and soil, interface elements are introduced modelling the gapping and slipping in the contact. The material parameters are determined depending on the selected constitutive models. In dynamic earthquake analyses, parameters shall be introduced to take into account the reduction of the soil stiffness. Dynamic loading is usually introduced with an accelerogram whose selection is made on the basis of an analysis of the parameters of strong motion records.
Seismic design of an existing six story administrative building
Authors: Abdulahad Emad , Grancharov Aleks
Published: December 2024

The occurrence of inadmissible limit states is essentially a phenomenon that may appear during the construction or opreration of a given structure and manifests as a defect, failure or accident. The restoration of the bearing capacity is related to the future operation and the category of the building according to the current regulations and is an integral part of the overall process of seismic design of the structures. This report is related to a public sixstory building with two underground levels, calculated according to the Bulgarian national regulations. The bearing structure is reinforced concrete, monolithic, the floors are flat slab and the seismic resistance design consists of three reinforced concrete cores in the center of the structure and reinforced concrete walls along the stairwell. A visual and instrumental inspection documents that the defects and damages shown are of an unacceptable nature. Based on the conclusion of the structural assessment and the nature of the mentioned failures, measures of intervention should be designed.
Exploring SAP2000 for analysis of hydraulic structure: a comparative evaluation using numerical assessment
Authors: Anajwala Parth A , Desai Atul K , Patel Jayantilal N
Published: December 2024

In the field of dam engineering, the use of advanced simulation software plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and stability of hydraulic structures. This study explores the application of SAP2000 software in the analysis of hydraulic structures, particularly dams, where its use has been limited. By evaluating a hypothetical concrete gravity dam section under various loading conditions, including seismic forces, the research compares SAP2000 with traditional numerical methods. The study involved detailed stress distribution and deformation analysis using SAP2000, alongside structural behaviour calculations through manual numerical methods. Results showed discrepancies between the two methodologies ranging from 0 to 5%, demonstrating SAP2000’s reliability. Comprehensive assessments of dam stability, stress distribution, and seismic response revealed a maximum moment of 21,493.02 kN.m at the base under typical operating conditions, and a total pressure of 745.53 kN under seismic conditions. Stress and strain contour plots from SAP2000 visualized complex interactions within the dam, enhancing understanding of structural responses and identifying compromised safety factors, especially tensile stress under seismic loading. The findings highlight the importance of advanced software tools like SAP2000 for accurate and efficient dam analysis, emphasizing its role in assessing seismic risks. The study concludes that integrating SAP2000 provides a robust tool for engineers, complementing traditional methods and advancing the state of practice in dam engineering. This research significantly contributes to the design of resilient concrete gravity dams capable of withstanding both standard and seismic forces, ensuring their safety and stability.
Verb semantic cohesion in L2 production: a semantic network analysis of written and spoken modalities by Korean EFL learners
Authors: Kim Hyunwoo
Published: December 2024

Based on usage-based constructionist approaches, this study investigates verb cohesion in second language (L2) production through a semantic network analysis of written and spoken modalities. Focusing on four argument structure constructions of varying complexities, we examine the extent of semantic cohesion of verbs within these constructions across modalities. The semantic network analysis revealed distinct patterns specific to both modality and construction type. For motion constructions, written samples exhibited significantly stronger semantic cohesion in both intransitive and caused-motion constructions. In passive constructions, written production showed stronger semantic cohesion, with denser and more interconnected verb networks. Conversely, transitive constructions displayed stronger semantic cohesion in spoken production, indicating denser semantic networks compared to written production. These findings underscore the modality effect on learners’ verb usage and provide partial support for the interaction between modality and constructional complexity. We discuss these findings in the framework of usage-based constructional learning and cognitive construction grammar.
CellMsg: graph convolutional networks for ligand–receptor-mediated cell-cell communication analysis
Authors: Xia Hong , Ji Boya , Qiao Debin , Peng Shaoliang
Published: December 2024

The role of cell-cell communications (CCCs) is increasingly recognized as being important to differentiation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance in tumoral tissues. Developing CCC inference methods using traditional experimental methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, cannot handle large amounts of data. To facilitate inference of CCCs, we proposed a computational framework, called CellMsg, which involves two primary steps: identifying ligand–receptor interactions (LRIs) and measuring the strength of LRIs-mediated CCCs. Specifically, CellMsg first identifies high-confident LRIs based on multimodal features of ligands and receptors and graph convolutional networks. Then, CellMsg measures the strength of intercellular communication by combining the identified LRIs and single-cell RNA-seq data using a three-point estimation method. Performance evaluation on four benchmark LRI datasets by five-fold cross validation demonstrated that CellMsg accurately captured the relationships between ligands and receptors, resulting in the identification of high-confident LRIs. Compared with other methods of identifying LRIs, CellMsg has better prediction performance and robustness. Furthermore, the LRIs identified by CellMsg were successfully validated through molecular docking. Finally, we examined the overlap of LRIs between CellMsg and five other classical CCC databases, as well as the intercellular crosstalk among seven cell types within a human melanoma tissue. In summary, CellMsg establishes a complete, reliable, and well-organized LRI database and an effective CCC strength evaluation method for each single-cell RNA-seq data. It provides a computational tool allowing researchers to decipher intercellular communications. CellMsg is freely available at https://github.com/pengsl-lab/CellMsg.
Masseter muscle thickness before and after the correction of unilateral functional posterior crossbite in growing individuals: a prospective controlled clinical trial
Authors: Beltrami Fara , Kiliaridis Stavros , Antonarakis Gregory S
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To evaluate whether unilateral functional posterior crossbite in growing children creates an asymmetry in masseter muscle thickness and whether this asymmetry is normalized after crossbite correction.

Materials and methods

Two groups of growing individuals were studied prospectively: (i) a treatment group: children with unilateral functional posterior crossbite, undergoing crossbite correction with maxillary expansion; and (ii) a control group: children without transversal malocclusions and orthodontic treatment. The thickness of the masseter muscles was measured bilaterally using ultrasonographic recordings at three time points: pre-treatment (T0); 9 months after (T1); and 30 months after posterior crossbite correction (T2); and at equivalent time points in the control group. Differences within and between the groups were evaluated using paired and unpaired t-tests respectively.

Results

It was found that the thickness of the masseter muscles in patients with unilateral functional posterior crossbite was significantly thinner on the crossbite side (P = .013) by 0.5 mm. At T1, the masseter muscle of the treated crossbite side was thicker than that of the previous normal side (0.3 mm difference; P = .046) while this difference disappeared at T2 (P > .05).

Limitations

The lack of the inclusion of an untreated posterior crossbite group, and the heterogeneity in appliances used are the principal limitations of this study.

Conclusions

The masseter muscles in untreated individuals with unilateral functional posterior crossbite are thinner in the crossbite side than in the contralateral non-crossbite side. This muscular asymmetry however is eliminated some time after successful treatment of this malocclusion, possibly due to the bilateral symmetrization of the activity of the elevator masticatory muscles.
Structural analysis of gravity and magnetic data: implication for groundwater study in the Ziway, Abijata and Langano lakes corridor and surroundings, central main Ethiopian rift
Authors: Moges Getnet , Alemu Abera , Ejepu Jude
Published: December 2024

The study area that constitutes the Ziway–Abijata and Langano lakes corridor and its surroundings is located in the central part of the main Ethiopian rift. This region is characterized by active tectonics, volcanic activities, varied geological and structural history, geothermal activity and dotted lakes on the lower lands of the rift floor. The residual gravity and DRTP (differential reduction to pole) magnetic anomalies were employed in this study. This integrated approach included modern data enhancement techniques, including tilt derivative combined with horizontal gradient analysis and curvature analysis of the horizontal gradient to identify suburface lineaments influencing groundwater flow in the study area. Moreover, the gravity and magnetic techniques are employed to determine anomalous depth sources through spectral analysis and Euler deconvolution tecniques that are thought to provide vital information for groundwater studies.

Interpretation of the residual gravity and DRTP magnetic anomalies revealed distinict patterns linked to subsurface physical properties (density and susceptibility) showing positive correlations with the existing surface geology.

Depth ranges deep ($\approx\!2\,\,{\rm{km}})$, intermediate ($\approx\! 0.93\,\,{\rm{km}})$ and shallow ($\approx$0.3 km) were estimated using spectral depth analysis and Euler deconvolution from the compiled residual gravity and DRTP magnetic anomalies. These estimated depth ranges have been considered to investigate various subsurface geological features from the surface down to about 2 km, where tertiary ignimbrite reserviors (identified in this study and previous studies by drilling) have been encountered.

Curvature analysis of horizontal gradient, a combined approch involving horizontal gradient and tilt derivative for both gravity and magnetics data, were used to identify subsurface lineaments.

The study has identified NNE–SSW, NE–SW and N–S trends possibly linked to Quaternary faults, and NNW–SSE and NW–SE trends related to the pre-existing Mesozoic structures. Moreover, the E–W to NW–SE trends identified in this study are thought to correspond to the oblique-slip faults intersecting the major rift faults.

The findings of this study are believed to contribute to the overall attempt for the assessment of the groundwater resources of the study area and its surrounding regions.
Are current follow-up intervals justified in patients with non-emergent aortic surgeries?
Authors: Kletzer Joseph , Berger Tim , Kondov Stoyan , Bleile Thomas , Dimov Aleksandar , Werdecker Victoria , Czerny Martin , Rylski Bartosz , Kreibich Maximilian
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVES

Evidence for different surveillance protocols following aortic treatment is still lacking. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical relevance of a first follow-up visit after 6 months.

METHODS

Between January 2018 and December 2019, 464 patients treated for non-emergent aortic pathologies were retrospectively analysed. The incidence of aortic events during follow-up (ie, death, reintervention, endoleaks, anastomotic/new aneurysms and diameter progression over time) was investigated. A discrete-time non-homogeneous Markov Chain Model was used to analyse the data and to arrive at the number of skipped 6-month follow-up visits needed to harm a patient.

RESULTS

After 6 months, 2 (1.77%) patients had died, 15 (15.31%) patients suffered from aortic events and a total of 4 (3.67%) patients had undergone reintervention after endovascular surgery, compared to 0 deaths, 2 (0.59%) patients with aortic events and 5 (1.48%) reinterventions after open surgery. In our Markov Chain Model, after 6 months, 4.75% of patients showed aortic events, received a reintervention or died. Sixty patients would need to skip their 6-month follow-up visit for one indication for reintervention to go unnoticed. Only 24 would need to skip it for one complication to go by unnoticed. This number is 55 after open surgery and 9 after endovascular surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

After elective endovascular or open aortic surgery without immediate in-hospital postoperative aortic events, the first follow-up visit after 6 months is important. Extending the first interval to longer time periods might lead to a considerable increase in missed aortic events. The cost and radiation exposure of frequent follow-ups must be balanced against the benefits of early preventative aortic interventions, warranting further research.
The Guardians’ Guards: Catholic Environmentalism in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Turina Isacco
Published: December 2024

Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical Laudato si’ has been hailed as a historic milestone in the greening of the Catholic Church. However, little empirical research has explored the implementation of the pope’s ambitious environmental program. This sociological study examines the progress and limits of Catholic ecological commitment in the Brazilian Amazon. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork conducted in 2023 in the state of Amazonas, the article aims to show how historical, organizational, cultural, and political dimensions complicate achievement of the pope’s “ecological dream” as expressed in his exhortation Querida Amazonia. It also points out differences between notions of ecologically appropriate initiatives typical of the Global North (rubbish collection, solar energy) and the less technical challenges in the Global South, where environmental struggles are embedded in a fundamental economic and power asymmetry and where activists must cope with everyday violence.
Biochemical characterization and mutational analysis of lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases of Escherichia coli highlighting their involvement in the generation of membrane phospholipid diversity
Authors: Suwanawat Nittikarn , Ogawa Takuya , Toyotake Yosuke , Kawamoto Jun , Kurihara Tatsuo
Published: December 2024

Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT) is an enzyme responsible for the second acylation step of phospholipid biosynthesis and transforms lysophosphatidic acid to phosphatidic acid, a universal precursor of various phospholipids. In addition to the well-studied plsC-encoded LPAAT (EcPlsC), we previously found that Escherichia coli has another LPAAT that is encoded by yihG (EcYihG). EcPlsC and EcYihG are integral membrane proteins and have never been solubilized and purified in their active form. To better understand the difference in their enzymatic functions and how the two paralogs differently contribute to lipid diversity, we established a method to purify both enzymes in their active form and comparatively analysed their biochemical characteristics. Our findings illustrate that EcPlsC possesses the highest activity at pH 8.0 and 37°C with selectivity for unsaturated fatty acyl-CoAs (e.g. palmitoleoyl-CoA), whereas EcYihG works optimally at pH 7.5 and 30°C and prefers saturated fatty acyl-CoAs (e.g. myristoyl-CoA). In addition, we performed a mutational analysis based on AlphaFold2 models and revealed that one residue, which is located at the putative acyl-donor-selectivity tunnel entrance, plays a pivotal role in selecting acyl donor substrates. This provides new insights into how LPAATs recognize specific fatty acyl groups and incorporate them into membrane phospholipids.
Techno-strain and techno-insecurity are associated with poor mental well-being in specific age and occupation groups
Authors: Yang Hang-Ju , Cheng Yawen , Liu Yen-Ling , Cheng Wan-Ju
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Innovative technology at work can lead to stress and has been linked with adverse work and health consequences. This study aimed to examine the association of techno-insecurity and techno-strain with mental well-being in different age and occupational groups.

Methods

We used a nationally representative survey of the working population and restricted our analyses to 2814 employees who reported being engaged with new technology. Techno-insecurity and techno-strain were evaluated by a single question each. Mental health status was assessed by a 5-item scale, and burnout status was assessed by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. We used logistic regression analysis to examine the association of techno-insecurity and techno-strain with mental well-being, adjusting for job control, psychological demands, job insecurity, and workplace violence. We further stratified study participants by age and occupational group and examined the association in each group.

Results

One-fifth of the study participants reported having techno-insecurity and techno-strain. Techno-insecurity was associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk of poor mental health and high burnout, whereas techno-strain was associated with a 2.2-fold increased risk of having poor mental health and high burnout. The associations between techno-insecurity or techno-strain and poor mental health were most profound among middle-aged workers. Among all occupational groups, the associations between techno-insecurity or techno-strain and burnout were most profound among manual workers.

Conclusions

Techno-strain and techno-insecurity are emerging occupational mental health threats, particularly among middle-aged and manual workers. To promote mental health, resources provided by the organization are needed to help employees cope and work with technology.
Utilization and regional disparities of radiotherapy in cancer treatment in Japan: a longitudinal study using NDB open data
Authors: Takeda Kazuya , Umezawa Rei , Yamamoto Takaya , Takahashi Noriyoshi , Onishi Hiroshi , Jingu Keiichi
Published: December 2024

The National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB) is a database that stores anonymized information on medical receipts and health checkups in Japan. The NDB Open Data is a publicly accessible summary table of the NDB database. To reveal annual trends and regional disparities in radiotherapy utilization in Japan, we analyzed the NDB Open Data tables for a 9-year period from 2014 to 2022. We extracted medical cost codes for radiotherapy management fees and specific types of radiotherapy, such as stereotactic irradiation (STI) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), to analyze nationwide changes over time. To investigate regional disparities, we counted the three subitems representing 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), IMRT, and STI for each prefecture per year. The utilization of advanced radiotherapy techniques, such as IMRT (199% increase), increased, while the use of simpler forms of irradiation, such as 1 or 2-opposite fields irradiation (40% decrease), decreased in the period from 2014 to 2022. Regarding regional disparities, the coefficients of variation in 47 prefectures for 3D-CRT remained relatively stable at 0.17 in 2014 and 0.18 in 2022, while the coefficients of variation for IMRT and STI decreased from 0.64 and 0.39 in 2014 to 0.31 and 0.36 in 2022, respectively. The popularization of IMRT was correlated with the number of certified radiation oncologists in the prefecture. In conclusion, although the utilization of high-precision radiotherapy in Japan has been increasing and regional differences have been diminishing, there are still persistent disparities.
Spinal cord epidural stimulation for male sexual function in spinal cord injured rats
Authors: Wilkins Natasha Lorraine , Beasley Kyle , Vazquez Betsy Perez De Corcho , Medina-Aguinaga Daniel , Hubscher Charles H
Published: December 2024

Background

95% of men with spinal cord injuries exhibit difficulties with sexual function, including erectile dysfunction, anejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, poor ejaculatory force, and poor sperm quality.

Aim

The primary goal is to determine if well-established interventions, such as spinal cord epidural stimulation, are a feasible treatment for sexual dysfunction and if locomotor recovery training can be used to improve ejaculatory function in a rodent model of spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Male Wistar rats underwent thoracic laminectomies (shams), spinal cord transections, or moderate spinal cord contusion injuries. In urethane-anesthetized rodents, terminal spinal cord epidural stimulation was performed to target the mid-lumbar level spinal generator for ejaculation (SGE) in animals with transection spinal cord injuries at 3-, 14-, or 70-days post-injury and in animals with sham surgeries and spinal cord contusions at 70 days post-injury. The impact of locomotor training frequency was examined in two groups of rats with spinal cord contusion, which underwent 1-hr of assisted plantar stepping on a treadmill, training two or five times weekly for 6 weeks. Terminal experiments in all groups were followed by measures of sperm concentration and post-mortem testicular weight and morphology.

Outcomes

Spinal cord epidural stimulation consistently induced the expulsion phase of ejaculation, and occasionally the emission phase of ejaculation in rats with chronic SCI.

Results

All animals were most responsive to spinal cord epidural stimulation combined with manual stimulation to induce ejaculation, with chronic injury resulting in the most consistent responses. Locomotor training improved response rates to spinal cord epidural stimulation, with intermittent training resulting in the most consistent induction of both the emission and expulsion phases of ejaculation. Sperm concentration was impacted by injury completeness and time-post injury, which was lowest in the chronic complete transection group of rats. Locomotor training resulted in an overall increase in sperm concentration, with 2 days per week of training resulting in a significant improvement of sperm motility.

Clinical implications

Spinal cord epidural stimulation combined with locomotor training is a feasible intervention for individuals with SCI who seek to regain sexual function.

Strengths and limitations

Although we have anecdotal reports of non-targeted L3 spinal cord epidural stimulation inducing ejaculation in humans having spinal cord injuries, the current outcomes may be underestimated as stimulation was carried out in anesthetized animals.

Conclusion

Spinal cord epidural stimulation to target the SGE is a feasible intervention for sexual dysfunction following SCI.
‘Taking up the Mask of Humanity’: Clement of Alexandria’s Dramatic Understanding of the Two Natures of Christ
Authors: Creedy Edward
Published: December 2024

In the ninth century, Photios of Constantinople accused Clement of Alexandria of promoting a deficient ‘docetic’ Christology in his now-fragmentary Hypotyposes. This provoked a debate that continues to dominate discussion of Clement’s theological understandings—whether his extant christological comments constitute a proto-orthodox position, or reveal the influence of docetism. This paper argues that Photios’ accusations have been something of a red herring, and the subsequent debate has obscured Clement’s actual christological position. His own thoughts are most clearly articulated in chapter 10 of his exhortatory Protrepticus, as Clement presents a christological explanation through the language and metaphor of ancient drama. Christ is described as taking up the mask of humanity and performing the drama of salvation, and Clement leans on a wider contemporary understanding of the relationship between mask (προσωπεῖον) and actor to present this complex doctrine to his readership. Through a focus on this presentation, this paper will offer a solution to a debate that has troubled scholars for over a millennium, and which has blinkered our understanding of Clement’s Christian project more broadly.
Exploring the crisis motif in contemporary German-speaking, English-speaking, and Croatian literature—a digital and interdisciplinary approach
Authors: Novak Sonja , Mandić Marijana
Published: December 2024

This article presents preliminary findings of the research project UIP-2020-02-3695 Analysis of Systems in Crisis and of New Consciousness in 21st Ct. Literature that is being financially supported by the Croatian Science Foundation. At the level of scientific contribution, the research consolidates theoretical insights into the phenomenon of permanent crisis of the modern society that is being projected through literature. This article provides an insight into some preliminary findings of the project regarding an overview of explicit representations of crises of sociocultural systems in contemporary German, English, and Croatian novels and plays with the aim of proving the hypothesis that these texts portray characters whose attitude towards systems in crisis is predominantly subversive, with outcomes that in most cases do not result in positive crisis resolution. The methodology used in the research is corpus-based and mixed, comprising a combination of quantitative and qualitative as well as thematic analyses, conducted with the support of digital tools.
The many voices of Duying: revisiting the disputed essays between Lu Xun and Zhou Zuoren
Authors: Xie Xin , Li Jiangqiong , Wang Haining
Published: December 2024

Lu Xun (鲁迅) and Zhou Zuoren (周作人) stand as two of the most influential writers in modern Chinese literature. Beyond their familial ties as brothers, they were also intimate collaborators during the nascent stages of their writing careers. This research employs quantitative methods to revisit three disputed essays pseudonymously published by the brothers in 1912. Our stylometric analysis uses an interpretable authorship attribution model to investigate the essays’ authorship and examine the brothers’ respective writing styles. Our findings suggest that ‘Looking at the Country of China’ (望华国篇) was authored by Lu Xun. Moreover, ‘People of Yue, Forget Not Your Ancestors’ Instructions’ (尔越人毋忘先民之训) seems to be either predominantly authored or extensively revised by Lu Xun given its notable stylistic similarities to ‘Looking at the Land of Yue’ (望越篇), a piece Zhou Zuoren recognized as his own, but edited by Lu Xun. The third essay, ‘Where Has the Character of the Republic Gone?’ (民国之征何在), exhibits a ‘diluted’, mixed writing style, suggesting thorough collaboration. We offer visual representations of essay features to facilitate a nuanced and intuitive understanding. We have uncovered evidence suggesting Lu Xun’s covert engagement with social issues during his purported ‘silent era’ and provided insights into the brothers’ formative intellectual trajectories.
Stylometry at the service of history of science: the Renaissance of Copernicus
Authors: Borski George
Published: December 2024

A recent study, following a subtle but unusual for history of science argumentation method starting from the premises established by stylometry, discovered a drastic stylistic contrast between Copernicus’s early opus Commentariolus and his mature writings. The finding challenged the long-established view that Copernicus became a humanistically minded scholar early in his life and composed Commentariolus between 1509 and 1514. The present study verifies and extends this investigation by analyzing the whole extant literary oeuvre of Copernicus. The stylometric investigation for the most critical stylistic markers is followed by a detailed linguistic analysis. The results allow for convincing guesses on what motivated Copernicus to abruptly change his Latin style and establish the circumstances under which Copernicus most likely fully embraced Renaissance humanism. In addition, the subsequent historiographical analysis presents a plausible hypothesis on the precise dating of Commentariolus, the “birth certificate” of Copernicus’s geokinetic cosmology. Thus, the utility of stylometry for the history of science is demonstrated.