bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases from Western Romania: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Dragomir Angela , Lupu Maria Alina , Lighezan Rodica , Paduraru Ana Alexandra , Olariu Tudor Rares
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Toxoplasma gondii infects approximately one third of the world’s human population. The seroepidemiology of T. gondii in cardiovascular patients is poorly discussed in the existing literature. We aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the seroprevalence of T. gondii in cardiovascular patients from Western Romania. (2) Methods: Serologic testing to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies was conducted in 256 patients with cardiovascular diseases and 261 matched blood donors. (3) Results: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 64.06% in patients with cardiovascular diseases and 52.88% in blood donors and tended to increase with age in both groups. The seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was significantly higher in cardiovascular male patients (69.94%) compared to male blood donors (55.69%) (p = 0.006). When compared to the control group, a significantly higher prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was found among patients with hypertension (82.35%; p = 0.01) and unstable angina (67.56%; p = 0.02). (4) Conclusions: This study brings new epidemiological information on the prevalence of T. gondii in Romanian cardiovascular patients. T. gondii seroprevalence was significantly higher in patients with hypertension and unstable angina, suggesting that individuals with these diagnoses may be more frequently infected with T. gondii. This study may be a valuable starting point for further research to better evaluate the impact of T. gondii exposure on patients with cardiovascular diseases.
The Effects of Crystalline Admixture on the Self-Healing Performance and Mechanical Properties of Mortar with Internally Added Superabsorbent Polymer
Authors: Zhang Guang-Zhu , Liu Cen , Ma Xiang , Yu Xiao-Kun
Published: July 2023

Crystalline admixture (CA) can be incorporated into concrete to achieve self-healing of concrete cracks. In this study, both CA and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) were used as self-healing agents to investigate the effects of CA on the self-healing performance and mechanical properties of mortar with internally added SAP at different self-healing ages. The healing effect of cracks in mortar is assessed by crack observation and impermeability. The structure and composition of the filler in the cracks were analyzed by microscopic experiment. The experimental results indicate that CA enhances the healing of cracks in mortar specimens. The chemical reactions of CA primarily contribute to significantly improving the early-age crack-healing ability of the specimens, and the water absorption and expansion ability as well as the internal curing effect of SAP also facilitate the crack-healing process. Increasing the CA content leads to an increase in the Ca/Si ratio of C-S-H, causing a transition from a layered structure to a more compact needle-like structure. When 4% CA was added to the mortar, it resulted in an adequate formation of needle-like C-S-H structures, which eventually penetrate and fill the pits formed by SAP, compensating for the strength loss caused by SAP.
An Alternate GPU-Accelerated Algorithm for Very Large Sparse LU Factorization
Authors: Chen Jile , Zhu Peimin
Published: July 2023

The LU factorization of very large sparse matrices requires a significant amount of computing resources, including memory and broadband communication. A hybrid MPI + OpenMP + CUDA algorithm named SuperLU3D can efficiently compute the LU factorization with GPU acceleration. However, this algorithm faces difficulties when dealing with very large sparse matrices with limited GPU resources. Factorizing very large matrices involves a vast amount of nonblocking communication between processes, often leading to a break in SuperLU3D calculation due to the overflow of cluster communication buffers. In this paper, we present an improved GPU-accelerated algorithm named SuperLU3D_Alternate for the LU factorization of very large sparse matrices with fewer GPU resources. The basic idea is “divide and conquer”, which means dividing a very large matrix into multiple submatrices, performing LU factorization on each submatrix, and then assembling the factorized results of all submatrices into two complete matrices L and U. In detail, according to the number of available GPUs, a very large matrix is first divided into multiple submatrices using the elimination tree. Then, the LU factorization of each submatrix is alternately computed with limited GPU resources, and its intermediate LU factors from GPUs are saved to the host memory or hard disk. Finally, after finishing the LU factorization of all submatrices, these factorized submatrices are assembled into a complete lower triangular matrix L and a complete upper triangular matrix U, respectively. The SuperLU3D_Alternate algorithm is suitable for hybrid CPU/GPU cluster systems, especially for a subset of nodes without GPUs. To accommodate different hardware resources in various clusters, we designed the algorithm to run in the following three cases: sufficient memory for GPU nodes, insufficient memory for GPU nodes, and insufficient memory for the entire cluster. The results from LU factorization test on different matrices in various cases show that the larger the matrix is, the more efficient this algorithm is under the same GPU memory consumption. In our numerical experiments, SuperLU3D_Alternate achieves speeds of up to 8× that of SuperLU3D (CPU only) and 2.5× that of SuperLU3D (CPU + GPU) on the hybrid cluster with six Tesla V100S GPUs. Furthermore, when the matrix is too big to be handled by SuperLU3D, SuperLU3D_Alternate can still utilize the cluster’s host memory or hard disk to solve it. By reducing the amount of data exchange to prevent exceeding the buffer’s limit of the cluster MPI nonblocking communication, our algorithm enhances the stability of the program.
Crystallization of Zr-Based Amorphous Alloys in Laser Welding
Authors: Yan Shiju , Song Chengli , Huang Lingling , Han Liang , Wang Chengyong
Published: July 2023

Crystallization often occurs in the laser welding of amorphous alloys, reducing the properties of amorphous alloys. Therefore, the research in this thesis focuses on the experimental selection of suitable welding parameters to prevent crystallization of Zr-based amorphous alloys during the laser welding process. As such, it is necessary to simulate the temperature field curve of the welding area by computer and then determine the power and laser moving speed of laser welding. In this paper, the temperature field curve of the Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 (Vit1) amorphous alloy in laser welding is obtained by finite element analysis. The continuous heating curve (CHT) of Vit1 is fitted by the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann (VFT) equation and the Kissinger equation. If the temperature field curve intersects with the CHT curve, crystallization occurs. The experiment results show that the VFT equation can be used to predict the crystallization of Vit1 better in laser welding. The temperature and welding time are increased by using a low welding speed. Therefore, the temperature of the weld zone cannot fall in time, resulting in the intersection of the temperature field curve and the CHT curve. Thus, crystallization can be avoided if the welding speed is controlled within a reasonable range, and the highest temperature is kept under the CHT curve. The combination of the CHT curve and the temperature field curve shows that the samples at 300 W-3 mm/s and 300 W-6 mm/s welding parameters all undergo crystallization, while the samples at 300 W-9 mm/s and 300 W-12 mm/s welding parameters do not undergo crystallization. Through the flexural test, it is found that the flexural strength of the welded interface is at its the maximum under 300 W-9 mm/s.
Microbial-Derived Tryptophan Metabolites and Their Role in Neurological Disease: Anthranilic Acid and Anthranilic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Shaw Claire , Hess Matthias , Weimer Bart C.
Published: July 2023

The gut microbiome provides the host access to otherwise indigestible nutrients, which are often further metabolized by the microbiome into bioactive components. The gut microbiome can also shift the balance of host-produced compounds, which may alter host health. One precursor to bioactive metabolites is the essential aromatic amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is mostly shunted into the kynurenine pathway but is also the primary metabolite for serotonin production and the bacterial indole pathway. Balance between tryptophan-derived bioactive metabolites is crucial for neurological homeostasis and metabolic imbalance can trigger or exacerbate neurological diseases. Alzheimer’s, depression, and schizophrenia have been linked to diverging levels of tryptophan-derived anthranilic, kynurenic, and quinolinic acid. Anthranilic acid from collective microbiome metabolism plays a complex but important role in systemic host health. Although anthranilic acid and its metabolic products are of great importance for host–microbe interaction in neurological health, literature examining the mechanistic relationships between microbial production, host regulation, and neurological diseases is scarce and at times conflicting. This narrative review provides an overview of the current understanding of anthranilic acid’s role in neurological health and disease, with particular focus on the contribution of the gut microbiome, the gut–brain axis, and the involvement of the three major tryptophan pathways.
Virulence Factor Genes in Invasive Escherichia coli Are Associated with Clinical Outcomes and Disease Severity in Patients with Sepsis: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: D’Onofrio Valentino , Cartuyvels Reinoud , Messiaen Peter E. A. , Barišić Ivan , Gyssens Inge C.
Published: July 2023

Background: Escherichia coli harbours virulence factors that facilitate the development of bloodstream infections. Studies determining virulence factors in clinical isolates often have limited access to clinical data and lack associations with patient outcome. The goal of this study was to correlate sepsis outcome and virulence factors of clinical E. coli isolates in a large cohort. Methods: Patients presenting at the emergency department whose blood cultures were positive for E. coli were prospectively included. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected at admission. SOFA-score was calculated to determine disease severity. Patient outcomes were in-hospital mortality and ICU admission. Whole genome sequencing was performed for E. coli isolates and virulence genes were detected using the VirulenceFinder database. Results: In total, 103 E. coli blood isolates were sequenced. Isolates had six to 41 virulence genes present. One virulence gene, kpsMII_K23, a K1 capsule group 2 of E. coli type K23, was significantly more present in isolates of patients who died. kpsMII_K23 and cvaC (Microcin C) were significantly more frequent in isolates of patients who were admitted to the ICU. Fourteen virulence genes (mchB, mchC, papA_fsiA_F16, sat, senB, iucC, iutA, iha, sfaD, cnf1, focG, vat, cldB, and mcmA) significantly differed between patients with and without sepsis. Conclusions: Microcins, toxins, and fimbriae were associated with disease severity. Adhesins and iron uptake proteins seemed to be protective. Two genes were associated with worse clinical outcome. These findings contribute to a better understanding of host-pathogen interactions and could help identifying patients most at risk for a worse outcome.
Analysis of Lung Microbiome in COVID-19 Patients during Time of Hospitalization
Authors: Xie Linlin , Chen Liangjun , Li Xinran , Zhou Junying , Tian Hongpan , Zhao Jin , Li Zhiqiang , Li Yirong
Published: July 2023

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the pathogenic agent of the rapidly spreading pneumonia called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), primarily infects the respiratory and digestive tract. Several studies have indicated the alterations of the bacterial microbiome in the lower respiratory tract during viral infection. However, both bacterial and fungal microbiota in the lung of COVID-19 patients remained to be explored. Methods: In this study, we conducted nanopore sequencing analyses of the lower respiratory tract samples from 38 COVID-19 patients and 26 non-COVID-19 pneumonia controls. Both bacterial and fungal microbiome diversities and microbiota abundances in the lung were compared. Results: Our results revealed significant differences in lung microbiome between COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 controls, which were strongly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical status. COVID-19 patients exhibited a notably higher abundance of opportunistic pathogens, particularly Acinetobacter baumannii and Candida spp. Furthermore, the potential pathogens enriched in COVID-19 patients were positively correlated with inflammation indicators. Conclusions: Our study highlights the differences in lung microbiome diversity and composition between COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 patients. This may contribute to predicting co-pathogens and selecting optimal treatments for respiratory infections caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Effect of Contact Angle on Friction Properties of Superhydrophobic Nickel Surface
Authors: Huang Junyuan , Zhu Zhiwei , Zhang Ling , Guo Dongdong , Niu Zhen , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2023

Due to their excellent performance, superhydrophobic materials have received a lot of attention and research in friction reduction and wear resistance. However, the effect of different contact angles of superhydrophobicity on friction and wear properties has not been thoroughly studied. In this paper, a nanosecond pulsed laser was used to realize the preparation of a superhydrophobic nickel surface, which indeed reduced the coefficient of friction but also increased the wear volume when compared to the unprocessed surface. As the contact angle of the superhydrophobic nickel surface increased, the coefficient of friction gradually increased, and the wear volume decreased gradually in superhydrophobic nickel surfaces. When the laser energy density was 1 J/cm2, the contact angle was 150.3° and the minimum friction coefficient was 0.4. However, when the laser energy density was 50 J/cm2, the maximum contact angle was 156.4° and the minimum wear volume was 4.23 × 107 μm3. The friction direction also influenced the tribological properties of the superhydrophobic-textured surface. This method makes it possible to process superhydrophobic surfaces with more suitable friction and wear properties.
High-Sensitivity Sensor Based on Diametrical Graphene Strip Plasma-Induced Transparency
Authors: Zhu Aijun , Bu Pengcheng , Cheng Lei , Hu Cong , Mahapatra Rabi
Published: July 2023

In this paper, two parallel graphene strip structures are adopted to achieve tunable plasma-induced transparency (PIT) sensors in the terahertz band. Both graphene bands act as bright modes, and a PIT window appears due to the weak hybridization between them. A Lorentzian oscillation coupling model is fitted to the simulation results of the proposed structure by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method and is in good agreement with the simulation results. The performance of the PIT system can be controlled by tuning the geometrical parameters of the structure. In addition, the resonant frequency of the PIT window can be dynamically adjusted by changing the chemical potential and carrier mobility of the graphene strips. When the chemical potential of graphene increases from 0.2 eV to 1 eV, the amplitude modulation depth of the PIT window (2.832 THz, 3.684 THz, and 4.386 THz) can reach 92.39%, 96.14%, and 90.4%, respectively. Furthermore, due to its dispersion characteristics, the realized PIT window has a sensitive response to the surrounding medium, and the sensitivity can be as high as 1.25 THz/RIU. This PIT effect-based graphene microstructure has important implications for the future design of terahertz modulators, optical switches, and ultrasensitive sensors.
Blue Light Enhances Cadmium Tolerance of the Aquatic Macrophyte Potamogeton crispus
Authors: Wang Shanwei , Wang Liyuan , Zhang Miao , Li Wei , Xie Zuoming , Huang Wenmin
Published: July 2023

Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic and widely distributed in aquatic systems due to its high solubility and mobility in water, which can severely inhibit the survival of aquatic macrophytes. The phytotoxicity of Cd depends on environmental factors; however, it remains unclear whether and how light quality affects its toxicity on aquatic macrophytes. In this study, we investigated the effects of Cd on aquatic macrophytes Potamogeton crispus under different light qualities (white, blue, and red light). We evaluated morphological and photo-physiological traits, as well as the cellular antioxidant defense system. Our findings indicate that P. crispus under Cd stress showed notable damage in leaf morphology, decreased photosynthetic efficiency, inhibited HCO3− uptake, and reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as oxidative damage indicated by MDA accumulation and superoxide (O2−) overproduction. However, compared with white or red light under Cd stress, blue light reduced structural damage and oxidative stress caused by Cd while increasing pigment synthesis and photosynthetic efficiency, as well as increasing ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity. In conclusion, the changes induced by blue light in P. crispus’s photosynthesis and antioxidant system strengthen its tolerance to Cd. Further research on signal transmission in relation to light quality in Cd-exposed aquatic plants is still needed.
Special Issue on “Resource Recovery and Harmless Treatment Processes for Industrial Organic Pollutants”
Authors: He Lin , Han Jun , Duan Erhong
Published: July 2023

Industrial transformation has brought about huge changes to the human society in many different aspects [...]
Fluidic Diode AICD Characteristic Curve Testing and Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Du Weigang , An Yongsheng , Ji Peng , Huo Runshi , Guan Liyong
Published: July 2023

In order to investigate an efficient water control method suitable for the bottom water occurring during the production process of horizontal wells in bottom water reservoirs, the characteristic curves of a Fluidic Diode AICD (Automatic Inflow Control Device) were tested, and a mathematical modeling method is proposed. First, the working principle of a Fluidic Diode AICD was analyzed; subsequently, a Fluidic Diode AICD test platform was designed and built independently, and pressure test experiments of the Fluidic Diode AICD under different flow conditions were carried out to obtain characteristic curves of the Fluidic Diode AICD. Finally, a mathematical model of the flow–pressure drop characteristic curves of the Fluidic Diode AICD was developed and applied to the simulation of water control production in horizontal wells in bottom water reservoirs. The results of the study showed that the Fluidic Diode AICD produces a more significant pressure drop under high water content conditions, and has a better oil and water stabilization function in production. In this study, the reservoir flow, annulus flow, AICD flow, and horizontal wellbore flow are considered, and an integrated coupling model for horizontal wells in bottom water reservoirs is established. This study provides a basis for using Fluidic Diode AICDs in horizontal wells in bottom water reservoirs.
Wastewater Treatment in the Dairy Industry from Classical Treatment to Promising Technologies: An Overview
Authors: Al-Tayawi Aws N. , Sisay Elias Jigar , Beszédes Sándor , Kertész Szabolcs
Published: July 2023

Water pollution caused by population growth and human activities is a critical problem exacerbated by limited freshwater resources and increasing water demands. Various sectors contribute to water pollution, with the dairy industry being a significant contributor due to the high concentrations of harmful contaminants in dairy wastewater. Traditional treatment methods have been employed, but they have limitations in terms of effectiveness, cost, and environmental impact. In recent years, membrane separation technology (MST) has emerged as a promising alternative for treating dairy wastewater. Membrane processes offer efficient separation, concentration, and purification of dairy wastewater, with benefits such as reduced process steps, minimal impact on product quality, operational flexibility, and lower energy consumption. However, membrane fouling and concentration polarization present major challenges associated with this technique. Therefore, strategies have been implemented to mitigate these phenomena, including pre-treatment prior to MST, coagulation, and adsorption. Recently, 3D printing technology has gained prominence as one of the latest and most notable advancements for addressing these issues. This comprehensive review examines the drawbacks and benefits of conventional methods employed in dairy wastewater treatment and explores the utilization of membrane technology as an alternative to these approaches. Additionally, the latest technologies implemented to mitigate or alleviate the limitations of membrane technology are discussed.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation on Flow Field of the Turbine Stage under Different Axial Gaps
Authors: Yang Changzhu , Fan Liyun , Zhong Zhuhai , Zhang Hanwen
Published: July 2023

In order to reduce efficiency losses and improve the aerodynamic efficiency of axial turbines used in industry, the flow fields of the turbine stage were investigated numerically and experimentally under different axial gaps in this work. The influence of the axial gaps on the flow unsteadiness and the flow field distribution is discussed. The results show that the aerodynamic efficiency of the turbine stage increases when the axial distance is reduced. The difference in entropy increases under different axial distances are mainly found in the section from the stator inlet to the rotor inlet: the turbine not only has a better time-average aerodynamic performance, but also has a better transient aerodynamic performance under working conditions with a small axial distance. Additionally, the maximum disturbance amplitudes of the stator and rotor are located near the trailing edge of the stator and the leading edge of the rotor, respectively. Compared with the wake disturbance of the upstream stator to the downstream adjacent rotor, the reverse disturbance of the downstream stator to the adjacent upstream rotor is more sensitive to the change in the blade spacing.
Fluoride Removal from Aqueous Medium Using Biochar Produced from Coffee Ground
Authors: dos Santos Hellem Victoria Ribeiro , Scalize Paulo Sérgio , Teran Francisco Javier Cuba , Cuba Renata Medici Frayne
Published: July 2023

Low concentrations of fluoride (F−) in drinking water are beneficial for oral health, but the natural occurrence of high F− content has been reported in various groundwater sources, posing a continuous ingestion threat to humans. The utilization of biochar (BC) produced from residual biomass has emerged as a technically, economically, and environmentally sustainable alternative for fluoride removal through adsorption. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of BC derived from coffee grounds and the influence of various factors on the adsorption process of F− in aqueous media, including pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, temperature, and initial F− concentration. The BC exhibited a surface area of 12.94 m2·g−1 and a pore volume of 0.0349 cm3·g−1. The adsorption process was strongly pH dependent, demonstrating a significant decline in performance as pH increased from 2.0 onwards. The majority of F− removal occurred within the first 5 min, reaching adsorption equilibrium after 1 h of testing, regardless of the initial F− concentration employed. The data fitting to the Webber–Morris model indicated a two-step adsorption process on BC, with the first step being external surface sorption and the second step being intra-articular diffusion. The process was determined to be endergonic, and the data satisfactorily matched both the Freundlich and Langmuir models, with a qm of 0.53 mg·L−1 (T = 55 °C), indicating the predominance of physisorption. The findings suggest the potential of coffee grounds for BC production; nevertheless, surface structure modifications are necessary to enhance F− affinity and subsequently improve adsorption capacity.
Financial Inclusion and Sustainable Growth in North African Firms: A Dynamic-Panel-Threshold Approach
Authors: Khémiri Wafa , Chafai Ahmed , Alsulami Faizah
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the impact of financial inclusion on sustainable firm growth in Northern African countries (Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia) during the period of 2007–2020. To this end, this study employs a dynamic panel threshold regression (DPTR) model. This model is a panel-data model that can capture different behaviors of data, depending on a threshold variable. The main results showed the existence of a threshold effect. This means that when financial inclusion is low (high), sustainable firm growth is limited (significant) due to the absence (presence) of appropriate financing, information, and financial tools. However, the levels of financial inclusion in North African countries are insufficient and require improvement. Therefore, it is essential for policymakers and managers to continue to promote the quality of financial inclusion by improving access to financial services and the regulatory environment to facilitate firms’ access to financing and support their sustainability.
Can Children Learn How to Resist Repeated Leading Questions and Social Pressures?
Authors: Vagni Monia , Giostra Valeria , Maiorano Tiziana
Published: July 2023

In forensic contexts, children who are victims or witnesses of crimes are repeatedly questioned using stressful leading questions and social pressure. The main aims of the present study are to verify the effects of repeated suggestive interviews on children’s level of suggestibility and resistant responses and to study how age and intelligence quotient may reduce the vulnerability of children. The study involved 110 children aged 10–15 years who were administered the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale 2, and 6 months later, the parallel form GSS1. Older children showed a significant reduction in levels of yielding leading questions in the second administration, while the levels of a shift in answers related to negative criticism remained unchanged. In older children, the age and intelligence quotients may reduce the effect of leading questions and improve resistant responses. The results showed that younger children maintain a stable suggestive vulnerability and constant use of the same strategies to cope with cognitive and social risk factors of interrogative suggestibility, while older children could reduce their levels of yield and use more resistant responses that defer to greater source monitoring and less adherence to external expectations. Children, when exposed to repeated suggestive interviews, may learn to cope with more cognitive aspects of misleading questions while being less able to handle social–emotional pressures. In forensic practice, these results may indicate how children, depending on their age, manage the factors of suggestibility during a testimony hearing and which resistance capacities they can actually use.
Participatory Modeling with Discrete-Event Simulation: A Hybrid Approach to Inform Policy Development to Reduce Emergency Department Wait Times
Authors: Tian Yuan , Basran Jenny , Stempien James , Danyliw Adrienne , Fast Graham , Falastein Patrick , Osgood Nathaniel D.
Published: July 2023

We detail a case study using a participatory modeling approach in the development and use of discrete-event simulations to identify intervention strategies aimed at reducing emergency department (ED) wait times in a Canadian health policy setting. A four-stage participatory modeling approach specifically adapted to the local policy environment was developed to engage stakeholders throughout the modeling processes. The participatory approach enabled a provincial team to engage a broad range of stakeholders to examine and identify the causes and solutions to lengthy ED wait times in the studied hospitals from a whole-system perspective. Each stage of the approach was demonstrated through its application in the case study. A novel and key feature of the participatory modeling approach was the development and use of a multi-criteria framework to identify and prioritize interventions to reduce ED wait times. We conclude with a discussion on lessons learned, which provide insights into future development and applications of participatory modeling methods to facilitate policy development and build multi-stakeholder consensus.
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Data Resale Governance in Data Trading
Authors: Sun Yong , Zhang Yafeng , Li Jinxiao , Zhang Sihui
Published: July 2023

Data trading is important for optimizing the allocation of data elements. However, data can be easily copied, disseminated, or resold, leading to disorderly development in the data trading market, and raising the issue of data governance. Data trading involves various participants, while existing research lacks an understanding of participant interactions and strategy adoption, as well as determination of optimal strategies for the participants. To address these gaps and provide insights for the governance of data trading platforms, this paper proposes an evolutionary game model for the governance of data trading involving three parties: data suppliers, demanders, and trading platforms. Our findings reveal that data trading platforms choosing to govern, data suppliers choosing to innovate positively, and data demanders choosing not to resell can be achieved under certain conditions. We also find that an increase in the price of data trading or the number of transactions can weaken the effectiveness of platform governance and make data trading more difficult to govern. Additionally, the incentives for data innovation provided by the trading platform can significantly promote data suppliers to innovate data positively. However, when these incentives are too high, the platform may weaken its level of governance or even move towards non-governance. Increasing penalties for data resale weakens data demanders’ motivation to resell data, and a higher probability of data resale being reported lowers their motivation to do so. By examining the role of different participants in data trading, the model proposes ways to improve the efficiency and robustness of the data market while better protecting the interests of data traders.
Designing Effective Instructional Feedback Using a Diagnostic and Visualization System: Evidence from a High School Biology Class
Authors: Ma Lin , Zhang Xuedi , Wang Zhifeng , Luo Heng
Published: July 2023

Although instructional feedback plays an essential role in regulating learning and improving performance, few studies have systematically investigated the needs of teachers and students for instructional feedback systems or developed designs and experiments, especially at the high school level. To address this research need, the present study investigated the needs of selected students and teachers in a high school in Hubei Province, China, and designed and developed a diagnostic visual feedback system for an experimental study with 125 students from a 10th-grade biology class in the same high school. The results showed that this diagnostic visual feedback report improved student performance (ES = 0.37) and that functions such as misconception location, knowledge diagnosis, and knowledge alert were well received by students. These findings have multiple implications for facilitating the design and development of diagnostic visual feedback systems.
HUBUNGAN AKTIFITAS DZIKIR MENJELANG TIDUR TERHADAP KUALITAS TIDUR LANSIA DI POSBINDU BUNGA MEKAR RW.06 JATIMEKAR JATIASIH KOTA BEKASI
Authors: Sukmalara Dini , Abdulhaq Mulyanah
Published: July 2023

Lansia adalah seseorang yang telah mencapai usia 60 tahun ke atas. Kualitas tidur yang buruk sering dialami Lansia dan dapat ditangani dengan cara farmakologi dan nonfarmakologi. Penanganan nonfarmakologi memiliki reaksi yang cepat untuk mengatasi gangguan tidur Lansia, yaitu dengan dzikir. Dzikir adalah salah satu bacaan yang membuat tidur menjadi lebih tenang dan aman serta tidak akan mendapatkan hal-hal buruk ketika membacanya sebelum tidur. Tujuan penelitian menganalisa pengaruh aktifitas dzikir menjelang tidur terhadap kualitas tidur Lansia di Posbindu Bunga Mekar RW.06 Jatimekar Jatiasih Kota Bekasi dan Posbindu Anyelir II Jatiwaringin Pondok Gede Kota Bekasi. Metode Penelitian deskriptif korelatif. Jumlah populasi sebanyak 50 responden Lansia. Sampel diambil dengan teknik total sampling. Analisis yang digunakan univariat dan bivariat menggunakan chi-square dengan ɑ = 5%. Hasil penelitian didapatkan data 60,0% Lansia mengalami kualitas tidur yang baik, dan 40,0% Lansia mengalami kualitas tidur yang buruk pada Juli – Agustus 2020. Penelitian ini dilakukan selama 3 kali pertemuan dari bulan Juli – Agustus 2020, dengan kegiatan melafalkan dzikir menjelang tidur untuk meningkatkan kualitas tidur yang baik. Kegiatan ini dilakukan untuk melihat apakah ada pengaruh antara dzikir dengan kualitas tidur Lansia di Posbindu. Simpulan aktifitas dzikir memiliki hubungan pengaruh terhadap kualitas tidur Lansia yang sangat baik. Saran yang disampaikan Posbindu agar dapat meningkatkan pendidikan kesehatan pada Lansia agar Lansia mendapatkan kualitas tidur yang baik.
Sistema de presión negativa en loxoscelismo cutáneo-visceral. Reporte de un caso
Authors: Rivera  Pérez Miguel Angel , Villalobos López Jesús Antonio , Valle Leal Jaime Guadalupe
Published: July 2023

Introducción: Las  mordeduras por araña parda pueden manifestarse desde una simple lesión dérmica en el área de la  mordedura, hasta formas graves, con falla orgánica múltiple.Caso clínico: presentamos el caso de una paciente con  mordedura por araña parda, quien presenta inicialmente lesiones dérmicas sin necrosis, evolucionando con áreas de necrosis y el desarrollo de síndrome compartimental de extremidad, sepsis, choque séptico y falla renal. Mejora tras manejo intensivo, anti veneno y colocación de terapia de presión negativa (TPN) en herida, conservando la extremidad afectada integra y recuperando la función renal.Conclusiones: Este caso en particular  presenta los tres tipos de manifestaciones que se generan en el loxoscelismo, las cuales son una forma de presentación poco frecuente. El tratamiento con TPN se ha introducido como una terapia poderosa, no farmacológica  para ayudar a acelerar el proceso de cicatrización de heridas y puede ser  de utilidad en pacientes con mordedura de araña     (loxoscelismo).
Is ozonated water a suitable alternative to sodium hypochlorite in root canal disinfection?
Authors: Silva Catharine Barbosa Mendes , Souza Isabele Cristina Rodrigues , Santos Junior Sidnei M. , Barbosa Ana Flávia Almeida , Alvares Gustavo Ribeiro , Sassone Luciana Moura , Silva Emmanuel J. N. L.
Published: July 2023

Aim: This study evaluated the disinfection ability of ozonated water in comparison to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution in root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis. Material and methods: Forty single-rooted bovine teeth were standardized and prepared using K-files. The root canals were contaminated for 21 days and the first microbial sample was collected from root canals (S1). The teeth were divided into 5 groups: Saline solution, 0.5% NaOCl, Ozonated water, and 2 control groups. The root canals were irrigated with 20 mL of the selected solution for an uninterrupted period of 20 minutes, the irrigant solution was maintained resting for 5 minutes and then, samples were collected from root canals (S2). The data was evaluated using Kruskal Wallis and Wilcoxon tests (P<0.05). Results: The NaOCl group had lower microbial counts (P<0.05) and a higher percentage of microbiological reduction than the other groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that ozonated water was not a suitable substitute for NaOCl.
A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF ENTERO-CUTANEOUS FISTULAS
Authors: Kamlesh U. Gohil Dr , Rajaram Wagh Madhukar , Babubhai Parmar Rahul
Published: July 2023

An enterocutaneous stula (ECF) is an abnormal communication between the small or large bowel and the skin. It is one of the serious complications of gastrointestinal surgery and has a mortality rate of up to 20%. Management involves dealing with malnutrition, sepsis, metabolic derangement and electrolyte imbalance. Surgery accounts for majority of cause for ECF. Anatomical origin, length of tract, bowel wall defect, others like sepsis, malnutrition, malignancy, serum albumin are factors that inuence spontaneous closure. The importance of nutrition cannot be overemphasized. Denitive surgery is required in: no spontaneous closure after 4-6weeks of conservative, complex stula anatomy, including intra-abdominal abscess, distal bowel obstruction, bowel defect >1cm diameter, stula tract length <2cm.
Cittadinanza e diritti fra ‘particolarismo’ e ‘universalismo’: un campo di tensione della modernità
Authors: Costa Pietro
Published: July 2023

Starting from eighteenth-century natural law theories and the revolutions of the late eight-eenth century, an essential tension emerged: the tension between rights as an effect of the be-longing of subjects to a specific political community and rights as the patrimony of the human being as such. This tension emerges in full light in constitutional democracies, in the European legal space and in the international order in the second half of the twentieth century and is still waiting to be resolved.
Early Hard X-Rays from the Nearby Core-collapse Supernova SN 2023ixf
Authors: Grefenstette Brian W. , Brightman Murray , Earnshaw Hannah P. , Harrison Fiona A. , Margutti R.
Published: July 2023

We present NuSTAR observations of the nearby SN 2023ixf in M101 (d = 6.9 Mpc) that provide the earliest hard X-ray detection of a nonrelativistic stellar explosion to date at δ
t ≈ 4 days and δ
t ≈ 11 days. The spectra are well described by a hot thermal bremsstrahlung continuum with T > 25 keV shining through a thick neutral medium with a neutral hydrogen column that decreases with time (initial N
Hint = 2.6 × 1023 cm−2). A prominent neutral Fe Kα emission line is clearly detected, similar to other strongly interacting supernovae (SNe) such as SN 2010jl. The rapidly decreasing intrinsic absorption with time suggests the presence of a dense but confined circumstellar medium (CSM). The absorbed broadband X-ray luminosity (0.3–79 keV) is L

X
≈ 2.5 × 1040 erg s−1 during both epochs, with the increase in overall X-ray flux related to the decrease in the absorbing column. Interpreting these observations in the context of thermal bremsstrahlung radiation originating from the interaction of the SN shock with a dense medium we infer large particle densities in excess of n
CSM ≈ 4 × 108 cm−3 at r < 1015 cm, corresponding to an enhanced progenitor mass-loss rate of

M

̇

≈
3
×

10

−
4

M
⊙ yr−1 for an assumed wind velocity of v

w
= 50 km s−1.
Results of Archaeological Research in the Acropolis of Falasarna, Crete
Authors: Sports Greek Ministry of Culture and
Published: July 2023

Finds mainly from the Archaic period were brought to light by the excavation of the central area of the ancient temple of Demeter in the acropolis of Falasarna in Crete. Among the finds was an abundance of terracotta figurines.
Work-life balance among mental health professionals in a tertiary care neuropsychiatry centre in India
Authors: Savarimalai Rajamanikandan , Christy Jayakumar , Bhaskarapillai Binukumar , Damodharan Dinakaran , Sekar Kasi
Published: July 2023

Background:

Stress and distress are common among Mental Health Professionals (MHP). MHPs avoid seeking professional help to address their stress, leading to increased vulnerability to stress and mental health conditions. Inadequately addressed stress directly impacts their service delivery and well-being. However, a serious dearth of literature from India has examined the extent of work-life balance (WLB) stress and psychological distress (PD) among MHP.

Aim:

This cross-sectional study aims to assess WLB and examine the relationship between perceived stress (PS), PD, burnout, and WLB among MHP in a tertiary care neuropsychiatry center.

Methods:

Using stratified random sampling, 101 MHP were evaluated using Pareek’s work-life balance scale, Stamm’s professional quality of life (ProQoL) scale, WHO’s self-reporting questionnaire, and Cohen’s perceived stress scale. Data were analyzed using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests.

Results:

The overall mean score on WLB was 80.45 (SD = 10.21), the PS scale was 24.86 (SD = 6.87), the burnout score was 22.68 (SD = 6), the ST score was 21.18 (SD = 6.35), and PD score was 5.07 (SD = 5.23). The level of WLB score was average to below average among 64% of participants. There is a positive correlation between WLB and compassion satisfaction (CS) and a negative correlation between ST and PS. The study found that the nature of the job, CS, and PD shall predict WLB.

Conclusion:

Stress, burnout, ProQoL, and WLB of MHPs vary significantly by job, income, and staying with family, indicating that MHPs are equally vulnerable to stress and burnout and imbalanced WLB, which require appropriate interventions.
Clinical and pathological characteristics of early-onset colorectal cancer in South Korea
Authors: Park Su Bee , Yoon Jin Young , Kwak Min Seob , Cha Jae Myung
Published: July 2023

Background:

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) may differ by race and ethnicity, and recently South Korea has witnessed a surge in cases. We aimed to evaluate the clinical and pathological features of patients with EOCRC, and to determine the predictors of overall survival.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, EOCRC was defined as CRC diagnosed in patients aged < 50 years, and late-onset CRC was defined as CRC diagnosed in those over 75 years of age. The clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with EOCRC were compared with late-onset CRC. We also used multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to find predictors of overall survival in patients with EOCRC.

Results:

The proportion of early-onset CRC was 9.1% of 518 patients with CRC, and the clinical and pathological characteristics were similar between early-onset (n = 47) and late-onset CRC (n = 134). However, EOCRC had a preponderance for distal tumor location (70.2% vs. 50.7%, P = 0.02) and T1-2 stage disease (23.4% vs. 11.2%, P = 0.04), compared with those of late-onset CRC. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, only vascular invasion (hazard ratio = 8.75, 95% confidence interval 1.139‒67.197) was found to be a risk factor for overall survival (P = 0.04) for patients with CRC.

Conclusion:

EOCRC had preponderance for distal tumor location and early T-stage disease, compared with late-onset CRC. Considering the increasing incidence of EOCRC, more studies on clinical and pathological characteristics of EOCRC may be warranted.
Delayed approach of a penile fracture with encapsulated hematoma
Authors: Filho Fernando Salles da Silva , Favorito Luciano A. , Vieiralves Rodrigo R. , Rezende Jose Anacleto D.
Published: July 2023

Penile fracture (PF) is defined as the rupture of the tunica albuginea (TA) of the corpora cavernosa (CC) caused by trauma to the erect penis. We present a case and clinical evolution of the delayed approach of PF. Physical examination showed a ventral rounded mass in the middle surface of the penile shaft, associated with mild discoloration and edema. Surgery was performed with a vertical penoscrotal incision. We found an encapsulated hematoma on the right ventral mid penile shaft connected at its base to an approximate 1 cm transverse defect on the TA and we performed debridement and excision of the hematoma. Tunical defect was repaired with PDS 3/0 simple suture. The patient had a great postoperative evolution without local complications. The early diagnosis and surgical treatment reaches better functional results, with maintenance of erectile function in patients with penile fracture.
Radiofrequency-assisted, laparoscopic, clampless partial nephrectomy in patients with low-complexity small renal tumors: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zachos Ioannis , Vlachostergios Panagiotis , Mitrakas Lampros , Karatzas Anastasios , Oeconomou Athanasios , Mamoulakis Charalampos , Tzortzis Vasileios
Published: July 2023

Background:

This single-center, retrospective study was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency-assisted (RF), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (PN) with zero ischemia in patients with low-complexity small renal tumors.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with small renal masses (SRMs) who underwent laparoscopic, clampless laparoscopic partial nephrectomy - radiofrequency assisted (LPN-RFA) between January 2016 and June 2020 were studied. Demographics, clinical and pathological characteristics, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival were recorded.

Results:

Fifty-two SRMs were excised from corresponding patients using RFA–LPN. The median tumor size was 2.5 cm and all specimens involved low-complexity masses according to the renal nephrometry score. No conversions to radical nephrectomy were recorded. Postoperatively, there were one patient with fever, one with hematuria, and two with urinary leakage treated endoscopically. The majority of tumors (48/52, 86.2%) were clear-cell carcinomas. According to the glomerular filtration rate postoperatively and 12 months’ posttreatment, adequate renal function was preserved in all patients. There were no positive surgical margins identified postoperatively and no recurrences during a median follow-up 24 months. All patients were alive at the last follow-up.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that RFA laparoscopic clampless PN represents an effective method for managing patients with low-complexity SRMs. It offers adequate intraoperative safety and excellent mid-term oncological control and functional preservation.
A primary Ewing’s sarcoma of the kidney: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Senkhum Ornsinee , Attawettayanon Worapat , Pripatnanont Choosak , Chalieopanyarwong Virote
Published: July 2023

Primary Ewing’s kidney sarcoma is a rare and aggressive cancer with poor treatment outcomes. Furthermore, clinical presentations are nonspecific, such as abdominal pain, abdominal mass, cachexia, or hematuria. Currently, there is no consensus guideline for the treatment of this condition. We report on a 22-year-old man who presented with gross hematuria for 3 weeks. Computed tomography demonstrated a huge right renal mass with a thrombus in the inferior vena cava (IVC) without visceral metastasis. A percutaneous tissue biopsy revealed Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) and the patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (doxorubicin and ifosfamide) for four cycles. This reduced the tumor’s size significantly and made it eligible for surgical intervention. Radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombus removal with wedge IVC wall were performed. The final diagnosis of ES was confirmed by the immunohistochemistry of the kidney specimen. After a 5-year follow-up of the patient, clinical and imaging evidence demonstrated that there was no disease recurrence.
Xavier Bougarel, Handžar divizija. Waffen-SS u Bosni 1943-1945. Sarajevo: UMHIS, 2021, 294 str.
Authors: Šehović Amina
Published: July 2023

Book Review
Almira Bećirović, Nazim Ibrahimović, Dodatak udžbeniku historije za deveti razred devetogodišnje osnovne škole. Tuzla, NAM, 2022, 64 str.
Authors: Forić Plasto Melisa
Published: July 2023

Book Review
Desanka Kovačević-Kojić (3. oktobar 1925, Sarajevo – 14. august 2022, Beograd)
Authors: Kurtović Esad
Published: July 2023

In memoriam