bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CaCu3Ti4O12 Perovskite Materials for Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Treatment
Authors: Makhoul Elissa , Boulos Madona , Cretin Marc , Lesage Geoffroy , Miele Philippe , Cornu David , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: July 2023

The many pollutants detected in water represent a global environmental issue. Emerging and persistent organic pollutants are particularly difficult to remove using traditional treatment methods. Electro-oxidation and sulfate-radical-based advanced oxidation processes are innovative removal methods for these contaminants. These approaches rely on the generation of hydroxyl and sulfate radicals during electro-oxidation and sulfate activation, respectively. In addition, hybrid activation, in which these methods are combined, is interesting because of the synergistic effect of hydroxyl and sulfate radicals. Hybrid activation effectiveness in pollutant removal can be influenced by various factors, particularly the materials used for the anode. This review focuses on various organic pollutants. However, it focuses more on pharmaceutical pollutants, particularly paracetamol, as this is the most frequently detected emerging pollutant. It then discusses electro-oxidation, photocatalysis and sulfate radicals, highlighting their unique advantages and their performance for water treatment. It focuses on perovskite oxides as an anode material, with a particular interest in calcium copper titanate (CCTO), due to its unique properties. The review describes different CCTO synthesis techniques, modifications, and applications for water remediation.
Research on the Antibacterial Properties of MXene-Based 2D–2D Composite Materials Membrane
Authors: Cheng Xiaojie , Qin Xiaojian , Su Zhenglun , Gou Xun , Yang Zhaomei , Wang Hongshan
Published: July 2023

Novel MXene-based two-dimensional (2D) membranes are widely used for water purification due to their highly controllable structure and antibacterial properties. However, in the process of membrane separation, the problems of membrane fouling, especially biological fouling, limits the further application of MXene-based membranes. In this study, in order to improve the antibacterial and separation properties of membranes, three kinds of MXene-based 2D–2D composite membranes (M2~M4) were prepared using polyethersulfone (PES) as the substrate, which were GO@MXene, O-g-C3N4@MXene and BiOCl@MXene composite membranes respectively. The results showed that the antibacterial activity of M2~M4 against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was further improved, especially the antibacterial ratio of M4 against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was up to 50% and 82.4%, respectively. By comparing the surface morphology of MXene membrane and modified membrane treated bacteria through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was found that the cell density on modified membrane was significantly lower than that of pure MXene membrane.
Activating Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Carbon Nanotube via Aryl Functionalisation: The Role of Hybrid sp2–sp3 Interface and Curvature
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad , Kour Gurpreet , Sun Ziqi , Du Aijun , Mao Xin
Published: July 2023

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a remarkable mechanism which yields the production of hydrogen through a process of water electrolysis. However, the evolution of hydrogen requires highly conductive and stable catalysts, such as the noble metal platinum (Pt). However, the problem lies in the limitations that this catalyst and others of its kind present. Due to limited availability, as well as the costs involved in acquiring such catalysts, researchers are challenged to manufacture catalysts that do not present these limitations. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which are nanomaterials, are known to have a wide range of applications. However, specifically, the pristine carbon nanotube is not suitable for the HER due to the binding free energy of its positive H-atoms. Hence, for the first time, we demonstrated the use of the proposed aryl-functionalised catalysts, i.e., Aryl-L@SWCNT (L = Br, CCH, Cl, CO2CH3, F, I, NO2, or t-butyl), along with the effect of the sp2–sp3 hybridised interface through the density functional theory (DFT). We performed calculations of single-walled carbon nanotubes with multiple aryl functional groups. By employing the DFT calculations, we proved that the curvature of the nanotubes along with the proposed aryl-functionalised catalysts had a noteworthy effect on the performance of the HER. Our study opens the door to investigating a promising group of catalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.
Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet, Body Composition and Energy Expenditure in Outpatients Adolescents Diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cinelli Giulia , Croci Ileana , De Santis Gemma Lou , Chianello Ilenia , Miller Kiersten Pilar , Gualtieri Paola , Di Renzo Laura , De Lorenzo Antonino , Tozzi Alberto Eugenio , Zanna Valeria
Published: July 2023

Weight restoration is the primary goal of treatment for patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). This observational pilot study aims to describe adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and the consequent process of weight and functional recovery in outpatient adolescents diagnosed with AN. Eight patients with a median age of 15.1 (14.0–17.1) years were seen at baseline and after six months. Anthropometrics, body composition, and resting energy expenditure (REE) were assessed. The KIDMED questionnaire, the 24 h recall, and a quantitative food frequency questionnaire were used to evaluate adherence to the MD. The median KIDMED score increased from 5.5 (T0) to 10 (T1), which was not significant. Intakes of grams of carbohydrates, lipids, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, and fiber increased (p = 0.012, p = 0.036, p = 0.036, p = 0.025). Weight significantly increased (p = 0.012) as well as lean body mass (p = 0.036), with a resulting improvement of the REE (p = 0.012). No association between anthropometrics and body composition and the KIDMED score was found. The MD could represent an optimal dietary pattern for weight gain and nutritional restoration in patients with AN, and it could lead to an improvement in body composition and resting energy expenditure.
The Influence of the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern on Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia
Authors: Andreo-López María Carmen , Contreras-Bolívar Victoria , García-Fontana Beatriz , García-Fontana Cristina , Muñoz-Torres Manuel
Published: July 2023

Diet is a modifiable factor in bone and muscle health. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is rich in nutrients and contains key bioactive components with probable protective effects on muscle and bone deterioration. Osteoporosis (OP) and sarcopenia are diseases that increase frailty and susceptibility to fracture, morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is necessary to combat them in the population. In this regard, MedDiet adherence has proven to be beneficial to bone mineral density (BMD), muscle mass, physical function, OP and sarcopenia. Hence, this diet is proposed as a therapeutic tool that could slow the onset of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. However, there is doubt about the interaction between the MedDiet, strength and fracture risk. Perhaps the amount of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), fruits, vegetables and fish rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients ingested has an influence, though the results remain controversial.
Estimating the Prevalence of Foodborne Pathogen Campylobacter jejuni in Chicken and Its Control via Sorghum Extracts
Authors: Hamad Gamal M. , Gerges Mariam , Mehany Taha , Hussein Saleh M. , Eskander Michael , Tawfik Rasha G. , El-Halmouch Yasser , Mansour Alaa M. , Hafez Elsayed E. , Esatbeyoglu Tuba , Elghazaly Eman M.
Published: July 2023

Campylobacter jejuni is a Gram-negative bacterium which is considered as the most reported cause of foodborne infection, especially for poultry species. The object of this work is to evaluate the occurrence of C. jejuni in chicken meat as well its control via three types of sorghum extracts (white sorghum (WS), yellow sorghum (YS), and red sorghum (RS)); antibacterial activity, antioxidant power, and cytotoxicity of sorghum extracts were also assessed. It was found that C. jejuni is very abundant in chicken meat, especially breast and thigh. WS extract showed more effectiveness than both yellow and red ones. Lyophilized WS extract offered high total phenolic compounds (TPCs) and total flavonoid compounds (TFCs) of 64.2 ± 0.8 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE/g) and 33.9 ± 0.4 mg catechol equivalent (CE)/g, respectively. Concerning the antibacterial and antioxidant activities, WS showed high and significant antibacterial activity (p < 0.001); hence, WS displayed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25%, and revealed an inhibition zone of 7.8 ± 0.3 mm; it also showed an IC50 at a concentration of 34.6 μg/mL. In our study, different samples of chicken fillet were collected and inoculated with pathogenic C. jejuni and stored at 4 °C. Inoculated samples were treated with lyophilized WS extract at (2%, 4%, and 6%), the 2% treatment showed a full reduction in C. jejuni on the 10th day, the 4% treatment showed a full reduction in C. jejuni on the 8th day, while the 6% treatment showed a full reduction in C. jejuni on the 6th day. Additionally, 2%, 4%, and 6% WS extracts were applied on un-inoculated grilled chicken fillet, which enhanced its sensory attributes. In sum, WS extract is a promising natural preservative for chicken meat with accepted sensory evaluation results thanks to its high antibacterial and antioxidant potentials.
A Prior Usutu Virus Infection Can Protect Geese from Severe West Nile Disease
Authors: Reemtsma Hannah , Holicki Cora M. , Fast Christine , Bergmann Felicitas , Groschup Martin H. , Ziegler Ute
Published: July 2023

Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are closely related pathogens circulating between mosquitoes and birds, but also infecting mammals as dead-end hosts. Both viruses share the same susceptible hosts, vectors, and even distribution areas in Central Europe. The aim of the study was, therefore, to understand their amplification potential and interference upon a successive infection. Two-week old geese were initially infected with an USUV isolate from Germany and with a German WNV isolate17 days later. The geese were susceptible to the USUV and the WNV infections, as evidenced by specific flavivirus antibodies in all of the birds. Furthermore, in half of the USUV-inoculated geese, USUV genomes were detected in the blood and swab samples 2–4 days post-infection. Additionally, most of the examined organs contained USUV genomes and showed signs of encephalitis and ganglioneuritis. Interestingly, upon a sequential infection with WNV, the genome copy numbers in all of the examined samples were significantly lower and less frequent than after a WNV mono-infection. Similarly, the histopathological lesions were less severe. Therefore, it can be concluded that a previous USUV infection can protect birds from clinical disease in a subsequent WNV infection.
Asthma and COPD: Comparison with International Guidelines and Medication Adherence in Belgium
Authors: Biset Natacha , Lelubre Mélanie , Pochet Stéphanie , De Vriese Carine
Published: July 2023

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are major chronic conditions. It is possible to limit their impact by controlling symptoms, which limits exacerbations and worsening of the disease, by choosing the appropriate treatment and ensuring that the patient adheres to it. The main purpose of this study was to assess medication adherence and persistence with inhaled medications for chronic treatment of asthma and COPD, as well as to evaluate the factors influencing this adherence. Medication adherence was measured from January 2013 to December 2016 using continuous multiple-interval measures of medication availability (CMA). Persistence was evaluated by treatment episodes (TE). We analyzed the influence of different factors on CMA such as sex, age, type of device, and the realization of the “new medicines service” (NMS), introduced in Belgium in October 2013 to support patients in adhering to their treatment. We also analyzed the consumption of these inhaled medications within the Belgian population and compared them with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) recommendations. Medication adherence varied greatly between the different pharmacological classes: inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) alone or in combination with long-acting beta agonists (LABA) had the lowest medication adherence and persistence, while adherence was highest for the long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) and LABA/LAMA associations. The NMS seemed to have a positive impact on medication adherence, although few patients completed the two guidance interviews offered by the service. In addition, only a minority of the targeted patients took advantage of this new service.
Colour of Medicines and Children’s Acceptability? A Systematic Literature Review of Children’s Perceptions about Colours of Oral Dosage Forms
Authors: Alessandrini Elisa , Gonakova Milena , Batchelor Hannah , Gizurarson Sveinbjorn , Iurian Sonia , Klein Sandra , Schaufelberger Daniel , Turner Roy , Walsh Jennifer , Tuleu Catherine
Published: July 2023

The colour of a product plays an important role in consumer experiences, and in the context of pharmaceutical products, this could potentially affect a patient’s expectations, behaviours, and adherence. Several studies have been conducted on adults, but little is known about children’s opinions on colours of medicines and to what extent medicines’ colour affects their acceptability. To address this gap, a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Web of Science was conducted. Two authors independently screened the titles, abstracts, and references of all articles and selected studies conducted on children (0–18 years old), assessing children’s preferences or opinions about colour of oral dosage forms as either a primary or secondary objective or as an anecdotal record. A total of 989 publications were identified and, after screening, 18 publications were included in the review. Red and pink were the most liked colours and there appeared to be a relationship between the colour of a medicine and expected taste/flavour. The review also highlighted a scarcity of information, usually collected as an anecdotal record. Several gaps in the current knowledge were underlined, emphasizing the need of patient-centred studies to understand if the use of certain colours can improve or worsen the acceptability of a paediatric medicine. This will help inform pharmaceutical manufacturers and regulators on the role and need of colours in children’s medicines beyond quality purposes.
Synergistic Effect of Nanoparticles: Enhanced Mechanical and Corrosion Protection Properties of Epoxy Coatings Incorporated with SiO2 and ZrO2
Authors: Samad Ubair , Alam Mohammad , Abdo Hany , Anis Arfat , Al-Zahrani Saeed
Published: July 2023

This research paper presents the fabrication of epoxy coatings along with the hybrid combination of SiO2 and ZrO2. The epoxy resin is incorporated with SiO2 as the primary pigment and ZrO2 as the synergist pigment. The study delves into the adhesion, barrier, and anti-corrosion properties of these coatings, enriched with silica and zirconium nanoparticles, and investigates their impact on the final properties of the epoxy coating. The epoxy resin, a Diglycidyl ether bisphenol-A (DGEBA) type, is cured with a polyamidoamine adduct-based curing agent. To evaluate the protective performance of silica SiO2 and zirconia ZrO2 nanoparticles in epoxy coatings, the coated samples were tested in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The experimental results clearly demonstrate a remarkable improvement in the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and Elastic Modulus. In comparison to using SiO2 separately, the incorporation of both ZrO2 and SiO2 resulted in a substantial increase of 43.5% in UTS, 74.2% in YS, and 8.2% in Elastic Modulus. The corrosion test results revealed that the combination of DGEBA, SiO2, and ZrO2 significantly enhanced the anti-corrosion efficiency of the organic coatings. Both these pigments exhibited superior anti-corrosion effects and mechanical properties compared to conventional epoxy coatings, leading to a substantial increase in the anti-corrosion efficiency of the developed coating. This research focuses the potential of SiO2 and ZrO2 in hybrid combination for applications, where mechanical, corrosion and higher adhesion to the substrates are of prime importance.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of Crumb Rubber Concrete after Elevated Temperature
Authors: Han Yang , Lv Zhishuan , Bai Yaqiang , Han Guoqi , Li Dongqiao
Published: July 2023

To reduce the environmental damage caused by waste rubber, crumb rubber concrete (CRC) was prepared by replacing some fine aggregates with crumb rubber. The effects of elevated temperature as well as crumb rubber content on the mechanical properties of the prepared CRC were studied. The crumb rubber contents were 0%, 10%, and 20%, while CRC was subjected to atmospheric temperatures (AT) of 300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C. The concrete without crumb rubber content was used as the control group at the atmospheric temperature. The mass loss, thermal conductivity characteristics, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, axial compressive strength, elastic modulus, and stress-strain characteristics of CRC at elevated temperatures were studied. The experimental results show that: (1) With the increase in crumb rubber content and temperature, the cracks on the surface of the specimen gradually widen while the mass loss of the specimen increases. (2) With the increase in crumb rubber content and temperature, the cube compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, axial compressive strength, and elastic modulus of CRC decrease, yet the plastic failure characteristics of CRC are more obvious. (3) The influences of elevated temperature on strength and elastic modulus are as follows: splitting tensile strength > elastic modulus > axial compressive strength > cubic compressive strength. (4) With the increase in temperature, the stress-strain curve of the CRC tends to flatten, the peak stress decreases, and the corresponding peak strain significantly increases. With the increase in crumb rubber content, there is a great decrease in peak stress, yet the corresponding peak strain is basically the same. The use of CRC can be prioritized in applications that increase toughness rather than strength.
Repatriation of Muslim Georgians: Mission Accomplished?
Authors: Dolidze Anna
Published: July 2023

This article focuses on the repatriation process for Muslim Meskhetians deported from Soviet Georgia. It describes the repatriation process initiated after the collapse of the communist regime, showcasing the links between these efforts and Georgia’s request for membership in the Council of Europe in 1996. The article finds that the Georgian government had a superficial approach to repatriation, and several factors hindered repatriation, including the difficulty in disseminating the information related to the application requirements, which were not made accessible in the languages in which the applicants were fluent. Moreover, as Georgia allowed dual citizenship only in exceptional circumstances, the applicants had to renounce their original citizenship to be allowed to seek citizenship in Georgia. Some of them were hesitant to do so, a position that represented an obstacle to application. The most significant impediment was the lack of objectively defined criteria for repatriation success. Without detailed criteria as to what amounted to proper repatriation, the degree of the success of the process is hard to assess. The international community has departed from approaching repatriation as a formal return process. The concept has assumed a “thicker” meaning of allowing returned individuals to resume their lives in the fullest sense, including assuming citizenship, return property etc. The case study shows that the Georgian case of repatriation has been formalistic. Full and seamless reinstatement of the deported people in their lives did not take place.
EarGait: Estimation of Temporal Gait Parameters from Hearing Aid Integrated Inertial Sensors
Authors: Seifer Ann-Kristin , Dorschky Eva , Küderle Arne , Moradi Hamid , Hannemann Ronny , Eskofier Björn M.
Published: July 2023

Wearable sensors are able to monitor physical health in a home environment and detect changes in gait patterns over time. To ensure long-term user engagement, wearable sensors need to be seamlessly integrated into the user’s daily life, such as hearing aids or earbuds. Therefore, we present EarGait, an open-source Python toolbox for gait analysis using inertial sensors integrated into hearing aids. This work contributes a validation for gait event detection algorithms and the estimation of temporal parameters using ear-worn sensors. We perform a comparative analysis of two algorithms based on acceleration data and propose a modified version of one of the algorithms. We conducted a study with healthy young and elderly participants to record walking data using the hearing aid’s integrated sensors and an optical motion capture system as a reference. All algorithms were able to detect gait events (initial and terminal contacts), and the improved algorithm performed best, detecting 99.8% of initial contacts and obtaining a mean stride time error of 12 ± 32 ms. The existing algorithms faced challenges in determining the laterality of gait events. To address this limitation, we propose modifications that enhance the determination of the step laterality (ipsi- or contralateral), resulting in a 50% reduction in stride time error. Moreover, the improved version is shown to be robust to different study populations and sampling frequencies but is sensitive to walking speed. This work establishes a solid foundation for a comprehensive gait analysis system integrated into hearing aids that will facilitate continuous and long-term home monitoring.
A Review: Design and Optimization Approaches of the Darrieus Water Turbine
Authors: Li Guanghao , Wu Guoying , Tan Lei , Fan Honggang
Published: July 2023

As the use of Darrieus turbines in water is becoming increasingly popular in the field of renewable energy, it is essential to explore and evaluate existing research efforts. The situation of the Darrieus water turbine in water still requires further discussion. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of optimization methods for Darrieus water turbines, addressing the challenges associated with their efficiency, start-up, and stability. This work summarizes and evaluates the findings of previous studies, focusing on the features of experimental and numerical methods. Influence of geometric parameters, including height-diameter ratio, solidity, torsional angle, and airfoil are also talked into. The existing research adopts solidity values ranging from 0.1 to 0.4, but the design experience is not as extensive as that of the Darrieus wind turbine. Further discussions are still needed on the optimal power coefficient and tip speed ratio of the Darrieus water turbine. The research with a power coefficient ranging from about zero to above the Betz limit needs further summarization. Various optimization strategies, such as multi-turbine arrangement, coupling with Savonius turbines, and blade pitching, are also discussed. By offering insights into the current state of optimization works for Darrieus water turbines, this review aims to facilitate future research, bridge existing gaps in the field, further enrich the utilization of ocean currents, and improve the structure of renewable energy.
Digital Finance Promotes Corporate ESG Performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Mo Yalin , Che Yuchen , Ning Wenqiao
Published: July 2023

Whether and how digital finance can promote corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) development has become an important issue. Based on panel data from listed companies in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets from 2011 to 2017, this paper investigates whether and how digital finance can promote the ESG performance of Chinese companies. The empirical results indicate that digital finance not only promotes the ESG performance of Chinese companies but also indirectly facilitates it by alleviating their financing constraints. Channel tests reveal that digital finance predominantly facilitates corporate ESG development through the promotion of social performance and corporate governance performance, but it does not contribute to corporate ESG development by promoting corporate environmental performance. Further research finds that digital finance more strongly promotes ESG in enterprises in the eastern region, state-owned enterprises, small enterprises, and polluting enterprises. Finally, this article puts forward some policy recommendations for high-quality economic development in China, such as driving “ESG financial innovation” to make full use of the enabling role of digital finance in corporate ESG development, effectively bringing enterprises’ attention to environmental performance development and guiding digital finance to promote ESG development in the western region and in non-state-owned enterprises.
A Fully Decentralized Optimal Dispatch Scheme for an AC–DC Hybrid Distribution Network Formed by Flexible Interconnected Distribution Station Areas
Authors: Tang Xu , Zheng Jingwen , Yang Zhichun , He Xiangling , Min Huaidong , Zhou Sihan , Liu Kaipei , Qin Liang
Published: July 2023

Due to unbalanced load growth among different regions and the increasing integration of distributed generators (DGs), distribution station areas (DSAs) currently face issues such as voltage violations, curtailment of renewable energy generation, and imbalanced load rates among DSAs. Interconnecting DSAs to form an AC–DC hybrid distribution network (DN) can not only address the aforementioned problems but also provides more efficient interfaces for DC devices. In order to coordinate the controllable devices within the flexible interconnected DSAs and achieve an optimal operational state, centralized optimal dispatch strategies are mainly used, which requires the deployment of an additional central controller and entails heavy communication and computation burdens. To overcome the drawbacks of centralized dispatch, a fully decentralized optimal dispatch scheme based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is proposed. Based on the network partitioning results, the introduction of auxiliary variables that replicate the coupling variables between areas further eliminates the need for a coordinating center in the standard ADMM, achieving a fully decentralized optimal dispatch. Additionally, two network partitioning methods are proposed for implementing decentralized dispatch. Both partitioning methods can achieve the goals of load rate balance and voltage profile improvement when implementing decentralized dispatch. Their key distinction lies in their effectiveness in improving the voltage profiles on the DC side. The partitioning method that treats the entire DC side as a separate area, resulting in higher investment, achieves better results in improving the DC voltage profiles than the other one. The choice of partitioning method can be based on practical engineering requirements.
Conditions for Multilevel Governance, Co-Management and Sustainability in Two Forest Communities in Central Mexico
Authors: De la Mora-De la Mora Gabriela , Galicia Leopoldo , Sánchez-Nupan Laura Oliva , Castro-Torres Balam
Published: July 2023

Multilevel governance (MLG) and co-management are indispensable to sustainable forest management (SFM) and the maintenance of ecosystem services (ES). Through interviews with key external and community actors and workshops in two ejidos in central Mexico, we qualitatively analyzed information on the historical and current uses of forests and the ways the ejidos evolved toward SFM by implementing MLG regulatory frameworks that enabled forest co-management. By studying the perceptions of local stakeholders and the relevance of their interactions to effective local forest management, we found that the history of forest use in the region has favored the local appropriation of socioecosystems through co-management. However, these principles have not simply led to harmonized development and conservation. Although such technical interventions favor forest productivity in local communities, the stakeholders also recognize that certain adjustments could improve and maintain the local ES. Thus, while the conditions of community forest management in Mexico exemplify how local decision-making processes can be both relatively democratic and ecologically beneficial for local communities, it is also necessary to move from a traditional management model to shared governance in community contexts.
Generation and Efficacy of Two Chimeric Viruses Derived from GPE− Vaccine Strain as Classical Swine Fever Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Huynh Loc Tan , Isoda Norikazu , Hew Lim Yik , Ogino Saho , Mimura Yume , Kobayashi Maya , Kim Taksoo , Nishi Tatsuya , Fukai Katsuhiko , Hiono Takahiro , Sakoda Yoshihiro
Published: July 2023

A previous study proved that vGPE− mainly maintains the properties of classical swine fever (CSF) virus, which is comparable to the GPE− vaccine seed and is a potentially valuable backbone for developing a CSF marker vaccine. Chimeric viruses were constructed based on an infectious cDNA clone derived from the live attenuated GPE− vaccine strain as novel CSF vaccine candidates that potentially meet the concept of differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) by substituting the glycoprotein Erns of the GPE− vaccine strain with the corresponding region of non-CSF pestiviruses, either pronghorn antelope pestivirus (PAPeV) or Phocoena pestivirus (PhoPeV). High viral growth and genetic stability after serial passages of the chimeric viruses, namely vGPE−/PAPeV Erns and vGPE−/PhoPeV Erns, were confirmed in vitro. In vivo investigation revealed that two chimeric viruses had comparable immunogenicity and safety profiles to the vGPE− vaccine strain. Vaccination at a dose of 104.0 TCID50 with either vGPE−/PAPeV Erns or vGPE−/PhoPeV Erns conferred complete protection for pigs against the CSF virus challenge in the early stage of immunization. In conclusion, the characteristics of vGPE−/PAPeV Erns and vGPE−/PhoPeV Erns affirmed their properties, as the vGPE− vaccine strain, positioning them as ideal candidates for future development of a CSF marker vaccine.
Spatiotemporal Changes in Extreme Precipitation in China’s Pearl River Basin during 1951–2015
Authors: Cai Shirong , Niu Kunlong , Mu Xiaolin , Yang Xiankun , Pirotti Francesco
Published: July 2023

Precipitation is a key component of the hydrological cycle and one of the important indicators of climate change. Due to climate change, extreme precipitation events have globally and regionally increased in frequency and intensity, leading to a higher probability of natural disasters. This study, using the long-term APHRODITE dataset, employed six precipitation indices to analyze the spatiotemporal changes in extreme precipitation in the Pearl River Basin during 1951–2015. The Mann–Kendall (M–K) test was used to verify the significance of the observed trends. The results indicate that: (1) the interannual PRCPTOT showed a trend with an average positive increase of 0.019 mm/yr, which was followed by an increase in SDII, R95P, and RX1day, and a decrease in R95D and CWD; seasonal PRCPTOT also displayed an increase in summer and winter and a decrease in spring and autumn, corresponding to increases in R95P and SDII in all seasons. (2) The annual precipitation increases from the west to east of the basin, similar to the gradient distribution of SDII, R95P and RX1day, with the high R95D happening in the middle and lower reaches of the Xijiang River, but the CWD increased from the north to south of the basin. The seasonal spatial distributions of PRCPTOT, SDII, and R95P are relatively similar except in autumn, showing an increase from the west to east of the basin in spring and winter and a gradual increase from the north to south of the basin in summer, indicating that the Beijiang and Dongjiang tributary basins are more vulnerable to floods. (3) The MK test results exhibited that the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau region in the upper reaches of the Xijiang River Basin became drier, and there was an increase in extreme precipitation in the Beijiang and Dongjiang river basins. The study results facilitate valuable flood mitigation, natural hazard control and water resources management in the Pearl River Basin.
Characteristic Analysis and Uncertainty Assessment of the Joint Distribution of Runoff and Sediment: A Case Study of the Huangfuchuan River Basin, China
Authors: Huang Xin , Qiu Lin
Published: July 2023

Exploring the relationship between runoff and sediment elements in a river basin is a prerequisite for realizing the scientific management scheme of runoff and sediment. In this study, six commonly applied probability distributions are utilized to fit the marginal distribution, and three Archimedes copulas are used to fit the joint distribution to build a joint probability distribution model of river runoff and sediment in sandy areas. The synchronous and asynchronous encounter probabilities of runoff and sediment are calculated. The uncertainties of marginal distribution, parameter estimation, and copula function in the process of constructing the joint distribution model framework are analyzed. The results indicate that: (1) The runoff and sediment series from 1954 to 2015 of the Huangfuchuan River basin are divided into three stages by using the cumulative anomaly method and the double mass curve method, and the runoff and sediment in the three stages have strong correlations. In the Ta (1954–1978) and Tb (1979–1996) stages, the optimal joint distribution functions of runoff and sediment are Gumbel, and in the Tc (1997–2015) stage the optimal joint distribution function is Clayton; (2) The synchronous probabilities of runoff and sediment series in the three stages are 69.84%, 84.82%, and 70.72%, respectively, which are much greater than the asynchronous frequencies of abundance and depletion, and this showed that the conditions of runoff and sediment in the river basin are consistent; (3) The joint distribution function is sensitive to the choice of marginal distributions, parameters, and copula functions, and the optimal marginal distribution function, optimal copula function, and the parameters selected by the maximum likelihood estimation method can better fit the runoff-sediment relationship in the river basin and reduce the process uncertainty.
The role of doctors’ assistants in reducing GP administrative workload at Maylands Healthcare
Authors: Jothimurugan Prithika , Rao Nikhil , Shridhar Sunita , Williams Hannah , Jothimurugan Subramanian , Aggarwal Atul
Published: July 2023

Background

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS is facing increasing pressures because of growing patient demand and hospital backlogs. With the number of GPs declining, the average number of patients per GP has increased. There are reports of hospital trusts and GP practices introducing doctors’ assistants (DAs) to help with clinical and administrative tasks, which has reduced the workload of doctors. As the authors are not aware of any DAs working with GPs locally, Maylands Healthcare (14 000 patients) has introduced this new workforce model by assigning a DA to each clinician’s worklist.

Aim

To investigate the benefit of DAs in primary care in managing doctors’ administrative workload.

Method

This qualitative study involved a questionnaire for DAs and doctors, exploring their views on the role of DAs. The DAs also completed a 5-day task diary in August 2022. Responses from six DAs and five doctors were analysed.

Results

The DAs completed 398 referrals. On average, each DA completed 66 referrals and 70 other tasks. The main tasks completed were referrals, investigations, transport, liaising with organisations including social services, and directly communicating with patients. Benefits reported by DAs included a reduction in doctors’ administrative workload, enabling more time for consultations and supporting vulnerable patients. Doctors felt their administrative workload reduced by 30%, reporting benefits in time-efficiency, continuity of care, and managing patients with complex conditions.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the introduction of DAs has helped to manage the administrative workload in primary care, improving efficiency, patient care, and safety.
Unmasking the masquerade: the diagnosis and management of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
Authors: Matthews Joel , Matthews Josh , Matthews Miriam , Cherian Veneetha
Published: July 2023

Background

The diagnosis and management of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) is often challenging. This literature review was done to investigate available data on PNES to make recommendations for its management.

Aim

To research relevant data on the diagnosis and challenges in the management of PNES.

Method

The methodology involved a systematic review of relevant studies and review articles by leading authorities in PNES, using the databases of MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and PubMed. Out of an eventual 211 screened, 15 were selected based on exclusion and inclusion criteria. Concepts such as ‘psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, diagnosis, and management’ were searched with the key term, ‘PNES’.

Results

An analysis of 15 articles was undertaken, and the focus was mainly on the diagnostic criterion and the management approaches adopted in the different studies. The results indicated that many of the studies consistently required video EEG (vEEG) as confirmatory tests for the establishment of PNES, in keeping with the staged approach to diagnosis set by the Nonepileptic Seizure Task Force of Epilepsy. Recent studies emphasised early communication and healthy rapport between patients and providers of care in conveying a diagnosis. Pilot studies on the pharmacological and psychological treatments for PNES were promising.

Conclusion

The unmasking of the masquerade of PNES is challenging for clinicians in primary and tertiary care. Raising awareness of the condition reduces the burden on health care. Definitive guidelines and more control trials are required. Provocative measures to establish the diagnosis are limited. The feasibility of using the tilt table as a provocative measure is discussed.
What Is Subvertising? A Proposal of Delimitation and Definition
Authors: Leal-Rico Inés , Papí-Gálvez Natalia , Sánchez-Olmos Cande
Published: July 2023

The understanding of “subvertising” has been approached from different perspectives as a phenomenon framed within the Culture Jamming movement. Even though both subjects focus on the symbolic guerrilla communication system, the specific allusion to corporate and advertising culture delimits the subvertising field of study. However, it seems that the two phenomena are analysed jointly by the literature that has addressed the subject, so that the terminology used for reference and analysis can be imprecise and confusing. This study aims to clarify the terminology used in literature to refer to the concept of “subvertising” and its actors. For this, data was collected through a previous scoping review, in which 253 documents focusing on subvertising dating from between 1980 and March 2020 were located and analysed. The main terminology used to refer both to subvertising and to the actors who carry it out was extracted and classified. The results highlight an excessive terminology used in this field of study, as well as a lack of correlation in linking subvertising object and subjects. Possible consequences of this finding may lead to a problem for the standardisation of the discipline and publications transfer, especially in the academic world.
Einleitung – Einsichten zu Interaktionen und Kommunikationen in Hochschullernwerkstätten
Authors: Kihm Pascal , Kelkel Mareike , Peschel Markus
Published: July 2023

Cover, Inhaltsverzeichnis, Einleitung und Rückumschlag zu dem Band "Interaktionen und Kommunikationen in Hochschullernwerkstätten. Theorien, Praktiken, Utopien"
The Factors Influencing Village Financial Management
Authors: - Andik Susanto , - Syarifah Ratih Kartina Sari
Published: July 2023

This study examines village financial management and the factors that influence it. The principles of village financial management consist of transparent, accountable, participatory, orderly, and disciplined budgeting. Village financial management requires hard work. This study examines the factors that influence village financial management. The method used in this research is the documentation technique. This study found that the factors influencing village financial management were divided into the government and the community. These factors include accountability, transparency, and lack of community participation. Delayed enactment of regional regulations, accompanied by low resources in implementing village fund programs, is also a factor influencing village financial management.
Replacement of Fine Aggregates with Sawdust & Coarse Aggregate with Brick Ballast in Concrete
Authors: - Anisha , - Ankit Sethi
Published: July 2023

For the manufacturing of concrete, the construction industry mainly relies on standard materials like cement, sand, and gravel. River sand and gravel, which are most frequently used as fine aggregates and coarse aggregates in the creation of concrete, respectively, present the issue of acute shortage in many areas, and their continued use has started posing serious problem with respect to its availability, cost, and environmental impact. In this research, an effort is being made to manufacture lightweight, inexpensive concrete using locally accessible waste materials in place of river sand and gravels. For building concrete, river sand and gravels can partially replace sawdust and brick ballast, which are readily available and inexpensive By employing M30 grade concrete, natural sand and gravel have been partially substituted with sawdust and broken brick ballast (4% SD 8% BB, 4% SD 16% BB, 4% SD 24% BB, 8% SD 8% BB, 12% SD 16% BB, and 12% SD 24% BB, respectively). For this, thirty 150mm X 150mm X 150mm concrete cubes with a water cement ratio of 0.42 have been cast. To improve the workability, water-reducing admixture is utilised. The specimens with the aforementioned combination have had their compressive strength at (28 days), slump test, and compacting factor test results compared to control specimens.As the replacement percentages rise, the workability and compressive strength gradually deteriorate. The ideal mixture for making concrete of the M30 grade is discovered to be 16% of brick ballast and 8% of sawdust.
Vehicle-To-Grid Technology in a Micro-grid Using DC Fast Charging Architecture
Authors: - Aniket Nitin Pal , - Gaurav Karlekar
Published: July 2023

Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries can be utilized as potential energy storage devices in micro-grids. They can help in micro-grid energy management by storing energy when there is surplus (Grid-To-Vehicle, G2V) and supplying energy back to the grid (Vehicle-To-Grid, V2G) when there is demand for it. Proper infrastructure and control systems have to be developed in order to realize this concept. Architecture for implementing a V2G-G2V system in a micro-grid using level-3 fast charging of EVs is presented in this paper. A micro-grid test system is modeled which has a dc fast charging station for interfacing the EVs. Simulation studies are carried out to demonstrate V2G-G2V power transfer. Test results show active power regulation in the micro-grid by EV batteries through G2V-V2G modes of operation. The charging station design ensures minimal harmonic distortion of grid injected current and the controller gives good dynamic performance in terms of dc bus voltage stability.
GAMBARAN PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP IBU TENTANG PERTOLONGAN PERTAMA PADA LUKA BAKAR RINGAN DI DESA TANJONG MULIENG KECAMATAN SYAMTALIRA ARON
Authors: Syahabuddin Syahabuddin , Yusra Ainil , Subki Subki
Published: July 2023

Burns are damage to the body's skin caused by heat  trauma or  cold  trauma  (frost bite). According  to WHO the highest incidence of burns in the Southeast Asia region, 27% of the global total die and almost 70% women. The prevalence of burns in Indonesia is 2.2%. The highest burn rate in developing countries occurs in women, while in developed countries it is highest in men. Most, approximately 80% of burn injuries occur at home and 20% occur in the workplace. Delay in handling or ignorance of treatment of burns can cause disability and even death. The aim of this study is to describe the knowledge and attitudes of mothers regarding first aid for burns in Tanjong Mulieng Village. This type of research is quantitative with a descriptive survey design. The sample in this study was 95 people using purposive sampling method. The results showed that in general the knowledge of mothers in Tanjong Mulieng village was still in the sufficient category of 47.4% (45 people) and the attitude of the mothers in first aid for burns was in the sufficient category of 51.6% while most of them were still using toothpaste that is equal to 52.6%.

 

Abstrak

Luka bakar merupakan kerusakan kulit tubuh yang disebabkan oleh trauma panas atau trauma dingin (frost bite). WHO menyebutkan bahwa wanita di wilayah Asia Tenggara mempunyai angka kejadian luka bakar yang tertinggi, 27% dari angka keseluruhan secara global meninggal dunia dan hampir 70% diantaranya adalah wanita. Prevalensi luka bakar di Indonesia adalah 2,2%. Tingkat luka bakar  tertinggi di negara berkembang terjadi pada kalangan perempuan sedangkan di negara maju tertinggi pada laki-laki. Sebagian besar sekitar 80%       cidera luka bakar terjadi di rumah dan 20% terjadi   di tempat kerja. Keterlambatan penanganan atau     ketidaktahuan penanganan luka bakar dapat menyebabkan kecacatan bahkan kematian. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan pengetahuan dan sikap ibu tentang pertolongan pertama pada luka bakar di Desa Tanjong Mulieng. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan desain deskriptif survey. Sample pada penelitian ini berjumlah 95 orang dengan menggunakan metode purposive sampling. Hasil penelitian didapatkan secara umum pengetahuan ibu–ibu di desa Tanjong Mulieng masih dengan kategori cukup  sebanyak 47,4% (45 orang) dan sikap ibu-ibu dalam pertolongan pertama pada luka bakar berada pada kategori cukup sebanyak 51,6% sedangkan sebagian besar masih menggunakan pasta gigi yaitu sebesar 52,6%.
Features of Teaching a Foreign Language to Lecturers of Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Pasko Olga Anatolievna
Published: July 2023

The features of teaching a foreign language to lecturers of the higher school of non-linguistic specialties are considered. Relevant competencies are proposed. The features of the scientific text as the main product of the work are considered. A system of tasks is proposed in the context of simultaneous teaching of a foreign language and deepening of professional scientific competencies. Examples are given, including the development of an educational and methodological complex of the discipline “Land Management” (Science and Land). The unique experience of using modern foreign language teaching technologies in North Korea is described.