bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Softening Behavior and Abrasive Wear Resistance between Conventionally and Additively Manufactured Tool Steels
Authors: Yuan Miwen , Nyborg Lars , Oikonomou Christos , Fan Yicheng , Liu Libin , Ye Jason Weijiang , Cao Yu
Published: April 2024

Directed energy deposition (DED) is a powerful method for hard‐facing the existing tool components. Herein, three tool steel grades including a newly developed maraging steel (NMS), a cold work tool steel (V4E), and a high boron steel (HBS) are cladded on a hot work tool steel substrate. After tempering, the cladded tool steels are exposed to high temperatures at 600, 700, and 800 °C for 3 h to evaluate their softening resistance. The results show that all three tool steel grades have a significant hardness drop when the softening temperature reaches 700 °C. The investigated NMS has the lowest initial hardness in the tempered state but the best softening resistance. In contrast, HBS has the highest initial hardness but the worst softening resistance among the three steel grades. V4E tool steel has a moderate softening resistance compared to the other two steel grades. The factors contributing to the softening resistance have been discussed. Corresponding conventional tool steels are also adapted as references for comparison. Except for the NMS, the additive manufacturing tool steel samples have a better softening resistance than the conventional counterparts owing to more alloying elements trapped in the matrix. The abrasive wear resistance of the tempered and softened tool steels manufactured by DED and conventional methods is also evaluated and the wear mechanism is discussed. Besides the hardness, the free spacing λ between coarse hard particles is one of the major factors influencing the abrasive wear resistance.
Effect of Starch Binders on the Properties of Bioglass Tablets for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Sarmast Shoushtari Maryam , Shafiqah Wan Mahmood Aina , Awang Biak Dayang Radiah , Alijantabar Aghouzi Samaneh , Hoey David , Kamarudin Suryani , Abdullah Norhafizah , Zainuddin Halimatun Sakdiah
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of SiO2–CaO–P2O5–Na2O nanofiber bioglass (BG) tablets using cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) as a template and starch binders. Three types of tablets are prepared: sago starch binder tablets, xanthan gum binder tablets, and dry press tablets (used as a control). The tablets are investigated for their physicochemical structure, mechanical properties, in‐vivo bioactivity, and antibacterial efficiency using various characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), XRD, ICP, etc. The results indicate the formation of a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on the surface of the tablets after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 28 days, demonstrating their bioactivity. FESEM analysis reveals the formation of HA crystals with different morphologies, including oval‐shaped crystals in sago tablets and needle‐like crystals in xanthan tablets. The binder tablets exhibit higher Ca/P ratios compared to the press‐dried tablets. Among the binder tablets, sago starch tablets show superior mechanical properties. Additionally, the binder tablets display efficient antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. These findings highlight their potential as promising candidates for bone tissue engineering applications.
Influence of Infrared Dry Heat Treatment on the Structure and Properties of Potato Starch
Authors: Voroshnina Anna A. , Tryakhov Denis E. , Politov Anatoly A. , Aksenov Vladimir V. , Maslennikov Daniel V.
Published: April 2024

The current study presents a novel approach to starch modification using infrared dry heat treatment (IR‐DHT). IR‐heating at 200 °C allows one to reduce the processing time to 15 min and does not lead to irreversible amorphization of starch structure. Upon IR‐DHT, an increase in density of starch granules from 1.4888 ± 0.0005 to 1.5038 ± 0.0005 g cm−3 is observed. The crystallinity degree of the starch exposed in water at 20 °C after IR‐DHT does not change compared to the crystallinity of native starch hydrated at the same temperature. However, the exposure in excess of water of native potato starch at 45 °C induces an increase of crystallinity up to 81% (along with a significant increase in the intensity of the d100 reflection), while heat‐treated starch exposed in water at the same temperature has reduced crystallinity (RC = 39%). In addition, the concentration of soluble carbohydrates released during the exposure process (45 °C, excess of water) increases by an order of magnitude for heat‐treated starch compared to the native sample. Hence, IR‐DHT may become a promising way to influence the processes of acid and enzymatic hydrolysis and control starch properties, such as pasting, solubility, and digestibility.
Ultrafine Starch Particles as Pickering Emulsion Stabilizers With Different Interfacial Behaviors
Authors: Deng Weijun , Hu Jing , Rong Mengqing , Zhang Chaoqun , Wen Huitao , Liu Yue , Zhang Tao , Hu Jing
Published: April 2024

Native starch Pickering stabilizer without chemical modification has attracted research interest in food field. However, the behaviors of starch particles at interface are seldom studied. In this paper, ultrafine starch particles (USPs) are grounded with a planetary ball mall from various starch species down to 1–2 µm in size. USP and starches are used to prepare Pickering emulsions. With size decrease, USP has more negative zeta potentials, stronger hydrogen bonds, better hydrophilicity, and better emulsifying abilities than their counterparts of starches. Millet starch has better emulsion stability than OSA modified starch. Glutinous USP outperforms in stabilization due to higher emulsion height and no oil phase separation. USP behaves differently at interface or in water phase, which is attributed to starch species, amylose and amylopectin contents, and gelatinization. This work can inspire the behavior investigation of starch particles in nano/micrometers at interface during storage.
The promotion of teaching and learning scholarship in undergraduate nursing non‐tenure line faculty: A success story
Authors: Miner Melissa , Peachey Brandi , Evans Michael , Brown Raymonde
Published: April 2024

This chapter uses a descriptive methodology that focuses on how the undergraduate team at a large multi‐campus research university located in a mid‐Atlantic state advocates and provides support for the scholarship of teaching and learning for non‐tenure nursing teaching faculty from a variety of perspectives.
Reduction in environmental hazards and enhance the energy conversion from microalgae wastewater: Characteristics evaluation
Authors: Venkatesh Rathinavelu , Selvam Lakshmanan , Chandramohan Palaniappan , Manivannan Subramaniam , Marimuthu Vignesh Kumar , Kumar Annamalai , Kaliyaperumal Gopal
Published: April 2024

The formation of algae blooms can influence uncontrolled growth, causing hazards to aquatic ecosystems. The attention of microalgae wastewater treatment is gathering significance in bio‐energy conversion, resulting in environmental sustainability. Gasification technology is found to improve energy conversion with improved environmental sustainability. The novel research is to treat microalgae wastewater via hydrothermal gasification process with the assistance of a potassium hydroxide catalyst (KOH). During the gasification process, the gasification time is varied from 10, 20, and 30 min under a higher gasification temperature of 900°C is maintained throughout the gasification process. Effect of gasification processing time with KOH catalyst action on the percentage of molar fractions including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4), lower heating value (LHV), syngas H2 yield, and gasification efficiency of hydrothermal gasification process for microalgae wastewater are experimentally investigated. The results of the present investigation are exposed with higher processing time with maximum gasification temperature processed with KOH catalyst offered maximum H2 fraction of 59%, reduced CH4 and LHV of 15% and 10 MJ/Nm3, optimum H2 yield of 22 mol/kg, and attained maximum gasification efficiency of 55%, respectively. The optimum gasification process parameters, including a 30‐min processing time with a higher gasification temperature of 900°C gained H2, will be suggested for energy/alternative fuel applications.
Synthesis of new stable benzenaminium salts using oxyacetic acid derivatives via oxytrimethinium salts as intermediates
Authors: Revayat Sattar , Mehranpour Abdolmohammad
Published: April 2024

In this article, four different stable benzaminium salts were synthesized from the one‐pot reaction of oxyacetic acid with aminothiophenol or aminophenol derivatives under Vilsmeier‐Haack conditions in the presence of triethylamine in acetonitrile at reflux. The structure of the new compounds was confirmed based on their spectral data from 1H NMR and 13C NMR and elemental analysis.
Chitosan‐based aerogel microspheres for wastewater treatment
Authors: Cuong Hoang Ngoc , Kien Nguyen Dac , Hoa Nguyen Van
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to present the effect of the mediums to dissolve chitosan on the morphology of obtained chitosan microspheres and find a suitable medium for preparing porous chitosan microspheres for adsorption application. Three acidic solutions, including acetic, ascorbic, and citric acids, were used to dissolve chitosan flakes. The prepared chitosan microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The microspheres’ inner morphologies depended on the mediums to dissolve chitosan. The highest porosity of the chitosan microspheres was obtained using an acetic solution, while the sample showed the highest crystallinity prepared in a citric solution. Besides, the chitosan microspheres prepared in the acetic solution had the most efficient methylene blue (MB) removal from water. Its maximum MB sorption capacity was 79.37 mg g−1. The non‐linear pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model was the best kinetic fit for the interaction of MB with those chitosan microspheres. Moreover, the prepared microspheres showed good cyclic stability and easy recovery, suggesting their high feasibility in wastewater treatment.
Improving fire safety of thermoplastic poly(ether ester) elastomer by black phosphorus nanosheets and aluminum diethylphosphinate system
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Li Jiaxuan , Liu Jiuhong , Song Jinpeng , Yu Qing , Song Liang , Cheng Guiqing , Wang Zhongwei , Han Yuxi
Published: April 2024

Thermoplastic poly(ether ester) elastomer (TPEE) is a highly flammable material with severe melt‐dropping, which greatly limits its range of applications. Here, black phosphorus nanosheets (BPs) and aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADP) were used to improve the fire safety of TPEE for the first time. Results demonstrated that ADP/BPs as a synergistic combination exhibits good dispersity and excellent flame retardancy, also has minimal negative effects on the mechanical performances of the TPEE composites. By comparing TPEE/ADP‐22 and TPEE/ADP‐10/BPs‐4, the introduction of BPs significantly reduced the addition of ADP while keeping the material at the higher vertical burning grade, ~54.5% reduction in ADP usage. Compared with neat TPEE, TPEE/ADP‐10/BPs‐4 fulfilled V‐0 level, avoided dripping, and the limiting oxygen index value increased to 34.0%. Moreover, TPEE/ADP‐10/BPs‐4 performed the best in cone calorimetry test, both the peak heat release rate and total heat release reduced the largest, by 44.2% and 25.3%, respectively. The detailed studies of the flame‐retardant mechanism found that ADP/BPs showed the fire‐retardant impact of the condensed phase and gaseous phase. This work expands BPs in the flame‐retardant application and could facilitate to prepare the anti‐dripping flame‐resistant TPEE.

Highlights

BPs as an efficient flame retardant were added into TPEE for the first time.

ADP/BPs as a synergistic combination has an excellent fire‐retardant effect.

The introduction of BPs significantly reduced the addition of ADP.

TPEE/ADP‐10/BPs‐4 showed the highest FPI and the lowest FGI.

ADP/BPs has lowest negative effects on the mechanical performances of matrix.
Noncomplainer als Herausforderung für das BtB-Marketing
Authors: Laschet Fabio-Yannick
Published: April 2024

In Zeiten eines permanenten Wandels und der damit einhergehenden Transformation betriebswirtschaftlichen und gesellschaftlichen Handelns stellen besonders Informationen eine erfolgskritische Ressource für Unternehmen dar. Angesichts dieser wachsenden Herausforderung starteten bereits mehr als 80 % der in ihrer Branche führenden Unternehmen erfolgreiche Initiativen zur Generierung und Analyse von Big Data, da diese Informationen als ein wichtiger Werttreiber für künftige Innovationen und Disruptionen gesehen werden. Allerdings bringt dieser Wandel auch eine neue Generation an Business-to-Business(BtB)-Entscheidern und -Einkäufern mit sich, wodurch sich Marketing-Manager mit wesentlich veränderten und meist gestiegenen Kundenerwartungen konfrontiert sehen.
Grundlagen des Beschwerdemanagements und Noncomplainings
Authors: Laschet Fabio-Yannick
Published: April 2024

Um die Grundlagen des Beschwerdemanagements und -verhaltens angemessen erläutern zu können, erscheint es vorab geboten, die Begriffe der Beschwerde und damit auch des Noncomplainings sowie des Beschwerdemanagements zu definieren. In Anbetracht eines fehlenden einheitlichen Begriffsverständnisses – sowohl in der Marketingforschung als auch in der Unternehmenspraxis – werden nachfolgend die jeweiligen für die vorliegende Arbeit gültigen Definitionen dieser Begrifflichkeiten dargestellt.
Existence and regularity results for a class of singular parabolic problems with $$L^1$$ data
Authors: de Bonis Ida , Porzio Maria Michaela
Published: April 2024

In this paper we prove existence and regularity results for a class of parabolic problems with irregular initial data and lower order terms singular with respect to the solution. We prove that, even if the initial datum is not bounded but only in $$L^1(\Omega )$$

L
1

(
Ω
)

, there exists a solution that “instantly” becomes bounded. Moreover we study the behavior in time of these solutions showing that this class of problems admits global solutions which all have the same behavior in time independently of the size of the initial data.
Tiebout, Coase and urban scaling
Authors: Webster Chris
Published: April 2024

A growing body of urban research takes a natural science perspective on systems of cities as self-organising human clusters. From a systems perspective, this work, particularly the growing number of city scaling studies, introduces a determinism to studies of city size, efficiency and performance that may not sit well with regional science and urban economic planning models. It finds that agglomeration economies seem to follow regular scale-free power laws that reflect competitive dynamics within an entire interacting human system of cities and that a city’s performance is therefore statistically bounded by the whole system. Where does this leave empirical models of individual city performance and behavioural models of urban political economy that underpin them? The paper links two seminal economic models of the 20th century that were motivated to demonstrate the possibility of preference revelation for the ‘unpriceables’ that give cities their value. Tiebout’s and Coase’s models of social order both concern natural clustering principles, governed by voting with feet, voice and price. Voting with feet is a much more animalistic social ordering mechanism than voting with voice and the paper introduces the idea of scale-free Tieboutian models—natural science models of revealed preference for local public expenditure.
Multiparameter signal-to-noise ratio optimization for end milling cutting conditions of aluminium alloy 5083
Authors: Kechagias John
Published: April 2024

Surface integrity problems during selective material removal processes are a very common limitation for process productivity and part quality, especially in difficult-to-machine materials like 5083 aluminium alloy (AA), which is known for its remarkable performance in extreme environments. In general, tuning the cutting-part material properties with cutter geometry and cutting parameters can optimize surface texture, increase parts accuracy and resistance in corrosion, and eliminate process noise and energy waste. This work is an experimental study of surface parameter optimization during finish end milling of an AA5083 under a specific range of three cutting parameters with an optimized two-flute carbide cutter by previous work. So, twenty-seven experiments were run having varied the radial depth of cut (RDOC), feed rate (f), and cutting speed (S). Surface roughness parameters (Ra and Rt) were measured in the direction of cutting speed at three different distances by the upper edge. The signal-to-noise (SN) ratios have been calculated, and the process was optimized following the analysis of means. Then, additive models with linear interactions were fitted on SN ratios, and the analysis of variances and residual normality plots were utilized to validate the models’ goodness. The SN approach and analysis of means conclude that 0.5 mm RDOC, 6000 rpm speed, and 0.082 mm/tooth feed optimize the process and can effectively predict the Ra and Rt responses. The newly produced machinability data can benefit further applications of AA5083 in industrial applications such as shipbuilding and vehicle bodies.
Clinical value of neuroimaging indicators of intracranial hypertension in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Schuchardt Florian F. , Lützen Niklas , Küchlin Sebastian , Reich Michael , Lagrèze Wolf A. , Mast Hansjörg , Weigel Matthias , Meckel Stephan , Urbach Horst , Weiller Cornelius , Harloff Andreas , Demerath Theo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Intracranial hypertension (IH) frequently complicates cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Distinct neuroimaging findings are associated with IH, yet their discriminative power, reversibility and factors favoring normalization in prospective CVT patients are unknown. We determined test performance measures of neuroimaging signs in acute CVT patients, their longitudinal change under anticoagulation, association with IH at baseline and with recanalization at follow-up.

Methods

We included 26 consecutive acute CVT patients and 26 healthy controls. Patients were classified as having IH based on CSF pressure > 25 cmH2O and/or papilledema on ophthalmological examination or ocular MRI. We assessed optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), optic nerve tortuousity, bulbar flattening, lateral and IVth ventricle size, pituitary configuration at baseline and follow-up, and their association with IH and venous recanalization.

Results

46% of CVT patients had IH. ONSD enlargement > 5.8 mm, optic nerve tortuousity and pituitary grade ≥ III had highest sensitivity, ocular bulb flattening and pituitary grade ≥ III highest specificity for IH. Only ONSD reliably discriminated IH at baseline. Recanalization was significantly associated with regressive ONSD and pituitary grade. Other neuroimaging signs tended to regress with recanalization. After treatment, 184.9 ± 44.7 days after diagnosis, bulbar flattening resolved, whereas compared with controls ONSD enlargement (p < 0.001) and partially empty sella (p = 0.017), among other indicators, persisted.

Conclusion

ONSD and pituitary grading have a high diagnostic value in diagnosing and monitoring CVT-associated IH. Given their limited sensitivity during early CVT and potentially persistent alterations following IH, neuroimaging indicators can neither replace CSF pressure measurement in diagnosing IH, nor determine the duration of anticoagulation.
Modular metabolic engineering of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for high-level production of green biosurfactant iturin A
Authors: She Menglin , Zhou Huijuan , Dong Wanrong , Xu Yuxiang , Gao Lin , Gao Jiaming , Yang Yong , Yang Zhifan , Cai Dongbo , Chen Shouwen
Published: April 2024

As a kind of biosurfactants, iturin A has attracted people’s wide attentions due to their features of biodegradability, environmentally friendly, etc.; however, high production cost limited its extensive application, and the aim of this research wants to improve iturin A production in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Firstly, dual promoter was applied to strengthen iturin A synthetase expression, and its yield was increased to 1.25 g/L. Subsequently, original 5′-UTRs of downstream genes (ituA, ituB, and ituC) in iturin A synthetase cluster were optimized, which significantly increased mRNA secondary stability, and iturin A yield produced by resultant strain HZ-T3 reached 2.32 g/L. Secondly, synthetic pathway of α-glucosidase inhibitor 1-deoxynojirimycin was blocked to improve substrate corn starch utilization, and iturin A yield was increased by 34.91% to 3.13 g/L. Thirdly, efficient precursor (fatty acids, Ser, and Pro) supplies were proven as the critical role in iturin A synthesis, and 5.52 g/L iturin A was attained by resultant strain, through overexpressing yngH, serC, and introducing ocD. Meanwhile, genes responsible for poly-γ-glutamic acid, extracellular polysaccharide, and surfactin syntheses were deleted, which led to a 30.98% increase of iturin A yield. Finally, lipopeptide transporters were screened, and iturin A yield was increased by 17.98% in SwrC overexpression strain, reached 8.53 g/L, which is the highest yield of iturin A ever reported. This study laid a foundation for industrial production and application development of iturin A, and provided the guidance of metabolic engineering breeding for efficient production of other metabolites synthesized by non-ribosomal peptide synthetase.

Key points

• Optimizing 5′-UTR is an effective tactics to regulate synthetase cluster expression.

• Blocking 1-DNJ synthesis benefited corn starch utilization and iturin A production.

• The iturin A yield attained in this work was the highest yield reported so far.
Gelation of PU elastomers: rheological characterization for liquid additive manufacturing
Authors: Wang Peng , Winter H. Henning , Wagner Manfred H. , Auhl Dietmar
Published: April 2024

Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile polymer with many applications in a wide range of products. A novel 3D printing technology called liquid additive manufacturing (LAM) extended its possibilities by generating PU elastomers with gradient properties in continuous processing. LAM, being a relatively new technique, has not been extensively researched, particularly in terms of the curing behavior of the liquid resin. In this work, we investigated the effect of composition on gelation time tGP as measured by time-resolved mechanical spectroscopy (TRMS) and analyzed using the Winter–Chambon criterion with the assistance of the IRIS software. This method is more accurate than the previous approach, which involved time sweeps with a constant frequency. It was found that the gel time tGP first decreased and then increased with increasing polyol ratio, ranging from 231 to 378 min. Furthermore, the crosslink densities of the different PU elastomers measured from the rheological and tensile tests were calculated and compared based on the theory of rubber elasticity. The crosslink density decreased with an increasing polyol ratio in both methods. However, the crosslink density values obtained from the rheological measurements were higher than those from the tensile tests. These findings demonstrate that adjusting the polyol ratio is an effective means of achieving gradient properties. The composition effects we measured offer valuable insights for the design of LAM–PU elastomers.
The effect of potassium on aluminous phase stability in the lower mantle
Authors: Rogmann Elena-Marie , Jennings Eleanor S. , Ross Jennifer , Miyajima Nobuyoshi , Walter Michael J. , Kohn Simon C. , Lord Oliver T.
Published: April 2024

The aluminous calcium-ferrite type phase (CF) and new aluminous phase (NAL) are thought to hold the excess alumina produced by the decomposition of garnet in MORB compositions in the lower mantle. The respective stabilities of CF and NAL in the nepheline-spinel binary (NaAlSiO$$_{4}$$

4

–MgAl$$_{2}$$

2

O$$_{4}$$

4

) are well established. However with the addition of further components the phase relations at lower mantle conditions remain unclear. Here we investigate a range of compositions around the nepheline apex of the nepheline-kalsilite-spinel compositional join (NaAlSiO$$_{4}$$

4

–KAlSiO$$_{4}$$

4

–MgAl$$_{2}$$

2

O$$_{4}$$

4

) at 28–78 GPa and 2000 K. Our experiments indicate that even small amounts of a kalsilite (KAlSiO$$_{4}$$

4

) component dramatically impact phase relations. We find NAL to be stable up to at least 71 GPa in potassium-bearing compositions. This demonstrates the stabilizing effect of potassium on NAL, because NAL is not observed at pressures above 48 GPa on the nepheline-spinel binary. We also observe a broadening of the CF stability field to incorporate larger amounts of potassium with increasing pressure. For pressures below 50 GPa only minor amounts ($$<0.011(1)\frac{K}{K+Na+Mg}$$

<
0.011

(
1
)

K

K
+
N
a
+
M
g

) of potassium are soluble in CF, whereas at 68 GPa, we find a solubility in CF of at least $$0.088(3)\frac{K}{K+Na+Mg}$$

0.088

(
3
)

K

K
+
N
a
+
M
g

. This indicates that CF and NAL are suitable hosts of the alkali content of MORB compositions at lower mantle conditions. For sedimentary compositions at lower mantle pressures, we expect K-Hollandite to be stable in addition to CF and NAL for pressures of 28–48 GPa, based on our simplified compositions.
Robotic assisted surgery reduces ergonomic risk during minimally invasive colorectal resection: the VOLCANO randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dixon Frances , Vitish-Sharma Parveen , Khanna Achal , Keeler Barrie D. ,   on behalf of the VOLCANO Trial Group, Qureshi Adnan , Singh Anjana , Hemandas Anil , O’Hara Richard , Wren Lynn , Oshiotse Santos , George Susan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Minimally invasive surgery benefits patients but poor operating ergonomics causes musculoskeletal injuries in surgeons. This randomised controlled trial aims to assess whether robotic-assisted surgery with the open-console Versius® system can reduce surgeons’ ergonomic risks during major colorectal resections.

Methods

Prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05262296) in March 2022. Adult patients requiring a minimally invasive colorectal resection were potentially eligible. Photographs taken at 2-min intervals were analysed using the objective Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) posture analysis scale to calculate intraoperative surgeon ergonomic risk. Secondary outcomes included team communication (Oxford NOTECHS II), surgeon cognitive strain (modified NASA-TLX scale), and clinical outcomes.

Results

Sixty patients were randomised in a 2:1 ratio (40 robot, 20 laparoscopic). Mean age was 65yrs and 34 (57%) were male. Body Mass Index did not differ between the 2 groups (overall mean 29.0 ± 5) and there were equal proportions of left and right-colonic resections.

REBA was significantly lower in the robotic arm (median robot REBA score 3 vs lap REBA 5 [p < 0.001]), equating to an injury risk category drop from “medium” to “low risk”. There were no significant differences in team communication, operative duration, or patient outcomes. Surgeon cognitive strain was lower in robotic cases (mean robot 32.4 ± 10.3 vs lap 45.6 ± 14.3 [p < 0.001]).

Conclusions

This trial demonstrates that robotic surgery with an open-console system reduces ergonomic risk scores and cognitive strain during colorectal resections, with no apparent detriment to team communication. This may therefore be a safe & feasible solution to the increasing problem of work-related musculoskeletal injuries in surgeons.
Gastric perforation biopsy: is it obsolete?
Authors: Steyn Petre Francois , Karusseit Otto
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The aim of the study was to test the established hypothesis that biopsies of spontaneous gastric perforations should be taken to rule out cancer.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed. Consecutive patients with spontaneous gastric perforation were included. Biopsies of the edges of the perforation were submitted for histological evaluation. The epithelial type as well as the nature of the pathology were evaluated.

Results

Sixty-eight patients were included. Eight (12%) biopsies revealed duodenal origin. Sixty (88%) biopsies revealed gastric mucosa of which 33 (48%) could be specifically typed. All biopsies revealed benign ulceration. No malignancies were detected in these biopsies or on subsequent gastroscopic follow up.

Conclusion

This study suggests that routine intraoperative biopsy of gastric perforation may be questioned. Biopsy is probably better performed endoscopically after recovery.
Runtime Analysis of Competitive Co-evolutionary Algorithms for Maximin Optimisation of a Bilinear Function
Authors: Lehre Per Kristian
Published: April 2024

Co-evolutionary algorithms have a wide range of applications, such as in hardware design, evolution of strategies for board games, and patching software bugs. However, these algorithms are poorly understood and applications are often limited by pathological behaviour, such as loss of gradient, relative over-generalisation, and mediocre objective stasis. It is an open challenge to develop a theory that can predict when co-evolutionary algorithms find solutions efficiently and reliable. This paper provides a first step in developing runtime analysis for population-based competitive co-evolutionary algorithms. We provide a mathematical framework for describing and reasoning about the performance of co-evolutionary processes. To illustrate the framework, we introduce a population-based co-evolutionary algorithm called PDCoEA, and prove that it obtains a solution to a bilinear maximin optimisation problem in expected polynomial time. Finally, we describe settings where PDCoEA needs exponential time with overwhelmingly high probability to obtain a solution.
Deep learning tool: reconstruction of long missing climate data based on spatio-temporal multilayer perceptron
Authors: Xu Tianxin , Zhang Yan , Zhang Chenjia , Abodoukayimu Abulimiti , Ma Daokun
Published: April 2024

Long-term monitoring of climate data is significant for grasping the law and development trend of climate change and guaranteeing food security. However, some weather stations lack monitoring data for even decades. In this study, 62 years of historical monitoring data from 105 weather stations in Xinjiang were used for missing sequence prediction, validating proposed data reconstruction tool. First of all, study area was divided into three parts according to the climatic characteristics and geographical locations. A spatio-temporal multilayer perceptron (MLP) was established to reconstruct meteorological data with three time scales (Short term, cycle and long term) and one spatio dimension as inputing (rolling predictions, one step predicts one day), filling in long sequence blank data. By designing an end-to-end model to autonomously detect the locations of missing data and make rolling predictions,we obtained complete meteorological monitoring data of Xinjiang from 1961 to 2022. Seven kinds of parameter reconstructed include maximum temperature (Max_T), minimum temperature (Min_T), mean temperature (Ave _ T), average water vapor pressure (Ave _ WVP), relative humidity (Ave _ RH), average wind speed (10 m Ave _ WS), and sunshine duration (Sun_H). Contrasted the prediction accuracy of the model with general MLP and LSTM, results shows that, in the seven types of parameters, designed spatio-temporal MLP decreases MAE and MSE by 7.61% and 4.80% respectively. The quality of reconstructed data was evaluated by calculating correlation coefficient with the monitored sequences of nearest station,determining the applicable meteorological parameters of the model according to the results. Results show that,proposed model reached satisfied average correlation coefficient for Max_T, Min_T, Ave _ T and Ave _ WVP parameters are 0.969, 0.961, 0.971 and 0.942 respectively. The average correlation coefficient of Sun_H and Ave _ RH are 0.720 and 0.789. Although it is difficult to predict extreme values, it can still capture the period and trend; the reconstruction effect of 10 m Ave _ WS is poor, with the average similarity of 0.488. Proposed method is applicable to reconstruct Max_T, Min_T, Ave _ T and Ave _ WVP, but not recommended to reconstruct Sun_H, Ave _ RH and Ave _ WS.
Bleaching versus color change resistant adhesive in the discoloration of bracket-bonded tooth surfaces: an in vitro study
Authors: Karadeniz Hasan , Yazıcıoğlu Sabahat
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of office bleaching of teeth bonded with Transbond XTTM (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) (TRXT) and the use of color change resistant Orthocem (FGM, Joinville, Brazil) in bracket bonding on coffee-induced enamel discoloration.

Materials and methods

Eighty premolars were distributed in equal numbers (n = 20) to group 1 (TRXT + distilled water), group 2 (TRXT + coffee solution), group 3 (TRXT + coffee solution + bleaching), and group 4 (Orthocem + coffee solution). Color was measured using a SpectroShade Micro (MHT, International, Verona, Italy) device at the beginning (T0), after coloring (T1), after bleaching (T1B), and after debonding (T2). ΔE color change values were calculated as T1-T0, T1B-T0 and T2-T0 differences. The conformity of the data to the normal distribution was examined with the Shapiro–Wilk test. Multiple comparisons were made with Tamhane’s T2 test and Tukey’s HSD test using one-way analysis of variance in the comparison of normally distributed data, and multiple comparisons were made with Dunn’s test using the Kruskal–Wallis H test for comparison of non-normally distributed data. The significance level was set at p < 0.050.

Results

A statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference was found between the T1-T0 and T2-T0 stages for group 1–4 ΔE values. A statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference was also found when the T1B-T0 ΔE values of group 3 were compared with the T1-T0 ΔE values of groups 1, 2, and 4.

Conclusions

After coffee-induced enamel discoloration, bleaching of teeth bonded with TRXT produced acceptable color difference of the incisal, middle, and gingival regions of the crown. In teeth bonded with Orthocem, acceptable color difference was seen only in the middle of the crown.

Clinical relevance

The presented study will guide the clinician on how enamel discoloration side effect of fixed orthodontic appliance can reduce.
Empirical analysis of the market structure of the Hungarian bank market
Authors: Szádoczkiné Varga Veronika , Madari Zoltán
Published: April 2024

This paper analyzes the market structure of the Hungarian bank market and the effects of the financial crisis of 2008 on it. With a static and a dynamic panel model we estimate the elasticity of total revenues with respect to changes in input prices so that we can determine the market structure based on the Panzar and Rosse methodology for the period between 2003 and 2020. We test the input price elasticity according to the balance sheet and profit and loss data of the top 13 companies. The results show that the Hungarian bank market was a monopolistic competition or a monopoly market in long run equilibrium. To see the effects of the financial crisis we use three subsamples, furthermore we estimate and test the H-statistic with a fixed effect model. During the examined period the level of factor price elasticity increased in time.
Association of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 with mortality and adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bellos Ioannis , Marinaki Smaragdi , Lagiou Pagona , Benetou Vassiliki
Published: April 2024

Background

Early risk stratification is necessary to prevent chronic kidney disease progression and complications. This systematic review aims to evaluate the association of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), a member of the interleukin-1 receptor family, with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease and renal function deterioration among chronic kidney disease patients.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL and Google Scholar were systematically searched from inception to December 20, 2023. Cohort studies examining the prognostic role of sST2 levels in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients were included. In case of 3 or more studies per outcome, conventional and dose–response meta-analyses were conducted.

Results

Overall, 21 studies were included comprising 15,100 patients. In pre-dialysis patients, the qualitative synthesis of studies suggested that high sST2 is associated with significantly increased all-cause mortality, while evidence regarding cardiovascular events or kidney disease progression was conflicting. In the dialysis population, high sST2 was linked to an elevated risk of all-cause (Hazard ratio-HR: 3.00, 95% confidence intervals-CI: 1.95–4.61) and cardiovascular (HR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.69–3.34) mortality. Dose–response meta-analysis suggested a log-linear association of sST2 with both all-cause (χ2: 34.65, p value < 0.001) and cardiovascular (χ2: 29.14, p value < 0.001) mortality, whereas findings regarding cardiovascular events were limited with mixed results.

Conclusions

High sST2 values are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in pre-dialysis and dialysis patients, as well as with an elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality in the dialysis population. Further studies are needed to elucidate its potential association with cardiovascular events and kidney disease progression.
The chemical basis of seawater therapies: a review
Authors: Costanzo Michele , De Giglio Maria Anna Rachele , Gilhen-Baker Melinda , Roviello Giovanni Nicola
Published: April 2024

The rising number of diseases and deaths caused by pollution and modern lifestyle habits is a growing societal concern. Marine ecosystems are both victim to this human behaviour as a  recipient of human pollution as well as being  a source of medicinal chemicals which can cure a variety of diseases. In this paper, we review the chemical basis of water-based treatments and their effects on human health, while focusing on the threats to marine ecosystems and the potential benefits of balneotherapy, thalassotherapy, and bioactive chemical species. We found that seawater has potential benefits for skin health, demonstrating emollient properties, protection against skin barrier disruption, and inhibition of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions. We present the putative mechanisms by which minerals, salts, and marine organic matter can slow down disease progression, through their numerous activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing properties. Water-living organisms also have an impact on such mechanisms by producing biologically active compounds with beneficial effects on human health.
Forest fuel extraction does not affect macrolichens on deadwood substrates, but only if coarse woody debris is not collected
Authors: Purhonen Jenna , Nirhamo Aleksi , Jäntti Mari , Halme Panu
Published: April 2024

The increasing use of forest fuels poses risks to biodiversity. Lichens that grow on deadwood may be affected as fuel extraction removes their substrates. We surveyed deadwood and macrolichens on deadwood in two types of clearcuts: sites in which forest fuels, stumps and slash, had been extracted, and standard clearcut sites, i.e. control sites with no fuel extraction. Extraction sites had 52% lower deadwood volume (44.3 m³/ha vs. 21.4 m³/ha) and 36% less deadwood surface area. However, the negative impact of fuel extraction on macrolichen species richness was low: 21.4 and 16.9 species on average were found in control and extraction sites, respectively. We found a clear positive relationship between macrolichen species richness and the surface area of logs, which are usually not targeted by forest fuel extraction. Species composition varied more among extraction sites than control sites and differed between all the studied deadwood types. Species of Cladonia were associated with stumps, while species in the family Parmeliaceae were associated with logs. Slash was of negligible importance to macrolichens. Stumps may hold value, particularly if large-sized deadwood is otherwise not available. Thus, we conclude that the extraction of slash poses no threat to macrolichen diversity, whereas extensive extraction of stumps can cause losses in lichen diversity. The loss of coarse woody debris during forest fuel extraction has negative effects on lichen diversity and should be avoided.
Who benefits most from language-responsive learning materials in mathematics? Investigating differential effects in heterogeneous classrooms
Authors: Lenz Katja , Obersteiner Andreas , Wittmann Gerald
Published: April 2024

Students’ proficiency in the language of instruction is essential for their mathematical learning. Accordingly, language-responsive instruction, which includes adapting teaching material to students’ language needs, is thought to promote mathematical learning, particularly for students with lower levels of proficiency in the language of instruction. However, empirical evidence for the effectiveness of this type of instruction in heterogeneous classrooms is scarce, and potential differential effects for learners with different learning prerequisites still need to be studied. The present study examines whether language-responsive instructional materials can promote students’ learning of fractions. We conducted a quasi-experimental intervention study with a pre- and posttest in Grade 7 (N = 211). The students were assigned to one of three instructional conditions: fraction instruction with or without additional language support or to a control group. The results showed that both intervention groups had higher learning gains than the control group. However, students with lower proficiency in the language of instruction benefited more from fraction instruction with additional language support than without it. The opposite was true for students with higher proficiency in the language of instruction. Moreover, learning gains depended on students’ levels of mathematics anxiety. Our study contributes to a more detailed understanding of the effectiveness of language-responsive instruction in heterogeneous classrooms.
Dynamic environmental quality effect of nuclear energy intensity, structural changes, and natural resources in Pakistan: testing load capacity factor hypothesis evidence
Authors: Özkan Oktay , Alola Andrew Adewale , Eluwole Kayode Kolawole
Published: April 2024

With both electricity and clean energy cooking accessible to 40 million and over 100 million people respectively, Pakistan’s ecological challenges could persist as long as the energy-related issues remained unsolved. This is the motivation for examining the drivers of the country’s biocapacity and ecological footprint vis-a-vis load capacity factor (LCF) from the perspective of nuclear energy intensity, natural resources, structural change, and economic growth. By using the recently developed simulation of autoregressive distributed lag for dataset that covers 1971 to 2021, this investigation found that nuclear energy intensification and structural change both improves environmental quality by increasing the country’s ratio of biocapacity against its ecological footprint in the long run. Specifically, nuclear energy intensity and structural change have respective elasticities of 0.02 and 0.34 with LCF. With the country’s nuclear energy supply far below the natural gas, oil, and biofuels and waste sources, the country might as well be encouraged to increase the development of nuclear energy in tackling the persistent environmental woes. Contrarily, the investigation established that natural resources in the country is detrimental to environmental quality but only in the short run because a percent increase in natural resources is responsible for ~ 0.035 percent decline in LCF. Importantly, an inverted U-shaped relationship ensued between economic growth and LCF but only statistically significant in the long-run i.e. invalidating LCF hypothesis, thus suggesting an undesirable environmental consequence of economic prosperity. As a policy, and given the novel perspectives of nuclear energy intensity and structural change dynamics, these results incentivize Pakistan’s nuclear energy development drive and among among other environmental and economic policy initiatives.

Graphical abstract
Molecular characterization of some currants (Ribes species) from Türkiye using inter-primer binding site (iPBS) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers
Authors: Orhan Emine , Kara Didem
Published: April 2024

This study was carried out to determine the genetic relationships and variation levels among currant genotypes and cultivars in Türkiye. Ten currant cultivars and one hybrid Jostaberry cultivar, which are breeding products of Europe but are best known and have high commercial value in Türkiye, were used. One black-fruited currant cultivar from Türkiye was included. In addition, 14 currant genotypes naturally grown in Türkiye were used. In this study, 14 retrotransposon-based inter-primer binding site (iPBS) and 10 microsatellite-based simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used for a total of 26 currant samples. By evaluating the allele profiles obtained from PCR and capillary electrophoresis with iPBS and SSR primers, the size range, average number of alleles, total number of alleles, number of polymorphic alleles, polymorphism rate, heterozygosity, polymorphism information content, marker index and discriminating power were determined successfully. In addition, unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrograms and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) were constructed and performed. The amounts of amplification product produced using iPBS and SSR markers for currant species with different fruit colours were also compared. In this study, it was proven that the level of genetic relatedness among currant cultivars and genotypes can be determined with high accuracy by iPBS markers. Moreover, the use of iPBS markers in currants was performed for the first time in this study. On the other hand, with the preferred SSR markers, the level of genetic relatedness among currants was successfully determined.
As Proficient as Adults: Distribution of Children’s Knowledge of Wild Edible Plants in an Arid Environment in Madagascar
Authors: Porcher Vincent , Li Xiaoyue , Carrière Stéphanie M. , Alvarez-Fernandez Santiago , Cresson Didie , Reyes-García Victoria , Gallois Sandrine
Published: April 2024

In drylands, where resources are scarce, wild edible plant (WEP) knowledge is crucial to overcome food scarcity. Understanding the distribution pattern of local ecological knowledge (LEK) about WEP and identifying knowledge holders are key steps to assessing the resilience and vulnerability of knowledge systems. However, little is known about how WEP knowledge is distributed across life stages and gender of people living in arid regions. Here, we study the distribution of WEP knowledge within a small-scale society from southwestern Madagascar, a region known for its dry climate and related food crises. We worked with Tanalana male and female children and adults using semi-structured interviews and free listings. Tanalana people display a sophisticated LEK adapted to the extreme environment in which they live, with a distinct distribution pattern regarding theoretical and practical knowledge across life stages and gender. While women and men cited similar WEP, children and adults cited different sets of WEP, suggesting they hold differentiated bodies of theoretical knowledge, however our results suggest similarity in practical knowledge across life-stage and gender. We argue that resource limitation and food scarcity might be so pervasive in the area that extensive sharing of knowledge on WEP could be an adaptation to the extremely dry environment.