bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monocyte distribution width (MDW) and DECAF: two simple tools to determine the prognosis of severe COPD exacerbation
Authors: Amado Carlos A. , Ghadban Cristina , Manrique Adriana , Osorio Joy Selene , Ruiz de Infante Milagros , Perea Rodrigo , Gónzalez-Ramos Laura , García-Martín Sergio , Huidobro Lucia , Zuazaga Javier , Druet Patricia , Argos Pedro , Poo Claudia , Muruzábal Ma Josefa , España Helena , Andretta Guido
Published: May 2024

Monocyte distribution width (MDW) has been associated with inflammation and poor prognosis in various acute diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations (ECOPD) are associated with mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of the MDW as a predictor of ECOPD prognosis. This retrospective study included patient admissions for ECOPD. Demographic, clinical and biochemical information; intensive care unit (ICU) admissions; and mortality during admission were recorded. A total of 474 admissions were included. MDW was positively correlated with the DECAF score (r = 0.184, p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (mg/dL) (r = 0.571, p < 0.001), and positively associated with C-RP (OR 1.115 95% CI 1.076–1.155, p < 0.001), death (OR 9.831 95% CI 2.981– 32.417, p < 0.001) and ICU admission (OR 11.204 95% CI 3.173–39.562, p < 0.001). High MDW values were independent risk factors for mortality (HR 3.647, CI 95% 1.313–10.136, p = 0.013), ICU admission (HR 2.550, CI 95% 1.131–5.753, p = 0.024), or either mortality or ICU admission (HR 3.084, CI 95% 1.624–5.858, p = 0.001). In ROC analysis, a combined MDW–DECAF score had better diagnostic power (AUC 0.777 95% IC 0.708–0.845, p < 0.001) than DECAF (p = 0.023), MDW (p = 0.026) or C-RP (p = 0.002) alone. MDW is associated with ECOPD severity and predicts mortality and ICU admission with a diagnostic accuracy similar to that of DECAF and C-RP. The MDW– DECAF score has better diagnostic accuracy than MDW or DECAF alone in identifying mortality or ICU admission.
The meaning landscape of the concept of the total derivative in multivariable real analysis textbooks: an analysis based on a new model of meaning
Authors: Lankeit Elisa , Biehler Rolf
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we propose a novel conceptual framework tailored for modeling the meaning of mathematical concepts in university-level mathematics, addressing their rigorous nature and their relationships with related concepts as well as interpretations in various contexts. Within this framework, we present a model of meaning for the concepts of total differentiability and total derivative that provides a variety of possible interpretations and aspects. We then use the proposed model of meaning as a tool for analyzing three different textbooks for mathematics majors on the topic of multidimensional differentiability. ﻿Our paper is an example of a subject matter analysis of a topic in university mathematics carried out in a structured way. The model of meaning for total differentiability presented in this paper could inspire course design and analysis including the design of assignments and assessments for students. Moreover, it could serve as a valuable research tool for further analyses. For example, it could be used as a framework for analyzing courses taught or as a basis for developing a test instrument to assess students’ understanding. With our textbook analysis, we begin to examine the landscape of textbooks regarding differentiability concepts in the multidimensional case, shedding light on the diversity of meaning facets that are covered in the textbooks. These results could be useful for guiding instructors and learners in selecting and using textbooks for teaching and learning based on their respective needs.
Genombasierte Wege zur Identifikation bioaktiver bakterieller Naturstoffe
Authors: Phan Thao N. , Spies Julia , Breitebach Milena , Helfrich Eric J. N.
Published: May 2024

Bacteria produce natural products to interact with their environment. These structurally diverse small molecules exhibit various bioactivities and have been exploited for the treatment of many diseases. The discovery pace of truly novel natural products using traditional methods has markedly declined. As an alternative, sophisticated bioinformatic tools have been developed that leverage genome sequence information for the targeted discovery of bioactive compounds. To chart microbial biosynthetic dark matter and identify non-canonical natural product biosynthetic pathways that escape unrecognised by current bioinformatic tools, artificial intelligence has recently been introduced into the genome mining process, holding promise to expand natural product chemical and biosynthetic space.
A Bayesian Joint Model of Longitudinal Kidney Disease Progression, Recurrent Cardiovascular Events, and Terminal Event in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kürüm Esra , Kwan Brian , Qian Qi , Banerjee Sudipto , Rhee Connie M. , Nguyen Danh V. , Şentürk Damla
Published: May 2024

Nearly 15% (37 million) of adults in the United States (US) have chronic kidney disease (CKD). The longitudinal decline of kidney function is intricately related to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and eventual “terminal” event (kidney failure and mortality) in patients with CKD. Understanding the mechanism and risk factors underlying the three key outcome processes, (1) CKD progression, (2) CVD, and (3) subsequent terminal event in the CKD patient population remains incomplete. Thus, in this work, we develop a novel trivariate joint model to study the risk factors associated with the interdependent outcomes of kidney function (as measured by longitudinal estimated glomerular filtration rate), recurrent cardiovascular events, and the terminal event. Efficient estimation and inference is proposed within a Bayesian framework using Markov Chain Monte Carlo and Bayesian P-splines for hazard functions. The proposed Bayesian framework is directly generalizable beyond trivariate outcome processes to accommodate other potential modeling of complex multi-disease processes. The method is applied to study the aforementioned trivariate processes using data from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study, an ongoing prospective cohort study, established by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to address the rising epidemic of CKD in the US.
Multi-risk factors joint prediction model for risk prediction of retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Chen Shaobin , Zhao Xinyu , Wu Zhenquan , Cao Kangyang , Zhang Yulin , Tan Tao , Lam Chan-Tong , Xu Yanwu , Zhang Guoming , Sun Yue
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal vascular proliferative disease common in low birth weight and premature infants and is one of the main causes of blindness in children.

In the context of predictive, preventive and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM), early screening, identification and treatment of ROP will directly contribute to improve patients’ long-term visual prognosis and reduce the risk of blindness. Thus, our objective is to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm combined with clinical demographics to create a risk model for ROP including treatment-requiring retinopathy of prematurity (TR-ROP) infants.

Methods

A total of 22,569 infants who underwent routine ROP screening in Shenzhen Eye Hospital from March 2003 to September 2023 were collected, including 3335 infants with ROP and 1234 infants with TR-ROP among ROP infants. Two machine learning methods of logistic regression and decision tree and a deep learning method of multi-layer perceptron were trained by using the relevant combination of risk factors such as birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA), gender, whether multiple births (MB) and mode of delivery (MD) to achieve the risk prediction of ROP and TR-ROP. We used five evaluation metrics to evaluate the performance of the risk prediction model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the area under the precision-recall curve (AUCPR) were the main measurement metrics.

Results

In the risk prediction for ROP, the BW + GA demonstrated the optimal performance (mean ± SD, AUCPR: 0.4849 ± 0.0175, AUC: 0.8124 ± 0.0033). In the risk prediction of TR-ROP, reasonable performance can be achieved by using GA + BW + Gender + MD + MB (AUCPR: 0.2713 ± 0.0214, AUC: 0.8328 ± 0.0088).

Conclusions

Combining risk factors with AI in screening programs for ROP could achieve risk prediction of ROP and TR-ROP, detect TR-ROP earlier and reduce the number of ROP examinations and unnecessary physiological stress in low-risk infants. Therefore, combining ROP-related biometric information with AI is a cost-effective strategy for predictive diagnostic, targeted prevention, and personalization of medical services in early screening and treatment of ROP.
The prevalence of human papillomavirus in ocular surface squamous neoplasia in HIV positive and negative patients in a South African population
Authors: Odendaal Loren N. , Andreae Corinna , Sanderson-November Micheline , Zaharie Dan , Smit Derrick P.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To assess the prevalence and subtypes of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia (OSSN) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive and negative patients in South Africa.

Basic procedures

This study was a single center retrospective cross-sectional study, conducted at Tygerberg Hospital, Western Cape, South Africa. We assessed 63 histopathologically confirmed OSSN formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks from 2015–2023. The presence of HPV was determined using the Hybrispot Direct Flow Chip Kit. Corresponding clinical data was retrieved from the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) central data warehouse.

Main findings

Of the confirmed OSSN samples, 66.7% tested positive for HPV (95% confidence interval [CI] 54–77.3%). Of the 42 HPV positive samples, 38 (90.5%) had one or more known genotypes detected and 4 had unknown genotypes. The most prevalent subtypes were HPV 11, 16 and 18 (found in 61.9%, 52.4% and 33.3% of HPV positive samples respectively). 88.9% of the lesions biopsied were from HIV positive patients, of whom 56.4% had a CD4 + count of < 200 cells/µL. A lower median CD4 + count was detected among HIV positive patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma compared to those with moderate dysplasia (p < 0.0198).

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of HPV in OSSN in South Africa. Certain subtypes namely, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35 may be more carcinogenic. HIV with HPV co-infection may be linked as a causative factor in the development of OSSN.
Multisimplicial chains and configuration spaces
Authors: Medina-Mardones Anibal M. , Pizzi Andrea , Salvatore Paolo
Published: May 2024

We define an $$E_\infty $$

E
∞

-coalgebra structure on the chains of multisimplicial sets. Our primary focus is on the surjection chain complexes of McClure-Smith, for which we construct a zig-zag of complexity preserving quasi-isomorphisms of $$E_\infty $$

E
∞

-coalgebras relating them to both the singular chains on configuration spaces and the Barratt–Eccles chain complexes.
A computational model of the effects of borrower default on the stability of P2P lending platforms
Authors: Katsamakas Evangelos , Sanchez-Cartas J. Manuel
Published: May 2024

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending has attracted scholarly attention because of its economic significance and potential to democratize access to finance. However, P2P lending platforms face many challenges and failures that we need to understand more clearly. We build a computational model to study how borrower default affects P2P platform lending. We show that borrower default disrupts the P2P network formation process and undermines platform stability. Moreover, we find that defaults increase the inequality in accessing funding and provide a rationale for using curation rules, widely used in P2P platforms, in contrast to P2P insurance, which fosters cascading defaults. We also address a new trend in P2P lending platforms in which large companies (institutional investors) play an increasingly important role. We find that the presence of large companies creates a denser network (more loans) but generates a trade-off between making the platform more resilient to cascading defaults and more dependent on specific players. Overall, we explain how borrower defaults affect platform stability and what makes a platform vulnerable, threatening its survival. We discuss research and managerial insights into platform stability and the economic effect of P2P lending platforms.
Analysing credit risk in persons with disabilities as an instrument of financial inclusion
Authors: Lara-Rubio Juan , Galvez-Sánchez Francisco J. , Molina-Moreno Valentín , Navarro-Galera Andrés
Published: May 2024

In many countries, the full financial inclusion of persons with disabilities remains to be achieved. Although researchers and international organisations observed that financial inclusion would be facilitated by analysis of solvency, the causes of default risk among this population have yet to be established. Our study, applied to loans made by a Spanish bank to 785 persons with disabilities, identifies several factors relevant to the default risk of this population. The findings show that the purpose of the loan, the borrower’s degree of liquidity and financial leverage, economic context of GDP and risk premium all influence the probability of default of persons with disabilities. These risk factors have a similar impact to that observed in persons without disabilities. Our conclusions can be interesting in the negotiation of bank loans for persons with disabilities and also for bank managers, politicians, government managers, international organisations and other stakeholders concerned about financial inclusion. For developing countries our findings can have a high favourable impact on the financial inclusion of these people, due to their high number in these countries. Furthermore, our conclusions raise the usefulness of adopting political measures such as tax advantages or regulation of specific criteria to evaluate the default risk of these people.
Loneliness in Emerging Adulthood: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kirwan Emma M. , Burns Annette , O’Súilleabháin Páraic S. , Summerville Sarah , McGeehan Máire , McMahon Jennifer , Gowda Ashweeja , Creaven Ann-Marie
Published: May 2024

Loneliness is prevalent during emerging adulthood (approximately 18–25 years) and is an important issue given it has been linked to poorer physical and mental health outcomes. This preregistered scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the literature on loneliness in emerging adulthood, including the (a) conceptualization and measurement of loneliness, (b) loneliness theories used, (c) risk factors and outcomes examined, (d) sex-gender differences observed, and (e) characteristics of emerging adult samples previously researched. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines, seven electronic databases were searched for articles focused on loneliness published from 2016 to 2021, where the mean age of participants was ≥ 18 and ≤ 25 years. Of the 4068 papers screened, 201 articles were included in the final review. Findings suggest the need for a clearer consensus in the literature regarding the conceptualization of loneliness for emerging adults and more qualitative work exploring emerging adults’ subjective experiences of loneliness. Results highlight an over-reliance on cross-sectional studies. Over two thirds of articles described their sample as university students and the median percentage of females was 63.30%. Therefore, fewer cross-sectional studies using convenience samples and more population-based, longitudinal research is needed to understand the factors predicting loneliness over time, and the downstream impact of loneliness for emerging adults.
Physical and mechanical characteristics deterioration and crack evolution of sandy mudstone in an open-pit mine under multiple freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: Yang Guoyu , Chen Yanlong , Xie Qihang , Wu Peng , Zhang Yu
Published: May 2024

In open-pit mines located in cold regions north of the 38°N latitude, there are significant freeze–thaw phenomena in slope rocks. This study conducted freeze–thaw cycle tests, considering the number of freeze–thaw cycles and the freezing temperature, on sandy mudstone commonly found in the slopes of open-pit mines. The investigation focused on the effects of freeze–thaw cycles on the physical and mechanical properties and acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of sandy mudstone. The results show that, with an increase in the number of freeze–thaw cycles and a decrease in freezing temperature, the sandy mudstone specimens exhibit nonlinear exponential changes in mass loss rate, P-wave velocity loss rate, peak strain, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and elastic modulus, and the amplitude of these changes gradually decreases. The stress–strain curves of specimens shift gradually from apparently brittle to plastic. Simultaneously, the microstructure changes from dense to loose, the micro surface transitions from flat to rough, and cracks and pore defects gradually develop. The peak AE ringing counts, cumulative AE ringing counts, crack initiation stress, and crack damage stress of the specimens all decrease with an increase in the number of freeze–thaw cycles and a decrease in freezing temperature. This suggests a shift from brittle failure to ductile failure. However, the ratio of crack initiation stress and crack damage stress to peak stress does not vary significantly with the number of freeze–thaw cycles and freezing temperature.
Improving Urban Mapping Accuracy: Investigating the Role of Data Acquisition Methods and SfM Processing Modes in UAS-Based Survey Through Explainable AI Metrics
Authors: Nagy Loránd Attila , Szabó Szilárd , Burai Péter , Bertalan László
Published: May 2024

In this study, we investigated the accuracy of surface models and orthophoto mosaics generated from images acquired using different data acquisition methods at different processing levels in two urban study areas with different characteristics. Experimental investigations employed single- and double-grid flight directions with nadir and tilted (60°) camera angles, alongside the Perimeter 3D method. Three processing levels (low, medium, and high) were applied using SfM software, resulting in 42 models. Ground truth data from RTK GNSS points and aerial LiDAR surveys were used to assess horizontal and vertical accuracies. For the horizontal accuracy test, neither the oblique camera angle nor the double grid resulted in an improvement in accuracy. In contrast, when examining the vertical accuracy, it was concluded that for several processing levels, the tilted camera angle yielded better results, and in these cases, the double grid also improved accuracy. Feature importance analysis revealed that, among the four variables, the data acquisition method was the most important factor affecting accuracy in two out of three cases.
Comprehensive investigation of the electronic properties of zinc and cobalt doped hydroxyapatite
Authors: Tekin Yusuf Şamil , Ates Tankut
Published: May 2024

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the electronic properties of Hydroxyapatite (HAp) doped with Zinc (Zn) and Cobalt (Co). Five distinct compositions, denoted as 0.15Zn-HAp, 0.15Co-0.15Zn-HAp, 0.30Co-0.15Zn-HAp, 0.45Co-0.15Zn-HAp, and 0.6Co-0.15Zn-HAp (at%,) have been systematically studied employing Density of States (DOS) and band structure calculations. The computed band gap values for these compositions were determined to be 4.6663, 4.6888, 4.7049, 4.7159, and 4.7082 eV, respectively. These results illuminate the profound influence of Zn and Co doping on the electronic structure of Hydroxyapatite. These findings hold significant implications for the potential applications of these materials in diverse technological and biomedical domains. The systematic approach and precise electronic property characterizations presented in this study provide a robust foundation for further advancements in the realm of advanced materials, with particular relevance to the development of innovative materials for use in cutting-edge technologies and medical applications.
Effect of water-based electrolyte on surface, mechanical and tribological properties of ZrO2 nanotube arrays produced on zirconium
Authors: Durdu Salih , Aktas Sitki , Sarcan Fahrettin , Akagunduz Eyup , Gultekin Berke , Erol Ayse , Usta Metin
Published: May 2024

In this work, highly ordered ZrO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated on commercial pure Zr substrates through anodic oxidation in the water-based electrolyte at various voltages (30 V, 40 V and 50 V) for 1 h. The monoclinic- and tetragonal-ZrO2 phases were obtained on ZrO2 nanotubes through anodic oxidation. 13 vibration modes have been observed for the samples grown at low voltages (30 V and 40 V), which are assigned to monoclinic symmetry (7Ag + 6Bg), while—with the increasing growth voltage, the dominant phonon peak intensities associated with the monoclinic symmetry 6 times are decreased, and Eg (268 and 645 cm − 1) mode corresponding to tetragonal symmetry is observed. The nanotube array surfaces exhibited hydrophilic and super-hydrophilic behavior compared to the bare Zr surface. The elastic modulus values of ZrO2 nanotube surfaces (14.41 GPa) were highly similar to those of bone structure (10–30 GPa) compared to bare Zr substrate (120.5 GPa). Moreover, hardness values of ZrO2 nanotube surfaces were measured between ∼76.1 MPa and ∼ 283.0 MPa. The critical load values required to separate the nanotubes from the metal surface were measured between ∼1.6 N and ∼26.3 N. The wear resistance of the ZrO2 nanotube arrays was improved compared to that of plain Zr substrate.
Associations between information and communication technology use and frailty in community-dwelling old-old adults: results from the ILSA-J
Authors: Shiratsuchi Daijo , Makizako Hyuma , Akaida Shoma , Tateishi Mana , Hirano Hirohiko , Iijima Katsuya , Yamada Minoru , Kojima Narumi , Obuchi Shuichi , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Murayama Hiroshi , Nishita Yukiko , Jeong Seungwon , Otsuka Rei , Abe Takumi , Suzuki Takao
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Frailty is a significant cause of adverse health events including long-term care and hospitalization. Although information and communication technology (ICT) has become an integral part of modern life, it remains unclear whether ICT use is associated with frailty.

Design

A cross-sectional study (Integrated Longitudinal Studies on Aging in Japan, ILSA-J).

Setting and participants

Aged 75 and older data from the ILSA-J in 2017 (n = 2893).

Methods

ICT use was measured using the technology usage sub-items of the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence. Specifically, the use of mobile phones, ATMs, DVD players, and sending e-mails were rated as “yes” (able to do) or “no” (unable to do), with the first quintile (≤1 point) defined as ICT non-users. Frailty was assessed using the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria based on the phenotype model (e.g., weight loss, slowness, weakness, exhaustion, and low activity). Further, multivariate logistic regression analysis analyzed its association with ICT use. Subgroup analyses were stratified according to gender, years of education, and living arrangements.

Results

Higher ICT use was not associated with frailty after adjusting for covariates (odds ratio [OR]: 0.53; 95%CI 0.39–0.73). Similar associations were found in the sub-groups of women (OR 0.45, 95%CI 0.30–0.66), <13 years of education (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.34–0.67), living alone (OR 0.46, 95%CI 0.27–0.79), and living together (OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.38–0.85). No association existed between using ICT and frailty in the sub-groups of men and ≥13 years of education.

Conclusions and implications

Higher ICT use is associated with the absence of frailty in individuals 75 years and older. Such benefits may be particularly pronounced in women, those with lower levels of education, and older adults living alone or with others.
Decisions on eating and drinking in older adults admitted with pneumonia and referred for swallowing difficulties
Authors: Yoshimatsu Yuki , Hansjee Dharinee , Markowski Marianne , Essex Ryan , Smithard David G.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Older patients with pneumonia are commonly restricted from oral intake due to concerns towards aspiration. Eating and drinking with acknowledged risks (EDAR) is a shared decision-making process emphasising patient comfort. As part of our project to find the barriers and facilitators of EDAR, we aimed for this initial study to see how frequently EDAR was selected in practice.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study at an acute hospital where EDAR was initially developed, of patients aged ≥ 75 years-old admitted with pneumonia and referred to speech and language therapy.

Results

Out of 216 patients, EDAR decisions were made in 14.4%. The EDAR group had a higher 1-year mortality than the modified/normal diet groups (p < 0.001). Pneumonia recurrence rate did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.070).

Conclusion

EDAR decisions were comparatively less common and most were associated with end-of-life care. Underlying reasons for the low EDAR application rate must be investigated to maximise patient autonomy and comfort as intended by EDAR while minimising staff burden.
Development of Magnetic Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (MSPE) Method for the Extraction and Preconcentration of the Selected β-Blockers in the Environmental Wastewaters
Authors: Waleng Ngwako Joseas , Selahle Shirley Kholofelo , Mpupa Anele , Zhang Yongjun , Nomngongo Philiswa Nosizo
Published: May 2024

Emerging organic pollutants s have always been the greatest environmental concern due to their ubiquity and distinguished adverse effects. These are mostly water-bone pollutants flagged as endocrine disruptors and can greatly inconvenience the ecosystem. Among others, β-blockers have also been detected in the environment at various concentrations that threaten the well-being of humans and animals. In this work, NH2-MIL-101(Cr) doped magnetic nanoparticles nanocomposite was successfully synthesised and characterised using analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Fe3O4@NH2-MIL-101(Cr) was then used as an adsorbent to extract the selected β-blockers in the environmental wastewater. The selected β-blockers were quantified using a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Parameters affecting the extraction were screened and optimised using fractional factorial design (FFD) and central composite design (CCD), respectively. Under optimum conditions, the LODs were 0.057 and 0.065 µg L− 1, and LOQs were 0.19 and 0.22 µg L− 1 for acebutolol (ACE) and metoprolol (MET), respectively. The calibration curve exhibited the linearity range of 0.2–1200 µg L− 1 with correlation coefficients of 0.9987 and 0.9968 for ACE and MET, respectively. Repeatability studies demonstrated the %RSD of 0.63 and 0.74% for MET and ACE. At the same time, reproducibility studies displayed the %RSD of 1.057 and 1.178% for MET and ACE, respectively. Spike recovery experiments were carried out to assess the performance of MSPE in real samples, and over 88% of both analytes were recovered. This indicated that the MSPE method could enrich various organic pollutants from different environmental matrices.
Cupriavidus B-7 immobilized biochar: an effective solution for Cd accumulation alleviation and growth promotion in pakchoi (Brassica Chinensis L.)
Authors: Sun Yefang , Ouyang Da , Cai Yiming , Guo Ting , Li Mei , Zhao Xinlin , Zhang Qichun , Chen Ruihuan , Li Fangzhen , Wen Xiujuan , Xie Lu , Zhang Haibo
Published: May 2024

Cd contamination, especially in farmland soil, can pose serious threats to human health as well as ecological security. Stabilization is an important strategy for agricultural soil Cd remediation. In this study, a Cd-resistant strain (Cupriavidus B-7) was isolated and loaded onto cow manure (CDB), rice straw (RSB) and pine wood biochar (PB) to investigate its effects on Cd stabilization by a 60-day pot experiment. Results indicated that the Cupriavidus B-7-loaded biochar (labelled as CDBB, PBB and RSBB) reduced the CaCl2-extractable Cd by 43.06–59.78%, which was significantly superior to individual applications of Cupriavidus B-7 and biochar. Likewise, the soil physicochemical properties, urease, catalase and phosphatase activities were improved, indicating improved soil health. Consequently, dry weights of pakchoi’s shoot and root were increased by 938.9–1230.9% and 149.1–281.2%, respectively, by applying CDBB, PBB and RSBB. Meanwhile, the Cd accumulation in pakchoi shoots decreased by 38.06–50.75%. Notably, the RSBB exhibited an optimal performance on pakchoi growth promotion and Cd accumulation alleviation. The structural equation model indicated the synergistic effect on pakchoi growth promotion and Cd accumulation decreased between biochar and Cupriavidus B-7. Our research provides some new insights into the development of strategies for green and sustainable remediation of Cd-contaminated soil.

Graphical Abstract
Maximizing the value of liquid products and minimizing carbon loss in hydrothermal processing of biomass: an evolution from carbonization to humification
Authors: Marzban Nader , Libra Judy A. , Rotter Vera Susanne , Herrmann Christiane , Ro Kyoung S. , Filonenko Svitlana , Hoffmann Thomas , Antonietti Markus
Published: May 2024

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) converts wet biomass into hydrochar and a process liquid, but aromatic compounds in the products have been reported as a roadblock for soil applications as they can inhibit germination, plant growth, and soil microbial activity. Here, we compared HTC and hydrothermal humification (HTH) of cow manure digestate while varying the initial alkaline content by adding KOH. HTH converted 37.5 wt% of the feedstock to artificial humic acids (A-HAs) found in both solid and liquid, twice that of HTC. HTH reduced phenolic and furanic aromatic compounds by over 70% in solids and 90% in liquids. The A-HAs in HTH resemble natural humic acids (N-HA), based on FTIR, UV–vis spectra, and CHN and XRD analysis. The HTH liquid possesses 60% higher total organic carbon (TOC) than HTC. Although one-third of TOC can be precipitated as A-HA, a high TOC concentration remains in the liquid, which is shown to be mainly organic acids. Therefore, we also evaluated the HTC and HTH liquids for anaerobic biomethane production, and found that compared to the original cow manure digestate, the HTH liquids increased methane yield by 110.3 to 158.6%, a significant enhancement relative to the 17.2% increase seen with HTC liquid. The strong reduction in organic acids during biogas production from HTH liquid indicates the potential for converting soluble byproducts into methane, while maintaining high A-HAs levels in the solid product.

Graphical Abstract
Sustainable Synthesis of Graphene Oxide from Waste Sources: A Comprehensive Review of Methods and Applications
Authors: Silva Weeraddhana Chethana Himeshani , Zafar Muhammad Adeel , Allende Scarlett , Jacob Mohan Vadakkedam , Tuladhar Rabin
Published: May 2024

Graphene-based materials have gained significant attention due to their unique mechanical, chemical, thermal, and optical properties. Among these, Graphene oxide (GO) is one of the promising materials extensively studied. Unlike other graphene derivatives, GO is chemically modified with diverse oxygenated functional groups, rendering it more hydrophilic. It serves as a precursor for graphene synthesis. Notably, recent researchers have focused on synthesising GO using alternative low-cost carbon-rich materials such as coconut shells, sugarcane bagasse, tea, pine leaves and scrap tyres instead of graphite. These non-conventional carbon sources decrease the demand for costly, non-renewable graphite, increase reliability, and offer an eco-friendly approach to waste management. This comprehensive review aims to explore accessible methods for synthesising graphene oxide and highlight various alternative feedstocks utilising agricultural, industrial, and plastic waste as precursors. Furthermore, a comparative assessment of various production methods and their performance in different applications is outlined to provide insights for the commercialisation of GO in future applications.
The Existential Challenges of Stress, Trauma, and Psychopathology and Their Integration to the Self: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Authors: Ravn Ib
Published: May 2024

In much current research on stress, trauma, and psychopathology, there is a converging interest in the role of the stress response in engendering trauma, emotional dysregulation, and mental illness. Both the acute stressors known from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the early-life, persistent stressors involved in complex PTSD, may create a stress response that is not properly downregulated. This leaves the person in a permanent state of high arousal and hypervigilance, common characteristics of many psychiatric disorders. It is suggested that such stressors are examples of the challenges that confront everyone: trivial, optimal, or overwhelming. Trivial challenges are mundane, optimal challenges invite learning and development, and overwhelming challenges may lead to trauma and mental ill-being. For a promising perspective on life’s challenges, we turn to Self-Determination Theory (SDT). In SDT, mental health and human flourishing derive from the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs: for autonomy, competence and relatedness, as well as from the integration of experiences and challenges to the self. It is proposed in this paper that the overwhelming challenges involved in trauma and psychopathology are experiences that frustrate or thwart psychological needs and thus fail to integrate to the self. Such experiences may still be internalized, albeit as “introjects”—“thrown in,” swallowed whole, not digested properly. They remain outside of the self, exerting pressure on it through guilt, shame, ego-involvement, pride, etc., in the process producing much anguish and mental pain. Thus, as challenges are part and parcel of the human experience, trauma and psychopathology appear as outcomes of human development, rather than as essentially incomprehensible aberrations.
Outcomes of Comprehensive Service Delivery and Early Interventions in Countering Youth Exclusion
Authors: Thøgersen Marthine
Published: May 2024

The high rates of young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET) are an international concern. At the core of the European Union’s (EU), policy agenda is the reduction of youth unemployment and the active engagement of as many young people as possible in the workforce. The need for holistic services, interagency collaboration, and early intervention have been highlighted as important measures to reduce the risk of youth becoming NEET and subject to long-term unemployment. However, although highlighted as important, little is known about how these factors affect NEET rates. This study addresses this issue by exploring whether comprehensive service delivery, including holistic and collaborative approaches, and early interventions aimed at preventing youth from disengaging from education or employment, may explain the outcome of local NEET rates. Empirically, this study consists of multiple steps. An initial multilevel regression analysis of all Norwegian municipalities provided the basis for strategically selecting 18 municipalities based on their consistently higher or lower NEET rates than predicted when controlling for individual and structural factors that are shown to impact NEET risk. Semi-structured interviews in these municipalities regarding local work with NEETs provided the data, which were analysed using a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative method (fsQCA). The results suggest that the engagement of public employment and social services (PESS) in early intervention measures aimed at preventing youth from ending up in a NEET situation, combined with either extensive collaboration with other services or a holistic-oriented local (mental) healthcare service, may indeed explain lower NEET rates.
Study of CNC skew rolling of hollow rail axles with a mandrel
Authors: Bulzak Tomasz , Pater Zbigniew , Tomczak Janusz , Wójcik Łukasz
Published: May 2024

The manuscript presents a new manufacturing technology for the production of hollow railway axle forgings. The manufacturing technology analyzed is based on three-roll skew rolling (TRSR) using a computer numerically controlled (CNC) rolling mill. The study focused on comparing the rolling capability of hollow products without and with a mandrel calibrating the hole of the forging. The influence of tube billet size on the rolling process was also analyzed. FE analysis and experimental studies were carried out. An analysis of the accuracy of the internal hole of the forging depending on the adopted parameters of the rolling process was carried out. Based on numerical simulations, the state of strain and the flow pattern of the material and temperature distribution during rolling were determined. The force parameters of the rolling process of hollow forgings were also analyzed. Based on the research, a two-stage rolling technology for rolling hollow railway axle forgings was proposed. The results obtained indicate the suitability of using a calibrating mandrel to improve hole accuracy in hollow forgings rolled from a tubular billet. The gap c between the bore diameter of the forging and the diameter of the mandrel was measured. Increasing the tubular billet dimensions from Ø42.4 × 10 mm to Ø48.3 × 12.5 mm reduced the gap c by 49.8%. Rolling the billet Ø51 × 14.2 mm in two passes compared to rolling in one pass reduced the gap c by 45.5%.
The influence of laser texturing on the tribological behavior of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V in medical applications
Authors: Woźniak Anna , Bialas Oktawian , Adamiak Marcin , Hadzima Branislav , Szewczenko Janusz
Published: May 2024

This paper analyzes the tribological behavior of the Ti6Al4V ELI alloy subjected to laser texturization for medical purposes. Laser texturing enables one to observe specific patterns of the material surface at established depths. Microtexturing of the samples was performed using a 355 nm picosecond laser. The influence of the microtexturing process (depending on the process parameters) on the geometric parameters of the proposed laser texturing pattern was evaluated. Selected samples were subjected to tribological testing using the ball-on-plate technique in dry and lubricant-sliding methods (in Ringer solution). The wear properties were evaluated by comparing the coefficient friction, wear volumes, and wear ratio. A scanning electron microscope characterized the morphologies of the wear scar and the wear mechanism. The experimental results show that the surface texturing and the changes in microgrooves can reduce wear. The results indicate, that samples after laser texturing were characterized by 15% higher microhardness, compared to those in the initial state. It was found, a 26% reduction in friction coefficient and 29% in the wear volume compared to the smooth, untextured surface samples under lubricated conditions. The decrease in value of the coefficient friction and wear volume for the samples after the laser texturing process is an effect of synergistic of entrapped wear debris in micro-grooves and increased hardness for samples after laser textured.
Choosing a maternity hospital: a matter of travel distance or quality of care?
Authors: Koller Daniela , Maier Werner , Lack Nicholas , Grill Eva , Strobl Ralf
Published: May 2024

Background

The choice of a hospital should be based on individual need and accessibility. For maternity hospitals, this includes known or expected risk factors, the geographic accessibility and level of care provided by the hospital. This study aims to identify factors influencing hospital choice with the aim to analyze if and how many deliveries are conducted in a risk-appropriate and accessible setting in Bavaria, Germany.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional secondary data analysis based on all first births in Bavaria (2015-18) provided by the Bavarian Quality Assurance Institute for Medical Care. Information on the mother and on the hospital were included. The Bavarian Index of Multiple Deprivation 2010 was used to account for area-level socioeconomic differences. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the strength of association of the predicting factors and to adjust for confounding.

Results

We included 195,087 births. Distances to perinatal centers were longer than to other hospitals (16 km vs. 12 km). 10% of women with documented risk pregnancies did not deliver in a perinatal center. Regressions showed that higher age (OR 1.03; 1.02–1.03 95%-CI) and risk pregnancy (OR 1.44; 1.41–1.47 95%-CI) were associated with choosing a perinatal center. The distances travelled show high regional variation with a strong urban-rural divide.

Conclusion

In a health system with free choice of hospitals, many women chose a hospital close to home and/or according to their risks. However, this is not the case for 10% of mothers, a group that would benefit from more coordinated care.
Evaluating the measurement invariance of the parenting practices scale in the Caribbean
Authors: Green David S. , Burke Taniesha , Maitland Scott B. , Lipps Garth
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to assess the factor structure and measurement invariance of the three-factor (nurturance, monitoring, discipline) 29-item Parenting Practices Scale across four Caribbean islands—Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, The Bahamas, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—with data from 1948 adolescent Caribbean grade 10 students. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted, and the findings supported the original three-factor model, and factor loading invariance was found across the four Caribbean islands. These findings suggest that this parenting measure may be used to compare perceptions of parental behaviors among adolescents in the English-speaking Caribbean with some limitations that are discussed.
Microstructure Design of Multiphase Compositionally Complex Alloys II: Use of a Genetic Algorithm and a Vanishing Cracked Particle Model
Authors: Bhattacharyya Jishnu J. , Wischhusen Mark A. , Agnew Sean R.
Published: May 2024

Achieving high strength, ductility, and toughness via microstructure design is challenging due to the interrelated dependencies of strength and ductility on microstructural variables. As a natural extension of the microstructure design work in Bhattacharyya and Agnew (Microstructure design of multiphase compositionally complex alloys I: effects of strength contrast and strain hardening, 2024), an optimization framework to obtain the microstructure that maximizes the toughness is described. The strategy integrates a physics-based crystal plasticity model, which accounts for damage evolution within the reinforcement through a “vanishing cracked particle” model that is governed by Weibull statistics, and a genetic algorithm-based optimization routine. Optimization constraints are imposed in the form of bounds on the microstructure parameters such that they are most likely attainable by conventional thermomechanical processing. Various matrix strain hardening behaviors are considered, as well as the strength contrast between the two phases and fracture behavior of the reinforcement. It is shown that the addition of a fine-grained (hard) reinforcing phase is preferred as is a matrix that exhibits sustained strain hardening such as is observed under TRIP/TWIP scenarios. Finally, the Pareto-optimal set of solutions for several scenarios are presented which offer new insights into the linkages between microstructure and mechanical properties.
Computing Diversity Paradigm for the Utilization of Unused Telephony and Marine Infrastructure
Authors: Periola A , Obayiuwana E.
Published: May 2024

Computing systems play a significant role in data storage and processing. They enable the execution of data processing in data intensive domains such as astronomy. Therefore, having access to computing platforms is important for capital constrained astronomy organizations (CCAOs). The CCAOs need computing facilities to process the data acquired from an increasing number of telescopes. It is important to ensure that CCAOs execute the required computing at low cost. The research proposes the astronomy computing diversity paradigm to address this challenge for the CCAO. The proposed astronomy computing diversity paradigm uses disaggregated servers to design Class A and Class B data centres. The low–cost computing is realized by reducing computing platform operational costs. In the proposed solution, the Class A data centre uses unutilized telephony infrastructure intended for telephony. The Class B data centre is hosted in aquaria arrays. The Class B data centre reduces the cooling costs by using water in big aquaria. The performance evaluation is done focusing on the power usage effectiveness (PUE) and the angular resolution. Results show that using the aquaria-based data centre enhances the PUE and angular resolution by 22.3% and 40.4% on average, respectively. It reduces the operational costs by 79% on average.
Unlocking value: circular economy in ngos' food waste reduction efforts in Brazil and Togo
Authors: Ouro-Salim Omar , Guarnieri Patrícia , Fanho Ayawovi Djidjogbe
Published: May 2024

This article delves into the intriguing realm of food waste valorization conducted by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in two distinct locales—Brasilia, Brazil, and Lomé, Togo. The primary focus of this exploration is the lens of the Circular Economy (CE), a concept that emphasizes the sustainable utilization of resources within closed loops. The discourse is further enriched by introducing the notion of upcycling, a complementary force to the Circular Economy, particularly within the intricate web of food supply chains. The ReSOLVE framework, a strategic approach for managing food waste, is a guiding light in this research. Upon dissecting the outcomes, noteworthy limitations come to the forefront, shedding light on the challenges of aligning NGOs from both countries with the principles of the Circular Economy in their food waste management endeavors. These challenges assume heightened significance against the backdrop of the intricate global food security landscape, effectively underlining the intricacies of harmonizing the Circular Economy's ambitions with the pragmatic goal of diminishing food waste. The overarching objective of this study is to galvanize circular-oriented initiatives that can effectively curtail and prevent food wastage on a global scale, with a particular emphasis on developing nations. This pursuit is underscored by the triad of benefits such initiatives confer: economic advancement, social amelioration, and a positive ecological footprint. In an era where sustainability stands as a paramount concern, this research advocates for concerted efforts to harmonize the noble ideals of the Circular Economy with the pressing need for food waste reduction, especially within regions striving for holistic growth and development.