bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of n‐HAP using different precursors and dependence of Vickers hardness on the structure by tuning sintering temperature
Authors: Ishtiaque Md. Saif , Das Harinarayan , Hoque S. Manjura , Choudhury Shamima 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThree sets of starting materials Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and (NH4)2HPO4; Ca(OH)2 and H3PO4; Ca(OH)2 and (NH4)2HPO4 were chosen for the preparation of different precursors of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (n‐HAP) by wet chemical precipitation technique denoted by HAP‐1, HAP‐2, HAP‐3. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies show that n‐HAP of all three types exhibited single‐phase in the as‐prepared condition. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) studies of as‐prepared samples showed characteristic needle‐like particles with a width of 5 nm, which were fully crystalline exhibited by the lattice fringe in HRTEM, and single‐phase demonstrated by SAED patterns. The samples were pelletized and annealed at varying temperatures in the range of 600°C–1400°C. The results indicated that HAP‐1 and HAP‐3 samples showed phase decomposition at 1400°C to form β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) while for HAP‐2 no such decomposition occurred up to 1400°C. Data from the Vickers hardness test revealed that the hardness value up to 2.5 GPa was attained at the sintering temperature of 1200°C for HAP‐1 and HAP‐3. The hardness values are consistently higher for HAP‐2 than HAP‐1 and HAP‐3 at all sintering temperatures and attained a value of 3 GPa at 1200°C. Thus, synthesizing n‐HAP by using H3PO4; Ca(OH)2 bestows highest Vickers hardness.
Maintenance exercises for urinary continence after rehabilitation following radical prostatectomy: Follow‐up study
Authors: Terzoni Stefano , Ferrara Paolo , Bellati Giulia , Mora Cristina , Pinna Helené , Borelli Silvia , Destrebecq Anne 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn a previous paper, we presented a complete pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program; follow‐up data and maintenance exercises for such program have yet to be studied. The role of PFMT for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy is known in literature; the rehabilitation program should be tailored to the patient's needs, and should include maintenance exercises upon completion of the rehabilitation program. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a maintenance programme of PFMT on urinary incontinence. After rehabilitation with PFMT, described in previous papers, patients with urinary leakages after radical retropubic prostatectomy followed the maintenance program described in this paper in a prospective study. Leakages were assessed after 3, 6, 12 and 18 months from rehabilitation. Two hundred and seventy‐three patients were included; 216 (79.1%) achieved continence at the end of the rehabilitation programme described in the previous paper; the 57 who remained incontinent were significantly older (66 vs. 71 years, p < 0.001). Continence was maintained in 78.7%, 77.3%, 76.9% and 74.4% of the patients surveyed at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months respectively. The maintenance program proposed in this paper illustrates in detail the body positions, the number of contractions and the moments of the day in which the exercises should be performed. The long‐term effects data support the efficacy of this program.Highlights
Pelvic floor muscle training is an effective method for treating urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.
In a previous paper, we have shown the efficacy of a complete series of exercises.
This paper presents the maintenance programme dedicated at supporting continence in the long run, up to 18 months.
Enhancement of UV laser‐induced damage resistance of the fluoride‐containing phosphate glasses by regulating the intrinsic defects
Authors: Li Shengwu , Wan Rui , Ma Yuan , Wang Pengfei 
Published: November 2021

AbstractLow fluorine content containing fluorophosphate glasses have promising potential as ultraviolet (UV) optics to be used in high‐energy laser systems. Systematic studies on the iron‐doped and iron‐free fluoride‐containing phosphate glasses that were prepared at high and low melting temperatures explore the underlying interrelationship among the glass preparation conditions, intrinsic defects in produced glasses, and the anti‐laser‐damage properties. For the iron‐doped fundamental frequency (1ω) absorptive glass, melting at high‐temperature (1200°C) can reduce the extrinsic “impurity” concentration of Fe3+ ions, resulting in tiny increase of optical bandgap (by 1.6%) but significant reduce of the absorption coefficient by 34% at 355 nm. However, only tiny increase of the laser‐induced damage threshold (LIDT) was achieved. For the iron‐free third harmonic frequency (3ω) transparent glass, low‐temperature (1000°C) melting process significantly reduced the absorptive intrinsic defects content of PO3‐EC, PO4‐EC, and phosphorous oxygen‐bonded hole center defects, which made the UV absorption edge blue‐shifted by 50 nm and the optical bandgap increased by ∼18%. The UV (355 nm) LIDT was significantly enhanced by ∼27%. Much lower absorption coefficient and larger bandgap of the iron‐free glass relative to the iron‐doped one endow it with larger a LIDT. In short, optimizing the glass melting temperature is a feasible method to enhance the UV laser‐induced damage resistance of the fluoride‐containing phosphate glasses through controlling the content of the extrinsic or intrinsic defects in produced glasses. The general routine is to achieve both the lower UV absorptive defect concentration (i.e., lower UV absorption at 355 nm) and the lower non‐bridged oxygen ratio (i.e., denser glass network), as well as a larger optical bandgap (i.e., reduced probability of avalanche ionization breakdown), which together contribute to the enhancement of the anti‐laser‐damage performance of the investigated fluoride‐containing phosphate glasses.
Heterostructure interface effect on the ORR/OER kinetics of Ag–PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ for high‐efficiency Li–O2 battery
Authors: Zou Lu , Lu Zhao , Wang Ziling , Chi Bo , Pu Jian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDeveloping high‐efficiency and cost‐effective bifunctional electrocatalysts toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an urgent issue for the oxygen‐based electrochemical devices. Herein, an interface engineering concept has been proposed to achieve high‐performance Ag–PBSC (Ag–PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ) heterostructure nanofibers catalyst. Benefiting from the significant ligand action and interparticle cooperation of exsolved Ag NPs and PBSC double perovskite, ORR/OER catalytic kinetics have been successfully boosted. In details, the PBSC double perovskite possessing abundant oxygen vacancies can provide oxygen channels and facilitate the transfer of electrons and oxygen. The embedded Ag NPs can deliver superior catalytic durability for the heterostructure interface. As expected, the as‐synthesized Ag‐PBSC heterostructure catalyst performs a favorable electrochemical performance in the oxygen‐based applications. In alkaline media, the catalyst exhibits an excellent activity for ORR (Eonset: 0.88 V vs. RHE and E1/2: 0.72 V vs. RHE) and OER (1.67 V at 10 mA cm–2). When adopting the Ag–PBSC heterostructure catalyst in LOBs, the corresponding battery provides an outperforming capacity performance (13 000 mAh g–1), low discharge–charge polarization (1.37 V), and considerable cycling performance (128 cycles at the restricted capacity of 3 000 mAh g–1 and 400 mA g–1). Apparently, the work described here confirms that the interface engineering of perovskites can open up opportunities to develop highly active and durable heterostructure electrocatalysts for multitudinous oxygen‐based electrochemical applications.
4D flow MRI hemodynamic biomarkers for cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Wåhlin Anders , Eklund Anders , Malm Jan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAlterations in cerebral blood flow are common in several neurological diseases among the elderly including stroke, cerebral small vessel disease, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a relatively new technique to investigate cerebrovascular disease, and makes it possible to obtain time‐resolved blood flow measurements of the entire cerebral arterial venous vasculature and can be used to derive a repertoire of hemodynamic biomarkers indicative of cerebrovascular health.The information that can be obtained from one single 4D flow MRI scan allows both the investigation of aberrant flow patterns at a focal location in the vasculature as well as estimations of brain‐wide disturbances in blood flow. Such focal and global hemodynamic biomarkers show the potential of being sensitive to impending cerebrovascular disease and disease progression and can also become useful during planning and follow‐up of interventions aiming to restore a normal cerebral circulation.Here, we describe 4D flow MRI approaches for analyzing the cerebral vasculature. We then survey key hemodynamic biomarkers that can be reliably assessed using the technique. Finally, we highlight cerebrovascular diseases where one or multiple hemodynamic biomarkers are of central interest.
The Association Between School District‐Based Policies Related to Concussions and Concussions Among High School Students
Authors: Miller Gabrielle F. , Sarmiento Kelly , Haarbauer‐Krupa Juliet , Everett Jones Sherry 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDLittle is known about the effectiveness of school district concussion policies on reducing the concussion prevalence among students.METHODSData from the 2016 School Health Policies and Practices Study and 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey for 10 school districts were linked. The outcome variable was having a sports‐ or physical activity‐related concussion during the 12 months before of the survey. Exposure variables were 2 district policies, including district‐funded professional development and prioritizing return to the classroom before returning to athletics. Logistic regression models estimated the odds of a concussion among students in districts with one, both, or neither policy (referent).RESULTSIn districts with district‐funded professional development, the odds of students self‐reporting ≥2 sports‐ or physical activity‐related concussions were 1.4 times higher than in districts with neither policy. In districts with a policy prioritizing a return to the classroom before returning to athletics, the odds of students self‐reporting ≥2 concussions were significantly lower (OR = 0.6) than in districts with neither policy.CONCLUSIONSchool district concussion policies may have positive effects by identifying and reducing multiple concussions among students.
A deep learning‐based image captioning method to automatically generate comprehensive explanations of bridge damage
Authors: Chun Pang‐Jo , Yamane Tatsuro , Maemura Yu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPhotographs of bridges can reveal considerable technical information such as the part of the structure that is damaged and the type of damage. Maintenance and inspection engineers can benefit greatly from a technology that can automatically extract and express such information in readable sentences. This is possibly the first study on developing a deep learning model that can generate sentences describing the damage condition of a bridge from images through an image captioning method. Our study shows that by introducing an attention mechanism into the deep learning model, highly accurate descriptive sentences can be generated. In addition, often multiple forms of damage can be observed in the images of bridges; hence, our algorithm is adapted to output multiple sentences to provide a comprehensive interpretation of complex images. In our dataset, the scores of Bilingual Evaluation Understudy (BLEU)‐1 to BLEU‐4 were 0.782, 0.749, 0.711, and 0.693, respectively, and the percentage of correctly output explanatory sentences is 69.3%. All of these results are better than the model without the attention mechanism. The developed method makes it possible to provide user‐friendly, text‐based explanations of bridge damage in images, making it easier for engineers with relatively little experience and even administrative staff without extensive technical expertise to understand images of bridge damage. Future research in this field is expected to lead to the unification of field expertise with artificial intelligence (AI), which will be the foundation of the evolutionary development of bridge inspection AI.
An expanded agar‐based screening method for azole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Lucio Jose , Gonzalez‐Jimenez Irene , Garcia‐Rubio Rocio , Cuetara Maria Soledad , Mellado Emilia 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAntifungal susceptibility testing is an essential tool for guiding antifungal therapy. Reference methods are complex and usually only available in specialised laboratories. We have designed an expanded agar‐based screening method for the detection of azole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates. Normally, identification of resistance mechanisms is obtained only after sequencing the cyp51A gene and promoter. However, our screening method provides azole resistance detection and presumptive resistance mechanisms identification. A previous agar‐based method consisting of four wells containing voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole and a growth control, detected azole resistance to clinical azoles. Here, we have modified the concentrations of voriconazole and posaconazole to adapt to the updated EUCAST breakpoints against A. fumigatus. We have also expanded the method to include environmental azoles to assess azole resistance and the azole resistance mechanism involved. We used a collection of A. fumigatus including 54 azole‐resistant isolates with Cyp51A modifications (G54, M220, G448S, TR53, TR34/L98H, TR46/Y121F/T289A, TR34/L98H/S297T/F495I), and 50 azole susceptible isolates with wild‐type Cyp51A. The screening method detects azole‐resistant A. fumigatus isolates when there is growth in any of the azole‐containing wells after 48h. The growth pattern in the seven azoles tested helps determine the underlying azole resistance mechanism. This approach is designed for surveillance screening of A. fumigatus azole‐resistant isolates and can be useful for the clinical management of patients prior to antifungal susceptibility testing confirmation.
Constraining labour: The integration dynamics of working‐class horticultural migrants in rural areas of Norway, the UK and the US
Authors: Scott Sam , Visser M. Anne 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis article argues that many low‐wage migrants moving to work in rural areas of the developed world end up in very specific and precarious employment and housing contexts: working in temporary/seasonal jobs within horticultural labour markets and often living in employer‐provided tied accommodation. This context—which we profile by drawing on qualitative case study evidence from Norway, the UK and the US—makes integration virtually impossible. It is only after moving on from precarious temporary/seasonal work and out from tied accommodation that rural integration becomes viable. Yet even then, the integration of these workers is often limited. Migrants are largely ‘quarantined’ and separate and invisible from the host society. Not surprisingly, migrants tend to treat their lack of rural integration as ‘liminal’, that is, a temporary and in‐between life stage. They also engage in ‘transnational simultaneity’ by maintaining family/communal relations back home, whilst focusing largely on work in the host country. This liminality and transnational simultaneity help working‐class migrants survive their quarantined lives.
How Obscurantism Differs from Bullshit: A Proposal
Authors: Bien Eric Nenkia 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis paper holds the view that althoughbullshitandobscurantismare obviously related phenomena, they should be kept distinct for conceptual reasons. It shows that whereas phenomena of bullshit tend to concentrate on speech acts and a violation of the expectations of relevance therein, obscurantism betrays an indirect move to confound while promising deep content. After an overview of studies on bullshit and a look at the different characteristics and types of obscurantism, this paper investigates why readers retain interest in reading obscure texts. Interpretive charity, which is one of the reasons for this sustained interest, is found to be unsuccessful in making sense of obscurantism. Obscurantism is thus seen to be a vice more cryptic and systematic than bullshit.
Trade policy in Indonesia and Thailand
Authors: Hill Hal , Menon Jayant 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis paper provides an analytical survey of trade policy in Indonesia and Thailand, in the context of the key findings of the WTO’s 2020 Trade Policy Reviews. These are historically dynamic economies that are integrated within the outward‐looking ASEAN protocols and the China‐centred East Asian trade and investment networks. Over the past decade, there have been no major changes in the two countries’ trade and commercial policy settings, with Thailand maintaining its more open economic settings and Indonesia continuing its more hesitant embrace of globalisation. The major drivers of domestic policy settings have therefore been global factors, including the continuing rise both of China in the regional and global economies and of the increasingly China‐centred global supply chains. Both WTO reports provide comprehensive examinations of trade patterns and policies, although there is room to strengthen the analytical foundations of future reports.
Two ploidy levels present in the invasive Campuloclinium macrocephalum (pompom weed) in South Africa – Implications for biocontrol
Authors: Gitonga Lucy N. , Cron Glynis V. , Glennon Kelsey L. , McConnachie Andrew J. , Byrne Marcus J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe highly invasive Campuloclinium macrocephalum (Asteraceae; ‘pompom weed’), native to South America, was introduced to South Africa where it has flourished and now threatens the native diversity of the grasslands it has invaded. The Argentine C. macrocephalum population is known to comprise at least three ploidy levels, and exhibit aneuploidy. Ploidy levels had not yet been assessed across South African populations of pompom weed and could influence the effectiveness of a biological control (biocontrol) programme. Therefore, we used flow cytometry to estimate ploidy levels of individuals from invaded regions in South Africa and Argentina. Diploids, triploids, tetraploids and aneuploids were detected in the sampled Argentine individuals. In South Africa, only triploid and tetraploid cytotypes were identified, with possible aneuploid variation. Mapping the distribution of these ploidy levels in South Africa revealed that the tetraploids are more widespread across all five sampled provinces, whereas the triploids occur only in Gauteng (the likely origin of the invasion) and neighbouring North West provinces and one sampled area in KwaZulu‐Natal province. Distinct phenotypic variation is evident between Argentine individuals of different ploidy levels. Polyploids have now been confirmed to occur in both the native and introduced ranges. Because triploids and tetraploids are present in both native and introduced ranges, we predict that polyploidy is not likely to be a constraint in effective biocontrol in South Africa as the natural enemies have probably co‐evolved with polyploids in the native range. However, other factors may impact the effectiveness of the biocontrol agents, such as feeding, oviposition (potentially affecting their reproduction), establishment, and spread, therefore, warranting further research.
Validation of the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) using modern test theory across different cultures and languages: a cross-sectional study of 452 male athletes with groin pain
Authors: Christensen Karl Bang , Clausen Mikkel Bek , King Enda , Franklyn-Miller Andrew , Harøy Joar , Andersen Thor Einar , Hölmich Per , Thorborg Kristian 
Published: November 2021

BkgroundNo studies have tested the validity of the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) using modern test theory, across different cultures and languages.ObjectiveTo validate the Danish, English and Norwegian versions of HAGOS and its six subscales (Symptoms (S, Item 1–7), Pain (P, Item 1–10), activities of daily living (Item 1–5), Sport and recreation (Sport/rec, Item 1–8), Participation in physical activity (item 1–2) and quality of life (item 1–5)) by evaluating differential item functioning (DIF) and measurement invariance across the three language versions in male multidirectional team athletes with groin pain. Second, to modify subscales depending on goodness-of-fit to the item response theory models and calculate conversion tables if language DIF was observed.MethodsWe included individual responses to the Danish (n=157), English (n=146) and Norwegian (n=149) language versions of HAGOS from 452 athletes (median age 24 years old, range 20–28) with groin pain. Overall fit, model fit, individual item fit, local response dependence and measurement invariance was examined using confirmatory factor analysis and graphical Rasch models.ResultsThe removal of seven misfitting items (S2, P1, P2, A4, SP1, SP5, Q3) resulted in 6 HAGOS subscales with acceptable psychometric properties. For the Symptoms, Pain and Sports subscales evidence of DIF was disclosed between the three different language-versions of HAGOS and conversion tables were created.ConclusionsA revised HAGOS derived using modern test theory provides valid measurements for male multidirectional athletes with groin pain across different cultures and languages. Conversion tables must be applied to compare HAGOS scores from Danish, Norwegian and English language versions.
Japanese newspaper advertisements for dietary supplements before and after COVID-19: a content analysis
Authors: Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Yokota Rie , Shirabe Ritsuko , Iye Reina , Okada Hiroko , Kiuchi Takahiro , Chiba Tsuyoshi , Akamatsu Rie 
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesPublic health institutions have alerted consumers about advertising for dietary supplements with false claims of preventing or treating COVID-19. We quantitatively and qualitatively examined newspaper advertisements for dietary supplements before and after the COVID-19 spread.DesignContent analysis.ParticipantsWe analysed advertisements for dietary supplements in two major Japanese newspapers in February–July 2019 and February–July 2020. Our analysis covered 2167 advertisements.ResultsThe number of advertisements for dietary supplements that claimed to be effective in infection prevention (p=0.009) and improving joint (p=0.002) and digestive functions (p=0.002) significantly increased after the spread of COVID-19 compared with before. Dietary supplements that claimed to be effective in preventing infection were advertised in combination with recommendations for gargling and handwashing. Such terms as ‘defence’ and ‘prevent’ were used to promote the preventive effect.ConclusionsFalse and misleading claims in advertising for dietary supplements may result in consumer harm, such as overdosing and failure to take preventive behaviour. While the pandemic continues, there will be an increasing need for disseminating accessible information about the appropriate use of dietary supplements, consumer education and warnings to manufacturers.