bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Falling Film Evaporator: Insights from Heat and Mass Transfer and CFD Simulations
Authors: Dolgun Ekin Can , Karaca Gülşah , Aktaş Mustafa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study presents a mathematical relationship linking effective flow distribution with heat and mass transfer for a falling film evaporator with a capacity of 10,000 kg/h and an evaporation capacity of 2,000 kg/h. While previous research has focused on optimizing falling film evaporators primarily through heat and mass transfer approaches, they often assume fully homogeneous liquid distribution within the heating tubes, highlighting a notable gap in the literature. This study validates the performance of an optimized design through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, utilizing milk as the working fluid. Heat transfer calculations were conducted across four heating tube diameters (26, 32, 38, and 50 mm), considering the required heating surface area, total heat transfer coefficient, discharge flowrate, and retention time. Key parameters included the distribution hole diameter (5–6 mm), distribution plate thickness (0–15 mm), and fluid accumulation height (15–30 mm). The optimal heating tube diameter was found to be 26 mm, yielding a total heat transfer coefficient of 2001 W/m²K with a wetting rate of 0.161 kg/ms. Results indicate that increasing heating tube diameter decreased the total heat transfer coefficient and necessitated a larger heating surface area. Furthermore, this study also emphasizes the influence of distribution plate thickness and hole diameter on discharge flowrates, revealing that a 5% change in plate thickness affects flowrate by 9.4%. Moreover, CFD simulations were conducted to refine design geometries for homogeneous fluid distribution, concluding that reduced hydraulic jet height (15 mm) and smaller heating tube diameters enhance performance.
Brain Iron Accumulation in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Does Air Pollution Play a Role?
Authors: George Jithin V. , Hornburg Kathryn J. , Merrill Alyssa , Marvin Elena , Conrad Katherine , Welle Kevin , Gelein Robert , Chalupa David , Graham Uschi , Oberdörster Günter , Johnson G. Allan , Cory-Slechta Deborah A. , Sobolewski Marissa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Both excess brain Fe and air pollution (AP) exposures are associated with increased risk for multiple neurodegenerative disorders. Fe is a redox-active metal that is abundant in AP from traffic and industrial sources and in U.S. subway systems. Exposures to AP and associated contaminants, such as Fe, are lifelong and could therefore contribute to elevated brain Fe observed in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly via nasal olfactory uptake of ultrafine particle AP. These studies tested the hypotheses that exogenously generated Fe oxide nanoparticles could reach brain following inhalational exposures and produce neurotoxic effects consistent with neurodegenerative diseases and disorders in adult C57/Bl6J mice exposed by inhalation to Fe nanoparticles at a concentration similar to those found in underground subway systems (~ 150 ug/m3) for 20 days. Olfactory bulb sections and exposure chamber TEM grids were analyzed for Fe speciation. Measures included brain volumetric and diffusivity changes, levels of striatal and cerebellar neurotransmitters and trans-sulfuration markers, quantification of frontal cortical and hippocampal Aβ42, total tau and phosphorylated tau and behavioral alterations in locomotor activity and memory.
Results
Particle speciation confirmed similarity of Fe oxides (mostly magnetite) found on chamber TEM grids and in olfactory bulb. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) like characteristics were seen in Fe-exposed females including increased olfactory bulb diffusivity, impaired memory and increased accumulation of total and phosphorylated tau, with total hippocampal tau levels significantly correlated with increased errors in the radial arm maze. Fe-exposed males showed increased volume of the substantia nigra pars compacta, a region critical to the motor impairments seen in Parkinson’s disease (PD), in conjunction with reduced volume of the trigeminal nerve and optic tract and chiasm.
Conclusions
Inhaled Fe oxide nanoparticles appeared to lead to olfactory bulb uptake. Further, these exposures reproduced characteristic features of neurodegenerative diseases in a sex-dependent manner, with females evidencing features similar to those seen in AD and effects in regions in males associated with PD. As such, prolonged inhaled Fe exposure via AP may be a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, and regulation of air Fe levels in enclosed areas like subway stations may have broad public health protective effects. More research is needed to improve our translation from these rodent studies to human exposures. We suggest, prolonged inhaled FE exposure via AP is a suggested risk factor for neurodegenerative changes in mice and given the similarities of these changes to changes observed in human AD, these data may have broad public health protections effects.
FDA-approved Secukinumab alleviates glial activation and immune cell infiltration in MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Li Qi , Han Xiaoxuan , Dong Mengmeng , Bai Lipeng , Zhang Wei , Liu Wei , Wang Fei , Zhu Xiaodong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: The negative role of interleukin-IL-17A (IL-17A) in neurodegeneration diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) has been investigated. The effect of FDA-approval Secukinumab (SEC), which selectively targets IL‐17A, on the modification of PD remains unclear. This study investigated the protective effect of SEC in MPTP mice and explored its potential mechanism.
Methods: We explored the neuroprotective effect of SEC by evaluating the loss of dopaminergic neurons, the activation of glial cells and the infiltration of immune cells in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of PD.
Results: We found that the treatment of SEC alleviated the loss of dopaminergic neurons and reversed behavioral deficits in MPTP mice. SEC treatment reduced the infiltration of peripheral leukocytes into the brain, especially CD4+T cells, NK cells and monocyte-macrophages, attenuated the activation of glial cells and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in MPTP mice. In addition, we found that the release of corresponding chemokines (CCL2, CXCL9), which recruit peripheral immune cells into the brain, was reduced.
Conclusion: These results suggest that Secukinumab protects dopaminergic neurons and attenuates neuroinflammation in MPTP-induced model. SEC treatment in PD might be an effective therapeutic approach for clinical application in the future.
Identifying Anxiety, Social Support and Spiritual Well-Being States of Patients Experiencing Cerebrovascular Event: A cross-sectional descriptive study
Authors: Oner Ugur , Erol Ahmet , Utli Hediye , Dinc Mahmut 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: It has been observed to play an important role in providing holistic care by considering anxiety, social support and spiritual well-being in the care of patients. The present study aimed to determine the anxiety, social support and spiritual well-being states of patients who experience a cerebrovascular event.
Methods: The descriptive and cross-sectional study was completed with 231 cerebrovascular patients. The data were collected using the “Patient Information Form”, “Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support”, “Beck Anxiety Inventory” and “Spiritual Well-Being Scale”.
Results: The mean age of the patients participating in the study was 60.62±10.44, with 52.4% being female. The patients were seen to obtain 63.09±12.45 points over the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, indicating a moderate level of perceived social support.
It was found that the total score of the patients was 53.59±11.50 points on the Beck Anxiety Inventory, which showed high levels of anxiety. The patients scores an average of 43.62±8.65 points on the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, indicating a moderate level of spiritual well-being. A positive significant correlation was found between the perceived social support and spiritual well-being levels of the patients.
Conclusion: As a result of the present study, it was found that the patients had a moderate level of perceived social support, high level of anxiety and moderate level of spiritual well-being. A positive relationship was found between the patients’ perceived social support and anxiety levels. A positive relationship was determined between the patients’ age and spiritual well-being levels.
Dispensing Hope: Leveraging Distribution Boxes to Enhance Low-Barrier Access to Naloxone in Healthcare Settings
Authors: Kothe Nycole , Gray Angela , Guthrie Sarah , Londner Michael 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: West Virginia, often regarded as the epicenter of the opioid epidemic, has consistently recorded the nation's highest rates of opioid overdose deaths. The Eastern Panhandle, including Berkeley, Morgan, and Jefferson counties, mirrors this trend, with Berkeley County's overdose death rate in 2020 exceeding triple the national average. Recent data, however, indicates a promising 25% decrease in overdose deaths in Berkeley County over a 12-month period ending September 2023, contrasting with a statewide increase. This decline is suspected to be attributed to enhanced access to naloxone and medications for opioid use disorder, supported by community collaboration. Despite these gains, barriers persist for at-risk populations, necessitating strategies such as over-the-counter naloxone availability.
Methods: The implementation of naloxone distribution boxes in healthcare settings, initiated in Berkeley Medical Center's emergency department, marks a significant advancement. These boxes, accessible at all times and stocked with OTC (over the counter) naloxone kits, were placed in visible areas of the building vestibule to increase community access to naloxone. Results: Over a six-month period, these boxes distributed 2,383 naloxone kits, significantly surpassing physician-ordered distributions of 17 kits over the same period.
Conclusion: Distribution boxes allowed for delivery of large volumes of naloxone compared to the physician-ordered distributions. Future efforts aim to expand naloxone availability in community settings to sustain and further reduce overdose fatalities.
Petrography and Geotechnical Properties Sakessar Limestone, Nammal Gorgue in District Mainwali Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ayaz Hassan , Xu Jiancong , Ahmad Sohail , Asalam Muhammad Usama 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study evaluates the petrographic and geo-mechanical properties of the Sakessar Limestone in the Nammal Gorge, District Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan, to evaluate its suitability for construction applications. The limestone, exposed in the western Salt Range near Nammal Dam, features an approximate thickness of 18 meters and displays an off-white to grey coloration, primarily consisting of fractured limestone with chert nodules. Geotechnical tests conducted include unconfined compressive strength (UCS), water absorption, specific gravity, porosity, unconfined tensile strength (UTS), soundness, Schmidt hammer, and point load tests. Results indicate water absorption values between 0.21% and 0.37%, specific gravity ranging from 2.607 to 2.670, and porosity from 0.5–0.97%. UCS values of 19.2 to 59.7 MPa suggest moderate to high strength, with UTS values ranging from 4.44 to 9.51 MPa and UCS/UTS ratios from 2.4646 to 8.243. Soundness tests using sodium sulfate yielded a value of 1.2%. Petrographic analysis classifies the limestone as Wackestone, containing over 30% grains, less than 5% cement, and a significant matrix component. Overall, the physical, mechanical, and petrographic properties indicate that Sakessar limestone is suitable for use as a construction material.
Design and Mechanical Analysis of a Novel Modular Bionic Earthworm Robot with Upright Functionality
Authors: Tang Shufeng , Yao Jianan , Yu Yue 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

With the escalating demand for exploration within confined spaces, bionic design methodologies have attracted considerable attention from researchers, primarily due to the intrinsic limitations of human access to hazardous environments. However, contemporary bionic robots primarily attain linear motion through the axial radial deformation of their body segments, thereby lacking the upright functionality that is characteristic of these organisms. In response to the limitations associated with current bionic earthworm robots concerning upright capability and stiffness modulation, we propose an innovative bionic robot that incorporates upright functionality and programmable stiffness. Initially, we present a bionic robot unit module that is capable of attaining an upright posture. A mechanical model is established in accordance with the principle of minimum potential energy to facilitate various compression and deflection functionalities. Through comprehensive simulation and experimental studies, we validate the model's high precision in predicting compression and deformation behaviors. Furthermore, the effects of varying spring stiffness values (k) on device performance are systematically investigated, thereby enabling tailored stiffness adjustments for each module. This programmability empowers the robot to adapt to a broader spectrum of environmental demands. Ultimately, we construct a multi-module robot and successfully evaluate its upright functionality under diverse compression and deformation conditions. The proposed bionic structure, characterized by its enhanced ease of control and programmable stiffness, exhibits considerable potential for applications in complex and unstructured environments.
How to handle parameter uncertainty in green roof model?
Authors: Hégo Axelle , Collin Floriane , Limon Merlin , Claverie Rémy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Green roofs have become a very important component of sustainable urban development. The hydric performances of a green roof are characterized by the water content inside the different layers of the roof. The models describing the water content involve soil, vegetation and weather parameters which may be difficult to determine and thus are considered uncertain. It would be desirable to quantify the uncertainty features of the green roof performance so that a more comprehensive assessment or design can be made. This paper provides a methodology to handle the sensitivity analysis of complex model involving time-varying uncertain parameters and time-varying output. It focuses on an original approach based on the data statistical analysis and on Iman and Conover procedure to generate consistent random samples which are independent but following a prescribed time correlation matrix. Furthermore, the sensitivity is computed at each time instant to better understand the behavior of the green roof according to the season and the different rain events. This study points out the parameters that influence the water content during dry and wet periods in one year.
TROJAN-MDR: In vitro activity of cefiderocol and comparators against multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in Southern France, evaluation of available testing methods performances
Authors: BENYAHIA Massinissa , MAGNAN Chloé , JEAN-PIERRE Vincent , LARCHER Romaric , BOUTET-DUBOIS Adeline , GAILLARD Marie , MARCHANDIN Hélène , GENIEYZ Stéphanie , MORSLI Madjid , LAVIGNE Jean-Philippe , PANTEL Alix 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Cefiderocol, a newly introduced siderophore cephalosporin, exhibits activity against various multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli (GNB), including producers of Ambler class A, B and D carbapenemases. The TROJAN-MDR study aimed to i) compare the in vitro activity of cefiderocol with other last-resort antibiotics against a well-characterized collection of Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from Southern France, and ii) assess the performance of available cefiderocol antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods.
Methods
The collection comprised 127 Enterobacterales from various clones, including 119 carbapenemase producers (93.7%), and 53 MDR P. aeruginosa. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of cefiderocol were determined using the UMIC® broth microdilution method (BMD) as the reference. Comparators MICs were measured using Sensititre™ EUMDRXXF plates and Liofilchem strips for aztreonam-avibactam. Results were interpreted according to EUCAST breakpoints, with CLSI breakpoints also used for cefiderocol. The performance of the ComASP® BMD and disk diffusion on two different Mueller-Hinton media (Bio-Rad and BD) were evaluated according to ISO 20776-2:2007 and 2021.
Results
Cefiderocol demonstrated potent activity on Enterobacterales (81.9% susceptible) and P. aeruginosa (84.9%) using EUCAST breakpoints. Among Enterobacterales, the most effective comparators were colistin, aztreonam-avibactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, and amikacin, with susceptibility rates of 99.2%, 98.4%, 85%, and 76.4%, respectively. For P. aeruginosa, only colistin exhibited better activity (100%). The disk diffusion method showed superior performance on BD medium compared to Bio-Rad. The ComASP® method did not provide sufficient performance to be considered reliable.
Conclusions
Cefiderocol was highly active against a large collection of MDR GNB, including high-risk clones. It is crucial to assess susceptibility to this last-resort antibiotic using a validated method when considering clinical use.
An Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Laser Energy Deposition in an Over-expanded Jet
Authors: Syam S , Jassal Gauresh Raj , Schmidt Bryan E 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This experimental investigation focuses on understanding the influence of perturbations due to short-duration energy deposition on the shock train structure and flow dynamics in an axisymmetric over-expanded Mach 2.52 jet. The flow is perturbed by localized laser-induced breakdown at various locations within the jet, creating a shock wave and a high-temperature plasma zone in the shock train. A high-speed self-aligning focusing schlieren system is used to visualize the flow structure variations by measuring the distance to the first shock reflection point to characterize the shock train dynamics and the flow structure recovery process. The response of the jet flow is similar for cases with the perturbation at the nozzle exit and the pre-reflection point across a range of jet total pressures but the response is qualitatively different when the perturbation occurs downstream of the first shock reflection in the jet, with the flow structures being forced upstream towards the nozzle. The frequency of the oscillations of the shock height is found to be the same for all cases, approximately 10 kHz, independent of the jet total pressure, laser energy, and deposition location. The oscillations reduce in magnitude over time, and the damping ratio for cases with the energy deposition at the pre-reflection point and nozzle exit is found to be nearly constant with respect to jet total pressure and deposition energy, whereas it is dependent on the jet chamber pressure for the post-reflection case.
Urbanization, digital systems adoption and environmental integration in the Euro-Mediterranean region: Is the IT transition green?
Authors: Iormom Bruce Iortile , Iorember Paul Terhemba , Diyoke Kenneth , Abbas Jaffar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study characterized the link between urbanization, digital system adoption and environmental integration among the Euro-Mediterranean countries (from 2000–2019). Environmental integration proxied by load capacity factor was found to be decreasing with increased digital systems adoption. While load capacity factor decreased with increased GDP, it however increased with increased GDP2. The study found evidence invalidating the Green IT proposition while validating the load capacity curve hypothesis for the Euro-Mediterranean countries.
WITHDRAWN: Trends in Leadership Styles, Employee Engagement, and Employee Performance: A Comprehensive Review and Bibliometric Analysis Using Scopus and WOS Data (2010–2023)
Authors: Mohammad AL Montaser , Menhat Masha , Shafi Sujana , Husseind Alhareth Mohammed Abu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
There has been growing interest in the impact of results that need to be more varied and conclusive. This article aims to comprehensively define employee performance, develop a holistic understanding of how employee engagement and leadership styles are related to employee performance, identify knowledge gaps, and propose a research direction for the future.
Design/methodology/approach
A methodical examination and bibliometric analysis were conducted on 52 articles about leadership styles, employee engagement, employee performance, and the obstacles and catalysts associated with these approaches.
Findings
Research focusing on these variables has expanded significantly over the past decade. A total of 52 articles were reviewed. The review shows that organisations could achieve enhanced employee performance through effective leadership and outstanding managerial commitment. These actions would realise a company's vision and enable it to achieve its goals.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is limited explicitly to examining academic articles sourced from online databases. Other literary sources, such as unpublished works, concept papers, and reviews, were excluded from the study. This literature review and bibliometric analysis highlight essential knowledge gaps that should be explored.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to conduct a bibliometric analysis of leadership styles, employee engagement, and employee performance. This research is an initial reference for scholars seeking insights into the correlation between leadership, employee engagement, and performance.