bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the ceramic coating formed on 2024 Al alloy by scanning plasma electrolytic oxidation
Authors: Xu Xingrui , Jia Weiping , Yin Tingting , Dong Qi , Ma Yutao , Wang Zhen , Zhao Zhilong , Lv Pengxiang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Scanning plasma electrolytic oxidation (SPEO) was used to prepare ceramic coating on 2024 Al alloy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to examine the coating morphologies and phase compositions. Polarization curves were used to evaluate the anti-corrosion properties of the coated samples. The results revealed that a ceramic coating with the largest thickness of 30 μm was formed in a very short period of time, exhibiting high efficiency of coating formation. During the initial stage of the SPEO process under fixed-current mode, the anodic voltage rapidly increased to a steady value. In the stable stage, general anodization, spark oxidation, and micro-arc oxidation stages appeared at the same time in different places, which were generally found in different periods for the traditional plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process. The coating was mainly composed of α-Al2O3 and γ-Al2O3. The treated sample exhibited better corrosion resistance than the uncoated substrate in the 3.5% NaCl solution.
The impact of global warming on U.S. hurricane landfall
Authors: Sparks Nathan , Toumi Ralf 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The projection of hurricane activity under climate change continues to be challenging. Here the new Imperial College Storm Model (IRIS) was used to analyse the impact of global warming on North Atlantic hurricane activity. The model assumes increases of potential intensity as the principal cause of change and this allows study of both recent trends and projections for the first time in a consistent way. The recent observed hurricane intensification is simulated but underestimated. For a +2°C global warming scenario hurricanes of intensity Category 4 and above become 62\% more likely in the basin and nearly two times (92\%) more likely at landfall. The future number of hurricanes is also uncertain and its impact is examined by sensitivity studies. Reduction of the basin count offsets warming driven landfall frequency increases but only for weaker storms. The increased frequency of the most damaging landfalling hurricanes is controlled by changes in potential intensity.
Epidemiology of Injuries in Racquet Sports: a Cross-sectional Study of Specific Injuries Within One Olympic Cycle
Authors: Lambert Christophe , Banerjee Marc , Ritzmann Ramona , Lachmann Daniel , Wolfarth Bernd , Grim Casper , Shafizadeh Sven , Geßlein Markus , Peters Nicholas , Reinert Noémie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
Despite the growing interest in racquet sports, injury prevalence, circumstances and severity as a function of gender, performance level and return to play have not been investigated to date. The aim was therefore to evaluate the occurrence of sport-specific injuries from a quantitative and qualitative perspective in the Olympic discilines Tennis, Badminton and Table Tennis.
Methods
Racquet sport-specific injuries and frequencies were assessed according to gender and performance level in one Olympic cycle (from the Olympic Games in London in 2012 until Rio de Janeiro in 2016). The Injury severity was recorded by time loss and performance reduction. Data was retrospectively collected based on a questionnaire.
Results
A total of 390 (55%) athletes have suffered a serious injury. There were more injuries during training than competition. 78% of the three most common injuries in the various racket sports involved the lower extremities. The longest injury time loss was seen in Tennis for an unspecified injury of the shoulder (16±12 weeks), in Badminton for the foot-ligament injury (13±14 weeks) and the meniscus injury of the knee in table tennis (13±10 weeks). The injuries to the knee accounted for the highest number of athletes with a reduced level of performance (Badminton: Knee - unspecified injury: reduced level = 64%; Table tennis: Knee - meniscus injury: reduced level = 54%)
Conclusion
Although recognized as one entity of racquet sports with some similar trends in terms of injuries, there are some relevant differences in injury type, circumstances and consequences, which should be considered in future sport-specific injury prevention strategies.
Pre-Operative Resistance Training and Amino Acid Supplementation in Frail Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Fujimoto Taku , Akasaka Hiroshi , Yasunobe Yukiko , Yoshida Shino , Onishi Yuri , Minami Tomohiro , Terashima Ken , Shirai Mari , Isaka Masaaki , Tanaka Minoru , Sugimoto Ken , Koriyama Hiroshi , Takami Yoichi , Yamasaki Makoto , Yamashita Kotaro , Noda Takehiro , Takahashi Hidekazu , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro , Rakugi Hiromi , Yamamoto Koichi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Preoperative frailty is a risk factor for postoperative complications and poor prognosis in older patients. We aimed to investigate the impact of preoperative exercise and nutritional interventions on the frequency of postoperative complications, physical function, and activities of daily living (ADL) one year postoperatively in frail older patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
Methods
This single-center, randomized controlled trial included 62 patients aged ≥ 70 years who were scheduled for elective surgery for gastrointestinal cancer with decreased grip strength or walking speed between October 2017 and December 2022. The participants were randomly assigned to the control (n = 33) and intervention (n = 29) groups. Participants in the intervention group performed resistance exercises and consumed amino acid-containing jelly daily at home for 14 days. All participants were followed up for one year. Variables were compared using the two-sided Student's t-test or Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
After exclusion, 45 patients were included in the analysis, with 27 and 18 in the control and intervention groups, respectively. The average age was 80.4 years, and 37.8% of the participants were male. Postoperative complications were observed in 48.1% and 44.4% of the control and intervention groups, respectively (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–2.07). Postoperative delirium was observed in 25.9% and 33.3% of the control and intervention groups, respectively (95% CI 0.31–1.94). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in grip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle index during follow-up. However, knee extension strength was better maintained in the intervention group at discharge (preoperatively: 100.2 ± 18.3% vs 119.1 ± 68.8%, p = 0.19; discharge: 86.7 ± 22.0% vs 119.3 ± 72.0%, p = 0.044). The proportion of patients with decreased ADL or death was lower in the intervention group than in the control group one year postoperatively (42.3% vs 23.5%; RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.08–1.92).
Conclusions
A 14-day preoperative exercise and nutritional intervention program did not significantly reduce the frequency of postoperative complications in frail older patients with gastrointestinal cancer. However, it aided in maintaining knee extension strength at discharge.
Trial Registration:
UMIN (University Hospital Medical Information Network) Clinical Trials Registry (ID: UMIN000024526), registered on 1 December 2016.
An outburst in the quasar PG1244+026 from an energy source unrelated to accretion onto its
supermassive black hole
Authors: Wang Jian-Min , Chen Yong-Jie , Liu Jun-Rong , Hu Chen , Luo Bin , Wang Yi-Lin , Songsheng Yu-Yang , Li Yan-Rong , Du Pu , Ho Luis , Brotherton Michael , BAI Jinming , Lu Kai-Xing , Zhang Hao , Yao Zhu-Heng , Yang Seng , Peng Yue-Chang , Zhao Yu , Fu Yi-Xin , Bai Hua-Rui , Cheng Cheng , Fang Feng-Na , Zhai Shuo , Aceituno Jesús 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The standard paradigm of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is accretion onto a central supermassive black hole (SMBH) powering their enormous luminosity, and predicts significant reverberation of their broad-line regions (BLRs) and dusty tori with respect to variations of the accretion-powered continuum. Here we report evidence of an unusual outburst from extra energy sources in PG 1244+026 during 2021-2022 from a long-term monitoring campaign. The outburst is only detected in mid-infrared bands and broad emission lines, which are tightly correlate with each other, however, the optical bands show a monotonic decline during the outburst. The outburst is located at the inner edge of the torus, deduced from the light curves. Such a kind of outburst has never been reported before. The total energy of the outburst is ≈1050 erg released in 3.4μm and could be driven by a 40 solar mass black hole.The present outburst suggests stellar-mass black holes (sMBHs) is consistent with growing evidence for mergers of high mass sMBHs detected by LIGO with potential associations with AGNs.
The Impact of Hispanic Last Names on Educational and Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Hadah Hussain 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Do individuals with Hispanic names face labor market discrimination? This study analyzes the impact of Hispanic-sounding surnames on wages among inter-ethnic children with one White and one Hispanic parent. I find that individuals with Hispanic surnames often earn less, with a notable wage gap favoring those with White surnames. People born to Hispanic fathers and White mothers receive 0.3 years of education less than those born to White fathers and Hispanic mothers. Men born to Hispanic fathers and White mothers are 1 percentage point more likely to be unemployed, and earn 5 percentage points less than those born to White fathers and Hispanic mothers. The earnings gap is largely due to educational differences. JEL: J71; J64; J15; J31; I24; J62`x
Performance optimization and mechanism of HMX degradation by Fe-C micro-electrolysis
Authors: Chai Guodong , Xiong Haoting , Qian Yishan , Xie Lin , Xiao Yi , Wang Dongqi , Lin Yishan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Fe-C micro-electrolysis system was used to study the degradation of energetic material (HMX) in simulated wastewater. The effects of initial pH, different Fe dosage and Fe/C mass ratio on the degradation were studied. The optimal degradation condition was selected to study the toxicity mechanism of HMX by gene toxicology methods. The results showed that the Fe-C micro-electrolysis had the best treatment efficiency for the pollutants with the removal rate of 97.8% when the initial pH was 4, the Fe dosage was 70g/L and the Fe/C mass ratio was 1:1. The kinetic results showed that the Fe-C micro-electrolysis process of HMX follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. HMX was mainly removed by hydroxides of Fe2+ and Fe3+ by adsorption co-precipitation, etc., and degraded by the reduction of Fe0, Fe2+, and [H] generated by the microelectrolysis process. Toxicogenomics analysis indicated that DNA damage and oxidative stress were the major stress categories in degrading HMX wastewater. The TELItotal value showed a first increasing and then decreasing tendency, with no significant fluctuation during the degradation process. Our study provides new insights into performance optimization, degradation pathways, and molecular toxicity evolution during Fe-C micro-electrolysis of HMX.
Women Empowerment and Women Health in Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Taka Anjdilee , Tandrayen-Ragoobur Verena 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The study links up women empowerment to health and wellbeing outcomes of women in sub-Saharan Africa. Existing literature suggests that women empowerment influences reproductive health outcomes such as fertility, birth interval and contraceptive use. The evidence however remains mixed and tends to be country specific owing to the difficulties in measuring empowerment and health. The study links different dimensions of women empowerment to health outcomes of women in sub-Saharan African countries. Micro data from the Demographic Health Surveys for 26 sub-Saharan African countries from 2008 to 2020 is used to assess the link between women empowerment and health status. The Women Empowerment Index is built from four main dimensions namely economic, social, psychological and legal/political empowerment. Family planning use and maternal health are indicators used for women’s health. Women’s empowerment is hypothesised as a predictor of reproductive health outcomes. There is evidence of a positive link between women empowerment and women health.
Impact of Generative AI on the Academic Performance and Test Anxiety of Pharmacy Students in OSCE: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ali Majid , Rehman Sara , Cheema Ejaz 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background

The rapid advancement of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent years has led to its increased application across various fields including education. One area where AI can significantly impact is clinical education, particularly in the preparation and execution of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of AI-generated study material and feedback on the academic performance and level of anxiety of pharmacy students in formative OSCE.

Method

This was a 4-week (June-July 2024) randomized controlled study. Students of 6th semester PharmD program were randomized into either an intervention or control group. The intervention group received intervention which comprised a comprehensive training session on how to use AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity) for generating study materials and practice OSCE stations with personalized feedback, in addition to usual OSCE instructions. The control group only received the usual OSCE instructions. In addition, all students completed the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI) questionnaire before the OSCE.

Result

Eighty-eight (40 male, 48 female) out of 92 (96%) students attended the OSCE and completed the TAI questionnaire. Each group had 44 (50%) students. The mean OSCE mark was 13.26 (±5.05) out of 30. No significant difference was found between the intervention [12.98 (±5.15)] and control [13.54 (±5.00)] groups regarding mean OSCE marks (p=0.550). Similarly, no significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups regarding the emotionality subscale and worry subscale of the TAI (p=0.736; p=0.329) as well as the total TAI score (p=0.917).

Conclusion

While the use of AI tools did not improve the academic performance of students or reduce test-related anxiety, they did not negatively impact these outcomes either. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of AI-based interventions on educational outcomes.
A comprehensive assessment of the applicability of semi-analytical models of vortex characterization for gravitational water vortex hydropower plants
Authors: Garcia Mateo Duarte , Montoya Jose Alejandro Posada , Chica Edwin , Montoya Jhon Fredy Hincapie , Velásquez Laura , Arcila Iván David Patiño 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Predicting and analyzing vortexes’ characteristics (shape, size, circulation, pressure, velocity, etc.) is crucial for designing gravitational water vortex hydropower plants (GWVHP’s). Despite fluid dynamic simulations become valuable for this, they demand high computational cost, and semi-analytical models of vortex characterization could be useful in early design stages. In this work, a compressive assessment of the ability of these models to predict the vortex’s free-surface profile, as well as a physically consistent behavior of some field variables, under geometrical and operating conditions of GWVHP´s, is carried out using a calibration strategy proposed here, which is applicable for both strong and weak vortexes. This strategy is aimed to minimizing the L2 relative error norm between the free-surface profiles obtained analytically and those measured from experiments undergone in GWVHP’s at several inlet flow rates. Moreover, this strategy enforces the fulfillment of some vortex’s dimensions and of the mass conservation law between the inlet and outlet of the basin, assuming a far-field circulation equal to such of basin inlet. In general, convergent solutions of the calibration parameters were achieved, resulting in models that exactly reproduced the total vortex height, the air core radius at discharge for strong vortexes, and the submergence depth for weak vortexes; however, these models usually underestimated the vortex heights for radial coordinates corresponding to the air core zone. The calibrated models were compared in terms of the velocity components (radial, azimuthal and axial), axial vorticity, and axial and radial Rossby numbers, obtaining physically coherent results for some of them.
Identifying Macro Determinants of Natural Disaster: Applying Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Alam M. Jahangir , Mozumder Pallab 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study analyzes the macroeconomic determinants of human and economic losses caused by natural disasters using machine learning techniques, particularly the double lasso regression framework. By focusing on floods, storms, and earthquakes, we examine the complex relationships between economic development, geographical characteristics, and the severity of disaster impacts. Our findings indicate a U-shaped relationship between GDP per capita and economic losses, where initial GDP growth reduces losses until a threshold is reached, beyond which further economic development increases the financial damages. Human losses, on the other hand, show an inverse U-shaped relationship with GDP in the case of floods, highlighting that while higher GDP initially leads to more fatalities, continued economic growth eventually reduces mortality rates. Moreover, we find that coastal countries are more vulnerable to both human and economic losses compared to island and landlocked countries, though they demonstrate a greater capacity to leverage GDP growth in reducing economic losses. These results underscore the importance of tailored disaster risk management strategies that consider both economic development and geographic factors to mitigate the adverse impacts of natural disasters.
JEL Codes: Q54, O44, C55
Unveiling the Cholestatic Phenotype: A Case Report of Autoimmune Hepatitis with Severe Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Srin Vutukuri Bhargava Sai , Shahid Fatima , Boddikuri Sailaja , Vakkalagadda Naga Praneeth , Kotla Manisha , Eluri Tejaswini , Perisetty Yojitha , Mumtaz Hassan , Iqbal Javed 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is typically characterized by chronic liver inflammation, but in rare cases, it can present with a cholestatic phenotype, marked by severe hyperbilirubinemia and elevated liver enzymes. This atypical form poses diagnostic challenges, often mimicking other cholestatic liver diseases, requiring thorough evaluation, including liver biopsy, for accurate diagnosis.Case Presentation We report a 52-year-old Asian woman with cholestasis, including jaundice and fatigue, following a febrile illness. Despite initial negative results for typical AIH markers, a liver biopsy confirmed AIH, showing interface hepatitis and cholestasis.Conclusion Treatment with azathioprine and prednisolone led to rapid normalization of bilirubin levels. This case underscores the importance of considering AIH in cholestatic presentations and highlights the efficacy of timely steroid therapy in such cases.
The relationship between ambulatory blood pressure and atherogenic index with LV geometry pattern in obese children: results from a cross-sectional study in Serbia
Authors: Bjelakovic Bojko , Claudia Stefanutti , Vladimir Vukovic , Aleksandra Klisic , Stefan Stojkovic , Marko Jovic , Ilija Bjelakovic , Maciej Banach 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background. Arterial hypertension and increased atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) are strong predictors of cardiovascular risk associated in individuals with obesity both in adults and children. Thus, we aimed to explore the relationship between AI and ambulatory blood pressure index (ABPI) with left ventricular geometry pattern in obese children. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 129 obese children (BMI greater or equal to the 95th percentile for age and sex) were examined. Fasting blood samples were taken to measure plasma glucose level, lipid profile, including total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and insulin level. Two-dimensional (2-D) transthoracic echocardiography was performed to determine left ventricular geometry pattern. Ambulatory blood pressure recording was obtained for 24 hours in all obese children. Linear regression analyses were conducted to explore relationships between AIP (calculated as logarithmic transformation of the ratio of TG to HDL-C) and ABPI with left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT). We also used sex as a potential effect modifier, and calculated stratum-specific estimates of the effect. Results: We demonstrated independent and positive association of age and AI with RWT (Age: effect size = 0.83 CI 0.22–1.45) p = 0.008; AI effect size 8.9 (CI 3.6–14.3); p = 0.01). In a subgroup analysis with sex as an effect modifier, independent positive association of borderline significance at p = 0.011 was found between AI and RWT only in boys AI: effect size 9.5 (CI 2.3–16.7) p = 0.01 LVMI was significantly associated with sex and BMI (sex: effect size = 6.8 CI (2.6–11) p = 0,002; BMI z score: effect size = 6.8 CI (3.2–10.4) p < 0.001. Independent positive association was also found between BMI and LVMI for girls, effect size = 11.9 (CI 4.1–19.8) (p = 0.005). Conclusion: AI and age are independently associated with the presence of concentric left ventricular geometry with girls seeming more protected from atherogenic hypertrophic stimulus than boys. BMI and sex are independently associated with eccentric left ventricular remodeling, with BMI being a greater risk factor for girls.
Three rate-determining protein roles in photosynthetic O2-evolution addressed by time-resolved experiments on genetically modified photosystems
Authors: Mäusle Sarah , Assunção Ricardo , Parisse Gianluca , De Santis Cristina , Guidoni Leonardo , Narzi Daniele , Simon Philipp , Debus Richard , Dau Holger 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Light-driven water splitting by plants, algae and cyanobacteria is pivotal for global bioenergetics and biomass formation. A manganese cluster bound to the photosystem-II proteins catalyzes the complex reaction at high rate, but the rate-determining factors are insufficiently understood. Here we traced the oxygen-evolution transition by time-resolved polarography and infrared spectroscopy for cyanobacterial photosystems genetically modified at two strategic sites, complemented by computational chemistry. We conclude three rate-determining functions of the protein environment of the metal cluster: acceleration of proton-coupled electron transfer, acceleration of substrate-water insertion after O2-formation, and balancing of rate-determining enthalpic and entropic contributions. Whereas in general the substrate-water insertion step may be unresolvable in time-resolved experiments, here it likely became traceable because of deceleration by genetic modification. Our results may stimulate new time-resolved experiments on substrate-water insertion in photosynthesis, clarification of enthalpy-entropy compensation in enzyme catalysis, and knowledge-guided development of inorganic catalyst materials.