bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Polar Aprotic Solvents on the Physical, Chemical, and Mechanical Properties of Cellulose Acetate Bioplastic Films
Authors: Rizon M F U , Cabigting A K M , Sanchez K S , Tamargo R J I 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
There has been a growing interest in bioplastics as a solution to increasing greenhouse gases and the pile up of waste caused by fossil-based non-biodegradable plastics. However, the use of harmful solvents in their synthesis may continue to be detrimental to the environment. A novel bio-based solvent, CyreneTM, is seen as an alternative to toxic polar aprotic solvents. With this, the study aimed to compare the properties of cellulose acetate (CA) bioplastic films using acetone, dimethylformamide (DMF), and CyreneTM as solvents and glycerol as the plasticizer. The following tests were used to characterize the synthesized bioplastics: Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), density, moisture content, biodegradability, tensile strength, Young’s Modulus, and elongation at break. CyreneTM films were found to have significantly high moisture content and elongation at break. A weight loss of 29% in biodegradation was recorded for CyreneTM films without glycerol over the course of 23 days. The properties of the CyreneTM films show that it may be applicable for mulching films and seedling containers in agricultural applications due to their high affinity for water. It can be concluded that the study of CyreneTM solvent for the synthesis of CA films and its properties contributes to greener synthesis methods for bioplastics.
Zinc-imidazole-based metal-organic framework nanosheet membrane for H2/O2 separation
Authors: Tanaka Shunsuke , Kimura Yuka , Fuku Kojiro , Ikenaga Naoki , Nakagawa Keizo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets are promising candidates for molecular sieve because of their structural diversity and minimized mass transfer barrier. However, design of appropriate MOF nanosheets and preparation of high-performance MOF nanosheet-based membranes, especially for gas separation, remains great challenges. Structural degradation may simultaneously occur with conventional exfoliation method, which has hindered its widespread application in high-performance molecular sieve membrane preparation. Even if nanosheets could be stacked, grain boundaries would form between the nanosheets, which could be applied to liquid separation but not to gas separation. To address these challenges, we applied bottom-up growth of Zn2(benzimidazole)4 nanosheet to fabricate defect-free membranes. Zn2(benzimidazole)4 is composed of benzimidazole-zinc tetrahedral units and layers are connected by van der Waals interaction. At first, the Zn2(benzimidazole)4 nanosheets were deposited onto a porous support to prepare gutter layer. Next, Zn-based amorphous layer was coated on the gutter layer and crystallized by benzimidazole vapor treatment. Highly oriented Zn2(benzimidazole)4 nanosheet based membranes were fabricated by anisotropically controlling crystallization. The prepared Zn2(benzimidazole)4 nanosheet-based membranes show separation performance in hydrogen purification with H2/O2 ideal separation factor of 11.6 and H2 permeance of 5650 GPU.
The effects of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and halloysite nanotubes (HNT) on selected properties of crosslinked modified tapioca starch films
Authors: Rañada R A , Castro J L , Manalo R D , Ong H L , Herrera M U , Balela M D L 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Crosslinked modified tapioca starch films with CNC and HNT have the potential to be good renewable and biodegradable food packaging. Starch, CNC, and HNT were used because of their availability and cheap cost. This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying concentrations of CNC and HNT on the morphology, mechanical and optical properties of crosslinked modified tapioca starch films as an initial step in developing an active food package. Both CNC and HNT have high crystallinity and a large amount of OH groups. The OH groups as well as the ion-dipole interaction in HNT increase the tensile strength of the films. The highest tensile strength and the lowest elongation were recorded in films containing 5% CNC and 5% HNT. Beyond 5%, the addition of these nanomaterials diminished the tensile strength due to agglomeration which is the weak point of the films. Below the 5%, the nanomaterials serve as good reinforcing agents which improve the tensile strength. In addition, all films have good transmission capacity for visible light, while films with HNT outperform films with CNC in UV blocking ability.
Titanium Dioxide-Decorated and Silanized Electrospun Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Fibers for Filtration
Authors: Macaraig L , Zingapan J , Alvarez K V N , Enriquez E P 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Electrospinning methods have produced polymer-based non-woven fibers that have excellent filtration for use as air filter media, however most work have been focused on producing thinner fibers by reducing polymer loading. In this work, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic from used soda plastic bottles was electrospun and decorated with nano-TiO2 to produce nonwoven media with antimicrobial properties. Electrospinning parameters were optimized to maintain higher loading percentage of PET to as much as 30% (w/v) with resulting fibers having an average diameter of 1.8 μm. Electrospun fiber mats were then treated with a silane-based binder for surface-decoration with nano-TiO2 coating to impart antimicrobial properties to these fibers. XRF mapping showed uniform coating of the nanoparticles. Atomic ratios from XRF of Ti to Si did not significantly change before and after ultrasonication washing signifying the covalent coating of the nanoparticles onto the fiber matrix.
Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Interference System (ANFIS) Control of a Dynamic, Two-Region Nuclear Power Plant Pressurizer Model
Authors: Bautista D A , Mendoza J A 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Designing modern control systems is a critical factor in producing rigid control and effective performance of non-linear and complex systems—particularly employing intelligence-based controllers, derived from soft computing algorithms. It is known to be well capable of exploiting tolerances for uncertainty and nonlinearity. Fuzzy logic, which utilizes soft computing techniques, deals with vague information and approximate reasoning, yet it lacks effective learning capability, while ANN is known for exceptional learning and adaptation of training data. Adaptive neuro-fuzzy interference system (ANFIS), a hybrid of these two algorithms, is a fuzzy interference system optimized by neural networks. Most nuclear generating stations still use PID controllers, which does not show good controlling capabilities, resulting in large coolant level overshoot and longer settling time. This paper bridges this gap by testing an ANFIS approach that yields high predictive and control capability. In validating the configured control loop model, three loss-of-load transients from a Shippingport reactor were tested, trained and demonstrated using the simulations in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. The minimal training RMSE for the 51 MW(e), 74 MW(e), and 105 MW(e) loss-of-load transients are 18.85%, 19.37%, and 24.36%. The pressure response showed ideal output, with all three steady-state pressures close at setpoint (14 MPa), proving that the ANFIS controller is well capable of rejecting disturbances with lesser overshoot and faster settling times in maintaining level setpoint. Validating solely the pressurizer model was executed in a turbine leading power trip from a 100% to 75% reduction range in PCTRAN, a pressurized water reactor (PWR) simulator made available by IAEA. The comparative performance exhibited a good fit between the reported simulation data and model data. Both results against simulation and experimental transients captured the effective predictive and control capabilities of the pressurizer unit and control system.
Implementation of Skogestad’s Internal Model Control Rule in Tuning Proportional-Integral Controllers for Two-Input and Two-Output Systems Considering Individual Controller Performance Trade-off
Authors: Gacuan J M , Muñoz J C 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In industrial plants, tuning of decentralized Proportional-Integral-Derivative feedback (PID) controllers in Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems is a complex problem, due to input and output interactions, that must be done to ensure individual control objectives are met, while system being sufficiently robust. In this study, a two-input and two-output (TITO) PI controller tuning algorithm was developed considering controller performance prioritization given performance trade-offs, expressed as the novel Individual Controller Performance Trade-off Coefficient (ICPTC), and system robustness, expressed as sensitivity peaks from the generalized Nyquist stability plot. Simplified effective open-loop transfer functions (EOTFs) of the two input-output channels were derived and used along with Skogestad’s Internal Model Control (SIMC) to calculate PI controller gains. Extensive simulations using Wood-Berry (WB) and Vinante-Luyben (VL) distillation column models were made to observe how the sensitivity peaks behave across the simulations, which was then used as the basis of the developed tuning algorithm. A simplified tuning algorithm, which requires less information compared to the main algorithm, was also derived. A mapping algorithm was also created, allowing specific controller gains from other studies to be mapped to an equivalent set of controller gains in the algorithm’s search field. The effectiveness of the three algorithms were tested using Wardle-Wood distillation column (WW) and Xiong and Cai (XC) process models. It was demonstrated using the main algorithm that there is a trade-off between controller performances when ICPTC is varied, at different values of design sensitivity peaks between 1.96 to 4. The usefulness of the simplified tuning and mapping algorithms were also illustrated in the study. This study is potentially useful in tuning TITO PI controllers in industrial plants, where meeting individual control objectives while maintaining robustness is more important than optimizing overall control performance.
A04 - EGS Evidenced competency in benign biliary surgery amongst UK general surgeons at certification: A JCST/ISCP study
Authors: Stott Martyn , Targett Iain , Kausar Ambareen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Symptomatic gallstones are the most common reason for evaluation by an Emergency General Surgery (EGS) service, with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) being performed by most general surgeons. Previous studies show that most LCs in the United Kingdom (UK) are performed by colorectal surgeons (CR). Emergency cholecystectomy requires advanced skills including intra-operative assessment of the bile ducts, and the ability to perform intra-operative cholangiogram (IOC) is part of the procedure-based assessment (PBA) that evidences competency for certificate of completion of training (CCT). This study aims to assess documented evidence of competency in benign biliary surgery amongst general surgeons in the UK.

Method
PBAs relating to LC and CBD exploration (CBDE) were retrieved for all UK general surgeons who received CCT between 2016 and 2021 from ISCP (702; 285 (41%) colorectal; 212 (30%) Upper GI (UGI)). All eLogbook entries relating to LC +/- IOC +/- CBDE were also retrieved. Subspecialty interest was determined from Part 2 of the FRCS examination. Competence (Level 4) as well as a granular assessment of IOC and CBDE was compared amongst trainees, taking into account their subspecialty interest.

Results
11,733 LC and 553 CBDE assessments from 160,570 LC +/- IOC +/- CBDE procedures recorded on eLogbook were retrieved. Knowledge of IOC indication was assessed in 467 (94%) surgeons, but performance was only assessed in 380 (75%) surgeons. Median satisfactory IOC performance assessments was 3 (2-5). UGI were more likely to do this than colorectal (4 (2-7) vs 2 (1-4) P &lt; 0.001). Satisfactory CBDE was achieved by 86 surgeons (12 CR and 74 UGI). 486 surgeons (97% CR; 94% UGI) received Level 4 (independence) despite never achieving satisfactory ability to perform IOC.

Conclusion
Competency in acute biliary surgery for general surgeons at certification is extensively assessed using PBAs. Cholecystectomy training and assessment in the UK does not seem to include intraoperative bile duct anatomy assessment or treatment of CBD stones. Assumed competency in cholecystectomy by trainers in the UK does not seem to include the need to do this, as 97% of CR and 94% of UGI trainees achieve documented competence without the ability to perform IOC. This may have an impact on EGS service delivery of acute and emergency gallbladder surgery including the ability to deal with difficult cases.
A06 - OGC LAsting Symptoms after Oesophageal Resectional Surgery (LASORS): Multicentre validation cohort study
Authors: Paine Heidi , Chidambaram Swathikan , Dawas Khaled , Mohammadi Borzoueh , Qureshi Yassar , O’Neill Robert , Dai Nick , Alkhaffaf Bilal , Vohra Ravinder , Markar Sheraz R 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients are living longer with the long-term morbidity of oncological and surgical therapies as oesophageal cancer outcomes improve. Existing symptomatology and quality of life tools are cumbersome and moreover not designed for the post-treatment survivorship setting.
The LASER study identified six key symptoms thought to predict poor health-related quality of life. The current study aimed to validate this six-symptom LAsting Symptoms after Oesophageal Resection (LASOR) clinical tool, and assess its clinical utility.

Method
Between 2015 and 2019, patients from UK centres who underwent curative-intent oesophageal cancer treatment, and were disease-free at least one year postoperatively, were asked to complete LASOR, EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25 questionnaires. LASOR symptoms (low mood, reduced energy, thoracotomy pain, heartburn, diarrhoea, and bloating after eating) were correlated with EORTC HRQOL scores. Multivariable regression analysis identified symptoms associated with poor HRQoL. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to validate the LASOR tool.

Results
263 patients, spanning a combination of surgical approaches (two-stage, three-stage, left thoracoabdominal, transhiatal), techniques (open, minimally invasive, hybrid), and disease stage, completed the questionnaires. Four of the six LASOR symptoms were associated with poor HRQoL: reduced energy (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.20-2.87), low mood (OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.4503.12), diarrhoea (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.06-2.05), and bloating after eating (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.03-1.77). The LASOR tool produced an area under the curve of 0.85.

Conclusion
The six-symptom LASOR tool generated a reliable model for identification of patients with a poor HRQOL, with an overall diagnostic accuracy of over 80%. This is the first clinical symptom and quality of life tool to be validated in esophageal cancer patients post-curative treatment. The LASOR tool is straightforward to administer and acceptable to patients. Clinical utility lies both in identifying patients at risk of poor HRQoL and in planning survivorship services.
BS O04 - Audit of outcome of SADIS- Results from a single Bariatric center
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Haider Ijlal , Raslan Charef , Baruah Bedant , Javed Shafiq , Almerie Qutayba , Stewart Duncun , Darrien Jennifer , Kerrigan David 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
SADIS- Single anastomosis Duodeno-ileal switch is a bariatric procedure that has been accepted widely as a bariatric procedure. Literature has shown that it gives good outcomes in terms of weight loss and resolutions of obesity related morbidity. There has been criticism about the nutritional deficiencies associated with SADIS. It is a technically challenging procedure, so it is not extremely popular in the bariatric world where sleeve is the most done procedure and RYGB is the gold standard.

Method
All the patients at our centre undergo MDT assessment. Based on the MDT discussion and the patient preference, the decision of surgery is made.
All the patients who underwent SADIS were included in the study
Primary aim:
Weight loss at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 6-10 years
ORM resolution at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 6-10 years
Nutritional deficiencies in the short term and long term.

Results
17 patients underwent SADIS. Average BMI 55, it is higher than the usual BMI cohort, saying that higher BMI patients were offered SADIS as compared to the lower BMIs, who were offered Sleeve, Bypass. The weight loss pattern followed by SADIS patients was more than bypass patients over 6 m, 1 y and 2 y. The SADIS patients had better sustained weightloss over 6-10 y. One crucial factor in patient profile is the ratio of psychological vs physiological co-morbidities is higher than the average; which corresponds to our findings of the feasibility study for bariatric surgery for BMI &gt;65

Conclusion
SADIS gives good outcomes in terms of weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities. Long term results with SADI in terms of sustained weight loss are better than bypass. It did not lead to increased nutritional deficiencies.
BS O05 - Prevalence and Patterns of Iron Deficiency in Patients Living with Obesity: Insights from Bariatric Surgery Candidates
Authors: Carey Emily , O’Brien Abigail M , Ryan Odhrán K , Clifford Julie-Therese , Davis Cian E , Ahmed Ola S , Al-Mukhlifi Talal , Butt Waqas T , Fearon Naomi M , Heneghan Helen M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a recognised complication of obesity, and its associated co-morbidities. Iron deficiency has been implicated in immunologic dysfunction in obesity. However, the patterns of iron deficiency in people with obesity, independent of IDA, and its implications for patients with obesity remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate potential causes of iron deficiency, including relationship with glycaemic control and relationship with systemic inflammation. Relationship between iron deficiency and body mass index (BMI) was also considered.

Method
A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of consecutive patients undergoing bariatric surgery was performed. Pre-operative haematologic assessments were reviewed, and linear regression models were used to identify the associations of iron deficiency in patients with obesity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.
384 consecutive patients over a 2-year time period were included in the analysis. 72.1% of patients were female and the mean age was 49.44±10.2. The mean weight of included patients was 144.1±31.02 kg, and the mean BMI was 50.66±9.61 kg/m2

Results
​2.45% of patients met the criteria for iron deficiency anaemia. However, 15.49 % had low serum iron(&lt;9 mmol/L), 12.1% had low ferritin(&lt;30mg/L), 1.38% had low transferrin(&lt;2g/L), 15.17% had high Total Iron Binding Capacity(&gt;71.6mmol/L), 37.93% had low transferrin saturation(&lt;20%). High BMI was a significant predictor of low serum iron(β=-0.206, p=0.031). Dysregulated glycaemic metabolism(HbA1c and glucose) was not a significant predictor of iron deficiency. Baseline inflammation (elevated CRP) was associated with low serum iron(β=-0.320, p=&lt;0.001) and low transferrin(β=-0.205, p=0.028).

Conclusion
Iron deficiency in patients with obesity is common, but not iron deficiency anaemia dependent. It does not appear to be linked to patients’ glycaemic regulation, as previously thought. Our findings suggest it may instead be attributable to the systemic inflammation caused by obesity.
OGC O04 - The role of capsule-sponge technology in Barrett's surveillance: A two-year experience
Authors: Hasan Mahmudul , Khan Saadia , Olejnik Hannah , McDonald Claire , Megson Tyler , Saha Arin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Barrett's surveillance requires regular endoscopic and histological assessment of the oesophagus to reduce the risk of progression to oesophageal cancer. Capsule-sponge technology has been used in the assessment of reflux for some years, and is increasingly used as an adjunct or replacement for endoscopic surveillance of Barrett's. Current NICE guidance does not advocate complete replacement of surveillance with capsule-sponge assessment but notes the potential benefits of the technology and highlights the requirement for more evidence and research. This study aimed to describe two-year experience with capsule-sponge technology in the surveillance of Barrett's Oesophagus.

Method
All patients who were due for Barrett's surveillance from September 2022 to June 2024 were screened to see if they were appropriate for capsule-sponge assessment. Appropriate patients were approached and offered capsule-sponge assessment. Patients who were not appropriate, or declined, were offered standard endoscopic surveillance.
Capsule sponge assessment was performed using the CytospongeTM and sponges sent to Cyted for cytological analysis. All patients were entered onto a prospectively maintained database and monitored for progression of symptoms or development of gastro-oesophageal cancer.
Cost implications, clinical outcomes and impact on endoscopy resource utilisation were measured.

Results
379 patients had Cytosponge assessment for Barrett's oesophagus. 34 (9%) required endoscopy for either an abnormal cytology or an inadequate sample. Cytosponge assessment picked up many pathologies including high-grade dysplasia, oesophageal carcinoma and ulceration or atypia. All patients who had a Cytosponge have been booked for endoscopy for their next Barrett's assessment (in keeping with current guidelines); none have presented with inter-test malignancy. Over the same time period, three patients have presented with oesophageal cancer who have only had endoscopic assessment. Utilisation of capsule-sponge technology has saved almost 350 endoscopies (700 points) over 21 months, or over 70 endoscopy lists.

Conclusion
Utilisation of capsule-sponge assessment for Barrett's oesophagus is safe and effective and can have a rapid and sustainable effect on reducing demand on endoscopy lists. The procedure is better tolerated than endoscopy, reproducible and may be a more accurate method of Barrett's surveillance than endoscopy alone.