bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D printing of realistic body phantoms: Comparison of measured and simulated organ doses on the example of a CT scan on a pregnant woman
Authors: Kunert Patrizia , Schlattl Helmut , Trinkl Sebastian , Honorio da Silva Edilaine , Reichert Detlef , Giussani Augusto 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundMedical examinations or treatment of pregnant women using ionizing radiation are sometimes unavoidable. In such cases, the risk of harm to the embryo and fetus after exposure to ionizing radiation must be carefully estimated. However, no commercially available anthropomorphic body phantoms of pregnant women are available for dose measurements. A promising possibility for the production of body phantoms for patient groups that are not adequately represented by the phantoms of reference persons is 3D printing. However, this approach is still in the evaluation phase.PurposeTo print the abdomen of a woman in the late stage of pregnancy and compare the dose distribution measured using thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) in the printed phantom for two different computed tomography (CT) protocols with the corresponding results of Monte Carlo simulations on voxel models of the pregnant woman.Materials and methodsThe physical phantom was produced through multi‐material extrusion printing using different print materials identified in previous studies to simulate homogeneous soft tissues and the mean compositions of maternal and fetal bones. The 3D printed abdomen was combined with a conventionally produced anthropomorphic female phantom to obtain a whole‐body phantom of a pregnant woman. Dose values resulting from two different CT scans acquired at tube voltages of 80 and 120 kV were measured using TLDs positioned in the physical phantom and cross‐validated with the results of Monte Carlo simulations performed for two different voxel models. The first was a voxelized model of the produced phantom itself and the second a realistic digital model of a pregnant woman. Representative CT values of the materials used in the printed phantom were determined from the acquired CT images.ResultsThe CT values of maternal and fetal tissue structures in the phantom are comparable to CT values of real human tissues. The difference between most organ doses measured in the 3D printed phantom and simulated in the voxel models was below 20% and equivalent within the measurement uncertainties. Only the dose to the fetal head was up to 50% higher and not equivalent for the realistic model and the 80 kV‐protocol. As expected, the agreement was better for the voxelized than for the realistic model. For both models a slight energy dependence was observed, with larger deviations for the 80‐kV protocol especially for organs located in the pelvic region.ConclusionIndividualized physical body phantoms, such as that of a pregnant woman, can be produced using 3D printing. The good agreement between measured and simulated doses to the fetus cross‐validates both dosimetric methods. Therefore, this study demonstrates the suitability of 3D printing phantoms for patients not adequately represented by commercially available body phantoms of reference persons.
Levels of grit in patients with borderline personality disorder: Description and prediction
Authors: Glass Isabel V. , Frankenburg Frances R. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Zanarini Mary C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study describes the 6‐year course of grit scores among patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who have and have not experienced a symptomatic and psychosocial recovery. This study also explores predictors of grittiness in BPD patients. These patients (N = 224) were assessed as part of the McLean Study of Adult Development (MSAD). Levels of grit were assessed using the Grit Scale, a self‐report measure assessing overall grittiness and three sub‐scales of grit: consistency of interest, perseverance, and ambition. Recovered patients reported significantly higher levels of grit on three outcomes (overall grit, perseverance, and ambition) compared to non‐recovered patients across time. One temperamental factor (conscientiousness) and one childhood factor (competency) were significant multivariate predictors of overall grit scores in patients with BPD. Taken together, these results suggest that recovered BPD patients have higher levels of grit that are stable across time. These results also suggest that grit is related to both temperamental and environmental factors.
Rural gentrification, the booming B&B industry and linked migration in China: To what extent can gentrification contribute to rural revitalisation?
Authors: Chen Chen , Luo Zhanyi , Zhu Jin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAccompanying the functional transformation of rural areas from productivism to postproductivism, the rural areas with scenic views surrounding megacities are re‐evaluated in terms of their importance as destinations for visitors, especially in the case of booming bed and breakfast (B&B) industry in contemporary rural China. While private investment has generally led to improvements in the physical space and economic development of these villages, there is also concern about the negative effects of rural gentrification, such as the commercialisation of rural space, the alienation of rural culture and the displacement of indigenous residents. This study examines the multifaceted nature of rural gentrification by observing two villages within the Moganshan Mountain area—the birthplace of rural B&Bs in China, and explores how these processes have been leveraged to promote rural revitalisation. Research findings suggest that disparities in original resources and property rights allocation underpinning the B&B industries among the first‐wave gentrifiers and the local villagers, when viewed through the lens of linked migration, may lead to different socioeconomic outcomes. The B&B industry's growth can either be exclusive, primarily favouring gentrifiers, or complementary, fostering mutual benefits and learning opportunities for both gentrifiers and local villagers. Moreover, forming a collaborative network of rural villagers, returning migrants, and external elites can contribute to rural revitalisation through gentrification. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of rural gentrification by adding evidence from the Global South and provide insights to inform Chinese rural revitalisation policies, especially alternatives to traditional state‐led revitalisation projects.
Influence of crop rotation, the treatment of crop residues, and the application of nitrogen fertilizers on soil properties and maize yield
Authors: Mukhametov Almas , Ansabayeva Assiya , Efimov Oleg , Kamerova Anar 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis inquiry is aimed at discerning the impact of various agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, the incorporation of plant residues, and the application of mineral fertilizers, on soil health and crop productivity, notably focusing on maize production. Cultivation included maize (Zea mays), velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens), soybeans (Glycine max), and vetch (Vicia sativa). After harvest, maize seeds were sown across all 48 plots to evaluate the influence of preceding crop rotation on soil properties and maize yield. Hypotheses posited in the study suggested that crop rotation, nitrogen fertilizer application, and the incorporation of crop residues positively impact soil fertility. The study further argues that the utilization of cover crops in crop rotation aids in nitrogen retention within the soil and enhances yield. The results were processed utilizing a two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with interaction and post hoc comparisons. The findings confirm that crop rotation, nitrogen fertilizer application, and incorporation of crop residues influence soil fertility. The study found that crop rotation and nitrogen fertilizers have a significant impact on soil properties. Crop rotations such as “velvet beans‐maize” and “soybeans‐maize” increased soil fertility by 10%–15% compared to crop rotations of “vetch‐maize” and maize monocultures. Nitrogen fertilizers increased the total nitrogen content in the soil by 5%–10% in both years. Crop residues also positively affected soil properties, increasing pH and total nitrogen by 1%–5%. The study demonstrates that crop rotation, nitrogen fertilizers, and crop residues can be effective management methods for improving soil fertility and reducing the risk of nitrate leaching.
New Arene and/or Heteroarene‐Linked 1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles: Synthesis of Potential Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin‐Resistant Enterococcus Inhibitors
Authors: Mekky Ahmed E. M. , Abdelbaath Rawan A. , Abdelbaath Rana A. , Marie Ahmed E. , Arafa Mohamed A. , Halim Eslam E. , Sanad Sherif M. H. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBacterial infections, particularly those associated with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus (VRE), threaten public health and economies, with rising antibiotic resistance resulting in more deaths yearly. In this study, we investigated the bacterial inhibitory activity of some new 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles prepared, in good yields, using a two‐step tandem protocol. Therefore, the appropriate N‐benzoylhydrazones were prepared first, then, without isolation, underwent oxidative‐cyclization in the presence of chloramine trihydrate. More 4‐acyloxyphenyl‐linked 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles were prepared by the pyridine‐mediated acylation of 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles with the appropriate acyl chlorides. Some new products demonstrated good activity, particularly against S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis strains. The 4‐(5‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl)phenyl acetate showed comparable antibacterial activity to ciprofloxacin, with MIC/MBC values up to 3.6/7.2 µM against the previous strains. Moreover, it demonstrated good inhibitory activity against different MRSA and VRE strains when compared to linezolid. It had MIC/MBC values of 7.2/14.4 and 14.4/57.8 µM against MRSA and VRE strains, respectively.
Anion Storing Boron Nitride Hybrid Nanosheets for High‐Performance Dual Ion and Zinc Alkaline Full Cells
Authors: Min Dong Hyun , Jung Mingyu , Nguyen Phuong Minh , Xiong Peixun , Lee Sang Joon , Han Xiaotong , Li Wenwu , Yu Xu , Shin Hyeyoung , Dunn Bruce , Park Ho Seok 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHexagonal boron nitride (BN), a well‐known member of 2D materials, has a structure similar to graphene and is often referred to as white graphene. Despite its unique physical and chemical properties for energy storage applications, there have been very few studies on how BN stores anion carriers. Herein, the hybrid architecture and anion storage mechanism of BN nanosheets for high‐performance hybrid energy storage full cells based on dual‐ion and Zinc (Zn) alkaline systems is demonstrated. The chemical bonding between BN and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is attributed to the formation of the heterointerface, which facilitates the charge transfer kinetics during an OH storing process. Based on the reversible surface redox reaction of BN and rGO hybrid (BN@rGO) confirmed by computational and spectroscopic analyses, the BN@rGO electrode is applied to both Na and OH dual‐ion and Zn alkaline full cells. In the dual‐ion system, Ti3C2‖BN@rGO full cells extended the operating voltage range up to 1.7 V, delivering a cell capacity of 49.4 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 and retaining 80% of its initial capacity after 40 000 cycles. In the Zn alkaline system, Zn‖BN@rGO full cells achieved a cell capacity of 58.1 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 and retained 80% capacity over 90 000 cycles.
Enhancing E‐Healthcare Data Privacy Through Efficient Dual Signature on Twisted Edwards Curves Encryption Decryption
Authors: Farhat Suryya , Kumar Manoj , Srivastava Anshul , Bisht Shilpi , Rishiwal Vinay , Yadav Mano 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThis article introduces a scheme designed to ensure the integrity and privacy of e‐healthcare data. The proposed scheme combines a dual signature approach with EdDSA (Edwards‐curve Digital Signature Algorithm). It is important to note that while dual signatures may appear similar to double signatures, they differ significantly. Dual signatures involve coupling two distinct values of diverse natures to securely anonymise them to various entities. Recent research has demonstrated that elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) is better suited for resource‐constrained or lightweight devices than RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman). EdDSA, an enhancement of ECDSA, offers efficient and affordable signature generation. However, EdDSA signature verification is a computationally intensive task that may not be feasible for e‐healthcare devices. Nevertheless, edge computing devices lack operational constraints and can easily handle this verification process. These characteristics make our proposal an elegant, robust, and efficient strategy for securing e‐healthcare systems and addressing the challenges of integrity and privacy. Results show that the proposed algorithm performs better in terms of key generation, signing time, verification time, encryption/decryption time and overall time as compared to the state‐of‐the‐art.
Prevalence of bovine fasciolosis and direct financial losses in cattle slaughtered in Bamenda and Bafoussam abattoirs, Western Highlands, Cameroon
Authors: Atanga Heinendez Merrius , Ntonifor Ngum Helen , Mahamat Oumar 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundBovine fascioliasis is a parasitic disease that affects cattle. It leads to direct and indirect great economic loss due to animal mortalities, growth retardation and expenditure on anthelmintics, reduction livestock productivity and essentially condemnation of infected liver by inspection service. The study was carried out to determine the seasonal prevalence and estimated financial losses of fascioliasis in cattle in the Western Highlands of Cameroon.MethodologyA total of 2167 cattle were selected. Later, the cattle, have being the carcasses, were dissected, and the livers were dissected and carefully examined for adult liver flukes. Faeces were collected immediately after the cattle were killed and examined using the formol‐ether concentration technique. Condemned livers were weighted to estimate the financial losses using the average price of a kilogram of liver.ResultsA total 428 of cattle were found with infected livers or egg in the faeces giving a total prevalence of 19.75%. Among the infected carcass, 18.64% had both the Fasciola eggs in the faeces and flukes in the liver while 1.10% had only flukes in the liver. Results revealed that prevalence of Fasciola spp. was significantly higher during the rainy season (23.48%) than 16% in the dry season (p = 0.00). A significantly (p = 0.000) higher prevalence was also observed in females (33.9%) than in males (13.1%). Age range showed significant (p = 0.000) influence with the animals of 8–10 years old recorded the highest prevalence of 39.3%. Furthermore, 433.1 kg of liver was condemned giving a direct financial loss of 1221,550 FCFA (2049.64 USD) and an annual financial loss due to liver condemnation estimated to 1814,775 (3045.01 USD).ConclusionFindings of this study indicated that bovine fascioliasis is prevalent in cattle in the Western Highlands of Cameroon, and it leads to an important financial loss particularly in the rainy season.
Detection and characterization of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli carrying virulence gene isolated from broilers in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Sirazul , Nath Chandan , Hasib F. M. Yasir , Logno Tahia Ahmed , Uddin Md. Helal , Hassan Mohammad Mahmudul , Chowdhury Sharmin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe emergence and dissemination of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria pose a severe threat to public health by limiting clinical treatment and prophylactic options.ObjectivesThis study investigates the prevalence of Escherichia coli in broilers, their phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles and the presence of virulence‐associated genes (VAGs) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Materials and methodsA total of 216 pooled cloacal samples were collected from 1080 broilers across six districts of Bangladesh. Each pooled sample comprised randomly selected cloacal swabs from five birds per farm. E. coli isolates were identified using standard bacteriological approach, followed by biochemical assays and PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method, and the presence of ARGs and VAGs was determined via PCR. Five selected isolates were partially sequenced for five VAGs using Sanger sequencing.ResultsA total of 177 E. coli isolates (81.94%, 95% confidence interval: 76.24%–86.53%) were identified. The isolates showed the highest resistance to ampicillin (93.79%), followed by tetracycline (91.53%), erythromycin (89.27%) and ciprofloxacin (87%). Conversely, ceftriaxone (80.79%) showed highest susceptibility, followed by gentamicin (37.29%) and neomycin (31.07%). All isolates were MDR, with a multiple antibiotic resistance indexes were <0.3. A significant percentage (16.38%) of E. coli isolates were MDR to five antimicrobial classes and harboured blaTEM, sul1, ere (A), tetA, tetB and tetC genes. The highest prevalent ARGs were blaTEM (88.14%) followed by ere (A) (83.62%) and sul 1 (72.32%). The prevalence of VAGs was astA (56.50%), iucD (31.07%), iss (21.47%), irp2 (15.82%) and cva/cvi (3.39%), respectively.ConclusionsThis study highlights the presence of ARGs contributing to the development of MDR in E. coli carrying VAGs in broilers. Effective monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial usage in poultry production systems are urgently required to prevent emergence and dissemination of AMR.
Effects of cinnamon, rosemary and oregano on growth performance, blood biochemistry, liver enzyme activities, excreta microbiota and ileal morphology of Campylobacter jejuni‐challenged broiler chickens
Authors: Alimohammadi Zahra , Shirzadi Hassan , Taherpour Kamran , Rahmatnejad Enayat , Khatibjoo Ali 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundPhytogenic additives would be helpful to mitigate the detrimental impact of Campylobacter jejuni on broiler chickens.ObjectiveThe experiment aimed to assess the effects of cinnamon, rosemary and oregano powder on physiological responses of broiler chickens challenged with C. jejuni from 0 to 42 days of age.MethodsA total of 192 one‐day‐old male broiler chickens were divided into 6 treatment groups. The treatments included: negative control (NC; basal diet without additives and no C. jejuni challenge), positive control (PC; basal diet with C. jejuni challenge), PC with cinnamon, rosemary or oregano powder (3 g/kg each), and PC with Erythromycin (55 mg/kg). Except for the NC group, all chicks were orally challenged with 2 × 108 CFU/mL C. jejuni daily from days 21–25. Feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), energy efficiency ratio (EER) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were assessed during the rearing period (0–42 days). On day 42 of age, fresh excreta samples were collected from each pen to determine apparent dry matter digestibility and excreta microbiota. In addition, at the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to evaluate blood profile and liver enzyme activities.ResultsC. jejuni challenge (PC treatment) decreased BWG, EER and PER, while increasing FCR of broiler chickens (p < 0.05), whereas rosemary, oregano and Erythromycin improved these performance parameters akin to NC. PC diet showed negative effect in ileal morphology, alleviated by additives except cinnamon (p < 0.05). Dietary additives successfully reduced Campylobacter levels and increased Lactobacilli counts in the PC. Rosemary and oregano lowered plasma total cholesterol (p < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase elevation by C. jejuni challenge in the PC group was prevented by rosemary, oregano and Erythromycin (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOregano and rosemary alleviate the impact of C. jejuni challenge.
Laminar boundary layers in three‐dimensional MHD natural convective flow past a semi‐infinite vertical plate with variable sinusoidal suction
Authors: Ahmed Nazibuddin , Bormudoi Mridusmita , Gohain Dipunja 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe primary goal of this study is to investigate how the diffusion‐thermo and thermo‐diffusion affect a three‐dimensional hydromagnetic natural convective flow of a radiating fluid past a uniformly moving isothermal and isosolutal semi‐infinite vertical plate subjected to a sinusoidal suction velocity. The asymptotic series expansion method is adopted to solve the equations governing the flow model and to find the analytical solutions. The effect of variable suction on the flow and transport characteristics is mainly highlighted in the study. Both the diffusion‐thermo and thermo‐diffusion effects improve the fluid velocity.
Trends and Publication Patterns of Environment–Structure–Strategy–Performance Relationship: A Bibliometric Perspective
Authors: Ștefan Simona Cătălina , Popa Ion 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe present research started from the premise that although there is a long history of studying the four concepts independently and the relationships between various combinations of them, in terms of a unitary holistic approach, there is still an uncovered need in terms of empirical research. Therefore, the purpose of the bibliometric analysis, that is the subject of this chapter, is to provide a suggestive picture of the landscape created by academic papers published in the last half century on this topic. The bibliometric analysis allowed for the highlighting, from a quantitative perspective, the publication patterns and the main trends in the study of the relations between “environment”, “structure”, “strategy”, and “performances”. Although this type of analysis is based only on a collection of bibliometric data, not including the analysis of the actual content of the work, some useful conclusions could be highlighted which could guide the future course of the research.
The Virtuous Innovation-Internationalization-Performance Circle: Evidence from the Romanian ICT Sector
Authors: Burciu Aurel , Kicsi Rozalia , Danileț Alexandra 
Published: September 2024

AbstractInnovation and internationalization are key drivers of competitiveness and performance of business organizations. This study aims to investigate the manifestation of the “virtuous circle” innovation—internationalization and the mediating effect exerted by performance in this circle in business practice, based on the results of a statistical survey of affiliates of multinational companies and domestic companies operating in the ICT sector in Romania. Overall, the results of the study suggest that in both domestic and multinational companies there is a dynamic bidirectional relationship between innovation and internationalization, and part of this relationship is mediated by performance. The study broadens the area of knowledge primarily by exploring this virtuous circle in knowledge-intensive sectors such as ICT, where innovative activity differs from that in traditional industrial sectors. Although there is a quite vast body of literature on the topic, previous studies have focused almost exclusively on manufacturing sectors. Second, the study explores this relationship within the particular context of an emerging economy that has undergone a long and painful process of economic, social, and political adjustment and is looking for new drivers of economic growth. Thirdly, the comparative approach is likely to capture strategic elements in the behavior of multinational companies, which can become models of good practice for domestic companies. Therefore, the findings of the study have management implications at micro and macro level. Thus, the relationship emerging among innovation, internationalization, and performance may concern macroeconomic policymakers in support of sectors with significant growth potential such as ICT. At the same time, managers should consider the potential for increasing competitiveness, both directly and indirectly, that this virtuous circle entails.