bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study on Radon (222Rn) Exhalation Rate in the Rocks Used as Building Materials in Tiruchirappalli District, TN, India
Authors: G. Sankaran Pillai  , P. Shahul Hameed  , S. M. Mazhar Nazeeb Khan  
Published: October 2024

Tiruchirappalli district is naturally endowed with rich building material resources, like stone, granite, sand, brick, cement etc. which are also used in the neighbouring districts. Hence, measurement of radon level in these building materials is important, because radon, a radioactive gas, is one of the major causative factors for human lung cancer and it is important to assess its impact on human health. The present study was undertaken to measure the activity concentrations of radon in 14 sedimentary rock (sand stone) quarries and 9 igneous rock (granite) quarries spread over Tiruchirappalli district. The Sealed Can Technique using Solid State Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD) was employed for the measurement of radon emanation. The activity concentrations of radon in sedimentary rocks analyzed ranged from 13.2 - ±0.7 Bq m-3 to 218.0 - ± 10.6 Bq m-3 with the geometric mean activity level of 46.3 Bq m-3. However, radon concentrations in igneous rocks are distinctly higher than those of sedimentary rocks and ranged from 95.6 - ± 8.0 Bq m-3 to 1140 - ±95.0 Bq m-3 with the geometric mean activity concentration of 392.6Â±2.1 Bq m-3. The geometric mean radium concentration (CRa) recorded in both sedimentary (3.4 - ±2.3 Bq kg-1) and igneous rocks (50.2 - ±2.1 Bq kg-1) were well within the limit prescribed for dwellings (370 Bq kg-1). The mass and surface exhalation rates were also calculated in all the rock samples. The study concludes that the sedimentary rocks and the igneous rocks analyzed were radiologically safe (less than the permissible limit of 600 Bq m-3) when used as building materials except the granite rocks from Narthamalai (682 - ±57.3 Bq m-3) and Vilathupatti (1140.0 - ±121 Bq m-3).
Academic connections to socio-economic movements: Are there lessons for Fair Trade from the co-operative movement?
Authors: Reed Darryl 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Historically, the co-operative movements and Fair Trade movements are amongst the most prominent socio-economic movements. One of the many features that they have in common is the close relations that both movements have had with academics, including the latters’ roles in the generation, transmission and application of knowledge related to these movements. This article examines the degree to which academics have been able to support these two movements through the generation of recognized bodies of knowledge, the development of fields of study and the establishment of knowledge management systems among practitioners, and raises the question of whether academics involved in the much newer Fair Trade practice might benefit by drawing upon lessons from the considerably longer history of academics involved in co-operatives studies, especially their organization of national and international scholarly associations.
Ultra-high-capacity band and space division multiplexing backbone EONs: multi-core versus multi-fiber
Authors: Arpanaei Farhad , Zefreh Mahdi Ranjbar , Natalino Carlos , Lechowicz Piotr , Yan Shuangyi , Rivas-Moscoso José M. , González de Dios Óscar , Fernández-Palacios Juan Pedro , Rabbani Hami , Brandt-Pearce Maite , Sánchez-Macián Alfonso , Hernández José Alberto , Larrabeiti David , Monti Paolo 
Published: October 2024

Both multi-band and space division multiplexing (SDM) independently represent cost-effective approaches for next-generation optical backbone networks, particularly as data exchange between core data centers reaches the petabit-per-second scale. This paper focuses on different strategies for implementing band and SDM elastic optical network (BSDM EON) technology and analyzes the total network capacity of three sizes of backbone metro-core networks: ultra-long-, long-, and medium-distance networks related to the United States, Japan, and Spain, respectively. Two BSDM strategies are considered, namely, multi-core fibers (MCFs) and BSDM based on standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) bundles of multi-fiber pairs (BuMFPs). For MCF-based BSDM, we evaluated the performance of four manufactured trench-assisted weakly coupled (TAWC) MCFs with 4, 7, 13, and 19 cores. Simulation results reveal that, in the regime of ultra-low (UL) loss and inter-core crosstalk (ICXT), MCF-based throughput can be up to 14% higher than SSMF BuMFP-based BSDM when the core pitch exceeds 43 µm and the loss coefficient is lower than that of standard single-mode fibers. However, increasing the number of cores with (non-)standard cladding diameters, UL loss, and ICXT coefficient is not beneficial. As core counts increase up to 13 for non-standard cladding diameters (<230µm), the core pitch and loss coefficient also increase, leading to degraded performance of MCF-based BSDM compared to SSMF BuMFP-based BSDM. The results indicate that, in scenarios with 19 MFPs, SSFM BuMFP-based BSDM outperforms 19-core MCF-based scenarios, increasing the throughput by 55% to 73%, from medium-backbone networks to ultra-long ones.
Lithium niobate electro-optical modulator based on ion-cut wafer scale heterogeneous bonding on patterned SOI wafers
Authors: Li Zhuoyun , Chen Yang , Wang Shuxiao , Xu Fan , Xu Qiang , Zhang Jianmin , Zhu Qiannan , Yue Wencheng , Ou Xin , Cai Yan , Yu Mingbin 
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a high-performance heterogeneous silicon on insulator (SOI)/thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) electro-optical modulator based on wafer-scale direct bonding followed by ion-cut technology. The SOI wafer has been processed by an 8 inch standard fabrication line and cut into 6 inch for direct bonding with TFLN. The hybrid SOI/LN electro-optical modulator operated at the wavelength of 1.55 μm is composed of couplers on the Si layer and a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) structure on the LN layer. The fabricated device exhibits a stable value of the product of half-wave voltage and length (V
π
L) of around 2.9  V·cm. It shows a good low-frequency electro-optic response flatness and supports 96 Gbit/s data transmission for the NRZ format and 192 Gbit/s data transmission for the PAM-4 format.
Population and transmission dynamics model to determine WHO targets for eliminating Hepatitis C virus in Thailand
Authors: Astley Jennifer , Saralamba Sompob , Poovorawan Kittiyod , White Lisa Jane , Aguas Ricardo , Pan-ngum Wirichada 
Published: October 2024

Background
Hepatitis C Virus is endemic to many areas of Thailand, whose population structure is tending towards older age groups as birth rate and mortality decrease. With around 790,000 cases in 2019, prevalence is still relatively high, but the World Health Organisation has called for elimination of HCV by 2030.

Methods
An age structured compartmental transmission model was used to explore the effectiveness of screening strategies with respect to WHO elimination goals, as well as the effect of changing population structure on the success or failure of such strategies.

Results
Population structure did not appear to affect the timeline of elimination targets and screening individuals over the age of 30 at a high (50% per year) coverage could bring forward achievement of the incidence elimination target by four years compared to baseline (approximately 6% per year). Achievement of mortality elimination targets was not reached until after the end of the simulation (2040), and intensive screening strategies did not appear to lead to incidence elimination by 2030.

Conclusion
The model suggested that with age-targeted screening programmes incidence elimination could be brought forward by several years. However, WHO elimination goals may not be met by 2030.
Development of a toolkit to help parents/caregivers manage feeding problems in autistic children: A protocol for a realist synthesis and toolkit co-design
Authors: Connor Zoe L. , Atkinson Lou , Bryant-Waugh Rachel , Maidment Ian , Blissett Jacqueline 
Published: October 2024

Many autistic children have feeding problems, typically eating a limited range of foods. Feeding problems affect quality of life, health, and development. Research suggests that parents are often unsure when to or whether to seek help. When they do, local provision of help across the UK is often lacking. A toolkit could offer a tailored, accessible, and scalable early intervention to support parents. We aim to develop the blueprint of a toolkit to help parents/caregivers manage feeding problems in their autistic children. Medical Research Council guidance on developing complex interventions informs three successive work packages:

Realist review: a literature search and analysis using realist theory of logic to construct programme theory(s) in line with RAMESES (Realist And Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards) guidance.
Realist evaluation: interviews of three groups: autistic children, young people and adults (experts), parents/caregivers of autistic children (parents), and professionals who help parents manage feeding problems (professionals) across the UK. Analysis of verbatim interview transcripts using realist theory of logic to refine programme theory(s).
Co-design of the toolkit blueprint: behaviour change theory applied to the programme theory(s) will generate candidate components for the online tool. A blueprint (a detailed textual outline) will be co-designed.

A participatory research team of experts, parents, and professionals will be involved in each work package. Where consensus is needed it will be reached by asynchronous nominal group technique. A PPI (public and patient involvement) advisory group of experts and parents will ensure the project is relevant, respectful, and accessible. Findings of each step will be disseminated via journal publications, conferences, social media, as well as PPI-co-produced webinars and a dissemination event. On completion, this project will provide the foundation for the subsequent development and refinement of the prototype toolkit.
A pilot study examining periodontally healthy middle-aged humans and monkeys display different levels of alveolar bone resorption, gingival inflammatory infiltrate, and salivary microbiota profile
Authors: Lin Bingpeng , Pathak Janak L. , Gao Hongbin , Zhou Zijun , Ser Hooi-Leng , Wu Lihong , Lee Learn-Han , Wang Lijing , Chen Jianming , Zhong Mei 
Published: October 2024

Background
Monkeys are an appropriate model for periodontal research owing to their similar dental anatomy and physiology unlike humans. Extensive literature exists on pathological periodontitis in monkeys and humans, although concerns regarding whether healthy middle-aged monkeys and humans display the same periodontal and oral microbial status remains unclear.

Aims and objectives
The current study aimed to compare alveolar bone resorption, gingival inflammatory infiltrate, and salivary microbiota profile in periodontally healthy middle-aged humans and monkeys.

Methods
CBCT examination and histological analysis were performed to compare the periodontal status in middle-aged healthy humans and monkeys. Oral saliva16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the oral microbial profile.

Results
The alveolar resorption was compared between humans and monkeys, to determine the periodontal health. The percentage attachment of attachment loss was more around the posteriors teeth in humans when compared to monkeys (p<0.05). The degree of gingival inflammation was analyzed in both the groups, the expression of CD 34,45was higher in humans. 16S rRNA analysis demonstrated less diversity of salivary microorganisms in humans than in monkeys. The relative abundance of Aggregatibacter, Haemophilus, Gemella, and Porphyromonas at the genus level was significantly less in humans than in monkeys (p(<0.05).

Conclusion
The periodontally healthy middle-aged humans and monkeys display different alveolar bone resorption and gingival inflammatory infiltrate levels. Furthermore, the salivary microbiota profile showed distinctly different oral microbiomes in these two primates. Our results suggest that the difference in alveolar bone status and gingival inflammatory infiltrate in healthy humans and monkeys might be associated with the diversity of the oral microbiome.
Incidence of Occult Hepatitis B Infection (OBI) and hepatitis B genotype characterization among blood donors in Cameroon
Authors: Mbencho Macqueen Ngum , Hafza Nourhane , Cao Le Chi , Mingo Victorine Ndiwago , Achidi Eric A. , Ghogomu Stephen Mbigha , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P. 
Published: October 2024

Background
Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is characterized by the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA at low levels in serum (<200 IU/mL) with a negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test. OBI remains a major challenge to blood safety, particularly in HBV-endemic regions like Cameroon, where HBV detection relies solely on HBsAg testing. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the actual incidence and genotype characteristics of OBI in Cameroonian blood donors.

Methods
Between March and June 2023, samples were collected from 288 HBsAg-negative blood donors aged 18 to 55 years and analysed for antibodies against the HBV core (anti-HBc) and surface antigens (anti-HBs). Following DNA extraction from the serum samples, qualitative nested PCR and quantitative real-time PCR were used to detect HBV viral DNA and viral load respectively. For positive samples, sequencing of a fragment of the S gene was performed to identify the circulating HBV genotypes.

Results
The findings revealed that 58% (n = 167/288) of blood donors tested positive for anti-HBc, 29% (n = 83/288) tested positive for anti-HBs, and 26% (n = 75/288) being positive for both anti-HBc and anti-HBs. Occult hepatitis was confirmed in 4.5% of the blood donors, all of whom belonged to either HBV genotypes A or E, which are predominant in Cameroon. The amino acid substitution sA184V associated with HBsAg detection failure in genotype E was observed in 70% of OBI sequences, and the HBsAg immune escape variants (sT131N and sS143L) implicated in OBI were also observed. The mutation rtN139K in the reverse transcriptase (RT) domain of the overlapping HBV polymerase (P) gene was present in 17% of OBI-positive sequences of genotype E, likely contributing to masking HBsAg secretion.

Conclusion
The results suggest a considerable risk of transfusion-transmitted HBV in this region. Therefore, to ensure blood safety, nucleic acid testing (NAT) is recommended, as relying solely on HBsAg assays is insufficient to eliminate this risk.
Efficacy and safety of short segment pedicle screw fixation in patients with neurologically intact burst fractures of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine: a meta-analysis of studies published over the last 20 years
Authors: Grin A. A. , Talypov A. E. , Kordonskiy A. Yu. , Karanadze V. A. , Lvov I. S. , Smirnov V. A. , Abdrafiev R. I. 
Published: October 2024

Objective. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the surgical treatment of patients with uncomplicated burst fractures of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine and to determine the effectiveness and safety of short transpedicular fixation (TPF) in this patient group.Material and Methods. The study included articles with the following criteria: publication date from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2023; patient sample descriptions involving uncomplicated burst fractures from T10 to L5; TPF involving one segment adjacent to the fractured vertebra in both cranial and caudal directions without spinal fusion; descriptions of treatment outcomes or complications; and an average follow-up period of at least 12 months. Meta-analysis was conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, version 2.2.064. Depending on the level of heterogeneity (I² test), either a fixed-effects or random-effects model was applied. Begg’s or Egger’s test was used to assess publication bias, and any bias present was corrected using the trim-and-fill method.Results. The application of TPF resulted in a significant reduction in the overall Cobb angle by 5.9 degrees in the percutaneous group and by 7.6 degrees when using a midline approach. Regarding AVBCR (anterior vertebral body compression ratio), a reduction of 24.0 % and 24.8 % was observed in both groups, respectively. The overall complication rates were as follows: superficial infection, 2.2 %; deep infection, 2.0 %; and implant-associated complications, 5.6 %. No patient developed a neurological deficit. The levels of work adaptation W1 and W2 on the Denis scale were achieved in 70.9 % of patients. The overall quality of life, as measured by the Oswestry Disability Index, averaged 13.4 %.Conclusions. Short transpedicular fixation without additional spinal fusion or laminectomy appears to be an effective and safe method for treating burst fractures of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine without neurological deficits. This method allows for regression of kyphotic deformity in the long-term post-injury period by at least 5.9 degrees and restoration of anterior vertebral height by 24 %. The approach demonstrated relatively low overall postoperative complication rates. More than 90 % of patients were able to return to full-time work, either in their previous position or with reduced physical demands.
Perioperative and early complications of extended instrumental fixation for spinal deformity in children: what does the application of the Clavien – Dindo classification reveal and what questions does it raise?
Authors: Mushkin A. Yu. , Petukhova V. V. , Pershin A. A. , Maletin A. S. , Malamashin D. B. , Kuklina S. A. , Evseev V. A. , Kostik M. M. 
Published: October 2024

Objective. To analyze complications of extended posterior instrumental fixation for spinal deformity in children in accordance with the Clavien – Dindo classification and to assess its information content and limitations.Material and Methods. A retrospective single-center cohort study included 136 patients aged from 1 year to 17 years 11 months consecutively operated in 2020–2023 for thoracic and lumbar spine deformities associated with congenital, neuromuscular, syndromic, idiopathic scoliosis and Scheuermann’s kyphosis. At least four spinal motion segments were included in the zone of posterior instrumental fixation. All perioperative events and postoperative complications noted in the medical records were registered in accordance with the Clavien – Dindo classification. An analysis of factors influencing the development of complications of grade IIIB and higher was carried out.Results. With a total apparent high number of complications/events (55 or 40.4 % of the number of operations), the vast majority of them correspond to grade I–II (41; 30.1 %) and do not affect the tactics and outcome of treatment. Complications of grade III and IV were noted in 13 (9.6 %) cases, and of grade V – in 1 (0.7 %) case. The influence of deformity etiology, gender, age or underweight on the risk of grade IIIB and IVA complications was not revealed, which may be due to the limited number of observations. The installation of more than 18 transpedicular screws, which correlated with surgery duration and blood loss volume, was significant for the development of such complications. The results obtained were compared with those presented in the literature, the information content and limitations of the use of the Clavien – Dindo classification in spine surgery were discussed.Conclusion. A significant part of the complications of spinal deformity correction in children is conventionally not taken into account in domestic practice and, accordingly, cannot be prevented. The use of the Clavien – Dindo classification allows estimating the frequency of complications that potentially do not affect (grade I–II) and affect (grade III–IV) the tactics of postoperative treatment and outcomes. The installation of 18 or more supporting elements of instrumentation is directly related to surgery duration, intraoperative blood loss volume and the risk of developing grade IIIB and IVA complications. Larger data sets are needed for a more objective analysis of the risk of severe complications for each nosology.
Revision surgery for chronic pyogenic spondylitis: analysis of a monocenter cohort with a minimum 1 year follow-up
Authors: Naumov D. G. , Mushkin A. Yu. , Vishnevsky A. A. 
Published: October 2024

Objective. To analyze the structure of complications and follow-up results of revision surgeries in patients operated on for chronic nonspecific spondylitis (CNS).Material and Methods. Revision interventions due to the development of complications corresponding to type IIIB according to Clavien – Dindo classification were performed in 78 patients (mean age 58 years 6 months ± 11 years 2 months) with CNS who had previously undergone reconstructive surgery on the spine. The timing of complications was analyzed according to Prinz classification. The structure of complications and factors potentially influencing their development were evaluated. Predictors of infectious and orthopedic complications were differentiated. Follow-up period was at least 1 year (M ± m = 3 years 3 months ± 1 year 2 months). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, version 22.0.Results. The estimated frequency of Clavien – Dindo grade IIIB complications after surgical treatment of CNS was 11.3 %. In 44 (56.4 %) of 78 cases, indications for revision surgery were due to infectious complications, and in 34 (43.6 %) – to orthopedic complications. The Charlson comorbidity index was 4.5 ± 1.8 with no intergroup differences between infectious and orthopedic complications (p = 0.052). The duration of primary interventions (p < 0.001) and blood loss (p = 0.010) were higher in patients with infectious complications. The average preoperative ODI was 48.3 ± 13, with a higher value in the infectious complications group (F = 5.146, p = 0.026). The timing of complications and the location of primary reconstruction influenced both the ODI score (F = 6.622, p < 0.001) and the type of complications (Pearson’s χ2 = 14.224, p = 0.014). The patient age had no effect on the location of complications (p = 0.349, F value = 1.137). Preoperative neurologic deficit was noted in 23 patients, regression was recorded in 11 cases, including complete in 6 and within the same functional class in 5 cases. The complication rate in the long-term period after revision surgery was 14.1 %.Conclusion. Infectious complications of primary interventions in patients with chronic nonspecific spondylitis prevail over orthopedic ones. Significant predictors of the development of complications are the patient age > 55 years, the Charlson comorbidity index > 3, duration of surgery > 2 hours 30 minutes, and blood loss volume > 250 ml.
L5–S1 Spondylolisthesis: What Has Changed in 20 Years? A Review of Key Issues in Comparison with Personal Experience
Authors: Nazarenko A. G. , Vetrile M. S. , Kuleshov A. A. , Makarov S. N. , Lisyansky I. N. , Zakharin V. R. , Sharov V. A. , Aganesov N. A. 
Published: October 2024

The very first issue of the Russian Journal of Spine Surgery (2004;(1):39–46) published an article entitled “Surgical Treatment for L5 Spondylolisthesis with Transpedicular Fixators”. Twenty years later, the authors analyzed changes in approaches to surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis, taking into account the experience in surgical treatment of this pathology gained at the N.N. Priorov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopaedics. The issues of classification, fixation methods, reduction, changes in sagittal balance, the possibility of using additive technologies and possible complications of surgical treatment are considered.In conclusion, it is noted that the development of surgical treatment methods, the study of biomechanical features, the introduction of additive technologies and much more enable improving the outcomes of spondylolisthesis treatment.