bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Gross Alpha, Gross Beta Activities, Heavy Metal Concentrations, and Cancer Risk Assessment in Isparta's Drinking Tap Water
Authors: MANAV Ramazan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this study, tap water samples were collected from different locations in the city center of Isparta. Gross alpha and gross beta activity concentrations were determined according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocol. The annual effective dose and lifetime cancer risk were calculated. The gross alpha activity concentrations ranged from 37 mBq/L to 136 mBq/L, and gross beta activity ranged from 111 mBq/L to 181 mBq/L. These values are below the World Health Organization (WHO) limits of 500 mBq/L for alpha and 1000 mBq/L for beta activities. The lifetime cancer risk assessment for adults, based on these concentrations, ranged from 0.59x10-4 to 2.36x10-4 (mean 1.37x10-4), with the highest value being lower than the UNSCEAR standard of 0.29x10-3. Additionally, concentrations of several heavy metals, including arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and thallium (Tl), were measured at 0.0016, 0.0417, 0.0002, 0.0027, 0.005, 0.0016, 0.0088, 0.0028, and 0.0043 ppm, respectively. The concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Se were below the WHO and EPA recommended limits. However, Hg and Tl concentrations were below the WHO limits but exceeded EPA standards. The cancer risk assessment was performed based on the concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, and Cr using the EPA's cancer slope factors. The calculated Hazard Index (HI) for these heavy metals was found to be lower than the EPA's critical level.
A study on porosity and mechanical properties of the open aluminum metal foam through Spark Plasma Sintering SPD Technique
Authors: Mahto Raju Prasad , Bhadauria Alok , Bandhu Din 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aluminum metal foam, distinguished by its lightweight nature, exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, and distinctive cellular structure, has emerged as a highly promising material with extensive applications across diverse industries. Various fabrication techniques, including the Sintering and Dissolution Process (SDP) and powder metallurgy, have been explored to produce metal foams. However, challenges persist in achieving uniform pore sizes and distributions, especially at temperatures surpassing the base material's melting point. To overcome this hurdle, simultaneous loading and heating during fabrication have been proposed, with Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) emerging as a viable solution. This study delves into the manufacturing of aluminum metal foam utilizing NaCl space holders via SPS, investigating variations in space holder volume to analyze pore morphology and porosity. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the resulting foams are examined, providing valuable insights into the potential of SPS for crafting aluminum metal open foams with tailored properties. Porosity analysis, conducted through X-ray micro CT, reveals porosity ranging from 55–70% in metal foams with NaCl space holder volume fractions of 60–80%. Notably, a maximum energy absorption capacity of 23 MJ/mm3 is achieved in a metal foam with 57% porosity.
Inventory Analysis and Environmental Life Cycle Impact Assessment of Hotel Food Waste Management for Bio-Circular Economy Development in Zimbabwe
Authors: Nhubu Trust , Mbohwa Charles 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study is an inventory analysis and environmental life cycle assessment (ELCA) of hotel food waste management (FWM) for bio-circular economy development in Zimbabwe. An audit of the food waste generation and inventory analysis of the prevailing FWM practices at the selected three hotels was undertaken. The greenhouse gas emissions from the prevailing disposal of FW at dumpsites and proposed biological treatment of FW were evaluated using the Tier 1 FOD method and Tier 1 method of biological treatment under the 2019 refined 2006 IPCC guidelines. ELCA was also conducted for the open dumping, composting and anaerobic digestion. The average FW generation within the Zimbabwean hospitality industry was estimated at 1.63 kg/guest/day with a maximum and minimum of 1.01 and 2.25 kg/guest/day respectively. These waste generation figures are lower than the reported figures from other studies and jurisdictions. Source separation of FW is currently being practiced though the source separated FW is indiscriminately collected by Municipal Waste collection trucks for final disposal at the official landfills or dumpsites rendering the FW source separation a futile exercise hence the need for an offtake system in the form of composting or anaerobic digestion (AD) for the FW. The disposal of FW at SWDS contributes to the highest GHG emissions followed by composting that brings about a maximum of 75% reduction in GHG emissions. AD brings about a maximum reduction in GHG emissions of 97%. ELCA results show that AD is the best methods leading to net negative environmental impacts.
Isolation of KH2PO4 from crude glycerol purified using Acromonia aculleata charcoal as adsorbent and its application in the synthesis of methyl salicylate.
Authors: Freitas Milton de Souza , de Sousa João Victor G. , Pedro Moises , Nelson David Lee , Neri Claudio Roberto , Zanatta Lucas D. , Rocha Raphael Ferreira , Pontes Rafaela Paula Carvalho , de Freitas Filipe Soares , Pantoja Lílian de Araújo , Santos Alexandre Soares dos , Bueno Gabriel de P. , Clososki Giuliano C. , Barbosa Sandro LUIZ 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Activated charcoal was prepared from Acrocomia aculeata (macaúba) endocarp by ZnCl2 activation. The charcoal was used for the adsorptive purification of pretreated crude glycerol (CG) and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4 or KDP) was formed by the addition of H3PO4 to the crude glycerol containing KOH, which was used as catalyst in the production of biodiesel and glycerol. The KH2PO4 was isolated and purified by recrystallization from aqueous solution. The KH2PO4 was characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) and spectrophotometry in the infrared region – FTIR. From 216.0 g of crude glycerol, 20.1038 g of purified KH2PO4 was obtained. The KH2PO4 was used in a simple, regioselective, green method as a selective base for the methylation of the salicylic acid (SA) carboxylate group using DMS as the methylating agent in the production of MS at reflux temperature (90 oC). The present method has a short reaction time, and it is simple with excellent yields of MS. In this process, DMS was used in excess because it has been shown to be an excellent eco-friendly, aprotic solvent for the SN2 mechanism. The reuse of organic waste was accompanied by the transformation of DMS into the K2SO4 drying agent and H3PO4 into KH2PO4, a source of potassium and phosphate in fertilizers. This reaction is the first example of the use of KH2PO4 as a useful selective base for methylation, and the present method obeys the reduce-reuse-recycle (RRR) principle for the development of a green protocol. Microbial susceptibility tests were accomplished by adding suspensions of microorganisms and spreading them on the surfaces of the Mueller Hinton and YPMD agar culture media, in which there were central wells containing 60 µL of pure MS, which inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Sporothrix sp, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Galactomyces geotrichum, Candida orthopsilosis and Candida akabanensis.
Are female Pardosa spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae) from a Mexican coffee crop more efficient than males in capturing a standard prey of various sizes?
Authors: Pale Mauricio Alejandro Olvera , Pale Mauricio Alejandro Olvera , Hernández Luis Fernando García , Rodríguez-Morales Dulce 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Wolf spiders (Lycosidae) are considered one of the main groups of predators in economically relevant crops. Despite their importance, most studies have focused on Nearctic species and have aimed to determining diet composition and analyzing predation primarily using female spiders as models. Although it is known that male spiders also hunt and consume prey effectively, the type and quantity of prey consumed by males may, due to sexual dimorphism, complement that of females. There is an evident lack of information regarding to males which limits their knowledge as potential biological control agents. The study aimed to experimentally assess prey acceptance, immobilization time, and the length of predatory behavior in both female and male Pardosa spiders when exposed to a standard prey (Acheta domesticus) of different sizes. Our findings revealed no significant differences between females and males in terms of prey acceptance, immobilization time, or length of predatory behavior. The increase in relative prey size was related to a decrease in prey acceptance by the spiders. Furthermore, prey immobilization time and length of predatory behavioral sequences increased in relation to increasing prey size. Our findings support the idea that both female and male Pardosa spiders are voracious predators with similar trophic attributes. Size emerges as a critical factor in prey selection by these generalist predators. Understanding the preferred prey size range can be useful for selecting beneficial controllers in various crops.
Mechanical Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete: Comparative Analysis and Structural Implications
Authors: Dahake Hemant B , Shinde Bhushan H 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study evaluates the mechanical properties of different types of fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete (SCC), namely steel fiber (SFSCC), glass fiber (GFSCC), and polypropylene fiber (PFSCC), compared to plain SCC. Compressive strength tests reveal that SFSCC achieves the highest strength improvements, reaching 40.41 MPa at 0.5% fiber dosage. While SFSCC shows slightly lower split tensile strength values than plain SCC, GFSCC and PFSCC exhibit increasing tensile strength with higher fiber dosages. Flexural strength enhancements are observed across all fiber-reinforced SCC types, with SFSCC leading in performance. Moreover, SFSCC consistently demonstrates superior shear strength, particularly at higher shear span to depth ratios, compared to GFSCC, PFSCC, and plain SCC. These findings highlight the significant benefits of fiber reinforcement in enhancing the mechanical properties of SCC, offering tailored solutions for improving structural durability and performance in construction applications. Future research could focus on optimizing fiber dosages and combinations to further enhance specific performance criteria in diverse engineering contexts.
Secular change in seaweed species composition and coverage of Sargassaceae on the artificial reef in Wakasa Bay, Japan
Authors: Matsui Akira , Kawamura Masakatsu , Nozawa Shigehiro , Takeyama Masatomo , Inoue Naoya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The threat of declining seaweed beds has been a concern around the world. Seagrass and seaweed (brown algae) beds are essential habitats supporting fisheries. However, approximately 22% of these habitats have been lost in Japan due to increased coastal landfill sites and ports. This study aims to rehabilitate the depletion of these habitats by constructing an artificial reef in Wakasa Bay, Japan, and monitoring Sargassaceae succession in the second and fourth years after the construction was completed. In this study, we set up four sites on the artificial reef. Then we identified the seaweed species composition and coverage of the Sargassaceae using underwater visual observation by scuba divers. The seaweed coverage was already over approximately 80% in the second year after construction. However, the dominant species changed to Sargassum horneri in the second year after construction and Myagropsis myagroides in the fourth year after construction. Thus, the recovery of species composition takes longer than that of coverage. Therefore, when the artificial reef is constructed, it is important to observe the recovery of species composition.
Land Cover and Drought Risk Assessment in Türkiye's Mountain Regions Using Neutrosophic Decision Support System
Authors: Ateşoğlu Ayhan , Ayyıldız Ertuğrul , Karakaya İrem , Bulut Fidan Şevval , Serengil Yusuf 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Earth observation (EO) provides dynamic scientific methods for tracking and defining ecological parameters in mountainous regions. Open-source platforms are frequently utilized in this context to efficiently collect and evaluate spatial data. In this study, we used Collect Earth (CE), an open-source land monitoring platform, to reveal and assess land cover, land cover change, and relevant ecological parameters such as drought risk. Mountain ecosystems were subject to an evaluation for the first-time by combining remote sensing with an hybridization of Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for Neutrosophic sets in risk assessment problems of several connected criteria. The high and dispersed high alpine environment of Türkiye accommodates land with relatively less human influence, making it suitable to observe climate change impacts. In the framework of the study, we evaluated more than two decades (2000–2022) of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes at the mountains regions of the country. Using nine identified ecological parameters, we also evaluated drought risk. The parameters included were the LULC classes and their change, elevation, slope, aspect, precipitation, temperature, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), water deficit, and evapotranspiration (ET). The risk map we produced revealed a high to very high drought risk for almost throughout the Türkiye’s mountainous areas. We concluded that integrating geospatial techniques with hybridization is promising for mapping drought risk, helping policymakers prepare effective drought mitigation measures to reasonably adapt to climate change impacts.
Gene-statin interaction study identifies 9 loci that moderate statin effectiveness in blood lipids
Authors: Verhulst Brad , Harris Jennifer , Adams Amy M. , Benstock Sarah E. , Tong Carl W. , Case Adam J. , Hettema John M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia, and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) in particular, is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke. High LDL-c is primarily treated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins. If statins interfere with the genetic pathways that endogenously increase the risk for hyperlipidemia, gene-statin interactions may identify individuals that are more sensitive to these drugs. Accordingly, we performed genome-wide gene-statin interaction analyses for LDL-c and two related lipids: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and triglycerides (TG). Our results suggest statins selectively reduce LDL-c heritability. More specifically, we identified five genome-wide significant gene-statin interactions for LDL-c, two gene-interactions for HDL-c, and four gene-interactions for TG. Fifteen loci remained associated with LDL-c despite statin treatment, revealing treatment-resistant genotypes and suggesting additional genetic targets for drug development, enhancement, and repurposing. These results are an important step towards using targeted treatments for patients with hyperlipidemia.
Muscle weakness due to vasculitic neuropathy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhang Hua , Tong Qiang , Dai Sheng-Ming 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The vasculitic neuropathies are a group of disorders that result from inflammatory destruction of nerve blood vessels and subsequent ischaemic injury. It’s not a common but severe complication in rheumatoid arthritis. It’s difficult to make a diagnosis especially when the patient is under regular treatment. It is imperative that rheumatologists recognize these disorders to initiate treatment promptly and prevent morbidity.
Long-term analysis of ABI auditory performance in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2-related schwannomatosis
Authors: Daoudi Hannah , Torres Renato , Mosnier Isabelle , Ambert-Dahan Emmanuelle , Liagre-Cailles Amélie , Smail Mustapha , Nguyen Yann , Ferrary Evelyne , Sterkers Olivier , Lahlou Ghizlène , Kalamarides Michel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose This retrospective monocentric study aimed to evaluate long-term auditory brainstem implant (ABI) function in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2, and to investigate the prognostic factors for ABI use. Methods Between 1997 and 2022, 27 patients with at least five years of follow-up underwent implantation with 32 ABIs. At 1- and 5-years post-implantation and at last follow-up, ABIs were classified as used or non-used and the size of the ipsilateral tumor was recorded. For patients who used their ABIs, we assessed speech perception (disyllabic words, MBAA sentences) in quiet conditions with the ABI only, by lip-reading (LR), and with a combination of the two (ABI + LR). Hearing improvement was calculated as ABI=(ABI + LR)–LR scores. Predictive factors for ABI use were analyzed. Results One year post-implantation, 74% patients were ABI-users and 66% of the ABIs were used. Two of these patients were non-users at five years, and another two at last follow-up (14 ± 5.2 years); 54% of the patients were ABI-users at last follow-up. ABI revealed a hearing improvement of 32–41% (disyllabic words) and 28–37% (MBAA sentences). Among 16 ABIs with at least LR improvement at 1-year post-implantation, 4 decreased their performance, coinciding with a large growing ipsilateral tumor in 3/4 ABIs. We identified no significant prognostic factors for ABI use. Conclusions ABIs are indicated in case of bilateral deafness with a non-functional cochlear nerve. Half the patients with ABIs used their implants and auditory performance remained stable over time, except in cases of ipsilateral tumor growth.
SMARTINI3: Systematic Parametrization of Realistic Multi-Scale Membrane Models via Unsupervised Learning and Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Soleimani Alireza , Risselada Herre Jelger 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this study, we utilize genetic algorithms to develop a realistic implicit solvent ultra-coarse-grained (PC) membrane model comprising only three interaction sites. The key philosophy of the ultra-CG membrane model SMARTINI3 is its compatibility with realistic membrane proteins, for example, modeled within the Martini coarse-grained (CG) model, as well as with the widely used GROMACS software for molecular simulations. Our objective is to parameterize this ultra-CG model to accurately reproduce the experimentally observed structural and thermodynamic properties of PC membranes in real units, including properties such as area per lipid, area compressibility, bending modulus, line tension, phase transition temperature, density profile, and radial distribution function. In our example, we specifically focus on the properties of a POPC membrane, although the developed membrane model could be perceived as a generic model of lipid membranes. To optimize the performance of the model (the fitness), we conduct a series of evolutionary runs with diverse random initial population sizes (ranging from 96 to 384). We demonstrate that the ultra-CG membrane model we developed exhibits authentic lipid membrane behaviors, encompassing self-assembly into bilayers, vesicle formation, membrane fusion, and gel phase formation. Moreover, we demonstrate compatibility with the Martini coarse-grained model by successfully reproducing the behavior of a transmembrane domain embedded within a lipid bilayer. This facilitates the simulation of realistic membrane proteins within an ultra-CG bilayer membrane, enhancing the accuracy and applicability of our model in biophysical studies.
Effect of acute hypervolemic hemodilution and fluid restriction on bleeding in hepatectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fu Yueyan , Liang Peng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Reducing bleeding in hepatectomy is beneficial to patient prognosis. Restricted fluid infusion based on the low central venous pressure (LCVP) concept is often advocated in hepatectomy to reduce intraoperative bleeding, but its safety and efficacy are controversial. Acute hypervolemic hemodilution (AHH) is used for blood protection in a variety of procedures, its use in liver surgery has not been reported in the literature. This study aims to investigate the effect of LCVP-guided restrictive infusion and AHH on intraoperative bleeding in hepatectomy.
METHODS
This historical cohort study collected data from 358 patients who underwent hepatectomy at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from July 2017 to November 2022, and classified them into the fluid restriction group (group L) and AHH group (group A) according to the different perioperative fluid management strategy. To determine if the two groups differed in intraoperative bleeding, postoperative alterations of biochemical indicators, and the occurrence of pulmonary complications.
RESULTS
358 patients were enrolled according to inclusive and exclusive criteria, including 143 patients in group L and 215 in group A. There was no difference between the two groups in intraoperative bleeding, blood transfusion rate, postoperative hospital stay, intraoperative infusion, the incidence of postoperative pleural effusion and pulmonary infection, coagulation indicator, liver and kidney function-related indicators. However, intraoperative urine decreased by 22.2 mL/h in group L compared to group A (P = 0.003), the norepinephrine use rate was 21.0% in group L and 8.8% in group A (P = 0.001), the albumin loss decreased by 1.4 g/L in group L compared to group A (P = 0.01).
CONCLUSION
There was no difference between the effect of AHH and LCVP-guided restrictive infusion strategy on intraoperative bleeding in hepatectomy, and the use of AHH was associated with an increase in intraoperative urinary output and a decrease in norepinephrine use rate. This study overthrows the previous idea that fluid infusion must be restricted during hepatectomy and provides a new idea for fluid management strategy, which is helpful for circulation management during partial hepatectomy.