bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decisions on eating and drinking in older adults admitted with pneumonia and referred for swallowing difficulties
Authors: Yoshimatsu Yuki , Hansjee Dharinee , Markowski Marianne , Essex Ryan , Smithard David G. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Older patients with pneumonia are commonly restricted from oral intake due to concerns towards aspiration. Eating and drinking with acknowledged risks (EDAR) is a shared decision-making process emphasising patient comfort. As part of our project to find the barriers and facilitators of EDAR, we aimed for this initial study to see how frequently EDAR was selected in practice.

Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study at an acute hospital where EDAR was initially developed, of patients aged ≥ 75 years-old admitted with pneumonia and referred to speech and language therapy.

Results
Out of 216 patients, EDAR decisions were made in 14.4%. The EDAR group had a higher 1-year mortality than the modified/normal diet groups (p < 0.001). Pneumonia recurrence rate did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.070).

Conclusion
EDAR decisions were comparatively less common and most were associated with end-of-life care. Underlying reasons for the low EDAR application rate must be investigated to maximise patient autonomy and comfort as intended by EDAR while minimising staff burden.
Development of Magnetic Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (MSPE) Method for the Extraction and Preconcentration of the Selected β-Blockers in the Environmental Wastewaters
Authors: Waleng Ngwako Joseas , Selahle Shirley Kholofelo , Mpupa Anele , Zhang Yongjun , Nomngongo Philiswa Nosizo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEmerging organic pollutants s have always been the greatest environmental concern due to their ubiquity and distinguished adverse effects. These are mostly water-bone pollutants flagged as endocrine disruptors and can greatly inconvenience the ecosystem. Among others, β-blockers have also been detected in the environment at various concentrations that threaten the well-being of humans and animals. In this work, NH2-MIL-101(Cr) doped magnetic nanoparticles nanocomposite was successfully synthesised and characterised using analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Fe3O4@NH2-MIL-101(Cr) was then used as an adsorbent to extract the selected β-blockers in the environmental wastewater. The selected β-blockers were quantified using a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Parameters affecting the extraction were screened and optimised using fractional factorial design (FFD) and central composite design (CCD), respectively. Under optimum conditions, the LODs were 0.057 and 0.065 µg L− 1, and LOQs were 0.19 and 0.22 µg L− 1 for acebutolol (ACE) and metoprolol (MET), respectively. The calibration curve exhibited the linearity range of 0.2–1200 µg L− 1 with correlation coefficients of 0.9987 and 0.9968 for ACE and MET, respectively. Repeatability studies demonstrated the %RSD of 0.63 and 0.74% for MET and ACE. At the same time, reproducibility studies displayed the %RSD of 1.057 and 1.178% for MET and ACE, respectively. Spike recovery experiments were carried out to assess the performance of MSPE in real samples, and over 88% of both analytes were recovered. This indicated that the MSPE method could enrich various organic pollutants from different environmental matrices.
Cupriavidus B-7 immobilized biochar: an effective solution for Cd accumulation alleviation and growth promotion in pakchoi (Brassica Chinensis L.)
Authors: Sun Yefang , Ouyang Da , Cai Yiming , Guo Ting , Li Mei , Zhao Xinlin , Zhang Qichun , Chen Ruihuan , Li Fangzhen , Wen Xiujuan , Xie Lu , Zhang Haibo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCd contamination, especially in farmland soil, can pose serious threats to human health as well as ecological security. Stabilization is an important strategy for agricultural soil Cd remediation. In this study, a Cd-resistant strain (Cupriavidus B-7) was isolated and loaded onto cow manure (CDB), rice straw (RSB) and pine wood biochar (PB) to investigate its effects on Cd stabilization by a 60-day pot experiment. Results indicated that the Cupriavidus B-7-loaded biochar (labelled as CDBB, PBB and RSBB) reduced the CaCl2-extractable Cd by 43.06–59.78%, which was significantly superior to individual applications of Cupriavidus B-7 and biochar. Likewise, the soil physicochemical properties, urease, catalase and phosphatase activities were improved, indicating improved soil health. Consequently, dry weights of pakchoi’s shoot and root were increased by 938.9–1230.9% and 149.1–281.2%, respectively, by applying CDBB, PBB and RSBB. Meanwhile, the Cd accumulation in pakchoi shoots decreased by 38.06–50.75%. Notably, the RSBB exhibited an optimal performance on pakchoi growth promotion and Cd accumulation alleviation. The structural equation model indicated the synergistic effect on pakchoi growth promotion and Cd accumulation decreased between biochar and Cupriavidus B-7. Our research provides some new insights into the development of strategies for green and sustainable remediation of Cd-contaminated soil.
Graphical Abstract
Maximizing the value of liquid products and minimizing carbon loss in hydrothermal processing of biomass: an evolution from carbonization to humification
Authors: Marzban Nader , Libra Judy A. , Rotter Vera Susanne , Herrmann Christiane , Ro Kyoung S. , Filonenko Svitlana , Hoffmann Thomas , Antonietti Markus 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHydrothermal carbonization (HTC) converts wet biomass into hydrochar and a process liquid, but aromatic compounds in the products have been reported as a roadblock for soil applications as they can inhibit germination, plant growth, and soil microbial activity. Here, we compared HTC and hydrothermal humification (HTH) of cow manure digestate while varying the initial alkaline content by adding KOH. HTH converted 37.5 wt% of the feedstock to artificial humic acids (A-HAs) found in both solid and liquid, twice that of HTC. HTH reduced phenolic and furanic aromatic compounds by over 70% in solids and 90% in liquids. The A-HAs in HTH resemble natural humic acids (N-HA), based on FTIR, UV–vis spectra, and CHN and XRD analysis. The HTH liquid possesses 60% higher total organic carbon (TOC) than HTC. Although one-third of TOC can be precipitated as A-HA, a high TOC concentration remains in the liquid, which is shown to be mainly organic acids. Therefore, we also evaluated the HTC and HTH liquids for anaerobic biomethane production, and found that compared to the original cow manure digestate, the HTH liquids increased methane yield by 110.3 to 158.6%, a significant enhancement relative to the 17.2% increase seen with HTC liquid. The strong reduction in organic acids during biogas production from HTH liquid indicates the potential for converting soluble byproducts into methane, while maintaining high A-HAs levels in the solid product.
Graphical Abstract
Sustainable Synthesis of Graphene Oxide from Waste Sources: A Comprehensive Review of Methods and Applications
Authors: Silva Weeraddhana Chethana Himeshani , Zafar Muhammad Adeel , Allende Scarlett , Jacob Mohan Vadakkedam , Tuladhar Rabin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGraphene-based materials have gained significant attention due to their unique mechanical, chemical, thermal, and optical properties. Among these, Graphene oxide (GO) is one of the promising materials extensively studied. Unlike other graphene derivatives, GO is chemically modified with diverse oxygenated functional groups, rendering it more hydrophilic. It serves as a precursor for graphene synthesis. Notably, recent researchers have focused on synthesising GO using alternative low-cost carbon-rich materials such as coconut shells, sugarcane bagasse, tea, pine leaves and scrap tyres instead of graphite. These non-conventional carbon sources decrease the demand for costly, non-renewable graphite, increase reliability, and offer an eco-friendly approach to waste management. This comprehensive review aims to explore accessible methods for synthesising graphene oxide and highlight various alternative feedstocks utilising agricultural, industrial, and plastic waste as precursors. Furthermore, a comparative assessment of various production methods and their performance in different applications is outlined to provide insights for the commercialisation of GO in future applications.
The Existential Challenges of Stress, Trauma, and Psychopathology and Their Integration to the Self: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Authors: Ravn Ib 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn much current research on stress, trauma, and psychopathology, there is a converging interest in the role of the stress response in engendering trauma, emotional dysregulation, and mental illness. Both the acute stressors known from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the early-life, persistent stressors involved in complex PTSD, may create a stress response that is not properly downregulated. This leaves the person in a permanent state of high arousal and hypervigilance, common characteristics of many psychiatric disorders. It is suggested that such stressors are examples of the challenges that confront everyone: trivial, optimal, or overwhelming. Trivial challenges are mundane, optimal challenges invite learning and development, and overwhelming challenges may lead to trauma and mental ill-being. For a promising perspective on life’s challenges, we turn to Self-Determination Theory (SDT). In SDT, mental health and human flourishing derive from the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs: for autonomy, competence and relatedness, as well as from the integration of experiences and challenges to the self. It is proposed in this paper that the overwhelming challenges involved in trauma and psychopathology are experiences that frustrate or thwart psychological needs and thus fail to integrate to the self. Such experiences may still be internalized, albeit as “introjects”—“thrown in,” swallowed whole, not digested properly. They remain outside of the self, exerting pressure on it through guilt, shame, ego-involvement, pride, etc., in the process producing much anguish and mental pain. Thus, as challenges are part and parcel of the human experience, trauma and psychopathology appear as outcomes of human development, rather than as essentially incomprehensible aberrations.
Outcomes of Comprehensive Service Delivery and Early Interventions in Countering Youth Exclusion
Authors: Thøgersen Marthine 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe high rates of young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET) are an international concern. At the core of the European Union’s (EU), policy agenda is the reduction of youth unemployment and the active engagement of as many young people as possible in the workforce. The need for holistic services, interagency collaboration, and early intervention have been highlighted as important measures to reduce the risk of youth becoming NEET and subject to long-term unemployment. However, although highlighted as important, little is known about how these factors affect NEET rates. This study addresses this issue by exploring whether comprehensive service delivery, including holistic and collaborative approaches, and early interventions aimed at preventing youth from disengaging from education or employment, may explain the outcome of local NEET rates. Empirically, this study consists of multiple steps. An initial multilevel regression analysis of all Norwegian municipalities provided the basis for strategically selecting 18 municipalities based on their consistently higher or lower NEET rates than predicted when controlling for individual and structural factors that are shown to impact NEET risk. Semi-structured interviews in these municipalities regarding local work with NEETs provided the data, which were analysed using a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative method (fsQCA). The results suggest that the engagement of public employment and social services (PESS) in early intervention measures aimed at preventing youth from ending up in a NEET situation, combined with either extensive collaboration with other services or a holistic-oriented local (mental) healthcare service, may indeed explain lower NEET rates.
Study of CNC skew rolling of hollow rail axles with a mandrel
Authors: Bulzak Tomasz , Pater Zbigniew , Tomczak Janusz , Wójcik Łukasz 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe manuscript presents a new manufacturing technology for the production of hollow railway axle forgings. The manufacturing technology analyzed is based on three-roll skew rolling (TRSR) using a computer numerically controlled (CNC) rolling mill. The study focused on comparing the rolling capability of hollow products without and with a mandrel calibrating the hole of the forging. The influence of tube billet size on the rolling process was also analyzed. FE analysis and experimental studies were carried out. An analysis of the accuracy of the internal hole of the forging depending on the adopted parameters of the rolling process was carried out. Based on numerical simulations, the state of strain and the flow pattern of the material and temperature distribution during rolling were determined. The force parameters of the rolling process of hollow forgings were also analyzed. Based on the research, a two-stage rolling technology for rolling hollow railway axle forgings was proposed. The results obtained indicate the suitability of using a calibrating mandrel to improve hole accuracy in hollow forgings rolled from a tubular billet. The gap c between the bore diameter of the forging and the diameter of the mandrel was measured. Increasing the tubular billet dimensions from Ø42.4 × 10 mm to Ø48.3 × 12.5 mm reduced the gap c by 49.8%. Rolling the billet Ø51 × 14.2 mm in two passes compared to rolling in one pass reduced the gap c by 45.5%.
The influence of laser texturing on the tribological behavior of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V in medical applications
Authors: Woźniak Anna , Bialas Oktawian , Adamiak Marcin , Hadzima Branislav , Szewczenko Janusz 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper analyzes the tribological behavior of the Ti6Al4V ELI alloy subjected to laser texturization for medical purposes. Laser texturing enables one to observe specific patterns of the material surface at established depths. Microtexturing of the samples was performed using a 355 nm picosecond laser. The influence of the microtexturing process (depending on the process parameters) on the geometric parameters of the proposed laser texturing pattern was evaluated. Selected samples were subjected to tribological testing using the ball-on-plate technique in dry and lubricant-sliding methods (in Ringer solution). The wear properties were evaluated by comparing the coefficient friction, wear volumes, and wear ratio. A scanning electron microscope characterized the morphologies of the wear scar and the wear mechanism. The experimental results show that the surface texturing and the changes in microgrooves can reduce wear. The results indicate, that samples after laser texturing were characterized by 15% higher microhardness, compared to those in the initial state. It was found, a 26% reduction in friction coefficient and 29% in the wear volume compared to the smooth, untextured surface samples under lubricated conditions. The decrease in value of the coefficient friction and wear volume for the samples after the laser texturing process is an effect of synergistic of entrapped wear debris in micro-grooves and increased hardness for samples after laser textured.
Choosing a maternity hospital: a matter of travel distance or quality of care?
Authors: Koller Daniela , Maier Werner , Lack Nicholas , Grill Eva , Strobl Ralf 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
The choice of a hospital should be based on individual need and accessibility. For maternity hospitals, this includes known or expected risk factors, the geographic accessibility and level of care provided by the hospital. This study aims to identify factors influencing hospital choice with the aim to analyze if and how many deliveries are conducted in a risk-appropriate and accessible setting in Bavaria, Germany.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional secondary data analysis based on all first births in Bavaria (2015-18) provided by the Bavarian Quality Assurance Institute for Medical Care. Information on the mother and on the hospital were included. The Bavarian Index of Multiple Deprivation 2010 was used to account for area-level socioeconomic differences. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the strength of association of the predicting factors and to adjust for confounding.

Results
We included 195,087 births. Distances to perinatal centers were longer than to other hospitals (16 km vs. 12 km). 10% of women with documented risk pregnancies did not deliver in a perinatal center. Regressions showed that higher age (OR 1.03; 1.02–1.03 95%-CI) and risk pregnancy (OR 1.44; 1.41–1.47 95%-CI) were associated with choosing a perinatal center. The distances travelled show high regional variation with a strong urban-rural divide.

Conclusion
In a health system with free choice of hospitals, many women chose a hospital close to home and/or according to their risks. However, this is not the case for 10% of mothers, a group that would benefit from more coordinated care.
Evaluating the measurement invariance of the parenting practices scale in the Caribbean
Authors: Green David S. , Burke Taniesha , Maitland Scott B. , Lipps Garth 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess the factor structure and measurement invariance of the three-factor (nurturance, monitoring, discipline) 29-item Parenting Practices Scale across four Caribbean islands—Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, The Bahamas, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—with data from 1948 adolescent Caribbean grade 10 students. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted, and the findings supported the original three-factor model, and factor loading invariance was found across the four Caribbean islands. These findings suggest that this parenting measure may be used to compare perceptions of parental behaviors among adolescents in the English-speaking Caribbean with some limitations that are discussed.
Microstructure Design of Multiphase Compositionally Complex Alloys II: Use of a Genetic Algorithm and a Vanishing Cracked Particle Model
Authors: Bhattacharyya Jishnu J. , Wischhusen Mark A. , Agnew Sean R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAchieving high strength, ductility, and toughness via microstructure design is challenging due to the interrelated dependencies of strength and ductility on microstructural variables. As a natural extension of the microstructure design work in Bhattacharyya and Agnew (Microstructure design of multiphase compositionally complex alloys I: effects of strength contrast and strain hardening, 2024), an optimization framework to obtain the microstructure that maximizes the toughness is described. The strategy integrates a physics-based crystal plasticity model, which accounts for damage evolution within the reinforcement through a “vanishing cracked particle” model that is governed by Weibull statistics, and a genetic algorithm-based optimization routine. Optimization constraints are imposed in the form of bounds on the microstructure parameters such that they are most likely attainable by conventional thermomechanical processing. Various matrix strain hardening behaviors are considered, as well as the strength contrast between the two phases and fracture behavior of the reinforcement. It is shown that the addition of a fine-grained (hard) reinforcing phase is preferred as is a matrix that exhibits sustained strain hardening such as is observed under TRIP/TWIP scenarios. Finally, the Pareto-optimal set of solutions for several scenarios are presented which offer new insights into the linkages between microstructure and mechanical properties.
Computing Diversity Paradigm for the Utilization of Unused Telephony and Marine Infrastructure
Authors: Periola A , Obayiuwana E. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractComputing systems play a significant role in data storage and processing. They enable the execution of data processing in data intensive domains such as astronomy. Therefore, having access to computing platforms is important for capital constrained astronomy organizations (CCAOs). The CCAOs need computing facilities to process the data acquired from an increasing number of telescopes. It is important to ensure that CCAOs execute the required computing at low cost. The research proposes the astronomy computing diversity paradigm to address this challenge for the CCAO. The proposed astronomy computing diversity paradigm uses disaggregated servers to design Class A and Class B data centres. The low–cost computing is realized by reducing computing platform operational costs. In the proposed solution, the Class A data centre uses unutilized telephony infrastructure intended for telephony. The Class B data centre is hosted in aquaria arrays. The Class B data centre reduces the cooling costs by using water in big aquaria. The performance evaluation is done focusing on the power usage effectiveness (PUE) and the angular resolution. Results show that using the aquaria-based data centre enhances the PUE and angular resolution by 22.3% and 40.4% on average, respectively. It reduces the operational costs by 79% on average.
Unlocking value: circular economy in ngos' food waste reduction efforts in Brazil and Togo
Authors: Ouro-Salim Omar , Guarnieri Patrícia , Fanho Ayawovi Djidjogbe 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article delves into the intriguing realm of food waste valorization conducted by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in two distinct locales—Brasilia, Brazil, and Lomé, Togo. The primary focus of this exploration is the lens of the Circular Economy (CE), a concept that emphasizes the sustainable utilization of resources within closed loops. The discourse is further enriched by introducing the notion of upcycling, a complementary force to the Circular Economy, particularly within the intricate web of food supply chains. The ReSOLVE framework, a strategic approach for managing food waste, is a guiding light in this research. Upon dissecting the outcomes, noteworthy limitations come to the forefront, shedding light on the challenges of aligning NGOs from both countries with the principles of the Circular Economy in their food waste management endeavors. These challenges assume heightened significance against the backdrop of the intricate global food security landscape, effectively underlining the intricacies of harmonizing the Circular Economy's ambitions with the pragmatic goal of diminishing food waste. The overarching objective of this study is to galvanize circular-oriented initiatives that can effectively curtail and prevent food wastage on a global scale, with a particular emphasis on developing nations. This pursuit is underscored by the triad of benefits such initiatives confer: economic advancement, social amelioration, and a positive ecological footprint. In an era where sustainability stands as a paramount concern, this research advocates for concerted efforts to harmonize the noble ideals of the Circular Economy with the pressing need for food waste reduction, especially within regions striving for holistic growth and development.