bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Valorization of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) as Membrane Polymer via Non-solvent Induced Phase Separation Method (NIPS) for Removal of Aqueous Contaminants
Authors: Sjahro Noerhidajat , Yunus Robiah , Abdullah Luqman Chuah , Nainggolan Marihot , Rashid Suraya Abdul , Asis Ahmad Jaril , Mahmoud Syafiie Syam , Habib Saiful Hafiz , Harun Nurhanina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) is byproducts from the palm oil processing mills currently discarded on field with less economic value, while it has a potential as precursor for cellulose feedstock as main polymer of membranes as biodegradable, environmentally benign, and renewable material. Due to its poor insolubility in most of available solvents, its utilization as matrix main polymer is limited. In this study, we transformed native and functionalized cellulose derived from OPEFB into membrane via non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) using trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and dichloroethane (DCE) as the solvent. The fabrication parameters included duration of air exposure ranging for 2,3, and 4 minutes prior to water immersion for 24 hours; and membrane composition, consisting of cellulose as main polymer, TiO2, and PEG. Based on TGA analysis, it suggests that membrane of pure cellulose has the highest decomposition temperature, while FTIR spectra of the synthesized membranes indicate complete evaporation of TFA & DCE during water immersion. The membranes were characterized to have water affinity indicating hydrophilic properties with water contact angle ranging from 16.12oto 26.4o. The membrane maximum water flux rate accounted for 172.6 L.m-2.h-1. Bar-1, while ion removal for Pb2+Cu2+and Cr3+, dye ranged from 87.3% to 98.9%, 83.98 to 99.28%, 93.6% to 99.9%, 94.3% to 99%, respectively. Meanwhile, oil rejection ranged from 98.03% to 99.36%. Thus, it can be concluded that OPEFB derived cellulose as main polymer matrices for membrane have a great potential for wastewater treatment and water purification area.
A new path towards reconstructing real-space geometries of polyatomic molecules undergoing strong field laser-induced Coulomb explosion
Authors: Sanderson Joseph , Ashrafi-Belgabad Aydin , Karimi Reza , Monfared Mohammad , Tian Kaili , Parvin Parviz , Wales Benji , Bisson Éric , Beaulieu Samuel , Giguère Mathieu , Kieffer Jean-Claude , Lassonde Philippe , Légaré François , Ibrahim Heide 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The connection between the initial structure and final momenta of ionic fragments from the Coulomb explosion of a multiatomic molecule is investigated experimentally and theoretically for OCS. We show for the first time that an approach using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) is able to rigorously model the ionization dynamics of a small molecule in the tunneling regime, reproducing the energy release and the Newton plot momentum patterns of an experiment in which OCS is ionized to the 6+ charge state using 7 fs laser pulses of 800 nm. The result suggests a pathway to unprecedented understanding of the behavior of molecules, during strong field multiple ionization and the possibility of precision imaging of real-space molecular geometries, using tabletop lasers.
Central Venous Pressure and acute kidney injury in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Zeng Zhihe , Zheng Jia , Sun Ye , Xiao Zhaoyang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

A retrospective study investigated the relationship between Central Venous Pressure (CVP) levels during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery and postoperative outcomes including Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), Low Cardiac Output Syndrome (LCOS), re-intubation, and in-hospital mortality. Data from 1,146 OPCABG cases from two hospitals were analyzed. Patients were divided into high CVP (≥ 10.1 mmHg) and low CVP (< 10.1 mmHg) groups based on Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The high CVP group had significantly higher rates of AKI (47.21% vs. 20.04%) and LCOS (8.93% vs. 3.08%) compared to the low CVP group. An intraoperative CVP ≥ 10.1 mmHg was identified as an independent risk factor for post-OPCABG AKI. The multivariable regression model showed a 40% increased risk of AKI with CVP > 10.1 mmHg (OR: 1.434, p < 0.001). This study suggests that maintaining an average intraoperative CVP < 10.1 mmHg may help reduce the risk of OPCABG-associated AKI.
Exploring Cognitive and Behavioral Dynamics of Smoking among Medical Students: A National Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Aljunaid Mohammed A. , Bukhari Haneen Saud , Alsharif Rafal Hussain , Alharbi Shahad , Alsharif Rawaf Hussain , Mehdar Safaa A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Assessment of smoking behaviors and their dynamics is a crucial domain, particularly among medical students who serve as future healthcare providers. However, the association between smoking behaviors and academic progression remains understudied in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Objectives
This study aims to determine smoking patterns, prevalence, and associated factors among medical students in Jeddah, focusing on experimentation, daily smoking, cessation efforts, awareness of health risks, and attitudes towards quitting.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from September to November 2023. Male and female medical students from the second to sixth year, enrolled in specific universities, were included. Data collection utilized a comprehensive questionnaire, adapted from the World Health Organization's questionnaire and enhanced with additional relevant items by the researchers. The questionnaire, comprising of eight sections, was administered online over a three-month period. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.
Results
About 30.8% reported ever smoking, with 21.6% currently smoking. Among ever-smokers, 43.1% began smoking during college, mostly in the second year. Stress, exploration, and peer influence were frequent reasons for initiating smoking during college years. About 32.3% never considered quitting, while 67.7% thought about it. Regarding quit attempts, 46.2% did not try, 53.8% attempted seriously, and 5.3% quit in the last year. Protective factors against smoking included health concerns and setting a good example. Most participants recognized smoking-related health hazards, with strong consensus on the effectiveness of anti-smoking measures. Notably, many participants expressed proactive attitudes towards smoking cessation interventions.
Conclusion
Smoking is prevalent among Saudi medical students, often starting in college due to stress, new experiences, and peer influence. Many consider quitting, probably supported by the educational environment and a sense of responsibility towards personal and public health. Strengthened educational frameworks, including stress management training, are crucial for fostering a health-focused professional identity.
Drop tests and numerical simulation of composite beams with corrugated web
Authors: Yu Jian , Wu Jiawei , Wang Xinfeng , Li Yuxiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

To investigate the energy absorption ability of composite beams with corrugated web in the crash process, the drop tests of composite beams with corrugated web were carried out, and the morphology of fracture, load and energy history curves were obtained. Based on the Abaqus/Explicit platform, a simulation analysis model was developed to simulate the impact collapse process of composite beams with corrugated web using secondary development. The improved Hashin criterion and Choi-Chang criterion were used with the Cohesive interface element. The anisotropy and progressive damage of composite laminates were implemented. Average loads were obtained by numerical simulation, which was verified by experimental results. Based on this model, further studies on the energy absorption of composite beams with corrugated web were analyzed with different wavenumbers. The progressive damage of corrugated web beams under impact load was simulated by the developed FE model. The relative errors of average crushing load were small, which verified the validity of the FE model. When the wave length of web was defined, the length of corrugated web beam had influence on energy absorption under impact. The shorter beam with corrugated web was unstable and ineffective in energy absorption.
Examining Macroeconomic Factors and Environmental Sustainability: An OLS Regression Analysis of the Impact of Exports, Imports, Governmental Budget, and Oil Products on CO2 Emissions in Jordan
Authors: Atyeh Mohamad , Damrah Sadeq 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship between macroeconomic factors and CO2 emissions. The study used a sample of data covering the period from 1991 to 2019 and employed ordinary least squares (OLS) method to estimate the relationship. The study found that there is a strong relationship between CO2 emissions and the macroeconomic factors of exports, imports, governmental budget, and oil products. The R-squared value of 0.717668 suggests that these variables explain approximately 72% of the variation in CO2 emissions. The coefficients for exports, imports and oil products are statistically significant at the 5% level. A negative coefficient for exports indicates that an increase in exports is associated with a decrease in CO2 emissions. On the other hand, a positive coefficient for imports suggests that an increase in imports is associated with an increase in CO2 emissions. Additionally, the positive coefficient for oil products indicates that an increase in oil product consumption is associated with a significant increase in CO2 emissions. The coefficient for the government budget variable is not statistically significant, which suggests that changes in the government budget do not have a significant impact on CO2 emissions. The results are robust and reliable as the assumptions of linearity, normality and homoscedasticity of errors were met. The study results could help policy makers in taking potential actions to mitigate CO2 emissions in the country.
Phytoremediation potential and iron fortification of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in rusty soil from sand filtration of groundwater
Authors: Ologidi Charles Godspower , Amaizu Priscillia Eberechukwu , Oweniwe Veracious Ijeoma , Ahiamadu Goodness Justice , Calabar Ekpobomene Appah , Irewande Taiwo Michael , Amanna Michael Henry , Godgift Comfort , Apiloko Jonathan Anabel , Akpofagha Ebiladei , Kunidei Jennifer Daumiebi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Rusty soil is a waste from sand filtration of groundwater, but it is improperly disposed of thereby resulting in environmental contamination. Therefore, the possibilities of cleaning up the rusty sand by phytoremediation was examined. However, given that the rusty sand is rich in iron, the possibilities of iron biofortification of crops using sorghum as a model was assessed. Sorghum plants were transferred to treatment (variable mixtures of rusty sand, sand, and manure) and control soils (rusty sand and sand) and concentration of iron was ascertained at six and thirty days after transplanting (DAT). Iron concentration in plant parts were also determined at 30 DAT and soil iron reduction, bioconcentration (BCF) and translocation factors (TF) were computed. Statistical analyses (p < 0.05) showed that the highest considerable reduction in iron was achieved with the positive control that, however, produced a lower iron concentration in plant parts. But plants in 75% three-components mixture had the highest iron concentration in plant parts. Therefore, the 75% three-component mixture was best suited for iron biofortification of vegetative plant parts. The BCF and TF were respectively below and above one (TF in leaf) and phytostabilisation/exclusion and phytoextraction/phytoaccumulation of iron were inferred.
Isolation of a virulent Vibrio alginolyticus Bacteriophage and Its Application in Shrimp culture
Authors: Wang Wenqi , Meng Xiansong , Wu Zhonghao , Fu Yubin , Li Xiaoling , Chen Shiyong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

As an opportunist pathogen, Vibrio alginolyticus, causes disease outbreaks in marine farmed fish and invertebrates. Due to problems caused by the abuse of antibiotics, it is extremely important to develop green biocontrol methods for Vibrio diseases. Phage therapy is considered a safe and promising prevention and treatment method. Here, we report that a novel virulent bacteriophage VaPW, which infects V. alginolyticus, was isolated from seawater. The bacteriophage is morphologically similar to phages from Myoviridae family. It displayed good pH (7–9) and temperature (≤ 50°C) tolerance and had a narrow host range. Its genome consists of 34,637 bp with a GC content of 43.22%, while sequence analysis revealed the presence of 41 potential ORFs, of which 26 coding sequences showed homology to functionally characterized genes. The in vitro antibacterial experiment showed that phage VaPW could effectively inhibit the growth of V. alginolyticus ATCC 33787. Moreover, the shrimp survival test demonstrated that phage VaPW has the in vivo protection effect against V. alginolyticus infection. To determine whether the putative lysozyme and holin from phage VaPW have bactericidal activity, orf26 and orf27 were cloned for protein expression and analyses in E. coli. The data revealed that co-existence of holin and lysozyme exhibited a synergistic bactericidal effect on the lysis of target cells compared with single protein alone. These results suggest that phage VaPW and its proteins may provide good candidates to control recurrent diseases caused by V. alginolyticus in marine animals.
Short-term effects of air pollutants on hospitalizations risk for circulatory disease from 2018 to 2023: a time-series study in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Gao Jun , zhou Wanling , Duan Jun , Chen HanJie , Liu Chang , Gao Yun , Liu Yan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Analyzing the acute effects of air pollutants on the circulatory diseases of residents in Shenzhen City. Provide a rationale for disease prevention and related policy development. We obtained data on 47,440 cases of hospitalization for circulatory system diseases in Shenzhen from 2018–2023, Information on the daily average concentrations of air pollutants, and meteorological information. Control of air pollutants, weather, and workdays using a generalized additive model (GAM) combined with a distribution lag nonlinear model (DLNM). Our study found that short-term exposure to CO, NO2 increased the risk of daily hospital admission for circulatory diseases. The relative risks were 1.043 (95%CI 1.002–1.084), and 1.060 (95%CI 1.001–1.123), respectively. The association of CO and NO2 with daily hospital admissions for circulatory diseases was stronger in females and < 65 years of age. CO and NO2 are the risk factors affecting the development of circulatory diseases with a certain lag. Attention should be given to protecting the vulnerable populations.
Evaluation of Clinical Pharmacy Services in Patients Receiving Antithrombotic Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: SOSYAL Damla , Bektay Muhammed Yunus , Acikgoz Nusret , Izzettin Fikret Vehbi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Antithrombotic drugs are frequently used in the Cardiology ward and patients receiving these drugs are thought to be vulnerable to drug-related problems (DRPs). The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical pharmacy services for the detection and prevention of DRPs in these patients.Methods: This prospective randomized controlled study included 400 patients receiving antithrombotic therapy in the Cardiology ward. The European Pharmaceutical Care Network Classification (PCNE v9.1) was used to assess DRPs. Patients were analyzed for readmission within 1 and 3 months after discharge.Results: The mean age of patients in the control and intervention groups was 67.2 ± 12.2 and 67.8 ± 12.3 years, respectively. Coronary artery disease (74.5%; 74.5%) and hypertension (70.5%; 70%) were the most common diseases. The number of DRPs detected was 561 in the control group and 497 in the intervention group. In both groups, the most frequently identified problem was related to treatment safety (73.62%; 74.25%). This was followed by treatment effectiveness (24.06%; 23.14%). The main causes of DRPs were drug selection (81.11%; 80.88%) and dose selection (19.08%; 16.10%). During the study, 248 (93.23%) recommendations were made for 266 clinically significant DRPs. Of these recommendations, 235 (94.76%) were accepted by physicians. The most common interventions at the drug level were changing the dose (29.65%) and starting a new drug (28.49%). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of readmission within 1 and 3 months (p > 0.05), but a numerical decrease was observed in the intervention group.Conclusion: In our study, the number of clinically significant DRPs was statistically lower in the intervention group (p < 0.05). The high acceptance rates of the recommendations regarding the problems in the intervention group showed that the clinical pharmacist had a positive contribution to the reduction of DRPs. These results suggest that the inclusion of clinical pharmacists in the healthcare team and the expansion of their services will provide a better-quality healthcare service.
Advancing Photonic Communications: High-Density Integration of a 100 Gb/s O-Band QCSE Modulator on Silicon Substrates
Authors: Skandalos Ilias , Bucio Thalía Domínguez , Mastronardi Lorenzo , Yu Guomin , Zilkie Aaron , Gardes Frederic 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

With the growth of data-intensive artificial intelligence models and the roll-out of high-capacity 5G telecom networks, the use of ultra fast transceivers with low power consumption has become essential in data centres. Quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE) modulators are one of the contender systems that offer the potential to achieve optical modulation at high data rate, whilst retaining low real estate, low power consumption and operation in the O-band. Such modulators can be fabricated using complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) materials including Ge/SiGe multiple quantum-well (MQW) stacks grown on silicon (Si), and be integrated with silicon nitride (SiN) on a Si substrate to retain CMOS compatibility and potential for large scale manufacturing. Here we demonstrate an O-band 2.5×50 µm2 Ge/SiGe QCSE modulator butt-coupled to SiN waveguides on Si and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates. With this novel waveguide integration technique and a high-index contrast waveguide interface that utilises anti-reflective coatings, coupling losses of less than 1 dB were achieved along with better than −13.58 dB back-reflection in the O-band. The static extinction ratio (ER) of the modulator remained unchanged in a 20-80 ◦C range achieving in excess of 5 dB, with a 3.01 dB dynamic ER at 50 Gb/s using an on-off keying (OOK) modulation scheme. The modulator also achieved a 100 Gb/s data rate with an ER of 2.28 dB and an average energy consumption of <70 fJ/bit, paving a way to fast and energy-efficient optical interconnects.
The carbon budget of continents is strongly influenced by overlooked lake littoral zones
Authors: Grasset Charlotte , Mesman Jorrit , Tranvik Lars , Maranger Roxane , Sobek Sebastian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In the littoral zone, at the land-water interface of lakes and running waters, the areal productivity of plants rivals that of rain forests, resulting in a potentially very high carbon (C) turnover. While tidal wetlands at the land-ocean interface are now included in global C budgets, littoral zones of inland waters are currently not accounted for. This is remarkable given that the total shoreline of inland waters is more than 20 times longer than that of the global ocean. Here we argue that ignoring littoral C turnover in inland waters potentially results in biased estimates of continental C cycling. By including for the first time the turnover of C fixed by aquatic plants in the littoral, we show that the estimated global C balance of lakes may reverse from a net C source to a net C sink. In addition, a large part of the C outgassed in the pelagic zone might originate from the littoral, implying that previous estimates of terrestrial C inputs to inland waters were too high. We argue that the quantification and modeling of littoral C fluxes is essential to more accurately estimate the feedbacks between the continents and climate.
Investigation of the Performance of Miniature Model of Venturi Flume
Authors: Hameed Hayder A. Al Thamiry Abdul Hameed Sadeq 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Venturi flume is a device used to measure discharge in the open canal. It consists of a convergent section followed by the throat and a upstream section. The current study proposes a new design for a miniature Venturi flume with reduced width. The proposed Venturi flume consists of a uniformly converging section upstream 40 cm wide, a short-throated section 20 cm wide, and a uniformly spaced section below the estuary. The floor section is level in all directions. The purpose of this miniaturization is to facilitate and reduce the cost of calculating discharge. The study of the results of the miniature model of Venturi Flume for discharges 0.11, 0.43, 0.31 showed the value of the discharge coefficient of the device between 0.96 and 0.99, and the results indicate that the miniaturization of the model after comparing it with the volumetric method has a good ability to measure discharges. The results showed that a discharge exceeding 25 L/s requires more accuracy in measuring the actual discharge for calibration with miniature models.
Employment among patients with end stage renal disease on maintenance dialysis at a tertiary care centre in North India- a cross-sectional study.
Authors: pooniya vishal , chandra abhilash , Rao S Namrata 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Employment is associated with a host of benefits including better self esteem, quality of life and financial independence. Maintenance dialysis is a major barrier to employment in patients with ESRD. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the proportion of patients suffering from ESRD on maintenance dialysis who were employed and various factors associated with loss of employment.
Methods
Patients suffering from ESRD, aged 18 to 65 years, who were on maintenance dialysis for ≥ 3 months were included. Their clinical and demographic characteristics, employment status before dialysis and change in employment after initiating dialysis was recorded and various factors associated with change in employment were analyzed.
Results
We observed that 39 (15.6%) out of 225 study subjects were employed on maintenance dialysis, whereas 155 (68.9%) patients were employed before initiating dialysis. Patients who lost employment were significantly younger and a higher proportion were on HD. Being on maintenance PD, residing in a nuclear family and at a shorter distance from the dialysis centre, self financing of treatment and professional employment category were associated with a greater likelihood of retaining employment after initiating dialysis.
Conclusion
This study revealed that only a small proportion of patients on maintenance dialysis are employed and a large number of patients lose employment after initiating dialysis. Nuclear family, PD as dialysis modality, professional category job before initiating dialysis, self-financing of treatment and living closer to dialysis centres was associated with retaining employment on maintenance dialysis.