bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Response of Soils Influenced by Seismic Activities
Authors: Kennedy Charles 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The study investigated the dynamic soil properties of Delta and Akwa Ibom States in Niger Delta region of Nigeria as a function of seismic activities. The down-hole seismic test was used to determine the response of the soils. The results showed that young modulus increases with increase in depth, which ranged from 2817.5 to 3178.27kPa across the sites at depth of 30m. Also, shear wave velocity generally increases with increase in depth. The shear wave velocity results obtained from the experiment across the sites ranged from 130-283m/s, 139-262m/s,141-247m/s, 128-261m/s and 124-289m/s for Ikot Abasi, Ibagwa, Ibiaku Offot, Aboh and Afor Ogbodigbo respectively. Like the shear wave velocity, P-wave velocity generally increases with increase in depth, which is over twice the values of shear wave velocity. The P-wave velocity ranged from 326-676m/s across the sites. The void ratio was observed to be constant at certain range of depth in the soil strata, and in most cases, it does not increase correspondingly with depth. The void ratio results ranged from 0.655-0.813, 0.652-0.805, 0.664-0.794, 0.65-0.82 and 0.651-0.798 for Ikot Abasi, Ibagwa, Ibiaku Offot, Aboh and Afor Ogbodigbo sites respectively. Unlike void ratio, Poisson’s ratio fluctuates with depth, with values ranging from 0.249-0.353, 0.253-0.351, 0.308-0.357, 0.254-0.371 and 0.241-0.370 for Ikot Abasi, Ibagwa, Ibiaku Offot, Aboh and Afor Ogbodigbo sites respectively. Based on the observations on the dynamic response of the soils, the Niger Delta region, being an oil hub center, is susceptible to earthquake, which could be triggered with time if over stressed by heavy load and seismic activities.
Understanding the phase evolution and elemental distribution in MoWTaNbVTix manufactured via powder metallurgical approach
Authors: Bijjala Surya , Wilkerson Ryan , Beamer Chad , Kumar Pankaj 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The high melting point and thermal stability of MoWTaNbVTix refractory high entropy alloys have prompted their potential for harsh temperature structure application. A low-cost manufacturing strategy is key to realizing this promise. Powder metallurgy is known to be a cost-efficient manufacturing route for manufacturing refractory alloys. Elemental distribution and phases that form during manufacturing are crucial to realize the desired properties. However, the phase evolution and elemental distribution in MoWTaNbVTix refractory high entropy alloys manufactured via powder metallurgy (PM) have not been rationalized earlier. The present study focuses on the phase evolution and elemental distribution analysis in MoWTaNbVTix manufactured by different PM approaches, pressureless sintering, hot isostatic pressing, and spark plasma sintering. A series of MoWTaNbVTix were manufactured using different PM manufacturing methods. Using intensive X-ray diffraction, microstructure, and elemental analysis, we reveal the formation of an FCC (TiTaNb)0.53C0.47 carbide and TiOx oxide phase in the nonequiatomic BCC MoWTaNbV matrix in MoWTaNbVTix. Interestingly, the liquid phase sintering yields a BCC_LSS matrix with a lattice parameter of 3.176 Å, differently than the solid state sintered BCC_SSS matrix with a lattice parameter of 3.193 Å. The fraction of (TiTaNb)0.53C0.47 and TiOx phases varies with Ti composition and PM processing routes. Nickel, as the sintering activator, enhances Ti diffusion in the matrix. Also, the hardness of the MoWTaNbVTix varies nonlinearly in a range of ~ 602- ~911 Hv with the ratio of oxide and carbide fraction. The hardness obtained in the PM approach is significantly higher than that observed for cast MoWTaNbVTix refractory high entropy alloys, reported in the literature.
Effects of eight insecticides on Drosophila suzukii and its major pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae
Authors: Huanhuan Gao , Peng Chen , Ansheng Zhang , Qianying Zhuang , Xianhong Zhou 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Drosophila suzukii is an important fruit pest of global significance. The combined application of insecticides and natural enemies can control D. suzukii efficiently and reduce chemical insecticide residues. The pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae has been evaluated for the biological control of D. suzukii. However, little is known about the toxicity of common insecticides to T. drosophilae. In this study, the toxicity of eight common insecticides to D. suzukii as well as the effects of semi-lethal and sublethal doses on T. drosophilae were evaluated. The eight insecticides had higher toxicities to D. suzukii larvae with lower LC50 values than those for adults. Adults and larvae were sensitive to emamectin benzoate, spinetoram, lambda-cyhalothrin, abamectin, and sophocarpidine. Based on the median lethal dose (LR50) and safety factor (SF) of insecticides, lambda-cyhalothrin and imidacloprid were classified as medium risk and the other six insecticides were classified as low risk against T. drosophilae adults. Although these insecticides exhibited low toxicity to D. suzukii pupae, the exposure of pupae or larvae to chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, sophocarpidine, abamectin, azadirachtin, and spinetoram at semi-lethal and sublethal doses could decrease the parasitism or eclosion rate of T. drosophilae. These results improve our understanding of the effects of insecticide residues on T. drosophilae development and provide a basis for combined use of chemical and biological methods for the management of D. suzukii.
Construction of a high-density genetic map using SNPs makers and QTL analysis for tillering related traits in Psathyrostachys juncea perennial grass
Authors: 妈妈 英梅 , 昌 玉东 , 李 甄 , 志气 高 , 云 兰 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Russian wildrye (RWR, Psathyrostachys juncea) is an outcrossing perennial grass which plays important role in forage and rangeland restoration due to its tiller producing abilities, nevertheless, no genetic map has been constructed owing to lacking of efficient and reliable molecular markers which are also constrains in identifying, locating, and cloning its economically important tiller density related traits during breeding. Therefore, this study was designed by creating a F1 mapping population with 147 individuals and their two parents based on different tiller densities. This mapping population was subsequently used for specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) to produce SLAF markers and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) discovery. Initially, a total of 1,438.38 million pair-end reads were generated based on the average sequencing depth of 84.92 in the maternal line, 79.34 in the parental line, and 27.05 in each F1 individual, respectively. After filtering low-depth SLAF tags, a total of 558,344 high-quality SLAFs were detected. A total of 1,519,903 SNP markers were obtained and 62,424 polymorphic SNPs were discovered. Finally, 4,644 polymorphic SNPs selected from 62,424 SNPs were used for genetic map construction in seven linkage groups. The genetic map spanned 1,416.60 cM with an average distance between adjacent markers for 0.31 cM. Comparisons between seven linkage groups of RWR SLAF tag to whole-genome sequences in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) revealed homology value ranged from 17.5–34.6% and the collinearity between RWR linkage groups and Barley homology groups ranged from 0.6787 to 0.9234 with the value of 0.8158 on average. Totally sixteen significant QTLs for tiller related traits were detected using a BC1 population further verified the map’s reliability.
A Chi-square Statistic for Testing the Equality of Distracters’ Plausibility in Multiple-Choice Test Items
Authors: Balbuena Sherwin E. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study introduces a new chi-square test statistic for testing the equality of response frequencies among distracters in multiple-choice tests. The formula uses the information from the number of correct answers and wrong answers, which becomes the basis of calculating the expected values of response frequencies per distracter. The method was applied to a statistics test response data and found to effectively detect unequally plausible distracters. Furthermore, the statistic had a quadratic relationship with item difficulty, indicating that at a certain range of plausibility values, there is an optimal item difficulty.
Exploring the Impact of Mechanical Power on Mortality and Phenotypes in ARDS Patients: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liu Na , Wang Fan , Wang Huiyong , Ding Renshuang , Li Yan , Wang Zhiyong , Fang Mingxing , Li Yan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effect of mechanical power (MP) on mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. Patients diagnosed with ARDS were identified from the MIMIC-IV database. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were utilized for survival analysis. The optimal cut-off value for MP was determined by using 'survminer' package. Causal mediation analysis (CMA) further investigated the effect of MP on 28-day mortality. Key predictive indicators were used to cluster and identify characteristics of different phenotypes. A total of 1333 patients were included. MP lower than 18.7J/min was associated with reduced mortality. Arterial pH and P/F ratio separately accounted for 29.2% and 20% of the mediating effect of high MP on increased 28-day mortality. Clustering analysis showed that phenotype-I had the worst respiratory mechanical parameters and the highest 28-day mortality. Phenotype-II was correlated with less organ dysfunction, the best oxygenation index and lower mechanical ventilation hours. Phenotype-III had the most laboratory abnormalities, the worse P/F ratio and longer ICU staytime. MP is strongly associated with mortality of ARDS patients belong to phenotype-III. High MP is independently associated with increased mortality in patients with ARDS. MP of less than 18.7 J/min is safer for ARDS patients.
Investigating effects of future path visualisation on path choices during collision encounters
Authors: Kamalasanan vinu , Fuest Stefan , Sester Monika 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Safe navigation choices made in walkable spaces highly depend on how a traveller perceives and understands the threat from surrounding travellers’ movements. Hence, if a visual medium like an AR headset provides an augmented view where future paths of others are already shown virtually, this could influence the way a person decides to avoid a potential collision. In this work, taking walking conflicts as an example, we first propose different ways of showing the future path in AR and then investigate whether people decide to walk more safety-consciously when seeing AR information. For this, we conducted a web-based user study (n=27), in which participants sketched their walking paths attempting to avoid collisions after watching AR videos with 3D arrows that represent future walking steps of another person. By applying a sketch transformation pipeline, the participants’ drawings were transformed to trajectories of the preferred walking paths, which where then simulated to estimate the conflict severity using the Post Encroachment Time (PET) metric. The study verified that people choose to adapt their walking paths when seeing the future path information, and also react differently to different types of 3D arrow visualisations that represent the same future path.
Asthma During Pregnancy: How Obstetricians Regard Asthmatic Patients’ Treatment
Authors: Keskinel Ilkay , Eryilmaz Muzeyyen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Asthma is the most common pulmonary disease encountered during pregnancy. In our daily practice, as a pulmonologist and an internal medicine specialist, we frequently encounter pregnant women with asthma; not all referred to us by an obstetrician. In our study, we aimed to evaluate obstetricians' approaches to treating pregnant women with asthma using a questionnaire.
Methods
We prepared a 12-question survey for the study and sent it via e-mail to obstetricians in our country. Participants were informed that participation was voluntary and they would remain anonymous. The survey was conducted via the Internet through e-mails.
Results
Of the doctors participating in the study, 26 (61.9%) were specialists and 16 (38.1%) were associate professors or professors. 23 (54.8%) of the obstetricians stated that they always consult their pregnant patient with a pulmonologist from the early days of pregnancy 10 (23.8%) consult on most occasions, 8 (19%) rarely, and 1 (2.4%) never feel the need for the consultation of a pulmonologist. Thirty-two (76.2%) of the doctors prefer vaginal delivery, 10 (23.8%) prefer cesarean section as the mode of delivery in asthmatic pregnants. 41 (97.6%) doctors prefer regional anesthesia and 1 (2.4%) prefer general anesthesia during cesarean section.
Conclusion
Both the obstetrician, pulmonologist or internist following the asthmatic pregnant should convince the patient that most of the drugs currently used in asthma treatment are "group B" drugs, which can be considered safe during pregnancy, and physicians take not only legal but also conscientious responsibility of their patients.
Trial registration
This study was registered by the scientific board of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital (FSM EAH-KAEK 2023/71).
Improving awareness of rabies and free-roaming dogs in schools of Guwahati, Assam, India: exploring the educators’ perspective
Authors: Mohanty Parimala , Durr Salome , Heydtmann Samira , Sarkar Amrita , Tiwari Harish Kumar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Rabies poses a significant threat to public health in India, with schoolchildren comprising approximately 40% of mortality due to this zoonotic disease. Despite ongoing interventions in schools to increase awareness about rabies and free-roaming dogs (FRD), the incidence of dog bites and rabies cases among schoolchildren continues to rise. This study addresses the limitations of existing awareness programs by exploring educators' perspectives and proposing innovative, feasible, and cost-effective interventions in schools.
Methods
A three-day workshop involving 19 teachers from seven schools representing diverse socio-economic backgrounds followed a modified Delphi method to achieve consensus on interventions identified during the process.
Results
The workshop recommends (a) promoting awareness in morning assemblies, (b) starting a wall magazine on One Health, (c) distributing and displaying information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, (d) encouraging infographics, paintings, sketches, and reels, (e) integrating rabies-related topics in co-curricular activities, (f) initiating interdisciplinary projects focusing on rabies awareness (g) displaying in rabies awareness stalls during exhibitions/school functions, and (h) discussing in parent-teachers meets.
Conclusions
This study identifies sustainable and pedagogically sound interventions to raise awareness about rabies and FRD in schools, contributing to the broader goal of reducing rabies-related mortality among school children
Current Status of Intervention Studies on Korean Firefighters and Recommendations for Further Research: A Scoping Review
Authors: Jin Hanbit , Jun Hyungsun , Ha Jisu , Youn Inae , Leem Jungtae 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Firefighters in Korea experience a range of health issues due to the unique demands of their profession and the organizational culture within which they operate. However, to date, there has been a paucity of intervention studies reflecting the specific characteristics of firefighters. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to identify the current status and characteristics of intervention studies on firefighters in Korea and to make recommendations for further research. Methods The review was conducted in seven stages, in accordance with the methodological guidelines for scoping reviews framed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. For reporting, we adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. The literature search included articles published in Korean and international journals till January 25, 2024. Data were extracted according to a previously developed analysis framework and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist. The protocol for this study was registered with the Open Science Framework and can be accessed via the following link: https://osf.io/s378j/. Results A total of 35 articles were included in the review. The analysis revealed an imbalance in terms of research topics, design, outcome variables, and delivery format of interventions in the design and content of the reviewed studies. In terms of research ethics, researchers must ensure that the rules and guidelines regarding bioethics are followed. The review also highlighted a lack of research that reflected the characteristics and needs of firefighting organizations. Conclusions Future research must include various intervention studies on firefighters’ health problems and implement sensitive research designs that consider research ethics. It is also important to listen to the needs of firefighting organizations and collaborate with experts with firefighting knowledge to create flexible research designs that can accommodate the characteristics of individual firefighters and organizations.
Assessment of the Effectİveness of Mİcronutrİent Therapy İn Patİents Wİth Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneratİon Unable to Receİve Intravİtreal Therapy Due to Covid-19 Pandemİc Constraİnts
Authors: BOZKURT ERDİNÇ , LİMON UTKU , DUMAN GAMZE TANIDI , AKÇAY BETÜL İLKAY SEÇGİN , TOPRAK GÜVENÇ 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of micronutrient therapy for individuals with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) who were unable to undergo intravitreal therapy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Material-Method: Patients diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) from March 2020 to July 2021, who were ineligible for intravitreal therapy, had their medical records reviewed retrospectively. Those meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups. Group 1 received regular micronutrition therapy for at least six months, while Group 2 did not. Variables including age, gender, duration without intravitreal treatment, intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded. Data obtained were compared between the two groups.
Result: Of the 183 nAMD patients screened, 125 were excluded due to missing data or irregular use of micronutrition tablets. Of the 58 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 27 were included in Group-1 and 31 in Group-2. The BCVA and CMT values at the beginning of the pandemic were 0.69±0.72 343.6±106.4, respectively for Group-1 and 0.85±0.82, 381.3±93.7 respectively for Group-2 (p value 0.211, 0.153 respectively). The BCVA and CMT values obtained at the first examination were 0.74±0.76 and 330.3±148, respectively for Group-1 and 1.39±1.30 and 396.0±151.7, respectively for Group-2 (p<0.001 and p=0.102, respectively).
Conclusion: The administration of micronutrition therapy did not lead to significant changes in the central macular thickness (CMT) levels between the groups. However, it did slow down the progression towards a poor prognosis in terms of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). We believe that for individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, micronutrition therapy could potentially serve as an adjunctive treatment to intravitreal therapy. These findings highlight the importance of adequate micronutrient intake for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) seeking medical attention.
Real-Time Traffic Density Estimation Using Various Connected Vehicle Penetration Rates: A New Predictive Approach
Authors: Ashqer Mujahid I. , Ashqar Huthaifa I. , Elhenawy Mohammed , Rakha Hesham A. , Bikdash Marwan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Traffic density estimation using various Market Penetration Rates (MPRs) of Connected Vehicle (CV) data represents an area in need of continued research and refinement to fully leverage its potential in addressing complex real-world traffic scenarios. This study introduces an innovative approach, the Predictive Approach, employing the Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) algorithm to estimate traffic density. This method calculates the densities of input approaches at intersections with non-uniform MPRs, using these predictions to estimate the target approach density. Using the Predictive Approach, results showed that improving traffic density predictions can be achieved through factors like accounting for MPR variations between different intersection approaches and considering specific scenarios. Results also highlighted that excluding Signal Phase and Timing (SPaT) data in certain cases can enhance model performance. It offers practical applications in optimizing traffic flow and reducing congestion in smart cities and traffic control centres, particularly when rapid and real-time computations are required. Additionally, it serves as a valuable solution in areas lacking SPaT information and experiencing varying levels of vehicle connectivity, collectively providing versatile tools for efficient traffic management and urban mobility enhancement. These insights have the potential to make real-world traffic management more efficient, responsive, and adaptable, ultimately leading to safer and more effective transportation systems.
Factors influencing the reproductive outcome of preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Ning , Chen Dawei , Zhang Qing , Kuang Dan , Yin Yiqi , Shi Xuejiao , Wei Zhaolian , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhou Ping , Cao Yunxia , Hao Yan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this study was to explore the factors influencing the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) for couples undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M).
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study involving couples who underwent PGT-M at our center from January 2017 to December 2023. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to explore the following factors that may influence CLBR per patient of PGT-M: female age, oocytes pick up (OPU) times, genetic category, COH protocol, number of oocytes retrieved/number of transferable embryos, sperm diagnosis, pathogenic gene source, and dosage of gonadotrophins (Gn).
Results
A total of 160 couples, 208 oocyte retrieval (OR) cycles, 193 PGT cycles met inclusionary criteria. Among them, 162 single embryo of 119 couples were transferred, resulting in a CLBR of 72.27% per patient and 67.44% per OR cycle. The logistic regression showed that female age (OR: 0.12, 95%CI: 0.02–0.73, P = 0.021), OPU times (OR: 0.27, 95%CI:0.08–0.90, P = 0.032), number of oocytes retrieved (OR: 14.28, 95%CI: 1.01-202.47, P = 0.049) and number of transferable embryos (OR: 10.52, 95%CI: 2.73–40.59, P < 0.001) were associated with CLBR per patient. Furthermore, our research innovatively suggested that the aneuploidy of embryos is not related to the genetic category of monogenic diseases (37% in AD vs 11% in XLD vs 33% in AR vs 41% in XLR, P > 0.05) and whether the embryo is affected or not (34% in unaffected embryos vs 44% in affected embryos, P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The CLBR per patient of PGT-M is significantly associated with female age, OPU times, number of oocytes retrieved / number of transferable embryos.