bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the effects of volume fraction, aspect ratio and type of fibres on the mechanical properties of short fibre reinforced 3D printed composite materials
Authors: Gonabadi Hassan , Chen Yao , Bull Steve 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMechanical behaviour of 3D-printed composite parts is affected by the volume fraction, aspect ratio and type of fibre reinforcement. Although in the literature experimental approaches have been used to characterise the effects of the above factors on the mechanical properties of 3D printed parts, time and cost of the manufacturing process as well as the uncertainty associated with a large number of experimental techniques are the key issues. This study aims to address these challenges by developing a methodology based on a multi-scale Finite Element (FE) analysis of representative volume element (RVE) of 3D printed composite parts to predict the effective orthotropic properties. To account for the effects of fibre features, RVEs were modelled considering variables of volume fraction, aspect ratios and type of short fibres. To study the main and interaction effects of the above variables on the mechanical properties of 3D printed composite parts, a structured approach based on the Design of Experiments is used. The FE stress analysis of the RVE provides an understanding about the potential failure modes such as interfacial debonding between fibres and matrix, interlayer and intralayer delamination that may occur in load-bearing 3D printed composite parts. The FE computed mechanical properties are validated against experimental data through a series of mechanical testing of flexure, Iosipescu, and short beam shear which were conducted in conjunction with the Digital Image Correlation technique. As a result, certainty is obtained in using the proposed approach for a fast iterative design of 3D printed composite parts prior to industrial applications.
Frequency and Variability in the Use of Modal Verbs in Zimbabwean English
Authors: Chapwanya Faith Chiedza , Nel Joanine Hester 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis corpus-based exploratory study examines modal verbs in Zimbabwean English (ZimE), and British English, to determine whether there are variations in use between the two varieties. Data from the ZimE corpus and the International Corpus of English Great Britain (ICE-GB) were analysed quantitatively and statistically to gain insights into how the usage patterns of modal verbs might be influenced by the usage context. Results show variations in the frequency of can and will, with the ZimE corpus registering more frequencies compared to the ICE-GB. The frequencies of could, may, might, and would were higher in the ICE-GB compared to the ZimE corpus. Overall, the ICE-GB contained more modal verbs than the ZimE corpus. In the spoken registers, results indicate that could, may, might, shall, and would occurred more in the ICE-GB, while can and will were attested more in the ZimE corpus compared to the ICE-GB. In the written registers, the ICE-GB recorded more occurrences of could, may, might, and would. A qualitative analysis was done by means of semantic interpretations of the modal verbs in different contexts. Results show the use of can be able to occurring as a modal phrase. The effects of language contact also lead to code-switching. Both results serve as possible motivations for variation. Furthermore, the use of can and will in past time contexts, and the use of the habitual will in past contexts, account for the higher overall frequencies of can and will in the ZimE corpus.
Cultural Dynamics in the Levantine Upper Paleolithic, ca. 40–33 ky BP: Insights Based on Recent Advances in the Study of the Levantine Aurignacian, the Arkov-Divshon, and the Atlitian
Authors: Shemer Maayan , Barzilai Omry , Marder Ofer 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The chrono-cultural sequence of the Levantine Upper Paleolithic went through several major revisions during approximately a century of focused research, each revision contributing to shedding light on the mosaic of cultural entities and the complex social and cultural dynamics composing the Levantine Upper Paleolithic. The current state of research suggests the co-inhabitance of two cultural groups: the Early Ahmarian and the Levantine Aurignacian. Two other cultural entities, the Arkov-Divshon and the Atlitian, are regarded as younger manifestations and were tentatively suggested to relate to the Levantine Aurignacian. This paper presents a research synthesis of two case studies: Manot Cave, located in western Galilee, Israel, and Nahal Rahaf 2 Rockshelter in the Judean Desert. The application of high-resolution excavation methods, alongside detailed documentation of the stratigraphy and site-formation processes and wide-scale radiocarbon-based absolute dating, marked these sites as ideal for chrono-cultural study through the analyses of flint industries. The results indicate a clear distinction between the Levantine Aurignacian and the Arkov-Divshon/Atlitian industries and a chronological overlap between the Arkov-Divshon, Levantine Aurignacian, and possibly with the Early Ahmarian. Subsequently, we suggest another revision of the currently accepted chrono-cultural model: not two, but at least three cultural entities co-inhabited the Levant at ca. 40–30 ky cal BP. This study further suggests an evolvement of the Atlitian flint industries from the Arkov-Divshon and stresses the foreign cultural features of the Levantine Aurignacian. These results were used to construct an updated model of migration and possible interaction patterns.
Differences in emergency department visits and hospitalization between German and Dutch nursing home residents: a cross-national survey
Authors: Fassmer Alexander M. , Zuidema Sytse U. , Janus Sarah I. M. , Hoffmann Falk 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Assessing and comparing German and Dutch nursing home perspectives on residents’ hospital transfers.

Methods
Cross-sectional study among German and Dutch nursing homes. Two surveys were conducted in May 2022, each among 600 randomly selected nursing homes in Germany and the Netherlands. The questionnaires were identical for both countries. The responses were compared between the German and Dutch participants.

Results
We received 199 German (response: 33.2%) and 102 Dutch questionnaires (response: 17.0%). German nursing homes estimated the proportion of transfers to hospital during 1 year to be higher than in Dutch facilities (emergency department visits: 26.5% vs. 7.9%, p < 0.0001; hospital admissions: 29.5% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.0001). In German nursing homes, the proportion of transfers to hospital where the decision was made by the referring physician was lower than in the Dutch facilities (58.8% vs. 88.8%, p < 0.0001). More German nursing homes agreed that nursing home residents are transferred to the hospital too frequently (24.5% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.0069). German nursing homes were much more likely than Dutch facilities to believe that there was no alternative to transfer to a hospital when a nursing home resident had a fall (66.3% vs. 12.8%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
German nursing home residents are transferred to hospital more frequently than Dutch residents. This can probably be explained by differences in the care provided in the facilities. Future studies should, therefore, look more closely at these two systems and examine the extent to which more intensive outpatient care can avoid transfers to hospital.
An optimized microstrip antenna to generate intense localized heating at target sites for maximum effect
Authors: Rajebi Saman , Pedrammehr Siamak , Al-Abdullah Kais I. Abdul-Lateef , Asadi Houshyar , Lim Chee Peng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNowadays, the use of electromagnetic waves in medical applications has become common, and hyperthermia is one of the popular areas. Nonetheless, designing effective antennas for electromagnetic hyperthermia poses a key challenge. In designing of hyperthermia antennas for medical applications, factors such as appropriate resonant frequencies and appropriate antenna sizes are important. Another critical aspect in the design of useful and usable hyperthermia antenna is the heat on the target body area, since a proper depth setting for heating is normally neglected. In this paper, using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, we focus on the heat on the target area when designing a hyperthermia antenna that operates at the frequency of 432 MHz. The antenna is analyzed using the finite difference time domain method, while the PSO fitness function is selected in such a way as to maintain the optimal frequency characteristics of the antenna, along with optimization of its heating performance. A series of simulation studies in MATLAB and the associated laboratory results confirm accuracy of the designed antenna. With minimal influence on healthy tissues, the temperature of approximately 42 degrees Celsius is achieved steadily after about 12 min from the start of heating in the target area, where the tumor is located. We observe minor differences between simulation and laboratory results, owing to not being able to use living tissue in the laboratory and lack of precision in the construction of antenna with optimized parameters.
Long-term reoperation rates following spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis in nonambulatory patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Seaver Christopher D. , Morgan Sara J. , Legister Candice S. , Palmer Casey L. , Beauchamp Eduardo C. , Guillaume Tenner J. , Truong Walter H. , Koop Steven E. , Perra Joseph H. , Lonstein John E. , Miller Daniel J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To describe the incidence of reoperation and factors contributing to surgical revision within a minimum of 10 years after spinal fusion for scoliosis in patients with nonambulatory cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive nonambulatory patients with CP who underwent primary spinal fusion at a single specialty care center with a minimum of 10 years from their index surgery (surgery dates 2001–2011). Causes of reoperation were classified as implant failure/pseudoarthrosis, surgical site infection (SSI), proximal junctional kyphosis, prominent/symptomatic implants, and implant removal. Reoperation rates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each time interval, and an actuarial survival curve was generated.

Results
144 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age = 14.3 ± 2.6 years, 62.5% male); 85.4% had 5 years follow-up data; and 66.0% had 10 years follow-up data. Estimates from the actuarial analysis suggest that 14.9% (95% CI: 10.0–22.0) underwent reoperation by 5 years postsurgery, and 21.7% (95% CI: 15.4–30.1) underwent reoperation by 10 years postsurgery. The most common causes for reoperation were implant failure/pseudoarthrosis, SSI, and prominent/symptomatic implants.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this study is the largest long-term follow-up of nonambulatory patients with CP and neuromuscular scoliosis who underwent spinal fusion. Approximately 22% of these patients required reoperation 10 years after their index surgery, primarily due to implant failure/pseudoarthrosis, SSI, and prominent/symptomatic implants. Complications and reoperations continued throughout the 10 years period after index surgery, reinforcing the need for long-term follow-up as these patients transition into adulthood.

Level of evidence
III.
Electrocatalytic properties of Ni–Cu structures fabricated by electrodeposition of Cu on Ni cones
Authors: Skibińska Katarzyna , Elsharkawy Safya , Kutyła Dawid , Boryczko Bożena , Marzec Mateusz M. , Żabiński Piotr 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNi–Cu alloys are a suitable candidate as a catalyst in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction due to their catalytic performance and good stability. To enhance this activity more, the active surface area of the material should be enhanced. It is commonly achieved by the synthesis of metals and alloys in the form of nanostructures. In this work, Ni cones fabricated by the one-step method were applied as a substrate for the deposition of thin Cu layers. Then, these materials were annealed in an ambient atmosphere to obtain Ni–Cu structures. The investigation of changes in morphology and chemical composition, as well as roughness and wettability before and after the annealing process was performed. Moreover, the measurements of catalytic properties were carried out in 1 M NaOH. The values of the Tafel slope and the electrochemical active surface area were studied. The proposed method can be successfully applied to fabricate structures of other alloys for the desired properties.
Navigating Hurdles: A Review of the Obstacles Facing the Development of the Pandemic Treaty
Authors: Sheerah Haytham A. , Alzaaqi Shouq M. , Arafa Ahmed , AlSalamah Shada , Muriungi Nelly G. , Sampaio Barbara Fialho C , Tromp Jasper , Liu Keyang , Shirai Kokoro , Withers Mellissa , Al-Jedai Ahmed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has served as a call for enhanced global cooperation and a more robust pandemic preparedness and response framework. As a result of this pressing demand, dialogues were initiated to establish a pandemic treaty designed to foster a synchronized global strategy for addressing forthcoming health emergencies. In this review, we discussed the main obstacles to this treaty.

Results
Among several challenges facing the pandemic treaty, we highlighted (1) global cooperation and political will, (2) equity in access to resources and treatments, (3) sustainable financing, (4) compliance and enforcement mechanisms, (5) sovereignty concerns, and (6) data sharing and transparency.

Conclusion
Navigating the hurdles facing the development of the pandemic treaty requires concerted efforts, diplomatic finesse, and a shared commitment to global solidarity. Addressing challenges in global cooperation, equitable access, transparency, compliance, financing, and sovereignty is essential for forging a comprehensive and effective framework for pandemic preparedness and response on the global stage.
Landslide monitoring and prediction system using geosensors and wireless sensor network
Authors: Chaulya Swades Kumar , Mishra Pankaj Kumar , Kumar Naresh , Kumar Vikash , Rawani Vijay Kumar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLandslides in hilly regions are a frequently occurring natural phenomenon which takes a heavy toll of human lives and causes damage to different properties. Hence, prediction of landslide is essential for averting its deleterious effects by providing early warning to neighboring residents about the impending hazard of landslide. A landslide monitoring system has been designed using geosensors and high-range wireless network for on-line monitoring and prediction of landslides with the application of multivariate statistical analysis of prevailing site parameters. The system consists of various geosensors, wireless sensor network, server, and landslide monitoring and forecasting software. Crackmeter, in-place inclinometer, raingauge, tiltmeter, piezometer and other sensors are set up in the selected hill slope prone to landslide for continuous monitoring of influencing parameters. The system measures real-time landslide parameters using the said geosensors connected with wireless nodes and establishing a dynamic wireless network to overcome redundancy issue using wireless nodes of around 1200 m communication range using a high performance low power microcontroller, integrated solar panel and additional external omni-directional antenna for monitoring landslide in a large and hazardous hilly region from a distant safer location. The application software consists of different modules, namely data monitoring, analysis, storing, viewing, prediction, and generation of audio-visual, SMS and email alerts for 3 levels of landslides situations. The paper enumerates the system architecture and the application software details.
Graphical Abstract
Analysis of performance limits in optical communications due to fiber nonlinearity and third order dispersion
Authors: Sultana Nasrin , Islam M. S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, an analysis is conducted to treasure the expressions of the pulsation expansion factor, in addition to the standardized output, and solve the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE), reflecting the impact of XPM on third order dispersion. Using large effective area fiber (LEAF) and standard single-mode fiber (SSMF), the effects of transmission distances and varying input powers are assessed at various transmission speeds. The first and second order GVD XPM effects are the only factors influencing the pulse’s propagation. The second-order effects of GVD are not noticeable at short distances and low bit rates, but they become noticeable and impact system performance as the bit rate increases. The study discovered that input dominance has less of an impact on pulse width than data rate and fiber length. Methodical derivation and numerical simulation using the split-phase Fourier method at the same data rate and input power yield the SSMF and LEAF consequences. In comparison to LEAF fibers, XPM has a greater beneficial impact on second and third order dispersion in SSMF fibers.
The IndagApp mobile app: an inquiry-based science teaching resource: usability evaluation with pre-service teachers
Authors: Yánez-Pérez Iraya , Toma Radu Bogdan , Meneses-Villagrá Jesús Ángel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractVirtual laboratories and simulations have emerged as innovative solutions for science teaching. However, existing resources have various limitations and constraints including cognitive load/mental burden and limited coverage of all necessary steps in scientific inquiry, focusing mainly on the experimental simulation. To bridge this gap and address these challenges, the present study introduces the design and usability evaluation of IndagApp, an innovative educational resource explicitly developed to support inquiry-based science teaching. A convergent mixed methods design and a convenience sampling of 90 pre-service teachers were used. The findings indicate that IndagApp exhibits a high level of technological and pedagogical usability. Feedback from the users was incorporated to improve the app, resulting in its final version, which incorporates best practices from existing literature on authentic inquiry-based science teaching. IndagApp is freely accessible in the Spanish language, and compatible with Android 5.0 + smartphones and tablets, as well as PCs running Windows 7 or above operating systems. This research provides a timely and significant educational resource that may assist educators in enacting reform-oriented teaching practices.
Experimental analysis of noise disturbances generated by reaction wheel
Authors: Mankour A. , Smahat A. , Bensikaddour E.H. , Roubache R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMicrovibrations originating from onboard disturbance sources can lead to a range of issues, including a decrease in satellite pointing accuracy, image distortion and blurring. Therefore, reaction wheels emerge as the primary sources of disturbance noise. This paper employs an experimental approach based on the real dynamics of rotating reaction wheel assembly, closely simulating on-orbit configurations to measure noise responses transferred to the satellite structure. An assessment of noise response behaviour, incorporating a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the levels, was conducted on a proto-flight satellite for three reaction wheels. Initially, reaction wheel assemblies underwent individual iterative balancing to reduce mass deviations. Subsequently, amplitude-time responses at different rotational speeds of reaction wheel assemblies (RWA) disturbance noise were measured. The experimental results demonstrate that each individually balanced reaction wheel generates independent perturbation noise level due to manufacturing imperfections. Hence, the necessity of wheels testing for accurate prediction and mitigation of disturbance levels is crucial, especially for payloads sensitive to microvibrations. Furthermore, increasing wheel speeds proportionally amplify disturbance noise levels. Therefore, implementing an optimised mission attitude control profile with lower rotation speeds of reaction wheels effectively reduces microvibration levels which minimises risks to payload performance and reduce power consumption.
“Once more, with feeling”: no difference in outcomes between patients discharged on oral versus intravenous antibiotics for orthopedic infections in a propensity score matched cohort at a US medical center
Authors: Gray Julie , Benefield Russell J. , Gallagher Chanah K. , Cummins Heather , Certain Laura K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective:
To compare outcomes between patients discharged on intravenous (IV) versus oral (PO) antibiotics for the treatment of orthopedic infections, after creation of an IV-to-PO guideline, at a single academic medical center in the United States.

Methods:
This was a retrospective, propensity score matched, cohort study of adult patients hospitalized for orthopedic infections from September 30, 2020, to April 30, 2022. Patients discharged on PO antibiotics were matched to patients discharged on IV antibiotics. The primary outcome was one-year treatment failure following discharge. Secondary outcomes were incidence of 60-day treatment failure, adverse drug events (ADE), readmissions, infectious disease clinic “no-show” rates, and emergency department (ED) encounters.

Results:
Ninety PO-treated patients were matched to 90 IV-treated patients. Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups after matching. There was no significant difference in the proportions of patients on PO versus IV antibiotics experiencing treatment failure at one year (26% vs 31%, P = .47). There were no significant differences for any secondary outcomes: treatment failure within 60 days (13% vs 14%, P = 1.00), ADE (13% vs 11%, P = .82), unplanned readmission (17% vs 21%, P = .57), or ED encounters (9% vs 18%, P = .54). Survival analyses identified no significant differences in time-to-event between PO and IV treatment for any of the outcomes assessed.

Conclusions:
There were no appreciable differences in outcomes between patients discharged on PO compared to IV regimens. Antimicrobial stewardship interventions to increase prescribing of PO antibiotics for the treatment of orthopedic infections should be encouraged.