bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Porous cellulose membrane for osmotic energy harvesting
Authors: Niu Shengyue , Yin Yuxin , Zhang Qianhong , Zhang Yu , Shi Jianping , Huang Liulian , Li Jianguo , Chen Lihui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Energy derived from the salinity gradient between seawater and river water is recognized as a sustainable energy source and an alternative solution for meeting the growing energy demand. The ion exchange membrane is essential for efficiently converting the osmotic energy of the salinity gradient into electrical energy. Herein, we reported a sustainable, porous cellulose membrane (PCM) by a doping-removing strategy of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) during the fabricating process of the cellulose membrane. Such a strategy effectively optimizes the structure of cellulose membrane, such as improved porosity (from 66.2–89%), enlarged specific surface area (from 7.99 m2/g to 12.86 m2/g), and increased water retention value (from 113.4–141.1%). As a result, the developed PCM shows excellent ion transport capacity and selectivity with a high t+ of 0.88. The power density of PCM reaches up to 4.16 W/m2, substantially exceeding that of the primary cellulose membrane. Moreover, the PCM harvests osmotic energy very well with long-term stability, over 80000 s with continuous operation. The PCM, utilizing sustainable and low-cost natural materials, shows considerable promise for renewable osmotic energy harvesting.
A study of regional tourism-economy-ecological environment coupling and coordination relationships: Evidence from Xinjiang, China
Authors: Liu Haijun , Chen Beizi , Xia Qianqian , Zabi Gulnigar , Li Gaofeng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The synergistic integration of tourism, the economy, and the ecological environment within a region is crucial for promoting its sustainable development. Tourism acts as a catalyst for green economic growth, yet varying levels of tourism development can intensify the strain on the ecological environment. Thus, achieving a Pareto optimal balance among the benefits of these three entities holds significant theoretical and practical relevance. This research utilizes statistical data spanning from 2000 to 2021 to devise a tourism-economy-ecological environment (TEE) indicator system for Xinjiang. The study employs a coupled coordination model to analyze the spatial and temporal coupling dynamics between subsystems and to classify the types of coupled coordination. The analysis also identifies obstacles that impede the degree of coordination. The findings indicate that during the period under investigation, the TEE system in Xinjiang experienced consistent growth. However, the tourism subsystem exhibited disparate development and pronounced resource monopolization, which stimulated the economic subsystem's growth, albeit with noticeable developmental lags in the latter stages. Spatially, economic performance demonstrated a declining trend from core urban centers like Urumqi City and Karamay City towards peripheral areas. From an ecological perspective, the distribution of resources exhibited a heterogeneous "M-V-W" pattern, characterized by significant disparities in the availability of natural resources and the occurrence of localized ecological deterioration. There is a notable and increasing degree of coupled coordination in regional synergistic development, which is primarily manifested in the delayed development of tourism. The combined development of the three subsystems is influenced by some factors, including environmental pollution, resources, economic quality, and industrial structure. Soot emissions, green space per capita in parks, and sulfur dioxide emissions are identified as key constraints. This study provides theoretical backing and empirical evidence for economic growth, the optimization of industrial structure, and the preservation of the ecological environment in arid and semi-arid regions globally.
Technique and practice of surrounding rock control for the roadway driven under the goafs of small collieries and heading for adjacent advancing face
Authors: Niu Zhijun , Wang Xufeng , Wang Cong , Feng Zhiwei , Shen Chengyang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aiming at the problems of complex stress and large deformations in the surrounding rocks of the roadway driven under the goafs of small collieries and heading for adjacent advancing coal face, by numerical modeling and field practice, the failure characteristics of the overlying coal and rocks were investigated, and the stopping and resuming times of the roadway excavation were identified. A zoning-based reinforcement technique was put forward and applied in engineering practice. The results showed that (1) The roadway roof was divided into four zones: “solid coal zone”, “residual pillar zone”, “roof caved zone”, and “roof un-caved zone”. (2) It was determined that the roadway excavation was stopped when the unmined distance between the return airway face and the 32101 working face was 70 m. After the 32101 working face passed the return airway face by 90 m, the roadway driving was restarted. (3) I.e. cable reinforcement for the “residual pillar zone” and bolt-wire mesh-cable-shotcreting-groutingreinforcement for the “roof failure zone” (“roof caved zone” + “roof un-caved zone”). The field observation results indicated that the maximum amount of the roof-to-floor convergence and the wall-to-wall convergence was 97 mm and 69 mm, respectively, which ensured the safety of roadway excavating.
Light intensity and photoperiod: Tools for improving the phytonutrient profile of Brassica rapa ssp. nipposinica for supplementing the space diet
Authors: Darby Ethan , Armstrong Sarah , Massa Gioia , Walters Kellie J. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Beyond mere caloric intake, the nutritional quality of food will be key to maintaining astronaut health during exploration-length missions. The production of leafy greens aboard spacecraft can help to provide consistent daily nutrition; however, maximizing the nutritional yield of each plant will be key to sustainable and efficient dietary supplementation. Brasssica rapa ssp. nipposinica ‘Red Hybrid’ was grown under environmental conditions similar to those of the International Space Station and the effect of light intensity and photoperiod on nutritional and biomass yields were evaluated. Four light intensities (200, 400, 600, and 800 µmol·m− 2·s− 1) applied over a 16- or 24-hr photoperiod were implemented and the resulting concentrations of ascorbic acid, thiamine, phylloquinone, β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, total anthocyanins, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron were quantified. Providing 800 µmol·m− 2·s− 1 over a 16-hr photoperiod produced the best nutritional profile for supplementing the astronaut diet, offering the following percentages of recommended daily intake per 75 g serving: 100% phylloquinone, 63% ascorbic acid, 2.7% thiamine, and 97% retinol (from precursor β-carotene). However, when evaluated for light use efficiency (yield·MJ − 1), the 200 µmol·m− 2·s− 1 treatments (16- and 24-hr) performed better, yielding more mass and phytonutrients per MJ of energy utilized.
X-ray measurements of periarticular soft tissue predict readmission complications after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Hu Hanwen , Tao Ye , 胡 瀚文 , Zhang Guoqiang , Ni Ming 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Obesity is widely recognized as a risk factor for osteoarthritis. This study aimed to explore the association between BMI and periarticular soft tissue readmission complications in patients who previously underwent joint replacement through the study of clinical and imaging data.
Methods
This retrospective study included 625 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Imaging data included several measurable soft tissue values and ratios on the anteroposterior side. The associations between BMI and imaging soft tissue measurements and complications leading to readmission during follow-up were explored.
Results
A total of 761 preoperative imaging measurements and postoperative follow-up data were analyzed, and a significant correlation (P < 0.05) emerged between postoperative readmission complications and the soft tissue thickness around the joint. A 1:4 paired test confirmed the independent predictive power (P < 0.1) of the selected soft tissue data for readmission complications.
Conclusion
BMI was insufficient for evaluating obesity-related complications after total knee arthroplasty. Preoperative imaging soft tissue data exhibited superior predictive capability for predicting readmission complications after arthroplasty.
Accuracy of cup alignment in total hip arthroplasty – a comparison between the portable navigation and alignment guide
Authors: Tetsunaga Tomonori , Tetsunaga Tomoko , Yamada Kazuki , Takashi Koura , Inoue Tomohiro , Okuda Ryuichiro , Muguruma Sho , Ozaki Toshifumi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Navigation systems, including portable navigation systems, used for total hip arthroplasty (THA) are useful for achieving higher cup alignment accuracy. NAVBIT, a newly available portable navigation system, uses a unique registration method, the table tilt registration. This retrospective study aimed to investigate whether THA with a portable navigation system in the lateral position with the flip technique is more accurate than THA with a cup alignment guide in the supine or lateral positions.
Methods
This retrospective study included 136 consecutive patients (105 women, 31 men; mean age, 66.4 years) who underwent primary cementless THA via an anterolateral approach. The accuracy of cup orientation was compared among the three registration methods using postoperative CT.
Results
The absolute value of the difference in cup inclination with the NAVBIT (2.6° ± 2.2°) was comparable to that with the cup alignment guide in the supine position (3.5° ± 2.5°) and smaller than that with the cup alignment guide in the lateral decubitus position (3.9° ± 2.7°). The absolute values of the difference in cup anteversion with the NAVBIT (2.2° ± 1.6°) were smaller than that with the cup alignment guide in the supine (3.7° ± 1.9°) and lateral decubitus positions (4.5° ± 3.4°). Eighty-one percent, 63.4%, and 48.8% were within 5° of the target angles in the navigation, supine alignment guide, and lateral alignment guide groups, respectively.
Conclusions
The accuracy of cup alignment with the portable navigation system using the flip technique was significantly higher than that with the cup alignment guide in the supine and lateral decubitus positions.
Feasibility Study of Hyperspectral Colposcopy as a Novel Tool for Detecting Precancerous Cervical Lesions
Authors: Vega Carlos , Medina Norberto , Quintana-Quintana Laura , Leon Raquel , Fabelo Himar , Rial Jorge , Martín Alicia , Callico Gustavo M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Cervical cancer remains a major global health concern, with a specially alarming incidence in younger women. Traditional detection techniques such as the Pap smear and colposcopy often lack sensitivity and specificity and are highly dependent on the experience of the gynaecologist. In response, this study proposes the use of Hyperspectral Imaging, a pioneering technology that combines traditional imaging with spectroscopy to provide detailed spatial and spectral information. Over a period of six-months, our custom-designed hyperspectral colposcope was used on 62 patients. The gathered data underwent a specialized preprocessing workflow using a PCA-based strategy for unsupervised segmentation of the cervical region. This process extracted spectral signatures from various tissue types, and our subsequent statistical analysis highlighted its ability to detect differences and alterations in the cervical tissue. This offers a promising avenue for improving the precision of cervical lesion diagnosis.
Adsorption performance of harmful gas molecules over copper decorated aluminene: A DFT study
Authors: Hassan Muhammad , Ibrahim Iram , Majid Abdul , Buzdar Saeed Ahmad , Shaheen Humaira , Alarfaji Saleh S , Khan Muhammad Isa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Detecting hazardous and toxic gases and their removal from environment is essential for human health. 2D materials plays vital role for gas sensing or scavenging. Density functional theory (DFT) was applied to investigate the adsorption of six toxic gases (CO, COS, NO, NO2, CH4O, and CH2N2) on Cu-decorated Aluminene surface. Aluminene preserve its metallic character after copper decoration. The greater values of adsorption energy (-2.72 eV, -0.92 eV, -3.39 eV, -2.14 eV, -2.66 eV and − 2.95 eV respectively) proposed that Cu-decoration is favorable than pristine Aluminene. Electronic properties and adsorption energies suggested chemisorption behavior of CO, NO and NO2 while other gas molecules showed physisorption. Hybridization occurs between d-orbitals of the system and the gas molecules that improved the electronic properties. The study encompassed analyses of Density of States (DOS), charge distribution, Electron Localization Function (ELF), work function, and recovery time. Band gap found to be zero for the optimized system prior to and following gas adsorption. It represent good conductivity of the material, owing to the possibility of an efficient gas sensor. The recovery time analysis indicated that the material exhibited reversible gas sensing properties at high temperatures. At lower temperatures, it could potentially serve as a disposable sensor for industrial safety applications.
Acceptability and usability of a digital tool to support long-lasting insecticide-treated net distribution in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, South Sudan
Authors: Khan Jamshed , Mubiru Denis , Chestnutt Elisabeth G. , Cook Louise , Rinny Lual Lual , Okot Francis , Chong Kediende , Tieng Matur T. , Zabbeh Tombari Prince , Okafor Joshua , Nnaji Chuks A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) have been the backbone of malaria prevention for decades. In South Sudan, LLINs are typically distributed by volunteers who use paper-based systems to collect distribution data. Paper-based systems are simple to use but have a higher occurrence of data inaccuracies and can hinder the timely use of data for decision making. In 2022, a digital tool was introduced to collect data during the LLIN campaign in Northern Bahr el Ghazal (NBeG). The tool aimed to improve the accuracy of data entry and enable data to be use in real-time for decision making during the campaign. This study assessed the acceptability and usability of the digital tool.
Methods: A questionnaire containing open and closed questions was conducted with users of the digital tool, supervisors and other key stakeholders in five counties of NBeG. The questionnaire was administered using Malaria Consortium’s Projects Results System Android mobile application. Usability was determined through a modified and validated System Usability Scale (SUS) approach and acceptability was assessed by responses to open questions.
Results: A total of 93 participants responded to the usability and acceptability questionnaire. The mean (±standard deviation) usability score across 10 SUS-scoring items was 60.91 (12.87), indicating a moderate level of usability. The majority of users reported the tool was useful for managing the LLIN distribution workflow, was easy to use, reduced workload, and supported stock management and real-time campaign monitoring. There was no significant difference in the usability scores across genders, roles, and counties. The digital tool was perceived to be acceptable, and the majority of respondents with experience of both paper-based and the digital tool reported a preference for the digital tool over paper-based systems. The majority of respondents also said they would recommend the digital tool to colleagues.
Conclusion: Digital tools are perceived to be beneficial for collecting data during LLIN campaigns, even in remote areas where network coverage is challenging. Additional improvements can be implemented to overcome operational challenges and improve usability of the tool. Further study is needed to determine the impact of the digital tool on data quality and real-time data use.
The effects of interactions between smoking and abdominal obesity on prediabetes mellitus
Authors: Xiong Huali , Ma Fengxun , Liu Daiqiang , Tang Dayi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Few studies have investigated the interaction effect of smoking and abdominal obesity on the risk of prediabetes mellitus (PDM) among rural adults in Southwest China. The primary purpose of the current study was to investigate the potential interactive effects of smoking and abdominal obesity on the development of PDM.
Methods: The data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted by a two-stage random sampling method around Rongchang District in ChongQing municipality, Southwest China, in 2022. In total, 3,017 participants aged 40 to 79 years were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associated risk factors for PDM, and the effects of multiplicative and additive interactions between smoking and abdominal obesity were also assessed by indicators including the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) and the synergy index (SI).
Results: A total of 3,017 individuals, with an average age of 62.14±11.13 years, participated in the present study, and the prevalence of PDM among the participants was 38.98%. After adjustments for confounding variables, current smoking status (OR=1.257, 95% CI: 1.041-1.518) and abdominal obesity (OR=1.403, 95% CI: 1.184-1.662) were significantly linked to an elevated risk of PDM. The multiplicative interaction analyses demonstrated that current smoking status was positively associated with PDM (OR=1.317, 95% CI: 1.013-1.711), while a similar association was not observed between abdominal obesity and PDM (OR=1.148, 95% CI: 0.943-1.396). A significant additive interaction was observed between current smoking and abdominal obesity in terms of PDM risk (OR=3.559, 95% CI: 2.544-4.978). RERI = 2.094 (0.952-3.236), indicating a coexisting risk attributable to additive interaction; AP = 0.589 (0.432-0.745), indicating that 58.90% of all PDM individuals exposed to both risk factors could be attributed to the synergistic effect of current smoking and abdominal obesity; SI = 5.509 (2.152-14.104), suggesting that the synergistic risk between current smoking and abdominal obesity was 5.509 times greater than the sum of effects observed in individuals exposed to a single factor alone.
Conclusion: The prevalence of PDM was 38.98% among individuals aged 40-79 years in Rongchang, potentially indicating a greater future incidence of diabetes mellitus. Notably, smoking and abdominal obesity exhibit a positive synergistic effect on the risk of PDM.
Caregivers’ Perceived Threat of Sickle Cell Disease Complications and Hydroxyurea Use Among Health Insured Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: an Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ally Mwashungi , Kakoko Deodatus , Swai Calvin , Metta Emmy , Yonaz Mbonea , Makani Julie , Mmbaga Elia , Leshabari Melkizedeck , Moen Kåre , Omsland Tone Kristen , Balandya Emmanuel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Tanzania is among the five countries with the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD) globally. Although hydroxyurea (HU) is available, only a quarter of persons with SCD are reported to use it in Tanzania. Perceived disease threat is associated with medication usage in patients with chronic diseases. We assessed the factors associated with caregivers’ perceived threat of SCD complications and its relationship with HU use among health-insured children with SCD attending clinics in Dar-es-Salaam.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional hospital-based study from May to August 2023. We enrolled 374 caregivers of health-insured children with SCD from 4 public SCD clinics. The modified original and revised Champion’s Health Belief Model Scales were used to derive scores for the main outcomes (perceived susceptibility, severity, and threat of SCD; highest possible score, corresponding to the largest perceived threat = 765). Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used for comparisons of the outcomes across sociodemographic characteristics. Regression analysis of factors associated with perceived SCD threat, and Poisson regression for analysis of association between perceived threat and HU usage were conducted.
Results
The median scores (InterQuartale Range) for perceived susceptibility, severity, and threat of SCD complications were 13 (7, 14), 39 (26, 44), and 559 (175, 598), respectively. Sixty-one percent of caregivers had high SCD perceived threat. The caregivers of under-five children had 141 lower median SCD threat scores compared to those of children aged 13–17 years, p-value < 0.001. Participants from Regional Referral Hospitals had lower median threat scores compared to participants attending Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), 177 for Amana, 325 Temeke, 585 MNH Mloganzila, and 557 MNH Upanga, p-value < 0.001. Children of caregivers with high perceived SCD threat were 3.4 times more likely to use HU compared to those with low SCD threat perception (Incidence Rate Ratio 3.4, 95% CI: 2.7–4.5, p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion
Perceived threat of SCD predicts the likelihood of SCD patients using HU in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. We recommend health education to caregivers aiming to improve their SCD threat perception and thus improve the use of HU among children with SCD in similar settings.
Assessment of Indoor Radon Concentration in Administrative offices and Estimation of the Annual Effective Dose
Authors: Ogungbemi Kayode Idowu , Adedokun Margret Bose , Oyebola Olusola Olurorimi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
This work investigates radon activities in administrative offices in five different floors to ascertain annual equivalent dose (AEqD) and excess lifetime cancer risk due to gamma radiations on the office workers.
Method
RAD7 an electronic radon detector manufactured by Durridge Co. USA calibrated in-house was used to measure the indoor radon concentration levels in offices of the Administration block.
Results
Mean radon concentration from offices studied ranged from 134.72 Bqm-3 − 536.98 Bqm-3in all the offices. The mean of the annual effective dose due to 222Rn progeny (AEDR) in mSv/yr. is highest in GFL this value is 2.344 x 10− 3 mSv/yr. and it’s lowest at the LFL with the value of 1.010 x 10− 3 mSv/yr. The lung cancer cases mean, maximum and the 95th percentile per million people values obtained from offices and the obtained values are 85.81, 11.44, and 11.21.
Conclusion
The obtained values were lower than the public limit of 1mSvy-1 as recommended by ICRP, and this findings show a significant correlation between indoor radon effective doses obtained by other studies elsewhere.