bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Multilingual Naming Test (MINT) as a quick and practical proxy for language
proficiency
Authors: Liu Hong , Chaouch-Orozco Adel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The present study compares the performance of two quick lexical tests, the Multilingual Naming Test (MINT) and the
Lexical Test for Advanced Learners of English (LexTALE), to evaluate their suitability to serve as proxies for English proficiency
in second language learners. Specifically, it investigates how well these tests’ results align with those of the Quick Placement
Test (QPT), an objective placement test employed in previous validations of the LexTALE. Considering recent findings by Puig-Mayenco et al. (2023) suggesting the LexTALE is apt for measuring advanced
proficiencies but is less reliable with lower ones, our study aims to test the performance of both the LexTALE and MINT across
different proficiencies. Two hundred nineteen Chinese learners of English, spanning both higher and lower proficiency levels,
participated in the study. The results showed that the relationship between the MINT and QPT was similar to that between the
LexTALE and QPT. However, the MINT demonstrated better performance than the LexTALE in assessing lower proficiency levels. These
results underscore the MINT’s potential to serve as a quick and valid proxy for proficiency across all levels, particularly in
research contexts where the use of longer and more comprehensive assessment tools is not possible.
Refractive index measurement using virtual—apparent image coincidence approach
Authors: Abdullah Rawand H 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this study, we explore novel approaches to determining the index of refraction for various mediums by leveraging virtual images. We introduce a simplified yet effective method that utilizes apparent object positions resulting from light bending in a medium. Our focus lies in measuring the refractive index of liquids without the need for a microscope, emphasizing the measurement of real and apparent depths through the coincidence of virtual and apparent images. Comparative analysis with established techniques reveals the precision of our results, with accurate determinations of object and image positions.
Through the collection and graphing of paired data, we calculate the refractive indices of water, vegetable oil, and ethanol. Our findings underscore the significance of this scientific methodology, offering time-efficient, implementable, and easily comprehensible procedures. We posit that this study holds promise for educational applications at various levels. Moreover, we propose extending our methodology to transparent solid materials, thereby broadening its potential applications.
Analysis of a time-dependent memristor-based chaotic system and its application in image encryption
Authors: Xiong Li , Wang Yue , An Xinlei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Compared with ordinary chaotic systems, memristor-based chaotic systems have more complex dynamic behaviors and are more suitable for image encryption algorithms. In this paper, a four-dimensional chaotic system is constructed by introducing a cubic nonlinear memristor into a three-dimensional chaotic system. Firstly, the dynamic characteristics of the constructed memristor-based chaotic system are analyzed in detail, and the simulation results show that the system has different attractors with different topological structures at different simulation times. Within a fixed simulation time, the system has 15 attractors with different topological structures under different parameter values, and there is a phenomenon of multiple stability in the system, indicating high complexity. Based on the above discoveries, a color image encryption algorithm including scrambling and diffusion is designed. Experimental results show that this algorithm can perfectly hide the information of the plaintext image, and the decrypted image is consistent with the plaintext image. Finally, the security of the algorithm is analyzed by using key space and so on. The analysis results indicate that the encryption algorithm designed in this paper can effectively resist external attacks and has high security.
In-situ online detection of carbon during combustion via laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Ge Yifan , Aizezi Nuerbiye , Zhou Zhuoyan , Cai Jinzhu , Liu Yuzhu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The combustion of fossil fuels is primarily responsible for disrupting the carbon cycle equilibrium by releasing greenhouse gases (GHGs). Therefore, detecting GHG emissions from fossil fuels is extremely important. In this study, utilizing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), a new method for real-time in-situ detection of carbon fluctuations during combustion has been developed. The combustion of fossil fuels is emulated through the controlled burning of candles within a confined area, and the elemental content of the surrounding air during this process is analyzed. Fluctuations in the intensity of CN spectral lines were tracked to reveal changes in carbon concentration. The backpropagation neural network (BPNN) is used to identify and verify local air with different carbon concentrations, and the predictions are accurate. In conclusion, the integration of BPNN and LIBS for the purpose of identifying variations in carbon content during combustion provides an effective method for environmental management.
Bit error rate of M-pulse position modulated laser beams for vertical links operating in weak oceanic turbulence
Authors: Gerçekcioğlu Hamza , Baykal Yahya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The on-axis scintillation index of laser beams is investigated by employing the Rytov method in a weakly turbulent oceanic medium for up/downlink coupling of laser communication between any underwater vehicles or divers. For vertical links, the formulation of the on-axis scintillation index of laser beams is derived analytically and evaluated for plane, collimated Gaussian and spherical beams in specific mediums, including the Atlantic Ocean at mid and low latitudes associating temperature and salinity changes at low latitudes, at mid latitude-summer and at mid latitude-winter. Using the scintillation index, bit error rate (BER) performance of M-pulse position modulation is investigated for these types of laser beams. The variations of the scintillation index against the uplink/downlink propagation distances, source size and zenith angle are examined, and BER variations versus the Kolmogorov microscale and the symbol orders, and results are compared. It is noted that the behavior of the scintillation index that depends on the relative strength of temperature and salinity fluctuations which changes in depth, is different for uplink/downlink and for each latitude due to its distinct characteristics. The source size that minimizes the scintillation index values is in the range of about 0.1 cm–0.2 cm for all latitudes.
Investigation of tribological performance of hydrothermal carbon by pin-on-disc test and warm deep drawing process
Authors: Yurt Özgür Erdem , Sen Nuri , Simsir Hamza , Kucuk Yılmaz , Altas Emre , Gok M Sabri , Civek Tolgahan , Korkmaz Seyma , Cetin M Huseyin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this study, the synthesis of hydrothermal carbon (HTC) lubricant and its usability as a lubricant under hot industrial conditions were investigated. In this context, the characterization of HTC produced from organic sources at low cost and in a short time was performed, and its tribological performance was analysed in detail. HTC produced by the hydrothermal carbonization method was characterized through SEM images and EDS analysis. To determine the effect of HTC on friction at different temperatures, HTC was subjected to a pin-on-disc wear test with AA5754 material. The effect of various lubricants, temperatures, blank holder pressure, and forming speed parameters on the forming force for the analysis of the tribological effect of HTC on deep drawing processes were statistically analysed. The performance of HTC was compared with Teflon, fullerenes, graphene, and carbon nanotube (CNT) materials. According to the results obtained from wear tests, the lowest friction coefficient value was achieved in the presence of fullerenes as the lubricant, and as the temperature increased, the friction coefficient decreased. It was observed that HTC exhibited lower performance in the wear test compared to fullerenes due to oxidation. When the effect of deep drawing parameters on the forming force was analysed, it was concluded that the most effective parameters were temperature (72.32%) and lubricant (20.89%). According to the S/N analysis results, the minimum forming force was obtained under the conditions of solid Teflon lubricant, 250 °C temperature, 15-bar blank holder pressure, and 2 mm/s forming speed. The tribological performance difference between HTC and Teflon is at the 1% level. The results demonstrate the potential industrial usability of HTC as a lubricant.
Effect of biotin on currently used Beckman thyroglobulin assay and newly reformulated thyroglobulin assay not affected by biotin
Authors: Countryman Bailey , McBride Melissa , McCracken Trevor , Dasgupta Amitava 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Biotin causes negative interference with thyroglobulin measurement using the Access thyroglobulin assay. Recently, Beckman reformulated the thyroglobulin assay to overcome biotin interference. We investigated the effect of biotin on both current and newly formulated assays.

Methods
Four serum pools were prepared using specimens containing various amounts of thyroglobulin. Then aliquots of each pool were supplemented with various amounts of biotin, and thyroglobulin concentrations were measured by both the current and the new assays. In addition, 3 volunteers ingested 10 mg biotin, and specimens were drawn before and 2 hours after taking biotin. Thyroglobulin concentrations before and 2 hours after taking biotin were measured by both assays.

Results
In the presence of biotin, thyroglobulin concentrations were reduced significantly using the current assay, but no significant change was observed using the newly formulated assay. We observed similar results in vivo.

Conclusions
The newly formulated thyroglobulin assay by Beckman is free from biotin interference.
Catechin promotes the germination of Pistacia chinensis seeds via GA biosynthesis
Authors: Guo Huanhuan , Li Shiqin , Liu Yong , Yang Qinsong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Chinese pistachio (Pistacia chinensis), an important horticultural plant species, holds great ornamental value with beautiful leaves and fruits. Seedling propagation of this tree species is restricted by its erratic seed germination; however, the germination mechanism is ambiguous. The aim of this study was to determine the germination mechanism from a novel perspective based on the multi-omics data.

Methods
The multi-omics technique combined with hormone content measurement was applied to seed germination of Chinese pistachio.

Key Results
Due to its great accumulation during seed germination, catechin stood out from the identified metabolites in a broadly targeted metabolomic analysis. Exogenous catechin at 10 mg L−1 significantly improved the germination of Chinese pistachio seeds. An interesting result of hormone analysis was that the improving effect of catechin could be attributed to an increase in gibberellic acid 3 (GA3) content rather than a decrease in abscisic acid (ABA) content before germination. Treatments with paclobutrazol (PAC, a GA biosynthesis inhibitor) and PAC + catechin also showed that the promoting effect of catechin on seed germination depends on GA biosynthesis. Transcriptome analysis and qRT‒PCR further revealed that catechin induced the expression of PcGA20ox5 to activate GA biosynthesis. Several transcription factors were induced by catechin and GA treatments, such as TCP, bZIP and C3H, which may play an important regulatory role in GA biosynthesis in a catechin-mediated way.

Conclusions
Catechin promotes seed germination via GA biosynthesis in Chinese pistachios. This study proposes a novel mechanism by which catechin promotes seed germination via the GA pathway, which provides new insight into a comprehensive understanding of seed dormancy and germination.
Fixed non-random orientation to the Sun (conversotropism) in two window-flowered greenhood orchids, Diplodium spp. (Orchidaceae: Pterostylidinae); implications for other window flowers and pollinator behaviour
Authors: Bower Colin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Many plant species orient their flowers to the Sun. Such orientations may be dynamic (heliotropism or solar tracking) or static, adopting fixed non-random azimuths to points on the daily arc of the Sun (conversotropism as defined herein). Two cauline greenhood orchid species, Diplodium reflexum and D. ampliatum (Pterostylidinae), are shown to be negatively conversotropic and non-heliotropic. Cauline greenhoods are trap and window flowers having large translucent light panels that glow when backlit flowers are viewed from the front. Conversotropism in greenhoods is thought to maximize light transmission through the window panels to manipulate the behaviour of fungus gnat pollinators. Conversotropism is so far documented in only seven species in five plant families, but is likely to be more widespread. The general characteristics of conversotropism are summarized and a new two stage model of window function in greenhoods is proposed. Window flowers in the Lady Slipper orchids (Cypripedium) and in Arums of the genus Arisaema are also predicted to be conversotropic. The evolution of conversotropism in cauline greenhoods highlights the importance of floral windows in these orchids. The highly unusual trap flowers may use light both as a pollinator attractant and repellent at different stages of the pollination process. Greenhoods appear to exploit the instinct of flies to escape confinement and the behaviours enabling it. This probably also applies to other trap flowers and adds insect escape behaviours to the many other drives, instincts, and behaviours exploited by plants for pollination.
The municipal company of musicians of Medina del Campo, 1566–1598
Authors: López Suero Ana 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In the second half of the 16th century the musicians of Medina del Campo came together to form a company in order to provide the music for all the celebrations taking place in their town. This initiative offers the possibility of broadening our knowledge about the functioning of municipal companies of musicians in the Spanish urban centres of the 16th century. The rich corpus of documents found in the regional archive of Valladolid permits the activity of this company to be traced in detail: how it was created, which musicians were involved, the regulations they followed, the patrons they worked for, the instruments they used, and how they taught their pupils. As will become apparent, the company of Medina del Campo functioned much like the guilds supporting many other trades, in which hierarchy, duties and communal good in both professional and social matters were carefully prescribed.
Mechanical Constraints during Vertical Climbing Reveals Limited Deviation from Theoretical Minima
Authors: Young Melody W , Flaim Nicholas D , Virga James Q , Kantounis Stratos K , Granatosky Michael C 
Published: April 2024

Synopsis
Center of mass (COM) mechanics, often used as an energetic proxy during locomotion, has primarily focused on level movement and hardly explores climbing scenarios. This study examines three-dimensional COM movements across five phylogenetically distinct species to test theoretical expectations of climbing costs, explore how interspecific variation (i.e., different limb numbers, adhesion mechanisms, body masses [0.008–84 kg], and limb postures) affects COM mechanics, and determine the impact of out-of-plane COM movements on climbing costs. A parallel experiment with rosy-faced lovebirds explores how inclination angle affects COM mechanical energy and how these empirical data align with theoretical expectations. Results indicate that, irrespective of anatomical differences, total mechanical costs of climbing are primarily driven by potential energy, outweighing contributions from kinetic energy. Despite species exhibiting significant out-of-plane kinematics, these movements have minimal impact on overall locomotor costs. Inclination angle changes have minimal effects, as potential energy accumulation dominates quickly as steepness increases, suggesting climbing occurs even on acutely angled substrates from a COM perspective. The study challenges prior assumptions about factors influencing climbing costs, such as body mass, speed, or posture, indicating a lack of evident anatomical or behavioral adaptations for climbing efficiency across species. The research sheds light on the universal challenges posed by the mechanical demands of scaling vertical substrates, offering valuable insights for functional morphologists studying climbing behaviors in extant and fossilized species.
Career paths of a university’s pharmacy graduates over 15 years: a cross-sectional evaluation
Authors: Fitzpatrick K L , Allen E A , Griffin B T , O’Shea J P , Dalton K , Bennett-Lenane H 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The versatility of a pharmacy degree has evolved over time. Expanding opportunities have emerged for employment in sectors outside those usually associated with the degree. A paucity of international literature evaluating pharmacy graduate career paths over an extended period is apparent – research which could enhance workforce capacity planning.

Aim
To evaluate trends in graduate career paths from a pharmacy school in Ireland over a fifteen-year period and assess graduate satisfaction with their career path and pharmacy programme.

Methods
This study utilised a multi-method approach to access graduate career data, using an online survey and publicly accessible information from LinkedIn® profiles. The survey, comprising both Likert scale and multiple-choice questions, was distributed to all the university’s pharmacy graduates from 2007 to 2022. Data from both methods were combined, cross-checked, coded, and analysed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics – whereby p&lt;0.05 denotes statistical significance.

Results
Data were obtained on 556/798 pharmacy graduates (69.7%), comprising 203 survey responses (25.4% response rate) and 353 LinkedIn profiles. Community pharmacy was the most common current employment sector (47.7%), followed by industry (21.5%), hospital (17.7%), and academia (6.1%). The percentage working in patient-facing settings ranged from 79.5% (2022) to 36.7% (2010). More recent graduates (≤5 years post-graduation) were significantly more likely (p&lt;0.05) to work in a patient-facing role versus those who graduated &gt;5 years ago (Figure 1). Over half of graduates not primarily working in community pharmacy (61.1%) had previously held a full-time community pharmacist role. Post-graduate education was undertaken by 41.3% of graduates, with the lowest uptake amongst community pharmacists (13.7%). Overall, career satisfaction from the survey was high (88.2%) although significantly lower for those in patient-facing (82%) versus non-patient-facing roles (97.5%). Satisfaction with the pharmacy degree programme was high (84.7%).

Conclusion
While limited to data from one pharmacy school, this study provides the first analysis of graduate career paths over an extended period and highlights the wide-ranging professional possibilities available to graduates. Furthermore, this represents a springboard for additional research to inform pharmacist workforce planning worldwide through career-path evaluation – ultimately aiming to avoid potentially significant implications of shortages in the patient-facing pharmacy workforce.
Reducing potentially inappropriate medication use and patient harm in a dedicated geriatric oncology clinic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Walsh D J , Horgan A M , O’Driscoll M , Hannan M , Goggin C , Sahm L J 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction
International guidance on conducting medication reviews in older adults with cancer was published in June 2022,[1] and current clinical practices have been outlined by pharmacists working in this field.[2] This process includes assessing for drug-drug interactions (DDIs), potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), and assessing anticholinergic burden (ACB), all of which have been associated with poorer outcomes in older adults with cancer.[2]
Since July 2022, the Geriatric Oncology Assessment and Liaison (GOAL) Clinic in our tertiary cancer centre has offered a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) to patients ≥70 years, which includes a comprehensive geriatric pharmacological assessment (CGPA), performed by the primary author.

Aim
Identify pharmacist interventions that resulted in a reduction of medication use in older adults attending a geriatric oncology clinic.

Methods
Data were collected between July 2022 and September 2023 inclusive. Patients who attended the GOAL clinic consented and underwent a CGPA. The CGPA database was analysed to assess for recommendations that reduced medication usage via two metrics: (i) reduced doses of medications; (ii) deprescribing of medications. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data (Table 1).

Results
One hundred and seventy four patients (98%) consented to a CGPA. Interventions to reduce medication use occurred in 120 patients (69%). There were 199 total number of interventions, with some patients having more than one intervention. The nature of the interventions are described in Table 1.

Conclusion
A structured medication review in the form of a CGPA, alongside a multidisciplinary CGA is effective at identifying potential areas to reduce medication usage in older adults with cancer, through appropriate dose reductions and deprescribing strategies. This service is unique as the GOAL clinic is Ireland’s only dedicated geriatric oncology clinic. The utilisation of a clinical pharmacist in a geriatric oncology outpatient clinic can effectively identify opportunities to reduce inappropriate medication, with almost 70% of patients being identified as being prescribed potentially inappropriate medications. This study was limited to the outpatient setting only. Future research should consider the impact of pharmacist review of medications for older adults with cancer at transitions of care.

References
1. Kantilal K, Kantilal K, Nightingale G et al. How-to guide for medication reviews in older adults with cancer: A Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology and Nursing & Allied Health Interest Group initiative. Journal of Geriatric Oncology.
2. Walsh DJ, Kantilal K, Herledan C et al. Medication assessment in older adults with cancer – Current practices in clinical pharmacy. Journal of Geriatric Oncology. 2023;14(5):101531.