bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A reduced smoothed integration scheme of the cell‐based smoothed finite element method for solving fluid–structure interaction on severely distorted meshes
Authors: He Tao , Lu Fang‐Xing , Ma Xi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article describes an inexpensive partitioned coupling strategy for computational fluid–structure interaction (FSI) admitting negative‐Jacobian elements. The emphasis is very much on a reduced smoothed integration (RSI) scheme of the cell‐based smoothed finite element method (CSFEM) using four‐node quadrilateral (Q4) elements for a cost‐effective solution to the Navier–Stokes (NS) equations. In the discrete fluid field, each Q4 element is considered as one single smoothing cell so as to diminish the smoothed integration loops substantially. However, the RSI scheme does not respect the stability condition of smoothed Galerkin weak‐form integral in the CSFEM. To tackle this issue, a simple hourglass control is introduced to the under‐integrated formulation of the NS solver. Importantly, the stabilized RSI scheme has an inbuilt advantage of its enormous tolerance towards negative‐Jacobian elements. The developed technique is easy‐to‐implement and has been tested in various FSI examples adopting both fine and distorted meshes.
Challenges and countermeasures for China's centralised volume‐based procurement policy in healthcare
Authors: Chang Qi , Tian Yihui , Gao Lingyun , Xia Nan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo reduce the cost of healthcare expenditures in China, the government has developed a centralised volume‐based procurement (CVBP) policy for medicines and medical consumables. Based on tracking the development history of centralised procurement in China, this study explores China's CVBP model. By comparing the centralised procurement models and healthcare expenditure data among China, the United States (U.S), the United Kingdom (UK), and Singapore, we find that China still faces many challenges in implementing the CVBP policy. The main challenges are as follows. First, the policy cannot be guaranteed the effectiveness of implementation without a well‐coordinated regulatory mechanism. Second, the CVBP rules and quality evaluation standards are imperfect. Third, the interests of healthcare companies cannot be guaranteed. Fourth, the policy affects the benefits of medical institutions, and the government has not built a compensation mechanism for medical institutions. Fifth, it poses a challenge to the operational capacity and innovation level of Chinese companies. Therefore, this paper posits a three‐stage strategy and nine measures that could benefit China's progress in implementing the CVBP policy.
Estimating transmissivity and storativity in a karst aquifer by direct and indirect methods
Authors: Pena Matheus Alonso Castelo , de Paula Rodrigo Sérgio , Velasquez Leila Nunes Menegasse , Neto Wallace Maciel Pacheco 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe karst aquifer located in the Environmental Protection Area of Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, exhibits the characteristic morphological features of an evolved karst environment, including large caves, sinkholes, and copious springs. Understanding the hydrogeological characteristics of karst aquifers is crucial for effective management of public resources and prevention of contamination, as these aquifers are highly vulnerable, making it essential to identify and mitigate potential risks. Given the ongoing economic and population growth in this region, the assessment of the hydrogeological parameters that control the dynamics of local flow becomes relevant for the proper evaluation of hydrogeological models and the management of water resources. Four classical pumping test analysis methods were compared to quantify the flow and storativity of the aquifer: Theis (1935), Neuman (1972), Moench (1984), and Agarwal (1980). In addition, indirect estimation methods based on the identification of capture zones and the analysis of recession curves of water courses were employed, since these approaches are cheaper and easier to apply in areas with low information. The statistical analysis of the results suggests that classical solutions can be applied to the karst aquifer to estimate hydrogeological parameters, apart from the Storage Coefficient obtained using the Neuman method. In general, the indirect estimation methods tend to produce values that are consistent with those obtained through direct methods, albeit with some reservations. The transmissivity values obtained from the pumping tests were approximately 3.0 × 10−4 m2/s, while the storage coefficient is estimated to be around 3.7 × 10−3. The indirect estimation methods yield transmissivity values of about 1.8 × 10−4 m2/s using the capture zone method, and storage coefficient values of 4.0 × 10−3 and 3.9 × 10−2 using recession curve analysis.
The effect of fertilizer injection on the mixing patterns of lateral‐move sprinkler irrigation systems with double wings
Authors: Zhang Yisheng , Li Jie , Wang Huiliang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn irrigation systems, water–fertilizer mixing within pipelines profoundly affects the fertilization process and strategy development. Taking irrigation machine pipelines as the research object, a numerical simulation method is used to investigate the mixing and distribution patterns of water and fertilizer in pipelines under a steady oscillatory flow fertilization mode with different injection positions, angles, flow rates (Q) and fertilization ratios (δ). Increasing the flow rate initially increased the fertilizer concentration in the lateral pipes, but further increasing the mainline central injection flow rate significantly reduced the concentration in the lateral pipes. For δ = 2%, elevating Q from 6 to 8 m3/h increased the average fertilizer concentration in the lateral pipes by 0.4%. However, a subsequent increase to Q = 10 m3/h led to a 1% decrease. In left‐side injection, lateral pipes on the same side as the injection pipe had considerably higher concentrations than those on the opposite side. In central injection, larger inclination angles increase the lateral pipe fertilizer concentration, while in left‐side injection, 60°‐downward injection results in the best lateral pipe fertilizer concentration. The above‐mentioned results can provide valuable insights for the design of injection ports on lateral‐move sprinkler irrigation systems.
Utilizing unmanned aerial vehicle technology for environmental monitoring: Future trends, methods, and applications
Authors: Li Yunting , Li Xing‐Zhou 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper provides an overview of the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in environmental monitoring, with a focus on air pollution surveillance. Initially, the paper highlights the significance of UAV technology for real‐time air quality monitoring in developing countries and explores the characteristics of fixed‐wing and multirotor UAVs in monitoring air pollutants. It then delves into methods of measuring air pollutants using UAV platforms, including the three‐dimensional distribution of pollutants around roadsides, green belts, and street‐facing communities. The advantages of UAV measurements, such as lower costs, greater flexibility, and the ability to monitor in three dimensions, are emphasized. Finally, the paper discusses future trends in the field of environmental monitoring using UAVs, including technological advancements, evolving regulatory policies, and integration with other technologies like Artificial Intelligence, big data analytics, and 5G communication. These developments suggest an increasingly significant role for UAVs in environmental monitoring, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and contributing to public participation and environmental awareness. However, due to the delays in publication and review processes, the most recent studies may not have been included in the literature review, leading to a scenario where the review might not reflect the latest research trends.
ART history prior to conception: trends and association with postpartum disengagement from HIV care in Khayelitsha, South Africa (2013–2019): a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Phillips Tamsin Kate , Kassanjee Reshma , Maxwell Nicola , Anderson Kim , Johnson Leigh , Moolla Haroon , Myer Landon , Chi Benjamin H. , Euvrard Jonathan , Boulle Andrew , Davies Mary‐Ann , Cornell Morna , de Waal Renee 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn recent years, the expansion of HIV treatment eligibility has resulted in an increase in people with antiretroviral therapy (ART) experience prior to pregnancy but little is known about postpartum engagement in care in this population. We examined differences in disengagement from HIV care after delivery by maternal ART history before conception.MethodsWe analysed data from people living with HIV (aged 15–49) in Khayelitsha, South Africa, with ≥1 live birth between April 2013 and March 2019. We described trends over time in ART history prior to estimated conception, classifying ART history groups as: (A) on ART with no disengagement (>270 days with no evidence of HIV care); (B) returned before pregnancy following disengagement; (C) restarted ART in pregnancy after disengagement; and (D) ART new start in pregnancy. We used Kaplan–Meier curves and proportional‐hazards models (adjusted for maternal age, number of pregnancy records and year of delivery) to examine the time to disengagement from delivery to 2 years postpartum.ResultsAmong 7309 pregnancies (in 6680 individuals), the proportion on ART (A) increased from 19% in 2013 to 41% in 2019. The proportions of those who returned (B) and restarted (C) increased from 2% to 13% and from 2% to 10%, respectively. There was a corresponding decline in the proportion of new starts (D) from 77% in 2013 to 36% in 2019. In the first recorded pregnancy per person in the study period, 26% (95% CI 25–27%) had disengaged from care by 1 year and 34% (95% CI 33–36%) by 2 years postpartum. Individuals who returned (B: aHR 2.10, 95% CI 1.70–2.60), restarted (C: aHR 3.32, 95% CI 2.70–4.09) and newly started ART (D: aHR 2.41, 95% CI 2.12–2.74) had increased hazards of postpartum disengagement compared to those on ART (A).ConclusionsThere is a growing population of people with ART experience prior to conception and postpartum disengagement varies substantially by ART history. Antenatal care presents an important opportunity to understand prior ART experiences and an entry into interventions for strengthened engagement in HIV care.
Dietary management for pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy due to α‐aminoadipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, a follow‐on from the international consortium guidelines
Authors: Dixon Marjorie , Millington Chloe , Bernstein Laurie , Coughlin Curtis R. , Drumm Morgan , Gaughan Sommer , van Karnebeek Clara D. M. , van Wegberg Annemiek M. J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy (PDE‐ALDH7A1) is a neurometabolic disorder in the lysine metabolism pathway. In 2014 and 2021, the International PDE consortium published consensus guidelines about diagnosis and management. In this follow‐on, a literature review was performed and nutrition management was evaluated through an international dietary questionnaire with 40 respondents. This manuscript discusses consensus dietary statements and the practical provision of lysine reduction therapies. Results from the questionnaire, statements from the PDE consensus guidelines, new data from the literature, as well as clinical practice experience of the metabolic dietitian group form the basis of these updated practical diet recommendations. These dietary management recommendations can support dietitians, nutritionists, and physicians in initiation and monitoring of lysine reduction therapies for PDE‐ALDH7A1 patients and families.
Immune features revealed by single‐cell RNA and single‐cell TCR/BCR sequencing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving COVID‐19 booster vaccination
Authors: Fan Yong , Huang Siyuan , Wu Duo , Chu Ming , Zhao Juan , Zhang Jiaying , Wang Yu , Gui Yanni , Ye Xiaofei , Wang Guiqiang , Geng Yan , Wang Yuedan , Zhang Zhuoli 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, have profoundly affected human health. Booster COVID‐19 vaccines have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing infection and severe cases. However, the effects of booster COVID‐19 vaccines on key immune cell subsets and their responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not well understood. By using single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) combined with scTCR/BCR‐seq analysis, a total of 8 major and 27 minor cell clusters were identified from paired peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) which were collected 1 week before and 4 weeks after booster vaccination in stable RA patients. Booster vaccination only had limited impact on the composition and proportions of PBMCs cell clusters. CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CD8+T_CTL) showed a trend toward an increase after vaccination, while naive B cells and conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) showed a trend toward a decrease. Transcriptomic changes were observed after booster vaccination, primarily involving T/B cell receptor signaling pathways, phagosome, antigen processing and presenting, and viral myocarditis pathways. Interferon (IFN) and pro‐inflammatory response gene sets were slightly upregulated across most major cell subpopulations in COVID‐19 booster‐vaccinated RA individuals. Plasma neutralizing antibody titers significantly increased after booster COVID‐19 vaccination (p = 0.037). Single‐cell TCR/BCR analysis revealed increased B cell clone expansion and repertoire diversity postvaccination, with no consistent alterations in T cells. Several clonotypes of BCRs and TCRs were identified to be significantly over‐represented after vaccination, such as IGHV3‐15 and TRBV28. Our study provided a comprehensive single‐cell atlas of the peripheral immune response and TCR/BCR immune repertoire profiles to inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 booster vaccination in RA patients, which helps us to understand vaccine‐induced immune responses better.
An empirical analysis of process improvement from best practice adoption: A study of stroke care best practices
Authors: Lee Brandon , Fredendall Lawrence , Roth Aleda , Sternberg Shannon , Quiroga Bernardo F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study empirically examines how induced learning through adopting a set of best practices and learning‐by‐doing improved a hospital's care of ischemic stroke patients using ad hoc teams. While previous studies in healthcare operations management conducted in ad hoc team environments predominantly focused on volume‐based learning (learning by doing, team familiarity via interactions among team members), our study focuses on induced learning in ad hoc teams through best practice adoptions. The analysis uses secondary data (Data period: January 2009–March 2017) about stroke patients from a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) in a U.S. tertiary teaching hospital as it adopted the U.S. American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) Target:Stroke best practices. The ad hoc stroke teams provide the initial care and their performance is measured using “Door‐to‐Needle (DTN)” time and its sub‐time segments. The DTN time is measured as the time elapsed between the stroke patient's arrival at the hospital's emergency department (ED) and the appropriate infusion of “Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA)” (i.e., a thrombolytic medication informally referred to as a “clot buster”). We found that adopting these best practices improved ischemic stroke care beyond improvement due to repetition. We also found that the neurologist's recent experience providing stroke care for the prior patient is positively associated with meeting the time performance goal for the current patient. This study provides insights into the use of management mechanisms to adopt and sustain best practices in healthcare that are generalizable to other organizations with ad hoc team environments.
Bone union‐promoting effect of romosozumab in an ovariectomized rat posterolateral lumbar fusion model
Authors: Okuyama Kohei , Inage Kazuhide , Kim Geundong , Mukaihata Tomohito , Tajiri Ikuko , Shiga Yasuhiro , Inoue Masahiro , Eguchi Yawara , Suzuki‐Narita Miyako , Otagiri Takuma , Tsuchiya Ryuto , Hishiya Takahisa , Arai Takahito , Toshi Noriyasu , Tokeshi Soichiro , Tashiro Susumu , Ohyama Shuhei , Suzuki Noritaka , Furuya Takeo , Maki Satoshi , Nakamura Junichi , Hagiwara Shigeo , Kawarai Yuuya , Aoki Yasuchika , Kotani Toshiaki , Koda Masao , Takahashi Hiroshi , Akazawa Tsutomu , Ohtori Seiji , Orita Sumihisa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSpinal fixation surgery has been increasingly performed in patients with osteoporosis. Romosozumab, a drug that was introduced in Japan recently, is known to possibly promote bone healing. However, few studies have reported the therapeutic effects of romosozumab in clinical practice in Japan. Therefore, here, we investigated the effects of romosozumab dosage on bone fusion promotion using an ovariectomized rat spinal fusion model. Eight‐week‐old female Sprague‐Dawley rats were matched by body weight and divided into three groups: 1.0 romosozumab (R) group (Evenity®, 25 mg/kg), 1/10R group (Evenity®, 2.5 mg/kg), and control (C) group (saline). Subcutaneous injections were administered twice a week for 8 weeks postoperatively. Computed tomography scans were performed every 2 weeks from the time of surgery till 8 weeks postoperatively. The mean fusion rates in terms of volume were significantly higher in the R groups [1/10R, 1.0R] than in the C group from 4 weeks postoperatively. The rate of increase was significantly higher in the 1.0R group from 4 weeks postoperatively and in the 1/10R group from 6 weeks postoperatively, than in the C group. The proportion of trabecular bone area was approximately 1.5 times higher in the R groups than in the C group. No significant differences were observed between the R groups. Our results suggest that romosozumab stimulates bone growth at the graft site, and similar effects were achieved at 1/10 of the standard dosage.
Effect mechanism of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in chili on the oxidative stability of myoglobin in duck meat
Authors: Wu Ruifang , Xie Yuqing , Zhao Lingling , Fu Caiqi , He Wenjie , Guo Danjun , Xu Wei , Yi Yang , Wang Hongxun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDMyoglobin (Mb) in duck meat is commonly over‐oxidized when heated at high temperatures, which may worsen the color of the meat. Enhancing the oxidative stability of Mb is essential for improving the color of duck meat. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin (CA‐DI) in chili exhibit antioxidant properties. This study investigated the effects of CA‐DI on the structure and oxidative damage of Mb by fluorescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry analysis and particle size in duck meat during heat treatment.RESULTSWhen the ratio of CA‐DI to Mb was 10:1 g kg−1 and heat‐treated for 36 min, oxymyoglobin significantly increased, and metmyoglobin significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In parallel, the carbonyl content of Mb in the CA‐DI group decreased by 43.40 ± 0.10%, the sulfhydryl content increased by 188 ± 0.21%, and the free radical scavenging activity of Mb was significantly enhanced (P < 0.05). Moreover, the addition of CA‐DI resulted in a significant decrease in the particle size of the Mb surface (P < 0.05). When the ratio of CA‐DI to Mb was 10:1 g kg−1, CA‐DI enhanced the thermal stability and significantly increased the thermal denaturation temperature of Mb. The molecular docking results indicated that hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds were involved in the binding of CA‐DI to Mb.CONCLUSIONCA‐DI could combine with Mb and improve the oxidation stability of Mb in duck meat. This suggested that CA‐DI could be a potential natural antioxidant that improves the color of meat products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Micro and nanoplastics pollution: A review on global concern and its impacts on ecosystems
Authors: Sharma Sonkeshwar , Barman Tanay , Mishra Gaurav , Kumar Amit 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn recent decades, the ubiquity of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) pollution has emerged as a global concern due to its potential risks to both ecological and human health. The detrimental effects of MNPs have resulted in significant changes in the physicochemical and biological properties of terrestrial soil and benthic sediment. These alterations have led to a disrupted nutrient cycle, potential future climate hazards, and further impacts on ecosystem services. This review aims to discuss the possible origins, composition, abundance, life cycle, and transport processes of MNPs in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It seeks to understand the potential ecological and human health risks associated with MNPs pollution and explores their implications for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. Moreover, this review highlights the advanced analytical techniques used to detect and quantify MNPs. It further suggests policy frameworks to combat this pollution in natural environments. The findings of this review are intended to assist environmentalists, microbiologists, hydrologists, and policymakers in identifying scientific gaps and pragmatic solutions to reduce MNPs pollution. Future research should investigate the intake mechanism and impact of MNPs on plants in different ecosystems, as well as their effects on food chains and human health. This will ensure that the ecological and human health risks associated with MNPs pollution can be timely mitigated.
Strong and efficient summertime carbon export driven by aggregation processes in a subarctic coastal ecosystem
Authors: O'Daly Stephanie H. , Hennon Gwenn M. M. , Kelly Thomas B. , Strom Suzanne L. , McDonnell Andrew M. P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSinking marine particles, one pathway of the biological carbon pump, transports carbon to the deep ocean from the surface, thereby modulating atmospheric carbon dioxide and supplying benthic food. Few in situ measurements exist of sinking particles in the Northern Gulf of Alaska; therefore, regional carbon flux prediction is poorly constrained. In this study, we (1) characterize the strength and efficiency of the biological carbon pump and (2) identify drivers of carbon flux in the Northern Gulf of Alaska. We deployed up to five inline drifting sediment traps in the upper 150 m to simultaneously collect bulk carbon and intact sinking particles in polyacrylamide gels and measured net primary productivity from deck‐board incubations during the summer of 2019. We found high carbon flux magnitude, low attenuation with depth, and high export efficiency. We quantitatively attributed carbon flux between 10 particle types, including various fecal pellet categories, dense detritus, and aggregates using polyacrylamide gels. The contribution of aggregates to total carbon flux (41–93%) and total carbon flux variability (95%) suggest that aggregation processes, not zooplankton repackaging, played a dominant role in carbon export. Furthermore, export efficiency correlated significantly with the proportion of chlorophyll a in the large size fraction (> 20 μm), total aggregate carbon flux, and contribution of aggregates to total carbon flux. These results suggest that this stratified, small‐cell‐dominated ecosystem can have sufficient aggregation to allow for a strong and efficient biological carbon pump. This is the first integrative description of the biological carbon pump in this region.