bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-Criteria Approach to Determine the Suitability of Potato Harvesters: Case Study Application of Motorcycle Drawn in Nyandarua County, Kenya .
Authors: Nanje Martin , Gitau Ayub , Mbuge Duncan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Agricultural mechanisation is vital because it raises labour efficiency and enhances farm production per worker. However, not all fields are suitable for mechanisation. This study sought to determine the viability of introducing potato harvesting equipment drawn by motorcycles in Nyandarua County, Kenya. Soil analysis was done on samples from different parts of the county to understand the properties of soils that affect agricultural tool interaction and to study the movement of the digging part of the machines in the soil. With the help of various physical and mechanical soil tests, this study spatially determined suitable areas for potato mechanisation using Multi-Criteria Evaluation and Geographic Information System analysis. The criteria used in this analysis were soil, climate, and topography. The criteria were selected based on information available about potato mechanisation. The data from the criteria was analysed in the Quantum Geographic Information System environment. A map was generated in which the area was classified into four suitability levels for the operation of a potato harvester: Highly Suitable (S1), Moderately Suitable (S2), Marginally Suitable (S3), and Not Suitable (N) based on Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines. The Analytic Hierarchy Process decision-making tool was used to determine each criterion's deduced weights and associated influence. The weights were used as inputs in the weighted overlay analysis and final maps generated. This research aids in informed decision-making for agricultural mechanization in Nyandarua County, helping farmers and policymakers identify the most suitable regions for adopting this technology. By enhancing labour efficiency and farm productivity, the findings contribute to the overall improvement of the agricultural sector in the region, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple criteria when assessing the feasibility of introducing new farming equipment.
Silicon based Double Fano resonances photonic integrated gas sensor
Authors: Salama Norhan A. , Alexeree Shaimaa M. , Obayya Salah S. A. , Swillam Mohamed A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The telecommunication wavelengths play a crucial role in the development of photonic integrated circuit (PIC). The absorption fingerprints of many gases lie within these spectral ranges, offering the potential to create miniaturized gas sensor for (PIC). In this work, we present novel double Fano resonances within the telecommunication wavelength range, based on silicon metasurface for selective gas sensing applications. Our proposed design comprises periodically coupled nanodisk and nano-bar resonators mounted on a quartz substrate. We show that the Fano resonances can be precisely tuned across the wavelength range from (𝜆=1.52𝜇m) to (𝜆=1.7𝜇m) by adjusting various geometrical parameters. Furthermore, we optimize the sensor for double detection of carbon monoxide (CO), with an absorption fingerprint at ~ 1.566 𝜇m, and nitrous oxide (N2O), with an absorption fingerprint at ~ 1.67𝜇m. The sensor exhibits exceptional refractometric sensitivity to CO of 1,735 nm/RIU with an outstanding FOM of 11,570. In addition, the sensor shows a sensitivity to N2O of 194 accompanied by a FOM of 510. The structure reveals absorption losses of 7% for CO and 3% for N2O. The outstanding FOM and absorption losses provide selectivity for the sensing material. Our proposed design holds significant promise for the development of highly sensitive double detection refractometric photonic integrated gas sensor.
An Efficient Multi-Gram Access in a Two-step Synthesis to Soluble Nine-atomic Silylated Silicon Clusters
Authors: Fässler Thomas , Frankiewicz Kevin , Willeit Nicole , Hlukhyy Viktor 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Silicon is by far the most important semiconducting material. However, solution-based synthetic approaches for unsaturated silicon-rich molecules require less efficient multi-step syntheses. We report on a straightforward access to soluble, polyhedral Si9 clusters from the binary phase K12Si17, which contains both [Si4]4- and [Si9]4- clusters. [Si4]4- ions, characterised by a high charge per atom ratio, behave as strong reducing agents, preventing [Si9]4- from directed reactions. By the here reported separation of [Si4]4-, Si9 clusters are isolated as monoprotonated [Si9H]3- ions on a multi-gram scale and further crystallised as their 2.2.2 Cryptate salt. 20 grams of the product can be obtained through this two-step procedure - a new starting point for silicon Zintl chemistry such as the first isolation and structural characterisation of a trisilylated [MeHyp3Si9]- cluster.
Ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragm function to predict need for mechanical ventilation and its liberation in patients with neuromuscular disorders: an observational, cohort, pilot study
Authors: Nair Shalini , More Atul , Karrupasamy Reka , Sivadasan Ajith , Aaron Sanjith 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate diaphragmatic function using ultrasound to predict ventilatory need and weaning in neuromuscular patients.
Design: Prospective, observational, pilot study.
Setting: Neurology ward, high- dependency and intensive care unit.
Patients: Adult neuromuscular patients needing inpatient treatment
Interventions: Ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragmatic excursion (DE) and diaphragmatic thickness fraction (DTF) every 48 hours (ventilated patients) to 72 hours (non-ventilated patients) till weaned from ventilator or discharge.
Measurements:
Parameters measured: Primary- Need for mechanical ventilation.
Secondary- Days on ventilator, number of ICU days
Statistical assessment: Qualitative data- as % and quantitative data as mean +/- standard deviation.
Continuous variables- compared using unpaired T tests and categorical variables with Chi-square tests. Contingency table analysis-for computing relative risks to compare baseline DE and DTF with serial changes.
Main Results: DE reduced bilaterally over 48 hours of admission before needing mechanical ventilation. DTF failed to show any pattern of change. In non-ventilated patients, improvement in bilateral DE and DTF from first to third reading was observed. Mean values for serial DE readings, bilaterally, was significantly lower in ventilated patients compared to non-ventilated patients (p value – 0.05 & 0.01).
Baseline left DE < 1cm showed 2.5 times relative risk for needing ventilation with a confidence interval of 0.62-0.99 (p value – 0.19). A decrease in right DE > 50% within 72 hours of admission had a relative risk of 3.3 for need of ventilation with a confidence interval of 1.29-8.59 (p value – 0.01).
A positive change in bilateral serial DE readings implied higher ventilator free days.
Conclusion: Serial DE measurements with a reducing trend in the first 2 days, a baseline left DE <1cm and a decrease in Rt DE of >50%are associated with need for mechanical ventilation in neuromuscular patients. This can help triage sicker patients earlier. Increased DE in ventilated patients is associated with increased ventilator free days and can predict early weaning.
Effect of NK cell receptor genetic variation on allogeneic stem cell transplantation outcome and in vitro NK cell cytotoxicity
Authors: Nihtilä Julia , Penna Leena , Salmenniemi Urpu , Itälä-Remes Maija , Crossland Rachel E , Gallardo David , Bogunia-Kubik Katarzyna , Lacina Piotr , Bieniaszewska Maria , Giebel Sebastian , Karjalainen Katariina , Jahan Farhana , Kerkelä Erja , Hyvärinen Kati , Koskela Satu , Ritari Jarmo , Partanen Jukka 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells recognize malignant cells via their cell surface receptors and may kill them. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genotypes of donors have been reported to adjust the risk of relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. To test whether non-KIR NK cell receptors have a similar effect, we screened 796 genetic polymorphisms in 14 non-KIR NK cell receptor genes for their associations with relapse and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after HSCT in 1,491 HSCT donors (from Finland, the UK, Spain, and Poland), divided into a discovery and replication cohort. Two polymorphisms flanking the gene CD226 (DNAM-1) and two flanking FCGR3A (CD16a) were associated with a nominally reduced risk for relapse and chronic GVHD, respectively. These associations could not be confirmed in the replication cohort of 446 HSCT donors from the same populations. The blood donor NK cells carrying these nominally protective genetic alleles had a higher in vitro killing activity than the noncarriers, potentially indicating functional effects. Taken together, these results show no robust effects of genetic variation in tested non-KIR NK cell receptors on the outcome of HSCT.
A finite element model to analyse forming defects in rolling-extrusion of finned tubes
Authors: Filice Luigino , Borda Francesco , Trotta Francesco , Gagliardi Francesco 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Finned tubes improve the efficiency of air-cooled heat exchangers by increasing the transmission surface area. The rolling-extrusion process can be employed to their manufacturing by plastic deforming single- or multi- material tubes. The forming steps are usually performed by rotating specific heads composed of a series of disks, whose dimensions are customised to achieve the desired fins’ sizes in terms of height, thickness and pitch. Process parameters, such as the temperature of the disks and of the processed material or the lubricant conditions mainly affect the quality of the obtained products in terms of performance, but also in terms of integrity of both manufactured parts and employed equipment. Numerical simulations resulted to be important in understanding the stress and strain distribution during the forming phase of the tubes. Anyway, the process dynamics and the geometries to be produced require 3D simulations that usually are complex to be set and really time consuming. In the proposed research, empirical industrial expertise on rolling extrusion of finned tubes was exploited to propose a 2D numerical approach able to provide manufacturing directions at changing of the pointed-out process conditions. Specifically, the numerical model was set for manufacturing a bimetallic finned tube for oil & gas applications. The model was set to achieve conditions in terms of shape and size of the fins comparable to the experiments. The model was subsequently employed at changing of the process parameters highlighting their influences on the conditions that can result on products non-conformities and/or in rupture of the rotating heads impacting significantly on both product quality and production capacity.
Multifunctional and high-performance electrothermal films based on carbon black/Ag nanowires/graphene composites
Authors: Zhang Jiaheng , Gao Chaochao , Yu Wen , Wang Zijian , Zhu Zhenye 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

A novel carbon black/Ag nanowires/graphene (CB/Ag/G) composite electrothermal film was fabricated via a simple and green method. An Ag/G composite synthesized by liquid-phase exfoliation and in-situ photoreduction was mixed with CB to form a composite conductive ink, and the CB/Ag/G composite electrothermal film with a point-line-plane three-dimensional microstructure was obtained via blade coating process. Both the addition of Ag nanowires and a subsequent compression rolling treatment induced the establishment of effective conductive network in the electrothermal film, endowing it with an outstanding conductivity of 399.4 S cm-1. The CB/Ag/G film reached a Ts of 204 °C with an input voltage of 3.0 V, and was successfully applied in water heating and de-icing, demonstrating its extraordinary electrothermal performance and vast potential for large-scale practical applications. Moreover, the CB/Ag/G film was also used as an electromagnetic shielding film and heat dissipation substrate, showing exceptional electromagnetic shielding (42.5 dB) and heat dissipation properties.
Coronary artery calcification is associated with adverse autonomic and hemodynamic responses to prolonged high-intensity endurance exercise
Authors: Svane Jakob , Wiktorski Tomasz , Eftestøl Trygve Christian , Ørn Stein 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background Physical exercise is associated with increased life duration and improved life quality. Paradoxically, high exercise intensity is also associated with increased coronary artery calcification (CAC) and a small but significant increased risk of myocardial infarction and cardiac death during high-intensity exercise. The mechanisms and the clinical implications of the association between prolonged high exercise intensity and increased CAC are unknown.
Aim This study aims to determine if there are differences in cardiovascular hemodynamic measures and heart rate variability (HRV) in individuals with (CAC+) and without CAC (CAC-).
Methods Hemodynamic measures from 56 healthy, middle-aged (51.0 [43.0-58.0] years [median, (Q1-Q3)]) individuals (41 men/15 women) participating in a 91-km (251.2 [217.2-271.6] minutes) leisure sport mountain bike race were included in this study. 25 participants (20 men/5 women), were classified as CAC+ based on coronary computer tomographic assessment. Hemodynamic measures and HRV were used to assess the study subjects at the top of the hardest hill (THH) during the last quarter of the race.
Results At the top of THH, CAC+ individuals had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (235.0 [225.0-245.0] mmHg vs 220.0 [192.5-237.5] mmHg, p=0.008), higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (105.0 [95.0-110.0] mmHg vs 95.0 [85.0-110.0] mmHg, p=0.006), higher pulse pressure (130.0 [125.0-140.0] mmHg vs 123.0 [110.0-130.0] mmHg, p=0.039), higher mean rate pressure product (33882 [30872-35053] bpm x mmHg vs 31028 [27392-33047] bpm x mmHg, p=0.028), and larger increase in DBP from baseline (20.0 [20.0-30.0] mmHg vs 10.0 [0.0-20.0] mmHg, p=0.001), compared with CAC- individuals. Further, CAC+ showed a significant reduction in the low-frequency component of HRV (HRVLF) (6.3 [2.4-11.5] ms2 vs 12.4 [6.8-20.2] ms2, p=0.044). In multivariate analysis, HRVLF was an independent predictor of presence of CAC even after adjusting for established risk factors of atherosclerosis.
Conclusion CAC+ individuals had significant alterations in hemodynamic measures and HRVLF following prolonged high-intensity exercise compared to individuals without CAC. HRVLF was an independent predictor of CAC, suggesting an adverse autonomic response to high-intensity exercise in individuals with CAC.
D-Glutamate Production by Stressed Escherichia Coli Provides a Clue for the Induction Mechanism of the ALS Disease
Authors: Monselise Edna Ben Izhak , Vyazmensky Maria , Scherf Tali , Batushansky Albert , Fishov Itzhak 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In the search for the origin of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis disease (ALS(, we hypothesized earlier (Monselise, 2019) that D-amino acids produced by stressed microbiome may serve as inducers of the disease development. Many examples of D-amino acid accumulation under various stress conditions were demonstrated in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In this work, wild-type Escherichia coli, members of the digestive system, were subjected to carbon and nitrogen starvation stress. Using NMR and LC-MS techniques, we found for the first time that D-glutamate accumulated in the stressed bacteria but not in control cells. These results together with the existing knowledge, allow us to suggest a new insight into the pathway of ALS development: D-glutamate, produced by the stressed microbiome, induces neurobiochemical miscommunication setting on C1q of the complement system. Proving this insight may have great importance in preventive medicine of such MND modern-age diseases as ALS, Alzheimer, and Parkinson.
Correlation Analysis of Blood Lipid Level and Thyroid Tumors
Authors: Liu Shuang , Guo Yuanyuan , Li Zhijie , Gong Jun , Liao Pu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: The level of blood lipids has been found to reflect the occurrence and development of tumors to a certain extent. This article explores the correlation between blood lipid levels and thyroid tumors.
Methods: A total of 915 patients with thyroid tumors were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups according to the benign and malignant tumors. The total cholesterol (TCHO), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), lipoprotein (a) and other detection indicators before starting treatment were recorded. The comparison between the two groups were evaluated by Mann-Whitney test and Chi-square test. The relationship between the blood lipid level and thyroid tumors were assessed by Spearman correlation analysis , dose-effect analysis and logistic regression methods.
Results: Serum TCHO (median 4.85 vs 5,14, p=0.001), HDL-C (median 1.37 vs 1.48, p=0.001), LDL-C (median 2.50 vs 2.68, p=0.006) and lipoprotein (a) (median 111 vs 133, p=0.023) levels of patients with malignant thyroid tumors were significantly lower than those of patients with benign thyroid tumors. The logistic regression models showed that the OR value of HDL-C was 0.493(0.272,0.894), and the P value was 0.02. This suggests that HDL-C is a protective factor. In addition, HDL-C was negatively correlated with lymph node metastasis(p=0.005) and the maximum tumor diameter(p=0.024).
Conclusion: Serum lipid level is correlated with the occurrence and development of thyroid tumors to a certain extent, and the level of HDL-C is a protective factor for thyroid tumors.
Approaches for Psychosocial Support Towards Orphans and Vulnerable Children by Community-based Workers in the Vhembe District, South Africa
Authors: Matshepete Mrs Livhuwani Precious , Makhado Prof Lufuno , Mashau Prof Ntsieni Stella 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The OVC crisis has raised the need for alternative solutions to OVC's problems. These new alternatives gave prominence to the growth of CBOs and their interventions. Community-based interventions are a crucial component of the response to make sure components of the response to ensure that the demands of OVCs are mitigated as they offer initial support and act as well-being nets.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory-descriptive design was used to explore possible approaches to psychosocial support for OVC from community workers. This study was conducted in four municipalities of Vhembe district: Thulamela, Makhado, Collins Chabane and Musina. The population consisted of community workers working with AIDS-vulnerable and orphaned children in the Vhembe district. Data were collected in focus group discussions with community staff using a focus group discussion guide with open-ended questions. The data were analysed according to Tesch’s open data analysis guide to analyse qualitative data. The measures to ensure trustworthiness included transferability, conformability, credibility, and dependability.
Results: Analysis data generated the following theme and subthemes: Psychosocial interventions provided Physical support, educational support, psycho-educational support, activities and socialisation, caregivers support and involvement and inter-professional referral.
Conclusion: Community - based organisations are providing psychosocial support interventions to OVC. Conversely, the study also revealed that community –based organisations are experiencing challenges when delivering those services to OVC.
Study on the impact of kinesiophobia after Total knee replacement on the rehabilitation of patients during hospitalization
Authors: Yao Yichao , Zhang Qi , Cui Shaoning , Guo Xumeng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective:This study aims to investigate the influence of kinesiophobia on the rehabilitation outcomes of patients undergoing knee replacement surgery during their hospital stay.
Methods:The study conveniently selected patients who underwent unilateral knee replacement at a tertiary hospital in Baoding City between June 2021 and December 2021.A self-designed questionnaire was utilized to gather data on the patients' general demographic and disease information, while the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) was employed to identify postoperative kinesiophobia. Out of the total sample, 33 patients scored above 37 points on the TSK, while 35 patients scored 37 points or below.The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was utilized to assess pain levels in two groups of patients at various time points post-surgery: upon returning to the ward after surgery (T1), the first day after surgery (T2), the second day after surgery (T3), the third day after surgery (T4), resting pain in the knee joint on the fifth postoperative day (T5), and on the day of discharge (T6). The flexion of the knee joint was measured in two groups of patients on the first postoperative day (T1*), the third postoperative day (T2*), the fifth postoperative day (T3*), and the day of discharge (T4*).The first time out of bed activities of the two groups of patients were compared, along with the results of the 2-Minute Walk Test (2-MWT) on the day of discharge and the postoperative hospital stay.
Results:The pain scores of patients in the kinesiophobia group were consistently higher than those in the non-kinesiphobia group at all time points (P<0.05). There were observed time effect, Between-group effects, and interaction effects (P<0.05). Additionally, the active knee flexion of patients in the kinesiphobia group was found to be smaller compared to the non-kinesiophobia group at each time point (P<0.05), There were observed time effect, Between-group effects, and interaction effects (P<0.05). Patients in the kinesiophobia group also exhibited delayed time to first get out of bed, shorter activity time and distance, as well as higher pain scores during activities, in comparison to those in the non-kinesiophobia group (P<0.05). Furthermore, patients with kinesiophobia walked shorter distances in the 2-minute walk test on the day of discharge and had longer hospitalization times than their non-kinesiophobia counterparts (P<0.05).
Conclusion:Kinesiophobia following knee replacement surgery has a significant impact on the rehabilitation outcomes of patients while they are hospitalized. It is important for healthcare professionals to promptly recognize and address this issue in order to enhance the rehabilitation progress of these patients during their hospital stay.
Prospect certainty for data-driven models
Authors: Yousef Qais , Li Pu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Uncertainty in the output of a data-driven model is a natural feature that limits its practical application. Identifying this uncertainty is required to improve the reliability of the model. In this paper, we propose a novel method to explicitly determine the certainty of the model output, by considering the input distributional changes during its deployment. In addition, a new concept of logit masking is introduced to entail the model more probabilistic characteristic which identifies the behavior of each output alternative by evaluating its influence on the distribution of the model output. Finally, it quantifies the prospect certainty of each variant and selects the final output. Experimental results using benchmark and real-world datasets show that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art techniques in the sense of certainty.