bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and practice of infection control measures among nurses in Jordan
Authors: Al-Quraan Hamza Ali , Hussien Najah , Alloubani Aladeen 
Published: April 2024

Background/Aims Healthcare-associated infections are a global concern, with effective infection control measures being crucial in hospital settings. Nurses' knowledge and practice of infection control measures play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of infection control measures among nurses in Jordan. Methods A non-experimental, descriptive cross-sectional design was used in a not-for-profit, specialised cancer centre and two private hospitals in Jordan. A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 267 nurses. The questionnaire was divided into three parts. The first part collected sociodemographic data. The second part consisted of 17 multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge of infection control measures, with a score range of 0–17. The third part comprised 16 questions on a 5-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree; 5=strongly agree), with a higher mean score indicating better self-reported infection control practice. Responses were analysed using standard statistical methods, with a P value of 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results The majority of the sample were women (65.2%), with a mean age of 26.7±2.1 years. The mean total knowledge score was 13.81 out of 17.00 and the mean practice score was 4.02 out of 5.00. Significant differences were found across groups depending on hospital type (private vs not for profit), area of practice, years of experience, level of education and whether respondents had received specific training. Conclusions Level of education, training and specific workplace factors may all affect nurses' knowledge and practice of infection control measures. This study highlights the need for strategic educational and training programmes for nurses to improve patient safety.
The scar-reducing effect of a novel chitosan gel: an in vivo study
Authors: Kordestani Soheila Salahshoor , Habib Farzaneh Nayeb , Fayyazbakhsh Fateme , Mohammadi Fahimeh Sadat 
Published: April 2024

Objective: Scar tissue formation, as a normal part of wound healing, initiates in the proliferation phase, continues after the remodelling phase, and may cause an unpleasant appearance or disruption in normal functioning. This study investigated the effects of a topical gel on acute wound healing and reducing scars in a rat model. Method: ChitoScar (ChitoTech Company, Iran), a commercial scar-reducing gel based on chitosan, was analysed for antibacterial and antiviral activity through a quantitative suspension test. Its cytotoxic effect was investigated, and then irritation and delayed-type hypersensitivity tests were carried out on rabbits through direct application of the gel. Furthermore, the effect of the chitosan-based gel on wound healing and scar tissue formation was studied in rats with an acute wound in two groups: the treatment group (topical application of the chitosan-based gel); and the control group (without treatment). Histopathological examination was carried out based on the inflammatory cells, collagen fibre, keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Results: Analysis revealed that the chitosan-based gel had no cytotoxicity and caused no erythema, oedema, local or other systemic adverse response. Wound healing occurred earlier in the treatment group, which was a result of a significant increase in re-epithelialisation, angiogenesis, fibroblast population and collagen fibre thickness (p<0.05). In the treatment group, wounds healed completely after 21 days and scars totally disappeared after 28 days, while in the control group, wound healing remained incomplete with distinct scar tissue. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the positive effect of the chitosan-based gel on the duration and quality of the wound healing process, as well as minimising the scar tissue formation in this in vivo study.
Planning tools for next-generation DSP-based passive optical networks above 50G [Invited Tutorial]
Authors: Rizzelli Giuseppe , Gaudino Roberto 
Published: April 2024

Next-generation optical access networks are evolving towards ultra-high bit rates (above 50 Gbps per wavelength) and extended fiber reach architectures. This trend will likely push the optoelectronics to their limits, thus requiring impairment compensation based on digital signal processing (DSP) techniques in the transceivers. In this paper, which is an invited follow-up of a tutorial given at ECOC 2023, we first present an overview of this evolving scenario and then propose a unified analytical model that is able to predict the performance of these new systems for both direct-detection and coherent transceiver types. We believe that this model can be useful for preliminary scalability studies of new access architectures (as it happens in international standardization bodies). Moreover, when they are deployed, it can be useful as a base for network planning tools, particularly if future transceivers will be, as expected, highly reconfigurable at the DSP level.
Examining the significance of arginine vasopressin release to elucidate the often multifactorial etiology of hypotonic hyponatremia: A novel criterion
Authors: Voets Philip J. G. M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractClinical hyponatremia guidelines, protocols and flowcharts are a convenient means for clinicians to quickly establish an etiological diagnosis for hyponatremia, and facilitate its often complex analysis. Unfortunately, they often erroneously attribute multifactorial hyponatremia to a single cause, which is potentially dangerous. In this manuscript, a novel criterion is proposed to quickly determine the physiological relevance of non‐osmotic arginine vasopressin (AVP) release, and to add nuance to hyponatremia analysis. While analyzing hypotonic hyponatremia, it is imperative to not only verify whether or not a certain degree of inappropriate AVP release is present, but also to ascertain whether it—in itself—could sufficiently explain the observed hyponatremia, as these two are not always synonymous. Using well‐known concepts from renal physiology to combine the electrolyte‐free water balance and solute‐free water balance, a novel physiological criterion is derived mathematically to easily distinguish three common hyponatremia scenarios, and to further elucidate the underlying etiology. The derived criterion can hopefully facilitate the clinician's and physiologist's interpretation of plasma and urine parameters in a patient presenting with hyponatremia, and warn against the important clinical pitfall of attributing hyponatremia too readily to a single cause.
PRORETA 5 – building blocks for automated urban driving enhancing city road safety
Authors: Popp Christoph , Serov Andreas , Glatzki Felix , Ziegler Christoph , Olaru Andreea-Iulia , Maldonado Jaime , Clemens Joachim , Adamy Jürgen , Arbitmann Maxim , Leon Florin , Peters Steven , Schill Kerstin , Schräbler Sighard , Winner Hermann 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the joint research project PRORETA 5, building blocks for automated driving in urban areas have been developed, implemented, and tested. The developed blocks involve an object tracking for cars, bicycles, and pedestrians that feeds a multimodal object prediction which is able to predict the traffic participants’ most likely trajectories. Then, an anytime tree-based planning algorithm calculates the vehicle’s desired path. Finally, logic-based safety functions ensure a collision-free trajectory for the ego vehicle. The mentioned building blocks were integrated and tested in a prototype vehicle in urban scenarios. Furthermore, a novel general framework for specifying and testing traffic rule compliance has been developed. In this paper, the automated driving concept of PRORETA 5 is introduced and the developed methods are briefly explained.
Ein Konzept zum automatisierten Rangieren von Fahrzeugen mit Anhängern
Authors: Dahlmann Julian , Völz Andreas , Graichen Knut 
Published: April 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Automatisierung von Fahrzeuggespannen bedarf einer präzisen Manöverplanung, um das Gespann kollisionsfrei von einem initialen Zustand in einen gewünschten Zustand zu überführen. Durch Wahl einer Architektur, welche die Stärken verschiedener Planungsverfahren kombiniert, kann ein effizientes Zusammenspiel aus lokaler und globaler Trajektorienplanung erzielt werden. Die resultierende globale Lösung wird anschließend mit einem optimalen Geschwindigkeitsprofil versehen und die gewünschten Fahreigenschaften mittels Verfahren der numerischen Optimierung umgesetzt.
Evaluation of analytical performance of AQUIOS CL flow cytometer and method comparison with bead-based flow cytometry methods
Authors: Chiron Andrada S. , Locher Lucy , Sarthou Aurélie , Gleizes Aude , Krzysiek Roman , Chretien Pascale , Hacein-Bey-Abina Salima 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Given that method validation is mandatory for compliance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15,189 standard requirements, we evaluated the analytical performance of the AQUIOS CL system (Beckman Coulter) and compared it with two bead-based flow cytometry (FCM) protocols (BD FACSCAntoTM-II and Beckman Coulter DxFLEX). There are no comparative literature data on standardized protocols for counting lymphocyte subsets on the new-generation cytometer DxFLEX.

Methods
We evaluated the AQUIOS CL’s performance with regard to accuracy, linearity and stability by using dedicated control cell samples and patient samples. We also compared the lymphocyte counts measured on the AQUIOS CL (n=69 samples) with those measured on the BD FACSCAntoTM-II and DxFLEX FCM systems. For 61 samples, FCM results were compared with those measured on the XN-3000 Sysmex hematology analyzer.

Results
AQUIOS CL showed acceptable performance – even outside the manufacturer’s quantification ranges- and strong correlations with bead-based FCM methods. The FCM techniques and the XN-3000 gave similar absolute lymphocyte counts, although values in samples with intense lymphocytosis (B cell lymphoma/leukemia) were underestimated.

Conclusions
The AQUIOS CL flow cytometer is a time-saving, single-platform system with good performance, especially when the manufacturer’s instructions for use are followed. However, AQUIOS CL’s possible limitations and pitfalls impose validation of a bead-based FCM method for immunophenotyping verification or as a back-up system. Although the DxFLEX flow cytometer is more time-consuming to use, it can provide standardized lymphocyte subset counts in case of aberrant results on AQUIOS CL or in the event of equipment failure.
Effect of silver nanoparticles formulated by Silybum marianum on menopausal urinary incontinence in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Wei Lingyun , Wang Wenzhen , Feng Na , Qiao Si 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Urinary incontinence is the major sign of menopause genitourinary syndrome and is usually related to the sexual dysfunctions. Fifty percent of menopausal women have menopausal urinary tract. Menopause genitourinary syndrome is a hypoestrogenic condition with external sexual, urological, and genital implications. The production of estrogen decline after menopause is an important parameter for urinary incontinence. Recently, nanotechnology has been applied as a remedial option for the genitourinary disease treatment. Silver nanoparticles were mediated by the Silybum marianum aqueous extract for the menopausal urinary incontinence treatment in ovariectomized rats in the current experiment. The green-formulated AgNPs@Silybum marianum were characterized by FT-IR, TEM, SEM, and UV–Vis. The SEM findings prove the spherical morphology with size of 15–60 nm. The ovariectomized rats were treated by AgNPs@Silybum marianum (5 and 20 µg/kg/day) for 56 days. According to the results, AgNPs@Silybum marianum increased the urinary bladder weight and reduced the body weights in comparison with the untreated rats. AgNPs@Silybum marianum rats indicated a dose-dependent amelioration for the acetylcholine contraction index. AgNPs@Silybum marianum also ameliorated the levels of serum 17β-estradiol, urinary bladder hydroxyproline, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, ALP, AST, and ALT in the ovariectomized rats. Based on the experiment results, the recent formulation may be applied for the menopausal urinary incontinence treatment in humans after performing the clinical research.
Equations and methodologies of inlet drainage system discharge coefficients: A review
Authors: Zaiter Ali , Sabtu Nuridah , Almaliki Doaa F. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Accurate determination of grate inlet discharge coefficients is crucial in reducing modeling uncertainties and mitigating urban flooding hazards. This review critically examines the methods, equations, and recommendations for determining the weir/orifice discharge coefficients, based on the inlet parameters and flow conditions. Reviewing previous studies for inlets showed that the discharge coefficient of rectangular inlets under subcritical flow ranges from 0.53 to 0.6 for weirs and from 0.4 to 0.46 for orifices, while in grated circular inlets, it falls between 0.115 and 0.372 for weirs and between 0.349 and 2.038 for orifices. For circular non-grated inlets under subcritical flow, the weir and orifice coefficients are in the range of 0.493–0.587 and 0.159–0.174, respectively. However, the orifice discharge coefficients of grated and non-grated inlets with unknown Froude number range between 0.14–0.39 and 0.677–0.82, respectively. For supercritical flow, the weir and orifice discharge coefficients of grated and non-grated rectangular inlets are 0.03–0.47 and 1.67–2.68, respectively. Previous studies showed that it is recommended to correlate the discharge coefficients with the approaching flow and Froude number under subcritical and supercritical flows, respectively. Yet, additional studies are recommended for a better understanding of the limits and parameters governing the flow transitional stage between weir and orifice and between subcritical and supercritical conditions. Moreover, further research is required to determine the weir and orifice discharge coefficients of circular inlets under supercritical flow as well as the orifice discharge coefficient range of rectangular non-grated inlets under subcritical flow. Finally, it is recommended to increase the road surface roughness to reduce Froude number, and thereby, increase discharge coefficients of street inlets. The aim of this review is to help inlet designers and authorities promote sustainable cities with resilient urban drainage systems and reduce the environmental, economic, health, and social impacts of urban drainage failure.
The Regulation of Cryptocurrency in China
Authors: Hu Jiye 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs a distributed ledger technology (DLT) application, cryptocurrency has impacted the current financial legal relationship, and its regulation is becoming increasingly important. Some international organizations and countries have ratified laws and regulations concerning cryptocurrency. However, the supervision and regulation of cryptocurrency in China are still encountered some problems, such as consumer protection, the opposition between the global asset flow and the supervision of a single sovereign state, and the difficulty in determining the subject of legal responsibility. To seek solutions to these problems in China, the primary task is to define the legal attribute of cryptocurrency, to balance blockchain innovation and financial risk. At the same time, the regulatory sandbox can be used to regulate blockchain-based cryptocurrency. Among others, the core regulatory measures are establishing the technical standard access system, financing audit registration system, and investor suitability management system of blockchain financial enterprises.
Variations on the models of Carnot irreversible thermomechanical engine
Authors: Feidt Michel , Costea Monica 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The JETC Conference held in Salerno (June 12–17, 2023) was the opportunity to honor the two centuries anniversary of the booklet publication of Sadi Carnot. The paper reports on a selective review summarizing the evolution of the ideas and concepts proposed by Carnot. We consider mainly: a. The Carnot cycle relative to thermomechanical engine, b. The concept of efficiency (Carnot efficiency), c. The forms of energy (thermal energy or heat, Q, and mechanical energy or work, W), d. The concept of entropy, rediscovered and completed by Clausius. We show the importance of the energy conversion irreversibilities that started to be considered more recently by two methods, namely, the ratio method and the entropy production method. The second approach provides more significant results from a global point of view, also with more local modeling (cycle process modeling). Some examples are given that illustrate the proposal: Carnot cycle in endo-irreversible or exo-reversible configuration, Chambadal modeling, Curzon–Ahlborn modeling. More generally, the modeling is done in the frame of FTT (Finite Time Thermodynamics), FST (Finite Speed Thermodynamics), or FDOT (Finite physical Dimensions Optimal Thermodynamics). Preliminary conclusions and perspectives are proposed.
Carbon materials derived by crystalline porous materials for capacitive energy storage
Authors: Wang Hang , Li Yiting , Wang Longyu , Jin Jieting 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The controlled synthesis of precise carbon nanostructures with high electron conductivity, high reaction activity, and structural stability plays a significant role in practical applications yet largely unmet. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and coordination polymers (CPs) as crystalline porous materials (CPMs) have shown extraordinary porosity, tremendous structural diversity, and highly ordered pores, offering a platform for precise controlled carbon materials (CMs) with regular porous structures and high performances. Some recent studies have shown that CMs derived from CPMs with high specific surface area, superior chemical stability, excellent electrical conductivity offer a great opportunity for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. In this review, we summarize recent milestones of CPMs derived CMs in the field of capacitive energy storage. We hope the more precise design and control at the atomic level of CPMs could provide us a constructive view of the structure-activity relationship between CMs and electrochemical capacitors, as well as future trends and prospects.
Frames as pre-signal context: using a semiotic framing approach to explain how prior experiences shape present interpretations of control signals
Authors: Aitken Adam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Innes’s “control signals” provides a semiotic perspective for explaining how acts of social control send “signals” about the effectiveness of security mechanisms. A cross-cutting theme infers that “culture and situation matter” in the reception of signals. However, the control signals concept does not explicitly consider the influence that prior experiences may have on present interpretations. Drawing on qualitative research into how members of a residential community perceived control measures within their everyday environment for Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games, this article outlines the importance of the “pre-signalling” context in influencing how control signals are received. Goffman’s “frame analysis” is used as part of a semiotic framing approach to demonstrate that control signals are framed (or pre-signalled) by the history of relations between sender and receiver of the signal (for example, police and residents).
On some novel solitonic structures for the Zhiber–Shabat model in modern physics
Authors: Alhefthi Reem K. , Tariq Kalim U. , Bekir Ahmet , Ahmed Arslan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this article, the modified Kudryashov and extended simple equation methods are employed to obtain analytical solutions for the Zhiber–Shabat problem. The outcomes of this study clearly indicate that the provided methodologies are appropriate techniques for generating some new exact solutions for nonlinear evolution equations. Furthermore, the nature of the solutions would be presented in three dimensions for various parameters applying the most advanced scientific instruments. The physical behavior of the solutions are graphically displayed, and it is established that the acquired solutions are newly constructed in the form of bright, dark, optical, singular, and bell-shaped periodic soliton wave structures. The properties of the nonlinear model have been illustrated using 3D, 2D, and contour plots by selecting an appropriate set of parameters, which is demonstrated to visualize the physical structures more productively. Finally, it is concluded that similar strategies can also be implemented to study many contemporary models. To the best of our knowledge, the current work presents a novel case study that has not been previously studied in order to generate several new solutions to the governing model appearing in diverse disciplines. The results show that the strategies that have been employed are more effective and capable than the traditional methods found in previous research.
Calibration of Boundary-Type Earth Pressure Cells with Sand
Authors: Bishnoi Dinesh , Patil Vikas , Dasaka S. M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Earth pressure cells (EPCs) are a major part of any instrumentation project, whether in the field or laboratory. The reliability of EPC output mainly depends on its calibration before its installation. The calibration chart provided by manufacturers cannot be used directly because their charts are developed by applying fluid pressure, but when sand is used as contact material, EPCs’ response changes significantly. The major factor that causes deviation of EPC response in fluid and sand is that in fluid calibration, the applied load is fully transferred to EPC, irrespective of the size of the chamber, but for sand, the applied load and load reaching EPC are different because of arching, intergranular friction, and sidewall friction in a calibration chamber. In the present study, an in-house calibration chamber is developed to calibrate boundary-type EPC with Grade II sand as contact material. A load cell is attached just below the EPC to measure the actual load, which is reaching at EPC location. The output of EPC is correlated with load cell output rather than applied loading to determine calibration values of EPC for reliable measurements. A methodology for correcting the calibration factor of EPC is proposed and the effect of sidewall friction and sand layer thickness as well as the effect of load cell placement is discussed. The calibration factor of EPC is found to be dependent on the sand layer thickness and sidewall friction. It is recommended to calibrate boundary-type EPC by the proposed method along with the use of friction reduction measures.
НЕЧІТКА МОДЕЛЬ УПРАВЛІННЯ БІОХІМІЧНИМИ ПРОЦЕСАМИ В АКВАРІУМІ
Authors: Kozakova N.L. , Samodryha O.V. , Chernytska O.V. 
Published: April 2024

Запропоновано нову математичну модель управління біохімічними процесами в акваріумі, яка сформована на основі методів нечіткої логіки. Модель відповідає потребам біологічної системи для урегулювання фізичних, біологічних, хімічних процесів, які впливають на зміну життєво необхідних показників замкненого середовища акваріума. Ці показники можуть бути скореговані завдяки зовнішнім спостереженням і вимірюванням з метою підтримання стабільності при регулюванні складної системи.