bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Civet latrines in three habitats of a coffee dominated landscape of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Sinu Palatty Allesh , Fahira P. P. , Rajesh T. P. , Viswan Gopika , Manoj K. , Hariraveendra M. , Jose Thomas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCivets are frugivorous animals in the Order Carnivora. They are relatively less shy towards people and anthropogenic habitats. It has been reported that the civets’ preference of defecating in open sites enable them to be important seed dispersers of degraded forests and urban ecosystems of Asia and Africa. We surveyed for scats of palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) in forest fragments of sacred groves (closed), coffee plantations (partly closed) and home gardens (relatively open) during the fruit ripening period of Coffee and Caryota urens – the two preferred fruits of civet – to report the microhabitat characteristics and seed composition of civet latrines. The microhabitat of each scat position – whether on or off the ground and the shade type – was recorded. The scat analysis showed the presence of 4234 seeds belonging to coffee (90.2%), C. urens (9.7%), and an anonymous Rubiacea species (0.10%) in a total of 105 scats collected from coffee plantations (55), home gardens (5), and sacred groves (45). The number of scats sampled from the three habitats was different, but not the number of seeds per scat. Overall, the number of scats increased with the canopy cover, but the trend was different for different habitats. In home garden and coffee plantations, it decreased, but in sacred groves, it increased with the canopy cover. The number of scats sampled above the ground – on tree branches, logs and built-up structures– was more than that was on the ground. The findings contradict the general belief that the civet latrines occur more in open areas than the shaded areas. Because the civet latrines are seen more above ground than on the ground, their efficiency as seed dispersal agent may be examined critically in different contexts.
Quantifying iodine concentration in the normal bowel wall using dual-energy CT: influence of patient and contrast characteristics
Authors: Nehnahi Majida , Simon Gabriel , Moinet Romain , Piton Gael , Camelin Camille , Ronot Maxime , Delabrousse Éric , Calame Paul 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to establish quantitative references of the normal bowel wall iodine concentration (BWIC) using dual energy CT (DECT). This single-center retrospective study included 248 patients with no history of gastrointestinal disease who underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced DECT between January and April 2022. The BWIC was normalized by the iodine concentration of upper abdominal organs (BWICorgan,) and the iodine concentration (IC) of the aorta (BWICaorta). BWIC decreased from the stomach to the rectum (mean 2.16 ± 0.63 vs. 2.19 ± 0.63 vs. 2.1 ± 0.58 vs. 1.67 ± 0.47 vs. 1.31 ± 0.4 vs. 1.18 ± 0.34 vs. 0.94 ± 0.26 mgI/mL for the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, right colon, left colon and rectum, respectively; P < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, BWIC was associated with a higher BMI (OR:1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02, P < 0.001) and with a higher injected contrast dose (OR: 1.51; 95% CI 1.36–1.66, P < 0.001 and 2.06; 95% CI 1.88–2.26, P < 0.001 for 500 mgI/kg and 600 mgI/kg doses taking 400 mgI/kg dose as reference). The BWICorgan was shown independent from patients and contrast-related variables while the BWICaorta was not. BWIC varies according to bowel segments and is dependent on the total iodine dose injected. It shall be normalized with the IC of the upper abdominal organs.
Bio-adsorption of heavy metals from aqueous solution using the ZnO-modified date pits
Authors: Hummadi Khalid Khazzal , Zhu Lin , He Songbo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe bio-adsorption of heavy metals (including Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+) in aqueous solution and also in an industry wastewater using the ZnO-modified date pits (MDP) as the bio-adsorbent are investigated. The fresh and used bio-adsorbents were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, BET, and XRD. The bio-adsorption parameters (including the pH of solution, the particle size of MDP, the shaking speed, the initial concentration of heavy metals, the dosing of MDP, the adsorption time, and the adsorption temperature) were screened and the data were used to optimize the bio-adsorption process and to study the bio-adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Two adsorption models (Langmuir isotherm model and Freundlich isotherm model) and three kinetic models (pseudo-first-order model, pseudo-second-order model, and intra-particle diffusion model) were applied to model the experimental data. Results show that the maximum adsorption amount of Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ on a complete monolayer of MDP are 82.4, 71.9, and 66.3 mg g−1, which are over 4 times of those of date pits-based bio-adsorbents reported in literature. The bio-adsorption of heavy metals on MDP is spontaneous and exothermic, and is regulated by chemical adsorption on the homogeneous and heterogeneous adsorption sites of MDP surface. This work demonstrates an effective modification protocol for improved bio-adsorption performance of the date pits-based bio-adsorbent, which is cheap and originally from a waste.
A study on waste PCB fibres reinforced concrete with and without silica fume made from electronic waste
Authors: Priyan M. Vishnu , Annadurai R. , Alaneme George Uwadiegwu , Ravella Durga Prasad , Pradeepkumar S. , Olaiya Bamidele Charles 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis research goal is to appraise the effect of electronic waste on concrete properties by examining the mechanical properties of concrete reinforced with waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). PCB fibres, each 50 mm long, were mixed in varying proportions (1–5% by weight of cement). Silica fume (SF) was used as a 12% weight replacement for cement to conserve the properties of PCB fibre-reinforced concrete while tumbling cement consumption. Following a 28-day curing period, the fresh and hardened characteristics of PCB fibre-reinforced concrete were juxtaposed with those of conventional concrete. The experimental results led to the conclusion that 5% by weight of cement is the most effective proportion of PCB fibres to include in both PCB fibre-reinforced concrete and silica fume-modified PCB fibre-reinforced concrete. The addition of PCB fibres and silica fume significantly increased the mechanical strength of the concrete, making it suitable for high-strength concrete applications. Based on a similar investigational research design, an artificial neural network model was created, and it played a critical role in predicting the mechanical properties of the concrete. The model produced accurate results, with an R-squared (R2) value greater than 0.99.
The primary factors influencing the cooling effect of carbon dioxide removal
Authors: Qu Xia , Huang Gang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCarbon dioxide removal (CDR) is a crucial approach in achieving the goals set by the Paris Climate Agreement. However, understanding the cooling effect (CE) of CDR and its primary controlling factors has been challenging due to the limited number of models conducting the CDR simulation. To address this, we employed an energy balance model (EBM), which effectively captures or reproduces the global mean surface air temperature change to CO2 forcing. The outputs of the EBM revealed that even with the same CDR rate, the CE diverse significantly ($$\sigma =0.7{K}$$

σ
=
0.7
K

). Two main factors significantly affect the CE of CDR. The primary factor is the coefficient of the vertical heat exchange in the ocean [contributes to $$\sigma \left({CE}\right)=0.7{K}$$

σ

CE

=
0.7
K

], which governs the heat uptake and release of the deep ocean. It directly impacts the heat absorbed by the Earth’s surface and influences the magnitudes of the transient climate responses. The second factor is the estimation of effective radiative forcing (ERF) resulting from changes in CO2 concentration [contributes to $$\sigma \left({CE}\right)=0.6{K}$$

σ

CE

=
0.6
K

]. This estimation is directly associated with the amplitude of the CO2 radiative forcing and the responses of relevant energy processes, thereby influencing the temperature change. Regarding the timing of the CE emergence, the influences of processes within the EBM are quite small. Therefore, an accurate estimation of the vertical heat exchange in the ocean and ERF may favor designation of a better pathway to achieve the temperature goals outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement.
Economically viable co-production of methanol and sulfuric acid via direct methane oxidation
Authors: Im Jaehyung , Cheong Seok-Hyeon , Dang Huyen Tran , Kim Nak-Kyoon , Hwang Sungwon , Lee Ki Bong , Kim Kyeongsu , Lee Hyunjoo , Lee Ung 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe direct oxidation of methane to methanol has been spotlighted research for decades, but has never been commercialized. This study introduces cost-effective process for co-producing methanol and sulfuric acid through a direct oxidation of methane. In the initial phase, methane oxidation forms methyl bisulfate (CH3OSO3H), then transformed into methyl trifluoroacetate (CF3CO2CH3) via esterification, and hydrolyzed into methanol. This approach eliminates the need for energy-intensive separation of methyl bisulfate from sulfuric acid by replacing the former with methyl trifluoroacetate. Through the superstructure optimization, our sequential process reduces the levelized cost of methanol to nearly two-fold reduction from the current market price. Importantly, this process demonstrates adaptability to smaller gas fields, assuring its economical operation across a broad range of gas fields. The broader application of this process could substantially mitigate global warming by utilizing methane, leading to a significantly more sustainable and economically beneficial methanol industry.
Photonic signal processor based on a Kerr microcomb for real-time video image processing
Authors: Tan Mengxi , Xu Xingyuan , Boes Andreas , Corcoran Bill , Nguyen Thach G. , Chu Sai T. , Little Brent E. , Morandotti Roberto , Wu Jiayang , Mitchell Arnan , Moss David J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSignal processing has become central to many fields, from coherent optical telecommunications, where it is used to compensate signal impairments, to video image processing. Image processing is particularly important for observational astronomy, medical diagnosis, autonomous driving, big data and artificial intelligence. For these applications, signal processing traditionally has mainly been performed electronically. However these, as well as new applications, particularly those involving real time video image processing, are creating unprecedented demand for ultrahigh performance, including high bandwidth and reduced energy consumption. Here, we demonstrate a photonic signal processor operating at 17 Terabits/s and use it to process video image signals in real-time. The system processes 400,000 video signals concurrently, performing 34 functions simultaneously that are key to object edge detection, edge enhancement and motion blur. As compared with spatial-light devices used for image processing, our system is not only ultra-high speed but highly reconfigurable and programable, able to perform many different functions without any change to the physical hardware. Our approach is based on an integrated Kerr soliton crystal microcomb, and opens up new avenues for ultrafast robotic vision and machine learning.
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Improves Memory and Action Naming in Patients With Post–COVID-19 Syndrome
Authors: Herrera Elena , Blanco Claudia , Álvarez-Mundiñano Belén , González-Nosti María 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
Post–COVID-19 syndrome (PCS-19) is a condition characterized by both physical and cognitive alterations in patients who have overcome COVID-19. Despite the high incidence of this disorder and the inconveniences it produces to those affected, there are few studies investigating the efficacy of cognitive stimulation in these patients. The aim of this study was to compare two groups of patients with PCS-19. One of them was treated with neuropsychological intervention for 6 months, whereas the other did not receive treatment. Both groups shared similar clinical characteristics and cognitive profiles.

Method:
The study included 15 participants. Eight (seven women and one man, with a mean age of 50.13 years) made up the experimental group and received neuropsychological rehabilitation sessions once a week with the aim of recovering or compensating for their impaired functions. The control group consisted of seven patients (six women and one man, with a mean age of 52.86 years) who did not undergo neuropsychological rehabilitation sessions. The neuropsychological assessment protocol included tests for all cognitive domains.

Results:
In comparison with the assessment prior to the neuropsychological intervention, significant differences were found in the experimental group both in verbal memory and in the action naming task. As for the control group, improvements in action fluency performance were observed. Neither group showed significant improvement in pre- versus posttest Stroop scores. However, the control group did perform higher than the treatment group in the final assessment.

Conclusion:
Despite the small sample size, our results suggest that patients with PCS-19 may benefit from neuropsychological rehabilitation, as it may help them to improve several cognitive functions that do not recover spontaneously.
Parents' Perspectives of Augmentative and Alternative Communication: From Assessment to Implementation
Authors: Andzik Natalie R. , LaRouech Alicia M. , Gladfelter Allison L. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
Parents are known to be effective communication partners in their children's augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention. This study aimed to better understand the parent perspective in the AAC acquisition, implementation, and handing processes across various primary disability labels and ages.

Method:
Twenty-two parents of children who use AAC engaged in phone interviews to discuss their family's experiences with AAC obtainment and intervention. A thematic analysis of the interview data was conducted.

Results:
The following five themes emerged: assessment procedures, early recommendations for AAC, external variables that influence device access, supports and barriers parents face when navigating AAC use with their child, and what participants would do differently. Further subthemes were also established to categorize parent responses.

Conclusions:
Findings support the inclusion of family-centered care for children with complex communication needs who use AAC. Parent responses indicate a greater need for interprofessional communication between children's team members and their family to provide comprehensive support. Parents also emphasized a desire to introduce AAC earlier into their family.
Characterizing Gelatin-Based Desserts Using International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative Testing Methods
Authors: Larsen Deirdre , Vansant Mathew , Eisenhardt Meghan 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
Gelatin-based desserts are a popular method to promote liquid consumption for individuals with dysphagia. Unique characteristics of these desserts in the United States pose a challenge for appropriate presentation to patients in relation to their clinically approved International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) level. The purpose of this study was to determine the constancy of IDDSI level and transitional food status for 16 nationally available gelatin-based desserts based on preparation (premade and ready-to-make) and formulation (regular and sugar-free).

Method:
Three semiblinded raters used IDDSI testing methods to assign an IDDSI level and transitional food rating immediately, 15 min, and 60 min after removing from the refrigerator.

Results:

The majority (89.6%) of the samples were rated as Level 7 Easy to Chew, across all time intervals, with good interrater agreement (Mann–Whitney
U
Test, immediately
U
= 101.0,
p
= .934; 15 min
U
= 101.0,
p
= .934; 60 min
U
= 94.5,
p
= .711). Approximately a quarter of samples were categorized as a transitional food, though 4% could not be categorized using current IDDSI characteristics.

Conclusions:
Overall, this study presents that the current characteristics and physiological rationale may overestimate the skills required for gelatin-based desserts and inappropriately classify them as nontransitional foods. As with all products, individual gelatin-based desserts should be tested at the time of presentation to the patient. However, clinical evaluation should further determine the appropriateness of the dessert for each patient.
A curious swelling of the lingual gingiva: case report
Authors: Strokov Svyat , Raybaud Hélène , Cardot-Leccia Nathalie , Voha Christine 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Melanocytic nevi are benign tumors composed of nevus cell, thought to be derived from the neural crest. While they are unusual in the oral mucosa, they contrastingly represent the most diagnosed pigmented lesion on the skin. Observations: A 68-year-old woman presented with an asymptomatic ”epulis-like”, pale pink swelling of the lingual gingiva and slowly growing in the last 6 months. Excisional biospy was performed with a hypothesis of fibroma but the histopathologic examination revealed surprisingly an achromic intramucosal nevus. Conclusion: The unusual appearance in these cases suggests that oral melanocytic nevi should be included as a rare possibility in the differential diagnosis of swellings in the gingiva, regardless of their clinical pigmentation.
Perversion: Possibilities of A Decentralized Democracy
Authors: Hadavand Ali 
Published: December 2023

In this article, we discuss a function of the “perversion” which, although there are in the basic concepts of psychoanalysis, from Freud to Lacan, but in the continues of article it “perverse” from that path to expand and develop from within and articulate itself with some concepts from other realms and look for an alternative approach to explain and intervene in the theoretical and practical world. This approach is a montage of the concepts of psychoanalysis, philosophy, politics and sociology, that the main problematic of which is obtain a critical understanding of our current social situation in the context of the transformations of contemporary history and finally to think about the “politics of the future”. For this reason, wherever we talk about “perversion”, we should absolutely not rely on its pathological meaning, but should see it as a pure form and process.
With this perspective, we will first discuss Freud’s formulation of fetishism and we trace it in Lacan’s works and the distinction he makes between desire and drive. In the following, we try to keep going on our argument by a pluralistic point of view, in accordance with the plurality of drives, instead of a unitarian point of view to man and society. For this purpose, we go beyond psychoanalysis and discuss the concept of the drive according to Leibniz and Nietzsche, as well as the concept of “Becoming-Woman” by Deleuze and Guattari and we fold it again on the concept of “feminine jouissance’s Lacan to measure that’s relationship with queer feminism and its social and political implications.
The central question of this article is what effect does the decline of patriarchal functions and Oedipal structures in the late modernity have on the dynamism of desire and drive and various social and political morphogenesis based on it? The political claim of this article is that theology, patriarchy, and capitalism are historically integrated in the nation-state form and then by looking at the experience of the revolutionary movement of “woman, life, freedom” in Iran, we seek to provide a new analytical and discursive framework to think about anti-authority social movements which seeks to establish a horizontal and egalitarian social geometry instead of the vertical and oppressive ruling geometry.
Le signifiant « autorité » comme levier pour un traitement psychanalytique bref
Authors: Dubreil Jean-Malo 
Published: December 2023

La psychanalyse a la réputation d’être un traitement de longue durée. Pourtant, il existe, y compris en France, des psychologues proposant des thérapies brèves, orientées par la psychanalyse. À partir de ce constat, cet article pose la question de l’application de la psychanalyse au sein d’établissements accueillant des patients en souffrance psychique. Notre hypothèse est qu’il est possible de proposer, dans ces lieux, des traitements psychodynamiques limités dans le temps. En ce sens, l’auteur témoigne de sa pratique en institution à travers la présentation d’un cas clinique. Il montre comment, avec l’appui du transfert, une patiente dépliera sa problématique à partir de la mise en relief du signifiant « autorité ». Elle découvrira l’impact que ce dernier a sur elle depuis son enfance, jusque dans sa vie amoureuse actuelle. Des effets thérapeutiques rapides en découleront.
Blood Rheology and Hemodynamics
Authors: Baskurt Oguz K. , Meiselman Herbert J. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis (STH) celebrates 50 years of publishing in 2024. To celebrate this landmark event, STH is republishing some archival material. This article represents the most highly cited paper ever published in STH. The original abstract follows.Blood is a two-phase suspension of formed elements (i.e., red blood cells [RBCs], white blood cells [WBCs], platelets) suspended in an aqueous solution of organic molecules, proteins, and salts called plasma. The apparent viscosity of blood depends on the existing shear forces (i.e., blood behaves as a non-Newtonian fluid) and is determined by hematocrit, plasma viscosity, RBC aggregation, and the mechanical properties of RBCs. RBCs are highly deformable, and this physical property significantly contributes to aiding blood flow both under bulk flow conditions and in the microcirculation. The tendency of RBCs to undergo reversible aggregation is an important determinant of apparent viscosity because the size of RBC aggregates is inversely proportional to the magnitude of shear forces; the aggregates are dispersed with increasing shear forces, then reform under low-flow or static conditions. RBC aggregation also affects the in vivo fluidity of blood, especially in the low-shear regions of the circulatory system. Blood rheology has been reported to be altered in various physiopathological processes: (1) Alterations of hematocrit significantly contribute to hemorheological variations in diseases and in certain extreme physiological conditions; (2) RBC deformability is sensitive to local and general homeostasis, with RBC deformability affected by alterations of the properties and associations of membrane skeletal proteins, the ratio of RBC membrane surface area to cell volume, cell morphology, and cytoplasmic viscosity. Such alterations may result from genetic disorders or may be induced by such factors as abnormal local tissue metabolism, oxidant stress, and activated leukocytes; and (3) RBC aggregation is mainly determined by plasma protein composition and surface properties of RBCs, with increased plasma concentrations of acute phase reactants in inflammatory disorders a common cause of increased RBC aggregation. In addition, RBC aggregation tendency can be modified by alterations of RBC surface properties because of RBC in vivo aging, oxygen-free radicals, or proteolytic enzymes. Impairment of blood fluidity may significantly affect tissue perfusion and result in functional deteriorations, especially if disease processes also disturb vascular properties.