bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inclusion of ecosystem services in the management of municipal natural open space systems
Authors: Wessels Nadia , Sitas Nadia , O'Farrell Patrick , Esler Karen J. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Unprecedented urbanisation in the Global South is transforming natural urban landscapes, impacting on the ability of nature to provide essential ecosystem services.

Within the context of pressures facing many urban natural open spaces, particularly in Africa, we used a local municipality in South Africa as a case study to (i) identify local government priorities for a natural open space system; (ii) develop an understanding of whether, and how, ecosystem services are considered by local government, and the reasons thereof; and (iii) ascertain the extent of proactive planning regarding regulating and other ecosystem services, including the temporal and spatial scales, and implications. In‐depth qualitative interviews (n = 12) were undertaken with senior municipal officials representing departments whose work impacts the environment. Municipal decision‐support documents were also analysed for any direct and/or indirect references to ecosystem services.

Planning for, and management of, ecosystem services provided by natural open spaces is influenced by interwoven infrastructure, municipal service delivery and equity challenges, complex institutional constraints and poverty, with little focus on the socio‐economic opportunities and other benefits of natural open space systems. Values, perceptions and knowledge also influence the management of ecosystem services.

The study contributes to understanding the opportunities and challenges for the future governance of natural open space in the Global South, which require explicit consideration in municipal planning, management and budgeting processes.

Policy and management implications identified include prioritisation of the regulating functions provided by natural open space systems, pivotal to the urban resilience agenda; building on the inherent appreciation of nature features as city assets, while achieving socio‐economic upliftment; improved (on‐site) collaborative management of natural open spaces; and involvement of local government officials in the preparation and updating of environmental policies and decision‐support documents, to ensure skills and knowledge transfer and interest are entrenched in local government departments.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The mechanical and heat aging properties of natural rubber latex modified by carbon nanodots
Authors: Chen Jing , Liao Lusheng , Zhang Fuquan , Gao Tianming , Yang Zinuo , Ma Yukun , Lin Qiuxin , Lin Yijiao , Xue Mingyue 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDue to their unique structure and tuneable physical, optical, and electronic properties, carbon nanodots (CDs) become one of the perfect nano‐materials in many fields such as biomarkers, optical sensing, and catalysis. The application of CDs in modifying polymers has also attracted much interest. In this work, a simple process was employed for introducing CDs to modify natural rubber (NR) latex. Glucose was applied as the precursor to prepare CDs by hydrothermal method, subsequently, the crude CDs were directly added to NR latex at a very lower concentration to prepare NR/CDs films. The results of mechanical properties demonstrate that the 500% modulus, tensile and tear strength of NR composites are significantly improved by the introduction of CDs. When the theoretical loading of CDs is 2 phr, the tensile strength and tear strength of NR/CDs film reach to 33.1 MPa and 56.4 N/mm, and improve 17.8% and 29.4% than NR without CDs respectively. It is particularly noteworthy that when the amount of CDs is higher than 1.5 phr, the heat‐aging resistance of NR has been enhanced. It has been confirmed by crosslink density, dynamic mechanical analysis, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer analysis that CDs have a certain confinement effect on the mobility of rubber molecular segments through physical adsorption and chemical crosslinking. The Tube model theory was employed to calculate parameters of the network structure of NR/CDs films (based on the stress–strain curves), the results indicate that CDs give NR film more chemical crosslinking points and less entanglement network.Highlights
The crude carbon nanodots are used to modify NR latex at a lower concentration
The mechanical properties of NR films are obliviously improved
The heat‐aging resistance of NR has been enhanced by adding carbon nanodots higher than 1.5 phr
The Tube model theory are employed to analysis the crosslink network
CDs give NR film more chemical crosslinking points and less entanglement network
“On‐The‐Fly” Synthesis of Self‐Supported LDH Hollow Structures Through Controlled Microfluidic Reaction‐Diffusion Conditions
Authors: Mattera Michele , Sorrenti Alessandro , De Gregorio Perpiñá Lidia , Oestreicher Víctor , Sevim Semih , Arteaga Oriol , Chen Xiang‐Zhong , Pané Salvador , Abellán Gonzalo , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLayered double hydroxides (LDHs) are a class of functional materials that exhibit exceptional properties for diverse applications in areas such as heterogeneous catalysis, energy storage and conversion, and bio‐medical applications, among others. Efforts have been devoted to produce millimeter‐scale LDH structures for direct integration into functional devices. However, the controlled synthesis of self‐supported continuous LDH materials with hierarchical structuring up to the millimeter scale through a straightforward one‐pot reaction method remains unaddressed. Herein, it is shown that millimeter‐scale self‐supported LDH structures can be produced by means of a continuous flow microfluidic device in a rapid and reproducible one‐pot process. Additionally, the microfluidic approach not only allows for an “on‐the‐fly” formation of unprecedented LDH composite structures, but also for the seamless integration of millimeter‐scale LDH structures into functional devices. This method holds the potential to unlock the integrability of these materials, maintaining their performance and functionality, while diverging from conventional techniques like pelletization and densification that often compromise these aspects. This strategy will enable exciting advancements in LDH performance and functionality.
Study on the influence of non‐load effects during the whole process of construction of setback super‐tall structures
Authors: Liu Jun , Song Bohan , Wu Guilong , Luo Xiaoqun , Zhang Qilin , Yu Guijing 
Published: December 2023

SummaryThe mechanical characteristics of the setback super‐tall structure are complex, and the design is difficult. In the actual analysis and design process, the relevant influencing factors should be fully considered. In this paper, the fine construction simulation analysis of the super‐tall structure is carried out. Based on the shrinkage test of concrete members, the CEB‐FIP 90 shrinkage model is modified in terms of the parameters of cross‐section shape and size. The modified model is used to calculate the shrinkage strain of concrete, and the influence of uneven settlement of foundation and seasonal temperature on the structure is considered in the construction simulation analysis. The influence proportion of each non‐load effect on the horizontal displacement, vertical displacement, and internal force of key components is obtained. The refined construction analysis results are compared with the field monitoring data, and the data are in good agreement.
Advancements in SERS‐based biological detection and its application and perspectives in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Xu Lei , Xie Yujiao , Lin Jie , Wu Aiguo , Jiang Tianan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSurface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has become an essential bio‐detection technique. Due to its high sensitivity, good signal specificity, and resistance to photobleaching, SERS has been widely used in biomedical research fields such as molecular imaging, tumor diagnosis, and drug monitoring. This review focuses on the progress of SERS in biomedical applications. We first introduce the basic principle of SERS and the progress of substrate research. Then, we summarize the latest research progress on SERS in drug monitoring, cell and exosome detection, tumor imaging, and detection platforms combining microfluidic and lateral flow technologies. Subsequently, the applied research of SERS in early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and drug efficacy monitoring is described. Finally, the future development direction and possible challenges of SERS in tumor diagnosis and treatment are proposed.
Meat safety knowledge, attitude and practices of slaughterhouse workers in Kajiado, Kenya
Authors: Kimindu Victoria Atieno , Kaindi Dasel Wambua Mulwa , Njue Lucy Gicuku , Githigia Samwel Maina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundA major contributor to the poor meat safety status in Kenya is low level of slaughter hygiene knowledge and practices among slaughterhouse workers.IntroductionThe study determined knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) of workers from 7 small and medium slaughterhouses in Kajiado County on slaughter hygiene and meat safety.MethodologySemi‐structured questionnaires were administered to 78 workers, managers and meat inspectors.ResultsMajority (92.3%) of workers lacked slaughter hygiene and meat safety training. Workers had high knowledge with an overall mean score of 19.2 ± 2 out of 24, high personal hygiene scores (9.9 ± 0.8 out of 11), moderate carcass contamination scores (4.2 ± 0.8 out of 6), meat‐borne illness score (3.1 ± 1 out of 4) and temperature intervention scores (2.1 ± 0.6 out of 3). Moderate and high scores were recorded in attitude and practices and differed significantly across slaughterhouses (p < 0.05) with a mean of 33 ± 5 out of 40 and 59.3 ± 3.5 out of 65, respectively. There was no significant difference in KAP scores between trained and untrained workers. Carcass decontamination practices by workers differed from that of the meat inspector. Surface and handheld equipment sanitization practices were observed as poor. Medical testing practice was poor and significantly different across slaughterhouses (p < 0.001) with infection rates of zoonoses and occupational hazards as high as 33% in some slaughterhouses.ConclusionThe study concluded that although high knowledge and neutral attitude were scored by slightly more than half of the workers, poor practices were reported and observed in carcass decontamination, equipment and facility sanitization and worker medical examination. Slaughter facilities in Kajiado County have an opportunity to offer their workers role‐specific training, the provision of personal protective equipment, hygiene and sanitation facilities and strict oversight of worker medical testing.
A dynamic model of wind turbine yaw for active farm control
Authors: Starke Genevieve M. , Meneveau Charles , King Jennifer R. , Gayme Dennice F. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper presents a graph‐based dynamic yaw model to predict the dynamic response of the hub‐height velocities and the power of a wind farm to a change in yaw. The model builds on previous work where the turbines define the nodes of the graph and the edges represent the interactions between turbines. Advances associated with the dynamic yaw model include a novel analytical description of the deformation of wind turbine wakes under yaw to represent the velocity deficits and a more accurate representation of the interturbine travel time of wakes. The accuracy of the model is improved by coupling it with time‐ and space‐dependent estimates of the wind farm inflow based on real‐time data from the wind farm. The model is validated both statically and dynamically using large‐eddy simulations. An application of the model is presented that incorporates the model into an optimal control loop to control the farm power output.
Navigator nurse implementation within a fast track program of liver resections: How to improve the healthcare service and perioperative results
Authors: Fermi Francesca , Ratti Francesca , Stepanyan Perthshanush , Corallino Diletta , Ingallinella Sara , Reineke Raffaella , Beretta Luigi , Aldrighetti Luca 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe introduction into the clinical practice of the navigator nurse (NaNu) to address the task of counseling and short term follow‐up help the effective implementation of the fast track protocol. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of the standardization of the NaNu's role in patients undergoing liver surgery.MethodsPatients undergoing elective liver surgery for all diagnosis and approach, from 2015, received counseling and postoperative follow‐up by NaNu and constituted the study group (n = 890). This group was compared with the control group (n = 712) including patients treated in the era before the implementation of the NaNu role (2011–2014). Outcome was evaluated in terms of discrepancy between functional recovery and discharge, number of ER accesses, number of readmissions.ResultsPreoperative characteristics of patients and disease, as well as type of resection and postoperative outcomes were similar between the two groups. The proportion of laparoscopic cases was higher in the study group (51.2% vs. 32% in the control). Time for discharge, interval between functional recovery and discharge, number of ER accesses and number of readmissions were reduced in the study group. Benign diagnosis, absence of complications, laparoscopic approach and presence of NaNu were independent predictors of shorter length of stay. The positive effect of NaNu's activation was recorded in patients with complications and undergoing open surgery.ConclusionThe implementation of NaNu's role has allowed to us optimize the level of healthcare service offered to patients. The wider benefit was offered in the setting of complex patients.
The effect of married status on cancer‐specific mortality in nonmetastatic pelvic liposarcoma patients according to sex
Authors: Baudo Andrea , Morra Simone , Scheipner Lukas , Jannello Letizia Maria Ippolita , de Angelis Mario , Siech Carolin , Touma Nawar , Goyal Jordan A. , Tian Zhe , Acquati Pietro , Longo Nicola , Ahyai Sascha , de Cobelli Ottavio , Briganti Alberto , Chun Felix K. H. , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Carmignani Luca , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn nonmetastatic pelvic liposarcoma patients, it is unknown whether married status is associated with better cancer‐control outcome defined as cancer‐specific mortality (CSM). We addressed this knowledge gap and hypothesized that married status is associated with lower CSM rates in both male and female patients.MethodsWithin the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2000−2020), nonmetastatic pelvic liposarcoma patients were identified. Kaplan–Meier plots and univariable and multivariable Cox regression models (CRMs) predicting CSM according to marital status were used in the overall cohort and in male and female subgroups.ResultsOf 1078 liposarcoma patients, 764 (71%) were male and 314 (29%) female. Of 764 male patients, 542 (71%) were married. Conversely, of 314 female patients, 192 (61%) were married. In the overall cohort, 5‐year cancer‐specific mortality‐free survival (CSM‐FS) rates were 89% for married versus 83% for unmarried patients (Δ = 6%). In multivariable CRMs, married status did not independently predict lower CSM (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.74, p = 0.06). In males, 5‐year CSM‐FS rates were 89% for married versus 86% for unmarried patients (Δ = 3%). In multivariable CRMs, married status did not independently predict lower CSM (HR: 0.85, p = 0.4). In females, 5‐year CSM‐FS rates were 88% for married versus 79% for unmarried patients (Δ = 9%). In multivariable CRMs, married status independently predicted lower CSM (HR: 0.58, p = 0.03).ConclusionsIn nonmetastatic pelvic liposarcoma patients, married status independently predicted lower CSM only in female patients. In consequence, unmarried female patients should ideally require more assistance and more frequent follow‐up than their married counterparts.
Neural network design for cubic autocatalysis chemical processes, the flow of a Darcy‐Forchheimer viscous fluid is optimized for entropy
Authors: Shah Farooq Ahmed , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Shoaib Muhammad , Zamir Tayyab , Ihsan Adil 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this article, neural network backpropagation (NNBP) is used to present two‐dimensional Darcy‐Forchheimer viscous fluid (DFVF) of viscous liquid against a stretching sheet under the influence of heat sink/source and viscous dissipation. Mathematical modelling and numerical simulation are also discussed. Thermal polymer processing, engineering processes, and industrial processes all benefit from the dynamic entropy generation phenomenon. Scientists are primarily interested in finding ways to decrease entropy formation to polish up the thermal performance of industrial systems. In this continuation, the optimal frame for the Darcy‐Forchheimer flow with a curved surface has been developed. Non‐linear partial systems are converted to dimensionless differential systems through the employment of the appropriate variables. Utilizing tools from the bvp4c method, the problem's highly nonlinear equations are numerically solved. These ODEs are solved by applying the bvp4c solution approach to produce the reference dataset for NNBP. Using this reference dataset in MATLAB, the graphs for the solution and error analysis for changing various parameters are analyzed. The performance of NNBP is validated using mean squared error data, regression analysis, and error histogram. The DFVF solution is examined using the testing, validation, and training procedures. Examined through influential variables the effects of fluid flow, thermal field, Bejan number, and concentration.
On the optimal effective stability bounds for quasi-periodic tori of finitely differentiable and Gevrey Hamiltonians
Authors: Farré Gerard 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIt is known that a Diophantine quasi-periodic torus with frequency $$\omega \in \Omega _{\tau }^d$$

ω
∈

Ω

τ

d

of a $$C^{l}$$

C
l

Hamiltonian is effectively stable for a time T(r) that is polynomial on the inverse of the distance to the torus, that we denote by r, with exponent $$1+(l-2)/(\tau +1)$$

1
+
(
l
-
2
)
/
(
τ
+
1
)

. It is also known that a Diophantine quasi-periodic torus of a Gevrey Hamiltonian $$H\in G^{\alpha ,L}$$

H
∈

G

α
,
L

is effectively stable for an exponentially long time on the inverse of the distance to the torus with exponent $$1/(\alpha (1+\tau ))$$

1
/
(
α
(
1
+
τ
)
)

. In this note, we see that following the methods in [11] one can show the almost optimality of these exponents. We also show that, for a dense subset of non-resonant vectors, for quasi-periodic tori of finitely differentiable and Gevrey Hamiltonians, the naive lower bound $$T(r)\ge Cr^{-1}$$

T

(
r
)

≥
C

r

-
1

is optimal in terms of the exponent.
Myokarditis im Kindesalter
Authors: Michel-Behnke Ina 
Published: December 2023

ZusammenfassungFür eine Myokarditis im Kindesalter sind virale Infektionen die häufigste Ursache; andere Erreger, kardiotoxische Medikamente und die myokardiale Inflammationen bei systemischer Erkrankung spielen geringere Rollen. Die meisten Myokarditiden verlaufen milde, jedoch sind fulminante Formen mit lebensbedrohlichen Arrhythmien und kardiogenem Schock möglich. Die unspezifische initiale Symptomatik erschwert die zeitgerechte Diagnosestellung und erleichtert den Übergang in eine Kardiomyopathie mit bleibender kardialer Funktionseinschränkung. Sorgfältige Anamnese und körperliche Untersuchung, Basislaborbestimmungen, EKG und der darauf aufbauende diagnostische Stufenplan mithilfe von Echokardio‑, Magnetresonanztomographie und Endomyokardbiopsie sichern die Diagnose. Kenntnis und Anwendung der therapeutischen Optionen des stadienhaften Verlaufs, einschließlich Beratung zu Wiederaufnahme körperlicher Aktivitäten/Rückkehr zum Sport, sind Bestandteile der kinderärztlichen/-kardiologischen Betreuung.
Potato and sweetpotato breeding at the International Potato Center: approaches, outcomes and the way forward
Authors: Lindqvist-Kreuze Hannele , Bonierbale Merideth , Grüneberg Wolfgang J. , Mendes Thiago , De Boeck Bert , Campos Hugo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRoot and tuber crop breeding is at the front and center of CIP’s science program, which seeks to develop and disseminate sustainable agri-food technologies, information and practices to serve objectives including poverty alleviation, income generation, food security and the sustainable use of natural resources. CIP was established in 1971 in Peru, which is part of potato’s center of origin and diversity, with an initial mandate on potato and expanding to include sweetpotato in 1986. Potato and sweetpotato are among the top 10 most consumed food staples globally and provide some of the most affordable sources of energy and vital nutrients. Sweetpotato plays a key role in securing food for many households in Africa and South Asia, while potato is important worldwide. Both crops grow in a range of conditions with relatively few inputs and simple agronomic techniques. Potato is adapted to the cooler environments, while sweetpotato grows well in hot climates, and hence, the two crops complement each other. Germplasm enhancement (pre-breeding), the development of new varieties and building capacity for breeding and variety testing in changing climates with emphasis on adaptation, resistance, nutritional quality and resource-use efficiency are CIP’s central activities with significant benefits to the poor. Investments in potato and sweetpotato breeding and allied disciplines at CIP have resulted in the release of many varieties some of which have had documented impact in the release countries. Partnership with diverse types of organizations has been key to the centers way of working toward improving livelihoods through crop production in the global South.
Enhancement of cardiac angiogenesis in a myocardial infarction rat model using selenium alone and in combination with PTXF: the role of Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway
Authors: Elseweidy Mohamed M. , Ali Sousou I. , Shaheen Mohamed A. , Abdelghafour Asmaa M. , Hammad Sally K. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIschemic heart diseases such as myocardial infarction (MI) are a global health problem and a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Angiogenesis is an important approach for myocardial healing following ischemia. Thus, this study aimed to explore the potential cardiac angiogenic effects of selenium (Se), alone and in combination with the tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor, pentoxifylline (PTXF), via Akt/HIF-1α signaling. MI was induced in rats using two subcutaneous doses of isoprenaline (ISP) at a 24-h interval (150 mg/kg). One week later, rats were orally given Se (150 µg/kg/day), PTXF (50 mg/kg/day), or Se/PTXF combination. ISP-induced myocardial damage was evident by increased HW/TL ratios, ST segment elevation, and increased serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, and troponin-I. ISP increased the cardiac levels of the lipid peroxidation marker MDA; the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α; and the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and caspase-3. In contrast, the cardiac levels of the antioxidant markers GSH and SOD and the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2 were reduced. Furthermore, ISP markedly increased the cardiac levels of p-Akt and HIF-1α proteins and the cardiac gene expression of ANGPT-1, VEGF, and FGF-2. Treatment with Se both alone and in combination with PTXF ameliorated the ISP-induced myocardial damage and further increased cardiac angiogenesis via Akt/HIF-1α signaling. Se/PTXF combined therapy was more beneficial than individual treatments. Our study revealed for the first time the cardiac angiogenic effects of Se both alone and in combination with PTXF in myocardial infarction, suggesting that both may be promising candidates for clinical studies.
Graphical Abstract