bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reductive behavior of nickel and iron metallization in magnesian siliceous nickel laterite ores under the action of sulfur-bearing natural gas
Authors: He Zhien , Li Bo , Wei Yonggang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study is a process for the preparation of advanced nickel–iron alloys by selective reduction of nickel-poor laterite ores using a variety of reducing agents. The first part of the experiment was the reduction of nickel laterite ore using natural gas; the reduction yielded mostly nickel metal and a small amount of iron forming fine nickel–iron particles. Fine nickel–iron particles are formed through the reduction of nickel and a small amount of iron oxides. These particles are dispersed and embedded within silicates. Additionally, H2S present in natural gas reacts with iron oxide, resulting in the formation of FeS. This, in turn, forms a low melting point eutectic with Fe, which reduces surface tension and promotes the growth and aggregation of nickel–iron particles. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various parameters such as roasting temperature, roasting time, natural gas concentration, and nickel laterite pellet on the formation and aggregation of ferronickel particles in low-grade nickel laterite ores. The results showed that the optimum reduction parameters were achieved at 900°C, 120 min, 40% natural gas concentration, and 40–60 mesh nickel laterite size, with roasting temperature being the most important factor followed by natural gas concentration, roasting time, and nickel laterite pellet. Using these parameters, the metallization rates of Ni and Fe were found to be as high as 95.3 and 8.5%, respectively.
Perceptions of nursing staff and students regarding attrition: a qualitative study
Authors: Mazzotta Rocco , Durante Angela , Bressan Valentina , Cuoco Angela , Vellone Ercole , Alvaro Rosaria , Bulfone Giampiera 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This research aims to explore the perceptions of nursing students and directors of bachelor of nursing degree courses regarding reasons for attrition amongst nursing students.

Methods
A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using inductive thematic analysis. The study included a purposeful sample of 12 students and 4 directors of bachelor of nursing degree courses.

Results
As reasons for attrition, the directors highlighted a lack of preparation for nursing studies and students’ limited awareness of possibilities for support and learning. The students emphasized insufficient support from academic staff and poor course organization. Economic and family issues and a misunderstanding of the professional role of a nurse were cited as reasons by both directors and students.

Conclusions
The findings provide important insight into attrition in the nursing programme. Further research is warranted, particularly in other contexts. Addressing student attrition requires a comprehensive approach that includes the provision of adequate support systems, mentorship, and resources for students.
On linear codes with random multiplier vectors and the maximum trace dimension property
Authors: Erdélyi Márton , Hegedüs Pál , Kiss Sándor Z. , Nagy Gábor P. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Let

C

C

be a linear code of length

n

n

and dimension

k

k

over the finite field

F

q

m

{{\mathbb{F}}}_{{q}^{m}}

. The trace code

Tr

(

C

)

{\rm{Tr}}\left(C)

is a linear code of the same length

n

n

over the subfield

F

q

{{\mathbb{F}}}_{q}

. The obvious upper bound for the dimension of the trace code over

F

q

{{\mathbb{F}}}_{q}

is

m
k

mk

. If equality holds, then we say that

C

C

has maximum trace dimension. The problem of finding the true dimension of trace codes and their duals is relevant for the size of the public key of various code-based cryptographic protocols. Let

C

a

{C}_{{\boldsymbol{a}}}

denote the code obtained from

C

C

and a multiplier vector

a
∈

(

F

q

m

)

n

{\boldsymbol{a}}\in {\left({{\mathbb{F}}}_{{q}^{m}})}^{n}

. In this study, we give a lower bound for the probability that a random multiplier vector produces a code

C

a

{C}_{{\boldsymbol{a}}}

of maximum trace dimension. We give an interpretation of the bound for the class of algebraic geometry codes in terms of the degree of the defining divisor. The bound explains the experimental fact that random alternant codes have minimal dimension. Our bound holds whenever

n
≥
m

(

k
+
h

)

n\ge m\left(k+h)

, where

h
≥
0

h\ge 0

is the Singleton defect of

C

C

. For the extremal case

n
=
m

(

h
+
k

)

n=m\left(h+k)

, numerical experiments reveal a closed connection between the probability of having maximum trace dimension and the probability that a random matrix has full rank.
Discussing the Formal Components of Material Objects: A New Reply to Bennett
Authors: Solís Adrián 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Recently mereological hylomorphism, the theory in which form and matter are considered to be proper parts of objects, has become very important among contemporary metaphysicians. The present work aims to analyse and dismantle Bennett’s criticism regarding the existence of formal proper parts. To do this, I will start by presenting Koslicki’s mereological hylomorphism. Next, I will focus on Bennett’s critique which seeks to deny the existence of formal proper parts. Finally, I will analyse critically the Bennett’s criticism focusing on the scenario of lump of clay and statue. I will show Bennett’s proposal is not explanatorily better than Koslicki’s hylomorphism because she needs to accept a counter-intuitive thesis. Therefore, we should prefer Koslicki’s mereological hylomorphism.
Intrapericardial nonfunctional paraganglioma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Fan Yuhong , Hu Jiayin , Li Tao , Fang Jingqin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Paraganglioma (PGL) is a rare extra-adrenal neuroendocrine tumor, and intrapericardial PGL is extremely rare. We report a rare case of intrapericardial nonfunctional PGL, which may be used as a reference for further analysis.

Case presentation
This article presents the case of a 65-year-old woman with a 2-year history of lower extremity pain. Ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic mass adjacent to the right atrium, compressing and narrowing the right atrium. Computed tomography (CT) showed a low-density mass with marked enhancement suggestive of a solitary fibrous tumor or a vasogenic tumor of pericardial origin. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the location and provided a primary diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor, hemangioma, or hemangiosarcoma. The patient eventually underwent pericardial tumor resection, and the diagnosis of PGL was confirmed by postoperative histopathology.

Conclusions
Pathology is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of PGL. Imaging examinations can provide valuable information for the diagnosis and management of intrapericardial PGL, and surgery remains the treatment of choice.
Parametric analysis of thermal cycle of a short take-off and vertical landing engine
Authors: Mo Zhihan , Zhou Dengji , Shen Xun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) engine is an emerging power source for fighter planes that can perform takeoff and landing operations in tight quarters. As the aforementioned function requires specific component design and matching, it is vitally necessary to study the impacts of various component states on engine performance and stability. This paper develops a performance model for STOVL engines based on nonlinear component models and validates the modelʼs correctness. Variable component working conditions and settings are altered, engine performance is forecasted and observed, and the mechanism underlying this trend is investigated. The results indicate that the performance of the STOVL engine is greatly influenced by the design parameters of the gas path, such as the bypass ratio and the injection volume of the roll nozzle, and is highly dependent on the correct adjustment of the rear bypass injector and the throat area of the nozzle.
Numerical investigation on mixing of heated confined swirling coaxial jets with blockage
Authors: Srivastava Ritesh , Patel Vivek Kumar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A coaxial jet that has one application in gas turbine combustion chambers where there is a requirement for very good mixing of air and fuel for complete and stable combustion. A study has been carried out to improve the mixing of annular and central jets in the confined space of the combustor. The combustor model is used with two confined coaxial air-swirling jets under non-combustion conditions. The influence of a heated central jet and the effect of blockage at different locations in confined spaces on mixing has been studied. To understand mixing in jets in confinement, the center line axial velocity profile and streamlines have been presented at different locations. The computational results are obtained using commercial CFD software, ANSYS FLUENT 18.0, with a standard k–ω turbulence model. After validation with the existing literature, parametric studies have been carried out with co-swirl and counter-swirl conditions of annular and central jets at different blockage locations in confinement. The results show a good understanding of the mixing process of two jets in confinement.
Clausal doubling and verum marking in Spanish
Authors: Muñoz Pérez Carlos , Verdecchia Matías 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper offers a description and analysis of the clausal doubling construction, and contrasts it with predicate doubling based on their formal and verum-related properties. The study shows that the behavior of both patterns can be captured by extending the analysis of predicate doubling by Muñoz Pérez and Verdecchia (2022. Predicate doubling in Spanish: On how discourse may mimic syntactic movement. Natural Language & Linguistic Theory 40(4). 1159–1200). Basically, both doubling constructions have the same structure, with a contrastive topic in the left periphery; they differ, however, in the nature of the constituents carrying this function. The proposal derives from this single factor all formal and interpretative differences between the constructions. Moreover, the paper provides evidence to distinguish these phenomena from other verum-marking strategies in Spanish.
Verum in Xhosa and Zulu (Nguni)
Authors: Bloom Ström Eva-Marie , Zeller Jochen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this paper we investigate how verum is realized in Xhosa and Zulu, two Southern Bantu languages belonging to the Nguni group. The data for our study were collected through interviews with native speakers who were prompted to produce sentences in discourse contexts that typically license utterances with verum. We found that the main grammatical strategy for the expression of verum in Xhosa and Zulu involves the removal of phrasal constituents from the focus domain (the VP). This leaves the verb as the sole remaining focus host, and allows auxiliary features of the verb, such as polarity, to be marked as focus. Consequently, we analyse verum in Xhosa and Zulu as polarity focus, which is expressed indirectly, via the backgrounding of potentially focusable phrasal material. We also examined the prosodic properties of verum utterances in Xhosa. Based on findings from previous studies on Nguni intonation, we expected to observe lengthening of the penultimate vowels of phrase-final verbs and utterance-final words in our data. However, contrary to expectation, we did not find evidence of penultimate vowel lengthening in Xhosa sentences with verum, a (preliminary) result which suggests that the expression of verum may have an effect on prosody in Nguni languages.
Factors Associated with the Clinical Severity and Disease Burden of COVID-19 Caused by Omicron BA.2 in Shanghai and Hong Kong, China
Authors: Sun Ruijia , Chen Xinhua , Wu Yanpeng , Yu Hongjie 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Shanghai and Hong Kong, China, experienced an outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2022. Both cities had similar dynamic prevention policies and population-level immunity, but showed differences in the numbers of cases and deaths.

Methods:
We collected data from official websites to estimate and compare the infection rates, mortality rates, and infection fatality ratios (IFRs) between cities. We further performed univariable analysis and used two tree models to explore the factors affecting the differences.

Results:
The infection rate in Hong Kong, China, was 42.45 (95% CI: 42.41–42.48) per 100 individuals (15.49 times higher than that in Shanghai). The mortality rate was 124.90 (95% CI: 122.33–127.46) per 100,000 individuals (51.61 times higher than that in Shanghai). The adjusted IFR was 0.29% (95% CI: 0.29–0.30%) (3.30 times higher than that in Shanghai). The infection rate was negatively correlated with the stringency of nonpharmaceutical interventions. The mortality rate and IFR negatively correlated with the vaccination rate. However, positive correlations were observed between the median age and both mortality and IFR, as well as between the proportion of people ≥65 and IFR.

Conclusions:
Overall, a lack of medical resources, lower vaccination rates, and higher median age were associated with a higher infection rate, mortality rate, and IFR in Hong Kong.
A Comparison of the Clinical Performance Between the Lateral Sinus Lifts and Percrestal Sinus Lifts in Severely Atrophied Posterior Maxilla
Authors: AlBattrawi Salma , Doghramje Tania , Tippu Mohammed Shoaib ur Rahman , Azim Sabrin Ali , Moharamzadeh Keyvan 
Published: February 2024

Aim/Objective: The objective of our study is to compare the clinical performance between the lateral sinus lift and the percrestal sinus lift techniques in severely atrophied posterior maxilla.Materials and Methods: An electronic search was done by three independent reviewers using a computerized search involving multiple databases focusing on comparative articles discussing the differences between lateral sinus lift technique and percrestal sinus lift technique. The search involved a solid application of the authors’ inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The combined search done by the authors identified 19 eligible articles. 13 of which were excluded strictly based on the inclusion and the exclusion criteria leaving us with 6 accepted articles to conduct this systemic review. 3 of the articles are clinical trials, 2 are retrospective studies and 1 is a prospective study. In all of the 6 selected articles, a comparative discussion between the lateral sinus lift technique and percrestal sinus lift technique was done. Conclusions: The lateral sinus lift technique has higher morbidity and success rates when compared to the percrestal sinus lift technique. However, that does not eliminate the fact that the latter is still a viable choice if a less invasive is necessary or if the alveolar height at baseline is not as diminished.
Bioarchaeological Research of The Home Army’s Soldiers From Raubiszki and Druzhyle Battles
Authors: Kadikinaitė Jovita 
Published: February 2024

This article covers the topic of Armia Krajowa’s soldiers and their manner-of-death. AK is a Polish underground military organization that was active during World War II and the post-war period until 1945. Since Vilnius region was occupied by Poland during the inter-war period (1920–1939), multiple historical events in which AK soldiers were fighting against German Nazis and Soviets took place in modern-day Lithuanian territories. Thus, a considerable number of single and mass burials of Polish partisans are uncovered in Lithuania. This research aims to reconstruct the manner-of-death of 9 AK partisans’ skeletal remains from two battles with the Soviets: Družiliai and Raubiškės. The results indicated a wide range of perimortal lesions sustained on the battlefield: perimortal fractures and gunshot wounds. The analysis also revealed pathological lesions that illustrated challenges individuals had faced in their daily partisanship – hard physical labor, malnutrition, non-specific stress.
Mechanotransduction signaling pathways of erythrocytes associated with restructuring of cell metabolism
Authors: Dotsenko О. І. 
Published: February 2024

Erythrocytes exhibit the properties of "sensor" of mechanical tension, hypoxia and "regulator" of vascular tone. In the in vivo bloodstream, these cells are constantly exposed to flow during which they experience varying levels of shear stress and strain. In this regard, these cells have well-established signaling mechanisms, with the participation of which a chemical response to a stress factor is formed. Vibration is a factor that, depending on its own physical characteristics, combines mechanical influence with an oxidative state or hypoxia. Thus, it was of interest to investigate how erythrocytes use certain signaling pathways to maintain metabolic homeostasis under the influence of low-frequency vibration. The paper examines the effect of vibration (frequency range 8–32 Hz, amplitudes 0.50 ± 0.04 and 0.90 ± 0.08 mm) on the energy state of human erythrocytes in the absence of glucose. In this connection, the changes of intracellular ATP, 2,3-BPG and inorganic phosphate (Pi) in human erythrocytes during 3-hour vibration exposure were investigated. The activity of Na+,K+-ATPase was investigated as an indicator reflecting cellular needs for ATP. Cytosolic 5’-nucleotidase (cN-1A) and AMP-deaminase (AMPDA) activities were investigated as indicators of the level of catabolism of purine nucleotides. To assess the involvement of adenosine in the processes of reverse signaling through the ADORA2B – AMPK BPGM axis, the activity of ectonucleotidase (eN) was investigated. Based on the obtained experimental data, an analysis of the signal mechanisms involved in the mechanotransduction of the vibration effect was carried out. It is shown that under certain conditions of vibration exposure (frequency interval 20–32 Hz, A = 0.50 ± 0.04 mm and 12–32 Hz, A = 0.90 ± 0.08 mm) erythrocytes use signaling and metabolic pathways aimed at increasing the content of ATP, 2,3-BPG and restoration of the energy charge of cells. One of these pathways is controlled by AMP-kinase (AMPK), which in turn is a participant in the signaling cascade that begins with adenosine receptors ADORA2B. AMPK turns off consumption pathways and turns on alternative pathways for ATP regeneration and activation of 2,3-BPG formation mechanisms. These ways are aimed at overcoming the state of hypoxia. Experimental data on the participation of AMP catabolism enzymes in ATP recovery processes were analyzed.
Serological prevalence of Leptospira spp. in horses in Ukraine
Authors: Ukhovskyi V. V. , Korniienko L. Y. , Chechet O. M. , Aliekseieva G. B. , Polishchuk O. D. , Mietolapova H. M. , Tsarenko T. M. , Romanko M. Y. , Pyskun O. O. 
Published: February 2024

Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease with constantly evolving pathogens, poses risks to both human and animal health. We investigated the prevalence of Leptospira spp. among horses in Ukraine from 2007 to 2021, encompassing clinical and subclinical cases. The study utilized data from the State Research Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise (2007–2021) to analyze leptospirosis prevalence in Ukrainian horses. Seroprevalence was calculated for each region. Equine leptospirosis outbreaks were retrospectively analyzed based on serological data from microagglutination reaction (MRA) studies using eight major serogroups. A geospatial analysis, utilizing quantile classification with five data classes, was conducted. Spanning 2007–2021, our analysis evaluated the prevalence and dynamics of equine leptospirosis in Ukraine. Serum samples tested for Leptospira antibodies exhibited varying dynamics over this period, with the highest and lowest rates observed in different years. Among the 125,101 horse serum samples analyzed, 10.8% tested positive for leptospirosis. The incidence rate fluctuated, peaking in certain years. The dominant serovars were Copenhageni (32.8%), Bratislava (16.1%), Grippotyphosa (15.4%), and Canicola (13.2%), while mixed reactions constituted 55.1% of positive cases. The analysis also revealed shifts in the prevalence of specific serovars over time. Geospatial analysis showcased the distribution of positive cases for each serovar across Ukraine's regions. The highest infection rates were observed in the eastern and northern regions, each characterized by distinct serovar prevalence. The etiologic composition map depicted varying serovar proportions among different regions. Furthermore, the density map delineated regions with different risk levels, with several regions falling into the "very high risk" category, while others like Odesa and Lviv were classified as low risk due to fewer positive leptospirosis cases. Detection of specific serovars like Tarassovi, Pomona, and Canicola in horses points to potential pathogen sources such as cattle, pigs, and dogs. The dominance of serovar Copenhageni (serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae), accounting for 32.8% of seropositivity, reflects close contact with rodents, recognized reservoirs of this serogroup. These findings illuminate the evolving prevalence and distribution of leptospirosis in Ukrainian horses, offering vital insights for targeted interventions and disease management strategies. The insights garnered from this study can hold significant value for equine veterinarians, aiding the development of tailored preventive and control measures adapted to specific regions with varying risk levels. Our research offers a comprehensive examination of equine leptospirosis from both ecological and geographical perspectives, unveiling pivotal observations.
Influence of the number of scan bodies on full-arch implant scanning: A comparison of 2 vs 4 implants
Authors: Abdelrehim Aly , Salleh Nosizana Mohd , Sofian Hazrina , Sulaiman Eshamsul 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Accuracy is a necessity in implant impressions to fabricate accurately fitting implant-supported prostheses. This in vitro study aimed to explore the impact of the number of scan bodies on scanning quality by comparing scans of 2 versus 4 implants, and to determine if their accuracy and precision meets acceptable clinical threshold. Two mandibular edentulous models were used: one with 4-parallel implants (4-IM) and the other with 2-parallel implants (2-IM). Each model was scanned ten times with an intraoral scanner, while reference scans were obtained with a high-precision laboratory scanner. The accuracy of test scans was evaluated by superimposing them onto reference scans and measuring 3D and angular deviations of the scan bodies. To assess the precision, the repeatability of the scans was analyzed by measuring the 3D standard deviations. Independent t-test was used to compare angular deviations, the Mann-Whitney U test was used for 3D deviations and 3D standard deviations, and one sample t-test was used for comparing means to the clinical threshold. Angular and 3D deviations were statistically not significant between the two groups (P=0.054 and 0.143). 3D deviation values were higher than the 150 μm threshold for 2-IM (201 μm) and 4-IM (290 μm); angular deviation in 2-IM was 0.600 degrees and 0.885 degrees for 4-IM. There was no statistically significant difference in the precision of scans between the two groups. (P=0.161). Although scanning quality improved when 2 scan bodies were used, the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, full-arch implant scanning did not meet acceptable levels of accuracy and precision.