bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radon Concentration Potential and Radiological Health Risks in Benue South Groundwater Sources
Authors: Ichoja Andrew , Agboola Oludare , Danladi Eli , Hashim Suhairul , Nuhu Habila , Emmanuel Adejo O. , Onoja Emmanuel Daniel , Onwoke Elijah E. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The attendant health consequences arising from both the consumption of thawed radon and the inhalation of released radon air and its progenies emanating from the various drinking water sources in our community underscores the relevance of the current research. This pioneering study attempts to evaluate the Rn-222 concentration, the annual committed effective dose (ACED) and the related health risk factors of randomly selected 26 water samples from Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas (LGAs), Benue South, Nigeria. The results of the analysis via liquid scintillation counter, revealed the highest radon values of 13.365±1.065 Bq/l and 18.248±1.740 Bq/l for well water samples higher than the action level of 11.1 Bq/l by USEPA were found in the villages of Apa and Agatu LGAs respectively, while 5.551±0.479 Bq/l lower than the tolerance limit was recorded for the surface water samples. The annual committed effective doses estimated for the different ICRP age groups (3 months, 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, 15 years and above 17 years) were below the acceptable 1 mSv/y baseline but displayed a significant and consistent rise with the age and water consumption frequency of the populace. Excess life cancer risks (ELCR) and the induced lung cancer cases per year per million persons (LCC) for ingestion and inhalation of radon by the inhabitants of the study areas were calculated. ELCRing and ELCRinh mean values of the radionuclide showed different variations below the standard reference line. The average values recorded for the lung cancer cases due to ingestion and inhalation of radon (LCCing) and (LCCinh) and the probability of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime exposure to radioactive element (ELCR) were found to be significantly lower than the suggested 170–230 per year per million persons and 0.29 mSv/y global mean value respectively. This implies that the evaluated radon parameters for ingestion and inhalation in the study areas do not pose any immediate radiological health effects to members of the public but periodic monitoring of the quality of the groundwater sources should be encouraged.
Neutronic Chain Reactions for Polonium-210 Production
Authors: Lim Solomon 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The production of the industrially significant radionuclide polonium-210 from the neutron irradiation of bismuth metal and the subsequent beta decay of bismuth-210 is highly inefficient due to the small neutron capture cross section of bismuth-209. In this paper, we report a previously undescribed self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction involving self-propagating neutron multiplication in bismuth salts that allow for rapid and cost-effective production of polonium-210. The reaction proceeds in a cycle of three alternating elementary steps – the capture of neutrons by bismuth-209 and the subsequent formation of polonium-210, the emission of high-energy alpha particles by polonium-210, and the production of more neutrons from (α,n) and (n,2n) reactions on light element and bismuth-209 nuclei respectively. Furthermore, the high hydrogen density of the compound also confers it intrinsic neutron moderation properties, increasing the neutron capture cross section of bismuth-209 at thermal neutron energies. The chain reaction was proven to have successfully occurred by irradiating a sample of the bismuth salt with a 80 µCi neutron source and monitoring the activity levels of the reaction. It was found that the activity of the reaction increased exponentially after an initial stable period following a derived formula for polonium production trends for the reaction, thus validating the occurrence of the reaction. Furthermore, alpha spectroscopy confirmed that polonium-210 had been produced by characterising the 5.30 MeV alpha emission peak of the reaction in addition to using beta spectroscopy to identify the parent nuclide bismuth-210, further proving that the reaction was successful. Hence, this paper reports the successful initiation and characterisation of a novel nuclear chain reaction, and its potential applications offered by a method of rapidly producing large quantities of polonium-210.
Green Energy Transition Using Torrefied and Treated Biomass in Indian Thermal Power Plants
Authors: Kulshreshtha Amit , Mallik Shuvadip , Saxena Kanchan , Dhakate Sanjay 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The present work examines the prospects of using biomass-based fuels for the complete replacement of coal in Indian pulverized coal thermal power plants (PC-TPPs) without substantial plant modifications. Replacing coal with biomass-based fuel is the fastest way to green energy transition with several associated benefits like air quality improvement, waste elimination, and reduction of other harmful emissions. It also avoids the need for storage peculiar to high levels of renewable grid integration using solar and wind. However, substituting biomass-based fuels for coal requires them to have similar properties. We investigated torrefaction and washing of biomass wastes with parameter and treatment variations. Results indicate that the fuel properties of rice straw after torrefaction and washing resemble domestic Indian coal, and it can potentially replace the coal completely in large thermal power plants. Similarly, other biomasses studied, viz. Lantana camara, grass and tree leaf litter can replace imported coal.
Establishment and application of the health evaluation system for rain-sourced rivers and lakes in coastal cities
Authors: Wang Sihai , Li Yan , Pan Xingying 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Conducting a health assessment of rivers and lakes is a technical approach that enables the accurate diagnosis of water health status and scientific analysis of aquatic ecological environments. This paper focuses on studying the typical rain-sourced water bodies of Huangrigang River and Dishui Lake (DSL) in Lin-gang, Shanghai. The Australian Stream Condition Index and the Analytic Hierarchy Process were used to establish a typical river and lake health evaluation index system. Expert scoring and least-squares methods were used to determine the weights of each index, and a quartile method was used to establish the evaluation criteria. The evaluation results indicate that the health status of the Huangrigang River is sub-healthy with a score of 72.1, whereas DSL is healthy with a score of 75.7. The low flow velocity of the regional river and the weak mobility of the water body are the main issues affecting the health status of the HRGR. Additionally, the density of phytoplankton in the river is significantly high. Dripping Lake is faced with two major problems: a high risk of eutrophication and a high density of phytoplankton in the lake. This article provides theoretical support for the sustainable use of regional water resource.
Budaya
Authors: Parto Hilarion Gerri 
Published: October 2023

Indonesia merupakan negara yang kaya akan adat, budaya, dan tradisi. Kekayaan ini merupakan suatu kebanggan bagi bangsa Indonesia. Hal ini menjadi sarana untuk menambah wawasan antara budaya yang satu dengan budaya yang lain dan menciptakan sesuatu yang baru. Kekayaan budaya ini pada akhirnya membentuk bangsa Indonesia menjadi bangsa yang sadar akan jati dirinya. Kemajemukkan adat, budaya, dan tradisi ini dapat pula menjadi pemecah kesatuan Indonesia. Sila ketiga yaitu sila persatuan tercerminlah nilai-nilai falsafah budaya bangsa Indonesia yang di dalamnya termuat berbagai cara hidup yang berbeda namun kaya akan keberagaman. Nilai persatuan menjadi konsep yang paling tinggi dalam babukuk’ng. Metodologi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kepustakaan. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa Babukuk’ng memiliki nilai yang kaya akan falsafah kesatuan dan persatuan yang terikat erat dengan pancasila dan masih relevan untuk kehidupan kaum muda masa kini. Pancasila sebagai Falsafah perlu diaktualisasikan dengan cara kesediaan untuk saling menerima dalam perbedaan dengan kekhasan masing-masing.
Knowledge, attitudes, and willingness of community pharmacy staff in Mures County, Romania, to provide the brief advice to stop smoking: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nădășan Ingrid , Ferencz Loránd , Moldovan Geanina , Ábrám Zoltán , Nădășan Valentin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background and objective: Providing brief advice to stop smoking (BASS) can significantly increase motivation to quit, long-term smoking cessation rates, and substantially impact public health. The study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and willingness of community pharmacy staff in Mures County, Romania, to provide BASS to smokers.

Methods: The observational, cross-sectional study included a sample of 96 professionals working in community pharmacies in Mures County, Romania. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results: Generally, more than 90% of the respondents acknowledged that smoking is addictive, represents a health hazard, and increases the risk of lung and laryngeal cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart attack, and stroke. Up to 70% of the respondents recognized the most common scientifically proven quit medications, such as nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline. Most pharmacists agreed that they should regularly ask the patients about their smoking status and encourage smokers to quit. They also declared they should receive continual education regarding quit services, medications, and techniques. BASS was credited with very high efficacy by 17.1%, high efficacy by 26.8%, and moderate efficacy by 46.3% of the respondents. The most common perceived barriers to providing BASS in community pharmacies were lack of demand from smokers (78.0%), lack of time (73.2%), and lack of educational materials (39.0%). About 70% of the pharmacists received no formal training regarding quit services, but more than 75% were interested in earning such a qualification. About 65% of the respondents estimated they could dedicate 10-15 minutes of their daily working time to provide BASS to interested customers.

Conclusions: Overall, the study found an acceptable level of knowledge and willingness of the participants in offering BASS, suggesting that a program to provide BASS in Mures County community pharmacies may be feasible and useful.
Evaluating demand of High Dependency Unit beds in a hospital with insights on return on capital investment
Authors: Daga Sonia , Prasad Janipalli Lakshmi , Kumar Naveen P. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Hospital administration will have to constantly work around predicting demand of the critical care beds and evaluating the options of expanding the existing capacity. These expansions will be constantly requested by clinicians in private hospitals in India. It becomes imperative to infuse capital into such expansions predicting the utilisation pattern of the new beds. This study concentrates on factors considered for estimating the infrastructure enhancement in step down beds in progression of patient care.

Methodology: Retrospective measurement of past bed occupancy rates of existing critical care beds, number of patients denied admissions through emergency department due to lack of intensive care beds was counted during previous 1 year. Cost estimates of building, equipment, manpower was collected. The prices that can be charged per rack basis was estimated, for revenue calculation. Return on investment tool using annual revenues divided by annual investment was used to measure the outputs.

Results: For setting up a 34 bed HDU (High Dependency Unit), 4760 square feet of space was utilised, with USD 594,555 as investment, at a revenue of USD 527,425, which is 75% return in first year, provided occupancy is at 100%. At occupancy of 60%, which was seen within 6 months of commissioning new HDU, the breakeven can be achieved at 450 days. At 100% occupancy breakeven can be achieved in 290 days.

Conclusion: Demand estimation and Utilisation analysis is valuable tools for administration to make decisions on major capital investments.
Diagnostic difficulties in a very rare case of mycoplasma pneumoniae uveitis
Authors: Hadad Ana-Maria-Catalina , Vultur Florina , Beleaua Marius-Alexandru , Horvath Karin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is known as a common cause of respiratory tract infections, especially in children. Regarding extrapulmonary manifestations, many dysfunctions have been linked to circulating IgM antibodies, including eye diseases and disorders. In this report, we aim to highlight the importance of considering Mycoplasma pneumoniae a potential etiological agent that can cause significant eye structures inflammation.

Case presentation: We present a case of a 22-year-old male patient who arrived at the Emergency Department complaining of visual acuity decrement. Fundoscopic examination outlined a pale optic nerve, covered by pre-papillary infiltrates and peripheric inflammatory infiltrates, accompanied by signs of vasculitis. Investigations were performed and a multidisciplinary assessment was conducted. General antibiotic and antimycotic treatment and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops were administrated but his symptoms were aggravating, although it was continuously upgraded. Antibodies for Mycoplasma pneumoniae were determined with positive IgM and macrolide antibiotherapy was administrated, with favorable evolution.

Conclusions: Mycoplasma pneumoniae should not be excluded as a possible cause of severe ocular inflammations, even in asymptomatic patients. The patient’s management should include multidisciplinary assessment for an easier diagnosis in cases of uncertainty.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein as a serum neuromarker of brain injury in pediatric patients with congenital heart defects undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Chiperi Lacramioara-Eliza , Huţanu Adina 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as a marker of short-term neurodevelopmental delay in pediatric patients with congenital defects (CHD) after cardiovascular surgical intervention.

Methods: Included patients were screened by Denver Developmental Screening Test II scale a few days before and then at 4 to 6 months after the surgical intervention. Blood samples were collected preoperatory and at 24 hours after surgery; GFAP levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using commercial kit form BioVendor.

Results: Forty children were enrolled and dichotomized into two groups based on peripheric oxygen saturation: cyanotic (<95%) and non-cyanotic (>=95%) group. 63% from our population had an abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome. Significant differences between groups were found in language domain scores preoperatory (p=0.03) and in fine motor domain postoperatory (p=0.03). In the postoperatory period, GFAP had significantly higher values (p=0.0248) in the cyanotic CHD group. Association between GFAP and NIRS were analyzed and significant differences were found in both groups with a good predicting model in the non-cyanotic CHD group (aria under curve of 0.7 for receiver operative characteristic). Higher GFAP levels from the postoperatory period correlated with neurodevelopmental impairment (mean value of: 0.66 ± 0.02ng/ml in those with good neurodevelopmental score, 0.69 ± 0.02ng/ml in those with low neurodevelopmental score, p=0.01).

Conclusions: GFAP could be a reliable neuromarker in identifying early acute brain injury documented by NIRS monitorization during perioperatory period and it also could identify short term neurodevelopmental impairment documented by lower neurodevelopmental scores.
Radiographic Pelvimetry in Relation to Dystocia in Bulldogs
Authors: Horňáková Ľubica , Pettersen Guro Røisehagen , Horňák Slavomír , Vargová Nela , Valenčáková Alexandra 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Dystocia is a common complication of parturition in the breed of English Bulldogs, where most females are not able to have a natural parturition and many litters are delivered by caesarean section. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diameter of the pelvis of 11 females of English Bulldogs through radiographic pelvimetry and do proper measurements to observe if there are any correlations between a narrow pelvic canal and dystocia detected in the breed. The external parameters were also assessed to look for any differences between weight, height, and length in relation to the dystocia in the breed. The mean weight of the dogs with natural parturition was 21.25 ± 0.91 kg, whereas the females which had undergone caesarean section was 25.16 ± 1.44 kg (P = 0.0004). A P-value shows strong evidence for the hypothesis of this study as a possible factor of dystocia of the breed. The values of height and length in the category of dams which had undergone natural parturition were in cm 44.8 ± 2.48 (length) and 36.1 ± 0.98 (height). In the category of dogs which had undergone caesarean section, the parameters were in cm 45.4 ± 2.60 and 36.0 ± 1.58, respectively. The P-value for length were 0.72 for length and P-value for height were 0.83. Difference between the diameter of the pelvis in the two groups of English Bulldog females was P = 0.12, so there is no significant evidence. However, it could be significant for a possible future study with a higher number of animals for measuring pelvic diameter.
Comparison of the Efficiency of Diagnostic Tests Used to Prove Giardiasis in Terms of their Practicality and Use in the Veterinary Clinical Practice
Authors: Kaduková Michaela , Andrea Schreiberová , Gabriela Štrkolcová 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Giardiasis is a protozoan disease that affects the health of animals, as well as other humans all over the world. Based on its host spectrum and genetic variability, Giardia duodenalis is classified into 8 assemblages (A–H). The present study was aimed at comparing the efficiency of the three most frequently used methods (the flotation method, the SNAP test and the ELISA assay) for the detection of giardiasis in carnivores in terms of the applicability thereof for the scientific purposes and the practicality of their application in the veterinary clinical practice. In the period from March 2020 to February 2022, a total of 173 faecal samples (141 samples collected from shelter dogs; 28 samples from pet dogs; and 6 samples from working dogs) were examined by applying the flotation method. The prevalence of Giardia duodenalis identified by the flotation method was 25 %. The SNAP test conducted with the fresh faecal samples revealed the high-level efficiency of 96 %, whereas the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) achieved the efficiency of 65 %. By applying the nested PCR method, five samples were positively tested for assemblages C and D (G. canis) by the amplification of the bg and tpi loci. The dogs from shelters which were positive for G. duodenalis were also presented with a coinfection caused by other intestinal parasites, such as Trichuris vulpis (28.0 %) and parasites from the Ancylostomatidae family (8.0 %).
Topical Application of Hypothermia in a Porcine Spinal Cord Injury Model
Authors: Šulla Igor , Horňák Slavomír , Papcúnová Štefánia 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are catastrophic events in humans and animals. They often result in permanent loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions caudally from the site of the spinal cord (SC) lesion. The natural history of spontaneous recovery from SC trauma is disappointing and currently available therapeutic interventions fail to operate. Hence further research using bigger experimental animals or primates is necessary. The results of this study performed by the authors in 21 Göttingen-Minnesota-Liběchov female minipigs (3 sham controls, and 18 members of an experimental subgroup) showed that these animals are suitable for SCI research. All mini-pigs survived rather complex experiments carried out in general anaesthesia induced by 5 % thiopental solution administered i.v., maintained by endotracheal inhalation of 1.5 % sevoflurane with O2 as well as a subsequent 9-week monitoring period. The experimental procedures comprised of L3 laminectomy, SCI inflicted by computer-controlled metallic piston crushing the SC with 8N, 15N, or 18N force. After the SCIs there were 9 minipigs left over during the next 5.5 hours in general anaesthesia, without application of hypothermia, then the surgical wounds were sutured, and the animals were allowed to awaken under supervision. Just 30 min following SCIs was in 6 mini-pigs started with the 5-hour application of 4 °C saline via perfusion chambers placed at the epicenter of the SCI, the chambers were removed, surgical wounds sutured, and animals were allowed to awaken. Just 30 minutes following the SCIs, there was in 3 minipigs started with a 5-hour administration of ≈24 °C saline at the epicentre of the SCIs, and then the perfusion chamber was removed, surgical wounds sutured, and the animals were allowed to awaken. The 5.5-hour local hypothermia and protracted general anaesthesia required monitoring of rectal temperature, and external warming of the minipig, if the temperature dropped below 36 °C. The currently available information on the therapeutic capacity of the method, and all technical aspects of its routine employment, needs validation in further experiments and preclinical trials.
Biochemical Markers of Liver Damage in Cattle Naturally Infected with Fasciola Hepatica
Authors: Škvareninová Aneta , Kostecká Zuzana 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Fascioliasis is a worldwide spread parasitic disease with a high impact on the economy and public health in many countries. Therefore, it is important to apply prevention, effective treatment, and education campaigns, to prevent the disease. This work aimed to determine the biochemical markers of liver damage caused by Fasciola hepatica during 21 days (D0 – D21) post albendazole (ABZ) therapy in the blood sera. This study included 24 cows naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica, randomly divided into a control group (n = 12) and a group treated per os with ABZ (7.5 mg per kg body weight) (n = 12). The activity of hepatic enzymes – aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and cholestatic enzymes – gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were measured in both groups. The activity of AST has significantly increased in the course of the experiment (D0 – D21) in both groups (P < 0.001). ALT activity during D0 – D21 was significantly decreased in both groups (P < 0.001). Activity of GGT was not significantly changed in the control group in the course of the experiment (P > 0.05). Contrarily, the activity of GGT in the treated group was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) during D0 – D21. The activity of GGT in the blood sera of the treated group was significantly lower in comparison with the control group in D7 and D21 (P < 0.01). This decreased GGT activity in the blood sera of the treated group may be caused by the effect of albendazole resulting in fasciola elimination and bile flow improvement. The results of ALP determination show no significant changes in ALP activity between groups. This can lead to the conclusion that the most useful marker of cholestasis caused by F. hepatica is the GGT activity and may help to evaluate the ABZ therapy effect in cattle.