bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of the corrugated absorber shape on the performance of a hemispherical solar still for water desalination: an experimental study
Authors: Kabeel Abd Elnaby , Attia Mohammed El Hadi , Bellila Abdelkader , El-Maghlany Wael M. , Fayed Mohamed , Abdullah Abdelkader Saad , Zidane Iham F. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSolar stills utilization has received great interest in arid isolated regions. In this study, experimental approaches have been investigated to prove the impact of the corrugated absorber shape on the hemispherical solar still performance. Four geometric corrugated shapes including present flat, triangular, semi-circular, square forms were tested for the corrugated absorber. Five hemispherical solar distillers have been fabricated and tested. The first distiller includes flat absorber (HSD-FA), the second distiller includes square corrugated absorber (HSDSA), the third distiller includes semi-circular corrugated absorber (HSD-SCA), the fourth distiller includes triangular corrugated absorber (HSDTA), and the fifth distiller is conventional (CHSD). The first and second distillers were compared with the CHSD on the first day. On the second day, the third and fourth distillers were compared with the CHSD as well. Experimental results obtained showed that, the total freshwater yield of the HSD-FA, HSDSA, HSDSCA and HSDTA were improved by 16.67, 27.08, 39.58 and 48.96%, respectively, compared over that of the CHSD. These results prove that the use of the triangular corrugated absorber shaped provides the highest thermal efficiency, and the optimum corrugated absorber shape is the triangular corrugated absorber shape.
Assessment of the information gain of several monitoring techniques for bridge structural examination
Authors: Bertola Numa J. , Henriques Guillaume , Brühwiler Eugen 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe examination of existing civil structures must be differentiated from designing new structures. To have sustainable and circular asset management, the behavior of these existing structures must be better understood to avoid unnecessary maintenance and replacements. Monitoring data collected through bridge load testing, structural health monitoring, and non-destructive tests may provide useful information that could significantly influence their structural-safety evaluations. Nonetheless, these monitoring techniques are often elaborate, and the monitoring costs may not always justify the benefits of the information gained. Additionally, it is challenging to quantify the expected information gain before monitoring, especially when combining several techniques. This paper proposes several definitions and metrics to quantify the information gained from monitoring data to better evaluate the benefits of monitoring techniques. A full-scale bridge case study in Switzerland is used to illustrate the information gain from multiple monitoring techniques. On this structure, static load tests, three years of strain monitoring, weigh-in-motion measurements, and non-destructive tests were performed between 2016 and 2019. The influence on structural-safety examination is evaluated for each combination of monitoring techniques. Results show that each technique provides unique information and the optimal combination depends on the selected definition of information gain. When data from monitoring techniques are combined, significant reserve capacity of the bridge is determined.
Supporting participatory livestock feed improvement using the Feed Assessment Tool (FEAST)
Authors: Duncan Alan J. , Lukuyu Ben , Mutoni Gilbert , Lema Zelalem , Fraval Simon 
Published: April 2023

AbstractLivestock production is central to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries, but livestock are often poorly fed which limits their potential for reducing poverty. Efforts to improve livestock nutrition are often driven by supply-push thinking and fail to engage meaningfully with farmers and the realities they face. The Feed Assessment Tool (FEAST) was developed as a way of involving farmers more closely in decision making on livestock feed improvement. FEAST is a participatory tool which uses focus group discussions and individual farmer interviews to develop a broad overview of the livestock farming system. FEAST has been applied in many countries in the last 10 years. Examples of intensive use come from the Accelerated Value Chain Development Project in Kenya and the Rwanda Dairy Development Project in Rwanda. In both cases the tool was used to inform feed options with strong input from farmers. Although the primary purpose of FEAST is to support improved feed strategies at farm level, the data collected through the FEAST app and published in FEAST reports are a rich information resource that can be useful for developing broader system-level understanding of livestock feed issues. FEAST data can be uploaded into a global data repository where they are available for researchers. These data are also used to generate visualizations of key feed metrics further extending the use of secondary data. FEAST is an example of a participatory tool that moves decision making in the direction of farmers, while providing insights to researchers working across farming systems. Its widespread use across many countries is an indication that it fills a gap in in the livestock feed development space. Its novelty lies in bridging the knowledge gap (both ways) between livestock researchers and small-scale livestock keepers.
The Impact of Immune-Modulating Treatments for Dermatological Diseases on the Risk of Infection with SARS-CoV-2 and Outcomes Associated with COVID-19 Illness
Authors: Maynard Nicole , Armstrong April W. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Immune-modulating treatments are used in dermatology for a variety of conditions. The authors aim to review the data regarding the safety of these treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the outcomes associated with COVID-19-related illness.

Recent Findings

Several large-scale studies found no increased risk of COVID-19 infection for patients on TNF-α inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-12/23 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, dupilumab, and methotrexate. They also found that these patients did not have worse outcomes when infected with COVID-19. The data regarding JAK inhibitors, rituximab, prednisone, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine are more mixed.

Summary

Based on current research and guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation, dermatology patients on immune-modulating therapies can continue treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic when they are not infected with SARS-CoV-2. For patients who have COVID-19, guidelines encourage individualized assessment of the benefits and risks of continuing or temporarily withholding treatment.
Efficacy and tolerability of lacosamide as adjunctive therapy in patients with focal-onset seizures: an observational, prospective study
Authors: Jin Yang , Zhang Ranran , Jiang Jing , Liu Xuewu 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive lacosamide (LCM) in patients with focal-onset seizures, with or without combined secondarily generalized seizures.

Methods
106 patients aged ≥ 16 years were recruited consecutively in this single-center prospective observational study. All patients received LCM as an add-on treatment on the basis of clinical judgement. Seizure frequency, adverse events (AEs) and retention rates were obtained at 3 and 6 months after LCM introduction.

Result
The overall response rates were 53.3 and 70.4% after 3 and 6 months, respectively, and the freedom of seizures at the same points was reached at 19 and 26.5%. The retention rates were 99.1% at the 3-month follow-up and 93.3% at the 6-month follow-up. The overall incidence of adverse events was 35.8%. The leading AEs were dizziness (16.98%) and sedation (6.6%).

Conclusions
Our study confirmed the efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive LCM in Chinese patients in real-life conditions. Based on our treatment experience, a universal maintenance dose of LCM would be needed in Chinese patients.
Development of a day-ahead solar power forecasting model chain for a 250 MW PV park in India
Authors: Roy Arindam , Ramanan Aravindakshan , Kumar Barun , Abraham Chris Alice , Hammer Annette , Barykina Elena , Heinemann Detlev , Kumar Naveen , Waldl Hans-Peter , Mitra Indradip , Das Prasun Kumar , Karthik R. , Boopathi K. , Balaraman K. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDue to the steep rise in grid-connected solar Photovoltaic (PV) capacity and the intermittent nature of solar generation, accurate forecasts are becoming ever more essential for the secure and economic day-ahead scheduling of PV systems. The inherent uncertainty in Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) forecasts and the limited availability of measured datasets for PV system modeling impacts the achievable day-ahead solar PV power forecast accuracy in regions like India. In this study, an operational day-ahead PV power forecast model chain is developed for a 250 MWp solar PV park located in Southern India using NWP-predicted Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) from the European Centre of Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) models. The performance of the Lorenz polynomial and a Neural Network (NN)-based bias correction method are benchmarked on a sliding window basis against ground-measured GHI for ten months. The usefulness of GHI transposition, even with uncertain monthly tilt values, is analyzed by comparing the Global Tilted Irradiance (GTI) and GHI forecasts with measured GTI for four months. A simple technique for back-calculating the virtual DC power is developed using the available aggregated AC power measurements and the inverter efficiency curve from a nearby plant with a similar rated inverter capacity. The AC power forecasts are validated against aggregated AC power measurements for six months. The ECMWF derived forecast outperforms the reference convex combination of climatology and persistence. The linear combination of ECMWF and NCMRWF derived AC forecasts showed the best result.
Secondary burial practice at megalithic jar site 1, Plain of Jars Laos
Authors: O’Reilly Dougald , Shewan Louise , Luangkoth Thonglith , Domett Kate , Halcrow Siân , Khamphouvong Mailo , Butphachit Amphai , Sayavongkhamdy Thongsa , Heap Natasha 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn 2020 a Lao/Australian archaeological research team revisited one of the largest megalithic jar sites in Laos, Site 1, and undertook excavations in an effort to more fully understand the ritual practice at the site. This paper reviews previous research undertaken at the site and describes the recent excavation which revealed evidence of secondary burial practice dating to the 8th to thirteenth centuries. The research confirms the use of Site 1 as a burial site where multiple individuals were interred in secondary burials in shared mortuary contexts.
A Need for Grounded Mental Health Interventions to Reduce Cancer Stigma
Authors: Golbourn Lucie-May , Colman Rory , Uneno Yu , Kotera Yasuhiro 
Published: April 2023

AbstractNineteen million people were diagnosed with cancer, and almost ten million cancer deaths were recorded worldwide in 2020. The extent of cancer stigmatisation can be as prevalent as 80%. 24% of advanced cancer patients have been diagnosed with an anxiety or depressive disorder. The aim is to provide valuable plans of how it may be conceptually possible to form an intervention from a public health perspective. Preliminary observations identified a gap in research of a novel framework for cancer stigma. It is hoped this knowledge will build the foundations to develop an explanatory evidence-based theoretical model for improving the understanding, evaluation and planning of cancer stigma. Less than 6% of current studies are aimed at actually implementing interventions into practise. Using the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework as an example, whilst drawing upon the independently existing theoretical work on stigma mechanisms and mental health intervention strategies, widening the field of exploration, through mixed method analysis concerning cancer stigma to address the barriers at person, provider, and societal levels, will expand upon the initial application of theories and suggest ways of countering the broader attitudes and beliefs. Guiding future evidence-based initiatives, designed to target and address the many levels at which, cancer stigma can derive. It holds the potential to map out public health directives and strategies, targeting such a multidimensional facet, intricately interwoven across a myriad of levels, being able to support a rationale as to the origins of stigma.
Thermal Analysis and Thermal Reactions of Smectites: a Review of Methodology, Mechanisms, and Kinetics
Authors: Derkowski Arkadiusz , Kuligiewicz Artur 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSmectites are a group of minerals traditionally analyzed by thermal methods due to their exceptionally large adsorbed-water contents and the presence of OH groups, which makes them unique among all common soil- and rock-forming minerals. The dehydration reaction of smectite is a low-temperature endothermic effect that ends typically below 200°C. Although the removal of bulk interlayer water requires activation energy (Ea) of just above 30 kJ/mol, the removal of the last few H2O molecules attached strongly to interlayer cations requires Ea > 100 kJ/mol. Dehydroxylation is the loss of structural OH groups that proceeds as evolution of H2O molecules out of the smectite structure and occurs in the 300–900°C range. In trioctahedral species, dehydroxylation is combined with recrystallization and proceeds usually at > 700°C. In dioctahedral species, the temperature of dehydroxylation is controlled by the type of octahedral vacancy, having trans-vacant and cis-vacant distinguished by the boundary at ~ 600°C, and by the octahedral cation–OH bond strength, following the order Mg > Al > Fe. The Ea of dehydroxylation correlates linearly with the temperature of maximum dehydroxylation; from > 170 kJ/mol for Cs+-exchanged beidellite and nontronite, through ~ 300 kJ/mol in Mg-rich montmorillonite, to > 500 kJ/mol in trioctahedral saponite. Dehydration and dehydroxylation of smectites can be accompanied by a number of other phenomena, such as dehydrogenation or defluorination. At high temperatures, smectite amorphization and recrystallization occurs. Unless amorphized and/or recrystallized, smectites can undergo rehydration and rehydroxylation, which are opposite reactions to dehydration and dehydroxylation, respectively. This review discusses the details of the above-mentioned thermal reactions of smectites, focusing on thermogravimetric methods, evolved gas analysis, and structural alterations. Factors affecting the accuracy and precision of thermal analysis of smectite are discussed along with examples of best laboratory practices. The paper also provides the most recent description and critical evaluation of smectite reaction kinetics.
Foraminifera study for the characterization of the Campanian/Maastrichtian boundary in Gebel Owaina, Nile Valley, Egypt
Authors: Orabi Orabi H. , El-Sabbagh Ahmed , Mansour Ahmed S. , Ismail Heba , Taha Saida 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe present work aims to provide a high-resolution stratigraphic range of the planktic foraminiferal group during the Campanian/Maastrichtian boundary (C/M) of Gebel Owaina, Nile Valley. We use the base of Planoglobulina acervulinoides (CF7c Subzone) to mark the C/M boundary, where the planktic foraminiferal assemblages in the subzone are proposed as indicative of the early Maastrichtian age. Five zones (CF9-CF5) and three subzones (CF8a, CF8b, and CF8c) were recognized in the present study. A morphogroups scheme for the calcareous benthic foraminifera used in this work comprises five morphogroups, observed in the Owaina section. Three planktic morphogroups can be recognized and indicate open marine conditions with a good connection to the Tethys Ocean due to the highly diverse Maastrichtian assemblage and high P/B ratio (% P > 95).
Safety of CAR-T Cell Therapy in Patients With Renal Failure/Acute Kidney Injury: Focused Review
Authors: Khan Israr , Khan Nida , Wolfson Natalie , Djebabria Kawthar , Rehman Mohammad Ebad Ur , Anwer Faiz 
Published: April 2023

AbstractChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is novel immunotherapy targeting specifically cancerous cells, and has been shown to induce durable remissions in some refractory hematological malignancies. However, CAR T-cell therapy has adverse effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and acute kidney injury (AKI), among others. Not many studies have covered the repercussions of CAR T-cell therapy on the kidneys. In this review, we summarized the available evidence on the safety profile of CAR T-cell therapy in patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency/AKI and in those who develop AKI as a result of CAR T-cell therapy. With a 30% incidence of AKI post-CAR T-cell, various pathophysiological mechanisms, such as CRS, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), TLS, serum cytokines, and inflammatory biomarkers, have been shown to play a role. However, CRS is commonly reported as an underlying mechanism. Overall, 18% of patients in our included studies developed AKI after receiving CAR T-cell therapy, and most cases were reversible with appropriate therapy. While phase-1 clinical trials exclude patients with significant renal toxicity, two studies (Mamlouk et al. and Hunter et al.) reported successful treatment of dialysis-dependent patients with refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and demonstrated that CAR T-cell therapy and lymphodepletion (Flu/Cy) can be safely administered.
Settlement Scaling in the Northern Maya Lowlands: Human-Scale Implications
Authors: Hutson Scott R. , Chase Adrian S. Z. , Glover Jeffrey B. , Ringle William M. , Stanton Travis W. , Witschey Walter R. T. , Ardren Traci 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSettlement scaling theory predicts that higher site densities lead to increased social interactions that, in turn, boost productivity. The scaling relationship between population and land area holds for several ancient societies, but as demonstrated by the sample of 48 sites in this study, it does not hold for the Northern Maya Lowlands. Removing smaller sites from the sample brings the results closer to scaling expectations. We argue that applications of scaling theory benefit by considering social interaction as a product not only of proximity but also of daily life and spatial layouts.
Norwegian and Russian settlements on Svalbard: An analysis of demographic and socio-economic trends
Authors: Middleton Alexandra 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The Svalbard archipelago is a centre of global research on climate change and also an example of a rapidly changing Arctic area with tourism replacing the traditional mining industry. We compared the different development paths of the Norwegian (Longyearbyen and Ny-Ålesund) and Russian settlements (Barentsburg and Pyramida) on Spitsbergen as part of the Svalbard archipelago using demographic and socio-economic data until 2022 when available, but not focusing on the impacts of COVID-19 and changing geopolitics after 2022. We analysed strategy documents produced by Norway and Russia and by organisations connected to Svalbard. The analysis continued by scrutinising the statistical data available to ascertain if this supported the strategic goals outlined in the documents. Data collection was by direct enquiry to national statistical bureaus, agencies and institutions in Norway and Russia. Secondary data were collected from media publications and social media accounts. Statistics Norway provided very detailed data on demographics and industrial structure, turnover, investments and comprehensive statistics on employees by industry on Norwegian settlements on Svalbard. The results revealed disparities in socio-economic development, striking differences in data availability and in transparency between the Norwegian and Russian settlements. The population in the Norwegian settlements continued to grow during the period 1990–2022 with an increasing number of foreign nationals, and the population in the Russian settlements decreased by 85% at the same time period. The Norwegian settlements exemplify a diversified economy with a growing private sector, and the Russian settlements continued to rely on the town-forming Russian state unitary coal mining enterprise, Trust Arktikugol. While Svalbard presented a prime example of open data and transparency in the environmental sciences, the socio-economic and demographic statistics were lagging behind. Several practical proposals are presented for improved data collection on the Svalbard settlements.
ABO blood groups and nosocomial infection
Authors: Zhong Xiao , Wang Dong-Li , Xiao Li-Hua , Mo Lan-Fang , Luo Xiao-Feng 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe timely identification of the high-risk groups for nosocomial infections (NIs) plays a vital role in its prevention and control. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate whether the ABO blood group is a risk factor for NI. In this study, patients with NI and non-infection were matched by the propensity score matching method and a logistic regression model was used to analyse the matched datasets. The study found that patients with the B&AB blood group were susceptible toEscherichia coli(OR = 1.783,p = 0.039); the A blood group were susceptible toStaphylococcus aureus(OR = 2.539,p = 0.019) andPseudomonas aeruginosa(OR = 5.724,p = 0.003); the A&AB blood group were susceptible toPseudomonas aeruginosa(OR = 4.061,p = 0.008); the AB blood group were vulnerable to urinary tract infection (OR = 13.672,p = 0.019); the B blood group were susceptible to skin and soft tissue infection (OR = 2.418,p = 0.016); and the B&AB blood group were vulnerable to deep incision infection (OR = 4.243,p = 0.043). Summarily, the patient’s blood group is vital for identifying high-risk groups for NIs and developing targeted prevention and control measures for NIs.
Adverse childhood experiences and intimate partner violence: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Jenney , Exner-Cortens Deinera , Dobson Keith , Wells Lana , Noel Melanie , Madigan Sheri 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIntimate partner violence (IPV) represents a significant public health concern. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) represent one risk factor for IPV, however, the results of existing research on the association between ACEs and IPV demonstrate mixed findings. The present research sought to meta-analytically examine the association between ACEs and (a) IPV perpetration and (b) IPV victimization. Moderator analyses were conducted to determine factors that may impact the association between ACEs and IPV involvement. Electronic searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO in August of 2021. One-hundred and twenty-three records were screened for inclusion. All studies included a measure of ACEs and IPV victimization or perpetration. Among the 27 studies and 41 samples included in the meta-analysis, 65,330 participants were included. The results of the meta-analyses demonstrated that ACEs were positively associated with IPV perpetration and victimization. Significant methodological and measurement moderators further inform our understanding of ACEs and IPV involvement. The present meta-analyses demonstrates that trauma-informed approaches to IPV screening, prevention, and intervention may be useful, given that individuals who are involved with IPV may be more likely to possess a history of ACEs exposure.