bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hardness and corrosion behaviour of stir cast LM26 Al/sugar palm fibre ash composites
Authors: Aliyu I. , Sapuan S.M. , Zainudin E.S. , Zuhri M.Y.M. , Ridwan Y. 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThe conflicting results on the corrosion characteristics of aluminium matrix composites reinforced with agrarian waste have stimulated an investigation on the hardness and corrosion rate of sugar palm fibre ash (SPFA) reinforced LM26 Al/alloy composite by varying the SPFA from 0 to 10 wt% in an interval of 2 wt%. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned issue.Design/methodology/approachThe composites were produced via stir-casting and the hardness was determined using a Vickers hardness testing machine, corrosion rate was examined through the weight loss method by immersion in 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) at temperatures of 303, 318, and 333 K for the maximum duration of 120 h. The morphological study was conducted using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) on the samples before and after immersion in HCl.FindingsThe incorporation of SPFA improved the hardness of the alloy from 58.22 to 93.62 VH after 10 wt% addition. The corrosion rate increases with increased content of SPFA, the concentration of HCl and temperature. The least corrosion rate of 0.0272 mpy was observed for the LM26 Al alloy in 0.5 M after 24 h while the highest corrosion rate of 0.8511 mpy was recorded for LM26 Al/10 wt% SPFA in 1.5 M HCl acid after 120 h. The SEM image of corroded samples revealed an increased number of pits with increased SPFA content.Research limitations/implicationsThe work is limited to SPFA up to 10 wt% as reinforcement in LM26 Al alloy, the use of HCl as corrosion medium, temperatures in the range of 303–333 K, and a weight loss method were used to evaluate the corrosion rate.Originality/valueThe corrosion rate was determined for LM26 Al/SPFA composites with various amounts of SPFA in 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 M HCl at 303, 318 and 333 K and compared with the matrix alloy.
Precarious inclusion: A collaborative account of casualisation and teaching leadership challenges at the post-pandemic university
Authors: Lahiri-Roy Reshmi , Whitburn Ben 
Published: May 2023

PurposeThis paper emerged from the challenges encountered by both authors as academics during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Based on their subsequent reflections on inclusion in education for minoritised academics in pandemic-affected institutional contexts, they argue that beyond student-centred foci for inclusion, equity in the field, is equally significant for diverse teachers. Working as tempered radicals, they contend that anything less is exclusionary.Design/methodology/approachUsing a reciprocal interview method and drawing on Freirean ideals of dialogue and education as freedom from oppression, the authors offer dual perspectives from specific positionings as a non-tenured woman academic of colour and a tenured staff member with a disability.FindingsIn framing this work dialogically and through Freirean ideals of conscientização, the authors' collective discussions politicise personal experiences of marginalisation in the teaching and researching of inclusion in education for preservice teachers, or more pointedly, in demonstrating the responsibility of all to orientate towards context-dependent inclusive practices. They assert that to enable educators to develop inclusion-oriented practice, the contextual frameworks need to ensure that they question their own experiences of inclusion as potentially precarious to enable meaningful teaching practice.Research limitations/implicationsIt offers perspectives drawing on race, dis/ability and gender drawing on two voices. The bivocal perspective is in itself limitation. It is also located within a very Australian context. However, it does have the scope to be applied globally and there is opportunity to further develop the argument using more intersectional variables.Practical implicationsThe paper clearly highlights that universities require a sharper understanding of diversity, and minoritised staff's quotidian negotiations of marginalisations. Concomitantly inclusion and valuing of the epistemologies of minoritised groups facilitate meaningful participation of these groups in higher education contexts.Social implicationsThis article calls for a more nuanced, empathetic and critical understanding of issues related to race and disability within Australian and global academe. This is much required given rapidly shifting demographics within Australian and other higher education contexts, as well as the global migration trajectories.Originality/valueThis is an original research submission which contributes to debates around race and disability in HE. It has the potential to provoke further conversations and incorporates both hope and realism while stressing collaboration within the academic ecosystem to build metaphorical spaces of inclusion for the minoritised.
Establishing the limitations of sustainable construction in developing countries: a systematic literature review using PRISMA
Authors: Ogunmakinde Olabode Emmanuel , Egbelakin Temitope , Sher Willy , Omotayo Temitope , Ogunnusi Mercy 
Published: May 2023

PurposeEstablishing a more sustainable built environment is an increasing global concern for the construction industry. Despite the intrinsic and extrinsic obstacles the stakeholders face, huge efforts are required to transition to a smooth, sustainable construction (SC) practice. This study identifies and discusses cogent obstacles to SC in developing nations.Design/methodology/approachThe Preferred Reporting Item for systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was employed to establish research work in SC for developing countries. The databases used were Scopus and Web of Science. Meta-analysis of keywords was analysed thematically. The initial broad search returned 8,420 publications which were filtered and reviewed in-depth to fit the aim of the study, produced only 21 relevant publications from the years 2000–2021.FindingsThe four identified themes of obstacles to SC in developing countries are as follows: construction professional training and education, clients' attitudes and awareness, construction industries' culture and capacity and governments' regulation, policies and economy. The key barriers identified from the meta-analysis include inadequate training and education amongst construction professionals, poor execution of sustainability ethics, poor populace attitude towards sustainability, poor awareness and understanding, dearth of precise data and integrated study and inappropriate priorities about sustainability.Originality/valueThe originality in this study are themes drawn from millennium development goals (MDGs) and sustainable development goals (SDGs) publications related to SC. Consequently, the final framework presented a holistic approach to surmounting the established limitations and aided recommendations for future studies. Thus, setting a background for developing strategies to overcome the limitations and further attain sustainable development (SD).
A research blueprint: Plant trait responses to stress and effects on blue carbon storage potential
Authors: Gillis Lucy Gwen , Viana Inés G. , de los Santos Carmen B. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Wetland plants form blue carbon ecosystems, which are key for climate change mitigation yet threatened by multiple local and global stresses. The capacity of blue carbon ecosystems to store large amounts of carbon relies on ecological processes, many of them regulated by plant traits that are shaped by the stress that plants encounter.

This manuscript provides a perspective to investigate the effects of stress on carbon storage and sequestration capacity of blue carbon ecosystems based on the plant traits.

A first step was to identify the biochemical, physiological, morphological and growth and development traits involved in the processes controlling carbon storage and sequestration in blue carbon ecosystems.

Second, the existing knowledge on the stress effects on blue carbon processes and ecosystems was evaluated.

Finally, the application of the trait‐based approach to understand and predict carbon dynamics in blue carbon ecosystems under different stresses' feedback was discussed.

The conclusions provide key recommendations for a trait‐based approach in which the trinomial local and global stresses, plant traits and blue carbon are embraced together to identify the feedbacks between them, along with specific attention to the plant traits across the seascape, the stress interactions and the need of plant trait standardization.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Measuring technical efficiency of Spanish pig farming: Quantile stochastic frontier approach
Authors: Cabas Monje Juan , Guesmi Bouali , Ait Sidhoum Amer , Gil José María 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe pig meat production plays a significant role in the Spanish agrofood system. The assessment of the efficiency performance with which farmers are operating is necessary to define adequate policy and management strategies. In this context, this study aimed to determine the technical efficiency (TE) performance of pig farms and to examine the key factors that may affect the production system in Spain. To do so, the analysis relies on the quantile stochastic frontier model using a sample of Spanish pig farms. Results show a significant difference between production frontier parameters across the selected quantiles, which support the relevance of using the quantile regression approach. The optimal quantile for the stochastic frontier indicates an average TE level of 75%. In addition, empirical findings suggest that pig farmers in Spain give more importance to the adoption of high technology to improve their economic and technical performance as well as their competitiveness at the European pig market.
Dupilumab in the treatment of severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP): A multicentric observational Phase IV real‐life study (DUPIREAL)
Authors: De Corso Eugenio , Pasquini Ernesto , Trimarchi Matteo , La Mantia Ignazio , Pagella Fabio , Ottaviano Giancarlo , Garzaro Massimiliano , Pipolo Carlotta , Torretta Sara , Seccia Veronica , Cantone Elena , Ciofalo Andrea , Lucidi Daniela , Fadda Gian Luca , Pafundi Pia Clara , Settimi Stefano , Montuori Claudio , Anastasi Francesca , Pagliuca Giulio , Ghidini Angelo , Cavaliere Carlo , Maffei Marianna , Bussu Francesco , Gallo Stefania , Canevari Frank Rikki Mauritz , Paludetti Gaetano , Galli Jacopo ,   Dupireal Italian Study Group
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is associated with significant morbidity and reduced health‐related quality of life. Findings from clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of dupilumab in CRSwNP, although real‐world evidence is still limited.MethodsThis Phase IV real‐life, observational, multicenter study assessed the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP (n = 648) over the first year of treatment. We collected data at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of follow‐up. We focused on nasal polyps score (NPS), symptoms, and olfactory function. We stratified outcomes by comorbidities, previous surgery, and adherence to intranasal corticosteroids, and examined the success rates based on current guidelines, as well as potential predictors of response at each timepoint.ResultsWe observed a significant decrease in NPS from a median value of 6 (IQR 5–6) at baseline to 1.0 (IQR 0.0–2.0) at 12 months (p < .001), and a significant decrease in Sino‐Nasal Outcomes Test‐22 (SNOT‐22) from a median score of 58 (IQR 49–70) at baseline to 11 (IQR 6–21;p < .001) at 12 months. Sniffin' Sticks scores showed a significant increase over 12 months (p < .001) compared to baseline. The results were unaffected by concomitant diseases, number of previous surgeries, and adherence to topical steroids, except for minor differences in rapidity of action. An excellent‐moderate response was observed in 96.9% of patients at 12 months based on EPOS 2020 criteria.ConclusionsOur findings from this large‐scale real‐life study support the effectiveness of dupilumab as an add‐on therapy in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP in reducing polyp size and improving the quality of life, severity of symptoms, nasal congestion, and smell.
Population pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics modelling of oxypurinol in Hmong adults with gout and/or hyperuricemia
Authors: Wen Ya‐Feng , Brundage Richard C. , Roman Youssef M. , Culhane‐Pera Kathleen A. , Straka Robert J. 
Published: May 2023

AimsThe aim of this study was to quantify identifiable sources of variability, including key pharmacogenetic variants in oxypurinol pharmacokinetics and their pharmacodynamic effect on serum urate (SU).MethodsHmong participants (n = 34) received 100 mg allopurinol twice daily for 7 days followed by 150 mg allopurinol twice daily for 7 days. A sequential population pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamics (PKPD) analysis with non‐linear mixed effects modelling was performed. Allopurinol maintenance dose to achieve target SU was simulated based on the final PKPD model.ResultsA one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination best described the oxypurinol concentration–time data. Inhibition of SU by oxypurinol was described with a direct inhibitory Emax model using steady‐state oxypurinol concentrations. Fat‐free body mass, estimated creatinine clearance and SLC22A12 rs505802 genotype (0.32 per T allele, 95% CI 0.13, 0.55) were found to predict differences in oxypurinol clearance. Oxypurinol concentration required to inhibit 50% of xanthine dehydrogenase activity was affected by PDZK1 rs12129861 genotype (−0.27 per A allele, 95% CI −0.38, −0.13). Most individuals with both PDZK1 rs12129861 AA and SLC22A12 rs505802 CC genotypes achieve target SU (with at least 75% success rate) with allopurinol below the maximum dose, regardless of renal function and body mass. In contrast, individuals with both PDZK1 rs12129861 GG and SLC22A12 rs505802 TT genotypes would require more than the maximum dose, thus requiring selection of alternative medications.ConclusionsThe proposed allopurinol dosing guide uses individuals' fat‐free mass, renal function and SLC22A12 rs505802 and PDZK1 rs12129861 genotypes to achieve target SU.
“Plan chunking” expands 3‐year‐olds' ability to complete multiple‐step plans
Authors: Blankenship Tashauna L. , Kibbe Melissa M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe ability to use knowledge to guide the completion of goals is a critical cognitive skill, but 3‐year‐olds struggle to complete goals that require multiple steps. This study asked whether 3‐year‐olds could benefit from “plan chunking” to complete multistep goals. Thirty‐two U.S. children (range = 35.75–46.59 months; 18 girls; 9 white, 3 mixed race, 20 unknown; tested between July 2020 and April 2021) were asked to complete “treasure maps,” retrieving four colored map pieces by pressing specific buttons on a “rainbow box.” Children completed more of the four‐step sequence correctly when the steps were presented in a way that encouraged chunking the steps into pairs. These findings suggest a potential mechanism supporting memory‐guided planning abilities in early childhood.
Spatial and seasonal variation of livestock depredation by large carnivores in the Pamir Mountains of northern Pakistan
Authors: Rashid Wajid , Shi Jianbin , Rahim Inam ur , Dong Shikui , Khurshid Muhammad , Ali Asad , Yousafzai Mohammad Tariq 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe livestock depredation by large carnivores is a main cause for increasing human–wildlife conflicts (HWCs) and is one of the prime challenges for carnivore's conservation and a major economic concern to livestock‐dependent communities around wildlife habitats. Thus, understanding the patterns and trends of livestock depredation may contribute to better understanding of the mechanisms underlying HWCs and to mitigating HWCs. HWCs characterized by livestock depredation by large carnivores are prevalent in northern Pakistan, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly investigated. This study was conducted in 2018 in the Khunjerab Valley and Shimshal Valley of the Pamir region to evaluate the spatial and seasonal variation and impact of livestock depredation by carnivores. Data were collected on livestock depredation and its associated economic impact through semi‐structured interviews of randomly selected households in the two valleys. The livestock in Shimshal Valley was more susceptible to large carnivores’ depredation (233 heads per year) than in Khunjerab Valley (125 heads per year). This spatial variation in livestock depredation was reflective of the difference in the socio‐economic conditions and physical locations between the two valleys. More livestock depredation took place in winter in Khunjerab Valley, while more livestock depredation occurred in summer in Shimshal Valley, mainly because of different grazing systems in the two valleys. The total economic loss incurred due to large carnivores’ depredation was US$ 76,063 in Shimshal Valley, as compared to US$ 34,175 in Khunjerab Valley in 2018. The average economic loss per household was US$ 950.8, accounting for nearly 30% of the household annual income in Shimshal Valley in 2018. A higher proportion of participants in Shimshal Valley (83%) in comparison to Khunjerab Valley (69%) expressed a negative attitude towards wild carnivores. The study concludes that Shimshal Valley, remotely located and having comparatively marginal income opportunities, was more reliant on agro‐pastoralism and thus more vulnerable to the economic repercussions of livestock depredation by wild carnivores. Thus, such measures as improvement in road transportation and livestock management are in urgent need to better manage HWCs in Shimshal Valley.
Research progress on the hematopoietic microenvironment in aplastic anemia
Authors: Li Hangchao , Zhou Chenjie , Shen Yingying , Xu Min , Wu Dijiong , Ye Baodong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAplastic anemia (AA) is a disease of bone marrow hematopoietic failure, and the main clinical manifestation is pancytopenia. Its pathogenesis is still unclear. In recent years, more research has been done on its immune abnormalities to explain its pathogenesis and less on the hematopoietic microenvironment, but there are still some advances. This article summarizes the research on the hematopoietic microenvironment of AA in recent years to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of AA.
Optimal cut‐off value of the modified Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score in the diagnosis of polyneuropathy
Authors: Idiaquez Juan Francisco , Alcantara Monica , Bril Vera 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeThe modified Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (mTCNS) is a valid and reliable scale for the diagnosis and staging of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP). The aim of this study was to determine the optimal diagnostic cut‐off value of the mTCNS in diverse polyneuropathies (PNPs).MethodsDemographics and mTCNS values were retrospectively extracted from an electronic database of 190 patients with PNP and 20 normal controls. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios and area under the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve were determined for each diagnosis and different cut‐off values of the mTCNS. Patients underwent clinical, electrophysiological and functional assessments of their PNP.ResultsForty‐three percent of PNP was related to diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. mTCNS was significantly higher in patients with PNP than in those without (15.27 ± 8 vs. 0.79 ± 1.4; p = 0.001). The cut‐off value for diagnosing PNP was ≥3 (sensitivity 98.4%, specificity 85.7%, positive likelihood ratio 6.88). The area under the ROC curve was 0.987.ConclusionA value of 3 or more on the mTCNS is recommended for the diagnosis of PNP.
Gills, growth and activity across fishes
Authors: Bigman Jennifer S. , Wegner Nicholas C. , Dulvy Nicholas K. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLife history theory suggests that maximum size and growth evolve to maximize fitness. In contrast, the Gill Oxygen Limitation Theory (GOLT) suggests that growth and maximum size in fishes and other aquatic, water‐breathing organisms is constrained by the body mass‐scaling of gill surface area. Here, we use new data and a novel phylogenetic Bayesian multilevel modelling framework to test this idea by asking the three questions posed by the GOLT regarding maximum size, growth and gills. Across fishes, we ask whether the body mass‐scaling of gill surface area explains (1) variation in the von Bertalanffy growth coefficient (k) above and beyond that explained by asymptomatic size (W∞), (2) variation in growth performance (a trait that integrates the tradeoff between k and W∞) and (3) more variation in growth performance compared to activity (as approximated by caudal fin aspect ratio). Overall, we find that there is only a weak relationship among maximum size, growth and gill surface area across species. Indeed, the body mass‐scaling of gill surface area does not explain much variation in k (especially for those species that reach the same W∞) or growth performance. Activity explained three to five times more variation in growth performance compared to gill surface area. Our results suggest that in fishes, gill surface area is not the only factor that explains variation in maximum size and growth, and that other covariates (e.g. activity) are likely important in understanding how growth, maximum size and other life history traits vary across species.
Serine‐rich domain of RNPS1 functions in activation of alternative splicing
Authors: Kumari Sweta , Deka Bhagyashree , Singh Kusum Kumari 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRNA‐binding protein with serine‐rich domain 1 (RNPS1) gets deposited on the mRNA during the process of splicing and concomitantly associates with the exon junction complex (EJC). RNPS1 participates in post‐transcriptional gene regulation, including constitutive and alternative splicing, transcriptional regulation and nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. In this study, we found that the tethering of RNPS1 or its isolated serine‐rich domain (S domain) causes exon inclusion of an HIV‐1 splicing substrate. In contrast, overexpressing the RRM domain of RNPS1 acts in a dominant negative manner and leads to the exon skipping of endogenous apoptotic pre‐mRNAs (Bcl‐X and MCL‐1). Further, tethering of core EJC proteins, eIF4A3, MAGOH, or Y14, does not lead to exon inclusion of an HIV substrate. Together, our results demonstrate how RNPS1 and its domains are differentially involved in alternative splicing activity.