bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examination of resistance of various methods of pulmonary vessel occlusion to hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Gajić Darko , Wojtyś Małgorzata , Wójcik Norbert , Maciąg Bogumił , Kiełbowski Kajetan , Wójcik Janusz , Grodzki Tomasz 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare pressure resistance of the most common methods of vessel occlusion during thoracic surgical procedures: ligations, clips, and vascular endostaplers.

Methods
Pulmonary vessels were obtained during routine thoracic surgeries. A ball-tipped cannula was inserted through an opening in the side wall and secured with a linen ligature from slipping out. Subsequently, saline was infused into the vessel. We recorded the pressure on which a leakage occurred.

Results
A total of 65 vessels, divided between 3 groups, were enrolled in the study. In the endostaplers group, median bursting pressures were 262.5 mmHg and 300 mmHg for arteries and veins, respectively. In the case of clips, it was over 750 mmHg in both types of the vessels. The same results were observed in the ligation group. Minimal bursting pressures in endostapler occlusion were 187.5 mmHg and 225 mmHg in arteries and veins, respectively. In the case of clips, it was 600 mmHg for arteries and 675 mmHg for veins. A total of 525 mmHg (arteries) and 750 mmHg (veins) were the minimal leaking values observed in vessels occluded with ligations. Comparative analysis showed statistically significant differences in endostapler-clips and endostapler-ligations pairs (p < 0.001). There were no differences between clips and ligations.

Conclusions
The examined methods are capable of occluding pulmonary vessels under physiological conditions. Furthermore, ligations and clips are resistant to pressures highly exceeding physiological values.
Design of Experiments Study on Scottish Wood Biochars and Process Parameter Influence on Final Biochar Characteristics
Authors: Jamal Mohammad Umair , Fletcher Ashleigh J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractNative Scottish wood samples were investigated as potential, locally sourced, raw materials for biochar production. Screening experiments identified pure softwood as the preferable feedstock. Influence of operational parameters, i.e. activating gas flow rate (CO2), heating ramp rate and contact time on final biochar characteristics, was investigated using design of experiments. Surface area and biochar yield were selected as response variables. Minitab was used to define experimental run conditions and suggested an optimal output at 60 min contact time and 15 °C/min ramp rate for maximum responses. The highest surface area (764 m2/g) was achieved at 850 °C from softwood, albeit with a low yield of 15%. Under optimised conditions, the observed surface area was 613 m2/g with ~ 18% yield. Pareto charts suggested no influence of gas flow rate on chosen responses, which correlated well with experimental data. Pore structure was a combination of micro- and mesopores with average pore widths of 3–5 nm and an average point of zero charge of 7.40 ± 0.02. Proximate analysis showed an increase in fixed carbon content from 20%, in the feedstock, to 80%, in the optimised biochar. Morphological analysis showed a layered carbon structure in the biochars. The results show the significance of the selected feedstock as a potential source of biochar material and the relevance of interplay of operational variables in biochar development and their final characteristics.
ChemFET gas nanosensor arrays with alignment windows for assembly of single nanowires
Authors: Chmela Ondřej , Gablech Imrich , Sadílek Jakub , Brodský Jan , Vallejos Stella 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis work focuses on the fabrication and characterization of ChemFET (Chemical Field-Effect Transistor) gas nanosensor arrays based on single nanowire (SNW). The fabrication processes include micro and nanofabrication techniques enabled by a combination of ultraviolet (UV) and e-beam lithography to build the ChemFET structure. Results show the integration and connection of SNWs across the multiple pairs of nanoelectrodes in the ChemFET by dielectrophoresis process (DEP) thanks to the incorporation of alignment windows (200–300 nm) adapted to the diameter of the NWs. Measurements of the SNW ChemFET array’s output and transfer characteristics prove the influence of gate bias on the drain current regulation. Tests upon hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as analyte models of reducing and oxidizing gases show the ChemFET sensing functionality. Moreover, results demonstrate better response characteristics to H2 when the ChemFET operates in the subthreshold regime. The design concepts and methods proposed for fabricating the SNW-based ChemFET arrays are versatile, reproducible, and most likely adaptable to other systems where SNW arrays are required.
Neue Therapiemöglichkeiten der Alopecia areata
Authors: Griss Johannes 
Published: April 2023

ZusammenfassungDie Alopecia areata ist mit einer Lebenszeitprävalenz von 2 % eine der häufigsten Autoimmunerkrankungen. Sie betrifft Menschen in jedem Alter und geht, obwohl es sich dabei um eine harmlose Erkrankung handelt, oft mit einer hohen Beeinträchtigung der Lebensqualität einher. Rezente Studien zeigten, dass Patienten mit Alopecia areata häufiger an Depressionen und Arbeitslosigkeit leiden. Das zeigt, dass effektive Therapien dringend benötigt werden. In dieser Übersicht werden die primären Erscheinungsformen und Pathogenese der Alopecia areata besprochen. Der Schwerpunkt liegt jedoch in einer Übersicht der derzeit verfügbaren Therapien und ihrer Wirksamkeit. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt ist hier dem JAK-Inhibitor Baricitinib gewidmet, das als erste Therapie für die fortgeschrittene Alopecia areata zugelassen wurde. Diese neue Therapie zeigt eine bisher unerreichte Wirksamkeit, hat jedoch eine breite Diskussion über die Kosten und auch Risiken möglicher Therapien für die Alopecia areata, als rein kosmetische Erkrankung, ausgelöst.
Controlled diesel-mixed soils for roadway embankments: laboratory and ultrasonic characterization
Authors: AbdelSalam Sherif S. , Hasan Ahmed M. M. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSoils contaminated with hydrocarbons is a repetitive site condition that may occur at locations adjacent to underground fuel tanks and other facilities. The main purpose of this study is to characterize and assess possibilities of reusing contaminated soil in useful applications such as roadway embankments. Accordingly, controlled amounts of diesel were mixed with clays and sands using percentages ranging from 0 to 13.5%. Unconfined compression, direct shear, California bearing ratio, and other tests were conducted on the diesel-mixed soil, along with the ultrasonic test. The ultrasonic test provided measures for the pulse wave velocity and received frequency, which was correlated with other soil parameters such as elastic modulus, resilient modulus, and California bearing ratio. From the main outcomes, it was found that small amounts of diesel can help improved soil shear strength. For instance, adding 5% diesel increased the soil cohesion by 63% and the unconfined compressive strength from 0.14 to 0.21 N/mm2. In sands, the California bearing ratio increased by almost double by adding 5% diesel, which is essential for roadway embankments especially in remote locations. Damping coefficient of soil was determined at different levels of diesel using the ultrasonic wave decay envelops. The ultrasonic waves were analyzed using fast Fourier transform to determine useful correlations between the wave frequency and the diesel content starting from 0 to 13.5%, and it was realized that an uncomplicated ultrasonic test can be acceptably used to assess static and dynamic properties of clean as well as contaminated soils.
Faster exact solution of sparse MaxCut and QUBO problems
Authors: Rehfeldt Daniel , Koch Thorsten , Shinano Yuji 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe maximum-cut problem is one of the fundamental problems in combinatorial optimization. With the advent of quantum computers, both the maximum-cut and the equivalent quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problem have experienced much interest in recent years. This article aims to advance the state of the art in the exact solution of both problems—by using mathematical programming techniques. The main focus lies on sparse problem instances, although also dense ones can be solved. We enhance several algorithmic components such as reduction techniques and cutting-plane separation algorithms, and combine them in an exact branch-and-cut solver. Furthermore, we provide a parallel implementation. The new solver is shown to significantly outperform existing state-of-the-art software for sparse maximum-cut and quadratic unconstrained binary optimization instances. Furthermore, we improve the best known bounds for several instances from the 7th DIMACS Challenge and the QPLIB, and solve some of them (for the first time) to optimality.
Reputation based proof of cooperation: an efficient and scalable consensus algorithm for supply chain applications
Authors: Sarfaraz Aaliya , Chakrabortty Ripon K. , Essam Daryl L. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe growing interest in blockchain technology has gained a lot of attention in Supply Chain Management (SCM) and sparked the quest for decentralized, scalable, efficient and trustworthy consensus schemes. Traditional blockchains rely on computationally expensive consensus mechanisms with low throughput and high latency. This paper conducts a performance evaluation of several existing consensus protocols to illustrate blockchain’s shortcomings in terms of consensus and propose a new consensus algorithm: Reputation based proof of cooperation (RPoC). The RPoC algorithm uses a layered architecture to segment the nodes that participate in the consensus phase in order to improve scalability and efficiency while maintaining trust among peers. The layered design addresses the issues of flexibility and scalability and breaks down the extensive mining process into segments. Rather than choosing a few nodes for mining, the proposed consensus process involves all network nodes, making it more efficient, decentralized and scalable. Through extensive theoretical analysis and experimentation, the suitability of the proposed algorithm is established in terms of scalability and efficiency.
Appraisal of trace metals pollution, sources and associated health risks using the geochemical and multivariate statistical approach
Authors: Rajmohan Natarajan , Masoud Milad H. Z. , Niyazi Burhan A. M. , Alqarawy Abdulaziz M. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTrace metals pollution in the freshwater system is an emerging concern. Thus, a systematic study was performed in the Wadi Fatimah basin to appraise the trace metals pollution status, sources and associated health risks using integrated tools, namely indices, international standards, multivariate statistical techniques and health risk assessment models. The groundwater salinity shows a wide range (TDS = 391 to 11,240 mg/l). The heavy metal pollution index and contamination index justify that most of the samples are unfit for drinking due to high metal pollution. Severe pollution is noticed by the Li (100%), Ni (98%), Pb (86%) and B (78%), and it is in the decreasing order of Mo > Cr > Al > Fe = Mn > V > Sr > Ag > Cu. Pearson correlation matrix suggests that most of the metals have a significant strong positive correlation with Al, Fe and Mn and originated from geogenic sources. Principal components analysis and R-mode HCA indicate that trace metals are mostly derived from weathering of aluminium silicates, oxides/hydroxides of Fe and Mn followed by evaporation, evaporite dissolution and restricted flow. Q-mode HCA resulted in 4 clusters, and the water chemistry of WG1 and WG4 is governed by mineral weathering. In addition, evaporation also enriched the metal load and salinity in WG4 wells. In WG2, the water chemistry is predominantly affected by long storage, evaporation and mineral weathering. In WG3, the water chemistry is influenced by evaporation, irrigation return flow and evaporite dissolution. The hazard quotient and hazard index suggest that groundwater in this basin causes potential non-carcinogenic health risks to the consumer. This study strongly recommends treatment for groundwater before supply to the local inhabitants.
Optimization of the Multi-Level Spring Restrainer for Bridges by Hybrid Particle Swarm and Gravitational Search Algorithm
Authors: Hamzah Mustafa Kareem , Hejazi Farzad , Ayyash Najad 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper proposes a new multi-level spring restrainer (MLSR) that exhibits multi stiffness performance in different levels of movement of bridge superstructure to prevent unseating during applied dynamic loads. The analytical model of the proposed MLSR was formulated and the fabricated prototype was tested using dynamic actuator. Based on the developed analytical mode, the function of MLSR device relied on 12 parameters that further complicated the design process to achieve the best performance. However, the conventional optimization techniques utilized only one or a few factors for simple systems. Therefore, a multi-objective optimization method is proposed in this study by introducing the hybridization of Particle Swarm Optimization and Gravitational Search algorithm (PSOGSA) to optimize the restrainer parameters, as well as to improve the seismic performance of bridges using the optimum design. The optimized MLSR was implemented in the bridge subjected to multi-directional ground motion and its multi-level action to prevent unseating of bridge deck when the applied excitation was evaluated. The optimization process revealed girder displacement in three directions and the number of plastic hinges decreased from 44 to 99% for the optimized design. The time history analysis disclosed that the use of optimized MLSR device decreased the structural seismic response, such as the 3D deck movements, from 79 to 90%. Next, the base shear and drift ratio of bridge bent reduced to 75 and 85% in longitudinal direction and to 72 and 90% in transverse direction, correspondingly. The outcomes signify that the proposed MLSR device and the optimization algorithm have successfully improved the bridge structure resistance against severe ground motions.
Neonicotinoid seed treatment on sugar beet in England: a qualitative analysis of the controversy, existing policy and viability of alternatives
Authors: Romanowski Hannah , Blake Lauren 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn 2021, the United Kingdom Government granted the possibility of an emergency derogation for the use of the neonicotinoid seed treatment, thiamethoxam, on sugar beet in England. This was met with heavy criticism and controversy due to the body of evidence demonstrating toxicity of the insecticide to non-target species, particularly pollinators. However, many viewed this decision to be reasonable in this system, as sugar beet is a non-flowering crop, and derogations were only implemented if a set of conditions, including viral risk, were met. This research aims to understand the policy and the perspective of stakeholders in this debate, and identify key problems associated with thiamethoxam use on sugar beet. Semi-structured interviews combined with a modified policy analysis were used, incorporating framework analysis and comparative analysis. Political polarisation, whereby respondents felt that the debate had become anti-pesticide or pro-pesticide and lacked nuance, and the monopsony of British Sugar (a UK company that buys and processes sugar beet), were found to be the most prevalent issues currently impeding political progress and the enhancement of sustainable agriculture in this system. Virus forecasting was considered a successful strategy at the time of writing, although limitations to the model are also discussed. Non-chemical alternatives were found to be limited in this system due to the specificity of the pest system and the low threshold of virus yellows, while forecasting was considered to have the lowest net-environmental impact. Additional policy strategies to work alongside forecasting, such as public education and intergroup contact are also discussed. This study reflects a more general tug-of-war that often sets up a false dichotomy between food security and environmental sustainability. It highlights the importance of addressing the complexity of sustainable food production by opening up the discussion and taking a more nuanced and adaptive approach to policy.
Development of control strategies for bacteria and fungi associated with a micropropagated new cultivar of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv. Agrosavia–Aurora)
Authors: Pérez-Pazos Jazmín , Rosero Amparo , Cardinale Massimiliano , Gámez Rocío 
Published: April 2023

AbstractVegetative propagation of sweet potato lead to the accumulation of diseases from generation to generation, which represents a threat to both productivity and conservation of genetic resources. In vitro techniques can help to overcome phytosanitary problems by applying plant material cleaning strategies. The objective of this study was to develop in vitro micropropagation strategies for the production of high-quality plant material of an orange-fleshed variety of sweet potato recently released in Colombia. Molecular identification of contaminating microorganisms was performed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene for bacteria and ITS for fungi. Five disinfection protocols were evaluated, three of which were previously developed for sweet potato and included disinfection with 0.5, 1, and 2% sodium hypochlorite respectively, while two protocols are proposed in this work and included washing with povidone-iodine, disinfection with sodium hypochlorite 2%; one of these two new protocols also contains acetic acid and quaternary ammonium. For the evaluation of the viability of in vitro plants after disinfection, they were acclimatized in a greenhouse, reintroduced, and a molecular testing by PCR of 16S rRNA gene and ITS was carried out to verify the phytosanitary status of the material. The contaminating microorganisms found were filamentous fungi of the genera Fusarium, Sarocladium, Cladosporium and Aspergillus, yeasts of the genera Pseudozyma and Moesziomyces, and the actinobacterium Curtobacterium sp. The results indicated that washing with povidone-iodine and disinfection with 2% sodium hypochlorite, acetic acid and quaternary ammonium was the most efficient disinfection protocol, reducing the number of contaminated cultures by up to 10% and eradicating 70% of contaminants. The in vitro plants established in the greenhouse remained healthy and, after reintroduction, the molecular test for bacteria and fungi was negative. These results allowed the generation of an optimized protocol that can be incorporated into the in vitro micropropagation process to generate contamination-free sweet potato seeds.
Evaluation of the environmental impact of a plastic sprayer through life cycle assessment: an industrial case study
Authors: Valentini F. , Dorigato A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe use of plastics for the production of household objects represents a considerable fraction of the global plastic market. In this study, an environmental impact assessment was performed to identify the environmental burdens associated with the production of plastic trigger sprayers. The environmental impact of the analysed trigger sprayer is mainly determined by the extraction of raw materials, electricity consumption in the production stage and end-of-life treatment of wastes. The application of three improvements to the traditional process leads to a significant decrease in the environmental impact across all the considered impact categories: the benefits mainly arise from the use of renewable electricity and partly from the substitution of virgin material with recycled one. The carbon footprint related to a single plastic sprayer is decreased of around 23% upon the modifications applied to the traditional process, i.e., from 0.099 kg CO2 eq down to 0.077 kg CO2 eq that reported to the annual production of 15 million pieces, would lead to a reduction of around 339 ton CO2 eq released to the atmosphere. The obtained results indicate that to further improve the environmental performance of plastic dispensers (and of plastic objects in general), technologies suitable for the processing and manufacturing of recycled materials should be implemented. This will be achieved only through the improvement of a collection, sorting and recycling system able to provide high-quality secondary materials. Finally, the industrial process should be optimized decreasing the production scrap, using renewable energy sources and promoting its reuse for multiple times.
Stability of a flexible missile and asymptotics of the eigenvalues of fourth order boundary value problems
Authors: Zinsou Bertin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFourth order problems with the differential equation $$y^{(4)}-(gy')'=\lambda ^2y$$

y

(
4
)

-

(
g

y
′

)

′

=

λ
2

y

, where $$g\in C^1[0,a]$$

g
∈

C
1

[
0
,
a
]

and $$a>0$$

a
>
0

, occur in engineering on stability of elastic rods. They occur as well in aeronautics to describe the stability of a flexible missile. Fourth order Birkhoff regular problems with the differential equation $$y^{(4)}-(gy')'=\lambda ^2y$$

y

(
4
)

-

(
g

y
′

)

′

=

λ
2

y

and eigenvalue dependent boundary conditions are considered. These problems have quadratic operator representations with non-self-adjoint operators. The first four terms of the asymptotics of the eigenvalues of the problems as well as those of the eigenvalues of the problem describing the stability of a flexible missile are evaluated explicitly.