bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fully distributed bipartite output formation tracking for heterogeneous singular multiagent systems on signed digraphs
Authors: Liu Tianya , Sheng Andong , Qi Guoqing , Li Yinya 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis article investigates the bipartite output formation tracking problem of heterogeneous singular multiagent systems (MASs) over a signed digraph on which two types of cases without and with input saturation are considered, respectively. First, a novel formation tracking protocol is presented for heterogeneous singular MASs in the absence of input saturation constraints. In the proposed protocol, a distributed observer with adaptive updating mechanism is constructed for each follower, which does not involve global information of communication graph. Based on the observer, the designed controller addresses bipartite output formation tracking of heterogeneous singular MASs in a fully distributed fashion. Then, by the output regulation theory and low‐gain feedback technique, a low‐gain formation tracking protocol is proposed to achieve semi‐global bipartite output formation tracking for heterogeneous singular MASs subject to input saturation constraints. Finally, two simulation examples are given to illustrate the feasibility of theoretical results.
Removal of Fe and Mn from the groundwater by using zeolite with Rossellomorea sp.
Authors: Lee Wen Si , Aziz Hamidi Abdul , Tajarudin Husnul Azan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGroundwater is one of the alternatives to surface water that can be used for drinking water; however, it normally exists with high iron and manganese content. In this study, a column study was conducted to observe the elimination of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in the groundwater under different retention times by using zeolite immobilized with iron‐oxidizing bacteria (IOB). Rossellomorea sp., representing an IOB, was found from the isolation process and was further cultured in the laboratory for immobilization into the natural zeolite as replacement materials for the sand filter. When the zeolite assisted with the Rossellomorea sp. was used, the elimination of Fe and Mn were 99.34% and 88.92%, respectively, compared to the removal of Fe and Mn, which were 93.62% and 93.73%, respectively, for media without immobilization. The presence of Rossellomorea sp. enhances the Fe oxidation, resulting in high removal of Fe. The Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models were performed in both raw zeolite and zeolite with IOB. The total coliform (most probable number [MPN]) increased from 70.8 to 307.6 MPN/100 mL because of the Rossellomorea sp. present that promotes the growth of coliform bacteria. In conclusion, the immobilization of zeolite with IOB is a potential technique to extract the Fe and Mn in the groundwater.Practitioner Points

Zeolite incorporated with Rossellomorea sp. has higher removal performance of Fe, whereas the removal of Mn reduced compared to the raw zeolite.
The presence of Rossellomorea sp. enhances the oxidation of ferrous iron and improves the removal of Fe in the groundwater because the ferric iron is the priority ion to be exchanged.
The removal of UV254 increase when Rossellomorea sp. present in the zeolite because the Rossellomorea sp. consume the natural organic matter as carbon source.
Experimental investigation of the effect of smart water and a novel synthetic nanocomposite on wettability alteration, interfacial tension reduction, and EOR
Authors: Mansouri Mohsen , Jafarbeigi Ehsan , Ahmadi Yaser , Hosseini Seyyed Hossein 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRecently, smart water (SmW) and nanocomposite (NC) flooding have shown good potential for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. Although SmW and NCs are found to influence the oil recovery, there are still some controversies regarding their performance on wettability alteration (WA). To address this important question, we synthesized new NC materials with high hydrophilic properties. In this research, in the first stage, a NC was synthesized. The obtained compound was known as (UiO-66-NH2/TiO2/ZnO) (UNTZ). For the identification of NC, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques were used. Furthermore, zeta-potential analysis was done to investigate the stability of nanofluids (NFs). To investigate the effect of NFs on oil recovery, 8 concentrations (1600, 1400, 1200, 900, 700, 500, 300, and 100 ppm) of UNTZ nanofluids were prepared. In the current work, to investigate the effectiveness of the combination of SmW (sulfate (SO42−) and calcium (Ca2+)) + NCs, tests such as interfacial tension (IFT), contact angle, and coreflooding were used. The results of contact angle tests showed improved SmWs capabilities in the presence of NCs that a very effective reduction was accessible and highly hydrophilic wettability was obtained when using SmWs with stable NC as a minimum contact angle of 28° was achieved. The findings of the coreflood experiment indicated that at SmW(SmW2sulfate) + 100 ppm NC and SmW(SmW2calcium) + 100 ppm NC concentrations, the NF enhanced the oil recovery by 9.8 and 5.9%, respectively. This research offers new findings that can help oil recovery by understanding smart water technology with nanoparticle (NPs) in reservoirs (carbonate).
Development of new colloid osmotic pressure measurement method using ultrafiltration membrane during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Matsumoto Takeshi , Yoshida Kiyoshi , Shinohara Tomotaka , Miyoshi Eiji , Ueno Takayoshi 
Published: July 2023

Background: Clinical practice of measuring colloid osmotic pressure (COP) was abandoned after correcting hypoosmolarity did not improve overall patient outcomes. However, the use of albumin and colloidal solutions has contributed to maintaining intraoperative and postoperative fluid balance at lower levels. Reduced perioperative fluid balance is consistently reported to have positive effects on clinical outcomes. Priming solutions for cardiopulmonary bypass typically include colloids; however, the optimal type of priming solution has not yet been determined. Stricter COP management may further improve postoperative courses. To achieve this, the widespread adoption of a measurement method suitable for COP monitoring during cardiopulmonary bypass is required. Methods: A test circuit was made which measured COP using an ultrafiltration membrane method based on the changes in hydrostatic pressure that occurs across a semipermeable membrane. We then compared the measurements obtained using this method with colloidal osmometer measurements. Results: COP measurements were obtained for a total of 100 tests (10 times each for 10 test solutions). The evaluation parameters included simultaneous reproducibility, correlation with the colloid osmometer, and measurement time. The results demonstrated high accuracy of the ultrafiltration membrane method, simultaneous reproducibility within 3%, a high positive correlation with the colloid osmometer (correlation coefficient: R2 = 0.99; p < 0.01), and equal time required for measurement. Conclusion: Measuring COP using ultrafiltration membranes solves problems within existing measurement methods. Although further improvements in the method are necessary, it has implications for future research and clinical applications.
Trends in Blood Lead Levels Quantified by ICP-MS: A Reference Laboratory Retrospective Study
Authors: Okoye Nkemakonam C , Zuromski Lauren M , Johnson-Davis Kamisha L 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Exposure to lead may cause severe adverse effects such as anemia, neurologic damage, developmental disorders, and reproductive disorders. Consequently, in 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced its blood lead reference value from 5 µg/dL to 3.5 µg/dL in pediatric patients, 1 to 5 years old. The objective of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of patient blood lead concentrations reported by ARUP Laboratories to evaluate the frequency of blood lead concentrations greater than 3.5 µg/dL.

Methods
The analysis of blood lead concentration was performed in venous whole blood specimens using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, retrospective data analysis was performed to evaluate zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) concentrations in adult patients with corresponding lead results, using the lead industrial exposure panel. The analysis for ZPP was performed using quantitative hematofluorometry.

Results
Retrospective data analysis identified a decline in blood lead concentrations from 2012 to 2021 for pediatric and adult patients. The calculated nonparametric 95% range for ZPP blood was 15 to 43 μg/dL and the ZPP heme ratio 26 to 74 μmol ZPP/mol heme.

Conclusions
Lowering the blood lead reference value (BLRV) to 3.5 μg/dL presents an opportunity for healthcare providers and public health agencies to extend medical or environmental interventions for lead exposure in pediatric patients.
Individuals lack the capacity to accurately detect emotional piloerection
Authors: McPhetres Jonathon , Han Ailin , Gao Halo H. , Kemp Nicole , Khati Bhakti , Pu Cathy X. , Smith Abbie , Shui Xinyu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPiloerection (e.g., goosebumps) is an essential thermoregulatory and social signalling mechanism in non-human animals. While humans also experience piloerection—often being perceived as an indicator of profound emotional experiences—its comparatively less effective role in thermoregulation and communication might influence our capacity to monitor its occurrence. We present three studies (total N = 617) demonstrating participants’ general inability to detect their own piloerection events and their lack of awareness that piloerection occurs with a similar frequency on multiple anatomical locations. Participants over-reported piloerection events with only 31.8% coinciding with observable piloerection, a bias unrelated to piloerection intensity, anatomical location, heart rate variability, or interoceptive awareness. We also discovered a self-report bias for the forearm, contradicting the observation that piloerection occurs with equal frequency on multiple anatomical locations. Finally, there was low correspondence between self-reports of being “emotionally moved” and observed piloerection. These counterintuitive findings not only highlight a disconnect between an obvious physiological response and our capacity for self-monitoring, but they underscore a fascinating divergence between human and non-human species. While piloerection is vital in non-human organisms, the connection between piloerection and psychological experience in humans may be less significant than previously assumed, possibly due to its diminished evolutionary relevance.Statement of ImpactThis research reveals a striking dissociation between an obvious physiological response— piloerection—and human capacity for self-perception. While this highlights the limitations of relying on self-report measures, it also underscores an important divergence between humans and non-human species. We propose that the relation between piloerection and psychological experience in humans is less pronounced than in other species, potentially due to its diminished role in human evolution.
Leading the improvement of underperforming schools: reviewing the contemporary evidence
Authors: Harris Alma , Ismail Nashwa , Jones Michelle 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to outline how far the empirical evidence supports the centrality of leadership in the process of improving underperforming schools.Design/methodology/approachThis article draws on evidence from a contemporary, selected, review of the literature.FindingsThe findings show that leadership is the critical factor in the improvement of underperforming schools. Seven new themes, derived from the selected evidence, are presented that illuminate how leaders secure improvement in the most challenging of school contexts.Research limitations/implicationsThis review is not a systematic review of the evidence and does not claim to be. It provides a commentary based on selected contemporary evidence and therefore is not comprehensive account of all the relevant evidence pertaining to leading the improvement of underperforming schools. The evidence is derived from sources written in English; therefore, it is fully acknowledged that other sources, in other languages might exist but are not included or reflected.Practical implicationsThe practical implications are clearly laid out in the form of seven key themes about leading the improvement of underperforming schools that are of direct practical use.Originality/valueWith so many schools in high poverty areas finding themselves in difficulty, this contemporary review provides new insights about the leadership approaches and practices that continue to make a considerable difference to underperforming schools.
The missing link: the capacity development for academic librarians to sustain citizen science at university libraries
Authors: Rammutloa Modiehi Winnie 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThis paper reports on research into the skills and services required to ensure the sustainability of citizen science as a service in university libraries.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was adopted to collect data from academic librarians. A questionnaire was administered, and data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).FindingsMore than 90% of responses indicated that to support citizen science activities, it is important for academic librarians to acquire information literacy, data literacy and an understanding of open science. The study found that citizen science activities require a dedicated team and continuous capacity development of team members. Findings also indicated that though academic librarians do not have knowledge of citizen science, they are willing to embrace and embed it in their services and products. Capacity shortage was listed as a challenge for academic librarians to promote and support citizen science activities.Originality/valueThis study is unique as it reports on the possible involvement of academic librarians in the field of citizen science. The link between academic librarians and the field of citizen science which is predominant in the natural sciences has a positive contribution to the body of scholarship as it promotes interdisciplinarity.
Outcomes of patients with indolent lymphoma treated with bendamustine plus rituximab compared to rituximab plus CVP or CHOP chemoimmunotherapy in Ontario
Authors: Suleman Adam , Aktar Suriya J. , Ante Zharmaine , Liu Ning , Chan Kelvin K. W. , Cheung Matthew C. , Prica Anca 
Published: July 2023

SummaryBendamustine (B) with rituximab (R) has become the preferred regimen for patients with indolent lymphoma in Ontario, Canada, compared to R with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone (CVP) or cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP). We conducted a propensity‐matched retrospective cohort population‐based study of patients treated with R‐CVP/CHOP from 2005 to 2012 and patients treated with BR from 2013 to 2018. The primary outcome was 5‐year overall survival (OS), and secondary outcomes included toxicities and healthcare utilization. The 5‐year OS for patients treated with BR (n = 2023) and R‐CVP/CHOP (n = 2023) was 80% and 75% respectively. Treatment with BR was associated with improved OS (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69–0.91). During the first 9 months, patients treated with BR versus R‐CVP/CHOP had a higher number of admissions for infection (22% compared to 17%, p < 0.01) and a higher number of mean ED visits (mean 1.01 ± 1.68 visits vs. 0.85 ± 1.51 visits, p < 0.01). This trend persisted for 3 years. The adjusted 5‐year OS for patients 75 years and older did not differ based on treatment regimen (55.5% for BR vs. 55.4% for R‐CVP/CHOP). Our study supports the use of BR for patients with indolent lymphoma requiring treatment but suggests increased risk of certain toxicities warranting careful patient selection.
Decadienal afforestation and risks to montane grassland amphibians in the Udzungwa Plateau, Tanzania
Authors: Lawson Lucinda P. , Loader Simon P. , Lyakurwa John V. , Menegon Michele , Liedtke H. Christoph 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHuman modification of the environment has drastically changed ecosystems around the globe. While forest‐loss (deforestation) has been well studied for its effects on ecosystems, afforestation also has major impacts. The Udzungwa Plateau in Tanzania is naturally a mix of forests and grasslands. However, non‐native pine plantations have recently increased in the area displacing the native grasslands of the montane plateau. In this study, we explored the effects of land use change on amphibian communities by comparing amphibian surveys before non‐native plantations were introduced (~2000) and after (2017–2019). To put these amphibian surveys into wider context across the plateau and to distinguish local population loss compared to plateau‐wide extinctions, we sample diversity at new sampling locations and locations with multiple surveys through time. We then assessed landscape change through remotely sensed data and ground surveys. Amphibian encounter surveys found approximately the same species diversity across all sampling locations, but local extinctions appear likely. Remaining amphibians appear to be limited to small refugia in non‐pine wetlands. Approximately half (45%) of the species found have limited distributional ranges (<72,000 km2) and are described as habitat specialists by the IUCN Red List. Monitoring pine plantation growth using remote sensing techniques suggested only limited extensions of plantations between 2000 through to 2013–2016, but ground surveys found small pines (<3 years old) throughout almost all areas identified as grasslands on satellite imagery. Our study highlights the plight of this narrowing biome on the African continent and calls for more research on the impact of non‐native plantations on natural communities.Abstract in Swahili is available with online material.
New score models for assessing disease activity in Crohn's disease based on bowel ultrasound and biomarkers: Ideal surrogates for endoscopy or imaging
Authors: Zhou Qingyang , Zhu Qingli , Liu Wei , Li Wenbo , Ma Li , Xiao Mengsu , Liu Jingjuan , Yang Hong , Qian Jiaming 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDisease activity evaluation is important in Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to establish new disease activity indices for CD based on noninvasive parameters. The data of 110 patients with CD were retrospectively analyzed. Parameters from bowel ultrasound and biomarkers were measured to select the variables included in the models by univariate analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to predict mucosal and transmural activities defined by ileocolonoscopy or computed tomography enterography, respectively. The models' performance was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Leave‐one‐out cross validation (LOOCV) was applied to adjust for overconfidence in the newly established score models. To predict mucosal activity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and (LimG × BWT)‐SUM (the sum of the product of Limberg grade [LimG] and bowel wall thickness [BWT] of each bowel segment) were selected for model A, and the equation was A = 2 × ESR + 9.3 × (LimG × BWT)‐SUM. The AUC of ROC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.927%, 89.8%, and 86.4%, respectively. The AUC of the ROC curve verified by LOOCV was 0.913. To predict transmural activity, albumin (ALB) and LimG‐SUM (the sum of the LimG of all the bowel segments) were selected for model B, which was established as B = −1.3 × ALB +1.7 × LimG‐SUM. The AUC of ROC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.851%, 78.0%, and 84.2%, respectively. The AUC of the ROC curve verified by LOOCV was 0.833. Nomograms were developed for two score models. New score models based on noninvasive parameters established in this study showed good abilities in detecting active disease and performed well in the validation phase.
Epiploic appendagitis: a commonly undiagnosed non‐surgical acute abdominal emergency
Authors: Ekladious Adel , Bhandari Ritesh 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEpiploic appendagitis is a rare cause of acute abdomen and is diagnostically challenging as it mimics common causes of acute abdomen. However, advancements in computerised tomography/Ultrasound imaging have improved the frequency and confidence of diagnosing epiploic appendagitis, preventing unnecessary surgeries. We present a case of an acute abdomen who had to undergo laparoscopy before being diagnosed with epiploic appendagitis, underscoring the difficulty in diagnosis.
From Protesting Against Troika Bailouts to Pro‐EU Governing in Greece and Portugal: Europeanisation and Institutionalisation Processes
Authors: Accornero Guya , Kousis Maria 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFollowing bailouts by the Troika (EC, ECB and IMF) due to the 2008 global financial crisis, between 2010 and 2013, new anti‐austerity movements, left‐wing parties and trade unions led large mobilisations against austerity policies in Greece and Portugal, with a deep impact in the political landscape of both countries. Besides the relevance of transnational decisions, these mobilisations mostly addressed national political institutions, whereas the governments that emerged from the protest period showed a clear pro‐European stance. Against this background, using two case studies with primary data on anti‐austerity protests and interactions amongst contentious and institutional actors, this article aims to shed light on a relatively unexplored aspect of Europeanisation in the context of the crisis, focusing on the relation between social movements and institutional politics. Explaining the critical pro‐EU positions that have been adopted in Greece and Portugal, it thereby contributes to the related debates on anti‐austerity social movements and their impact in times of crisis.