bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating GIS and remote sensing for land use/land cover mapping and groundwater potential assessment for climate-smart cocoa irrigation in Ghana
Authors: Akpoti Komlavi , Dembélé Moctar , Forkuor Gerald , Obuobie Emmanuel , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , Cofie Olufunke 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAlthough Ghana is a leading global cocoa producer, its production and yield have experienced declines in recent years due to various factors, including long-term climate change such as increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns, as well as drought events. With the increasing exposure of cocoa-producing regions to extreme weather events, the vulnerability of cocoa production is also expected to rise. Supplemental irrigation for cocoa farmers has emerged as a viable adaptation strategy to ensure a consistent water supply and enhance yield. However, understanding the potential for surface and groundwater irrigation in the cocoa-growing belt remains limited. Consequently, this study aims to provide decision-support maps for surface and groundwater irrigation potential to aid planning and investment in climate-smart cocoa irrigation. Utilizing state-of-the-art geospatial and remote sensing tools, data, and methods, alongside in-situ groundwater data, we assess the irrigation potential within Ghana's cocoa-growing areas. Our analysis identified a total area of 22,126 km2 for cocoa plantations and 125.2 km2 for surface water bodies within the cocoa-growing regions. The multi-criteria analysis (MCA) revealed that approximately 80% of the study area exhibits moderate to very high groundwater availability potential. Comparing the MCA output with existing borehole locations demonstrated a reasonable correlation, with about 80% of existing boreholes located in areas with moderate to very high potential. Boreholes in very high potential areas had the highest mean yield of 90.7 l/min, while those in low groundwater availability potential areas registered the lowest mean yield of 58.2 l/min. Our study offers a comprehensive evaluation of water storage components and their implications for cocoa irrigation in Ghana. While groundwater availability shows a generally positive trend, soil moisture and surface water have been declining, particularly in the last decade. These findings underline the need for climate-smart cocoa irrigation strategies that make use of abundant groundwater resources during deficit periods. A balanced conjunctive use of surface and groundwater resources could thus serve as a sustainable solution for maintaining cocoa production in the face of climate change.
Obtaining and conductive properties of a vanadate-borate-phosphate glass
Authors: Eftimie Mihai , Filip Ana Violeta , Danescu Cristian Beniamim , Nitescu Andrei , Sava Bogdan Alexandru 
Published: September 2023

AbstractVanadate glasses exhibit semiconducting property at certain temperatures. This work demonstrates the conductivity of the composition 45V2O5–25B2O3–30P2O5, which is a new glass in the vanadium-boron-phosphorus ternary system that expands the glass forming area reported in literature data. The glass was obtained through a classical melt-quenching technique. The structural composition of the obtained glass was revealed with Raman spectroscopy and the amorphous characteristic has been highlighted with X-ray diffraction. The characteristic temperatures and the thermal expansion coefficient were determined by dilatometry. Based on the experimental measurements of electrical resistance, mathematical calculations were performed, resulting in a conductivity of 2.04·10−6 S/cm at 125 °C, and an activation energy of 42.91 kJ/mol for this glass. Impedance spectroscopy in DC and AC at 100 V and 100 Hz to 2 MHz, respectively, showed a lower activation energy of about 0.166 eV and transition temperatures of 24 °C and 11 °C, respectively. These results were compared with those from the literature considering the temperatures at which the reported conductivities were measured. This glass has potential applications in electronic devices and temperature sensors.
Large-band-gap non-Dirac quantum spin Hall states and strong Rashba effect in functionalized thallene films
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Li Zhijian , Bao Hairui , Yang Zhongqin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe quantum spin Hall state materials have recently attracted much attention owing to their potential applications in the design of spintronic devices. Based on density functional theory calculations and crystal field theory, we study electronic structures and topological properties of functionalized thallene films. Two different hydrogenation styles (Tl2H and Tl2H2) are considered, which can drastically vary the electronic and topological behaviors of the thallene. Due to the C3v symmetry of the two systems, the px and py orbitals at the Γ point have the non-Dirac band degeneracy. With spin–orbit coupling (SOC), topological nontrivial band gaps can be generated, giving rise to non-Dirac quantum spin Hall states in the two thallium hydride films. The nontrivial band gap for the monolayer Tl2H is very large (855 meV) due to the large on-site SOC of Tl px and py orbitals. The band gap in Tl2H2 is, however, small due to the band inversion between the Tl px/y and pz orbitals. It is worth noting that both the Tl2H and Tl2H2 monolayers exhibit strong Rashba spin splitting effects, especially for the monolayer Tl2H2 (αR = 2.52 eVÅ), rationalized well by the breaking of the structural inversion symmetry. The Rashba effect can be tuned sensitively by applying biaxial strain and external electric fields. Our findings provide an ideal platform for fabricating room-temperature spintronic and topological electronic devices.
Potential harms of emergency department thoracotomy in patients with persistent cardiac arrest following trauma: a nationwide observational study
Authors: Yamamoto Ryo , Suzuki Masaru , Sasaki Junichi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEmergency department thoracotomy (EDT) was incorporated into traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (t-OHCA) resuscitation. Although current guidelines recommend EDT with survival predictors, futility following EDT has been demonstrated and the potential risks have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to elucidate the benefits and harms of EDT for persistent cardiac arrest following injury until hospital arrival. This retrospective cohort study used a nationwide trauma registry (2019–2021) and included adult patients with t-OHCA both at the scene and on hospital arrival. Survival to discharge, hemostatic procedure frequency, and transfusion amount were compared between patients treated with and without EDT. Inverse probability weighting using a propensity score was conducted to adjust age, sex, comorbidities, mechanism of injury, prehospital resuscitative procedure, prehospital physician presence, presence of signs of life, degree of thoracic injury, transportation time, and institutional characteristics. Among 1289 patients, 374 underwent EDT. The longest transportation time for survivors was 8 and 23 min in patients with and without EDT, respectively. EDT was associated with lower survival to discharge (4/374 [1.1%] vs. 22/915 [2.4%]; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.43 [95% CI 0.22–0.84]; p = 0.011), although patients with EDT underwent more frequent hemostatic surgeries (46.0% vs. 5.0%; adjusted OR, 16.39 [95% CI 12.50–21.74]) and received a higher amount of transfusion. Subgroup analyses revealed no association between EDT and lower survival in patients with severe chest injuries (1.0% vs. 1.4%; adjusted OR, 0.72 [95% CI 0.28–1.84]). EDT was associated with lower survival till discharge in trauma patients with persistent cardiac arrests after adjusting for various patient backgrounds, including known indications for EDT. The idea that EDT is the last resort for t-OHCA should be reconsidered and EDT indications need to be deliberately determined.Trial registration This study is retrospectively registered at University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN ID: UMIN000050840).
Impacts of obesity on global subclinical left cardiac function represented by CMR-derived myocardial strain, TyG index may be a predictor
Authors: Mei Jiajie , Li Yanhua , Dong Jianli , Bai Miaomiao , Jiang Yinong , Qu Xiaofeng , Yin Lili 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObesity is a recognized risk factor for heart failure. People with similar weights may have different metabolic health. Notably, insulin resistance is a hallmark of obesity and a feature of heart failure. We aimed to evaluate the effects of obesity and metabolic health status on subclinical left cardiac function. We also investigated whether insulin resistance (TyG index) plays a role in BMI-linked subclinical left cardiac dysfunction. The study involved 403 volunteers. Hierarchical multiple regression models were used to assess associations between obesity, metabolic health, and overall subclinical left cardiac function. Mediating analysis was used to explore the role of the TyG index in the association between BMI and left cardiac function. Finally, ROC analysis was performed to explore the predictive value of the TyG index in subclinical left cardiac dysfunction. The correlation analysis showed that metabolic unhealth increased the risk of subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction; obesity was associated with an increased risk of global left cardiac dysfunction regardless of metabolic health status. The TyG index mediated 25% of the associations between BMI and Left atrial (LA) functional parameters. ROC analysis exhibited that the TyG index can be used as a predictor of LA dysfunction (AUC = 0.63), and the optimal cut-off point for the TyG index is 9.33. Even a “non-obese metabolically unhealthy” is a detrimental state of early LV function; obesity remains a major risk factor for global subclinical left cardiac dysfunction. Using the TyG index could allow early identification of individuals at high risk of subclinical left cardiac dysfunction.Registration number: ChiCTR2200057991; Date of registration: 2022-03-25. URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=162316.
Soil and foliar Si fertilization alters elemental stoichiometry and increases yield of sugarcane cultivars
Authors: Dutra Alexson Filgueiras , Leite Marcos Renan Lima , Melo Cíntia Carmen de Faria , Amaral Danilo Silva , da Silva José Lucas Farias , Prado Renato de Mello , Piccolo Marisa de Cássia , Miranda Rafael de Souza , da Silva Júnior Gabriel Barbosa , Sousa Thâmara Kelly dos Santos Apollo , Mendes Lucas William , Araújo Ademir Sergio Ferreira , Zuffo Alan Mario , de Alcântara Neto Francisco 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSilicon (Si) fertilization is widely recognized to improve the development of crops, especially in tropical soils and cultivation under dryland management. Herein, our working hypothesis was that Si stoichiometry favors the efficient use of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in sugarcane plants. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out using a 3 × 3 factorial scheme consisting of three cultivars (RB92579, RB021754 and RB036066) and three forms of Si application (control without Si; sodium silicate spray at 40 mmol L−1 in soil during planting; sodium silicate spray at 40 mmol L−1 on leaves at 75 days after emergence). All Si fertilizations altered the elemental C and P stoichiometry and sugarcane yield, but silicon-induced responses varied depending on sugarcane cultivar and application method. The most prominent impacts were found in the leaf Si-sprayed RB92579 cultivar, with a significant increase of 7.0% (11 Mg ha−1) in stalk yield, 9.0% (12 Mg ha−1) in total recoverable sugar, and 20% (4 Mg ha−1) in sugar yield compared to the Si-without control. In conclusion, our findings clearly show that silicon soil and foliar fertilization alter C:N:P stoichiometry by enhancing the efficiency of carbon and phosphorus utilization, leading to improved sugarcane production and industrial quality.
Differential predictability for high-risk plaque characteristics between fractional flow reserve and instantaneous wave-free ratio
Authors: Lee Joo Myung , Shin Doosup , Lee Seung Hun , Choi Ki Hong , Kim Sung Mok , Chun Eun Ju , Lee Kwan Yong , Hwang Doyeon , Ahn Sung Gyun , Brown Adam J. , Mejía-Rentería Hernán , Lefieux Adrien , Molony David , Chang Kiyuk , Kakuta Tsunekazu , Escaned Javier , Samady Habib 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTo evaluate the differential associations of high-risk plaque characteristics (HRPC) with resting or hyperemic physiologic indexes (instantaneous wave-free ratio [iFR] or fractional flow reserve [FFR]), a total of 214 vessels from 127 patients with stable angina or acute coronary syndrome who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and invasive physiologic assessment were investigated. HPRC were classified into quantitative (minimal luminal area < 4 mm2 or plaque burden ≥ 70%) and qualitative features (low attenuation plaque, positive remodeling, napkin ring sign, or spotty calcification). Vessels with FFR ≤ 0.80 or iFR ≤ 0.89 had significantly higher proportions of HRPC than those with FFR > 0.80 or iFR > 0.89, respectively. FFR was independently associated with both quantitative and qualitative HRPC, but iFR was only associated with quantitative HRPC. Both FFR and iFR were significantly associated with the presence of ≥ 3 HRPC, and FFR demonstrated higher discrimination ability than iFR (AUC 0.703 vs. 0.648, P = 0.045), which was predominantly driven by greater discriminating ability of FFR for quantitative HRPC (AUC 0.832 vs. 0.744, P = 0.005). In conclusion, both FFR and iFR were significantly associated with CCTA-derived HRPC. Compared with iFR, however, FFR was independently associated with the presence of qualitative HRPC and showed a higher predictive ability for the presence of ≥ 3 HRPC.
Non invasive subsurface imaging to investigate the site evolution of Machu Picchu
Authors: Masini Nicola , Romano Gerardo , Sieczkowska Dominika , Capozzoli Luigi , Spizzichino Daniele , Gabellone Francesco , Bastante Jose , Scavone Manuela , Sileo Maria , Abate Nicodemo , Margottini Claudio , Lasaponara Rosa 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe construction history of a site is partially preserved underground and can be revealed through archaeological investigations, including excavations, integrated with earth observation (EO) methods and technologies that make it possible to overcome some operational limits regarding the areal dimensions and the investigation depths along with the invasiveness of the excavations themselves. An integrated approach based on EO and archaeological records has been applied to improve the knowledge of Machu Picchu. The attention has been focused on the first construction phase of Machu Picchu, and for this reason the investigations were directed to the imaging and characterization of the subsoil of the Plaza principal, considered the core of the whole archaeological area. Archaeological records and multiscale remote sensing (including satellite, UAS, and geophysical surveys) enabled the identification and characterization of the first construction phase of the site, including the preparation phases before building Machu Picchu. The interpretative hypothesis on the constructive history of Machu Picchu started from the identification and use of the quarry, followed by the planification and set of the drainage systems and by the next steps based on diverse reshaping phases of what would be the central plaza.
The test–retest reliability and limits of agreement of the balance evaluation systems test (BESTest) in young people with intellectual disability
Authors: Bahiraei Saeid , Hosseini Elham , Lou Rahman Amiri Jomi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractClinical tests for the assessment of postural balance in people with intellectual disability have been the most commonly used single or multi-item tests, but some tests have been developed, such as the BESTest. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the test–retest reliability and limits of agreement of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) in young people with intellectual disabilities. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 65 young people (ages 16–25 years) with intellectual disability. The participants completed the BESTest (27 items) twice. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated to determine the test–retest reliability of the BESTest. The BESTest overall scores' test–retest reliability was rated as excellent (≥ 0.75). Stability limits/verticality and reactive are fair to good (≥ 0.40– < 0.75). Biomechanical constraints, transitions and anticipatory movements, sensory orientation, and gait stability were excellent (≥ 0.75). Current evidence shows that young people with intellectual disabilities have impaired postural balance. However, there appears to be a lack of assessment tools that reliably evaluate the postural balance of this population. The results from this investigation show that BESTest provides "excellent reliability" (≥ 0.75) to assess postural balance in young people with intellectual disability.
Device-scale atomistic modelling of phase-change memory materials
Authors: Zhou Yuxing , Zhang Wei , Ma En , Deringer Volker L. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractComputer simulations can play a central role in the understanding of phase-change materials and the development of advanced memory technologies. However, direct quantum-mechanical simulations are limited to simplified models containing a few hundred or thousand atoms. Here we report a machine-learning-based potential model that is trained using quantum-mechanical data and can be used to simulate a range of germanium–antimony–tellurium compositions—typical phase-change materials—under realistic device conditions. The speed of our model enables atomistic simulations of multiple thermal cycles and delicate operations for neuro-inspired computing, specifically cumulative SET and iterative RESET. A device-scale (40 × 20 × 20 nm3) model containing over half a million atoms shows that our machine-learning approach can directly describe technologically relevant processes in memory devices based on phase-change materials.
Endothelial Notch1 signaling in white adipose tissue promotes cancer cachexia
Authors: Taylor Jacqueline , Uhl Leonie , Moll Iris , Hasan Sana Safatul , Wiedmann Lena , Morgenstern Jakob , Giaimo Benedetto Daniele , Friedrich Tobias , Alsina-Sanchis Elisenda , De Angelis Rigotti Francesca , Mülfarth Ronja , Kaltenbach Sarah , Schenk Darius , Nickel Felix , Fleming Thomas , Sprinzak David , Mogler Carolin , Korff Thomas , Billeter Adrian T. , Müller-Stich Beat P. , Berriel Diaz Mauricio , Borggrefe Tilman , Herzig Stephan , Rohm Maria , Rodriguez-Vita Juan , Fischer Andreas 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCachexia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with cancer and is characterized by weight loss due to adipose and muscle tissue wasting. Hallmarks of white adipose tissue (WAT) remodeling, which often precedes weight loss, are impaired lipid storage, inflammation and eventually fibrosis. Tissue wasting occurs in response to tumor-secreted factors. Considering that the continuous endothelium in WAT is the first line of contact with circulating factors, we postulated whether the endothelium itself may orchestrate tissue remodeling. Here, we show using human and mouse cancer models that during precachexia, tumors overactivate Notch1 signaling in distant WAT endothelium. Sustained endothelial Notch1 signaling induces a WAT wasting phenotype in male mice through excessive retinoic acid production. Pharmacological blockade of retinoic acid signaling was sufficient to inhibit WAT wasting in a mouse cancer cachexia model. This demonstrates that cancer manipulates the endothelium at distant sites to mediate WAT wasting by altering angiocrine signals.
The Chemistry of Textile Fibres
Authors: Mather Robert R , Wardman Roger H , Rana Sohel 
Published: September 2023

Ever wondered why a particular type of fibre is used for a certain application? Readers of this book will gain an appreciation of the answer to this question and more through understanding the chemistry behind the properties of the fibres. Providing a comprehensive overview of the various types of textile fibres which are available today, ranging from natural fibres to high-performance fibres which are very technologically advanced, the book is a revised and updated new edition of a highly successful text.
Textiles are ubiquitous materials that many of us take for granted in our everyday lives. We rely on our clothes to protect us from the environment and use them to enhance our appearance. Textiles also find applications in transport, healthcare, construction and many other industries.
The 3rd Edition of The Chemistry of Textile Fibres updates a significant amount of the information provided in the previous editions, such as the synthesis from renewable resources of monomers for producing synthetic fibres, emerging applications of nanofibres, production of electrically conducting fibres incorporating graphene and carbon nanotubes, and nano-finishing of textiles. It also gives greater emphasis to those aspects of textile chemistry which combat adverse environmental impact, including the chemical decomposition of synthetic polymers and strategies to reduce the damaging impact of microfibers. It introduces the production of micro- and nanomaterials from cellulose as an alternative to relatively toxic and non-ecofriendly micro- and nanomaterials produced from other sources, together with the bio-functionalisation of textiles.
Students following A level courses or equivalent and first-year undergraduate students reading textile technology subjects at university will find this book a valuable source of information.
Millifluidic valves and pumps made of tape and plastic
Authors: Amador-Hernandez Josue U. , Guevara-Pantoja Pablo E. , Cedillo-Alcantar Diana F. , Caballero-Robledo Gabriel A. , Garcia-Cordero Jose L. 
Published: September 2023

We report millimeter-scale valves and pumps made of plastic and bonded with double-sided tape. Our manufacturing approach opens a path to mass-manufacture these fluidic elements in integrated milli-and micro-fluidic devices.