bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parametric pushover curve model for seismic performance assessment of building stock
Authors: Fazarinc Neja , Babič Anže , Dolšek Matjaž 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
An effective assessment of the seismic risk of building stock is important for informing stakeholders and developing strategies to improve community seismic resilience. To address this need, a parametric pushover curve model for seismic performance assessment of building stock is introduced. The model employs twelve parameters for estimating the trilinear pushover curve. The models of these parameters are developed specifically for reinforced concrete and masonry buildings in Slovenia by focusing on the low level of knowledge about the building. Consequently, it can be used for preliminary studies of seismic performance assessment of building stock to raise awareness about seismic risk. To evaluate its efficacy, the model was applied to assess the seismic performance of the University of Ljubljana’s building stock. Because of uncertainties arising from the lack of knowledge about the buildings and the associated assumptions, the results were interpreted relative to those obtained for a new building stock scenario. The case study revealed that the seismic capacity in terms of the limit state peak ground acceleration of the building stock is only half of what would be expected in the new building stock scenario, highlighting a significant seismic risk. These findings emphasise the need for systematic efforts to enhance the seismic safety of the building stock under consideration. Further research is recommended to explore the model's accuracy concerning the level of knowledge about the building, which will contribute to a better understanding of its applicability.
Are end colostomies always contraindicated in anorectal malformations?
Authors: Brisighelli Giulia , Theron Andre P , Westgarth-Taylor Chris , Mapunda Ellen M 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose In our clinical setting, a three-staged approach is consistently employed for the management of patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs). The aim of our study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of end-colostomies in specific subtypes of ARMs.Methods The medical records of babies born with an ARM treated between 01 January 2017 till 31 December 2022 were reviewed. Information regarding type of ARM, type of colostomy and complications at formation of colostomy, posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP), and colostomy closure was recorded.Results 194 patients were included: 137 patients had divided colostomies with distal mucus fistulas (DC) and 57 had end-colostomies (EC). Ninety-seven patients (50%) had perineal and vestibular fistulas: 40(42%) had DC and 57(58%) had EC. Post-colostomy formation, 8(20%) complications were recorded in the DC group 9(16%) and 8(20%) in the EC group(p-value:0.78). Wound sepsis presented in 6 patients with DC and 4 with EC(p-value:0.3). 16/85 patients (19%) that had a PSARP developed complications: 4/37(11%) with DC and 12/48(25%) with EC(p-value:0.16). Six(8%) complications occurred post 72 stoma reversal: 3 in DC and 3 in EC group.Conclusion In patients with rectoperineal and vestibular fistulas, where divided colostomies are not warranted, end colostomies provide a safe alternative.
A novel method on estimating financial consequences of derailment accidents caused by track defections using the Extra Trees method
Authors: Shams Mohammad M. , Aghaee Mohsen Pourseyed , Mohammadzadeh Saeed 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The balance between budgeting and retaining the optimum performance of railway infrastructure has gained significant importance. Due to the expansion of railway networks, high maintenance costs, and limited budgets, prioritizing maintenance operations takes time and effort. On the other hand, derailments are one of the most essential types of rail accidents worldwide. Derailments are usually caused by railway track defects, machinery, or human error. According to the high importance of railway track effect on derailment accidents, the financial consequences of derailment accidents caused by track defections in Iranian’s railway network are analyzed in this paper. In this regard, an original data frame of 9750 accidents with 181 features for each related accident is used. The most important track-relevant attributes affecting accidents’ consequences are selected using various feature ranking methods, namely Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE), Mutual Information (MI), and Classification and Regression Trees (CART). The top features are speed limit, track age, maximum upgrade, and steep index. Then different types of regression Machine Learning (ML) models were implemented. The extra trees model was selected for its proper efficiency based on the Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) metric to estimate the financial consequences of rail derailment accidents. The presented model can estimate the financial consequences of derailment accidents caused by track defects with an NRMSE of 18.2%. The results of the proposed model can be used for prioritizing maintenance works and budget allocation by ranking railway blocks based on their potential accident consequences.
The relationship between atmosphere temperature inversion and urban air pollution characteristics: A case for study Tehran, Iran
Authors: Nejad Meysam Toulabi , Ghalehteimouri Kamran Jafarpour , Dolatshahi Zeynab 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

This research aims to comprehensively assess the level of air pollution in Tehran, identify the primary sources of pollution, and explore potential solutions to mitigate this problem. To achieve this understanding, data was collected from Mehrabad station in Tehran city. In order to analyze the data and determine the dynamic and thermodynamic properties of the atmosphere, the research utilized the Universal radio sound Observation (RAOB) program. This program enabled the examination of the atmospheric properties up to an altitude of 750 meter during the selected days. Specifically, the research focused on three dates: January 22, 2014; January 25, 2015; and November 27, 2016. These dates were chosen as they represented the most polluted days, considering Tehran's seasonal variations and the adverse effects of cold weather and temperature drops on air pollution. The analysis of the collected data was performed using an equation that demonstrates the characteristics of the air temperature inversion profile. To assess the effects of atmospheric inversion on air pollution, the Heffter method was employed in this research. This method aimed to provide insights into how inversions impact air quality in Tehran. The results obtained from the analysis highlighted specific conditions on January 25, 2015, which was identified as the most polluted date. During the radiation inversion, the altitude above sea level measured 1227 meters, with an altitude above ground level of 36 meters. The potential temperature was recorded as 890 meter, relative humidity as 0%, and temperature as 2°C at pressure base (P1). At base altitude H1, the potential temperature at 886 meter, relative humidity was 36%, and temperature was 3°C. Additionally, the wind speed was measured at 2.1 m/s, wind direction at 280 degrees, and the inversion depth was calculated to be 18 meters.
Public Health Implications of Household Water Sources in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. A Case Study
Authors: Jonathan Awewomom , Peasah Michael Yaw , Yaw Agyei Gyasi , Duodu Takyi Yaw , Antwi Sampson Achagwe , Stephen Ayisi-Larbi , Kwabena Opoku Adomako , Opoku Francis , Akoto Osei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This research investigated the health implications of household water sources in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana, analyzing water quality in 23 different households (HS). Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and spatial distribution analysis were used to uncover valuable insights into the underlying relationships and patterns within the dataset. The findings revealed critical concerns regarding heavy metal concentrations in certain locations: in Appiadu (HS17), both Cu and Pb concentrations exceeded the maximum acceptable limits, suggesting potential Cu and Pb toxicity in household water. Particularly, HS17 exhibited poor water quality, primarily due to high Pb (0.03 mg/L) and Cu (1.65 mg/L) concentrations, surpassing permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Moreover, the presence of nitrite in Atonsu Kyepatre (HS13) surpassed the maximum acceptable limit set by the WHO. Conversely, other samples (HS1 – HS16 and HS18 – HS23) demonstrated excellent water quality. The microbial assessment of Ghanaian household water samples unveiled varying counts of total coliforms, indicating potential sewage contamination. Although some sites met acceptable standards for total coliform counts, 13 sites displayed undesirable counts. The health risk estimates revealed that, the hazard quotient (HQ) for Cu ingestion, which revealed values of 2.76 and 1.30 for children and adults, respectively, surpassing the safe limit of 1. Similarly, hazard index (HI) values for adults and children were recorded as 1.79 and 3.80, respectively, indicating significant health risks to consumers. These findings provide valuable insights for other regions facing similar water quality concerns, ensuring the health and well-being of communities worldwide.
Effect of communication mode on disclosure of nutrition impact symptoms during nutrition intervention delivered to people with upper gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Furness Kate , Huggins Catherine E. , Hanna Lauren , Croagh Daniel , Sarkies Mitchell , Haines Terry P. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionIndividuals diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal cancers experience a myriad of symptoms directly related to their tumour burden and antineoplastic therapies. Many of these nutrition impact symptoms (NIS) including nausea, anorexia, pain, dysphagia, and diarrhoea, compromise a person’s ability to adequately meet their nutritional requirements leading to malnutrition, reduced quality of life and poorer survival. Electronic health (eHealth) has been lauded as a potential strategy for improving the delivery of nutrition interventions by improving early and sustained access to dietitiansto address both NIS and malnutrition. This study aimed to explore whether the mode of nutrition intervention delivery (telephone or mobile app) affected participant disclosure of NIS during an early and intensive nutrition intervention.MethodsParticipants in the intervention groups received a regular nutrition intervention for 18 weeks from a dietitian via telephone or mobile application (App). The research dietitian maintained a set of participant records, collecting data from each week of intervention delivery including reported NIS. Poisson regression determined the proportion of individuals who reported NIS compared between groups. Univariate and multiple regression analyses of demographic variables were used to explore the relationship between demographics and reporting of NIS. The trial was registered prospectively on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (Trial ID: ACTRN12617000152325 27th January 2017).ResultsThe incidence of reporting of NIS was more than 1.8 times higher in the telephone group (n=38) compared to the mobile app group (n=36). Telephone group allocation also predicted a higher likelihood of disclosure of self-reported symptoms of fatigue, nausea, and anorexia throughout the intervention period.ConclusionCaution should be applied when introducing virtual health care approaches as standard of care. A trusting therapeutic relationship built on human connection is fundamental and may not be achieved with current models of mobile health technologies. Incorporation of video and/or telephone interaction is likely to be imperative in establishing this connection between patients and health care providers.
Validation of the Portuguese version of the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire
Authors: Genrinho Inês , Ferreira Pedro L. , Santiago Tânia , Carones Adriana , Mazeda Carolina , Barcelos Anabela , Beirão Tiago , Costa Flávio , Santos Inês , Couto Maura , Rato Maria , Terroso Georgina , Monteiro Paulo 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background The Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) was completed with five visual analogue scales (VAS) to assess systemic sclerosis (SSc). These VAS address overall disease severity, Raynaud’s phenomenon, digital tip ulcers, gastrointestinal and lung symptoms. The new functional measurement instrument is called Scleroderma HAQ (SHAQ). It aims to perform a validation of the European Portuguese version of SHAQ for patients with SSc.Methods Patients with different forms of SSc from five Hospital Centres’ Rheumatology Departments were invited. The reliability of the Portuguese SHAQ was evaluated by internal consistency, using the Cronbach’s α, and by test-retest reliability, using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was assessed by structural validity using factor analysis, and by known-groups hypotheses tests. Criterion validity was addressed by Pearson’s correlation with selected dimensions from the University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract Instrument (UCLA GIT 2.0), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v2), and the EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L.Results One hundred and two SSc patients agreed to participate, 31 of which answered to the retest. HAQ-DI demonstrated high internal consistency reliability (α=0.866) and the same measure and all five VAS also showed high test-retest reliability (ICC 0.61–0.95). In what concerns construct validity, we evidenced the unidimensionality of all VAS. HAQ-DI evidenced to be worse in males, patients older than 65 years and individuals with a diffuse form of SSc. Criterion validity was mainly evidenced through the correlation between HAQ-DI and SF-36v2 physical summary measure (r=-0.688) and EQ-5D-5L index score (r=-0.723). Likewise, SHAQ overall disease severity VAS was also correlated with SF-36v2 physical summary measure (r=-0.628). Because SHAQ is a functional disability measure, mental scores correlations were smaller. With the exception of Raynaud’s VAS, all the other VAS correlated well with similar clinical variables.Conclusion This paper provides evidence to demonstrate how reliable and valid the European Portuguese version of SHAQ is, to be used in SSc patients to assess the clinical severity under the perspective of patients.
Blast Wave Mitigation Through Confined Volume and Porous Material
Authors: Sundararaj Aldin Justin , Venkatachalam S , Lewise Anton Savio , Rakhi R A 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Over a period of time, the impact of shock waves on human bodies and structures has been studied. To understand the shock wave mitigation over confined volume and porous material, an experimental study is carried out using a shock tube. For the current study, shock velocities ranging from 500 m/s to 650 m/s are created in the tube. The normal shock pressure ranged from 1.1 to 2.8 bar, and the reflected shock pressure ranged from 4.3 to 8 bar in the closed tube. High-frequency PCB pressure transducers is used to measure shock pressure. Three different methods are studied to understand the shock wave mitigation through a confined volume. The methods are perforated bodies with 30%, 40%, and 50% of circular cross section on one side and closed at other end, porous compressible materials kept outside the shock tube to understand head on collision of shock wave and head on shock wave impact on porous material sandwich between the two plates. The number of times the shockwave travelled is highest in the least porous material. On direct shock impact porous compressible material such as glass wool foam, rubber foam is observed to be shredded off, whereas polyurethane foam was comparatively stable. When sandwiching between the two thin plates, it is observed that the shock loading is more on the glass wool foam, less on the rubber foam and the least on the polyurethane foam. It can be concluded that shock waves can be attenuated by perforating bodies, and further impact of the shock can be reduced by materials having blast mitigation properties.
Uncovering the Inheritance Mechanisms of Yield and Oil Content in Castor (Ricinus communis L.): A 21-Generation Study
Authors: Delvadiya I. R. , Madariya R. B. , Ginoya A. V. , Patel J. R. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This groundbreaking study is the first of its kind to investigate the genetic effects on seed yield and its constituent characters in castor, and specifically to explore linked digenic interactions in this crop species. The study used twenty-one generations, including P1, P2, F1, F2, F3, B1, B2, B11, B12, B21, B22, B1S, B2S, B1 x F1, B2 x F1, F2 x P1, F2 x P2, F2 x F1, B1 bip, B2 bip, and F2 bip, from two crosses of castor: SKI-346 × JI-35 (cross-1) and SKI-346 × SKI-215 (cross-2). The results of the study shed new light on the inheritance of these characters and provide valuable information for future research in this field. Special scaling tests were used to assess the significance of genetic effects, and the results showed that most of the characters exhibited significant genetic effects, including epistasis, which suggests that the expression of these characters was influenced by interactions between genes. Additionally, higher order epistasis and/or linkage were detected, indicating that the expression of these characters was also affected by interactions among multiple genes. The study found that duplicate type of epistasis was responsible for the inheritance of seed yield and its constituent characters in the two crosses of castor. A recommendation to improve the seed yield of castor is to utilize a combination of recurrent selection and pedigree breeding approaches over several cycles.
Cannabis use and its psychosocial correlates among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone.
Authors: Osborne Leone. Augustus , James Peter Bai , Olorunsaiye Comfort Z. , Bangura Camilla , Lebbie Aiah 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Adolescents who use cannabis are more prone to participate in risky activities, such as taking other drugs, doing poorly in school, and exhibiting psychotic symptoms. No recent estimates of cannabis use and its correlates among adolescents have been documented in Sierra Leone. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of cannabis use and to determine its associated factors among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone.
Method: We analyzed secondary data from the 2017 Sierra Leone Global School-Based Health Survey. We used bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the factors associated with cannabis usage.
Results: The result showed that the prevalence of cannabis use was 4.3% among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone. Males [aOR= 2.956, 95% CI = 1.169-7.603], alcohol use [aOR= 3.379, 95% CI = 1.208-9.448], ever used amphetamines or methamphetamines [aOR= 20.469, 95% CI = 8.905-47.053], suicidal attempt [aOR= 4.180, 95% CI = 1.468-11.905] and sexual risk behaviour [aOR= 2.798, 95% CI = 1.369-5.717] were associated cannabis use.
Conclusion: The use of cannabis is prevalent among Sierra Leonean in-school adolescents. School-based health intervention programmes should be developed, considering the risk factors associated with cannabis use among adolescents.
Out of hospital cardiac arrest treated with prehospital double sequential external defibrillation during eCPR in refractory VF – a case report
Authors: Katzenschlager Stephan , Heck Raphael , Popp Erik , Weilbacher Frank , Weigand Markus A. , Eisner Christoph , Neuhaus Christopher 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) has demonstrated increased survival with good neurological outcome in a recent randomized controlled trial. DSED has not been studied in patients with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR). We present the first case of prehospital eCPR with ongoing refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF), terminated by DSED. After six shocks return of spontaneous circulation was initially achieved, however the patient went into recurrent VF. ECPR was performed prehospitally, with VF still refractory after three shocks. DSED successfully terminated VF and showed a further increase in etCO2 and near-infrared spectroscopy cerebral oximetry values.
Chronic lactate treatment promotes cardiomyocyte cytoskeleton remodelling
Authors: Luti Simone , Militello Rosamaria , Pinto Gabriella , Illiano Anna , Marzocchini Riccardo , Santi Alice , Becatti Matteo , Amoresano Angela , Gamberi Tania , Pellegrino Alessio , Modesti Alessandra , Modesti Pietro Amedeo 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Physical activity is an important regulator of energy homeostasis and helps the improvement of metabolic health lowering the risk for a broad variety of health problems. The driving force of the good health impact of exercise is the new established metabolism in people who practise regular physical activity; in fact, regular physical movement induces a wide variety of molecular adaptations in skeletal muscle and in the whole body. In previous studies performed on elite players, we found that adaptation to exercises is characterized by a chronic high plasma level of lactate. By shuttling between producer and consumer cells, lactate is considered not only an energy source but also a signalling molecule and is referred to as a “lactormone”. In this work, we investigated the effect of exogenous lactate in human cardiomyocyte cell line AC16 assessing their viability, cell cycle activity, oxidative stress and metabolism by a proteomic and metabolomic approach. Interestingly, our data indicated that cardiomyocytes exposed to chronic lactate treatment (72 h) show change in several proteins and metabolites linked to cell hypertrophy and cytoskeleton remodelling.
Bromelain and Ficin proteolytic effects on gliadin cytotoxicity and expression of genes involved in cell-tight junctions in Caco-2 cells
Authors: Maleki Masoumeh Sadat Mousavi , Abadi Hooman Aghamirza Moghim Ali , Vaziri Behrooz , Shabani Ali Akbar , Ghavami Ghazaleh , Madanchi Hamid , Sardari Soroush 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Enzyme therapy for Celiac disease (CeD), which digests gliadin into non-immunogenic and non-toxic peptides, can be an appropriate treatment option for CeD. Here we have investigated the effectiveness of Bromelain and Ficin on gliadin digestion using in vitro such as SDS-PAGE, HPLC, and circular dichroism (CD). Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of gliadin and 19-mer peptide before and after digestion with these enzymes was evaluated using the MTT assay in the Caco-2 cell line. Finally, we examined the effect of these treatments along with Larazotide Acetate (LA) on the expression of genes involved in cell tight junctions such as Occludin (OCCL), Claudin 3 (CLDN), Tight junction protein-1 (TGP), and Zonulin (ZON) in the Caco-2 cell line. Our study demonstrated Bromelain and Ficin digestion effects on the commercial and wheat-extracted gliadin by SDS-PAGE, HPLC, and Circular Dichroism (CD). Also, the cytotoxicity results on Caco-2 showed that toxicity of the gliadin and synthetic 19-mer peptide was decreased by adding Bromelain and Ficin. Furthermore, the proteolytic effects of Bromelain and Ficin on gliadin indicated the expression of genes involved in cell-tight junctions was improved. This study confirms that ‌Bromelain and Ficin mixture could be effective in improving the symptoms of CeD.