bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of properties of concrete in its fresh stage for classified Quartzite rocks in Aravalli ranges
Authors: Hassan Owais Ul , Kaushik Pooja , Afsar S Shakil , Mehmood Gauhar 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
One of the most notable types of rock in the entire Aravalli range is the Quartzite, which is found in Delhi, used as the primary aggregate material for the majority of concrete production. However, three different types, Greyish, Reddish, and Yellowish Quartzite have been identified and categorized as separate kinds of Quartzite based on their colour composition. To investigate how these different Quartzites influenced the characteristics of fresh concrete-bleeding, workability and segregation and thereby influence the compressive strength, the concrete was produced in three distinct grades: M10, M15, and M20, and the compressive strength of the cubes cast was tested while curing for 7, 14, and 28 days. The greyish reacted the same way as the granite does however due to the effects of the weathering the reddish and the yellowish lost its workability, bleeding and segregated and thereby lost strength. Also due to the presence of the chemically active ferrous materials violated its non-active reaction and became chemically active, which disturbed the workability of the concrete. Further, experiments were carried out in the fresh state for bleeding and workability it was noted that the grey Quartzite aggregate did not affect the w/c ratio and retained the standard strength. However, bleeding and segregation were observed as a result of the reddish Quartzite and yellowish Quartzite disrupting the w/c ratio. Overall, it was discovered that greyish Quartzite could be used as a trustworthy coarse aggregate and that all of the aforementioned concrete grades were able to meet the necessary compressive strength. While in reddish and yellowish Quartzite concrete, workability and w/c ratio disturbances had an impact on the strength characteristics.
The Decision to Postpone Retirement Across the Peak-Earnings Distribution: Evidence from Canada
Authors: Stutely James Maxwell 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Canada’s public pension system yields varying financial incentives to postpone employment exit across the peak earnings distribution. Using a panel of income tax filers and a duration model, I examine the extent to which employment exit hazards differentially spike at the standard age-65 threshold for retirement benefit eligibility across deciles based on workers’ peak earnings distribution. Results indicate that disincentives to continue working after crossing this threshold are associated with marked employment exit hazard spikes among those in the bottom deciles who are mostly likely to receive low-income support Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits. In addition to financial incentives from the public pension system, estimates from a cohort difference-in-differences estimator and a heterogeneity analysis suggest that among those in the middle to upper deciles societal norms for retirement timing and expected private registered pension plan eligibility are also likely candidates for explaining age-65 employment exit spikes.
Mechanism of fermented Astragalus membranaceus regulating chicken EVs to up-3 regulate the expression of interferon and interleukin
Authors: Xu Guowei , Yang Mingxing , Wang Xuezhi , Liang Chao , Han Songwei , Chen Fubin , Wang Lei , Zhou Yuxia , Ru Yi , Sun Yan , Li Jianxi , Zhang Jingyan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Astragalus membranaceus has been found to have a significant regulatory effect on the20 expression of interferon and interleukin, especially after microbial fermentation.21 However, the exact mechanism by which Astragalus membranaceus regulates these22 immune response pathways is still unknown. Recent studies have shown that23 extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulate various immune response pathways through24 bioactive substances mediated by EVs. In this study, it was found that the number of25 EVs in the peripheral blood of chicken fed fermented Astragalus membranaceus was26 significantly altered, and that EVs had a significant promoting effect on the expression27 of IFN-α, IFN-β, and IL-2 in chicken macrophages. The results of differential miRNA28 analysis in EVs showed that miRNA-1388a, which was significantly up-regulated in29 EVs, and an important miRNA that promoted the expression of IFN-α, IFN-β and IL30 2. Comparative analysis of miRNA target genes and mRNA expression profiles in31 peripheral blood of chicken fed FA showed that target genes regulated by miRNA-32 1338a were highly consistent with mRNA expression profiles in peripheral blood of33 chicken. This study shows for the first time that fermented Astragalus membranaceus34 involved in the expression of interferon and interleukin by regulating EVs and their35 mediated miRNA in chicken.
CsWRKY33: A Crucial Transcription Factor in the MAPK Pathway Inhibited by Trypsin, Participating in the Suppression of Cucumis sativus Senescence
Authors: Sun Jiaju , wang Jie , Chen Enyan , Chen XinXin , Li Bairu , Li Xin , Pang Xinyue 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) cascade pathway extensively participates in the physiological regulation processes of plants. Trypsin, as an inducer of resistance, significantly enhanced the storage quality of Cucumis sativus (C. sativus). However, the mechanism by which trypsin regulated the synthesis of phenylpropanoid compounds through the MAPK pathway to influence fruit resistance remained to be elucidated.
Methods
To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying trypsin-induced C. sativus resistance, we conducted a combined transcriptomic and widely targeted metabolomic analysis, validated through Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS).
Results
Transcriptomic results revealed that a total of 83 differentially expressed genes (DEGs)were enriched in the MAPK pathway, with 48 genes significantly downregulated and 35 genes significantly upregulated. GSEA analysis further identified the WRKY33 transcription factor from the leading edge subset. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that CsWRKY33 shared high homology with WRKY22 in Arabidopsis. The combined analysis of transcriptomics and widely targeted metabolomics demonstrated significant upregulation in the synthesis of compounds such as vanillin, dihydrocharcone-4'-O-glucoside, and 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid. Co-expression network analysis showed that these key metabolites were negatively regulated by CsWRKY33. VIGS results showed that silencing CsWRKY33 enhanced fruit resistance and extended storage time.
Conclusion
This study revealed that trypsin could downregulate the expression of CsWRKY33 and promote the synthesis of compounds with high antioxidant and antibacterial activity, such as vanillin, dihydrocharcone-4'-O-glucoside, and 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid. This enhancement led to increasing fruit disease resistance and delayed senescence and decay.
Clinico-pathological Characteristic of Orbito-naso-cranial Communicating Lesions
Authors: Chen Jin , You Yayan , Xie Meng , Su Zixuan , Wang Xinghua , Jiang Fagang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective: This study aims to comprehensively analyze of orbito-naso-cranial communicating lesions to elucidate clinical manifestations, pathological classification, and specific lesion sites. The findings will enhance the diagnosis and preoperative evaluation of orbito-naso-cranial communicating lesions.
Methods: The 74 patients were classified into three groups based on the involved locations: Group A (orbito-nasal), group B (orbitocranial), and group C (orbito-naso-cranial). The clinical characteristics, pathological classification, and variations in the involved sites among these three groups were subjected to statistical analysis.
Results: Among the enrolled patients, 49 and 25 had benign and malignant lesions, respectively. Among benign lesions, neurogenic tumors (17 cases) constituted the largest proportion. Among malignant lesions, hematogenous (seven cases) and glandular (seven cases) tumors constituted the largest proportion. In the three groups, the malignant ratio in group C (55.6%, 10/18) was significantly higher than that in groups A (7.2%, 5/29) and B (37.0%, 10/27). The ethmoid sinus (35 cases) was the most prevalent site, including 24 benign and 11 malignant cases. Furthermore, there was greater invasion in the nasal cavity (28.0% vs. 0.0%, P=0.000) and anterior cranial fossa (40.0% vs. 8.2%, P=0.003) in malignant lesions than in benign lesions.
Conclusions: There is a higher incidence of orbito-nasal communication and infiltration of the nose and anterior cranial fossa in malignant tumors compared to benign lesions.
Level of Evidence: Level 4
Experimental investigation on the effect of nickel-plating thickness on continuous-wave laser welding of copper and steel tab joints for battery manufacturing
Authors: Francioso Michele , Angeloni Caterina , Fortunato Alessandro , Liverani Erica , Ascari Alessandro 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The welding of dissimilar materials, such as copper and steel, holds significantindustrial significance in the production of electric vehicle batteries. These materials are commonly used in the case of connections between busbars and cylindricalcells inside a battery pack. To optimize welding and guarantee protection againstcorrosion, nickel is commonly used in the form of a coating. In this paper, theeffect of nickel plating thickness on copper-to-steel welds made with laser technology is investigated. The initial phase consists of a statistical characterizationof the nickel plating thickness of the busbar in order to identify the thicknessranges. Experiments were conducted using two different fiber laser sources (asingle-mode laser source and a beam-shaping laser source) equipped with a Galvoscanner head; the fluence value and the thickness of nickel plating varied duringthe experiments. The study conducted has revealed that the thickness of nickelplating plays a crucial role in the weld bead interface, particularly when using asingle-mode source. Furthermore, when using the beam-shaping laser source, thefluence employed can have a significant impact on both the depth of penetrationand the interface width.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for medically inoperable stages I and II non-small cell lung cancer. Influence of radiation dose and histological type
Authors: Pinto Pedro Jorge Joffily , Oliveira Maiara Lima , Starling Maria Thereza Mansur , Gil Erlon , Moraes Paulo Lázaro , Zanuncio Pedro Henrique Rocha , Fagundes Lívia Alvarenga , Ferrigno Robson 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is the standard treatment for early stages medically inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This retrospective series aims to report results and predictive factors for outcomes in the treatment of these patients with SBRT.
Materials/methods
Retrospective analysis of 113 consecutive patients with medically inoperable NSCLC stages IA – IIA (T1a-T2bN0M0) by AJCC 8th edition criteria treated from July 2013 to October 2021 with SBRT. Histological subtype was adenocarcinoma in 78 (69%) patients, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 31 (28%) and 3 (3%) had no biopsy. Ninety (80%) patients were treated with 48Gy in 4 fractions [Biologic Effective Dose (BED) of 105.6Gy10] and 23 (20%) with 40Gy in 4 fractions (BED=80Gy10) delivered twice a week. Local recurrence free survival (LRFS), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. Radiation dose, histological subtype, patients age and tumor size were factors analyzed for outcomes.
Results
With a median follow up of 31 months, the 3-year LRFS, DFS and OS were 81%, 76%, and 62%, respectively. Patients treated with 48Gy had superior 3-year LRFS (86% Vs 62%; p=0.048) and a trend toward superior 3-year OS (66% Vs 47%, p=0.09). Patients with adenocarcinoma had superior 3-year OS than those with SCC (67%% Vs 4%; p=0.03). Tumor size and patients age were not predictive factors for outcomes. RTOG grades 1 and 2 pneumonitis occurred in 46 (41%) and 5 (4%) patients, respectively. Two (2%) patients developed thoracic pain and five (5%) patients developed rib fracture.
Conclusions
Radiation dose with BED larger than 100Gy10 is more effective for local control than lower level in the treatment of early stages NSCLC. Patients with SCC had lower OS compared with those with adenocarcinoma.
Size-Based Microparticle Separation via Inertial Lift and Dean Flow in a Spiral Microchannel Device
Authors: Bagi Mahsa , Etemadi Nima , Meekins Ben , Moraveji Mostafa Keshavarz 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The need for size-based microparticle separation has become increasingly critical in various biomedical and environmental applications. This paper presents a novel passive microfluidic device, featuring a spiral microchannel geometry, specifically designed for the complete separation of particles. By leveraging the inertial lift force and the viscous drag acting on particles of varied sizes, the device enables the differential migration and effective separation of microparticles. On the smaller particles, the Dean drag force dominates the inertial lift force and pushes the small particle to the outer wall of the channel. The separation process was simulated using Comsol’s particle tracing module, where numerical investigations were conducted to analyze the impact of micro-channel height, inlet velocity, and radius of curvature on the device’s separation performance. The results led us to a 500 µm wide and 115 µm high 1-loop spiral channel which demonstrated the successful separation of 1.5 µm particles from 7.5 µm and 15 µm particles at the maximum channel velocity of 0.75 m/s. Additionally, analytical analysis supporting the experiments and simulations is provided. The device was fabricated using PDMS soft lithography, and Cu/ZnO micro particles were employed in the experiments. Notably, the experimental results demonstrated an impressive separation efficiency of 93%.
A prospective case control study on evaluation of oxidative stress in renal stone formers
Authors: Manoharan Vignesh , Sharma Gopal , Devana Sudheer Kumar , Kumar Santosh , Singh Shrawan Kumar , Sharma Sadhna , Avti Pramod 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective: To compare oxidative stress (OS) between patients with renal stone disease and healthy volunteers by measuring 8-hydroxy- 2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in urine.
Methods: In this prospective case-control study, we measured 24-hour urinary 8-OHdG levels in patients with urolithiasis and compared them with matched healthy controls. We also measured 24-hour urinary uric acid, calcium, oxalate and citrate levels in patients with renal stone disease and studied their relation with urinary 8-OHdG levels.
Results: In this study, 75 cases of renal stone disease and 75 well-matched controls were included. Median 24-hour urinary 8-OHdG levels were significantly higher in cases compared to controls (7.6vs. 3.7µg/g of creatinine; p<0.000). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis for 8-OHdG between cases and controls revealed an area under the curve of 0.90. At 8-OHdG (µg/g of creatinine) value of 5 or more, sensitivity and specificity of 84% each were obtained. A positive correlation between 8-OHdG (µg/g of creatinine) and 24-hour urinary oxalate level was noted (r=0.461, p=0.000). No correlation between 8-OHdG (µg/g of creatinine) and other variables was noted. On multivariate linear regression analysis, we noted 24-hour urinary oxalate levels to be an independent predictor of urinary 8-OHdG levels.
Conclusion: Oxidative stress is significantly higher in patients with renal stone diseases compared to healthy controls. Urinary oxalate levels were significantly correlated with urinary 8-OHdG levels.
Does Financial Development influence Environmental Quality? Evidence from Emerging and Developing Countries
Authors: Elatroush Ibrahim 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The paper aims to investigate the impact of financial development (FD), and other control variables on environmental quality. The sample incorporates fifty emerging and developing countries from 1980 to 2020. The pooled mean group/auto regressive distributed lag (PMG/ARDL) technique is used to estimate variables. Prior estimate the model, unit roots and cross section dependence tests are performed. Subsequently, second generation unit root CIPS tests for constant and trend are run for the study variables. Countries are classified into groups to determine the impact of FD, and other variables on environmental quality denoted by CO2 emissions. Dumitrescu Hurlin causality test is also performed. Results reveal a positively significant relationship between variables, and CO2 for some grouping countries in which they contribute to environmental degradation. However, there is a negatively significant relationship between study variables and CO2 for other grouping countries which involves a positive impact on enhancing environmental quality. The reasoning behind contradictory results within different groups in the study may be attributed to variability in FD levels, income levels, and other socioeconomic factors. To improve environmental quality, policymakers, authorities, and financial bodies have to focus on FD indicators that enhance environmental quality via environmentally friendly products, motivating environmentally friendly projects, eliminating polluted activities, increasing the usage of renewable energy and eliminating nonrenewable energy usage.
Estimation for the Weibull Extension Model Parameters based on Runge-Kutta Method
Authors: Maswadah M. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In parameter estimation techniques, the maximum likelihood estimation method is the most common technique that is broadly used in social science and psychology, despite the fact that it is usually biased when the sample sizes are small or the data are heavily censored. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to introduce a numerical iteration technique, which is the Runge-Kutta method for finding the parameter estimators. This method has been applied for deriving the estimators for the Weibull extension model parameters and compared with the maximum likelihood and Bayes methods via Monte Carlo simulations. The results are strongly favorable to the Runge-Kutta method, which provides better estimates and outperforms the Bayes and maximum likelihood methods. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methods.
Modification of Radiogenic Heat Production (RHP) Equation due to Radioactive Disequilibrium in Rock Samples from Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
Authors: Alabi Olusegun , Sedara Samuel , Ajah Deborah , Akanni Iwa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Many factors complicate the estimation of radiogenic heat production (RHP) which may lead to radionuclide concentrations which does not characterize the RHP being produced by rocks. One of this is the Uranium disequilibrium effect. We modified an existing model to minimize this effect.
A revised data from gamma-ray spectrometry was used to compute the Beta and Alpha energies (Eβmax) of decay schemes, mass defect (EΔm)of radioelements, total absorbed energy (Eabs) per atom, numerical constants (Ai) and converted to the accepted RHP unit (µWm-3).
The modified RHP model (A3) was evaluated and validated using error metrics and radiometric data from seven regions of Nigeria and India. The data was normalized to transform features to be on a similar scale to attain a normal distribution of the data. The modified model (A3) was compared with Birch’s (A1) and Rybach’s (A2) RHP models. All these processes were implemented in Python environment.
The RHP constants is several percent higher (6.2% for U; 11.5% for Th) than the values of A1 and A2 RHP models except for Potassium which is higher (74.3%). The A3 RHP model gotten is: A(µWm-3) = ρ(0.103CU + 0.29CTh + 0.061CK). The contributing percentages of the radioelements were in the order of 40K > 238U > 232Th for the Southwest, Southeast and Northcentral regions of Nigeria while the order is 238U > 232Th > 40K for the Southsouth, Northeast and Northwest regions and in order 232Th > 238U > 40K for the Indian region. The A3 model returned a higher R2 value and lower SSE/RMSE/MAE values compared to A1 and A2 models. The R2 values ranged from 42–72% while RMSE ranged from 0.790–1.127. The A3 has the best performance in all metrics for all the regions. The coefficient of determination (R2) for the proportion of variance of the contribution of the radioelements placed K-40 as most dependent variable with a good correlation with the total RHP in the order of use of A1 < A2 < A3.
In general A3 return the highest RHP values across all regions. The A3 RHP model gave a higher R2 value and lower RMSE, MAE, SSE values than A1 and A3 RHP models which is an indicator of best performance. The A3 RHP model performed well in all the regions in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. This shows that the A3 RHP model is not geological-formation dependent.
Tuberculosis treatment success rate, associated factors and outcomes in St.Kizito Hospital, Matany, Napak district, Karamoja region. A retrospective study.
Authors: Opito Ronald , Kwenya Keneth , Kizito Mark , Alwedo Susan , Bakashaba Baker , Miya Yunus , Bukenya Lameck , Okwir Eddy , Onega Lillian Angwech , Kazibwe Andrew , Othieno Emmanuel , Kirya Fred , Ssentongo Saadick Mugerwa , Olupot Peter Olupot 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent globally. An estimated 10 million people are newly diagnosed and 1.5 million die of the disease annually. Uganda is among the 30 high TB burdened countries, with Karamoja having a significant contribution of the disease incidence in the country. Control of the disease in Karamoja is complex because a majority of the at risk population remain mobile; partly because of the normadic lifestyle. This study, therefore, aimed at describing the factors associated with TB treatment success rate (TSR) in the Karamoja region.
Methods
This was a retrospective study on case notes of all individuals diagnosed with and treated for drug-susceptible TB at St. Kizito Hospital Matany, Napak district, Karamoja from 1st Jan 2020 to 31st December 2021. Data were abstracted using a customised proforma. Data analyses were done using Stata statistical software, version 15.0. Chi square test was used to compare treatment success rate between year 2020 and 2021, while Modified Poisson regression analysis was performed at multivariable level to determine the factors associated with treatment success.
Results
We studied records of 1234 participants whose median age was 31 (IQR: 13–49) years. Children below 15 years of age accounted for 26.2% (n = 323). The overall treatment success rate for the study period was 79.3%(95%CI; 77.0%-81.5%), with a statistically significant variation in 2020 and 2021, 75.4% (422/560) vs 82.4% (557/674) respectively, (P = 0.002). The commonest repported treatment outcome was treatment completion at 52%(n = 647) and death was at 10.4% (n = 129). Older age, undernutrition (Red MUAC) and HIV positive status were significantly associated with lower treatment success: aPR = 0.87(95%CI; 0.80–0.94), aPR = 0.91 (95%CI; 0.85–0.98) and aPR = 0.88 (95%CI; 0.78–0.98); respectively. Patients who were enrolled in 2021 had high prevalence of treatment success compared to those enrolled in 2020, aPR = 1.09 (95%CI; 1.03–1.16).
Conclusion
TB TSR in Matany hospital was suboptimal. Older age, poor nutrition and being HIV positive were negative predictors of treatment success. We propose integrating nutrition and HIV care into TB programming to improve treatment success.