bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing coagulation–flocculation processes with aluminium coagulation using response surface methods
Authors: Mensah-Akutteh Hanson , Buamah Richard , Wiafe Samuel , Nyarko Kwabena B. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractA data-based multivariate method such as response surface methods and desirability function is considered advantageous for analysing coagulation treatment optimization. Thus, this study investigated the optimization of coagulation–flocculation using response surface methodology. The parameters investigated were pH, alum dose and alkalinity. The optimum coagulation conditions for the individual responses: turbidity, colour, residual aluminium and phenanthrene were pH 7.0, alum dose 80.0 mg/L and alkalinity 80.0 mg/L; pH, 6.5, alum dose 70.0 mg/L and alkalinity 90.0 mg/L; pH, 7.0, alum dose 63.2 mg/L and alkalinity 80.0 mg/L and pH 6.2, alum dose 80.0 mg/L and alkalinity of 80.0 mg/L, respectively. The model equation derived from the optimization study was adequate for predicting the response values. The quadratic model was significant (p < 0.0001), and it had a high correlation (R2, 0.746–0.975) and an insignificant (LOF, p > 0.05) lack of fit.
Difference in the neurocognitive functions of WLWH and MLWH in an Italian cohort of people living with HIV
Authors: Donne Valentina Delle , Massaroni Valentina , Ciccarelli Nicoletta , Lombardi Francesca , Borghetti Alberto , Ciccullo Arturo , Dusina Alex , Farinacci Damiano , Baldin Ganmaria , Visconti Elena , Tamburrini Enrica , Di Giambenedetto Simona 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBased on the available literature, women living with HIV (WLWH) seem to show greater cognitive and emotional disadvantages than men living with HIV (MLWH). Our aim was to compare the cognitive performance of MLWH and WLWH in an Italian cohort of People Living With HIV (PLWH) and to analyse factors potentially contributing to sex differences in cognitive function. We ran a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of a monocentric dataset of PLWH who were administered a standardized neuropsychological test battery (SNB) during routine clinical care. We enrolled 161 Italian PLWH who are on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART): 114 (70.8%) MLWH and 47 (29.2%) WLWH.Global cognitive performance (composite z score) (GCP) was significantly higher in MLWH than WLWH [mean 0.19 (SD 0.85) vs − 0.13 (SD 0.96); p = 0.039]. Moreover, WLWH obtained significantly higher scores on the Zung Depression Scale than MLWH [mean 41.8 (SD 10.9) vs 36.7 (SD 9.2); p = 0.003]. However, there was no statistically significant direct effect between male sex and better GCP (p = 0.692) in the context of a mediation model. On the contrary, the associations between male sex and better GCP were mediated by higher level of education (a*b =  + 0.15, Bootstrap CI95 = 0.05 and 0.27) and a lower Zung depression score (a*b =  + 0.10, Bootstrap CI95 = 0.02 and 0.21).In conclusion, the global cognitive performance of WLWH is lower than that of MLWH. However, other demographic and clinical factors besides sex might help explain differences in their neurocognitive functions and make it possible for us to monitor them and identify those patients most in need.
The Legal System for Compensation for Vessel-Source Oil Pollution in South Africa
Authors: Gamassa Pascal Kany Prud'ome 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn protecting the marine environment from vessel-source oil pollution, compensation for victims of damage is of great importance. International conventions regarding compensation for such damage have been adopted under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization. This article analyses the extent to which South Africa has implemented the provisions of these international conventions into its domestic laws and identifies issues that remain in the South African legal system. The article reveals that, although South Africa has improved its legal system for compensation for damage from vessel-source oil pollution, claimants in respect of damage from large vessel-source persistent oil pollution and vessel-source bunker oil pollution are still not adequately compensated. This article finds that acceding to the 1996 Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, the 2001 Bunker Convention and the 2003 Supplementary Fund Protocol would be of great interest and benefit to South Africa.
What's in a name? Why ‘SLA’ is no longer fit for purpose and the emerging, more equitable alternatives
Authors: Anderson Jason 
Published: June 2022

Comments from the reviewers‘ … very well-written, well-presented, and well-argued, fulfiling the aim of addressing critically an aspect of applied linguistics/SLA about which the author is clearly passionate and challenging the ubiquity, appropriateness and current relevance of the term “second language acquisition”’.‘An essay which is at once elegant, eloquent, erudite, critical, creative, and constructive. It is topical while also grounded in a sense of the past, witty and amusing while also serious.’
Performance improvement and thermodynamic assessment of microchannel heat sink with different types of ribs and cones
Authors: Zhang Shizhong , Ahmad Faraz , Khan Amjid , Ali Nisar , Badran Mohamed 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe present study aims to investigate the performance of microchannel heat sink via numerical simulations, based on the first and second law of thermodynamics. The heat transfer and flow characteristics of rectangular microchannel heat sinks have been improved by adding six different types of surface enhancers. The cross-sections include rectangular, triangular, and hexagonal-shaped ribs and cones. The cones have been created from the same cross-sections of ribs by drafting them at an angle of 45° orthogonal to the base, which is expected to decrease the pressure drop, dramatically. The performance of ribs and cones has been evaluated using different parameters such as friction factor, wall shear stress, entropy generation rate, augmentation entropy generation number, thermal resistance, and transport efficiency of thermal energy. The results of the present study revealed that the novel effect of coning at an angle of 45° reduces frictional losses (Maximum pressure drop reduced is 85%), however; a compromise on thermal behavior has been shown (Maximum Nusselt number reduced is 25%). Similarly, the application of coning has caused a significant reduction in wall shear stress and friction factor which can lead to reducing the pumping power requirements. Moreover, triangular ribs have more ability to transfer thermal energy than rectangular and hexagonal ribs. Furthermore, it has been examined in the present study that the trend of total entropy generation rate for triangular ribs decreases up to Re = 400 and then increases onwards which means that thermal losses are more significant than frictional losses at lower Reynolds number. However, frictional losses dominate over thermal losses at higher Reynolds numbers, where vortex generation takes place, especially in triangular ribs.
Novel 3D-flower shaped KTaO3 perovskite for highly efficient photocatalytic and H2 generation ability
Authors: Sumedha H. N. , Shashank M. , Teixeira Sergio R. , Praveen B. M. , Nagaraju G. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractTreatment of industrial wastewater is one of the biggest challenges that mankind is facing today to prevent environmental pollution and its associated adverse effects on human health. Environmentalists across the world have given a clarion call for dye degradation, wastewater treatment and their effective management in our surrounding habitats. Despite significant progress in the development of new water treatment technologies, new materials haven’t matured enough for large scale industrial applications. Hence, the development of new scalable and sustainable multifunctional materials having the potential to treat wastewater and generate energy is the need of the hour. In this direction, novel 3D-flower shaped KTaO3 (3D-F-KT) material has been synthesized using areca seed powder as a green fuel. This new material has been successfully applied for the treatment of industrial wastewater contaminated with Rose Bengal. The efficiency of the material was analysed using several parameters like catalytic loading, dye concentration, kinetic and scavenging experiments, photostability, effect of co-existing ions and recyclability. In addition, the material was subjected to optical studies and H2 generation, making it a highly versatile multifunctional material, exhibiting a degradation efficiency of 94.12% in a short span of 150 min and a photocatalytic H2 generation efficiency of 374 µmol g−1 through water splitting. With an immense potential, KTaO3 presents itself as a multifunctional catalyst that can be scaled up for a variety of industrial applications ranging from wastewater treatment to energy generation and storage.
Dynamic changes in heparin-binding protein as a prognostic biomarker for 30-day mortality in sepsis patients in the intensive care unit
Authors: Dou Qing-Li , Liu Jiangping , Zhang Wenwu , Wang Ching-Wei , Gu Yanan , Li Na , Hu Rui , Hsu Wan-Ting , Huang Amy Huaishiuan , Tong Hoi Sin , Hsu Tzu-Chun , Hsu Cheng-An , Xu Jun , Lee Chien-Chang 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHeparin-binding protein (HBP) has been shown to be a robust predictor of the progression to organ dysfunction from sepsis, and we hypothesized that dynamic changes in HBP may reflect the severity of sepsis. We therefore aim to investigate the predictive value of baseline HBP, 24-h, and 48-h HBP change for prediction of 30-day mortality in adult patients with sepsis. This is a prospective observational study in an intensive care unit of a tertiary center. Patients aged 20 years or older who met SEPSIS-3 criteria were prospectively enrolled from August 2019 to January 2020. Plasma levels of HBP were measured at admission, 24 h, and 48 h and dynamic changes in HBP were calculated. The Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. We tested whether the biomarkers could enhance the predictive accuracy of a multivariable predictive model. A total of 206 patients were included in the final analysis. 48-h HBP change (HBPc-48 h) had greater predictive accuracy of area under the curve (AUC: 0.82), followed by baseline HBP (0.79), PCT (0.72), lactate (0.71), and CRP (0.65), and HBPc-24 h (0.62). Incorporation of HBPc-48 h into a clinical prediction model significantly improved the AUC from 0.85 to 0.93. HBPc-48 h may assist clinicians with clinical outcome prediction in critically ill patients with sepsis and can improve the performance of a prediction model including age, SOFA score and Charlson comorbidity index.
A study on how concurrent visual feedback affects motor learning of adjustability of grasping force in younger and older adults
Authors: Yamamoto Ryohei , Akizuki Kazunori , Yamaguchi Kazuto , Yabuki Jun , Kaneno Tatsuya 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the differences of the effectiveness from concurrent visual feedback among younger and older adults in learning tasks that require adjustability of grasping force (AGF), as well as the functions related to AGF in each generation. The younger and older adult groups were evaluated for simple visual reaction time as visual-motor speed (VMS) and a 100 g AGF task that reflected the difference between desired performance and actual performance. The main learning task was then practiced using concurrent visual feedback and tested without feedback. The VMS of older adults was slower than that of the younger, and the error in the 100 g AGF task was larger in older adults than in the younger adults. Performance improved from pre-test to retention test in both groups, but the older adult group failed to reach the level of the younger adult group. The results of this study show that concurrent visual feedback is effective for learning the tasks that require AGF in both groups. Indicatively, improvement in performance during practice is insufficient in older people for whom there is a large difference between desired performance and actual performance, or whose VMS is slow.
Multifunctional logic gates based on resonant transmission at atomic-plasmonic structure
Authors: Mosleh M. , Hamidi S. M. , Ranjbaran M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractRegarding the confinement of light at nanoscale dimensions in plasmonic structures, we try to show the impact of hot atomic vapor spectroscopy on a miniaturized scale. In such a combined structure, resonant coupling of the atom to plasmonic mode provides diverse ways to control the optical response of the system. We fabricate an atomic plasmonic cell based on Rubidium atomic vapor and gold plasmonic thin film onto the Kretschmann setup to introduce resonant coupling (EIT-like) of atom-plasmons as a tunable all-optical bandpass filter, switch, or logic gates. These all-optical devices such as NOR and XNOR logic gates are well done based on the filter by incidence angle of light, temperature as well as the external magnetic field. We believe the possibility of easy modulation of atomic susceptibility, not only through direct alteration on atoms but also through common methods available for modulation of plasmonic mode, has the potential to design and fabricate modern all-optical devices.
One-Pot Synthesis of Diaryl Sulfonamides using an Iron- and Copper-Catalyzed Aryl C–H Amidation Process
Authors: Sutherland Andrew , Waddell Lachlan J. N. , Henry Martyn C. , Mostafa Mohamed A. B. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractA one-pot, two-stage synthesis of diaryl sulfonamides using sequential iron and copper catalysis is developed. Regioselective para-iodination of activated arenes by the super Lewis acid, iron triflimide and N-iodosuccinimide (NIS), is followed by a copper(I)-catalyzed N-arylation reaction. The process is found to be applicable for the coupling of a range of anisoles, anilines and acetanilides with primary sulfonamides and is used for the one-pot synthesis of biologically important compounds.
Anchoring endoscopic mucosal resection versus conventional endoscopic mucosal resection for large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oh Chang Kyo , Cho Young-Seok , Lee Sung Hak , Lee Bo-In 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background Colorectal polyps > 10 mm in size are often incompletely resected. Anchoring-endoscopic mucosal resection (A-EMR) is the technique of making a small incision at the oral side of the polyp using a snare tip after submucosal injection to avoid slippage during ensnaring. This study was performed to evaluate whether A-EMR could increase the complete resection rate for large colorectal polyps compared with conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (C-EMR).
Methods Polyps with sizes of 10–25 mm were randomly allocated to either the A-EMR or the C-EMR groups.
Results 105 and 106 polyps were resected using A-EMR and C-EMR, respectively. In the intention-to-treat population, the complete resection rate was 89.5 % in the A-EMR group and 74.5 % in the C-EMR group (relative risk [RR] 1.20, 95 %CI 1.04 to 1.38; P = 0.01). The en bloc resection rates for the A-EMR and C-EMR groups were 92.4 % vs. 76.4 % (RR 1.21, 95 %CI 1.06 to 1.37; P = 0.005) and R0 resection rates were 77.1 % vs. 64.2 % (RR 1.18, 95 %CI 0.98 to 1.42; P = 0.07), respectively. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) total procedure time was 3.2 (2.6–4.1) minutes in the A-EMR group and 3.0 (2.2–4.6) minutes in the C-EMR group (median difference 0.2 minutes, 95 %CI −0.22 to 0.73; P = 0.25). There was one episode of delayed bleeding and one perforation in the C-EMR group.
Conclusions A-EMR was superior to C-EMR for the complete resection of large colorectal polyps. A-EMR can be considered one of the standard methods for the removal of colorectal polyps of 10 mm or more in size.
A virtual velocity-based integrated navigation method for strapdown inertial navigation system and Doppler velocity log coupled with unknown current
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Liu Xixiang , Wu Xiaoqiang , Sheng Guangrun , Huang Yongjiang 
Published: June 2022

The integration of the strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) and Doppler velocity log (DVL) has become a basic navigation solution for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). However, DVL cannot obtain the velocity relative to the ground when the distance between the AUV and seabed is over the operating range, which occurs often when AUVs are sailing in the middle layer of the ocean. When the DVL velocity relative to the current is used for an integrated filter, the unknown current velocity is coupled with the measured velocity error, which decreases the positioning accuracy. To address this problem, the effect of unknown coupled current velocity is analyzed from the perspective of filter observability, and an integrated SINS/DVL/virtual velocity navigation method is proposed. The virtual velocity based on the velocity variation extracted from the inertial measurement unit and DVL is constructed and used as an aided measurement for the Kalman filter. With the help of virtual velocity, the current velocity can be easily decoupled from measured SINS velocity error. The results of simulation and experiments demonstrated that the proposed method can effectively improve both the convergence speed and accuracy of velocity error compared with the classical method with SINS/DVL integration and, thus, significantly improve the positioning accuracy.
Comparative analysis of the sensitivity of nanometallic thin film thermometers
Authors: Scott Ethan A , Carow Anna , Pete Douglas , Harris C Thomas 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Thin film platinum resistive thermometers are conventionally applied for resistance thermometry techniques due to their stability and proven measurement accuracy. Depending upon the required thermometer thickness and temperature measurement, however, performance benefits can be realized through the application of alternative nanometallic thin films. Herein, a comparative experimental analysis is provided on the performance of nanometallic thin film thermometers most relevant to microelectronics and thermal sensing applications: Al, Au, Cu, and Pt. Sensitivity is assessed through the temperature coefficient of resistance, measured over a range of 10–300 K for thicknesses nominally spanning 25–200 nm. The interplay of electron scattering sources, which give rise to the temperature-dependent TCR properties for each metal, are analyzed in the framework of a Mayadas–Shatzkes based model. Despite the prevalence of evaporated Pt thin film thermometers, Au and Cu films fabricated in a similar manner may provide enhanced sensitivity depending upon thickness. These results may serve as a guide as the movement toward smaller measurement platforms necessitates the use of smaller, thinner metallic resistance thermometers.
How does light facilitate vitamin C biosynthesis in leaves?
Authors: Maruta Takanori 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT
Plants store ascorbate in high concentrations, particularly in their leaves. Ascorbate is an excellent antioxidant that acts as an indispensable photoprotectant. The d-mannose/l-galactose pathway is responsible for ascorbate biosynthesis in plants. Light facilitates ascorbate biosynthesis in a light intensity-dependent manner to enhance ascorbate pool size in leaves, and photosynthesis is required for this process. Light- and photosynthesis-dependent activation of the rate-limiting enzyme GDP-l-galactose phosphorylase (GGP) plays a critical role in ascorbate pool size regulation. In addition, the tight regulation of ascorbate biosynthesis by ascorbate itself has been proposed. Ascorbate represses GGP translation in a dose-dependent manner through the upstream open reading frame in the 5′-untranslated regions of the gene, which may compete with the light-dependent activation of ascorbate biosynthesis. This review focuses on ascorbate biosynthesis based on past and latest findings and critically discusses how light activates this process.
Controversies in the Management of Central Nervous System Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Thompson George R , Ampel Neil M , Blair Janis E , Donovan Fariba , Fierer Joshua , Galgiani John N , Heidari Arash , Johnson Royce , Shatsky Stanley A , Uchiyama Christopher M , Stevens David A 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Central nervous system infection with Coccidioides spp. is fatal if untreated and complications occur even when therapy is directed by experienced clinicians. We convened a panel of clinicians experienced in the management of coccidioidal meningitis to summarize current controversies and provide consensus for the management of this difficult infection.
Unmasking Pneumococcal Carriage in a High Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevalence Population in two Community Cohorts in South Africa, 2016–2018: The PHIRST Study
Authors: Carrim Maimuna , Tempia Stefano , Thindwa Deus , Martinson Neil A , Kahn Kathleen , Flasche Stefan , Hellferscee Orienka , Treurnicht Florette K , McMorrow Meredith L , Moyes Jocelyn , Mkhencele Thulisa , Mathunjwa Azwifarwi , Kleynhans Jackie , Lebina Limakatso , Mothlaoleng Katlego , Wafawanaka Floidy , Gómez-Olivé Francesc Xavier , Cohen Cheryl , von Gottberg Anne , Wolter Nicole ,   for the PHIRST group
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background
Longitudinal pneumococcus colonization data in high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence settings following pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction are limited.

Methods
In 327 randomly selected households, 1684 individuals were enrolled and followed-up for 6 to 10 months during 2016 through 2018 from 2 communities. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected twice weekly and tested for pneumococcus using quantitative lytA real-time polymerase chain reaction. A Markov model was fitted to the data to define the start and end of an episode of colonization. We assessed factors associated with colonization using logistic regression.

Results
During the study period, 98% (1655/1684) of participants were colonized with pneumococcus at least once. Younger age (&lt;5 years: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 14.1; 95% confidence [CI], 1.8–111.3, and 5–24 years: aOR, 4.8, 95% CI, 1.9–11.9, compared with 25–44 years) and HIV infection (aOR, 10.1; 95% CI, 1.3–77.1) were associated with increased odds of colonization. Children aged &lt;5 years had fewer colonization episodes (median, 9) than individuals ≥5 years (median, 18; P &lt; .001) but had a longer episode duration (&lt;5 years: 35.5 days; interquartile range, 17–88) vs. ≥5 years: 5.5 days (4–12). High pneumococcal loads were associated with age (&lt;1 year: aOR 25.4; 95% CI, 7.4–87.6; 1–4 years: aOR 13.5, 95% CI 8.3–22.9; 5–14 years: aOR 3.1, 95% CI, 2.1–4.4 vs. 45–65 year old patients) and HIV infection (aOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.4).

Conclusions
We observed high levels of pneumococcus colonization across all age groups. Children and people with HIV were more likely to be colonized and had higher pneumococcal loads. Carriage duration decreased with age highlighting that children remain important in pneumococcal transmission.