bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual-scale study of pre-damage, water boundary conditions and frost interaction in concrete
Authors: Chang Lang-Zi , Frid Katja , Kruse Roland , Jänicke Ralf , Lundgren Karin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study investigated the interactive effects of pre-damage, water boundary conditions, and internal frost damage on concrete at dual-scale. The pre-damage included pre-cracking, which has not been studied experimentally before, and pre-compressive damage. Concrete specimens underwent pre-damage and had varied water boundary conditions during Freeze-Thaw Cycles (FTC). At the macro-scale, wedge-splitting tests combined with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) were conducted to assess post-FTC strength and fracture behaviour. At the meso-scale, X-ray CT scanning was employed to identify internal crack patterns. Results reveal that at the macro-scale, significant interaction between pre-damage and frost damage reduced splitting tensile strength compared to the internal frost damage alone. Besides, increased water exposure during FTCs reduced both splitting tensile strength and compressive strength, with a less pronounced reduction in splitting tensile strength. It also led to a diffuse crack pattern and increased tensile ductility. At the meso-scale, specimens subjected to the interactive effects of pre-damage and internal frost damage exhibited cracks along aggregate-cement interfaces and within the cement paste. Reference specimens displayed no internal cracks, while specimens exposed to only FTCs showed only cracks along aggregate-cement interfaces. Full submersion of specimens during FTCs induced more internal cracks than solely water on top. These findings on the interactions between pre-damage, water boundary conditions, and internal frost damage offer insight into the causes of frost damage, vital for the design and assessment of concrete structures in frost-prone environments. Furthermore, the results of these dual-scale tests can be used as a test case for the development of upscaling numerical models describing heat transfer and frost degradation in concrete.
Study of Environmental Problems of the Mnevnikovskaya Floodplain (Moscow) in the Atlas Information System Using Space Images. Part 2: Nature and History of Nature Management
Authors: Markova O. I. , Emelyanova L. G. 
Published: February 2025

Aim. We study valuable components of the natural environment and perform a historical and geographical analysis of nature management.Methodology. The natural features, the history of nature management and the cultural landscape of the Mnevnikovskaya floodplain (a specially protected natural area, part of the Moskvoretsky Natural and Historical Park) are studied. Literary, cartographic, documentary, and popular science materials, including historical ones, are summarized. A number of field routes, observations and photography on the ground are carried out. The analysis is based on high-resolution space images taken in 2021 (WorldView1 satellite\2\3, USA, spatial resolution up to 1 m) provided by the Center for Collective Use “Geoportal”, as well as historical materials of aerial and space photography. The most striking and typical fragments of images are highlighted, reflecting the state of valuable natural and cultural landscapes and ecosystems.Results. Data on valuable natural objects are summarized: meadows; marshes; river; lake landscapes; plant and animal species from the Red Books of Moscow, Russia and the IUCN; natural monuments; and promising protected areas. The dynamics of nature management and the cultural landscape is revealed: the features of settlement, the development of fisheries, agriculture, the activities of industrial enterprises, the transformation of the floodplain into an island in 1937, and various urban development projects.Research implications. Information about the natural and cultural features of the area is presented and summarized and the dynamics of nature management and its images on satellite images are identified.
Urban Landscape: Function and Idea
Authors: Isachenko T. E. , Isachenko G. I. 
Published: February 2025

Aim. We present an analysis of the correlation of functional and ideological components in the formation and development of the urban landscape.Methodology. Use is made of the landscape-cultural approach (the study of the associativity of the urban landscape, its understanding as the arena of life and activity of the creators of culture and the appearance of certain cultural phenomena) and landscape-dynamic approach (urban landscapes are considered in the aggregate of more stable components and more variable components, i.e., urban sites and the states of urban landscapes, respectively).Results. Examples of various cities in Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Norilsk, Yoshkar-Ola, etc.) and other countries (Rome, Paris, Helsinki, Skopje, etc.) show (i) how the idea determines the structure of the urban environment, and the change of ideas forms the palimpsest of urban space, and (ii) how the ideas underlying the formation of cities affect the functions performed by the city, and vice versa. The main factors of the formation of urban landscapes, which influence the ratio of the role of function and idea in the space of the city, are considered. The role of the idea (concept) is especially significant in shaping the landscapes of the capitals of states at crucial moments in history. It is shown that the implementation of such ideas by means of urban planning, architecture, monumental sculpture often leads to radical changes in the appearance of the largest cities, especially in their central parts. Quite often, ideas, which are usually carried by the authorities, influence the formation of non-metropolitan cities, especially administrative centers. The centers of cities that bear the imprint of the dominant idea or ideology to the greatest extent may shift in the space of the city over time. In the history of any city, the relationship between an idea and a function is a complex process, during which the ratio of their impact on the formation of the landscape of the city can repeatedly change.Research implications. The obtained results contribute to the study of patterns of formation and development of urban landscapes in connection with socio-political processes in the respective countries. Application of the results is possible in the field of urban landscape planning.
Effect of Phytobiotic Feed Additives Garlic (Allium sativum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) on Carcass Quality in Broiler Chicks
Authors: Jediya Hemant Kumar , Joshi Monika , Sharma S.K. , Meel M.S. 
Published: February 2025

Background: The poultry production systems have led to marked increase in the production of poultry meat and eggs worldwide. The use of various phytobiotic feed additives as dietary supplements may have positive effect on poultry performance, carcass quality and economic benefit in poultry birds. Methods: A feeding trial of 42 days was conducted at Veterinary College, Navania, Udaipur in the year 2021 using 300, day-old broiler chicks (Cobb-400) randomly distributed in completely randomized design. The broiler chicks were divided randomly into ten treatment groups with three replicates under each treatment. The T1 i.e. control group was fed on basal diet, while T2 was supplemented with Oxytetracycline (OTC) powder @ 0.1g/kg feed. T3 and T4 were served as Basal diet supplemented with Garlic powder @ 0.75% and @ 1.50%. T5 and T6 were served as Basal diet supplemented with Ashwagandha root powder @ 0.75% and @ 1.50%. T7 and T8 were served as Basal diet supplemented with Shatavari root powder @ 0.75% and @ 1.50%. T9 was served as Basal diet supplemented with Garlic powder @ 0.25%, Ashwagandha root powder @ 0.25% and Shatavari root powder @ 0.25%. T10 was served as Basal diet supplemented with Garlic powder @ 0.50%, Ashwagandha root powder @ 0.50% and Shatavari root powder @ 0.50%. Result: The supplementation of Garlic powder, Ashwagandha root powder and Shatavari root powder alone and in combination had highly significant (P less than 0.01) effect on body weight, dressing percentage, weight of liver, heart, Gizzard and Giblet but significant (P less than 0.05) effect was observed on eviscerated yield. The net return per bird profit was found higher in T9 group.
Incidence of and Risk Factors for Ileus Following Spine Surgery
Authors: Jordan Yusef J. , Kazarian Gregory S. , Morse Kyle W. , Mok Jung Kee , Akosman Izzet , Sandhu Harvinder S. , Sama Andrew A. 
Published: February 2025

Background:
The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of postoperative ileus (POI) after spine surgery and to identify risk factors for its development.

Methods:
A retrospective database study was performed between 2019 and 2021. A database of all patients who underwent spine surgery was searched, and patients who developed clinical and radiographic evidence of POI were identified. Demographic characteristics, perioperative data including opioid consumption, ambulation through postoperative day 1, surgical positioning, medical history, and surgical history were obtained and compared to examine risk factors for developing POI.

Results:
A total of 10,666 consecutive patients were identified who underwent cervical, thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar, or lumbosacral surgery with or without fusion. No patients were excluded from this study. The overall incidence of POI after spine surgery was 1.63%. POI was associated with a significantly greater mean length of stay of 7.6 ± 5.0 days compared with 2.9 ± 2.9 days in the overall cohort (p < 0.001). A history of ileus (odds ratio [OR], 21.13; p < 0.001) and a history of constipation (OR, 33.19; p < 0.001) were also associated with an increased rate of POI compared with patients without these conditions. Postoperatively, patients who developed POI had decreased early ambulation distance through postoperative day 1 at 14.8 m compared with patients who did not develop POI at 31.4 m (p < 0.001). Total postoperative opioid consumption was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the POI group (330.3 morphine equivalent dose [MED]) than in the group without POI (174.5 MED). Lastly, patients who underwent fusion (p < 0.001), were positioned in a supine or lateral position (p = 0.03) (indicators of anterior or lateral approaches), had thoracolumbar or lumbar surgery (p = 0.01), or had multiple positions during the surgical procedure (p < 0.001) had a significantly higher risk of POI than those who did not.

Conclusions:
The overall incidence of POI after all spine surgery is low. Several nonmodifiable predictors of POI include prior ileus, constipation, hepatitis, and prostatectomy. Multiple surgical factors increased the risk of POI, including supine positioning, surgery with the patient in multiple positions, and fusion. POI was associated with decreased early ambulation and increased opioid usage. Strategies should be implemented to maximize early ambulation and decrease opioid usage perioperatively.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Universal Clinical DDH Screening Complemented with Targeted Ultrasound Is Effective in Finland
Authors: Luoto Emma-Sofia , Jalkanen Jenni , Kuitunen Ilari , Sund Reijo , Nietosvaara Yrjänä 
Published: February 2025

Background:
The late diagnosis rate of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with universal ultrasound screening is 0.2 per 1,000 children according to a recent meta-analysis, which is the same as in Japan where selective ultrasound screening is used. We hypothesized that Finland’s current program of universal clinical screening complemented with targeted ultrasound is noninferior to universal and selective ultrasound screening programs.

Methods:
For this retrospective cohort study, we collected the number of children <15 years of age who were diagnosed with DDH (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision [ICD-10] codes Q65.0-Q65.6 and Ninth Revision [ICD-9] code 7543) as their primary diagnosis after ≥3 visits to a physician. These data were obtained from the Finnish Care Register for Health Care, which collects the ICD-10 and ICD-9 codes from every medical appointment. We calculated the annual incidence of DDH diagnoses per 1,000 newborns between 2002 and 2021. Late diagnosis of DDH was defined as a finding of DDH in children aged 6 months through <15 years at the initial diagnosis who had undergone treatment under anesthesia (closed reduction and casting or surgery). We also registered the geographic, age, and sex distributions of the DDH diagnoses.

Results:
During the 20-year study period, 1,103,269 babies were born (median per year, 57,214 babies; range per year, 45,346 to 60,694 babies). A total of 6,421 children had a diagnosis of DDH (mean per year, 321 children; range per year, 193 to 405 children), with a mean calculated incidence of 5.8 per 1,000 newborns (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7 to 6.0). Altogether, 120 children aged 6 months through <15 years were treated for DDH, with little annual variation (median, 6.5 children; range, 2 to 9 children). The mean national incidence of late-diagnosed cases was 0.11 per 1,000 newborns (95% CI, 0.09 to 0.13).

Conclusions:
Finland’s current DDH screening program, which includes universal clinical screening with targeted ultrasound, is noninferior when compared with other screening programs.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
New Prediction Method for ROP Potential of Shaped PDC Cutters
Authors: Liu Wei , Wei Jiusen , Ge Yanbo , Tan Ziyang , Gao Deli 
Published: February 2025

Summary
Mechanical specific energy (MSE) is normally used to evaluate the rock-cutting efficiency of shaped polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutters. The lower the MSE, the higher rock-breaking efficiency the cutters and the bits will have, and by default, it is considered that a higher rate of penetration (ROP) can be obtained while drilling. To validate this conclusion, and also to investigate the relationship between the rock-cutting efficiency of a single cutter and the ROP performance of a drill bit, the single-cutter rock-cutting test and the drill bit rock-breaking test were conducted using five types of shaped cutters. The results show that MSE is an effective indicator for evaluating the rock-cutting efficiency of both shaped cutters and their bits. However, MSE cannot be used to predict the ROP performance of shaped cutter PDC bits. And this discrepancy between MSE indication and ROP performance is enlarged today due to the wide applications of enhanced drilling parameters, where the MSE of all shaped cutter bits has reached a similar range of constant values, while the ROP still varies for different bit designs and different drilling energy inputs.
To address the limitation of MSE in predicting ROP potentials of shaped cutters, two new evaluation indicators were derived in this work: the penetration ability (K) and the shearing ability (C), based on the findings that the effective contact area of shaped cutters formed at given drilling conditions determines the ROP performance of the drill bit deployed with these cutters. The prediction results of these two new indicators agreed well with actual ROP performances of shaped cutter bits in the laboratory tests. Through the newly developed indicators, the correlation between the single-cutter rock-cutting test results and the ROP performances of drill bits is established. Therefore, the ROP potentials of shaped cutters can be evaluated just using the single-cutter rock-cutting test, without the need for the drill bit tests and field trials, which greatly saves the research and development time and cost.
Sonographic assessment of fetal testicular development and descent
Authors: Shirakawa Aya , Yasui Toshiyuki , Mineda Ayuka , Yoshida Atsuko , Iwasa Takeshi , Kaji Takashi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective The aim of this report is to describe techniques and to provide basic and available scientific data on the success of testicular size procedures.
Methods In this prospective longitudinal study, 186 normal fetuses from 23 weeks of gestation were followed up by ultrasonography. We assessed the testis descent in the scrotum and measured the major (mm) and minor (mm) axes of the testes in the scrotum in fetuses, as well as the height in newborn infants. Testicular sizes were compared among five periods (23-26 weeks, 27-30 weeks, 31-34 weeks, ≥35weeks, and neonatal period).
Results The testicular cross-sectional area increased exponentially with gestational age. The cross-sectional area of each testis in fetuses at ≥35 weeks was very similar to that in newborn infants. In both the testes, the fetal testicular cross-sectional area at ≥35 weeks was strongly correlated with the neonatal testicular volume. At 27-30 weeks, the testicular cross-sectional areas of the descended testes in fetuses with unilaterally undescended testis were significantly smaller than those in fetuses with both descended testes.
Conclusion We provide basic data of fetal testis size and useful way to measure testes size available.
DJ-1 and ATP synthase are required for local protein synthesis in midbrain dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Jonas Elizabeth 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Dopaminergic neurons have extensive neuritic arbors therefore local protein synthesis is required. Familial PD risk gene PARK-7 (DJ-1) is a key regulator of ATP synthase and of dopaminergic growth and survival. We now find that inhibition of ATP synthase function completely abrogates protein synthesis in dopaminergic (mesDA) neuronal processes, and we demonstrate that DJ-1 is an mRNA binding protein for F1FO ATP synthase β subunit mRNA. DJ-1 localizes ATP β mRNA into neurites, thus DJ-1 patient fibroblasts and DJ-1-/- mesDA mouse neurons have low ATP β mRNA and protein, reduced growth and low protein synthesis rates. Over-expression of ATP β rescues these defects. We conclude that DJ-1 is required to optimize the stoichiometric structure of the ATP synthase in the neuritic arbors. This supports the local protein synthesis required for normal neuritic growth.
Investigation of Structural, Electronic, Magnetic and Thermoelectric Properties of Vacancy-Ordered Palladium-Based Perovskites A₂PdCl₆ (A = K, Rb, Cs) for Optoelectronic and Energy Applications
Authors: Ullah Zahid , khan Muhammad Amir , Gul Sabaha 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Context and Methods Palladium-based vacancy-ordered perovskites A₂PdCl₆ (A = K, Rb, Cs) exhibit promising structural, electronic, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties. They crystallize in an Fm3̅m symmetry, with electronic transitions dominated by Pd d- and Cl p-orbitals. Their thermoelectric efficiency depends on electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficients, and thermal conductivity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed using WIEN2k with the PBE functional, incorporating spin-orbit coupling where necessary. Electronic properties were analyzed via density of states (DOS) and band structure calculations. Thermoelectric properties were evaluated using Boltzmann transport theory via BoltzTraP. The figure of merit (ZT) was computed to assess thermoelectric efficiency. Magnetic properties were studied through spin-orbit coupling effects. These insights highlight the potential of A₂PdCl₆ for sustainable energy and electronic applications.
Turkish Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration® (EASI)
Authors: Balikci Aymen , Kirteke Fatos , Sirma Gamze Cagla , Ender Zeynep , Demirbas Duygu , Ozdemir Zeynep , Sagliyan Mustafa , Balikci Ayse Firdev Aracikul , Demirbag Izgi Miray , Mailloux Zoe , Roley Susanne Smith , Beaudry-Bellefeuille Isabelle 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI) is a performance-based assessment tool designed to evaluate sensory reactivity, sensory perception, postural-ocular control, bilateral integration, and praxis abilities in children aged 3 to 12 years. There is no standardized performance assessment to evaluate sensory integration functions with Turkish children. The objective of this study is to develop a translated and culturally adapted Turkish version of the EASI for use in clinical practice and research.
A seven-step process for translation and cross-cultural adaptation was implemented based on current recommendations identified in the litterature. The process includes forward and backward translations, expert syntesis, linguistic review, cognitive interviews, and pilot testing.
The seven-step procedure for translating and culturally adapting the EASI resulted in a Turkish version of the 20 subtests of the EASI. Although revisions were required in the synthesis and linguistic analysis phase, there were no semantic or conceptual inconsistencies in the forward translations. Some discrepancies between the backward translation and the original form were identified and resolved; none of the discrpencies were directly linked to the administration or scoring of the tests.
A Turkish version of the EASI has been developed through a research-guided seven-step method, incorporating translation and cultural adaptation. The Turkish translation and cultural adaptation of the EASI will support evidence based practice and research in the field of sensory integration within the Turkish population.
Defluoridation efficiency of animal bone char and coconut shell charcoal: a comparative adsorption isotherm and kinetic study
Authors: Nyangi Magori Jackson , Ntirumolekwa Sylvanus Alfred 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Groundwater in the East African Rift Valley is highly contaminated with fluoride, leading to severe public health challenges, necessitating the exploration of cost-effective removal methods. This study evaluates the efficacy of activated carbon derived from cattle bones (CBs) and coconut shells (CSs) for fluoride removal through adsorption techniques. A comparative study was performed using a batch adsorption reactor with varied adsorbent doses (0.5–10 g), treatment time (10–120 min), pH (3–10), and fluoride concentration (2–10 mg/L). The Box–Behnken Design of Response Surface Methodology was applied, achieving correlation coefficients of 0.99 for CBs and 0.96 for CSs, validating the predictive models. The results showed that CB has a higher fluoride removal efficiency (96%) compared to CS (90%) under optimal conditions. CB had a maximum adsorption capacity of 9.09 mg/g, while CS reached 4.55 mg/g. Kinetic studies confirmed that fluoride adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, suggesting chemisorption as the rate-limiting step. XRF and XRD analyses revealed fluoride removal through ion exchange with hydroxyapatite (CB) and surface complexation with amorphous carbon (CS). The findings show CB is ideal for higher fluoride concentrations, while CS excels at lower levels, demonstrating these locally available materials as affordable, practical defluoridation solutions for rural, resource-limited communities.