bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soild-state decomposition mechanisms with conversion extent for ammonium percholorate catalyzed with nanothermite particles
Authors: Hamed Abdelaziz , Gobara Mohamed , Mokhtar Mohamed , Elbasuney Sherif 
Published: August 2022

AbstractColloidal ferric oxide/aluminum nanothermite mixture was incorporated into ammonium percholorate (AP). Nanothermite particles experienced an increase in AP decomposition enthalpy by 120% using DSC. Decomposition kinetic study was performed using integral isoconversional models including Kissinger and KAS models. Nanothermite particles offered decrease in AP activation energy by 55 and 44% using KAS and Kissinger models, respectively. AP nanocomposite is running through three decomposition steps according to extent of conversion: first-order decomposition with Ea = 41.08 kJ.mol−1 (α = 0: 0.25), two-dimensional decomposition with Ea = 71.90 kJ.mol−1 (α = 0.25: 0.6), and one-dimensional diffusion reaction with Ea = 97.10 kJ.mol−1 (α = 0.6:0.9).
Associations between heart rate asymmetry expression and asymmetric detrended fluctuation analysis results
Authors: Piskorski J. , Kośmider M. , Mieszkowski D. , Żurek S. , Biczuk B. , Jurga S. , Krauze T. , Wykrętowicz A. , Guzik P. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The relation between recently established asymmetry in Asymmetric Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (ADFA) and Heart Rate Asymmetry is studied. It is found that the ADFA asymmetric exponents are related both to the overall variability and to its asymmetric components at all studied time scales. We find that the asymmetry in scaling exponents, i.e., $$\alpha ^{+}<\alpha ^{-}$$

α
+

<

α
-

is associated with both variance-based and runs-based types of asymmetry. This observation suggests that the physiological mechanisms of both types are similar, even though their origins and mathematical methods are very different.

Graphical abstract
The graphical abstract demonstrates strong, nonlinear association between the expression of Heart Rate Asymmetry measured using relative descriptors and the Asymmetric Detrended Fluctuation Analysis results. It is clear that there is a strong relation between the two theoretically disparate approaches to signal analysis. The technique to demonstrate the association is loess fit.
Association of waist circumference with haemoglobin A1c and its optimal cutoff for identifying prediabetes and diabetes risk in the Chinese population
Authors: Zhen Juanying , Liu Shuyun , Zhao Guoru , Peng Hao , Samaranayake Nithushi , Xu Aimin , Li Chao , Wu Jun , Cheung Bernard Man Yung 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHaemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a marker of glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Increased waist circumference (WC) is known to be associated with T2DM. Therefore, we investigated the relationship of WC with HbA1c and explored its optimal cutoff for identifying prediabetes and diabetes risk. This study included 2339 participants between 18 and 84 years of age [mean (SD) age, 43.5 (11.9) years] with valid data on WC, HbA1c and related variables in the Shenzhen–Hong Kong United Network on Cardiovascular Disease study. Participants on anti-diabetic medications were excluded. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between HbA1c and WC. Cutoff values of WC indicating an HbA1c level of 5.7% and 6.5% were also assessed using optimal binning. There was a significant linear relationship between WC and HbA1c in the overall population (B = 0.261, P < 0.001), men (B = 0.206, P < 0.001) and women (B = 0.311, P < 0.001). After adjustment for smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and age, the association remained significant in the overall population (B = 0.201, P < 0.001), men (B = 0.186, P < 0.001) and women (B = 0.182, P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff values of WC indicating an HbA1c level of 5.7% and 6.5% was 83 cm (entropy = 0.943) and 85 cm (entropy = 0.365) in men, and 78 cm (entropy = 0.922) and 86 cm (entropy = 0.256) in women. The linear relationship between WC and HbA1c in this study suggests that addressing central obesity issue is beneficial to people with T2DM or at risk of T2DM. WC cutoff values of 85 cm for men and 86 cm for women are appropriate for recommendation to undergo diabetes screening.
Contamination from plastic pipes in small systems: migration and leaching
Authors: Fadel Hatem A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn recent years, extensive laboratory-scale research has focused on the biofilm formation, leaching, and migration of organic chemical compounds from plastic pipes into drinking water. This research has been conducted on an existing distribution network in three rural villages near the dead ends to study the small diameter pipes associated with stagnant or low flow conditions. The distribution network was constructed more than ten years ago using unplasticized polyvinyl chloride pipes. Samples of water, soil, and aged pipes have been collected and tested in the laboratory. Results showed a heavy biofilm formed on the inner surfaces of the uPVC pipes. The biofilm has resulted in high concentrations of trihalomethanes, total organic carbon, and PAHs in the drinking water. The predominant PAHs were the acenaphthylene followed by the naphthalene, while no PAHs have detected at the source. The SEM images showed deterioration of pipe walls, swelled parts, and pores. The EDX confirms the migration of some elements including O, Cl, Ca, Ti, Mg, Fe and K due to the biodegradation of the pipe material and the Ca/Zn stabilizers. However, PAHs released from the plastic pipes into the flowing water are caused by metabolic activities. In addition, results showed that the surrounding soil has classified as having low organic content. Hence, uPVC pipes need protection or change in the manufacturing processes to reduce their hazards in distribution networks over time.
Extending the duty of care to achieve justice for abused match officials
Authors: Carpenter Kevin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe welfare of participants in sport has historically been treated with lesser significance than other, largely commercial, considerations. In recent years, the wellbeing and treatment of athletes has come under the glare of the media and the public, due to a number of high-profile and deeply troubling claims of mistreatment and abuse whilst participating in sport. As result, there has been much support from stakeholders for the plight and well-being of athletes, indeed such concerns led to the commissioning of a “Duty of Care” report in the United Kingdom by former Paralympic athlete, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. Her report was published in April 2017 and covered a number of important areas, including safeguarding and mental welfare. Although the focus was on athletes, there are a number of other participants in sport to whom a duty of care is, or should arguably, be owed. This article contextualizes the position in the UK and elsewhere in world when it comes to participants, the law and duty of care, focussing the analysis to a group of participants who do not garner the same attention: match officials. The author himself is a former football and current rugby union referee. The article shall consider how recent developments in national laws and sporting regulations may well extend the legal duty of care to protect match officials from what has become widespread and unacceptable levels of abuse and ill treatment by athletes and other stakeholders, as well as the options for remedy and redress.
Effect of self-perceived oral habits on orofacial dysfunction and oral health-related quality of life among a group of Egyptian children: a cohort study
Authors: Abd-Elsabour M. A. A. A. , Hanafy R. M. H. , Omar O. M. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between OHRQoL and orofacial dysfunction in children practicing oral habits.

Methods
Thirty Egyptian Children, aged from five to seven years, practicing oral habits (habit practicing/exposed group), were examined for orofacial dysfunction using Nordic Orofacial Test-Screen (NOT-S). Their parents were asked to fill 8-item Parental–Caregiver Perception Questionnaire (P-CPQ), translated to Arabic, as an assessment tool for their children’s OHRQoL. The scores of the habit practicing group were compared to those obtained from another 30 children with matched criteria not practicing oral habits (habit free/ control group).

Results
Children in the exposure group showed higher total NOT-S score (median 3, range 1–5) and higher P-CPQ (median 6, range 1–16) than the control group (median 0.5, range 0–2) and (median 4, range 1–8), with a statistical significance (p = 0.00, p = 0.014), respectively. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between OHRQoL and orofacial dysfunction in the habit practicing group, (R = 0.384, p = 0.036). The exposure group was found to be 7.4 and 1.5 times the control group in developing orofacial dysfunction, and having inferior OHRQoL, respectively.

Conclusion
An existing association between the degree of orofacial dysfunction and OHRQoL in children practicing oral habit(s) is suggested.

Trial registration number
NCT04575792, date of registration: 26/9/2020, first posted (approved): 5/10/2020.
Outdoor Air Pollution and Pregnancy Loss: a Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Ha Sandie , Ghimire Sneha , Martinez Valerie 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes recent literature about the impacts of outdoor air pollution on pregnancy loss (spontaneous abortion/miscarriage and stillbirth), identifies challenges and opportunities, and provides recommendations for actions.Recent FindingsBoth short- and long-term exposures to ubiquitous air pollutants, including fine particulate matter < 2.5 and < 10 μm, may increase pregnancy loss risk. Windows of susceptibility include the entire gestational period, especially early pregnancy, and the week before event. Vulnerable subpopulations were not consistently explored, but some evidence suggests that pregnant parents from more disadvantaged populations may be more impacted even at the same exposure level.SummaryGiven environmental conditions conductive to high air pollution exposures become more prevalent as the climate shifts, air pollution’s impacts on pregnancy is expected to become a growing public health concern. While awaiting larger preconception studies to further understand causal impacts, multi-disciplinary efforts to minimize exposures among pregnant women are warranted.
On the Effect of Hot Rolling on Inclusion Size and Distribution in a Cast AISI 1070 Steel Railroad Wheel
Authors: Summers Jacob M. , Chakraborty Soumava , Bartlett Laura N. , O’Malley Ronald J. , Buchely Mario F. , Pilon Richard 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe goal of this work is to examine the effect of hot deformation on shrinkage porosity and nonmetallic inclusions in an AISI 1070 grade steel industrially produced wheel casting. Steel cleanliness is an important consideration as it influences the mechanical properties of the final product. A high density of porosity and inclusions have been shown to be detrimental for mechanical properties, especially during hot rolling. Using a laboratory-scale rolling mill, cast preforms were subjected to a 66% cumulative reduction to determine the effect of thermomechanical processing on void closure and inclusions that may produce anisotropy in mechanical properties. Quantitative automated feature analysis, AFA, of inclusion type, size, morphology, and distribution was conducted utilizing an Aspex PICA 1020 scanning electron microscope to determine differences in inclusions and shrinkage porosity in the as-cast and as-rolled conditions. The results were compared with previously reported impact toughness values which indicated a trend with MnS projected length and average impact toughness in the T-L orientation. Reduction in shrinkage porosity was also verified utilizing 3D micro-X-ray CT scans. The AFA results showed a decrease in shrinkage porosity from 177 ppm in the as-cast condition to less than 35 ppm after rolling. Pores were in general much smaller and widely distributed after hot rolling and this would suggest improved impact properties. Analysis of nonmetallic inclusions revealed three primary categories of inclusions that included MnS, Al2O3, and complex inclusions that mainly consisted of MnS with an Al2O3 core, with small quantities of mixed silicates of Mn and Al and calcium aluminates (CaAl2O4).
Subjectivism and Constitutionalism
Authors: Hamlin Alan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In the light of Giuseppe Eusepi’s career-long interest in the subjectivist element of James Buchanan’s work, my strategy here is to follow Eusepi by outlining and situating the variety of subjectivism discussed by Buchanan and, after some critical discussion, to attempt to track some of the implications of that subjectivism for the idea of constitutionalism, particularly of the contractarian variety, and some of the limitations imposed by subjectivism. To be clear, what follows is not strictly an attempt at the detailed reconstruction of either Buchanan’s or Eusepi’s position, but rather a discussion of subjectivism, constitutionalism, and the linkages between these two themes that is inspired by Buchanan and Eusepi.
Vertical Distribution of Phosphorous Fractions and Bioavailability of the Nutrient in the Southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Mullungal Muhammed Nayeem , Thalayappil Sruthi , Peediyakkathodi Sajna , Salas Palliparambil Michael , Sujatha Chenicherry House , Kumar Chelakkal Sukumaran Ratheesh 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe study evaluated concentration, vertical distribution, and bioavailability of phosphorus fractions in the Indian Ocean core sediments. Sediment samples were collected from two sites in the Indian Ocean during January–February 2010 using gravity corer. Phosphorus fractions in sediments were analyzed by a modified sequential extraction procedure (SEDEX). The vertical profile revealed silt and clay as dominant grain size fractions in both cores. The enriched levels of organic carbon were observed in samples due to adsorption on fine grained sediments. Loosely bound P was the most dominant fraction, and its higher concentration in sediments was due to increased productivity and subsequent inputs of biogenic components. Detritus from marine organisms and lower oxygen concentrations (depletedEhvalues) enhanced the production of authigenic P. The lower iron bound P fraction at specific depths was attributed to the nature of Fe minerals present within sediments. Decreased level of organic phosphate fraction was due to mineralization. The presence of Detrital P, the diagenetically stable form of P, might be due to inputs from the Himalayan, peninsular Indian, and Sri Lankan regions. The biogenic form was the dominant phosphate fraction throughout the cores suggesting the dissolution of fish debris. Estimated bioavailable phosphorous (BAP) ranged from 82.2 to 98.7% in Core I and from 90.21 to 92.98% in Core II, suggesting the fact that a major portion of the phosphate was bioavailable and hence the alterations in environmental conditions can release the BAP to water column resulting in nutrient enrichment.Graphical Abstract
PaFSe: A Parameter-Free Segmentation Approach for 3D Fluorescent Images
Authors: Ameli Corrado , Fixemer Sonja , Bouvier David S. , Skupin Alexander 
Published: August 2022

AbstractConfocal fluorescent microscopy is a major tool to investigate the molecular orchestration of biomedical samples. The quality of the image acquisition depends critically on the tissue quality and thickness, the type, and concentration of antibodies used, as well as on microscope parameters. Due to these factors, intra-sample and inter-sample variability inevitably arises. Segmentation and quantification of targeted proteins can thus become a challenging process. Image processing techniques need therefore to address the acquisitions variability to minimize the risk of biases originating from changes in signal intensity, background noise, and parameterization. Here, we introduce PaFSe, a parameter-free segmentation algorithm for 3D fluorescent images. The algorithm is based on our established PRAQA approach, which evaluates the dispersion of several pixel intensity neighborhoods allowing for a statistical assessment whether individual subfields of an image can be considered as positive signal or background. PaFSe extends PRAQA by a fully automatic estimate for the segmentation parameters, and thereby provides a completely parameter-free and robust segmentation algorithm. By comparing PaFSe with Ilastik on synthetic examples, we show that our method achieves similar performances as a supervised approach in low-to-moderate noise environments without the need of tedious training. Furthermore, we validate the efficiency of PaFSe by segmenting and quantifying the abundance of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein in post-mortem human brain samples from Alzheimer’s disease patients and age-matched controls, where we obtain quantification values highly correlated with manual neuropathological segmentation. PaFSe is a parameter-free, fast, and adaptive approach for robust segmentation and quantification of protein abundance from complex 3D fluorescent images and is freely available at https://doi.org/10.17881/j20h-pa27.
Characterizing the Temperature of SAT Formulas
Authors: Almagro-Blanco Pedro , Giráldez-Cru Jesús 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe remarkable advances in SAT solving achieved in the last years have allowed to use this technology to solve many real-world applications, such as planning, formal verification and cryptography, among others. Interestingly, these industrial SAT problems are commonly believed to be easier than classical random SAT formulas, but estimating their actual hardness is still a very challenging question, which in some cases even requires to solve them. In this context, realistic pseudo-industrial random SAT generators have emerged with the aim of reproducing the main features of these application problems to better understand the success of those SAT solving techniques on them. In this work, we present a model to estimate the temperature of real-world SAT instances. This temperature represents the degree of distortion into the expected structure of the formula, from highly structured benchmarks (more similar to real-world SAT instances) to the complete absence of structure (observed in the classical random SAT model). Our solution is based on the popularity–similarity random model for SAT, which has been recently presented to reproduce two crucial features of application SAT benchmarks: scale-free and community structures. This model is able to control the hardness of the generated formula by introducing some randomizations in the expected structure. Using our regression model, we observe that the estimated temperature of the applications benchmarks used in the last SAT Competitions correlates to their hardness in most of the cases.
Male Sexual Health Related Complications Among Combat Veterans
Authors: Castillo Otilio , Chen Irene K. , Amini Eliad , Yafi Faysal A. , Barham David W. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionWith improved armor and combat trauma care, more male service members in the 21st century are surviving devastating injuries to their genitourinary (GU) system. The impact of these injuries can have long lasting effect on their sexual function and fertility status.ObjectivesTo review the current literature on sexual health-related complications and fertility implications among male service members sustaining combat related injuries.MethodsWe performed a literature search that included male sexual health complications and combat injuries using PubMed and Google Scholar. We reviewed the impact of traumatic injuries to the pelvis and perineum on sexual function and fertility, and we also discuss sexual dysfunction from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).ResultsInjuries sustained during combat are usually polytraumatic, especially in recent conflicts with improvised explosive devices. The majority of GU combat injuries involve the scrotum, testes, and penis resulting in lasting structural dysfunction. PTSD is associated with higher levels of erectile dysfunction, hypoactive sexual desire, and premature ejaculation. Overall, veterans diagnosed with PTSD had a higher risk of developing sexual dysfunction. Veterans with TBI experience sexual health complications, such as decreased libido, difficulties with arousal maintenance, and the ability to achieve orgasm. Combat related injuries can have significant fertility implications on service members as they typically serve in their peak fertility years.ConclusionsTraumatic GU injuries, PTSD, TBI, and associated endocrine dysfunction can all contribute to sexual dysfunction among combat veterans. Given the complex nature of sexual dysfunction in this population, these patients are best managed by a multidisciplinary team.
Grave and Sudden Provocation: RevisitingR. v. Ahluwalia– Implementing a New Exception Under Section 300 of the Indian Penal Code and the Defence of the Battered Woman Syndrome
Authors: Mehta Dhruv 
Published: August 2022

AbstractLenore Walker introduced the concept of battered woman syndrome in the 1970s, which helps explain the psychological state of battered women and why such women face a slow-burn reaction. This article helps explain why battered woman syndrome must be included under the Indian Penal Code, 1860. It is further proposed that the present exception of a grave and sudden provocation be retained, and a new exception of sustained provocation be created under the Indian Penal Code. The inclusion of sustained provocation would help the cause of battered women. The article concludes with a proposal for creating a new exception under §300 of the Indian Penal Code.
A Medical Nebulizer as a Substitute for the OSHA-Approved Nebulizer for Qualitative Fit Testing of Respirators During the Respiratory Infectious Pandemics: An Experimental Feasibility Study
Authors: Fakherpour Anahita , Jahangiri Mehdi , Seif Mozhgan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Objective:
The qualitative fit testing procedure would be challenging due to severe shortages, high cost, and unavailability of commercial fit test kits in the marketplaces during pandemics of respiratory infectious diseases. Assessment of alternatives for commercial fit test kits to be prepared for emergencies is critically required. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of an alternative of the Accumed NF60 nebulizer for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-approved Allegro nebulizer.

Methods:
Thirty-two participants were randomly allocated to 6 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). They were qualitatively fit tested by both manual Allegro and automated Accumed NF60 nebulizers.

Results:
There was no statistically significant difference between the Allegro and Accumed NF60 nebulizers by passing rates. The odds for passing fit testing using the Accumed NF60 nebulizer was similar to that of the Allegro one (odds ratio=1.0, 95% confidence interval [0.58-1.74]).

Conclusions:
The Accumed NF60 nebulizer could be used as a cost-benefit substitute for the standard fit test nebulizers in the pandemic situation where there is a shortage and difficulty of access. It is more convenient, decreases the time investment, and reduces the contact stress in the operators’ hands as it does not require squeezing the nebulizer bulb frequently. The test solutions’ preparation and fit testing procedures on many personnel are more straightforward, efficient, and hygienic than the Allegro one.