bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aircraft Thrust Vector Control Using Variable Vanes; Numerical Simulation and Optimization
Authors: Salimi Mohammad reza , Askari Rasoul , Hassani Majid
Published: October 2023

Among the various thrust vector control methods, this study investigates the utilization of mechanical deviation of the nozzle by incorporating a flow deflector path in the flow emanating from the nozzle outlet which is applied in the aviation industry. The researchers conducted simulations to assess the deviation of the thrust vector using exit vanes within the nozzle. Two parameters, namely the thrust force ratio and the axial force ratio, were calculated to regulate the thrust vector. The results demonstrated that employing vanes successfully deviated the thrust vector, resulting in a reduction in force coefficients. Notably, vanes with lower angles proved more suitable for thrust vector deviation. To forecast the performance of the vanes based on their angle and nozzle pressure ratio (NPR), optimization and prediction were conducted. The prediction outcomes exhibited favorable agreement with the simulation results, confirming the accuracy of the prediction method. This research provides valuable insights into the thrust vector control mechanism employing mechanical deviation of the nozzle and underscores the significance of predicting vane performance for optimal thrust vector selection.
Energy and Structural Optimization of Mid-rise Light-frame Timber Buildings: Analyzing Different Climates and Seismic Zones
Authors: Wenzel Alexander , Vera Sergio , Guindos Pablo
Published: October 2023

The location determines not only the structural loads but also the climate one timber structure must withstand. Given the broad variety of climatic and seismic conditions of Chile, this country may be regarded as a natural laboratory for analyzing how energetic and structural requirements of design are interrelated. In fact, the optimal design of timber buildings considering both energetic-thermic and structural-seismic requirements can be a very difficult task. The main objective of this research was to analyze and quantify the effect of climates, seismic loads, lateral anchorages, and story number on the optimal designs of light-frame timber buildings. This has been analyzed by conducting a parametric analysis of a coupled numerical model considering five Chilean cities' that considerably differ in terms of climates, seismic risk, numbers of stories and lateral anchorage systems. A case study building that adequately represent the typical national archetype was chosen for the analysis. The results indicate that the optimal wall insulation thickness, stud spacing, and thermal mass exhibited significant variations depending on the buildings' number of stories, lateral anchorage system, climate, and seismic zone. Therefore, the results of this investigation reinforce the importance, or rather, necessity of performing holistic designs of timber buildings, since the optimal buildings’ designs obtained in this investigation shown considerable variations and evidence the interconnection of requirements. In the future, more sophisticated models should be constructed to further considering in design additional requirements other than structural and energetic, which should facilitate and optimize the design and competitivity of wood in construction.
Evaluating Elements of Risk Communication in Risk Messaging from Officials on Twitter in the 2021 Marshall Fire
Authors: Vaughn Cole
Published: October 2023

The Marshall fire in Boulder County, Colorado sparked and spread into nearby urban areas in an unusually fast timeframe. Without a widely used warning system to alert the public, officials used social media as one warning information outlet to encourage rapid, large-scale evacuations. Tweets (N = 1,338) published by 109 media and government Twitter accounts on the day of the fire were examined for risk messaging components and coded according to which components were included. The risk messaging components used were derived from the Protective Action Decision Model and the Extended Parallel Process Model. Tweets from the National Weather Service in Boulder were evaluated using recommendations from NOAA’s Hazard Risk Communication guide. Some types of environmental cues improved several engagement metrics for tweets from media, and emergency managers and first responders. Social cues only effected engagement for local media accounts, though there were mixed results depending on the variables included in the regression model. Inclusion of actionable information boosted engagement for government officials, though this result also depended on which variables were included in the model. Inclusion of threat information improved some or all engagement metrics for journalists, local newspapers and non-traditional news websites, government, and emergency management accounts. The National Weather Service fulfilled the eleven recommendations from NOAA’s HRC guide that were used in this research, and the use of lively language, vivid images, empathy, and the “all-clear” were noted among the well-performing tweets. This study provides helpful information to those posting on social media in an official capacity during a wildfire by examining how risk communication theory and recommendations performed in a real-world scenario.
Feasibility of rural trauma team development amongst medical trainees and traffic law enforcement professionals in a low-income country: A prospective multi-centre study of interrupted time series of interventional training
Authors: Lule Herman , Mugerwa Michael , Ssebuufu Robinson , Kyamanywa Patrick , Jussi Posti. P , Wilson Michael Lowery
Published: October 2023

Background
Research shows that trauma team formation could potentially improve effectiveness of injury care in rural settings. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of the use of rural medical trainees and road traffic law enforcement professionals in the formation of rural trauma teams in Uganda.
Methods
Multi-center interrupted time series of interventional rural health professions education, using the American College of Surgeons’ 4th edition of rural trauma team development course model. Trauma related multiple choice questions (MCQs) were administered pre-and post-training between September 2019- August 2023. Acceptability of the training for promulgation to other rural regions and its relevance to participants’ work needs were evaluated on 5- and 3-point Likert scales respectively. The median MCQ scores (IQR) were compared before and after training at 95% CI, regarding p < 0.05 as statistically significant. Triangulation with open-ended questions was obtained. Time series regression models were applied to test for autocorrelation in performance using Stata 15.0. Ethical approval was obtained from Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (Ref: SS 5082).
Results
A total of 500 participants including: 66 (13.2%) traffic police officers, 30 (6.0%) intern doctors, 140 (28.0%) fifth year and 264 (52.8%) third-year medical students were trained. The overall median pre- and post-test scores were 60%, IQR (50–65) and 80%, IQR (70–85) respectively. Overall, the mean difference between pre- and post-test scores was statistically significant (z = 16.7%, P|z|=<0.0001). Most participants strongly agreed to promulgation 389 (77.8%), relevance to their educational 405 (81.0%), and work needs 399 (79.8%). All the course elements scored above 76.0% as being very relevant.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that rural trauma team development training had a positive effect on the test scores of course participants. The training is feasible, highly acceptable and regarded as relevant amongst medical trainees and traffic law enforcement professionals who provide first-aid to trauma patients in resource-limited settings. The findings could inform the design of future trauma teams in rural communities.
Trial registration:
Retrospective registration (UIN: researchregistry9450)
Fretting-corrosion Apparatus with Low Magnitude Micro-motion (≤5 µm): Development and Preliminary Outcome
Authors: Sun Yani , Cheng Kai-yuan , Kanniyappan Hemalatha , Ramachandran Remya Ampadi , Neto Mozart Queiroz , McNallan Michael , Pourzal Robin , Lundberg Hannah , Mathew Mathew T.
Published: October 2023

Fretting-corrosion is one of the failure processes in many applications, including biomedical implants. For example, the modern design of hip implants with multiple components offers better flexibility and inventory storage. However, it will trigger the fretting at the implant interfaces with a small displacement amplitude (< 5 µm) and usually in a partial slip region. Although many studies have been reported on the fretting, they have high displacement amplitude and are in the gross slip region. It is imperative to have an apparatus to overcome such limitations, specifically for hip implant applications. Therefore, this study describes the development of a fretting-corrosion apparatus with low micro-motion (≤ 5 µm) that can simultaneously monitor the corrosion process. Initial experiments with Ti6Al4V-Ti6Al4V in 0.9% saline, Ti6Al4V-Ti6Al4V in bovine calf serum (BCS), and ZrO2-Ti6Al4V in BCS were conducted to validate the system. As a result, the fretting regime of all groups remained partially slip region throughout the 3600 cycles, and the possible failure mechanisms are proposed in this manuscript.
Integrative contributions of efferent and afferent signals of arousal on the expression of racial stereotypes
Authors: Nagai Yoko , Moukayed Ahmad , Schorscher Philipp , Karwat Julia , Mulcahy James , Patchitt Joel , Azevedo Ruben , Tsakiris Manos , Garfinkel Sarah , Critchley Hugo
Published: October 2023

Racial-bias and stereotyping may be unconscious, yet discrimination and biased decisions can have devastating, even fatal, consequences. Such bias is influenced by interoceptive information concerning bodily physiology: Fear processing and racially-biased judgements of threat are augmented by phasic cardiac signals reflecting changes in cardiovascular arousal. Here, we used autonomic (sympathetically-mediated electrodermal) biofeedback to modulate the tonic state of psychophysiological arousal. Thirty-eight participants were randomly allocated to express either highly alert/aroused or relaxed states evoked using biofeedback. We demonstrated a distinct difference between physiologically relaxed and aroused states in behavioural measures in racial distinction. While there was hardly no difference in relaxed state, the racial prime effect was most prominent in the sympathetically heightened state. Moreover, effects on racial bias elicited by tonic arousal were dissociable from those associated with phasic interoceptive (cardiac afferent) signals, suggesting differential, yet complementary, contributions of top-down allostatic control and bottom-up viscero-sensory afferent input to the neural integration of perceptual and interoceptive representations during social decision-making and the expression of behavioural biases.
Possible role of lncRNAs in amelioration symptoms in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease following transplantation of dopaminergic cells derived from stem cells
Authors: Esmaeili fariba , Amini Ali , Golpich Mojtaba
Published: October 2023

Background
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important biomarkers for the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) discovery and treatment approaches. Since dopaminergic cell transplantation is a promising clinical method to treat PD, this study investigated the effect of dopaminergic cell therapy on the expression of some lncRNAs and genes related to PD in the brains of rat models.
Methods
Twenty-eight rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups. The animals injected with the saline solution were considered as control (Sal group). In the Par group, the PD rat model was developed by injecting 6-hydroxydopamine into the right striatum (ST). The ST of the animals was then transplanted by undifferentiated P19 stem cells (Par-E group), and/or P19-derived dopaminergic cells (Par-N group). The effects of cell transplantation were evaluated using behavioral tests (cylinder, open field, and rotarod tests), and histological methods (H&E, Nissl staining, and immunohistochemistry). Moreover, the expression of lncRNAs MALAT1, MEG3, and SNHG1 genes, as well as specific neuronal (synaptophysin, SYP) and dopaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase, TH) markers was measured by qRT-PCR.
Results
Behavioral tests and histopathological evaluations showed that cell transplantation could partially compensate for dopaminergic cell degeneration in ST and substantia nigra (SN) of PD rats. The expression of MALAT1, SNHG1, and MEG3 was decreased in the ST of the Par group, while MEG3 and SNHG1gene expression was increased in PBMC compared to the Sal group. In PBMC of the Par-N group, all three lncRNAs showed a reduction in their expression. However, in ST tissue the expression of MALAT1 and SNHG1 was increased, while MEG3 gene expression was decreased compared to the Sal group.
Conclusions
Our data suggest that variations in the expression of lncRNAs genes may be considered as a marker for the possible incidence of PD.
Co-designing adult weight management services: A qualitative study exploring barriers, facilitators, and considerations for future commissioning
Authors: Langford Rebecca , Brockman Rowan , Banks Jonathan , Jago Russell , Gillison Fiona , Coulman Karen , Moore Theresa , Nobles James
Published: October 2023

Background: Weight management services have not always benefitted everyone equally. People who live in more deprived areas, racially minoritised communities, those with complex additional needs (e.g. a physical or mental disability), and men are less likely to take part in weight management services. This can subsequently widen health inequalities. One way to counter this is to co-design services with under-served groups to better meet their needs. Using a case study approach, we explored how co-designed adult weight management services were developed, the barriers and facilitators to co-design, and the implications for future commissioning.
Methods: We selected four case studies of adult weight management services in Southwest England in which co-design had been planned, representing a range of populations and settings. In each case, we recruited commissioners and providers of the services, and where possible, community members involved in the co-design activities. Interviews were conducted online, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: We interviewed 18 participants (8 female; 10 male): seven commissioners, eight providers, and three community members involved in co-designing the services. The case studies used a range of co-design activities (planned and actualised), from light-touch to more in-depth approaches. In two case studies, co-design activities were planned but were not fully implemented due to organisational time or funding constraints.
Co-design was viewed positively by participants as a way of creating more appropriate services and better engagement, thus potentially leading to reduced inequalities. Building relationships – with communities and with partner organisations – was critical for successful co-design and took time and effort. Short-term and unpredictable funding often hindered co-design efforts and could result in damaged relationships with communities. Some commissioners raised concerns over the limited evidence base for co-design, while others described having to embrace “a different way of thinking” when commissioning for co-design.
Conclusions: Co-design is an increasingly popular approach to designing health in services but can be difficult to achieve within traditional funding and commissioning practices. Drawing on our case studies, we present key considerations for those wanting to co-design health services, noting the importance of building strong relationships, creating supportive organisational cultures, and developing the evidence base.
Exploring the Causal Relationship between Walkability and Affective Walking Experience: Evidence from 7 Major Tertiary Education Campuses in China
Authors: Liao Bojing , Zhu Jie
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the causal relationship between campus walkability and the emotional walking experiences of students, with a focus on their mental well-being. Using data from 697 participants across seven Chinese tertiary education campuses, the study employs a counterfactual analysis to estimate the impact of campus walkability on students' walking experiences. The analysis reveals that students living in campuses with improved walkability are 9.75% more likely to have positive walking experiences compared to those without walkability renovations. While walking attitude is strongly correlated with walking experiences, the study emphasizes the significance of objective factors such as campus surroundings and the availability of walking spaces in influencing the walking experience. Geographical features, including campus walkability improvements, have the most substantial impact, and this effect varies across different subsets of respondents. These findings underscore the importance of considering specific subsets and geographical features when assessing the impact of walkability improvements on the walking experience. In conclusion, the study provides compelling evidence of a causal link between improved campus walkability and enhanced emotional walking experiences among students, suggesting the need for further research on mediating factors and cultural variations affecting student mental health on various Chinese campuses.
Effects of Positive Leadership on Intrinsic Motivation of Inter-professional Collaboration among Medical Staff : A Moderated Effect of Culture
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wu Yan , Hu Zhuomu , Huang Zhen , Wang Jialin , Wu Mengjie , Cao Menglei , Sun Tao
Published: October 2023

Background
Inter-professional collaboration (IPC) is critical to address the issues of fragmented healthcare; however, intrinsic motivation of IPC among medical staff is at a low level. Positive leadership is supposed to have an inference on the intrinsic motivation of IPC; however, the mechanism is not clear at present.
Methods
this study explored the effect of positive leadership on intrinsic motivation of IPC of medical staff, as well as the moderating role of culture, from 1324 valid questionnaires of medical staff in China, with SEM, hierarchical linear regression, simple slope test.
Results
The SEM results indicated that positive leadership had a direct effect on self-efficacy and a mediating effect on self-efficacy via career identity and achievement motivation. The hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that the interactive items of positive leadership and culture had a positive effect on career identity (β = 0.089), indicating that culture has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between positive leadership and career identity. The simple slope test indicated that in the hospitals, positive leadership had a significant effect on career identity for both the high level of culture group (β = 0.382) and the low level of culture group (β = 0.297).
Conclusion
These findings suggest that the positive leadership promotes the intrinsic motivation of IPC, while culture plays a moderating role in the relationship between positive leadership and career identity.
Urban Growth and Landscape Change in Three Bangladesh Cities: Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet
Authors: Jahan Israt , DeLiberty Tracy , Walter Matthew , Mondal Pinki
Published: October 2023

Bangladesh is one of the fastest-growing developing countries in the world, experiencing rapid unplanned and haphazard urbanization. This unplanned development leads to environmental degradation, threatening ecosystems and human well-being. Planned urbanization is vital in reducing ecosystem stress and ensuring sustainable urban development. An intensive study of the urbanization patterns over the last 20 years will aid in future development planning to ensure a better living environment. Our study examines the urbanization trend over the last two decades in Bangladesh's three main cities: Dhaka, Chattogram (previously called Chittagong), and Sylhet. The study compares each city's growth within its present municipal boundary and surrounding periphery buffer area. The municipal authority designates this buffer area as the future city expansion area. These three cities' land surfaces were classified using Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 satellite data (spatial resolution: 30m) on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform. Using a three-year composite image, a pixel-based Random Forest (RF) supervised classification was used for land use classification, achieving an overall accuracy of over 94%. In 2021, the core city area of Dhaka was 47% built-up, Chattogram was 37%, and Sylhet was 49%. Comparatively, the cities' proposed future expansion area is less built-up, with impervious areas covering only 18% in Dhaka, 13% in Chattogram, and 19% in Sylhet. Over the last two decades, Dhaka experienced the most significant change (65%) across all the land use types, with Sylhet second at 52% change and Chattogram at 48%. Following this trend, municipal authorities can preplan for accommodating the increased urban population in a sustainable manner, parallelly reducing the adverse impacts of unplanned city growth.
Systemic and cyber-physical methodology for the implementation of Industry 4.0 in Mexican automotive manufacturing companies
Authors: Romeo Lorenzo L. González , Reyes Juan Bory , Ramírez Jorge A. Rojas
Published: October 2023

The transition toward the new technological paradigm in production systems resulting from Industry 4.0 (hereinafter I4.0) pursues, among its main objectives, greater operational efficiency and productivity, a greater scope of automation, customization, and flexibility in production, an increase in man-machine interaction, and the creation of more complex but better-paid jobs and new business models. For this reason, a broad understanding of what constitutes I4.0 today and what can represent the future requires knowledge about the technologies that make it up, as well as different tools that can help to carry out a correct and comprehensive implementation. The relevance of the Mexican automotive manufacturing industry in the national economy, as well as the importance of the I4.0 transition in this sector, is addressed. As a fundamental component of this work, a new methodology with a systemic character, given by the use of the Soft Systems Methodology, and with a cyber-physical character, given by the use of tools such as a Reference Architecture, is presented, and the tools used and its different stages are described. As an added element, an illustrative example is provided of how the application of the proposed methodology would be in an automotive manufacturing company.
Efficacy and safety of percutaneous ultrasound-guided thermal ablation in the treatment of cervical metastatic lymph nodes from papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Shen , Liu Yunyun , Zhou Bangguo , Xu Hui-Xiong
Published: October 2023

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ultrasound-guided thermal ablation in the treatment of cervical metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).Methods A total of 77 patients with 79 LNs ablated by microwave ablation (MWA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) between September 2018 and October 2022 were enrolled in this study. After treatment, patients were followed up with measurement of diameters of LNs and serum thyroglobulin (s-Tg) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and annually thereafter. The paired t-test was used to compare the changes of s-Tg level, diameters of LNs before and after ablation.Results There were no serious complications related to ablation while one case of incomplete ablation in MWA was found during follow-up. The mean longest and shortest diameter of the ablated LNs reduced from 11.6 ± 4.3 mm to 5.0 ± 4.1mm (p < 0.001), and from 6.1 ± 1.9 mm to 3.0 ± 2.5 mm (p < 0.001) at the last follow-up visit. Besides, the final volume reduction rate (VRR) was 61.8 ± 56.4% (range, -67.0 -100%). The complete disappearance rate was 46.8%, but there were 4 (5.1%) LNs becoming bigger than before. The average s-Tg level was 9.2 ± 26.6 ng/mL, a data significantly decreased to 3.7 ± 7.0 ng/mL at the last follow-up, but no statistical difference was shown.Conclusion Thermal ablation is an effective and safe modality for the treatment of metastatic LNs from PTC.
The impact of obesity on chronic oedema/lymphoedema of the leg – An international multicenter cross-sectional study (LIMPRINT)
Authors: Burian Ewa , Rungby Jørgen , Karlsmark Tonny , Nørregaard Susan , Cestari Marina , Franks Peter , Moffatt Christine
Published: October 2023

Background/Objectives: Obesity and chronic oedema/lymphoedema are two distinct but related conditions, rarely investigated together. The aim was to study the impact of increased weight on chronic oedema and related factors.
Subjects/Methods: A cross-sectional study (2014-2017), in 38 centers, nine countries. Patients with clinically confirmed chronic oedema/lymphoedema of the leg were included. Normal weight was judged as BMI 20-30, obesity BMI 30-40 or morbidly obese BMI >40. Factors were tested for an association with increased weight, using a multivariable model.
Results: In total 7397 patients were included; 43% being normal weight, 36% obese and 21% morbidly obese. Patients with increased weight had significantly more advanced stages of chronic oedema (ISL stage III; the most advanced form); affecting 14% of normal weight, 18% in obesity and 39% in morbid obesity (p<0.001). Ten factors were independently associated with increased weight: diabetes (OR 2.4), secondary lymphoedema (OR 2.7), cellulitis/erysipelas within 12 months (OR 1.2), bilateral lymphoedema (OR 3.6), compression therapy (OR 2.1), increased swelling duration (1-2 years OR 1.3, 2-5 years OR 2.5, 5-10 years OR 3.6, >10 years OR 3.5) decreased mobility (walking with aid OR 1.9, being chair bound OR 1.2) and age (reference <45 years; 45-64 years OR 1.5, 75-84 years OR 0.6, 85+ years OR 0.2). Increased weight was associated with a lower presentation of peripheral arterial disease (OR 0.7) and poorer chronic oedema control (OR 0.8). Patients with obesity/morbid obesity had a lower function, appearance and more severe symptoms as assessed by LYMQOL and lower quality of life using EuroQol.
Conclusions: Obesity negatively impacts chronic oedema, leading to more advanced stages. Achieving good control of swelling with compression is more difficult in these patients. Increased awareness of chronic oedema/lymphoedema as a complication of obesity is important for early detection and for developing effective strategies to prevent and manage them.
Butyrate protects and synergizes with nicotine against iron- and manganese-induced toxicities in cell culture: Implications for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Tizabi Yousef , Getachew Bruk , Aschner Michael
Published: October 2023

Toxic exposures to heavy metals, such as iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), can result in long-range neurological diseases and are therefore of significant environmental and medical concerns. We have previously reported that damage to neuroblastoma-derived dopaminergic cells (SH-SY5Y) by both Fe and Mn could be prevented by pre-treatment with nicotine. Moreover, butyrate, a short chain fatty acid (SCFA) provided protection against salsolinol, a selective dopaminergic toxin, in the same cell line. Here, we broadened the investigation to determine whether butyrate might also protect against Fe and/or Mn, and whether, if combined with nicotine, an additive or synergistic effect might be observed. Both butyrate and nicotine concentration-dependently blocked Fe and Mn toxicities. The ineffective concentrations of nicotine and butyrate, when combined, provided full protection against both Fe and Mn. Moreover, the effects of nicotine but not butyrate could be blocked by mecamylamine, a non-selective nicotinic antagonist. On the other hand, the effects of butyrate, but not nicotine, could be blocked by beta-hydroxy butyrate, a fatty acid-3 receptor antagonist. These results not only provide further support for neuroprotective effects of both nicotine and butyrate but indicate distinct mechanisms of action for each one. Furthermore, potential utility of the combination of butyrate and nicotine against heavy metal toxicities is suggested.
KLF5 regulates actin remodeling to enhance the metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wei Denghui , Yang Zhenyu , Peng Yanfu , Wang Yaqin , Yang Panyang , Huang Zhuohui , Quan Tingqiu , Xu Xudong , Sun Ying , Zhou Guan-Qun
Published: October 2023

Transcription factors (TFs) engage in various cellular essential processes including differentiation, growth and migration. However, the master TF involved in distant metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains largely unclear. Here we show that KLF5 regulates actin remodeling to enhance NPC metastasis. We analyzed the msVIPER algorithm-generated transcriptional regulatory networks and identified KLF5 as a master TF of metastatic NPC linked to poor clinical outcomes. KLF5 regulates actin remodeling and lamellipodia formation to promote the metastasis of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, KLF5 preferentially occupies distal enhancer regions of ACTN4 to activate its transcription, whereby decoding the informative DNA sequences. ACTN4, extensively localized within actin cytoskeleton, facilitates dense and branched actin networks and lamellipodia formation at the cell leading edge, empowering cells to migrate faster. Collectively, our findings reveal that KLF5 controls robust transcription program of ACTN4 to modulate actin remodeling and augment cell motility which enhances NPC metastasis, and provide new potential biomarkers and therapeutic interventions for NPC.
Chemically Activated Natural Clay as Effective Scavenger for Cd(II) and Co(II): Isotherms, Kinetics and Thermodynamic Evaluations
Authors: OFUDJE Edwin A. , OGUNDIRAN Abimbola A. , AKANDE James Asamu , SODIYA Ezekiel F. , ADEMOYEGUN Adeniyi John
Published: October 2023

The investigation of the impact of sulphuric acid activation on natural clay in Cd(II) and Co(II) ions scavenger from aqueous medium under various experimental factors was carried out. The clay samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescent (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD). The FT-IR results revealed the presence of prominent absorption bands of kaolinite at 3695.63, 3627.52, 1113.54, 918.50, 790.40, 537.93, and 446.95 cm-1. The adsorption process of Co(II) demonstrated good correlation with pseudo-second-order kinetic for both adsorbents, while that of Cd(II) depicted better conformity with pseudo-first-order kinetic model indicating physical adsorption mechanism. The maximum adsorption capacities predicted by Langmuir isotherm for natural clay (NC) and chemically modified natural clay (CMNC) are 86.341 and 158.760 mg/g for Co2+, 78.221 and 136.671 mg/g for Cd2+ respectively with the activated clay showing better adsorption capacity. Values of thermodynamic parameter of ΔH° for NC and CMNC was estimated and found to be 2.534 x 106 and 2.309 x 106 kJ mol−1 for Co2+ and 1.020 x 106 kJ mol−1 and 1.591 x 106 kJ mol−1 for Cd2+ thus indicating endothermic process. The results derived from this present study revealed that the chemically modified natural clay is better adsorbent for the scavenger of Co(II) and Cd(II) ions in contaminated water over natural clay.
A Relationship Between Jet Activity and Strike-Slip Motion over the Tiger Stripes on Enceladus
Authors: Berne Alexander , Simons Mark , Keane James T. , Leonard Erin J. , Park Ryan S.
Published: October 2023

At Enceladus, jets along four distinct fractures, called `Tiger Stripes', erupt ice crystals into a broad plume above the South Pole. The Tiger Stripes experience variations in tidally-driven shear and normal traction as Enceladus orbits Saturn. We show that this traction may produce quasi-periodic strike-slip motion with two peaks in activity during each orbit. To the extent that friction modulates the response of Tiger Stripes to driving stresses, the tidal traction on the faults result in a difference in the magnitudes of peak strike-slip motion and cause a delay in the timing of the first peak in fault motion. The predicted double-peaked and asymmetric strike-slip motion of the Tiger Stripes closely tracks diurnal variations in jet activity inferred from Cassini images of plume brightness. The spatial distribution of strike-slip motion also matches Cassini infrared observations of heat flow which indicate maximal activity along Baghdad Sulcus and near the center of the Tiger Stripes. We hypothesize that strike-slip motion may open pull-apart structures along geometric irregularities over the Tiger Stripes and thus modulate jet activity. Tidally-driven fault motion may also influence longer term tectonic evolution near the South Pole of the satellite.
Facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy) (a cross-sectional study)
Authors: Bakleh Frial Mohammad Mamoun , Sherkatly Joudy Ahmad samer , Al-Fawares Maamoun Ayman , AlMansour Rana Molham , Najati Ghena Mohammed Khalid
Published: October 2023

Objectives: Our objective was to identify the possible etiologies of facial nerve palsy while highlighting the possible psychological aspects of this condition. We also reviewed treatment recommendations and provided advice on how to avoid complications and ensure rapid recovery.
Materials and Methods: We reviewed some of the available literature on facial nerve paralysis and conducted our own survey on general knowledge of facial nerve paralysis and its possible psychological causes in people aged 15 years and over. We also provided a summary of possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment methods, and recommendations. Our study type was cross-sectional, and data were collected through electronic questionnaires.
Results: The number of participants was 200, including inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria Most of our responders were aged between 15 and 25 years. Half of them had met a person who suffered from facial nerve palsy after being exposed to some psychological distress. Most of these patients went to see a neurologist instead of seeking a psychiatrist help. And most changed their lifestyle after their injury.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of mental health support, mental health is as equally important as physical health and patients must be aware of its contribution to physical illnesses. Patients must be encouraged to seek psychiatric help in order to reduce the incidence of facial nerve palsy.
Entry of cannabidiol into the fetal, postnatal and adult rat brain.
Authors: G Fitzpatrick , Y Huang , F Qiu , Habgood  , RL Medcalf , H Ho , KM Dziegielewska , NR Saunders
Published: October 2023

Cannabidiol is a major component of cannabis but without known psychoactive properties. A wide range of properties have been attributed to it, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-cancer, anti-seizure and anxiolytic. However, being a fairly new compound in its purified form, little is known about cannabidiol brain entry, especially during development. Sprague Dawley rats at four developmental ages: embryonic day E19, postnatal day P4 and P12 and non-pregnant adult females were administered intraperitoneal cannabidiol at 10 mg/kg with [3H] labelled cannabidiol. To investigate the extent of placental transfer the drug was injected intravenously into E19 pregnant dams. Levels of [3H]-cannabidiol in blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and brain were estimated by liquid scintillation counting. Plasma protein binding of cannabidiol was identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and its bound and unbound fractions measured by ultrafiltration. Using available RNA-sequencing datasets of E19 rat brain, choroid plexus and placenta, as well as P5 and adult brain and choroid plexus, expression of 13 main cannabidiol receptors was analysed. Results showed that cannabidiol rapidly entered both the developing and adult brains. Entry into CSF was more limited. Its transfer across the placenta was substantially restricted as only about 50% of maternal blood plasma cannabidiol concentration was detected in fetal plasma. Albumin was the main, but not exclusive, cannabidiol binding protein at all ages. Several transcripts for cannabidiol receptors were expressed in age- and tissue-specific manner indicating that cannabidiol may have different functional effects in the fetal compared to adult brain.
Expression Analysis of Genes Responsible for Rosmarinic acid Biosynthesis and HPLC Quantification Method Development and Validation of Rosmarinic acid from Isodon rugosis
Authors: khan Saira , Imtiaz Anum , Taning Clauvis Nji Tizi , Haq Ihsan Ul , Smagghe Guy , Shah Mohammad Maroof
Published: October 2023

Natural products from plants, either as pure compounds or as standardized extracts, offer unlimited prospects for new pesticide discovery. In screening programs, because of increased chemical diversity demand, in search of pesticides from natural products, interest mainly in harmless plants has developed all over the world. Botanicals comprise of several types of bioactive compounds. In our previous publications, bioactive pesticidal compound; rosmarinic acid (RA) was isolated from the plant, Isodon rugosus and was identified by using various analytical techniques. In this study two key genes, hydroxyphenylpyruvate reductase (HPPR) and rosmarinic acid synthase (RAS), known to involve in biosynthesis of RA were targeted to clone from Isodon rugosus. Only one of these genes, HPPR was successfully cloned in I. rugosus and its cDNA was fully sequenced through RACE (Rapid Amplified cDNA ends) PCR, which consequently will open the way to explore all other genes responsible for biosynthesis of rosmarinic acid. The expression of HPPR was analyzed in different parts of plant and it was found that RA was expressed in all parts of the plant. Further, RA quantification was performed on RP-HPLC using C18 column, giving a maximum absorbance at 310 nm in isocratic conditions. The methodology was found selective and robust to quantify 1.60+0.14gm/kg RA in I. rugosus with sensitivity of LOD 1.32 µg/ml, and LOQ 4.41 µg/ml. The molecular knowledge regarding biosynthetic pathway and significant quantity of RA in this plant will help in biotechnological production of RA and to produce insect resistant plants through genetic engineering approaches.
Design of a liposome with the property to induce CD16 on cervical cancer cells with a purified spermidine-cholesterol
Authors: Weiss-Steider Benny , Marcelin-Jiménez Gabriel , Soto-Vazquez Ramón , Ramírez Adelfo N. Reyes , Rangel-Corona Rosalva , Vargas-Angeles Carlos Adrian , Corona-Ortega María Teresa
Published: October 2023

Purpose Use of a purified cationic lipid for fabricate liposomes capable of inducing the appearance of CD16 receptors on the membranes of cervical carcinoma cells.Methods Chemical synthesis of purified spermidine-cholesterol; liposome fabrication; UPLC-MS analysis; Cell culture; Flow cytometry.Results The construction of a liposomal system with a highly purified spermidine-cholesterol with CD16 inducing capacity on cervical cancer cells.Conclusion We were able to synthetize a highly purified spermidine-cholesterol to fabricate a liposomal system capable to induce CD16 on cervical cancer cells.
Psychometric properties of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire in Spanish people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorders
Authors: García-Alandete Joaquín , Pére Sandra , Lorca-Alamar Fátima , Guillén Verónica , Marco José H.
Published: October 2023

This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), one of the most important scales used to assess Meaning in Life (MiL), in a sample of Spanish people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Participants were 102 Spanish people (72.55% women) from 18 years to 68 years old (M = 37.69; SD = 12.66) diagnosed with BPD, who completed the MLQ, Purpose in Life Test-10 Items (PIL-10), and Dissociative Experiences Scale II (DES-II). The bidimensional model for the MLQ showed adequate internal consistency and an excellent fit. The MLQ-P and MLQ-S scales correlated positively. The MLQ-P scale showed a positive correlation with the PIL-10 and a negative correlation with the DES-II. Introducing MiL into interventions with BPD patients can be a useful way to help them to find purpose in their lives, alleviate their existential suffering, and cope with the clinical symptomatology of BPD.
The Effect of Concentration on PES/NMP System on Flat Sheet Membrane Fabrication and its Performance for CO2 Gas Separation
Authors:   School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Adnan Mohamad Alif , Zainuddin Muhd Izzudin Fikry ,   School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Ahmad Abdul Latif ,   School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: October 2023

Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture utilising membrane technology have become the interest of research due to its low carbon footprint, feasible fabrication process and scalability in its operation. In this study, anisotropic polyethersulfone (PES) membrane was fabricated at various concentration ranging from 20 wt% to 35 wt% without the use of any additives. This study revealed that the finger-like structure disappeared with increased polymer dope concentration which was associated with increased viscosity of the dope solution. Moreover, the surface porosity of the membrane also virtually reduced with increased PES concentration as observed with the SEM images. The pure gas permeation test was also consistent with the observed morphology of the membrane. Membrane made with 20 wt% of PES dope solution exhibits the highest gas permeance which was 154.9 GPU at 2 bar while the CO2/nitrogen (N2) and CO2/methane (CH4) ideal selectivity was close to that of Knudsen’s selectivity value. With increased PES concentration, the CO2 gas permeance reduced drastically accompanied by enhancement on the CO2/N2 and CO2/ CH4 ideal selectivity. The critical concentration of PES dope solution obtained by plotting the PES dope concentration against viscosity was 29.4 wt%. With critical concentration of the dope solution, the CO2 permeance was recorded to be 8.1 GPU while the CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 ideal selectivity were recorded to be 2.13 and 1.48, respectively at the pressure of 2 bar.
Rede urbana e organização espacial
Authors: Corrêa Roberto Lobato
Published: October 2023

A rede urbana, a forma expressa pela conexão entre as cidades, possui a função de realizar a articulação espacial, integrando os espaços nas escalas regional, nacional e global. Geram áreascontroladas pelas metrópoles, implicando interações em duas vias, tanto em direção ao polo, drenando renda e movimentos populacionais, quanto em sentido à região, significando os investimentos visando produção circulação e consumo. A forma obtida pelas redes urbana exibe uma variedade complexa de arranjos espaciais, em função do processo histórico de povoamento e de princípios econômicos oriundos da circulação e das ordens administrativas.
El cómic Priya’s Shakti y la representación de la violencia contra las mujeres en India
Authors: Castelli Olvera Sarahi Isuki
Published: October 2023

Este artículo tiene como objetivo aportar un caso de estudio del cómic Priya’s Shakti, escrito por Ram Devineni y Vikas K. Menon, ilustrado por Dan Goldman y publicado en 2014. Dicha obra se analiza desde un enfoque interpretativo, basado en el paradigma de inferencias indiciales de la microhistoria. Se encontró que la estructura de este cómic juega con la estética posmoderna al mezclar elementos del mundo real con los del mundo metafísico para generar, a través de su temática, gráfica y difusión, consciencia y emancipación frente a la violencia ejercida contra las mujeres en India.
Localización y registro de canoas monóxilas en el río Magdalena y ciénagas adyacentes (Colombia): metodología y avances de una expedición científica contemporánea
Authors: Nieva Sanz Daniel Miguel , Gullón-Abao Alberto José
Published: October 2023

El río Magdalena ha sido la principal vía de comunicación entre el interior continental colombiano y las dinámicas marítimas del litoral caribe, desde el periodo prehispánico hasta al menos inicios del siglo XX. Su amplia cuenca es testigo de un extraordinario dinamismo náutico basado de manera predominante en la canoa monóxila. En consecuencia, el presente artículo expone los avances preliminares de una investigación sobre el terreno, planteada de modo transdisciplinar al combinar miradas y métodos de etnohistoria, etnografía y arqueología náutica, cuyos objetivos estuvieron relacionados con el análisis de esa navegación fluvial que conectó territorios, mercancías, personas e ideas; la evaluación de posibles continuidades conceptuales y constructivas en las embarcaciones aún presentes en el río, y el registro del saber artesanal de las comunidades que aún hoy navegan sus aguas y pueblan sus riberas.
Profile of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase in healthy and infected Toggenburg goats with small ruminant lentivirus in Southeast Brazil
Authors: Alves Gonçalves Mateus , Mesquita Peixoto Renato , Barroso de Sousa Felipe , Macedo Fonseca Luzianna , Maria Xavier Eloy Ângela
Published: October 2023

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) are difficult to diagnose due to their escape mechanisms. Therefore, proteomics is an alternative in the search for biomarkers through extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes related to the immune response. In this sense, this study aimed to analyze the profile of MMPs in healthy and infected Toggenburg goats with chronic SRLV infection in Southeast Brazil. Five positive and five negative goats for SRLV were selected using the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) microtechnique, western blot (WB), and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). All animals were submitted to blood collection by puncture of the jugular vein, followed by centrifugation to obtain blood plasma, protein quantification by the Bradford method, one-dimensional electrophoretic separation (1D), and identification of protease activity by zymography and confirmation via reverse zymography in the presence of MMP-2 through the action of tissue inhibitors (TIMP-2). The analysis of protein bands was performed using descriptive statistics and densitometry values for zymography were subjected to the Shapiro-Wilk test to determine normality. Little difference was observed in the occurrence of protein bands between groups. Regarding MMPs, no differences were observed in the expression of proMMP-9, MMP-9, and MMP-2 in animals affected by SRLV. TIMP-2 inhibited proMMP-2 and MMP-2 in all animals. Thus, the profile of protein bands does not change in healthy goats with chronic SRLV infection. The TIMP-2 expression allowed proving the existence of MMP-2 in animals chronically infected by SRLV via reverse zymography.