bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating bottom-up RNA transfer vehicles from synthetic protein assemblies
Authors: Wurst Wolfgang , Schuhmacher Maren , Gruber Christoph , Lang Christopher , Ruijpers Ricardo , Mazneykova Lyupka , Krus Ariane , Tremmel Barbara , Reinhardt Friederike , Kadletz Karoline , Ma Zhe , Casalta Lucie , Otify Dina , Beinsteiner Brice , Balken Iolo , Hetzel Leon , Merl-Pham Juliane , Luchner Marina , Krautner Lea , Ganea Karin , Wiesner Natascha , Emrich Alexander , Yağmur Emirhan , Rager Katrin , Sagindykova Gauhar , Armbrust Niklas , Geilenkeuser Julian , Westmeyer Gil , Becirovic Elvir , Biel Martin , Istvanffy Rouzanna , Vogt-Weisenhorn Daniela , Truong Dong-Jiunn , Jasnin Marion , Theis Fabian , Ebert Gregor , Erturk Ali , Bähr Andrea , Klymiuk Nikolai , Giesert Florian
Published: October 2024

Evolution guides biological systems to populate ecological niches, with viruses being one of the most successful examples of that principle. Viruses evolved over billions of years for the efficient transfer of nucleic acids. Although highly diverse, most viruses converged toward a remarkable similarity in the size and shape of their capsids. In contrast, generative models for protein design enable the creation of protein architectures that are absent in nature. Here, we investigate whether AI-designed protein assemblies can be functionalized to construct nucleic acid transport vehicles that are independent of evolutionary trajectories. By combining natural protein domains with synthetic protein assemblies, we create more than a hundred bottom-up RNA transfer vehicles with unique sizes and shapes. These novel vehicles surpass the RNA transfer efficiency of widely used delivery vehicles by several orders of magnitude. Additionally, we demonstrate that their tropism can be programmed by incorporating computationally designed peptide binders and apply them to deliver various therapeutically relevant cargo RNAs, such as Gene Editors, into a wide range of cellular models. We show the in vivo biodistribution of one of these vehicles in a mouse with close to single-cell resolution and use it to perform a gene editing strategy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy in a pig. Our work demonstrates how proteins created by generative AI can be harnessed for the rational engineering of biological systems with desired properties by overcoming the limitations of natural protein diversity.
Synthesis and characterization of Substituted Schiff Base from Benzene-1,4-Diamine: Study of Biological Activity and Corrosion Inhibitor Effect
Authors: Kathim Sura Hamid , [ Hayder Dawood Arkawazi , Loukil Mohamed
Published: October 2024

This work includes a simple condensation reaction between aromatic amine " 2,5-dimethyl-benzene-1,4-diamine" or "2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-benzene-1,4-diamine with a carbonyl compound (pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde") to produce a new ligand. The produced ligands (L1a, L2a) were underwent to reduction reactions using (NaBH4) at room temperature to produce the new ligands" 2,5-dimethyl-N,N'-bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-benzene-1,4-diamine" (L1b) and "2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-N,N'-bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-benzene-1,4-diamine "(L2b). All ligands (L1a-L2b) are characterized by 1H-13C NMR, FT.IR, mass spectrometry, and elemental microanalysis. The ligands (L1b, L2b) effectiveness was examined as corrosion inhibitors and gave good results. In another application, activity of ligands was studied against two bacterial types E. coli (Gram-) and Staph. (Gram+) in comparison with the drug used Chloramphenicol. The ligands (L1a and L1b) showed a highest inhibition, but the ligands) L2a andL2b (did not show any inhibition effect at 25and50 Conc.(μg/ml)
The impact of stator module gaps on the performance of canned permanent magnet synchronous motors with segmented stators
Authors: Ming Li , Jixin Zheng , Guanghui Du , Shuxian Lun
Published: October 2024

The segmented stator structure is applied to the canned permanent magnet synchronous motor (CPMSM) can improve the performance of the motor. However, the influence of the stator module gap on the CPMSM performance is not clear. In this paper, an iterative calculation method for the electromagnetic performance of the motor is proposed. Using this method, the influence of stator module gap on the electromagnetic performance of the CPMSM with segmented stators is analyzed under the conditions of constant current and constant torque. The calculation results are compared with the finite element calculation results. The results show that under constant current, the increase of the stator module gap leads to the decrease of the loss, torque, efficiency and power factor. Under the condition of constant torque, with the increase of the stator module gap, the loss and power factor of the CPMSM are reduced, but the efficiency of the CPMSM is gradually improving. Finally, a prototype is made and a test platform is built. The test results verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method and results. This study not only enriches the theoretical knowledge of the CPMSM with segmented stators, but also has practical significance for helping and guiding the design of the CPMSM.
Technological overlap and international cooperation in green innovation activities——Evidence from Chinese environmental technology patents
Authors: Lin Jie , Li Jianbin
Published: October 2024

North-South cooperation in green innovation activities is an essential avenue for promoting global climate governance. This study examines the impact of technological overlap on the scale of international cooperation in environmental technologies (ETs) between Chinese and foreign geographical units. The results show that technological overlap significantly increases the scale of international cooperation in ETs. The main international cooperation partners are located in the G7 countries, with the United States being the most significant partner. Technological overlap has not only promoted China to send many patent inventors to other countries but also encouraged China to introduce more foreign inventors. Further research reveals a significant interaction effect between the scale of existing inventor cooperation, local technological advantages, and technological overlap, which expands the scale of international cooperation. This paper calls for strengthened ET cooperation between developed and developing countries to address climate change.
Diffraction separation method using shapeDTW and median-mean filter
Authors: Sheng Tongjie , Zhao Jingtao , Yang Jie , Chen Zongnan
Published: October 2024

The subsurface small-scale geological structures are manifested as diffractions in seismic data. Diffraction imaging provides high-resolution details of discontinuities such as faults, collapse columns, and karst caves. However, this high-resolution information is often obfuscated by strong reflections, necessitating their removal prior to diffraction imaging. Here, we propose a novel diffraction separation method based on shape dynamic time warping (shapeDTW) and median-mean filter. The shapeDTW is an effective time series alignment method that utilizes the distance between temporal points within a neighborhood as the alignment criterion, which can accurately align strong energy events in seismic data. We implement shapeDTW to construct flattened reflection gathers, in which the reflections are aligned and therefore behaves as horizontal events with consistent strong amplitudes, while the diffractions appear as non-horizontal weak events. Leveraging this difference in shape and amplitude, the median-mean filter can effectively extract the reflections from flattened reflection gathers. Diffractions are separated from seismic data by subtracting the extracted reflections. The synthetic data experiment confirms the feasibility of the proposed method in eliminating strong reflected waves while preserving weak diffracted waves related to karst caves in seismic data with low signal-to-noise ratio. The field data application further illustrates its effectiveness in removing strong high-slope reflections, highlighting small-scale fracture-related detailed features.
Curved-layer slicing and continuous path planning for multi-axis printing of fiber-reinforced composite structures
Authors: Li Yamin , Shi Chenyang
Published: October 2024

Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) additive manufacturing technologies have successfully addressed the limitations of traditional autoclave forming, significantly enhancing design freedom. However, planning continuous printing paths that align with a defined fiber orientation vector field in an FRC structure remains a challenge. This paper introduces a comprehensive framework for multi-axis curved-layer printing of 3D FRC parts. First, we propose a multi-axis curved layer slicing method based on deformed space mapping, which ensures that the sliced curved layers are as parallel to the fiber orientations as possible. Next, we develop a vector-field-driven printing path planning method for each curved layer. This method guarantees that the generated paths are aligned with the designated fiber orientations while also ensuring continuous material deposition. Additionally, we present an algorithm for generating support structures specifically for curved layers to prevent material collapse during the printing process. The effectiveness of the proposed curved-layer slicing and printing path planning methods is validated through extensive experiments and simulations, demonstrating their potential to enhance the performance and versatility of FRC additive manufacturing.
Optimizing Water Quality in Dead-Ends of Water Distribution Networks Using Passive Control Methods: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation and Predictive Modeling Study
Authors: Li Kunyi , Gao Jinliang , Wu Wenyan , Tian Yuan , Qi Shihua , Yu Jingyang , Chen Jianxun , Ding Yanchen
Published: October 2024

Dead-ends are points in water distribution networks (WDNs) where water flow is almost stagnant, leading to pipe corrosion and microbial growth, which degrade water quality. Controlling the contaminant dispersion in dead-ends is crucial for maintaining water quality. This research examined the use of passive control methods, specifically leading-edge spoilers, to improve water quality in dead-ends of WDNs. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate and analyze the effect of spoilers on fluid flow and contaminant dispersion under different flow conditions. The results showed that spoilers significantly reduced contaminant concentrations and sped up water quality restoration. The optimal spoiler configuration was found to be twice the boundary layer thickness in height and angled at 30°, achieving control rates of 58% and 61.90% at low and high velocities, respectively. Predictive models developed from CFD data confirmed the effectiveness of spoilers in reducing YC town's WDN contaminants, and laboratory experiments demonstrated their minimal impact on hydraulic efficiency. Spoilers offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for improving water quality in WDNs.
Impact of zinc caproate supplementation on growth performance, intestinal health, anti-inflammatory activity, and Zn homeostasis in weaned piglets challenged with Escherichia coli K88
Authors: Xu Jilong , Qiao Hanzhen , Gan Liping , Wang Peng , Zhao Yifeng , Lei Zetian , Chou Yixuan , Hou Chenrui , Li Mengqi , Wang Jinrong
Published: October 2024

Background Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the primary causes of diarrhea in piglets, creating substantial economic losses in the swine farming industry worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the impact of zinc caproate (ZnCA) on the intestinal health, growth performance, inflammatory status, and Zn homeostasis of weaned piglets challenged with ETEC K88. In total, 48 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, 7.78 ± 0.19 kg, 28 d) were selected for a 21-d experiment. Each experimental treatment consisted of six replicate pens with two piglets each. The treatment conditions were as follows: 1) a basal diet (CON), 2) a basal diet + ETEC K88 (NC), 3) a basal diet + 2500 mg/kg Zn oxide (ZnO) + ETEC K88 (PC), and 4) a basal diet + 1600 mg/kg ZnCA + ETEC K88 (ZnCA).Results The addition of 1600 mg/kg ZnCA to the diet of post-weaning piglets effectively enhanced growth performance and nutrient digestibility and reduced the incidence of diarrhea and inflammatory reactions caused by ETEC K88 infection. These therapeutic effects were comparable to those of pharmacological doses of ZnO. In terms of improving intestinal health and Zn homeostasis in post-weaning piglets challenged with ETEC K88, the effectiveness of 1600 mg/kg ZnCA surpassed that of pharmacological doses of ZnO.Conclusions Overall, under the experimental conditions of this study, ZnCA exhibited the potential to reduce the pharmacological dosage of ZnO while improving intestinal health and Zn homeostasis in weaned piglets.
Risk assessment of gross alpha-beta activity concentration in drinking water in Kuwait: Baseline measurements and review
Authors: Al-Shammari Hanadi F. , AL-Jarba Mashael A. , Al-Shammeri Jehan M. , Al-Ateeqi Salim , Ismael Anfal , Al-Boloushi Aisha
Published: October 2024

This study focused on measuring gross alpha and beta radiation in Kuwait's drinking water sources, including local and imported bottled water and public-piped water, to ensure safety and increase consumer confidence. The assessment aimed to establish a baseline for gross alpha and gross beta activity levels and validate a rapid emergency detection method, following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Results showed alpha and beta gross radiation concentrations, and the total effective doses were within safe limits set by WHO across all water types. Specifically, local bottled water had 0.034 ± 0.002 Bq/L for alpha, 0.078 ± 0.04 Bq/L for beta, and 0.046 ± 0.022 mSv/y for total effective dose; imported bottled water had 0.031 ± 0.001 Bq/L for alpha, 0.066 ± 0.02 Bq/L for beta, and 0.04 ± 0.01 mSv/y for total effective dose; and public-piped water had 0.029 ± 0.0004 Bq/L for alpha, 0.041 ± 0.001 Bq/L for beta, and 0.026 ± 0.001 mSv/y for total effective dose. The measured gross alpha and beta values, which affect the total (annual) effective dose, were below the WHO reference levels for gross activity (0.05 ± 0.01 Bq/L for alpha, 1 ± 0.13 Bq/L for beta, and 0.1 mSv/y for the annual effective dose), indicating that the water is acceptable for human consumption without any safety concerns. However, three bottled water samples presented higher gross beta activity concentrations than the others, and these samples require specialized nuclide analysis via advanced methods to determine radionuclide content, as it influences the estimated effective dose.
Pan-Cancer Analysis of hnRNPAB: Implications in Tumor Progression, Prognosis, and Immune Microenvironment Modulation
Authors: Wu Rui-Ze , Sun Qian-Qian , Fu Yao , Xin Rui , Wu Yong-Hui , Pan Yu-Lin
Published: October 2024

Background: hnRNPAB, a member of the hnRNP protein family, is involved in mRNA cytoplasmic localization, transport, and the regulation of transcription, metabolism, and splicing. It is associated with malignant progression and metastasis in liver cancer and lung adenocarcinoma. However, a systematic pan-cancer analysis exploring its role in diagnosis, prognosis, and immune prediction is lacking.
Methods: This study evaluated hnRNPAB expression across 33 cancers and its association with immune infiltration using UCSC Xena, TIMER, GEPIA, BioGPS, and ARCHS4 databases. Methylation levels were analyzed using UALCAN and MethSurv. Survival analysis was performed with GEPIA and MethSurv platforms, and mutation analysis was conducted via cBioPortal. Protein interaction networks were constructed using STRING and Cytoscape, and functional enrichment analyses were performed with KEGG and GSVA. Immune infiltration was assessed using TIMER, CIBERSORT, and quanTIseq, and the relationship between hnRNPAB and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) was analyzed using TIMER2.0.
Results: hnRNPAB was significantly overexpressed in various cancers, with high expression correlating with poor prognosis. Mutation analysis revealed that amplification mutations of hnRNPAB were associated with worse survival rates. Low methylation of hnRNPAB was linked to cancer progression. Additionally, hnRNPAB was involved in cell cycle regulation, mTORC1, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. Immune cell infiltration analysis demonstrated a significant association between hnRNPAB and CAF infiltration, affecting immune therapy outcomes.
Conclusion: This study highlights the association between hnRNPAB overexpression and poor prognosis across multiple cancers, particularly in kidney and liver cancers. hnRNPAB promotes tumor growth and metastasis by regulating immune cell infiltration and CAF activity. The study also explores its mutations and methylation status, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target or biomarker in cancer metabolism reprogramming and immune evasion.
Evaluation of Risk Factors Associated with Epicardial Fat Tissue Thickness İn Patients with Stage 4 and Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ince Hasan , Yılmaz Zülfükar , Karabulut Aziz , Aydın Emre , Yıldırım Yaşar , Kara Ali Veysel , Kadiroğlu Ali Kemal , Aydın Fatma Yılmaz
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health issue, often associated with high mortality and morbidity, especially due to cardiovascular diseases. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), the visceral fat surrounding the heart, has been recognized as a significant factor in cardiovascular risk. This study aims to assess the relationship between EAT thickness and body composition in patients with stage 4 and 5 CKD usingbioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
Methods: The study included 80 patients with stage 4 and 5 CKD who were not on dialysis. Body composition was measured using BIA, and EAT thickness was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography. Exclusion criteria included heart failure, morbid obesity, pregnancy, and pacemaker use, among others. Various demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters were also recorded.
Results: Patients with stage 5 CKD had significantly higher EAT thickness compared to stage 4 CKD patients. EAT thickness showed a positive correlation with age, BMI, blood pressure, C-reactive protein (CRP), and triglyceride levels, and a negative correlation with albumin and HDL levels. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased systolic blood pressure, fat tissue mass, low HDL, and low albumin were independent predictors of EAT thickness.
Conclusion: EAT thickness is higher in advanced CKD patients and is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors. Measuring EAT thickness in CKD patients using non-invasive methods like echocardiography could be valuable in predicting cardiovascular risks. Addressing the factors that contribute to increased EAT thickness may improve clinical outcomes for CKD patients.
Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process Based Complexity Index for Investment Casting
Authors: Maheta Nikunj , Sata Amit , Shukla Minal , Jarboui S. , Mobarsa Divya
Published: October 2024

The investment casting process is widely acknowledged as a manufacturing process for producing industrial castings with precise tolerances, excellent surface finish, and intricate designs across various sectors. However, the complexity of these castings has been predominantly described qualitatively, and a quantitative measurement of complexity has not been extensively studied. This research focuses on identifying specific characteristics that contribute to the complexity of manufacturing investment castings and developing a quantitative measurement of complexity. An in-person industrial survey conducted in a significant investment casting cluster, which accounts for approximately 25% of India's investment casting foundries, identified 212 meta-attributes that correspond to 52 attributes, further delineating 19 elements and 3 factors: geometry, features, and manufacturability. The Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was employed to ascertain the relative weights of the factors, components, attributes, and meta-attributes utilized in calculating the complexity index. The established complexity index was evaluated through various industrial castings and shown its utility for designers in using the investment casting technique for the production of intricate castings. This research corresponds with the principles of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Investment Casting (DFIC) by offering a quantitative assessment of complexity in the investment casting process.
Computer Vision and Reinforcement Learning in Traffic Systems: Prioritizing Efficient Urban Mobility and Gridlock Prevention
Authors: Eeswaran Aadithyaa , Duvvuri Sravya , Naidu Bhavana , N. Lalithamani
Published: October 2024

Traffic monitoring
and traffic light management are crucial for city planning, effective policy-making,
reducing travel times, pollution control, and quality of life. Solutions to this problem
must be reliable, cost-efficient, and extremely scalable, to support the mega-cities of the
modern world. This work proposes an end-to-end framework and implementation for
traffic monitoring and traffic light synchronization and control. The proposed framework supports
monitoring the number of traffic vehicles at each traffic signal, emergency vehicle detection and classification, emergency routing and an analytics dashboard to visualize traffic flow. An ML-driven traffic light control algorithm is proposed to synchronize traffic lights and reduce waiting times, especially in scenarios
where it may be difficult to model the traffic system mathematically.
Enhancing Lung Cancer Detection: Segmentation and Classification of CT Images Using U- Net with Pretrained Backbones and BIR Model
Authors: Golkarieh Alireza , Bayrami Farhad , Lashaki Reza Ahmadi
Published: October 2024

Objective:
The aim of this study is to improve the segmentation and classification of lung regions from CT images of 78 chest cancer patients, focusing on enhancing the accuracy in detecting cancerous tissues. This research evaluates the performance of different U-Net backbone models (VGG16, ResNet50, Xception) in segmentation and employs a novel BIR-enhanced CNN model for classifying lung injury severity.
Methodology:
A U-Net model with three different backbones—VGG16, ResNet50, and Xception—was utilized for lung region segmentation. Preprocessing techniques such as CLAHE (Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization) were applied to enhance contrast and image quality, followed by resizing to 128x128 pixels and normalization. For classification, a BIR-enhanced CNN model was employed to assess lung injury severity. The models were evaluated across multiple metrics, including accuracy, recall, F1 score, Intersection over Union (IoU), and Dice coefficient.
Results:
Among the models, VGG16 achieved the highest performance, with an accuracy of 0.9836 ± 0.0177, recall of 0.9696 ± 0.0737, F1 score of 0.9363 ± 0.0832, IoU of 0.8893 ± 0.1178, and Dice coefficient of 0.9363 ± 0.0832 in segmentation tasks. For the classification of lung injury severity, the BIR-enhanced CNN model, also utilizing VGG16, achieved a classification accuracy of 97.83%.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates the significant impact of preprocessing on segmentation and classification performance. The U-Net model with the VGG16 backbone not only provides highly accurate segmentation of lung regions but also highlights cancerous areas effectively. The integration of the BIR model further improves classification accuracy, indicating that this combination offers an effective approach for lung cancer detection and diagnosis.
ATIC, A Potential Drug Target for Constipation: Evidence from Mendelian Randomization Integrating GWAS and eQTL Data
Authors: Shen Pan , Luo Qinghua , Ding Yifan , Xu Zhiqiang , Ge Wei , Liao Wu , Li Chaofeng , Gao Xinhai , Wang Jiawen , Xie Wenli , Zhang Leichang
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Constipation is a prevalent chronic gastrointestinal disorder. Current treatments primarily focus on short-term relief, leaving significant challenges for achieving long-term improvement. Therefore, identifying novel therapeutic targets is crucial.
Material and methods: We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, using cis-expression quantitative trait locus (cis-eQTL) data from the eQTLGen Consortium and summary data for constipation (ncase = 15,902; ncontrol = 395,721). We performed a replication of the MR analysis using data from the FinnGen study (ncase = 44,590; ncontrol = 409,143). Multiple methods, including Bayesian colocalization, Summary-data Mendelian Randomization (SMR) analysis, heterogeneity testing, Heterogeneity in Dependent Instrument (HEIDI), and horizontal pleiotropy testing, were applied to rigorously validate these findings and assess the likelihood of shared causal variants.
Results: The primary MR analysis identified eight druggable genes significantly associated with constipation risk (P < 0.05/2534, FDR corrected), with ATIC and PPIL1 demonstrating consistent associations in replication cohorts (P < 0.05). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, with no indication of heterogeneity. Co-localization analysis suggested that ATIC is likely to share causal variants with constipation susceptibility (PP.H4 = 0.91). Subsequent SMR analysis further confirmed a significant association between ATIC and constipation (PSMR = 8.76 × 10-4), while passing the HEIDI test (PHEIDI = 3.46 × 10-1). ATIC was linked to a lower risk of constipation (OR = 0.855, 95% CI = 0.811 – 0.902, PFDR = 1.86 × 10-5).
Conclusions: Our study identified the ATIC gene as a highly promising drug target for reducing the risk of constipation, laying the groundwork for future drug development.
A Comparative Study of Low Power MOS Design Approaches and Impact on VDTA Performance
Authors: SEKRETER Pelin DOĞAN , UYGUR Atilla , ALÇI Mustafa
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the Voltage Differencing Transconductance Amplifier (VDTA), a universal active element, through the use of new approaches, such as Bulk-Driven MOS (BDMOS), Floating Gate MOS (FGMOS), and Dynamic Threshold MOS (DTMOS) transistors, which perform well at low supply voltages. The Voltage Differencing Transconductance Amplifier (VDTA) is simulated to illustrate these methods. The utilized VDTA’s variant operates at a low supply voltage of ±0.2 V, with a remarkably low power dissipation of approximately 6 nW. This efficiency is primarily due to the inherent low-voltage characteristics of the MOS transistor configurations employed. The functionality and effectiveness of the utilized VDTA designs are verified through comprehensive simulations using LTSPICE, where the VDTA is applied in basic filter circuits to test its performance. The results confirm the viability of these advanced transistor techniques in enhancing the performance of VDTAs in low-power analog circuits, offering valuable contributions to the field of low-voltage, low-power electronic design.
Exploring the thermoeconomic of converting 4-stroke combustion motorcycles to 2-stroke expansion models
Authors: Deymi-Dashtebayaz Mahdi , Tayyeban Edris
Published: October 2024

The rise in population has led to an upsurge in the consumption of fossil fuels across various sectors. The transportation sector, as one of the important sectors in the consumption of fossil fuels, is a notable contributor to the production of pollutants and greenhouse gases. However, the use of energy sources is constrained by their inherent inconsistency. In this current research, the initial step involved identifying three prevalent motorcycle types in Tehran, the largest and most polluted city in Iran. Then, with changes in the mechanism and timing of fluid entry and exit into the cylinder, they changed from a 4-stroke combustion engine to a two-stroke expansion engine with compressed air fuel. Following the motorcycle modification, the study delved into a comprehensive examination. This included thermodynamic modelling, analysis of power and torque production, assessment of compressed air consumption, exploration of initial acceleration dynamics, and determination of the distance travelled. Furthermore, in the concluding phase, the research quantified the annual savings in pollutant production and reduced fuel consumption for Tehran. The calculated reductions stand at 15,750 kg for CO, 5,523 kg for HC, 231 kg for NOx, 114,996 kg for CO2, and a substantial 92,400 liters for fuel. These findings underscore the positive environmental impact and efficiency gains achieved through the modified engine system.
Investigation of the effect of buckwheat substitute on the quality of nutritious and healthy biscuit production
Authors: Yıldırım Ali , Smail Amanj Nasih
Published: October 2024

Buckwheat, a nutritious pseudocereal, offers numerous health benefits including reducing celiac disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar regulation, and cancer risk reduction. Hence, the objective of this research was to create biscuits with enhanced proximate composition, physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of biscuits using composite flours prepared with refined soft wheat flour (RWF) -based 0% (A), 30% (B), 50% (C), 70% (D) and 100% (E) buckwheat flour (BWF). Increase in BWF substitute resulted a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in moisture, ash, fat, and protein content, and a decrease in carbohydrate contents of both flours and biscuits. Increasing levels of BWF led to a decrease in L* and b* color values, and an increase in a* color value and pH of both flours and biscuits. Addition of BWF to RWF decreased the thickness, diameter and hardness values of the biscuits, while increased bulk density, weight, spread ratio and textural fracturability. All biscuits with different substitution levels of BWF had resulted with acceptable sensory characteristics. All sensory evaluations were found to be high scores for control sample and decreased with BWF supplementation. The use of BWF in biscuits not only enhances their nutritional, physicochemical, and functional properties but also promotes the production of healthier biscuits.
Humanitarian Standers of basic needs in temporary Displaced Camps in Shendi Locality
Authors: Ali Alhaj Saad Mohamed Ahmed , Khamees Rowyda Alnile Ahmad
Published: October 2024

Background: Minimum standards these are qualitative in nature and specify the minimum levels to be attained in humanitarian response regarding the provision location conditions, water, Sanitation and hygiene promotion.
Study design and Methods: cross-sectional- Sample survey and household based study was conducted on the displaced shelters in the temporary camps in Shendi locality, between August to October 2024 for the purpose of observe the minimum humanitarian standards in the shelter camps. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews through a written questionnaire (100 questionnaires were distributed to the displaced households heads in the camps) and also through the checklist and non-structural interview. The data was analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: It was noted that all displaced households are still residing in temporary shelter sites, which are schools, which made it possible to provide a number of ready-made facilities, such as toilets, a building, protection, and kitchens. In addition to the availability of water sources, as was shown through direct observation that the People who depend on tap water are 98%, and the capacity of storage containers ranges between 10- 40 liters/household. 66% of household have a good level of hygiene, While 78% of them have bad practices that could lead to water contamination. Regarding human waste it was found78% of people has flush toilets, 82% dispose of children’s faeces properly, 58% do not have slopes to dispose of sewage. 90% of people use open dumps to dispose of their waste, 96% of flies and mosquitoes breed in that waste. 48% of the insects observed were mosquitoes, and 98% use personal protection from the damage caused by these insects, 73.5% use repellents, 30% use mosquito nets, and 68% are tied in the evening.
Conclusion: The minimum humanitarian standards in the camps for the displaced are not sufficiently available in terms of quantity and quality, and this is a clear indicator of the spread of diseases related to these standards. The small percentage who have these standards are only due to their own efforts, which requires more concerted efforts by the government and organizations to provide These standards are likely to become a hotspot for the spread of epidemics if this trend continues.
Parasite clearance and protection from Plasmodium falciparum infection (PCPI): a two-arm, parallel, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised trial of presumptive sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine versus artesunate monotherapy among asymptomatic children 3-5 years of age in Zambia
Authors: Martinez-Vega Rosario , Chaponda Mike , Mousa Andria , Gwasupika Jonathan , Chaponda Enesia Banda , Daka Victor , Mwanza Sydney , Chipunga Mukuka , Beshir Khalid B. , Chopo-Pizarro Ana , Kaur Harparkash , Okell Lucy , Hansson Helle , Hocke Emma Filtenborg , Alifrangis Michael , Gosling Roland , Roper Cally , Sutherland Colin , Chico R Matthew
Published: October 2024

Background: The 2022 malaria chemoprevention guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend the provision of a full treatment course of an antimalarial medicine at predefined intervals, regardless of whether the child is infected with malaria, to prevent illness in moderate to high perennial malaria transmission settings. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is usually used for this intervention, now called perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC). The K540E mutation in the dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) gene circulating in Africa is thought to be associated with treatment failure and reduced chemoprevention efficacy in children but the exact effect remains unclear.
Methods: This protocol is for a two-arm, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial in Zambia that is designed to evaluate the effect of parasite genotypes on the efficacy of single-dose SP among asymptomatic children between 3-5 years of age. Children are randomly allocated to one of two groups for directly observed treatment. Over seven consecutive days (days -7 to -1), children in the SP group (n=400) receive placebo artesunate (AS), then active SP (day 0). In contrast, children in the AS group (n=200) receive active artesunate for seven consecutive days, followed by placebo SP (day 0). Then, on days 0, 2, 5, 7, and weekly thereafter until day 28, children provide blood for thick smear slides. Dried blood spots are collected on the same days and weekly from day 28 to day 63 for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and genotype analyses using a platform based on PCR followed by targeted next-generation sequencing.
Discussion: Our aim is to measure the effect of the parasite genotypes associated with SP resistance on parasite clearance and protection from new infection when exposed to SP chemoprevention. We will report unblinded results including: (i) time-to-parasite clearance among SP recipients who were positive on day 0 by qPCR and measured to day 63; (ii) mean duration of SP protection against infection, and (iii) mean duration of symptom-free status among SP recipients who were parasite free on day 0 by qPCR. Our conclusions will reflect on the utility of WHO’s new malaria chemoprevention efficacy study protocol with its follow-up to day 28 versus day 63.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06166498; 11/12/2023.
Identification by immunoinformatics of the B and T epitopes in F and HN proteins of Newcastle disease viruses isolated in Madagascar
Authors: Tendrinarisoa Randriamamisolonirina Natolotriniavo , Suzanne Razafindrafara Mirantsoa , Abel Andriantsimahavandy Andriambandaina , Fridolin Maminiaina Olivier
Published: October 2024

Although conventional vaccines are widely used, outbreaks of Newcastle disease (ND) are still observed in Madagascar. This situation encourages the search for a more effective vaccine against this disease. Therefore, this study aims to develop a "multi-epitopic vaccine" based on circulating strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). To achieve this, it focuses on identifying B and T epitopes present in the F and HN proteins of 12 NDV strains isolated in Madagascar, using immunoinformatics methods. The sequences of F and HN proteins are extracted from the NCBI database and analyzed using specialized servers such as Bepipred v2.0, NetMHIIpan 4.0, and NetCTL v1.2 to predict the epitopes. These epitopes are then evaluated for antigenicity, non-allergenicity, and localization in exo-membrane regions, using tools such as VaxiJen 2.0, AllerTop v2.0, and TMHMM v2.0. The results reveal the presence of 52 epitopes in the F proteins and 68 epitopes in the HN proteins, all located in the exo-membrane regions of NDV. These epitopes prove to be antigenic and non-allergenic, offering promising potential for the development of a multi-epitopic vaccine.
Agile and Design Thinking in Pharma and Healthcare: A Systematic Review of Requirement Gathering and User Adoption
Authors: Sahadev Chaitanya
Published: October 2024

Purpose - Agile and Design Thinking methodologies became popular in the highly-regulated pharmaceutical and healthcare industry for overcoming such obstacles as requirements gathering, regulatory compliance, and product adoption by users. The literature on their intersection is, however, fragmented. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the intersection of Agile and Design Thinking and their influence on user story development and product adoption in pharmaceutical and healthcare product management.
Design/Methodology/Approach - A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing the use of Agile and Design Thinking methodologies in healthcare and pharmaceutical product management, with a focus on requirement gathering and user adoption.
Findings - The results elucidate that the iterative repackaging of agile practices and a user-centric theme in design thinking principles, increase the positive effects on product development outcomes. That said, the advent of standardized user stories which meet reg & bus requirements has been difficult for many and in general a heavy application of lightly enforced requests/resistance → leading to poor user adoption rates.
Research Limitation/Implications - The current review identifies literature gaps in the integration of Agile and design thinking methodologies specifically within a regulatory regime like those found within pharmaceutical and healthcare. Further studies should provide standardized guidelines for regulatory compliance and user-centric requirement gathering.
Originality/Value – This study provides an insight of Agile and Design Thinking integration in regulated product management therefore offering grounds for newer gap in literature, to consider. The focus is on recent trends in the field, challenges faced within the area and gaps in current research at the intersection of these methodologies with healthcare and pharmaceutical product management.
Paper type – Literature review
Bioaccumulation pattern of heavy metals in Avicennia marina at Visakhapatnam and Coringa mangroves in India
Authors: Kambala Anand Raju , Chintala Ramakrishna , Reka Srinivas
Published: October 2024

This study explores the impact of heavy metal accumulation on Avicennia marina's physiological and anatomical aspects, focusing on its capacity for metal uptake and tolerance. Conducted across the Visakhapatnam Entrance Channel (VEC) field, Control Coringa mangroves, and controlled ex-situ greenhouse environments, the study examines the accumulation patterns of chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd). The Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) indicated that Cd posed a very high risk, with Cr and Pb also showing significant risks. Heavy metal concentrations in the VEC from Cr (36.58–76.41 µg/g), Mn (209.19–428.8 µg/g), Cu (29.91–45.56 µg/g), Zn (306.44–925.16 µg/g), Cd (2.49–4.65 µg/g), and Pb (42.0–155.64 µg/g). The potential ecological risk coefficient Eir consistently placed Cd in the high-risk category, with other metals generally in low to moderate-risk categories. Physiological changes in plant tissues were analyzed using a fluorescence microscope, and higher metal concentrations were assessed with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and Translocation Factor (TF) were calculated to evaluate metal accumulation and translocation efficiency. In VEC, significant anatomical changes in Avicennia marina included moist leaves, expanded mesophyll areas, and thick cuticles with heavy metal deposits, especially in high metal concentrations. The region's pollution, driven by port activities and nearby industries, elevated heavy metal levels in sediments. Cd was identified as a very high-risk element at all stations, while other metals were categorized under low or moderate risk. Comparative analysis with the Control Coringa mangroves indicated potential variations in metal accumulation strategies between the two regions within the same species. Anatomical changes in the VEC were more pronounced than fewer disruptions in Coringa mangroves, suggesting differential adaptive responses to environmental stressors. This study underscores the need for targeted environmental management strategies to mitigate heavy metal contamination and highlights the importance of maintaining healthy mangrove habitats amidst increasing anthropogenic pressures.
Controlled Synthesis of TiB2-TiC Composite: Substantiation of the Homogenizing Joule Thermostatting Efficiency and Improvement of SHS-Compaction Technology in a Vacuum
Authors: Jandieri Gigo , Sakhvadze David
Published: October 2024

This research aims to improve and substantiate the efficiency of homogenization heat-stabilizing Joule heating on ceramic-matrix composites of TiB2-TiC system with a 2:1 component ratio during its synthesis. For this purpose, an improved technological approach is proposed, which is based on the known method of SHS-compacting but differs by the possibility of controlled Joule influence on the synthesis products, which is achieved by the use of a special electrothermal vacuum press-mold functioning according to a particular control algorithm. The task of controlled Joule heating is a compensation of the temperature gradient formed in the synthesized workpiece, which is solved by passing in it a direct current directed in line with the vector of propagation of the combustion wave. An indicator of assessment of the degree of compensation of the noted temperature gradient is the Seebeck effect, excited between the upper and lower surface of the SHS workpiece, which should be brought to zero in the process of Joule thermostatting. It was experimentally revealed that compensation of the noted temperature gradient with heat released predominantly by electrically conductive and Joule-heated TiC grains leads to their softening, which contributes to more uniform compaction of the workpiece due to diffusion coalescence of these grains around prism-shaped hard TiB2 crystals. Such consolidation leads to a significant increase in the quality of structural packaging and a reduction in the number and volume of micropores, as a result of which the performance properties of the composite improve on average by 10–15 %.
Honeyomics and Industrialisation of Madu Kelulut as a Health Supplement: Are We Ready for Scale-Up?
Authors:   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Mustafa Mohd Zulkifli , Vit Patricia ,   Apitherapy and Bioactivity, Food Science Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Bioanalysis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
Published: October 2024

Ethnomedicinal uses of honey value its nutritional and medicinal properties to attain general health, diseases prevention or treatment for particular illness. Madu kelulut or stingless bee honey is produced by Meliponini species and the honey referred as superfood in Malaysia. The honey is a complete natural food product that provide safe source of energy via low GI trehalulose sugar, nourished with nutrients, vitamins, amino acids and good bacteria that is formed via unique natural pot-bioreactor processing. The honey is gaining attention for its high antioxidant levels, antimicrobial properties, anti-inflammatory, unique composition and taste. Studies revealed multiple foundations and evidence-based that the madu kelulut is highly beneficial for human possessing a promising niche in the health supplement industry with economic importance projected up to USD700 million in local markets. Honeyomics of madu kelulut aims at understanding the economic importance factors that contribute to the entire mark-up of madu kelulut as general guides for standards and the functional properties of madu kelulut. Several milestones (2005–2023) have been achieved which acknowledge the strategic development and ecosystem for the madu kelulut industry in Malaysia. Further efforts to safeguards the quality and authenticity of stingless bee honey via modernisation, capacity building and market expansion could encourage for scale-up and solidifying Malaysia’s position as a key player in the global stingless bee honey industry, providing economic benefits while preserving natural resources for future generations.
Meaning-Centred Coping Predicted Lower Depressive Symptoms among Caregivers with Complicated Grief
Authors:   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Chen Sung Wong ,   Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Development, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak, Malaysia, Mustafar Mohamed Faiz Mohamed ,   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Zulkifly Mohd Faizal Mohd ,   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: October 2024

Background: Complicated grief is characterised by persistent low mood, intense distress and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to explore coping strategies (i.e. emotion-, problem- and meaning-centred) used by bereaved individuals facing complicated grief and how these strategies may predict psychological and cognitive outcomes. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 20 bereaved individuals (5 males, 15 females) that aged 27 years old–65 years old (mean = 42.25, standard deviation [SD] = 9.30) were recruited following the loss of a loved one due to physical illness. Participants were screened for complicated grief and subsequently completed self-report assessments of coping strategies and depressive symptoms using Brief Grief Questionnaire (BGQ), Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Questionnaire, Meaning-Centered Coping Scale (MCCS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Items (PHQ-9). Following that, participants underwent a neurocognitive assessment of working memory using the 2-Back task. Results: Caregivers with complicated grief suffered from moderate severity of depressive symptoms (mean = 17.45, SD = 4.43) as they were coping with the losses. Furthermore, the f indings showed that MCC significantly predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms (b = −0.50, t (16) = −2.25, P = 0.04). However, coping strategies did not significantly predict working memory performance. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential benefits of MCC in alleviating depressive symptoms in bereaved individuals and underscore its contribution to the development of grief interventions. Grief therapists can emphasise this coping strategy to promote healing and resilience in patients in the grief work.