bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dramatic Literature and the Fight against Terror, Insurgency and Insecurity in Nigeria: Yerima’s Vision in Heart of Stone
Authors: Desen Jonathan Mbachaga
Published: March 2020

Issues of security of lives and property flood the news in Nigeria with focus on mayhem, bombings, brutality and mind boggling killings of persons. The fear has gone beyond that of armed robbery gangs to fear of kidnappers, political assassins and insurgent bombings which have become daily features of our news and social landscape. This paper takes a critical excursion into Ahmed Yerima’s Heart of Stone and explores his angst against insurgency and its causes in Nigeria highlighting religious intolerance and hate as well as poverty as strong reasons for this trend in Nigeria. The study uses content analysis to extract key issues captured by Yerima and discusses these issues in relation to socio political happenings in Nigeria. Findings reveal that, religious clerics abuse their place of authority by instigating and influencing innocent followers to commit violent acts of terror. It was also found that poverty is a strong force in influencing young people to seek better lively hood thereby becoming vulnerable to easy recruitment as terrorists. The paper submits, among others, that the disrespect to life occasioned by religious violence and insurgency places a demand on us as artiste and writers to arouse social conscience as we search for peaceful existence within the realities of our new modernity. This calls for a return to the core values of promoting love, tolerance, peace and above all, respect to life. Our writing as dramatists is called upon to throw its searchlight and prod conscience as it speaks to these issues. The paper concludes that, Nigeria’s unity is threatened by religious intolerance and hate and has led to threats of regions breaking to form independent states like Biafra, Oduduwa, Arewa Nation, Middle Belt and several others. A focus on the socio economic wellbeing of the poor and less privileged in our society and provision of basic amenities will go a long way in curbing this menace.
The Rooted Dweller: Paradoxes of Exile and Homecoming in the Poetry of Derek Mahon
Authors: Ezzeldin Hend Hamed
Published: March 2020

Exile is not a singular phenomenon but rather a varied and a heterogeneous one. The term exile generally denotes displacement which refers to a movement out of one’s original place, be it imposed or by one’s choice. The theme of exile is pervasive in Irish literature reflecting the isolation felt by Irish writers who regarded themselves displaced at their very home and uprooted from earth per se. Many critics maintained that this intense sense of un-belonging to any place is translated into the logic of ‘colonial aphasia’ from Derek Mahon whose poetry is conditioned by various types of exile. Failing to take a stance of what was happening in his homeland and to elucidate his cantankerous, dissociated feelings, Mahon’s decision was to sever himself entirely from any home no matter what this ‘home’ incarnates. In one of his interviews, however, Derek Mahon expressed utter disapproval of being seen as an exile and made it explicit that this should not be the way to interrogate his writing. Even though much of his poetry testifies that he is a displaced writer in exile, deeper readings of his works would showcase various attempts at connecting with the world he seems to reject. This paper attempts to examine Mahon’s occult sentiments towards his homeland, his people, and his vocation by delving into some of his major poems to illustrate his endeavors at association even if the poems reflect detachment and disconnection. In every poem, there is a sense of belonging - to a place, a people, or to one’s self - despite the sweeping motifs of division and aloofness.
Exploring Factors of Speech Anxiety in Second Language Classroom
Authors: Malik Abbasi Abdul , Riaz Ahmed Samreen , Farooqi Alia , John Stephon
Published: March 2020

This study aims to investigate the factors affecting on English speech of undergraduate students at the SMIU, Karachi. The study prospects two aspects as outcomes of the study, one to discover what are the major issues and hindrances and another one to find their solutions for developing techniques and skills to gain confidence while speaking English as a second language in ESL classroom and in public. It will further investigate as how to help develop a wonderful speech free from speech anxiety. The study administered Likert Scale as a tool for data collection. Forty participating students were recruited from the department of Computer Science, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi. Speech anxiety is a common phenomenon amongst the students in the second language classrooms. Second language i.e., English, however, has become the lingua franca of the world. It is no longer the language of only native Britishers and Americans, rather, it is a widely spoken language by most people living in every nook & corner of the world. This study investigates as to how ESL learners turn out as nervous speakers while speaking English. Findings of the study suggest that speech anxiety seems to be an unavoidable phenomenon for ESL learners as the data reveal. In addition, this study is associated with the previous studies that there is a moderate level of Foreign Language Speech Anxiety (FLSA) amongst the Pakistani English speakers. Since English is taught from the primary level and every literate person almost understands and speaks English. Pakistani English language speakers should speak without speech anxiety, though it seems to be a part of human nature being nervous while speaking English as a second language. The students should learn how to manage speech anxiety by welcoming it and try to overcome it not by mindless imitation but by being natural in English speech.
A Multi-Band U-Strip and SRR Loaded Slot Antenna with Circular Polarization Characteristics
Authors: Paul P. M. , Kandasamy K. , Sharawi M. S.
Published: March 2020

A compact multiband circularly polarized slot antenna is proposed here. An F-shaped microstrip feedline is used to excite the square slot antenna loaded with a U-shaped strip and a split ring resonator (SRR) to generate three circularly polarized bands at 1.5 GHz, 2.75 GHz and 3.16 GHz. A meandered slot is used in the feedline and the U-strip to improve the axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW). The meandered feedline excites the slot to produce resonance at 2.5 GHz. This resonance along with that of the F-shaped feed, loaded SRR and U-strip combine to give rise to three circularly polarized bands which can be tuned depending on the feed, SRR and U-strip dimensions. The orientation of the F-shaped feed decides the sense of polarization of the three circularly polarized bands of the proposed antenna. The proposed antenna is fabricated on a substrate of FR4 material with dimensions 50 x 50 x 1.56 mm3. The antenna is prototyped and measured in terms of impedance bandwidth, ARBW, gain and efficiency. The simulated and measured results show reasonably good agreement.
Dual Band Filter-Antenna with Fixed Low Band and Frequency-Agile High Band for Wireless Communications
Authors: Atallah H. A.
Published: March 2020

This work proposes a design of compact filter-antenna with fixed and frequency-agile bands for wireless communications and cognitive radio (CR) systems. The filter-antenna is realized by attaching a bandpass filter with an independent fixed band and a tunable band to a UWB antenna. The dual bandpass filter consists of a folded open loop resonator loaded with single varactor diode at a suitable location to achieve reconfigurability operations for the high band while the low band remains fixed at 4.5 GHz. A reconfigurable broadband frequency range of 3.2 GHz from 7.8 to 4.6 GHz is achieved for the high band by changing the capacitance of the varactor from 0.16 to 2.25 pF, respectively. A prototype of the filter-antenna is fabricated and measured at a selected capacitance of 0.6 pF to verify the simulation results. Good agreements between simulated and measured results are obtained.
Optimization of the Method of Auxiliary Sources by the Genetic Algorithm for electromagnetic scattering problem
Authors: Hidouri S. , Aguili T.
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we propose to apply a technique of optimization of the convergence of the auxiliary sources method (MAS) for the problems of electromagnetic diffusion by a perfectly conducting and infinite obstacle. This technique is based on the use of the genetic algorithm (GA). Previous studies have shown that the convergence of the MAS solution depends on many parameters such as the number of auxiliary sources and the auxiliary distance between the real surface of the cylinder and the fictitious surface, and so on. The solution is obtained for a good choice of these parameters. In this article, the genetic algorithm is chosen to facilitate the choice of MAS parameters.
A Design of MIMO Prototype in C-Band Frequency for Future Wireless Communications
Authors: Al-Ani N. M. K. , Al-Ani O. A. S. , Mosleh M. F. , Abd-Alhameed R. A.
Published: March 2020

The main challenges of MIMO design for future wireless communication is size reduction which leads to more mutual coupling. This paper deals with this problem in order to mitigate the impact of mutual coupling by proposing four elements MIMO prototype each one having a dual polarized patch rectangular microstrips. The idea is to insert annular rectangular opened one ribs in front of each microstrip and in corresponding to circular ring slot etched has etched in the ground. The advantage of such slot is to obtain regular radiation pattern distributed around device body. The four elements with eight ports are incorporated on 67×139 mm2 PCB with FR-4 dielectric layer. The single antenna is simulated CST.STUDIO 2019 resulting an operated frequency of 6.23 GHz with a band of 850 MHz (5.81-6.66) GHz at -10 dB. The fabrication MIMO system prototype is tested to show its measurement results which are match the simulated results. All results confirm of that proposed MIMO prototype which is operated at C-band frequency which is very important for future wireless applications.
Usage of Social Networking Tools by Rural Youth in Transfer of Technology - An Overview
Authors: Radhakrishnan P. , Sriram N. , Manivannan N.
Published: March 2020

The utilization of social media tools is an integral part of rural youth lives today. Over some time utilization of social media has been changed the attention of rural youth. The development of rural youths on social media has reached at a different level, without social media, every individual of rural youth cannot think about the direction of their respective growth and futures. The research studies on the utilization of social media conducted across the world by different authors and review extensively for drawing constructive inference for future study and reference. The development of rural youth on social media is now leading to addiction. The major sources and several studies reported that it is widely accepted the overutilization of social media has a profound negative influence on the rural youths. This study highlights the main purposes of utilizing social media by rural youth and to attempt have been made to find out the time spent on surfing the various social networking sites. This study focuses on the major and the positive and negative effects of utilizing social media on the life of rural youths.
Waste Management in Cosmopolitan West African Cities: Towards the Need for Environmental Education of Populations
Authors: Gbadamassi Massouhoudou , Adéchian Soulé Akinhola , Baco Mohamed Nasser , Tossou Rigobert Cocou
Published: March 2020

The majority of cosmopolitan cities are affected by the environmental problems inherent in the phenomenon of urbanization, which have a negative impact on people's lives. This article analyzed actors' perceptions on strategies for managing the environmental problems facing cosmopolitan West African cities through the case study of Parakou in Benin. The exploratory qualitative approach based on group and individual interviews was used. The data collected relate to the environmental problems of the city, the reasons for the persistence of the problems, and the strategies to be implemented for a better management of these problems. Qualitative speech analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. It emerged that household waste (solid and liquid) is the main environmental problem of the city. The persistence of these problems is explained by the incivility characterized by ignorance, irresponsibility and indifference of the population. The population supports that awareness raising and education in environmental management is a core solution to prevent and avoid the environmental problems of big cities. But how to ensure this environmental education of the population for an efficiency management of the environmental problems of cities?
Clinical Profile of Dengue Fever in a Tertiary Hospital of Rural South India – A Retrospective Study
Authors: Raghu Ritvik , Manokaran C. , Sathiyanarayanan J.
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Dengue fever is a globally important arboviral infection transmitted by the Aedes genus of mosquito found in tropical and subtropical regions. Fluid therapy and the identification of the critical phase are the most important aspects of management.

Objectives: To study the clinical profile of patients with Dengue Fever.

Methodology: The patients diagnosed with Dengue Fever would be considered for the study. Data pertaining to the clinic-socio demographic profile of dengue fever would be collected from the patient’s records and analyzed.

Results: It was observed that majority of patients had myalgia as the common associated symptoms with fever and bleeding manifestations was present in 7.7% of patients. Dengue NS1 was positive in 79% of patients. Platelet transfusion was given for 20% of patients. Amongst those who received platelet transfusion 52% patients had bleeding manifestations. Antibiotics was given for 65% of patients which had no significant effect on the duration of stay in hospital and platelet values.

Conclusion: Dengue fever despite its aggressive nature can be effectively managed by maintaining hydration and hemodynamic stability. Platelet transfusion and antibiotic therapy has failed to show any significant improvement in disease outcomes and should be reserved for Severe Dengue Haemorrhagic Shock.
Characterisation of Escherichia coli Recovered from Wild Animals Kept at Bikaner Zoo for Their Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Zaidi Sophia , Gahlot Kritika , . Diwakar , Anjum Femina , Kataria A. K.
Published: March 2020

In the present study, a total of 41 E. coli isolates obtained from Boselaphus tragocamelus (5), Antelope cervicapra (18) and Gazella gazelle (18) maintained at Bikaner (Rajasthan) zoo were subjected to antibiogram determination against 15 antibiotics belonging to four different classes and were also genotyped for detecting presence of blaTEM, sul-2, strA and aadA genes. Antibiogram study revealed highest efficacy of ciprofloxacin (90.2%) followed by nalidixic acid (75.6%) and chloramphenicol (68.4%) and high resistance to β lactam, Sulfamethoxazole and Aminoglycoside antibiotics. The overall presence of blaTEM, sul-2, strA and aadA genes was detected in 95.12%, 80.48%, 60.97% and 87.8% in isolates.
Influence of the Water Nature on the Two-phase Flow in an Air-lift Column
Authors: Bongo Djimako , Nanimina Alexis Mouangué , Lamai Nandiguim , Jonas Togdjim , Danoumbe Bonaventure , Champagne J. Y.
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study is to determine the phase indicator functions of a two-phase flow in an air-lift vacuum column. The outcome of this study is to master the hydrodynamics in a vertical column when determining the size, the velocities of the bubbles and the void rate then the gas-liquid interphase. The functions are the vacuum rate, the interface speed and bubble size, the flow rate and the speed of the liquid phase. The vacuum lift air column that is the subject of this study is based on the principle of air lift and flotation, all under vacuum. In its operation, the column combines hydraulic pumping, solute transfer and particle phase separation functions, which has the particularity of minimizing energy costs. The process of air-lift columns under the vacuum is still at the development stage and the experimental study of its hydrodynamics is one of the determining axes in the course of the exploration with a assessment to optimizing its design and functioning. The experiments were carried out on a vertical column composed of two concentric plexiglas tubes connected to a water recirculation tank and to a vacuum pump. For all experiments performed, demineralized water and salt water are used and the flow rate is measured using a flow meter. The experimental analysis is done using two-phase instrumentation consisting of a bi-probe and the use of experimental techniques has enabled a better understanding of the hydrodynamics of the two-phase flow.
Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Small Intestine Diagnosed With Transabdominal Ultrasonography: A Case Report
Authors: Tsujimura Kazuma , Takushi Yasukatsu , Nakachi Atsushi , Teruya Tsuyoshi , Iha Kouji
Published: March 2020

Background

Tumors of the small intestine are rare. In addition, clinical symptoms are nonspecific, and neoplasm-related symptoms occur late.

Methods

We report a case of neuroendocrine tumor of the small intestine that was diagnosed early with transabdominal ultrasonography (US). The patient was a 61-year-old man. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed because the patient complained of abdominal pain. The CT showed a tumor lesion in the mesentery. Transabdominal US was undertaken to evaluate this tumor lesion, and a tumor lesion of the small intestine was found nearby. A diagnosis of lymph node metastasis of a small intestine tumor was made as a preoperative diagnosis. A laparotomy was performed with partial resection of the ileum, together with the small intestine mesentery, including an enlarged lymph node.

Results

Histologic examination revealed neuroendocrine tumor of the ileum and lymph node metastasis. Transabdominal US is useful in the diagnosis of small-intestine NET.
Gratophyllum pictum (L.) Griff Extract as Anti-Inflammatory on Wistar Rats With Experimental Hemorrhoids
Authors: Prasetyo Sigit Adi , Wisnu Prajoko Yan , Agung Nugroho Eriawan , Dharmana Edi , Susilaningsih Neni , Riwanto Ignatius
Published: March 2020

Background

The ethanol Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff extract (EGPE) exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on inflammatory-induced rat feet and has been used as a traditional medicine in Indonesia for treating hemorrhoids.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EGPE as an anti-inflammatory on Wistar rats with experimentally induced hemorrhoids.

Methods

Twenty-eight Wistars were allocated into 4 groups. Groups 2, 3, and 4 hemorrhoids were induced with 6% croton oil into the anus, whereas group 1 was not induced. Groups 1 and 2 were given physiologic saline, and groups 3 and 4 were given EGPE 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight (BW), respectively. On day 9, blood was aspirated from the retro-ocular region for the examination of serum interleukin (IL)-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a (ELISA method) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), urea, and creatinine levels. The anus was prepared for microscopic examination to count leucocytes.

Results

The induction of 6% croton oil significantly increased TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and leucocyte count. An EGPE dose of 100 mg/kg BW significantly decreases TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and leucocyte counts, whereas a dose of 300 mg/kg BW significantly decreased TNF-α and leucocyte count. SGOT, SGPT, blood urea, and creatinine levels were not significantly different among groups.

Conclusion

The EGPE dose of 100 mg/kg BW has anti-inflammatory effects on hemorrhoids by suppressing IL-6, COX-2, TNF-α, and total leucocytes, whereas the inflammatory effects of 300 mg/kg BW reduced TNF-α and total leucocytes. EGPE is safe for the kidneys and liver.
Evaluation of Anastomotic Leakages Grading System Following Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Huang Yi-Zhou , Xu Lei-Qi , Wang Dong-Yang , Yu Min-Hao , Wang Hao , Yu En-Da , Zhong Ming , Cong Zhi-Jie
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is generally accepted as a major complication of rectal resection surgery. However, there is still debate about the definition and evaluation of AL. The International Study Group of Rectal Cancer (ISREC) raised a definition of and grading system for AL in 2010.

Aim

In our study, we aimed to validate AL's present definition and grading system, which were proposed by ISREC in 2010.

Methods

Patients who underwent rectal anterior resection in 2 colorectal surgery centers from January 2012 to December 2014 were included and categorized into different groups according to the ISREC criteria; further, the rate, severity and clinical outcomes of their ALs were analyzed and compared.

Results

During a median follow-up period of 38.9 months, 984 patients were included in total. The overall AL rate was 5.0% (49/984), including 7 grade A patients (14%), 21 grade B patients (43%), and 21 grade C patients (43%). The rate of grade C AL in the protective diverting stoma group was significantly lower than that in the nonstoma group (0.6% versus 2.8%, P = 0.029). Patients with grade B or grade C AL had much longer hospital stays than grade A AL patients (P = 0.016). The overall 3-year survival rates of grades A, B, and C groups were 83.3%, 66.7% and 55.6% respectively, without statistical significance.

Conclusions

Patients who were divided into different groups according to the grading system proposed by the ISREC criteria had significantly different symptoms, clinical outcomes, management, and duration of hospitalization. Our study supported that the ISREC criteria are a simple but valid classification to evaluate the surgical performance of the rectal cancer resection.
Incidence and Risk of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Tseng Mei-Chih Meg , Chiou Kuan-Rau , Shao Joni Yu-Hsuan , Liu Hung-Yi
Published: December 2024

Importance

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is commonly associated with cardiovascular complications.

Objective

To investigate the trajectories of the risk of cardiovascular conditions in a nationwide cohort of patients with AN in Taiwan.

Design, Setting, and Participants

From a population-based health insurance database from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2021, this longitudinal cohort study identified patients with AN and controls through propensity score matching at a 1:10 ratio according to sex, age, urbanization level of residence, socioeconomic status, and year of diagnosis. Data were analyzed from June 27, 2023, to February 23, 2024.

Exposure

First-time diagnosis of AN by psychiatrists during the study period.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incidence and risk of composite cardiovascular conditions. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and any cardiovascular condition. With adjustment for psychiatric comorbidities, conditional Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to estimate the risk of cardiovascular events, which were presented as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs, relative to the comparison group. Risks of individual cardiovascular conditions were calculated during 3 follow-up periods after AN diagnosis.

Results

The study population included 2081 patients with AN and 20 810 matched controls, for a total of 22 891 participants (mean [SD] age, 24.9 [9.9] years; 91.3% female). In total, 99 patients with AN (4.8%) had MACE vs 175 (0.8%) in controls, and 124 patients with AN (6.0%) had any cardiovascular condition vs 483 controls (2.3%). At the 5-year follow-up, the cumulative incidence rate of MACE was 4.82% (95% CI, 3.85%-6.02%) and of any cardiovascular condition was 6.19% (95% CI, 5.19%-7.53%). Compared with the control group, the AN group had significantly higher risks of MACE (adjusted HR [AHR], 3.78; 95% CI, 2.83-5.05) and any cardiovascular condition (AHR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.54-2.41). The significantly increased risks of congestive heart failure, conduction disorder, and structural heart disease occurred in the initial follow-up period and disappeared after 60 months of follow-up. Notably, patients with AN did not have an increased risk of ischemic heart disease until after 60 months of follow-up (AHR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.48-6.13).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this national matched cohort study, increased risk of cardiovascular conditions was found in different periods after AN diagnosis. Clinicians should monitor comorbid cardiovascular conditions among patients with AN at initial presentation, during treatment, and at follow-up.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Outcomes of Neonates Born at Less Than 30 Weeks’ Gestation, 2018-2022
Authors: Boghossian Nansi S. , Geraci Marco , Edwards Erika M. , Horbar Jeffrey D.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Previous research has examined outcomes among very preterm newborns by the birthing parent’s race and ethnicity, but knowledge about these trends during the COVID-19 pandemic is limited.

Objective

To examine trends in outcomes among Black, Hispanic, and Asian preterm newborns compared with White preterm newborns.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study (2018-2022) took place at 774 neonatal intensive care units in the Vermont Oxford Network. Participants were newborns born at 22 to 29 weeks’ gestation.

Exposure

Race and ethnicity.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were mortality and complications, including respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), early-onset sepsis, late-onset sepsis (LOS), severe intraventricular hemorrhage (sIVH), severe retinopathy of prematurity, chronic lung disease, pneumothorax, and complication-free survival.

Results

Among 90 336 newborns (47 215 male [52.3%]; 43 121 female [47.7%]; mean [SD] gestational age, 26.4 [2.1] weeks), 4734 (5.2%) were born to Asian, 20 345 (22.3%) to Hispanic, 31 264 (34.3%) to non-Hispanic Black, and 33 993 (37.3%) to non-Hispanic White birthing individuals. Rates of in-hospital mortality (4831 Black newborns [15.6%]; 3009 Hispanic newborns [14.9%]; and 4886 White newborns [14.4%]), NEC (2374 Black newborns [7.8%]; 1359 Hispanic newborns [6.9%]; and 2137 White newborns [6.5%]), LOS (3846 Black newborns [13.5%]; 2258 Hispanic newborns [12.3%]; and 3575 White newborns [11.5%]), and sIVH (2919 Black newborns [10.3%]; 1673 Hispanic newborns [9.2%]; and 2800 White newborns [9.1%]) were highest among Black and lowest among White newborns. Chronic lung disease and pneumothorax rates were lowest among Black and highest among White newborns. Over the study period, mortality rate differences were slightly higher for Black than White newborns, with no differences by 2022. NEC and LOS rates were consistently higher among Black than White newborns. By 2022, Black newborns had higher rates of NEC (rate difference, 1.3 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.46-2.2 percentage points) and LOS (rate difference, 2.7 percentage points; 95% CI, 1.4-4.0 percentage points). sIVH rates were higher for Black newborns in some years, whereas severe retinopathy of prematurity rates were lower. Hispanic newborns had mortality and complication rates similar to those of White newborns. Black and Hispanic newborns had lower respiratory complication rates and higher complication-free survival than White newborns.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, there were no differences in mortality rates between Black and White newborns, but Black newborns had higher rates of NEC and LOS. Continued quality improvement and addressing social determinants of health are critical for promoting health equity in hospital outcomes and beyond.
Government Funding for the Development of Enzalutamide
Authors: Gyawali Bishal , Jung Emily H. , Mooney Helen , Avorn Jerry , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: December 2024

This cross-sectional study assesses the various patents and US government grants that were critical to the publicly funded development of the cancer drug enzalutamide.
A Study of Fractional Order Financial Crime Model Using the Gegenbauer Wavelet Collocation Method
Authors: G Manohara , S Kumbinarasaiah
Published: December 2024

The manuscript investigates the numerical approximation of the fractional mathematical model of the financial crime population dynamics by the Gegenbauer wavelet collocation method. The study aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of solving the underlying differential equations that describe these phenomena by utilizing the proposed technique. The financial crime model is a nonlinear coupled system of ordinary differential equations. Using the Gegenbauer wavelets, the novel operational matrices of integration are created. A nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations are transformed into a system of algebraic equations using the characteristics of the Gegenbauer wavelet expansions and the operational matrix of integration, which speeds up processing. Then, this system of algebraic equations is solved using the Newton‐iterative technique to find the unknown Gegenbauer coefficients that help to obtain the approximate solution for the system. A numerical illustration is presented to show the efficacy and precision of the approach. The numerical results obtained from the projected approach are compared with the existing methods, such as NDSolve and Runge Kutta methods. These results show that the projected scheme is simple, reliable, and resilient. The findings suggest that this approach can be a powerful tool for researchers and practitioners in the financial sector, aiding in developing crime prevention and intervention strategies. The study concludes with suggestions for future research directions.
Comparing kinetic methods for ball‐mill grinding: Molecular weight versus refractive index‐based methods
Authors: Cha Somin , Park Byeongyeol , Kim Tae‐Hyun , Peterson Gregory I.
Published: December 2024

Polymers are commonly subjected to ball‐mill grinding (BMG) to induce chain scission. Milling and polymer parameters can influence the kinetics of degradation, and various kinetic methods have been employed to study this process. The most common methods include molecular weight models (fitting the decrease in molecular weight with milling time) and refractive index (RI)‐based methods (such as the Florea method, which fits the decrease in RI signal with milling time). In this report, we compare the rate constant trends obtained from three different molecular weight models and the Florea method to provide a deeper understanding of how the kinetic method employed in kinetic studies influences the observed reactivity trends. Specifically, each kinetic method was applied to BMG‐induced degradation data from polystyrene (PS) and poly(lactide) (PLA) of varying initial molecular weight. Each kinetic method produced different rate constant trends (e.g., initial molecular weight vs. rate constant), which could also be influenced by changing the milling duration. Molecular weight models or the Florea method were better suited with longer or shorter milling durations, respectively. Furthermore, the rate constant trends for PS and PLA were relatively consistent if compared with the same kinetic method. We expect that this work will help guide future BMG‐based degradation kinetics studies.
MARVEL Analysis of High‐Resolution Rovibrational Spectra of 16O13C18O
Authors: Azzam Ala'a A. A. , Tennyson Jonathan , Yurchenko Sergei N. , Furtenbacher Tibor , Császár Attila G.
Published: December 2024

A large set of validated experimental transitions and empirical rovibrational energy levels are reported for the fifth most abundant carbon dioxide isotopologue, 16O13C18O (in a shorthand notation, 638). Validation of the transitions and determination of the empirical energy levels are based on a compiled and carefully checked dataset, collected from 35 literature sources, containing 12 348/7432 measured/unique lines in the wavenumber range of 578–9318 cm−1. The MARVEL (Measured Active Rotational‐Vibrational Energy Levels) protocol, built upon the theory of spectroscopic networks, not only validates the vast majority of the measured transitions, but also yields 3975 empirical rovibrational energy levels, with uncertainty estimates compliant with the experimental uncertainties of the transitions.
Analysis of the Ocean–Atmosphere Interface in the Brazil Current Region
Authors: Machado Raquel Machado , da Silva Lindemann Douglas , de Mendonça Luís Felipe Ferreira , de Freitas Rose Ane Pereira , Reis Ítalo Seilhe , Alonso Marcelo Felix
Published: December 2024

The Brazil current (BC) is a westerly current that flows south along the Brazilian coast, being part of the Southern Brazilian Continental Shelf (SBCS). Recent studies have indicated a trend towards intensification and a shift to the south of the region where this current predominates. We analysed the seasonality of the relationship between atmospheric variables and sea surface temperature (SST) with potential trends and changes in the spatio‐temporal pattern of these variables from 1980 to 2020 over the BCs area in the South Atlantic Ocean. For this purpose, monthly data on SST, air temperature at 2 m above the surface (T2M), mean sea level pressure (MSLP), zonal wind (U10) and meridional wind (V10), obtained from ERA5 reanalysis, were used. Descriptive statistical analyses, trends using the Mann‐Kendall test, correlation matrices and Pettitt's test revealed a significant spatial correlation between the variables, with temporal trends of variation, especially over the BCs area. The meridional (zonal) wind predominantly exhibited a north–south (west–east) direction, supporting the hypothesis that the study region was displaced. Additionally, statistically significant positive trends were observed for SST (0.02°C ∙ dec−1 in austral autumn, winter and spring and 0.01°C ∙ dec−1 in austral summer), T2M (0.02°C ∙ dec−1 in austral winter and spring), MSLP (0.05°C ∙ dec−1 in austral autumn) and negative for U10 (−0.01°C ∙ dec−1 in austral spring). Pettitt's test results confirm significant changes in the behaviour of most analysed variables from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. The post‐breakpoint periods of the variables consistently showed above‐average values compared to the pre‐breakpoint periods, supporting positive upward trends consistent with literature findings. In particular, they highlight the notable upward slope in SST in the BC region.
Growth Analysis of Glyphosate‐Resistant and Susceptible Amaranthus palmeri Biotypes
Authors: de Souza Rodrigues Juliana , Basinger Nicholas T. , Leon Ramon G. , Bacha Allan L. , da Silva Santos Renata Thaysa , Eason Kayla M. , Shilling Donn , Grey Timothy L.
Published: December 2024

This study examined the growth parameters of both glyphosate‐susceptible and glyphosate‐resistant biotypes of Amaranthus palmeri, designated as GA2005 and GA2017, respectively. A two‐year microplot field study was conducted to assess their growth characteristics. Scheduled destructive harvests on named harvest days (HD) were conducted to collect measurements for further calculation of net assimilation rate (NAR; g m−2 day−1), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf weight ratio (LWR), stem‐to‐leaf ratio (SLR), leaf area index (LAI), leaf area ratio (LAR; cm2 g−1), leaf area duration (LAD; days), relative growth rate (RGR; g.g−1 day−1) and plant volume (m3). In addition, stem diameter, number of leaves, and Chlorophyll content (μmol m2) were determined. The main objective was to identify growth parameters that differentiate biotypes along the plant life cycle. While certain growth parameters showed no variation among biotypes, differences in leaf area index (LAI) over HD and chlorophyll content and leaf area duration (LAD) were observed as the main effects. Glyphosate‐resistant biotypes exhibited higher LAD and chlorophyll content, potentially conferring a competitive advantage, especially in heavily used glyphosate environments. The study highlights the complexity of intraspecific genetic differentiation, adaptation, and environmental factors affecting A. palmeri. It may offer insights into biotype distinction and resistance spread while advancing our comprehension of species adaptation and growth strategies for enhanced control.
Effects of polyol plasticizers on morphological characteristics and performance of injection‐molded polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends
Authors: Inta Orathai , Yoksan Rangrong
Published: December 2024

Thermoplastic starch (TPS)‐based blends have attracted increased attention as a substitute for imperishable and non‐renewable plastics in various applications including packaging due to price competitiveness and being environmentally benign. However, the plasticizer type and quantity used to prepare TPS affect both the processability and performance of the final blends. Herein, TPS materials plasticized with both single (glycerol, xylitol, and sorbitol) and mixed polyol plasticizers (glycerol/xylitol and glycerol/sorbitol) were prepared and then blended with polylactide with a PLA:TPS weight fraction of 60:40. The effects of polyol plasticizers on the morphology and performance of injection‐molded PLA/TPS blends were discussed. Melt flowability and elongation of the glycerol‐plasticized PLA/TPS blend were much higher than those of other blends. In contrast, the blends plasticized with xylitol or sorbitol showed augmented tensile strength and Young's modulus, improved thermal stability, and reduced starch retrogradation. The reduction of TPS phase size and narrower size distribution were observed for blends plasticized with a higher fraction of xylitol or sorbitol. Crystallinity and cold crystallization temperature of PLA in the blends increased with increasing xylitol or sorbitol fraction. The obtained PLA/TPS blends have great potential for manufacturing renewable and biodegradable injection‐molded articles with tunable properties by incorporating appropriate polyol plasticizers.

Highlights

Injection‐molded polylactide/thermoplastic starch (PLA/TPS) blends are prepared.

Glycerol (G), xylitol (X), sorbitol (S), and their mixtures are used as plasticizers.

Higher X or S fraction increases strength, modulus, and thermal stability of blends.

Higher X or S fraction decreases TPS phase size and starch retrogradation in blends.

Higher X or S fraction increases PLA's Tcc and crystallinity in the blends.
An investigation of the owner‐ and pet‐related factors that may affect the use of alternative feeding practices in dogs and cats in Hungary
Authors: Vékony Blanka , Bodor Zsanett , Veres Dániel Sándor , Vajdovich Péter , Mák Erzsébet
Published: December 2024

Background

Alternative feeding practices have become increasingly popular among companion animal owners. We sought to identify possible factors behind the choice of alternative feeding types.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed with Hungarian pet owners. Descriptive data analysis and logistic regression models were undertaken to determine factors that may increase the likelihood of adopting alternative feeding practices.

Results

In total, 1007 pet owners completed the questionnaire, of which 789 were dog owners and 218 were cat owners. The type of settlement was identified as a possible factor influencing the choice of application of alternative feeding patterns for dogs and cats. In the case of dogs, the owner's diet variable showed significantly increased odds of choosing an alternative feeding pattern where the owner followed an alternative diet. For cats, the owner's diet did not have a significant effect on choosing alternative feeding practices for these pets.

Conclusions

Owners who followed an alternative diet were more likely to choose an alternative feeding pattern for their dogs but not for their cats. Further study is required to identify additional factors that may influence the owners’ choice of feeding practices and to more widely investigate the feeding habits of cat owners.
Psychosocial predictors of short-term glucose among people with diabetes: A narrative review
Authors: Horner Fiona S. , Helgeson Vicki S.
Published: December 2024

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are metabolic disorders that require one to manage one’s blood glucose levels on a daily basis through a series of behaviorally complex tasks. Research shows that psychosocial factors, including mood, stress, and social relationships, have a significant influence on one’s ability to maintain these disease management routines and achieve healthy blood glucose levels. However, researchers have typically approached these questions from a between-person perspective. Here, we argue for greater consideration of short-term, within-person links of psychosocial factors—including mood, stress, and social interactions—to glucose outcomes. Drawing from existing social and health psychology theories, we put forth an organizing theoretical framework describing how psychosocial experiences may operate on glucose outcomes over subsequent hours. We then review the small but burgeoning literature of intensive longitudinal studies that have examined the short-term effects of negative affect, positive affect, stress, and social interactions on glucose outcomes. Findings showed somewhat stronger links for negative affect and stress compared to positive affect and social interactions, but studies varied greatly in their methodologies, making direct comparisons challenging. A number of findings, particularly in the social interaction literature, depended on dispositional or contextual factors, further complicating interpretation. There was little investigation of the mechanistic pathways that may connect psychosocial factors to glucose outcomes, and few studies conducted lagged analyses to probe the directionality of these links. We conclude by proposing best practices for future research that will address the key weaknesses in the extant literature.
Soil Erosion Prediction in Western Kazakhstan Through Deep Learning with a Neural Network Approach to LS-Factor Analysis
Authors: Seitkazy Moldir , Beisekenov Nail , Rakhimova Moldir , Tokbergenova Aigul , Zulpykharov Kanat , Kaliyeva Damira , Taukebayev Omirzhan , Levin Eugene
Published: December 2024

With the rapid shifts in environmental conditions, accurately predicting soil erosion has become crucial for the sustainable management of land resources. This study introduces a deep learning-based approach to forecast soil erosion risks in Western Kazakhstan up to 2030, focusing on the LS factor defined by the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). High-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) from ASTER GDEM and historical data on climate and land use were utilized to train a convolutional neural network (CNN), enabling projections of future LS-factor changes and the corresponding erosion risks. To further improve the accuracy of LS-factor calculations, the System for Automated Geoscientific Analyses (SAGA) was applied using a multiple-flow algorithm. The results forecast a significant rise in erosion risk by 2030, with areas having LS values between 8 and 24 expected to increase by 10%, and those with LS values above 24 by 0.05%, potentially affecting an additional 24,000 km2. The model achieved a 92% accuracy rate, underscoring the effectiveness of deep learning in environmental risk analysis. The integration of SAGA results provides a more detailed understanding of the erosion processes, enhancing the precision of the predictions.
Twin Nucleation Mechanism from a Screw Dislocation in BCC-Fe
Authors: Veerababu J. , Sainath G. , Nagesha A.
Published: December 2024

Twinning is a predominant deformation mechanism in nanocrystalline materials. The present study uses molecular dynamics simulations to address the feasibility of forming a twin in BCC-Fe via the three-fold dissociation of a screw dislocation, as proposed by Sleeswyk. Gliding of the screw dislocation at lower shear strain rates and formation of the twin at higher shear strain rate via two-fold dissociation was observed. The gliding of the screw dislocation occurred through the kink-pair-assisted mechanism. Three-fold dissociation on three co-zonal {110} planes with the trailing stacking faults was noticed only at temperatures below or equal to 50 K. However, this dissociation failed to support Sleeswyk’s reaction explicitly. Sleeswyk’s reaction may occur through a spontaneous collapsing of the three-fold dissociation at the time of dissociation and proceeds with twinning. Interatomic potentials, which can predict the three-fold dissociation, were presented.
Skin-Friendly Large Matrix Iontronic Sensing Meta-Fabric for Spasticity Visualization and Rehabilitation Training via Piezo-Ionic Dynamics
Authors: Xu Ruidong , Xu Tong , She Minghua , Ji Xinran , Li Ganghua , Zhang Shijin , Zhang Xinwei , Liu Hong , Sun Bin , Shen Guozhen , Tian Mingwei
Published: December 2024

Rehabilitation training is believed to be an effectual strategy that can reduce the risk of dysfunction caused by spasticity. However, achieving visualization rehabilitation training for patients remains clinically challenging. Herein, we propose visual rehabilitation training system including iontronic meta-fabrics with skin-friendly and large matrix features, as well as high-resolution image modules for distribution of human muscle tension. Attributed to the dynamic connection and dissociation of the meta-fabric, the fabric exhibits outstanding tactile sensing properties, such as wide tactile sensing range (0 ~ 300 kPa) and high-resolution tactile perception (50 Pa or 0.058%). Meanwhile, thanks to the differential capillary effect, the meta-fabric exhibits a “hitting three birds with one stone” property (dryness wearing experience, long working time and cooling sensing). Based on this, the fabrics can be integrated with garments and advanced data analysis systems to manufacture a series of large matrix structure (40 × 40, 1600 sensing units) training devices. Significantly, the tunability of piezo-ionic dynamics of the meta-fabric and the programmability of high-resolution imaging modules allow this visualization training strategy extendable to various common disease monitoring. Therefore, we believe that our study overcomes the constraint of standard spasticity rehabilitation training devices in terms of visual display and paves the way for future smart healthcare.