bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vermicompost and Organic Manure Interactions: Effects on Heavy Metal Concentrations, Nitrification Activity, Comammox Nitrospira inopinata, and Archaea/Bacteria
Authors: Huda Nazmul , Rana Md. Rasel , Rahman M. Mizanur , Huq Md. Amdadul , Easmin Laboni , Rahman Shabiha Tasbir , Rahman Fahida , Rafi Meherab Hossain , Rauf Mamoona , Arif Muhammad
Published: June 2023

Vermicompost is a substantial source of nutrients, promotes soil fertility, and maintains or increases soil organic matter levels. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in vermicompost impact on nitrification activity. However, it is yet unknown how vermicompost affects nitrifying bacteria and archaea, comammox Nitrospira inopinata (complete ammonia oxidizers), net nitrification rates (NNRs), and PTEs. The effects of vermicompost application on NNRs, potential nitrification rates (NPs), PTEs, and the abundances of comammox N. inopinata bacteria, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB)/archaea (AOA) were studied. NNRs and NPs were significantly higher (p<0.05) in fresh cow-dung vermicompost (stored for 40 days) as compared with other organic manure. The level of PTEs (Cu2+, Fe2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+) was significantly lower (p<0.05)) in vermicompost as compared with compost of waste material with Trichoderma and cow-dung. Comammox N. inopinata, NOB, AOB, and AOA were significantly higher (p<0.05) in stored cow-dung vermicompost (more than one year) as compared with other organic manure. The results of the Scatter plot matrix analysis suggested that Fe2+, total nitrogen (TN), soil organic carbon (SOC), and total carbon (TC) were linearly correlated (p<0.001) with NNRs and NPs in vermicompost and organic manure. Similarly, comammox N. inopinata bacteria, NOB, AOB, and AOA were linearly correlated (p<0.001) with NNR and NP. It may be concluded that the influence of vermicompost, which played a great role in PTEs concentrations reduction, increased chemical and biological properties, increased the growth rate of nitrifying bacteria/ archaea and the nitrogen cycle.
CT Radiomics to Differentiate Between Wilms Tumor and Clear Cell Sarcoma of the Kidney in Children
Authors: Yaxin Deng , Ling He
Published: June 2023

Objective: To find out the role of contrast-enhanced CT radiomics in distinguishing pediatric Wilms' tumor (WT) from clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK).
Materials and Procudres: We retrospectively gathered the clinical information and preoperative CT images of 83 children with WT and 33 children with CCSK. In the renal parenchymal phase of contrast-enhanced CT, the maximum tumor diameter, the ratio of the maximum CT value of the solid portion of the tumor to the mean CT value of the contralateral renal vein (CTmax/CT renal vein), and the dilated peritumoral cysts were analyzed.
To extract radiomics features from arterial phase CT images, all patients were randomly divided into a training set (n=81) and a test set (n=35) in the ratio of 7:3.Sampling Technique (SMOTE) was used to handle imbalanced datasets, these radiomics features were then filtered using Pearson correlation coefficient and LASSO algorithm, and the filtered features were built into a machine learning based classifier model to calculate receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), area under the ROC curve (AUC), 95% confidence interval (CI), accuracy, sensitivity and specificity.
Results: While there was no statistically significant difference between WT and CCSK in the test set (P>0.05), there was a statistical difference between the maximum tumor diameter (p=0.021) and dilated peritumoral cyst (p=0.005) in the training set. Nine radiomics features were used to develop the radiomics model, and machine learning based on logistic regression was chosen to build it.The cross-validation AUC was 0.888 (95% CI: 0.804-0.972), accuracy was 0.864, sensitivity was 0.826, and specificity was 0.879. The AUC for the test set was 0.784 (95% CI: 0.604-0.964), accuracy was 0.829, sensitivity was 0.600, and specificity was 0.920.The AUC for the training set was 0.901 (95% CI: 0.826-0.976), accuracy 0.889, sensitivity 0.826.
Conclusion: Radiomics of contrast-enhanced CT images is of diagnostic value in analyzing and differentiating WT and CCSK in children.
Multi-Step cutting parameter optimization method based on machining mechanism research of SiCp/Al
Authors: Zhang Xu , Hu Liangfei , Ge Jia , Xie Chaoyu , Zhang Xuechang
Published: June 2023

SiCp/Al composites are widely used in aerospace, automotive and other fields due to their excellent properties such as high dimensional stability and high specific strength. But, the large hardness of SiCp particles makes the processing of SiCp/Al difficult .The position of SiC particles relative to the cutting path determines the interaction bet ween the tool and the particles, which affects the cutting process of SiCp/Al. However, there is a lack of study on the position of SiC particles relative to the cutting path. We study the processing mechanism of SiCp / Al under multistep cutting and propose a model of the relative position of the cutting path and the SiCp particle. To reduce particle damage during the cutting process, a quantitative relationship between cutting depth and the diameter of SiC particles is established for the first time in this paper. Finite element models considering particle shape, distribution, and cohesive element are established based on the above model. The particle removal mechanisms, cutting force characteristics, and surface quality are compared in detail for multi-step and single-step cutting. The simulation model is validated through experiment. The results show that the optimized multi-step cutting parameters can change the removal mode of particles from overall debonding to local fracture, effectively reduce the machining defects, and finally improve the surface quality of the workpiece. The Ra and SSD depths are reduced by 41.1% and 27.9%, respectively, when compared to single-step cutting.
Biopolymer-amended-kaolin as a Barrier for Tailing Disposal Facilities
Authors: Yadav Himanshu , Venkata Bharat Tadikonda
Published: June 2023

Mining waste in tailing storage facilities contains high ionic strength salts that pose a potential threat to the environment. Kaolin clays are receiving great interest recently for engineered barriers as minimal shrinkage cracks occur in these 1:1 clays. The present study evaluates the hydraulic, volume-change, diffusion, and retardation characteristics of kaolin clay and xanthan gum amended clay under the hydro-chemo-mechanical loading conditions pertinent to the mine storage applications. A biopolymer, Xanthan Gum, was explored to amend the kaolin for the application of barrier to address the environmental concern. The barrier design parameters for tailing disposal facilities such as diffusion and retardation characteristics, were evaluated using the through-diffusion experiment. Diffusion tests were conducted on the samples obtained from the hydraulic permeation tests under mechanical loading to simulate the field conditions. Theoretical concentration profiles for both kaolin and xanthan gum amended kaolin barriers were obtained by the numerical simulation of the advection-diffusion equation using the finite difference method. The xanthan gum improved the chemical compatibility, reduced the hydraulic infiltration rate, and reduced diffusion rates significantly. The results from the study suggested the suitability of xanthan gum amended kaolin barrier for attenuation of contaminants and as a sustainable alternative in tailing disposal facilities.
Indigenous Land-based Activities as a Form of Health Resiliency: A Racialized Immigrant Family-based Learning
Authors: Datta Ranjan , Chapola Jebunnessa , Datta Prarthona , Datta Prikriti
Published: June 2023

Many visible minority immigrants and refugee communities are already experiencing inadequate access to education, and healthcare, lack of sufficient food, significantly higher rates of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and lack of access to essential services. Even when vulnerable communities can access healthcare services, they face stigma and discrimination. There is limited cross-cultural research examining the lived experiences of immigrant communities. Following a relational research framework, this study explores how learning and practicing Indigenous land-based practices were critical in building resilience for many racialized immigrant families during the pandemic. Our study shows Indigenous Land-based Mental Health Resiliency from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge-keeper’s land-based stories, traditional knowledge, resiliency, and practice may have many health benefits and positive outcomes in response to mental health disaster resiliency. Hope this study helps deconstruct the static vision of mental health disaster recovery and reconstruct community-led resiliency to the pandemic. It offers multiple mental health benefits and decolonizes mental health resiliency.
Exploring Access, Barriers, and Opportunities in Digital Health to Improve Sexual and Reproductive Health amongst Youths in Bamenda, Cameroon during Conflict: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Fonkwo Jaqueline Ngong , Agbor-Ntoh George Ashu , Besong Michael , Nouko Ariane , Akih Sinet , Wacha Roosevelt , Ngong Justin
Published: June 2023

Background:There exists several unmet sexual and reproductive health needs in sub-Saharan African countries like Cameroon. Youths in Bamenda, Northwest Region of Cameroon face particular difficulties accessing sexual and reproductive health services fully. This is partly due to the ongoing socio-economic crisis in the region which has disrupted provision of health care services, but also due to other issues that youths must contend with to access sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Methods: To explore this topic, we conducted a qualitative study. Two focus group discussions were done in Bamenda: One with boys and another with girls aged between 15-24 years old. Questions focused on access and use of sexual and reproductive health services like contraception, pregnancy, menstrual hygiene, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and gender-based violence. A thematic data analysis grouped data into themes and sub-themes.
Results: Twelve youth leaders participated in the focus group discussions: Three boys and nine girls. In this study, we found that several sexual and reproductive health services are available to youths. However, their ability to fully access these services is compromised by certain fundamental barriers like stigma and equally the socio-political crisis.
Conclusion: There are several barriers to sexual and reproductive services amongst youths in the conflict-affected town of Bamenda. Digital health can significantly bridge the gap to improve access to sexual and reproductive health.
Efficiacy of activated PMS/PDS by different methods in inactivating E.coli and P.aeroginosa
Authors: Eleren Sevil Çalışkan , Yavaş Ebru
Published: June 2023

The aim of the present study was to evaluate to efficacy of peroxydisulfate(PDS)/peroxymonosulfate(PMS) activated by different methods in inactivating E.coli and P.aeruginosa. The UV-A, UV-A/PDS or PMS and NaOH/PDS processes were used to inactivate E.coli and P.aeruginosa. Three different sulfate salts (K2S2O8, Na2S2O8 and Oxone) were used to activate with UV-A radiation and the inactivation effects were determined. During 30 minutes of UV A radiation, the addition of 3 mM K2S2O8, Na2S2O8, and Oxone increased the removal efficiency of E. coli by 1.76, 1.51, and 2.47 log, respectively. For P. aeruginosa, there was an increase of 1.44, 1.62, and 2.55 logs, respectively. The highest removal efficiency was obtained with oxone+UV-A on E.coli and P.aeroginosa. In order to examine the inactivation effect of alkaline (NaOH) activated peroxydisulfate on microorganisms, studies were carried out using two different doses of K2S2O8 (2 and 3 mmol/L). With the increase of PDS concentration, the removal efficiency for both bacteria increased. Higher removal efficiency was obtained at high base/PDS ratios. When the PDS concentration is increased from 2mM to 3mM at the same NaOH/PDS (0.25) ratio, the time required for 4 log bacteria removal is reduced by 33% for E.coli, while there is a decrease of more than 44.2% for P.aeroginosa.
Numerical Analysis of Stresses on Angular Contact Ball Bearing under the Static Loading with Respect to Race Thickness
Authors: Mose Bruno R. , Shin Dong-Kil , Nam Jeong-Hwan
Published: June 2023

A 3-dimensional Abaqus model of the angular contact ball bearing (ACBB) was modeled to investigate the influence of race thickness on the bearing performance. It was found that the ability to support higher contact stress increased with race thickness. However, large deformations were found to occur on outer race with thickness t = T1 and only small deformations were observed on outer race with t = T3. The large deformations induce higher shear stresses on thin races than on thick races. These stresses cause spall growth in bearings and propagates into a network of cracks. As a result of these findings, thin races are prone to failure compared with thick races.
Prognostic value of a serum β-hCG cut off, 12 days after fresh embryo transfer, on predicting live birth among Ugandan women
Authors: Zaake Daniel , Lwetabe Michael Weber , Kayiira Anthony
Published: June 2023

Background: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is secreted by the embryo as early as the first week of life. Several studies have proven the potential of a single serum β hCG level, at 12 to 14 days after embryo transfer, to predict pregnancy outcomes after In vitro fertilization. However, these studies show significant heterogeneity, with paucity of data from African populations. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of a serum β-hCG level cut off, 12 days after embryo transfer, on predicting livebirth among Ugandan women.
Methods: A Retrospective cross-sectional study. 337 fresh IVF cycles with serum β-hCG ≥5 mIU/mL, at 12 days after embryo transfer, were eligible. We abstracted participant characteristics, IVF cycle characteristics, livebirth, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy data from each eligible cycle. We utilized the Youden index metric and the maximize_boot_metric method to link serum β-hCG levels to outcome data and determine the optimal cut off values.
Results:The optimal serum β-hCG cut off value for predicting livebirth was 437.42mIU/ml with a corresponding sensitivity and false positive rate of 72% and 31% respectively. The cut-offs for clinical and ongoing pregnancy, were 239.58 mIU/ml and 353.66 mIU/ml respectively. These corresponded with a sensitivity of 83% and 77% respectively, and a false positive rate of 27% and 33% respectively. The serum β-hCG cut off had a poor discriminatory performance for predicting live birth but moderate performance for predicting clinical and ongoing pregnancies.
Conclusion: A single serum β-hCG 12 days after cleavage embryo transfer has poor discriminatory performance in predicting live birth, albeit performing modestly in predicting clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy among Uganda women.
Predictive value of polygenic risk score for prostate cancer incidence and prognosis in the Han Chinese
Authors: Hung Sheng-Chun , Chang Li Wen , Hsiao Tzu-Hung , Wei Chia-Yi , Wang Shian-Shiang , Li Jian-Ri , Chen I-Chieh
Published: June 2023

Background:
Although prostate cancer is a common occurrence among males, the relationship between existing risk prediction models remains unclear. The objective of this hospital-based retrospective study is to investigate the impact of polygenic risk scores (PRSs) on the incidence and prognosis of prostate cancer in the Han Chinese population.
Methods:
A total of 24,778 male participants including 903 patients with prostate cancer at Taichung Veterans General Hospital were enrolled in the study. PRS was calculated using 269 single nucleotide polymorphisms and their corresponding effect sizes from the polygenic score catalog. The association between PRS and the risk prostate cancer was evaluated using a logistic regression model.
Results:
Among the 24,778 participants, 903 were diagnosed with prostate cancer. The prevalence of prostate cancer was significantly higher in the highest quartile of PRS distribution compared to the lowest (OR=4.99, 95% CI=4.17-5.98, p<0.0001), with statistical significance across all age groups. Patients in the highest quartile were diagnosed with prostate cancer at a younger age (66.8±8.3 vs. 69.5±8.8, p=0.002). Subgroup analysis of patients with localized or stage 4 prostate cancer showed no significant differences in biochemical failure or overall survival.
Conclusions:
This hospital-based cohort study observed that a higher PRS was associated with increased susceptibility to prostate cancer and younger age of diagnosis. However, PRS was not found to be a significant predictor of disease stage and prognosis. These findings suggest that PRS could serve as a useful tool in prostate cancer risk assessment.
How electron tunneling and uphill excitation energy transfer support photochemistry in Halomicronema hongdechloris
Authors: Schmitt Franz-Josef , Hüls Anne , Moldenhauer Marcus , Friedrich Thomas
Published: June 2023

Halomicronema hongdechloris, the first cyanobacterium reported to produce the red-shifted chlorophyll f (Chl f) upon acclimation to far-red light, demonstrates remarkable adaptability to diverse light conditions. The photosystem II (PS II) of this organism undergoes reversible changes in its Chl f content, with levels ranging from practically zero under white-light culture conditions to a Chl f :Chl a ratio of up to 1:8 when exposed to far-red light (FRL) in the 720–730 nm range for several days. Our ps time- and wavelength-resolved fluorescence data obtained after excitation of living H. hongdechloris cells indicate that the Soret band of a far-red (FR) chlorophyll involved in charge separation absorbs at 470 nm. At 10 K, the fluorescence decay at 715–720 nm is still fast with a time constant of 165 ps indicating an efficient electron tunneling process. However, additionally, there is efficient excitation energy transfer (EET) from 715–720 nm to 745 nm with the latter resulting from FR Chl f, which mainly functions as light-harvesting pigment upon adaptation to FRL. From there, excitation energy is efficiently transferred towards the primary donor in the reaction center of PS II with an energetic uphill EET mechanism inducing charge transfer. The fluorescence data is well explained with a secondary donor PD1 represented by a red-shifted Chl a molecule with characteristic fluorescence around 715 nm and a more red-shifted FR Chl f with fluorescence around 725 nm as primary donor at the ChlD1 or PD2 position.
Relational security as the core of the security framework: the interplay with physical- and procedural security and the broader institutional context
Authors: Souverein Fleur , Mulder Eva , Domburgh Lieke van , Popma Arne
Published: June 2023

Background
Given the developmental vulnerability of justice-involved youth, providing a safe environment in secure facilities is a paramount, yet challenging task. Therefore, a sound security framework is crucial. Existing knowledge emphasizes the importance of a shift in focus on physical- and procedural security towards relational security. At the same time there is a lack of knowledge on relational security, particularly in the context of youth justice. This paper explores: 1) How relational security, as the core of the security framework, relates to physical- and procedural security; 2) What are organizational determinants for effective relational security as the core of the security framework?
Method
This paper is based on findings of a three-year evaluation of three small-scaled, community-embedded facilities that are grounded in relational security. The approach of the evaluation was derived from action research: a cyclic process alternating between action, research and critical reflection, including a total of 63 semi-structured interviews with staff, youth and parents.
Results
The security framework is a systemic model: all three forms of security (relational, physical, procedural) need to be in place. Staff, youth and parents describe several mechanism that direct how these three security dimensions may be appropriately balanced attuned to youth’s individual needs and strengths. In addition various determinants at different organizational levels were identified: target population, suited professionals, team collaboration, group composition, activities, method and institutional policies, organization vision and culture, facility design, stakeholder network, and legislation and politics.
Conclusion
Relational security can be defined in a practical conceptualization within the dynamics of the security framework; outlining a vision, way of working and the conducive conditions for implementation.
Histology shift in esophageal cancer between biopsies and resections after neoadjuvant therapy: a pilot study
Authors: Hou Tieying , Yang Zhaohai , Zhang Qingzhao , Zhang Xuchen , Liao Xiaoyan , Lin Jingmei
Published: June 2023

Background
Preoperative neoadjuvant therapy followed by resection is the mainstay treatment for locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). We recently observed the histology shift from predominant EAC in the biopsy to neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) with or without EAC in the post-treatment esophagectomy. The underlying mechanism of this finding is uncertain and there is limited information in the literature.
Methods
Cases with a biopsy diagnosis of EAC and resection diagnosis of NEN with or without EAC were retrieved. All H&E slides were reviewed in conjunction with clinical history and ancillary studies.
Results
A total of 11 patients were identified with a median age of 60 years. Ten patients received presurgical chemoradiation therapy and 1 with chemotherapy only. All biopsies revealed conventional EAC. When neuroendocrine immunomarkers were retrospectively performed on 5 biopsies, two showed focal positivity, although the classic neuroendocrine morphology was not readily appreciated. The neuroendocrine neoplasm ranged from 1% to 100% in the resections, including 8 of well differentiated NETs and 3 of neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Six cases were clinical stage III or above. Upon follow up, eight patients died of the disease (median survival = 26 months) and three patients were alive after a median follow-up of 14 months. The overall median survival time was better than the reported esophageal NEC (15 months). The 5-year observed survival rate was 11.3%, which was lower than the SEER 5-year survival rate of EAC (21.8%).
Conclusions
We reported a small series of EAC that showed histology changes between biopsy and esophagectomy after receiving neoadjuvant therapy. These patients tended to present with advanced stage of disease and poor prognosis. Acknowledging this unique phenomenon is helpful to solve diagnostic dilemma and potentially guide presurgical therapy to improve patient’s survival.
The abstract of this study was presented at the Annual Conference of United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP), March 2023, New Orleans, LA
Caridina nilotica Biomarker Sensitivity Distribution for Roundup ® : Towards Derivation of Water Quality Guideline Values
Authors: Mensah Paul Kojo , Akwetey Margaret Fafa , Mgaba Ntombekhaya , Odume Oghenekaro Nelson
Published: June 2023

Currently, the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach is considered a useful tool in aquatic ecotoxicology for predictive effect assessments of toxicants. This approach is based on the variation in species sensitivities expressed by a statistical distribution, and the data comes from many ecotoxicological studies. In recent times, biomarkers have been suggested to be included in ecotoxicological risk assessment. This study, therefore, sought to answer the question: Could biomarker sensitivity distribution (BSD) of a single species be used to derive water quality guideline values? To answer this question, different biological system scales of Caridina nilotica were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of Roundup® herbicide in a series of short-term (< 4 d) and long-term (> 4 d) experiments. Short-term biomarkers assessment included different life stages, lipid peroxidation (LPx) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), while adult life stage, AChE, LPx, growth and reproductive measures were assessed for long-term biomarkers. Biomarker sensitivity distributions (BSDs) were constructed and used short-term and long-term water quality guideline (WQG) values were estimated. These were compared to SSD-derived water quality guideline values for Roundup®. Observations from the comparison suggested that the different biological system scales of C. nilotica are more sensitive to long-term Roundup® exposure than SSD results. This study has shown that an in-depth study with one species using the BSD approach can provide reasonable ecotoxicological data that can be used to derive site-specific guidelines to protect sensitive species or taxonomic groups. As a novelty, this study has demonstrated the possibility of using the BSD approach in deriving WQG values.
Milk-derived pentapeptide PGPIP ameliorates alcoholic fatty liver disease in the mouse model of chronic-plus-binge ethanol feeding via inhibiting the upregulation of Cytochrome P4502E1 and promoting FoxO3a-MnSOD axis
Authors: Li Anqi , Zhu Xiaomei , Huang Jiujiu , Geng Qilong , Liu Yun , Xu Yin , Qin Yide , Qi Nan
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Microfluidic Nanoparticle-based Lab-on-a-chip Devices for the detection of Dopamine
Authors: Virdi Gurdeep
Published: June 2023

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter compound that is produced in the substantial ventral typical area and hypothalamus of the brain. Dysfunction of the dopamine system has been implicated in different nervous systems. A novel integrated Lab-on-a-chip device using PDMS and glass plate has been successfully designed, fabricated, and tested for various concentrations of dopamine.
For the separation of dopamine and ascorbic acid mixture, the working electrode of the Lab-on-a-Chip device was modified by coating with Aunanocomposite particles, which separates dopamine and ascorbic acid
Impact of treatment delay on the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer: A population-based study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database
Authors: Zhao Jing , Chen Ruiying , Zhu Haiyan , Wang Yu
Published: June 2023

Background: Delays in cancer-related treatments are common. This retrospective study aimed to assess the impact of treatment delay on prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer.
Results: Of the 21,590 patients included, 15,675 (72.6%), 5,582 (25.9%), and 333 (1.54%) were classified into the immediate treatment (<1 month after diagnosis), intermediate-delay (1–2 month delayed), and long-delay groups (≥3 months delayed), respectively. The 5-year probability of overall survival (OS) was 61.4% in the immediate treatment group, decreasing to 36.4% and 34.8% in the intermediate- and long-delay groups, respectively. Similar survival differences were also reflected in cancer-specific survival (CSS), with 5-year CSS probabilities of 66.7%, 42.6%, and 41.8% in the aforementioned groups, respectively. Patients in the intermediate-delay group showed poorer OS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.11; p=0.006) and CSS (adjusted HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01–1.11; p=0.012) than immediate treatment group.
Conclusions: Patients with delayed treatment had poorer OS and CSS. For patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer, the waiting time for treatment should be as short as possible (i.e., within 1 month).
Exploring Financial Instability in America through the Lens of Financial Education
Authors: Mousseau Benjamin Mousseau , Oztanriseven Furkan Oztanriseven , Kilinc Mehmet Kilinc
Published: June 2023

Financial instability in America is a significant problem worth examining because of its vast social costs. People assume that financial education is the antidote to this problem, yet less than half of the states in America mandate it in high school. Using the 2018 National Financial Capability Study (NFCS), this thesis explores the links between financial education and financial instability, using financial literacy as a mediating factor. This research used descriptive statistics to give an overview of all the important variables and logistic regression to test the hypotheses. The results show that financial education and financial literacy are positively related and that financial literacy is negatively associated with financial instability. Policymaking should be aimed at the high school level because that is where most people have access to financial education. This study indicates that financial education is underutilized in America, which has resulted in a vast majority of the population’s becoming financially unstable.
High-efficiency (>30%) monolithic perovskite-Si tandem solar cells with flat front-side wafers
Authors: Turkay Deniz , Artuk Kerem , Chin Xin-Yu , Jacobs Daniel , Moon Soo-Jin , Walter Arnaud , Mensi Mounir , Andreatta Gaëlle , Blondiaux Nicolas , Lai Huagui , Fu Fan , Boccard Mathieu , Jeangros Quentin , Ballif Christophe , Wolff Christian
Published: June 2023

Perovskite-Si tandem solar cells are the most prominent contenders to succeed commercial single-junction Si cells that dominate the market today. Yet, to justify the added cost of inserting a perovskite cell on top of Si, the tandem devices should first exhibit sufficiently high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Here, we present two key developments with a synergetic effect that boost the PCEs of our tandem devices with front-side flat Si wafers - the use of 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzylphosphonic acid (pFBPA) in the perovskite precursor ink that suppresses non-radiative recombination near the perovskite/C60 interface, and the use of SiO2 nanoparticles under the perovskite film that suppresses the enhanced number of pinholes and shunts introduced by pFBPA, while also allowing the use of [4-(3,6-dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl]phosphonic acid as a hole transport layer. Integrating a perovskite cell featuring these developments with a Si cell, reproducible PCEs of 30±1% and a certified maximum of 30.9% are achieved for an active area of 1cm2.
Unraveling the Intricacies of Nanoparticle Targeting of Brain Therapeutics for Enhanced Efficacy
Authors: Yousfan Amal , Rahwanji Mhd Jawad Al , HANANO Abdulsamie , Al-Obaidi Hisham
Published: June 2023

The delivery of drugs to specific target tissues and cells in the brain poses a significant challenge in brain therapeutics, primarily due to a limited understanding of how nanoparticle properties influence drug biodistribution and off-target organ accumulation. This study addresses the limitations of previous research by presenting a novel and innovative approach that utilizes a large dataset incorporating both numerical and categorical features. Unlike previous studies, which often suffer from inadequate data and accuracy, our focus is specifically on brain delivery in vivo testing. Through a systematic analysis of 403 data points, including measurements of brain and plasma area under the curve (AUC) following nanoparticle (NP) administration, we extensively characterized the chemical and physical properties of loaded drugs and NPs as carriers. Utilizing machine learning techniques and comprehensive literature data analysis, we developed accurate models for predicting NP delivery to the brain. Our analysis employed various linear models, with a particular emphasis on the superior performance of linear mixed-effects models. These models demonstrated exceptional accuracy, as indicated by high R2 and adjusted R2 scores, in predicting the delivery of NPs to the brain. This breakthrough provides a valuable tool for guiding the design of nanocarriers in clinical applications, resulting in reduced experimental costs and the mitigation of unintended biological outcomes. To validate our models, we synthesised and administered two distinct NP formulations via intranasal (IN) and intravenous (IV) routes, further substantiating the efficacy of our proposed models. Among the various modeling approaches, linear mixed-effects models exhibited superior performance in capturing underlying patterns.
Neuroanatomical Changes and Visual Cognition in a Teenager with Cerebral Infarction – A Familial Case Study of POEMS Syndrome
Authors: Afshangian Fazlallah , Wellington Jack , Ilkhanipoor Homa , Akgul Erol , Batista Larissa Paixao , Montemurro Nicola , Bozkurt Ismail , Aydin Levent
Published: June 2023

Symptoms of cognitive and motor impairments are the most important factors when considering children with cerebral infarction and polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, myeloma protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome.
Purpose
What factors are important between POEMS Syndrome and ischemic stroke? Are there novel diagnostics for reducing stroke incidence in POEMS Syndrome?
Method
An observational study comprised 100 patients without CT or MRI and 340 multilingual participants with CT and MRI. All relevant behavior and demographic information were recorded. Per the familial history of POEMS Syndrome, we selected one teenager with cerebral infarction and visual cognition.
Result
A few studies have used a representative sample of children with cerebral disorders in which all patients were investigated separately. Occasionally, severe motor impairment in children is often suggested but not investigated, while cognitive impairment was evident among this populace. Thus, it is advised and required to conduct long-term neuropsychological studies that consider not just interventional studies but also very young cohorts with severe speech and movement disorders alongside visual cognitive issues as failure in the evaluation may overestimate the prevalence of mental disorder.
Conclusion
The endocrine system's role in neurocognition and neuroplasticity behavior is distinct. Clinical educators must maintain the multifaceted interplay between gender, hormones, dosage, exposure time, and brain structure. These complex implications are moving the field of neuroendocrinology with exciting new concepts.
Polarons and bipolarons in a two-dimensional square lattice
Authors: Ding Shanshan , Domínguez-Castro G. A. , Julku Aleksi , Camacho Guardian Arturo , Bruun Georg M.
Published: June 2023

Quasiparticles and their interactions are a key part of our understanding of quantum many-body systems. Quantum simulation experiments with cold atoms have in recent years advanced our understanding of isolated quasiparticles, but so far they have provided limited information regarding their interactions and possible bound states. Here, we show how exploring mobile impurities immersed in a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) in a two-dimensional lattice can address this problem. First, the spectral properties of individual impurities are examined, and in addition to the attractive and repulsive polarons known from continuum gases, we identify a new kind of quasiparticle stable for repulsive boson-impurity interactions. The spatial properties of polarons are calculated showing that there is an increased density of bosons at the site of the impurity both for repulsive and attractive interactions. We then derive an effective Schrödinger equation describing two polarons interacting via the exchange of density oscillations in the BEC, which takes into account strong impurity-boson two-body correlations. Using this, we show that the attractive nature of the effective interaction between two polarons combined with the two-dimensionality of the lattice leads to the formation of bound states - i.e. bipolarons. The wave functions of the bipolarons are examined showing that the ground state is symmetric under particle exchange and therefore relevant for bosonic impurities, whereas the first excited state is doubly degenerate and odd under particle exchange making it relevant for fermionic impurities. Our results show that quantum gas microscopy in optical lattices is a promising platform to explore the spatial properties of polarons as well as to finally observe the elusive bipolarons.
Moçambique no CSNU
Authors: Bambo Tome Fernando
Published: June 2023

A presente pesquisa analisa as razões que impulsionaram Moçambique a ingressar-se no CSNU na qualidade de membro não-permanente. A pergunta que norteou o estudo é: porque só hoje, Moçambique ambicionaria ingressar no CSNU como membro não-permanente? Com recurso ao método qualitativo e exploratório e aos pressupostos paradigmáticos da teoria construtivista, concluiu-se que o país procura no CSNU contribuir na manutenção da paz e segurança internacionais, promover a sua imagem no cenário mundial, angariar simpatia junto dos cinco países com assentos permanentes no órgão e obter ajuda económica, politico — militar no combate ao terrorismo e na proteção das suas fronteiras nacionais.
Cristianismo ortodoxo, relações Igreja-Estado e posicionamento pró-Rússia na Grécia e Romênia contemporâneas
Authors: Dias Pereira Luiz Felipe
Published: June 2023

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar o posicionamento pró-Rússia na Grécia e naRomênia no aspecto religioso. A hipótese é de que o ambiente secular da União Européiafavorece um distanciamento desses países em relação à organização. Essa percepçãodiferente do papel da religião na vida pública contribui para uma percepção favorável daRússia como protetora dos cristãos ortodoxos no mundo. O referencial teórico foi compostoprincipalmente pelo construtivismo crítico e o debate referente ao papel da religião nasRelações Internacionais. Os métodos utilizados foram o process-tracing interpretativo deGuzzini e a análise de conteúdo.
 
Keywords: Religion. Secularism. International Relations. Orthodox Christianity. Russia.
Spatiotemporal estimation of fresh submarine groundwater discharge across the coastal shorelines of Oahu Island, Hawaii
Authors: Ghazal Kariem Abdulnabi , Leta Olkeba Tolessa , Dulai Henrietta
Published: June 2023

The integrated hydrological model is a powerful tool that is used to assess the temporal distribution of fresh groundwater discharge especially in coastal areas. The coastal regions of Hawaii are examples of crucial natural resources for the Hawaiian economy and general ecological health. To fully comprehend the intricate interactions between coastal hydrology processes and ecosystems, it is necessary to evaluate the fresh submarine groundwater discharge (FSGD) at the Heeia shoreline using an integrated hydrological modeling technique. Under steady-state settings, the results showed that the present daily average of FSGD is around 0.43 m3/days across 1 m of the shoreline. However, we showed that the FSGD values were considerably impacted by climate change, groundwater head of the coastal aquifer, recharge rate, and sea level rise, particularly by the end of the 21st century. The post-development FSGD fluxes were 1.5–3.5 times greater than the freshwater transported by the Heeia stream, demonstrating the considerable contribution of the FSGD to the coastal zones of Heeia. The results also showed an exponential association between the FSGD and the groundwater level for the coastal unconfined aquifer.
Spatial and seasonal variations in nutrient load and trophic status of Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Varma Kriti , Jha Pawan Kumar
Published: June 2023

Nutrient loading in aquatic systems from anthropogenic sources is a worldwide concern. The Ganga is the most important river in India, but pollution is currently severely threatening its biodiversity and long-term environmental viability. Water samples were taken from 36 locations along the length of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh and analysed for nutrient concentration to evaluate the nutrient load, eutrophication danger, and river trophic status. The average concentration of NO3-N, PO4-P, NH4-N, and SiO2-Si exceeded the values in unpolluted rivers, indicating the contribution of anthropogenic sources. The concentration of NO3-N and NH4-N showed significant spatial variation, and PO4-P showed significant seasonal variation in the study area. The DIN/DIP ratio in the study area exceeded 16:1, indicating a phosphate-limiting condition for phytoplankton development. The DSi/DIN value showed a declining trend in the downstream region of both rivers with average values <1, indicating nitrate pollution leading to eutrophic conditions. The Indicator for Coastal Eutrophication Potential (ICEP) showed a positive value, indicating that the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh were eutrophic due to nitrogen pollution. Trophic State Index (TSI) values indicated that super-eutrophic conditions existed in the Ganga River (65.62) and hypereutrophic conditions existed in the Yamuna River (75.55) in Uttar Pradesh.
Uplifted marine terraces by active coastal tectonic deformation along the east of Algiers: implications for African and European plate convergence and sea-level curves
Authors: Haythem Dinar , Khiari Abdelkader , Zineb Mansouri , Taib Hassan , Hana Nouali , Bilal Boumaza
Published: June 2023

Marine terraces are geological features composed of elevated, flat surfaces and steep slopes. The evolution of these terraces is largely influenced by active coastal tectonic deformation. This study investigates the uplift of marine terraces along the east coast of Algiers and its implications for the African and European plate convergence and sea-level curves. The objective of studying marine terraces in the Zemmouri area is to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of the Earth’s coastlines and how they have been shaped over time by natural processes such as sea level changes, tectonic activity, geomorphic parameters, and erosion. Marine terraces provide valuable information about the history of sea level changes and the rate of tectonic uplift or subsidence of the coastal areas. Secondary data sources, including qualitative information and high-resolution satellite imagery (SRTM 30 m and ALOS 12.5 m), were used to analyze the impact of sea level on marine terraces. Fieldwork using GPS and altimeter measurements at the site of the Mw=6.8 Zemmouri earthquake that occurred on May 21, 2003, revealed the presence of two well-preserved marine terraces, which serve as important markers for measuring the longterm fault slip rate. The analysis highlights the significance of active coastal tectonic deformation in shaping the coastlines. This research offers new insights into the ongoing processes of plate convergence and sea level change along the east coast of Algiers, contributing to our overall comprehension of coastal evolution and the potential for seismic hazards in the region.
Percepções sobre o papel do professor de filosofia no processo da experiência filosófica
Authors: Gabriel Fábio Antonio , Pereira Ana Lúcia
Published: June 2023

Este artigo discute as percepções sobre o papel do professor de filosofia. Partiu-se da hipótese da relevância de um ensino de filosofia como experiência que possibilite aos estudantes relacionar os conceitos da filosofia ao seu cotidiano. A pesquisa foi de natureza qualitativa e os dados foram coletados em questionário realizado com 208 professores de filosofia do estado do Paraná. Para organização e análise dos dados, foram utilizados o software Atlas Ti e a análise de conteúdo de Bardin (2016). Contou-se com o referencial teórico de Deleuze e Guattari (2010), além de Mendes (2017) e Obiols (2002). Quatro categorias foram identificadas: criar conceitos; estimular o senso crítico; problematizar a existência; e propiciar uma experiência filosófica. No que concerne ao papel do professor de filosofia, os resultados indicam um ensino que supere a transmissão enciclopédica e caminhe no sentido de uma experiência filosófica, de filosofar a partir do cotidiano.
MAPEAMENTO DA MATURIDADE E DA DEMANDA TECNOLÓGICA DA REGIÃO DO CARIRI
Authors: Lopes Júnior Elias Pereira , Lôbo Rodolfo Jakov Saraiva , Silva Hércules Pio da , Sousa Karoline Teixeira de
Published: June 2023

A transferência de tecnologia de Instituições Científicas e Tecnológicas e de Inovação (ICTs) para o mercado é um tema que tem ganhado força e notoriedade no âmbito das publicações acadêmicas. Já existe um instrumento que tem sido muito utilizado para avaliar o nível de maturidade tecnológica dos projetos desenvolvidos pelas ICTs, que é a escala Technology Readiness Level (TRL). O objetivo dessa pesquisa é analisar o nível de maturidade tecnológica (TRL) dos projetos de instituições da Região do Cariri/CE. Foram mapeados 66 laboratórios de quatro instituições (UFCA, IFCE, URCA e UniFAP) e foi realizada a análise da TRL de 22 desses laboratórios. O tema desse trabalho é uma grande oportunidade de alavancar o crescimento das tecnologias desenvolvidas nas instituições do Cariri, pois há a possibilidade de realizar parcerias externas para continuidade dos projetos ou desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias.
DESAFIOS PARA A GOVERNANÇA ELETRÔNICA NO BRASIL
Authors: Teixeira Elayne Patricia Silva , Mota Francisca Rosaline Leite
Published: June 2023

A utilização de documentos e processos eletrônicos no âmbito da esfera pública brasileira iniciou-se nos anos de 1990, sendo intensificado a partir dos anos 2000. A inserção dessa nova modalidade de documentos no setor público, em conjunto com a mudança no comportamento social vivenciado por meio da inserção das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação, gerou uma preocupação com a segurança desses documentos de que eles poderiam ser acessados de forma rápida, fácil, acessível e precisa pelos cidadãos. Assim, esse contexto de expectativas foi propício para o surgimento dos sistemas de informação. O presente trabalho tem como tema central a análise de um sistema de informação em organização pública. A questão norteadora da pesquisa: Como se deu a implementação do Sistema Eletrônico de Informações na Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Alagoas, sob a ótica da governança eletrônica? Tendo como objetivo compreender a implementação do Sistema Eletrônico de Informações na Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Alagoas como ferramenta de apoio à Governança Eletrônica no estado de Alagoas. A metodologia possui uma abordagem qualitativa, com tipo de pesquisa exploratória-descritiva. Por se trata de um é um estudo preliminar foram apresentados os resultados parciais de um questionário de pesquisa.
ECONOMIA SOLIDÁRIA E AS NOVAS EXIGÊNCIAS DO DIÁLOGO SOCIAL - 2023
Authors: Machado Atilio
Published: June 2023

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva e seus correligionários conquistam o terceiro mandato presidencial ao final de 2022 dentro de uma conjuntura sociopolítica nacional e internacional muito distinta dos mandatos anteriores da era lulopetista (2003 a 2016). Precisaram se associar com uma ampla aliança de forças democráticas heterogêneas para enfrentar a recente expansão mundial das autocracias de direita antidemocrática, que no Brasil tomou a forma do movimento populista autoritário do “bolsonarismo” em torno da figura histriônica do ex-presidente Jair Messias Bolsonaro. A vitória apertada contra o bolsonarismo obriga as forças democráticas, inclusive de esquerda, a rever profundamente seus hábitos de interação sociopolítica com as massas populares multifacetadas. Arriscam-se a repetir erros elitistas de distanciamento existencial e instrumentalização ideológica das massas, inclusive no campo do movimento de economia popular solidária. Precisam livrar-se do burocratismo autocentrado das estruturas político-institucionais, para estabelecer novas formas de diálogo social respeitoso, dinâmico e permanente com as sensibilidades e liames socioculturais das massas e movimentos sociais, inclusive do campo religioso em ascensão, o neopentecostalismo. Tais segmentos se mostram altamente vulneráveis aos tentáculos de forças retrógadas da direita, tão eficientes na manipulação espúria dos poderosos recursos comunicativos da era digital em expansão.