bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatigue Life Assessment of A356 Aluminum Alloy used for Engine Cylinder Head
Authors: Angeloni Mauricio , Ruchert Cassius Terra , Pommier Sylvie
Published: December 2023

The main aim of this study is assessing fatigue resistance of casting A356 alloy for the manufacture of engine cylinder heads at high temperatures. Testing for isothermal and in-phase thermo-mechanical fatigue was conducted at 120ºC and 280ºC and from 120ºC to 280ºC, respectively. The fatigue crack growth rate was estimated, employing different waveforms under displacement and load control. The objective to perform the relaxation tests at temperatures ranging from 75oC to 280oC was to obtain further information for modeling. The results showed that casting defects and heterogeneities of the material in conjunction with long testing times at high temperatures and under different loading waveforms are critical factors in determining fatigue performance. These research findings will provide parameters for simulating the evolution of mechanical properties of the material under investigation under cyclic loadings at high temperatures, whether isothermal or thermo-mechanical, to later validate the crack propagation model proposed by Pommier and Risbet (2005).
Socially Vulnerable Communities and Green Stormwater Infrastructure planning in Washington D.C.
Authors: Park Minkyu , Whiteheart Rachel Marie , Alves Priscila Barros Ramalho , Hendricks Marccus
Published: December 2023

In the face of natural or manmade disasters, marginalized communities often bear disproportionate vulnerabilities, shaped by complex interplays of political, economic, demographic, and historical factors. This study employs the Pressure and Release (PAR) model to elucidate the roots of unequal resource distribution and varying vulnerability levels among communities. Focusing on Washington DC, the research delves into the social vulnerability of its Southeast communities through Pareto ranking and an additive model. Results reveal the advantages of Pareto ranking, emphasizing the intertwined nature of vulnerability factors. Concurrently, the study examines Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) programs, revealing their exclusionary practices. Drawing on environmental justice literature, the research connects socio-economic indicators to infrastructure disparities. The study hypothesizes that comprehensive social vulnerability contributes to the unequal distribution of both grey and green stormwater infrastructure. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing maintenance neglect and community exclusion within GSI practices.
RETRACTED: A novel liquid-gas cyclone with industrial application
Authors: Neshat Mohammad Amir
Published: December 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Management of chocolate spot disease in faba bean plants by using biological control means
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed F.A. , Salem Emad A. , Mahmoud Mohamed A. , Shaheen Sabry I
Published: December 2023

This study was conducted in Nubaria city, EL-Behira Governorate, Egypt, during two winter growing seasons (2021/22 and 2022/23) to estimate the efficiency of different antagonists — Trichoderma album, T. atrovirde, T. hamatum and T. harzianum (30x106 spore/ml), as well as with the two commercial biocide products, including Blight Stop and Bio Zeid in controlling chocolate spot of bean plants on a naturally infected farm that has a history of high infection with the fungus Botrytis fabae, which causes brown spot disease which causes a decrease in productivity. In vitro, T. atroviride significantly caused the highest reduction of mycelial growth being 90.00 % followed by T. harzianum (86.67 %) and T. T. album (83.89%) on the average. In vivo, all tested antagonists significantly reduced disease incidence and severity of Botrytis fabae in both seasons 2021/22 and 2022/23. T. atroviride showed the highest efficacy bioagent (73.55 and 85.15%) followed by T. harzianum (72.55 and 81.22%) in controlling B. fabae of faba bean plants during two seasons 2021/22 and 2022/23, respectively. In addition, the results also showed that all tested bio-inducer treatments had an impact on yield components and increased levels of chlorophyll, protein%, phenols, flavonoids, peroxidase (PO), polyphenoloxidase (PPO), chitinase, and -1, 3-glucanase activities compared to control treatment in both seasons. In this regard, Spraying T. atroviride showed the highest efficacy bioagent followed by T. harzianum. On the other hand, T. hamatum showed the lowest efficacy in comparison with control treatment during the two growing seasons.
Estimating Tax Effort: New Evidence from a Heterogeneous Panel
Authors: Hayruni Tatul , Minasyan Gevorg , Nurbekyan Armen
Published: December 2023

We provide new evidence on countries’ tax effort based on a self-constructed heterogeneous panel of 114 countries, covering the period from 1995 to 2020. We apply the stochastic frontier model of Kumbhakar et al. (2014) to disentangle country-specific fixed effects from persistent and time-varying components of tax effort. This allows us to mitigate the misspecification bias of other studies that treat persistent effort as either individual heterogeneity or a time-varying phenomenon. Furthermore, we control for tax rate differences across countries, improving accuracy and interpretation of the previous estimates. We find that 1) the level of development, trade volume, education, income inequality, and the ease of tax collection are important determinants for tax collection; 2) countries with historically strong indicators of governance, rule of law, and control of corruption have a higher level of persistent effort; 3) there is a non-linear relationship between time-varying inefficiency and statutory tax rates.JEL Classification: H21, H22, H26, C23, G40
Dual-energy computed tomography quantitative parameter analysis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cervical lymph node characteristics and prediction of radiotherapy sensitivity: A prospective study
Authors: Li Zhiru , Li Chao , Yang Dong , Wang Shuangyue , Song Junmei , Min Kang
Published: December 2023

Background and purpose Treatment efficacy may differ among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) at a similar tumor–node–metastasis stage. Moreover, end-of-treatment tumor regression is a reliable indicator of treatment sensitivity. This study aimed to investigate whether quantitative dual-energy computer tomography (DECT) parameters can predict the sensitivity of neck-lymph node radiotherapy in patients with NPC. Materials and methods Overall, 549 lymph nodes were collected from 98 patients with NPC who underwent pretreatment DECT between September 2021 and December 2022. The patients were divided into complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) groups. Clinical characteristics and quantitative DECT parameters were compared between the groups, and the optimal predictive ability of each parameter was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A nomogram prediction model was constructed and validated using univariate and binary logistic regression analyses. Results The DECT parameters were higher in the CR group than in the PR group. Iodine concentration (IC), normalized IC, Mix-0.6, spectral Hounsfield unit curve slope, effective atomic number, and virtual monoenergetic images were significantly different between the groups. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the DECT parameters was 0.637–0.71 (P < 0.001). The AUC value of the constructed model was 0.813, with a sensitivity and specificity of 85.56% and 81.25%, respectively. Conclusion Quantitative DECT parameters can potentially predict the sensitivity of radiotherapy to NPC. Therefore, DECT parameters and NPC clinical features can be combined to construct a nomogram with high predictive power and used as a clinical analytical tool.
Cereal production amidst fertilizer usage, cereal cropland area, and farm labor in Nigeria: A novel dynamic ARDL stimulations approach
Authors: Abdullahi Nazir Muhammad , Ibrahim Adamu , Ahmad Abubakar , Huo Xuexi
Published: December 2023

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and the basic foods for Nigerians are cereal crops, including maize, rice, sorghum, millet, and wheat. However, their productivity is significantly affected by population pressure, poor utilization of cropland, and fertilizers. Against this backdrop, this study examines the relationship between cereal production, cereal cropland area, fertilizer usage, and the rural population (farm labor). The study utilizes the novel dynamic autoregressive distributed lag stimulations (DYARDLS) model and analyzes annual time series data for Nigeria from 1980 to 2021. The results of the unit root test suggest that the chosen variables are stationary both at the level and in the first difference. Furthermore, the bound test affirms that all variables are cointegrated, with a significance level of 1%. The results from DYARDLS show that in the long run, a percentage change in rural population and cereal cropland area boosts cereal food production by 0.018% and 0.51%, respectively. Meanwhile, a 1% change in the food production index exacerbates cereal output by 0.25% in the long run and 1.06% in the short run. We also find that fertilizer consumption could improve cereal production in both the short and long run, but the results are insignificant. In conclusion, we demonstrate that our study variables are the decisive determining factors of cereal productivity and cannot be disregarded in the mission to attain food security.
JEL Codes: O13, O33
Identification of Genes related to Cervical Disc Degeneration and Immune Infiltration
Authors: Bei Dikai , Gan Kaifeng , Zhao Fengdong , Chen Binhui , li Jie
Published: December 2023

Objective: This study aims to identify new diagnostic genetic-biomarkers for early-stage cervical intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and analyze the potential association between key genes and infiltrating immune cells.
Methods: Cervical disc specimens were collected from anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery, which were classified into IDD and controlled group depending on MRI disc degeneration grade. mRNA expression profile data was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined from GEO database profile. Gene ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analysis were performed on DEGs. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression model and Support Vector Machine Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) algorithm were employed to screen for potential biomarkers. The composition of 22 immune cell fractions in IDD patients was analyzed using CIBERSORT. Biomarker expression levels in cervical disc specimens were detected through quantitative PCR.
Result: 71 DEGs were found, including 50 genes up-regulated and 21 genes down-regulated. KEGG pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of inflammation-related pathways. Based on the results of two machine learning screening methods and validation in cervical disc specimens, CDKN3, SLC22A4, and SYDE1 were identified as key biomarkers for cervical IDD. Immune cell infiltration analysis showed significant differences, with higher rate of M0 macrophage and mast cell activation (P=0.004, P=0.004), and lower rate of T-cell CD8 and NK cell activation (P=0.045, P=0.024).
Conclusion: CDKN3, SLC22A4 and SYD1 are associated with the occurrence and progression of cervical IDD through the regulation of certain immune cells. Therefore, they have the potential to be the biomarkers for the diagnosis of cervical IDD and play a role in monitoring the progression of cervical IDD.
Strengthening accountability for TB policy implementation in South Africa: perspectives from policymakers, civil society and communities
Authors: Westhuizen Helene-Mari , Giddy Janet , Coetzee Renier , Makanda Goodman , Tisile Phumeza , Galloway Michelle , Bunyula Siyavuya , Schoeman Ingrid , Nathavitharana Ruvandhi R.
Published: December 2023

Introduction Translating health policy into effective implementation is a core priority for responding effectively to the TB crisis. The TB Recovery Plan is a collection of national TB policies introduced in South Africa in response to the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on TB care. We aimed to explore the implementation of the TB Recovery Plan and develop recommendations for strengthening accountability for policy implementation for this and future TB policies.Methods We interviewed 24 participants working on or impacted by TB policy implementation in South Africa that included perspectives from national and provincial policymakers, local policy implementers, civil society, and community perspectives. In-depth interviews were conducted in English and isiXhosa and we drew on reflexive thematic methods for analysis.Results Implementation of the TB Recovery Plan predominantly used a top-down approach to implementation (cascading from national policy to local implementors) but experienced bottlenecks at provincial level. Civil society organisations were concerned about the lack of provincial implementation data which impeded advocacy for better accountability. There was strong interest in community-led monitoring for local TB policy implementation from community representatives. Broader engagement on TB as a public health priority and on new policies in the development and implementation phases would be needed to facilitate that.Conclusion Communities affected by TB, with the support of civil society organisations, could play a bigger role in monitoring policy implementation at local level and need to be capacitated to do this. This bottom-up approach could complement existing top-down strategies and contribute to greater accountability for TB policy implementation.
Regression Predictive Models for Depth Temperature of Asphalt Layers in Iran
Authors: Sedighian-Fard Mohammad , Solatifar Nader
Published: December 2023

Depth temperature of asphalt layers is one of the most predominant required factors for asphalt pavements analysis, design, maintenance, and rehabilitation purposes. In this study, using the results from field experiments in six asphalt pavement sites located in different climatic conditions in Iran, the depth temperature of asphalt layers was investigated. By employing the four well-known regression-based predictive models including, Gedafa et al., Albayati and Alani, BELLS, and Park et al., the depth temperatures of asphalt layers were predicted. Two statistical criteria, accuracy and bias, have been adopted for evaluating the performance and capability of these models in predicting the depth temperature of asphalt layers. Results exhibited a fair correlation between the predicted depth temperature values and those measured during the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) testing. However, it is necessary to enhance the prediction accuracy and diminish its bias by calibrating the mentioned models for determining the depth temperature of asphalt layers in pavements in Iran. For this reason, these existing prediction models were calibrated, and new predictive models were developed. Performance evaluation and validation of the newly developed models showed an excellent correlation between predicted and measured values. In addition, results exhibit the capability of the developed models in predicting the depth temperature of asphalt layers with very good prediction precision (R2 = 0.94) and low predictive bias.
Aquatic Bird Predation by Antarctic and Subantarctic Pinnipeds Vagrants Off Argentina
Authors: Padula Antonella D. , Romero M. Alejandra , Machado Rodrigo , Rosenthal Alan F. , Dassis Mariela , Rodríguez Diego H. , Carlos Caio J. , Pon Juan Pablo Seco , Denuncio Pablo
Published: December 2023

Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic pinnipeds are well-known seasonal visitors of the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. According to the literature, at their breeding grounds they feed mainly on a variety of fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. During the non-breeding period and far away from its breeding colonies, little is known about their feeding habits. Here, we present records of predation on aquatic birds by Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic pinnipeds off northern Argentinian coast (37°27′ S, 57°06′ W to 41°50' S 65°02' W). We examined the gastrointestinal contents of 22 specimens by four pinnipeds species (Arctocephalus gazella [n = 10], A. tropicalis [n = 10] and Hydrurga leptonyx [n = 1]) collected from 1996 to 2023. Remaining of aquatic birds were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of three individuals (13.64%) of two A. gazelle and one H. leptonyx. We identified feathers, and other bird parts by comparing them to specimens from scientific collections and descriptions/illustrations from the literature. Two of the three aquatic birds found in the gastrointestinal tracts were most probably Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus); whereas the other one was a Great grebe (Podiceps major). To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting predation on aquatic birds by Antarctic pinnipeds far from their breeding colonies.
Determinants to compliance with food hygiene and safety practices among food handlers in boarding schools in Embu County, Kenya.
Authors:   Rosaline W. Kaugi*1, Alfred Owino Odongo2 and John G Kariuki3, Kaugi Rosaline
Published: December 2023

Background: Globally, and particularly in low- and middle-income countries, food-borne illnesses are a major public health concern. Mainly escalating the spread of food-borne illnesses are poor food hygiene practices. The purpose of this research was to assess the determinants of compliance with food hygiene and safety practices among food handlers in boarding schools in Embu County, Kenya.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was utilized. A sample size of 196 study respondents was calculated by the use of the Magnani formula. Multistage sampling was applied to select the study participants. STATA version 17 was employed for data analysis.
Results: In the multivariate analysis, factors associated with compliance with food hygiene and safety measures included sex(OR=2.2, 95% CI:1.1-4.6, p=0.028), age(OR=2.7, 95% CI:1.1-6.4, p=0.023), those who had previously had training on food safety(OR=2.0, 95% CI:1.0-4.0, p=0.046), monthly income(OR=3.0, 95% CI:1.2-7.3, p=0.015), and regular inspection by public health officials(OR=1.7, 95% CI:1.2-2.3, p=0.001. However, education level, marital status, and work experience were not associated with compliance with food hygiene and safety measures.
Conclusion: In the multivariate analysis, education, marital status, and work experience were not associated with compliance with food hygiene and safety measures while the presence of previous training on food safety, presence of regular inspection of food premises, age, gender, and income level were found to be significantly associated with compliance with food hygiene and safety measures.
War and Peace in Sermons of Stefan Yavorsky
Authors: Попович А.И.
Published: December 2023

В статье исследуются и уточняются представления церковного лидера петровской эпохи Стефана Яворского в наиболее мифологизированный период его жизни (1707–1712). Преимущественно на материале неизученного рукописного проповеднического наследия выявляются особенности авторской провиденциалистской трактовки Северной войны как наказания общества за грехи и аналогичных объяснений отсутствия мира (и победы в войне). В отличие от панегирических текстов, свои обличительные проповеди Яворский наполнял морально-дидактическим содержанием, на-ходя многочисленные примеры нарушения христианских заповедей в России (в основном среди государственной элиты) и призывая слушателей к искоренению греха, покаянию и, по сути, общественному согласию (миру с ближним и Богом). Продемонстрировано, что знаменитая проповедь 1712 года на день св. Алексия, человека Божия, считающаяся кульминацией оппозиционных настроений Стефана Яворского, в основном содержала в себе ранее уже высказывавшиеся автором идеи и лишь подводила некий итог размышлениям проповедника о путях исправления общества.

The article examines the ideas of the Stefan Yavorsky, church leader of the Petrine era, in the most mythologized period of his life (1707–1712). The study reveals, mainly on the material of the unstudied manuscript preaching heritage, the features of the author's providential interpretation of the Great Northern War as a punishment of society for sins and similar explanations for the lack of peace and victory. Unlike panegyric texts, Yavorsky's accusatory sermons are filled with moral and didactic content. The preacher found numerous examples of violation of Christian commandments in Russia (mainly among the state elite) and called on listeners to eradicate sin, repentance and, in fact, social harmony (peace with neighbor and God). It is demonstrated that the famous sermon of 1712 on the day of St Alexius of Rome which is considered the culmination of Stefan Yavorsky's oppositional moods, mainly contained the ideas he had previously expressed and only summed up the preacher's reflections on ways to improve society.
Two Critiases and Atlantis: From the history of Athenian oligarchic thought
Authors: Суриков И.Е.
Published: December 2023

Знаменитая легенда об Атлантиде (якобы привезенная в Афины из Египта Солоном), излагаемая в двух диалогах Платона («Тимей» и «Критий»), должна трактоваться в контексте политических и историософских дискуссий IV века до н.э. Мыслители этой эпохи хорошо помнили имевшее место в предыдущем столетии противостояние Афин и Спарты, закончившееся победой последней в Пелопоннесской войне. Интересно, что «развращенная морем» Атлантида в изображении Платона в ряде отношений чрезвычайно напоминает демократические Афины времен Перикла, а противостоящие ей и всячески идеализируемые «древнейшие Афины», напротив, четко ложатся в параллель с классической Спартой, консервативной, сухопутной и отнюдь не демократической, а иерархической. Таким образом, в диалогах проявляется олигархическая и лаконофильская система взглядов.

The famous legend of Atlantis (allegedly brought to Athens from Egypt by Solon) set forth in Plato’s two dialogues (Timaeusand Critias) should be treated in the context of political and historiosophical discussions of the 4th century B.C. Thinkers of that epoch remembered well opposition of Athens and Sparta, which took place in the previous century and was finished by the Spartan victory in the Peloponnesian War. It is interesting that Atlantis, “corrupted by the sea” as pictured by Plato, in a number of relations is extraordinarily reminiscent of the democratic Athens of Pericles’ times, and the “most ancient Athens”, which is opposed to it and idealized in every possible way, is, on the contrary, a clear parallel to the Classical Sparta – conservative, land-oriented and rather hierarchic than by any means democratic. In other words, the dialogues in question demonstrate an oligarchic and Laconophile system of views.
Levantamento da conservação do solo e das aves do Zoológico de Varginha-MG, Brasil: um estudo de caso
Authors: Resende Arlinda de Jesus Rodrigues , Lombardi Lara Beatriz , Oliveira Nathan Gonçalves de , Sabonaro Debora Zumkeller
Published: December 2023

Objetivando ao seu crescimento e à sua evolução econômica, o ser humano acabou degradando ambientes naturais e com isso inúmeras espécies nativas acabaram desaparecendo. A degradação do solo resulta em perda de espécies como insetos e parte da flora. Tendo em vista esse problema e uma maior interação entre humanos e animais, os zoológicos tornaram-se reservas naturais de grandes centros urbanos. O Zoológico de Varginha, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, surgiu com os animais do Gran Circo Africano que passava por dificuldade financeira e foram comprados, bem como o território em que se situa o parque, pelo médico Mário Frota. Um dos grandes propósitos deste local é a preservação dos animais nativos do resquício da Mata Atlântica. Com o intuito de conhecer as espécies presentes foi realizado um levantamento das aves através da visualização e canto, resultando em uma tabela com 30 aves vistas ou ouvidas no mês de janeiro de 2023 e sua ausência ou presença no mês de junho do mesmo ano. Além disso, as condições do solo local foram verificadas. A ausência de algumas aves pode ser resultado da falta de alimentos como insetos pela degradação do solo, levando a um desequilíbrio da cadeia alimentar desde a sua base até os animais de topo. Através desse trabalho foi possível concluir que o método apesar de muito utilizado precisa ser melhorado tornando-o mais eficaz.
In Litera inclusiva
Authors:   Cynthia Pinheiro Santiago,   Suelem Maquiné Rodrigues,   Francisco Florencio Batista Junior
Published: December 2023

Neste livro encontramos histórias, relatos, vivências, estudos e percepções de situações cotidianas sobre a pluralidade social traduzidas em prosa, contos, fábulas ou lendas, oriundas de um trabalho pensado à partir da Literatura Comparada. Textos que denunciam e expõem, enquanto, em sua trama, relatam aspectos sociais cotidianos. Questões sociais trazidas pelo racismo estrutural iniciam o livro e são tratadas em histórias que refletem vivências indígena e negra nos aspectos físicos, emocionais, relacionais e culturais. As obras literárias abordam também dificuldades e preconceitos vivenciados por pessoas com deficiência, sejam em histórias criadas ou adaptações de literaturas existentes. Estes escritos apresentam dificuldades e preconceitos da vivência cotidiana de pessoas com deficiência visual, deficiência física e surdocegueira. No entanto, também apresentam formas adaptativas e possibilidades de inclusão para a participação na vida social. Estes escritos, sob a alegoria da literatura, levantam a necessidade de se pensar e repensar a diversidade social, pois trazem à reflexão os comportamentos e pensamentos que são próprios de uma sociedade que ainda tem muito a caminhar em prol à inclusão.
Blood oxidation rate as a predictor of postoperative atrial fibrillation in coronary artery bypass
Authors: Shereshneva Marina V. , Ilyin Mikhail V. , Staroverov Ivan N.
Published: December 2023

The development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with surgical trauma, neutrophil activation, pro-inflammatory cytokine release and oxidative stress. Objective: assessment of the prognostic significance of determining blood oxidation rate in relation to the risk of developing atrial fibrillation in the postoperative period during coronary artery bypass surgery. Material and methods. The study included 68 patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery under artificial circulation (On-pump), parallel artificial circulation and on the working heart (Off-pump). Indices of induced blood oxidation were studied using biological oxygen monitor, blood oxidation rate was determined. Results. It was found that within the factor model, the rate of blood oxidation is a significant (p < 0.05) component associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (r = 0.90) during surgical myocardial revascularization. According to the results of logistic regression analysis, it was found that the rate of blood oxidation affects the development of atrial fibrillation in the postoperative period of coronary bypass surgery. Conclusions. The rate of blood oxidation is a predictor of atrial fibrillation during coronary artery bypass surgery, regardless of the surgical procedure chosen.
Household water insecurities and willingness to pay in Karachi
Authors: Khalil Sana , Bader Sheikh Sahaab , Jamal Ubaidullah , Khan Hassaan Furqan
Published: December 2023

This study explores challenges faced by households in obtaining safe water in Karachi, Pakistan. Analyzing data from a stratified random sample of 990 households across Karachi's six districts in 2021 -2022, we uncover disparities in pipeline coverage, sewage mixing, and water supply. Pipeline coverage is the highest in high-income neighborhoods (99%) and the lowest in low-income areas (71%). Low-income households experience more sewage mixing (76%) than high-income households (55.38%). Overall, 60% of households report frequent sewage mixing, and 30% have had someone in their household contract a water-borne illness in the last 6 months. Approximately half of the households are dissatisfied with water service, with a median daily water supply of just 8 min (equivalent to 56 minutes per week). We find that households that received some water supply in the past month are 11% more likely to pay their bills. Overall, households demonstrate a substantial willingness to pay (WTP) for improvements in the piped water system. The median monthly WTP is PKR 500 for low-income households, PKR 1,000 for middle-income households, and PKR 1,700 for high-income households. Our analysis emphasizes the importance of income-sensitive interventions in urban water supply management in the Global South.
Antiviral Potential of Traditional Unani Medicine with Special Emphasis on Dengue: A Review
Authors: Khan Muzayyana , Altamish Mohammad , Samal Monalisha , Srivastav Varsha , Insaf Areeba , Parveen Rabea , Akhtar Jamal , Krishnan Anuja , Ahmad Sayeed
Published: December 2023

Dengue fever has become a major public health concern. It is usually related to intravascular leaking, bleeding disorders, and thrombocytopenia and is recognized as a potent threat to humans. The scarcity of anti-dengue medication or vaccine for such a serious disease leads to an upsurge in the usage of traditional medicines for its proper management. India has diverse biodiversity and a long history of using plant-based remedies. Several medicinal plant extracts have been studied for producing anti-dengue viral activity. AYUSH traditional systems provide a plethora of plants that have been reported to be useful in the treatment of fever. Single and compound plant- based formulations in natural form have been used in Unani holistic approaches. This review serves as a new approach to illustrate the most recent evidence regarding the antiviral activity of various plants by providing scientific proof and also to validate the traditional formulations as effective treatments in dengue fever for global acceptance.
Novel Targets and Drug Delivery System in the Treatment of
Postoperative Pain: Recent Studies and Clinical Advancement
Authors: Satapathy Trilochan , Singh Gulab , Pandey Ravindra Kumar , Shukla Shiv Shankar , Bhardwaj Shiv Kumar , Gidwani Beena
Published: December 2023

Pain is generated by a small number of peripheral targets. These can be made more sensitive
by inflammatory mediators. The number of opioids prescribed to the patients can be reduced
dramatically with better pain management. Any therapy that safely and reliably provides extended
analgesia and is flexible enough to facilitate a diverse array of release profiles would be useful for
improving patient comfort, quality of care, and compliance after surgical procedures. Comparisons
are made between new and traditional methods, and the current state of development has
been discussed; taking into account the availability of molecular and cellular level data, preclinical
and clinical data, and early post-market data. There are a number of benefits associated with
the use of nanotechnology in the delivery of analgesics to specific areas of the body. Nanoparticles
are able to transport drugs to inaccessible bodily areas because of their small molecular size.
This review focuses on targets that act specifically or primarily on sensory neurons, as well as inflammatory
mediators that have been shown to have an analgesic effect as a side effect of their anti-
inflammatory properties. New, regulated post-operative pain management devices that use existing
polymeric systems were presented in this article, along with the areas for potential development.
Analgesic treatments, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, have also been discussed.
Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Curcumin-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles in Rats Exposed to Chlorpyrifos During Puberty Development
Authors: Rezaei Maryam , Shakibaie Mehdi , Mohaqeq Alia , Khoramroudi Sana , Mohaqiq Zabihullah , Aschner Michael , Samarghandian Saeed , Farkhondeh Tahereh
Published: December 2023

Background:

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have garnered significant
attention in recent years due to their therapeutic effects. Curcumin (CUR) has been
utilized as a coating agent for synthesizing Ag-NPs, intended to act as a potential drug.

Objective::

This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of curcuminsynthesized
silver nanoparticles on rats exposed to chlorpyrifos (CPF) during their
pubertal development.

Methods:

Forty-two male Wistar rats, 23 days old, were selected and randomly
divided into 7 groups (n=6) as follows: positive control, negative control, CPF (5
mg/kg), silver nanoparticles synthesized using curcumin at 40 μg/kg (CUR-Ag-NPs
40), CUR-Ag-NPs 80, CPF+ CUR-Ag-NPs 40, CPF+ CUR-AgNPs 80. All treatments
were administered via gavage for 30 days. At the end of the study, rats were
anesthetized using ketamine (50 mg/kg), and xylazine, (10 mg/kg) and blood was
collected from the heart for serum analysis of liver enzymes, urea, and creatinine.

Results:

Liver and kidney tissues were isolated for histopathological analysis. No
significant differences were observed in serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP enzymes
as well as urea and creatinine levels among the different groups. Light microscopy
observation revealed multifocal inflammatory mononuclear cell subsets in liver tissue
associated with mild inflammatory mononuclear cell infiltration in the portal region in
CPF, CUR-Ag-NPs 40, CUR-Ag-NPs 80, CPF+CUR-Ag-NPs 40, and CPF+CUR-Ag-
NPs 80 groups. Histological examination of kidney tissue showed degenerative
changes in the tubular epithelium, congestion, and mild infiltration of mononuclear
inflammatory cells in the renal interstitial tissue in the CPF group, CUR-Ag-NPs 40,
CUR-Ag-NPs 80, CPF+CUR-Ag-NPs 40 and CPF+CUR-Ag-NPs 80 groups.

Conclusion:

This study failed to establish the safety and efficacy of CUR-Ag-NP at 40
and 80 μg/kg in prepubertal rats exposed to CPF. However, further studies should be
conducted to thoroughly characterize the efficacy of CUR-Ag-NP in developmental
animal models.
Assessment of the Roles of Magnesium and Zinc in Clinical Disorders
Authors: Guzmán David Calderón , Brizuela Norma Osnaya , Herrera Maribel Ortiz , Peraza Armando Valenzuela , Garcia Ernestina Hernández , Mejía Gerardo Barragán , Olguin Hugo Juarez
Published: December 2023

The ability and facility of magnesium (Mg2+) and zinc (Zn2+) to interact with phosphate
ions confer them the characteristics of essential trace elements. Trace elements are extremely
necessary for the basic nucleic acid chemistry of cells of all known living organisms.
More than 300 enzymes require zinc and magnesium ions for their catalytic actions, including
all the enzymes involved in the synthesis of ATP. In addition, enzymes such as isomerases, oxidoreductases,
lyases, transferases, ligases and hydrolases that use other nucleotides to synthesize
DNA and RNA require magnesium and zinc. These nucleotides may trigger oxidative damage or
important changes against free radicals. In the same way, nucleotides may play an important role
in the pathophysiology of degenerative diseases, including in some clinical disorders, where vascular
risk factors, oxidative stress and inflammation work to destabilize the patients` homeostatic
equilibrium. Indeed, reduced levels of zinc and magnesium may lead to inadequate amount of
antioxidant enzymes, and thus, acts as an important contributing factor for the induction of oxidative
stress leading to cellular or tissue dysfunction. Hence, the development of zinc or magnesium
enzyme inhibitors could be a novel opportunity for the treatment of some human disorders.
Therefore, the objective of the present work was to assess the clinical benefits of zinc and magnesium
in human health and their effects in some clinical disorders.
A Novel Deep Learning Model for Drug-drug Interactions
Authors: Abdul Raheem Ali K. , Dhannoon Ban N.
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) can lead to adverse events and compromised
treatment efficacy that emphasize the need for accurate prediction and understanding
of these interactions.

Methods:

in this paper, we propose a novel approach for DDI prediction using two separate
message-passing neural network (MPNN) models, each focused on one drug in a pair. By capturing
the unique characteristics of each drug and their interactions, the proposed method aims
to improve the accuracy of DDI prediction. The outputs of the individual MPNN models combine
to integrate the information from both drugs and their molecular features. Evaluating the
proposed method on a comprehensive dataset, we demonstrate its superior performance with an
accuracy of 0.90, an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.99, and an F1-score of 0.80. These results
highlight the effectiveness of the proposed approach in accurately identifying potential drugdrug
interactions.

Results:

The use of two separate MPNN models offers a flexible framework for capturing drug
characteristics and interactions, contributing to our understanding of DDIs. The findings of this
study have significant implications for patient safety and personalized medicine, with the potential
to optimize treatment outcomes by preventing adverse events.
Conclusion: Further research and validation on larger datasets and

Conclusion:

Further research and validation on larger datasets and real-world scenarios are necessary
to explore the generalizability and practicality of this approach.
DeepTransformer: Node Classification Research of a Deep Graph Network on an Osteoporosis Graph based on GraphTransformer
Authors: Liu Yixin , Jiang Guowei , Sun Miaomiao , Zhou Ziyan , Liang Pengchen , Chang Qing
Published: December 2023

Background:

Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the most common diseases in the elderly
population. It is mostly treated with medication, but drug research and development have the
disadvantage of taking a long time and having a high cost.

Objective:

Therefore, we developed a graph neural network with the help of artificial intelligence
to provide new ideas for drug research and development for OP.

Methods:

In this study, we built a new osteoporosis graph (called OPGraph) and proposed a
deep graph neural network (called DeepTransformer) to predict new drugs for OP. OPGraph is a
graph data model established by gathering features and their interrelationships from a vast
amount of OP data. DeepTransformer uses GraphTransformer as its foundational network and
applies residual connections for deep layering.

Results:

The analysis and results showed that DeepTransformer outperformed numerous models
on OPGraph, with area under the curve (AUC) and area under the precision-recall curve
(AUPR) reaching 0.9916 and 0.9911, respectively. In addition, we conducted an in vitro validation
experiment on two of the seven predicted compounds (Puerarin and Aucubin), and the results
corroborated the predictions of our model.

Conclusion:

The model we developed with the help of artificial intelligence can effectively reduce
the time and cost of OP drug development and reduce the heavy economic burden brought
to patient's family by complications caused by osteoporosis.
Recent Patents on Solid Dispersions Emphasize Promising Benefits in Solubility Enhancement of Poorly Water-soluble Drugs
Authors: Saini Manisha , Bhatt Shailender , Dureja Harish , Solanki Neeta
Published: December 2023

Background:

In the development of drug delivery systems, drugs' solubility remains the
most challenging constraint. Many newly synthesized chemical compounds are available, but they
involve low solubility and poor permeability restrictions. Among various drug delivery systems, the
utilization of solid dispersion technologies has become more focused due to their promising benefits.

Objective:

This technology has attracted extensive attention for dissolution rate improvement along
with substantial bioavailability enhancement of poorly water-soluble drug candidates.

Methods:

Many approaches have been employed for preparing solid dispersions, such as the melting
method, hot melt extrusion, solvent evaporation process, fusion and kneading method, spray drying
technique, co-grinding and freeze drying, supercritical fluid technology, etc.

Results:

A wide variety of hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials are available as carriers, which are
employed in the formulation of solid dispersions. Depending on the carrier characteristics, immediate-
release solid dispersions and/or controlled-release solid dispersions can be formulated. Multiple
hydrophilic materials have been explored for heightening dissolution features with enhanced bioavailability
of poorly water-soluble drug molecules. The availability of commercially available products
further validates the utility of solid dispersion technology in drug delivery systems.

Conclusion:

In the current manuscript, an attempt has been made to highlight the comprehensive
development techniques, characterization techniques, recent solid dispersion technologies, clinical
trial studies, and patented technology, along with studies heightening the dissolution behavior of
numerous poorly aqueous soluble drugs. The major stability issues affecting the suitability of solid
dispersions are also discussed.
Studentski predstavnik – pravnik, političar ili ekonomist?
Authors: Car Eugen , Dragić Lara
Published: December 2023

Studentski predstavnici su studenti izabrani na studentskim izborima koji zastupaju interese svojih kolega studenata u sustavu visokog obrazovanja. U ovom preglednom članku razmotrit ćemo pozadinu i ulogu studentskih predstavnika iz triju različitih perspektiva: pravničke, ekonomske i političke, a na kraju ćemo ih uključiti i kontekst studentskih udruga. Pravni model naglašava potrebu za pravnom stručnošću studentskih predstavnika u cilju najbolje zaštite studentskih prava. Ekonomska perspektiva naglašava važnost ekonomske pismenosti u donošenju odluka o fiskalnim pitanjima. Treća perspektiva, politička, ističe političke vještine i pregovaračke sposobnosti studentskih predstavnika kao one ključne. Holistička perspektiva naglašava potrebu za kombinacijom različitih vještina, znanja i kompetencija. Uloga studentskih udruga u razvoju studentskih predstavnika zanimljiv je faktor u razvoju i djelovanju studentskih predstavnika kojemu treba pridati više značaja. Zaključak sugerira da kvalitetni studentski predstavnici trebaju raznovrsna znanja i kompetencije te opsežno razumijevanje studenata i studentskog života. Na pitanja kako netko postaje studentski predstavnik te stječe li on znanja usput ili ih donosi od prije, nema jasnog odgovora, a rasprava o idealnoj pozadini za predstavnike naglašava potrebu za sveobuhvatnim znanjima i vještinama studentskog predstavnika.
Health Care Usage During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Adoption of Telemedicine: Retrospective Study of Chronic Disease Cohorts (Preprint)
Authors: Bjarnadóttir Margrét Vilborg , Anderson David , Anderson Kelley M , Aljwfi Omar , Peluso Alina , Ghannoum Adam , Balba Gayle , Shara Nawar
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption across disease cohorts of patients. For many patients, routine medical care was no longer an option, and others chose not to visit medical offices in order to minimize COVID-19 exposure. In this study, we take a comprehensive multidisease approach in studying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care usage and the adoption of telemedicine through the first 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

We studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on in-person health care usage and telehealth adoption across chronic diseases to understand differences in telehealth adoption across disease cohorts and patient demographics (such as the Social Vulnerability Index [SVI]).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 6 different disease cohorts (anxiety: n=67,578; depression: n=45,570; diabetes: n=81,885; kidney failure: n=29,284; heart failure: n=21,152; and cancer: n=35,460). We used summary statistics to characterize changes in usage and regression analysis to study how patient characteristics relate to in-person health care and telehealth adoption and usage during the first 12 months of the pandemic.

RESULTS

We observed a reduction in in-person health care usage across disease cohorts (ranging from 10% to 24%). For most diseases we study, telehealth appointments offset the reduction in in-person visits. Furthermore, for anxiety and depression, the increase in telehealth usage exceeds the reduction in in-person visits (by up to 5%). We observed that younger patients and men have higher telehealth usage after accounting for other covariates. Patients from higher SVI areas are less likely to use telehealth; however, if they do, they have a higher number of telehealth visits, after accounting for other covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic affected health care usage across diseases, and the role of telehealth in replacing in-person visits varies by disease cohort. Understanding these differences can inform current practices and provides opportunities to further guide modalities of in-person and telehealth visits. Critically, further study is needed to understand barriers to telehealth service usage for patients in higher SVI areas. A better understanding of the role of social determinants of health may lead to more support for patients and help individual health care providers improve access to care for patients with chronic conditions.

CLINICALTRIAL
Quantifying Healthcare Provider Perceptions of a Novel Deep Learning Algorithm to Predict Sepsis: Electronic Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Ramesh Karthik , Boussina Aaron , Shashikumar Supreeth P. , Malhotra Atul , Longhurst Christopher , Josef Christopher S. , Quintero Kimberly , Rosso Jake Del , Nemati Shamim , Wardi Gabriel
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for which early intervention improves patient outcomes. However, many patients experience delays in appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Predictive modeling and machine learning may aid in early recognition of sepsis but there remains a considerable disconnect between the development of predictive algorithms and their use in clinical care. Despite the importance of user experience for the adoption and efficacy of clinical predictive models, there are relatively few studies focused on provider acceptance and feedback on the deployment of such models.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate healthcare worker perception and acceptance of a deep learning model for the prediction of sepsis in the ED

METHODS

COMPOSER, a previously described deep learning algorithm in use at two EDs of a large academic medical center, utilizes routinely collected vital-signs, laboratory results, demographics, medications, and comorbidities to predict sepsis prior to clear clinical presentation. When the COMPOSER risk score crosses a predefined detection threshold, a Best Practice Advisory (BPA) is triggered for nursing staff. For physicians and advanced practice providers (APP), COMPOSER alerts are displayed on the ED trackboard. An internally developed and validated survey in accordance with the CHERRIES checklist was distributed to a convenience sample of team members taking care of a patient for whom a COMPOSER alert crossed the pre-defined threshold. Recruitment occurred between May and September 2023 and was administered using a vendor survey tool.

RESULTS

A total of 114 responses were received with 76 from MD/DOs, 34 from RNs, and 4 from NP/PAs. 53% of respondents were from providers with less than 5 years of experience. 77% of respondents had a positive or neutral perception of the alert’s usefulness. Providers with 0-5 years of experience were more likely to have increased expectation that a patient had sepsis after the alert (p=.021), and were more likely to say that the alert was useful in care of a patient (p=.016), than those with 6+ years of experience. Finally, physicians with 0-5 years of experience were more likely to say that the alert changed their management of the patient (p=.048) than physicians with 6+ years of experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Less experienced providers and nurses were more likely to perceive benefit from the alert, and the alerts were overall received favorably.