bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terpenoids from the Roots of Stellera chamaejasme (L.) and Their Bioactivities
Authors: Chen Xuan Qin , Wu Juan , Li Rong Tao , Ye Zhun Jun , Liao Cai Cen
Published: October 2023

An undescribed diterpene, stellerterpenoid A (1) and two undescribed sesquiterpenoids, stellerterpenoids B and C (2-3), together with six known compounds, were isolated from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme L. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data (1D, 2D NMR, IR, UV and HR-ESI-MS). The absolute configuration of 1-3 were elucidated based on ECD calculation. Among of them, stellerterpenoid A was a rare 13, 14 - seco nortigliane diterpenoid and stellerterpenoid B was a guaiacane type sesquiterpenoid with an unusual 1, 2-diketone moiety. The known stelleraguaianone B (5) exhibited moderate activity to suppress NO production in LPS - simulated macrophages with an IC50 value of 24.76 ± 0.4 μM. None of the compounds showed inhibitory influenza virus and tumor activity.
Outcome of Nurse versus Physician-Administered Saline Enema for Meconium Obstruction of Prematurity in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Ibrahim Thowfique , Chiang Li-Wei , Wimala Charlene , Yusoff Muhammad Ashraf , Srinivasan Luxna , Yuen Poh Leng , Allen Jr John Carson , Chandran Suresh , Rajadurai Victor Samuel
Published: October 2023

This randomized control trial aims to test the hypothesis that twice-daily nurse-administered saline enema(SE) is comparable to physician-administrated SE in very low birth weight infants (VLBW) with meconium obstruction of prematurity (MOP). MOP is defined as no bowel opening for 48 h, and treatment failure is defined as the need for additional intervention and safety. Twice-daily SE was administered by accredited nurses, surgeons/neonatologists using standardized protocols. The outcomes were comparability of nurse to physician-administered SE in terms of frequency of administration, catheter insertion length and volume of enema, daily maximum meconium output, and treatment failure, defined as the need for additional intervention. Safety outcomes were evaluated. Twenty-eight infants were managed with SE. 389 SE were administered, 96 and 293 in 750-999g and 1000-1500g birth weight groups, respectively. Nurses administered 72.9% and 81.5% of SE in 750-999g and 1000-1500g birth weight groups, respectively. Physicians performed the rest of the SE. Daily meconium output was comparable in nurse and physician-administered SE in both groups. There were no treatment failures or adverse events in both SE group. SE administered by nurses was found to be comparable in terms of safety, efficacy, and frequency of administration to that of physician-administered SE.
Türkiye’de Lisans Ve Lisansüstü Düzeyde Verilen Çocuklarla Felsefe Derslerine Yönelik Bir İnceleme
Authors: TOZDUMAN YARALI Kevser
Published: October 2023

21. yüzyıl becerilerinin geliştirilmesi açısından önemi anlaşılan çocuklarla felsefeye yönelik dersler günümüzde okulöncesi kademeden lisansüstü düzeye kadar öğretim süreçlerine dahil edilmektedir. Bu çalışmada Türkiye’de lisans ve lisansüstü düzeydeki çocuklarla felsefe derslerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma nitel modelde bütüncül çoklu durum deseni olarak tasarlanmıştır. İçerik analizi yapılan çalışmada Türkiye’de lisans ve lisansüstü düzeyde çocuklarla felsefeye yönelik dokuz ders olduğu ve tüm derslerin programlarda farklı isimlerle yer aldığı belirlenmiştir. Çocuklarla felsefe kapsamında lisans düzeyinde yedi, yüksek lisans düzeyinde iki ders olduğu görülmüştür. Araştırmanın sonucunda farklı disiplinlerin öğretim programlarında çocuklarla felsefeye yönelik dersler verdiği, bu derslerin içeriklerinin ve öğrenim çıktılarının verildiği disipline göre farklılık gösterdiği belirlenmiştir.
Türkiye'de Çocuklar İçin Felsefe Uygulamalarının İncelenmesi
Authors: LAFCI-TOR Dürdane
Published: October 2023

Bu makale, Türkiye’deki Çocuklar için Felsefe (P4C) yaklaşımına yönelik yapılan araştırmaların mevcut durumunu analiz etmeyi hedeflemektedir. Bu çalışma, Türkiye’de P4C uygulamalarının etkilerini sunan çalışmaların nicelik, yıl, araştırma konusu, öğretim yöntem teknik ve materyaller açısından analiz edilmesini amaçlayan sistematik derleme çalışmasıdır. Bu doğrultuda yıl sınırlaması olmaksızın 2023 yılına kadar yapılmış P4C pedagojik yaklaşım uygulamalarının etkilerini sunan makale, yüksek lisans ve doktora tezlerine ulaşılmaya çalışılmıştır. Seçilme kriterlerine uygun 31 araştırma çalışmaya dâhil edilmiştir. Veri analizi için betimsel ve içerik analizi kullanılmıştır. Sonuç olarak, P4C uygulamalarının katılımcılar üzerine olumlu etkisi olduğu gözlemlenmiştir. Çalışmalarda P4C uygulamalarının katılımcıları düşünme becerileri, sosyal beceriler, felsefi düşünme becerileri, bilişsel kazanımlar ve yaratıcılık üzerine etkilerini araştırıldığı ortaya çıkmıştır. P4C uygulamalarında en çok kullanılan öğretim yöntem ve teknikleri soru-cevap, tartışma ve sokratik sorgulamadır. Çalışmanın sonunda P4C eğitim programlarının geliştirilmesine yönelik öneriler sunulmuştur.
Efficacy of Teacing Grammar Communicatively at University Level: A Case Study
Authors: Lagari Abdullah , Ali Dr. Faraz , Bano Sahira
Published: October 2023

Teaching grammar effectively at the university level requires expertise and a practice-based approach, but the predominantly traditional method in grammar teaching is still being exercised by language teachers. To bring about an effective teaching plan, the method of teaching grammar needs to be changed from the traditional approach to the practical one. The study highlights the effectiveness of teaching grammar communicatively. For this purpose, the researchers chose the qualitative research paradigm. The data was collected through observations, note-taking, and semi-structured interviews. Purpose sampling was used for this study and the data were analyzed using ‘Interpretive Approach’. Action research approach was used in this study; hence the study was divided into two phases: reconnaissance and intervention. The former phase was aimed at investigating the problems ESL students faced while learning grammar at the university level; whereas the latter phase was aimed at analyzing the efficacy of communicative grammar teaching at the university level through AR. In the light of the findings, the study resulted in promising results. Furthermore, it is suggested that similar studies need to be conducted in future to modify grammar teaching and make it interesting and effective through the communicative way of teaching at the university level.
Impact of Body Appreciation and Social Appearance Anxiety on Life Satisfaction among Young Adults
Authors: Naz Siddiqa , Malik Ayesha , Farooq Malaika , Waseem Bushra
Published: October 2023

This study was intended to investigate the impact of body appreciation and social appearance anxiety on life satisfaction among young adults. The aim of this study was to determine whether body appreciation impacts the young adults life satisfaction and they feel social appearance anxiety or not. Total 600 participants including 300 males and 300 females, having age range of 18-41 years from Islamabad and Rawalpindi were selected. Purposive sampling technique was used for research purpose. The Body Appreciation Scale (TL. Tylka., 2015), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (Levinson 2013), and life satisfaction scale (Diener et al., 1985) administered on the participants of the study. For the purpose of testing hypothesis, Pearson Correlation, T-Test analysis and linear regression analysis were used. The finding of the current study suggests that young adults faced body appreciation problems. Our findings revealed that social appearance anxiety negatively predicted life satisfaction. It also indicated that there was significant positive correlation between body appreciation and life satisfaction. The results also demonstrated that females scored higher on social appearance anxiety as compared to males. This study will be helpful for young adults to understand the impact of body appreciation and social appearance anxiety on life satisfaction. This study will also highlight that how body appreciation will impact our life and increase anxiety level.
Investigating the Role of English as a Second Language in Supporting Career Development at Tertiary Level Education in Pakistan
Authors: Ameen Maliha , Saleem Noshina , Taj InamUllah
Published: October 2023

This study has taken the initiation to focus on the interrelatedness and discontinuity of ESL among the students of four leading International universities: Punjab University, Lahore College for Women University, University of Management and Technology, and the University of Central Punjab. To observe the usage of ESL competencies in information searching, contrivance treatment, and construction for research purposes, and for applied intercultural professionalism, communication accommodation theory with career development indicators has been applied. A questionnaire (α = .702), comprising 37 statements based upon six domains was administered. The data was collected from 850 students of different degree programs in journalism and mass communication discipline. ANOVA (one-way) and t-tests (Independent Samples) were brought into play to find out the relationship between the study’s variables. Both government-regulated and non-government varsities bespoke similarities feting positive treatment of ESL’s functions while managing its impact according to their atmospheric obligations. The students of PU and LCWU proportionately adjudged second language more as confluent, dispenser, endorser, broker, liaison, and facilitator to be the source of providence for media in Pakistan as compared to the students of UMT and UCP. Overall results show that students took more precedence over practice patterns of ESL in their career building.
Elementary Students’ Difficulties in English Learning: A Case Study of Elementary Schools in Pakistan
Authors: Kainat Rimsha , Aamir Hashmi Dr Muhammad , Siddique Dr. Ambreen
Published: October 2023

The study explored the elementary school student’s perception of improvement in the English language. The research was quantitative. The main objective is to investigate what techniques students use to improve their English. Moreover, find the difference of opinion between males and females regarding English improvement. Moreover, find the differences of opinion among public and private elementary school students. The study's population was elementary school students in Lahore, selected by a convenient sampling method. The study sample was 300 male and female elementary school students from Lahore. The researcher uses a self-developed questionnaire for students. For data collection, a questionnaire was used. The questionnaire was adapted to explore secondary school students' perception of improvement in the English language. The tool consisted of a six-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was divided into two parts; the 1st part consisted of demographic variables (gender, types of schools, and age). Data were analyzed through SPSS by applying descriptive frequency distribution, one-way ANOVA, and t-test. Based on data analysis, it was found that a significant percentage of students engage in various self-directed English learning activities, such as reviewing their work (29.3%), seeking opportunities to use English outside of class (22.8%), and practicing pronunciation through reading aloud (26.7%). Additionally, many students use strategies such as looking up words in dictionaries (24.4%) and paying attention to errors when writing or speaking (26.4%) to improve their language skills. Moreover, there was no significant difference between secondary students categorized on a gender basis and also not found a significant difference between students of private and public schools. However, significance was found between different groups of ages
Effectiveness of Problem-Solving Method in Developing Metacognitive Knowledge at Secondary School Level
Authors: Sajid Ali Abbas , Rizwan Dr. Sidra
Published: October 2023

This study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Problem-Solving Method (PSM)by using the acronym IDEAL in developing metacognitive knowledge at secondary level. The research was modeled in experiment-control groups design. A random selection of 120 students was taken from grade IX in the subject of General Science. These schools were randomly selected from the district on tehsil bases. 60 students from each school were divided into both control and experimental groups 30 students each randomly. The Revised Metacognitive Assessment Inventory (RMAI) was used to determine students’ metacognitive knowledge i.e., declarative, procedural and conditional knowledge. An Independent Samples t-test was used for analysis of the data. The lecture method was used in the control groups while the PSM was employed in the experimental group. The post-test results of the experimental and control groups on the bases of knowledge about cognition i.e., declarative, procedural and condition knowledge shows the difference was significant to reject the null hypothesis of H01 to H04 confirming a significant difference between the post-test of experimental groups taught through lecture and problem-solving method. The significant difference between the mean scores of both tests shows that students taught through the problem-solving method had prominent increase in metacognitive knowledge i.e., declarative procedural and conditional knowledge.
It’s a trap!: Modern and ancient halite as Lagerstätten
Authors: Gibson Martha E. , Benison Kathleen C.
Published: October 2023

Chemical sediments, such as bedded halite (NaCl), are strongly influenced by environmental conditions during deposition and, if unaltered, may preserve microorganisms, microfossils, and organic compounds for hundreds of millions of years. Recent studies show that halite is an excellent repository for organic materials, as well as a variety of environmental data. Halite is a perfect trap. Due to its rapid growth, parent brine, gas, crystals of other minerals, and any organic material are encased within primary fluid inclusions or as solid inclusions along growth bands. These inclusions function as “snapshot” repositories of the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. However, organic material in halite is still relatively unknown in the sedimentological and paleontological communities. Here, we present highlights of preservation in halite to showcase the diversity of life that has been documented within it. We also discuss: 1) the properties of halite that give it such excellent preservation potential, 2) the challenges to and strategies for studying organic material in halite, 3) preservation in other salt minerals such as gypsum, and 4) implications for astrobiological research. Recommendations for the future study of organic material in halite include collaboration amongst chemical sedimentologists, paleontologists, and microbiologists.
Estudiar salud pública en la Escuela de Salud Pública de México en 1966: testimonio
Authors: Arroyo Pedro
Published: October 2023

En sus 100 años de existencia, la Escuela de Salud Pública de México (ESPM) ha experimentado cambios curriculares en función del desarrollo científico y tecnológico, de las prioridades en salud y del desarrollo de las instituciones en el país. En 1966, la ESPM era un centro latinoamericano de formación de especialistas y recibía estudiantes de países latinoamericanos. El objetivo de la Maestría en Salud Pública (MSP) era formar directivos con competencia para planear y administrar programas preventivos que, en México, respondían a una organización institucional centralizada. Al igual que en otros países latinoamericanos, las prioridades en salud en México se dirigían a la prevención y control de problemas de salud maternoinfantil, a enfermedades trasmisibles prevenibles por vacunación y a las deficiencias de la nutrición. Adaptado a este contexto, el programa de estudios incorporaba materias de administración, epidemiología, estadística y ciencias sociales, vinculadas estas últimas al binomio salud-enfermedad. Después de una especialización en medicina interna, cursar la MSP y tener contacto directo con la realidad social significó, para el autor, un cambio profundo de perspectiva. En esta comunicación se relatan algunas de las experiencias más significativas vividas a lo largo del curso.
Mechanism Analysis and Mathematical Modeling of Brittle Failure in Rock Cutting with a Single Sharp Cylinder-Shaped PDC Cutter
Authors: Wei Jiusen , Liu Wei , Gao Deli
Published: October 2023

The drilling efficiency of a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit plays a vital role in oil and gas exploration, which is greatly affected by the rock-cutting performance of a single PDC cutter. Although many research efforts have been put in, the rock-cutting mechanism of a single PDC cutter is still indistinct. In this work, the rock-cutting process of a single sharp cylinder-shaped PDC cutter was captured using a high-speed camera. The brittle failure mode mechanism in the rock cutting of the PDC cutter was thus revealed by this real-time observation combined with the findings in previous publications. The brittle rock-cutting failure zones in front of the cutter were separated into three different zones: crushing zone, plastic flow zone, and rock chipping zone. The crushing zone grew while the cutter cut forward and generated a plastic flow zone. When the crushing zone was large enough, a tensile crack would tear apart the rock, forming the rock chip. Based on this rock-cutting mechanism, a new mathematical model of brittle failure in rock cutting of PDC cutter was developed, considering the rock properties and cutting parameters. The boundary geometry of the crushing zone was calculated using elastoplastic theory and the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. All forces on the boundaries of these three failure zones were calculated and combined into the tangential and normal forces in the 3D mathematical model. Furthermore, a new parameter, named as crescent area, was proposed in the mathematical model. When compared to previous publications, the newly developed mathematical model had no variables that needed to be calibrated with experimental data fitting. Moreover, a series of single PDC cutter cutting tests were carried out at various depths of cut (DOCs) and backrake angles to validate the mathematical model. The results showed that the model-predicted forces basically matched the experimental data. The modeling and experimental results shared the same trend for both tangential and normal cutting forces. The experimental phenomena could be well explained by the developed mathematical model. For example, the cutting forces increase with increasing DOC and backrake angle, which is caused by the changing of the crescent area of the rock-cutter interaction. All resultant forces have almost the same inclination angle to the horizontal plane because of the almost constant boundary shape of the crushing zone. The differences between modeling and experimental results could be attributed to several reasons, one of which was the oversimplified plastic flow zone. This work presents a mathematical model that can guide the PDC bit design at different formation properties.
Constructing an artificial leaf with highly reactive microinterface for solar-driven flow-through water purification
Authors: Zhang Jun , Qu Songying , Lin Lin , Li Xiaoyan
Published: October 2023

Advanced oxidation processes that rely on reactive oxygen species represent effective approaches towards water purification, but they are often energy- and chemical- intensive. Here, we show a solar cell with highly reactive microinterface for high-flux wastewater treatment with requirements for only water, oxygen and sunlight. Experiments demonstrate that the hydrogen peroxide is produced in the porous cathode via photoelectrons mediated two-electron oxygen reduction and then flows to the porous photoanode surface, which is instantly activated to hydroxyl radicals (•OH) by light and integrated with the indigenous •OH generated via holes mediated one-electron water oxidation. Accordingly, a microscale region (~ 150 µm for thickness) with high-density •OH (~ 2.5 mM) is successfully constructed, spatially constrained on the photoanode surface. The refractory pollutants (such as norfloxacin) in water pass through this microinterface successively and are degraded rapidly (> 99% in ~ 0.6 s retention time) due to the violent collision between •OH and targets, even after 360 hours of long-term operation. Our findings highlight an innovative catalytic platform design scheme for efficient water purification.
Advancing Tau-PET quantification in Alzheimer's disease with machine learning: introducing THETA, a novel tau summary measure
Authors: Gebre Robel , Moscoso Alexis , Raghavan Sheela , Wiste Heather , Sparrman Kohl , Heeman Fiona , Costoya-Sánchez Alejandro , Schwarz Christopher , Spychalla Anthony , Lowe Val , Graff-Radford Jonathan , Knopman David , Petersen Ronald , Schöll Michael , Jack Clifford , Vemuri Prashanthi
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibits spatially heterogeneous 3R/4R tau pathology distributions across participants, making it a challenge to quantify extent of tau deposition. Utilizing Tau-PET from three independent cohorts, we trained and validated a machine learning model to identify visually positive Tau-PET scans from regional SUVR values and developed a novel summary measure, THETA, that accounts for heterogeneity in tau deposition. The model for identification of tau positivity achieved a balanced test accuracy of 95% and accuracy of ≥87% on the validation datasets. THETA captured heterogeneity of tau deposition, had better association with clinical measures, and corresponded better with visual assessments in comparison with the temporal meta-region-of-interest Tau-PET quantification methods. Our novel approach aids in identification of positive Tau-PET scans and provides a quantitative summary measure, THETA, that effectively captures the heterogeneous tau deposition seen in AD. The application of THETA for quantifying Tau-PET in AD exhibits great potential.
How Men and Women Use Smartphones for Social Networking: A case study of Bangladesh
Authors: Shabur Md. Abdus
Published: October 2023

This research looked on the gender gap in smartphone app usage and the impact of gender on smartphone-based social networks and social support in Bangladesh, a south Asian country. The sample of smartphone-owning 250 college/university students was surveyed online. Results showed that women were more likely to utilize a smartphone's camera than men were, but men were more inclined to make phone calls and use apps developed expressly for smartphones. Moreover, the findings revealed unique behaviors associated with the use of smartphones in the upkeep of interpersonal connections. Women were more likely to think bonding ties enhanced while using smartphones for text communications, whereas men were more inclined to believe more bridge links expanded. According to these findings, women tend to be more likely to use their cellphones to improve already-strong connections, whilst men appear to be more prone to use them to boost already-weak social relationships.
Catalytic thiolation-depolymerization of oxyphenylene type super engineering plastics via selective carbon-oxygen main chain cleavages
Authors: Minami Yasunori , Imamura Sae , Matsuyama Nao , Nakajima Yumiko , Yoshida Masaru
Published: October 2023

As the effective use of carbon resources has become a pressing societal issue, the importance of chemical recycling of plastics has increased. The catalytic depolymerization method for plastics is a promising approach for creating valuable products under efficient and mild conditions. Although depolymerization methods for various commodity plastics and several engineering plastics have been developed, the degradation of robust super engineering plastics that have very high heat resistance, chemical resistance, and low solubility is nearly unexplored. Herein, we report the catalytic depolymerization of oxyphenylene-based super engineering plastics such as polyetheretherketone, polysulfone, and polyetherimide using thiols via selective carbon–oxygen main chain cleavage to form monomer-type molecules, electron-deficient arenes with sulfur functional groups and bisphenols. The catalyst combination of a bulky phosphazene base P4-tBu with inorganic bases such as tripotassium phosphate or cesium carbonate enabled smooth depolymerization by activating the thiols to form reactive thiolates. This depolymerization method could be utilized with carbon- or glass fiber-enforced polyetheretherketone materials and a consumer resin. The sulfur functional groups in one product could be transformed to amino and sulfonium groups and fluorine by using suitable catalysts. Notably these fluorinated products are the monomers of the parent super engineering plastics.
Domestic, family and sexual violence polyvictimisation and health experiences of Australian nurses, midwives and carers: A cross-sectional study.
Authors: McLindon Elizabeth Veronica-Mary , Spiteri-Staines Anneliese , Hegarty Kelsey
Published: October 2023

Background
Domestic, family and sexual violence is a prevalent health and social issue. Nurses may be exposed to higher rates of this violence in their personal lives compared to the community, but little is known about their polyvictimisation experiences or health and well-being impacts.
Methods
An online descriptive, cross-sectional survey of 10,674 women nurses, midwives and carer members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) (Victorian Branch) (response rate: 15.2% of nurses sent an invitation email/28.4% opened the email). Violence survey measures included: intimate partner violence (Composite Abuse Scale); child abuse and sexual violence (Australian Bureau of Statistics Personal Safety Survey items). Health measures included: Short Form-12; Fast Alcohol Screening Test; Patient Health Questionnaire-4; Short Screening for DSM-IV Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; well-being measures included: Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, social support, and financial stress. Proportions were used to describe the prevalence of violence by sociodemographic characteristics and health and well-being issues; logistic regression predicted the odds of experiencing overlapping types of violence and of experiencing health and well-being outcomes.
Results
5,982 participants had experienced at least one type of lifetime violence; half (50.1%) had experienced two or three types (polyvictimisation). Survivors of child abuse were three times more likely to experience both intimate partner violence and non-partner adult sexual assault. Any violence was associated with poorer health and well-being, and the proportion of affected participants increased as the types of violence they experienced increased. Violence in the last 12-months was associated with the poorest health and well-being.
Conclusions
Findings suggest a cumulative, temporal and injurious life course effect of domestic, family and sexual violence. The polyvictimisation experiences and health and well-being associations reported by survivor nurses underscore the need for more accessible and effective workplace interventions to prevent and mitigate psychological ill health, especially in the recent aftermath of violence.
Development of an Instrument to Measure the Competencies of Respectful Maternity Care: A methodological study
Authors: Bester Lizelle , Dyk Lizemari Hugo-Van
Published: October 2023

Background:Despite respectful maternity care (RMC) being an essential component of safe and quality maternity care, disrespectful maternity care still occurs globally. A theory-practice gap is evident between student education in RMC and what is being role modelled by skilled birth attendants within the clinical learning environment. Therefore, the competency of skilled birth attendants in RMC needs to be advanced to strengthen it in practice. Strengthening the RMC practices of skilled birth attendants may also contribute to the ways in which students transfer their learning, by creating a positive work and learning environment. As a result, motivated students might model competent RMC behavior, thus contributing to future skilled birth attendants’ transfer of learning of RMC practices. An instrument that measures competency in RMC practices can aid in determining whether skilled birth attendants and/or students are competent in rendering this kind of care. An RMC tool can also assist in identifying professional developmental areas. However, as no such instrument exists yet – one that measures the knowledge, skills, and behavior of skilled birth attendants in RMC practices – the need for the development of such an instrument was identified was this research.Methods:A methodological research design was implemented to develop the instrument; a literature search was conducted using the string search to identify elements related to the knowledge, skills, and behavior of skill birth attendants performing sound RMC to formulate measurable RMC items. Forty-four items were included in the developed instrument, and a Delphi technique determined face and content validity. Data for the Delphi study were gathered from experts using an online questionnaire via the Evasys® platform, and a consensus was reached after two Delphi rounds.Results:Experts agreed that all 44 items pertaining to the skilled birth attendants’ ' knowledge, skills, and behavior in RMC should be included in theRMC competency measuring instrument.No new items emerged from the Delphi rounds.Conclusion:The development and validation of thisRMC competency measuring instrumentcan measure competence in RMC, which could contribute to the training of students and skilled birth attendants and to countering the trend of disrespectful maternity care.
Quality Improvement in Medicines Regulation: A Retrospective Analysis of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone pre and post-ISO 9001:2015 Certification era
Authors: Lahai Michael , Lake Laurie , Vandy Ahmed , Sebba Bondu , Sesay Mohamed , Abiri Onome T. , Johnson Joy , Buffa Tamba , Kanu Abdulai , Bawoh Mohamed , Komeh James P. , Johnson Wiltshire C.N
Published: October 2023

Background
National Medicines Regulatory Authorities like the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone are responsible for protecting and promoting public health, implementing rigorous regulatory standards, and maintaining an assured supply of medical products that are safe, effective, and of good quality. This retrospective study assesses the quality improvement of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leones’ processes and the influence of internal and external audits on the quality management system and services provided to customers.
Methods
Data was collected on identified counterfeit drugs from 2013 to 2021 using a data collection tool prepared to collate relevant information that could address the different objectives. All data were sourced from the Department of Quality Assurance and the Department of Enforcement and Narcotics at the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone. Internal audit records from 2016 to 2020 and external audit reports from external auditors and the World Health Organisation Global benchmarking self-assessment tool were also used.
Results
The study showed marked changes in identifying counterfeit drugs by the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone post-ISO 9001:2015 certification compared to yearly Pre-ISO 9001:2015 certification. Critical functions of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone from 2016 to 2021 showed that several indicators had been addressed post-ISO9001:2015 certification and an improvement in the level of maturity for the quality assurance (Regulatory systems) and Pharmacovigilance functions. There was also an improvement in addressing the number of identified non-conformances from internal and external audits post-ISO9001:2015 certification.
conclusions
This study revealed that regular checks through self-assessment, internal audits and standard management review meetings that generate followed up timelines and corrective actions for non-conformances are essential quality improvement tools for the efficient functioning of the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone.
Marginal vs average curtailment of renewables and access conditions in Renewable Energy Zones
Authors: Newbery David , Simshauser Paul
Published: October 2023

Most countries have set challenging decarbonisation targets that will require high levels of Variable Renewable Electricity (VRE). The ratio of peak to average production is from 2-4 for wind and 4-11 for PV and so once market shares reach 50%, curtailment will be necessary, even if delayed by storage and exports. This article demonstrates theoretically and from market experience that marginal curtailment rates (the extra curtailment caused by the last MW installed) will be at least 3 times average curtailment rates. Free entry will be driven by average curtailment rates while in a fully efficient market without development constraints, entry should be driven by marginal curtailment. The article discusses possible policy and market design options to address this discrepancy and argues nevertheless for a pragmatic solution that decides capacity using marginal curtailment rates but encourages optimal entry levels using average curtailment, given the limits of infrastructure expansion.
JEL Codes: D52, D53, G12, L94, Q40
PAM-Actuated Manipulator Performance Enhancement Based on Synergetic Algorithm Control Theory and Social Spider Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Hasan Alaq F. , Raheem Hadeer A. , Hussein Rajaa
Published: October 2023

The PAM-actuated manipulator is a widely used type of robotic arm in industrial automation. However, its performance can be limited by non-linear dynamics and uncertainties in the system. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a synergetic control strategy based on the social spider optimization algorithm. The synergetic control approach allows for the coordination of multiple actuators to achieve a desired trajectory, while the social spider optimization algorithm (SSO) optimizes the control parameters to improve the overall performance.
A computer simulation study was conducted using MATLAB software to compare the performance of optimal Synergetic Algorithm Control Theory (SACT) and optimal Sliding Mode Controller (SMC). Both controllers were applied to a non-linear system with uncertainties. The provided simulation results have shown that the SACT controller performs much better than the SMC controller regarding tracking accuracy and uncertainty robustness. The SACT controller exhibited quicker convergence towards the desired trajectory and maintained a lower steady-state error as compared to the SMC controller. Additionally, the SACT controller demonstrated more resilience to variations in parameters and possessed more robust characteristics.
Analysis of common genetic variation of anxiety disorders in essential tremor
Authors: Yan Yaping , Cao Lanxiao , Gu Luyan , Xu Congying , Lu Jinyu , Lv Dayao , Tian Jun , Yin Xinzhen , Pu Jiali , Zhang Baorong , Zhao Guohua
Published: October 2023

Objective
To explore the association of common genetic variation of anxiety disorders and essential tremor (ET).
Methods
We genotyped 25 anxiety-specific risk variants in a cohort of 478 unrelated ET patients and 505 age and gender-matched healthy controls from eastern China using a MassARRAY system. The association between candidate variants and ET patients were evaluated using gene-based analysis.
Results
A total of 159 patients (33.3%) had at least mild anxiety. In genotypic analysis, rs1187280 (NTRK2 gene), rs3807866 (TMEM106B gene), rs6557168 (ESR1 gene) and rs708012 (in an intergenic region) in the dominant models and rs1187280 (NTRK2 gene), TMEM106B rs3807866, rs708012 and rs7528604 (PDE4B) under the recessive model were found to be significantly associated with ET. In allelic analysis, the carriers of C allele of NTRK2 rs1187280, T allele of TMEM106B rs3807866, A allele of ESR1 rs6557168 and T allele of rs708012 occupy a larger proportion of ET patients compared with healthy controls.
Conclusion
Anxiety-specific risk SNPs of TMEM106B rs3807866 and ESR1 rs6557168 increase the risk for ET, while two SNPs of NTRK2 rs1187280 and rs708012 show a protective role.
Blockchain based Multi-signature Smart Contract Electronic Seal Orienting Mobile IoT Terminals
Authors: Liu Chunyan , Feng Tao
Published: October 2023

The surging interest in digitalization has revitalized research for digital business model. Mobile Internet of Things (IoT) terminals will reach billions and become an important infrastructure for a digital and intelligent society. In the digital business model of IoT terminals, the electronic seal of commercial contracts are especially investigated to provide same level security as guaranteed by the traditional seal. However, the existing electronic seal is only applicable to the centralized network applications, which severely rely on the certificate authority. In this paper, we propose a blockchain based multi-signature smart contract electronic seal. The key of our design is to deploy a smart contract of business parties on Ethereum for secure electronic seal orienting mobile IoT terminals. Unlike traditional seal, this electronic seal is verified and managed collectively by all mining nodes. Combining it with the optimization in terms of a multi-signature algorithm encoded in smart contract, our design achieves complete digital contract function in all business participants of terminals. As an example, we show an implementation of Goerli testnet of the Ethereum network with the smart contract deployment. The security analysis and evaluation demonstrate that our design is secure of its multi-signature and can be used in practice.
Biomolecular condensates form spatially inhomogeneous network fluids
Authors: Pappu Rohit , Dar Furqan , Cohen Samuel , Mitrea Diana , Philips Aaron , Nagy Gergely , Leite Wellington , Stanley Christopher , Choi Jeon-Mo , Kriwacki Richard
Published: October 2023

The functions of biomolecular condensates are thought to be influenced by their material properties, and these are in turn determined by the multiscale structural features within condensates. However, structural characterizations of condensates are challenging, and hence rarely reported. Here, we deploy a combination of small angle neutron scattering, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and bespoke coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to provide structural descriptions of model condensates that mimic nucleolar granular components (GCs). We show that facsimiles of GCs are network fluids featuring spatial inhomogeneities across hierarchies of length scales that reflect the contributions of distinct protein and peptide domains. The network-like inhomogeneous organization is characterized by a coexistence of liquid- and gas-like macromolecular densities that engenders bimodality of internal molecular dynamics. These insights, extracted from a combination of approaches, suggest that condensates formed by multivalent proteins share features with network fluids formed by associative systems such as patchy or hairy colloids.
Dynamic behaviour and formation mechanism of shear band during high speed cutting Inconel 718
Authors: Hao Zhaopeng , Wang Xindi , Fan YiHang
Published: October 2023

Abastract

In this paper, the shear zone storage energy model and strain gradient theory were compiled into a subroutine for secondary development to implement multi-scale finite element simulations. The shear zone storage energy was analyzed based on the variation of stress, temperature, and overall dislocation density. The plastic deformation behavior occurred in cutting was analyzed by combining microscopic and macroscopic based on the change of storage energy in the shear zone. The dynamic recrystallization and periodic fracture theories were also correlated with the variation of shear zone storage energy to investigate the mechanism of adiabatic shear zone formation in depth. It was found that the overall dislocation density, stress and shear zone storage energy change in the same trend, and the temperature and shear zone storage energy change in the opposite trend. The proliferation and annihilation of dislocations affect the change of storage energy. The storage energy reaches a peak of 9.6704 KJ when the overall dislocation density increases to a critical value of 7.7664×109, during which the stress gradually increases to 1.920×109Mpa. The local interaction between geometric dislocations and grain boundaries will contribute to the increase of stored dislocations due to local work hardening, which causes spontaneous deformation instability and thus the gradual formation of deformation zones. When the shear zone temperature reaches a peak of 886°C, the stress gradually decreases to 6.27×108Mpa. The aggravation of the stress concentration phenomenon caused the workpiece to release a large amount of heat energy because it could not bear the excessive strain, and the resulting thermal softening effect caused the hardness to decrease. At the same time, dislocations accumulate and new dislocation sources in the vicinity were activated, which caused the overall dislocation density to start decreasing and the material to undergo local shear instability, thus leading to dynamic recrystallization and the formation of a phase transition zone at high temperature. The storage energy decreases to a trough value of 3.1555 KJ when the overall dislocation density decreases to 2.5342×109. Dynamic recrystallization happens at different stages due to the change of storage energy, and the rate of storage energy change will affect the nucleation rate of dynamic recrystallization and thus the rate of adiabatic shear zone formation.
Pten and P-4e-bp1 Might be Associated with Postoperative Recurrence of Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Concurrent Radiochemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Heng , Li Xiaofan , Sun Wanjun , Qin Haoren , Li Haipeng , Yan Hao , Wang Huaqing , Zhang Xipeng , Zhang Shiwu , Wang Hui
Published: October 2023

Background
Local recurrence after surgery and radiochemotherapy seriously affects the prognosis of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients. Studies on molecular markers related to the radiochemotherapy sensitivity of cancers have been widely carried out, which might provide valued information for clinicians to carry out individual treatment.
Aim
To find potential biomarkers of tumors for predicting postoperative recurrence.
Methods
In this study, LARC patients undergoing surgery and concurrent radiochemotherapy were enrolled. We focused on clinicopathological factors and PTEN, SIRT1, p-4E-BP1, and pS6 protein expression assessed by immunohistochemistry in 73 rectal cancer patients with local recurrence and 76 patients without local recurrence.
Results
The expression of PTEN was higher, while the expression of p-4E-BP1 was lower in patients without local recurrence than in patients with local recurrence. Moreover, TNM stage, lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI), PTEN and p-4E-BP1 might be independent risk factors for local recurrence after LARC surgery combined with concurrent radiochemotherapy.
Conclusions
This study suggests that PTEN and p-4E-BP1 might be potential biomarkers for prognostic prediction and therapeutic targets for LARC.
Transcutaneous carbon dioxide improves joint inflammation and articular cartilage degeneration in rat osteoarthritis models
Authors: Li Changxin , Moriyama Hideki , Inoue Shota , Hatakeyama Junpei , Takamura Daisuke , Jiang Hanlin , Sakai Yoshitada , Akisue Toshihiro
Published: October 2023

Background
As global aging increases, and with life expectancy increases, both osteoarthritis (OA) prevalence and incidence is expected to rise. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide (CO2) therapy has been shown to promote muscle regeneration, healing of fractures, strengthening of athletic endurance, recovery from peripheral nerve damage, and cancer. However, its effect on symptom modification and inflammation in OA is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to examine whether CO2 therapy could slow progression of OA and relieve OA-related inflammation in a chemically or surgically induced model in rats.
Question/purposes
Using chemically and surgically induced models of OA, we sought to clarify whether transcutaneous carbon dioxide therapy improves OA-related inflammation and suppresses degeneration of articular cartilage.
Methods
OA model was induced by intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) and surgically induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in the knee joint. The pathogenesis period of MIA was set at 2 weeks, and that of DMM at 4 weeks. After the creation of the osteoarthritis model, either CO2 therapy or sham intervention was applied daily for 20 minutes, and treatment was applied at 2 weeks. At the end of the intervention period, behavioral assessments were completed and then knee joints were harvested. Non-demineralized frozen sections were prepared and samples were examined histologically.
Results
Assessments of knee joint diameter showed that knee swelling in the DMM model improved significantly after 2 weeks of CO2 therapy compared to the control group. The histomorphometric evaluation showed a significant increase in chondrocyte density in the CO2 group compared to the MIA and DMM groups. Furthermore, the number of matrix metalloproteinases 13, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5, proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 positive cells decreased in the CO2 group, while the number of aggrecan and type II collagen positive cells increased.
Conclusions
Our results clearly demonstrate that transcutaneous CO2 therapy improves OA-related inflammation and suppresses degeneration of articular cartilage.
Clinical Relevance
Transcutaneous application of CO2 may have therapeutic potential for improving articular inflammation and degeneration of articular cartilage in OA patients.
Integrative Metabolomics, Genomics, and Transcriptomics Analysis Unravels Anti-Cancer Potential of Secondary Metabolites in Dillenia Suffruticosa
Authors: Ahmad Norhayati , Ali Sabri Mohd. , Kaewnarin Khwanta , Lim Abner , Hong Jing Han , Ng Cedric , Hamdani Nur Izzah Amal Afiqah , Zaini Nurul Hazlina , Ruslan Mohammad Amiruddin , Soon Boon Yu , Ibrahim Nor Sarah Irdina , Liu Wei , Chung Odelia Yuan Xuan , Lim Boon Yee , Chan Jason Yongsheng , Taha Hussein , Teh Bin Tean
Published: October 2023

The genus Dillenia, native to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean islands tropics, lacks genomic information despite its wide-ranging medicinal and ornamental applications. This study presents a comprehensive genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics profiling of Dillenia suffruticosa which is widely used in the local populace and highly regenerative in secondary forests of Brunei Darussalam. The assembled genome spans a size of 596 Mb (N50: 20.8 Mb) with 30,490 genes. Multi-omics profiling revealed metabolites were discovered in D. suffruticosa, including phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, alongside their biosynthetic pathways. Additionally, the study examined the cytotoxic effects of D. suffruticosa extracts on ten types of cancer cell lines. The findings indicate that extracts derived from the root organ, which contains higher levels of terpenoids trigger cancer cell death through the NF-kB pathway. In conclusion, this study enriches the chemogenomic and plant metabolites understanding of D. suffruticosa for pharmacological applications in a multidisciplinary approach.