bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Robust Model for the Assessment of Oil Spill Hazards over Land and Water Bodies
Authors: Vallés Pablo , Martínez-Aranda Sergio , García Reinaldo , García-Navarro Pilar
Published: November 2024

Oil spills over land and water bodies are some of the most relevant hazards that should be considered when implementing oil production and transport projects. However, the development of robust, versatile, and efficient tools for carrying out this type of hazard assessment is a challenge for geophysical modellers due to the complexity of the oil flow over hybrid terrain–water surfaces. This work presents a versatile Eulerian approach to simulating the transport of an oil layer flowing over steep terrain that may also be dragged by an underlying water flow, i.e., rivers, lakes, oceans, etc., if it exists. The model allows for the seamless simulation of spills that start on land and eventually impact a water body in a single simulation step. The focus here is paid to the integration of the drag shear stresses between the layers, responsible for the oil spreading over a moving water surface. This drag term is solved using a non-iterative implicit method that allows for robust and efficient solutions even with high coupling between both layers. Two synthetic test cases are simulated to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed model, obtaining results that validate the model’s behaviour in high-coupling cases. Finally, the spreading hazard for a realistic oil production project is assessed. The results obtained verify the capability of the model to become a useful tool for oil spill forecasting over hybrid terrain–water surfaces.
Multispectral Assessment of Net Radiations Using Comprehensive Multi-Satellite Data
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Jawad , Ali Sikandar , Khan Shahbaz Nasir , Arshad Arfan , Liu Jinping , Mumtaz Faisal , Waqas Muhammad Mohsin , Bashir Barjeece , Arshad Rao Husnain
Published: November 2024

Precise estimation of net radiation (Rn) is fundamental to understanding surface energy balance and is critical for accurately determining crop water requirements, especially using remote sensing and geospatial techniques. The core objective of this study is to evaluate multi-satellite-based net radiations on major cropped areas of the Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan. In this study, overlapping scenes from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Landsat 8, and Sentinel 2 were used from 2016 to 2020 along with three temperature products MOD11A1, Landsat 8 (brightness temperature), and ERA5. The multi-satellite-based net radiation estimations on overlapping days were compared with the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) dataset. The models based on Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 data exhibited good performance, with a Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 68.9%, a mean error (ME) of 13.918 W/m2, and a bias of 50.669 W/m2. The results indicated that Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 data produced reliable estimations of net radiation, while MODIS data tended to overestimate due to its higher spatial resolution and broader coverage area. Landsat 8-based estimations are good compared to others, as it has good correlation coefficient and lower RMSE values. The study concludes that Landsat 8 provides the most reliable estimates of net radiation for determining crop water requirements, outperforming other datasets in accuracy. The findings underscore the importance of using high-resolution multi-satellite data for precise agricultural water management, recommending its use in future studies and water resource planning in Pakistan.
A Review of Plume Research in the Collection Process of Deep-Sea Polymetallic Nodules
Authors: Xu Lixin , Li Xiu , Liu Yajiao , Dou Peilin , Hong Zhichao , Han Chaoshuai
Published: November 2024

The plumes generated during the collection of polymetallic nodules in the deep sea may have a significant impact on the marine ecosystem. Therefore, this article reviews the progress in deep-sea mining and monitoring technologies related to plumes. It is suggested that specific areas of environmental interest (APEIs) and positive altitude characteristic regions (such as seamounts and hills) in the process of polymetallic nodule collection can serve as refuges for benthic organisms and provide a biological basis for the recovery of biodiversity in mining areas. Water-supported vessels, pipeline lifting systems, and hydraulic collection methods are the least disruptive and most promising methods. By sorting out the deep-sea mining process, plumes can be roughly classified into seabed disturbance plumes and tailing plumes. The best way to address plume formation is at the source when developing environmentally friendly mining vehicles. The evaluation of plumes is crucial for the sustainable development of the environment and seabed resources. However, the mechanism is not clear at present. Therefore, laboratory simulation and in situ monitoring need to be coordinated, and attention should be paid to the impact on benthic marine organisms as much as possible during original operations. Plume research in the deep-sea mining process will also provide favorable support for the possible future development of seabed resources.
Harnessing Deep Learning for Real-Time Water Quality Assessment: A Sustainable Solution
Authors: Toumi Selma , Lekmine Sabrina , Touzout Nabil , Moussa Hamza , Elboughdiri Noureddine , Boudraa Reguia , Benslama Ouided , Kebir Mohammed , Danish Subhan , Zhang Jie , Amrane Abdeltif , Tahraoui Hichem
Published: November 2024

This study presents an innovative approach utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for the prediction and classification of water quality parameters based on physico-chemical measurements. The primary objective was to enhance the accuracy, speed, and accessibility of water quality monitoring. Data collected from various water samples in Algeria were analyzed to determine key parameters such as conductivity, turbidity, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS). These measurements were integrated into deep neural networks (DNNs) to predict indices such as the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), magnesium hazard (MH), sodium percentage (SP), Kelley’s ratio (KR), potential salinity (PS), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), as well as Water Quality Index (WQI) and Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI). The DNNs model, optimized through the selection of various activation functions and hidden layers, demonstrated high precision, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9994 and a low root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.0020. This AI-driven methodology significantly reduces the reliance on traditional laboratory analyses, offering real-time water quality assessments that are adaptable to local conditions and environmentally sustainable. This approach provides a practical solution for water resource managers, particularly in resource-limited regions, to efficiently monitor water quality and make informed decisions for public health and agricultural applications.
Effect of Prolonged Starvation of Nacella concinna, Odontaster validus, and Sterechinus neumayeri on Their Body Composition and the Enrichment of the Aquatic Environment with Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Authors: Nędzarek Arkadiusz , Stepanowska Katarzyna
Published: November 2024

The seasonal availability of food for Antarctic zoobenthic consumers affects, among other factors, the levels of excreted metabolites that can serve as a source of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) for autotrophs. This study tested the effects of prolonged starvation on N and P excretion by Nacella concinna, Odontaster validus, and Sterechinus neumayeri, as well as changes in their body chemistry. In all animals starved for 65 days, a significant decrease in body protein content was observed (33% for S. neumayeri and approximately 23% for N. concinna and O. validus). Nitrogen excretion rates were higher than phosphorus, with mean values (in µmol N or P h−1 100 g−1) of 1.351 and 0.094 for N. concinna, 0.779 and 0.037 for O. validus, and 0.538 and 0.075 for S. neumayeri, respectively. Ammonium nitrogen accounted for 50% to 69% of total nitrogen, while total reactive phosphorus represented 35% to 42% of total phosphorus. The study confirmed the natural adaptation of zoobenthos to prolonged food scarcity and demonstrated that (i) protein was the primary energy source during starvation, (ii) excretion rates were negatively correlated with invertebrate body size and were higher for N than P, and (iii) the excreted N and P loads may serve as a source of nutrients for autotrophs and act as chemical signals in trophic chemoreception.
Urban Waterlogging Simulation and Disaster Risk Analysis Using InfoWorks Integrated Catchment Management: A Case Study from the Yushan Lake Area of Ma’anshan City in China
Authors: Wang Kun , Chen Jian , Hu Hao , Tang Yuchao , Huang Jian , Wu Youbing , Lu Jingyu , Zhou Jinjun
Published: November 2024

Under the dual pressures of climate change and urbanization, cities in China are experiencing increasingly severe flooding. Using the Yushan Lake area in Ma’anshan City, Anhui Province, as a case study, we employed the InfoWorks Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) hydraulic model to analyze the drainage and flood prevention system of the region and assess the current infrastructure for drainage and flood control. There are 117 pipelines with a return period lower than one year for stormwater and combined sewer systems, accounting for 12.3% of the total number of pipelines. The number of pipelines meeting the one-year but not the three-year return period standard is 700, representing 70.2%. Only 17.5% of the pipelines are capable of handling events exceeding the one-year standard. In simulating a 24 h, 30-year return period rainfall event, the results indicate that floodwater accumulation in the study area is predominantly between 0.15 m and 0.3 m. Most risk areas are classified as low risk, covering an area of 36.398 hectares, followed by medium and high-risk areas, which cover 8.226 hectares and 3.087 hectares, respectively. The Ma’anshan Yushan Lake area has, overall, certain flood control capabilities but faces flood risks during storms with return periods exceeding three years. This research offers valuable insights for improving urban flood management in Ma’anshan City through the development of a stormwater management model for the Yushan Lake area.
Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Vulnerability in the Nakivale Sub-Catchment of the Transboundary Lake Victoria Basin, Uganda
Authors: Hyeroba Emmanuel Nabala , Kalin Robert M.
Published: November 2024

This study evaluates the quality and vulnerability of groundwater within the Nakivale Sub-catchment of the transboundary Lake Victoria Basin in Southwestern Uganda. Groundwater quality assessment focuses on its suitability for both drinking and agricultural uses. Hydrochemical analysis of 19 groundwater samples revealed that 90% comply with World Health Organization drinking water standards, although localized contamination was noted, particularly in terms of total iron, nitrate, potassium, magnesium, and sulfates. The drinking groundwater quality index shows that over 90% of the samples fall within the good-to-excellent quality categories. Elevated nitrate levels and chloride–bromide ratios indicate human impacts, likely due to agricultural runoff and wastewater disposal. For irrigation, Sodium Adsorption Ratio analysis revealed medium-to-high salinity hazards in the region, while Sodium Percentage and other parameters indicated low-to-moderate risks of soil degradation. DRASTIC vulnerability assessments identified low contamination risks due to impermeable geological layers, steep terrain, slow groundwater recharge, deep aquifer depth, and clayey soil cover. These findings emphasize the need for conjunctive water resource management, including improved groundwater quality monitoring, public education on sustainable practices, and protective measures for recharge zones and areas highly susceptible to contamination. By addressing these issues, this study aims to preserve groundwater resources for domestic and agricultural use, ensuring long-term sustainability in the region.
Hydrochar Loaded with Nitrogen-Containing Functional Groups for Versatile Removal of Cationic and Anionic Dyes and Aqueous Heavy Metals
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wan Yongshan , Zheng Yulin , Yang Yicheng , Huang Jinsheng , Chen Hao , Chen Jianjun , Mosa Ahmed , Gao Bin
Published: November 2024

Developing novel sorbents for effective removal of heavy metals and organic dyes from industrial wastewater remains a central theme for water research. We modified hydrochar derived from the hydrothermal carbonization of wheat straw at 180 °C with 3-Aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) to enhance its versatile adsorption of Pb(II), Cu(II), methylene blue (MB), and reactive red (Red). Pristine and modified hydrochar (HyC and APTES-HyC) were characterized and tested for sorption performance. Characterization results revealed an enriched presence of N-functional groups, mainly -NH2 and C-N, on APTES-HyC, in addition to an increased specific surface area from 1.14 m2/g (HyC) to 4.51 m2/g. APTES-HyC exhibited a faster adsorption rate than HyC, reaching equilibrium approximately 4 h after initiation. The Langmuir adsorption capacities of APTES-HyC were 49.6, 14.8, 31.7, and 18.3 mg/g for Pb(II), Cu(II), MB, and Red, respectively, about 8.5, 5.0, 1.3, and 9.5 times higher than for HyC. The enhanced adsorption performance of APTES-HyC is attributed to the increased N-functional groups, which facilitated adsorption mechanisms specific to the pollutant of concern such as formation of frustrated Lewis pairs and cation–π interactions for metal ions and π–π interactions and hydrogen bond for dyes. This study offers a novel and facile approach to the synthesis of N-doped carbon materials for practical applications.
Characteristics of Meteorological Drought Evolution in the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Bai Wenchuan , Zhang Cicheng , Xiao Xiong , Zou Ziying , Liu Zelin , Li Peng , Tang Jiayi , Li Tong , Zhou Xiaolu , Peng Changhui
Published: November 2024

Amid global climate change, recurrent drought events pose significant challenges to regional water resource management and the sustainability of socio-economic growth. Thus, understanding drought characteristics and regional development patterns is essential for effective drought monitoring, prediction, and the creation of robust adaptation strategies. Most prior research has analyzed drought events independently in spatial and temporal dimensions, often overlooking their dynamic nature. In this study, we employ a three-dimensional methodology that accounts for spatiotemporal continuity to identify and extract meteorological drought events based on a 3-month standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI3). Measured by the SPEI3 index, the incidence of drought increased in the middle part of the basin, especially in some parts of Sichuan and Yunnan province, and the frequency of drought events decreased in the upper reaches. We evaluate drought events within the Yangtze River basin from 1980 to 2016 by examining five variables: chronology, extent, severity, duration, and epicenter locations. The results show that a total of 97 persisting drought events lasting at least 3 months have been identified in Yangtze River basin. Most events have a duration between 4 and 7 months. The findings indicate that while the number of drought events in the Yangtze River basin has remained unchanged, the intensity, duration, and severity of these events have shown a slight increase from 1980 to 2016. The drought events gradually moved from the western and southeastern parts of the basin to the central region. The most severe drought event occurred between January 2011 and October 2011, with a duration of 10 months and an affected area of 0.94 million km2, impacting over fifty percent of the basin. Changes in wetness and dryness in the Yangtze River basin are closely related to El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, with a positive correlation between the intensity of cold events and the probability of extreme drought. This study enhances our understanding of the dynamics and evolution of drought events in the Yangtze River basin, providing crucial insights for better managing water resources and developing effective adaptation strategies.
Rapid Treatment of Urban Initial Rainwater Runoff by A/O–Magnetic Flocculation Combined Process
Authors: Yan Shaofeng , Lv Mingzhe , Fang Yingke , Li Jie , Xu Hongbin , Li Guoqiang , Huang Long , Li Yuan , Song Gangfu
Published: November 2024

The acceleration of urbanization with the increased proportion of impermeable surfaces has posed significant challenges for old urban drainage systems, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Urban initial rainwater runoff pollution, containing a considerable quantity of pollutants, has severely contaminated the urban water environment. The present study presented an A/O–magnetic flocculation (A/O-MF) process for the rapid treatment of urban initial rainwater runoff pollution to realize the simultaneous removal of NH4+-N, TN, COD, TP, and SSs. The optimal operation parameters were obtained by the single-factor and orthogonal methods. The results showed that the optimal operation duration of the A/O process was 10 min for the anoxic process and 60 min for the aerobic process. The optimal dosages of the flocculants were 105 mg/L for PAC, 3 mg/L for PAM, and 30 mg/L for Fe3O4 with a sedimentation time of 2 min. To treat the actual runoff rainwater, the A/O-MF process improved the removal efficiencies of TP, SSs, NH4+-N, and COD compared with the single A/O process, with efficiencies of 99.5%, 93.3%, 99.7%, and 91.3%, respectively. The total operation duration was only 74 min, which could enable the rapid and efficient treatment of urban runoff rainwater.
Investigation and Identification of the Causes of the Unprecedented Accident at the “Chaira” Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage
Authors: Todorov Georgi , Kralov Ivan , Kamberov Konstantin , Sofronov Yavor , Zlatev Blagovest , Zahariev Evtim
Published: November 2024

The present study deals with an accident analysis of the “Chaira” Bulgaria high-pressure Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage (PHES), especially the failures of the Francis large-scale Hydraulic Unit No. 4 (HU4). The causes of overloading and cracking of the stay vanes and their functionality are investigated. Despite many studies on the behavior of the runner and its safe operation, the complete destruction of the system due to the stay vanes failure has not been sufficiently studied and published in the scientific literature. The aim is to assess the reasons that have led to this unprecedented accident of the “Chaira” PHES of the total destruction of the stay vanes. Based on the historical data and the operating modes, as well as on the identification of the critical elements, an objective assessment of the risks of damage of the stay vanes and of the entire unit is proposed. A virtual prototype is built for the simulation of the system behavior in working and emergency conditions. The loads, stresses, and deformations are precisely calculated. The critical elements of the highly-loaded blocks are evaluated. Low-cycle material fatigue is with a high degree of confidence the dominant reason for the stay vanes complete destruction. The results of the research are used to propose measures for the possible rehabilitation and/or replacement of the unit.
Analysis of Efficiency and Noise, Vibration, and Hardness Characteristics of Inverter for Electric Vehicles According to Pulse Width Modulation Technique
Authors: Kim Do-Yun
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the efficiency and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics of electric vehicle (EV) powertrains based on three key Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) techniques: Space Vector PWM (SVPWM), Discontinuous PWM (DPWM), and Random PWM (RPWM). The objective is to evaluate the impact of these PWM techniques on inverter and motor efficiency, as well as their effects on NVH performance, particularly in relation to noise and vibration. Experiments were conducted across various speed and torque levels using a motor dynamo. The study reveals that DPWM provides the highest efficiency, outperforming SVPWM by up to 2.23%. However, DPWM introduces more noise due to increased total harmonic distortion (THD), negatively affecting NVH performance. SVPWM, on the other hand, offers a balanced trade-off between efficiency and NVH, while RPWM demonstrates comparable noise characteristics to SVPWM, with potential for broader harmonic distribution. The findings suggest that each PWM technique offers distinct advantages, and their selection should depend on the required balance between efficiency and NVH.
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Failure Under Vibration
Authors: Li Jianying , Chen Zhanhong , Xie Yinghong , Wen Hao , Cai Chaoming , Wang Hai
Published: November 2024

The failure mechanism of square lithium iron phosphate battery cells under vibration conditions was investigated in this study, elucidating the impact of vibration on their internal structure and safety performance using high-resolution industrial CT scanning technology. Various vibration states, including sinusoidal, random, and classical impact modes, were tested to simulate real-world usage scenarios. The findings demonstrate that different vibration conditions exert varying degrees of influence on the battery cells. Despite experiencing slight deformation and displacement after exposure to vibrations, their overall performance remains stable, with no significant safety hazards detected. Moreover, it was observed that while the side gap increases due to the partial absorption of impact load by both the battery cells and connection components, the bottom gap remains unchanged. This study holds immense significance in enhancing electric vehicle safety and reliability, while providing a scientific foundation for future optimization designs of lithium iron phosphate batteries.
Accesibilidad y satisfacción del usuario externo del Hospital Especializado de Cajamarca
Authors: Bazualdo-Fiorini Enzo Renatto , Pajares-Huaripata Edwin , De La Cruz Rudas Omar Anghelo , Bueno Ordoñez Segundo , Saavedra Alvarado Teddy William
Published: November 2024

Introducción: En la actualidad, la accesibilidad a los servicios médicos y la satisfacción de los usuarios externos se han convertido en temas de gran relevancia en el ámbito de la salud; en el Perú se enfrentan desafíos significativos en términos de equidad en el acceso a la atención médica, especialmente en regiones rurales y zonas geográficamente remotas, ante esta realidad se planteó como objetivo determinar la relación entre la accesibilidad a los servicios médicos y la satisfacción de los usuarios externos que acuden a consultas en el Hospital Especializado de Cajamarca. Materiales y métodos: Investigación cuantitativa, aplicada, correlacional y no experimental, que empleó una muestra de 370 usuarios externos de los servicios médicos del Hospital Especializado de Cajamarca, a quienes se les aplicaron dos cuestionarios para medir los niveles de accesibilidad, a través de las dimensiones: a) Disponibilidad, b) Acceso, c) Adaptabilidad, d) Contacto y satisfacción, con las dimensiones: a) Estructura, b) Procesos, c). Resultados, ambos cuestionarios tenían una escala de respuesta tipo Likert, donde: 1= Muy deficiente; 2= Deficiente; 3= Regular; 4= Buena; 5= Sobresaliente, y para su interpretación se planteó el baremo: las respuestas 1 y 2, corresponden a bajo, el 3, a medio y 4 y 5 a alto: Los resultados dan cuenta de altos niveles de accesibilidad (55.47%) y de satisfacción (59.73%), los cuales concurren en una correlación directa, positiva, alta (rs= ,894) y significativa (p valor = 0,000). Conclusiones: Los hallazgos respaldan la idea de que a medida que mejora la accesibilidad, aumenta la satisfacción de los usuarios.
DER DAN CR TERHADAP ROA PADA PERBANKAN DI BEI PERIODE 2020-2022
Authors: Nazwa Karmina
Published: November 2024

This research aims to determine and analyze the influence of the Debt To Equity Ratio and Current Ratio on the Financial Performance of Banking Companies on the IDX for the 2020-2022 period. In carrying out its business activities, banks need to provide sufficient capital to enable them to operate economically and not experience financial difficulties. Thus debt is an element of the company's capital structure. Capital structure theory explains that a company's financial policy in determining its capital structure aims to optimize company performance. The sampling method was purposive sampling, with a sample size of 96. The data analysis technique was multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this research partially show that DER has no effect on financial performance, while CR has a significant positive effect on financial performance and simultaneously DER and CR have a significant positive effect on financial performance in banking companies listed on the IDX for the 2020-2022 period.
Associated risk factors with incidence of irritant contact dermatitis among the cleaning worker in Santa Elisabeth Medan Hospital
Authors: Panjaitan Joice Sonya Gani , Nababan Donal , Tarigan Frida Lina , Hidayat Wisnu , Sitorus Mido Ester J.
Published: November 2024

Occupational irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) accounts for approximately 20% of work-related skin diseases, with 80% of cases affecting the hands. Cleaning staff are particularly susceptible to ICD. This study aimed to identify risk factors for ICD among cleaning staff at Santa Elisabeth Medan Hospital. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 60 cleaning staff (total population) at the hospital in October-November 2023. The study investigated three groups of factors: host factors (age, gender, work duration, work stress, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use), agent factors (type of cleaning solution, duration and frequency of use), and environmental factors (perceived organizational support). The results showed that 8 of 60 cleaning staff (13.3%) had ICD. Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between ICD and host, agent, or environmental factors among cleaning staff (p > 0.05). Host, agent, and environmental factors were not found to be significant risk factors for OICD among cleaning workers at Santa Elisabeth Medan Hospital.
Protocolo interdisciplinar de fibrose cística
Authors: Duarte Marta Cristina , Schmidt Lucélia Paula Cabral , Barbosa Célio de Barros , Chehuen Neto José Antonio , Carvalho Luciana Santos de , Lima Mário Flávio Cardoso de , Silva Raphaela Receputi da , Gomes Sarah Moreira de Sousa
Published: November 2024

Introdução: Fibrose cística, conhecida também como “mucoviscidose”, é a doença genética letal mais comum na infância. Implementar protocolos de tratamento é crucial para garantir cuidados padronizados e de qualidade, integrar diversas especialidades, melhorar a gestão clínica e promover aumento da sobrevida dos pacientes. Essa ação foi fundamental para o centro de referência do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (HU-UFJF), reconhecido pelo Ministério da Saúde como serviço de referência em doenças raras para crianças e adultos. Objetivo: Apresentar protocolo de trabalho interdisciplinar ao se tornar referência em doenças raras e difundir conhecimentos na área da saúde sobre essa doença. Material e Métodos: Por meio de reuniões da equipe do centro de referência, em 2022 e 2023, foram discutidas as principais diretrizes da literatura atual, nacional e internacional, dos últimos cinco anos. Com base nas especialidades envolvidas, os temas pertinentes foram distribuídos entre os membros da equipe. Foram empregadas as principais bases de dados: Medline, Lilacs, Cochrane, Pubmed e BVS. Os principais descritores utilizados foram “fibrose cística”, “protocolos clínicos”, “acolhimento” e “práticas interdisciplinares". Resultados: O protocolo englobou as principais condições clínicas e mais complexas da doença, como pulmonares, gastroenterológicas e nutricionais. Conclusão: A construção de um protocolo representa um avanço significativo na abordagem de uma doença rara, estabelecendo diretrizes baseadas em evidências para uma atuação e gestão integradas.
In-silico based discovery of potential Keap1 inhibitors using the strategies of pharmacophore screening, molecular docking, and MD simulation studies
Authors: Singh Ekta , Matada Gurubasavaraja Swamy Purawarga , Dhiwar Prasad Sanjay , Patil Rajesh B. , Pal Rohit
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The main objective of this research is to identify potential leads for developing potent Keap1 inhibitors. Methods: In the current research article, in-silico methods have been employed to discover potential Keap1 inhibitors. 3D-QSAR was generated using the ChemBL database of Keap1 inhibitors with IC50. The best pharmacophore was selected for the screening of three different libraries namely Asinex, MiniMaybridge, and Zinc. The molecules screened from the databases were filtered through druggability rules and molecular docking studies. The best binding molecules obtained after docking studies were subjected to physicochemical properties toxicity determination by in-silico methods. The best hits were studied for stability in the cavity of Keap1 by molecular dynamic simulations. Results: The virtual screening of different databases was carried out separately and three leads, were obtained. These lead molecules ASINEX 508, MiniMaybridgeHTS_01719, and ZINC 0000952883 showed the best binding in the Keap1 cavity. The molecular dynamic simulations of the binding complexes of the leads support the docking analysis. The leads (ASINEX 508, MiniMaybridgeHTS_01719, and ZINC 0000952883) were stabilized in the Keap1 binding cavity throughout 100 ns simulation, with average RMSD values of 0.100, 0.114, and 0.106 nm, respectively. Conclusion: This research proposes three lead molecules as potential Keap1 inhibitors based on high throughput screening, docking, and MD simulation studies. These hit molecules can be used for further design and development of Keap1 inhibitors. This research provides the preliminary data for discovering novel Keap1 inhibitors. It opens new avenues for medicinal chemists to explore antioxidant-stimulating molecules targeting the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.
An efficient hybrid filter-wrapper method based on improved Harris Hawks optimization for feature selection
Authors: Pirgazi Jamshid , Pourhashem Kallehbasti Mohammad Mehdi , Ghanbari Sorkhi Ali , Kermani Ali
Published: November 2024

Introduction: High-dimensional datasets often contain an abundance of features, many of which are irrelevant to the subject of interest. This issue is compounded by the frequently low number of samples and imbalanced class samples. These factors can negatively impact the performance of classification algorithms, necessitating feature selection before classification. The primary objective of feature selection algorithms is to identify a minimal subset of features that enables accurate classification. Methods: In this paper, we propose a two-stage hybrid method for the optimal selection of relevant features. In the first stage, a filter method is employed to assign weights to the features, facilitating the removal of redundant and irrelevant features and reducing the computational cost of classification algorithms. A subset of high-weight features is retained for further processing in the second stage. In this stage, an enhanced Harris Hawks Optimization algorithm and GRASP, augmented with crossover and mutation operators from genetic algorithms, are utilized based on the weights calculated in the first stage to identify the optimal feature set. Results: Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm successfully identifies the optimal subset of features. Conclusion: The two-stage hybrid method effectively selects the optimal subset of features, improving the performance of classification algorithms on high-dimensional datasets. This approach addresses the challenges posed by the abundance of features, low number of samples, and imbalanced class samples, demonstrating its potential for application in various fields.
Platelet-derived microparticles enhance Ara-C-induced cell death in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Nalm-6)
Authors: Nikravesh Fariba , Arezoomand Hossein , h Mirzaee Khalilabadi Roohollah , Nooshadokht Maryam , Mardani Valandani Hajar
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The current understanding highlights the intricate relationship between leukemic cells and their microenvironment, emphasizing the significant impact of environmental factors on chemotherapy resistance or sensitivity. Platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) play a crucial role in facilitating intercellular communication, significantly contributing to the complex dynamics of cancer pathology and treatment outcomes. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of PMP, Ara-C, and their combinations on cancer cells, as well as their influence on the expression of critical genes like Bax, Bcl-2, P21, and h-TERT in the context of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) cell line (Nalm-6). Methods: PMPs were isolated through centrifugation at varying speeds, and their concentration was determined using the BCA assay. The size and immunophenotypic characteristics of PMPs were analyzed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and flow cytometry. The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of PMP, Ara-C, and their combinations on Nalm-6 cells were assessed using the MTT assay, the trypan blue exclusion assay, and flow cytometry. Gene expression levels were analyzed using real-time PCR. Results: According to our research findings, PMPs did not independently impact the viability and apoptosis of Nalm-6 cells; however, they synergistically augmented Ara-C's suppressive impact on viability and apoptosis. The MTT assay showed that both PMPs and Ara-C, whether administered alone or in combination, had a cytotoxic effect on the Nalm-6 cells. Furthermore, the combined treatment significantly affected the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, P21, and h-TERT genes. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that PMPs have the potential to improve the effectiveness of Ara-C chemotherapy in treating ALL. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between PMP and chemotherapy agents, offering potential insights for optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes in ALL.
Safety and efficacy of extracellular vesicles in individuals with cancer; A systematic review
Authors: Asham Hila , Jafari Negin , Mohamadrezapour Elham , Bannazadeh Baghi Hossein , Eslami Hosein , Entezari-Maleki Taher
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial in intercellular signaling pathways. Since cancer has had a significant impact on global health as the second leading cause of death, this study aimed to systematically review the literature on the efficacy and safety of EVs in this setting. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed on MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until August 10th, 2023. Based on PICOS, the inclusion criteria were: individuals with cancer treated with EVs compared to control among clinical studies. Results: EVs administered to 46 individuals with cancer. Most studies revealed significant clinical benefits after treatment. Results also demonstrated that EVs are safe without major adverse events (AEs). Conclusion: The use of EVs may provide potential therapeutic benefits for treating cancer. Further, well-designed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are needed to provide robust evidence for supporting the clinical use of EVs in this setting.
Advances in nanomaterials for precision drug delivery: Insights into pharmacokinetics and toxicity
Authors: Tripathi Devika , Pandey Prashant , Sharma Sakshi , Rai Awani K , Prabhu B.H. Manjunatha
Published: November 2024

By integrating the cutting-edge principles of nanotechnology with medical science, nanomedicine offers unprecedented opportunities to develop advanced drug delivery systems that surpass the limitations of conventional therapies. These nanoscale systems are designed to enhance treatments' efficacy, specificity, and safety by optimizing pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, ensuring that therapeutic agents reach their intended targets with minimal side effects. The article provides an in-depth analysis of nanomaterials' pivotal role in overcoming challenges related to drug delivery, including the ability to bypass biological barriers, improve bioavailability, and achieve controlled release of drugs. Despite these promising advancements, the transition of nanomedicine from research to clinical practice faces significant hurdles. The review highlights key obstacles such as patient heterogeneity, physiological variability, and the complex ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) profiles of nanocarriers, which complicate treatment predictability and effectiveness. Moreover, the article addresses the issues of limited tissue penetration, variable patient responses, and the need for standardized protocols in nanomaterial characterization, all of which hinder the widespread clinical adoption of nanomedicine. Nevertheless, the potential of nanomedicine in revolutionizing personalized cancer therapy remains immense. The article advocates for increased translational research and international collaboration to overcome these challenges, paving the way for fully realizing nanomedicine's capabilities in precision oncology and beyond.
Smart IoT-driven biosensors for EEG-based driving fatigue detection: A CNN-XGBoost model enhancing healthcare quality
Authors: Rezaee Khosro , Nazerian Asmar , Ghayoumi Zadeh Hossein , Attar Hani , Khosravi Mohamadreza , Kanan Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Drowsy driving is a significant contributor to accidents, accounting for 35 to 45% of all crashes. Implementation of an internet of things (IoT) system capable of alerting fatigued drivers has the potential to substantially reduce road fatalities and associated issues. Often referred to as the internet of medical things (IoMT), this system leverages a combination of biosensors, actuators, detectors, cloud-based and edge computing, machine intelligence, and communication networks to deliver reliable performance and enhance quality of life in smart societies. Methods: Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals offer potential insights into fatigue detection. However, accurately identifying fatigue from brain signals is challenging due to inter-individual EEG variability and the difficulty of collecting sufficient data during periods of exhaustion. To address these challenges, a novel evolutionary optimization method combining convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and XGBoost, termed CNN-XGBoost Evolutionary Learning, was proposed to improve fatigue identification accuracy. The research explored various subbands of decomposed EEG data and introduced an innovative approach of transforming EEG recordings into RGB scalograms. These scalogram images were processed using a 2D Convolutional Neural Network (2DCNN) to extract essential features, which were subsequently fed into a dense layer for training. Results: The resulting model achieved a noteworthy accuracy of 99.80% on a substantial driver fatigue dataset, surpassing existing methods. Conclusion: By integrating this approach into an IoT framework, researchers effectively addressed previous challenges and established an artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) infrastructure for critical driving conditions. This IoT-based system optimizes data processing, reduces computational complexity, and enhances overall system performance, enabling accurate and timely detection of fatigue in extreme driving environments.
Enhanced reno-protective effects of CHIR99021 modified mesenchymal stem cells against rat acute kidney injury model
Authors: Habib Rakhshinda , Farhat Rabia , Wahid Mohsin , Ainuddin Jahanara
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Mesenchymal stem cells of human umbilical cord origin (hucMSCs) appear to be an attractive candidate for cell-based therapies. However, their efficacy requires improvement as poor survival and specific homing to the site of injury are the major barriers to their effective implementation in cell therapy. As Wnt signaling pathway is involved in the development and repair of organs, we adopted a preconditioning strategy of stem cells by using CHIR99021 compound (a Wnt pathway agonist) to potentiate hucMSCs beneficial effects and circumvent their therapeutic limitations. Methods: We treated hucMSCs with 5 µM of CHIR99021 and evaluated the expression levels of genes involved in different biological processes through qRT-PCR. Subsequently, we examined the effectiveness of preconditioned cells (CHIR99021-hucMSCs) in a cisplatin-induced rat acute kidney injury model. Amelioration in tissue injury was evaluated by histopathology, immunohistochemistry and renal functional assessment. Results: In treated groups, we observed preserved renal tissue architecture in terms of lesser epithelial cells necrosis (P ≤ 0.001) and cast formation ( ≤ 0.05). Accelerated proliferation of injured tubular cells (P ≤ 0.001) and low serum creatinine values (P ≤ 0.01) were observed in preconditioned hucMSCs group compared to untreated AKI rats. In addition, administration of preconditioned hucMSCs in kidney injury model offered better restoration of tubular cell membrane β-catenin molecules. Our findings showed that CHIR99021-modified hucMSCs may exhibit better capacity for cell migration and proliferation. Conclusion: The results showed that preconditioning of stem cells with Wnt pathway activators could provide advanced benefits for organ repair, which may contribute to design a more effective therapeutic approach for renal regeneration.
Comparison of serum vitamin D levels in patients with and without posterior subcapsular cataract
Authors: Hosain por Zahra , Karamelahi Zolaykha , Tatari Mahin , Broomand Negar
Published: November 2024

Background. Cataract is one of the main preventable causes of the decline of vision worldwide, which is associated with environmental and nutritional factors. The aim of this research was to compare the serum vitamin D level in patients with and without posterior subcapsular cataract. Methods. In this case-control study, 47 patients with posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) and 47 non-patients younger than 50 years were included through the available sampling method. The patients were examined by an ophthalmologist using a slit lamp device, and a blood sample was also taken from them to measure their serum vitamin D levels. The data were analyzed in SPSS 18 through Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Spearman correlation tests at the significance level of 0.05. Results. The serum vitamin D level was insufficient in both the patient and control group in this study; the risk of developing cataract was 2.28 times greater in patients with vitamin D deficiency (lower than 20 ng/mL) compared to those who had insufficient vitamin D levels (20‒30 ng/mL). The mean vitamin D level was higher in women compared to men. Conclusion. According to the results, vitamin D deficiency is a possible risk factor for developing PSC. Gender, history of cigarette smoking, and vitamin D deficiency are risk factors for developing PSC. Practical Implications. The risk of developing cataracts is higher in people with vitamin D deficiency than in people whose vitamin D levels are insufficient.
Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in taxi drivers in Tabriz metropolis
Authors: Saadati Mohammad , Naghizad Mohammad Bagher , Yazdani Mir Bahador , Harzand Jadidi Sepideh
Published: November 2024

Background. Taxi drivers are among the high-risk groups for cardiovascular disease due to their hard working conditions, long working hours, daily stress, and low income. The present study investigated the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among taxi drivers in Tabriz metropolis. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of taxi drivers in 2020. A total of 400 taxi drivers in Tabriz were included in the study using multi-stage sampling. A questionnaire was developed to collect data on demographic characteristics and the presence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in the participants or their family members. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQI), and the Iranian Socioeconomic Status Assessment Questionnaire were also used to collect the data. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel and Stata 15 software and applying the Logit model. Results. About 50% of the drivers had various degrees of overweight and obesity. In total, 30% of the drivers were suffering from high blood pressure and nearly 11.5% of them were simultaneously suffering from hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. More than 16% of the drivers had at least a family member with hypertension or diabetes. Only 30% of drivers had good sleep quality. The three independent variables of education level below a diploma, number of working days per week, and sleep quality score of drivers had a direct relationship with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the serious health challenges of taxi drivers as the main agents of intra-city transportation. Practical Implications. Regarding the taxi drivers’ hard working conditions, employing proper policies on drivers' occupational health literacy promotion, annual health monitoring, application of behavioral insights in developing interventions, and implementation of support programs addressing economic issues could be effective in reducing drivers' health risk factors.
A DR4, DR5 Targeting Conjugated TRAIL Treatment for Colorectal Carcinogenesis: A Way to Future?
Authors: Roychowdhury Parikshit , Thirugnanasambandham Indhumathi , De Anindita , Gobinath Mirunalini , Khanra Samanwita , Reddy Karri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana , Bhuyan Nihar Ranjan , Kuppusamy Gowthamrajan
Published: November 2024

TRAIL or tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand has been one of the major frontiers for the chemotherapeutic approach to treating carcinogenesis. Despite the emergence of TRAIL resistance cancer cell lines, it has been extensively studied for its unique property to induce apoptosis and provide specificity to any other conjugated chemotherapeutic agent. TRIAL highly reduces the dose and increases specific and targeted action against the cancer cells. It is a specific agonist for the death receptors DR4 and DR5 present on the cancer cell surface. Normal cells have more expression of decoy type of death receptors, which makes the use of TRAIL safer for regular cells. The TRAIL-drug conjugate systems have been under the radar due to their possible high synergistic potential and may open the door for the future cancer-specific targeted treatment frontier. This current study was conducted with a particular aim to provide a concise and simple amalgamation of current scenarios of different conjugations of this molecule along with various other molecules, RNAs, ligands, and anticancer drugs. Along with possible delivery systems of TRIAL that can have a significant future and the promise that is held by this particular way of cancer combinational chemotherapy with special interest in colorectal cancer.