bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery from Resistance Exercise in Older Adults: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Hayes Eleanor Jayne , Stevenson Emma , Sayer Avan Aihie , Granic Antoneta , Hurst Christopher
Published: July 2023

Background

Resistance exercise is recommended for maintaining muscle mass and strength in older adults. However, little is known about exercise-induced muscle damage and recovery from resistance exercise in older adults. This may have implications for exercise prescription. This scoping review aimed to identify and provide a broad overview of the available literature, examine how this research has been conducted, and identify current knowledge gaps relating to exercise-induced muscle damage and recovery from resistance exercise in older adults.

Methods

Studies were included if they included older adults aged 65 years and over, and reported any markers of exercise-induced muscle damage after performing a bout of resistance exercise. The following electronic databases were searched using a combination of MeSH terms and free text: MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science. Additionally, reference lists of identified articles were screened for eligible studies. Data were extracted from eligible studies using a standardised form. Studies were collated and are reported by emergent theme or outcomes.

Results

A total of 10,976 possible articles were identified and 27 original research articles were included. Findings are reported by theme; sex differences in recovery from resistance exercise, symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage, and biological markers of muscle damage.

Conclusions

Despite the volume of available data, there is considerable variability in study protocols and inconsistency in findings reported. Across all measures of exercise-induced muscle damage, data in women are lacking when compared to males, and rectifying this discrepancy should be a focus of future studies. Current available data make it challenging to provide clear recommendations to those prescribing resistance exercise for older people.
Non-interfacial self-assembly of synthetic protocells
Authors: Xu Xiaolin , Guan Wencai , Yu Xiaolei , Xu Guoxiong , Wang Chenglong
Published: July 2023

Background

Protocell refers to the basic unit of life and synthetic molecular assembly with cell structure and function. The protocells have great applications in the field of biomedical technology. Simulating the morphology and function of cells is the key to the preparation of protocells. However, some organic solvents used in the preparation process of protocells would damage the function of the bioactive substance. Perfluorocarbon, which has no toxic effect on bioactive substances, is an ideal solvent for protocell preparation. However, perfluorocarbon cannot be emulsified with water because of its inertia.

Methods

Spheroids can be formed in nature even without emulsification, since liquid can reshape the morphology of the solid phase through the scouring action, even if there is no stable interface between the two phases. Inspired by the formation of natural spheroids such as pebbles, we developed non-interfacial self-assembly (NISA) of microdroplets as a step toward synthetic protocells, in which the inert perfluorocarbon was utilized to reshape the hydrogel through the scouring action.

Results

The synthetic protocells were successfully obtained by using NISA-based protocell techniques, with the morphology very similar to native cells. Then we simulated the cell transcription process in the synthetic protocell and used the protocell as an mRNA carrier to transfect 293T cells. The results showed that protocells delivered mRNAs, and successfully expressed proteins in 293T cells. Further, we used the NISA method to fabricate an artificial cell by extracting and reassembling the membrane, proteins, and genomes of ovarian cancer cells. The results showed that the recombination of tumor cells was successfully achieved with similar morphology as tumor cells. In addition, the synthetic protocell prepared by the NISA method was used to reverse cancer chemoresistance by restoring cellular calcium homeostasis, which verified the application value of the synthetic protocell as a drug carrier.

Conclusion

This synthetic protocell fabricated by the NISA method simulates the occurrence and development process of primitive life, which has great potential application value in mRNA vaccine, cancer immunotherapy, and drug delivery.

Graphical Abstract
Optimized flow compensation for contrast-enhanced T1-weighted Wave-CAIPI 3D MPRAGE imaging of the brain
Authors: Tabari Azadeh , Lang Min , Awan Komal , Liu Wei , Clifford Bryan , Lo Wei-Ching , Splitthoff Daniel Nicolas , Cauley Stephen , Rapalino Otto , Schaefer Pamela , Huang Susie Y. , Conklin John
Published: July 2023

Flow-related artifacts have been observed in highly accelerated T1-weighted contrast-enhanced wave-controlled aliasing in parallel imaging (CAIPI) magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo (MPRAGE) imaging and can lead to diagnostic uncertainty. We developed an optimized flow-mitigated Wave-CAIPI MPRAGE acquisition protocol to reduce these artifacts through testing in a custom-built flow phantom. In the phantom experiment, maximal flow artifact reduction was achieved with the combination of flow compensation gradients and radial reordered k-space acquisition and was included in the optimized sequence. Clinical evaluation of the optimized MPRAGE sequence was performed in 64 adult patients, who all underwent contrast-enhanced Wave-CAIPI MPRAGE imaging without flow-compensation and with optimized flow-compensation parameters. All images were evaluated for the presence of flow-related artifacts, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), gray-white matter contrast, enhancing lesion contrast, and image sharpness on a 3-point Likert scale. In the 64 cases, the optimized flow mitigation protocol reduced flow-related artifacts in 89% and 94% of the cases for raters 1 and 2, respectively. SNR, gray-white matter contrast, enhancing lesion contrast, and image sharpness were rated as equivalent for standard and flow-mitigated Wave-CAIPI MPRAGE in all subjects. The optimized flow mitigation protocol successfully reduced the presence of flow-related artifacts in the majority of cases.

Relevance statement

As accelerated MRI using novel encoding schemes become increasingly adopted in clinical practice, our work highlights the need to recognize and develop strategies to minimize the presence of unexpected artifacts and reduction in image quality as potential compromises to achieving short scan times.

Key points

• Flow-mitigation technique led to an 89–94% decrease in flow-related artifacts.

• Image quality, signal-to-noise ratio, enhancing lesion conspicuity, and image sharpness were preserved with the flow mitigation technique.

• Flow mitigation reduced diagnostic uncertainty in cases where flow-related artifacts mimicked enhancing lesions.

Graphical Abstract
Phenotypic and molecular characterization of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. causing childhood diarrhoea in Awka, South-Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Nwike Ifeanyi Emmanuel , Ugwu Malachy Chigozie , Ejikeugwu Peter Chika , Ujam Nonye Treasure , Iroha Ifeanyichukwu Romanus , Esimone Charles Okechukwu
Published: July 2023

Background

Diarrhoea is a major cause of childhood disease in the developing countries. This experimental study investigated the prevalence of ESBL and MBL genes in enteropathogenic strains ofEscherichia coliandSalmonellaspp. isolated from diarrheagenic children in Awka, Nigeria.

Methods

Two hundred stool samples were collected from diarrhea patients in three paediatric hospitals within Awka metropolis, Nigeria. AllE. coliandSalmonellaspp. isolated through standard bacteriological methods were subjected to antibiotic-susceptibility testing. Double disc synergy and imipenem-EDTA combined disc tests were used to phenotypically confirm the presence of ESBL and MBL respectively. PCR amplification ofβ-lactamase genes was done.

Results

The prevalence ofE. coliandSalmonellaspecies in this study were 54% and 24.5% respectively. The organisms were highly resistant to metronidazole, cefuroxime and ceftazidime, and also showed a high sensitivity to nitrofurantoin and gentamicin. ESBL production was recorded inE. coli(49%) andSalmonellaspp. (51.1%) while 27 isolates ofE. coli(25%) and 7 isolates ofSalmonellaspp. were confirmed MBL positive by the combined disk diffusion technique. Eleven E. coliand 4Salmonellaspp. co-harbored both ESBL and MBL production. The most prevalent MBL gene in this study is theblaVIMgene (18.8%) which mediate MBL production in Gram negative bacteria; and this was followed byblaSHV(12.5%),blaTEMandblaCTX-M(6.3% each) forE. coliisolates.Salmonellaspp. was recorded to haveblaVIM(28.8%),blaSHV(28.8%),blaTEM(14.3%) andblaCTX-M(14.3%) genes.

Conclusions

This study reveals the prevalence of enteropathogenicE. coliandSalmonellastrains bacteriologically recovered from diarrheic children in Awka, Nigeria, and which were found to be multiple resistant to clinically-relevant antibiotics because they co-express ESBL and MBL genes which mediate multidrug resistance in Gram negative bacteria.
Ultrasound renal denervation: the future of hypertension management?
Authors: Ali Laiba , Fatima Hareer , Riaz Faiza , Mustafa Muhammad Saqlain , Rangwala Burhanuddin Sohail , Rangwala Hussain Sohail
Published: July 2023

Background

Hypertension, a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity, affects approximately 1.28 billion adults worldwide, with most cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Despite several methods for managing mild to moderate hypertension, effective management of severe or resistant hypertension remains challenging. Renal denervation, a promising non-pharmacological technique, has emerged as a potential solution.

Main body

Renal denervation works by modifying the renal sympathetic nerve supply through techniques such as ultrasound, radiofrequency energy, or injection of neurolytic agents, reducing blood pressure. Clinical trials, including the RADIANCE series, have shown consistent effectiveness of ultrasound renal denervation in lowering blood pressure, especially in patients who were previously unresponsive to anti-hypertensive medications. After a follow-up of 2 months, mean ambulatory systolic blood pressure during the daytime decreased significantly in the ultrasound renal denervation group compared to the sham group. However, further research is needed to determine renal denervation's long-term safety and efficacy.

Conclusions

In conclusion, renal denervation holds great potential in improving the treatment of uncontrolled or resistant hypertension treatment, but more investigations and trials are necessary to establish its effectiveness and safety.
Real-world effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder: register-based national cohort study
Authors: Lähteenvuo Markku , Paljärvi Tapio , Tanskanen Antti , Taipale Heidi , Tiihonen Jari
Published: July 2023

Background

Pharmacological treatment patterns for bipolar disorder have changed during recent years, but for better or worse?

Aims

To investigate the comparative real-world effectiveness of antipsychotics and mood stabilisers in bipolar disorder.

Method

Register-based cohort study including all Finnish residents aged 16–65 with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder from in-patient care, specialised out-patient care, sickness absence and disability pensions registers between 1996 and 2018, with a mean follow-up of 9.3 years (s.d. = 6.4). Antipsychotic and mood stabiliser use was modelled using the PRE2DUP method and risk for hospital admission for psychiatric and non-psychiatric reasons when using versus not using medications was estimated using within-individual Cox models.

Results

Among 60 045 individuals (56.4% female; mean age 41.7 years, s.d. = 15.8), the five medications associated with lowest risk of psychiatric admissions were olanzapine long-acting injection (LAI) (aHR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.37–0.80), haloperidol LAI (aHR = 0.62, 0.47–0.81), zuclopenthixol LAI (aHR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.52–0.85), lithium (aHR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.71–0.76) and clozapine (aHR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.64–0.87). Only ziprasidone (aHR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.07–1.49) was associated with a statistically higher risk. For non-psychiatric (somatic) admissions, only lithium (aHR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.74–0.81) and carbamazepine (aHR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.97) were associated with significantly reduced risk, whereas pregabalin, gabapentin and several oral antipsychotics, including quetiapine, were associated with an increased risk. Results for a subcohort of first-episode patients (26 395 individuals, 54.9% female; mean age 38.2 years, s.d. = 13.0) were in line with those of the total cohort.

Conclusions

Lithium and certain LAI antipsychotics were associated with lowest risks of psychiatric admission. Lithium was the only treatment associated with decreased risk of both psychiatric and somatic admissions.
The effects of collaborative care versus consultation liaison for anxiety disorders and depression in Denmark: two randomised controlled trials
Authors: Curth Nadja Kehler , Hjorthøj Carsten , Brinck-Claussen Ursula , Jørgensen Kirstine Bro , Rosendal Susanne , Bojesen Anders Bo , Nordentoft Merete , Eplov Lene Falgaard
Published: July 2023

Background

Collaborative care (CC) and consultation liaison (CL) are two conceptual models aiming to improve mental healthcare in primary care. The effects of these models have not been compared in a Danish setting.

Aims

To examine the effects of CC versus CL for persons with anxiety and depression in Danish general practices (trial registration: NCT03113175 and NCT03113201).

Method

Two randomised parallel superiority trials for anxiety disorders and depression were carried out in 2018–2019. In the CC-group, care managers collaborated with general practitioners (GPs) to provide evidence-based treatment according to structured treatment plans. They followed up and provided psychoeducation and/or cognitive–behavioural therapy. The GPs initiated pharmacological treatment if indicated, and a psychiatrist provided supervision. In the CL-group, the intervention consisted of the GP's usual treatment. However, the psychiatrist and care manager could be consulted. Primary outcomes were depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II, BDI-II) in the depression trial and anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory, BAI) in the anxiety trial at 6-month follow-up.

Results

In total, 302 participants with anxiety disorders and 389 participants with depression were included. A significant difference in BDI-II score was found in the depression trial, with larger symptom reductions in the CC-group (CC: 12.7, 95% CI 11.4–14.0; CL: 17.5, 95% CI 16.2–18.9; Cohen's d = −0.50, P ≤ 0.001). There was a significant difference in BAI in the anxiety trial (CC: 14.9, 95% CI 13.5–16.3; CL: 17.9, 95% CI 16.5–19.3; Cohen's d = −0.34, P ≤ 0.001), with larger symptom reductions in the CC-group.

Conclusions

Collaborative care was an effective model to improve outcomes for persons with depression and anxiety disorders.
The Extension of Late Working Life in Germany: Trends, Inequalities, and the East–West Divide
Authors: Dudel Christian , Loichinger Elke , Klüsener Sebastian , Sulak Harun , Myrskylä Mikko
Published: July 2023

The extension of late working life has been proposed as a potential remedy for the challenges of aging societies. For Germany, surprisingly little is known about trends and social inequalities in the length of late working life. We use data from the German Microcensus to estimate working life expectancy from age 55 onward for the 1941‒1955 birth cohorts. We adjust our calculations of working life expectancy for working hours and present results for western and eastern Germany by gender, education, and occupation. While working life expectancy has increased across cohorts, we find strong regional and socioeconomic disparities. Decomposition analyses show that among males, socioeconomic differences are predominantly driven by variation in employment rates; among women, variation in both employment rates and working hours are highly relevant. Older eastern German women have longer working lives than older western German women, which is likely attributable to the German Democratic Republic legacy of high female employment.
Integração dos sistemas do transporte público intermunicipal do Rio Grande do Norte: Análise da declaração de demanda
Authors: Silva Mavigson , Azevedo de Farias Pereira Letícia , Bezerra Silva Bruno José , Ferreira Borges Caique
Published: July 2023

A análise da demanda de transportes é uma das principais formas de gerenciamento do transporte público e causaimpactos arrecadatórios importantes para a gestão pública. Desse modo, este estudo objetivou avaliar a demanda do transporte público intermunicipal do Rio Grande do Norte, no período de janeiro de 2019 a julho de 2022, em três categorias de usuários: passagens inteiras, meias passagens e gratuidades, baseando-se na hipótese de que a integração dos sistemas de demanda pode identificar viés de subdeclaração ao cruzar dados declarados de demanda, presentes no Sistema de Gestão de Informações de Transportes (GISIT), e os dados reais de demanda do Sistema de Bilhetagem Eletrônica, obtidos pelo software TDMax Reports. O acesso aos bancos de dados do transporte público foi disponibilizado pelo Departamento de Estradas de Rodagem do Rio Grande do Norte (DER/RN). Os resultados demonstraram subdeclaração da demanda do transporte público do RN, observada para 41,74% da frota.
O papel do BNDES na ampliação do financiamento aos ODS
Authors: Guiomar Julio Salarini , Pamplona Leonardo , Marcolino Marcelo , Do Nascimento de Lima Marcos Aurélio
Published: July 2023

O Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social - BNDES tem um longo histórico de atuação na promoção do desenvolvimento econômico e social de forma sustentável. Além do crédito tradicional (direto ou por intermédio de agentes financeiros) e da participação acionária, oferece serviços de estruturação de projetos, gestão de fundos garantidores e aplica recursos não reembolsáveis para estimular projetos de alto impacto social e ambiental positivo. Em linha com a atuação mais recente de instituições de desenvolvimento e utilizando as melhores práticas mundiais, vem buscando utilizar mecanismos de finanças híbridas (Blended Finance) com o objetivo de alavancar recursos, sobretudo privados, para atingimento dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS). O objetivo do presente artigo é demonstrar as lições aprendidas com sua iniciativa e apontar caminhos e desafios no fomento à agenda no país.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome – a therapeutic approach
Authors: Bochiș Călin Florin , Pop Manuela Simona , Bochiș Sergiu Alin , Botea Mihai Octavian , Pop Mircea Gheorghe , Nistor-Cseppento Carmen Delia , Bungău Alexa Florina , Dogaru Bombonica Gabriela , Tarce Alexandra Georgiana
Published: July 2023

Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for vital functions like mas-tication, swallowing, and suction reflex and other relational functions, like talking and phonation. The etiology of temporomandibular joint disorders is multifactorial and in-volves subjective and objective clinical symptomatology. (2) Methods: The therapy is complex and encompasses a series of methods that interconnects various medical spe-cialties. Bad habits and parafunction are risk factors that may initiate and exacerbate a temporomandibular joint pathology. This prospective study aimed to show the positive impact of correct multidisciplinary therapy on the complex of TMJ disorders - pain and bad oral behaviors. The therapy methods used in this study were: medical, prosthetic, or-thodontic, surgical, and physiotherapy (PKT). (3) Results: The data obtained showed good results if the oral habits and TMJ disorders are treated correctly and simultaneous-ly. (4) Conclusions: All therapeutical approaches addressed in this study had beneficial effects on the recovery of the temporomandibular joint.
Prevalence of frailty, pre-frailty and geriatric syndromes in pe-ople aged 60 or more that use the Cofrentes spa: a pilot study
Authors: Vela María Lorena , Michan-Doña Alfredo , Pini Valentina , Fernandez-Porta Clara , De Gracia Jose Antonio , Fernandez-Toran Miguel Angel , Maraver Francisco
Published: July 2023

A longevity and balneotherapy treatment program has been initiated at the Cofrentes Medical Spa, including the development of the Rosita Longevity App. The objective of this study is to determine the health profiles (degree of frailty and pre-frailty) by means of Fried Frailty Phenotype questionnaire and the prevalence of geriatric syndromes in people over 60 doing balneotherapy at the spa, considering that the thermal environment is an ideal place to treat these types of syndromes and to delay their progress. Thermal/spa facilities often receive older patients with osteo-articular and musculoskeletal conditions. To assess the grade of the functionality, quality of life, depression, nutritional risk, cognitive state, insomnia, and the risk of falls, specific questionnaires were used. Out of a total of 43 participants, 30 were women (69.7%), and 22 older than 70 y (51.1%). There were 2 frail (4.6%) and 20 prefrail (46.5%). Conclusions: more than half of the people older than 60 who visit the Cofrentes spa present a functionality deficit condition. Women present a lower quality of life than men. The more affected items in the prefrail population were grip strength and physical activity. Health Resort Medicine is an ideal place to detect these aspects.
Is LASER therapy a viable option for increasing implant stability in bone tissue?
Authors: Popa Theodor , Negrutiu Mircea , Gherman Luciana Madalina , Dogaru Gabriela , Irsay Laszlo , Ciubean Alina Deniza , Ciortea Viorela Mihaela , Cosma Dan Ionut
Published: July 2023

Fractures can occur at any age, but in modern times as the worldwide population grows older, the risk increases. Many of the fractures need metallic implants for a more efficient healing process and a reduced risk of complications. An implant can be used in orthopedic surgery if it can safely interact with the bone and the surrounding tissue. The most used materials in fracture management are metal alloys (Steel, Titanium, Cobalt-Chrome) that need to be compatible with tissue, however, they do not stimulate the healing process. Physiotherapy could improve the bone/implant interaction by stimulating the local metabolism and cell proliferation while also reducing local symptoms such as pain. The advantages of using LASER therapy are: a reduced number of contraindications, the availability of the equipment in rehabilitation facilities, and the compliance of patients as there is no discomfort during the procedure. The main drawback of using LASERs in bone stimulation is that there is no consensus in protocol usage between researchers because of the multitude of parameters. Through this article, we aim to shed some light on the use of LASER therapy in implant osseointegration and bone healing.
Medical management and rehabilitation in a patient with avas-cular necrosis of the femoral head in the context of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism – case report
Authors: Diaconu Cosmina , Cipăian Remus Calin , Iliescu Mădălina Gabriela , Ciortea Viorela-Mihaela , Irsay Laszlo , Ungur Rodica Ana , Diaconu Cristinel Gabriel
Published: July 2023

Vitamin D is essential in determining bone and muscle health. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) produces secondary hyperparathyroidism, loss of bone quality and mass, mineral-ization effects and fractures, myopathy, and falls. The avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head pathophysiology is still unclear and can be considered a vascular bone dis-ease. Our paper aimed to evaluate the etiology of AVN in a young male with bilateral fem-oral neck damage who required bilateral arthroplasty. Method: We present the case of a 46-year-old male patient with VDD and bilateral total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis secondary to AVN of the femoral head. After complete hormonal, biological, and imaging evaluations, the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism was not supported; the im-provement of vitamin D deficiency after eight months of treatment clarified the diagnosis: hyperparathyroidism secondary to vitamin D deficiency. Results: Supplementation with 4000 IU of vitamin D improved the patient’s response to specific rehabilitation methods. Conclusions: Severe vitamin D deficiency can secondarily affect the structure of the femo-ral head through secondary hyperparathyroidism, producing AVN, but only osteopenia was obtained on DXA evaluation. VDD can be an important etiological factor in the occur-rence of AVN, and its correction can improve the evolution of the disease, improving the reabilitation of these patients.
The Possibilities, Limits, and Complexities of Triage in COVID-19 Regime
Authors: Okorie Ndukaku
Published: July 2023

The new and prevailing Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic is an extremely contagious virus. Scientific research has gone far in the study and treatment of the virus. One of the things known about it at present is that its spread depends on social contact. In this paper, I consider the challenge that allocation of scarce medical resources poses in the fight against COVID-19. Millions have been infected, just as the number of diseased also runs in thousands. The allocation of scarce medical resources during the COVID-19 pandemic regime poses a challenge to healthcare providers. In attempting to save the lives of COVID-19 patients, how should we allocate ventilators or vaccines? Since ventilators, or as at present vaccines, are scarce compared to the number of patients that need it for survival, who should get one? To address this challenge, healthcare providers often resort to triage, especially in Emergency Departments (EDs) and intensive care units (ICUs). In this paper, I discuss the possibilities, limits, and complexities associated with the principle of triage in the distribution of scarce medical resources in the treatment and attempt to save the lives of COVID-19 patients. I contend that triage as a principle of distribution of scarce health resources fails in the distribution of scarce life-saving resources to COVID-19 patients. I aim to show that the triage protocol approach fails in terms of clinical and non-clinical evidence as well as regarding procedural issues associated with its application.
Lear on Irony and Socratic Method
Authors: Futter Dylan
Published: July 2023

In “The Socratic Method and Psychoanalysis,” Jonathan Lear argues that Socrates' conversations seek to draw out an irony that exists within human virtue. In this commentary, I suggest that Lear should identify irony with aporia to align his interpretation with Plato’s texts and capture the epistemic dimension of Socrates' method. The Socratic dialogue is a form of inquiry that encourages the interlocutor to carry on the inquiry. The irony of aporia is that the interlocutor grasps his life’s principle by recognising that he does not know what it is.
Responsibility in the Time of Crisis
Authors: Donev Dejan , Skalovski Denko
Published: July 2023

One of the crucial questions that this text seeks to answer is whether again it is just one of the current crises of the value system that we can call “western” or it is a definite end of the functioning of a particular system and its hierarchy, whose principle of growth and imperial development is predominantly determined by the economic logic of profit/capitalism and the “infinity” of its progress. The answer implies the return/internalization of positive utopian energies and a new universalist moral optimism (macro ethics) as a dialectical antipode of postmodern “liberal” antihumanism and self-destructive relativism and total nihilism. Moreover, it requires a commitment to the creation/construction of new systems of thinking and acting and great importance of the moral-political responsibility of all social subjects in those new systems of social technology.
Microstructural characterization of near-surface microstructures on rail wheels in service – an insight into “stratified surface layers”
Authors: Freisinger Matthias , Trausmuth Andreas
Published: July 2023

Background: To decrease maintenance costs and improve safety in rail transportation, the understanding of rail and wheel defects is vital. Studies on “white etching layers” (WEL) on rails and wheels, prone to fatigue crack initiation, have been extensively studied. Recently, a relative named “brown etching layer” (BEL) and its combination, the so-called “stratified surface layer” (SSL), are observed in the field. This study presents an investigation on a rail wheel affected by mechanical and thermal loadings from service with focus on the different evolved layers in the near-surface region.

Methods: Optical microscopy is performed on etched cross-sectional cuts to identify different evolved microstructures (WEL, BEL, SSL), further, specific regions are investigated in detail by scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the microstructural characteristics.  To analyze the change in mechanical properties, low-load Vickers hardness investigations are executed in distinctive zones.

Results: This study highlights the broad variety of evolved microstructures, however, a rough classification of WEL (fine mesh-like microstructure, 900 – 1200 HV0.01) and BEL (globular cementite particles, 400 – 600 HV0.01) is given. Further, results indicate that the BEL is commonly accompanied by a WEL, representing an SSL.

Conclusions: The complex loading situation in a wheel-rail contact can lead to the formation of WEL, BEL and SSL. The observation of numerous initiated fatigue cracks within these regions demonstrates the relevance of in-depth studies on evolved microstructures in wheel-rail contacts.
Influence of Collaborative Learning on the Conceptualization of Ideas, Application of Acquired Ideas, and Academic Performance of Undergraduates
Authors: Animasaun Isaac Lare , Oginni Omoniyi Israel , Onibi A. O.
Published: July 2023

An active engagement involving undergraduates working together to solve problems is unrestrained nowadays. This study presents the influence of collaborative learning on the first two cognitive components of critical thinking (i.e. conceptualization of ideas and application of acquired ideas) and the academic performance of undergraduates in three Departments at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Nigeria. A reliable and valid instrument was developed and presented in this report to measure the first two cognitive components of critical thinking (CT), a major innovation agent. A random selection of 318 students from the Departments of Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science and Statistics were considered to respond to the instrument. Kruskal-Wallis H test, Independent t-test, and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were adopted to analyse information extracted from the questionnaires. It is worth concluding that male students applied acquired ideas/knowledge more than their female counterparts.
In contrast, their ability to conceptualize ideas and academic performance is the same. Better ability to apply acquired ideas and improvement in the academic performance of the undergraduates are guaranteed at average participation in collaborative learning.
Education and Womens Identity: Missionary Initiatives and State Intervention in Early Twentieth Century Kerala
Authors: Cleetus Burton
Published: July 2023

The intervention of missionaries in twentieth-century Kerala offers fascinating insights into the intricate relationship between education and the reordering of social norms in late colonial India. Comprising of the former Princely states of Travancore, Cochin, and British Malabar, the region witnessed significant strides in administrative modernization and educational advancements by the early decades of the twentieth century. Several factors including the progressive nature of the princely state and the influence of Marxist ideologies, the role of the christain missionaries and the prevalence of matrilineal practice among caste groups were attributed for the advancements made in education and health. Yet what distinguishes Travancore, was the presence of a strong indigenous Syrian Christian group, whose presence attracted Western Protestant missionaries into Travancore. Missionary intervention extended byond the realm of religion and shaped had an important bearing on education, including women's education in shaping individual perceptions of sanity, morality, and hygiene, leading to the reconfiguration of social and community relationships.
Locking in the Benefits
Authors: Webzell Steed
Published: July 2023

Lockbolts are gaining ground in the fastener market, even driving new UK manufacturing investment. So, how do they work and what kind of engineering performance do they deliver?
Sonochemical Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles using Lactose as the Reducing Agent
Authors: Reyes Darwin F.
Published: July 2023

The present study focuses on the exploration of a synthetic procedure for the preparation of green silver nanoparticles. Using lactose as the reducing agent, the reaction mixture containing the silver precursor was exposed to ultrasonic irradiation at ambient temperature and conditions. To optimize the synthesis, the pH levels and concentration of lactose were varied. Using lactose at acidic level, no silver nanoparticles were produced since there was no color change observed after the sonication. On the other hand, silver nanoparticles were produced using alkaline lactose solutions as evidenced by the formation of yellow-colored products. Infrared spectrometry revealed the functional groups responsible for the reduction and capping of the nanoparticles. The sonochemical route provided a synthetic strategy for the production of quality nanoparticles with potential chemical and biological activities.
Rheological Characteristics of Corn oil used in Biodegradable Lubricant
Authors: Stanciu Ioana
Published: July 2023

The rheological behavior of corn oil can be studied with four rheological models found in the specialized literature. The rheological behavior of corn oil can be analyzed if it is subjected to an increasing shear rate. The behavior of this fluid can be appreciated based on the experimental data, graphically representing the variation the shearing stress with the shear velocity. This curve represents the mathematical model of the rheological behavior of the product. The rheological behavior of the corn oil was analyzed with the mixing rheometer type Viscotester VT 550 (Haake).
PC1D Modeling of Conducting Metal-Doped Semiconductors and the Behavior of MSCs at Varying Temperatures and Size Distributions
Authors: Kuma Sagar , Verma Aloke
Published: July 2023

Modelling was used to determine how reflexively fixed AlxGa1-xAs/InP/Ge MSCSs respond to changes in SI and temperature. To model energy generation, a MATLAB code was used, while a PC1D code handled data reception and transmission of a z-matrix spectrum. The ISR on the leading z-matrix was obtained by increasing spectrum of AM1.5d by ranges of SIMF moves from 1 to 200 suns. In every modelling, temperatures between 25 to 100oC were used. The results of the simulation reveal that the VOC and efficiency of the SCs react linearly with respect to temperature variations, deviation from random response of SCEs brought about by SIMF changes. According to the simulation outcomes, the optimum performance is reached at a functioning temperature of 25°C and an irradiance spectrum exposure of 100 suns.
Qualitative Phytochemical Screening of Medicinal Plants Using Different Solvent Extracts
Authors: Rao Alka , Kumari Shikha , Laura Jitender Singh , Dhania Geeta
Published: July 2023

Medicinal plants are rich in bioactive components that are utilized to treat various human ailments. They are crucial to healing as well. Phytochemical constituents are responsible for the medicinal activity of plant species. Phytochemical screening is an important step in identifying bioactive compounds present in particular medicinal plants. Hence, in this present work, phytochemical screening of leaf extract of some traditional medicinal plants, namely Cannabis sativa, Ricinus communis, and Bryophyllum pinnatum was carried out. The solvent extracts of the leaves of respective plants were prepared using the Soxhlet apparatus with acetone, chloroform, petroleum ether, and aqueous solvents. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of plants included tests for reducing sugars, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, polyphenols, tannins, terpenoids, and coumarins. All eight tested phytoconstituents were found present in all three plants in any solvent extracts. Aqueous extract confirmed the presence of a maximum number of phytoconstituents in C. sativa in comparison to other solvents. Acetone confirmed the maximum and chloroform confirmed the minimum number of phytoconstituents in R. communis, while chloroform confirmed the maximum and aqueous extract confirmed the minimum number of phytoconstituents in B. pinnatum. These phytochemicals may be a source of innovative plant-based medications because their existence is connected with the therapeutic potential of these plants.
Efficient Removal of Cationic and Anionic Dyes from Synthetic and Real Wastewater by Plant-mediated Nickel Nanoparticles
Authors: Chauhan Harshvardhan , Tanweer Mohd Saquib , Alam Masood
Published: July 2023

In this study, Ni NPs were produced by biosynthesis method with the help of phytoconstituents present in the Sahadevi plant (Vernonia cinerea) ethanoic extract namely Sahadevi nickel nanoparticles (SNPs). SNPs were characterized using XRD, FT-IR, HR-FESEM. XRD study shows crystalline nature of SNPs. SNPs were employed as bioadsorbent for the elimination of dyes like cationic (BG) and anionic (CR) dyes from aqueous media. Adsorption capacity of SNPs was analyzed in batch modes at various pH, initial dye concentration, contact time, isotherm, and kinetics. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) shown in Langmuir isotherm was obtained as 1666.7 mg g-1 in case of BG dye and 666.7 mg g-1 in CR dye, respectively. The higher value of coefficient of Langmuir isotherm recommended monolayer adsorption. Adsorption kinetics information was valuable suited to pseudo-second order kinetics with R2 > 0.99 for both dyes. SNPs proved to be an efficient sorbent for the elimination of dyes from aqueous media and can be employed to remove textile and tannery discharges. Overall, this study suggests that the use of SNPs is safe and secure, eco-friendly, cost-effective, which can be used as bioadsorbent removing colored organic effluents as dyes from water bodies.
Capped MIM metamaterial for ultra-broadband perfect absorbing and its application in radiative cooling
Authors: Wei Bin , Zhu Han , Wu Qiuyue , Cai Guoxiong , Liu Qinghuo
Published: July 2023

Radiative cooling, which needs no external energy to lower the temperature, has drawn great interest in recent years. As a potential candidate, the design of a metamaterial cooler remains a big challenge due to the complexity of the nanostructure and the low average absorptivity. In this work, a capped metal-insulator-metal metamaterial is proposed to achieve ultra-broadband perfect absorbing. The numerical results show that its average absorptivity is 94% in the 8–13 µm wavelength band under normal incidence, bringing about the excellent selective thermal emissivity in the IR atmospheric transparent window. Together with polarization insensitivity and wide angle independency, the proposed metamaterial can realize a net cooling power as high as 120.7W/m2 under the circumstance without sunshine. As a proof of concept, it is applied to coat the heat sink of a 3D integrated circuit chip. The result shows that the temperature of the observation point lowers 18.3 K after coating. This work offers the promising application of passive radiative cooling in thermal management for personnel, electronic devices, and many others.
Elimination of the fundamental mode hybridization on an x-cut lithium-niobate-on-insulator by using a densely packed bent waveguide array
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxuan , Lin Zongxing , Huang Qiangsheng , He Sailing
Published: July 2023

Lithium niobate (LiNbO3, LN) is a promising material for integrated photonics due to its natural advantages. The commercialization of thin-film LN technology has revitalized this platform, enabling low-loss waveguides, micro-rings, and compact electro-optical modulators. However, the anisotropic birefringent nature of X-cut LN leads to mode hybridization of TE and TM modes, which is detrimental to most polarization-sensitive integrated optical waveguide devices. A novel structure, to the best of our knowldege, utilizing a densely packed bent waveguide array is presented in this paper to eliminate mode hybridization. The refractive index is modulated in a manner that eliminates the avoided crossing of the refractive index curves of the TE and TM fundamental modes; thus, mode hybridization is prevented. The structures are readily accessible in the full range of commercially available LN film thicknesses from 400 to 720 nm and in any etching depth. The proposed structures give a polarization extinction ratio of −30dB across all bend radii, while simultaneously maintaining low excess loss of less than −1dB after reaching a 100 µm bend radius.
Dynamics of two-level laser models with cavity loss modulation and delayed feedback
Authors: Meucci Riccardo , Llibre Jaume , Pugliese Eugenio , Ginoux Jean-Marc
Published: July 2023

In 1982, Arecchi et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 49, 1217 (1982)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.49.1217] proposed a simple two-level laser model to interpret the first evidence of chaos and generalized multistability in a Q-switched CO2 laser. In this framework, laser dynamics is described by means of a set of two ordinary differential equations for the photon number and the population inversion between the two resonant levels. A sinusoidal function accounts for cavity loss modulation. In this work, we first prove the existence of a periodic orbit for the original two-level non-autonomous laser. Then, we transform this model into a four-dimensional autonomous dynamical system to provide a mathematical analysis that confirms the seminal results already obtained. Finally, by replacing the sinusoidal loss modulation with a delayed function of photon number, we confirm the occurrence of chaos and multistability for such a delayed model with delay times of the order of the reciprocal of the modulation frequencies.
Policies and resources for strengthening of emergency and critical care services in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya
Authors: Oliwa Jacquie Narotso , Mazhar Rosanna Jeffries , Serem George , Khalid Karima , Amoth Patrick , Kiarie Helen , Warfa Osman , Schell Carl Otto , Baker Tim , English Mike , Mcknight Jacob
Published: July 2023

Critical illnesses cause several million deaths annually, with many of these occurring in low-resource settings like Kenya. Great efforts have been made worldwide to scale up critical care to reduce deaths from COVID-19. Lower income countries with fragile health systems may not have had sufficient resources to upscale their critical care. We aimed to review how efforts to strengthen emergency and critical care were operationalised during the pandemic in Kenya to point towards how future emergencies should be approached. This was an exploratory study that involved document reviews, and discussions with key stakeholders (donors, international agencies, professional associations, government actors), during the first year of the pandemic in Kenya. Our findings suggest that pre-pandemic health services for the critically ill in Kenya were sparse and unable to meet rising demand, with major limitations noted in human resources and infrastructure. The pandemic response saw galvanised action by the Government of Kenya and other agencies to mobilise resources (approximately USD 218 million). Earlier efforts were largely directed towards advanced critical care but since the human resource gap could not be reduced immediately, a lot of equipment remained unused. We also note that despite strong policies on what resources should be available, the reality on the ground was that there were often critical shortages. While emergency response mechanisms are not conducive to addressing long-term health system issues, the pandemic increased global recognition of the need to fund care for the critically ill. Limited resources may be best prioritised towards a public health approach with focus on provision of relatively basic, lower cost essential emergency and critical care (EECC) that can potentially save the most lives amongst critically ill patients.
A machine learning approach to explore individual risk factors for tuberculosis treatment non-adherence in Mukono district
Authors: Gichuhi Haron W. , Magumba Mark , Kumar Manish , Mayega Roy William
Published: July 2023

Despite the availability and implementation of well-known efficacious interventions for tuberculosis treatment by the Ministry of Health, Uganda (MoH), treatment non-adherence persists. Moreover, identifying a specific tuberculosis patient at risk of treatment non-adherence is still a challenge. Thus, this retrospective study, based on a record review of 838 tuberculosis patients enrolled in six health facilities, presents, and discusses a machine learning approach to explore the individual risk factors predictive of tuberculosis treatment non-adherence in the Mukono district, Uganda. Five classification machine learning algorithms, logistic regression (LR), artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), random forest (RF), and AdaBoost were trained, and evaluated by computing their accuracy, F1 score, precision, recall, and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) through the aid of a confusion matrix. Of the five developed and evaluated algorithms, SVM (91.28%) had the highest accuracy (AdaBoost, 91.05% performed better than SVM when AUC is considered as evaluation parameter). Looking at all five evaluation parameters globally, AdaBoost is quite on par with SVM. Individual risk factors predictive of non-adherence included tuberculosis type, GeneXpert results, sub-country, antiretroviral status, contacts below 5 years, health facility ownership, sputum test results at 2 months, treatment supporter, cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) dapsone status, risk group, patient age, gender, middle and upper arm circumference, referral, positive sputum test at 5 and 6 months. Therefore, machine learning techniques, specifically classification types, can identify patient factors predictive of treatment non-adherence and accurately differentiate between adherent and non-adherent patients. Thus, tuberculosis program management should consider adopting the classification machine learning techniques evaluated in this study as a screening tool for identifying and targeting suited interventions to these patients.