bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of War and Siege on Children with Diabetes Admitted to Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gebrekidan Atsede , Haftu Hansa , Hailu Berhane Yohannes , Zenebe Dawit , Gebremedhin Migbnesh , Ebuy Hiluf , Luel Abadi , Gesesew Hailay Abrha , Siraj Elias S.
Published: May 2024

Background
The war between Tigray Regional Government in Northern Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Federal Government along with its allies followed by the accompanying siege between November 2020 and November 2022 led to the collapse of Tigray’s healthcare system. The present study compared diabetes care among children at the Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, during the war and siege period with that of the pre-war period.
Methods
We employed a retrospective cross-sectional survey using data from September 2019 to August 2020 (pre-war period) and compared it with data between September 2021 to August 2022 (war & siege period). We applied descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages and calculated Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation analyses to assess correlations as appropriate.
Results
We identified 143 admitted pediatric patients (56 in the pre-war and 87 during the war & siege periods) with a mean age of 109 months in both periods. A higher proportion of diabetes admissions were accounted for by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during the war & siege period (90%) compared to the pre-war period (75%). The most common precipitating factor for DKA in the pre-war period was infections (35%), while for the war & siege period, there was malnutrition (47%), infection (46%), lack of access to healthcare facilities (31%) and running out of medicines (24%). Complications such as death, renal failure, cerebral edema, and shock were more common during the war & siege periods. The case fatality rate, which occurred at 9% during the war and siege (vs 0% during pre-war) was significantly correlated with the severity of DKA, the degree of hypokalemia, the presence of complications, and admission during the war & siege period.
Conclusions
Our study showed the negative impact of war and siege on diabetes care in children demonstrating a high rate of DKA admissions with increased severity, complications, malnutrition, and case fatality rates. People with diabetes especially type 1 deserve great attention during such a crisis as the lack of insulin could lead to severe complications including death.
Turbulent structures beneath semi-submerged simulated ice cover over smooth and rough bed in a shallow channel
Authors: Nyantekyi-Kwakye Baafour , Saeedi Mohammad
Published: May 2024

The effect of bed roughness on shear layer separation and the structure of turbulence in a shallow channel is evaluated. A planar particle velocimetry system is used to conduct detailed instantaneous velocity measurements beneath the simulated ice cover. The results show that although surface roughness modifies near-wall turbulence, once shear layer separation occurs, it becomes the controlling parameter of turbulence for flow shallow channels. The instantaneous velocity field show elongated separated shear layer underneath the cover for flow over the smooth bed compared to the rough bed. For the current shallow channel, the bed roughness significantly reduced the size of the separation bubble at the undersurface of the cover. The instantaneous size of the separated bubble expands and contracts depicting intense shear layer flapping at the undersurface of the cover, and this is dominant for the smooth bed flow. Close to the leading edge of the cover, the instantaneous spanwise vorticity magnitude shows dominance of small-scale instabilities akin to the Kelvin-Helmholtz type instability at interface of the separated shear layer. The Q-criterion and swirling strength revealed that separation of the shear layer generated large-scale vortices of varying length scale when compared to the bed roughness. The bed roughness promotes near-wall turbulence with elevated levels of Reynolds stresses compared to the smooth bed. However, at the undersurface of the cover, the high levels of turbulence were controlled by the flow separation. Compared to the bed roughness, a wide range of integral length scales are estimated within the separated shear layer, which contributed significantly to the generation of Reynolds stresses.
Role of Annexin 7 (ANXA7) as a tumor suppressor and a regulator of drug resistance in thyroid cancer
Authors: Bera Alakesh , Radhakrishnan Surya , Puthillathu Narayanan , Subramanian Madhan , Gana Nahbuma , Russ Eric , Pollard Harvey , Srivast Meera
Published: May 2024

Thyroid cancer ranks as the predominant endocrine malignancy in the United States, boasting a generally favorable prognosis. However, a subset of patients faces a grim outlook due to the emergence of drug resistance. The progression and aggressiveness of thyroid cancer have been linked to the differential expression and mutation of key genes such as BRAF, Met, and p53, with the V600E mutation in BRAF present in over 60% of cases. ANXA7, a versatile protein with tumor-suppressive properties observed across various cancers, warrants attention concerning its role in thyroid cancer. Our investigation delved into the interplay between ANXA7 expression, BRAF mutation, and their impact on disease progression, aggressiveness, and drug response. High-throughput RNA-seq and protein array analyses revealed diminished ANXA7 expression in thyroid cancer, particularly in cell lines harboring the BRAF mutation. Treatment of thyroid cancer cells with BRAF and MEK inhibitors led to upregulated ANXA7 expression, decreased Ph-ERK levels, and increased apoptotic markers. Notably, our findings unveiled the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 as a novel regulator of BRAF-mediated chemoresistance. Combining drugs to elevate both p21 and ANXA7 levels synergistically enhanced apoptotic signaling. These discoveries shed light on a novel pathway implicated in thyroid malignancy and drug resistance, involving the ANXA7/p21/BRAF/MAPK axis. Our study marks the first elucidation of this pathway, offering promising insights into overcoming resistance to BRAF or MAPK-targeting drugs into treatment of thyroid cancer or even BRAF mutation mediated melanoma. Future translational endeavors, leveraging high-throughput functional screenings, are imperative for developing innovative ANXA7-based therapeutic strategies tailored to thyroid cancer.
Design and optimization of a novel solenoid with high magnetic uniformity
Authors: Zhu Xuehua , Xing Meng , Ye Juntao , Liu Xinyu , Ren Ziruo
Published: May 2024

Currently, solenoids are extensively utilized in various research fields due to their flexibility of fabrication and high magnetic field strength. However, the internal magnetic field of the solenoid itself exhibits some non-uniformity defects, which limits its application in some domains. In this paper, we propose a novel single-wound tightly wound solenoid structure with improved magnetic field uniformity. To optimize the magnetic field near the aperture of the conventional solenoid, an auxiliary solenoid with a gradually changing diameter is included at each end of the solenoid. By adjusting different parameters of the auxiliary solenoid, we mitigate the edge effect of the solenoid and enhance its overall magnetic field uniformity. The optimization of the auxiliary solenoids is achieved through artificial neural network techniques. Finite element simulation results with the optimized parameters show that the proportion of uniform areas can be improved by more than 5 times. The research results provide a reference for high-precision electromagnetic sensing applications based on solenoids.
Applied research using the NIOSH Lifting Equation to optimize the design of shopping trolley for the elderly
Authors: Hu Chuanmei , Huang Xiaolin , Jiang Gang , Hou Siqi , Wang Yong
Published: May 2024

In an ageing society, products designed for the elderly should prioritize ease of use and reduced physical fatigue. For the elderly shopping scene, combined with the ergonomic principles and Jack Human Simulation software analysis, a method of mapping NIOSH lifting equation to the product optimization design is proposed to optimize the dimensions and styling design of the elderly shopping trolley as a carrier, to optimize the length, dimensions of the elderly shopping trolley, including the distance from the ground. Dividing the handle height of the elderly shopping trolley into 795mm, 908mm and 1021mm to effectively reduce pressure on the lower limbs. Additionally, setting the basket size to 380mm×340mm×480mm and the height above the ground to 470mm can significantly reduce the risk of lower back pain for the elderly and improve their shopping experience. Optimized design of shopping trolleys for the elderly can effectively reduce the physical stress of the elderly and provide experience and methods for human-machine optimization of other similar products.
Positive youth development qualities improve mental disorders and addiction: A cross-sectional survey of teenagers in China under the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Liu Jiahe , Wu Ni , Ji Shuming , Hong Binxue , Jiang Lihua
Published: May 2024

Background Positive youths development (PYD) has been found existing useful impact on the protection of mental health among adolescents in recent years. Anxiety and depression are the main representations of mental disorders in adolescents; meanwhile, internet addiction also is the main addictive behavior. The purpose in this study is to estimate the impact of general PYD quality (GPYDQ) on the anxiety, depression and internet addiction comprehensive; and considered the mental injury come from the COVID-19 pandemic furthermore.Methods 7426 valid questionnaires come from the follow-up of sociological investigation named Chengdu Positive Child Development (CPCD) survey. The corresponding international scales were used to evaluate the performance of PYD, the risk of anxiety, depression, and internet addiction, and the mental damage of COVID-19 pandemic respectively.Results The GPYDQ had a negative association with the score of mental disorders and addictive behavior, which meaning that higher PYD performance in adolescents was associated with a lower risk of mental illness and addiction. The CRIES-13 had the positive connection on the risk of anxiety, depression, and Internet addiction, and had the negative effect on the GPYDQ, which showed that COVID-19 was taking a toll on the mental health of adolescents.Conclusion The positive PYD attributes could effectively improve the mental health, and regulate the dependence on Internet addiction, and the COVID-19 pandemic also could aggravate the expression of depression, anxiety and Internet addiction, and damage their abilities of positive development.
M2 Macrophage-Polarized Anti-inflammatory Microneedle Patch for Accelerating Biofilm-Infected Diabetic Wound Healing via Modulating the Insulin Pathway
Authors: Yang Yushan , Fan Limin , Jiang Jingsi , Sun Jiuyuan , Xue Liangyi , Ma Xiaoyi , Kuai Le , Li Bin , Li Yong Yong
Published: May 2024

Macrophages play a pivotal role in the healing of diabetic ulcers. The sustained elevation of glucose levels damages the insulin signaling pathway in macrophages, leading to dysfunctional macrophages that struggle to transition from pro-inflammatory (M1) to reparative (M2) states. Therefore, modulating macrophage inflammatory responses via the insulin pathway holds promise for diabetic ulcer treatment. Additionally, the presence of biofilm impedes drug penetration, and the resulting immunosuppressive microenvironment exacerbates the persistent infiltration of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages. Therefore, we designed an array of dissolvable microneedle (denoted as NPF@MN) loaded with self-assembled nanoparticles that could disrupt mature biofilm structures to deliver NPF nanoparticles, acid-sensitive NPF-releasing Protocatechualdehyde (PA) with hypoglycemic and insulin-like effects, regulating macrophage polarization to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Additionally, this study extensively examined the mechanism by which NPF@MN accelerates the healing of diabetic ulcers through the activation of the insulin signaling pathway. Through RNA-seq and GSEA analysis, we identified a reduction in the expression of pathway-related factors such as IR, IRS-1, IRS-2, and SHC. Our work presents an innovative therapeutic approach targeting the insulin pathway in diabetic ulcers and underscores its translational potential for clinical management.
Automatic diabetic retinopathy detection using an ensemble learning approach and classifiers with self-adjusting weights
Authors: Nadda Rahul , Singh Jitender , Shrivastava Ullas
Published: May 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common eye disease, can cause extreme damage to the vitals of the patients or even blindness. This disease can cause vision impairment and possibly full blindness in diabetic patients who do not receive the correct diagnosis and treatment in the early stages. Diabetic retinopathy must be detected early since the disease will gradually damage the eye. A computer-aided prognosis-based technique is currently being used to assist clinicians in identifying DR in its earliest stages. The existing approaches for classifying stages of DR have an inadequate ability to reliably detect early stages due to their inability to capture the complex underlying features. The present study aimed to automatically identify the stages of DR disease by evaluating retina image samples using a proposed ensemble machine learning approach with self-adjusting classifier weights. To improve the categorization of various stages of DR, the present study trained an ensemble of three deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models and two machine learning models (ResNet50, Densenet121, Squeezenet1_0, SVM, and decision tree as base learners) using the openly accessible Kaggle dataset of retina pictures, to encode rich characteristics. The study results demonstrate that, in contrast to existing approaches, the proposed model identifies all stages of DR and outperforms state-of-the-art methods on the identical Kaggle dataset, with an accuracy of 98.35%.
Cerebral venous thrombosis at high altitude: more severe symptoms and specific predisposing factors than plain areas
Authors: Sha Yuhui , Zhang Junyi , Ci Yang , zhuoga Cidan , Zhao Yuhua , Zhou Lixin , Ni Jun
Published: May 2024

Background
Exposure to high-altitude environment is a risk factor of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) probably due to the hypercoagulability. The study aims to explore the unique characteristics of CVT patients in high-altitude areas of China by comparing them with CVT patients in plain areas.
Methods
We retrospectively included consecutive patients with CVT admitted to Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Hospital (altitude 3650m) and Peking Union Medical College Hospital (altitude 43.5m) between January 2015 and December 2023.The risk factors, clinical and radiological presentations, treatment, and outcomes were analyzed and compared between two groups.
Results
A total of 169 patients with CVT were included in the study, 48 patients from plateau and 121 patients from plain. The median age was 27 and 34 years old, and women accounted for 66.7% and 54.5% respectively. Headache (91.7% vs. 71.1%, P = 0.004), altered consciousness (31.3% vs. 16.5%, P = 0.033), hemorrhage (41.7% vs. 19.0%, P = 0.002) and venous infarction (50.0% vs. 25.6%, P = 0.002) on imaging were more common in patients from plateau than those from plain. Pregnancy or puerperium was significantly more common in highland patients (25% vs. 5.8%, P < 0.001). The levels of D-Dimer (1.7 vs. 0.8mg/L FEU, P = 0.01), Fbg (3.7 vs. 3.0g/L, P < 0.001), HGB (157 vs. 129g/L, P = 0.01), WBC (9.6 vs. 7.5*1012/L, P < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (20.2 vs. 3.2 mg/L, P = 0.005) were remarkably higher in highland patients. The percentage of receiving anticoagulant therapy was lower in high-altitude patients (70.8% vs. 93.4%, P < 0.001). Favorable outcome at follow-up was observed in 81.4% of highland patients and 90.7% of lowland patients, with the median follow-up time of 330 days and 703 days respectively.
Conclusions
The more severe clinical and imaging manifestations along with prominent inflammatory and hypercoagulable state were observed in plateau CVT patients, probably due to exposure to the hypoxic environment at high altitude. Pregnancy or puerperium were more common in highland patients. The overall prognosis of CVT patients from both groups were favorable.
The structure of a class of commutative ordered semirings
Authors: Zong Wenwen , Su Yong , Liu Hua-Wen
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we focus on the structure of a class of commutative ordered semirings and show that, in such semirings, additionmust be a uninrom locally internal on A(e). This result with Theorems5, 10 and 11 in [11] gives a characterization of the structure of suchsemirings.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 39B22, 03B52.
Association between serum chloride levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate among US adults: evidence from NHANES 1999 - 2018
Authors: Zhao Peipei , Li Yiping , Fei Zhewei , Gu Leyi , Han Baosan , Ye Ping , Dai Huili
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Chloride, the predominant anion in extracellular fluid from humans, is essential to maintaining homeostasis. One important metric for thoroughly assessing kidney function is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). However, the relationship between variations in serum chloride concentration and eGFR in general populations has been poorly studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to elucidate the correlation between plasma chloride levels and eGFR within the United States’ adult population.
Methods
This cohort study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which covered the years 1999 to 2018. We employed multiple linear regression analysis and subgroup analysis to evaluate the correlation between serum chloride concentration and eGFR. To examine the nonlinear association between serum chloride levels and eGFR, restricted cubic spline analyses were employed.
Results
Data from 49,008 participants in this cohort study were used for the chloride analysis. In the comprehensively adjusted model, a noteworthy inverse relationship was discovered between chloride plasma concentration and eGFR. Restricted cubic spline analyses revealed a significant nonlinear relationship between chloride levels and eGFR (P for overall < 0.001 and P for nonlinear < 0.001). A significant interaction was observed between eGFR and plasma chloride concentration (all P < 0.001 for interaction) among the subgroups characterized by sex, household income to poverty ratio, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that higher levels of chloride plasma concentration were linked to decreased eGFR. These findings underscore the significance of monitoring chloride plasma concentration as a potential indicator for identifying individuals at risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Perceptions of family planning among married women aged 18 to 49 years and healthcare providers in Raipur, India: A qualitative study
Authors: Dash Nistha Rutam , Pal Anjali , Santra Archismita
Published: May 2024

Background:
India surpassed China in becoming the World’s most populous country. Family Planning(FP) is in important aspect of controlling population. Although many programmes have been implemented to promote FP, it remains a public health problem because beliefs, attitudes and practices affect acceptance of FP methods. This study aims to explore the factors affecting unmet need for FP by using qualitative study method.
Methods:
This study was conducted in Urban Field Practice Area (UFPA) of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur during February 2022 to August 2022. Four Focussed Group Discussion(FGDs) among married women aged 18–49 years, one FDG among ASHAs, two In-depth Interviews(IDIs) with RMA and SN were conducted respectively. The participants were selected purposively and interviewed using open-ended topic guides. Thematic analysis was done for the detailed notes taken during the interviews.
Results:
Factors facilitating contraceptive usage were ASHAs delivering contraceptives, adequate contraceptive stock, provider’s counselling, husband’s positive attitude, woman’s education. Potential barriers to contraceptive usage were lack of compliance, lack of autonomy, husband’s and familial perception about terminal methods like vasectomy, perceived side-effects, myths, disbelief in government system, unpleasant attitude of healthcare workers(HCW), disruption of contraceptive services including sterilization during Covid-19 pandemic. Scope of improvement suggested by the participants were need for more contraceptive information, individualized contraceptive advice, family counselling, community re-enforcement, improve counselling sessions.
Conclusion:
The majority of women desired to have a small family and but they could not appreciate the need for FP. The barriers related to socio-cultural believes, contraceptive myths (especially vasectomy) and healthcare system needs special attention. Resource management, family’s counselling, tailor made contraceptive advice and proper counselling sessions could improve contraceptive uptake.
System for wireless power transfer to rotating objects with stable power transmission based on parity- time symmetry
Authors: Ishida Hiroki , Akatsu Yasuhito , Kyoden Tomoaki , Furukawa Hiroto
Published: May 2024

We propose a system for wireless power transfer to a rotating object using solenoid coils based on parity-time symmetry (PTS). Solenoid coils are ideal for wireless power transfer in confined spaces (e.g., they can be attached to the mechanical joints of robotic arms). Under PTS, the theorical transmission power and efficiency remain constant even when the magnetic coupling coefficient (km) changes. However, to preserve PTS, km values must be above the critical magnetic coupling coefficient (kmc) value. We conducted simulations and experiments to analyze the relationship between the rotation angle and km. Based on the results, we identified a coil arrangement for which km does not fall below kmc at any rotation angle. We maintained a transmission power of 20 W and a transmission efficiency of 80% during fast rotation with an angular velocity of 2.6 rad/s using a pair of small solenoid coils arranged with a gap of 33 mm between them.
Assessment of the urban pollution island intensity in Rome (Italy) from in-situ PM measurements
Authors: Bernardino Annalisa Di , Erriu Margherita , Argentini Stefania , Campanelli Monica , Casasanta Giampietro , Cecilia Andrea , Falasca Serena , Siani Anna Maria
Published: May 2024

The Urban Pollution Island (UPI), describing the temporal and spatial distribution of pollutants’ concentration attributed to the presence of urban features and activities, is one of the major problems affecting urban areas and has become more severe with rapid urbanization. To correctly evaluate the UPI Intensity (UPII), i.e., the difference in pollution concentration between the urban agglomeration and its rural surroundings, it is crucial to carefully select rural and, above all, urban reference stations, as local factors such as orography, location of the air quality monitoring stations, and street orientation can significantly impact UPII values. In this work, the UPII in Rome (Italy) is determined using daily-averaged concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 collected by in-situ stations over the period 2018–2023. Three different methods for the assessment of UPII are tested and compared by varying the sub-set of selected urban stations according to their environmental classification. Results show slight differences in the monthly-averaged concentrations of both PM10 and PM2.5 between the “urban traffic” and “urban background” stations, suggesting that the proximity of the emission sources to the monitoring stations moderately influences the concentrations, potentially due to limited ventilation within street canyons, which can inhibit mixing processes. The annual variation of UPII reveals that PM10 is more sensitive to the selection of the stations particularly during winter, when the differences between the three assessment methods reach 100%. Our findings also indicate that, in the case of Rome, using the largest number of stations available in the urban area could enhance the UPII evaluation, taking into consideration the urban structure and the specific characteristics of local emission sources. The results presented here, although related to a single city, demonstrate that the selection of urban stations for the evaluation of UPII is not straightforward and requires further investigation.
SLeX decorated integrin α3 on sEVs promotes metastasis of bladder cancer via enhancing vascular permeability
Authors: Feng Hui , Liang Liang , Deng Wenli , Gao Jiaojiao , Li Xiang , Guan Feng
Published: May 2024

The permeability of blood vessels plays a crucial role in the spread of cancer cells, leading to their metastasis at distant sites. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) contribute to the metastasis of various cancers by crossing the blood vessel wall. However, the role of abnormal glycoconjugates on sEVs in tumor blood vessels is unknown. Our study found elevated levels of fucosyltransferase VII and its product sialyl Lewis X (sLeX) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (BLCA), and high levels of sLeX can promote growth and invasion of BLCA cells. Further study revealed that sLeX was enriched in sEVs originating from BLCA. sLeX-decorated sEVs increased blood vessel permeability by disrupting the tight junctions of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Using a glycoproteomics approach, we identified integrin α3 (ITGA3) as a sLeX-bearing glycoprotein in BLCA cells and their sEVs. Mechanically, sLeX modification stabilized ITGA3 by inhibiting its degradation in lysosomes. sEVs carrying sLeX-modified ITGA3 can be effectively internalized by HUVECs, leading to decreased expression of tight junction protein. In contrast, silencing ITGA3 in sLeX-decorated sEVs restored tight junction protein and reduced blood vessel permeability by inhibiting the MAPK pathway. Moreover, ITGA3 sLeX-modification at Asn 265 in HUVECs promoted occludin dephosphorylation on Ser/Thr residues, followed by inducing its importin α1-mediated nuclear translocation and resulting destroyed tight junction. Our findings suggest a potential strategy for disrupting the formation of a metastatic microenvironment and preventing the spread of malignant bladder cancer.
Torque Optimization Strategy for Outer Rotor Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motor based on Metamodel and CRITIC-TOPSIS Method
Authors: Ye Xiaoting , Zeng Qi , Sun Run , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2024

A metamodel-based torque optimization strategy is proposed for the efficient design and electromagnetic performance optimization of outer rotor permanent magnet brushless DC motors (ORPMBLDCM), which is based on the dimensionality reduction and generalization principles in statistical modeling theory. The strategy combines Criteria Importance through Intercrieria Correlation and Technology for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (CRITIC-TOPSIS) theory. A parameterized two-dimensional finite element calculation model is established using a 10-pole 12-slot ORPMBLDCM as an example. The optimization objectives are set to be the low cogging torque, low torque ripple, and high average electromagnetic torque. The actual model is approximated using coefficient of prognosis and the constructed optimal prediction metamodel, based on variance-based sensitivity analysis. Multi-objective evolutionary algorithms are used to optimize the objectives and obtain the Pareto optimal solution set. Finally, the CRITIC-TOPSIS method is used to globally rank the feasible solution set and determine the optimal structural dimension parameters. The results of the finite element analysis demonstrate a 77.9\% reduction in cogging torque, a 18.5\% improvement in average electromagnetic torque, and a 14.5\% reduction in torque ripple. The effectiveness of torque optimization strategy using metamodel and CRITIC-TOPSIS method in improving the performance of ORPMBLDCM has been validated. The presented torque optimization strategy can guide the design of brushless DC motors.
Manufacturable high-speed CMOS back-end-of-line-compatible spin-orbit-torque magnetic random-access memory with β-tungsten
Authors: Huang Yen-Lin , Song MingYaun , Lee Chien-Min , Chen Yu-Wei , Chiang Ching-Yu , Liu Hen-Rui , Chen Guan-Long , Yang Shan-Yi , Chang Yao-Jen , Wang I-Jung , Hsin Yu-Chen , Su Yi-Hui , Wei Jeng-Hua , Xue Fen , Wang Shan , Bao Xinyu
Published: May 2024

The magnetization switching driven by spin-orbit torque (SOT) has garnered significant interest due to its potential for realizing Spin-Orbit Torque Magnetic Random-Access Memory (SOT-MRAM). This design features distinctly separated read and write paths, promising enhanced device reliability and a more favorable window for minimizing read/write interference. Among many explored heavy metals which possess strong spin-orbit coupling, tungsten stands out as a particularly intriguing material, exhibiting substantial spin–orbit torques in thin films stabilized in the A15 (β-phase) structure. However, challenges arise from the low spin Hall angles (~ 0.01) observed in the energetically favorable α-phase tungsten. Integration of β-W with modern CMOS processes, particularly under the back-end-of-line (BEOL) thermal budget (400℃ 30 mins), remains problematic. In this study, we report a design strategy for achieving BEOL thermal budget in tungsten layers, focusing on β-tungsten (β-W) as a promising material for efficient spin-orbit torques (SOTs) with a recorded high spin Hall conductivity of approximately 4500 Ω-1cm-1 measured by spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) and Harmonic Hall resistance. Finally, we demonstrate 1 ns SOT switching with 146% tunneling magnetoresistance based on the proposed β-W film stack. This comprehensive investigation provides a manufacturable and CMOS comparable path for next-generation low-power MRAM and spintronics.
Sulfamethoxazole Pharmaceutical Dosage Form Quantitative Estimation Using UV-Visible Spectrophotometric Method
Authors: Ch.Divya  , G.Harika  , K.Vineela  , M.Shivaraj  , P.Sandhya  , D.Sathyanarayana  , M.Ravi
Published: May 2024

Sulfamethoxazole, a widely used antibiotic, is often formulated as a combination product with trimethoprim to treat bacterial infections. Accurate and reliable quantitation of sulfamethoxazole is essential for quality control and assurance in pharmaceutical industries. In this study, a simple and cost-effective UV-Visible spectrophotometric method was developed for the quantitative estimation of sulfamethoxazole in pharmaceutical dosage forms.The method involves measuring the absorbance of sulfamethoxazole at 264 nm, which is a characteristic wavelength of the compound. The calibration curve was constructed by plotting the absorbance values against the concentration of sulfamethoxazole in the range of 2-12 μg/mL. The results showed a good linear correlation (r² = 0.999) with a limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 0.5 μg/mL and 1.5 μg/mL, respectively.The method was validated by analyzing commercial pharmaceutical products containing sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. The results showed good accuracy and precision, with mean recovery percentages ranging from 98% to 102%. The method was also found to be selective, with no interference from excipients or other components commonly present in pharmaceutical formulations.In conclusion, the proposed UV-Visible spectrophotometric method is a reliable and efficient tool for the quantitative estimation of sulfamethoxazole in pharmaceutical dosage forms. The method can be easily adapted for routine quality control analysis and can help ensure the quality and consistency of sulfamethoxazole-based products.
Probing the physical origins of droplet friction using a critically damped cantilever
Authors: Arunachalam Sankara , Lin Marcus , Daniel Dan
Published: May 2024

Previously, we and others have used cantilever-based techniques to measure droplet friction on various surfaces, but typically at low speeds U < 1 mm s-1; at higher speeds, friction measurements become inaccurate because of ringing artefacts. Here, we are able to eliminate the ringing noise using a critically damped cantilever. We measured droplet friction on a superhydrophobic surface over a wide range of speeds U = 10−5– 10−1 m s−1 and identified two regimes corresponding to two different physical origins of droplet friction. At low speeds U < 1 cm s−1, the droplet is in contact with the top-most solid (Cassie-Baxter), and friction is dominated by contact-line pinning with Ffric that is independent of U. In contrast, at high speeds U > 1 cm s−1, the droplet lifts off the surface, and friction is dominated by viscous dissipation in the air layer with Ffric ∝ U2/3 consistent with Landau-Levich-Derjaguin predictions.
Literature Manuals in Times of New Mediacy in Sweden
Authors: Löfgren Maria , Erixon Per-Olof
Published: May 2024

The present article focuses on the role of the teaching and learning of literature in a large-scale Swedish, professional development programme for teachers called the Reading Lift. More specifically this study, using qualitative content analysis, examines the educational function of the most prominently referred to literary didactic theory and method developers in the program: Judith Langer, Aidan Chambers, Louise M. Rosenblatt, and Rita Felski, but also the relationship between literary didactics, literacy, and fiction. The results show a strong domination of Langer-inspired manual and strategy-based approaches, primarily promoting efferent reading stances. More holistic hermeneutic and dialogic approaches in support of aesthetic reading, represented by Chambers, Rosenblatt and Felski, are less common. Further, there is a strong alliance between the literacy concept and the systematic and manual-based literary didactic approaches. Also, in the literacy discourse, literary works of art have become not just texts amongst other texts, and foreign, but are also framed as hypermediacy. Based on our results we tentatively suggest that a shift in paradigms of literature education has taken place, from literature pedagogy, grounded in print culture, to literature didactics, situated in new mediacy and the digital.
The Application Timing of a Cytokinin B-Mo-based Product Affects the Characteristics of Rooted Cuttings and Nonstructural Carbohydrates of Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides cv. Wild Lime) during Adventitious Root Development
Authors: Toro-Herrera Mayra A. , Raudales Rosa E.
Published: May 2024

A large group of horticulture species are propagated vegetatively through shoot-tip cuttings harvested from stock plants and planted to form adventitious roots. Adventitious rooting leads to establishing a carbohydrate sink in the region of root regeneration that is highly dependent on energy and carbon skeletons. We hypothesized that the timing of exogenous applications of cytokinin (CK) and boron (B)–molybdenum (Mo)-based products during adventitious root development can affect the flow of sugars from leaves to sinks, carbon allocation to the adventitious roots, and the quality of rooted cuttings. During this project, we aimed to determine if the application time of a CK/B-Mo-based product during the adventitious root development of unrooted cuttings would impact the source-to-sink relationship and, hence, affect plug growth and quality. A sink-strengthening commercial product based on cytokinin, B, and Mo was applied at four plug development stages plus a negative control as follows: T1, plants without product (control); T2, sticking stage (starting 24 hours after the sticking); T3, callus formation stage; T4, root development stage; and T5, toning stage. The root and shoot lengths and dry matter, number of leaves, leaf chlorophyll content, root-to-shoot ratio (based on dry matter), and nonstructural carbohydrate contents were measured. The timing of the application of the product impacted the root development, quality of the cuttings, and nonstructural carbohydrate content. Product application during the adventitious root dedifferentiation and induction phases (T2) resulted in the shortest root and shoot lengths, lowest dry matter accumulation, lowest nonstructural carbohydrate contents, and some phytotoxicity. Application during the initiation phase (T3) resulted in greater root length, total dry matter, and total soluble sugar contents compared with the control. Application during the expression phase (T4) resulted in the largest root length and mass and the highest sucrose contents. Applying the product when the roots had grown and reached all the edges of the growing media (T5) did not have any benefits compared with the control. This study provides new insights into the application timing of exogenous CKs, B, and Mo to generate a well-toned rooted coleus cutting and potential explanations in relation to nonstructural carbohydrate metabolism.
Fiscal policy and economic growth in resource-rich country: Empirical evidence from Azerbaijan
Authors: Kalbiyev Yashar , Seyfullali Javid
Published: May 2024

The relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth is one of the longest-lived economic discourses. In this context, countries with emerging institutions and resource-based economies are of particular interest. Therefore, the Azerbaijani economy was chosen as the object of study. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between fiscal policy and economic growth in Azerbaijan and analyze the possible existence of the BARS curve relationship in Azerbaijan. The study covers quarterly data for 2005Q1–2023Q2. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound test is used to evaluate the relationship between fiscal variables and economic growth (both general and non-oil), as well as the BARS curve relationship. The analysis revealed a positive association between government spending and both overall and non-oil economic growth over the long term. On average, a 1% rise in government spending corresponds to a 0.6% increase in economic growth. Conversely, in the short term, a negative relationship is observed between government spending and economic growth, encompassing both the general and non-oil economy. Notably, no statistical evidence supporting the presence of the BARS curve relationship in Azerbaijan was identified. Amid the circumstances of decreasing oil production in Azerbaijan, these results put more emphasis on the importance of increasing the productivity of government spending.
Effects of Intrathecal Anesthesia with Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Hind Limb Orthopedic Surgery in Calves
Authors: ÇATALKAYA EMINE , YAYLA SADIK
Published: May 2024

Anesthesia obtained by the injection of local anesthetic into the cerebrospinal fluid is defined as intrathecal or spinal anesthesia. This study aimed to compare intrathecal anesthesia with gas anesthesia in calves operated for hind limb fractures. Twelve calves with hind leg femur and tibia fractures were included in the study. Six of these calves were subjected to intrathecal anesthesia (IT) and the other 6 to gas anesthesia (GA). Sedation with xylazine was performed after general operative preparations. In the IT group, hyperbaric bupivacaine was injected lumbosacrally, while in the GA group, general anesthesia was achieved with isoflurane after mask induction. Anesthesia onset, operation and anesthesia durations, and intraoperative parameters were recorded. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, body temperature, and electrocardiography were monitored and recorded. In addition, postoperative pain was evaluated with the postoperative pain visual analog scale (VAS), simple descriptive pain scale (SDS), and bovine pain assessment scale (BPAS). Although there were statistical differences between the hemodynamic values measured in the study, they remained within reference ranges. In conclusion, it can be said that intrathecal anesthesia is practical for hind leg surgery in calves and has advantages, especially in terms of postoperative pain management.
Valorization of coffee husks for the sustainable removal of pharmaceuticals from aqueous solutions
Authors: Ospina-Montoya Valentina , Cardozo Valentina , Porras Jazmín , Acelas Nancy , Forgionny Angélica
Published: May 2024

The contamination of wastewater with pharmaceutical compounds represents a growing environmental challenge due to the inefficiency of conventional treatment systems in removing these emerging contaminants. The coffee husk (CH) is a promising bioadsorbent due to its abundant availability as a byproduct of coffee production. This study focuses on using untreated CH as an adsorbent for removing acetaminophen (ACE) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) while exploring the impact of pyrolysis temperature on the adsorption efficiency of these pharmaceutical compounds. The results reveal an excellent CH performance in removing CIP, achieving 64% removal with a maximum adsorption capacity of 37.00 mg/g. Increasing the pyrolysis temperature during the heat treatment of coffee husks significantly affects the adsorption of CIP. This behavior is primarily due to the reduction in functional groups, which are essential for facilitating the adsorption of CIP onto the resulting biochar. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH° > 0 and ΔG° > 0) indicate that CIP adsorption on CH is an endothermic and not spontaneous process. The removal efficiency of CIP on CH for synthetic wastewater and urine matrices showed that CH can effectively remove CIP from wastewater. Finally, the reuse of CH as a bioadsorbent highlights its potential to contribute to water quality improvement and environmental preservation.
Low-cost solar septic tanks as sustainable sanitation solution: A case study implemented in Cambodia
Authors: Koottatep Thammarat , Pussayanavin Tatchai , Chomnan Choum , Khamyai Sopida , Sangchun Wattanapong , Surinkul Nawatch , Polprasert Chongrak
Published: May 2024

The integration of a solar septic tank (SST) system with an economically viable solar water-heating apparatus comprising polyethylene (PE) and copper (Cu) pipes, as well as a lightweight structural framework, has been conceptualized and implemented. Two variants of low-cost SSTs were subjected to empirical scrutiny within authentic settings, encompassing public toilets and residential establishments in Cambodia. Both the PE pipe and Cu pipe solar water-heating devices demonstrated efficacy in consistently maintaining temperatures within the system above ambient levels. Although the parameters do not conform to Cambodia's effluent requirements, the results of this study suggest that the SST is effective in reducing organic loads and provides a significant improvement over conventional septic tank effluent. This underscores the potential applicability of the developed system for the treatment of toilet wastewater, thereby mitigating pollution concerns and public health risks. Harnessing solar energy to elevate septic tank temperature, this system's cost varies but includes materials, tools, and miscellaneous components, with a total estimated cost ranging from $600 to $2500, depending on size and complexity.
Antidepressant Sertraline Hydrochloride Inhibits the Growth of HER2+ AU565
Breast Cancer Cell Line through Induction of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Fayyaz Sharmeen , Atia-Tul-Wahab  , Irshad Rimsha , Siddiqui Rafat A. , Choudhary M. Iqbal
Published: May 2024

Background:

Drug repurposing in oncology promises benefits to many patients through its ability to
provide novel, and fast-tracked treatments. Previous studies have demonstrated that depression may influence
tumor progression. Anti-proliferative activity of certain antidepressants, mainly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs), are reported in the literature.

Objective:

This study was conducted to repurpose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment
of breast cancers, and it merits further validation and research.

Experimental:

Changes in cell morphology were studied using DAPI staining, while the Annexin V/PI method
was employed for apoptotic analysis. The expression of specific genes involved in cancer progression was also
analyzed via RT-PCR. Caspase-3 activation was measured through fluorometric assay.

Results:

We have identified that sertraline hydrochloride significantly inhibited the growth of breast cancer cell
in vitro. Preliminary mechanistic studies demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of sertraline hydrochloride was possibly
through the induction of apoptosis, as inferred from enhanced nuclear fragmentation, flow cytometric data,
and caspase-3/7 activation. Gene expression analysis also showed an increased expression of pro-apoptotic Bax,
and a slight decrease in oncogene c-myc in the presence of sertraline hydrochloride.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our study suggest that sertraline hydrochloride, an antidepressant drug, can potentially
be used for the treatment of breast cancer.
Recent Advances in Friction Stir Welding of Magnesium Alloys for Use in Performance-Specific Applications
Authors: Divyanshu  , Chauhan Kunal , Karloopia Jimmy , Suri N. M. , Srivatsan T. S.
Published: May 2024

Magnesium is the sixth most abundant material in the earth’s crust that finds
its applications in the fields of automobiles, aerospace, and biomedical. With
noticeable advances in the domain enveloping engineering and technology, there does
exist a growing need for new and improved materials to meet the demands put forth by
the industries spanning the aerospace and automobile sectors. One of the important
requirements for a material is light in weight. Magnesium is one such promising
material, which is lighter than aluminum making it an ideal candidate for selection and
use in both performance-critical and non-performance critical applications in the
domains specific to automobile, aerospace and even biomedical. There are various
processing routes for the manufacturing of magnesium alloys, and there exists a need
for the joining of the magnesium alloys. The conventional joining processes possess
defects, such as porosity, which are detrimental to achieving acceptable to good
mechanical properties. Friction Stir welding is one method of solid-state joining, which
offers good properties of the weld. The technique of friction stir welding (FSW)
operates by rotating and plunging a non-consumable tool into the interface of two
workpieces that require to be joined. Promising advantages that are offered by friction
stir welding (FSW) are eco-friendly, versatile, and energy efficient. This manuscript
highlights (i) the friction stir welding processing technique, as well as recent and
observable advances, (ii) the classification of the magnesium alloys, (iii) the welding
tool and its influence on welding, microstructural development and mechanical
properties of the friction stir welded magnesium alloy, (iv) welding parameters and its
influence on governing the relationships between the weld and the workpiece, and (v)
typical practical applications and the variants of friction stir welding (FSW).