bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudio de la respuesta electroquímica de la fase La0.1Sr0.9TiO3 como ánodo de celdas de combustible de óxido sólido
Authors: TAGARELLI GAETE Víctor Ernesto , MONTENEGRO-HERNÁNDEZ Alejandra , ORTÍZ Mariela , VEGA-CASTILLO Jesús
Published: October 2024

Se estudió la fase La0.1Sr0.9TiO3 como potencial material de ánodo en celdas de combustible de óxido sólido de temperatura intermedia. Las muestras fueron sintetizadas mediante dos métodos químicos obteniendo diferentes microestructuras. Se evaluó el efecto de la microestructura en el comportamiento electroquímico mediante Espectroscopía de Impedancia Electroquímica, variando la presión parcial de hidrógeno y la temperatura. Se estudió la evolución de la resistencia de área específica en función de la presión parcial de hidrógeno para identificar el mecanismo de reacción. Los resultados obtenidos fueron analizados mediante ajustes con circuitos equivalentes y distribución de tiempos de relajación. Los resultados sugieren que la reacción de oxidación de hidrógeno está controlada por la etapa de adsorción disociativa en superficie, en ambos tipos de muestras. Además, se observó que la adsorción de hidrógeno es más rápida en el electrodo formado por nanopartículas más pequeñas, donde se encontró una menor energía de activación y un cambio en el coeficiente cinético.
Pirólisis térmica de subproductos de la industria del bioetanol de maíz: análisis de condiciones para la optimización del rendimiento del bio-oil
Authors: BIANCO Gastón , LEAL MARCHENA Candelaria , PIERELLA Liliana
Published: October 2024

La pirólisis es una tecnología versátil que contribuye a minimizar los riesgos de calentamiento global y cuando es aplicada a residuos agroindustriales puede desarrollar fuentes de energía alternativas. En el presente trabajo se presentan los resultados obtenidos de la pirólisis térmica del subproducto de la industria del bioetanol de maíz, conocida como “burlanda” y un ajuste de variables experimentales utilizando un sistema de reactor a escala de laboratorio para optimizar el rendimiento del bio-oil. Los resultados muestran que el rendimiento de bio-oil fue máximo a una temperatura de reacción de 550°C, con un caudal de 50 ml min-1 de N2 y un tiempo de reacción de 10 minutos. Se demostró que el tamaño de partícula pequeño y las temperaturas de secado más altas mejoran la producción de líquido. Se espera que la pirólisis térmica del subproducto de la industria del bioetanol de maíz sea un proceso útil para obtener productos químicos o moléculas de mayor valor agregado.
Ensayos mecánicos en probetas realizadas con fracción plástica de los residuos electrónicos y diferentes polímeros
Authors: RESSLER Mariela , KREIKER Jerónimo , RENZINI Soledad
Published: October 2024

El crecimiento de los residuos de aparatos eléctricos y electrónicos (RAEE) ha generado la necesidad de abordar la gestión de este residuo, y en particular de la fracción plástica con el fin de minimizar el impacto negativo, tanto para el ambiente como para la salud de las personas. El objetivo del presente estudio es desarrollar un material compuesto reciclando la fracción plástica de RAEE como material de carga en una matriz polimérica, mediante técnicas de extrusión. Además, caracterizar el material estudiando las propiedades mecánicas del compuesto. En este trabajo, se realizaron ensayos mecánicos a las probetas resultantes de la mezcla de la fracción plástica con otros polímeros como el polietileno de baja densidad, polietileno de alta densidad y polietileno resistente a la temperatura, con el fin de determinar la resistencia y comenzar a explorar posibles aplicaciones.
Análisis comparativo del modelo eNRTL aplicado a agua de mar
Authors: BIAIN Jesús , SCENNA Nicolás , MANASSALDI Juan Ignacio
Published: October 2024

El modelado de un proceso de desalación del tipo MSF con posterior captura de dióxido de carbono a partir de su mineralización mediante agua de mar concentrada (salmuera) requiere una adecuada representación fisicoquímica de las sustancias intervinientes. Como primer paso, en este trabajo se presenta un modelo matemático para la estimación del equilibrio líquido-vapor del agua de mar a diferentes salinidades y temperaturas. Para esto, se eligió el modelo de actividad electrolyte non-random two-liquid (eNRTL) para representar la fase líquida y una ecuación de estado para la fase vapor. Para una variedad de salinidades y temperaturas, se calculó su presión de equilibrio y se la comparó con datos experimentales reportados. En el rango evaluado se obtuvieron discrepancias menores al ±5% mejorando el rendimiento respecto al de correlaciones disponibles. Cabe destacar que este enfoque amplía el rango de aplicación y no presenta limitaciones respecto al rango de temperatura y salinidad de la solución. Su implementación en software de optimización permitirá en trabajos futuros un mejor análisis del proceso de desalación y tratamiento de efluentes.
Discusión sobre aparición de respuestas cuasiperiódicas en un sistema experimental de péndulo paramétrico
Authors: OXARANGO Lucas , DOTTI Franco E. , MACHADO Sebastián P.
Published: October 2024

En este trabajo se estudia la aparición de órbitas cuasiperiódicas en un sistema experimental compuesto por un mecanismo excitador reciprocante y un péndulo paramétrico. Para cuantificar la existencia observada de vibraciones espurias, primero se propone la adición de un grado de libertad conforme a características constructivas del sistema. Luego se establecen parámetros y regiones de interés para analizar el comportamiento del sistema, mediante evaluaciones numéricas y comparaciones con mediciones experimentales. Por último se discuten los resultados obtenidos y se los compara con las hipótesis planteadas.
Base de Conocimiento de un Agente Recomendador para el Diseño de Objetos de Aprendizaje para la Enseñanza de Ingenierías
Authors: BERTOSSI Valeria , Gutiérrez María de los Milagros , Romero Lucila
Published: October 2024

Los objetos de aprendizaje son materiales educativos ejecutables en computadoras que incentivan y promueven el proceso de construcción del conocimiento al fomentar la autonomía y motivación del alumno.  Para mejorar las probabilidades de éxito en este cometido deben satisfacer ciertas pautas de calidad técnica y didáctico pedagógica.  Por ello, en este trabajo se presenta la base de conocimiento de un agente recomendador cuyo objetivo será asistir a docentes de ingenierías sin experiencia en Diseño Instructivo durante el proceso de desarrollo de estos recursos didácticos.  Dicha base consiste en una red de ontologías que modela diversos aspectos vinculados al conocimiento del dominio de los objetos de aprendizaje bien construidos, los métodos de Diseño Instructivo, la estructura conceptual del conocimiento disciplinar a aprender, las fases y artefactos resultantes de una metodología de desarrollo de objetos de aprendizaje, y la estructura de metadatos del estándar LOM para su almacenamiento, búsqueda y recuperación de repositorios de la Web.
Evaluación de la Adhesión y Resistencia a la Corrosión de Recubrimientos Multicapa de Cr/CrN sobre Acero AISI 4140 Nitrurado
Authors: MASKAVIZAN Ana Justina , BRÜHL Sonia P. , MÁRQUEZ Adriana B. , DALIBÓN Eugenia L.
Published: October 2024

Los recubrimientos multicapa de CrN mejoran la resistencia a la corrosión del acero debido a que son químicamente inertes y la interrupción de las capas evita que los defectos de crecimiento propios de las técnicas por PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) atraviesen el recubrimiento completo. Una propiedad crucial para garantizar el desempeño de los recubrimientos es su adhesión, la cual se puede mejorar mediante la nitruración previa del acero. En este trabajo, se compararon dos procesos de tratamiento previos a la deposición de recubrimientos multicapa de Cr/CrN sobre acero AISI 4140 nitrurado: limpieza previa mediante sputtering en descarga glow en atmósfera de argón e hidrógeno en vacío y mediante sputtering con iones de cromo aplicando una diferencia de potencial de 500 V en alto vacío. Se estudió su microestructura, adhesión y resistencia a la corrosión. La limpieza previa del sustrato mediante sputtering con iones de cromo presentó las mejores condiciones de adhesión y resistencia a la corrosión.
Análisis de Sensibilidad del Modelo Numérico WRF-Chem al Inventario de Emisiones Antropogénicas
Authors: LÓPEZ Eduardo Gabriel , PEPINO MINETTI Roberto Carlos , PULIAFITO Salvador Enrique
Published: October 2024

La contaminación del aire ambiental incide directamente sobre la salud de la población y el medioambiente por lo que el Estado debe monitorear el recurso para minimizar su impacto. Sin embargo, los altos costos y dificultades asociadas a la instalación y mantenimiento de una red extendida y permanente de monitoreo de la calidad de aire en la Provincia de Córdoba, han promovido la implementación de modelos numéricos que permiten estimar las fuentes de emisión y la concentración final de diferentes compuestos químicos en un momento y lugar determinados. Dentro de los más difundidos, el modelo WRF-Chem es ampliamente utilizado debido a su ventaja de resolver de manera simultánea el factor meteorológico acoplado al factor químico pues cambios en la química pueden alimentar y modificar procesos de la meteorología local y viceversa. En el proceso de validar el modelo en la provincia, se analizó la sensibilidad del modelo al emplear un inventario local de emisiones antropogénicas frente al inventario global EDGAR-HTAP. Se observó que las concentraciones simuladas ajustan estadísticamente mejor (r > 0.3) a los valores medidos por una estación de monitoreo in-situ si se utiliza el inventario local.
Oxidación de furfural: análisis de materiales catalíticos modificados con cobre
Authors: ORTENZI Georgina , LEAL MARCHENA Candelaria , PIERELLA Liliana
Published: October 2024

Se incorporó 3% p/p de cobre sobre zeolitas microporosas Y y ZSM-5, zeolita jerarquizada ZSM-5 y alúmina nanoestructurada, para evaluar el comportamiento catalítico en la oxidación de furfural con peróxido de hidrógeno. Se observó que cambios sustanciales en la acidez y la porosidad de los catalizadores dan como resultado variaciones menores en el rendimiento de los productos deseados. Además, se estudiaron variables de operación como temperatura, concentración de oxidante y cantidad de catalizador, notando que el aumento de estas favorece la sobreoxidación.
Encapsulación de Timol y Mentol en Estructuras MCM-41
Authors: MARINO Sergio , PEREYRA Andrea M. , GONZALEZ Maximiliano R.
Published: October 2024

El timol y el mentol son monoterpenos fenólicos que se encuentran en los aceites esenciales de diversas plantas. Estos compuestos son altamente valorados en las industrias farmacéutica, cosmética y alimentaria debido a sus propiedades antisépticas, antibacterianas y antifúngicas, además de ser económicos y seguros. Sin embargo, su alta volatilidad limita sus aplicaciones.
La MCM-41, un material mesoporoso, ofrece alta estabilidad térmica y una gran superficie específica, con un tamaño de poro adecuado para albergar y estabilizar moléculas voluminosas como las de los terpenos. No obstante, el costo elevado de los reactivos necesarios para su síntesis representa una desventaja, lo que encarece su uso en aplicaciones específicas
Este estudio explora la encapsulación de timol y mentol en MCM-41, sintetizada utilizando una solución de silicato de sodio de calidad industrial como precursor de silicio. Las caracterizaciones realizadas antes y después de la impregnación indican que este material podría ser eficaz para dicho propósito, lo que abre nuevas posibilidades para su aplicación en recubrimientos y pinturas, además de ofrecer un potencial significativo para innovaciones en diversas industrias.
Pervaporación de Mezclas Agua-Metanol Mediante Nanotubos de Grafeno
Authors: MOSCA Santiago , CARLEVARO C. Manuel , CASTEZ M. Federico
Published: October 2024

Estudiamos la pervaporación de mezclas agua-metanol en un sistema de dos reservorios unidos por un tubo de grafeno mediante simulaciones de dinámica molecular. El calentamiento del sistema produce un flujo de mezcla a través del nanotubo. El factor de aumento en la concentración del soluto en la fase gaseosa resultante depende de la fracción molar inicial de la mezcla y del radio del nanotubo.
Acoplamiento de Péndulos de masas múltiples y fenómeno de sincronización
Authors: VIRLA Juan Nicolás , DOTTI Franco Ezequiel , MACHADO Sebastián Pablo
Published: October 2024

En este trabajo se estudia la sincronización en péndulos de masas múltiples montados sobre estructuras elásticas, y forzados periódicamente. Mediante simulaciones numéricas, se identificó la sincronización en anti-fase como la más eficiente para esta distribución del dispositivo, ya que minimiza la transferencia de energía hacia la estructura de soporte, maximizando así el potencial de conversión energética. Este enfoque abre nuevas posibilidades para optimizar dispositivos undimotrices, reduciendo la necesidad de controles externos complejos y eventualmente mejorando la estabilidad de las respuestas bajo condiciones de forzamiento no periódico.
Síntesis Económica De Fe-Silicalita Para La Remoción De Fenoles
Authors: BIANGARDI María del Rosario , PEREYRA Andrea M. , MORENO M. Sergio
Published: October 2024

La Fe-silicalita es una clase de zeolita en la que el catión Fe ocupa sitios con coordinación tetraédrica, sustituyendo isomórficamente al Si4+. Se ha propuesto que la actividad de este material estaría fuertemente relacionada con el Fe estructural y también con las especies de hierro que se generan luego del tratamiento térmico post-síntesis. Este material muestra actividad catalítica y también se ha utilizado en la eliminación de compuestos orgánicos en aguas contaminadas. Para esta última aplicación, el desafío se centra en obtener materiales económicos que mantengan una alta eficiencia en la remoción de contaminantes y sean fácilmente regenerables para su reutilización continua, garantizando así un tratamiento de agua sostenible y rentable. 
En este contexto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue obtener y caracterizar una Fe-silicalita de bajo costo para su uso en la remoción de fenoles en medio acuoso. El material obtenido se comparó con una Fe-silicalita tradicional, sintetizada a partir de un precursor de silicio de grado analítico.
El material se obtuvo a través de un proceso hidrotermal, utilizando una solución de silicato de sodio industrial prepolimerizado como fuente de silicio. Luego se realizó un tratamiento térmico para la remoción del agente plantilla. Los difractogramas de Rayos X permitieron confirmar que el material sintetizado corresponde a una estructura MFI.El Fe en la estructura se corroboró por la presencia de la banda correspondiente a los enlaces Fe-Si-O en el espectro de FT-IR. Las imágenes de HRTEM mostraron cristales de hábito prismático. El área BET evidenció un valor de 356,41 m²/g. 
Esta zeolita de producción económica demostró una capacidad superior para la remoción de fenoles en medio acuoso. Esto evidencia un doble beneficio: es un material de bajo costo y además podría ser más efectivo para la remoción de compuestos orgánicos contaminantes.
Preparación y caracterización de materiales silíceos renovables sintetizados con aluminio y modificados con níquel
Authors: PALACIOS Marina , EIMER Griselda , CARRARO Paola , VASCHETTO Eliana , MUTAL Rúben
Published: October 2024

Sólidos síliceos sintetizados por incorporación directa con Al (Si/Al=10) fueron modificados con diferentes cargas de Ni por el método de impregnación húmeda. Los materiales de partida, a su vez fueron obtenidos a partir de precursores renovables: monoestearato de glicerilo como agente plantilla y cáscara de arroz como fuente de Si. Los sólidos finales fueron caracterizados por difracción de rayos x (DRX), Isotermas de adsorción y desorción de N2, reducción térmica programada (RTP), espectroscopía de reflectancia difusa (UV-Vis RD) y Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido con espectroscopia de rayos X de energía dispersiva (SEM-EDS). Los materiales mesoporosos diseñados, presentaron características bifuncionales (metal-ácido) lo cual los convierten en potenciales catalizadores para ser utilizados en diferentes reacciones de interés, como la hidrogenólisis de glicerol hacia productos de alto valoragregado.
Estudio de la Transformación Alotrópica hcp-fcc en Aleaciones de Titanio Comercialmente Puras Tratadas Térmicamente
Authors: MELIA Mariela , AVALOS Martina , BRANDALEZE Elena
Published: October 2024

Las aleaciones de titanio pueden exhibir una gran variedad de microestructuras dado que muestran una amplia gama de transformaciones de fase. En particular en las aleaciones de titanio comercialmente puro grado 2 es esperable contar con la presencia de las fases α hexagonal compacta (HCP) y β cúbica centrada en el cuerpo (BCC). Sin embargo, en esta investigación se reporta la formación de una fase inusual de estructura cúbica centrada en las caras (FCC). El estudio de la fase FCC se efectúa en muestras tratadas térmicamente a 500°C, 800°C, 900°C, integrando diferentes técnicas de microscopía óptica, microscopía electrónica de barrido, microscopía de orientación, difracción de rayos X y análisis térmico diferencial DTA. En el transcurso de la investigación se detectó el desarrollo de fase FCC de distribución no homogénea hacia el interior de las muestras, lo que parece indicar que la fase requiere de deformación para ser inducida. Si bien la hipótesis inicial indica que esta transformación puede haberse inducido probablemente durante el proceso de pulido, en este trabajo se analiza la dependencia entre el grado de desarrollo de dicha fase y el tratamiento térmico del material.
Hormigones Livianos Autocompactantes Reforzados con Fibra de Acero. Propuesta de un Método de Diseño y Ensayos de Caracterización
Authors: PALACIO Alberto José , RAGGIOTTI Bárbara Belén , ROUGIER Viviana Carolina
Published: October 2024

Se presenta la introducción a un procedimiento racional desarrollado para la dosificación de hormigones ligeros autocompactantes de alta resistencia reforzados con fibras de acero (HLAARFA). El método de diseño de mezclas se desarrolla basado en el concepto de empaquetamiento de partículas y el ajuste las propiedades reológicas de pastas y morteros mediante ensayos simples. Se recogen los resultados de una serie de ensayos realizados sobre los agregados para lograr el ajuste del esqueleto granular, pruebas sobre pastas y ensayos para valorar la fluidez y viscosidad de los morteros. Los criterios de diseño adoptados para el material están definidos por el cumplimiento de requisitos en estado fresco y endurecido. Para verificar la aplicabilidad del método, se diseñaron y prepararon seis mezclas de hormigones ligeros autocompactantes de alta resistencia (HLAC) y posteriormente, mediante un diseño basado en la aplicación de ensayos simples, obtener un HLAARFA. Finalmente se evalúa una dosificación de HLAARFA empleando las proporciones de materiales que cumplan con los requerimientos de autocompactabilidad en estado fresco y una resistencia elevada a compresión. Los resultados permitieron identificar los parámetros influyentes en el diseño de la mezcla para elaborar el protocolo de prueba necesario para la dosificación del HLAARFA.
ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON WARPING AND CURLING OF PCC PAVEMENT
Authors: Fang Yingwu
Published: October 2024

This research was conducted to analyze the influence of moisture content in concrete pavement slabs on warping and curling of Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement. To do this, temperature and deflection data measured in an instrumented test runway pavement at the Denver International Airport [1-3] was used. Variation in temperature gradient over the slab thickness was computed and plotted against time, for both the summer and the winter. Deflections of the PCC slabs and the base layer were compared to identify gaps between the two layers caused by slab warping and curling. It has been found that such gaps physically exist and that the magnitude of the gaps varies with time as temperature gradient does. The gap magnitude at various locations within the slabs, together with the temperature gradient, was plotted on the same time scale. This has made it possible to quantify the influence of moisture gradient in the equivalency of temperature gradient on slab warping. As expected, the equivalent temperature gradient of moisture content also varies with time and is dependent on the day of the year and the hour of the day. Based on the available data, this value varies in the neighborhood of 0.10 to 0.27 (oC/cm), which is about half of the maximum positive temperature gradient (when the bottom of the slab has a lower temperature than the top of the slab) in the summer and close to the maximum positive temperature gradient in the winter. The analysis has also proved the fact that the existence of moisture gradient strengt hens the effect of negative temperature gradient (when the bottom of the slab has a higher temperature than the top of the slab), but weakens the effect of positive temperature gradient.
A TEMPERATURE AND MOISTURE MODULE FOR HYDRATING PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENTS
Authors: Jeong Jin-Hoon , Wang Ligang , Zollinger Dan
Published: October 2024

A computer based temperature and moisture analysis module has been recently developed at the Texas Transportation Institute referred to as Temperature and Moisture Analysis for Curing Concrete (TMAC2). This module produces the moisture and temperature profiles and accounts for the interaction between them at any points in a hydrating concrete slab as a function of time and ambient boundary conditions. These profiles, which are transient in nature and determined as a function of curing methodology and material characteristics, can be easily transmitted to analytical software for stress and deformation evaluation. A special test slab was constructed and carefully instrumented for temperature and relative humidity monitoring to collect specific data for program verification purposes. Deflection data collected from the test slab were compared to the results from Westergaard type solution for corner displacement to show potential for pavement design application under a board set of condition depicted by temperature and moisture gradient prediction from the TMAC2 software. This paper presents the details of the development of TMAC2, verification of the analysis module, and examples of the effects of combinations of climatic, construction, and material factors on profile development. Details of the test slab and the instrumentation are also presented.
FROM THE CONCEPT OF THE DRAFT POLICE CHARTER OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE TO ITS STRUCTURE AND CONTENT: VIEWS OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION OF SENATOR A.A. MAKAROV (1906-1917) PART 7. PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION BY THE POLICE OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE OF FIGHTS, VIOLENCE, ACCIDENTS, FIRES. MEASURES TO ASSIST VICTIMS, REGISTRATION OF THE POPULATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF TIMELY DETECTION OF OFFENSES
Authors:   Tula Institute (branch) of the All-Russian State University of Justice (RPA Ministry of Justice Russia), Tula, Russia, SHURUKHNOV N.G. ,   Research Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, Moscow, Russia
Published: October 2024

The responsibilities of the police to suppress fights between civilians are briefly outlined, the specifics of fights among officers and the peculiarities of the implementation of police measures are noted, and means of preventing accidents in public places and on communications routes are provided. It is noted that the activities of the general police on the tracks belonging to the Ministry of Railways were carried out in the absence of supervisory authorities of the said department or when railway police officials were replaced. Measures are revealed to provide police assistance to victims of criminal acts, accidents, people who become ill in public places, and to transport them to medical institutions. When forming a position in the draft charter, the organizers hoped that city public administrations would create special ambulance crews, which already existed in some medical institutions in large urban settlements. It is indicated that the adoption by police officials of various efforts to resolve situations related to accidents was combined with conducting an inquiry and issuing a copy of the report to the victims, at their request. The article shows the struggle of the police against neglect: the transfer of abandoned babies, orphans, lost children to trustworthy citizens, to educational homes, charitable institutions of city and zemstvo institutions; transport to public hospitals. As an area of police activity, measures to prevent fires are shown, the role of the police in managing their extinguishing, ensuring the protection of personal property, and the work of the police during floods, shipwrecks, and railway accidents. Monitoring the registration of residents in residential premises, daily control over sanitary order in houses, entrances, streets, and squares are independently presented.
Computational exploration of acefylline derivatives as MAO-B inhibitors for Parkinson’s disease: insights from molecular docking, DFT, ADMET, and molecular dynamics approaches
Authors: Irfan Ali , Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Boulaamane Yassir , Javed Sadia , Hameed Huma , Maurady Amal , Muhammed Muhammed Tilahun , Ahmad Sajjad , Al-Mutairi Aamal A. , Shahzadi Irum , Al-Hussain Sami A. , Zaki Magdi E. A.
Published: October 2024

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) plays a pivotal role in the deamination process of monoamines, encompassing crucial neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. The heightened interest in MAO-B inhibitors emerged after the revelation that this enzyme could potentially catalyze the formation of neurotoxic compounds from endogenous and exogenous sources. Computational screening methodologies serve as valuable tools in the quest for novel inhibitors, enhancing the efficiency of this pursuit. In this study, 43 acefylline derivatives were docked against the MAO-B enzyme for their chemotherapeutic potential and binding affinities that yielded GOLD fitness scores ranging from 33.21 to 75.22. Among them, five acefylline derivatives, namely, MAO-B14, MAO-B15, MAO-B16, MAO-B20, and MAO-B21, displayed binding affinities comparable to the both standards istradefylline and safinamide. These derivatives exhibited hydrogen-bonding interactions with key amino acids Phe167 and Ile197/198, suggesting their strong potential as MAO-B inhibitors. Finally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to evaluate the stability of the examined acefylline derivatives over time. The simulations demonstrated that among the examined acefylline derivatives and standards, MAO-B21 stands out as the most stable candidate. Density functional theory (DFT) studies were also performed to optimize the geometries of the ligands, and molecular docking was conducted to predict the orientations of the ligands within the binding cavity of the protein and evaluate their molecular interactions. These results were also validated by simulation-based binding free energies via the molecular mechanics energies combined with generalized Born and surface area solvation (MM-GBSA) method. However, it is necessary to conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments to confirm and validate these findings in future studies.
Exploring Large Language Models to generate Easy to Read content
Authors: Martínez Paloma , Ramos Alberto , Moreno Lourdes
Published: October 2024

Ensuring text accessibility and understandability are essential goals, particularly for individuals with cognitive impairments and intellectual disabilities, who encounter problems accessing information across various mediums such as web pages, newspapers, online administrative tasks, or health documents. Initiatives like Easy to Read and Plain Language guidelines aim to simplify complex texts; however, standardizing these guidelines remains challenging and often involves manual processes. This work presents an exploratory investigation into leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) approaches to simplify Spanish texts into Easy to Read formats, with a focus on utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs) for creating accessible texts, especially in generating Easy to Read content. The study contributes a parallel corpus of Spanish adapted for Easy To Read format, which serves as a valuable resource for training and testing text simplification systems. Additionally, several text simplification experiments using LLMs and the collected corpus are conducted, involving fine-tuning and testing a Llama2 model to generate Easy to Read content. A qualitative evaluation, guided by an expert in text adaptation for Easy to Read content, is carried out to assess the automatically simplified texts. This research contributes to advancing text accessibility for individuals with cognitive impairments, highlighting promising strategies for leveraging LLMs while responsibly managing energy usage.
Digital assessments for children and adolescents with ADHD: a scoping review
Authors: Cibrian Franceli L. , Monteiro Elissa M. , Lakes Kimberley D.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

In spite of rapid advances in evidence-based treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), community access to rigorous gold-standard diagnostic assessments has lagged far behind due to barriers such as the costs and limited availability of comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. Digital assessment of attention and behavior has the potential to lead to scalable approaches that could be used to screen large numbers of children and/or increase access to high-quality, scalable diagnostic evaluations, especially if designed using user-centered participatory and ability-based frameworks. Current research on assessment has begun to take a user-centered approach by actively involving participants to ensure the development of assessments that meet the needs of users (e.g., clinicians, teachers, patients).

Methods

The objective of this mapping review was to identify and categorize digital mental health assessments designed to aid in the initial diagnosis of ADHD as well as ongoing monitoring of symptoms following diagnosis.

Results

Results suggested that the assessment tools currently described in the literature target both cognition and motor behaviors. These assessments were conducted using a variety of technological platforms, including telemedicine, wearables/sensors, the web, virtual reality, serious games, robots, and computer applications/software.

Discussion

Although it is evident that there is growing interest in the design of digital assessment tools, research involving tools with the potential for widespread deployment is still in the early stages of development. As these and other tools are developed and evaluated, it is critical that researchers engage patients and key stakeholders early in the design process.
Immunologic aspects of asthma: from molecular mechanisms to disease pathophysiology and clinical translation
Authors: Xie Cong , Yang Jingyan , Gul Aman , Li Yifan , Zhang Rui , Yalikun Maimaititusun , Lv Xiaotong , Lin Yuhan , Luo Qingli , Gao Huijuan
Published: October 2024

In the present review, we focused on recent translational and clinical discoveries in asthma immunology, facilitating phenotyping and stratified or personalized interventions for patients with this condition. The immune processes behind chronic inflammation in asthma exhibit marked heterogeneity, with diverse phenotypes defining discernible features and endotypes illuminating the underlying molecular mechanisms. In particular, two primary endotypes of asthma have been identified: “type 2-high,” characterized by increased eosinophil levels in the airways and sputum of patients, and “type 2-low,” distinguished by increased neutrophils or a pauci-granulocytic profile. Our review encompasses significant advances in both innate and adaptive immunities, with emphasis on the key cellular and molecular mediators, and delves into innovative biological and targeted therapies for all the asthma endotypes. Recognizing that the immunopathology of asthma is dynamic and continuous, exhibiting spatial and temporal variabilities, is the central theme of this review. This complexity is underscored through the innumerable interactions involved, rather than being driven by a single predominant factor. Integrated efforts to improve our understanding of the pathophysiological characteristics of asthma indicate a trend toward an approach based on disease biology, encompassing the combined examination of the clinical, cellular, and molecular dimensions of the disease to more accurately correlate clinical traits with specific disease mechanisms.
Prevalence, underlying causes, and determinants of maternal near miss in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tesfay Neamin , Hailu Girmay , Begna Dumesa , Habtetsion Medhanye , Taye Fitsum , Woldeyohannes Fitsum , Jina Ruxana
Published: October 2024

Background

Maternal near miss (MNM) is one of the newly adopted assessment parameters to gauge the quality of maternity care. In Ethiopia, several studies have been conducted to investigate the incidence, underlying causes, and determinants of MNM. However, the findings from those studies vary greatly and are largely inconsistent. Thus, this review aims to more robustly estimate the pooled prevalence, identify underlying causes, and single out determinants of MNM in Ethiopia.

Methods

Studies were searched from international databases (PubMed/ Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases) and other potential sites. All observational studies were included. Heterogeneity between studies was checked using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2test statistics and small study effects were checked using Egger’s statistical test at a 5% significance level. Outcome measures were overall and specific underlying causes (obstetrics hemorrhage, hypertensive disorder pregnancy, pregnancy-related infection) rates of MNMs per 10,000 live births.

Result

The meta-analysis included 43 studies consisting of 77240 MNM cases. The pooled prevalence MNM per 1000 live births in Ethiopia was 54.33 (95% CI: 33.93 to 85.89). Between-study heterogeneity was high (I2= 100%,P< 0.0001), with the highest rate observed in Amhara region (384.54 per 1000). The prevalence of obstetrics hemorrhage (14.56 per 1000) was higher than that of hypertensive disorder pregnancy (12.67 per 1000) and pregnancy-related infections (3.55 per 1000) were identified as underlying causes. Various factors, including socio demographic characteristics, previous medical and obstetrics history as well as access to and quality of care obtained, were associated with MNM.

Conclusion

Almost six women encounter near miss among a hundred live births in Ethiopia. Obstetric hemorrhage and hypertensive disorder pregnancy were the most common underlying causes of MNM. Both individual and facility level determinants were found to be associated with MNM. Considering the magnitude and identified factors, tailored measures should be taken at every stage of the continuum of care.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023395259.
A new angiographic scoring for grading the difficulty of recanalization for symptomatic non-acute middle cerebral artery occlusions
Authors: Cao Jie , Zhu Xucheng , Liu Sheng , Zhang Yunfeng , Yin Congguo , Zhong Chongke , Mo Yi , Xuan Jinggang , Chen Ronghua , Zhou Chun , Huang Guoxiang , Xia Wenqing , Xing Wei , Peng Ya
Published: October 2024

Background

Endovascular recanalization is a feasible option for treating symptomatic non-acute middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) patients. Hence, we aimed to establish a new angiographic scoring to grade the recanalization difficulty of MCAO to determine the suitable patients for endovascular treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a total of 113 consecutive recurrent symptomatic non-acute MCAO patients who underwent endovascular recanalization from July 2015 to August 2021 in four Chinese comprehensive stroke centers. All patients were reappraised using a new angiographic scoring based on the stump morphology, the MCA occlusion length, MCA bend, and the distal vascular bed of MCAO. We used the final results to establish the patients’ outcomes.

Results

The total successful recanalization and perioperative complication rates were 83.2% (94/113) and 15.9% (18/113), respectively. No deaths occurred within 30 days. Moreover, 96.9, 90, 87.5, 52.6, and 50% of the patients achieved recanalization with scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 (p < 0.001), respectively. However, the perioperative complication rate showed the opposite trend. (3.1% vs. 7.5% vs. 6.3% vs. 52.6% vs. 50%; p < 0.001). The median time of successful microwire crossing of the occlusion lesion (TMO) in the score 0 group was shorter than the other groups (2 min, 9 min, 8.5 min, 14 min, and 20 min; p < 0.001). When a score of 2 was used as the optimal cut-off point, the sensitivity and specificity were 86.2 and 63.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

The new angiographic scoring can effectively predict the successful recanalization rate, perioperative complication rate, and TMO of endovascular recanalization for non-acute MCAO. It can also be used as an effective clinical evaluation tool to determine the suitable non-acute MCAO patients for recanalization, especially with a score ≤ 2.
Icariin promotes functional recovery in rats after spinal cord injury by inhibiting YAP and regulating PPM1B ubiquitination to inhibiting the activation of reactive astrocytes
Authors: Feng Sa , Liu Linyan , Cheng Yuelin , Zhou Mengmeng , Zhu Haoqiang , Zhao Xinyan , Chen Ziyu , Kan Shunli , Fu Xuanhao , Hu Wei , Zhu Rusen
Published: October 2024

Objective

The limited ability to regenerate axons after spinal cord injury (SCI) is influenced by factors such as astrocyte activation, reactive proliferation, and glial scar formation. The TGF-β/Smad (transforming growth factor-β/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog) pathway, associated with astrocytic scarring, plays a crucial role in recovery post-injury. This study aims to investigate how icariin (ICA) interacts with reactive astrocytes in the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Methods

A rat SCI model was constructed, and the recovery of motor function was observed after treatment with ICA.HE staining, LFB staining, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting were employed to assess ICA's ability to inhibit astrocyte proliferation in rats following spinal cord injury by modulating YAP, as well as to evaluate the reparative effects of ICA on the injured spinal cord tissue. Primary astrocytes were isolated and cultured. Immunoprecipitation-Western Blot (IP-WB) ubiquitination and cytoplasm-nuclear separation were employed to assess PPM1B ubiquitination and nuclear translocation.

Results

The CatWalk XT gait analysis, BBB (Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan) score, electrophysiological measurements, HE staining, and LFB staining collectively demonstrated that ICA promotes motor function and tissue recovery following spinal cord injury in rats. Immunofluorescence staining and Western Blot analyses revealed that ICA inhibits astrocyte proliferation in rats post-spinal cord injury by suppressing YAP activity. Furthermore, the activation of YAP by XMU-MP-1 was shown to compromise the efficacy of ICA in these rats after spinal cord injury. Additional immunofluorescence staining and Western Blot experiments confirmed that ICA inhibits TGFβ1-induced astrocyte activation through the regulation of YAP. The knockdown of PPM1B (protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent 1B) in astrocytes was found to inhibit TGFβ signaling. Additionally, YAP was shown to regulate PPM1B ubiquitination and nuclear translocation through immunoprecipitation-Western blot analysis, along with the segregation of cytoplasm and nucleus.

Conclusion

Icariin promotes functional recovery in rats after spinal cord injury by inhibiting YAP and regulating PPM1B ubiquitination to inhibiting the activation of reactive astrocytes.
Predicting subjective ratings of affect and comprehensibility with text features: a reader response study of narrative poetry
Authors: Tilmatine Mesian , Lüdtke Jana , Jacobs Arthur M.
Published: October 2024

Literary reading is an interactive process between a reader and a text that depends on a balance between cognitive effort and emotional rewards. By studying both the crucial features of the text and of the subjective reader reception, a better understanding of this interactive process can be reached. In the present study, subjects (N=31) read and rated a work of narrative fiction that was written in a poetic style, thereby offering the readers two pathways to cognitive rewards: Aesthetic appreciation and narrative immersion. Using purely text-based quantitative descriptors, we were able to independently and accurately predict the subjective ratings in the dimensions comprehensibility, valence, arousal, and liking across roughly 140 pages of naturalistic text. The specific text features that were most important in predicting each rating dimension are discussed in detail. In addition, the implications of the findings are discussed more generally in the context of existing models of literary processing and future research avenues for empirical literary studies.
Profiles of cardiometabolic risk and acculturation indicators among South Asians in the US: latent class analysis of the MASALA study
Authors: Montiel Ishino Francisco A. , Canenguez Katia M. , Cohen Jeffrey H. , Kent Blake Victor , Villalobos Kevin , Needham Belinda L. , Kandula Namratha R. , Kanaya Alka M. , Shields Alexandra E. , Williams Faustine
Published: October 2024

Background

South Asians (SA) represent the fastest growing US immigrant group, and previous studies have indicated that they face disproportionately high burden of cardiometabolic disease. Cardiometabolic disease manifests as a syndemic or synergistic epidemic encompassing multiple disease clusters influenced by biological, social, and psychological factors stemming from the acculturative process. This process may exacerbate morbidity within immigrant subgroups. Our aim was to identify cardiometabolic risk profiles among SA using indicators of acculturation.

Methods

We conducted a latent class analysis on data from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study (N=771). A composite cardiometabolic disease outcome was constructed using prevalent hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and body mass index. Acculturation indicators included years living in the US, English language proficiency, dietary behaviors, preservation of cultural traditions, social and neighborhood support, maintenance of social relationships (i.e., friendships), and experiences of discrimination, along with proxies of acculturative stress (i.e., depressive symptomology, trait anxiety and anger). Social and environmental determinants of health, health behaviors, religiosity and spirituality served as covariates to further assess latent class membership.

Results

Four cardiometabolic risk profiles emerged: (1) lowest risk [73.8% of sample] characterized by high integration into both SA and US cultures; (2) the modest risk [13.4% of sample], exhibiting elevated levels of mental health distress and experiences of discrimination, and distancing themselves from both cultures; and the (3) moderate risk [8.9% of sample] and (4) highest risk [3.9% of sample], demonstrating greater assimilation into US culture. Compared to the lowest risk profile: the modest risk profile was associated with low-income and conflicting attitudes about religion/spirituality, while the moderate risk profile was characterized by lower income and educational attainment with positive behaviors and attitudes toward religion/spirituality.

Conclusion

Findings expand our understanding of immigrant cardiometabolic health as a syndemic issue wherein multiple co-occurring and interacting processes synergize to produce negative outcomes in already at-risk subpopulations. Furthermore, acculturation emerges as a crucial factor in understanding health disparities among immigrant and refugee groups in the US.
Spatial variations in health service utilization among migrant population: a perspective on health equity
Authors: Li Dan , Yamada Masaaki , Gao Dawei , Yang Feifan , Nie Haisong
Published: October 2024

As health equity becomes a prioritized goal in global health policy, extensive research has revealed that socio-economic and geographical factors jointly exacerbate barriers to medical service access for both internal and international migrant populations, further accelerating existing health disparities. This study explores healthcare service utilization disparities among internal migrants in China, a population profoundly affected by the country’s economic reforms and urbanization since the late 1970s. These transformations have led to significant migratory movements and subsequent healthcare challenges for these populations. Leveraging data from the 2017 China Migrant Dynamic Survey, comprising 169,989 samples across 28 provinces, we introduce a novel metric—the “No Treatment ratio” (NT-ratio). This ratio quantifies the proportion of migrants who, after falling ill, choose not to seek treatment relative to the total migrant population in a given province or region, serving as a critical measure of health risk. Building upon Anderson’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, we adapted the model to better reflect the unique circumstances of migrant populations. The study employs spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis, and geodetector techniques to dissect the multifaceted factors influencing healthcare disparities. Our Findings reveal that the NT-ratio is significantly higher in eastern and northeastern China. Key factors influencing the NT-ratio include age, left-behind experiences, health education, and per capita medical resources. In response to these disparities, we recommend optimizing the distribution of medical resource, strengthening tiered diagnosis and treatment systems, and integrating health, education, and social security resources. These measures aim to improve healthcare utilization among migrant populations and reduce health inequities, aligning with global health objectives.
Navigating STEM careers with AI mentors: a new IDP journey
Authors: Chang Chi-Ning , Hui John , Justus-Smith Cammie , Wang Tzu-Wei
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Mentoring is crucial to the success of STEM higher education. The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a common career development tool in STEM graduate education that facilitates structured mentor-mentee interactions and goal setting. This study examined the integration of AI mentors into the myIDP framework to provide real-time support and career insights.

Methods

Using Google Gemini as an AI mentor, this study developed and assessed AI prompts within the myIDP framework. Eighteen STEM graduate students, primarily from underrepresented groups, were trained to engage with the AI mentor. Their interactions, feedback, and comments were analyzed using sentiment and thematic analysis.

Results

Participants reported positive experiences with AI mentors, noting benefits, such as immediate responses, up-to-date information, access to multiple AI mentors, enhanced ownership of career development, and time savings. However, concerns about misinformation, bias, privacy, equity, and algorithmic influences have also been raised. The study identified two hybrid human-AI mentoring models—Sequential Integration and Concurrent Collaboration—that combine the unique strengths of human and AI mentors to enhance the mentoring process.

Discussion

This study underscores the potential of AI mentors to enhance IDP practices by providing timely feedback and career information, thereby empowering students in their STEM career development. The proposed human-AI mentoring models show promise in supporting underrepresented minorities, potentially broadening participation in STEM fields.