bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can the speed of information dissemination exceed the speed of light?
Authors: Wan Chuyi
Published: September 2024

In the double-slit interference experiment with light, once one of the slits is instantaneously closed, the point H on the screen directly opposite the other slit will experience a change in the intensity of light at that point. Moreover, the time it takes for the intensity of light at point H to change after the slit is closed is shorter than the time it takes for light from the slit to reach point H. This indicates that information is transmitted from the slit to point H on the screen at a speed faster than the speed of light c. This does not violate Relativity, as it does not conflict with the Principle of Constancy of Light Velocity. The transmission speed of information within a wave packet of photons is not solely determined by the Principle of Constancy of Light Velocity. Information is transmitted at varying speeds within the wave packet. In the direction parallel to the propagation of the photons, the speed of information transmission matches c. However, in other directions, the speed of information transmission can exceed c.
The high price of equity in pulse oximetry: A cost evaluation and need for interim solutions
Authors: Dempsey Katelyn , Matos Joao , McMahon Timothy , Lindsay Mary , Tcheng James E. , Wong An-Kwok Ian
Published: September 2024

Disparities in pulse oximetry accuracy, disproportionately affecting patients of color, have been associated with serious clinical outcomes. Although many have called for pulse oximetry hardware replacement, the cost associated with this replacement is not known. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost of replacing all current pulse oximetry hardware throughout a hospital system via a single-center survey in 2023 at an academic medical center (Duke University) with three hospitals. The main outcome was the cost of total hardware replacement as identified by current day prices for hardware. New and used prices for 3,542/4,136 (85.6%) across three hospitals for pulse oximetry devices were found. The average cost to replace current pulse oximetry hardware is $6,834.61 per bed. Replacement and integration costs are estimated at $14.2–17.4 million for the entire medical system. Extrapolating these costs to 5,564 hospitals in the United States results in an estimated cost of $8.72 billion. “Simply replacing” current pulse oximetry hardware to address disparities may not be simple, cheap, or timely. Solutions for addressing pulse oximetry accuracy disparities leveraging current technology may be necessary, and might also be better.

Trial Registration: Pro00113724, exempt.
Development and validation of a deep learning model for detecting signs of tuberculosis on chest radiographs among US-bound immigrants and refugees
Authors: Lee Scott H. , Fox Shannon , Smith Raheem , Skrobarcek Kimberly A. , Keyserling Harold , Phares Christina R. , Lee Deborah , Posey Drew L.
Published: September 2024

Immigrants and refugees seeking admission to the United States must first undergo an overseas medical exam, overseen by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during which all persons ≥15 years old receive a chest x-ray to look for signs of tuberculosis. Although individual screening sites often implement quality control (QC) programs to ensure radiographs are interpreted correctly, the CDC does not currently have a method for conducting similar QC reviews at scale. We obtained digitized chest radiographs collected as part of the overseas immigration medical exam. Using radiographs from applicants 15 years old and older, we trained deep learning models to perform three tasks: identifying abnormal radiographs; identifying abnormal radiographs suggestive of tuberculosis; and identifying the specific findings (e.g., cavities or infiltrates) in abnormal radiographs. We then evaluated the models on both internal and external testing datasets, focusing on two classes of performance metrics: individual-level metrics, like sensitivity and specificity, and sample-level metrics, like accuracy in predicting the prevalence of abnormal radiographs. A total of 152,012 images (one image per applicant; mean applicant age 39 years) were used for model training. On our internal test dataset, our models performed well both in identifying abnormalities suggestive of TB (area under the curve [AUC] of 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95, 0.98) and in estimating sample-level counts of the same (-2% absolute percentage error; 95% CIC: -8%, 6%). On the external test datasets, our models performed similarly well in identifying both generic abnormalities (AUCs ranging from 0.89 to 0.92) and those suggestive of TB (AUCs from 0.94 to 0.99). This performance was consistent across metrics, including those based on thresholded class predictions, like sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score. Strong performance relative to high-quality radiological reference standards across a variety of datasets suggests our models may make reliable tools for supporting chest radiography QC activities at CDC.
Effectiveness of art-based health education on anemia and health literacy among pregnant women in Western Nepal: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sakai Hiroko , Kawata Rina , Adhikari Rajesh , Thapa Yoko Oda , Bhandari Tulsi Ram
Published: September 2024

Objective

As Nepalese pregnant women vary widely in literacy levels and cultural backgrounds and are reluctant to make decisions about their health, general interventions are insufficient to improve maternal anemia. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of “face-to-face health education using educational material created using pictures, photos, and nomograms” in reducing anemia and improving health literacy.

Methods

A total of 156 Nepalese pregnant women with hemoglobin (Hb) levels below 11.0 g/dl were divided into three groups: the education group received three sessions of face-to-face health education using art-based material unaffected by literacy skills; the distribution group received material used in the education group; and the control group underwent general perinatal checkups. Hb levels and health literacy scores were assessed at baseline early pregnancy (8–12 weeks) and late pregnancy (36–40 weeks). A Nepalese version of the 14-item Health Literacy Scale (HLS-14) was developed to assess health literacy.

Results

The post-intervention three-group comparison showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.042) in mean Hb levels after the intervention. Dunnett’s test showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.044) between the education and control groups but no significant difference between the distribution and control groups (P = 0.972). No significant differences in health literacy (total scores and subscales) were observed among the three groups before the intervention in the Kruskal-Wallis test and after the intervention (although there was a trend towards improvement). Total health literacy scores before and after the intervention were statistically significantly different for the total group and all three groups (P<0.001). Only the education group showed statistically significant differences in functional (P<0.012), communication (P<0.004), and critical (P<0.014) literacy subscale scores.

Conclusion

Continuous face-to-face health education using literacy material significantly reduced anemia and improved health literacy among Nepalese pregnant women.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR), URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ (Registration number: UMIN000049603).
Cost-effectiveness analysis of COVID-19 booster doses and oral antivirals: Case studies in the Indo-Pacific
Authors: Bilgin Gizem Mayis , Munira Syarifah Liza , Lokuge Kamalini , Glass Kathryn
Published: September 2024

Background

Decision-makers in middle-income countries need evidence on the cost-effectiveness of COVID-19 booster doses and oral antivirals to appropriately prioritise these healthcare interventions.

Methods

We used a dynamic transmission model to assess the cost-effectiveness of COVID-19 booster doses and oral antivirals in Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste. We conducted cost-effectiveness analysis from both healthcare and societal perspectives using data collated from publicly available sources. We developed an interactive R Shiny which allows the user to vary key model assumptions, such as the choice of discounting rate, and view how these assumptions affect model results.

Findings

Booster doses were cost saving and therefore cost-effective in all four middle-income settings from both healthcare and societal perspectives using 3% discounting. Providing oral antivirals was cost-effective from a healthcare perspective if procured at a low generic price (US$25) or middle-income reference price (US$250); however, their cost-effectiveness was strongly influenced by rates of wastage or misuse, and the ongoing costs of care for patients hospitalised with COVID-19. The cost or wastage of rapid antigen tests did not appear strongly influential over the cost-effectiveness of oral antivirals in any of the four study settings.

Conclusions

Our results support that COVID-19 booster programs are cost-effective in middle-income settings. Oral antivirals demonstrate the potential to be cost-effective if procured at or below a middle-income reference price of US$250 per schedule. Further research should quantify the rates of wastage or misuse of oral COVID-19 antivirals in middle-income settings.
Acceptability determinants of a proposal to reduce antiretroviral treatment to an oral two-drug regimen among patients living with HIV and physicians in France
Authors: Petit Anne-Sophie , Allavena Clotilde , Zucman David , Hocqueloux Laurent , Rousset-Torrente Olivia , Roucoux Guillaume , Duvivier Claudine , Le Moal Gwenaël , Chassany Olivier , Duracinsky Martin
Published: September 2024

An oral two-drug regimen (O2DR) in the form of a once-a-day single tablet is now recommended for treatment switching and treatment initiation for HIV. In clinical care, the process of treatment change refers to adaptation issues, both individual and within the care relationship. The study aim is to present the determinants involved in the acceptability of switching to O2DR in the PROBI (Patient-Reported Outcomes BItherapy) qualitative study. The study includes 30 interviews: 15 were conducted with doctors caring for people living with HIV, 15 were conducted with patients who had been offered a change of treatment. A double analysis was carried out: lexicometric analysis to highlight the structuring of the discourse around the change in treatment and a thematic analysis to understand the associated issues more precisely. The results highlighted common concerns with respect to switching to O2DR. Also, the caregiver-patient relationship was a central determinant in treatment switching. Information, knowledge and representations of O2DR are also factors facilitating treatment change and should be taken into account for doctors’ and patients’ adherence.
Prediction model for recommending coronary artery calcium score screening (CAC-prob) in cardiology outpatient units: A development study
Authors: Wongyikul Pakpoom , Tantraworasin Apichat , Suwannasom Pannipa , Srisuwan Tanop , Wannasopha Yutthaphan , Phinyo Phichayut
Published: September 2024

Despite the well-established significance of the CAC score as a cardiovascular risk marker, the timing of using CAC score in routine clinical practice remains unclear. We aim to develop a prediction model for patients visiting outpatient cardiology units, which can recommend whether CAC score screening is necessary. A prediction model using retrospective cross-sectional design was conducted. Patients who underwent CAC score screening were included. Eight candidate predictors were preselected, including age, gender, DM or primary hypertension, angina chest pain, LDL-C (≥130 mg/dl), presence of low HDL-C, triglyceride (≥150 mg/dl), and eGFR. The outcome of interest was the level of CAC score (CAC score 0, CAC score 1–99, CAC score ≥100). The model was developed using ordinal logistic regression, and model performance was evaluated in terms of discriminative ability and calibration. A total of 360 patients were recruited for analysis, comprising 136 with CAC score 0, 133 with CAC score 1–99, and 111 with CAC score ≥100. The final predictors identified were age, male gender, presence of hypertension or DM, and low HDL-C. The model demonstrated excellent discriminative ability (Ordinal C-statistics of 0.81) with visually good agreement on calibration plots. The implementation of this model (CAC-prob) has the potential to enhance precision in recommending CAC screening. However, external validation is necessary to assess its robustness in new patient cohorts.
Adaptation of unified protocol treatment for transdiagnostic disorders in Pakistan: A heuristic framework
Authors: Nisa Asma , Siddiqui Salma , Ametaj Amantia A. , Khan Fahad
Published: September 2024

The access to evidence-based treatments for mental health problems is limited in low-resource settings. Transdiagnostic approaches, such as the Unified Protocol (UP), are a potential solution for these settings because they are multi-problem focused, modular, flexible, and have low complexity. This study aimed to adapt UP to the mental health context of an urban speciality clinic in Pakistan using a four-step process of heuristic framework. The study employed an iterative and stakeholder-based approach to align the protocol with local values, language, and needs. Primarily, the proposed modifications focus on language use, matching literacy level, graphical illustrations, and relevance of examples. A multi-method approach including expert review, cognitive interviewing, and adaptation testing ensured cultural equivalence. Participants diagnosed with depression and anxiety were provided culturally adapted treatment (N = 15) at the testing phase. Findings indicated that the participants not only experienced significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety but also found the culturally adapted UP to be easy to understand, culturally relevant, and engaging. This study provides evidence that the UP can be culturally adapted and used in the mental health context of Pakistan. The findings suggest that the UP is a promising intervention for individuals with depression and anxiety in low-resource settings.
Chest X-ray findings of COVID-19 pneumonia in children: Experiences in a multicenter study in Thailand
Authors: Kulbun Aunya , Tovichien Prakarn , Chaiyakulsil Chanapai , Satdhabudha Araya , Kamalaporn Harutai , Sunkonkit Kanokkarn , Uppala Rattapon , Niyomkarn Watit , Norasettekul Vasinee , Ruangnapa Kanokpan , Smathakanee Chutima , Choursamran Bararee , Jaroenying Rasintra , Sriboonyong Tidarat , Sitthikarnkha Phanthila , Roekworachai Koonkoaw , Ratanavongkosol Thanyarat , Thongnual Chutima , Deerojanawong Jitladda
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Although chest X-ray is commonly used to diagnose COVID-19 pneumonia, few studies have explored findings in pediatric patients. This study aimed to reveal chest X-ray characteristics in children with COVID-19 pneumonia and compare between non-severe and severe cases.

Methods

This multicenter, nationwide retrospective study included all children aged 0 to 15 years who were admitted to 13 medical facilities throughout Thailand with COVID-19 pneumonia between January 2020 and October 2021. We analyzed the demographics, clinical features, and chest X-ray results of these children, and compared differences between the non-severe and severe groups.

Results

During the study period, 1018 children (52% male, median age 5 years) were admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia. Most chest radiographic findings showed bilateral (51%) patchy/ground glass opacities (61%) in the central area (64%). Only 12% of the children exhibited typical classification for COVID-19 pneumonia, whereas 74% of chest radiographs were categorized as indeterminate. Comorbidities including chronic lung diseases [adjusted OR (95%CI): 14.56 (3.80–55.75), P-value <0.001], cardiovascular diseases [adjusted OR (95%CI): 7.54 (1.44–39.48), P-value 0.017], genetic diseases [adjusted OR (95%CI): 28.39 (4.55–177.23), P-value <0.001], clinical dyspnea [adjusted OR (95%CI): 12.13 (5.94–24.77), P-value <0.001], tachypnea [adjusted OR (95%CI): 3.92 (1.79–8.55), P-value 0.001], and bilateral chest X-ray infiltrations [adjusted OR (95%CI): 1.99 (1.05–3.78), P-value 0.036] were factors associated with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Conclusion

Most children with COVID-19 pneumonia had indeterminate chest X-rays according to the previous classification. We suggest using chest X-rays in conjunction with clinical presentation to screen high-risk patients for early detection of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Integrated environmental and clinical surveillance for the prevention of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in indoor environments and vulnerable communities (Stell-ARI): Protocol
Authors: Carducci Annalaura , Arzilli Guglielmo , Atomsa Nebiyu Tariku , Lauretani Giulia , Verani Marco , Pistelli Francesco , Tavoschi Lara , Federigi Ileana , Fornili Marco , Petri Davide , Lomonaco Tommaso , Meschi Claudia , Pagani Alessandra , Agostini Antonello , Carrozzi Laura , Baglietto Laura , Paolotti Daniela , Cattuto Ciro , Dall’Amico Lorenzo , Rizzo Caterina
Published: September 2024

The epidemiological relevance of viral acute respiratory infections (ARIs) has been dramatically highlighted by COVID-19. However, other viruses cannot be neglected, such as influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human adenovirus. These viruses thrive in closed spaces, influenced by human and environmental factors. High-risk closed communities are the most vulnerable settings, where the real extent of viral ARIs is often difficult to evaluate, due to the natural disease progression and case identification complexities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater-based epidemiology has demonstrated its great potential for monitoring the circulation and evolution of the virus in the environment. The “Prevention of ARIs in indoor environments and vulnerable communities” study (Stell-ARI) addresses the urgent need for integrated surveillance and early detection of ARIs within enclosed and vulnerable communities such as long-term care facilities, prisons and primary schools. The rapid transmission of ARIs in such environments underscores the importance of comprehensive surveillance strategies to minimise the risk of outbreaks and safeguard community health, enabling proactive prevention and control strategies to protect the health of vulnerable populations. This study consists of designing and validating tools for integrated clinical and environmental-based surveillance for each setting, coupled with analytical methods for environmental matrices. The clinical surveillance involves specialized questionnaires and nasopharyngeal swabs for virus identification, while the environmental surveillance includes air and surface microbiological and chemical monitoring, and virological analysis of wastewater. Integrating this information and the collection of behavioural and environmental risk factors into predictive and risk assessment models will provide a useful tool for early warning, risk assessment and informed decision-making. The study aims to integrate clinical, behavioural, and environmental data to establish and validate a predictive model and risk assessment tool for the early warning and risk management of viral ARIs in closed and vulnerable communities prior to the onset of an outbreak.
The role of family conflict and cohesion in adolescents’ social responsibility: Emotion regulation ability as a mediator
Authors: Cheng Wing Yee , Cheung Rebecca Y. M. , Chung Kevin Kien Hoa
Published: September 2024

The social context is crucial for the adolescent development of self-regulatory skills and social responsibility. To understand the role of social context in adolescent development, the present study examined family predictors (i.e., family cohesion and conflict) of social responsibility, with emotion regulation ability as a mediating process. A total of 828 Chinese adolescents (35.6% female; mean age = 13.92 years, SD = 1.34) were recruited from major Chinese cities, including Hong Kong and Macau. Path analysis revealed that emotion regulation ability mediated the relation between family factors (i.e., family cohesion and family conflict) and social responsibility. That is, the ability to regulate emotions serves as a process between family factors and social responsibility. More specifically, family cohesion was positively associated with emotion regulation ability, whereas family conflict was negatively associated with emotion regulation ability. In turn, emotion regulation ability was positively associated with social responsibility. The results suggested that the family environment and adolescent’s emotion regulation ability are important contextual and intrapersonal factors contributing to their development of social responsibility. As an implication, policymakers and practitioners might allocate resources to enrich positive family interactions and cultivate emotional competency to support adolescents’ development of social responsibility.
Future amazon basin wetland hydrology under projected climate change
Authors: Gedney Nic , Rudorff Conrado , Betts Richard A.
Published: September 2024

Climate change over the Amazon basin has the potential to cause major hydrological and ecological impacts over the region’s extensive wetlands. To investigate this the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES) land surface model is first extended to include riverine inundation. Potential impacts of future climate change on Amazon basin wetlands are then evaluated by driving this updated JULES model with modelled meteorology projections from six different climate simulations reaching approximately 4°C global warming at the end of the 21st Century. The projected changes in inundation extent and seasonality are assessed over four major wetland regions. The simulations project, on average, a significant decrease in total Amazon basin inundated area of 11% (range: -36% to +9%) by the 2090s. This considerable spread is primarily driven by disparity in simulated precipitation changes, ultimately driven by sea surface temperature differences. The wetter contemporary climate simulations simulate the greatest drying by the end of this Century, resulting in the largest wetland area reductions. The largest qualitative disagreement is over the western Iquitos wetland, with inundated area changes ranging from a very large reduction of -53% to an increase of 12%. A new wetland classification scheme is developed to summarise the projected changes in wetland seasonality. The largest drops in simulated wetland season length occur over the Central/East Manaus and West Iquitos wetland regions, with reductions of up to 10 and 8 months respectively. Such significant changes in future inundation are likely to have a major impact on regional wetland hydrology and their ecosystems.
O papel edificante dos sínodos portugueses e castelhanos (séculos XIV e XV)
Authors: Teodoro Leandro Alves
Published: September 2024

Em meados do século XIV, os bispos de Portugal e Castela assumiram com maior veemência a obrigação de dirigir as almas dos fiéis cristãos para que pudessem se instruir e purgar os seus pecados. Com ênfase nas constituições sinodais – o conjunto de regras e conselhos lidos pelos prelados nos sínodos – este texto tem como objetivo analisar em que medida as prédicas dessas autoridades eclesiásticas de Portugal e de Castela lançaram mão de propostas semelhantes para orientar homens e mulheres desses reinos católicos a saberem como professar a religião cristã. Em outras palavras, o presente trabalho busca enfatizar as semelhanças entre as propostas moralizantes de prelados de diversas regiões desses reinos as quais foram levadas a cabo entre meados do século XIV e o final do XV, período de fixação em plagas ibéricas da reforma eclesiástica iniciada nos tempos do IV Concílio de Latrão (1215).
A felsőoktatás szerepe az aktív idősödés támogatásában: Intergenerációs tanulás során szerzett tapasztalat vizsgálata az időskorúak és felsőoktatási hallgatók esetében
Authors: Schiller Emese , Dorner Helga , Antesberger Klára
Published: September 2024

Az intergenerációs együttműködést támogató kezdeményezések elsődleges célja a különböző korosztályok közötti elfogadás elősegítése (Kaplan et al., 2017), valamint az aktív időskor támogatása (Aláez et al., 2022). A felsőoktatási intézmények kiemelt szerepet játszanak ezen kezdeményezések elősegítésében (Corrigan et al., 2013). Jelen tanulmány célja az intergenerációs tanulási tapasztalatok vizsgálata felsőoktatási színtéren. A kutatás 2022 őszén zajlott az ELTE Pedagógiai és Pszichológiai Karán egy nemzetközi konzorciális partnerség keretében, melynek alapvető célja az aktív időskor támogatási lehetőségeinek vizsgálata volt. A kutatás az intergenerációs tanulási projektben résztvevő ELTE egyetemi hallgatók (n=6) és idősebb önkéntes résztvevők (n=8) reflexióit tártja fel a tanulási tapasztalataik kapcsán, tekintettel az intergenerációs tanulás során fejlődni vélt készségekre, valamint a folyamatot segítő és hátráltató tényezőkre. A vizsgálat során mindkét korosztály esetében fókuszcsoportos interjúkat alkalmaztunk, és az adatok szintéziséhez diskurzuselemzést végeztünk (Krzyzanowksi, 2015), különös figyelmet fordítva az interakciók jellegének vizsgálatára.

Az elemzésben bemutatott induktív elemek és az azokkal kapcsolatos interakciók vizsgálata alapján láthatóak a két korcsoport közötti különbségek, valamint a csoportokon belül előforduló egyetértések, illetve különbözőségek. Mindkét korcsoport esetében felmerült a kooperatívitás, valamint kompromisszum-készség területén tapasztalt fejlődés, melynek más kontextusban való alkalmazásának lehetőségét különösen a fiatalabb résztvevők hangsúlyozták. Ezenfelül mindkét korosztály képviselője reflektált a projekt során tapasztalt kihívásokra, melyek főként a kommunikációs nehézségekben mutatkoztak meg. Azonban egyes résztvevők esetében a projekthez való hozzáállás, mások esetében a korkülönbség, valamint a különböző munkamorál jelentek meg meghatározó különbségként. Az oktatói facilitálás, mint támogató tényező kapott nagyobb hangsúlyt a fiatalabb résztvevők részéről; fontosságát egyöntetűen hangsúlyozták. Az intergenerációs tanulás hosszútávú fenntarthatósága kapcsán, annak egyetemi kurzusba való integrálásának potenciálja is felmerült a fókuszcsoportos beszélgetések során.
Synthesis and Characterization of CuO Nanoparticles from Kappaphycus alvarezii Derived Carrageenan for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye
Authors: James Jerin , Sharma Nishesh , Choudhary Priyvart , Semwal Amit , Sharma Rohit , Diwedi Vinay
Published: September 2024

The present study investigates the synthesis and characterization of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles embedded in carrageenan matrices derived from green and brown strains of Kappaphycus alvarezii. The CuO-carrageenan nanoparticles (CuO-CRGg and CuO-CRGb) exhibit distinct absorption peaks at 295 nm and 301 nm, respectively suggesting variations in particle size distribution and crystallinity. Morphological analysis through SEM reveals the agglomerated structures with average particle sizes of 93 nm for CuO-CRGg and 106 nm for CuO-CRGb. FTIR analysis indicates the presence of functional groups including 3,6-anhydrogalactose from carrageenan, whereas the XRD analysis shows the average crystalline sizes of 26 nm and 27 nm for CuO-CRGg and CuO-CRGb, respectively. The energy levels associated with CuO-CRGg and CuO-CRGb nanoparticles are confirmed with a characteric peak at 4.20 and 4.12 eV, respectively suggesting wide bandgap semiconductor properties. The CuO-CRGb nanoparticles demonstrate higher photocatalytic efficiency under UV light (89.76%) compared to visible light (55.21%), with rate constants of 0.035 min–1 and a half-life of 4.04 min. Whereas CuO-CRGg nanoparticles exhibit efficiencies of 86.87% under UV light and 64.38% under visible light, with a rate constant of 0.033 min–1 and a half-life of 4.12 min under UV light and 0.011 min–1 and a half-life of 5.15 min under visible light.
Enhanced Catalytic Activity for Production of Biodiesel from Aloe vera Oil and the Removal of Methyl Violet Dye using Polyaniline-Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanocomposite
Authors: Patil Narendra Mahadu , Jha Annapurna , Adole Vishnu A. , Huse Nanasaheb P. , Patil Manohar R.
Published: September 2024

The aim of this work was to use a unique technique to maximize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of biodiesel synthesis utilizing Aloe vera oil. Moreover, in order to facilitate the magnetic separation from the resultant mixture, lipase was immobilized on a magnetic nanocomposite consisting of polyaniline (PANI) and Fe3O4. Utilizing XRD, SEM, TGA and FTIR spectroscopy, the nanocomposite was thoroughly characterized. The results indicated that the immobilized lipase exhibited enhanced thermal stability and a modified optimum pH compared to its free form. Using immobilized lipase also significantly improved the biodiesel conversion yield from 27% with free enzyme to 60%. Remarkably, after five cycles of reutilization in the production of biodiesel, the immobilized lipase retained 90% activity. The catalytic effectiveness of lipase during biodiesel synthesis was significantly enhanced and its resistance to heat and pH fluctuations was strengthened by this novel immobilization approach. Beyond its potential usage in biodiesel production, the PANI-Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite also demonstrated photocatalytic removal and degradation of methyl violet dye from aqueous solution.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antifungal Studies of Novel Substituted Benzaldehyde Derivatives of 2-Amino-6-ferrocenyl-4-phenylpyrimidine
Authors: Ingle Ajitkumar Vijay , Rathod Shrimant Vhannappa
Published: September 2024

A series of novel 2-amino-6-ferrocenyl-4-phenylpyrimidine (AFPP) derivatives (6a-j) have been synthesized by coupling AFPP with thioglycolic acid and various substituted benzaldehydes (a-j) using standard 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) protocol. The synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR, 13C NMR, 1H NMR and MS techniques. The synthesized compounds 6a-j were evaluated for antifungal activities against Candida albicans MTCC 183. Comparing compounds 6a-j to standard amphotericin B, it was found that the synthesized compounds showed excellent activity.
Fabrication of Chitosan-Cu2O Nanocomposite through Ethanol Assisted Reduction
Authors: Dillu E. , Khan S.H.
Published: September 2024

The semiconducting characteristics of copper oxides have intrigued researchers like photocatalysis and sensors. Coating these nanoparticles with biocompatible polymers like chitosan enhances their properties, such as biocompatibility and non-toxicity, while reducing production costs. This work details the successful in situ production of a biocompatibile nanocomposite, with Cu2O nanoparticles dispersed in a chitosan matrix using ethanol as a reducing agent. Advanced techniques including ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging combined with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis, have been employed to characterize the nanocomposite material with additional relevant properties analyzed.
Synthesis and SAR Studies of Some Novel Series of Pyrimidine Analogues
Authors: Kalluraya Balakrishna , Kumar Sharatha , Priya
Published: September 2024

A series of novel ethyl-4-methyl-6-phenyl-2-(substituted thio)pyrimidine-5-carboxylate (4a-m), ethyl-4-methyl-phenyl-2-(substituted sulfinyl)pyrimidine-5-carboxylate (5a-m) and ethyl-4-methyl-phenyl-2-(substituted sulfonyl)pyrimidine-5-carboxylate (6a-m) were synthesized by multi-step organic synthesis. The synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, LCMS and elemental analysis. Most of the compounds showed significant antibacterial and anticancer activity comparable to or higher than the standard employed.
Water Dispersible Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Nanogold Composites through Soft Template Route for Electrochemical Sensing of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Sivakala S. , Rani P.R. Paulcy , Kumar Asha S. , Raveendran Reshmi Jaya
Published: September 2024

This study presented the development of a water dispersible poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanogold nanocomposite with a renewable resource-derived amphiphilic dopant, 3-pentadecylphenol-4-sulphonic acid (3-PDPSA). The amphiphilic dopant so designed is found to form stable emulsion with ethylenedioxythiopene (EDOT) with a wide composition range in water. The lyotropic behaviour of the PDPSA is found to be of complex nature at higher concentration higher than the micellar region. 3-PDPSA have built-in head-to-tail geometry effectively penetrates into PEDOT-Au chains to form highly organized nanowires. PEDOT-Au nanotubes are freely dispersible in water for various applications. PEDOT-Au is found to be an effective electrode modifier and acts as an electrochemical sensor for determining the concentration of ascorbic acid.
Supercapacitor and Photocatalytic Applications of Hydrothermally Synthesized of Polydymite Nanoparticles
Authors: Ajay K.M. , Dinesh M.N. , Dhanalakshmi M. , Somashekar M.N. , Ravikumar C.R. , Murthy H.C. Ananda
Published: September 2024

The hydrothermal technique for producing polydymite nanoparticles (Ni3S4 NPs) for photocatalytic and supercapacitor utilization is the main emphasis in present work. The microstructural and electrochemical characterizations were conducted to determine the performance parameters of supercapacitor such as specific capacitance, efficiency, energy density and power density values using cyclic voltammetric (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) techniques. The electrochemical characteristics of Ni3S4 NPs were studied using a TMS electrode in a 2 M KOH solution. This showed a specific capacitance value of 524 F g–1 at a current density of 1 A g–1. The Ni3S4 NPs showed good photocatalytic activities for the photodegradation of fast blue dye, the Ni3S4 NPs exhibits a 75.6% colour loss rate following the exposure for 120 min to UV radiation.
Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Hydrochemistry using Water Quality Index in District Mirpur Khas, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Arain Ghulam Murtaza , Khatoon Sumaira , Sattar Nazia , Mustaquim Javed
Published: September 2024

Groundwater is a major source of drinking water in the rural areas of Sindh province, including District Mirpur Khas of Pakistan. This study was undertaken to evaluate the suitability of groundwater in Mirpur Khas for drinking purposes. In October and November 2018, the groundwater samples were collected from 50 bore wells and analyzed 17 physico-chemical parameters. The pH ranged from 7.8 to 8.8, indicating the slightly alkaline nature of the water. The mean abundance of major cations is Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ and for major anions, it is SO42– > Cl– > HCO3– > NO3– > F–. The hydrochemical facies of groundwater samples show that 29 have a mixed composition, Na+-K+-Cl– characterized by 17 and the remaining 4 fall into the Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3– category. The water quality index (WQI) was calculated based on WHO standards for drinking water using 16 physico-chemical parameters. The computed WQI values range from 20.4 to 503.1. Out of the 50 samples, 9 are classified as ‘excellent,’ 21 as ‘good,’ 13 as ‘poor,’ 4 as ‘very poor,’ and 3 as ‘unsuitable for drinking.’ The average WQI value is 118.7 for 50 samples, which falls under the ‘good’ category. Turbidity and EC exhibited the highest mean effective weight values, indicating their significant influence on the WQI values.
Rapid Iodination Kinetic Studies of o-Toluidine in Aqueous Medium: A Pharmacokinetic Insight from QSAR and Molecular Docking of its Iodo Product with Cytochrome P450
Authors: Sangpal R.R. , Borkar Vitthal T. , Bahule B.B. , Latpate Snehal S. , Marathe Varsha
Published: September 2024

The kinetic data of uncatalyzed rapid iodination of o-toluidine using molecular iodine in aqueous medium was investigated by employing hydrodynamic voltammetry (HV) technique. The frequency factor, activation energy and entropy change accompanying the reaction were evaluated. The reaction followed second order kinetics that had a half-life of 90 s and specific reaction rate 888.87 M s–1 at 22.1 ºC. The iodo product was formed via the green route in the aqueous solvent. The physico-chemical characteristics, lipophilicity, water solubility and pharmacokinetic parameters were derived by QSAR analysis. The docking of the iodo product with cytochrome P450 exhibited steric and physiological complementarity of the ligand-protein interface through hydrogen bonding and pi-pi stacking interactions, indicating that the product exhibited metabolic activity was similar to the existing drugs.
Reflexões da teoria de Orem e a aplicabilidade de tecnologias educativas para o autocuidado da pessoa com estomia instestinal
Authors: Klein Lorena Costa , Grassel Cristal dos Santos , Ribeiro Wanderson Alves , Santos Daiane Lopes dos , Constantino Gabriel Nivaldo Brito , Guedes Miriam Maria Ferreira , Carneiro Ana Fagundes , Pires Tarsila Reis Pinto , Siqueira Milena Rangel , Pedrosa Pietro Henrique Benevides , Oliveira Ane Raquel de , Souza Viviane Cortes Cruz de Souza , Souza Érica Motta Moreira de
Published: September 2024

O empoderamento do indivíduo sobre sua condição de saúde é de suma importância para obtenção de sua autonomia, por isso a importância de incentivar o autocuidado. Os conceitos e postulados de Dorothea Orem são de grande relevância para a construção do conhecimento no campo das bases teóricas e filosóficas da enfermagem, como forte norteador da prática da mesma, no que se refere às necessidades de autocuidado. O autocuidado e a promoção de cuidado dependentes requerem disponibilidade, aquisição, preparação e utilização de recursos determinantes para a necessidade e prestação de cuidado. O presente estudo tem como objetivo mostrar as contribuições da teoria de Orem e das aplicabilidades de tecnologias educativas para o autocuidado da pessoa com estomia intestinal. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, qualitativo do tipo análise reflexiva, uma revisão narrativa. Onde, os estudos de revisão narrativa são publicações com a finalidade de descrever e discutir o estado da arte de um determinado assunto. Foram selecionados e analisados artigos publicados nos últimos cincos anos, nos idiomas Português, Inglês e Espanhol que abordassem o tema e no intuito de adquirir maior aprofundamento e aproximação com o objeto de estudo para subsidiar as reflexões. Foram elaboradas 3 categoridas, sendo, respectivamente: Autocuidado a pessoa com estomia intestinal; Principais dificuldades elencadas pelo paciente com estomia intestinal, para realização do autocuidado; Tecnologias de educação em saúde para o autocuidado da pessoa com estomia intestinal. Sendo assim, o presente estudo visa abordará, de forma suscinta, refloxões da Teoria de Orem e a sua aplicabilidade em tecnologias educativas para o autocuidado da pessoa com estomia intestinal.
Catechin reduces liver inflammation by regulating Kupffer cell activation in rats
Authors: Ahn Meejung
Published: September 2024

The liver is a defense against infections due to its strategic location between the gastrointestinal and systemic circulations. In dogs and cats, infectious hepatitis encompasses a range of contagious diseases affecting the liver either directly or as part of a broader systemic infection, including bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal, protozoal, parasitic, and rickettsial diseases. Catechins possess well-recognized natural antioxidant properties. This study investigated their therapeutic potential for applications in hepatology, evaluating whether catechins reduce hepatic inflammation in rats repeatedly exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Sprague-Dawley rats were given catechin 50 (C50) or 100 (C100) mg/kg body weight orally daily for 3 days. This treatment was given with or without concurrent intraperitoneal injections of CCl4. Phosphate-buffered saline served as the vehicle control, while silymarin administered at 100 mg/kg was used as the positive control.Gross examination revealed significant enlargement, edema, and darker tissue in CCl4-induced livers treated with vehicle. Additionally, spotty discoloration was observed on the surface. Kupffer cell activation suppressed the expression of inflammatory mediators, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), in groups co-treated with catechin and CCl4; this effect was reversed when catalase replaced catechin in CCl4-injured rats. Catechin alleviates hepatic inflammation in rats repeatedly exposed to CCl4; it also modulates the activation of Kupffer cells and monocytes. These results should lead to new treatments for liver inflammation in veterinary practice.
The Quran and Muslim Minority Scholar’s Perspective: A Comparative Study of Abdullah Saeed and Farid Esack
Authors: Muhammad Wildan Imaduddin , Rahman Yusuf
Published: September 2024

This article discusses an alternative perspective in understanding the content of the Qur’an i.e., the perspective of minority Muslim scholars. The object of this study is the thought of tafsir Abdullah Saeed and Farid Esack who are positioned as Muslim scholars of Western institutions living as a minority, how their views of the Qur’an and how they develop interpretive methodologies according to the context of the environment in which they live. This article shows that the construction of the thought of Abdullah Saeed and Farid Esack positioned as minority scholars can represent its own contemporary model of interpretation. Abdullah Saeed with the idea of contextual interpretation laid out three bases of interpretive methodology: hierarchical values, contextual meaning, and systematic contextual interpretation. The three bases of the methodology are used to see the extent to which verses on ethical law can be understood and practiced in contemporary contexts while remaining grounded in the substance of the values carried when they are derived. While Farid Esack with his idea of liberative exegesis tried to break conservatism in South Africa with three methodological foundations: progressive revelation, reception hermeneutics, and the liberation theology of the Qur’an. The foundation of this methodology was used as a basis for value and legitimacy in supporting the agenda of popular solidarity between Muslims and non-Muslims in South Africa to overthrow the apartheid regime.
Al-Tadlīl ‘alā Imāmah Abī Bakr min Khilāli Tafsīr al-Māturīdī
Authors: Ünsal Hadiye
Published: September 2024

Abū Manṣūr Muḥammad b. Maḥmūd al-Samarḳandī (d. 333/944), the founder of the Māturīdiyya sect, is one of the significant scholars of the Hanafi sect. Imam Māturīdī is a scholar in the history of Islamic science who became famous for a theologian (mutaqallim), interpreter (mufassir) and jurist (faqīh), and is known for his Kitāb al-Tawḥīd. Besides that, Māturīdī and his commentary entitled Taʼwīlāt al-Qurʼān - one of the earliest tafsir bi al-ra’y (bi-al dirayah) examples of the exegetical literature- have broadly been studied in Turkish theology academia especially in recent years. This study aims to discuss the verses related to Abū  Bakr’s (d. 13/634) caliphate in Imam al-Māturīdī’s Taʼwīlāt al-Qurʼān in terms of the distinction between tafsir and ta’wil. As it is known, the distinction between tafsir and ta’wil is based on Māturīdī’s writings. According to this distinction, tafsir is the process of interpretation particularly by the companions whereas ta’wil is done by the fuqaha. Therefore it is appropriate to say that tafsir means “contextual meaning” while ta’wil stands for “commentation.” As a matter of fact, Māturīdī also explains the word tafsir as the first and original meaning of the Qur’an in the context of its revelation. However, he explains in his Taʼwīlāt al-Qurʼān many verses by associating them with some issues that emerged after the revelation of the Qur’an, thus making “ta’wil.” Moreover, he gave the title Taʼwīlāt to his work in accordance with this understanding. In this study, it will be discussed whether Māturīdī’s well-known definition of tafsir contradicts or not with his commentation on the verses that he claims pointing to Abū Bakr’s caliphate and/or his superiority. The verses considered evidence for Abū Bakr’s caliphate and/or his superiority in Taʼwīlāt al-Qurʼān will be scanned and in this context, the way Māturīdī understands and interprets verses such as al-Maidah 5/54, at-Tawbah 9/40, Hūd 11/84 and al-Hadid 57/19 will be analyzed.
Contextualizing Justice in Times of Crisis: A Study of QS. Al-Mā’idah 5:38 and its Application in Criminal Theft Cases
Authors: Puji Pangastuti Berlian
Published: September 2024

The Qur'an is considered a guide for all of humanity, offering valuable insights and guidance that is adaptable to changing circumstances and the challenges of modern life. This paper focuses on the issue of theft in times of emergency, which is an issue of concern for many societies today. In particular, the paper examines the Quranic verse, QS Al-Mā’idah 5:38, which states that men and women who steal are punished by having their hands cut off. The paper employs Abdullah Saeed's interpretation method, which emphasizes the importance of contextualizing Quranic verses in response to contemporary realities. The findings of the study indicate that the verse in question has a universal value in terms of justice, as it seeks to ensure that people's basic rights are protected and fulfilled in order to prevent theft. However, if basic needs are not met and a person is forced to steal in order to survive, it may be permissible to do so, as long as the limits of necessity are not exceeded. The verse also has a temporal nature, as the law of cutting hands can be replaced with alternative punishments, depending on the circumstances. In the Islamic context, this alternative might be ta'zir, while in the Indonesian context, it might involve a restorative justice process. Overall, the paper offers valuable insights into how the Qur'an can be interpreted to address the challenges of modern life, especially in times of emergency. The study highlights the importance of contextualizing Quranic verses in order to respond effectively to changing circumstances, while still upholding the core values of justice and compassion.
To what Extent Can the Diversity of Qur’anic Tafsir be Described as ‘Traditions of Reason’
Authors: Dhulkifli Muhammad Luthfi
Published: September 2024

This paper examines tafsir as one of the oldest scientific disciplines developed by Muslims, who experienced dialectical shifts from time to time. Early tafsir was characterized by the bi al-mathur tradition or by its reliance on riwayah sources. While it is commonly argued that this mode of interpretation leaves no place for the mufassir's intervention, his subjectivity and rationality in choosing the preferred tradition cannot be ignored. Following that, tafsir evolved according to the bi al-ra'yi tradition which is believed to emphasize the mufassir’s reasoning while interpreting the Qur’an. This paper is addressed to examine this categorization, using Sherman Jackson’s traditions of reason that aim to compromise tafsir with varying hues of traditionalist and rationalist perspectives. This paper employs the library method by reviewing relevant literature to answers the main question. In the end, the limitations of a tafsir can be accepted as traditions of reason as long as the interpretation adheres to the fundamental criteria of interpretation. This includes mufassir’s profound understanding, no conflict with other verses or hadith, and, in many cases, its conformity with logic. Traditional and Rational elements are complementary and must be addressed proportionately. The emphasis on reason has the potential to lead to the mufassir's personal preferences and biases. Meanwhile, the usage of traditional riwayah will limit interpretive space and the context's applicability.