bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pH-responsive targeted nanoparticles release ERK-inhibitor in the hypoxic zone and sensitize free gemcitabine in mutant K-Ras-addicted pancreatic cancer cells and mouse model
Authors: Dutta Debasmita , Ray Priyanka , De Archana , Ghosh Arnab , Hazra Raj Shankar , Ghosh Pratyusha , Banerjee Snigdha , Diaz Francisco J. , Upadhyay Sunil P. , Quadir Mohiuddin , Banerjee Sushanta K.
Published: April 2024

Therapeutic options for managing Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the deadliest types of aggressive malignancies, are limited and disappointing. Therefore, despite suboptimal clinical effects, gemcitabine (GEM) remains the first-line chemotherapeutic drug in the clinic for PDAC treatment. The therapeutic limitations of GEM are primarily due to poor bioavailability and the development of chemoresistance resulting from the addiction of mutant-K-RAS/AKT/ERK signaling-mediated desmoplastic barriers with a hypoxic microenvironment. Several new therapeutic approaches, including nanoparticle-assisted drug delivery, are being investigated by us and others. This study used pH-responsive nanoparticles encapsulated ERK inhibitor (SCH772984) and surface functionalized with tumor-penetrating peptide, iRGD, to target PDAC tumors. We used a small molecule, SCH772984, to target ERK1 and ERK2 in PDAC and other cancer cells. This nanocarrier efficiently released ERKi in hypoxic and low-pH environments. We also found that the free-GEM, which is functionally weak when combined with nanoencapsulated ERKi, led to significant synergistic treatment outcomes in vitro and in vivo. In particular, the combination approaches significantly enhanced the GEM effect in PDAC growth inhibition and prolonged survival of the animals in a genetically engineered KPC (LSL-KrasG12D/+/LSL-Trp53R172H/+/Pdx-1-Cre) pancreatic cancer mouse model, which is not observed in a single therapy. Mechanistically, we anticipate that the GEM efficacy was increased as ERKi blocks desmoplasia by impairing the production of desmoplastic regulatory factors in PDAC cells and KPC mouse tumors. Therefore, 2nd generation ERKi (SCH 772984)-iRGD-pHNPs are vital for the cellular response to GEM and denote a promising therapeutic target in PDAC with mutant K-RAS.
Dental findings frequently overlooked in sinus computed tomography reports
Authors: Wuokko-Landén Annina , Välimaa Hanna , Blomgren Karin , Suomalainen Anni
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Computed tomography (CT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) represent the main imaging modalities used in rhinosinusitis patients and are also important in odontogenic sinusitis (OS) diagnostics. Reports, however, often lack information on dentition. Here, we aimed to determine how maxillary dentition is initially interpreted in rhinosinusitis patients’ CT/CBCT reports and which dental findings in particular are potentially missed, thus needing more attention.

Study design

CT/CBCT scans and radiological reports from 300 rhinosinusitis patients were analysed focusing specifically on dental findings. An experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologist re-evaluated the scans and the assessment was compared to the original reports using the McNemar test.

Results

From the 300 original reports, 233 (77.7%) mentioned the maxillary teeth. The most frequent statement (126/300, 42.0%) was ‘no apical periodontitis’. Apical periodontitis and severe alveolar bone loss were significantly overlooked (p < 0.001). Amongst the 225 patients for whom the CT/CBCT report initially lacked information on dental pathology, 22 patients were diagnosed with apical periodontitis and 16 with severe alveolar bone loss upon re-evaluation.

Conclusions

Dental pathology remains underreported in rhinosinusitis patients’ CT/CBCT reports. Because these reports affect OS diagnostics, a routine and structured review of the maxillary teeth by a radiologist is necessary. Such examinations should encompass the maxillary teeth.
Treatment seeking experiences of ACS patients in Yogyakarta, Indonesia during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Dewi Pramitha Esha Nirmala , Sunantiwat Montaya , Thavorncharoensap Montarat , Youngkong Sitaporn , Nathisuwan Surakit , Rahajeng Bangunawati
Published: April 2024

Delay in treatment seeking is recognized as a major contributor for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) mortality in Indonesia. Despite the significance of timely treatment, decline in admission and delay in presentation of patients with ACS were consistently reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. These suggested that treatment seeking performance of patients during the pandemic might be different from the previous period. This qualitative study aimed to explore treatment seeking behaviour, barriers in seeking medical treatment, and experiences of patients with ACS in Yogyakarta, Indonesia during COVID-19 pandemic. In depth-interviews were carried out with 30 patients, who were hospitalized with ACS at one of the three selected hospitals in Yogyakarta during the pandemic period. Thematic analysis was performed to create vital explanations for treatment seeking practices of patients with ACS during pandemic. Three significant themes were identified: treatment seeking decisions, barriers in seeking medical treatment during COVID-19, and experiencing both good and bad impression from entering and staying in the hospital. The intensity of ACS symptoms and fear of COVID-19 infection dominated the delay in seeking medical treatment. Strict safety measures, religious belief, and fear of ACS helped patients overcome barriers and seek medical treatment during pandemic. ACS patients also had convenient medical care during the pandemic and believed medical staff would provide excellent care to them. However, visit restriction policy could cause psychological discomfort. Increase awareness of ACS symptoms and the risk of delays ACS treatment are essential to support patients’ decisions to seek medical helps in a timely manner at any situations including pandemic. Interventions aim at alleviating psychological distress should also be designed and implemented to improve treatment experiences of ACS patients, who sought medical treatment during the pandemic crisis.
Pollen identification through convolutional neural networks: First application on a full fossil pollen sequence
Authors: Durand Médéric , Paillard Jordan , Ménard Marie-Pier , Suranyi Thomas , Grondin Pierre , Blarquez Olivier
Published: April 2024

The automation of pollen identification has seen vast improvements in the past years, with Convolutional Neural Networks coming out as the preferred tool to train models. Still, only a small portion of works published on the matter address the identification of fossil pollen. Fossil pollen is commonly extracted from organic sediment cores and are used by paleoecologists to reconstruct past environments, flora, vegetation, and their evolution through time. The automation of fossil pollen identification would allow paleoecologists to save both time and money while reducing bias and uncertainty. However, Convolutional Neural Networks require a large amount of data for training and databases of fossilized pollen are rare and often incomplete. Since machine learning models are usually trained using labelled fresh pollen associated with many different species, there exists a gap between the training data and target data. We propose a method for a large-scale fossil pollen identification workflow. Our proposed method employs an accelerated fossil pollen extraction protocol and Convolutional Neural Networks trained on the labelled fresh pollen of the species most commonly found in Northeastern American organic sediments. We first test our model on fresh pollen and then on a full fossil pollen sequence totalling 196,526 images. Our model achieved an average per class accuracy of 91.2% when tested against fresh pollen. However, we find that our model does not perform as well when tested on fossil data. While our model is overconfident in its predictions, the general abundance patterns remain consistent with the traditional palynologist IDs. Although not yet capable of accurately classifying a whole fossil pollen sequence, our model serves as a proof of concept towards creating a full large-scale identification workflow.
American Indian and Alaska Native recruitment strategies for health-related randomized controlled trials: A scoping review
Authors: Redvers Nicole , Larson Sarah , Rajpathy Olivia , Olson Devon
Published: April 2024

Background

Significant health disparities exist among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), yet AI/ANs are substantially underrepresented within health-related research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Although research has previously charted representation inequities, there is however a gap in the literature documenting best practice for recruitment techniques of AI/ANs into RCTs. Therefore, the aim of this review was to systematically gather and analyze the published literature to identify common strategies for AI/AN participant recruitment for RCTs in the US.

Methods

A scoping review methodology was engaged with a systematic search operationalized within relevant databases to February 19, 2022, with an additional updated search being carried out up until January 1, 2023: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. A two-stage article review process was engaged with double reviewers using Covidence review software. Content analysis was then carried out within the included articles by two reviewers using NVivo software to identify common categories within the data on the topic area.

Results

Our review identified forty-one relevant articles with the main categories of recruitment strategies being: 1) recruitment methods for AI/ANs into RCTs (passive advertising recruitment approaches, individual-level recruitment approaches, relational methods of recruitment); 2) recruitment personnel used within RCTs; and, 3) relevant recruitment setting. The majority of the included studies used a culturally relevant intervention, as well as a community-involved approach to operationalizing the research.

Conclusion

Increasing AI/AN representation in RCTs is essential for generating evidence-based interventions that effectively address health disparities and improve health outcomes. Researchers and funding agencies should prioritize the engagement, inclusion, and leadership of AI/AN communities throughout the RCT research process. This includes early community involvement in study design, implementation of culturally tailored recruitment strategies, and dissemination of research findings in formats accessible to AI/AN communities.
Informed consent and trial prioritization for clinical studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stakeholder experiences and viewpoints
Authors: Weigold Stefanie , Schorr Susanne Gabriele , Faust Alice , Woydack Lena , Strech Daniel
Published: April 2024

Background

Very little is known about the practice-oriented challenges and potential response strategies for effective and efficient translation of informed consent and study prioritization in times of a pandemic. This stakeholder interview study aimed to identify the full spectrum of challenges and potential response strategies for informed consent and study prioritization in a pandemic setting.

Methods

We performed semi-structured interviews with German stakeholders involved in clinical research during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continued sampling and thematic text analysis of interview transcripts until thematic saturation of challenges and potential response strategies was reached.

Results

We conducted 21 interviews with investigators, oversight bodies, funders and research support units. For the first topic informed consent we identified three main themes: consent challenges, impact of consent challenges on clinical research, and potential strategies for consent challenges. For the second topic prioritization of clinical studies, we identified two main themes: perceived benefit of prioritization and potential strategies for prioritization. All main themes are further specified with subthemes. A supplementary table provides original quotes from the interviews for all subthemes.

Discussion

Potential response strategies for challenges with informed consent and study prioritization partly share common ground. High quality procedures for study prioritization, for example, seem to be a core response strategy in dealing with informed consent challenges. Especially in a research environment with particularly high uncertainty regarding potential treatment effects and further limitations for valid informed consent should the selection of clinical trials be very well justified from a scientific, medical, and ethics viewpoint.
The Mountain in the Sea: Place, Wilderness and History on the Sunset Side of Hoerikwaggo
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, du Toit Andries
Published: April 2024

For six years of my life, I lived in Camps Bay. That’s a bit like saying I lived in Beverley Hills, or Knightsbridge, or on The Peak in Hong Kong. Every city has a suburb that is the local byword for conspicuous consumption, for interstellar property values, for self-indulgent wealth. In Cape Town to say you live in Camps Bay is to say your other car is a Range Rover; that your Pilates instructor comes to your house every morning; that your daughter started using Botox at seventeen.
Tonometry Through Time
Authors: Parker Carol B. , Tison Kara L.
Published: April 2024

The significance of intraocular pressure (IOP) was first noted in the 10th century. Instrumentation to measure IOP was first developed in the 19th century and has continued to develop over time. We now have anesthetics to aid in measuring intraocular pressure by indentation, applanation, or a combination of both indentation and applanation. In addition, non-contact and rebound tonometers are available and require no anesthetic. This article discusses the development, design and use of these instruments over a historical timeline.
Three Eye and Vision Care History Organizations: Their Emphases, Activities, and How to Get Involved
Authors: Goss David A. , Letocha Charles E. , Salt John Dixon , Chahine Tony
Published: April 2024

This paper describes three organizations devoted to various aspects of the history of eye and vision care. The Optometric Historical Society, founded in 1969, strives to promote the study, documentation and appreciation of optometry history. The Ophthalmic Antiques International Collectors’ Club, founded in 1982, and the Ocular Heritage Society, founded in 1984, are societies of collectors of vision aids and other objects related to eye and vision care, and they work to promote the study of ophthalmic antiques.
Book Review: As Far As The Eye Can See: A History Of Seeing
Authors: Goss David A.
Published: April 2024

As Far as the Eye Can See: A History of Seeing. Susan Denham Wade. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK: The History Press, 2019. ISBN-13: 978-0-7509-8703-5. 304 pages. Hardcover.
Does Serum Uric Acid to Creatinine Ratio Predict Mortality Risk in Patients With Heart Failure?
Authors: Xi Xiaoqing , Cai Jinfeng , Zhang Chen , Wang Xuefei
Published: April 2024

Background:

Previous studies have established a positive correlation between serum uric acid to creatinine (SUA/Cr) ratio and cardiovascular disease, but the relationship between SUA/Cr ratio and the prognosis of heart failure (HF) remains unknown. This study investigated the potential of SUA/Cr ratio as a prognostic predictor for patients with HF.

Methods:

This single-center prospective cohort study enrolled 2,122 patients with HF between March 2013 and June 2017. All patients were divided into 3 groups according to SUA/Cr ratio tertiles and were followed up with until December 31, 2022. The association between SUA/Cr ratio and the prognosis of HF was assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results:

The mean (SD) age and mean (SD) SUA/Cr ratio of the study cohort (66% male) were 59.3 (14.7) years and 4.71 (2.09), respectively. During a median follow-up period of 15 months (range, 11-26 months), 390 end-point events were observed. Prognosis analysis revealed that a high SUA/Cr ratio was associated with an increased mortality risk of HF (hazard ratio, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.26-2.09]; P < .001) compared with the SUA/Cr ratio in the lowest tertile. After adjusting for covariates, the hazard ratio for mortality risk of HF was 1.71 (95% CI, 1.23-2.37; P = .001). Subgroup analysis showed that mortality risk increased in direct proportion with the SUA/Cr ratio in female patients, patients with a history of hypertension and β-blocker use, and patients with UA levels below 428 μmol/L and creatinine levels less than 97 mg/dL. Stratification by age; by history of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking; and by level of fasting plasma glucose, however, had no obvious effect on the association between SUA/Cr ratio and HF prognosis. Patients with higher SUA/Cr ratios had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter.

Conclusion:

A high SUA/Cr ratio was an independent risk factor for the mortality risk of HF.
ANTECEDENTS OF PATIENT SATISFACTION AND ITS IMPACT ON WORD OF MOUTH: A STUDY ON OUTPATIENTS AT XYZ PRIVATE HOSPITAL IN MAKASSAR CITY
Authors: Ellen Ellen , Bernarto Innocentius
Published: April 2024

The objective of this research is to determine the influence of antecedents of patient satisfaction in outpatient services on word of mouth. The antecedents of patient satisfaction will be assessed from the factors of people, process, and physical evidence, which are elements of the marketing mix. This is a quantitative study, where the data collection method involves distributing questionnaires to sample respondents within the research population. Four hypothesis pathways were analyzed using PLS-SEM, with primary data collected from outpatient patients at private hospital XYZ in Makassar city in April 2023, with total of 208 respondents. The results show that the factors of people, process, and physical evidence positively influence patient satisfaction and also have a positive impact on word of mouth. This research is expected to contribute to private hospitals in improving their outpatient services, enhancing word of mouth, and also elevating the hospitals’ image.
Facilities and Equipment Service Management Model: Team Motivation Practices
Authors: Romana Fernando Acabado , Gestoso Carlos Guillen , Fernandez Silvia Gonzalez , Forero Antónia Ávila
Published: April 2024

This study aims to deepen knowledge of hospital service management, with a focus on functions, procedures and processes related to non-medical Facilities and Equipment. Using four interviews with key professionals and a questionnaire completed by 52 employees, the research explores common themes and their practical implications. The study offers a comprehensive analysis of hospital dynamics, highlighting the complexity of functions and procedures for operational efficiency. It identifies effective process monitoring as crucial to the timely completion of hospital activities and proposes areas for improvement, such as process management and digitalisation, providing valuable guidance for managers and healthcare professionals.
Effectiveness of Interventional Package on Pulmonary Functional Parameters Among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Admitted in Selected Medical College and Hospital
Authors:   Sree Balaji College of Nursing, Chrompet, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Malathi G. , Sarathi Sathiyalatha ,   Sree Balaji College of Nursing, Chrompet, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Hemavathy V. ,   Sree Balaji College of Nursing, Chrompet, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
Published: April 2024

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is very common in general population. It is a slowly progressing disease involving the airways or pulmonary parenchyma resulting in airflow obstruction. The most common factor leading to COPD is cigarette smoking, exposure to occupational dust and chemicals. The symptom of COPD ranges from dyspnoea, chronic cough with or without sputum production. Interventional package containing education and deep breathing exercises improved the health status and increased the exercise tolerance of patients with COPD. The main objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of interventional package on pulmonary functional parameters among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in experimental group. The research design adopted was quasi experimental with two group pre test post test design. Purposive sampling technique was followed to obtain a sample of 400 COPD patients (200 COPD patients in experimental groups and 200 COPD patients in control groups) Pre test and post test assessment was done by using pulmonary functional parameters.Interventional package containing educational phase was provided for 15-20 minutes daily and deep breathing exercises were administered 2 cycles per day for 7 days to the experimental group whereas control group was not given any intervention. Post test was conducted after intervention both experimental and control group on day 7. The study reveals that they improves the pulmonary functional parameters after intervention, than in the control group. The t value of difference of comparison mean of pulmonary function tabulated was found to be t=28.45, df = 59 P<0.05. The study also shows that there is an association between age, history of smoking, family history, the conclusion of the study shows that interventional package is found to be an effective non pharamacological therapy to improve lung function.
Obesity‐induced skeletal muscle remodeling: A comparative analysis of exercise training and ACE‐inhibitory drug in male mice
Authors: Proença Ana Beatriz , Alexandre‐Santos Beatriz , Giori Isabele Gomes , Alex‐Marques Jaime Silva Filho , Machado‐Santos Clarice , Machado Marcus , Magliano D'Angelo Carlo , da Nobrega Antonio Claudio Lucas , Frantz Eliete Dalla Corte
Published: April 2024

Obesity over‐activates the classical arm of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS), impairing skeletal muscle remodeling. We aimed to compare the effect of exercise training and enalapril, an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, on RAS modulation in the skeletal muscle of obese animals. Thus, we divided C57BL/6 mice into two groups: standard chow (SC) and high‐fat (HF) diet for 16 weeks. At the eighth week, the HF‐fed animals were divided into four subgroups—sedentary (HF), treated with enalapril (HF‐E), exercise training protocol (HF‐T), and combined interventions (HF‐ET). After 8 weeks of treatment, we evaluated body mass and index (BMI), body composition, exercise capacity, muscle morphology, and skeletal muscle molecular markers. All interventions resulted in lower BMI and attenuation of overactivation in the classical arm, while favoring the B2R in the bradykinin receptors profile. This was associated with reduced apoptosis markers in obese skeletal muscles. The HF‐T group showed an increase in muscle mass and expression of biosynthesis markers and a reduction in expression of degradation markers and muscle fiber atrophy due to obesity. These findings suggest that the combination intervention did not have a synergistic effect against obesity‐induced muscle remodeling. Additionally, the use of enalapril impaired muscle's physiological adaptations to exercise training.
Two Qaraquyunlu and Aqquyunlu ‘Turkmen’ Decrees in the Great Mosque of Mardin
Authors: Leube Georg
Published: April 2024

This contribution reconstructs and contextualizes two decrees abolishing specific imposts. Both were inscribed into the eastern entrance vestibule of the great mosque of Mardin connecting the mosque to the main market area of the town in the name of Qaraquyunlu and Aqquyunlu ‘Turkmen’ rulers in the mid-15th century CE. As argued in this article, the decrees pertain to the immediate context of the civil revolt of Mardin against Jahāngīr Aqquyunlu in 1450 CE. Accordingly, the inscription of fiscal decrees into highly visible and institutionally protected locations of the urban fabric emerges as a crucial interface negotiating civil (dis)content and the pragmatics of rule. Together with the exceptionally dense attestation of the history of Mardin during the first half of the 15th century CE in a variety of mediums and narrative and linguistic traditions, this enables an exemplary reconstruction of subaltern and non-rulerly agency during this period of frequently changing rulers. By historicizing the fiscal ordinances decreed in both inscriptions, fiscal imposts emerge as one of the strands along which civil (dis)content could be negotiated. In addition, the continued preservation of both inscriptions attests to the resilience and stability of the ‘inscribed public sphere’ of Mardin. Accordingly, inscriptions 853 and 854 Mardin are presented as the centerpiece of an exemplary micro-study of non-rulerly agency and the pragmatics of rule in the 15th century CE pre-industrial Middle East.
Exploring the Artistic Features in Turgenev’s Fiction
Authors: Wang Liye
Published: April 2024

This paper delves into the essence of the linguistic aesthetics employed in Turgenev’s fiction, with its finite intertextual implications and infinite extratextual connotation, to illuminate the beauty of implication and connotation in the art universe created by Turgenev. This paper introduces for the first time Turgenev as a master of the “halftones” technique. In his works, absolutes and extremes are absent while description of objects, scenes and emotions, character settings and even internal conflicts are all painted in “halftones”. Turgenev’s writing consistently reflects the beauty of opposition and contrast, versus collaboration and harmony. This paper uses intertextual implications and “halftones” to assess the artistic value of Turgenev’s fiction.
By-product Eucalyptus leaves valorization in the basic dye adsorption: kinetic equilibrium and thermodynamic study
Authors: Babakhouya Naouel , Benammar Souad , Hamitouche Adh’ya-Eddine , Boudjemaa Amel , Messaoud-Boureghda Mohamed-Zine , Bachari Khaldoun
Published: April 2024

Algerian Eucalyptus Leaves (AEL), a natural biodegradable adsorbent abundantly available, was used for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye. The AEL properties for the removal of MB were investigated under different conditions by varying the AEL amount, MB concentration, pH of the solution and the reaction temperature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques have been used to characterize AEL biosorbent. Experimental results showed that the adsorption of MB dye at the concentration of 50 mg L−1 reached to 91 % at pH 10 with a stirring speed of 200 rpm and after 180 min of reaction time. The experimental data were analyzed using the linear forms of different kinetic models (pseudo-first order kinetic model, pseudo-second order kinetic model, and intra-particle diffusion models). The results demonstrated that the adsorption kinetics of MB was consistent with the pseudo-second order model with R
2 value of 0.9969. The isotherm models Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin, Elovich, Brunaut Emmet Teller and Temkin models were also investigated to describe the adsorption equilibrium. The results show that the AEL adsorption is in accordance with Temkin isotherm. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption is spontaneous and exothermic. Therefore, as a cheap green adsorbent with high MB adsorption performance, AEL is expected to become one of the best candidate materials for future industrial wastewater treatment.
Open Forum in the Dedicated Issue of East European Holocaust Studies on Oral History and the Holocaust
Authors: Aleksiun Natalia
Published: April 2024

The text contains answers to 5 questions concerning the use of Oral History in Holocaust research in Eastern Europe and the author’s opinions and experiences with the use of this method.
Solar photovoltaic-integrated energy storage system with a power electronic interface for operating a brushless DC drive-coupled agricultural load
Authors: Kumar Varjana Hemant , Patel Ramnarayan , Sahu Lalit Kumar , Kishor Yugal
Published: April 2024

This article describes the design and construction of a solar photovoltaic (SPV)-integrated energy storage system with a power electronics interface (PEI) for operating a Brushless DC (BLDC) drive coupled to agricultural loads. The proposed system is intended to make use of the electrical power available at under-utilized, pre-installed solar pumps used for irrigation. The PEI allows efficient energy management by charging and discharging depending on available solar power. The BLDC drive is a high-performance motor drive that requires a smooth and stable DC voltage. The bidirectional DC converter provides this while also allowing for efficient energy management between the battery and the solar PV system. The simulation results illustrate that the system is capable of efficiently managing energy between the battery and solar panels, providing a stable DC voltage to drive the BLDC motor. In addition to this, the results demonstrate the feasibility of integrating a solar system with a battery and BDC for driving BLDC in various agricultural applications. The experimental findings validate the simulation outcomes for the proposed setup implemented in pre-installed, untapped SPV systems. The system is able to provide a stable and efficient power source while also allowing for efficient energy management and utilization of solar energy.
Analysis of the embedded cell method in 2D for the numerical homogenization of metal-ceramic composite materials
Authors: Düll Wolf-Patrick , Hilder Bastian , Schneider Guido
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we extend our analysis of the embedding cell method, an algorithm which has been developed for the numerical homogenization of metal-ceramic composite materials, from [W.-P. Düll, B. Hilder and G. Schneider,
Analysis of the embedded cell method in 1D for the numerical homogenization of metal-ceramic composite materials,
J. Appl. Anal. 24 2018, 1, 71–80]. We show the convergence of the iteration scheme of this algorithm and the coincidence of the material properties predicted by the limit with the effective material properties provided by the analytical homogenization theory for two-dimensional linear hyperelastic isotropic materials with constant shear modulus and slightly varying first Lamé parameter.
Investigating Majhool date (Phoenix dactylifera) consumption effects on fasting blood glucose in animals and humans
Authors: Jarrar Yazun , Balasmeh Ruba , Naser Wisam , Mosleh Rami , Al-Doaiss Amin A , AlShehri Mohammed Ali
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Majhool date (Phoenix dactylifera), renowned for its premium taste and texture, is extensively consumed in the Islamic world, particularly during Ramadan. Despite its popularity, concerns persist regarding its potential to induce diabetes in non-patients. This study aims to explore the diabetogenic effects of prolonged Majhool date (Phoenix dactylifera) consumption, the widely used fruit in the Islamic world, through animal experiments and human clinical data.

Methods

Medjool dates were processed into an ethanolic extract for the animal experiment. Then, 21 Balb/c mice received varying doses of the extract for one month. The fasting blood glucose levels were analyzed at the beginning and after one month of consumption of the Majhool date extract. For the clinical study, 387 healthy participants were recruited, with fasting blood glucose levels assessed before and after Ramadan, a period of heightened Majhool date consumption.

Results

all groups of the experimental animals exhibited a significant (p<0.05) weight increase after Majhool date consumption, while no significant (p>0.05) alteration in fasting blood glucose levels among groups. In addition, it was found that fasting blood glucose levels remained statistically unchanged (p>0.05) after heightened Majhool date consumption among humans.

Conclusions

The study challenges the belief that Majhool date induces diabetes, supported by both animal and human data. Findings suggest that Majhool date consumption, even at higher doses, does not induce diabetes. Further investigations could explore the impact of other date varieties on the fasting blood glucose levels.
The Meaning and Structure of Mongolian and Korean Names
Authors: Otgon Tseveendorj , Agiimaa Zul
Published: April 2024

Human nomenclature is a branch of linguistics that includes the language, culture, and history of a given society. People’s names have been changing due to the lifestyle, religion, customs, culture, society, politics, and education level of the time. The study of the name of a person who forms the culture of the nation is important to know the unique thinking of the country, the root values and beliefs of the nation. A comparative study of the meaning and structural features of Mongolian and Korean names is likely to contribute even a little to Mongolian and Korean scholars’ further comparative studies of language and culture.
The crystal structure of tetrakis(μ
2-2-amino-3,5-dibromobenzoate-κ
2
O:O′)-octakis(n-butyl-κ
1
C)-bis(μ
3-oxo)tetratin(II), C60H92Br8N4O10Sn4
Authors: Li Kaoxue , Zhang Ailing , Cao Shuhua , Wang Jianmin
Published: April 2024

C60H92Br8N4O10Sn4, orthorhombic, Pccn (no. 56), a = 16.5363(14) Å, b = 20.3146(17) Å, c = 22.7452(19) Å, V = 7640.8(11) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0424, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1254, T = 298 K.
Dust magnetoacoustic waves in an inhomogeneous cylindrical four-component dusty plasma in the presence of polarization force
Authors: Maitra Sarit , Dasgupta Chitrita
Published: April 2024

Dust magnetoacoustic waves have been examined in an inhomogeneous, bounded, cylindrical dusty plasma containing oppositely polarized dust particles. Considering polarization force, dust dynamics in r − θ plane is studied in the presence of inhomogeneous external magnetic field along z axis. At equilibrium, the dusty plasma components are supposed to follow Gaussian density distribution. Using reductive perturbation method (RPM), a variable coefficient cylindrical Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (VCCKP) equation has been derived. For weak azimuthal perturbation, an analytical solution, obtained by Zhang (“Exact solutions of a kdv equation with variable coefficients via exp-function method,” Nonlinear Dynam., vol. 52, nos. 1–2, pp. 11–17, 2008) using Exp-function method, is chosen. Phase velocity of dust magnetoacoustic wave is found to be modified by the density inhomogeneities, polarization force, dust charge state ratio and ion-to-electron temperature ratio. Spatio-temporal evolution of the dust number densities has been noticed. Existence of the compressive electromagnetic solitary waves is observed numerically for the chosen dusty plasma parameter range. The impacts of the inhomogeneity, polarization force, dust charge state ratio and ion-to-electron temperature ratio on the relative amplitude of the dust magnetoacoustic wave are also discussed.
Strategic analysis of lithium resources by addressing challenges and opportunities for sustainable electric vehicle battery development in the era of global EV domination
Authors: Thirumurugan Arun , Govindaraj Rajesh , Dhanabalan Shanmugasundar , Sakthivel Pandurengan , Chidhambaram Natarajan , Udayabhaskar Rednam , Kamaraj Sathish Kumar , Abarzúa Carolina Venegas , Nazer Juan Campos , Morel Mauricio J.
Published: April 2024

The increase in the interest in electrical vehicles (EV) makes us to focus on the available resources of source materials for battery development and to improve the battery performance to achieve the complete EV domination over the others. Recent observations clearly tell us that EV and hybrid EVs are going to change the world market. As the demand is going to be high for the batteries, it is important to understand the number of reserves, production and supply of the source materials which can be used in batteries. Based on the data we must find alternatives, if there is a shortage of source material. This article briefly discusses the lithium reserves and production by the world. We also discussed the increasing demand on EV and the extraction of useful materials from the used battery for the sustainable environment and to follow the circular economy aspects.
Univariate and Multivariate Exploration of Resilient Modulus for Warm Mix Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Albayati Amjad , Sukhija Mayank
Published: April 2024

This paper predicts the resilient modulus (Mr) for warm mix asphalt (WMA) mixtures prepared using aspha-min. Various predictor variables were analyzed, including asphalt cement types, asphalt contents, nominal maximum aggregate sizes (NMAS), filler content, test temperatures, and loading times. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the behavior of each predictor variable individually and collectively. Through univariate analysis, it was observed that Mr exhibited an inverse trend with asphalt cement grade, NMAS, test temperature, and load duration. Although Mr increased slightly with higher filler and asphalt content, the magnitude of this increase was minimal. Multivariate analysis revealed that the rate of change of Mr was highly dependent on NMAS and the thermo-rheological properties of the asphalt cement. Initially, a linear regression model was developed; however, it underestimated low Mr values and overestimated high Mr values. Moreover, the linear model resulted in negative Mr values, indicating an inadequate representation of the relationship between Mr and predictor variables. Consequently, a nonlinear transformed regression framework was employed to develop an equation that more accurately predicted the Mr values of WMA mixtures. The resulting predictive model exhibited a coefficient of determination (R2) of approximately 95 %. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed model, the remaining 30 % of the test data was utilized. The results demonstrated that the developed model effectively represented the observed data not used during the model-building process. This validation was supported by an R2 of 95.8 % between the predicted and measured Mr values of WMA mixtures.
Adjuvants for Bacillus spp. Biofungicides
Authors: Anderson Timothy H. , Oester Dean A. , Chiromo Andrew P.
Published: April 2024

Biopesticides continue to lead new product development for agricultural companies. Regulatory and consumer preferences for organically grown produce favor the use of these products as a solution to reduced exposure to synthetic chemicals. Their natural origins allow for faster regulatory approvals for companies intending to launch commercially. A problem remains that microbial biopesticides underperform synthetic pesticides in many treatment applications. There are environmental factors, organism limitations, and formulation constraints that can be causes of the reduced performance of biopesticides. During this research, protocols were developed to screen (180 CFR 40) exempt surface-active agents and identify which agents could be tank-mixed with commercial biopesticide products to enhance their performance. Surface-active agents, which had shown enhanced growth of the respective Bacillus sp., were blended to form adjuvant mixtures. These mixtures were field-tested and found to enhance the activity of fungicidal products based on two Bacillus strains. This paper presents the results of component screening as well as field-trial results for B. amyloliquefaciens (strain MBI 600) and B. subtilis (strain QST 713) applications on fruit and vegetable crops. Over a period of 3 years, tank mixes of Serifel® biofungicide (a formulation of strain MBI 600) or Serenade® OPTI biofungicide (a formulation of strain QST 713) with several adjuvant blends demonstrated increased control of 11 pathogens on nine crops included on the biofungicide product label.
In Vitro Penetration Methodologies, Agronomic Efficacy, and the Design of New Bioactivator Adjuvants
Authors: Zavgorodnya Oleksandra , Bendejacq Denis D.
Published: April 2024

With the increasing use of pesticides comes the tangible risk of growing resistance in weeds, which calls for using more and more pesticides. This untenable cycle calls for solutions that will help put the agricultural industry on a more sustainable path. In particular, bioactivators (i.e., inerts that can be built in or added in the tank to increase the efficacy of pesticides) remain in high demand. Their design is usually quite long and consuming from a research standpoint because it involves numerous trials and errors and back and forth between formulation, in vitro and in vivo testing in greenhouses and, eventually, fields. From a formulator standpoint, quick selection methods that correlate with efficacy would be of value early in the design phase. We present the design and use of an in vitro penetration technique based on confocal microscopy conducted under controlled temperature and humidity that can be used as a sorting test before an adjuvant of design is moved to in vivo testing. The method helps quantify the extent of penetration of aqueous agricultural formulations inside parafilm, which is used as a model hydrophobic substrate. A fluorescent dye with physicochemical parameters (log P; electric charge) close to those of a pesticide of interest (in the present case, glufosinate) is used as a probe under the assumption that its penetration is representative of that of the entire formulation. Parafilm then acts similarly to a solid-state chromatographic substrate, spreading the penetration of the fluorescent dye over several tens of microns. Penetration depths are averaged over several confocal microscopy experiments and automatized image analysis. We show how penetration depth in this in vitro test shows correlation with the agronomic efficacy of Liberty® 280 SL formulations added or not with new adjuvants of our design.
Parametrization of Pulsing Sprays
Authors: Fredericks Steven A. , Albrecht Aszhia K. , Alonzi Elizabeth R.
Published: April 2024

Both pulse-width modulation-controlled sprays and machine vision-based spot-spraying technologies have increased the precision of agricultural pesticide application. These methods both utilize short-duration spray bursts as their operating principle, as opposed to the continuous spraying used in conventional broadcast pesticide applications. This results in a much larger fraction of the application occurring during the startup and shutdown transience of the spray process, with a significant reduction in the fraction of time the spray is operating at steady state. Previous studies have shown that the volumetric median diameter (VMD) of a spray depends on where the measurement is made spatially within the spray fan, and there has likewise been shown to be a spatial dependence on the atomization mechanism within a spray when operating at steady state. As leading and trailing edges of a pulsing spray would not be expected to be governed by the same atomization physics as the center and sides of a steady-state spray, the present work characterizes shifts in the VMD of pulsing sprays across pulse durations in the range of 15 to 75 ms relative to their steady-state counterparts and identifies changes in the atomization mechanism associated with the transient regimes of each pulse. The role of nozzle and liquid components, such as formulated herbicides and adjuvants, in the spray was also evaluated, and we found that the addition of an emulsion-forming adjuvant tended to produce a more consistent spray across pulse durations as well as smaller shifts in VMD compared with a steady-state spray.
Revisiting the Potency of Tbx2 Expression in Transforming Outer Hair Cells into Inner Hair Cells at Multiple Ages In Vivo
Authors: Bi Zhenghong , Ren Minhui , Zhang Yu , He Shunji , Song Lei , Li Xiang , Liu Zhiyong
Published: April 2024

The mouse auditory organ cochlea contains two types of sound receptors: inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs). Tbx2 is expressed in IHCs but repressed in OHCs, and neonatal OHCs that misexpress Tbx2 transdifferentiate into IHC-like cells. However, the extent of this switch from OHCs to IHC-like cells and the underlying molecular mechanism remain poorly understood. Furthermore, whether Tbx2 can transform fully mature adult OHCs into IHC-like cells is unknown. Here, our single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that in neonatal OHCs misexpressing Tbx2, 85.6% of IHC genes, including
Slc17a8
, are upregulated, but only 38.6% of OHC genes, including
Ikzf2
and
Slc26a5
, are downregulated. This suggests that Tbx2 cannot fully reprogram neonatal OHCs into IHCs. Moreover, Tbx2 also failed to completely reprogram cochlear progenitors into IHCs. Lastly, restoring Ikzf2 expression alleviated the abnormalities detected in Tbx2+ OHCs, which supports the notion that Ikzf2 repression by Tbx2 contributes to the transdifferentiation of OHCs into IHC-like cells. Our study evaluates the effects of ectopic Tbx2 expression on OHC lineage development at distinct stages of either male or female mice and provides molecular insights into how Tbx2 disrupts the gene expression profile of OHCs. This research also lays the groundwork for future studies on OHC regeneration.
Raman spectroscopy study on the vibration and structural changes of graphene oxide: effect of laser power and time
Authors:   Department of Physics, GSS, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, 530045, India, Yadav S. , Padhi S. K. ,   Physics Department, University of Turin, Via. P. Giuria 1-710125 Turin, Italy, Srinivasulu Ch. ,   School Of Physics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India, Naidu K. L. ,   Department of Physics, GSS, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, 530045, India
Published: April 2024

Graphene oxide and its nanocomposites play a crucial role in various applications. Laser irradiation is a low-cost technique to tune the graphene oxide material, and a detailed study of the vibrational modes and structural changes during the laser–graphene oxide interaction is required. The evolution of defect modes and reduction process in graphene oxide at varying laser power and different exposure time duration, respectively, via Raman spectroscopy, is of interest in the present study. Graphene oxide (GO) is synthesized via Improved Hummer's method and characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), UV-Vis-NIR and Raman spectroscopy. The first-order Raman spectrum of GO consists of broad D and G peaks around 1350 and 1584 cm-1, respectively, and the broad second-order band around 2700 cm-1 . Using the Lorentzian function, the first-order band is deconvoluted into five modes and the secondorder into four modes. The peak positions and FWHM of these modes undergo indicative changes. The variations in the intensity ratios of the defect modes and the (𝐷𝐷𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 ′ – 𝐺𝐺𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎) with laser power at different exposure time durations indicates the predominance of edge defects and reduction of graphene oxide, respectively. These results broaden the understanding of the effect of laser power over different time durations on the graphene oxide features. Our study provides quantitative information on the laser-GO interaction.