bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cathepsin in Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies: Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Song Wenjuan , Zhang Junqin , Ruan Guixiang , Wang Xiangping , Li Bin , Wu Dandan , Zhu Aijun , Zhao Liuyan , Ling Hongtao
Published: February 2024

Background
Observational studies indicate a strong association between most neurodegenerative disorders and cathepsin, although the causative link remains unclear.
Methods
This research utilized Mendelian Randomization (MR) with genetic markers linked to cathepsins as instrumental variables, and analyzed public Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWASs) summary data of individuals with European ancestry for Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) as the outcomes. The study applied the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method to assess the causal effects of cathepsins on AD, PD, and DLB. Several sensitivity analyses and a heterogeneity test were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the results. Confounding variables were accounted for using multivariable MR (MVMR). Additionally, reverse MR research was done to improve forward MR analysis. Lastly, we utilize Bayesian Weighted MR (BWMR) to further validate the robustness of the results.
Results
The MR investigation found an association between cathepsin H and AD and DLB risk. However, there was a negative correlation between PD risk and cathepsin B levels. Effect estimates in MVMR and BWMR analyses with cathepsins as variables remained constant. According to reverse MR analysis, PD decreased cathepsin B levels, and DLB negatively correlated with cathepsin Z levels. However, no reverse causal relationship was found between AD and cathepsins.
Conclusion
While higher cathepsin H levels were associated with AD and DLB risk, the bidirectional association between PD and cathepsin B. By studying how cathepsin influences the development and advancement of AD, PD, and DLB, novel methods for diagnosis and treatment might be investigated.
Sexual and psychosocial experiences of women with advanced-stage cervical cancer at Tikur Anbessa Hospital
Authors: Teshome Roza , Yang Irene , Seife Edom , Girma Eshetu , Higgins Melinda , Wells Jessica
Published: February 2024

Background
Cervical cancer and related treatments can result in multiple side effects that can impact sexual function. There are also psychological sequelae such as anxiety, guilt, and depression. To effectively anticipate, comprehend, and address the issues faced by cancer patients, it is crucial to conduct research on psychosocial and sexual concerns. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the sexual and psychosocial experiences of women with advanced-stage cancer.
Methods and Materials:
A qualitative phenomenological study was performed at the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Oncology Center. A total of 23 women with advanced-stage cervical cancer were selected. In-depth interviews were conducted using an interview guide. The recorded data were transcribed using verbatim approach and then translated into English. The transcribed data were then imported into the qualitative data analysis software package MAXQDA for coding and categorization.
Results
Several codes arose from the synthesis of the women's transcribed interviews, and these codes were subsequently grouped into three themes and subthemes. The most commonly reported sexual problems were pain during sexual intercourse, bleeding or spotting after sexual intercourse, foul smelling vaginal discharge, and diminished sexual desire. Women reported that it can be challenging for them to start these conversations with providers and that medical providers do not always provide them with information on sexual issues. Most women highlighted how important their partners' psychosocial assistance was to them during difficult times.
Conclusion
Women experienced numerous sexual problems after the onset of cancer symptoms and after undergoing cancer treatment. Patients with cancer will benefit from psychosocial support from their partners, families, and doctors to feel hopeful again.
Friction coefficients of 3D printed tool surfaces
Authors: Kaleem Muhammad Ali , Frohn-Sörensen Peter , Reuter Jonas , Engel Bernd
Published: February 2024

The clamp tools used in forming processes require high coefficient of friction (COF) to impart rigid clamping during the process. The mating surfaces of clamp tools are conventionally machined using CNC machines. Recently introduced metal-based Additive Manufacturing (AM) machines can 3D-print the clamp tools and produce tool surfaces with significantly high COF as compared to CNC processes. An accurate assessment of COF values of clamp tools surfaces is necessary for both numerical and finite element (FE) based modelling and simulation of forming processes. In this research, an investigation is made to determine the precise COF values of as-is surfaces of clamp tools 3D printed by Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The COFs of 3D printed as-is surfaces are compared with corresponding CNC-machined surfaces. The design and FE stress analysis of the clamp tool is carried out in the software Autodesk Inventor. The clamp tool is 3D-printed by a SLM machine using ultra-high strength maraging grade tool steel - X3NiCoTi1895 (1.2709). The surface roughness of both additively manufactured and CNC-machined surfaces is determined and the relationship between surface roughness and COFs of additively manufactured clamp tools is discussed. It is an application based research particularly oriented for metal bending and forming industries. In such industrial processes, the precise values of COF of clamp tools substantially assist to accurately predict the process outcome through modelling and simulation techniques.
Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Marginal Gap Evaluation Using Various Self-Adhesive Resin Cements by SEM
Authors: Shely Asaf , Nissan Joseph , Lugassy Diva , Rosner Ofir , Zenziper Eran , Egbaria Tharaa , Ben-Izhack Gil
Published: February 2024

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of three different self-adhesive resin cements on the marginal gap of full monolithic zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) single crowns.
Methods: We divided forty-five typodont teeth, fully prepared for full monolithic crowns, into three groups (fifteen each) for the use of three different self-adhesive resin cements. We created a fourth control group (Temp-bond) by taking five teeth from each group before cementation with self-adhesive resin cements. All forty-five abutments were scanned using Primescan (an intra-oral scanner (IOS)), followed by digital design and grinding of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) crowns with a four-axis machine. We first cemented the crowns of the control group (Temp-bond) and evaluated the marginal gap using a scanning electronic microscope (SEM). After removing the crowns from the abutments, we cemented the crowns for each group using a different self-adhesive resin cement and observed them under the SEM to evaluate the marginal gap. We used a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, which found no normal distribution in the study variables (p < 0.05), followed by Mann-Whitney tests (α = .05).
Results: The total mean marginal gap of the control group (24.67 ± 4.43 µm) was significantly lower compared to the self-adhesive resin cements groups (p < 0.0005). The total mean marginal gap of the G-cem ONE group (50.48 ± 6.38 µm) was significantly lower compared to the TheraCem group (p < 0.026) and RelyX U200 group (P < 0.008). The total mean marginal gap of the TheraCem group (66.28 ± 7.23 µm) was significantly higher than the G-cem ONE group (p < 0.026) but showed no significant difference with the RelyX U200 group (70.07 ± 10.12 µm, p > 0.110).
Conclusions: All four groups showed a clinically acceptable marginal gap (< 120 microns). Although all three groups of self-adhesive resin cements demonstrated a significant increase in the marginal gap compared to Temp-bond group, they were within the limits of clinical acceptability. Regarding the marginal gap, in everyday dentistry it is recommended to use G-cem ONE self-adhesive resin cement for ZLS single crowns.
Health system facilitators and barriers to the integration of mental health services into primary care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a multimethod study
Authors: Mayoyo Erick Mukala , Chenge Faustin , Sow Abdoulaye , Criel Bart , Michielsen Joris , Broeck Kris Van den , Coppieters Yves
Published: February 2024

Background
The integration of mental health into primary care—i.e., the process by which a range of essential mental health care and services are made available in existing multipurpose health care settings that did not previously provide them—can be facilitated or hindered by several health system factors that are still poorly understood. This study aimed to identify health system facilitators and barriers to the integration of mental health services into primary care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to improve the success rate of integration programs.
Methods
We conducted a multimethod, cross-sectional exploratory study. Stakeholders from sixteen of the twenty-six provinces of the DRC participated. We collected qualitative data through 31 individual, semistructured, face-to-face key informant interviews. We then collected quantitative data through a population-based survey of 413 respondents. We analyzed the interviews via thematic analysis, assigning verbatims to predefined themes and subthemes. For the survey responses, we performed descriptive analysis followed by binomial logistic regression to explore the associations between the variables of interest.
Results
Strong leadership commitment, positive attitudes toward mental health care, the availability of care protocols, dedicated mental health care spaces, mental health task sharing (p < 0.001), and sufficient numbers of primary care providers (PCPs) (p < 0.001) were identified as key health system facilitators of successful integration. However, barriers to integration are mainly related to a poor understanding of what integration is and what it is not, as well as to the poor functionality and performance of health facilities. In addition, stigma, low prioritization of mental health, lack of mental health referents, health professionals’ instability, lack of reporting tools, lack of standardized national guidelines for integration (p < 0.001), lack of funding (p < 0.001), shortage of mental health specialists to coach PCPs (p < 0.001), and lack of psychotropic medications (p < 0.001) were identified as health system barriers to integration.
Conclusion
Improving the functionality of primary care settings before integrating mental health care would be beneficial for greater success. In addition, addressing identified barriers, such as lack of funding and mental health-related stigma, requires multistakeholder action across all building blocks of the health system.
Toward Capturing Effective Interactions of Transformer based Models for Click-Through Rate Prediction
Authors: Kim Soyoung , Lee Dongjun , Kim Jaekwang
Published: March 2024

Predicting click-through rates involves estimating how likely it is that users will click on a website’s recommendations, such as advertisements or product listings. With the growth in data complexity and volume, it has become economically vital for online platforms to recommend appropriate items to users. Yet, this task remains difficult due to the sparse and high-dimensional categorical nature of the data inputs used in prediction models. Thanks to the superior performance of deep learning models compared to traditional methods, various deep learning strategies have been introduced to understand both simple and complex interactions from the mentioned data inputs. Nevertheless, feed-forward networks struggle to effectively capture common feature interactions and are limited in their capacity to efficiently model functions involving complex, high-order interactions. Moreover, as the complexity of the model layers increases, it becomes more challenging to reflect simple, low-order interactions in the output. In this paper, we introduce Low-Order Cross Attention Networks (LOCAN) designed to explicitly capture high-order interactions while also reflecting low-order interactions in the final prediction. We incorporate low-order interactions, identified through Factorization Machines, into the attention layer in a continuous manner, ensuring these interactions are carried through to the final prediction. Our experiments on three real-world datasets show that our model surpasses current leading methods, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Mechanism of ferroptosis induced by iodine in Nthyori3-1 cells by activating Nrf2 / HO-1 / ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Huijin , Wang Baohua , Liu Yanyan , Zhang Lu , He Mengfan , Liu Haixia
Published: February 2024

Purpose
In this study, iodine stimulated Nthyori3-1 cell was used as the research object to explore the relationship between high iodine stimulated thyroid cells and ferroptosis, and further clarify its pathogenesis. This study will help to provide new clues for the treatment of thyroid related diseases.
Methods
Intervene human normal thyroid cells with iodine. The levels of apoptosis and proliferation were detected by CCK-8 and MDA. The protein levels of Nrf2、HO-1、p-ERK1 and GPX4 were determined by western blotting. Flow cytometry was performed to detect ROS production.
Results
Iodine induces ferroptosis in Nthyori3-1 cells, and the application of the inhibitor ferroptosis-1 can reverse the ferroptosis state of cells. Nrf2 / HO-1 / ERK pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of thyroid cells induced by high iodine.
Conclusion
High iodine induces ferroptosis in Nthyori3-1 thyroid cells. The addition of ferroptosis inhibitor ferroptosis-1 partially reversed the ferroptosis of cells. High iodine is involved in the regulation of Nrf2 / HO-1 / ERK signaling pathway and may be related to ferroptosis.
Minimum magnitude boundaries in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis: an insight from structural engineering
Authors: Azarbakht Alireza
Published: March 2024

In order to systematically advance our understanding of the minimum magnitude limit (Mmin) in Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) calculations, a novel and useful approach utilising a broad range of Single-Degree-of-Freedom (SDOF) oscillators and hazard conditions is being developed and tested. We have determined the most reasonable Mmin value for a variety of structure groups by examining the impact of Mmin on the Mean Annual Frequency (MAF) of various limit states (including the collapse capacity). The originality of the suggested methodology in the current work, known as the MAF saturation strategy, is the recommended Mmin, which is the cut-off value at which lesser magnitude events do add to the hazard but do not significantly change the MAF. The current work is the first to offer the MAF saturation strategy methodology, which searches for the cut-off magnitude at which the MAF value essentially remains constant even when smaller values of this cut-off are utilised as Mmin for hazard assessments. Therefore, given a series of carefully chosen ground motions in each oscillator instance, an Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) is carried out (by applying the Hunt and Fill algorithm), and the appropriate LS (including the collapse capacity defined as global instability) points are calculated. Thus, the relationship between the distribution of LSs and the Engineering Demand Parameter (EDP) and Intensity Measure (IM) is found. The hazard curve can convoluted with this distribution, yielding the structure-specific MAF. In order to find the cut-off lower magnitude (Mmin), this convolution is repeated for several Mmin values. This cut-off is defined as the point at which, when lower values are utilised as Mmin in the PSHA computation, the MAF's values do not change considerably (with a five per cent threshold). The acquired data were thoroughly discussed in relation to various structural features and seismic input factors.
Enhancing Knowledge Transformation in Digital Education: An Analysis of the SECI Model's Application in Course Design and Execution
Authors: Żatuchin Dmitrij
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the application of the SECI model in the design and execution of educational courses in "Innovation and Digitization Management" and "Data-Based Decision Making" micro-degrees developed in 2023 and 2024. Leveraging Natural Language Processing (NLP) and text analysis, we explore the patterns in course content that correlate with positive learner feedback and effective knowledge transformation. The methodology includes data preprocessing, tokenization, vectorization, and clustering to systematically compare and contrast course elements with learner feedback. Preliminary findings indicate that the integration of the SECI model, emphasizing real-time content sharing and example-based learning, significantly enhances the transfer of knowledge from tacit to explicit forms. This research aims to identify a replicable cadence in content preparation that optimizes learning outcomes.
Prevalence and associated factors of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in public health facilities in Bule Hora, southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Boko Wako Dedecha , Abera Rodas Getachew , Wolde Mistire , Gebreegziabher Tatek , Demesse Eyouel Shimeles
Published: March 2024

Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a public health challenge that severely endangers the lives of mothers and children. In Ethiopia, its prevalence and predictors have scarcely been studied and have not been studied in the context of the present study. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of GDM among pregnant women in Bule Hora, southern Ethiopia.
Results: A total of 190 pregnant women were interviewed and studied. The mean age of the pregnant women was 30.06 (SD ± 5.53) years. Approximately three-quarters (74.2%) of pregnant mothers were in their second trimester (24 -28 weeks) of pregnancy. Approximately a third, 31.6%, of the participants were overweight/obese with a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement greater than or equal to 28 centimeters. The mean fasting blood sugar level was 83.46 (SD ± 8.84) mg/dL. The prevalence of GDM in this study was 7.4%. Family history of diabetes (AOR = 5.7; 95% CI: 1.28-25.27), elevated triglyceride concentration (AOR = 5.6; 95% CI: 1.258-25.46), history of having a macrosomic baby (AOR = 6.8; 95% CI: 1.56-29.59), and history of abortion (AOR = 4.4; 95% CI: 1.09-18.39) were factors associated with GDM.
The double-layer graphene surface plasmon-polartions spectrum in hydrodynamic model
Authors: Hua Xiuqin , Sun Dong , Liu Daqing , Ma Ning
Published: March 2024

The spectrum of surface plasmon polaritons in double-layer graphene with and without an external magnetic field by utilizing Maxwell’s equations in a hydrodynamic model was studied and field configurations were analyzed. There is neither a transverse magnetic (TM) mode nor a transverse electric (TE) mode but a full-field mode under the external field. Regardless of the presence or absence of an external field, the excited transverse magnetic field is symmetrical in the acoustic branch, whereas it is antisymmetrical in the optical branch. Meanwhile, the excited transverse electric field has opposite symmetry properties against to that of the transverse magnetic field. The results indicate that the rise of the spectrum is dominated by an external magnetic field in the infrared region and a non-local effect in the ultraviolet region. The influence of the layer distance on the spectrum was also studied.
Protein carbonylation causes sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ overload by increasing intracellular Na+ level in ventricular myocytes
Authors: Bovo Elisa , Seflova Jaroslava , Robia Seth L. , Zima Aleksey V.
Published: March 2024

Diabetes is commonly associated with an elevated level of reactive carbonyl species due to alteration of glucose and fatty acid metabolism. These metabolic changes cause an abnormality in cardiac Ca2+ regulation that can lead to cardiomyopathies. In this study, we explored how the reactive α-dicarbonyl methylglyoxal (MGO) affects Ca2+ regulation in mouse ventricular myocytes. Analysis of intracellular Ca2+ dynamics revealed that MGO (200 µM) increases action potential (AP)-induced Ca2+ transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ load, with a limited effect on L-type Ca2+ channel-mediated Ca2+ transients and SERCA-mediated Ca2+ uptake. At the same time, MGO significantly slowed down cytosolic Ca2+ extrusion by Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). MGO also increased the frequency of Ca2+ waves during rest and these Ca2+ release events were abolished by an external solution with zero [Na+] and [Ca2+]. Adrenergic receptor activation with isoproterenol (10 nM) increased Ca2+ transients and SR Ca2+ load, but it also triggered spontaneous Ca2+ waves in 27% of studied cells. Pretreatment of myocytes with MGO increased the fraction of cells with Ca2+ waves during adrenergic receptor stimulation by 163%. Measurements of intracellular [Na+] revealed that MGO increases cytosolic [Na+] by 57% from the maximal effect produced by the Na+-K+ ATPase inhibitor ouabain (20 µM). This increase in cytosolic [Na+] was a result of activation of a tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ influx, but not an inhibition of Na+-K+ ATPase. An increase in cytosolic [Na+] after treating cells with ouabain produced similar effects on Ca2+ regulation as MGO. These results suggest that protein carbonylation can affect cardiac Ca2+ regulation by increasing cytosolic [Na+] via a tetrodotoxin-sensitive pathway. This, in turn, reduces Ca2+ extrusion by NCX, causing SR Ca2+ overload and spontaneous Ca2+ waves.
Effect of reinforcement on Mechanical properties of Al6061 and B4C/ZrO2/SiC hybrid metal matrix composites
Authors: MUZEER.S  , RR Vinoth Kumar
Published: February 2024

This research explains the Mechanical properties of Aluminium 6061 alloy and hybrid metal matrix B4C/ZrO2/SiC composites which is prepared by stir casting method. In this research B4C has 2%composition, ZrO2 was 2%,4% and 6% and SiC was 4%, 8% and 12% composition. The hybrid metal matrix composites are conducted hardness, impact, flexural strength, compressive strength, Tensile strength and Tensile fracture surface. These investigations study the effect of reinforcement on hardness, tensile, compression, impact and flexural strength. The effect of reinforcement study reveals that the pure Aluminium 6061 alloy shows poor results compared to Hybrid composites. The results confirmed that increasing in SiC percentage given high tensile strength, impact and hardness of the material. Adding SiC was given high quality mechanical properties. Adding 2% B4C to Al6061 reduces the impact strength of the material. Reinforcement of ZrO2 reveals improvement of mechanical properties. Additionally, this research studies the elongation, yield strength and behaviour between load and displacement of composite materials.
Realization of elementary reversible BVF gate and reversible full adder using optical ring resonators
Authors: Choure Kamal Kishor , Saharia Ankur , Mudgal Nitesh , Pandey Rahul , Prajapat Manisha , Tiwari Manish , SINGH GHANSHYAM
Published: March 2024

This manuscript investigates the mathematical modeling of a silicon nitride-based all-optical BVF reversible gate, and reversible full adder modeled using an optical ring resonator (ORR). The design parameters of the proposed ORR are optimized to implement the desired mathematical model of reversible logic devices for all-optical computing. The transcendence of the proposed device is validated by the evaluated figure of merits like quality factor and contrast ratio. The CMOS compatibility nature of the silicon nitride-based structures also verifies the practical feasibility of the proposed device.
Preparation and properties of lightweight geopolymer by bio-based foaming agents
Authors: Wang Tianlei , 陈 尧 , Wang Xueping , Zhang Lei , Yang Peisen
Published: March 2024

Lightweight geopolymer has the advantages of wide source of raw materials, chemical corrosion resistance, high mechanical strength and excellent durability, which is expected to replace traditional building insulation materials. In this paper, green bio-based foaming agents with small 1h settlement distance, high average foaming multiple and low bleeding ratio were obtained by Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide/yeast solution. When the amount of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide is 0.50 wt%, the foams prepared by the yeast and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide composite system exhibit the improved 1h settlement distances, the large average foaming multiple, the small bleeding ratio and uniform size. Subsequently, lightweight geopolymer was successfully prepared by the bio-based foaming agents, and the effects of different foam contents on the properties of geopolymer such as dry density, water absorption, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and morphology were studied. With the increase of foam content, the dry density, thermal conductivity and compressive strength of the geopolymer gradually decrease, the water absorption increases, regardless of whether to add silica fume or fly ash. Herein, it is confirmed that the foaming agent based on yeast can be effectively used to prepare lightweight geopolymers, which can provide vast opportunities to turn into candidates for the novel inorganic thermal insulation material.
Stiffened T-Shape Concrete Filled Tubular Tall Columns Axial-Bending Interaction
Authors: Soleimanjoo Roya , Hajghassem Hamedreza , Tadayon Majid , Ayazi Amir , Zamani Samira , Daghighi Amin
Published: March 2024

The recent emergence of concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns represents a significant advancement in composite column technology. This innovative approach synergistically combines concrete and steel, where the steel tube acts as a confining medium that enhances the concrete's strength and ductility, while the concrete in turn mitigates the risk of both internal and local buckling in the steel tube. The primary benefits of CFST columns over traditional concrete columns include the elimination of the need for reinforcement and formwork, faster construction times, cost savings, reduced column dimensions, and improvements in load capacity, ductility, and energy absorption capabilities. This research investigates the impact of T-type steel stiffeners on the behavior of square CFST columns through numerical modeling. Utilizing the ABAQUS software, the study analyzed ten specimens to understand this effect comprehensively. A total of fifty CFST specimens reinforced with T stiffeners were modeled to assess varying parameters, such as wall thickness, stiffener depth, and steel grade, under axial loads and bending moments. For each specimen, a P-M (axial force-bending moment) diagram was generated. The outcomes of this analysis culminate in the proposal of an axial force-bending moment interaction diagram specifically for CFST columns reinforced with T stiffeners, providing valuable insights for the design and application of these columns in structural engineering.
Research on dynamic searchable encryption method based on Bloom filter
Authors: Jin Ziqi , Li Dongmei , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: March 2024

Data outsourcing become more and more popular due to its low cost and flexibility. However, there is a problem that the cloud server used to store data is partially trusted. Searchable encryption is an efficient technology is devoted to helping people conduct accurate searches without leaking information. Nonetheless, most existing schemes can’t support dynamic update or meet the privacy requirements of all users. There have been some experiments to solve these issues by implementing a dynamically searchable asymmetric encryption scheme. This paper proposes an efficient searchable encryption scheme based on the Authen-ticator Bloom Filter (ABF). The solution can support dynamic update, multiuser and meet the forward and backward security. This paper uses ABF to improve the efficiency of search and update, while playing a significant role in dynamic update. This paper designs a new token encryption scheme and file set encryption scheme, which not only helps users reduce time in search and update, but also supports multiuser mode. Experiments show that the proposed scheme takes less time in searching and updating algorithms, especially when the keyword does not exist. The solution also takes into account the problem of history storage when updating, which reduces the unnecessary consumption of memory and avoids multiple storage states of the same file.
Borosilicate glass robust wit traces zirconium and titanium for removing chromium (VI), synthesis, characterization
Authors: Hagag M. S. , El-Shiekh A. S. , Ali A. H. , Youssef W. M.
Published: March 2024

As incoming in our study, practically synthesized borosilicate was boosted with traces of titanium and zirconium (BSZT) is conducive to promoting a cutting-edge mock-up of laboratory boron silicate glassware. Getting into boron silicate glassware manufacturing at 1500 C is urgently entailed. But take a seeing at BSTZ processing, which has performed extremely well at 900 °C given that sodium met silicate is employed as a flux and silicate content enrichment. And yet still, the silica percentage is set below 84%, borate at about 8 %, and Ti and Zr are set to be 9% en masse. For adsorption and desorption studies, a battery of experiments is exquisitely triggered amongst solution pH, working time, boron silicate weights, and chromium concentration. To test out modified borosilicate morphology, delving into bonds, and surface characterization, different screening tools such as FTIR, SEM, EDS, and BET have been well run. Interestingly, the modified boron-silicate surface expedites chromium adsorption within 30 sec. to trigger 65% adsorption efficiency and 60 mg/g uptake. In studies of adsorption isotherms, chromium ions get along well with the Langmuir model rather Freundlich model. Kinetics findings confirm that adsorption is chemical and conducive to pseudo-second-order. The upcoming thermodynamics findings outline the exothermic nature of chromium adsorption over modified borosilicate.
Sustainability assessment of rural landscapes from spatial and multiple stakeholders’ perspective
Authors: Lyu Zhenhao , Huang Lu , Weng Wei , Lin Jingya , Wang Ke , Qiu Jiangxiao
Published: March 2024

Context
Sustainable rural development, closely linked to well-being of both urban and rural residents, is essential to achieving regional sustainability. Understanding the spatial characteristics vital for rural sustainability is fundamental to rural sustainability assessment, regional ecosystem services provisioning, and human well-being research.
Objective
This study aimed to construct an indicator system to assess rural sustainability from multiple stakeholders' perspectives, and examine the spatial characteristics that affect rural sustainability from the perspectives of villagers, tourists, and the government.
Methods
This study proposed indicator systems for each group of stakeholders at the scale of administrative villages. It assessed the rural sustainability of Huzhou, one of China's most developed rural areas, by using multi-source and innovative datasets. Spatial heterogeneity of rural sustainability was examined by hot spots and gradient analysis and the spatial characteristics of rural landscapes were quantified from the dimensions of natural, humanistic, and infrastructural characteristics. The spatial random forest model was adopted to identify effects of different spatial characteristics on rural sustainability.
Results
Our results showed that hot spots of rural sustainability mainly concentrated in proximity to urban areas and scenic spots, showing a decreasing and then increasing trend with increasing distance. Compared with humanistic and infrastructural characteristics, natural characteristics of villages were more important to rural sustainability. The relationship between rural sustainability and spatial characteristics varied among different stakeholders. Natural characteristics had the greatest impact on rural sustainability from the perspectives of villagers and tourists, and humanistic and natural characteristics were more important from the perspective of governments.
Conclusion
This study revealed the relationship between rural sustainability and spatial characteristics at the administrative village scale from multi-stakeholder perspectives, which helps to guide rural landscape planning and governance, and improve the contributions of rural landscapes to regional sustainability.
Evaluation of the effect of polymer composition on the rheological, mechanical properties and drug released behavior of novel Eudragit L100-55/ gelatin gastro-resistance uncoated capsule
Authors: Kalmer Ramin Ramezani , Karimi Afzal , Dogaheh Samira Gholizadeh , Ghanbari Mojgan , Samandarian Dariush , Sadjadinia Atefeh , Ramezanalizadeh Hamed , Moosavi Seyedehmaryam
Published: March 2024

Capsules have been investigated as a popular oral dosage form among communities due to their simplicity and ease of production. Capsules that are considered in the gastro-resistance category can be very beneficial due to enhanced drug absorption, improved stability, targeted release, etc. This study investigated the effect of enteric polymers on uncoated hard capsule fabrication and dissolution properties. The polymers used in this study included HPMCPh and Eudragit L100-55. Eight different formulations based on HPMCPh, Eudragit, and gelatin were examined to identify the ideal formulation for the product of uncoated enteric hard capsules with preferred physicochemical and gastro-resistance properties. The results reveal that the capsules containing Eudragit (F1), HPMCPh (F2), Eudragit/HPMCPh/gelatin (F3), and Eudragit/gelatin (F4) are steady within the simulated stomach environment, and drug release does not occur for 120 minutes. The outcomes demonstrate that, among the proposed formulas, the F4 formula is suitable both in terms of capsulation form and delayed release properties and shows no microbial growth. The properties of the optimized sample were studied by FTIR, FESEM, tensile strength, humidity, and rheology. The results illustrated that gelatin-based hydrogels with Eudragit (F4) are potential candidates for manufacturing uncoated enteric hard capsules that inhibit drug release in a gastric pH medium and act as a pH-sensitive drug release system.
The Effectiveness of Hawthorn (Ws-1442 Standardized Crataegus oxycantha Extract) Against Alcohol-Induced Brain Injury In Rat; Its Underlying Potential Mechanisms
Authors: Deniz Gulsah Yildiz , Geyikoglu Fatime , Erol Hüseyin Serkan , Aslan Merve
Published: March 2024

The herbal supplements can attenuate alcohol-related traumatic organ damages. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic role of hawthorn (SCE) against alcohol-induced neurotoxicity. Sprague Dawley rats received a single dose of ethanol (4.5 g/kg, intragastric) and were then administered orally standardized SCE for 20 days. At the end of experiment, brain samples were removed for biochemical, histological, immunofluorescence, histochemical and immunuhistochemical analyzes in rats. SCE significantly reduced the levels of 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha (6K-PGF1) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2), which were increased in brain by ethanol exposure. SCE administration ameliorated neuroinflammation and provided significant decreases the raised levels of Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 β). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) contents were negatively correlated with the MDA concentration after oral adminstration of plant extract. Myelin damage and severe pathological findings following alcohol intoxication weren’t observed. Our study provide, the first evidence of effectiveness SCE in rat brain against alcohol injury. Its mechanisms may be related to improvement of vascular function, reduction in inflammatory reaction, antioxidative activity, anti-genotoxicity, myelin regeneration and also anti-apoptotic effects. In conclusion, SCE is a targeted and promising drug to treat brain necrosis due to alcohol usage. SCE seems to counteract the deleterious effects of ethanol on brain tissue through different cellullar and signaling mechanisms and thus can be used as a thearupatic practice against alcohol toxicity.
Decay Corrections in Isotopic Ratio Estimation Based on the Activity Concentration Profile During Sampling for CTBT-Relevant Radionuclides with Short Half-Life
Authors: Liu Boxue , Kunkle Joshua , Schoemaker Robin , Saragiotis Christos , Sun Yunwei , Carrigan Charles , Kijima Yuichi , Kalinowski Martin
Published: March 2024

Isotopic activity ratios of the relevant radionuclides, detected at radionuclide stations within the international monitoring system (IMS) for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, play a crucial role in characterizing release events under assumed scenarios. This analysis involves radioactive gases initially released from an underground nuclear event resulting in radionuclide concentrations in a plume of air passing over an IMS station that are subsequently sampled by that station. Modeling this requires considering the post-shot radionuclide evolution of an assumed underground nuclear explosion, the simulations of atmospheric transport modelling, and, finally, the sample measurement. Activities collected in the samples are determined through spectrum analysis of sample measurements, and the activity concentrations are then estimated by assuming a constant concentration during sampling. While this assumption holds for radionuclides with relatively longer half-lives, that is, exceeding 7 times the sampling duration, challenges arise for the isotopes with short half-lives, such as 135Xe with half-life of 9.14 hours compared to the 12-hour collection duration for some noble gas systems. Therefore, this study investigates the decay correction during sampling using two approaches, 1) Interval constant concentration: the collection duration is divided into multiple intervals with a constant concentration assumed in each interval; 2) Decaying concentration: the activity collected in the sample is derived based on an analytical solution to the ordinary differential equations of the activity decay and ingrowth. The impact of these approaches on isotopic activity ratios is demonstrated in three cases with short half-lives, 140Ba/140La, and 133mXe/133Xe, and 135Xe/133Xe.
Facial and speech Emotional Recognition based on Improved Deep Model
Authors: Shahrestani Matin Ramzani , Motamed Sara , Yamaghani Mohammadreza
Published: March 2024

In recent years, emotion recognition as a new method for natural human-computer interaction has attracted the attention of many researchers. Because the automatic recognition of emotion from speech or facial expressions alone has uncertainties; it is expected that emotion recognition based on the fusion of audio-visual information can be done with better accuracy. The purpose of this article is to present an efficient method for emotion recognition from emotional speech signals and images of emotional facial expressions, based on the SOAR cognitive science model. In this article, in order to implement the subsections of the SOAR model, stochastic deep learning has been used. In the proposed model, the RAVDESS database is used for testing and evaluation, and we have achieved 89.44% accuracy in the evaluation.
Interpretation Conclusion Stability of Software Defect Prediction over Time
Authors: chitsazian zeynab , Kashi saeed Sedighian , Nikanjam Amin
Published: March 2024

Model instability refers to where a machine learning model trained on historical data becomes less reliable over time due to Concept Drift (CD). CD refers to the phenomenon where the underlying data distribution changes over time. In this paper, we proposed a method for predicting CD in evolving software through the identification of inconsistencies in the instance interpretation over time for the first time. To this end, we obtained the instance interpretation vector for each newly created commit sample by developers over time. Wherever there is a significant difference in statistical distribution between the interpreted sample and previously ones, it is identified as CD. To evaluate our proposed method, we have conducted a comparison of the method's results with those of the baseline method. The baseline method locates CD points by monitoring the Error Rate (ER) over time. In the baseline method, CD is identified whenever there is a significant rise in the ER. In order to extend the evaluation of the proposed method, we have obtained the CD points by the baseline method based on monitoring additional efficiency measures over time besides the ER. Furthermore, this paper presents an experimental study to investigate the discovery of CD over time using the proposed method by taking into account resampled datasets for the first time. The results of our study conducted on 20 known datasets indicated that the model's instability over time can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy without requiring the labeling of newly entered data.
Food and Drug Administration Oversight: Origins and Contribution to the National Covid Response
Authors: Grant Bradley , Laposata Michael , Zahner Christopher
Published: February 2024

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been a key actor in the USA’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The extensive use of Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) during the pandemic as part of its broader strategy to protect the health of the country has raised this federal agency to the public psyche. The FDA’s response has been guided by its position within the national governing framework as well as its own unique history. A review of this framework and the FDA’s history can be illuminating in understanding this agency’s response during a national crisis.
The World in Indian and European Philosophy
Authors: Ježić Mislav
Published: March 2024

Svijet je sveobuhvatan pojam područja vanjskoga iskustva u kojem se svi predmeti pojavljuju kao izvanjski našoj svijesti. To je također područje nastajanja, prolaznosti i nestajanja, odn. rođenja, života i smrti (fiziologija, filozofijska fizika, kozmologija). Samo suće, naprotiv, poima se kao ono što jest i ne postaje (ontologija, metafizika). Filozofija istražuje ono što je predmet naše spoznaje, ali i ono što bi trebao biti predmet našega djelovanja (etika, praktička filozofija). Filozofija može pokušati razumjeti prirodu svijesti i uma iz iskustva svijeta ili može pokušati procijeniti istinu ili pojavnost svijeta koji doživljavamo iz procjene naših spoznajnih moći (epistemologija). Oba su pristupa potvrđena u Indiji i na Zapadu u različitim razdobljima. Razmotrit će se i usporediti neki primjeri.
Comorbidities of exudative otitis media in children: focus on cough
Authors: Kuznetsova N. E.
Published: February 2024

Introduction. Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the most common and asymptomatic form of otitis in preschool children, accompanied by the accumulation of exudate in the middle ear with the development of conductive and mixed hearing loss. The article discusses data on the nature of comorbid diseases in exudative otitis media and modern ideas about the effectiveness of a combination drug for concomitant bronchopulmonary pathology in children.

Aim. To study the nature of comorbid diseases in OME and evaluate the effectiveness of a combined expectorant drug in the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

Materials and methods. 104 children diagnosed with acute and chronic otitis media with effusion were examined. All children were divided into 2 groups: Group I (50 people) with acute otitis media with effusion, Group II (54 people) with chronic otitis media with effusion. The average age of children in group I was 5.02 ± 0.48 years with the highest prevalence in the younger group (70%), the average age of children in group II was 5.87 ± 0.47 years with the highest prevalence in the preschool and primary school groups (88%). Group I children with tracheitis and bronchitis received a combined expectorant.

Results and discussions. The recurrent course of otitis media with effusion is supported by allergies in 43%, and by pathology of the upper and lower respiratory tract in 34%. The development of hearing loss leads to dysarthria in 26% of cases, which can undoubtedly negatively affect the further social adaptation of the child. Complex therapy of cough with a combined expectorant gave a positive clinical effect in 95% of cases, reduced the need for systemic antibiotics by 2.5 times, shortened the duration of the disease by 1.7 times.

Conclusions. Early diagnosis of comorbid diseases in AOME at a young age, timely complex treatment of bronchopulmonary pathology will prevent the development of COME with impaired speech development in older children.
System relationships of the thoracic vertebrae anatomy and surrounding muscles in overweight men
Authors: Ivanov Michail A. , Yashina Irina N. , Klochkova Svetlana V. , Yashin Fedor D.
Published: February 2024

Objective - to identify patterns of structure and relationship of elements of the thoracic spine and surrounding muscles in males of the 2nd period of adulthood with overweight and obesity of the 1st degree. Materials and methods. The study was performed on computed tomograms of the thoracic spine of 63 healthy men aged 36 to 60 years with a height of 170 to 186 cm and a body weight of up to 74.3 to 110 kg. The vertebral dimensions and the width of the paravertebral muscle mass were evaluated ((Me; IQ-IIIQ), factor analysis by the principal component method). Results. With an increase in the ordinal number of the vertebra, the increase in the width and anterior-posterior size of the bodies occurs unevenly, two points of decrease in the median value of the size of the vertebral bodies are determined - ThV and ThX. A narrowing of the spinal canal ThI to ThVII was revealed, followed by an increase in size to ThXII. A decrease in the median values of the anterior and posterior heights of bodies ThIII and IX was found. The median values of the height of the legs increase with an increase in the ordinal number of the vertebra, however, a decrease in the median values was found in ThIV, ThVI, ThVIII 1 and ThX. A decrease in size was found between the vertices of the transverse processes of the vertebrae and the vertices of the transverse and spinous processes. The decrease in their median value is most pronounced in the upper thoracic vertebrae from ThI to ThVII. Analysis of the width of the muscle arrays revealed a wave-like decrease in the median width, with three rises at the level of ThIII, ThVI and ThXI and declines at the level of ThV, ThIX and ThXII. The results of factor analysis revealed two segments in the thoracic spine. The maximum influence on the structure of the first segment of ThI-VII is exerted by the width of the paravertebral muscle array. In the second segment from ThVIII to ThXII, the width and angle of inclination of the spinous process have the maximum effect. Conclusion. The thoracic spine in men includes two segments that differ in function: the cranial segment, which depends on the activity of the paravertebral muscles, and the caudal segment, which reflects the supporting function.