bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Internal Waves over the Bay of Bengal Using ALOS PALSAR L band SAR Imageries
Authors: Phaniharam Suryanarayanacharyulu , Vignudelli Stefano , R Harikumar , Borra Siviah , TVS Uday Bhaskar , Koluk Siva Srinivas , P Sreenivas , B Ajay Kumar , Joseph Sudheer , Nair T.M Bala Krishanan , C Satheesh
Published: April 2024

Using ALOS PALSAR L-band SAR data, internal waves (IWs) with distinct characteristics ranging from weak manifestations to strong signatures are observed throughout the continental shelf edge of the Bay of Bengal and are not confined to a particular region or season. The wavelength, phase speed, and amplitude may vary depending upon the oceanic environmental conditions. The wavelengths computed from the present study vary from 0.17 to 4.8 km, and the phase speed ranges from 0.04 to 0.2 m/s. An attempt was made to study the morphological features of IWs using SAR imagery. IWs with different signatures (elevation and depression) were observed. Interestingly, they coexist simultaneously and crossover in the BOB. This may imply that either the IWs generated from the deep ocean propagating over shelf regions may be reflected or that river discharge may act as a force to disturb stratified layers. In this study, depressed IWs generated off the Kakinada region by the Godavari River plume were observed, and similar IW characteristics were observed in the head BOB. This may imply that many other major and minor rivers may act as another source for the generation of IWs. However, this aspect of the study needs further investigation in the BOB.
Biomechanical evaluation of double stranded knot configurations in high strengths sutures and tapes
Authors: Dhillon Mehar , Pastor Tatjana , Zderic Ivan , Hebsacker Sarina , Link Björn-Christian , Richards R Geoff , Gueorguiev Boyko , Pastor Torsten
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Recently, a new dynamic high-strength round suture (DC) was introduced featuring a salt-infused silicone core attracting water in a fluid environment to preserve tissue approximation which is also available in tape form (DT). The aims of this study were to (1) assess the influence of securing throw number on knot security of two double-stranded knot configurations (Cow-hitch and Nice-knot) tied with either dynamic (DC and DT) or conventional round sutures (FW) and conventional suture tapes (ST), and (2) compare the ultimate force and knot slippage of (a) Cow-hitch and Nice-knot and (b) DC and DT versus FW and ST when used with their minimal number of needed securing throws.
Methods: Seven specimens of each FW, ST, DC and DT were considered for tying with Cow-hitch or Nice-knots. The base of these Cow-hitch and Nice-knots were secured with surgeons’ knots using 1–3 alternating throws. Tensile tests were conducted under physiologic conditions to evaluate knot slippage, ultimate force at rupture, and minimum number of throws ensuring 100% knot security.
Results: For both Cow-hitch and Nice-knots, 100 % security was achieved with 2 securing throws for DC, DT, ST, and with 3 securing throws for FW. With these minimum numbers of securing throws, ultimate force was significantly higher for Nice-knots versus Cow-hitch tied with DT (p=0.001) and slippage was significantly less with Nice-knots versus Cow-hitch tied with DC (p=0.019).
Conclusions: The minimum number of securing throws required to achieve 100% security was 2 with DC, DT and ST for both with Cow-hitch and Nice-knots configurations, in contrast to FW where 3 securing throws were needed. With these minimum numbers of securing throws, Nice-knots were associated with significantly higher ultimate forces when using DT and lower slippage with DC versus Cow-hitch knots.
Decoding Cab Dynamics: A Comprehensive Analysis of Ride-hailing Data
Authors: Kumawat Ashish , Litoriya Ratnesh , Chourasia Vansh , Yadav Vanshika , Dangi Vishal
Published: April 2024

Businesses have long relied on data analytics in ways to improve operational efficiency. To fully benefit from these advantages, a thorough comprehension of the subject is required. The study analyses taxi travel data in a city using exploratory data analysis and advanced statistical approaches. It aims to identify patterns, trends, and insights in ride-hailing data, which could be useful for urban mobility planning, optimizing taxi service operations, and understanding user behaviour. The project uses Mage for ETL operations, analysing ride-hailing data, and storing it in Google BigQuery for efficient management and scalability, with SQL queries for trip details and passenger counts. The study uses Looker Studio to transform analysed data into interactive dashboards, enabling stakeholders to discover trends and improve services across platforms, integrating ETL techniques, cloud data warehousing, SQL analysis, and visualization tools.
The readiness and associate factors of implementing living wills among healthcare providers in Shenzhen: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tang Yao , Li Mengshu , Zhu Yiran , Huo Ran , Li Xianhong
Published: April 2024

Background
On January 1st, 2023, Shenzhen became the first city to legalize living wills in China. Although this unprecedented legalization, less was known about the readiness of Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) in Shenzhen in terms of implementing this Act. Our team aimed to timely examine the HCPs’ readiness in Shenzhen during the early stage of the regulation, including their knowledge, attitude and confidence to implement living wills.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted across 16 hospitals in Shenzhen, Mainland Southern China, comprising 12 Grade III hospitals, 2 Grade II hospitals, and 2 Grade I hospitals selected for convenience. A total of 685 registered physicians or nurses participated in the study. Electronic questionnaires were employed to collect data on the demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and confidence levels of HCPs.
Results
Among 685 participants, less than half of them (315, 46.0%) had adequate knowledge (score ≥ 9), and the average correct rate of knowledge was 65.4%. Most (94.0%) of participants had a positive attitude (with a score ≥ 16). About 87.0% of the participants got the higher score (≥ 16) in the confidence-to-implement assessment. The significant predictors of knowledge included having cared for terminally ill patients (OR = 1.391), income less than $4,176 per month (OR = 1.628), holding administrative positions (OR = 0.611). HCPs with bachelor’s degree (OR = 3.348) and master’s degree or above (OR = 2.645), having cared for terminal ill patients (OR = 2.564) were more likely to get positive attitude. Additionally, HCPs who participated in specific training programs on living wills (OR = 1.703) and had cared for terminal ill patients (OR = 3.035) were more likely to hold higher level of confidence.
Conclusions
Although living wills have been legalized in Shenzhen, China, HCPs are not sufficiently prepared to implement it. They get general knowledge, hold positive attitude, but are lacking legal-related knowledge or enough confidence to implement living wills. Training programs addressing living will implementation, especially including legal awareness training, understanding the roles of different HCPs in executing living wills, and how to respect patient autonomy in Chinese culture should be planned at an early stage of a policy issued.
The novel numerical solutions for Caputo-Fabruzo fractional Newell–Whitehead–SegelEquation by using Aboodh-ADM
Authors: Merdan Mehmet , Şahin Yasin , Açıkgöz Pınar
Published: April 2024

This article aims to solve Caputo-Fabruzo fractional differential equations using the Aboodh transform together with the Adomian Decomposition method (A-ADM). Since the Aboodh transform can only be applied to linear equations, ADM is an effective technique for approximating solutions of nonlinear differential equations. In nonlinear systems, the Newell-Whitehead-Segel equation plays an important role, explaining the emergence of stripes in 2-dimensional systems. The findings show that the results obtained from the tables provide superior results compared to the existing conformable q-Shehu homotopy analysis transform method (Cq-SHATM) in the literature. With the help of Matlab package program, numerical values were found to depict three-dimensional surfaces and displayed in a table.
ANN-Based Ground Motion and Physics-Based Broadband Models for Vertical Spectra
Authors: Sharma Varun , Arya Harsh Kumar , Gade Mahesreddy , Dhanya J
Published: April 2024

Vertical ground motion plays a crucial role in the design of critical structures, with recorded vertical ground motions often surpassing their horizontal counterparts in the near-field. This study proposes a new simplified Ground Motion Model (GMM) for vertical spectra by combining comprehensive datasets from the NESS and NGA-West2 databases. The proposed Artificial Neural Network (ANN) architecture-based model requires only 288 unknowns to predict spectral accelerations ($Sa$) at 33 distinct periods ranging from 0 to 4 seconds. Notably, this model inherently captures known physical phenomena with reduced variability using a minimum number of unknowns compared to the GMMs existing literature, thus offering a valuable addition to current hazard estimation frameworks. Furthermore, recognizing the necessity for physics-based simulations in vertical ground motion analysis, we introduce a novel physics-based broadband model for vertical spectra using ANN methodology. The proposed broadband model exhibits better robustness due to the comprehensiveness of the dataset utilized and the inclusion of source path and site characteristics at the input layer. Additionally, the model effectively captures the physical trends with minimal deviation. Further, a comparison of the model's output with physics-based simulations for the 2008 Mw 6.9 Iwate earthquake and recorded data showcase its ability to accurately capture the non-ergodic nature of ground motion. The proposed models serve as essential tools for physics-based broadband simulations and hazard assessments in active shallow crustal regions.
The Involvement of TLR2-NF-κB Pathway and Acupoint Sensitization in Acupuncture for Improving the Neurological Function in Rats with the Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Li Lu , Han Dexiong , Zhang Quanai , Zhou Chuanlong , Wang Chao , Liu Yingjun
Published: April 2024

Acupoints are both the sensory points and reaction points of organ physiological functions and pathological changes. The stimulation from needles on acupoints have been proved to improve the symptoms of various diseases, especially Intra-cerebral Hemorrhage (ICH). Herein, the effect of acupuncture on the toll-like receptor signaling pathway and the role of acupoint sensitization in ICH are discussed. A rat model of ICH was induced by infusing autologous blood into the caudate nucleus. Acupuncture was performed after ICH once a day for 30 min. On the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day of acupuncture, the Neurological Deficit Scale (NDS), blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, c-Jun, c-Fos, p-c-Jun, p-c-Fos, TLR2 were observed. Compared with the sham group, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TLR2 noticeably increased, but not the levels of c-Jun, c-Fos, p-c-Jun, p-c-Fos. Compared with the ICH model group, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α in the acupoint treated with simvastatin or acupuncture were reduced, and the same phenomenon were observed in p-c-Jun, p-c-Fos, TLR2, MCP-1 in the local acupoints. The results indicated that acupuncture could recover the BBB, neurological function, and reduce the levels of inflammation and mast cells (MCs) degranulation in ICH rats. In short, acupuncture at ST36 can effectively improve the NDS and open the BBB in ICH rats, which may be related to down-regulation of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR2, and MCs degranulation, but no close relationship was found with the functions of c-Fos/c-Jun.
Investigation of innovation as a condition for the country's level of economic complexity: an international Empirical approach
Authors: Araujo Breno Valente Fontes , Azevedo Ana Claudia , Ferreira Marco Aurélio Marques
Published: April 2024

This study assessed how national innovation systems (NIS) conditioning pillars influence countries' economic complexity levels. To this end, multivariate statistical analysis was applied, with the multiple linear regression technique, to the data collected from the Global Innovation Index (GII) and Economic Complexity Index (ECI) bases, from 112 different countries, with the year 2020 as reference. As a result, there was a significant and positive relationship between the Infrastructure and Business Sophistication pillars. In contrast, the Institutions, Human Capital, and Research and Market Sophistication pillars did not directly influence the ECI. This study contributes to the literature by exploring, in an objective way (quantitative study), a field of investigation of the pillars of national innovation that impact the economic complexity of nations and indicates paths to be followed by actors who participate in the dynamics of national innovation systems to create a national plan that enables more significant levels of economic complexity and consequent development.
JEL code: C21, C43, O31, O38, O57
Fidelity of Health Care Providers on Adhering to Guidelines for Managing Neonates With Respiratory Distress Using Silverman Anderson Severity (Sas) Score Tool in Limited Resource Settings: A Case Study at Amana Regional Referral Hospital
Authors: Shayo- Fredrick , Kessy- Anna , Amour- Maryam
Published: April 2024

Background: This case study was conducted at Amana Regional Referral Hospital, a referral hospital of Ilala District in Dar es Salaam Region Tanzania. The aim is to assess the adherence of healthcare providers to guidelines when providing health services to neonates with respiratory distress and how supportive the health system is in limited resource settings.
Methods: It was a case study that used a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis. A total of 16 participants did participate in this study of which the sample size was reached by the principle of information saturation. The study population was healthcare providers (pediatricians, general medical doctors, and nurses) working in the neonatal ward who were selected purposively depending on their experience in the neonatal ward. In-depth interviews (IDI) and an observation checklist were used for data collection from key informants and content analysis was used to analyze the data.
Results: The findings revealed that healthcare providers did not fully adhere to the guidelines when managing neonates with respiratory distress. The Silverman-Anderson Severity (SAS) score tool is of use to asses the neonate’s respiratory distress status. It is used for decision-making in prioritizing neonates to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and monitoring them. They did know the use of the SAS score tool, which was even posted in the ward they are working in for them to follow but yet they showed partial adherence to use it. While healthcare providers displayed partial adherence, various challenges within the health system negatively impacted their consistent adherence. Factors such as understaffing, inadequate training, a shortage of CPAP machines, heavy workloads, and lack of motivation emerged as significant deterrents to adherence. These challenges hindered proper monitoring, documentation, and decision-making processes for CPAP initiation and monitoring.
Conclusion: The conclusion of the study highlights that healthcare providers at Amana Regional Referral Hospital demonstrated partial adherence to guidelines for managing neonates with respiratory distress, particularly in the consistent use of the Silverman Anderson Severity (SAS) score tool. Despite awareness of the tool and its importance, challenges such as understaffing, inadequate training, and a shortage of CPAP machines hindered full adherence. Addressing these challenges, including improving staffing, offering comprehensive training, and ensuring equipment availability, is crucial for enhancing adherence and improving neonatal care in resource-limited settings.
Cobalt layer prepared on copper using galvanic replacement as an alternative to palladium for activating electroless Ni-P plating
Authors: Hu Guanqun , Li Rupeng , Liao Wanda , Bai Changning , Zhang Xingkai , Zhao Qiuping , Zhang Junyan
Published: April 2024

Electroless nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) plating is a widely used surface treatment method due to its excellent corrosion and wear resistance properties. However, the inertness of copper to hypophosphite oxidation necessitates a palladium activation process for the preparation of Ni-P coating on copper. In this study, we present a convenient approach for the deposition of a cobalt layer on copper using galvanic replacement, facilitated by the special complexing ability of iodide. The results demonstrated that the actual potential of copper could be adjusted to be lower than that of cobalt in a solution containing 8 mol/L NaI, enabling the deposition of a cobalt layer on copper in 15 minutes at 90°C. Furthermore, the deposition rate of the cobalt layer was found to increase with the concentration of CoCl2 in the NaI solution. Importantly, the Ni-P coating obtained through cobalt layer activation exhibited morphology, structure, and corrosion resistance, friction resistance similar to the Ni-P coating obtained using the common palladium activation. Therefore, the cobalt layer prepared on copper through galvanic replacement may serve as a viable alternative to palladium for activating electroless Ni-P plating.
Global transcriptomic analysis reveals CYP1A1 as a target of the GPER agonist G1
Authors: Hatwik Juana , Pal Uttariya , Manjegowda Mohan C. , Limaye Anil Mukund
Published: April 2024

Background: G1, a G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) agonist, has been instrumental in delineating the mechanisms and cellular consequences of GPER signal transduction. The effects of G1 on cell proliferation are controversial, including those that are demonstrably GPER-independent. It begs the question as to whether G1 has off-target effects.
Methods and Results: Here, transcriptomic alterations in MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with 1 mM G1 are presented. GSEA and GO analysis showed enrichment of gene-sets in G1-treated MCF-7 transcriptome, which align with loss of cell viability. Genes related to xenobiotic metabolism were regulated by G1. In this category, CYP1A1, was the topmost G1-induced gene. CH223191, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibitor, blocked G1-mediated increase in CYP1A1 mRNA. Furthermore, the G1-mediated modulation of CYP1A1, and other genes, was also observed in the GPER-negative MDA-MB-453 cells.
Conclusions: This study captures the transcriptomic alterations associated with G1-induced cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cells, with the important caveat that these may not be entirely attributed to GPER activation.
Uveal Melanoma zebrafish xenograft models illustrate the mutation status-dependent effect of compound synergism or antagonism
Authors: Bosch Quincy van den , Kilic Emine , Brosens Erwin
Published: April 2024

Purpose
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy with a high probability of metastatic disease. Although excellent treatment option for primary UM are available, therapy for metastatic disease remain limited. Drug discovery studies using mouse models have thus far failed to provide therapeutic solutions, highlighting the need for novel models. Here, we optimize zebrafish xenografts as a potential model for drug discovery by showcasing the behavior of multiple cell lines and novel findings on mutation-dependent compound synergism/antagonism using Z-Tada; an algorithm to objectively characterize output measurements.
Methods
Prognostic relevant primary and metastatic UM cell lines or healthy melanocytes were inoculated at three distinct inoculation sites. Standardized quantifications independent of inoculation site were obtained using Z-Tada; an algorithm to measure tumor burden and the number, size and distance of disseminated tumor cells. Sequentially, we utilized this model to validate combinatorial synergism or antagonism seen in vitro.
Results
Detailed analysis of 691 zebrafish xenografts demonstrated perivitelline space inoculation provided robust data with high probability of cell dissemination. Cell lines with more invasive behavior (SF3B1mut and BAP1mut) behaved most aggressive in this model. Combinatorial drug treatment illustrated synergism or antagonism is mutation-dependent, which were confirmed in vivo. Combinatorial treatment differed per xenograft-model, as it either inhibited overall tumor burden or cell dissemination.
Conclusion
Perivitelline space inoculation provides robust zebrafish xenografts with the ability for high-throughput drug screening and robust data acquisition using Z-Tada. This model demonstrates that drug discovery for uveal melanoma must take mutational subclasses into account, especially in combinatorial treatment discoveries.
Intermediate pyrolysis of hazelnut shell: temperature effect on energy conversion and products characteristics
Authors: Bartolucci Lorenzo , Cordiner Stefano , Kumar Gopalakrishnan , Mele Pietro , Mulone Vincenzo
Published: April 2024

Residual biomass is a renewable and clean energy source that is expected to play a crucial role in the energy transition. Thermochemical valorization of agro-industrial waste represents a promising alternative, which is still requiring further investigation with regard to the economical sustainability. In this study, intermediate pyrolysis of hazelnut shell was performed employing a laboratory scale screw-type reactor, evaluating the impact of temperature on the mass and energy flows of the process. The results show that temperature has a significant impact on the liquid and non-condensable gas yields, whilst biochar yield remains stable in the range of 18-23 w/w %. Pyrolysis condensates spontaneously split into organic and aqueous fractions and have calorific value of 18.1-18.5 MJ/kg and 1.9-3.2 MJ/kg, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed that aromatic compounds dominate the organic fraction, while acetic acid is very abundant in the water-phase (125-147 g/L), suggesting attracting the potential recovery of chemicals. The carbon conversion efficiency for intermediate pyrolysis is around 90% and the theoretical energy recovery ratio is maximized at 76.6 % at 500 ° C. Moreover, the energy recovery ratio is rather high 72-76 % in the temperature range explored, showing that intermediate pyrolysis may adapt effectively to changes in temperature.
One Adult Patient with Streptococcus gallolyticus Meningitis Complicated by Infective Endocarditis: A Case report
Authors: XIE PAILING , YUAN SHUAISHUAI , Liu Fenqing , Lian Subing
Published: April 2024

We present a nursing experience of an adult patient who underwent aortic valve replacement due to streptococcus gallolyticus meningitis as the first symptom, which was complicated by infective endocarditis (IE). Multidisciplinary treatment was initiated to address nursing issues such as high fever, poor cardiac function, postoperative anticoagulation, and cognitive and speech impairment. Specific nursing measures were implemented, including infection control and treatment, mental assessment, monitoring of cardiac function, airway management after heart failure intensifies, individualized anticoagulation, cognitive training, and rehabilitation exercises. The patient underwent a successful aortic valve replacement and was transferred to the general ward on the 12th day after surgery. he was discharged on the 56th day.
Insider imitation with product differentiation
Authors: d'Andria Diego
Published: April 2024

Online marketplace providers such as Amazon may also offer own-brand products, thus competing with third-party traders on their platform. Moreover they may exploit nonpublic data on third-party sales to identify opportunities for profit and design their own products, in this way engaging in a form of partial imitation that is exclusive to them. Such an asymmetry in the ability to imitate has led to advocating for stricter regulation of online platforms in order to limit their ability to exploit nonpublic data. We propose a dynamic simulation model to study the effects of insider imitation by a platform provider under product differentiation. Using different parametrizations, we are able to show how such a market may evolve in time with or without the presence of insider imitation under different initial conditions. The model also allows to account for subsequent innovation via imitation, which is an aspect not considered by previous studies. Our results add to the existing literature and casts further doubts on current regulatory approaches aiming at limiting data exploitation. Our results suggest that the presence of insider imitation is more likely to lead to higher consumer welfare and lower market concentration and should not be banned on the grounds of standard Antitrust concerns.
JEL Classifications: D40, D82, D83, L40, O3
Chromatic tuning of exciton state in MoS2 monolayer via tailoring Moiré correlation with a sapphire substrate
Authors: Chan Chun-Wen , Yang Kun-Xiang , Chen Lu-Chih , Chan Fang-Mei , Chiu Sheng-Kuei , Yang Chao-Yao
Published: April 2024

This study attempts to elucidate the specific Moiré correlation and associated exciton properties within MoS2 monolayers randomly orientated grown on a c-cut single-crystalline sapphire substrate, facilitating a distinct Moiré correlation. Notably, the energy of the exciton state in MoS2 monolayers appears periodically linked to the stacking geometry with the sapphire substrate. Specifically, coherent stacking as observed in MoS2[110]/sapphire[110] configurations results in heightened exciton energy, while 30-degree-misaligned stacking such as MoS2[110]/sapphire[010] yields lower exciton energy. The variation in exciton energy, consequent to alterations in the stacking geometry between MoS2 and sapphire, thus exhibits a 6-fold periodicity, reflective of the hexagonal nature of both MoS2 and sapphire. Furthermore, the exciton state originating from the 30-degree-misaligned correlation emerges as an electronic destination upon aging MoS2 monolayers on sapphire, leading to a cessation of the 6-fold periodicity and a subsequent decline in exciton energy. This study underscores the potential for manipulating the crystallographic stacking between single-crystalline MoS2 monolayers and sapphire substrates to serve as a versatile platform for investigating photonics in the MoS2-based heterostructures.
Extracting work from multiqubit-interacting system coupled to a common environment
Authors: Hadipour Maryam , Haseli Soroush
Published: April 2024

We consider the task of extracting work from multiqubit-interaction system coupled to a common non-Markovian environment. By adjusting various parameters such as the number of qubits and the strength of interaction between qubits, the environment can be made non-Markovian in both strong coupling and weak coupling states. It will be shown that the number of qubits and the coupling strengthbetween the qubits have a positive role for enhancing the process of extracting work from the quantum system.
IFRD2 regulates myogenic differentiation of bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells through the ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Gong Zhian , zhang Xiaoyu , Cui Jingxuan , Chen Wen , Huang Xin , Yang Qingzhu , Li Tie , Zhang Weiwei
Published: April 2024

The proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle satellite cells is a complex physiological process in which many transcription factors and small RNA molecules are involved. In this study, interferon-related development factor 2 (IFRD2) was identified as a target gene of bta-miRNA-2400 involved in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of bovine skeletal MDSCs (Muscle-derived satellite cells, MDSCs). The results indicate that bta-miR-2400 can target bind the 3'UTR of IFRD2 and inhibit its translation. mRNA and protein expression levels of IFRD2 increased significantly with increasing days of differentiation. Overexpression of the IFRD2 gene inhibited the proliferation and promoted the differentiation of bovine MDSCs. Conversely, the knockdown of the gene had the opposite effect. Overexpression of IFRD2 resulted in the inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels in bovine MDSCs, which in turn promoted differentiation. In summary, IFRD2, as a target gene of bta-miR-2400, affects bovine skeletal muscle proliferation and differentiation by regulating ERK1/2 phosphorylation.
Examining the influence of industrial growth, renewable energy consumption, and the financial development index on CO 2 emissions: Empirical insights from OECD countries
Authors: Dallali Atef , Jebli Mehdi Ben , Hasni Radhouane
Published: April 2024

The increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has precipitated a climate crisis, with the industrial sector identified as a significant contributor to escalating pollution levels. This research explores the impact of real gross domestic product (GDP), consumption of renewable and non-renewable energy (RE, NRE), financial development (FD), and industrial value added (IVA) on CO2 emissions across a panel of OECD countries spanning the period 2000–2021. Cointegration techniques are employed to achieve this objective. The findings of the empirical analysis reveal cross-sectional dependence among countries. Furthermore, the variables are found to be integrated of order one, and cointegration tests indicate the presence of a long-run relationship between them. The results obtained from the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) analysis indicate that economic growth and non-renewable energy consumption are associated with an increase in CO2 emissions. In contrast, renewable energy consumption, industrial value-added, and financial development are found to contribute to a reduction in emissions over the long term. The interaction between financial development and industrial value-added exhibits a positive influence on CO2 emissions, indicating a lack of alignment between financial and industrial strategies.
Interface-driven structural evolution on diltiazem as novel uPAR inhibitors: From in silico design to in vitro evaluation
Authors: Xie Song , Zhou Yang , Zhu Hao , Xu Xinyi , Zhang Han , Yuan Cai , Huang Mingdong , Xu Peng , Li Jinyu , Liu Yichang
Published: April 2024

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) emerges as a key target for anti-metastasis owing to its pivotal role in facilitating the invasive and migratory processes of cancer cells. Recently, we identified the uPAR-targeting anti-metastatic ability of diltiazem (22), a commonly used antihypertensive agent. Fine-tuning the chemical structures of known hits represents a vital branch of drug development. To develop novel anti-metastatic drugs, we performed an interface-driven structural evolution strategy on 22. The uPAR-targeting and anti-cancer abilities of this antiphypertenisve drug was identified by us recently. Based on in-silico strategy, including extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, hierarchical binding free energy predictions, and ADMET profilings, we designed, sythesized and identified three new diltiazem derivatives (221-8, 221-57, and 221-68) as uPAR inhibitors. Indeed, all of these three derivatives exhibited uPAR-depending inhibitory activity against PC-3 cell line invasion at micromolar level. Particularly, derivatives 221-68 and 221-8 showed enhanced uPAR-dependent inhibitory activity against the tumor cell invasion compared to the original compound. Microsecond timesclae MD simulations demonstrated the optimized moiety of 221-68 and 221-8 forming more comprehensive interactions with the uPAR, highlighting the reasonbility of our stragy. This work introduces three novel uPAR inhibitors, which not only paves the way for the development of effective anti-metastatic therapeutics, but also emphasizes the efficacy and robustness of an in silico-based lead compound optimization strategy in drug design.
Experimental and analytical research on geopolymer concrete beams reinforced with GFRP bars
Authors: Adakli Suleyman Anil , Tokgoz Serkan , Karaahmetli Sedat , Dundar Cengiz
Published: April 2024

This paper presents the behavior of geopolymer concrete beams reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. In the study, ordinary Portland cement concrete and geopolymer concrete beams having GFRP bars were prepared and tested under four-point loading. The load-deflection diagrams and load capacities of the tested beams were obtained. It was observed that the tested beams exhibited good ductility and significant deflection capacity. The results showed that increasing the tension GFRP reinforcement ratio caused enhancement in the strength capacity of geopolymer concrete beams. In addition, the tested beams were analyzed for load capacity and load-deflection responses. The theoretical load‒deflection curves and load bearing capacities have been predicted well with the test results. Parametric study has been performed to determine the influences of concrete strength, shear span to depth ratio (a/d) and reinforcement ratio on the behavior of geopolymer concrete beams longitudinally reinforced with GFRP bars. It was concluded that increasing concrete strength and reinforcement ratio led to an increase in load capacity, and increasing a/d ratio reduced the ultimate load value of GFRP reinforced geopolymer concrete beams.
Exploring the Black Box: Analyzing Explainable AI Challenges and Best Practices Through Stack Exchange Discussions
Authors: Sayyadnejad Mohammad Mahdi , Asgari Ali , Sami Ashkan , Tahyori Hooman
Published: April 2024

Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) is a crucial domain within research and industry, aiming to develop AI models that provide human-understandable explanations for their decisions. While the challenges in AI, deep learning, and big data have been extensively explored, the specific concerns of XAI developers have received limited attention. To address this gap, we analyzed discussions on Stack Exchange websites to delve into these issues. Through a combination of automated and manual analysis, we identified 6 overarching categories, 10 distinct topics, and 40 sub-topics commonly discussed by developers. Our examination revealed a steady rise in discussions on XAI since late 2015, initially focusing on conceptualization and practical applications, with a notable surge in activity across all topic categories since 2019. Notably, Concepts and Applications, Tools Troubleshooting, and Neural Networks Interpretation emerged as the most popular topics. Troubleshooting challenges were commonly encountered with tools like Shap, Eli5, and Aif360, while Visualization issues were prevalent with Yellowbrick and Shap. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that addressing questions related to XAI poses greater difficulty compared to other machine-learning questions.
Lógicas institucionais na reforma da educação profissional federal brasileira: narrativa histórica do tempo presente (1993-2018)
Authors: Santos Leonardo Augusto Nascimento Dos
Published: April 2024

Este estudo investiga as lógicas institucionais prevalentes nas reformas da educação profissional federal brasileira ao longo do período de 1993 a 2018. Tal recorte temporal se justifica pela quantidade de reformas em curto recorte histórico e pelo impacto das mesmas nos aspectos estrutural, organizacional e pedagógico da educação profissional federal. Para atingir tal intento, empreendeu-se metodologicamente a uma pesquisa qualitativa histórico-hermenêutica. Utilizou-se, como fonte histórica para análise de dados, a consulta ao repertório legal da educação profissional do período estudado, que servem como instrumento interpretativo dos conflitos de poder entre os agentes institucionais do setor. A reconstrução narrativa elaboradaaponta que as mudanças e permanências institucionais dependem dos direcionamentos providos pelos governos em mandato e seus respectivos interesses político-econômicos, permitindo compreender criticamente a dinâmica de reformas em contexto temporal. Os resultados desvelam as lógicas institucionais das ordens do estado burocrático e do mercado, bem como a lógica sociocultural aqui denominada Bacharelismo x Tecnicalismo que lhes trespassa. Ao final do trabalho, apresenta-seumepítome do mesmo, delineando seus limites e indicando futuros horizontes de investigação.
Lógica institucional híbrida e os outputs do sistema de controle gerencial impulsionados para transparência, disponibilidade informacional e prestação de contas
Authors: Sell Filipy Furtado , Lavarda Carlos Eduardo Facin
Published: April 2024

Lógicas institucionais dão sentido aos indivíduos e as organizações para quais objetivos devem ser perseguidos. Para tanto, o sistema de controle gerencial fornece subsídios informacionais para a gestão, o planejamento e o controle da organização no alcance de seus objetivos e metas. Assim, esta pesquisa busca compreender como as lógicas institucionais híbridas burocrática, profissional e gerencial de mercado impulsionaram os outputs do sistema de controle gerencial para transparência, disponibilidade informacional e prestação de contas. Utilizando da metodologia qualitativa, que permite análise profunda dos dados, elaborou-se um estudo de caso em uma universidade federal, na pró-reitoria responsável pelo planejamento e desenvolvimento da autarquia. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, observação direta e documentos. Com base nos resultados da análise textual discursiva, tem-se a hibridização da lógica burocrática com a lógica gerencial de mercado gerando uma nova lógica institucional híbrida. A lógica institucional híbrida possui estrutura de poder como controle hierárquico por meio de níveis de gestão, fonte de autoridade por governança baseada em objetivos, metas e resultados e base de ação em compliance, desempenho e controle orçamentário. Esta hibridização impulsionou os outputs do sistema de controle gerencial para a transparência, disponibilidade informacional e prestação de contas.  Ao final da pesquisa, apresenta-se oportunidades de pesquisas futuras.
Clinical and Psychological Characteristics of Patients after First-Episode Psychosis with Cognitive, Emotional, and Volitional Deficiencies: Comparative Analysis
Authors: Shchetinina Evgeniya V. , Shchelkova Olga Yu. , Chernov Nikita V. , Kostyuk Georgiy P.
Published: April 2024

This research featured 139 patients (60 men, 79 women) after the first-episode psychosis. All patients demonstrated cognitive and/or emotional deficiency. The research objective was to compare clinical, sociodemographic, psychosocial, and individual characteristics. The expert clinical assessment revealed three groups. Group I included 29 patients with negative symptoms in the cognitive sphere; group II consisted of 46 people with negative symptoms in the emotional and volitional sphere; group III included 64 people with no pronounced deficiencies. The authors employed the method of clinical psychological interview and various pathopsychological non-standard methods to study the cognitive activity of the patients. The list of psychometric methods included the Beck’s Depression Inventory, a coping behavior questionnaire, a short version of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), and the Suicide Risk Assessment Scale. The data obtained were processed using SPSS v. 25.0 and Excel 2010. The three groups demonstrated the following statistically significant differences: diagnosis, critical attitude to one’s own condition, and continuity of psychiatric care (clinical characteristics); social adaptation problems (psychosocial characteristics); association and motivation (cognitive activity); suicidal risk (emotions, personality, and behavior). The MMPI and the coping behavior test also showed differences from the test norm, as well as between the groups. A comparative analysis of clinical and psychological characteristics in patients after the first-episode psychosis makes it possible to develop a correct psychorehabilitation program, prevent deficit symptoms, and improve social functioning.
Investigation of Serum Cartonectin Concentrations in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus; a Prospective Non-Interventional Cohort Study
Authors: Gebes Onur , Kale İbrahim , Beser Gebes Tuba , Muhcu Murat
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE: To investigate serum cartonectin concentrations in pregnant women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).
STUDY DESIGN: This prospective non-interventional cohort study was conducted on 176 pregnant women. The study group consisted of 88 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM, and the control group consisted of 88 pregnant women with normal 75-g OGTT results. First, the study and control groups, and then the subgroups were compared in terms of serum cartonectin concentrations.
RESULTS: The study and control groups were similar in terms of BMI and gestational age at blood sampling (p=0.599, p=0.854). The study and control groups were similar in terms of median serum cartonectin concentrations (6.28 ng/ml and 7.13 ng/ml, respectively, p=0.165). In the subgroup analysis, the normal weight control group, overweight control group, normal weight study group, and overweight study group were compared in terms of serum cartonectin concentrations. The lowest median cartonectin concentration was detected in the overweight study group, followed by the overweight control group, normal weight study group, and normal weight control group (5.8 ng/ml, 6.5 ng/ml, 6.9 ng/ml, and 8.2 ng/ml, respectively, p=0.235).
CONCLUSION: Serum cartonectin concentrations were found to be similar in the GDM and control groups. However, the number of participants in this study is limited to draw a definitive conclusion. Many studies with larger series are needed to reveal whether serum cartonectin is involved in the pathophysiology of GDM.
Transplantation and Pregnancy
Authors: Erkan Uc Pinar , Sagol Sermet
Published: April 2024

Transplantation is becoming increasingly widespread worldwide as a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. While the woman's quality of life improves rapidly after transplantation, the improvement of the endocrine system helps to regain fertility. The success of conception and successful pregnancy rates are quite low compared to the general population. Particular attention should be paid to obstetric complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm delivery during pregnancy. Ideally, preconception counseling should begin in the period before transplantation. Initiating contraception immediately after transplantation is ideal and long-acting reversible methods such as intrauterine devices and subcutaneous implants may be preferable. Factors that influence pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing organ transplantation include good general health within two years of transplantation, no evidence of organ rejection in the last year, stable graft conditions, absence of acute infections affecting the fetus, and adequate doses of immunosuppression drugs. However, factors that may adversely affect pregnancy include the etiology of the disease requiring transplantation, chronic allograft dysfunction, renal failure, cardiopulmonary diseases, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Postponing pregnancy for at least 1 year after transplantation is very important to optimize pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy in the early post-transplant period increases the risk of acute rejection, infection risk, and graft-related problems. In general, transplanted women can have successful pregnancies and live birth rates are above 70% on average. Although perinatal morbidity and mortality rates are high, most newborns are healthy and develop normally. Specific criteria such as pre-pregnancy serum creatinine levels and blood pressure control, as well as adherence to immunosuppressive therapy, significantly influence pregnancy success in transplant patients. In this review, optimizing pregnancy outcomes often involves addressing maternal and fetal risks, regular graft monitoring to detect potential complications such as organ rejection, and regulation of transplant medications to ensure safety and efficacy during pregnancy. Successful management relies on a multidisciplinary approach with contributions from obstetricians, neonatologists, nephrologists, hepatologists, and transplant surgeons.
CFD Simulation of hydraulic jump in the USBR type-III stilling basin with converged walls
Authors: Fatima Fareena , Sarwar Muhammad Kaleem , Haq Faraz Ul , Raza Ali
Published: April 2024

Hydraulic jump is used to dissipate excessive flow energy in stilling basins to control erosion on the downstream side. The literature review revealed that the convergence of the side walls in a USBR type II stilling basin has enhanced energy dissipation by stabilizing the hydraulic jump. Taking this into account, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was created using CFD code to analyze the hydraulic efficiency of a USBR type III stilling basin with varying degrees of side wall convergence. Additionally, alterations were made to the standard Impact Blocks geometry to evaluate their effect on energy dissipation. The side walls of stilling basin were converged from 0.5° to 2.5° (with an increment of 0.5°). Study results indicated an increase in hydraulic jump efficiency from 1.6 to 14.5% due to increase in wall convergence. Modified Friction Blocks also enhanced the energy dissipation up to 2%. Post-jump Froude number values were found in acceptable range of 0.6 to 0.78. The optimal hydraulic performance of stilling basin was noted when wall convergence angle of 2.5° was used along with modified Friction Blocks. Hydraulic performance of modified stilling basin may be investigated during gated operation of the model.
Aromatherapy Evolution and Blending Basics of Essential Oils
Authors: Agnihotry Shikha , Chopra Deepti , Singh Jyoti , Negi Sandeep , Srivastav Ajeet Kumar , Upadhyay Jaya , Sharma Gagan
Published: April 2024

The history of aromatherapy begins over 3500 years BC. Aromatics were at
the time for religious purposes, perfume, and medicine. Then, in 1910, René-Maurice
Gattefossé, a chemical engineer from Lyon, discovered the therapeutic properties of
pure lavender after an explosion in his laboratory, which left him with major burns. He
treated them with lavender essential oil. Won over by that “miracle”, he founded the
French Society of Aromatic Products and published around twenty works that are still
considered references today. These works would give aromatherapy its reputation and
its very name, as it was Gattefossé who coined the term “aromatherapy”, in 1935. He
conducted many rewarding personal and scientific experiments on essential oils. Other
scientists, such as Charles Chamberland, a biologist and assistant to Louis Pasteur, had
already examined their spectacular antimicrobial action. In the 5th century BCE,
Hippocrates was already treating patients with aromatic vapours. Aromatherapy is a
branch of phytotherapy that uses the volatile active ingredients of aromatic plants.
These are plants that have the ability to synthesize an essence. This science focusses on
the use of essential oils for therapeutic, curative, or preventive purposes. For the most
part, the essential oils are extracted by steam distillation of parts of the plant (such as
leaves, flowers, or bark). Only the essences of citrus pericarp (such as orange or
mandarin zest) tend to be obtained via mechanical cold pressing. In 1929, Sévelinge, a
pharmacist from Lyon, demonstrated the antibacterial efficacy of certain essential oils.

Then, in the 1950s, a military physician used them to treat injured soldiers in Indochina. In 1975, Pierre Franchomme, a pharmacologist and aromatologist, brought about
decisive progress by proposing that the concept of “chemotype”, the “plant’s true
chemical ID card”, should be taken into account, listing the key aromatic compounds
characterizing each plant and how they affect its properties. Today, aromatherapy is
more frequently the focus of scientific studies. It is recognized as a fully-fledged
branch of medicine. Over 17,000 articles on aromatherapy have appeared in an
international high-level scientific publications.