bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Approach to Identifying Red Supergiant Stars in Metal-poor Galaxies: A Case Study of NGC 6822
Authors: Li 李 Zhi-wen 志文 , Yang 杨 Ming 明 , Jiang 姜 Biwei 碧沩 , Ren 任 Yi 逸
Published: January 2025

A complete sample of red supergiant (RSG) stars is important for studying their properties. Identifying RSGs in extragalactic fields first requires removing the Galactic foreground dwarfs. The color–color diagram (CCD) method, specifically using r − z/z − H and J − H/H − K, has proven successful in several studies. However, in metal-poor galaxies, faint RSGs will mix into the dwarf branch in the CCD and would be removed, leading to an incomplete RSG sample. This work attempts to improve the CCD method in combination with the Gaia astrometric measurement to remove foreground contamination in order to construct a complete RSG sample in metal-poor galaxies. The empirical regions of RSGs in both CCDs are defined and modified by fitting the locations of RSGs in galaxies with a range of metallicity. The metal-poor galaxy NGC 6822 is taken as a case study for its low metallicity ([Fe/H] ≈ −1.0) and moderate distance (about 500 kpc). In the complete sample, we identify 1184 RSG, 1559 oxygen-rich AGB (O-AGBs), 1075 carbon-rich AGB (C-AGBs), and 140 extreme AGB (x-AGBs) candidates, with a contamination rate of approximately 20.5%, 9.7%, 6.8%, and 5.0%, respectively. We also present a pure sample, containing only the sources away from the dwarf branch, which includes 843 RSG, 1519 O-AGB, 1059 C-AGB, and 140 x-AGB candidates, with a contamination rate of approximately 6.5%, 8.8%, 6.1%, and 5.0%, respectively. About 600 and 450 RSG candidates are newly identified in the complete and pure samples, respectively, compared to the previous RSG sample in NGC 6822.
Ion Charge States from a Global Time-dependent Wave-turbulence-driven Model of the Solar Wind: Comparison with in Situ Measurements
Authors: Riley Pete , Lionello Roberto , Rivera Yeimy J.
Published: January 2025

Solar wind charge-state measurements contain a wealth of knowledge related to the properties of the solar corona from where they originated. However, their interpretation has remained challenging because it convolves coronal temperature, density, and velocity along the particles’ trajectory through the corona before they “freeze in” and are convected outward through the solar wind. In this study, we calculate ion charge states by coupling a nonequilibrium ionization model with a global magnetohydrodynamic model of the corona and inner heliosphere. We present results for two periods characteristic of solar minimum and maximum and compare them with observations from the ACE spacecraft. We find that the model reproduces the essential features of the observations, rectifying an earlier inconsistency that was apparent in 1D calculations, and allows us to unambiguously trace the evolution of charge states from the base of the corona into the solar wind.
Bulk Motions in the Black Hole Jet Sheath as a Candidate for the Comptonizing Corona
Authors: Sridhar Navin , Ripperda Bart , Sironi Lorenzo , Davelaar Jordy , Beloborodov Andrei M.
Published: January 2025

Using two-dimensional general relativistic resistive magnetohydrodynamic simulations, we investigate the properties of the sheath separating the black hole jet from the surrounding medium. We find that the electromagnetic power flowing through the jet sheath is comparable to the overall accretion power of the black hole. The sheath is an important site of energy dissipation as revealed by the copious appearance of reconnection layers and plasmoid chains. About 20% of the sheath power is dissipated between 2 and 10 gravitational radii. The plasma in the dissipative sheath moves along a nearly paraboloidal surface with transrelativistic bulk motions dominated by the radial component, whose dimensionless 4-velocity is ∼1.2 ± 0.5. In the frame moving with the mean (radially dependent) velocity, the distribution of stochastic bulk motions resembles a Maxwellian with an “effective bulk temperature” of ∼100 keV. Scaling the global simulation to Cygnus X-1 parameters gives a rough estimate of the Thomson optical depth across the jet sheath, ∼0.01–0.1, and it may increase in future magnetohydrodynamic simulations with self-consistent radiative losses. These properties suggest that the dissipative jet sheath may be a viable “coronal” region, capable of upscattering seed soft photons into a hard, nonthermal tail, as seen during the hard states of X-ray binaries and active galactic nuclei.
Angular Power Spectrum of TeV–PeV Cosmic-Ray Anisotropies
Authors: Bian Wenyi , Giacinti Gwenael , Reville Brian
Published: January 2025

Simulations of the cosmic-ray (CR) anisotropy down to TeV energies are presented, using turbulence parameters consistent with those inferred from observations of the interstellar medium. We compute the angular power spectra C

ℓ
of the CR anisotropy obtained from the simulations. We demonstrate that the amplitude of the large-scale gradient in the CR density profile affects only the overall normalization of the C

ℓ
values, without affecting the shape of the angular power spectrum. We show that the power spectrum depends on CR energy and that it is sensitive to the location of the observer at small ℓ. It is found to flatten at large ℓ and can be modeled by a broken power law, exhibiting a break at ℓ ≈ 4. Our computed power spectrum at ~10 TeV fits well HAWC and IceCube measurements. Moreover, we calculate all coefficients of the spherical harmonics and compute the component of the angular power spectrum projected onto the direction of the local magnetic field line. We find that deviations from gyrotropy become increasingly important at higher CR energies and larger values of ℓ.
Pulsar Scattering as a Probe for Structures in the Interstellar Medium
Authors: He Qiuyi , Shi Xun , Li Guangxing
Published: January 2025

Due to the inhomogeneity of electron number density, radio waves emitted by pulsars undergo scattering as they pass through the interstellar medium (ISM). However, a connection between large-scale pulsar scattering data and the structure of the Galactic ISM has yet to be established. In this paper, we explore the capability of pulsar scattering time data in discovering structures in the ISM. Using a large data set of scattering time measurements for 473 pulsars, we fit the pulsar reduced scattering intensity as a function of Galactic latitude and distance, constructing a smooth model of the Galactic pulsar scattering distribution. By comparing this smooth distribution with observational data, we identify two ISM structures responsible for pulsar scattering, one is associated with the Vela supernova remnant region within the Gum Nebula, while the other is a newly discovered structure—a distant superbubble, G38, located at a distance of 2.3 kpc with a size of ~50 pc. Analysis of the correlation coefficient of the pulsar scattering distribution shows that the correlation is dominated by structures smaller than 0.15 kpc—the closest separation approachable by the current data set. As measurements of the pulsar scattering time continue to increase in the future, they can potentially become an independent tool for exploring structures in the ISM.
Ubiquitous Small-scale Extreme-ultraviolet Upflow-like Events above Network Regions Observed by the Solar Orbiter/Extreme Ultraviolet Imager
Authors: Duan Yadan , Chen Hechao , Hou Zhenyong , Sun Zheng , Shen Yuandeng
Published: January 2025

Universal small-scale solar activity in the quiet region is suggested to be a potential source of solar wind and the upper solar atmosphere. Here, with the high-resolution 174 Å imaging observations from the Solar Orbiter/Extreme Ultraviolet Imager, we investigate 59 EUV upflow-like events observed in the quiet Sun. Their average apparent (plane-of-sky) velocity, lifetime, and propagation distance are measured as 62 km s−1, 68.6 s, and 3.94 Mm, respectively. These upflow-like events exhibit dynamic characteristics but lack base brightening, featuring a hot front and subsequent cold plasma ejection. A total of 39% of the EUV upflow-like events exhibit recurrent characteristics. Unprecedented high-resolution 174 Å observations reveal that some EUV upflow-like events exhibit blob-like fine structures and multistrand evolutionary features, and some upflow-like events can cause localized haze-like plasma heating ahead of their spire region during the ejection process. A subset of the EUV upflow-like events covered by the Solar Dynamics Observatory reveals that they appear at the chromospheric networks. Through emission measure analysis, we found that these upflow-like events eject hot plasma of transient region or coronal temperature (an average of ~105.5 K). We suggest that EUV upflow-like events may be EUV counterparts of chromospheric spicules and/or transition region network jets and play a role in heating the localized corona above the network regions.
Multiwavelength Emission of Gamma-Ray Burst Prompt Phase. II. Spectral Polarimetry
Authors: Li Jia-Sheng , Lan Mi-Xiang
Published: January 2025

Polarization spectra were predicted within the photosphere model. To seek more clues to distinguish between the models, both the time-resolved and time-integrated polarization spectra from optical band to MeV gamma-rays of the magnetic reconnection model are studied here. There are two newly found differences between the two models. First, the time-integrated polarization degree of the magnetic reconnection model would in general increase with frequency for on-axis observations, while it is not monotonous for the photosphere model. Second, the variations of both the time-integrated and the time-resolved polarization angles (PAs) with frequency of the magnetic reconnection model are not random, while the time-integrated PA varies randomly with frequency for the photosphere model. Therefore, future energy-resolved polarization analysis could distinguish between the two models. In addition, the PA rotation spectra are studied for the first time. The rotation value of PA within the burst duration will decrease with the increase of the observational energy band. Most significant PA rotation would happen for slightly off-axis observations in each energy band. The PA would rotate even for on-axis observations in the optical band. Compared with the aligned magnetic field case, the PA rotation is quite rare in the gamma-ray band for the case with a toroidal field in the radiation region.
The “Ants of Cyprus” website: a dynamic, online awareness raising and conservation tool
Authors: Demetriou Jakovos , Georgiadis Christos , Salata Sebastian , Borowiec Lech , Dillen Mathias , Groom Quentin , Economo Evan , Roy Helen , Martinou Angeliki
Published: January 2025

Ants are an important arthropod group due to their involvement in ecological processes amongst others as ecosystem engineers or predators, but some invasive alien species are also implicated in detrimental environmental, economic and human health effects. Despite recent advancements, the ant biodiversity of Cyprus is still in need of further research with previous online species inventories synthesising a checklist of just 65 native and 10 alien species. The “Ants of Cyprus” website (https://sites.google.com/view/ants-of-cyprus) aims to: (1) raise public awareness and increase local knowledge on the biodiversity and ecological significance of ants, (2) provide ecological data and (3) enhance conservation efforts and management practices for native and alien ant species, respectively. This dynamic, user-friendly website has been designed for use by the scientific community, conservation officers and the wider public and it will be regularly updated as new information and data are generated. Additionally, this information will be critical for reporting on progress towards biodiversity targets and goals.
A Systematic Review on the Effects of Short-Term Exposure to Bisphenol-A and Bisphenol-S During Embryonic Stages of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Dulanthi M. L. Y. , Rajapaksa G.
Published: January 2025

Bisphenol-A is a highly used industrial chemical and a pervasive environmental oestrogen. Therefore, bisphenol-S was introduced as a safe alternative, yet endocrine disruption properties have been reported. Therefore, the safety of bisphenol-S as a safe substitute of bisphenol-A has become questionable. Yet, the existing published literature on comparative assessment of bisphenol effects are not conclusive. Therefore, a systematic review was carried out to comprehend the relative effects of bisphenols, by comparing the growth-related effects of early-life exposure to bisphenol-A and bisphenol-S in the model organism, Danio rerio (Zebrafish).  The review analysed the published research through Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) strategy. The search was conducted in Research Gate, Pub Med, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases for articles published from the start of database coverage until August 2021, searching for articles on survival and growth-related effects of bisphenols in embryonic stages of zebrafish. Out of 181 articles, only 7 articles became eligible for inclusion criteria of early life (embryo) short-term bisphenol exposure. In recruited articles, hatching rate, body length, locomotion, malformations and survival of zebrafish were analysed under bisphenol concentrations of 0.0001 mg/L to 100mg/L. Studies on hatching rate have reported that exposure to both types of bisphenols in the concentration range of 1-100 µg/L significantly increase the hatching rate in a comparable manner. One study has reported that bisphenol-S significantly decreases embryo survival in lower concentrations than bisphenol-A. Decreased body length under the concentration range of 0.1-100 µg/L were evident for both bisphenols in a comparable manner. Based on the systematic review, it can be concluded that acute exposure to bisphenol-A and bisphenol-S exert similar effects to zebrafish embryos. Therefore the claim on the bisphenol-S as a safe bisphenol-A substitute warrants further investigations.
Social Media in Collaborative Learning: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Fernando I. D. K. L. , Warnasooriya W. W. S. T. , Munasinghe M. A. K. S.
Published: January 2025

Adopting social media in Collaborative learning demarcates a boundary of novel pedagogy. Collaborative learning is a behaviour that can affect the teacher's and learners' cognition and, hence, pedagogical psychology. The concept can be used to facilitate a wider remote community for teaching and learning purposes. Thus, it has brought up the lacuna of a study explaining the empirical research ecosystems associated with the topic area. The main objectives of the study are (1) to investigate the existing knowledge landscape on social, collaborative learning with social media and (2) to areas where empirical research is lacking. The PRISMA guidelines followed the systematic literature review method. Scholarly journal articles published between 1980-2023 were queried through the Lens.org database, where 63 articles were selected for the final review. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using Biblioshiny and RStudio, and the VOSviewer package was used to conduct network visualization and density visualization analysis. Results revealed a relationship between social media adoption and collaborative learning. Existing knowledge was mapped and described using visualization maps to capture the extent of the existing research conducted and highlight the links between each article used in the analysis. A new qualitative tool, Word Cloud, highlighted the study areas. It was found that there could be a relationship between the psychological aspects of teachers and learners while adopting social media into pedagogy. Thus, if available, further research needs to be conducted to identify and regulate such issues. Research areas lacking empirical research must be addressed with future possible research since there is a trending incline in research. The same systematic review can be repeated with at least two research databases to minimize the change of missing possible articles in the review. However, pilot studies, at pure and applied levels, need to be conducted prior to the practice of social media adoption in collaborative learning, and they must be conducted through policy background.
Hazardous Wastes Trade: Impacts of Importing Wastes Under Entrepôt Trade, A Case Study of Sri Lanka
Authors: Henegedara G. M.
Published: January 2025

Despite the prohibition of transboundary trade in hazardous waste trade among countries, it occurs between developed and developing countries, mainly through some trading systems such as entrepôt trade. Sri Lanka has experience in this trade, having introduced entrepôt trade facilities in 2013. The paper reviews the case of importing hazardous wastes from the United Kingdom to Sri Lanka in 2017. Thus, 241 waste containers were imported by two private companies for recycling and re-export purposes. However, only 100 containers were utilized for the said purpose, and the other 141 containers were unused because they contained rotted toxic clinical waste such as materials disposed of mortuaries, syringes, plastics, and other wastes. Considering the serious concern of the public, the Sri Lanka Court ordered the resendment of all garbage to the origin of imports. Considering the severe effects on the economy, the paper expected to assess the effect by focusing on three aspects, i.e., factors influenced by importing wastes to the country and its economic and environmental impacts on the economy. The analysis was based on secondary data that analyzed by descriptive statistical techniques such as mean and modes. The economic Impact was assessed by reviewing the benefit of entrepôt trade indicators, i.e., employment, service companies, total revenue, and contribution to GDP encountered as cost and benefit. Environmental Impact was assessed by considering possible effects on society if hazardous waste is imported and re-exported, in view of human hazards made in Sri Lanka from time to time in terms of human and health aspects. Economic analysis reveals that logistic services and Transshipment Services positively impacted employment creation and contribution to GDP. Nevertheless, the Impact of establishing service companies and total revenue was neutral. The environmental analysis discloses the possible threats to society if it allows the import of hazardous waste. It concludes that imports of hazardous wastes to the country are harmful and socially exclusive.
Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking Skills in Undergraduates: A Systematic Review
Authors: Premkumar P. P. , Yatigammana M. R. K. N. , Kannangara S.
Published: January 2025

Despite widespread acknowledgement of the significance of critical thinking skills for success in today's job market, higher education institutions face challenges in effectively nurturing these skills in students. Educational policies, reports, and employer demands emphasise the importance of critical thinking, yet a gap remains between its recognised value and the actual proficiency levels among university students. This study employs a systematic literature review approach to address a research question, "What is the impact of Generative AI on the critical thinking skills of undergraduates?" About half of the thirty selected papers suggest that Generative AI benefits undergraduate critical thinking, but limitations in study design prevent generalisation. Other inconclusive studies highlight the need for further research to address research gaps.
Orthopaedic Colloquy
Authors: Amarasekara S. S.
Published: January 2025

No abstract available
A descriptive study of syphilitic uveitis in patients treated at tertiary hospitals in Johannesburg
Authors: Rawjee Kashmira , Makgotloe Mokokomadi A.
Published: January 2025

Background: Syphilitic uveitis is a ‘great mimicker’ with a myriad of manifestations resembling other forms of inflammation in the eye. A large percentage of patients with syphilitic uveitis in South Africa have HIV co-infection and their clinical features and serological results may be confounded by the presence of HIV.Aim: This study aimed to describe the clinical features of patients treated for syphilitic uveitis at two tertiary hospitals in Johannesburg.Setting: The study was conducted at the ophthalmology departments of two tertiary hospitals in Johannesburg.Methods: A retrospective descriptive case series of patients admitted for treatment of syphilitic uveitis at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospitals.Results: From 01 January 2015 to 30 June 2020, 25 patients (44 eyes) were admitted for syphilitic uveitis treatment. Vitritis was the most common sign in 54.5% of the patients (n = 24 eyes) and 23 of these eyes were of HIV positive patients. Anterior chamber cells were in 43.1% of the patients (n = 19 eyes), posterior synechiae in 36.3% (n = 16 eyes), optic disc swelling in 31.8% (n = 14 eyes), pigmentary retinopathy in 18.1% (n = 8 eyes) and ciliary injection in 18.1% (n = 8 eyes). Optic disc swelling was observed in 57.1% (n = 4 eyes) of HIV negative patients. There was an improvement in visual acuity (VA) in 64.3% of eyes (n = 27) and no change in VA in 35.7% (n = 15) of eyes. No deterioration in post-treatment VA was documented.Conclusion: Majority of the patients admitted for syphilitic uveitis had posterior segment signs, which should prompt a diagnosis of syphilis. The treatment of syphilitic uveitis leads to an improvement in VA.Contribution: This work contributes to our understanding of syphilitic uveitis presentation in South African hospitals.
Human language technology tools for indigenous South African languages and their potential use
Authors: Mlambo Respect , Matfunjwa Muzi
Published: January 2025

Human language technology (HLT) contributes to the development of languages by providing various avenues through which languages can be interrogated. Through HLT, diverse questions can be raised and answered scientifically and objectively. In the context of South African indigenous languages (SAIL), several HLT tools support these languages. However, it seems that some language users are unaware of the availability and capabilities of these tools, which contributes to their underutilisation. This study aims to identify and describe briefly some of the HLT tools that support and analyse SAIL. It presents an overview of the open access HLT tools, namely part-of-speech (POS) taggers, morphological decomposers (MDs), morphological analysers (MAs), isiZulu.net, ZulMorph and Google Translate (GT). These tools are crucial in analysing and understanding SAIL, as well as for advancing these languages in the field of HLT. In this study, the researchers anticipate that by raising awareness of the existence of these tools, more users of indigenous languages will be eager to use them.Contribution: This study fills the practical gap in the use of HLT to perform linguistic functions for SAIL. It seems that there is underutilisation of existing HLT tools for SAIL, which might be attributed to language users being unaware of these tools. Therefore, the study aims to identify and describe some HLT tools that support and analyse SAIL. It presents an overview of the open access HLT tools, namely POS taggers, MD, MA, isiZulu.net, ZulMorph and GT. The researchers intend to demonstrate the use of these tools and to raise awareness about their existence.
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) colonisation as a predictor for subsequent CRE infection: A retrospective surveillance study
Authors: Tubb Courtney M. , Tubb Marco , Hooijer Jonathan , Chomba Rispah , Nel Jeremy
Published: January 2025

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales colonisation is an important prerequisite for infection, and its surveillance is crucial to reduce spread. However, data from South Africa are limited.Objectives: We aimed to determine CRE colonisation prevalence, the incidence of subsequent CRE infections and the risk factors associated with each.Method: We retrospectively reviewed hospital records from 686 patients admitted to a medical high-care ward at a tertiary hospital in Gauteng, South Africa, between October 2019 and May 2022. Patients were grouped by CRE colonisation status on arrival and discharge. Data on comorbidities, indwelling devices and antibiotic exposure were collected.Results: The prevalence of CRE colonisation was 12.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.1–15.1), with Klebsiella pneumoniae (81.2%) being the most common CRE isolated and OXA-48-like enzymes (94.5%) being the most frequent carbapenemase detected. Risk factors for CRE colonisation on the univariate analysis included exposure to antibiotics (odds ratio [OR]: 2.21; 95% CI: 0.98–4.96, P = 0.048) and presence of a central venous line (OR: 6.33; 95% CI: 1.78–22.46, P = 0.001). Of patients colonised with a CRE, 21.2% subsequently developed a culture-positive infection within 180 days from the initial colonisation result and the majority within 30 days. These infections were mostly CREs (OR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.3–12.7), and where the infections were CREs, the causative CRE organism and carbapenemase subtype were identical in each case.Conclusion: Our study documented higher CRE prevalence rates than those previously reported from South Africa. Given the association between CRE colonisation and subsequent infection, urgent measures are required to reduce CRE colonisation rates. As the organism and carbapenemase detected in the initial colonisation and subsequent CRE infection were closely related, knowledge of prior CRE colonisation may assist clinicians with antibiotic choice if patients present with an infection within 30 days of CRE colonisation.Contribution: This study reports higher CRE colonization rates in South Africa than previously documented, highlighting the urgent need to reduce colonization. The close genetic link between CRE colonization and subsequent infection suggests that knowledge of prior colonization can guide clinicians in selecting effective antibiotics, particularly for infections occurring within 30 days. These findings support targeted interventions to address the rising CRE threat.
Evaluating Potential Plant-based Root Canal Irrigants for their Anti-bacterial Effectualness: A Lab-based Research Study
Authors: Oak Anjali Aayush , Attur Kailash
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

The escalating resistance of bacterial strains to conventional antimicrobial agents necessitates the exploration of alternative natural remedies. This study investigates the anti-bacterial efficacy of Triphala and Aloe Vera extracts, individually and in varying proportions, against Enterococcus fecalis compared to established chemical agents, specifically 0.5% and 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).

Materials and Methods:

Standard strains of E. Coli were inoculated in the Mueller–Hinton agar plates incubated at 37°C for 24 h, using the agar well diffusion method with irrigants categorised as Group I: Triphala extract, Group II: Aloe vera extract, Group III: Triphala and aloe vera extract in 1:2 combination, Group IV: NaOCl in 0.5% concentration and Group V: NaOCl in 3% concentration. Data were analysed using ANOVA and post hoc tests, with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results:

The results demonstrated significant anti-bacterial activity of both natural products, with varying effects based on their combination ratios. Combination therapies using Triphala and Aloe Vera produced enhanced anti-bacterial effects compared to individual applications against E. fecalis bacterial strains. The results were not statistically significant, indicating herbal irrigants performed equivalently as compared to both the concentrations of NaOCl used in this research study.

Conclusion:

Combinations of natural products in this study exhibit significant anti-bacterial activity, suggesting their potential role in further applications for disinfection and endodontic treatments which needs to be corroborated with further clinical studies.
A strategy to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies in patients with tPSA >10 ng ml−1 and PI-RADS 1–3
Authors: Dong Qi-Fei , Liu Yi-Xun , Chen Yu-Han , Ma Yi-Fan , Zhou Tao , Fan Xue-Feng , Yu Xiang , Wang Chang-Ming , Xiao Jun
Published: January 2025

We propose a strategy to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies in Chinese patients with total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) >10 ng ml−1 and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scores between 1 and 3. Clinical data derived from 517 patients of The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Hefei, China) from January 2020 to December 2023 who met the screening criteria for the study were retrospectively collected. Independent predictors were identified via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The diagnostic capacity of clinical variables was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). A prostate biopsy strategy was developed via risk stratification. Of the 517 patients, 17/348 (4.9%) with PI-RADS 1–2 were diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa), and 27/169 (16.0%) patients with PI-RADS 3 were diagnosed with csPCa. The appropriate prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) cut-off values were 0.45 ng ml−2 for PI-RADS 1–2 patients and 0.3 ng ml−2 for PI-RADS 3 patients. The appropriate prostate volume (PV) cut-off values were 40 ml for PI-RADS 1–2 patients and 50 ml for PI-RADS 3 patients. The prostate biopsy strategy based on PSAD and PV developed in this study can reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies in patients with tPSA >10 ng ml−1 and PI-RADS 1–3. In the study, 66.5% (344/517) patients did not need to undergo prostate biopsy, at the expense of missing only 1.7% (6/344) patients with csPCa.
Clinicoradiological Manifestations of Melioidosis with Pulmonary Involvement in a Tertiary Hospital Setup
Authors: Ananth P Prem , Anand R , Prathipa R , Raj S Raghul , Nagarajan N
Published: January 2025

Background:

Melioidosis, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia
pseudomallei, can have varied presentations ranging from acute, subacute, or chronic presentation. Our study aims to comprehensively investigate and analyze the epidemiology and clinicoradiological characteristics of melioidosis along with their prognosis.

Materials and Methods:

This was a single-centered retrospective observational study where the data of 30 culture-positive melioidosis patients admitted to our hospital from August 2020 to August 2023 were collected and analyzed. All the patients were subjected to routine chest X-rays or high-resolution computed tomography thorax during admission.

Results:

The median age was 45.6 (41–60 years). Males were more commonly affected than females. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbid followed by chronic kidney disease. Radiologically, the right upper lobes (46.6%) are more commonly involved followed by the left upper lobe (23.3%). Systemic involvement of melioidosis shows isolated pulmonary (Lung plus Pleura) involvement at up to 38% followed by disseminated melioidosis at 33% (more than two or more organs involved), with liver and lymph nodes both accounting for 9%. The most common pulmonary presentation was a cavity (50%), followed by lobar infiltrates (46.6%) and atelectasis (33.3%). Around 10 patients had a chronic presentation with bone and joint involvement (6.6%), lymphadenopathy (10%), and pleural empyema (16.6%). The delay in diagnosis in these chronic cases is attributed to their atypical presentation often mimicking tuberculosis or malignancy. Among the 30 patients, 22 patients improved with treatment, seven patients went against medical advice, and one patient succumbed to the disease.

Conclusion:

Our study highlights the importance of clinical assessment, radiological findings, appropriate sampling, and culture methods in suspected melioidosis cases, especially in patients residing in endemic areas such as the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, thereby initiating early antibiotics for improved patient outcomes.
Dual Mycobacterial Invasion: A Case Report on Coexisting Tuberculosis and Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Infection
Authors: Ananth P. Prem , Raj S. Raghul , Anand R. , Nagarajan N.
Published: January 2025

Tuberculosis (TB) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are concerning for individuals with factors such as previous TB, diabetes, and chronic pulmonary conditions. Coinfections with TB and NTM, though rare, present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Mycobacterium kansasii, an NTM species, can cause pulmonary disease similar to TB, requiring thorough diagnostic approaches for effective treatment. This case report highlights a 61-year-old male farmer with a history of TB who was diagnosed with a TB-NTM (M. kansasii) coinfection after presenting with recurrent pulmonary symptoms.
Fifteen Percent Thermal Burn Injury Developing Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Chatterjee Rupak , Mandal Debanjan , Mondal Arnab , Bhattacharya Rupnarayan , Mukherjee Shatavisa
Published: January 2025

Although many medical and surgical illnesses are implicated for development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), few diseases contribute predominantly as etiology. Pneumonia and sepsis are the most common causes followed in incidence by aspiration of gastric contents, trauma, multiple transfusions, and drug overdose. Here, we report a case of 15% total body surface area 2nd-degree thermal burn injury developing severe ARDS, which was managed successfully. Apart from mechanical ventilation, aggressive attempts to reduce left atrial filling pressures with fluid restriction and diuretics constitute an important aspect of ARDS management.
Phenobarbital vs. Levetiracetam in Neonatal Seizures: Is Old Still the Gold? A Narrative Review
Authors: Shambhavi  , Dubey Pawan Kumar , Pandey Akash Kumar
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:

Neonatal seizures (NSs) are a common problem encountered in almost every neonatal intensive care unit. They are not only challenging to diagnose but also to treat. Although phenobarbital is the most popular first-line antiepileptic drug used to treat them, recently, an increasing number of neonatologists are losing faith in this drug due to its possible side effects on the neonatal brain.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the best first-line antiepileptic medication for NS according to safety and efficacy in the form of current evidence and literature.

Materials and Methods:

We searched the PubMed database using the medical subject headings terms “NS,” “first-line anti-epileptics,” “phenobarbital,” “levetiracetam (LEV),” “efficacy,” “safety,” and reviewed the relevant studies. We studied articles written in English for the past 10 years, without excluding older articles that were relevant to this review.

Conclusion:

There has been a recent surge of interest in the use of LEV as a first-line antiepileptic due to its better safety profile. But still, the current evidence based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) does not support its use as first-line antiepileptic. Phenobarbital still has the potential to continue as the drug of choice for NS until larger RCTs are done.
Severe Spinal Cord Injury in an Abused Infant: Case Report
Authors: Correia Beatriz P.B. , Barreto Carolina M.L. , Gomes Filho Fábio J.S. , Kummer Laís L.M. , De Souza Jacks A.T. , Da Silva Aldo J.F.
Published: January 2025

Abstract

A 1-year-old male child suspected of child abuse. She had a severe fracture-dislocation in the lumbar spine (L1/L2). After surgical treatment, the child evolved well, without sequelae. In the case described, it shows the importance of protecting children against abuse.
Спектральные асимптотики для оператора Шредингера, возмущенного оператором сдвига
Authors: Borisov Denis Ivanovich , Polyakov Dmitry Mikhailovich
Published: January 2025

Рассматривается одномерный оператор Шрeдингера на единичном отрезке с условием Дирихле, возмущенный оператором малого сдвига. Изучается спектр такого нелокального оператора. Основной результат - асимптотики собственных значений этого оператора по номеру, равномерные по малому сдвигу. В асимптотике явно выделены члены, возникающие в силу присутствия оператора малого сдвига. Кроме того, установлено, что система собственных и присоединенных функций
для рассматриваемого оператора образует базис Бари в пространстве функций, интегрируемых с квадратом на единичном отрезке.
Проблемы алгоритмической разрешимости и аксиоматизации алгебры конечных подмножеств для бинарных операций
Authors: Dudakov Sergey Mikhailovich
Published: January 2025

Рассматриваются алгебры конечных подмножеств,
когда исходная алгебра является бесконечным группоидом.
Доказывается, что для линейных пространств
над полями конечной характеристики теория построенной
алгебры алгоритмически эквивалентна элементарной арифметике.
Далее этот результат обобщается на произвольные бесконечные абелевы группы.
В качестве следствия получается, что общая теория классов всех алгебр конечных подмножеств
имеет степень неразрешимости не меньшую, чем элементарная арифметика,
для широкого круга исходных алгебр:
абелевых групп, произвольных групп, моноидов, полугрупп, группоидов.
Это также доказывает невозможность рекурсивной аксиоматизации теорий таких классов.
Другим следствием является неразрешимость и невозможность рекурсивной аксиоматизации
теории решeтки подалгебр для абелевых групп конечной экспоненты,
а также - теорий классов таких решeток для групп, моноидов и полугрупп.
Рациональный и $p$-адический аналоги гипотезы Уайтхеда
Authors: Mikhovich Andrey
Published: January 2025

В статье доказано, что подкопредставления асферических проунипотентных копредставлений над полями нулевой характеристики и подкопредставления асферических про-$p$-копредставлений являются асферическими. Результаты интерпретируются, как утвердительные ответы на рациональный и $p$-адический аналоги знаменитой гипотезы Дж. Х. К. Уайтхеда.
Методы теории аффинных групповых схем позволяют унифицировать комбинаторные теории копредставлений для про-p-групп и проунипотентных групп в нулевой характеристике. Такой подход, в частности, позволяет подвести строгую математическую основу под философию, предложенную Ж.-П. Серром. Полученные результаты применяются в задачах, связанных с классической проблемой Уайтхеда.
Поперечники и жесткость безусловных множеств и случайных векторов
Authors: Malykhin Yuri Viatcheslavovich , Ryutin Konstantin Sergeevich
Published: January 2025

Мы доказываем, что безусловное множество в $\R^N$, инвариантное относительно циклических сдвигов координат, является жeстким в $\ell_q^N$, $1\le q\le 2$, т.е. не может быть хорошо приближено линейными подпространствами размерности существенно меньшей $N$. Мы применяем подход, предложенный Е.Д. Глускиным, для усредненных колмогоровских поперечников безусловных векторов или же векторов, компонентами которых являются независимые, с нулевым средним случайные величины, и доказываем их жeсткость. Эти результаты получаются из общей оценки снизу усредненного колмогоровского поперечника через слабый момент биортогонального случайного вектора. Работа продолжает исследования жeсткости, начатые первым автором. Мы приводим несколько следствий, включая новые оценки поперечников по Колмогорову шаров в смешанных нормах.
On the decision problem for quantified probability logics
Authors: Speranski Stanislav Olegovich
Published: January 2025

Let $\mathsf{QPL}^{\mathrm{e}}$ expand the quantifier-free ‘polynomial’ probability logic of [4] by adding quantifiers over arbitrary events; it can be viewed as a one-sorted elementary language for reasoning about probability spaces. We prove that the $\Sigma_2$-fragment of the $\mathsf{QPL}^{\mathrm{e}}$-theory of finite spaces is hereditarily undecidable. By earlier observations, this implies that $\Pi_2$ is the maximal decidable prefix fragment of $\mathsf{QPL}^{\mathrm{e}}$. Moreover, we obtain similar results for two natural one-sorted logics of probability that emerge from [1].
2023–2024 Reviewers
Authors: Pilla Srikanth
Published: January 2025

2023–2024 Reviewers
Design and Fabrication of Fire Extinguishing Drone
Authors: Karthikeyan S. , Nithish U. , Sanjay S. , Sibiraj T. , Vishnu J.
Published: January 2025

Nowadays, there are many technologies emerging like firefighting robots,
quadcopters, and drones which are capable of operating in hazardous disaster
scenarios. In recent years, fire emergencies have become an increasingly serious
problem, leading to hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and the
destruction of property worth millions of dollars. According to the National
Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India recorded approximately 1,218 fire incidents
resulting in 1,694 deaths in 2020 alone. Globally, the World Health Organization
(WHO) estimates that fires account for around 265,000 deaths each year, with the
majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

The existing fire-extinguishing systems are often inefficient and lack proper
testing, causing significant delays in firefighting efforts. These delays become
even more critical in situations involving high-rise buildings or bushfires,
where reaching the affected areas is particularly challenging. The leading
causes of fires include electrical faults, open flames, and negligence, with a
notable percentage stemming from cooking-related incidents. This research
introduces a prototype of a quadcopter designed to extinguish fires, which is
equipped with a mechanism for releasing balls. The prototype utilizes
experimental items to mimic fire-suppressing balls, establishing a basis for
potential applications in firefighting technology.
Influences of Zinc Oxide Doping on Functional Characteristics Study
of Thin Film Solar Cell for Hybrid Solar Electric Vehicle
Utilization
Authors: Venkatesh R. , De Poures Melvin Victor , Thangamani P. , Manivannan S. , Devanathan C. , Boopathi M. Sugadeva , Baranitharan Balakrishnan , Madhu S. , Kaliyaperumal Gopal
Published: January 2025

The solar-based hybrid automotive vehicle represents a trend marked by
technological excellence, offering an efficient, cost-effective, and
eco-friendly solution. Besides, the enhancement of solar absorption due to poor
weather is influenced by poor solar power with reduced photocurrent density.
This research focuses on enhancing the solar power and photocurrent density of
conventional solar cells featuring aluminium-doped zinc oxide thin films (AZO)
using the Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition (MIST CVD) process with a zinc acetate
precursor solution processed at temperatures ranging from 200 to 400°C. To
investigate the effect of AZO on the functional behaviour of solar cells,
microstructural studies utilizing scanning electron microscopy and X-ray
diffraction reveal the concentration of AZO and the alignment of Al/ZnO peaks as
even. As a result, this research demonstrates a 21% increase in solar power
output compared to conventional Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) cells, with an
improvement in photocurrent density of 1.24 mA/cm2. This advanced
solar cell technology is recommended for use in electric vehicle (EV)
applications.
A Comparative Study of Combustion and Performance in Diesel Engines
Fueled by Mosambi Peel Biodiesel-Butylated Hydroxytoluene Nanoparticles
Blend
Authors: Jayabal Ravikumar , Madhu S. , Devarajan Yuvarajan , Domian Christopher Selvam
Published: January 2025

This study’s objective is to examine the combustion and performance of mosambi
waste peel biodiesel (MWPB) combined with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
nanoparticles as a substitute fuel for diesel engines. It also aims to assess
the impact of this blend on engine combustion, such as in-cylinder pressure,
heat release rate (HRR), ignition delay (ID), combustion duration (CD) and mass
fraction burnt (MFB) and performance indicators, including brake thermal
efficiency (BTE), brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC), engine torque,
exhaust gas temperature (EGT), indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP),
air-fuel ratio (A/F ratio) and volumetric efficiency, while also considering the
feasibility of employing waste materials in fuel generation. The experimental
configuration utilized a research diesel engine functioning under standard
conditions, emphasizing the maintenance of uniform injection pressure to ensure
optimal fuel atomization and combustion. The test fuels are diesel, MWPB,
MWPB+10 μm BHT 10 ppm and MWPB+20 μm BHT 10 ppm mixtures were utilized, and
essential performance metrics were assessed. The results showed that
incorporating BHT nanoparticles enhances the combustion properties of the MWPB
mixes. The in-cylinder pressure increased in MWPB, and HRR increased in MWPB+20
μm BHT 10 ppm blend compared to diesel, but the diesel fuel has a higher ID, CD
and MFB than other test fuels. Also, findings indicate an increase in BTE and a
reduction in BSEC relative to pure diesel fuel. Furthermore, diesel fuel has
higher engine torque, IMEP, A/F ratio and volumetric efficiency than other test
fuels, but MWPB has higher EGT than diesel. The research suggests that biodiesel
derived from mosambi peel, combined with BHT nanoparticles, is a feasible
alternative to traditional diesel fuel, providing improved combustion efficiency
and decreased energy usage. This study underscores the potential of agricultural
waste for biodiesel generation. It enlightens the significant role of additives
such as BHT in enhancing fuel performance and sustainability in diesel
engines.
Fabrication and Characterization of Silicon Carbide and Aluminum
Oxide Reinforced 6061-T6 Aluminum Matrix Composites
Authors: Thirumavalavan R. , Santhosh V. , Sugunarani S. , Regupathi S. , Sundaravignesh S.
Published: January 2025

Aluminum Matrix Composites (AMCs) are gaining traction in aerospace, automotive,
and marine industries due to their superior mechanical properties. By
integrating hard ceramic particles such as silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminum
oxide (Al₂O₃) into aluminum matrices, these composites exhibit enhanced wear
resistance and strength-to-weight ratios. This study explores the fabrication
and characterization of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy matrix composites, reinforced
individually with SiC and Al₂O₃ particles through the squeeze casting technique.
The research includes a comprehensive analysis of microstructures and mechanical
properties, focusing on compressive strength, Brinell hardness, and tribological
behavior. Findings reveal that SiC and Al₂O₃ reinforcements boost compressive
strength by up to 27% and 47%, respectively, and increase hardness by up to 29%
and 20%, respectively, compared to unreinforced aluminum.
Optimizing Mechanical and Transport Properties of Carboxylated
Nitrile Rubber Composites
Authors: Vishvanathperumal S. , Manimaran K. , Murali M. , Meera C. , Gopika P. , Arun M.
Published: January 2025

The article describes a two-step technique that involves making a masterbatch
that is 3:1 [by weight] carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) and nanoclay (NC),
compounding on a two-roll mill, and moulding at 150°C and 20 MPa pressure.
Tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), and modulus (M100, M200 and
M300) all rises with the amount of nanofiller present, peaked at 5 phr, then
fell off. The NC demonstrated a tendency to aggregate at greater concentrations.
The amount of reinforcement provided by the NC filler can be determined by
comparing the modulus of filled compounds (M100f) to that of unfilled
XNBR (M100u). This ratio rises with the amount of NC present, peaked
at 5-7.5 phr, and subsequently fell. Using sorption isotherms, the swelling
behaviour of the solvent through the nanocomposites was studied. With increasing
NC concentration, the solvent absorption fell, reaching a minimum at 5 phr NC.
When toluene sorption for diffusion via XNBR-NC composites was measured, the
amount of nanofiller was shown to lower the toluene sorption. Morphological
investigation supported the association between the morphology of the
nanocomposites and the dependence of different properties on NC content.