bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baseline toxicological assessment of biliary PAHs and heavy metals contamination in a commercially consumed native fish (Mugil cephalus) within Fiji coastal waters
Authors: Varea Rufino , Piovano Susanna , Mani Francis
Published: July 2023

The indirect exposure and effects of marine pollutants such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, present significant health concerns for human coastal communities that rely on fish consumption as a regular nutritional source. This study confirms a sentinel marine fish species,Mugil cephalus(“mullet”), for biomonitoring environmental health and conducting risk assessments using biomarkers in Fiji. Sampling was performed at two Fijian study areas, i.e., Laucala Bay and the Ba River Delta. Findings suggest that mullets from Laucala Bay exhibit biochemical responses that reflect a better habitat condition than those from the Ba River Delta. The lower K factor supports this conclusion, and HSI was observed in mullets from Laucala Bay. Analyses of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons revealed higher concentrations of four metabolites (naphthalene, phenanthrene, 1-hydroxypyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene) in samples from the Ba River Delta compared to Laucala Bay, with some metabolites showing statistically significant differences between the two sites. Four heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg) were quantified in edible fish tissues of mullet from both study areas. The concentrations of Cr and Pb were higher in mullets from the Ba River Delta than in Laucala Bay, but below the safety limits set by the World Health Organization for human consumption. Cd and Hg concentrations were below the detection limits. Biotransformation processes (phase I and II) were assessed using ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase and glutathione S-transferase as biomarkers. The enzyme cascade of antioxidants, specifically glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, demonstrated effectiveness and potential as biomarkers for future studies. Measuring lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte nuclei abnormalities provided evidence of higher levels of biological damage in mullet from the Ba River Delta compared to Laucala Bay. These findings 1) support the use of mullet as a suitable reference species for future ecotoxicology studies in Fiji, 2) are essential to take informed health and safety considerations regarding mullet consumption, 3) provide a baseline to compare future monitoring results and, 4) underscore the importance of incorporating biomonitoring practices in future environmental risk assessments. Doing so can establish a robust and comprehensive ecotoxicological framework to inform future environmental policies and legislation in Fiji.
Preliminarily Experimental Study on Servo Control Strategy for Dry Electrical Discharge Machining
Authors: Li Liqing , Wang Yunhang , Chen Yitao
Published: July 2023

In traditional liquid EDM, huge carbon emissions, and the process is not environmentally friendly. The emergence of electric discharge machining in gas (DEDM) has unfolded a new situation of sustainable development of EDM. However, the problems of poor discharge stability and low machining efficiency have restricted the application of DEDM. Considering that servo control is an important factor affecting the discharge state and machining performance, while related research is rarely reported up to now, we make an exploratively study on the servo control of DEDM to understand its feature and aim to improve the discharge stability and machining efficiency. The relative discharge ratio, machining efficiency, electrode wear and surface roughness with different control strategies were compared and analyzed using a self-built ball screw EDM servo system, and obtained a more effective improvement compared with traditional servo strategy in DEDM. It is found that PD control strategy improved the effective discharge ratio by 40.4% and machining efficiency by 136.55% compared with conventional control strategy. This work also analyzed the servo characteristics under different gas media (oxygen, nitrogen, argon) and putted forward servo optimization scheme, the experimental results verified the effectiveness of improving DEDM from servo strategy, which indirectly proved the matching characteristics of medium and servo in EDM.
Tear biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease screening and diagnosis (The TearAD study): design and rationale of an observational longitudinal multicenter study
Authors: de Sande Nienke van , Ramakers Inez H.G.B. , Visser Pieter Jelle , Verhey Frans R.J. , Verbraak Frank D. , Bouwman Femke H. , Berendschot Tos T.J.M. , Nuijts Rudy M.M.A. , Webers Carroll A.B. , Gijs Marlies
Published: July 2023

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, and due to increasing life expectancy the number of patients is expected to grow. The diagnosis of AD involves the use of biomarkers determined by an amyloid PET scan or cerebrospinal fluid analyses that are either invasive or expensive, and not available in each hospital, thus limiting their usage as a front-line screener. The TearAD study aims to use tear fluid as a potential source for AD biomarkers. In previous reports, we demonstrated that AD biomarkers amyloid-beta and tau, are measurable in tear fluid and are associated with disease severity and neurodegeration. This study aims to validate previous results in a larger cohort and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of tear biomarkers to discriminate between individuals with and without neurodegeneration as determined by hippocampal atrophy.
Methods: The TearAD study is an observational longitudinal multi-center study that will enroll 50 cognitively healthy controls, 50 patients with subjective cognitive decline, 50 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 50 patients with AD dementia from the memory clinic. Participants will be examined at baseline, after one year, and after two years follow-up. Study assessments include neuropsychological tests and ophthalmic examination. All participants will receive a MRI scan, and a subset of the study population will undergo cerebral spinal fluid collection and an amyloid PET scan. Tear fluid will be collected with Schirmer strips and levels of Aβ38, Aβ40, Aβ42, t-tau and p-tau in tear fluid will be determined using multiplex immunoassays. Blood samples will be collected from all participants. Images of the retina will be obtained with a standard, hyperspectral and ultra-wide field fundus camera. Additionally, macular pigment optical density will be measured with the macular pigment reflectometer, and cross-sectional images of the retina will be obtained through optical coherence tomography imaging.
Discussion: The TearAD study will provide insight into the potential diagnostic use of tear biomarkers as a minimally invasive and low cost tool for the screening and diagnosis of AD.
Trial registration: Retrospectively registered at clinicaltrails.gov (NCT05655793).
High-sensitive cardiac Troponin T and NT-proBNP are associated with the left ventricular apical thickness in apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Meng , Gao Wei , Cui Xiaotong , Han Xueting , Xu Yamei , Zhou Jingmin , Ge Junbo
Published: July 2023

Background: Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHCM) is a subtype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The expression level of high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTNT) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) in AHCM patients, and these relationships between echocardiography parameters were still unclear.
Methods: We retrospectively screened AHCM patients between January 2019 and December 2021 in Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University. The relationship between the level of hs-cTNT, NT-proBNP and echocardiography parameters were analyzed. The risk factors for elevated hs-cTNT and NT-proBNP level were investigated with linear regression analysis.
Results: A total of 267 AHCM patients were enrolled. They were divided into hs-cTNT normal (129, 48.3%) and abnormal (138, 51.7%) group. Compared with hs-cTNT normal group, hs-cTNT abnormal group were elder (68.3±11.6 vs. 63.8±10.6, P=0.001); with higher rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) (41.3% vs. 17.8%, P<0.001) and higher level of NT-proBNP concentration (752.0 [343.8-1345.5] vs. 249.0 [104.0-541.0], P<0.001). For echocardiography parameters, hs-cTNT abnormal patients have thicker interventricular septum (IVS) (11.6±2.0 vs. 11.0±1.7, P=0.02), thicker left ventricular apical (LVA) (16.9±3.0 vs. 14.9±2.3, P<0.001) and larger left atrium diameter (LAD) (45.9±6.6 vs. 42.4±5.1, P<0.001). LVA was independently correlated with both the level of hs-cTNT and NT-proBNP (hs-cTNT r=0.224, P=0.143; NT-proBNP r=0.370, P<0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that LVA was independent risk factor of both the elevated hs-cTNT and NT-proBNP level.
Conclusion: More than half of AHCM patients had abnormal hs-cTNT level. LVA was positively and independently correlated with the level of hs-cTNT and NT-proBNP.
X-Ray Dynamical Diffraction by Quasi-Monolayer Graphene
Authors: Skakunova Olena S. , Olikhovskii Stepan I. , Radchenko Taras M. , Lizunova Svitlana V. , Vladimirova Tetyana P. , Lizunov Vyacheslav V.
Published: July 2023

We study the processes of dynamical diffraction on the graphene film/SiC substrate system. The statistical dynamical theory of X-ray diffraction in imperfect crystals is extended to the case of real quasi-two-dimensional systems. The necessity of the taking into account of the variability of the lattice parameter of multilayer graphene, as well as the influence of thickness on the thermal Debye–Waller factor at the calculation of the complex structural factors and Fourier components of polarizability, is demonstrated. It is shown that the change of the structural characteristics of the 3-layer graphene/substrate system, as well as its deformed state, leads to a significant change in the diffraction profiles, which makes it possible to determine the characteristics by the X-ray diffraction method.
Comparison of Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: SP versus XI, a Single Surgeon Experience
Authors: Roy Samit Sunny , Sathe Aditya A. , Watson Matthew J. , Singh Amar
Published: July 2023

Introduction Currently there is a paucity of data regarding Single Port (SP) robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Our objective was to compare our single-institution single-surgeon SP RALP experience to our XI RALP experience with regards to patient selection, perioperative data, and outcomes. Methods Patients who underwent prostatectomy at our institution between August 2019 to April 2021 were selected for analysis. All patients had biopsy confirmed prostate cancer. All surgeries were performed by one urologist at our institution to limit inter-surgeon variability. Demographic and clinical information were extracted from the medical record in standardized fashion. All documented classifications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Patients with previous prostate cancer therapies were excluded. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate. Continuous variables were compared using t-tests or Wilcoxon rank sum tests where appropriate. Results: Complete records were available for 208 patients. Of the total patient population 127 (61.1%) underwent SP prostatectomy compared to 81 (38.9%) underwent XI prostatectomy. There was no significant difference between the two cohorts in terms of mean age (65 vs. 66 years; p = 0.60), BMI (29.2 vs 30.1; p = 0.22), preop ASA score > = 3 (68.5% vs. 64.2%; p = 0.52), or preop PSA (7.1 vs. 7.4, p = 0.94). There no difference in procedure time for SP prostatectomy (170 vs. 168 min, p = 0.035), estimated blood loss (100 vs. 100 mL; p = 0.14), or average length of stay (1 vs. 1 days; p = 0.22). There was a significant difference in Gleason grade group between the two cohorts with patients undergoing XI RALRP more likely to have higher stage disease (p = 0.025) and a trend towards higher D’Amico risk scores in the XI group (p = 0.053). There was no difference in rate of positive surgical margins (29.9% vs. 29.6%; p = 0.96). There was no difference in the distribution of complications between the two groups (p = 0.99) with 89% of patients having no complication. There was no difference in the number of lymph nodes removed by modality (p = 0.94). Conclusions: To date, this study represents one of the largest cohorts of patients who underwent SP RALP. Importantly, it is among the first studies comparing perioperative variables between the SP and XI platforms. As surgeons become more facile with the SP system there appear to minimal differences in patient factors, perioperative results, or outcomes between the platforms. These findings provide evidence that surgeons who are competent on the XI platform can confidently perform SP RALPs through a single incision without compromising outcomes.
Computational studies of closely related 2-cyanopyrimidine, pyrimidine-2-carboximidamide and 2,4,6-tris(2-pyrimidyl)-1,3,5-triazine with a potency against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Taskin-Toka Tigba , Safin Damir
Published: July 2023

2-Cyanopyrimidine (2-CN-Pym), pyrimidine-2-carboximidamide (Pym-2-cia) and 2,4,6-tris(2-pyrimidyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPymT), which are related to each other through chemical transformations from 2-CN-Pym through Pym-2-cia to TPymT, were computationally studied. The strcutures of all the reported compounds were optimized by the DFT calculations to reveal their fine features (electronic and optical). ADMET properties of 2-CN-Pym, Pym-2-cia and TPymT were also predicted using a set of on-line tools (SwissADME, BOILED-Egg and ProTox-II). Potential inhibition activity of 2-CN-Pym, Pym-2-cia and TPymT toward a series of the SARS-CoV-2 proteins was studied using a molecular docking approach, which revealed that both 2-CN-Pym and Pym-2-cia are the best inhibitors of RdRp-RNA, while TPymT exhibits the best activity toward nonstructural protein 14 (N7-MTase).
A Geostatistical Predictive Modeling of Ground Water Salinity Contamination in Shallow Coastal Aquifers, South Texas
Authors: Khan Riaz Hossain
Published: July 2023

Annual water chemistry data from the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers were analyzed for thirty wells. Data included both historical and recent observations collected between 1965 and 2013. Unique positive and negative correlations between different water chemistry parameters suggest that the hydro-geochemical processes operating in these two aquifers differ significantly. In principal component analyses, the first three principal components explain 81% of the total variation of groundwater chemistry. Factor 1 versus Factor 2 in rotated factor pattern reveals the variation in ground water salinity. Assuming that the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) value is a good indicator of salinity distribution, multiple regression models were calibrated to determine the relative influences of major ions on observed TDS values. The coefficient of determination, R2 and Akaike information criterion (AICc) indicate how well data fit a statistical model. Selected multiple regression models for both aquifers were significantly capable of predicting TDS variations considering multiple R2 and AICc values. Linear regression model salinity predictions for the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers had accuracies of 78% and 43% respectively. The selected models might be further improved by resampling the dataset, and reducing underestimation, without losing model prediction precision significantly; thereby reducing the standard error, and improving the models’ diagnostic plots.
Inflammation induced by tumor-associated nerves promotes resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy in cancer patients and is targetable by IL-6 blockade
Authors: Amit Moran , Baruch Erez , Nagarajan Priyadahrshini , Gleber-Netto Frederico , Rao Xiayu , Xie Tongxin , Akhter Shamima , Adewale Adebayo , Islam Shajedul , Mattson Brandi , Ferrarotto Renata , Wong Michael , Davies Michael , Jindal Sonali , Basu Sreyashi , Harwood Catherine , Leigh Irene , Ajami Nadim , Futreal Andrew , Castillo Micah , Gunarante Preethi , Goepfert Ryan , Khushalani Nikhil , Wang Jing , Watowich Stephanie , Calin George , Migden Michael , Vermeer Paola , D’Silva Nisha , Yaniv Dan , Burks Jared , Gomez Javier , Dougherty Patrick , Tsai Kenneth , Allison James , Sharma Padmanee , Wargo Jennifer , Myers Jeffrey , Gross Neil
Published: July 2023

While the nervous system has reciprocal interactions with both cancer and the immune system, little is known about the potential role of tumor associated nerves (TANs) in modulating anti-tumoral immunity. Moreover, while peri-neural invasion is a well establish poor prognostic factor across cancer types, the mechanisms driving this clinical effect remain unknown. Here, we provide clinical and mechniastic association between TANs damage and resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy. Using electron microscopy, electrical conduction studies, and tumor samples of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) patients, we showed that cancer cells can destroy myelin sheath and induce TANs degeneration. Multi-omics and spatial analyses of tumor samples from cSCC patients who underwent neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy demonstrated that anti-PD-1 non-responders had higher rates of peri-neural invasion, TANs damage and degeneration compared to responders, both at baseline and following neoadjuvant treatment. Tumors from non-responders were also characterized by a sustained signaling of interferon type I (IFN-I) – known to both propagate nerve degeneration and to dampen anti-tumoral immunity. Peri-neural niches of non-responders were characterized by higher immune activity compared to responders, including immune-suppressive activity of M2 macrophages, and T regulatory cells. This tumor promoting inflammation expanded to the rest of the tumor microenvironment in non-responders. Anti-PD-1 efficacy was dampened by inducing nerve damage prior to treatment administration in a murine model. In contrast, anti-PD-1 efficacy was enhanced by denervation and by interleukin-6 blockade. These findings suggested a potential novel anti-PD-1 resistance drived by TANs damage and inflammation. This resistance mechanism is targetable and may have therapeutic implications in other neurotropic cancers with poor response to anti-PD-1 therapy such as pancreatic, prostate, and breast cancers.
Spatial distribution and source apportionment of surface soil’s polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Wang Teng , Chen Shenjie , Liu Rongze , Liu Dongxiang , Fang Yining
Published: July 2023

Soil acts as a crucial reservoir for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment, and its PAH content serves as a significant indicator of regional PAH pollution. In this study, 53 surface soil samples were collected from the Yangtze River Delta region and monitored for the 16 priority PAHs. The pollution of PAHs in soil was analyzed at different separation levels. The total PAH content (ΣPAHs) in surface soils of the Yangtze River Delta region was found to be 2326.01 ± 2901.53 ng/g, with high-ring PAHs, composed of PAHs with 4–6 rings, accounting for 85.50% of the total. The pollution level of soil PAHs in Jiangsu Province (2651.92 ± 3242.87 ng/g) was significantly higher than that of Zhejiang Province (2001.44 ± 2621.71 ng/g) and Shanghai (1669.13 ± 1758.34 ng/g), and high-ring PAHs constituted a predominant portion in these three regions. There was no significant difference in PAH content between urban and rural areas. In different functional areas, the content of PAHs in soil followed a pattern of automobile stations > commercial areas > residential areas > railway stations. The primary factors influencing the distribution of soil PAHs in the study area were the duration of urbanization exposure (r = 0.753, p < 0.01) and soil organic carbon content (r = 0.452, p < 0.01). The PMF model was used to analyze the sources of PAHs in the surface soil of the Yangtze River Delta, revealing that biomass and coal combustion sources (60.19%), and traffic emissions and coal combustion sources (31.82%), were the primary sources of PAHs in the region.
The in silico identification of novel broad-spectrum antidotes for poisoning by organophosphate anticholinesterases
Authors: Habiballah Sohaib , Chambers Janice , Meek Edward , Reisfeld Brad
Published: July 2023

Because of their potential to cause serious adverse health effects, significant efforts have been made to develop antidotes for organophosphate (OP) anticholinesterases, such as nerve agents. To be optimally effective, antidotes must not only reactivate inhibited target enzymes, but also have the ability to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). Progress has been made toward brain-penetrating acetylcholinesterase reactivators through the development of a new group of substituted phenoxyalkyl pyridinium oximes. To help in the selection and prioritization of compounds for future synthesis and testing within this class of chemicals, and to identify candidate broad-spectrum molecules, an in silico framework was developed to systematically generate structures and screen them for reactivation efficacy and BBB penetration potential.
Extinction of light in the Galactic halo - First observational evidence of the interaction of light and dark matter
Authors: III Charles H. McGruder
Published: July 2023

We study the distribution of quasars on the celestial sphere according to ground-based SDSS and space-based WISE and Gaia observations. All distributions as a function of galactic latitude, b, exhibit a decrease in quasar frequency well outside the dust in and near the galactic plane. We prove that the observed decrease in quasar frequency at high galactic latitudes is not accompanied by reddening, meaning that it can not be caused by dust. The scattering of light by the circumgalactic gas is negligible because the Thomson scattering cross section is very small. We conclude the observed scattering of light must be caused by dark matter in the galactic halo. We determine the mass and charge of dark
matter particles. If the dark matter particle is a fermion its mass, mDM and charge eDM = δe, where e is the elementary charge are: mDM = 3.2 × 10−2 eV and δ = 3.856 × 10−5. If however the dark matter particle is spinless then: mDM = 0.511 eV and δ = 2.132 × 10−4. These values for the charge of a dark matter particle are orders of magnitude higher than the upper limit of the neutrino charge according to laboratory experiments. Consequently, dark matter particles are not charged neutrinos. Since dark matter particles are charged, they must emit and absorb electromagnetic radiation. However, PDM ∼ δ2, or: PDM ∼ 1.487 × 10−9Pe, where Pe is the power output of a single electron.
Numerical approximation of the two-species Shigesada-Kawasaki-Teramoto model
Authors: Al-Musawi Ghufran A. , Harfash Akil J.
Published: July 2023

In this article, the finite element approximation of the two-species Shigesada-Kawasaki-Teramoto model, with cross-diffusion for one species, is studied. In the beginning, the regularized problem of the model and the entropy proof of the regularized problem were presented. Also, an approxi- mation of the regularized problem using the finite element method was introduced. A number of bounds were found in different spaces for approximate solutions. In addition, depending on the bounds that are obtained, the convergence of the approximate problem to the weak form of the problem was studied, and thus the existence of solutions to the Shigesada-Kawasaki-Teramoto model was proved. Also, a practical algorithm for solving the approximate problem was presented and used to calculate the numerical results of the problem.
Does magnetic field and music keep effect on the growth and yield of trees?
Authors: Mojumder Ratul Krishna
Published: July 2023

Trees are very sensitive. Through this research we have tried to find out what effect the magnetic and music have on the growth and yield of trees? To find out this, we applied magnetic field and music to some plants and we noticed the reaction by observing this process. We have observed that the plants that are kept in magnetic field and musical environment, their growth and yield more or less than the which are kept in a normal environment. We did the research without any inorganic or chemical process to increase plant growth. We expedited this process on some rose plants. We totally expedited this process on 20 rose plants. We distributed them in 4 environmental systems. We provided them water, nutrition and sun ray. After few days, we noticed that the initial results were that the plants which are kept in magnetic field and musical environment had more growth than the plants which are kept in the natural environment. We have also noticed that magnetic field has more impact on the growth and yield of trees than music. Preliminary results have led us to conclude that the magnetic field and music play an important role in the growth and yield of plants. The combined results of the two will be more
Accessing Education: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Online Learning
Authors: Ikebuchi Shelly
Published: July 2023

As Canadian post-secondary institutions emerge from the pandemic restrictions, they are in a historically unique position to assess how online education has both facilitated and hindered learning, and how the effects might be greater for some. In this study, open-ended comments from the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association 2022 Spring National Survey were analyzed to understand how online and/or hybrid learning both supported equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and presented EDI-related challenges. The findings were that: (a) online and hybrid learning presents challenges of access for students marginalized by “race,” class, and location; (b) online and hybrid learning supports EDI by increasing access and flexibility; (c) pedagogy and course design are central to ensuring that online and/or hybrid learning supports EDI; and (d) student experiences and expectations around online learning indicate a need for support and flexibility. These findings highlight some of the promises of online and hybrid learning, but they also bring to light some of the challenges. This paper discusses three challenges, access, pedagogy, and technology, as well as flexibility, and recommendations that might begin to address EDI.
La tutoría pedagógica
Authors: Calvo Claudia
Published: July 2023

El objetivo es realizar un recorrido histórico del concepto de tutoría y del rol pedagógico que debe cumplir el tutor. Se mostrará que la recepción del concepto presenta un reduccionismo, donde el rol del tutor universitario ya no cumple con su papel de formador. Como propuesta, se plantea que la identificación de los componentes históricos, con los cuales se ha caracterizado al concepto de tutoría, permite la renovación de acciones pedagógicas más afines a los estudiantes universitarios.
Ley natural: ¿instinto o imperio?
Authors: Enríquez Gómez María Teresa
Published: July 2023

En este artículo propongo atender a tres conceptos elaborados por Tomás de Aquino (s. XIII) con el intento de esclarecer, a través de ellos, en qué sentido la acción humana se dice natural. Se trata de los conceptos de imperio, instinto y ley natural (imperium, instinctus, lex naturalis). La similitud entre estas tres nociones se sostiene básicamente en la forma como principio operativo. En efecto, la caracterización de estos tres conceptos como principios del movimiento de un apetito hacia el fin, manifiesta diversas manifestaciones del carácter regulador de la forma.
Effect of dissimilarity of N and mass flow rate on yearly overall energy, exergy, and efficiency of PVT-FPC included dual-slope solar desalting units
Authors: Krishna Hari , Singh Jeeoot , Dwivedi Vijay Kumar , Singh Desh Bandhu
Published: July 2023

This research paper investigates the impact of variation in the number of collectors (N) and mass flow rate (ṁfr) on yearly overall energy, exergy, and efficiency of a dual-slope solar desalting unit incorporated with N number of photovoltaic thermal flat plate collectors (NPVT-FPC-DSU). The denouement of this research work will be useful for the designer and installer of such a system in deciding the number of collectors according to the requirement. An exhaustive calculation is carried out considering all four kinds of climatic conditions in each month of the year for the weather of New Delhi, India. Fundamental equations of NPVT-FPC-DSU and all pertinent sets of values have been dined to the data processing code developed in MATLAB to estimate annual freshwater production, energy, thermal and electrical exergies, overall energy, exergy, and efficiency. Finally, values of these parameters except annual overall electrical energy recede with the augmentation in ṁfr value, and they become approximately constant exceeding ṁfr value of 0.10 kg/s. Conversely, an increase in the values of the above-mentioned parameters has been obtained with the increase in the value of N. Moreover, the optimum value of N is found to be 4 and 8 from yearly overall energy and exergy efficiency viewpoints, respectively.
Effects of ceramsite derived from sewage sludge combined with the O3–FeCl3/PAM process on the dewatering of waste-activated sludge and investigation of dewatering mechanisms
Authors: Xia Ting , Zhang Xu , Chen Dongjie , Gao Zaizhuang , Ji Yuxiao , Xia Jianjun , Wang Lei
Published: July 2023

The high water content of waste-activated sludge restricts the subsequent disposal of sludge. The dehydration properties of O3, ferric chloride (FeCl3)/polyacrylamide, and sludge ceramsite sand (SCS) were studied. Simultaneously, the effect of combining the three was investigated to support the deep dehydration of waste-activated sludge. Experimental results showed that with13.42 mg/(g dry solids (DS)) of O3, 109.89 mg/(g DS) of FeCl3, and 100 mesh dosage of 70% DS of sludge ceramsite on weight, the highest sludge net yield was 7.13 kg/(m2·h) and the minimum specific resistance to filtration of sludge cake was 1.02 × 1012 (m/kg). Compared with the compressibility of the raw sludge, the compressibility of the sludge cake decreased by 37.48%. Moreover, the YN (net yield) increased by 73.55%. The results demonstrate that the structure of cracking, flocculation, and hydrophobic framework is the mechanism of sludge dewatering in this combined process. This combined treatment process provides a new perspective for the realization of deep dewatering of sludge and is anticipated to be a successful sludge dehydration method.
Daily runoff prediction during flood seasons based on the VMD–HHO–KELM model
Authors: Zhang Xianqi , Liu Fang , Yin Qiuwen , Wang Xin , Qi Yu
Published: July 2023

Improving the accuracy of daily runoff in the lower Yellow River is important for flood control and reservoir scheduling in the lower Yellow River. Influenced by factors such as meteorology, climate change, and human activities, runoff series present non-stationary and non-linear characteristics. To weaken the non-linearity and non-smoothness of runoff time series and improve the accuracy of daily runoff prediction, a new combined runoff prediction model (VMD–HHO–KELM) based on the ensemble Variational Modal Decomposition (VMD) algorithm and Harris Hawk Optimisation (HHO) algorithm-optimised Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM) is proposed and applied to Gaocun and Lijin hydrological stations. The VMD–HHO–KELM model has the highest prediction accuracy, with the prediction model R2 reaching 0.95, mean absolute error reaching 13.3, and root mean square error reaching 33.83 at the Gaocun hydrological station, and R2 reaching 0.96, mean absolute error reaching 8.03, and root mean square error reaching 38.45 at the Lijin hydrological station.
The Fulcrum of Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ganesan Abinaya , Muralidharan Pooja , Ramya Lakshmi Narasimhan
Published: July 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The symptoms can vary from muscle weakness to vision loss. In the case of MS, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, which protects the nerve fiber and causes inflammation resulting in demyelination. The myelin sheath has the composition of various proteins including membrane proteins and glycoproteins. The four main proteins namely Myelin Basic Protein (MBP), Myelin associated Oligodendrocyte Basic protein (MOBP), Myelin Proteolipid Protein (PLP) and Myelin Associated Glycoprotein (MAG) are known to be critical auto-antigens in causing demyelination in CNS leading to MS. Three out of these four proteins are intrinsically disordered proteins and in this review, we attempted to understand how these proteins play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of myelin, by exploring its structural and functional aspects and also their auto-antigenicity leading to multiple sclerosis.
Natural Compounds Synthesis: A Perspective of Modern Chemistry
Authors: Ortiz Aurelio , Sansinenea Estibaliz
Published: July 2023

Natural products have been created by nature and are derived from organisms such as
plants or microorganisms. The natural compounds are isolated from natural sources in very small
quantities, making it difficult for the form to achieve the compounds' good yields. The last is relevant
for doing biological essays and chemical structure elucidation. Besides, they have diverse chemical
structures, which have inspired organic chemists to do their organic synthesis. It is important to construct
a strategy based on a well-designed retrosynthesis. The reproducibility of the selected methodology,
the yields of the compounds of each step and stereoselectivity or diastereoselectivity of the reactions
that are being used are the main key points to guarantee the success of a natural compound
synthesis. Modern technologies can be the solution. In this review, we try to compile in the form of a
critic perspective the most modern techniques that organic chemists are applying for the synthesis of
complex natural compounds.
Therapeutic Potential of Myricetin in the Treatment of Neurological,
Neuropsychiatric, and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Sethiya Neeraj Kumar , Ghiloria Neha , Srivastav Akanksha , Bisht Dheeraj , Chaudhary Sushil Kumar , Walia Vaibhav , Alam Md. Sabir
Published: July 2023

Myricetin (MC), 3,5,7,3′,4′,5′-hexahydroxyflavone, chemically belongs to a flavonoid category
known to confer antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects. MC is
known to suppress the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and
inflammatory markers. It has been reported to improve insulin function in the human brain and periphery.
Besides this, it modulates several neurochemicals including glutamate, GABA, serotonin, etc. MC
has been shown to reduce the expression of the enzyme Mono Amine Oxidase (MAO), which is
responsible for the metabolism of monoamines. MC treatment reduces levels of plasma corticosterone
and restores hippocampal BDNF (full form) protein in stressed animals. Further, MC has shown its
protective effect against amyloid-beta, MPTP, rotenone, 6-OHDA, etc. suggesting its potential role
against neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of the present review is to highlight the therapeutic
potential of MC in the treatment of several neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative
disorders.
Quantifying Adverse Childhood Experiences in Oklahoma With the Oklahoma Adversity Surveillance Index System (OASIS): Development and Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Beaman Jason Walter , Miner Cherie Josephine , Bolinger Cadence
Published: July 2023

Background

Developmental trauma depending on several factors may lead to later adult health risks and is an increasing public health concern, especially in states with predominantly rural populations. Oklahoma remains one of the states in America with the highest count of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs); therefore, more refined research methods for quantifying ACEs are vital for ensuring proper statewide interventions.

Objective

While data sets already exist at the state level measuring specific ACEs like divorce or child abuse, the state currently lacks a single source for specific ACEs that can incorporate regions to allow for the identification of counties where ACEs are especially high. This county identification will allow for assessing trends in adversity prevalence over time to indicate where targeted interventions should be done and which counties experience amplified long-term consequences of high ACE rates. Thus, the model for the Oklahoma Adversity Surveillance Index System (OASIS) was born—a public health tool to map ACEs at the county level and grade them by severity over time.

Methods

County-level data for 6 ACEs (mental illness, divorce, neglect, child abuse, domestic violence, and substance use) were collected from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma State Department of Health, and Oklahoma Community Mental Health Centers for the years 2010 to 2018. First, a potential ACEs score (PAS) was created by standardizing and summing county rates for each ACE. To examine the temporal change in the PAS, a bivariate regression analysis was conducted. Additionally, an ACEs severity index (ASI) was created as a standardized measure of ACE severity across time. This included scoring counties based on severity for each ACE individually and summing the scores to generate an overall ASI for each county, capturing the severity of all ACEs included in the analysis.

Results

Mental illness and substance use showed the highest rates at the state level. Results from the regression were significant (F1,76=5.269; P=.02), showing that county PAS showed an increase over years. The ASI scores ranged from 0 to 6, and 4 Oklahoma counties (Adair, McCurtain, Muskogee, and Pittsburg) received a score of 6.

Conclusions

OASIS involves the identification of counties where ACEs are most prevalent, allowing for the prioritization of interventions in these “hot spot” counties. In addition, regression analysis showed that ACEs increased in Oklahoma from 2010 to 2018. Future efforts should center on adding additional ACEs to the ASI and correlating adverse outcome rates (such as violence and medical disorder prevalence) at the county level with high ASI scores.
A Serious Game to Self-Regulate Heart Rate Variability as a Technique to Manage Arousal Level Through Cardiorespiratory Biofeedback: Development and Pilot Evaluation Study
Authors: Estrella Tony , Alfonso Carla , Ramos-Castro Juan , Alsina Aitor , Capdevila Lluis
Published: July 2023

Background

Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) is an established intervention for increasing heart rate variability (HRV) in the clinical context. Using this technique, participants become aware of their HRV through real-time feedback and can self-regulate it.

Objective

The aim of this study was 2-fold: first, to develop a serious game that applies the HRVB technique to teach participants to self-regulate HRV and, second, to test the app with participants in a pilot study.

Methods

An HRVB app called the FitLab Game was developed for this study. To play the game, users must move the main character up and down the screen, avoiding collisions with obstacles. The wavelength that users must follow to avoid these obstacles is based on the user’s basal heart rate and changes in instantaneous heart rate. To test the FitLab Game, a total of 16 participants (mean age 23, SD 0.69 years) were divided into a control group (n=8) and an experimental group (n=8). A 2 × 2 factorial design was used in each session. Participants in the experimental condition were trained in breathing techniques.

Results

Changes in the frequency and time domain parameters of HRV and the game’s performance features were evaluated. Significant changes in the average RR intervals and root mean square of differences between adjacent RR intervals (RMSSD) were found between the groups (P=.02 and P=.04, respectively). Regarding performance, both groups showed a tendency to increase the evaluated outcomes from baseline to the test condition.

Conclusions

The results may indicate that playing different levels leads to an improvement in the game’s final score by repeated training. The tendency of changes in HRV may reflect a higher activation of the mental system of attention and control in the experimental group versus the control group. In this context, learning simple, voluntary strategies through a serious game can aid the improvement of self-control and arousal management. The FitLab Game appears to be a promising serious game owing to its ease of use, high engagement, and enjoyability provided by the instantaneous feedback.
Evaluating the Appropriateness of Podcasts to Improve the Knowledge and Awareness of Selected Health Topics Among Undergraduate General Nursing Students: Protocol for an International Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Denny Alanna , Curtin Brian , Taylor-Robinson Simon , Chirambo Griphin Baxter , Cilliers Liezel , Wu Tsung-Shu Joseph , O'Meara Ciara , Booth Richard , O'Donoghue John
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Podcasts have proven to be a successful alternative source of educational material for students. Given the ability to listen to podcasts 24/7 and while on the go, this technology has the potential to provide informative and educational material to a large number of people at any given time. Podcasts are usually freely available on commonly used mobile devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the impact of health-related podcasts as an intervention tool to support the knowledge and awareness of nursing students on a given topic.

METHODS

Pre- and postpodcast questionnaires will gather data regarding the participants’ knowledge and awareness of two topics—gestational diabetes and mental health. This intervention will be tested on general nursing undergraduate students. The total number of students (N=2395) from the participating universities are broken down as follows: (1) University College Cork (n=850) and the University of Galway (n=450) in Ireland, (2) Mzuzu University in Malawi (n=719), and (3) University of Fort Hare in South Africa (n=376).

RESULTS

The study received ethical approval from the University College Cork Ethics Committee (2022-027A1). The approval obtained from University College Cork sufficed as ethics coverage for the University of Galway in Ireland. Ethics approval was also received from the Mzuzu University Research Ethics Committee (ID MZUNIREC/DOR/23/28) and the Inter-Faculty Research Ethics Committee of the University of Fort Hare (ID CIL002-21). Data collection is currently underway and will continue until the end of February 2024. The quantitative and qualitative data are expected to be analyzed in March 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study will allow for an investigation into the impact of podcasts in different settings: a high-income country (Ireland), an upper-middle–income country (South Africa), and a low-to-middle–income country (Malawi). The data gathered from this feasibility study will provide more clarity on the potential utility of podcasts as an intervention tool. We will gather data regarding listener demographics (eg, country of residence, age, gender, and year of study).

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/50735
ANALISIS PELAKSANAAN GOOD UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE, SISTEM PENGENDALIAN INTERN DAN HUBUNGANNYA DENGAN KUALITAS LAYANAN DI UNIVERSITAS JAMBI
Authors: Sam Iskandar , Imastary T Maulidia
Published: July 2023

Penelitan ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pelaksanaan Good University Governance (GUG), Sistem Pengendalian Intern, dan Kualitas Layanan bidang pendidikan di Universitas Jambi dan mengetahui hubungan Good University Governance (GUG), Sistem Pengendalian Intern dengan Kualitas Layanan bidang pendidikan di Universitas Jambi. Pengukuran pelaksanaan Good University Governance (GUG) menggunakan lima indikator dengan lima belas item pernyataan. Sistem Pengendalian Intern pengukurannya juga menggunakan lima indikator dengan lima belas item per-nyataan. Kualitas Layanan yang pengukuruannya menggunakan empat indikator dengan dua belas item pernyataan. Implikasi Good University Governance (GUG) dan Sistem Pengendalian Intern di Universitas Jambi dapat berjalan baik sehubungan adanya dukungan unsur pimpinan. Sedangkan Kualitas Layanan yang dterima oleh mahasiswa masih dalam kategori kurang memuaskan. Hasil pengujian hubungan menunjukkan adanya hubungan yang positif antara variabel Good University Governance (GUG), variabel Sistem Pengendalian Intern dengan variabel Kualitas Layanan.
INTERMEDIATION OF ISLAMIC COMMERCIAL BANKS IN REAL TIME GROSS SETTLEMENT TRANSACTIONS OF ISLAMIC BANKING IN INDONESIA
Authors: Muhamad Halik  , Akhmad Nur Zaroni  , Mainata Dedy
Published: July 2023

BI-RTGS is transferring funds with an essential function in the payment system and third-party funds as a factor to meet the current account balance which is a condition for BI-RTGS transactions. Bank financing is considered to be able to affect the number of BI-RTGS transactions. This research used 14 Islamic commercial banks registered as BI-RTGS participants. The results show that Islamic Commercial Bank Third Party Funds have a partial effect on the nominal amount of BI-RTGS transactions. Islamic Commercial Bank Financing has a partial effect on the nominal amount of BI-RTGS transactions. Third Party Funds and Islamic Commercial Bank Financing simultaneously affect the nominal amount of BI-RTGS transactions. In the determination coefficient test, the R Square value of third-party funds is 11.3% and financing is 4.1%. This means that the influence of third party funds is greater than the amount of the influence of financing on the nominal amount of BI-RTGS transactions in Islamic Banking in Indonesia.
Diet-Related Lipidomic Signatures and Changed Type 2 Diabetes Risk in a Randomized Controlled Feeding Study With Mediterranean Diet and Traditional Chinese or Transitional Diets
Authors: Luo Yaogan , Sun Liang , Wu Qingqing , Song Boyu , Wu Yanpu , Yang Xiaowei , Zhou Puchen , Niu Zhenhua , Zheng He , Li Huaixing , Gu Weiqiong , Wang Jiqiu , Ning Guang , Zeng Rong , Lin Xu
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVE

Few trials studied the links of food components in different diets with their induced lipidomic changes and related metabolic outcomes. Thus, we investigated specific lipidomic signatures with habitual diets and modified diabetes risk by using a trial and a cohort.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We included 231 Chinese with overweight and prediabetes in a randomized feeding trial with Mediterranean, traditional, or transitional diets (control diet) from February to September 2019. Plasma lipidomic profiles were measured at baseline, third month, and sixth month by high-throughput targeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Associations of the identified lipids with habitual dietary intakes were examined in another lipidomic database of a Chinese cohort (n = 1,117). The relationships between diet-induced changes of lipidomic species and diabetes risk factors were further investigated through both individual lipids and relevant modules in the trial.

RESULTS

Out of 364 lipidomic species, 26 altered across groups, including 12 triglyceride (TAG) fractions, nine plasmalogens, four phosphatidylcholines (PCs), and one phosphatidylethanolamine. TAG fractions and PCs were associated with habitual fish intake while plasmalogens were associated with red meat intake in the cohort. Of the diet-related lipidomic metabolites, 10 TAG fractions and PC(16:0/22:6) were associated with improved Matsuda index (β = 0.12 to 0.42; PFDR < 0.030). Two plasmalogens were associated with deteriorated fasting glucose (β = 0.29 to 0.31; PFDR < 0.014). Similar results were observed for TAG and plasmalogen related modules.

CONCLUSIONS

These fish- and red meat–related lipidomic signatures sensitively reflected different diets and modified type 2 diabetes risk factors, critical for optimizing dietary patterns.