bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Proteomic Profiles Are Associated With Incident Type 2 Diabetes in Asian Populations
Authors: Liang Yujian , Lim Charlie G Y , Ritchie Scott C , Bertin Nicolas , Chai Jin-Fang , Yao Jiali , Li Yun , Tai E Shyong , van Dam Rob M , Sim Xueling
Published: January 2025

Context

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major global concern, with Asia at its epicenter in recent years. Proteins, products of gene transcription, serve as dynamic biomarkers for pinpointing perturbed pathways in disease development. Previous T2D proteomic association studies primarily focused on European populations.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma proteins and the incidence of T2D in Asian individuals.

Methods

We examined the association of 4775 plasma proteins with incident T2D in a Singapore multi-ethnic cohort of 1659 Asian individuals (539 cases and 1120 controls) using logistic regression. We used 2-sample mendelian randomization and colocalization analysis to evaluate the causal relationship between proteins and T2D.

Results

Our analysis revealed 522 proteins that were associated with incident T2D after adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity, and 17 proteins that remained statistically significantly associated after adjusting for other T2D risk factors such as fasting glucose, waist circumference, and triglycerides. Among the 522 proteins associated with incident T2D, the change in 205 plasma proteins, observed in parallel with the development of T2D at baseline and 6-year follow-up, were further associated with incident T2D. The associated proteins showed enrichment in neuron generation, glycosaminoglycan binding, and insulin-like growth factor binding. Two-sample mendelian randomization analysis suggested 3 plasma proteins, GSTA1, INHBC, and FGL1, play causal roles in the development of T2D, with colocalization evidence supporting GSTA1 and INHBC.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal plasma protein profiles linked to the onset of T2D in Asian populations, offering insights into the biological mechanisms of T2D development.
Interaction of B0AT1 Deficiency and Diet on Metabolic Function and Diabetes Incidence in Male Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Waters Matthew F , Delghingaro-Augusto Viviane , Shamoon Muhammad , Javed Kiran , Burgio Gaetan , Dahlstrom Jane E , Bröer Stefan , Nolan Christopher J
Published: January 2025

Context

The obesity epidemic parallels an increasing type 1 diabetes incidence, such that westernized diets, containing high fat, sugar, and/or protein, through inducing nutrient-induced islet β-cell stress, have been proposed as contributing factors. The broad-spectrum neutral amino acid transporter (B0AT1), encoded by Slc6a19, is the major neutral amino acids transporter in intestine and kidney. B0AT1 deficiency in C567Bl/6J mice causes aminoaciduria, lowers insulinemia, and improves glucose tolerance.

Objective

We investigated the effects of standard rodent chow (chow), high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS), and high-fat high-protein (HFHP) diets, in addition to B0AT1 deficiency, on the diabetes incidence of male nonobese diabetic (NOD/ShiLtJArc (NOD)) mice.

Methods

Male NOD.Slc6a19+/+ and NOD.Slc6a19−/− mice were fed chow, HFHS and HFHP diets from 6 to 24 weeks of age. A separate cohort of male NOD mice were fed the three diets from 6-30 weeks of age. Body weight and fed-state blood glucose and plasma insulin were monitored, and urinary amino-acid profiles, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance, diabetes incidence, pancreatic islet number, insulitis scores and beta-cell mass were measured.

Results

The incidence of diabetes and severe glucose intolerance was 3.8% in HFHS-fed, 25.0% in HFHP-fed, and 14.7% in chow-fed mice, with higher pancreatic islet number and lower insulitis scores in HFHS-fed mice. B0AT1 deficiency had no effect on diabetes incidence, but curtailed HFHS-induced excessive weight gain, adipose tissue expansion, and hyperinsulinemia. In HFHP-fed mice, B0AT1 deficiency significantly increased pancreatic β-cell clusters and small islets. Male NOD mice that did not develop autoimmune diabetes were resistant to diet-induced hyperglycemia.

Conclusion

Dietary composition does, but B0AT1 deficiency does not, affect autoimmune diabetes incidence in male NOD mice. B0AT1 deficiency, however, reduces diet-induced metabolic dysfunction and in HFHP-fed mice increases pancreatic β-cell clusters and small islets.
Trends in the Developmental Gradient in Mothers’ Parenting Time by Maternal Education, 2003–2019
Authors: Gao Melody Ge
Published: January 2025

Educational disparities in mothers’ parenting time have implications for socioeconomic inequality in children's resources and later life attainment. The reproduction of inequality could be more consequential if educational disparities are most pronounced at child ages when a specific parenting need is more developmentally important. Following recent findings suggesting a general reduction in the educational gradient in mothers’ overall parenting time, this study aims to determine if this convergence extends to the developmental gradient in parenting. Using the American Time Use Survey from 2003 to 2019 (N = 34,232), this study finds that educational disparities in mothers’ parenting time have narrowed in accordance with the developmental gradient. Economic, cultural, and demographic changes that might contribute to the narrowing trends are discussed. These findings offer an updated understanding of educational gaps in maternal parenting strategies, with potential impacts on the intergenerational transmission of (dis)advantage.
Decisões difíceis: o dilema ético na Vale Consultoria Júnior
Authors: Virgino Soares Nahuan Alaff , Soares de Lima Silva Jeferson
Published: January 2025

O caso da Vale Consultoria Júnior explora um dilema ético no contexto de um processo seletivo. Diante da sugestão antiética de uma candidata, Cintia, os fundadores enfrentam o desafio de equilibrar valores organizacionais, a preservação da imagem da empresa e o desenvolvimento dos participantes. O objetivo do caso é promover a reflexão sobre ética, liderança e gestão de equipes em um ambiente acadêmico-profissional. A coleta de dados ocorreu por entrevista e documentos. O caso é indicado para cursos de administração e áreas afins, em especifico para disciplinas que abordem os temas de Ética Empresarial e Gestão de Pessoas. Os estudantes podem se beneficiar do caso, enriquecendo a compreensão teórica com a aplicação prática em situações do mundo real.
Comparison of infant and young child feeding practices and demographic characteristics between healthy and malnourished children aged 0-23 months in Pakistan
Authors: Shahid Saba , Hamid Shaima , Ghouri Nida , Memon Shanila , Jabbar Rafia
Published: January 2025

Background and Objective: Children living in low and middle-income class settings exhibit varied nutritional status ranging from healthy to malnourished. Differences in socioeconomic conditions and Infant & young child feeding practices may be responsible for nutritional disparities among them. This case-control study aimed to explore these differences among healthy and malnourished children aged 0-23 months.
Methods: This was a hospital-based, case-control study. The study was conducted in the outpatient department of The Indus Hospital, Karachi from June 2022 till December 2022. A total of 380 children aged 0-23 months were recruited from the outpatient department.. Compliance to different IYCF indicators, ranging from breastfeeding to complementary feeding, was. assessed by taking 24 hours food recall. Mid-upper arm circumference was used to categorize the nutritional status of children.
Results: The dominant food groups consumed were roots, grains, and tubers, while consumption of vitamin A-rich fruits, flesh food, eggs, fruits, and vegetables were relatively low in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that low paternal education (COR = 3.64; 95% CI: 2.07, 6.40), employment of mother (COR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.19, 4.36), and achieving minimal meal frequency (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.09, 5.31) had a negative association with the nutritional status of children while male gender (COR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.79) and maternal education (AOR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.60) and paternal employment (COR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.59) were positively associated with nutritional status.
Conclusion: We conclude that lack of parental education, father unemployment, maternal employment, and minimal meal frequency were significantly associated with malnutrition in children.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.10243
How to cite this: Shahid S, Hamid S, Ghouri N, Memon S, Jabbar R. Comparison of infant and young child feeding practices and demographic characteristics between healthy and malnourished children aged 0-23 months in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(2):505-511.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.10243
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
7η Πανελλήνια Συνάντηση Θεολόγων του Πανελλήνιου Θεολογικού Συνδέσμου «ΚΑΙΡΟΣ- για την αναβάθμιση της θρησκευτικής εκπαίδευσης» [Βόλος, 6-8 Σεπτεμβρίου 2024]
Authors: Τριανταφυλλίδου Κυριακή
Published: January 2025

Ανταπόκριση από την 7η Πανελλήνια Συνάντηση Θεολόγων του Πανελλήνιου Θεολογικού Συνδέσμου «ΚΑΙΡΟΣ- για την αναβάθμιση της θρησκευτικής εκπαίδευσης» [Βόλος, 6-8 Σεπτεμβρίου 2024]
5ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Θεολόγων Εκπαιδευτικών [Θεσσαλονίκη, 23-25 Φεβρουαρίου 2024]
Authors: Τσιρέβελος Νικόλαος
Published: January 2025

Ανταπόκριση από το 5ο Πανελλήνιο Συνέδριο Θεολόγων Εκπαιδευτικών [Θεσσαλονίκη, 23-25 Φεβρουαρίου 2024]
Βάσω Γώγου, Απόστολος Μπάρλος, Νίκος Τσιρέβελος, Χρήστος Φραδέλλος, Από τη σύγκρουση στη συνάντηση: Διδακτικές διαδρομές για την ανάσχεση της βίας, του φανατισμού και της μισαλλοδοξίας, Εκδοτική Δημητριάδος, Βόλος 2024, σελ. 208.
Authors: Συργιάννη Μαρία
Published: January 2025

Κριτική του βιβλίου: Από τη σύγκρουση στη συνάντηση: Διδακτικές διαδρομές για την ανάσχεση της βίας, του φανατισμού και της μισαλλοδοξίας, Εκδοτική Δημητριάδος, Βόλος 2024, των Β. Γώγου, Α. Μπάρλου, Ν. Τσιρέβελου, & Χ. Φραδέλλου.
Θρησκευτικά στην πράξη και την τάξη. Α΄ Γυμνασίου. Φύλλα εργασίας για το μάθημα των Θρησκευτικών της Α΄ Γυμνασίου σύμφωνα με το νέο Πρόγραμμα Σπουδών ΦΕΚ 416/30.1.2023, τ. Β΄, Μαΐστρος, Αθήνα, 2023, της Κ. Ακανθοπούλου
Authors: Γεωργοπούλου Κρυσταλλία
Published: January 2025

Κριτική του βιβλίου: Θρησκευτικά στην πράξη και την τάξη. Α΄ Γυμνασίου. Φύλλα εργασίας για το μάθημα των Θρησκευτικών της Α΄ Γυμνασίου σύμφωνα με το νέο Πρόγραμμα Σπουδών ΦΕΚ 416/30.1.2023, τ. Β΄, Μαΐστρος, Αθήνα, 2023, της Κ. Ακανθοπούλου
Building Religious Linguistic and Communication Competences. Religious Literacy in Orthodox Religious Education in Germany
Authors: Kiroudi Marina
Published: January 2025

Religious literacy in Orthodox RE in Germany is not only determined by the basics of Orthodox theology but also by the language skills of and requirements for Orthodox pupils. The community of Orthodox pupils can be characterized as a European microcosm, as most Orthodox pupils have a migration background or experience from Eastern or South-Eastern Europe. The article provides an insight into the present situation, theological and didactic approaches to the development of religious language and communication skills, as well as impulses for dialog skills for religious literacy in denominational, religious, and ideological heterogenous learning contexts of a post-secular society.
Teaching Religion Between Bridges and Walls: The Evolution of the Teaching of the Catholic Religion in Italy
Authors: Porcarelli Andrea
Published: January 2025

The paper is part of the debate on RE, with a focus on the teaching of the Catholic religion. It's a denominational teaching that has evolved from a catechetical approach to a full-fledged school discipline. Through an analysis of the literature, we propose to deepen the pedagogical identity of this discipline. We will consider the international debate on the teachings about religions and beliefs. We can therefore speak of dialogical teaching and try to outline its pedagogical profile by linking it to the theology of hospitality. We propose a confessional religious teaching, but with an attitude of dialogue and hospitality.
PVDF membranes for membrane distillation prepared by VIPS – A combined study of artificial water channel effectiveness and membrane performance prediction
Authors: Nursiah Kelvinraj , Bohr Sven Johann , Atfane Loubna Karfane , Cerneaux Sophie , Barbe Stéphan , Barboiu Mihail Dumitru
Published: January 2025

Background Self-supporting flat-sheet polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes comprising amphiphilic I-quartet artificial water channels (AWC) were manufactured by a combining a VIPS pretreatment with a NIPS stage. The AWCs are formed in situ by the self-assembly of Hexylureido-ethyl-imidazole (HC6) molecules present in the dope solution, upon contact with the nonsolvent water during the phase separation process. The microporous membranes were employed for membrane distillation (MD). Methods A design of experiment (DoE) was used to investigate the influence of various experimental parameters and their interactions on membrane performance, namely polymer and AWC concentrations in the dope solution, relative humidity and duration of the VIPS treatment. Pure water permeability (PWP), liquid entry pressure (LEP) and MD flux were used to characterize membrane performance. A response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the DoE results and a second order model was fitted. Based on the model predictions several multiple response-optimized (MRO) membranes were prepared. Results The performance improvement of the MRO membranes was 7.0 times for PWP (M-T4) and 3.3 times for MD flux (M-T3) over the average performance of the DoE membranes, while maintaining LEP of 1.9 bar and NaCl rejection of 99.9%. In addition, PVDF/HC6 hybrid MRO membranes improved PWP by 3.2 times and MD flux by 1.6 times over pure PVDF MRO membranes. Conclusions DoE in conjunction with RSM enabled the prediction of membrane PWP, LEP and MD flux performance by varying the levels of the experimental parameters within predefined limits. The HC6 additive improves PWP and MD flux without loss of LEP or selectivity.
IMMUnity Unveiled: A Translational NETwork for tackling PARKinson's Disease – IMMUPARKNET
Authors: Gugu Mitilda , Acharya Shubhra , Pira Dogukan , Poletti Simona , di Flora Alessia , Saksida Tamara , Pilipenko Vladimirs , Romero-Ramos Marina , Marino Franca , Muñoz Delgado Laura , Nikolovski Neda , Gursoy Ozdemir Yasemin , Lawson Dale , Comi Cristoforo , Figueira Inês
Published: January 2025

Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects more than one million people in the EU. It currently has no definitive cure, meaning that patients rely only on symptomatic treatments, which themselves are burdened by side effects. The need for advancements in both knowledge and available treatments is thus strongly felt by patients, caregivers, and health operators. This unmet need sparked the idea of orchestrating a collaborative effort via a common network – IMMUPARKNET (The role of IMMUnity in tackling PARKinson’s disease through a Translational NETwork). The IMMUPARKNET COST Action focuses on challenges in PD and its related crosstalk with immune response. Although widely recognized, the role of immunity in the onset and development of PD is still unclear. The main goal of IMMUPARKNET is to fill this knowledge gap by establishing an innovative, interdisciplinary research network and fostering exchanges of expertise among specialists from different countries and institutions. As we gather scientists and clinicians who study immunity in PD and related fields, IMMUPARKNET will establish the first nucleus of a multidisciplinary ecosystem that aims to harmonize efforts and approaches, both in research and clinical practice, to boost the development of ground-breaking treatments for PD. Through meetings, training schools, webinars, position papers, and review manuscripts, IMMUPARKNET will lead fruitful exchanges of know-how among experts in the field. The IMMUPARKNET structure revolves around 5 working groups, with a total of 157 active members from 34 different countries. Of these active members, 58.5% are young researchers, while 67.5% come from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITC - less research-intensive COST Members; https://www.cost.eu/about/members/). IMMUPARKNET output will facilitate the improved sharing and development of research resources, straightening the road to novel treatments and identifying where existing ones can be repurposed, all, ultimately and hopefully, finding a cure for PD.
ECG of the month: upper epigastric pain in a patient with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bloe Charles
Published: January 2025

In this issue's ECG of the month, Charles Bloe presents the case of a 75-year-old man who had previously undergone surgery for a duodenal ulcer. He began to experience pain similar to that caused by the ulcer, but this time cardiac involvement was suspected.
Exploring the role of advanced clinical practitioners in the UK
Authors: Nie Wenjun
Published: January 2025

This article explores the evolution of the advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) role and its impact on healthcare services in the UK. The author has critically appraised the challenges faced by ACPs, factors that shape the role of ACPs and the importance of the four pillars of advanced clinical practice in underpinning patient care. The article has been written from the perspective of ACPs working in urgent community response services in the north west of England. The author raises concerns regarding the lack of regulation of the ACP role and advocates for the implementation of policies and procedures that both define and protect the role.
Reflection on the sustainability of newly implemented nurse practitioner roles in Switzerland: a case study
Authors: von Dach Christoph , Carter Nancy , Glarcher Manela
Published: January 2025

In this article, the authors consider the sustainability of newly implemented nurse practitioner roles, with a focus on their context in Switzerland. The article emphasises the importance of structured role development, clear processes and sustained organisational support to ensure long-term nurse practitioner role sustainability. Recommendations include clarifying competencies, providing opportunities for professional growth and fostering organisational-wide understanding of nurse practitioner contributions to patient care.
Designing an Autonomous Robot for Monitoring Open-Mouth Behavior of Chickens in Commercial Chicken Farms
Authors: Yeh Yi-Hsin , Chen Bo-Lin , Hsieh Kae-Yang , Huang Mao-Hsiang , Kuo Yan-Fu
Published: January 2025

Highlights

A mobile robot was designed to autonomously cruise in typical commercial chicken farms in Taiwan.

The localization of the robot reached a mean absolute error of 0.17 m.

The mobile robot automatically monitored the open-mouth behavior of chickens.

A trained YOLO v7 model achieved an AP of 86.1% in the detection of chickens with open-mouth behavior.

The analysis indicates that the open-mouth behavior ratio was correlated to ambient temperature.

Abstract. In the conventional management of commercial floor-rearing chicken farms, farmers regularly patrol to observe chicken status and to check the environment. For countries with a subtropical climate (e.g., Taiwan), heat stress (HS) is a common environmental stressor for chickens due to high temperature and humidity. Open-mouth behavior (OMB) of chickens is an indicator of HS and is closely monitored in patrols. Manual patrols are laborious and time-consuming. Moreover, frequent patrols may increase the risk of pathogen spread while entering and exiting chicken farms. Therefore, this study developed a mobile robot to autonomously patrol in chicken farms and to automatically monitor OMB of chickens. Considering the commercial chicken farms in Taiwan usually have narrow aisles between feed buckets, a compact robot was designed. An ultra-wideband (UWB) module was utilized to localize the mobile robot. The mobile robot performed navigation and obstacle avoidance using a depth camera and the navigation stack of the Robot Operating System (ROS). For monitoring OMB of chickens, an image acquisition component was developed to acquire chicken images. A YOLO v7 model was trained to detect the chickens with OMB in the collected images. Subsequently, OMB ratios, defined as the ratios of chickens with OMB, were calculated to quantify this behavior. Experimental results showed that the mean absolute error of the UWB was 0.17 m in robot localization, complying with the requirements for navigating the robot in the narrow aisles of chicken farms. The trained YOLO v7 model achieved an average precision of 86.1%. Experimental results indicated that the mean OMB ratios between summer and winter were significantly different. In addition, the OMB ratio and temperature in summer were found to be moderately and positively correlated, indicating that OMB ratio was an effective indicator to represent chicken behaviors under different temperatures. The developed mobile robot provides a solution to automate the regular patrols performed by chicken farmers. Keywords: Deep learning, Depth image, Heat stress, Indoor positioning, Ultra-wideband (UWB), Unmanned vehicle.
Detection of Woody Breast Condition in Broiler Breast Fillets Using Light Scattering Imaging
Authors: Cai Jiaxu , Lu Yuzhen
Published: January 2025

Highlights

Broadband light scattering images were acquired from broiler breast fillets affected with woody breast (WB).

Both deep-learning-based and hand-crafted features were extracted from scattering images for model development.

The hand-crafted scattering image features performed better in differentiating normal from WB-affected samples.

An overall accuracy of 92.3% was achieved by the model based on selected hand-crafted scattering features.

Abstract. Muscular myopathies such as woody or wooden breast, which impair the eating quality and marketability of poultry products, are threatening the profitability of poultry industries worldwide, with an estimated annual loss exceeding $500 million for the United States (U.S.) poultry industry. WB-affected fillets are characterized by abnormal tissue hardness and muscle rigidity with varying degrees of severity. The assessment of WB conditions at processing facilities currently relies on tactile palpation combined with a visual examination by trained personnel. This approach is subjective, labor-intensive, costly, and may induce contamination due to physical contact. Optical imaging technology offers a promising alternative for objective and non-invasive quality assessment of broiler meat. This study presents a novel investigation of light scattering imaging (LSI) that captures light-scattering characteristics of meat tissues for the detection of WB conditions in broiler breast fillets. Broadband scattering images, induced under the illumination of a highly focused broadband light beam, were acquired from broiler meat samples. Two types of image features, i.e., (1) deep-learning-based and (2) hand-crafted scattering features, were extracted for building classification models using regularized linear discriminant analysis to differentiate samples into two categories, i.e., “Normal” (no WB) and “Defective” (WB-affected). Deep-learning-based features yielded an overall classification accuracy of 80.4%, while an accuracy of 91.7% was obtained by hand-crafted scattering features, representing a significant improvement of 11.3% (P < 0.01). Furthermore, feature reduction approaches, including MRMR (minimum redundancy maximum relevance) and PCA (principal component analysis), were conducted to reduce the model complexity, leading to a further accuracy improvement to 92.3% with the top-ranked 65 features identified by MRMR and 25 principal components (PCs), respectively. This study has demonstrated the LSI technique is promising for WB assessment of broiler breast meat. Keywords: Light scattering, Machine learning, Optical imaging, Poultry, Woody breast.
Comprehensive Review of Biodiesel Production from Nonedible Feedstocks: Environmental Impacts and Sustainable Solutions
Authors: P. Sujin  , Ajith J. Kings  , L. R. Monisha Miriam  , Saravanan A. Saravanan
Published: January 2025

The pursuit of sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels has led to extensive research into biodiesel production and its compatibility with internal combustion (IC) engines. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of biodiesel synthesis methodologies using nonedible oil sources, focusing on their feasibility, efficiency, and environmental impact. Various nonedible oil feedstocks, such as Rubber, Jatropha, Pongamia, and Camelina, are evaluated for their potential as biodiesel precursors, considering factors such as availability, lipid content, and cultivation requirements. Furthermore, this review delves into the synthesis processes, including transesterification and esterification, highlighting recent advancements and challenges in improving reaction kinetics and yield. The characterization techniques employed to assess biodiesel quality, such as physicochemical properties and spectroscopic analysis, are also discussed. Additionally, the paper examines the compatibility of biodiesel derived from nonedible oils with IC engines, addressing issues related to engine performance, emissions, and durability. Comparative studies between biodiesel blends and conventional diesel fuel are presented, elucidating the effects on combustion characteristics, engine efficiency, and pollutant emissions. The potential of biodiesel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate environmental pollution is explored, along with challenges associated with large-scale implementation and commercialization. In conclusion, this review provides valuable insights into the synthesis of biodiesel from nonedible oil sources and its compatibility with IC engines, offering a roadmap for future research directions and technology advancements in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Chromolaena odorata Leaf Extract and its Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Activities
Authors: M. Swarnalatha  , R. Ragunathan  , Jesteena Johney  , R. Vishnupriya
Published: January 2025

An attempt was made in this work to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from aqueous leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata. Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, proteins, sterols, quinones, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolics in the aqueous extract of C. odorata leaves. The separation of constituents in the aqueous extract was done using Thin-layer Chromatography. Total flavonoid content, phenolic content, and total antioxidant activity were investigated and were estimated to be 26.43 μg/ml, 63.74 mg/g GAE, and 41.45 μg/ml respectively. The characterization of the synthesized C. odorata extract-mediated AgNPs was done by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. The result of antibacterial activity by the Agar well diffusion method showed that all the test isolates were susceptible to the synthesized AgNPs. The MTT assay results demonstrated that the synthesized AgNPs had an antiproliferative impact on the MCF 7 cell line, with IC50 values of 96.34 µg/ml. As confirmed by acridine orange-ethidium bromide staining, AgNPs induced apoptosis in cancer cells. These findings suggest that C. odorata-synthesized AgNPs induce apoptosis and inhibit cell growth and proliferation.
Analysis of Physical and Chemical Ignition Delay with Di-tert Butyl Peroxide in Diesel Engine using Hydrogen as Gaseous Fuel
Authors: Harsh Vardhan  , V. N. L. Durga  , Chandra Bhushan Kumar
Published: January 2025

Ignition delay is the most crucial parameter that influences combustion and engine performance, but it changes with hydrogen as fuel. Sum of physical and chemical ignition delay is known as total ignition delay, are changes with hydrogen fuel due to high auto-ignition temperature and gaseous nature of fuel. In this present work, the physical, chemical and total ignition delay of diesel engines working on dual fuel mode has been examined, using hydrogen as gaseous fuel with additive di-tert butyl peroxide using diesel as base fuel. These mentioned observations were made on a 3.50 KW Kirloskar TV1, single cylinder 4 stroke direct ignition diesel engine at a constant speed of 1500 rpm with base fuel as diesel and hydrogen as secondary fuel. Physical and chemical ignition delay gets decreased with more than 2% of di-tert butyl peroxide addition. Fuel quality parameters such as density and viscosity influence physical ignition delay, whereas cetane number influences chemical ignition delay of diesel engines working on dual fuel mode.
Performance and Wear Analysis of Al-Cu-ZrB2 Nano-Composite Electrodes in EDM Machining of D2 Die Steel
Authors: G. Gopalarama subramaniyan  , A. X. Amal Rebin  , Y. Justin Raj  , R. Christu Paul  , R. Karthick  , Justin Sam George
Published: January 2025

The goal of this research study is to enhance EDM machining performance by reducing electrode wear rate, improving surface roughness, and increasing the material removal rate. To overcome the drawbacks of Pure aluminum electrode Prepared a novel nanocomposite electrode for die-sinker EDM an aluminum base Nanocomposite material reinforced with 2.5% copper and 2.5% zirconium dibromide composite electrodes can lower wear and manufacturing costs. Unlike conventional studies focusing on standard copper or graphite electrodes, our research explores the performance of innovative Al-Cu-ZrB₂ Nano-composite electrodes. It is fabricated through powder metallurgy. The input parameters of the EDM process that affect how well the machining process performs are the discharge current, spark-on time, Pulse off time, workpiece material, tool material and inter-electrode distance. For machining analysis and optimization carried out using Analysis of Variation, the RSM technique of experimentation was selected. The workpiece chosen for EDM machining in this experimental study was D2 Die steel. To get a low wear rate, the following input variables must be used: The lowest wear rate obtained during the EDM machining was 0.0006 g/min, the optimal pulse ON is 50μs, the optimal pulse OFF is 80μs, and the current is 12 amps. The research highlights the attainment of lower surface roughness values (1.710μm) by utilizing specific EDM parameters: Ton set at 30μs, Toff at 100μs, and Current at 12A. Surface imperfections induced by different input factors are identified via the use of optical microscopic pictures.
Wear Performance of Hybrid Ceramic Strengthened Nano-aluminium Composites for Potential Application in Brake Discs
Authors: S. Sundaraselvan  , K. Velavan  , V. Senthil  , G. Perumal
Published: January 2025

Hybrid ceramic-reinforced nano-aluminum composites are emerging as a superior material for brake discs for use in automobiles because of their remarkable qualities. The inclusion of ceramic particles significantly enhances wear resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, ensuring efficient heat dissipation and reducing the risk of brake fade. In this study, aluminium alloy 7075 (AA7075) is reinforced with equal proportions of nano silicon carbide (nSiC) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) to reduce vehicle weight, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the brake disc lifespan. The powder metallurgy (PM) method is adopted for fabricating the composites with 3 wt.% of nSiC and 7.5% ZrO2 with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a binder. The fabricated specimen was subjected to wear studies in pin-on-disc (PoD) apparatus as per ASTM G99 standard. Higher axial load (AL), sliding velocity (SV), and sliding distance (SD) intensify the wear loss (WL) of the hybrid composite. The hybrid composite can sustain more AL and SV than the base alloy due to the reinforced ceramics that form a protective tribo-layer on the composite surface under increased stress and frictional heat. The WL of nanocomposite tends to lower by 10.42%, 10.29%, 8.57%, and 11.38% when compared with base alloy (624.78, 856.47, 1087.38, and 1156.72 g) when the AL is 5, 10, 15, and 20 N. similarly, when the SV is altered (2.5, 3, .5, and 4 m/s) the WL is reduced by 8.43%, 7.73%, 6.26%, and 6.85%. The wear mechanisms of the nano-composites are analyzed by observing the abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and oxidative wear.
Optimization of Material Removal Rate and Electrode Wear Rate in EDM Machining of D2 Steel Using Al–Cu–SiC Nanocomposite Powder Metallurgy Electrodes: a Taguchi and ANN-based Approach
Authors: K. Reetabai  , V. Naveenprabhu  , Rajesh Mohan  , Vinitha Nithianantharaj  , Venkat Prasat Sridhar  , S. Naveen  , Justin Sam George
Published: January 2025

In this research study, a novel Al–Cu–SiC composite tool, created using the powder metallurgy (P/M) technique, was used for the electrical discharge machining of D2 steel, and the effects of important process parameters were investigated. The experimental runs were organized using a Taguchi-based design, and prediction models were constructed using artificial neural network techniques. This study was focused on machining performance, employing material removal rate (MRR) and electrode wear rate (EWR) as essential performance indicators and peak current, dielectric flushing pressure, and pulse on time as crucial input parameters. To evaluate the significance and suitability of the regression models created, an Analysis of Variance was conducted. The results showed that Al–Cu–SiC P/M electrodes were more sensitive to peak current and pulse duration. Increasing pulse duration significantly influenced MRR and EWR, with optimal values (MRR of 0.5880 g/min and minimal EWR) attained at a current of 9 A and a pulse length of 80 μs. Taguchi analysis identified pulse duration as the primary determinant; Regression equations emphasized pulse duration and current as critical factors for MRR, whereas ANN optimization effectively forecasted EDM results (R > 0.97), demonstrating decreased errors and reliable model performance across datasets.
A Comparative Analysis of the Fuel Characteristics of Bioenergy Sources to Meet Sustainability and Environmental Goals
Authors: S. Padmanabhan  , T. Vinod Kumar  , D. Sendil Kumar  , B. Rubini  , S. Arunkumar  , A. Arul Peter  , V. Vijayan
Published: January 2025

Biodiesel recognized as a sustainable alternative to petroleum diesel, has garnered significant attention due to its potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate environmental problems. Produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, or waste oils, biodiesel shares similar combustion properties with conventional diesel fuel but also possesses distinct physicochemical characteristics. This study specifically examines the fundamental properties of rapeseed biodiesel blends, ranging from B10 (10% biodiesel, 90% base diesel) to B100 (100% biodiesel). Key parameters such as calorific value, viscosity, density, flash point, cloud point, and freeze point were meticulously measured and analyzed in comparison to standard diesel fuel. The calorific value indicates the energy content, while viscosity and density affect fuel injection and combustion. The flash point provides safety information regarding fuel storage and handling, and the cloud and freeze points are critical for understanding the performance in cold climates. This comprehensive evaluation aims to highlight the feasibility and performance characteristics of rapeseed biodiesel as a viable substitute for conventional diesel, contributing to the ongoing search for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Drilling Response Optimization of Hybrid Bamboo-Sisal-E-Glass Fiber Composites Reinforced with Al2O3 Nanofillers
Authors: C. K. Dhinakarraj  , G. Perumal  , P. Chandramohan  , D. Srinivasan  , A. Rajaraman
Published: January 2025

This work explores the optimization of drilling parameters in hybrid epoxy composites fortified with bamboo, sisal, and glass fibers that use Al2O3 nanofillers towards reducing surface roughness. Taguchi method using L16 orthogonal array was adopted to optimize the drilling process, and the composites were constructed by hand lay-up approach. Surface roughness was the output. The main input factors for optimization were point angle, feed rate, and cutting speed. The most effective drilling parameters were determined to be C4 (point angle), B1 (feed rate), and A4 (cutting speed) for reducing surface roughness based on the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. The ANOVA results reveal that 39.46% cutting speed and 30.20% feed rate have a considerable effect on the surface roughness, while point angle contributes 25.84% of the total effect. The model under investigation is appropriate, according to the ANOVA results, which have an estimated S value of 0.4447 and R2 value of 95.50%. Also, the confirmative results show that the surface roughness values guessed for the best cutting conditions are pretty close to what was found in the experiments and what was expected, with a difference of 2.40%. The results offer insights into effective drilling techniques for hybrid composite materials. The ideal settings can help producers achieve excellent surface quality while machining.
Influence of Nano-SiO₂ and Nano-TiO₂ on Self-Compacting Concrete: A Study of Rheology and Strength Improvement
Authors: E. Kavitha  , S. Revathi  , L. Reena  , C. Vinodhini
Published: January 2025

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC), known as advanced concrete, flows and consolidates under its own weight, even in confined or congested spaces, without mechanical vibration. This study examines the impact of using nanoparticles, namely Nano-Silica (N-SiO₂) and Nano-Titanium Dioxide (N-TiO₂), as a partial replacement for cement in SCC. Six mix variations were created with different quantities of N-SiO₂ and N-TiO₂, and their fresh and hardened characteristics were tested. Fresh-state tests, such as slump flow, V-funnel, and L-box, proved the good workability and passing ability of all mixtures, which met EFNARC 2005 requirements. The combination of 6% N-SiO₂ and 4% N-TiO₂ performed best in terms of mechanical strength. SEM studies demonstrated that the optimized mix had better particle packing, fewer voids, and a greater density. Water absorption tests revealed enhanced durability and lower permeability. The findings indicated that the use of nanoparticles enhances the flowability, strength, and durability of nano-modified SCC.
Effect of Nanoclay and Surface Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Fish Tail Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: Chitturi Sai Krishna  , Panjagala Harish  , Thellaputta Gopala Rao  , Kakarala Venkata Pari Purna Chandu  , Anand Babu Kotta
Published: January 2025

The addition of nanofiller into the fiber-reinforced composites aims to enhance adhesion between the fiber surface and the polymer matrix and improve strength. This paper examines the mechanical properties and morphological characteristics of fishtail palm empty fruit bunch (FTPEFB) fiber to evaluate its suitability as a reinforcing material in epoxy composites. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nanoclay reinforcement and surface treatment of FTPEFB fiber on the performance of fiber-reinforced composites. The FTPEFB fibers were prepared in three forms: untreated, alkali-treated, and benzoyl chloride-treated. Composites were prepared using these fibers with different Nanoclay levels: 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt. % through the hand layup method. Various mechanical characteristics were assessed, including tensile strength, flexural properties, impact resistance, and hardness of the surface. Furthermore, morphology was examined using Scanning electron microscopy to investigate how chemical processing affected the treated and untreated fibers. For alkali-treated FTPEFB fiber-reinforced epoxy composites, the best overall characteristics were achieved with 6 wt. % Nanoclay content, yielding a tensile strength of 77.52 MPa, a tensile modulus of 5.24 GPa, and a flexural strength of 142.8 MPa; the impact strength increased by 23.51%, and the hardness improved by 10.76% when compared to composites without Nanoclay fillers.
Biogenic Photodegradation of Methylene Blue Dye Using Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Leaf Extract: A Novel Green Catalyst Approach
Authors: K. Suba  , V. Padmavathy  , S. R. Anishia  , S. Malini  , R. Kavitha  , S. Sasikruba
Published: January 2025

This study reports the green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using Azadirachta Indica (neem) leaf extract (AIL), providing an environmentally sustainable approach for environmental and biomedical applications. Neem leaves were thoroughly washed, air-dried, and ground into a fine powder, which was then used to prepare an aqueous extract. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by reacting zinc sulphate and sodium hydroxide solutions, to which neem extract was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was then subjected to drying and annealing, resulting in the formation of ZnO nanoparticles. Characterization through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis demonstrated enhanced dispersion, bio-functionalization, high crystallinity, and an increased surface area. The AIL/ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated superior photocatalytic activity, achieving complete degradation of methylene blue dye at pH 7. Additionally, they exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This environmentally friendly synthesis approach minimizes the use of hazardous chemicals and yields multifunctional nanoparticles with significant potential for wastewater treatment and antimicrobial applications, positioning AIL/ZnO as a promising material for addressing environmental and healthcare challenges.
Protecting Knowledge, Protecting Nature: The Role of Academic Libraries in Promoting Climate Change Awareness and Environmental Responsibility
Authors: Gopal Anand Naik
Published: January 2025

Academic libraries are increasingly recognized as pivotal players in promoting climate change awareness and environmental responsibility. This article explores the multifaceted roles of academic libraries in fostering environmental consciousness, the strategies they employ, and the challenges they face. By leveraging their resources, expertise, and strategic position within educational institutions, libraries can play a vital role in worldwide initiatives aimed at addressing climate change and encouraging sustainable practices. This article also discusses best practices for integrating sustainability into library operations and educational programs, highlighting the ability of libraries to serve as drivers of beneficial environmental transformation.
Impact of Tool Pin Profiles and Nanopowder Addition to Nugget Zone on FSW of Aluminum Alloys
Authors: R. Chandana  , K. Saraswathamma
Published: January 2025

Friction stir welding (FSW) process is a type of solid-state welding process. FSW is preferred due to no chemical reaction, melting, secondary phase formation and microstructure-controlled process. The absence of smoke and spark can be categorized as an eco-friendly welding process.  In this work, the FSW process is carried out on AA 2024 and AA 7075 aluminum alloys with Al2O3 filled in the nugget zone. The micro hole is performed before welding on the nugget zone to fill nanoparticle addition. Process parameters considered are tool pin profile, tool rotational speed, and welding speed. Three different types of tool pin profiles are considered namely square, hexagon and circular in cross-section. Taguchi L9 experimental steps are followed to perform the experiments. Performance parameters considered are tensile strength, bending strength and micro hardness of the welded sample. The performance of FSW samples is influenced by material mixing, which is significantly influenced with tool pin profile. Tool pin profile is directly influenced by contact area, material mixing, fine refined structure and appropriate heat. The result of experimentation is understood as better pulsating action, stir action and material mixing with hexagon pin profile and nano Al2O3 filled in the nugget zone. Characterization study is carried out on wedded area on FSW sample to evaluate microstructure changes to realize the weld quality. It is noticed that fine refinement structure after FSW and provides good mechanical properties.
OAH-Net: a deep neural network for efficient and robust hologram reconstruction for off-axis digital holographic microscopy
Authors: Liu Wei , Delikoyun Kerem , Chen Qianyu , Yildiz Alperen , Myo Si Ko , Kuan Win Sen , Soong John Tshon Yit , Cove Matthew Edward , Hayden Oliver , Lee Hwee Kuan
Published: January 2025

Off-axis digital holographic microscopy is a high-throughput, label-free imaging technology that provides three-dimensional, high-resolution information about samples, which is particularly useful in large-scale cellular imaging. However, the hologram reconstruction process poses a significant bottleneck for timely data analysis. To address this challenge, we propose a novel reconstruction approach that integrates deep learning with the physical principles of off-axis holography. We initialized part of the network weights based on the physical principle and then fine-tuned them via supersized learning. Our off-axis hologram network (OAH-Net) retrieves phase and amplitude images with errors that fall within the measurement error range attributable to hardware, and its reconstruction speed significantly surpasses the microscope’s acquisition rate. Crucially, OAH-Net, trained and validated on diluted whole blood samples, demonstrates remarkable external generalization capabilities on unseen samples with distinct patterns. Additionally, it can be seamlessly integrated with other models for downstream tasks, enabling end-to-end real-time hologram analysis. This capability further expands off-axis holography’s applications in both biological and medical studies.
Enabling ROADM in mode division multiplexing networks with mode-selective switches
Authors: Sajjanam Morrison Sunami , Safaee S. Mohammad Reza , Ma Zhaoqi , Rogers Rebecca , Gostimirovic Dusan , Rahbardar Mojaver Kaveh , Liboiron-Ladouceur Odile
Published: January 2025

Mode division multiplexing (MDM) enhances optical communication systems by introducing an additional multiplexing dimension. We designed and validated a reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) prototype using MDM as an optical subsystem targeting data center interconnects and metro optical networks. Our MDM-ROADM employs a mode-selective switch at each node, selectively de/multiplexing the first three transverse-electric (TE) modes. Key components are based on 220 nm silicon photonics, using subwavelength grating structures and inverse design methodology. Machine learning-based fabrication correction, via our tool PreFab, improved mode selectivity by 57% for mode-selective thermo-optic phase shifters. We also developed mode filters for two modes with a crosstalk of −9dB for TE0 and −15dB for TE1 within a 35 nm wavelength range. Experimental validation using TE0 and TE1 modes at 1555 nm shows an aggregate payload transmission of 80 Gb/s NRZ and a PAM-4 transmission at 40 Gbaud with a bit error rate of 1.1×10−9 and 3.8×10−3, respectively.