bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Public-Private Partnerships Transportation Project Success Factors in Developing Countries: An Explanatory Sequential Investigation
Authors:   Department of Finance and Investment Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA, Okoro Chioma , Nnaji Chukwuma ,   Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama, USA, Chileshe Nicholas ,   University of South Australia, UniSA STEM, Scarce Resources and Circular Economy (ScaRCE), Adelaide, AUSTRALIA, Tembo Jonathan ,   Department of Finance and Investment Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
Published: April 2023

Inadequate transportation infrastructure is a significant obstacle to any economy’s growth and development potential. A primary challenge to sustainable delivery is finance. Concerns about the efficacy of innovative mechanisms for financing infrastructure investments, primarily through public-private partnerships (PPPs), abound in the literature and practice. Few studies focus on the critical success factors (CSFs) for PPPs transport projects in emerging markets. This study aims to identify the taxonomy and manifestations of CSFs associated with executing PPP-based transportation projects in developing countries. The study collected and analysed data using a questionnaire and in-depth interviews using a mixed-methods sequential explanatory investigation among built environment professionals, including general contractors, consultants and government agencies. Findings indicated that good governance, the project’s technical feasibility, the commitment of the public and private partners, appropriate risk allocation and sharing and experience were the most critical success factors. Multivariate techniques using factor analysis identified four principal components: partnership and procurement, economic and governance technical factors and political and social factors. The study contributes to the body of knowledge using mixed methods within an underexplored context: developing countries. The findings could be extended further using more robust statistical techniques. The localisation conditions for the effective delivery of transportation projects should be considered.
Rapid Procedure for the Testing of Nonnutritive Objects Found in Various Confectionary Products, Posing as a Possible Choking Hazard
Authors: Loechlt-Yoshioka Hans Y.
Published: April 2023

Nonnutritive objects (toys) in confectionary food products can be a choking hazard for children under three years of age.  A rapid method for the screening these types of toys is presented in this paper. It was found, that the use of a clear plastic cylinder is ideal for this rapid screening procedure of these products.  By using this clear plastic cylinder, there was no need to measure each toy individually.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v04n02p022 (DOI assigned 7/3/2019)
Pathways for Product Quality and Safety
Authors: Dai Susie Y.
Published: April 2023

Reliable measurement is one of the pillars of regulatory science; however, measurement science does not start in the analytical laboratory. Rather, representative sampling plays at least an equal, if not more important, role in regulatory science. Addressed in the current issue of the Journal of Regulatory Science are several important aspects of sampling for regulatory decision making. One aspect that often escapes public awareness is the process to obtain a representative sample for follow-up analytical testing. The surveillance scheme, adopted by any regulatory agency or similar industry, shall be designed to collect defensible samples for analytical procedures . Another aspect is that the laboratory quality management system provides a systematic approach to produce reliable measurement results.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v04n02pi (DOI assigned 7/3/2019)
The relationship between profitability and capital buffer in the Indonesian banking sector
Authors: N. Masdjojo Gregorius , Suwarti Titiek , Nuswandari Cahyani , Sudiyatno Bambang
Published: April 2023

This study examines profitability as a mediating variable to explore variables that affect the capital buffer in commercial banks. The research population is conventional commercial banks operating in Indonesia, with an observation period of 2017–2020. A purposive sampling method was used, during which 90 observations were found. Data analysis used multiple regression and the Sobel test to test for the mediating role of profitability. The results show that profitability acts as a mediating variable for non-performing loans and the ratio of loans to deposits in the capital buffer. Therefore, it is suggested that banks must maintain their ability to generate profitability in order to avoid liquidity risk. Another finding that is also important for bank managers is that non-performing loans have a significant effect on reducing profitability, while loans to total assets have a positive impact. Loan-to-deposit ratio and income diversification are not significant to profitability. Profitability, debt-to-total assets ratio, and income diversification have a negative impact on the capital buffer. Non-performing loans are not significant, while the loan-to-deposit ratio has a significant positive impact on the capital buffer.
On-site performance evaluation of a 1,000-litre microbial fuel cell system using submergible multi-electrode modules with air-cathodes for sustainable municipal wastewater treatment and electricity generation
Authors: Heinrichmeier J. , Littfinski Tobias , Vasyukova Ekaterina , Steuernagel Leon , Wichern Marc
Published: April 2023

The reliability of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) system was tested on an industrial scale by operating a 1,000-L single-chamber system under real conditions at a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) over a 6-month period. Submergible multi-electrode modules with large-scale grid-segmented gas diffusion cathodes with activated carbon as a catalyst were used. Maximum power densities normalised to the cathode area were above 100 mW m−2Cat. Fluctuating chemical and physical wastewater characteristics of the influent had reversible effects on MFC performance in terms of energetic efficiency. Thereby, the composition of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) fractions changes only insignificantly and the concentration of readily biodegradable (SS) required for the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process or upstream denitrification was reduced by 41 ± 10 mg L−1 (37 ± 2% of inflow SS).
Civic education of schoolchildren in the process of learning at the lessons of a foreign (English) language
Authors: Sereda Irina Nikolaevna
Published: April 2023

Civic education in the process of teaching a foreign (English) language is an activity that protects, supports the child, transfers culture, social experience to him, promotes the development of creativity, individual abilities, forms a "Russian civic identity".
Özel Yetenekli Öğrencilerde COVID-19 Korkusu ve Yaşam Doyumları Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi
Authors: SANLI GÖRGÖZ Pınar , AKTAN Osman
Published: April 2023

Bu araştırmanın amacı, Bilim ve Sanat Merkezleri’nden (BİLSEM) yararlanan özel yetenekli ortaokul öğrencilerinin COVID-19 korkuları ile yaşam doyumlarını çeşitli değişkenler bağlamında incelemek, öğrencilerde COVID-19 korkusu ile yaşam doyumu arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektir. Araştırmada nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden ilişkisel karşılaştırma deseni kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın evrenini Muğla ilinde BİLSEM’lerden yararlanan ortaokul öğrencileri, örneklemini Fethiye BİLSEM’e devam eden 103 ortaokul öğrencisi oluşturmuştur. Araştırmada veriler, kişisel bilgi formu, Çocuklar İçin Yaşam Doyumu Ölçeği (ÇİYDÖ) ve COVID-19 Korkusu Ölçeği (C-19KÖ) ile toplanmıştır. Araştırmada kullanılan ölçek puanlarının normal dağılım göstermemesi nedeniyle veri analizlerde parametrik olmayan test tekniklerinden Mann Whitney U Testi, Mann Whitney U Testi, Kruskal Wallis Testi, Spearman Korelasyon Analizi teknikleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre özel yetenekli öğrencilerin ÇİYDÖ puanları arasında cinsiyet, sınıf düzeyi, kardeş sayısı, öğrencinin ailedeki sırası, anne ve baba eğitim durumlarına göre anlamlı farklılık olmadığı belirlenmiştir. Özel yetenekli öğrencilerin C-19 KÖ puanları arasında cinsiyet, sınıf düzeyi ve anne eğitim durumuna göre anlamlı farklılık olduğu; kardeş sayısı, öğrencinin ailedeki sırası ve baba eğitim durumlarına ise anlamlı farklılık olmadığı belirlenmiştir. Özel yetenekli öğrencilerin ÇİYDÖ ve C-19KÖ puanları arasında negatif yönde, orta düzeyde anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına dayalı olarak, öğrenci ve ailelerde COVID-19 korkusunu azaltmaya yönelik, öğrenci ve ailelere psikolojik sağlamlık, krizle baş etme yöntemleri ve aile içi iletişim, ebeveyn iletişimi konularında destekler sağlanması önerilmektedir.
Effects of Trehalose Administration in Patients with
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type III
Authors: Mobini Moein , Radbakhsh Shabnam , Kubaski Francyne , Eshraghi Peyman , Vakili Saba , Vakili Rahim , Abbasifard Mitra , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Rajabi Omid , Emami Seyed Ahmad , Tayarani-Najaran Zahra , Rizzo Manfredi , Eid Ali H. , Banach Maciej , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim:

Mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III) is a rare autosomal recessive
lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by a deficiency of lysosomal enzymes required for the
catabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), mainly in the central nervous system. Trehalose has been
proposed as a potential therapeutic agent to attenuate neuropathology in MPS III. We conducted a single-
arm, open-label study to evaluate the efficacy of trehalose treatment in patients with MPS IIIA and
MPS IIIB.

Methods:

Five patients with MPS III were enrolled. Trehalose was administrated intravenously (15
g/week) for 12 weeks. Health-related quality of life and cognitive function, serum biomarkers, liver,
spleen, and lung imaging were assessed to evaluate trehalose efficacy at baseline and trial end (week 12).

Results:

TNO-AZL Preschool children Quality of Life (TAPQOL) scores increased in all patients, and
the mean scores for quality of life were increased after the intervention. Serum GAG levels were reduced
in all treated patients (however, the differences were not statistically significant). Alanine aminotransferase
(ALT) levels were reduced in all patients post-treatment (p=0.0039). The mean levels of aspartate
transaminase (AST) were also decreased after 12 weeks of treatment with Trehalose. Decreased serum
pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance and increased GPX activity were observed at the end of the study. Decreases
in mean splenic length were observed, whereas the liver volume did not change.

Conclusion:

Improvements in health-related quality of life and serum biomarkers (GAGs, liver aminotransferase
levels, antioxidant status), as well as liver and spleen size, were found following 3 months of
trehalose administration in patients with MPS IIIA and MPS IIIB.
WITHDRAWN: Interaction Between the Intestinal Microbial Structure and Function Dysbiosis and Hippocampal Transcriptome Profile for Anxiety-like Induced by Doxorubicin in Mice
Authors: Peng Yihan , Huang Jufang , Chen Jie , Zhang Bin , Liao Libin , Zeng Leping
Published: April 2023

Since the authors are not responding to the editor’s requests to fulfill the editorial requirement, therefore, the article has been
withdrawn from the journal "Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening".

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

BENTHAM SCIENCE DISCLAIMER:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously
submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published elsewhere
must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting
the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the
authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript the authors agree that the copyright
of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
Evaluation of Intracellular Metabolism of Methotrexate in Hepatocytes and Embryonic
Kidney Cells based on Folylpolyglutamate Synthetase and Gamma-Glutamyl
Hydrolase Expression
Authors: Yu Peng , Jiang Hanbing , Yang Jie , Hou Yucui , Zhang Ke , Ren Yi , Huang Jing , Li Huanhuan , Cai Tongji , Ouyang Zhonghua , Zhao Jia
Published: April 2023

Background:

Methotrexate (MTX) is a common folic acid antagonist in clinical medicine, easily inducing
a common adverse side effect of liver and kidney injury. It has been found that the expression of Folylpolyglutamate
Synthetase (FPGS) and gamma-Glutamyl Hydrolase (GGH) may be closely related to that of related proteins to affect
the intracellular metabolism of MTX.

Objective:

The relationship between FPGS/GGH and MTXPGs accumulation in liver and kidney cells was explored
by adjusting the expression of FPGS and GGH in cells using UPLC-MS/MS quantitative technology.

Method:

Based on UPLC-MS/MS quantitative techniques, the relationship between MTXPGs accumulation and
FPGS/GGH in hepatocytes and embryonic kidney cells was explored by adjusting the expression of FPGS and GGH,
and the effect of FPGS/GGH on the intracellular toxicity of MTX was comprehensively analyzed.

Result:

The results showed that the difference in methotrexate polyglutamates (MTXPGs) accumulation in liver and
kidney cells was related to the difference in FPGS and GGH expression. The expression of FPGS interacted with that
of GGH. These results suggest that the protein abundance ratio of FPGS to GGH (FPGS/GGH) has more potential to
be used as a predictor of MTX efficacy than the FPGS or GGH single protein index. This can effectively avoid liver
and kidney damage caused by MTX and guides the rational use of drugs in MTX.

Conclusion:

The results prove that there is a positive correlation between the FPGS/GGH and the accumulation of
MTXPGS in liver and kidney cells. Summarily, the FPGS/GGH is expected to be a predictor for MTXPGs accumulation
and provides an effective method to evaluate the toxicity caused by MTX.
WITHDRAWN: LppDB - A Comprehensive Database for Lipopeptide based Drugs: Exploring Potential Drug Discovery Aspects
Authors: Yadav Manisha , Eswari J. Satya
Published: April 2023

Since the authors are not responding to the editor’s requests to fulfill the editorial requirement, therefore, the article has been
withdrawn from the journal Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php.

BENTHAM SCIENCE DISCLAIMER:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously
submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published elsewhere
must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting
the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the
authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript the authors agree that the copyright
of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
Cell-Penetrating Peptides: A Powerful Tool for Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Kotadiya Dushyant D. , Patel Piyushkumar , Patel Hitesh D.
Published: April 2023

The cellular membrane hinders the effective delivery of therapeutics to targeted sites. Cellpenetrating
peptide (CPP) is one of the best options for rapidly internalizing across the cellular membrane.
CPPs have recently attracted lots of attention because of their excellent transduction efficiency
and low cytotoxicity. The CPP-cargo complex is an effective and efficient method of delivering several
chemotherapeutic agents used to treat various diseases. Additionally, CPP has become another strategy
to overcome some of the current therapeutic agents' limitations. However, no CPP complex is approved
by the US FDA because of its limitations and issues. In this review, we mainly discuss the cellpenetrating
peptide as the delivery vehicle, the cellular uptake mechanism of CPPs, their design, and
some strategies to synthesize the CPP complex via some linkers such as disulfide bond, oxime, etc.
Here, we also discuss the recent status of CPPs in the market.
An Insight into the Role of Biodegradable Controlled-release Polymers and
Nanoformulations for Enhanced Brain Drug Delivery
Authors: Joshi Deepika
Published: April 2023

Neurological or brain disorders are increasingly recognized as major causes of death and disability
worldwide, eventually leading to the burden of non-communicable and communicable diseases in
the world. Biodegradable functions of polymers provide promising solutions to meet the therapeutic needs
of neurological disorders owing to advantages such as the usage of biodegradable polymers in drug delivery
approaches, which has become noticeable due to their biocompatibility and degradability properties.
Due to such properties, they are degraded inside the body to produce natural/ nontoxic byproducts such as
water and carbon dioxide and hence eliminated easily. Sustained drug delivery by biodegradable polymer
devices can increase the therapeutic efficacy of drugs by producing high local tissue concentrations over
extended periods of time. This review discusses recent progress in the research and development of biodegradable
polymers, including their nanoformulation approaches.
Prevalence, Incidence and Factors Associated with Diabetic Foot in People
with Type 2 Diabetes: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: de Jesus Nascimento de Aquino Maria , de Souza Ana Célia Caetano , Borges José Wicto Pereira , da Silva Negreiros Francisca Diana , de Sousa Gonçalves Marilia , Martins Polyanna Maria Oliveira , Moreira Thereza Maria Magalhães
Published: April 2023

Background:

Diabetic Foot is a severe chronic complication of diabetes and an important
factor in the morbidity of diabetic people, resulting in high health costs and increased risk
of death.

Objective:

To analyze the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors associated with diabetic foot in
people with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Method:

Systematic literature review. Searches in MedLine via PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science,
Scopus CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases were performed. Inclusion of 52 studies.
The R program, Metan packages, was used to calculate the meta-analysis. Given the heterogeneity
of studies, the random effect was used to calculate the meta-analysis of risk factors.

Results:

The meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of diabetic foot was 14% in a hospital setting
and 5% in a community setting. The overall prevalence and incidence were 9% and 4%, respectively.
Significant risk factors included time of DM (odds ratio [OR] =1.46, confidence interval
[CI], 0.36-2.57, P = 0.009), smoking (OR = 1.46, CI, 1.16 -1.85, P< .001), glycated hemoglobin
(OR = 0.96, CI, 0.50; 1.42, P< .001), peripheral arterial disease (OR = 3.38, CI, 2.07; 5.53, P <
.001) and peripheral neuropathy (OR = 5.88, CI, 2.39-14.45, P<.001).

Conclusion:

Multidisciplinary monitoring, educational strategies, periodic foot examination for alterations,
and early identification of risk factors are essential to prevent ulceration and reduce the
disease burden.
The Predictive Factors of Postpartum Women's Quality of Life: A Cross-
Sectional Study in Shiraz, Iran
Authors: Kaveh Mohammad Hossein , Khademi Khadijeh , Ghahremani Leila , Karimi Masoud , Nazari Mahin
Published: April 2023

Background:

The postpartum period is a challenging time for mothers, in which the quality
of life (QOL) is an important indicator of health. Assessing the factors related to postpartum QOL
(PQOL) can provide a holistic approach to health programs from an individual to a macro level. This
study identified predictive factors for PQOL among Iranian postpartum women.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted using demographic, obstetric, and PQOL questionnaires
on 236 postpartum women. The data were subsequently analyzed using descriptive and analytical
statistics.

Results:

The results identified education level, delivery method (p< 0.05), planned pregnancy, and
sufficient family income (p< 0.001) as the four factors associated with PQOL. In addition, adequate
family income was identified as a predictor of PQOL (p< 0.001).

Conclusion:

Given that mothers' health helps to ensure the health of their families and communities,
they should be classified according to PQOL predictors and matched with appropriate health programs
to provide a high-quality postpartum period.
3-Bromopyruvate Inhibits the Growth and Glucose Metabolism of TNBC Xenografts
in Nude Mice by Targeting c-Myc
Authors: Pan Jian-Min , Li Jia-Chen , Yang Cheng , Xiao Wang-Fa , Li Qi-Shang , Luo Xiao-Hui , Zhang Xiao-Dong
Published: April 2023

Background:

Due to the lack of effective drug treatment, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is prone to
recurrence and metastasis after an operation. As a glycolytic inhibitor, 3-bromopyruvic acid (3-BrPA) can inhibit the
proliferation and induce apoptosis of TNBC cells. However, whether it has similar effects in animal models remains
unclear.

Objective:

To observe the effect of 3-BrPA on the growth and glucose metabolism of human TNBC transplanted tumors
in nude mice and to investigate the mechanism.

Methods:

We constructed subcutaneous xenografts of human TNBC in nude mice and treated them with low, medium
and high concentrations of 3-BrPA. After 15 days, nude mice were sacrificed to detect hexokinase (HK) activity and
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in tumor tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the damage
of transplanted tumors and liver and kidney in nude mice, which 3-BrPA caused. The expression of c-Myc in tumor
tissues was detected by Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP
nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect the apoptosis of tumor tissues. Besides, the expressions of Cytc,
Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-9 were detected by Western blotting.

Results:

Compared with the control group, intraperitoneal injection of 3-BrPA inhibited the growth of human TNBC
transplant tumors, decreased HK activity and ATP production in tumor tissues, disrupted the tissue structure of transplant
tumors, and did not significantly damage liver and kidney tissues. IHC staining and Western blotting showed that
3-BrPA could decrease the expression of c-Myc and Bcl-2, increase the expression of Cyt -c, Bax and Caspase-9 expression
and promote apoptosis in tumor tissues.

Conclusion:

The above data indicate that 3-BrPA inhibits the growth of human TNBC transplanted tumors and promotes
their apoptosis. Its anti-cancer mechanism might reduce HK activity by down-regulating c-Myc expression,
eventually leading to decreased glycolytic pathway energy production and promoting apoptosis of transplanted tumors.
L-Tartaric Acid Inhibits Diminazene-induced Vasorelaxation in Isolated
Rat Aorta
Authors: Amssayef Ayoub , Bouadid Ismail , Eddouks Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Aims:

The study investigated the effect of L-tartaric acid on diminazene-indiuced vasorelaxation.

Background:

Diminazene is known to induce vasorelaxation through the stimulation of angiotensin-
converting enzyme (ACE-2).

Objective:

This work was designed to study the effect of L-tartaric acid on diminazene-induced
vasorelaxation using an ex vivo approach.

Material and Methods:

In the current investigation, the inhibitory effect of L-tartaric acid on
diminazene-induced relaxation.

Results:

The results confirmed that L-tartaric acid was able to inhibit in a dose-dependent manner
diminazene-induced vasorelaxation.

Conclusion:

This investigation provides important experimental evidence of the efficacy of Ltartaric
acid in inhibiting diminazene-induced vasorelaxation.
Validation of Inhibitory Activity of Thiazolidine-4-carboxylic Acid
Derivatives against Novel Influenza Neuraminidase Enzyme
Authors: Jain Namrata , K. Anita , Yadav Aakanksha
Published: April 2023

Background:

Neuraminidase enzymes are a large family found in a range of organisms.
The best-known neuraminidase is viral neuraminidase, a drug target for the prevention of the spread of
influenza infection. The viral neuraminidases are frequently used as antigenic determinants found on
the surface of the influenza virus.

Objective:

Thiazolidine derivatives have been synthesized and explored previously, and further compounds
have been designed on the basis of leading compounds. This research aimed to validate those
previously synthesized compounds and a new series of compounds.

Methods:

A series of 28 compounds of thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid derivatives were studied and
evaluated for their ability to inhibit the neuraminidase (NA) of the influenza A virus. Twenty-eight
compounds were differentiated into a training set of 21 compounds and a test set of 07 compounds.

Results:

The validated compounds demonstrated moderate inhibitory activity against influenza A neuraminidase.
The most potent compound was acetaminophen mercapturate (C13H16N2O5S) (MW:
312.34). S-(5-acetamido-2-hydroxyphenyl)-N-acetyl-L-cysteine is an S-substituted N-acetyl-Lcysteine
in which the S-substituent is specified as 5-acetamido-2-hydroxyphenyl. It acts as a drug metabolite,
a human urinary metabolite, and a rat metabolite. It is a member of acetamides, an organic
sulphide, a member of phenols and an S-substituted N-acetyl-L-cysteine. It derives
from “paracetamol”.

Conclusion:

Validation of inhibitory activity of thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid derivatives as novel influenza
NA shows drug discovery of a more potent and reliable drug for the influenza virus.
Investigation of the effect of hydrogen enrichment on the performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of a diesel engine
Authors: Vasanthakumar R. , Loganathan M. , Chockalingam S. , Vikneswaran M. , Venkatramanan S.
Published: April 2023

With an aim to partially replace conventional diesel fuel, this work investigated the impact of injecting hydrogen into an intake manifold of a diesel engine on its performance. Due to the benefits of hydrogen fuel, such as its high calorific value and flame velocity, it can be used in a dual-fuel mode of operation with diesel. The experiment was carried out for various engine loads with engine speed maintained constant at 1500. By using a digital volume flow metre, hydrogen was injected at three different volume flow rates, namely 3, 6, and 9 lpm. Engine combustion, emission, and performance parameters were evaluated for different hydrogen flow rates and compared to sole diesel. The result revealed that the brake thermal efficiency of the engine increased, whereas the brake-specific fuel consumption decreased due to hydrogen enrichment. The hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions were lower in dual fuel mode when compared to sole diesel operation under all load situations. On the other hand, Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) emission increased with hydrogen flow rate and resulted in higher NOx than diesel. Furthermore, hydrogen enrichment increased the values of the peak heat release rate and cylinder pressure by a significant margin from the corresponding values given by diesel fuel. Among the evaluated H2 flow rates, 9 lpm is found to be the best, demonstrating enhanced engine characteristics

background:

Due to the benefits of hydrogen fuel, such as its high calorific value and flame velocity, it can be used in a dual fuel mode of operation with diesel. The experiment was carried out for various engine loads with engine speed maintained constant at 1500.

objective:

By using a digital volume flow metre, hydrogen was injected at three different volume flow rates, namely 3, 6, and 9 lpm. Engine combustion, emission, and performance parameters were evaluated for different hydrogen flow rates and compared to sole diesel.

method:

The result revealed that brake thermal efficiency of the engine increased, whereas the brake specific fuel consumption decreased due to hydrogen enrichment. The hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions were lower in dual fuel mode when compared to sole diesel operation under all load situations.

conclusion:

Among the evaluated H2 flow rates, 9 lpm is found to be the best, demonstrated enhanced engine characteristics.
Breaking the Barriers of Nanotoxicological Assessments: The Importance of Available Models and Future Perspectives
Authors: Kishore Abhinoy , De Indranil , Sharma Prashant , Singh Manish Singh
Published: April 2023

Nanoparticles (NPs) and nanotechnology have penetrated every walk of life.
The nanotechnology-based products include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronic
goods, food, food packaging, and household products of daily use. The unique
physicochemical properties of nanoparticles also make them a potent toxicant. The
evidence suggests that nanoparticles are used in humans' neurological disorders,
pulmonary disorders, and other ailments. The situation is alarming as NPs may make
their way to the human fetus. The regulations for checking the use of NPs are still in
their early stages. The NP toxicity has not only affected the human race but the entire
Biosphere. The chapter discusses the different assays and models to study nanotoxicity.
The models used in deciphering the molecular mechanism are primarily in vitro
models, particularly 2D and 3D cell cultures of primary, cancerous and normal cell
lines. 2D cultures are monolayers, while 3D cultures can be spheroids and organoids
derived from stem cells. Cell culture models serve to be a good assessment model but
due to lack of systemic complexity, results may not be explicitly extrapolated to
humans. In order to fill the gap, in vivo models are available. In vivo models are helpful
in assessing the systemic toxicity in organisms. The in vivo models are further
categorized as models to study human nanotoxicity and the models to study
nanoecotoxicity. Out of the plethora of models, certain specific models are briefly
discussed here. The ethical regulations for the usage of animal models are stringent
which sometimes make it challenging to acquire animal models. Such challenges can
be overcome by developing futuristic models like a lab or animal on a chip, and other
computation models which may make nanotoxicological assessments easy and
accurate, thereby helping in making efficient regulatory policies for NPs usage in
various consumer products safeguarding the mankind and the biosphere.
Taurine and the Mitochondrion
Authors: Heidari Reza , Ommati M. Mehdi
Published: April 2023

Several studies have evaluated the subcellular compartmentalization of
taurine (TAU) and its cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. Meanwhile, it has
been found that TAU is largely uptaken by mitochondria. TAU could improve
mitochondrial function by incorporating it into the basic mitochondrial structures and
protein synthesis (e.g., mainly mitochondrial electron transport chain components).
Several other mechanisms, including the enhancement of mitochondrial calcium
sequestration, regulation of mitochondria-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS)
formation, prevention of mitochondria-mediated cell death, and mitochondrial pH
buffering, are also involved in the mitochondrial function regulatory properties of
TAU. Therefore, TAU has been used against a wide range of pathologies, including
mitochondrial injury. In the current chapter, a review of the approved molecular
mechanism for the effects of TAU on mitochondria is provided. Then, the applications
of TAU on a wide range of complications linked with mitochondrial impairment are
discussed. The data collected here could give a better insight into the application of
TAU as a therapeutic agent against a wide range of human diseases.
Resistive switching of memristors base on epitaxial structures p-Si/p-Ge/n-=SUP=-+-=/SUP=--Si(001) with Ru and Ag electrodes
Authors: Filatov D. O.  , Gorshkov O. N.  , Shengurov V. G.  , Denisov S. A.  , Shenina M. E.  , Kotomina V. E.  , Antonov I. N.  , Kruglov A. V.
Published: April 2023

The electrical parameters of the prototype memristors based on p-Si/p-Ge/n+-Si(001) epitaxial heterostructures with Ag and Ru electrodes have been studied. The memristors with Ru electrodes demonstrated smaller electroforming voltage and greater ratio of currents in the low and high resistance values as compared to the memristors with Ag electrodes. Also, an inversion of the resistance switching polarity was observed in the memristors with Ru electrodes. Thses effects originate from a higher mobility of Ru3+ ions in the threading dislocations in the p-Si/p-Ge layers due to smaller ion radius. Keywords: Memristor, SiGe epitaxial layers, resistance switching.
Fiber-based multichannel heterodyne interferometer for studying the pulsed plasma properties
Authors: Lykyanov K. S.  , Gubskiy K.L.  , YastrebtsevБ A. A.  , Tishchenko I. Yu.  , Kazieva T. V.
Published: April 2023

A fiber-based four-channel heterodyne interferometer has been developed to study the properties of pulsed plasma. The accuracy of phase measurements was 0.03 rad, which corresponds to an error in measuring the concentration of free electrons of ± 1· 1019 m-2. Measurements of the electron density and plasma velocity of the plasma accelerator have been carried out.. Keywords: laser interferometer, fiber-based interferometer.
Development and study of a model of an autonomous energy information station of free space optical communication
Authors: Kalinovskii V.S.  , Terukov E.I.  , Ascheulov Y.V.  , Kontrosh E.V.  , Yuferev V.S.  , Prudchenko K.K.  , Chekalin A.V.  , Terukova E.E.  , Tolkachev I.A.  , Goncharov S.E.  , Ustinov V.M.
Published: April 2023

A model of an autonomous receiving station of free space optical communication system based on a multi-section energy heterostructure (HJT) Si photoconverter and an information photodetector based on AlGaAs/GaAs p-i-n photodiodes has been developed. The energy part, when excited by laser radiation with a power of ~ 264 W at a wavelength of 0.974 μm in the photovoltaic mode, provided ≥ 60 W of electric power. The photodetector of the information channel, when excited by pulsed radiation at a wavelength of 0.78 μm, provides response time in the photovoltaic mode in the sub-nanosecond range. Keywords: free space opical communication, receiving station, HJT Si photoconverter, AlGaAs/GaAs p-i-n photodetector, laser radiation, pulsed radiation
A promising way to improve the efficiency of silicon solar elements --- introduction of whiskers with p-n junction
Authors: Nebol'sin V. A.  , Swaikat N.  , Vorob'ev A. Yu.  , 4.	Yuryev V.A.
Published: April 2023

A new approach to increasing the efficiency of silicon solar cells (SCs) is presented, which consists in the creation of surface light-trapping structures with a high antireflection ability in the form of systems of pointed whiskers (NCs) with coaxial p-n junctions. The coaxial geometry of the p-n junction is justified in terms of the efficiency of collection and separation of minority charge carriers (NCCs) due to the built-in electric field across the junction. Received solar cells with improved photoelectric characteristics and an efficiency factor (COP) of 20.43%. Keywords: solar cell, light absorption, p-n junction, silicon.
Organic Structure-Directing Agent Free Synthesis of Mordenite with Seeds, Used as A Support for Mo Catalysts in the Transesterification of Soybean Oil
Authors: Lima Erivaldo Genuíno , Medeiros Nascimento Silva Fabiana , Lins Almeida Barbosa Tellys , Freire Rodrigues Meiry Gláucia
Published: April 2023

This work prepared mordenite using seeds and without organic structure-directing agents (OSDAs). The Mo/Mordenite was prepared through wet impregnation and the catalysts’ performance was checked for transesterification of soybean oil with methanol. The mordenite zeolite was prepared through hydrothermal crystallization under static conditions with a molar composition of 6Na2O:Al2O3:30SiO2:780H2O. The catalyst samples were characterized crystallinity through X-ray diffraction, elemental composition by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Surface areas by N2 adsorption-desorption, surface morphology scanning electron microscopy, functional group by infrared spectroscopy and active sites by temperature programmed desorption of ammonia. The transesterification of soybean oil was carried out using the following parameters: 5% catalyst by weight, 1:12 oil to methanol molar ratio, at 200°C for either 12 h or 24 h. X-ray diffraction patterns showed the characteristic peaks of the mordenite structure. After molybdenum oxide was added, the structure of mordenite zeolite was conserved while the specific surface area was reduced. The morphology can be described as a highly crystalline material with well-defined crystalline particles having a spherical profile characteristic of the typical morphology of sodium mordenite zeolite with a low silicon/aluminum ratio. The catalyst samples exhibited sites of a weak and medium-strength nature. The higher activity of the catalyst (Mo/Mordenite) about mordenite zeolite, could be justified by the existence of molybdenum. The wet impregnation of metal (Mo) on the surface of the MOR zeolite is an effective option to increase the acidity of the solid catalysts. Mordenite with 8.84% Mo could be a promising catalyst for the biodiesel factory.
The Eastern Australian Floods of February 2022 and Its Relationship with Climate Change
Authors: Callaghan Jeff
Published: April 2023

During February 2022 major riverine flooding occurred in an area which has the fastest population growth in Australia. This extended from the Mary River in Southeast Queensland (SEQ) to the Clarence River in Northeast NSW (NENSW). Two centres within this area were devastated by floods unprecedented in living memory. One was the Brisbane Metropolitan area where all-time record daily rainfall in the suburbs flooded creeks. This creek flooding was much worse than that caused by the Brisbane River itself where Wivenhoe Dam played a role in preventing more disastrous flooding. The other was in the Northern New South Wales city of Lismore where rainfall in the Wilsons River catchment exceeded all known rainfall rates there. The structure of the weather system generating the rainfall responsible for these two floods is studied along with the climatology of such events. One event which occurred during 1954 stands out and is examined in detail. A climate shift in 1976 resulted in two decades of relatively benign weather in the region and tourism flourished there due to mild summers and warm winters. The area experienced a huge growth in population with fading memories of past disastrous weather events and huge residential development occurred in flood plain areas. During the twenty-first century these extreme events have returned although so far not as frequent as earlier decades but still result in some residents experiencing multiple flooding events. The 1954 event occurred during an extended period of devastating flood events not experienced in recent decades. With the huge increase in population in this area since the 1970s such a series of events like those in the 1950s would stretch the resources of disaster managers given the problems, they faced in 2022.
Toward Personalized Medicine Approaches for Parkinson Disease Using Digital Technologies (Preprint)
Authors: Khanna Amit , Jones Graham
Published: April 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

Parkinson disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder that afflicts over 10 million people worldwide, resulting in debilitating motor and cognitive impairment. In the United States alone (with approximately 1 million cases), the economic burden for treating and caring for persons with PD exceeds US $50 billion and myriad therapeutic approaches are under development, including both symptomatic- and disease-modifying agents. The challenges presented in addressing PD are compounded by observations that numerous, statistically distinct patient phenotypes present with a wide variety of motor and nonmotor symptomatic profiles, varying responses to current standard-of-care symptom-alleviating medications (L-DOPA and dopaminergic agonists), and different disease trajectories. The existence of these differing phenotypes highlights the opportunities in personalized approaches to symptom management and disease control. The prodromal period of PD can span across several decades, allowing the potential to leverage the unique array of composite symptoms presented to trigger early interventions. This may be especially beneficial as disease progression in PD (alongside Alzheimer disease and Huntington disease) may be influenced by biological processes such as oxidative stress, offering the potential for individual lifestyle factors to be tailored to delay disease onset. In this viewpoint, we offer potential scenarios where emerging diagnostic and monitoring strategies might be tailored to the individual patient under the tenets of P4 medicine (predict, prevent, personalize, and participate). These approaches may be especially relevant as the causative factors and biochemical pathways responsible for the observed neurodegeneration in patients with PD remain areas of fluid debate. The numerous observational patient cohorts established globally offer an excellent opportunity to test and refine approaches to detect, characterize, control, modify the course, and ultimately stop progression of this debilitating disease. Such approaches may also help development of parallel interventive strategies in other diseases such as Alzheimer disease and Huntington disease, which share common traits and etiologies with PD. In this overview, we highlight near-term opportunities to apply P4 medicine principles for patients with PD and introduce the concept of composite orthogonal patient monitoring.
Multi-Disease Prediction Using Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: J Dr Visumathi , Reddy Tetala Durga Venkata Rama , Abhinandhan Velagapudi , Kumar Panamganti Anil
Published: April 2023

Abstract: In the medical sector, disease diagnosis is an essential duty, and prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial to effective management and therapy. Machine learning techniques, including Naive Bayesian networks, have shown promise in disease prediction and diagnosis. In this study, we present a machine learning-based multi-disease prediction system that uses Naive Bayesian networks. The proposed methodology seeks to deliver precise illness prediction for several diseases instantaneously. In addition to describing the methods adopted, which included dataset selection, preprocessing, feature selection, and the Naive Bayesian network algorithm, we also discuss the social relevance of this work, emphasizing the potential impact of accurate disease prediction in improving patient outcomes and bringing down healthcare costs. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model, we conducted experiments using a publicly available disease dataset. The results demonstrated that the proposed model achieved high accuracy of 91.2% and outperformed other state-of-the-art models for multi-disease prediction some of them are, Random Forest obtained 85.7% and Decision Tree obtained 81.3% respectively. In summary, the proposed system demonstrates the effectiveness of Naive Bayesian networks for multi-disease prediction and has the potential to improve disease diagnosis and management in the medical domain
Periodontal Hastalıklarda Depresyon ve Anksiyete Düzeylerinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: SARI Ayşegül
Published: April 2023

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, periodontal hastalıkların ve periodontal hastalık farkındalığının depresyon ve anksiyete düzeyleri ile ilişkisini değerlendirmektir.
Materyal-Metot: Çalışmaya toplamda 200 birey (85 erkek ve 115 kadın, 18-64 yaş aralığı) olmak üzere, 67 periodontal sağlıklı (PS grup) birey, 70 Gingivitis hastası (G grup) ve 63 Periodontitis hastası (P grup) dahil edildi. Katılımcıların klinik periodontal klinik indeksleri ve periodontal hastalık farkındalıklarına ilişkin şikayetleri kaydedildi. Hastaların depresyon ve anksiyete seviyeleri Beck deresyon ve anksiyete ölçekleriyle değerlendirildi.
Bulgular: Beck depresyon ve anksiyete skorları P ve G gruplarında PS grubundan daha yüksekti (P=0.001). Dişeti kanaması, hassasiyet, ağız kokusu, estetik problem şikâyeti olan hastalarda depresyon ve anksiteye skorları şikâyeti olmayanlara göre daha yüksekti (P0.005). Mobilite ve apse şikâyeti olan hastalarda depresyon skorları şikâyeti olmayanlara göre daha yüksekti (P0.005). Çok değişkenli Binary lojistik regresyon analizinde Beck depresyon skoru P grubundan PS grubuna doğru gittikçe 11,95 (%95 GA: 3,1-46,06, P=0.001) kat artmıştır. Hassasiyet şikâyeti varlığı, Beck depresyon skorunu şikâyetin yokluğuna göre 4,61 kat arttırırken (%95 GA: 1,58-13,43, P=0.005); mobilite şikâyeti varlığı skoru 3,73 kat arttırmıştır (%95 GA: 1,12-12,44, P=0.032).
Sonuç: Periodontal hastalık varlığı depresyon ve anksiyete düzeylerini etkileyebilir ve periodontal hastalık farkındalığı ile depresyon ilişkili olabilir. Depresyon periodontal hastalıkların seyrini etkileyebilir.
Determination of Correlation Among 9-Hole Peg Test Scores and Preclinical Performances of Second-Year Students of a Faculty of Dentistry
Authors: TEMEL Uğur Burak , KAM HEPDENİZ Özge , EROGLU Erdal
Published: April 2023

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the scores obtained by the 9-hole peg manual dexterity test of the second-year students of the Faculty of Dentistry at Süleyman Demirel University and the grade point averages that they received from the preclinical practical course tasks.
Material and Methods: The study involved 121 dentistry students (46 males and 75 females). A 9-hole peg test (BASELINE Evaluation Instruments, LOT: 120536) was applied to each student twice for dominant and non-dominant hands, and the obtained average scores were recorded in seconds. At the beginning of the education period, Black II. cavity preparation assignments were given for model teeth numbered 15, 26, and 46. The assessment and evaluation criteria of the students' weekly preclinical practice tasks were shared before each assignment, and the same instructor evaluated the tasks given to the students for three weeks. The relationship between 9-hole peg test scores and preclinical course grades was analyzed with Pearson correlation analysis and the change in 9-hole peg test compared to grade point average with one-way ANOVA.
Results: Both the 9-hole peg test scores and grade point averages of female students participating in the study were significantly higher than male students (p<0.05). It was determined that there was a negative and high-level correlation between the nine-hole peg test scores and grade point averages (p<0.05, r:-0.712).
Conclusion: Although the nine-hole peg test is not used to assess student skills and predict success, it can validate and calibrate educators' grades.