bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Bioparameters derived from Bioimpedance Measurements for Accurate Prediction of Weight Status in Infant-Juvenile Individuals: A Regression Analysis
Authors: Luna Taira Batista , Bello Jose Luis García , Lafargue Alcibíades Lara , Ciria Héctor Manuel Camué , Zulueta Yohandys A.
Published: July 2024

Objective
The search for other bioparameters to assess the weight status of individuals is important as it may provide more accurate information concerning nutritional status. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the correlation between weight status and two novel bioparameters, specific resistance and capacitance, and their relationship with the phase angle and health status in an infant-juvenile cohort from the eastern Cuban region, using machine learning predictions.
Methods
A total of 283 female and male volunteers ranging in age from 2 to 18 years old were studied. Standard tetrapolar whole-body bioimpedance measurements were taken, and a bioimpedance analyzer was used to collect fundamental bioelectrical and other parameters of interest. The collected data were analyzed using machine learning techniques to develop predictive models for weight status assessment.
Results
The results showed that the identified bioparameters (specific resistance and capacitance) can effectively predict weight status. The developed machine learning models can accurately assess weight status and disease risks in this population. The phase angle was also found to be significantly correlated with weight status and health status in the infant-juvenile cohort.
Conclusion
This study highlights the potential of using bioimpedance measurements and bioparameters in assessing health and disease risks in an infant-juvenile cohort. The developed predictive models can accurately predict weight status and help identify individuals at risk for various health conditions. These findings offer a starting point for future research in this area, and further studies can build upon these results to develop more accurate and comprehensive predictive models.
Trial registration
Retrospectively registered.
Development of craquelure patterns in paintings on canvas
Authors: Bury Marcin , Bratasz Łukasz
Published: July 2024

Canvas paintings are layered structures composed of canvas support sized with animal glue, a preparatory layer of the ground, and paint and varnish layers on the top. Preventing or limiting humidity-induced stresses in these structures requires an understanding of the relevant processes and risks. A three-dimensional model of a canvas painting was used to analyse stresses and crack development in the two-layer structure comprised of a glue-sized canvas on a wooden stretcher with a layer of stiff chalk-glue ground representing a pictorial layer in historic canvas paintings. The model was subjected to a large relative humidity fall which induced shrinkage of the glue-sized canvas. The modelling revealed that when a stretcher with flexible wooden bars is considered, high tensile stresses arise in the ground layer at the corners of the painting, and cracks are formed in these areas in the direction perpendicular to the painting’s diagonal. Ratios of critical distances between cracks to the ground layer thickness for which stresses in the midpoints between the cracks dropped to below the level inducing fracture in the material were estimated for various magnitudes of the relative humidity drop and thicknesses of the ground layer. Increasing ground layer thickness limits the hygric response of the sized canvas and makes the paintings less vulnerable to humidity variations. The ratio of stress along the diagonal calculated for painting with one crack to the solution without cracks was described by the double Lorentz function. A simple procedure of calculating stress variations along the diagonal ‒ using the function ‒ on a sequential addition of cracks was developed. Cracks in central parts of canvas painting were found to be induced by permanent cumulative drying shrinkage of the oil-based paints and grounds due to the evolution of the molecular composition of the oil binder. The outcome of the modelling indicated that the risk of cracking of the pictorial layers in canvas paintings due to drops in ambient relative humidity was small.
Coniacian (Late Cretaceous) echinoids from the southern Tethyan shelf (NE Algeria) with remarks on their palaeobiology and palaeobiogeography
Authors: Schlüter Nils , Slami Rafika , Benyoucef Madani , Garah Abdelmoumen , Kennedy William James , Walaszczyk Ireneusz
Published: July 2024

Thirteen echinoid taxa from Coniacian marl-limestone alternations in three sections south and east of Djebel Metlili, on the southwestern margin of the Aures Mountains in northeastern Algeria, are described: Rachiosoma rectilineatum, Phymosoma tamarinense, Phymosoma cf. mansour, Gomphechinus meslei, Coenholectypus serialis, Coenholectypus subcrassus, Parapygus coquandi, Petalobrissus trigonopygus, Petalobrissus rimula, Hemiaster sp., and Mecaster fourneli. Two taxa are newly described herein, Orthopsis metliliae sp. nov. and a new genus and species referred to the family Phymosomatoidae is erected here, Triboporus luluatus gen et sp. nov. A large amount of well-labeled material, comprising 579 specimens, was collected, with the fauna being dominated by the spatangoid Mecaster fourneli. The fauna exhibits typical characteristics of the Tethyan realm at the genus level; however, at the species level, most taxa are restricted to Algeria, with some also found in adjacent countries such as Tunisia and Egypt. The biostratigraphic framework relies on ammonites and inoceramids, indicating a lower to middle Coniacian age.
Neural Network Decoder for topological PlanarSurface Codes with Depolarizing noise model
Authors: GAN Qi-Di , Li Ao-Qing , Li Fan , Cheng Tao , Ma Hong-Yang
Published: July 2024

Decoding is the most important part of the error correction process. During thedecoding process, the main idea of this paper is to transfer the error measuredinside ancilla qubit to the boundary, and decompose the error into the productof stabilizer, logical error and pure error, stabilizer error do not affect logicalerror. Therefore, the result of error syndrome is only affected by pure error,while the error of stabilizer can be ignored. Decoding by neural network can takeadvantage of its high threshold and adaptability to training different codes. Thefocus of this work is to propose a suitable algorithm for neural network decodingof planar codes, so as to reduce the size of the neural network as much as possiblewithout compromising the decoding performance. Comparative experiments wereconducted using the minimum weight perfect matching(MWPM) decoder andthe neural network decoder to compare the decoding performance of planar codeswith code distances of 5, 7, and 9, respectively, demonstrating high threshold ofneural network decoder and its adaptability to training different codes. Takingthe planar code with code distance of 5 as an example, the pseudo-thresholdsobtained using the MWPM decoder and the neural network decoder are 0.005and 0.0068 respectively,increased by 36%. It shows that for planar code, theneural network decoder significantly outperforms the MWPM decoder.
Decoupling of economic growth from CO2 emissions: A case study of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region
Authors: Fan Jingsen , Ma Kaige , Liu Yating , Fang Yinxiang , Chen Shikang , Song Xiao yan , Ma Shuxiao , Wei Changhe
Published: July 2024

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) integration strategy, crucial in China’s “double carbon” era, targets carbon emissions reduction alongside sustainable economic growth. However, existing research on carbon-economic coupling faces challenges in resolution and source classification. Our study employs high-resolution CO2 and GDP data by sub-industry (10*10 km) and Tapio decoupling model to analyze BTH’s dynamics (2000-2020). Results show a shift from rising to declining CO2 emissions during the 11th Five-Year Plan, followed by a rebound in the late 13th Five-Year Plan, driven by energy sector reductions. Beijing reached its carbon peak, while Tianjin and Hebei plateaued post-2012, with Hebei rebounding later. Industries like industrial production, construction, fuel processing, and chemicals are major CO2 contributors, growing imbalanced with economic levels. CO2-GDP coupling shifted from implicit decoupling to coupling (2000-2010) and weakly decoupled by 2015, except in areas like the Bohai Rim. By 2018, implicit coupling reemerged. Coupling fluctuates notably, with weaker performance near Beijing, influenced by the building trades. This research guides regional carbon reduction and sustainable economic development in BTH.
A Retrospective Study of Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab Biosimilar for Treatment of Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Zou Yu-zhen , Du Xiao-li , Wang Shao-hong , Dai Rui , Ran Xiao , Wang Biao
Published: July 2024

Background
Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20, recommended by KDIGO guideline as fist line treatment for membranous nephropathy (MN). RTX biosimilar is the first biosimilar licensed in China in 2019 as HLX01. However, its efficacy and safety for MN treatment is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the the performance of RTX biosimilar for MN in the real-world setting.
Methods
This study retrospectively collected the medical records of 201 inpatients of MN treated with high-dose RTX biosimilar and followed up for one year from January 2020 to December 2022 at PUMCH. The efficacy was evaluated according to KDIGO guideline. Adverse reactions recorded in medical records during or after infusion were collected.
Results
Within one year of follow-up period, the overall effective rate of high-dose RTX biosimilar treatment for MN was 75.12% (151/201) with 53 patients achieving complete remission and 98 patients reaching partial remission. The median time to remission was 6 months. Among patients who gained remission, relapse rate was 7.95% (12/151) and among whom 7 patients gained remission again after re-administration. The overall effective rate was 78.79% (52/66) for treatment-naïve patients and 73.33% (99/135) for treated patients (P = 0.401). The adverse reactions included pruritus, flushed face, hypotension, fever, rash, oropharyngeal discomfort, chest distress, eyelid edema, nausea and vomiting, blocked or watery nose, with an overall incidence of 30.85% (62/201).
Conclusions
Rituximab biosimilar has acceptable efficacy and safety for MN patients, and the outcome is similar with that of innovator RTX product reported in literature, which may be taken as an alternative to innovator RTX as first-line treatment for MN.
Efficient sorption and secure immobilization of strontium ions onto nanoporous alumino-borosilicate as a new matrix
Authors: Abbasi Ali , Avanes Armen , Davarkhah Reza , Yadollahi Ali , Sepehrian Hamid
Published: July 2024

The objective behind developing the nanoporous alumino-borosilicate (AlBS) was to remove strontium (Sr) from liquid waste and subsequently stabilize it. The sorption capacity of the nanoporous AlBS was assessed in relation to various experimental factors, including contact time, temperature, initial pH solution, and initial concentration of Sr. According to the obtained results, nanoporous AlBS shows a maximum Sr sorption capacity of 125.0 mg.g− 1. In order to achieve stable immobilization of the sorbed Sr ions, heat treatments at different temperatures were applied to the Sr-containing nanoporous AlBS. Various eluents were used in the leach tests to examine the Sr leaching from heat-treated materials. Only 3.43% of the Sr initially adsorbed in the nanoporous AlBS matrix was washed out with 1M sodium chloride eluent, showing that heating the sample to around 1100°C successfully trapped Sr in the nanoporous AlBS matrix.
How can regional power coordination drive a low-carbon transition in the power sector? --Evidence from China
Authors: Chi Yuanying , Zhang Yanzhao , Wu Yuxi , Zhou Wenbin
Published: July 2024

The power sector is the largest single sector in China in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, and low-carbon transformation of power is a crucial part of realizing the dual-carbon goal. The current research on the technical path of power transition mainly seeks technically and economically feasible transition solutions to minimize the transition cost of the power sector under carbon constraints. Still, there are relatively few studies from the perspective of regional coordination. For this reason, this paper constructs a fixed-effects panel model and a moderating-effects test model based on the panel data of 30 provinces and cities in China from 2012 to 2021. It analyzes the role of regional coordination in promoting the regional low-carbon transformation of electric power. The findings include: (1) there is a significant positive relationship between cross-provincial power transmission and electric power green total factor productivity, and the larger the scale of cross-provincial power transmission, the faster the speed of regional electric power low-carbon transition; (2) the heterogeneity analysis shows that cross-provincial power transmission promotes electric power green total factor productivity more significantly in regions with a larger scale of the electric power supply side and the electric power industry; (3) the moderating effect mechanism test The results show that cross-provincial power transmission plays a positive moderating role between the proportion of installed renewable energy and electric power green total factor productivity, and promotes the development of the structure of installed power in the direction of decarbonization. At the same time, cross-provincial power transmission plays a reverse regulating role between the total amount of installed power and green total factor productivity of power and accelerates the low-carbon transformation of regional power by promoting the rational allocation of resources, reducing the scale of regional installed power, and improving the efficiency of power capital investment.
The Effects of Kojic Acid Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) Following Traumatic Brain Injury: An Experimental Model
Authors: Negarandeh Reza , Jamshidi Mohammadreza , Saeedi Majid , nejad Pedram Ebrahim , Khezri Khadijeh , Aliabad Mohadeseh Khazaei , Hashemi Seyyed Mohammad Hassan , Khachaki Ali Siahposht
Published: July 2024

Background Kojic acid (KA), a bioactive fungal compound, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from brain tissue destruction and is commonly acknowledged as the primary cause of death and impairment. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were used to transfer KA, a hydrophilic chemical, to the brain in this investigation and assess its impact on TBI complications.Methods In this experimental study, male Wistar rats were randomly separated into intact, sham, vehicle, TBI, KA solution, and KA-NLC groups, which underwent TBI by the Marmarou technique. An optimized formulation of KA-NLC was employed. Intraperitoneal injected thirty minutes after TBI. Brain edema, blood-brain barrier integrity, Veterinary Coma Scale, Vestibular Motor function tests, and inflammatory cytokines were assessed pre-traumatically, immediately after trauma recovery, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours’ post-trauma.Results The findings demonstrated that both KA solution and KA-NLC significantly reduced these differences compared to the control group (Sham and Intact). Additionally, the KA-NLC could reduce the required dose of KA compared to the KA solution, without compromising efficacy.Conclusion KA exhibited neuroprotective effects attributed to its ability to reduce brain edema, improve blood-brain barrier integrity, enhance neurological scores, and improve the function of the vestibular system. Furthermore, the use of NLC vesicles enabled increased and targeted delivery of hydrophilic drugs to the brain.
First demonstration of angular-momentum-resolved electron energy-loss spectroscopy
Authors: Bertoni Giovanni , Tavabi Amir , Rosi Paolo , Rotunno Enzo , Belsito Luca , Roncaglia Alberto , Frabboni Stefano , Karimi Ebrahim , Tiemeijer Peter , Dunin-Borkowski Rafal , Grillo Vincenzo , Gazzadi Gian Carlo
Published: July 2024

Rotational invariance is a fundamental aspect of symmetry in scattering processes from atomic potentials. Here, we introduce a new approach for measuring orbital angular momentum (OAM), a key descriptor of rotational symmetry, during measurements of atomic transitions. We use an electron optical ‘OAM sorter’ in combination with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) to perform a unified spectral analysis of the π* and σ* anti-bonding transitions in hexagonal boron nitride on the atomic scale. The approach allows multipolar transitions that are not accessible using conventional linear momentum-resolved EELS to be separated. It also offers prospects for greater efficiency in measurements of magnetic chiral dichroism.
Adaptability and Yield Performance of Introduced Tomato Lines under Greenhouse and Open Field Conditions in Honduras
Authors: Flores Francely , Ramirez-Guerrero Hugo O. , Maxwell Lourena , Eybishitz Assaf , Barchenger Derek W. , Avellaneda M. Carolina
Published: July 2024

In Honduras, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an economically important crop for farmers because of its high domestic consumption, year-round production, and high export potential. However, tomato production faces challenges such as diseases and pests and is confounded by climate change, all of which reduce productivity and quality. Evaluating the adaptation of tomato cultivars is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of the horticulture sector in the region. The objective of this study was to identify tomato lines with adaptability, high yield, pest, and disease resistance under greenhouse and open field production conditions for the Honduran market. Ten tomato lines and two commercial hybrids were evaluated between Feb and Jul 2022 in San Antonio de Oriente, Francisco Morazán, Honduras. Desirable traits related to vegetative growth, productivity, fruit quality, and resistance to insect pests and diseases were measured. Seven lines were highly adapted and had high vegetative growth. The tomato lines were not significantly different in terms of tomato yellow leaf curl disease and late blight disease index; however, the fruit borer susceptibility varied, with AVTO1908 being the most susceptible. The highest performing line was AVTO1903, which had the greatest total marketable yield in both the open field (101.3 t⋅ha−1) and greenhouse (62.1 t⋅ha−1). Additionally, AVTO1903 and AVTO1915 had good quality traits (roundness index, total soluble solids, and dry matter), thus demonstrating their potential for sustainable and high-yielding cultivation in Honduras. The growth and productivity of the tomato lines were highly influenced by the environment. This work highlights the advantages of introducing exotic cultivars to combat the effects of climate change and ensure sustained production; however, further research is needed to ensure that local farmer and consumer demands are met.
Can core self-evaluation, workplace spirituality, and mindfulness result in task performance: Evidence from Saudi Arabian organizations
Authors: Alruwayti Hatim , M. M. Sulphey
Published: July 2024

Creating the ideal atmosphere for employees is essential to an organization’s success. Therefore, identifying the appropriate behaviors that will enhance the optimal environment can be a huge asset for an organization. This study aims to investigate the impact of mindfulness, spirituality, and core self-evaluation on task performance. Four standardized questionnaires were used to randomly collect responses via the Internet from 394 gainfully employed Saudi Arabians across multiple sectors. The samples’ age, gender, and line of work were all varied. To examine the data, structural equation modeling was applied. The findings demonstrate significant positive relationships at the 0.01 level between all examined variables. The path analysis demonstrates a significant positive relationship between spirituality and core self-evaluation (T-statistics = 4.321**) and between spirituality and task performance (T-statistics =2.613**). Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was discovered between mindfulness and core self-evaluation (T-statistics = 4.683**) and between mindfulness and task performance (T-statistics = 6.966**). In addition, a significant positive relationship has been found between core self-evaluation and performance (T-statistics = 2.247**). This suggests that mindfulness and core self-evaluation boost task performance. Additionally, mindfulness and spirituality in the workplace improve both core self-evaluation and performance.
Acknowledgment This study is supported by funding from Prince Satam bin Abdulaziz University, project number (PSAU/2024/R/1445).
Fatores de acesso associados à adesão à consulta pós-parto na atenção primária à saúde
Authors: Baratieri Tatiane , Chaves Any Caroliny Pereira , De Oliveira Iria Barbara , Pelazza Bruno Bordin , Lentsck Maicon Henrique , Sangaleti Carine Teles , Pitilin Erica de Brito , Malaquias Tatiana da Silva Melo
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: Analisar os fatores de acesso à Atenção Primária à Saúde associados a adesão à consulta puerperal. Método: Estudo transversal, com dados de 19.177 puérperas que participaram da avaliação externa do terceiro ciclo do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (2017). A variável dependente foi a realização ou não de consulta puerperal e as variáveis independentes, agrupadas em níveis de forma hierarquizada, foram as sociodemográficas e econômicas, nível distal; e questões análogas ao acesso, nível proximal. A análise se deu por regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que as mulheres que sabem o horário de funcionamento da unidade básica de saúde (OR= 1,30), têm seus problemas resolvidos (OR= 1,35), a unidade básica de saúde funciona cinco dias (OR= 1,27), procuram assistência na unidade básica de saúde como primeira escolha (OR= 1,27), avaliam positivamente a marcação de consulta (OR= 1,15), há agendamento diário de consulta na unidade básica de saúde (OR= 1,13), distância da casa até a unidade básica de saúde é inferior  a 16 minutos (OR= 1,15) e para aquelas que o tempo de espera consulta de enfermagem é inferior a seis dias (OR= 1,11) têm mais chance de aderir à consulta puerperal. Conclusão: Essa pesquisa permitiu reconhecer os fatores de acesso que podem influenciar na adesão à consulta pós-parto, com destaque para a importância do tempo de espera para a consulta de enfermagem. A identificação de tais fatores contribui para organizar a assistência pós-parto a aprimorar o acesso das mulheres à consulta.
Basics of fiduciary duty of certain types of transactions in legislation, judicial practice and doctrine
Authors: Seyfullaeva K. M. ,   Kutafin Moscow State Law University
Published: July 2024

The manifestations of fiduciary principles in certain types of transactions in the current Russian civil legislation, the practice of Russian judicial authorities and their reflection in the doctrine are considered. Trust (fiduciary) is not directly indicated in the text of civil legislation regulating individual legal relations, in which trust actually has the character of an important constructive feature that determines the nature of the relationship between the parties to a contractual legal relationship. The objects of the study were normative provisions, doctrinal positions and judicial practice on contracts of lifetime (indefinite) rent, lifelong maintenance with dependents, as well as the institute of partner financing based on the experience of "Islamic banking" – introduced in a number of republics within the Russian Federation as an experiment. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the position of the fiduciary principle as a mandatory element of a number of transactions recognized by science and judicial practice and in need of legal consolidation in the civil legislation of the Russian Federation. The methodological basis was formed by formal legal, dogmatic and logical methods. The conclusion is made about the need for courts to take into account fiduciary issues in legal relations in order to establish all the circumstances of the case in the most correct way and make a legitimate and reasoned decision, as well as about further implementation of fiduciary principles into the Russian legal system in order to avoid errors and discrepancies in judicial practice, which will ensure the stability of judicial protection of civil rights.
Prediction of long-term changes of weak diurnal stratification in shallow lakes using artificial neural networks
Authors: Török Sebestyén Dániel , Torma Péter
Published: July 2024

Thermal stratification plays a key role in lakes' ecosystems. In contrast to deep lakes, the thermal structure of shallow polymictic lakes is characterized by a weak stratification with an apparent diurnal cycle. Long-term changes in stratification are governed by climate change and anthropogenic effects such as water level regulation. We developed a simple and robust model system consisting of an energy balance model to estimate depth-averaged water temperatures and an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict stratification with high temporal resolution. One novelty of our approach is that instead of directly estimating water temperatures at different depths, we simulated the potential energy anomaly index, the indicator of stratification's strength. The ANN-based model's performance was assessed against a physical-based one-dimensional model (General Ocean Turbulence Model) by modeling a 40-year-long period from 1981 to 2020. The new model accurately predicts a shallow lake's weak stratification and its diurnal cycle. Besides, the model proved reliable on longer time scales, capturing the effect of climate change, anthropogenic water level regulation, and their synergistic interaction on the change of stratification's intensity and duration.
Quantitative assessment of runoff change and its drivers in a multi-scale framework
Authors: Guo Wenxian , Yu Zhiqian , He Ning , Chen Wenxiong , Sun Chaohui , Lan Jiaqi , Li Yanhua , Wang Bing , Wang Hongxiang
Published: July 2024

Identifying runoff changes and quantifying the impacts of climate change and human activities are important for water resources planning and management in river basins. The impacts of climate change and human activities on runoff can be more accurately assessed through scientific hydrological modeling and data analysis methods. In this study, an integrated assessment framework was established to quantitatively separate the driving mechanisms of runoff at different time scales. The results show that the runoff of Wu River has shown a decreasing trend since 2004, with a change degree of 56%, and the monthly average flow indexes of August and September have changed significantly, both are over 90%. The NSE coefficient of the SWAT simulation effect is above 0.8, we validate the simulation results based on the LSTM model. It was found that climate change was the main factor affecting the runoff of Wu River, with the contribution rates reaching 60 and 57%, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis found that rainfall was the most important factor affecting the runoff. The results of this study are helpful to formulate effective water resources management policies and measures to ensure the sustainable utilization and management of water resources in the Wu River Basin.
Projection of future rainfall events over the Beas River basin, Western Himalaya, using shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) from CMIP6
Authors: Kant Chander , Meena Ray Singh
Published: July 2024

The analysis of rainfall variability has significant implications for environmental studies since it influences the agrarian economy of regions such as the western Himalayas. The main objective of this research is to identify future precipitation trends in parts of the Beas River basin using modeled data from three models employed in the Climate Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6. The ACCESS, CanESM, and NorESM models were utilized to obtain modeled meteorological data from 2015 to 2100 (86 years). Data from global climate models were downscaled to the regional level and validated with the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Mention that the modeled data were downscaled from the regional level to the local level. The nonparametric trends test, modified Mann–Kendall, and Sen's slope estimator (Q) were employed to detect the trend and magnitude. Furthermore, the sub-trends of the data series were evaluated utilizing the innovative trend analysis (ITA) approach. Results have shown a significant increasing trend in future timescales, indicating the more frequent extreme events in the basin under all scenarios. The basin has shown a maximum slope of 24.9 (ITA) and 12.2 (Sen's slope).This study findings hold significant implications for policymakers and water resource managers.
Drought evaluation using various evapotranspiration models over semi-arid river basins
Authors: Kumari Pallavi , Shaik Rehana , Vannam Sharath Chandra , Singh Shailesh Kumar
Published: July 2024

Multivariate drought indices including various hydrological processes into account can be more valuable under climatic and anthropogenic changes. Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and Standardized precipitation Actual Evapotranspiration Index (SPAEI) are the drought indices used to estimate drought index, considering precipitation, and evapotranspiration (ET) into account. Many studies used empirical, machine learning, and process-based model estimates of ET for the calculation of drought indices of SPEI and SPAEI. However, the sensitivity of ET estimates on drought characteristics at the catchment scale is highly complex. The present study aimed to include and analyze the sensitivity of various approaches of empirical (Budyko, Penman–Monteith, Hargreaves, and Turc), modeled (SWAT), and remote sensing (MODIS) in the drought characterization using SPEI and SPAEI. The present methodology was tested on a dry-sub-humid river catchment of India, the Tunga-Bhadra River catchment for the period of 2000–2012. The performance of statistical indicators (Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency and R2) for SPEI values by various empirical methods of Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) (i) Penman–Monteith (ii) Hargreaves against remote sensing PET were 0.93 and 0.95, respectively, which are high in comparison with SWAT simulated PET-based SPEI values, which shows NSE values of 0.85 against remote sensing PET-based SPEI.
Suitability of cyclic voltammetry for the measurement of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in a solution of Cr(VI)/organic compounds/NaBH4
Authors: Njoya Ousmanou , Pam Seidou , Oyono Joseph Sadrack Ondoua
Published: July 2024

Cr(VI) reduction by NaBH4 enhanced by organic compounds has been proven to be an effective method. The effort for optimized and efficient application of the method was the reason for the determination of residual NaBH4 in the Cr(VI)/organic compounds/NaBH4 reduction system for reducing agent dosage efficiency. This work showed a suitable detection of NaBH4 standard samples using Pt and Au as working electrode, respectively, and graphite rod as an auxiliary electrode and Ag/AgCl as a reference electrode. In the presence of organic compounds (acetate, citrate, and EDTA), interference was observed in the NaBH4 measurement on Pt electrode making it an unsuitable method for NaBH4 measurement in the presence of organic compounds. As the Au plate electrode was used as a working electrode, NaBH4 solutions measurement in the presence of organic compounds (acetate, citrate and EDTA) by peaks at −0.55 V was found to be affected by the coexisting organic compounds. However, no significant interference of the aforementioned organic compounds was observed at the −0.27 V peak values. The presence of Cr(VI) coexisting with NaBH4 was found to interfere with the NaBH4 measurement using both working electrodes, with a strong correlation between Cr(VI) concentration and the peak values obtained at 0.27 V of Au electrode.
Coupled treatment of aniline and phenol in water by electrochemical copolymerization
Authors: Li Xiuyun , Tian Yue , Di Hongxiang , Yang Wenzhong , Wang Yahui , Tian Lifang
Published: July 2024

Anilines and phenols are recognized as challenging organic pollutants in industrial wastewater. Herein, the coupled treatment of aniline and phenol in water was achieved through electrochemical oxidation-induced copolymerization. After the electrolysis (1,300 mA for 10 h) in the solution of aniline and phenol (200 mL, each at a concentration of 5 g/L), the organic compounds were efficiently precipitated from their mixed solution by copolymerization. These insoluble copolymers could be easily separated by filtration and collected as brown powders, and the average removal rate of aniline and phenol was calculated as 0.6 mol/h m2 in this coupled electrolysis. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) test of the filtrates showed that it reached up to 98% of the COD removal ratio. Moreover, mixed solutions containing multiple aniline and phenol derivatives were also applicable for this coupled treatment strategy, and they were efficiently removed together after electrolysis.
Reviewing the progress and challenges of plastic waste recycling and management
Authors: Hoque Majedul ,   Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh
Published: July 2024

Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental threats since it is produced in large quantities and seriously harms both the environment and human beings. Plastic garbage generated on land frequently finds its way into water bodies, killing aquatic life and overloading the marine ecosystem. The main causes of this enormous mass of plastic garbage are a lack of technical expertise in handling hazardous waste, inadequate infrastructure development for recycling and recovery, and, most importantly, a lack of knowledge of the laws and regulations. The severity of plastic pollution harms the ecology as a whole. In this paper, a thorough investigation of the production of plastic garbage and its impact on humans and the environment are explored in terms of source identification concerning industrialized and developing nations. The article presents a thorough analysis of the current waste-to-energy and product conversion strategies. Additionally, this study clarifies sustainable waste management practices and pinpoints the major obstacles to implementing practical solutions to reduce the harmful effects of plastic trash.
Senciência e epistemologia
Authors: Santana Sérgio Rodrigues de , Martins Eliane Epifane , Cruz Annebelle Pena Lima Magalhães
Published: July 2024

O desafio da epistemologia é compreender o que é o conhecimento científico e como o cientista chega a ele, do mesmo modo tudo que orbita este caráter, o que inclui a senciência, logo a relação epistemólogo e sua condição de ‘estar-no-mundo’ que podem ser suspensos, refletido e analisado. A senciência é capacidade dos seres humanos e alguns organismos mais simples de perceber e sentir as emoções, sentimentos e afetações positivas e negativas de forma consciente e impostar-se sobre os excedentes esta relação. O epistemólogo é um filósofo e um pesquisador acadêmico especialista em fazer reflexões, críticas, reduções e reavaliações das identidades estabelecida nas bases do fazer científico. Neste sentido, qual é o lugar da senciência na epistemologia quanto à percepção do pesquisador epistemólogo? O objetivo visualizar o papel da senciência na epistemologia. A justificativa versa em compreender a senciência na vida mental dos cientistas na construção do conhecimento científico, pois mesmo nas mentes lúcidas, há zonas obscuras. Adotou-se o método fenomenológico, é essencialmente de inclinação qualitativa e descritiva, logo trata das discrições de fenômenos da consciência, da experiência e vivências, ações e comportamentos. O lugar da senciência na epistemologia versa no descontentamento da percepção pueril/realista e professoral/cientista do pesquisador epistemólogo, uma vez que a senciência se figura para além da consciência de autoconsciência.
Intelligent Systems based on Cyclodextrins for the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Nunes Adenia Mirela Alves , de Oliveira Alves Júnior José , Haydée Valéria Springer , Júnior João Augusto Oshiro
Published: July 2024

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The incidence of breast cancer has been increasing over the last four decades, although the mortality
rate has decreased. Endocrine therapy and chemotherapy are the most used options for cancer treatment but
several obstacles are still attributed to these therapies. Smart materials, such as nanocarriers for targeting, delivery
and release of active ingredients, sensitive to intrinsic-stimuli (pH-responsive, redox-responsive, enzyme-
responsive, and thermo-responsive) and extrinsic-stimuli (ultrasound-responsive, magnetic-responsive,
light-responsive) have been studied as a novel strategy in breast cancer therapy. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are used
in the design of these stimuli-responsive drug carrier and delivery systems, either through inclusion complexes
with hydrophobic molecules or covalent bonds with large structures to generate new materials. The present
work aims to gather and integrate recent data from in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies of CD-based stimuli-
responsive systems to contribute to the research in treating breast cancer. All drug carriers showed high in
vitro release rates in the presence of a stimulus. The stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms presented biocompatibility
and satisfactory results of IC50, inhibition of cell viability and antitumor activity against several breast cancer
cell lines. Additionally, these systems led to a significant reduction in drug dosages, which encouraged possible
clinical studies for better alternatives to traditional antitumor therapies.
Resistance Distance and Kirchhoff Index in Windmill Graphs
Authors: Sardar Muhammad Shoaib , Xu Shou-Jun
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

The objective of this study is to compute the Kirchhoff index and re-sistance distance for two classes of windmill graphs, namely the French windmill graph and the Dutch windmill graph.

Methods:

In this study, G is considered a simple connected graph with vertex set V (G) and edge set E(G). N is supposed to represent a network derived from G by substituting a 1-ohm resistor for each edge of G. In that case, the resistance between μ,ν ∈ V (G) is considered analogous to the resistance between two equivalent nodes in network N.

Results:

The Kirchhoff index of G is the sum of the resistance distances between all pairs of vertices in G.

Conclusion:

In addition, the Kirchhoff index and resistance distance are computed in this study for specific generalizations of these graphs.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization and Study of Antibacterial
Potency, Antioxidant Scavenging and in-vitro Anti-inflammatory
Properties of Pyrimidine-based Schiff Bases
Authors: Kale Vinod , Zangade Sainath , Bhopalkar Gangadhar
Published: July 2024

Background::

As per the literature survey, the pyrimidine-based molecules display
prominent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, analgesic, anticonvulsant,
anti-tubercular and antimalarial properties. The biological relevance of pyrimidine-based pharmacophore
structures encourages us to synthesize some novel imines derived from 2-amino pyrimidine
and substituted benzaldehydes.

Objective::

The present communication describes the synthesis of six imines 3a-f derived from 2-
aminopyrimidine. The tri-potassium phosphate catalyst used in the current study optimizes the
microwave-assisted synthesis of these novel Schiff bases. The reported method for the synthesis
of imines is found to be eco-friendly in terms of the effective use of catalyst Al2O3-K3PO4 with
microwave in the synthesis of pyrimidine-based Schiff bases.

Methods::

Different spectroscopic methods, such as 1H NMR, IR, GCMS and elemental analysis,
were used to determine the structure of all synthesized Schiff bases. Further, the imines 3a-f
were screened for antibacterial properties to check their inhibitory potency against E. coli and
S. aureus.

Results::

The biological potency of imines 3a-f was also studied for their antioxidant and in-vitro
anti-inflammatory activity. The obtained results reveal that Schiff base 3c showed potent antiinflammatory
activity with a 31.538% ± 2.055 inhibition of inflammation. Moreover, the synthesized
imines 3a-f have been screened and studied for their antioxidant activity by DPPH and nitric
oxide radical scavengers. Some of these, like 3c, show 15.98 ± 2.64 potency to scavenge
DPPH radicals as compared to standard. In the antimicrobial investigation, most of the Schiff bases
showed good inhibitory activity against various tested pathogens. The current study, therefore,
contributes to investigate a new class of imines with structurally modified anti-inflammatory
and antioxidant drugs.

Conclusion::

The outcome of the study revealed that compound 3c showed promising antiinflammatory
activity with 31.538 ± 2.055 inhibition of inflammation. All imines display antibacterial
potency in compounds 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3f. The antibacterial properties of these imines are
attributed to -OCH3, -OH and -Br as primary bioactive substituents present in the moiety of
imines, which enhance inhibitory properties against tested pathogens. The antioxidant scavenging
activity of imines indicates that compounds 3a, 3c, 3d, and 3f represent better anti-oxidants as
DPPH scavengers than standard ascorbic acid.
Glass Ionomer-Carboxymethyl Chitosan Cement: Setting Time, Microhardness, Mineral Phase, Crystallinity, and Dentin Remineralization Potential
Authors: Putranto Aditya Wisnu , Riska Grace , Kusumasari Citra , Margono Anggraini , Yanti Ermi
Published: July 2024

Background

The application of Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) stimulates dentin remineralization. Carboxymethyl-Chitosan (CMC) can stabilize Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) nanoclusters that promote intrafibrillar remineralization. However, the effect of modifying GIC with CMC in dentin remineralization has not been widely reported.

Objective

This study aims to determine how supplementing GIC material with CMC affects its setting time and crystallinity and evaluate how applying 5% and 10% GIC-CMC to demineralized dentin affects the dentin’s microhardness, mineral phase, and degree of crystallinity.

Methods

GIC was mixed with CMC at 5% and 10% ratios to produce GIC-CMC5% and GIC-CMC10%. GIC, GIC-CMC5%, and GIC-CMC10% were applied to acrylic molds. Their setting times and crystallinity were tested using the Vicat needle test and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), respectively. The dentin samples were made into cavities, demineralized, and treated with GIC, GIC-CMC5%, and GIC-CMC10%. The tooth roots were soaked in phosphate-buffered saline for 14 days. Remineralization in the dentin was evaluated based on microhardness values using the Vickers test, and its mineral phase and degree of crystallinity were assessed using XRD.

Results

GIC-CMC (5% and 10%) had shorter setting times than the GIC but the same crystallinity. The microhardness of the treated dentin in the GIC-CMC5% and GIC-CMC10% groups increased compared to the GIC group. Hydroxyapatite crystals formed in the GIC and GIC-CMC samples, with the highest crystallinity in the GIC-CMC10% sample.

Conclusion

GIC-CMC had a shorter setting time than GIC but the same crystallinity. Applying GIC-CMC10% to demineralized dentin increased the dentin’s microhardness and crystallinity and promoted hydroxyapatite crystal mineral formation.
Foreign Aid and Economic Growth: An Econometric Study of Afghanistan
Authors: Fazlly Sayed Kifayatullah ,   Department of National Economics, Faculty of Economics, Nangarhar University, Afghanistan
Published: July 2024

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of foreign aid on economic growth in Afghanistan. Design/methodology/approach The study employs various econometric techniques, including time series analysis. Data for the study are sourced from the country economy and world development indicators of the World Bank, covering the period from 1980 to 2021. The analysis includes Augmented Dicky Fuller and Phillips Perron unit root tests, the ARDL model, the Breusch-Godfrey Serial Correlation LM Test, and the ARDL bounds test. Findings The economic growth series is found to be level stationary, while the net official development assistance series is first difference stationary. Net official development assistance exhibits a significant positive short-run relationship with economic growth. No serial correlation is observed between net official development assistance and economic growth. Net official development assistance demonstrates a significant positive long-run relationship with economic growth. Research limitations/implications The study is based on data up to 2021, which may not capture recent developments or changes in the relationship between foreign aid and economic growth. The analysis relies on the accuracy and reliability of the data provided by the World Bank and other sources. Originality/value This study contributes empirical evidence on foreign aid's impact on economic growth in Afghanistan, using a range of econometric techniques. The findings highlight the importance of donor-friendly policies to increase development assistance to Afghanistan.
The Role of Fiscal Policy in Reducing Gender Income Inequality
Authors: Galvani Selly ,   University of Indonesia, Nasrudin Rusan
Published: July 2024

Purpose This research aims to determine the role of fiscal policy in reducing gender income inequality in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This research used the microsimulation INDOMOD model, which is a static tax-benefit microsimulation model that has been underpinned by BPS Susenas 2019 data. Findings The estimation results show that the most appropriate fiscal policy to reduce gender income inequality are through PKH and BPNT. Meanwhile, income taxes for upper income levels have almost no effect, and for lower income levels, although it can reduce gender income inequality, it will increase income inequality. Research limitations/implications This research has several limitations which can be explored for further research. First, due to the limitations of the data, the gender term used refers to the gender of the head of household, so it does not describe the actual gender condition of the individual. Second, the income tax is calculated based on the income data available in the income block in the Susenas, so that the value does not reflect the actual condition of the income and income tax paid by taxpayers. Third, the microsimulation method is static, so it cannot be used to analyze the dynamic changes that occur at the individual level. Originality/value There are many studies on the relationship between fiscal policy and gender equality, but similar studies are still very limited in Indonesia. Moreover, the INDOMOD microsimulation model is rarely used in Indonesia, even though this method has been widely used in many countries.