bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grassroots democracy: the impact of asking learners what they want to know on attendance and learning
Authors: Segon Ankur , Sharma-Segon Yogita
Published: August 2023

Background: The General Internal Medicine Acting Internship (GIM AI) at our school is a compulsory, month long experience. Core teaching sessions are conducted on a weekly basis as part of the acting internship and were poorly attended.
Objective: We sought to redesign our academic half day didactic curriculum and increase voluntary student attendance by allowing students to actively participate in determining the content of the acting internship academic half day.
Intervention: Prior to the beginning of the acting internship, students were sent an email survey listing seven inpatient topics to rank on a scale of 1 to 5 (1=not at all interested, 5=very interested). Based upon student feedback, one additional topic was added: antibiotic use for common inpatient diagnoses. A total of 32 sessions were conducted over 8 months. Student attendance at these sessions was voluntary. Dates were randomized between "case-based sessions" (control) and "topic-based sessions". Topics that received the highest score were selected for topic-based sessions.
Main measures: Student attendance at topic-based sessions versus case-based sessions
Key results: Case based discussions had the lowest preference ranking (N 94, mean 2.9), while cross cover-based discussions (N 94, mean 4.3, p 0.001) and antibiotic use (N 52, mean 4.3, p 0.001) received the highest scores. 34% of possible learners attended case-based discussions, while 78% of possible learners attended topic-based sessions (p<0.001). Learners reported a statistically significant improvement in comfort level with recognizing or managing 74% of the sub-topics discussed (31 out of 42)
Conclusions: A learner centered approach to curriculum design led to robust student engagement in our acting internship academic half day. Fourth year students prefer specific topic-based teaching sessions over case based, morning report style sessions. Learner preferences around content areas that were generated at our school can inform similar efforts at other institutions.
Enhancing the health supply chain for non-communicable diseases management in Rwanda: A qualitative exploration of the perceptions from policy implementers.
Authors: Ndekezi Ignace , Nyirimigabo Eric , Sibomana Olivier , Ndayisenga Jerome
Published: August 2023

Background
Efficient health supply chain management contributes significantly to the accessibility of medicines. Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) face challenges in maintaining an uninterrupted health supply chain of health products including non-communicable diseases (NCDs) medicines and nutrition products where stock-outs and shortages are evident. This study aimed to gather perspectives of policy implementers on the supply chain of NCDs medicines and nutrition products in Rwanda.
Methodology
An observational cross-sectional study collecting qualitative data was structured. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 51 individuals involved in the supply chain of NCDs medicines at different levels including central institutions, peripheral level, and hospital level. All interviews were in English and after transcribing the recorded information, a thematic analysis was employed for the emerging theme.
Results
Policy implementers at the central level identified key challenges in the management of NCDs medicines, such as supplier delays, poor data quality from health facilities, and difficulties in handling unexpected donations. At RMS Ltd branches and district pharmacists, challenges included limited storage space for nutrition products, transportation issues, inconsistent availability of products, unforeseen additional costs, and data quality concerns. The healthcare professionals (HCP) addresses these challenges through effective stakeholders communication, available resource management, early planning, selecting reliable suppliers, increasing sponsorship, supervision and capacity building of the staff at health facilities.
Conclusion
The management of NCD drugs and nutrition products in Rwanda's health supply chain faces challenges related to medicine stock-outs, budget constraints, and inadequate inventory data recorded by health facilities, hindering informed decision-making. Policy implementers showcased various approaches to mitigate these challenges. However, investment in the quality of inventory data is crucial, as it can inform a risk-based inventory approach and foster the optimal utilization of available funds.
Perspectives on lived experience leadership; values, qualities and skills for effective leaders of systems change: participatory action research
Authors: Loughhead Mark , Hodges Ellie , McIntyre Heather , Procter Nicholas , Barbara Anne , Bickley Brooke , Huber Lisa , Martinez Lee , Albrecht Leticia
Published: August 2023

Background:
The aim of this study was to identify and explore the values, qualities and skills that constitute mental health lived experience leadership, from the perspectives of emerging and accomplished lived experience leaders and allies.
Methods:
As a part of a larger lived experience led participatory action research project, multiple qualitative methods were used. These included focus group discussions and an online forum with 31 diverse lived experience leader participants, and a separate online qualitative survey, which was completed by 48 respondents from various urban, regional and rural settings. Participants included consumer and carer leaders. All data was collected in 2020, coded and thematically analysed.
Results:
The analysis of data showed the complexity of activity and accompanying values, qualities and skills that are perceived to be important features of lived experience leadership.
These features are described via six themes: 1) stands up and speaks out, 2) lived experience lens and positioning, 3) champions justice, 4) creates and nurtures safe and connected spaces, 5) leads and inspires change, and 6) being strategic in mobilising.
Conclusion:
This study extends understandings of lived experience leadership by emphasising its importance in guiding the development of the peer workforce, systems advocacy and community-based mental health initiatives. Defining the key elements of lived experience leadership contributes to training and reflective learning for emerging leaders and creating shared understanding and recognition for other service and sector leaders across the broader mental health ecosystem.
CdS with tunable crystalline phase structures: controllable preparation and enhanced photocatalytic properties
Authors: Qin Na , Li Linqiang , Zheng Haoran , Cui Qingxue
Published: August 2023

The crystal structure of CdS influences the energy band gap; therefore, its suitability as a semiconductor photocatalyst for solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion. By simply adjusting the temperature of the hydrothermal reaction, CdS samples with different crystal phases were prepared, and their photocatalytic hydrogen production performance was tested. XRD confirmed the successful preparation of the two catalysts. TEM results revealed that the (111) and (100) crystal planes corresponded to the cubic and hexagonal CdS structures of the two catalysts. The band gap values of cubic phase and hexagonal phase CdS were 2.24 eV and 2.17 eV, respectively. Cubic CdS exhibited excellent activity, which was considerably higher than that of hexagonal CdS, for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results showed that cubic CdS exhibits a smaller arc radius and lower resistance. The conduction potential of the two CdS phases was further calculated based on the Mott–Schottky plots, revealing that the conduction potential of cubic CdS is more negative than that of hexagonal CdS. Therefore, cubic CdS exhibits higher carrier migration rate and charge separation efficiency than hexagonal CdS, resulting in higher photocatalytic activity.
Multidimensional Regularity Processing in Music: An Examination Using Redundant Signals Effect
Authors: Ishida Kai , Nittono Hiroshi
Published: August 2023

Regularities in music are the basis of predictive music listening. Dynamic expectations are based on short-term representations of acoustic regularities specific to the current musical context, whereas schematic expectations are based on knowledge of tonal regularities. The present study focuses on the redundant signals effect (RSE) as a novel approach to untangling the relationship between these regularities in music. The RSE refers to the occurrence of a shorter reaction time (RT) when two or three signals are presented simultaneously than when only one of these signals is presented, and provides evidence that these signals are processed concurrently. In two experiments, chords that deviated from tonal (harmonic) and acoustic (intensity and timbre) regularities were presented occasionally in the final position of short chord sequences. The participants were asked to detect all deviant chords while withholding their responses to non-deviant chords (i.e., the Go/NoGo task). RSEs were observed in all double- and triple-deviant combinations, reflecting concurrent processing of multidimensional regularities. Further analyses suggested evidence of coactivation by separate perceptual modules in the combination of tonal and acoustic deviants, but not in the combination of two acoustic deviants. These results imply that tonal and acoustic regularities are different enough to be processed as two discrete pieces of information. Examining the underlying process of RSE may elucidate the relationship between multidimensional regularity processing in music.
Identification of key genes associated with alcohol addiction and DNA replication aberrant in Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma using an integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Li Hui , Zeng Tian , Xu Li-li , Liu Dan , Zou Juan , Zhang Juan , Gao An-bo , Li Yu-kun
Published: August 2023

Background Multiple evidence indicates a significant correlation between alcohol and DNA replication aberrant in cancer, but the role of this correlation in Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OSC) remains insufficient. This research evaluated correlation between DNA replication related genes (DRRGs) and alcohol addiction related genes (AARGs) in OSC via bioinformatics Methods Multiple bioinformatics approaches were used to confirm the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment significance of DRRGs in OSC. The effect of MCM3 on OSC proliferation and DNA replication were confirmed by MTT and EdU analysis. Results the level of ORC2/4, LIG1, RNASEH2B/C, RFC1, POLE4 and POLD4 was significantly decreased in OSC, but other DRRGs was obviously increased in OSC samples compared to normal samples. PCA analysis indicated that these DRRGs could be biomarkers for early diagnosis in OSC. PRIM2, ORC3, POLD1, POLD2, MCM3, RPA2, GMNN and RAD52 were identified as prognostic signatures. High-risk group has a poor prognosis. MCM3 was a key gene in the DRRG and AARGs in the development of OSC, which was enhanced in OSC patients EVs, and promoted the DNA replication and proliferation. Conclusion The hub gene MCM3 represent a significant gene involved in alcohol addiction and DNA replication aberrant for OSC progression.
Single-vector particle swarm optimization based on a competition mechanism and adaptive random adjustment strategy
Authors: Wu Qilong , Gao Ziran , Zhang Xinxin , Zhou Tong
Published: August 2023

Many variants of particle swarm optimization (PSO) have been proposed to improve convergence accuracy in applications to complex multimodal or real-world optimization problems, but this is at the price of an increase in the number of function evaluations. To deal with this problem, this paper proposes a single-vector PSO (SVPSO) based on a competition mechanism and an adaptive random adjustment strategy. First, to reduce the probability of particles falling into local optima, a collision random adjustment mechanism is employed to maintain the density of the population. Second, a leadership competition mechanism is used to balance exploitation and exploration in the search process by enlarging the search area dynamically. Third, a population-adaptive migration strategy is used to dispatch some particles to a new area when the population as a whole cannot achieve better fitness, which provides a powerful way to avoid premature convergence. Together with these methods, a single-vector structure for particles is adopted. The proposed SVPSO is evaluated on 16 benchmark functions and 12 real-world engineering problems in comparison with five state-of-the-art PSO variants. Experimental results and statistical analysis show that the proposed SVPSO performs better than the other algorithms in the majority of cases, especially with regard to accuracy and efficiency when applied to complex multimodal functions and real-world constrained optimization problems.
Relationships management as a key to the equilibrium and survival in complex systems
Authors: Tejero Alberto
Published: August 2023

We live in a connected world, where relationships are a fundamental part of our existence. Regardless of the ecosystem in which we find ourselves, relationships, both positive and negative, are part of our lives, and it is necessary not only to know them, but also to interpret and manage them. The main objective of this article focuses on demonstrating the importance of managing relationships in the life cycle of actors and ecosystems, whether these are complex systems of type: business, digital or natural ecosystems. In particular, the paper contributes very directly to the management and decision-making for the survival of actors and ecosystems, through a quantitative analysis framework, provided with a new approach and set of equilibrium measures, designed for monitoring and analysis of the relationships of actors in ecosystems. From the observation of the behavior of actors, groups of actors and ecosystems, and the analysis of the results obtained from the case study used, it is concluded that the management of our relationships allows us to determine our equilibrium in the ecosystem, detect opportunities and anticipate changes, something necessary to preserve our survival and contribute to the equilibrium and survival of the ecosystem or ecosystems to which we belong.
Study of PRESAGE® dosimeter for end-to-end 3D radiotherapy verification using an anthropomorphic phantom with bespoke dosimeter insert.
Authors: Zin Hafiz , Mohyedin Muhammad Zamir , Abubakar Auwal , Rahman Ahmad Taufek Abdul
Published: August 2023

Modern radiotherapy techniques have advanced and become more sophisticated. End-to-end 3D verification of the complex radiotherapy dose distribution in an anthropomorphic phantom is important to ensure the accuracy of the treatment delivery. The phantoms typically used are homogenous water-equivalent phantoms and lack of capability to measure the dose in 3D. Therefore, we developed an end-to-end 3D radiotherapy dose verification system based on MAX-HD anthropomorphic phantom (IMT, Troy, New York) with bespoke intracranial insert for PRESAGE® dosimeter. In this study, several radiotherapy treatment techniques of various levels of complexity, 3D-CRT, IMRT and SRS treatment, were planned for a 20 mm diameter of a spherical target in the brain region and delivered to the phantom. The dosimeters were read out using an in-house optical computed tomography (OCT) imaging system known as 3DmicroHD-OCT. It was found that the measured dose distribution of the PRESAGE® shows good agreement with the measured dose distribution of EBT film and Monaco TPS with a maximum difference of less than 3% from 3D-CRT, IMRT and SRS treatment planning. The gamma analysis results of PRESAGE® in comparison to EBT film and Monaco TPS show pass rates of more than 95% for the criteria of 3% dose difference and 3 mm distance-to-agreement. This study proves the capability of PRESAGE® and bespoke MAX-HD phantom in conjunction with the 3DmicroHD-OCT system to measure 3D dose distribution for end-to-end dosimetry verification.
Futuristic Streamflow Prediction Based on Cmip6 Scenarios Using Machine Learning Models
Authors: Ullah Basir , Fawad Muhammad , Khan Afed Ullah , Mohmand Sikhandar Khan , Iqbal Muhammad Junaid , khan Jehanzeb , Khan Mehran
Published: August 2023

Accurate streamflow estimation is vital for effective water resources management, including flood mitigation, drought warning, and reservoir operation. This research assesses the predictive performance of popular machine learning algorithms (LSTM, Regression Tree, AdaBoost, and Gradient Boosting) for daily streamflow forecasting in the Swat River basin. Three key predictor variables (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and precipitation) are utilized. The study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of ML models (Gradient Boosting, Regression Tree, AdaBoost, and LSTM) during two timeframes (2021–2050 and 2051–2100). Bias-corrected data from ten general circulation models, considering greenhouse gas trajectories (SSP245 and SSP585), are used. Statistical metrics like Coefficient of determination (R2), Mean square Error (MSE), Mean Absolute error (MAE), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) are employed for evaluation. Regression Tree exhibits exceptional performance (R2: 0.88 during training, 0.78 during testing). Ensembling Regression Tree, AdaBoost, and Gradient Boosting, future daily streamflow projections are made for SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios. Bias correction enhances reliability, with the ensemble mean indicating an increase in mean annual streamflow between the 2050s and 2080s (3.26–7.52% for SSP245, 3.77–13.55% for SSP585).
Radioecological, physicochemical, and mineralogical investigations of soil samples from neutral and vegetation land in Ropar, Punjab (India)
Authors: Kaintura Sanjeet S. , Thakur Swati , Kaur Sarabjot , Devi Soni , Tiwari Katyayni , Raizada Priyanka , Sharma Arzoo , Singh Pushpendra P.
Published: August 2023

The present work aims to compare and contrast radiological, mineralogical, and morphological attributes of soil samples from a neutral and agricultural site in Rupnagar, Punjab, to study the influence of land use patterns. The mean activity concentration of 238U, 232Th, 40K, 235U, and 137Cs determined using a p-type HPGe detector in neutral land was observed as 38.45, 58.50, 305.37, 2.02, and 0.78 Bq kg-1, respectively, while in vegetation land, it was 26.57, 45.11, 409.54, 1.60 and 1.28 Bq kg-1 respectively. Radium equivalent (Raeq) for all investigated specimens was below the safe limit of 370Bq kg-1 prescribed by OECD. Further, dosimetric investigations revealed that for neutral land, the outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate (65.83nGy h-1) and resulting annual effective dose rate (0.08mSv y-1) slightly exceeded the world average. The surface morphology of neutral land favored more compactness, while agricultural land favored high porosity. Various heavy metals of health concern, namely As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se, and Zn, were also evaluated in all soil specimens using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Ecological Risk Index (RI) revealed that vegetation land was more anthropogenically contaminated in comparison to neutral land, with maximum contamination from Hg and As.
Previously undetected small-scale greenhouses are an unknown environmental threat
Authors: Tong Xiaoye , Zhang Xiaoxin , Fensholt Rasmus , Jensen Peter , Li Sizuo , Larsen Marianne , Reiner Florian , Tian Feng , Brandt Martin
Published: August 2023

Greenhouse cultivation has been expanding rapidly in recent years, being crucial for food security but raising environmental concerns. Yet, currently little knowledge exists on its global extent and possible drivers of the expansion. Here, we present a global assessment of greenhouse cultivation and map 1.3 million hectares of greenhouse infrastructures in 2019 using commercial satellite data at 3 m resolution, including both large and small scale greenhouse infrastructure. We show that only 61% are concentrated in large greenhouse clusters, and that the remaining 39% are small-scale greenhouse cultivation, which are challenging to detect with public satellite data. By studying the temporal development of the 65 largest clusters (> 1500 ha), we show a surge in greenhouse cultivation in the Global South since the early 2000s, including a dramatic increase in China, which accounts for 60% of the global coverage. Our assessment raises awareness that the true extent of areas polluted by greenhouse plastic is much larger than previously thought, with wide-ranging implications on environmental and socioeconomic conditions.
Valuing the ocean carbon sink at the country level
Authors: Rickels Wilfried , Karstensen Johannes , Meier Felix , Peterson Sonja , Ruehland Sina , Thube Sneha , Grasse Patricia , Quaas Martin , Posern Conny , Vafeidis Athanasios , Wolff Claudia
Published: August 2023

The ocean carbon sink annually removes about a third of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, reducing climate change damage and CO2 abatement costs. While land sinks have been integrated into climate policies, the ocean sink has not—for good reason, since the former stores carbon within the boundaries of a given country, while the latter removes carbon from the atmosphere as global commons. However, the question of the value of the oceanic carbon sink remains, and how it should be attributed when comparing a coastal country with a large exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to a landlocked country. Here, we demonstrate different approaches to valuing the ocean carbon sink, comparing a climate-change-damage-based approach with an abatement-based and market-based approach. We use a high-resolution carbon flux dataset (0.25x0.25 degrees) to estimate the oceanic carbon sinks and sources in coastal areas. We assign a net sink of 1.72 GtC proportional to countries with negative carbon fluxes in their EEZs. In our calculation, the annual value of the global ocean sink ranges from 66 B USD to 1432 B USD.
Enhancing debris removal in curved canals: a comparative evaluation of XP-endo Finisher and Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation
Authors: Silva Warley Oliveira , Amoroso-Silva Pablo , Olivares Patrícia , Alcade Murilo Priori , Alves Flávio Rodrigues Ferreira , Marceliano-Alves Marília Fagury
Published: August 2023

Objectives
The study aimed to compare the efficacy of XP-endo Finisher and Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) in removing hard tissue debris from curved canals.
Materials and methods
Thirty-four mandibular molars with Vertucci’s type II mesial canals were scanned in microcomputed tomography before and after preparation with HyFlex EDM, and accumulated hard tissue debris was quantified. Subsequently, the teeth were randomly divided into two groups according to the supplementary procedure: PUI with the Ultra-X insert or XP-endo Finisher. After the intervention, the specimens underwent another scanning. Two separate analyses were conducted, one for the total canal and another for the isthmus area. Unpaired and paired T-tests were used for inter- and intergroup comparisons, with a significance level set at 5%.
Results
Both supplementary methods reduced the amount of debris compared to the initial volume. Remarkably, the XP-endo Finisher achieved a significantly higher percentage of debris removal (71% for the total canal and 74% for the isthmus areas) compared to PUI (41% for the total canal and 52% for the isthmus area) (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Both supplementary approaches reduced the amount of hard tissue debris from canal preparation, still XP-endo Finisher showed a higher reduction compared to PUI (p < 0.05).
Clinical relevance:
None of the supplementary methods rendered canals completely free of hard tissue debris. However, the supplementary approach with XP-endo Finisher resulted in lower levels of hard tissue debris than PUI in curved canals with isthmuses.
Mathematical knowledge for teaching in Pre-Service teachers from the Complementary Training Program of the Escuela Normal Superior Cristo Rey from Barrancabermeja.
Authors: Ascanio Luis Fernando Ávila , Pinto Elgar Gualdron
Published: August 2023

This study analyzes the state of mathematical competencies of pre-service teachers of the Complementary Training Program (CTP) of the Escuela Normal Superior Cristo Rey, from Barrancabermeja, Colombia and compares it with the results obtained in a private and an official university. The research has a quantitative, non-experimental, longitudinal approach, having as variable the mathematical knowledge of the students of the sample, from a comparative analysis of the levels of Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (MKT) at the beginning -first semester- and at the end -fourth semester- of the educational process. The test measures three mathematical competencies: reasoning, communication and problem solving. The results show that in all samples there is low performance in the communicative competence and that students in the first semester of the public university show better competencies than those in the Complementary Training Program (CTP) and private university, in that order. However, at the end of the course, it is the CTP students who show better performance than their public and private university counterparts. This could be due to the emphasis on science and mathematics didactics, as well as the constant exposure to class planning and professional practices. In conclusion, students, future teachers, both in their first and last semesters, need to reinforce their communicative competence in mathematics and their exposure to professional practices should be privileged throughout their careers.
Wafer Contour Curve Linearization Algorithm Research Based on Image for Detecting Minute Edge Defects
Authors: Zhao Jiali , Teng Xuesong , Liu Maijie , Shen Bobo
Published: August 2023

Aiming at the shortcomings of the existing wafer defect detection algorithms and the problem of low accuracy of wafer defect detection in the case of insufficient training samples, a wafer contour curve refinement extraction and linearization processing algorithm were developed for detecting minute edge defects. A new adaptive wafer image contrast enhancement algorithm was used to filter background noise, and the angle division method was used to rotate a wafer with any inclination to make it vertical. The target lines were extracted by using a single-pixel wide morphological convolution kernel, and then the wafer outline skeletal filling algorithm was proposed to make all the pixels of the extracted independent lines lie in the same rectangle when the lines meet the requirements. Finally, the length of the wafer contour straight lines was calculated based on the average value of two lines. Experiments show that the wafer contour straight lines extracted by this method can achieve a more precise coincidence with the original image. In this paper, an alternative algorithm, based on the image edge, especially when turning the contour curve into a straight line, is proposed for detecting the minute edge defects.
Nurses substance use and resilience patterns
Authors: Jarrad Reem , Mahmoud Naser , Hourani Eman AL , Malkawi Adeeb , AL-Fayoumi Dua’ Jum'a
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims: Some nurses may turn to non-adaptive behaviors including patterns of substance use during their daily pressured routines and in crisis times. This study aimed to assess nurses’ substance use and resilience patterns during the past three months.
Design and Analysis: Descriptive data was collected from nurses using convenient sampling from public, educational and private sector hospitals. Chi-square analysis was used to test the association between substance use and nurses’ gender and type of health care sector. Student t-test examined the impact of resilience level on substance use.
Setting: Amman-Jordan.
Participants: 1000 hospital based nurses.
Measurements: The outcome variable was substance use differentiated by category. Related variables such as gender, age, type of hospital and other socio-demographic variables were assessed by self-reported questionnaire. Resilience as an independent variable was measured by Connor-Davidson resilience Scale (10-items) (1).
Findings: The highest prevalence of substance use among nurses was found in caffeinated drinks followed by smoking then hypnotics and the lowest prevalence was for cocaine. Significant associations were found between substance use and gender in favor of males in smoking ( p< .001), alcohol use, cannabis and hypnotics. Significant association was found between nurses in private hospitals and substance use over their partners in educational and public hospitals, in favor of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, stimulants, inhaled substances, hypnotics, hallucinating agents and opioids. Significant differences in resilience score between users and none-users were found in alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, stimulants, hypnotics, hallucinating agents and opioids. Non-users scored higher in resilience mean scores for all substance types.
Conclusions: Traumatic psychological experiences, work and life pressures induce some protective mechanisms to help nurses endure emotional pain. Some of those mechanisms include patterns of smoking, alcohol and other forms of substance use. Remarkably, nurses who use substances show less resilient patterns.
Sonochemistry synthesis of zinc silicate ceramic nanoparticles and their characterization
Authors: Bouatrous Mehieddine , Bouzerara Ferhat , Bizot Quentin
Published: August 2023

This research aims to present a sonochemical synthesis method for high-purity willemite nanopowders. Initially, zinc silicate hydrate nanoparticles were created using a modified sonochemistry method in which zinc salts and waterglass were used as starting materials to obtain zinc silicate precipitate under pH-controlled conditions (11-12) and Argon gas flux. Following that, the precipitate was heat treated at various temperatures. TGA/DSC, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and N2 gas adsorption characterizations were also used to assess phase changes, morphological properties, microstructures, and chemical composition.
The formation temperature of a well-crystalline willemite monophase was determined to be 890°C, and this was supported by XRD analysis. The synthetized material had high homogeneity and excellent purity, according to EDX elemental mapping. Its nanometric nature was further confirmed by microscopic observations (SEM, TEM). Notably, compared to previously reported methods, the aforementioned technique uses a moderate synthesizing temperature, making it economical for mass production and potentially useful in a variety of industrial fields, including ceramics, paints, plastics, biomaterials, and composites, among others.
EDX elemental mapping demonstrated high homogeneity and excellent purity of the material. Microscopic observations (SEM, TEM) further confirmed its nanometric character. Notably, the aforementioned method employs a moderate synthesising temperature compared to previously reported methods, making it cost-effective for mass production with potential applications in various industrial fields, such as ceramics, paints, plastics, biomaterials, and composites, among others.
Amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis in rats by 4-allylanisole through modulation of inflammatory mediator
Authors: Parveen Sajida , Shabbir Arham , Butt Adeel Masood , Imran Muhammad , Jamil Anum , Asim Ashna , Mashaal Kiran
Published: August 2023

Background 4-Allylanisole, also known as Estragole (EST), is an important chemical constituent of many aromatic plants found in nature and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Aim: Arthritic rat model induced by Freund's complete adjuvant was used to determine the anti-arthritic potential of EST in present study.
Method: It was given to three groups which were administered low dose (10 mg/kg b.w.), medium dose (30 mg/kg b.w.), and of high dose (60 mg/kg b.w.). Piroxicam was used as reference drug. Arthritic score was evaluated macroscopically and through histopathological evaluation, while paw edema was evaluated using Vernier caliper. The RT-qPCR, (Real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) was used to measure expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators including interleukins (-1β) and (-6) and tumor necrosis factor. Hematological indices i.e. differential leukocyte count (DLC) and total leukocyte count (TLC), along with biochemical indices were also determined.
Result: All evaluated hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameter, as well as, mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were found raised in disease control group. 4-Allylanisole significantly attenuated development of arthritis and paw edema. These results were validated by histopathological evaluation which also demonstrated amelioration of arthritis in treated groups. DLC and TLC were also nearly normalized in treatment groups. 4-allyanisole significantly attenuated the raised levels of AST, ALT, urea and creatinine. RT-qPCR analysis showed that treatment with 4-allylanisole significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels.
Conclusion: The results concluded that the phytochemical 4-allylanisole possesses significant anti-arthritic activity which may be attributed to down-regulation of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels.
Characterization of the Govanda Formation limestones: chemostratigraphy and tectonic setting of the last marine carbonate rocks in Arabia–Eurasia suture zone, the NW Zagros fold-thrust belt
Authors: Abdulrehman Zhin S. , Aqrawi Ahmed M. , Koshnaw Renas I.
Published: August 2023

To demystify the geochemical properties of the shallow marine Govanda Formation that are ~ 1500 m high Arabia–Eurasia suture zone, three stratigraphic sections were sampled in the NW Zagros fold–thrust belt in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. This study examined the petrography and geochemistry of major, trace, and rare earth elements (REE) of the lower–middle Miocene Govanda Formation. Microfacies analysis shows that packstone and wackstone dominate the ticker western section, whereas the eastern sections contain grainstone and clastic units. The carbonates were deposited in shallow marine reef-fore-reef environments that were not affected by diagenetic alterations. The limestone beds have a consistent seawater-like REE pattern, slightly negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 0.79 in MSL and = 0.89 in ML), relatively positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 1.18 in MSL and = 1.14 in ML), and moderately high Y/Ho ratios (37.69 n = 29). The REE + Y pattern of samples mainly retains its original characters but the variations in the total rare earth element (ΣREE) content are related to the quantity of detrital materials inputs. Authigenic U, negative Ce anomalies, trace element ratio indices such as V/Cr, U/Th, Ni/Co, and V/(V + Ni) indicate suboxic–anoxic deposition conditions. Positive correlation of Al2O3% contents with Fe2O3% related the carbonate of Govanda Formation to the Open-ocean limestones. The Rb-Sr-Ba ternary diagram, and Sr/Ba vs. Sr/Rb, Al2O3% vs. Fe2O3%, and Ce/Ce* vs. Sm/Yb bivariate analyses imply that the studied limestones originated in the passive margin tectonic setting.
A first characterization of the Microbiota-Resilience Link in Swine
Authors: Mancin Enrico , Maltecca Christian , Huang Yi Jian , Mantovani Roberto , Tiezzi Francesco
Published: August 2023

Background
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in understanding complex biological mechanisms, including host resilience to stressors. Investigating the microbiota-resilience link in animals and plants holds relevance in addressing challenges like adaptation of agricultural species to a warming environment. This study aims to characterize the microbiota-resilience connection in swine. As resilience is not directly observable, we estimated it using four distinct indicators based on daily feed consumption variability, assuming animals with greater intake variation may face challenges in maintaining stable physiological status. These indicators were analyzed both as linear and categorical variables. In our first set of analyses, we explored the microbiota-resilience link using PERMANOVA, α-diversity analysis, and Discriminant Analysis. Additionally, we quantified the ratio of estimated microbiota variance to total phenotypic variance (microability). Finally, we conducted a Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) to assess the classification performance of the microbiota with indicators expressed in classes.
Results
This study offers four key insights. Firstly, among all indicators, two effectively captured resilience. Secondly, our analyses revealed robust relationship between microbial composition and resilience in terms of both composition and richness. We found decreased α-diversity in less resilient animals, while specific Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) and KEGG pathways associated with inflammatory responses were negatively linked to resilience. Thirdly, considering resilience indicators in classes, we observed significant differences in microbial composition primarily in animals with lower resilience. Lastly, our study indicates that gut microbial composition can serve as a reliable biomarker for distinguishing individuals with lower resilience.
Conclusion
Our comprehensive analyses have highlighted the host-microbiota and resilience connection, contributing valuable insights to the existing scientific knowledge. The practical implications of PLS-DA and microability results are noteworthy. PLS-DA suggests that host-microbiota interactions could be utilized as biomarkers for monitoring resilience. Furthermore, the microability findings show that leveraging host-microbiota insights may improve the selection of resilient animals, supporting their adaptive capacity in response to changing environmental conditions. These practical implications offer promising avenues for enhancing animal well-being and adaptation strategies in the context of environmental challenges faced by livestock populations.
Elucidating the hepatoprotective mechanisms of Vernonia cinerea phytoactives in drug-induced liver injury by computational approach of network pharmacology, molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies
Authors: Dhongadi Muralidhar R , Pattanashetti Laxmi , Patil Vishal
Published: August 2023

Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI), also known as Hepatotoxicity, refers to unexpected liver damage triggered by common medications, which harms hepatocytes and other liver cells. This damage can either be intrinsic, appearing shortly after drug exposure, or idiosyncratic, emerging from intricate interactions of individual and environmental factors with the drug. Despite precautions taken during drug development, preventing DILI remains a daunting task due to insufficient preventive guidelines. Herbal remedies such as Vernonia cinerea, known as purple fleabane or Sahadevi, might provide a potential treatment for DILI. Traditionally, this plant has been used for ailments like hepatitis, fever, diabetes, and asthma, demonstrating a wide array of pharmacological properties. Nonetheless, traditional medicine frequently lacks adequate scientific data on these herbal remedies' composition, action mechanisms, and ADMET profiles.The present study's goal is to uncover potential phytoconstituents in V. cinerea associated with DILI or hepatotoxicity and shed light on their possible treatment mechanisms using chemo-informatic tools and databases like STRING, Cytoscape 3.6.1 for network pharmacology, PyRx 0.8, DSV 2022 for molecular docking, and GROMACS for dynamic simulation studies.Out of the twenty-six phytoactives, Feroxin A and Apocyanin B demonstrated the highest drug-likeness scores, i.e., 1.1 and 0.94, respectively. Further docking studies showed that Apocyanin B, when complexed with Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), displayed the lowest binding energy (-9.6kcal/mol) and formed complex stability with 11 residues: Leu718, Val726, Ala743, Lys745, Met766, Gln791, Leu792, Met793, Arg841, Leu844, and Lys852 over a 100 ns molecular dynamic production run.In contrast, the Erlotinib-EGFR complex was used as a reference to validate the Apocyanin B protein with the EGFR complex. Erlotinib docking exhibited a binding energy of -6.7kJ/mol and created complex stability through 11 residues like Leu718, Val726, Ala743, Lys745, Thr790, Leu792, Gly796, and Leu844 during the dynamic state at a 100ns run.The hepatoprotective capability of Vernonia cinerea may be attributed to the presence of phytoactives, particularly Apocyanin B, which modulate targets such as AKT1, PIK3CA, MAPK, HRAS, and EGFR. The findings from this study illuminate the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the hepatoprotective advantages of Vernonia cinerea.
Arenobufagin increases the sensitivity of gastric cancer to cisplatin via alkaliptosis
Authors: Liu Chengwei , Li Dongchang , Wang Jian , Wang Zhengguang
Published: August 2023

Purpose Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Few novel therapeutic strategies have been developed for gastric cancer. Cisplatin (CDDP) mainly exerts its anti-gastric cancer effect, but its resistance limits use. Thus, application of drugs which could augment its anti-tumor effect is necessary. Arenobufagin (ArBu) was identified as a novel anti-cancer agent. However, the effect of ArBu combined with CDDP on gastric cancer has not been studied. To identify a possible synergistic effect between ArBu and CDDP on gastric cancer and to investigate the underlying mechanism.
Methods The cell viability, colony formation, migration, apoptosis, cell cycle, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were analyzed in vitro. Western blotting, reverse-transcription, hematoxylin-eosin staining and blood biochemistry were carried out to examine in vivo.
Results We found that ArBu combination with CDDP effectively inhibited the proliferation, migration of gastric cancer cells and promoted apoptosis of cells, downregulation of CA9, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. In addition, treatment with ArBu combination CDDP increased the level of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase subunit beta (IKBKB), E-cadherin and Nuclear factor-k-gene binding (NF-κB). Furthermore, ArBu combination with CDDP also exerted inhibitory effects on tumor growth in xenograft nude mice and no obvious side effects.
Conclusion ArBu synergized with CDDP to inhibit tumor growth in vivo and in vitro through induction of alkaliptosis. This indicates that ArBu combination with CDDP may serve as a potential agent for the treatment of gastric cancer.
S048 Low skeletal muscle radiodensity is a risk factor for adjuvant chemotherapy discontinuation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yokoi Keigo , Watanabe Akiko , Yokota Kazuko , Kojima Keita , Tanaka Toshimichi , Kojo Ken , Miura Hirohisa , Yamanashi Takahiro , Sato Takeo , Yamashita Keishi , Kumamoto Yusuke , Hiki Naoki , Naitoh Takeshi
Published: August 2023

Background
Previously, we reported SMR (skeletal muscle radiodensity) as a potential prognostic marker for colorectal cancer. However, there have been limited studies on the association between SMR and the continuation of adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal cancer.
Methods
In this retrospective study, 143 colorectal cancer patients underwent curative surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy using the CAPOX regimen. Patients' SMRs were measured from preoperative CT images and divided into low (bottom quarter) and high (top three quarters) SMR groups. We compared chemotherapy cycles, capecitabine and oxaliplatin doses, and adverse effects in each group.
Results
The low SMR group had significantly fewer patients completing adjuvant chemotherapy compared to the high SMR group (44% vs. 68%, P<0.01). Capecitabine and oxaliplatin doses were also lower in the low SMR group. Incidences of Grade 2 or Grade 3 adverse effects did not differ between groups, but treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects was significantly higher in the low SMR group. Logistic regression analysis revealed Stage III disease (odds ratio 9.30, 95% CI: 1.07-80.54) and low SMR (odds ratio 3.09, 95% CI: 1.07-8.94) as factors associated with unsuccessful treatment completion. Additionally, a higher proportion of low SMR patients received fewer than 2 cycles of chemotherapy (50% vs. 12%).
Conclusion
The low SMR group showed higher treatment incompletion rates and received lower drug doses during adjuvant chemotherapy. Low SMR independently contributed to treatment non-completion in colorectal cancer patients.
A Comparative Study of Cyber Attack Detection & Prediction Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Gawand Swati Prakash , Kumar Meesala Sudhir
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, Internet utilization is expanding rapidly. This is primarily attributable to the recent tendency of cheaper electronic devices and data packages. In reality, the Internet is a vital part of people's daily lives in the modern world. Due to the high usage, our confidential information may be accidentally leaked elsewhere on the internet. Cyber security is a broad area of study that addresses the fundamentals of data misuse and internet security threats. Cyber security is crucial in every industry to protect corporate data and to comprehend assault vectors. Protecting information from Cyber-attacks has become more challenging. In this paper we present a proposed system that analyses the dataset and identifies whether given data is normal or anomalous we use machine learning algorithms to analyze datasets in the proposed system. After analyzing the dataset, attempt to identify and predict a cyber-attack. For classification, detection, and prediction of cyber-attacks, algorithms such as K Nearest Neighbour (KNN), Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Tree (DT), Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gradient Boosting Classifier (GB) and Random Forest (RF) are used. Here we are using a dataset containing a wide variety of simulated intrusions into a military network environment that was made available. This paper compares machine learning algorithms based on parameters such as Precision, Recall, F1 Score, Accuracy, and Cross-Validation of the system and suggests which algorithm provides accurate results. Publicly available datasets (Network intrusion dataset) were analyzed in this study. These data can be found here: https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/sampadab17/network-intrusion-detection