bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ischemia‐Free Liver Implantation Versus Normothermic Machine Perfusion: Evaluation of Feasibility and Security
Authors: Chen Zhitao , Dong Yuqi , Chen Maogen , Zhao Qiang , Wang Tielong , Guo Yiwen , Chen Honghui , Zhang Tao , Yang Yongqi , Gao Yifang , Guo Zhiyong , Ju Weiqiang , He Xiaoshun
Published: October 2024

Background

Further optimization and improvement of normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is necessary, as it can still lead to ischemia injury in transplanted livers. We propose a novel method, termed ischemia‐free liver implantation (IFLI), which maintains a constant blood supply throughout both the preservation and implantation processes. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of IFLI compared to NMP.

Methods

Thirty‐four recipients of IFLI and 17 recipients of NMP were enrolled. The recovery of liver function, complication rates, and survival outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results

The mean cold ischemia time (CIT), anhepatic time, and surgical duration were 5.94 ± 0.41 h, 50.59 ± 2.10 min, and 439.32 ± 13.25 min for the IFLI group, and 6.29 ± 0.52 h, 54.65 ± 4.32 min, and 428.06 ± 22.04 min for the NMP group (p = 0.333, 0.086, and 0.135, respectively). The IFLI group had a significantly lower incidence of post‐reperfusion syndrome compared to the NMP group (8% vs. 58.8%, p < 0.001), and the incidence rate of PNF was higher in the NMP group (p = 0.041).

Conclusion

IFLI, by maintaining constant blood supply during implantation, avoids re‐ischemia‐reperfusion injury (re‐IRI) and demonstrates improved postoperative liver function recovery, fewer complications, and greater safety compared to standard NMP.
Populism and policy capacity: Evidence from an opposition municipality in Istanbul
Authors: Ertugal Ebru , Gür Faik , Sevinç İnan
Published: October 2024

Despite achievements in its conceptual rigor, policy capacity still represents a relatively depoliticized concept that fails to sufficiently consider the ways in which politics plays a role in its creation, mobilization, or decay. This article seeks to contribute to this debate by investigating the impact of populism on policy capacity, the type of policy capacity challenges posed and how they are related to populist policy design. Based on a case study of a municipality in Istanbul the article shows how populist politics and national populist policy design erode long‐term municipal policy capacity by enabling the (ab)use of the rule of law, loss of expertise, exhaustion of critical assets such as urban land and financial resources, and erosion of public citizenship due to growing expectations in the form of particularistic benefits. Declining policy capacity in turn leads to a shift in municipal policy priorities.
Mechanical recycling of polyamide 6 and polypropylene for automotive applications
Authors: Dehghani Samaneh , Salehiyan Reza , Srithep Yottha
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the mechanical recycling of polyamide 6 (PA6) from discarded fishing nets and polypropylene (PP) from automotive battery scraps and household waste for automotive applications. The mechanical properties of both materials were evaluated through tensile, impact, and thermal testing, revealing that recycled PA6 (r‐PA6) and recycled PP (r‐PP) can achieve mechanical performance similar to virgin materials. Recycled PA6 was reinforced with 30% glass fiber (GF), significantly enhancing its tensile strength from 70 to 170 MPa, comparable with virgin PA6's (76 MPa). Furthermore, the tensile modulus of r‐PA6 increased from 7720 to 8500 MPa. Recycled PP was compounded with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and fillers, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and talc, improving its impact strength from 5 to 18 KJ/m2 and improving thermal stability, with a heat deflection temperature (HDT) reaching 95°C. The optimized formulations for r‐PP, particularly from automotive battery scrap, achieved a melt flow index (MFI) of 12–16 g/10 min, preventing molding defects. This study highlights the importance of controlled thermal treatments, appropriate additive use, and accurate processing conditions in producing high‐quality recycled polymer compounds.

Highlights

Recycled PA6 reinforced with 30% GF achieves a tensile strength of 170 MPa.

Thermal treatment increases the tensile modulus of r‐PA6 to 8500 MPa, similar to virgin PA6.

Incorporating TPE improves the impact strength of r‐PP to 18 KJ/m2.

Calcium carbonate and talc enhance the thermal stability of r‐PP to 95°C.

The melt flow index of r‐PP optimized to 12–16 g/10 min for better moldability.
Exploring the Physical Properties of LiBeX (X = Sb, Bi) Compounds via Ab Initio Approach
Authors: Mazhar Muhammad , Andleeb Farah , Imran Iqra , Manzoor Alina , Altaf Saima , Rafiq Muhammad Amir , Rasul Muhammad Nasir
Published: October 2024

In the current study, it is aimed to scrutinize the physical properties of LiBeX (X = Sb, Bi) compounds in detail. Density‐functional‐theory‐based WIEN2k and the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package, employing the generalized gradient approximation of Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof, Wu–Cohen, and Tran–Blaha‐modified Becke–Johnson (TB‐mBJ) exchange‐correlation schemes, are utilized to better validate the outcomes. The compounds exhibit energetic, lattice dynamic, and mechanical stability. Electronic structure calculations using the TB‐mBJ functional reveal indirect bandgaps of 1.007 eV for LiBeSb and 0.789 eV for LiBeBi compounds, respectively. The partial charge distribution in the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital discloses maximum charge localization around the X site. The examination of the crystal orbital Hamilton population reveals the strongest BeX bonding interactions among the bonding pairs. The physio‐mechanical properties indicate brittle and mechanically anisotropic behavior of both compounds, with covalent bonding characteristics. The comparative analysis suggests that the TB‐mBJ potential is suitable for bandgap calculations due to its close alignment with experimental results. Additionally, the optimized results for these compounds indicate their potential for use in optoelectronic devices, such as visible to ultraviolet sensors and photovoltaics. The determined properties are consistent with previous theoretical findings.
An improved interval‐grey‐probability QFD method for prioritizing engineering characteristics under vague environment
Authors: Cheng Yongbo , Liu Xiao , Zhou Yu , Zhang Qiaoke , Wan Liangqi
Published: October 2024

At present, the interval‐grey quality function deployment (QFD) has been widely used to address a vague information at the early stage of product design. However, the existing interval‐grey QFD method suffers from a problem that it is incapable of comparing specific values from any two intervals within overlapping segments associated with the importance of engineering characteristics (ECs) during the process of prioritizing their importance. This problem consequently impedes the effective prioritization of their magnitudes, thus hindering the prioritization of the importance of ECs. Aiming at addressing the problem, an improved interval‐grey‐probability QFD method is proposed. The proposed method integrates interval grey numbers, grey relational analysis (GRA), and interval‐probability ranking method into the interval‐grey QFD framework to prioritize the importance of ECs under a vague environment. Specifically, the interval grey numbers are used to assess the importance of customer requirements (CRs) and the GRA method is adopted to construct the relationship matrix of CRs‐ECs, respectively. Based on the importance of CRs and the relationship matrix of CRs‐ECs, the interval‐probability ranking method is introduced to measure the prioritization of the importance of ECs. The proposed method is validated by a multi‐function flash drive. Results show that the proposed method is more accurate than existing methods in terms of the deviation degree.
Enhanced Quantum Entanglement Detection of General Two Qubits Systems Based on Modified CNN‐BiLSTM Model
Authors: Sun Qian , Liao Zhichuan , Jiang Nan
Published: October 2024

Entanglement is a key element in quantum information processing. The detection of entanglement is crucial in many long‐range quantum information tasks, including secure communication and fundamental tests of quantum physics, but it is also highly resource‐intensive. Even for simple 2‐qubits systems, satisfactory detection is challenging. In this work, a modified entanglement detection model combining a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a bidirectional long short‐term memory network (BiLSTM) is proposed. It shows that the proposed model can effectively extract the deep features and correlations, enabling accurate classification of simple quantum states, even with only a few tens of training samples. When trained with a large number of highly random samples, the model exhibits outstanding fitting capability, resulting in the reliable classification of nearly all common 2‐qubits systems. Furthermore, the model exhibits exceptional adaptability and significant application potential in higher‐dimensional systems.
Enhancing Greenhouse Performance Through Robotic Roof Cleaning Solutions: A Review
Authors: Amin Ahmed , Wang Xiaochan , Chen Yanyu , Guoxiang Sun , Xuekai Huang , Rottok Luke Toroitich , Sayed Hassan A. A. , Okasha Mahmoud , Hassanien Reda Hassanien Emam
Published: October 2024

The robotics industry has seen significant growth and advancement in the agricultural sector, particularly, in agricultural greenhouses. This study presents the most common cleaning methods for greenhouse roofs, including manual and automatic cleaning techniques. On the other hand, it provides greenhouse types, designs, and factors affecting lighting. It highlights the importance of cleaning and discusses the challenges of various robot designs and their future prospects. It was found that dust accumulation on greenhouse roofs could decrease the light intensity by 30%. Consequently, it could reduce the crop yield and quality by over 30%. Therefore, regular cleaning is crucial to provide the optimal light intensity for crops. The manual or traditional cleaning methods can cause damage, injuries, inefficiency, high costs, and labor shortages. This study investigates greenhouse‐cleaning robots and devices in terms of their operation, specifications, quality, and accuracy. Meanwhile, it summarizes the pros and cons of automatic cleaning. Furthermore, it evaluates robots based on a movement system, cleaning efficiency, and all characteristics in different countries. It was found that robots for Venlo‐type greenhouses are the most common and advanced robots, which achieve a light transmittance of up to 88% after cleaning. China and the Netherlands are at the forefront of commercial research technology applications. In conclusion, this study recommends investing more in robotic greenhouse cleaners to boost productivity and develop an intelligent cleaning system for greenhouse roofs. In addition, further research should be implemented to improve the durability and decrease the prices of robots.
Alkali‐Mediated/Catalyzed Transition‐Metal‐Free Tandem Reaction Triggered by the Borrowing Hydrogen and Aerobic Dehydrogenation Processes of Alcohols
Authors: Chang Ai , Zhou Weihao , Zhao Sicong , Song Haowen , Zhuang Yi , Lin Yamei , Huang Shenlin , Lu Guo‐Ping
Published: October 2024

The transformation of alcohols to important classes of compounds is a central topic in chemistry because they are abundant, renewable, and attractive building blocks. The alkali‐mediated/catalyzed borrowing hydrogen and aerobic dehydrogenation processes of alcohols open a new and sustainable access for the alcohol conversion under transition‐metal‐free conditions. In this review, we summarize the recent alkali‐mediated/catalyzed sequential reactions involving the borrowing hydrogen and aerobic dehydrogenation processes of alcohols. Furthermore, this review not only introduces the tentative pathways of these transformations, but also discusses the role of alkali, solvent effects, and substrate reactivity on these reactions.
Design of Novel Naphthalimidopropanediol Derivatives as Staphylococcus Aureus Antibacterial Agents Utilizing 3D‐QSAR, ADMET, Molecular Docking, and Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Xiong Fei , Xu Jie , Wang Zhonghua
Published: October 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is a prevalent foodborne pathogen, and its resistance has become more pronounced due to antibiotic overuse. In this paper, we constructed a 3D‐QSAR model using 47 naphthalimidopropanediols derivatives (NIOLs). The results indicate that the CoMFA model (q2 = 0.771, r2 = 0.998) and CoMSIA‐ASH model (q2 = 0.638, r2 = 0.995) exhibit favorable predictive capabilities, leading to the design of 11 novel NIOLs as antibacterial agents. ADMET was used to validate their pharmacokinetic characteristics, molecular docking was performed to validate the binding capability of the designed molecules, dynamics simulations, and binding free energy were employed to verify the accuracy of docking results. The results demonstrate excellent performance of the designed novel molecules, which may provide significant references for the development of novel and effective antibacterial agents against S. aureus.
Nanoimprinting of Crosslinked Polyurethane / Polycaprolactone Blends: Scratch Recovery of Surface Topographies
Authors: Ramasamy Chitrakala , Tan Jeck Chuang , Low Hong Yee
Published: October 2024

Scratch recovery of micro‐nano‐patterned polymer surfaces extends the service life of products that require tunable surface properties and contributes to more sustainable development. Scratch recovery has been widely studied in bulk and 4D‐printed polymers via intrinsic self‐healing mechanisms. Existing studies on self‐healing of micro/nano‐scale polymeric surfaces are limited to the recovery of controlled tensile or compressive strain. Scratch recovery requires material transport to close the gap created by a scratch. Here, for the first time, scratch recovery of thermally nanoimprinted polymer surfaces in a heterogeneous polymer is reported. A blend of Polyurethane (TPU) and poly(caprolactone) (PCL) with selectively crosslinked TPU imparts shape‐memory properties, and the uncrosslinked PCL retains chain mobility for molecular diffusion during scratch recovery. Scratch recovery of nanoimprinted micro‐pillars has been achieved spontaneously and completely by heat and without any pressure input. The healing temperature is determined to be the melting point of PCL at 60 °C. Rapid recovery is also achieved at 60 s with complete closure of scratch width of 5 µm and topography recovery of the nanoimprinted micro‐pillars.
Advanced X/γ‐Ray‐Shielding Materials Enabled by the In Situ Generation of Cerium–Tungsten Nanoparticles Within Regenerated Collagen Fibers
Authors: Wang Yaping , Wang Xirui , Yi Han , Yan Linping , Liao Xuepin , Shi Bi
Published: October 2024

Advanced X‐ and γ‐ray‐shielding materials are conventionally designed and fabricated via the uniform dispersion of high‐Z elements into the substrate. These soluble high‐Z elements considerably reduced the particle size of functional components; however, the as‐obtained composites exhibited weak absorption region at 40–80 keV and poor water resistance. To address these issues, such materials are fabricated by introducing cerium and tungsten into regenerated collagen fibers (RCFs) using a “dual impregnation–desolvation” strategy. The uniform dispersion of functional components is achieved via the in situ generation of cerium–tungsten nanoparticles (CeW NPs) under multiple impregnating and desolvating cycles; as a result, the CeW NPs achieved an ultrasmall particle size of 17.15 nm. Benefiting from the ultrasmall particle size and uniform dispersion of CeW NPs, the fabricated CeW‐RCF composites exhibit satisfactory X‐ and γ‐ray‐shielding capabilities with an ultrahigh mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of 5.9 cm2 g−1 at 83 keV, higher than that of lead plates. The CeW‐RCF composites also exhibit outstanding mechanical strength, low density, and high air permeability, demonstrating their superior wearability. This work provides novel insights into the design and fabrication of advanced X‐ and γ‐ray‐shielding materials with high radiation‐shielding performance and enhanced wearability.
Vapor–Solid Interface Synthesis of Highly Crystalline Covalent Triazine Frameworks for Use as Efficient Photocatalysts
Authors: Chen Minghui , Xiong Ji , Shi Quan , Zhang Weiwei , Chen Zhuoran , Wang Xiaolin , Zhu Xinyue , Guo Kai , Feng Yaqing , Zhang Bao
Published: October 2024

Harsh synthetic conditions for crystalline covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) and associated limitations on structural diversities impede not only further development of functional CTFs, but also practical large‐scale synthesis. Herein, a mild and universal vapor–solid interface synthesis strategy is developed for highly crystalline CTFs employing trifluoromethanesulfonic acid vapor as catalysts. A series of highly ordered simple and functional CTFs (CTF‐TJUs) can be facilely produced. In particular, the porphyrin‐involved functional CTF (CTF‐TJU‐Por1) with high crystallinity is synthesized for the first time via this universal approach. The mechanism of vapor‐catalyzed trimerization of nitrile monomers is thoroughly investigated through semi in situ characterizations. As a proof of concept, the photocatalytic performance of synthesized CTFs for water splitting is evaluated. CTF‐TJU‐133 exhibits significantly greater photocatalytic rates for hydrogen (4.35 µmol h−1) and oxygen (2.18 µmol h−1) evolutions during overall water splitting under visible light irradiations compared to other CTF‐TJUs, representing one of the highest values among reported CTF photocatalysts. Further studies reveal that enhanced photocatalytic performance of CTF‐TJU‐133 results from optimized band structure, extended visible‐light absorption, and high carrier separation efficiency. This study provides a promising strategy to synthesize various simple and functional CTFs, which significantly enriched diversities of CTF family for different application purposes.
A Bio‐Inspired Magnetic Soft Robotic Fish for Efficient Solar‐Energy Driven Water Purification
Authors: Qin Jingjing , Li Jiahao , Yang Guozheng , Chu Kaibin , Zhang Leiqian , Xu Fangping , Chen Yujie , Zhang Yaoxin , Fan Wei , Hofkens Johan , Li Bo , Zhu YinBo , Wu HengAn , Tan Swee Ching , Lai Feili , Liu Tianxi
Published: October 2024

Solar‐driven water evaporation is a promising solution for global water scarcity but is still facing challenges due to its substantial energy requirements. Here, a magnetic soft robotic bionic fish is developed by combining magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4), poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide), and carboxymethyl chitosan. This bionic fish can release liquid water through hydrophilic/hydrophobic phase transition and dramatically reduce energy consumption. The introduced Fe3O4 nanoparticles endow the bionic fish with magnetic actuation capability, allowing for remote operation and recovery. Additionally, the magnetic actuation process accelerates the water absorption rate of the bionic fish as confirmed by the finite element simulations. The results demonstrate that bionic fish can effectively remove not only organic molecular dyes dissolved in water but also harmful microbes and insoluble microparticles from natural lakes. Moreover, the bionic fish maintains a good purification efficiency even after five recycling cycles. Furthermore, the bionic fish possesses other functions, such as salt purification and salt rejection. Finally, the mechanism of water purification is explained in conjunction with molecular dynamics calculations. This work provides a new approach for efficient solar‐energy water purification by phase transition behavior in soft robotics.
Tuning Perovskite Crystal Growth Dynamics Using Additives on Textured Silicon Substrates
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed A. A. , Er‐Raji Oussama , Kore Bhushan P. , Bivour Martin , Schulze Patricia S. C. , Glunz Stefan W. , Bett Andreas W. , Borchert Juliane
Published: October 2024

Double‐sided textured silicon solar cells with micrometer‐sized pyramid structure are used as bottom cells in monolithic tandem structures to decrease reflection losses. As top cell material, frequently perovskites are used. In this work, various additives are investigated to enhance the perovskite absorber quality, as a top cell fabricated using the hybrid route. In the context of the hybrid route, it is found that urea or methylammonium chloride (MACl) can effectively increase the grain size and improve the absorber quality, while formamidinium chloride (FACl) cannot. With urea, the crystallization can be tuned without leaving any voids in the film (unlike MACl). However, when annealed at a high annealing temperature, the excessive crystal growth with urea causes non‐conformal coating and high defect density. By adjusting the annealing conditions and additive concentration, the crystal growth of the perovskite top cell on the micrometer‐sized silicon pyramids can be fine‐tuned, ensuring that the perovskite layer conformally coated the pyramids. The use of additives not only improves crystallization but also enhances the conversion of the inorganics, particularly at the hole transport layer (HTL) interface. Moreover, this work contributes to a better understanding of perovskite crystallization dynamics and how to control it, especially on textured substrates.
On Optimizing Resources for Real‐Time End‐to‐End Machine Learning in Heterogeneous Edges
Authors: Nguyen Minh‐Tri , Truong Hong‐Linh
Published: October 2024

Deploying end‐to‐end ML applications on edge resources becomes a viable solution to achieve performance and data regulations. With the microservice architecture, these applications can scale dynamically, improving service availability under dynamic workloads. However, orchestrating multiple end‐to‐end ML applications within heterogeneous edge environments must deal with numerous challenges while sharing computing resources. Prevalent orchestration tools/frameworks supporting edge ML serving are inefficient in provisioning methods due to constrained resources, diverse resource demands and utilization patterns. In this work, we present a provisioning method to optimize resource utilization for end‐to‐end ML applications on a heterogeneous edge. By profiling all microservices within the application, we estimate scales and allocate them on desired hardware platforms with sufficient resources when considering their runtime utilization patterns. We also provide several practical analyses on runtime monitoring metrics to detect and mitigate resource contentions, guaranteeing performance. The experiments with three real‐world ML applications demonstrate the practicality of our method on a heterogeneous edge cluster of Raspberry Pis and Jetson Developer Kits.
Entropy generation outcomes in peristalsis of Carreau–Yasuda nanofluid flow with activation energy
Authors: Zahir Hina , Muhammad Khursheed , Nisar Zahid , Alnfiai Mrim M. , Elseesy Ibrahim E.
Published: October 2024

This paper focuses on the study of activation energy and entropy generation in the peristaltic flow of a Carreau–Yasuda nanofluid. Peristaltic transport, coupled with entropy generation and activation energy in a curved geometry, has significant applications in biomedical and industrial processes involving non‐Newtonian fluids. Blood flow in the arteries, the movement of chyme in the gastrointestinal tract, and peristaltic motion replicate the natural muscular contractions that drive fluid flow in the physiological systems. The integration of entropy generation allows for the evaluation of energy efficiency and the analysis of losses due to viscous dissipation. Activation energy plays a crucial role in processes such as drug delivery, where temperature‐sensitive reactions or biochemical changes affect fluid behavior. In industrial applications, like peristaltic pumps in chemical reactors or polymer processing, the consideration of entropy and activation energy aids in optimizing thermal management and reaction rates. The mathematical model is developed under these assumptions, and the governing equations are numerically solved using the NDSolve function in Mathematica. Graphical results show that higher activation energy and concentration reduce the reaction rate, while the Bejan number and entropy generation increase with a larger Brinkman number. Velocity and temperature increase under slip conditions, whereas concentration decreases, and a stronger radial magnetic field reduces both velocity and the size of the trapped bolus.
Analysis of the three‐dimensional elasticity theory problem for a radially inhomogeneous cylinder
Authors: Akhmedov Natiq K.
Published: October 2024

In this paper an axisymmetric problem of elasticity theory for a radially inhomogeneous cylinder of small thickness is studied. It is assumed that homogeneous mixed boundary conditions are specified on lateral surfaces of the cylinder, and boundary conditions that leave the cylinder in equilibrium are specified on the ends of the cylinder. It is considered that elastic moduli are arbitrary continuous functions of a variable along the radius of the cylinder. The formulated boundary value problem is reduced to a spectral problem containing a small parameter characterizing the thinness of the cylinder walls. To determine its solution, the method of asymptotic integration is used, based on three iteration processes. All solutions of the equilibrium equation are constructed, satisfying the specified homogeneous boundary conditions on lateral surfaces. It is obtained that the solution of the problem consists of a penetrating solution and a solution of the nature of the boundary layer. An analysis of stress‐strain states corresponding to different types of solutions is carried out. Based on the constructed asymptotic solutions, a connection is found between the solutions obtained by the equation of elasticity theory and by the applied theory of shells. It is shown that the penetrating solution determines the internal stress‐strain state of a radially inhomogeneous cylinder. The stress state determined by the penetrating solution is equivalent to the principal vector of stress acting in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder.

The first terms of asymptotic expansions of the penetrating solution in a small parameter coincide with solutions in the applied theory of shells. New classes of solutions are defined as the character of a boundary layer, which are localized at the ends of the cylinder and decrease exponentially with distance from the ends. These solutions are absent in the applied theories of shells. The first terms of the asymptotic expansion of the solution, having the nature of a boundary layer, are equivalent to the Saint‐Venant edge effect in the theory of heterogeneous plates. Asymptotic formulas for displacement and stresses are constructed, allowing one to calculate the three‐dimensional stress‐strain state of a radially heterogeneous cylinder of small thickness with any predetermined accuracy. Based on the obtained asymptotic expansions, one can estimate the applicability areas of applied theories and construct a refined applied theory for radially heterogeneous cylindrical shells.
Environmental Humanities in India: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Biswas Debajyoti
Published: October 2024

The Environmental Humanities, or EH, is a multifaceted, relatively new, and swiftly evolving field of scholarship that integrates the theories and approaches of various disciplines—from anthropology, art, communications, cultural studies, philosophy and ecology to history, literature, media, music, performance, politics, sociology, theology and theatre. Practitioners of this markedly integrative field aim to address and, even, confront today’s urgent ecological and cultural challenges, namely climate change, urban sustainability, biodiversity conservation, species decline, energy policy, the exigencies of the Anthropocene, environmental activism and Indigenous peoples’ justice. Recent developments in the Environmental Humanities foreground its topicality as scholar-activists-artists from a wide range of disciplines turn increasingly to human-nature relational issues in the Anthropocene epoch. As a discrete field, EH has emerged principally from North American, European and Australian academic institutions and, more specifically, from English, history, geography and anthropology departments. Although the Environmental Humanities has been relatively slow to gain traction in South Asia, the overall momentum towards transdisciplinary approaches to ecology and sustainability is intensifying in India. This contributed volume highlights current research in the Environmental Humanities in India through four thematic sections: (i) Indigenous Perspectives: Conservation, Spirituality and Language; (ii) Theoretical Grounding: Education, Law and Ethics; (iii) Literary Formulations: Memoir, Parable and Storyworlds; (iv) Popular Narratives: Myth, Travel and Music.
Mourning the Loss of Mother Earth: Examining Human-Water Interrelationships in Akkineni Kutumbarao’s Softly Dies a Lake
Authors: Sarkar Somasree
Published: October 2024

In today’s industrialized world, the degradation of the environment is a major concern, recognized to have severe impacts on the planet and its inhabitants. The current environmental changes are attributed to anthropogenic activities, making human beings the discernible factors behind the current climate crisis. Human perceptions related to exceptionalism and exemptionalism are at the core of hubris, triggering the proclivity to exploit the more-than-human world. The unrelenting exploitative measures of human beings toward nonhuman entities have injured and damaged the Earth irrevocably, jeopardizing the planet’s biodiversity and ecological balance. The Earth is often conceptualized as ‘Mother Earth’ for its sustaining abilities and nurturing qualities. The concept of ‘Mother Earth’ encompasses the interrelated lives of human and nonhuman beings and the Indigenous traditions that eulogize human-nonhuman interrelations (Shiva, 2020). The present corporate culture is disrupting the interrelationship between humans and nonhumans, widening the chasm between the two, thereby, disturbing the balance of Mother Earth. This can be viewed as a deprivation of Mother Earth’s rights since her well-being is dependent on the stable relationship between all the species she sustains and nurtures (Shiva, 2020). In connection with the preceding discussion, the present chapter seeks to critically analyze the novel, Softly Dies a Lake originally written in Telugu by Akkineni Kutumbarao (2014), and later translated by Vasanth Kannabiran into English (2020). The author through his eco-memoir records the slow dying of the largest freshwater lake in India, Kolleru, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh owing to the mercenary practices of humans. Kutumbarao characterizes the lake as the living figure of a mother who nurtures multiple species in the region. The dying of the lake signifies the loss of the mother who sustains the balance in the ecosystem. The chapter, therefore, endeavours to show how the exploitive measures deprive Mother Earth, here identified with Kolleru, of her well-being and rights. Also, it attempts to show how the dying of Lake Kolleru degrades the livelihood of those people thriving on her, triggering mourning for the ecological loss. Finally, the chapter will interrogate the possibility of recovery from eco-mourning by striking a balance between the human and nonhuman world in the region surrounding Lake Kolleru.
The Anthropocene in South Asian Popular Music: A Critical Examination of Papon’s “Waise Hi Rehna, Waise Hi Behna” Through an Ecomusicological Lens
Authors: Sharma Manvi , Chaubey Ajay K. , Singh Surendra
Published: October 2024

Through storylines dealing with catastrophic changes, visual media has much been celebrated and appreciated for its efforts to evoke the perils of the Anthropocene in South Asia. But as the crises escalate, other cultural artefacts, especially popular songs, are being explored and harnessed by musicians, bands, and singers across the region to promote environmental awareness. Over the past decade, as popular music culture has mushroomed in the Indian Sub-continent, its extraordinary potential to grasp the attention of consumers towards environmental concerns is being utilized by renowned Indian musicians. These artists have yoked the potential of popular music to reflect issues of environment and sustainability. Exploring the trajectory and topoi of ecomusicology and drawing theoretical insights from it, this chapter examines singer and music composer Papon’s song ‘Waise hi Rehna, Waise hi Behna’—a plea for river conservation. The work brings together music and environment to address the anthropogenic environmental crisis that has gripped the Indian sub-continent. Through a detailed examination of individual sections of the song, the chapter emphasizes that the pollution of rivers in India, that Papon alludes to, fits well into Rob Nixon’s understanding of “slow violence” and Dipesh Chakravarty’s perceptions of the “planetary crisis.” The chapter further scrutinizes the elements—ecologically-charged lyrics and cinematography—that the song employs to provoke public awareness of the human-induced ecological catastrophe. The chapter also explores the various aspects of listening to songs and music within the framework of ecology and environment, strengthening the argument that eco-songs illustrate music as a reliable medium to promote environmental sustainability.
Indigenous Native Epistemology as a Model in Environmental Humanities in India
Authors: Beggiora Stefano
Published: October 2024

The article proposes a reflection on the contribution of the ādivāsī issue in the broader debate on Environmental Humanities in India. The theme of indigeneity on the one hand and the ontological turn in anthropology on the other have highlighted the centrality and importance of the ecological message in the theoretical approach of these disciplines. However, the paper investigates a possible originality of Indian thought in a debate that too often, even in postcolonial studies, has been manipulated by the West. Through the case study of some indigenous cultures of central-eastern India, the paper proposes some original examples of indigenous ontologies and shamanism conveying an idea of respect and consubstantiality of man with other non-humans and with an earth that is mother for everyone. The essay concludes by mentioning the pioneering vision of two of the first Indian anthropologists who understood the importance of the man-spirits-nature connection and of a holistic vision of the cosmos among the native cultures of the Subcontinent.
The Environment in Hindu Consciousness: Revisiting the Sacred Texts
Authors: Sharma Susheel Kumar , Biswas Debajyoti
Published: October 2024

To understand the Hindu consciousness of the environment, one will have to understand the essence of Hinduness. While Hindu is a term derived from Sindhu, a term of reference by the invaders for the people living on the banks of the Sindhu River, the people preferred calling themselves Sanatani, which implies an eternal and all-encompassing form of life. It will not be too far-fetched to refer to the practices of the Hindus as syncretic and ever-evolving because of the plurality of practices, symbiotic relationships, and tolerance towards human and non-human forms of life. There is no binary opposition between the self and the other in Sanatani life because all forms of life emanate from the same source and go back to the same. Furthermore, human life itself is constituted of the five elements (Pancha Bhuta): Prithvi (earth), Jal (water), Agni (fire), Vayu (air), and Akasha (Space). While Nature is constituted of these five elements, the human body is also constituted of the same. The implication is that what is external is also internal and because of this there is no binary of the self and the other. Since such faith is embedded in the practice and function of the life system in India, the question of any external consciousness does not arise. In other words, human and non-human forms of life are integral to nature. Sanatani understanding of nature is a clear mark of departure from Western thought where nature is to be dominated and exploited (see Francis Bacon's Novum Organum). In this chapter we undertake to explain this relation and explore the way scriptural and traditional practices among the Hindus could offer a sustainable future for mankind in the Anthropocene epoch.
Cultural Practices and Indigenous Traditions of the Garo and Bodo: Reinterpreting ‘Man-Nature’ Convergences in Wangala and Bathou
Authors: Pathak Namrata , Brahma Rustam
Published: October 2024

The chapter, by deviating from the current debates on the morbid and disastrous turn in Anthropocenic discourses, aims to create an ‘alternative space’ that invests in the porousness of ‘man-nature’ borders, the constant negotiations and exchanges between them by looking at Indigenous cultural forms of the Garo and Bodo as a meeting point of both agential power and ‘naturalness’ of ecospheres. By reading the different stages of the Wangala festival of the Garo and Bathou of the Bodo, this chapter analyzes how such cultural practices are embodied performances of a community rooted in the region’s landscapes displaying a localized human-nature alignment that counters Western anthropocentricism. The discussion also considers how these cultural practices are connected to human production systems and in the process become a means to archive cultural conservation, patterns of shifting cultivation, and an Indigenous community’s movement through various sociopolitical pathways. Moreover, the chapter places Wangala at the heart of agricultural activities related to tended landscapes such as clearing, planting, ritual activities, pruning, weeding, harvesting, and resource pooling, thus highlighting a symbiotic human-nature conjunction. Bathou is located in the Bodo Indigenous landscape that relies on the organic growth of the cosmic whole, a conceptual framework that takes into its fold an ecocentric worldview countering Western cultural practices.
Multispecies Conviviality, Bioregionalism, and Vegetal Politics in Kodagu, India
Authors: De Subarna
Published: October 2024

The essay examines the changing human-plant geographies in Kodagu, situated in the Western Ghats in southern India. Paying attention to Kodagu helps investigate how “plantiness” impacts resource politics in Indigenous landscapes across pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial timeframes. This chapter will study Sarita Mandanna’s Tiger Hills (2010) and Kavery Nambisan’s The Scent of Pepper (2010) from a bioregional perspective to understand the importance of native plants, forests, vegetal, and feral spaces across Kodagu’s shifting societies and timeframes and investigate how the human-plant encounters redefine the role of plants in Kodagu’s more-than-human geographies. With a particular focus on the Kodava ritual of Kailpodh, this chapter will explore how humans often classify plants as native, invasive, weeds, sacred, and unwanted, depending on their impact on human social life and how ritualizing plants such as rajakirita helps to reinhabit Kodagu and deepens the Kodava human-plant interaction across space and time.
Dissociation Characteristics Simulation of Ammonia, a Propellant for Solar Thermal Propulsion
Authors: Huang Minchao , Wu Jianjun , Li Jian , Cheng Yuqiang
Published: October 2024

The ideal working temperature of a solar thermal propulsion (STP) system is generally above 2200 K, and at this temperature, ammonia (NH3) can dissociate; therefore, it is not accurate to use a single ammonia propellant for the calculation and analysis of thruster performance, and the components of the mixture after ammonia dissociation should be considered. The mixture after ammonia dissociation is composed of atoms and molecules. Since the temperature usually does not exceed 3000 K (it is difficult for high-temperature resistant materials to achieve this temperature), the existence of ionic components can be completely ignored. For vibrational excitation, only molecular nitrogen and hydrogen are considered, which have stable vibrational excitation levels. This chapter focuses on the effect of chemical reactions on the propellant temperature and thruster performance. In an actual 3D flow field, the dissociation characteristics and temperature variation of the ammonia propellant mixture are completely different from those of lumped parameters. The 3D flow field distribution and component distribution pattern are obtained through numerical simulation. This chapter mainly discusses the flow and composition change pattern of the ammonia propellant mixture inside of the heat exchanger core and the nozzle.
Methamphetamine-induced cardiotoxicity: in search of protective transcriptional mechanisms
Authors: Annawald Kristin , Streckfuss-Bömeke Katrin , Meyer Thomas
Published: October 2024

Crystalline methamphetamine hydrochloride is an illegal drug with a high addictive potential, better known by its colloquial name “ice” or “crystal meth”. The abuse of this drug has led to significant health problems worldwide. Like other amphetamine-type stimulants, chronic consumption of methamphetamine leads to direct toxic effects on the central nervous system, causing cognitive impairment, depressive behavior, and other severe neurological or psychiatric symptoms. Besides its neurotoxicity, the drug exhibits numerous deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system, including hypertension, accelerated atherosclerosis, vasospasm-induced acute coronary syndromes, sudden cardiac death, and dilated cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction. The excessive release of catecholamines upon methamphetamine exposure causes vasoconstriction and vasospasm, which ultimately lead to hypertension, tachycardia, endothelial dysfunction, and cardiotoxicity. While numerous studies have focused on transcription factors expressed in the brain that cause the neurotoxic effects of the drug, much less is known about transcription factors involved in the development of methamphetamine-induced heart failure. In this article, we provide an overview of the Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK–STAT3) pathway involved in ischemia/reperfusion injury in the myocardium, which may be activated by the vasospasm-inducing action of the drug. However, much more work is needed to decipher the precise role of STAT protein family members, including the potentially cardioprotective STAT3, in the pathogenesis of methamphetamine-induced cardiotoxicity.
Exploring cutting-edge approaches in diabetes care: from nanotechnology to personalized therapeutics
Authors: Asaad Gihan F. , Doghish Ahmed S. , Rashad Ahmed A. , El-Dakroury Walaa A.
Published: October 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a persistent condition characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood due to irregularities in the secretion of insulin, its action, or both. The disease was believed to be incurable until insulin was extracted, refined, and produced for sale. In DM, insulin delivery devices and insulin analogs have improved glycemic management even further. Sulfonylureas, biguanides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and thiazolidinediones are examples of newer-generation medications having high efficacy in decreasing hyperglycemia as a result of scientific and technological advancements. Incretin mimetics, dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, GLP-1 agonists, PPARs, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, anti-CD3 mAbs, glucokinase activators, and glimins as targets have all performed well in recent clinical studies. Considerable focus was placed on free FA receptor 1 agonist, protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B inhibitors, and Sparc-related modular calcium-binding protein 1 which are still being studied. Theranostics, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, siRNA, and nanotechnology are some of the new therapeutic techniques. Traditional Chinese medicinal plants will also be discussed. This study seeks to present a comprehensive analysis of the latest research advancements, the emerging trends in medication therapy, and the utilization of delivery systems in treating DM. The objective is to provide valuable insights into the application of different pharmaceuticals in the field of diabetes mellitus treatment. Also, the therapeutic approach for diabetic patients infected with COVID-19 will be highlighted. Recent clinical and experimental studies evidence the Egyptian experience. Finally, as per the knowledge of the state of the art, our conclusion and future perspective will be declared.
Azacitidine in combination with shortened venetoclax treatment cycles in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Fleischmann Maximilian , Jentzsch Madlen , Brioli Annamaria , Eisele Florian , Frietsch Jochen J. , Eigendorff Farina , Tober Romy , Schrenk Karin G. , Hammersen Jakob Friedrich , Yomade Olaposi , Hilgendorf Inken , Hochhaus Andreas , Scholl Sebastian , Schnetzke Ulf
Published: October 2024

The combination of venetoclax with hypomethylating agents is currently the standard of care for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. Despite its favorable efficacy, clinical use is often associated with post-remission cytopenia, frequently necessitating treatment delays and dose modifications. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of shortened venetoclax treatment durations. A multicenter analysis was conducted involving 20 adult AML patients receiving venetoclax (7 or 14 days with 9 and 11 patients, respectively) combined with 5-azacitidine (5–7 days) between 2021 and 2024. The cohort included patients from four German academic centers all treated in first line. Outcome measures included bone marrow response, transfusion dependence, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Median age was 73.5 years, with 70% of patients having secondary AML. Adverse molecular risk was observed in 75% of patients. The overall response rate (ORR) was 100%, with a composite complete remission rate of 78%. No significant differences in response rates were observed between the 7-day and 14-day venetoclax regimens. Median OS for the cohort was 15 months. Infection-related complications were observed in 55% of patients, with severe sepsis in 20% of cases. In this cohort, shortened venetoclax regimens demonstrated efficacy comparable to standard treatment protocols, with a potential reduction in hematologic toxicity. These findings support the individualization of treatment regimens to optimize clinical outcomes while potentially minimizing adverse effects.