bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of SLNB in Early Endometrial Adenocarcinoma in China: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Hu Lingjuan , Chen Xiaofeng , Hu Xudong , Luo Jingyuan , Lin Huanmei , Zhu Xiujun , Sun Yanmei , Xiao Jing
Published: September 2024

Background
Endometrial cancer significantly impacts women’s reproductive health and quality of life, with lymph node metastasis serving as a crucial prognostic factor. Given the low metastasis rate, not all early-stage patients require lymph node dissection. The NCCN upgraded Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) technology to Class 2A evidence. However, the applicability of SLNB for Chinese patients remains uncertain. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of SLNB in a Chinese population.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, involving 164 patients with early endometrial adenocarcinoma who underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy from August 2019 to December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: SLNB (N = 33) or systematic lymph node dissection (SLND, N = 33). The primary outcomes assessed were postoperative disease progression-free survival and complication incidence at one month. Secondary outcomes included surgery duration, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and total costs.
Result
Throughout the follow-up period, there were no recurrences case reported in either group. The complication rates were 6% for SLNB and 21% for SLND. In comparison to SLND, SLNB significantly reduced surgery duration (156.4 minutes vs. 267.18 minutes; p < 0.001), blood loss (33.90 ml vs. 98.18 ml; p < 0.01), length of hospital stay (13.48 days vs. 16.76 days; p < 0.01), and total costs (RMB47,203.88 vs. RMB57,969.58; p < 0.01).
Conclusion
SLNB is a less invasive and cost-effective alternative to SLND, offering comparable safety and efficacy for the management of early-stage endometrial cancer in Chinese patients.
Canna Edulis ker. Starch-Based Biodegradable Plastic Materials: Mechanical and Morphological Properties
Authors: Gabriel Azmi Alvian , Rahmawati Alifia Yuanika , Taradipa Yunita Sasmi , Enomae Toshiharu , Fauzan Muhammad Nur , Thangunpai Kotchaporn , Indramawarni Sazkia , Halim Abdul , Ihsanpuro Surya Iryana
Published: September 2024

Bioplastics were produced by mixing starch with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) during the manufacturing process. The physical characteristics of the bioplastics were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus tests were utilized to assess the mechanical characteristics of bioplastics. The bioplastic with the highest tensile strength was BP3 (7.03 ± 0.341 N/mm²), whereas BP0 had a tensile strength of 1.57 ± 0.111 N/m². The addition of CMC increased the viscosity of the solution and, consequently, the strength of the bioplastic. The range of bioplastic hydrophobicity was approximately 128.32% to 323.74%. FTIR, XPS, and XRD indicated that the physical mixing utilized during synthesis did not result in the addition of functional groups other than the native functional groups of the substances since no chemical reaction occurred. The thermal behavior investigation revealed that increasing the amount of CMC added to TPS can increase the presence of O-H functional groups in bioplastics, contributing to an increase in the glass transition temperature. Furthermore, both bioplastics broke down at approximately 250°C.
Does precocious puberty and its treatment cause the emotional and behavioural problems in children?
Authors: Köprülü Özge , Akgül Gözde Yazkan
Published: September 2024

Central precocious puberty (CPP) occurs as a result of early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In recent years, especially after the COVID pandemic, presentations with signs of precocious puberty and cases requiring treatment have increased all over the world. Recent studies have showed that CPP patients are more likely to have social and psychiatric problems than their peers of the same age and gender. The aim of our study is to examine the psychiatric symptoms and quality of life of the children newly diagnosed with CPP and cases under treatment more than one year and to compare these symptoms with age and gender-matched healthy children. The research was planned as a cross-sectional study and included 47 female and 3 male patients (n = 50) who were followed up for CPP. The control group (CG) consisted of healthy children matched with the case group in terms of age and gender (n = 25). The case group was divided into two groups; patients who were newly diagnosed and did not receive treatment yet and patients who had been receiving treatment for at least one year. Sociodemographic form, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-Child Version (RCADS-CV), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), TURGAY DSM-IV-Based Child and Adolescent Behavior Disorders Screening and Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-S) were applied to the children and their families. 50 cases diagnosed with CPP with a mean age of 8.95±1.07 years (25 at diagnosis, 25 on follow-up) and 25 healthy children with a mean age of 8.79±1.02 years were enrolled the study. 94% of CPP group (PG) (n = 47) and 84% of control group (CG) (n = 21) were girls. When the child and parent forms have evaluated; there was no significant difference between three groups in terms of quality of life (child and parent forms), anxiety and depression scores, strengths and difficulties scores. Similar results were obtained between three groups in terms of inattention and hyperactivity scores, oppositional defiance and conduct disorder scores according to the scale.
Conclusion: In the present study, psychiatric symptoms and quality of life were compared between the three groups and no significant difference was detected. While it is a favorable finding that there is no difference in terms of these symptoms in children with early adolescence, it is crucial to consider children with a chronic disease in a multidisciplinary approach and to assess the cases for the potential negative impacts on their quality of life.
Atypical Gut Microbiota Composition in a Mouse Model of Developmental Stuttering
Authors: Nanda Sayan , Lamot Bryan , Guarino Nicole , Usler Evan , Chugani Diane , Dutta Aditya , Chow Ho Ming
Published: September 2024

Developmental stuttering is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by disfluent speech. It has been associated with mutations in genes involved in lysosomal enzyme trafficking. Mice with mutations in one such gene, Gnptab, exhibit atypical vocalizations analogous to stuttering in humans. This mouse model has enabled the study of various molecular mechanisms related to the disorder. Simultaneously, an increasing number of reports have suggested the role of gut microbiota in altered brain function and development in neurological disorders. In this study, we compared gut microbiota profiles from Gnptab mutant mice to wildtype control mice. Microbiome analysis demonstrated a distinct microbiota profile in Gnptab mutant mice. The most significant alteration was an increased relative abundance of Akkermansia, a genus of mucin degrading bacteria, which has previously been associated with multiple neurological disorders. Moreover, the altered microbiota profile of these mice was predicted to result in differences in abundance of several metabolic pathways, including short chain fatty acid and lipopolysaccharide synthesis. These pathways may play a role in the onset, progression and persistence of developmental stuttering. This is the first study to show a potential link between developmental stuttering and changes in the gut microbiota, laying the groundwork for a new research direction.
Upshot of Temperature on Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized Via CVD Aided Spray Pyrolysis and Its Application towards Lead Ion Removal from Waste Water
Authors: Angulakshmi V. S. , Mageswari S , Kalaiselvan S.
Published: September 2024

Rosmarinus officinalis was used in CVD Aided Spray Pyrolysis is to produce multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with a Fe-Co-Mo catalyst supported on silica using argon inert environment. The temperature at which MWNTs were formed varied from 550 to 750°C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction analysis, and Raman spectrum measurements were employed to characterize the as-grown MWNTs. HRTEM and Raman spectroscopy learning validated the progress of MWNTs 20–30 nm in diameter. The viability of using as-grown MWNTs as an adsorbent for removing Pb (II) ions from drinking water was studied. The Langmuir and Freundlich equations were exploited to interpret adsorption isotherm data. Kinetic data was analyzed by means of Elovich, pseudo-first-order, and pseudo-second-order equations.
Effects of flipped learning methodology utilising digital literacy on the critical thinking abilities and self-directed learning of South Korean nursing students: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Lee Minjae , Kang Insoon
Published: September 2024

Background
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the Fourth Industrial Revolution have transformed nursing education by incorporating online and digital technologies into instructional methods. Digital literacy is essential in information communication technology–based courses to train nursing students to adapt to new digital environments in their profession. Flipped learning effectively utilises digital literacy to help students engage in self-directed learning and develop critical thinking skills. This study aimed to investigate the impact of flipped learning utilising digital literacy on the critical thinking skills and self-directed learning of nursing students in South Korea.
Methods
A quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group pre-test–post-test design was employed to examine effects of flipped learning using digital literacy on the critical thinking skills and learner autonomy of nursing students. Participants were third-year nursing students at P University, Korea. Flipped learning was administered to 36 students in the experimental group for 13 weeks, while traditional lecture-based instruction was provided to 35 students in the control group from September to December, 2023. Data were analysed using SPSS Statistics 27.0. Independent t-tests were conducted to compare the effects between the experimental and control groups. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationships between digital literacy, critical thinking skills, and learner autonomy.
Results
The post-test scores for critical thinking skills differed between the experimental and control groups, though not statistically significantly (t=-0.86, p = .391). However, the scores for learner autonomy showed a statistically significant difference in favour of the experimental group (t = 2.79, p = .042).
Conclusion
This study indicates that flipped learning using digital literacy effectively enhances learner autonomy. However, critical thinking skills require long-term follow-ups to ensure significant changes occur. This finding suggests that both the short- and long-term effects should be considered when evaluating educational outcomes.
Study of heat transfer characteristics of new-fin for sleeve-tube thermal energy storage units
Authors: Wu Xuehong , Hao Kaile , Zhao Min , Chen Yige , Liu Yong , Lv Cai , Cao Shuang , Yu Yinsheng , Tang Songzhen
Published: September 2024

To address the issue of low melting efficiency between adjacent fins and at the bottom of the phase change material (PCM) in a horizontal shell-and-tube phase change thermal energy storage (TES) system, a novel stepped claw shaped fin structure was introduced. The effects of the structural parameters, position, and angle of the new fin on the heat storage and release efficiency of the phase-change heat accumulator were studied numerically. The results showed that the use of stepped claw fins could enhance heat transfer and increase the melting rate of PCM, although it might inhibit the heat release process. Reasonable adjustment of the fin length, position, and angle could improve the uniformity of the temperature distribution in thermal storage. In this study, the device with stepped claw fins achieved a heat storage efficiency of 1108.3 J/s. Considering both heat storage and release processes, the heat storage and release efficiency of the stepped claw-finned device is 3.06 times higher than that of the non-finned device. The new stepped claw fins could effectively improve the thermal performance of the device and represent a type of fin with excellent performance.
Green synthesis of silver/silver oxide nanostructures using the Malva sylvestris extract prior to simultaneous distillation extraction: synthesis, phytochemical and biological analysis
Authors: Bekhradian Ali , Karami Bahador , Rajabi Hamid Reza
Published: September 2024

Nanotechnology and nanoscience are due to their numerous uses in medicine, engineering, and water pollution sensors and their expanding research fields. In this study, the essential oil, methanolic extract, and biosynthesized silver/silver oxide nanostructures (Ag/AgO NSs) using the aqueous extract of the plant were prepared. The phytochemical compounds of the extract and essential oil were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), respectively. The GC/MS technique identified 34 compounds in the essential oil of the plant with the major constituents including oleic acid (18.5%), palmitic acid (11.08%), phytone (6.64%), p-Vinylguaiacol (6.4%), and phytol (4.23%). After the phytochemical identification, the total flavonoid and polyphenol content of the extract was determined, too. Prodelphinidin B3 compound in the M. sylvestris extract was analyzed and detected by high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV), at a retention time of around 10 minutes. In addition, M. sylvestris extract was used for green synthesis of Ag/AgO NSs. The as-prepared NPs were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET), Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption at λmax 320 nm in the UV-vis spectra confirm the formation of Ag/AgO NSs. The crystalline structure of Ag/AgO NSs was confirmed by XRD analysis. The small size, with three different Williamson-Hall, Sherrer and SEM/EDS methods, size of nanoparticles were obtained 64.16, 44.33 and 50 nm respectively. Besides, that spherical shape of Ag NPs with good size distribution was observed in the SEM/EDS analysis. The small size, around 50 nm, and spherical shape of Ag/AgO NSs with good size distribution was observed in the SEM/EDS analysis. Besides, the antibacterial activity of the extract was evaluated against three pathogenic bacteria, by disk diffusion method. Significant antibacterial activity was observed for the prepared extracts of M. sylvestris against the bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and the results were compared with the known antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cephalexin, erythromycin, and fluconazole.
“I have learned that nothing is given for free”: A qualitative evaluation of a social norms edutainment intervention broadcast on local radio to prevent age-disparate transactional sex in Kigoma, Tanzania
Authors: Howard-Merrill Lottie , Pichon Marjorie , Witt Alice , Sono Revocatus , Gimunta Veronicah , Hofer Enrica , Kiluvia Fatina , Alfred Mengi , Yohanna Emmanuel , Buller Ana Maria
Published: September 2024

Background
Promising evidence supports the effectiveness of edutainment interventions in shifting norms to prevent violence against women and girls and other harmful practices, yet further research into mechanisms and pathways of impact is needed to inform intervention development, delivery and scale-up. This qualitative pilot study examined the feasibility and indications of change in attitudes, beliefs, norms and behaviours following the broadcast of a radio drama aired to prevent age-disparate transactional sex in Tanzania.
Methods
Over seven weeks, six episodes were broadcast on local radio weekly, between November and December 2021 in Kigoma, targeting adolescent girls (aged 13–15 years) and their caregivers. Reflection sessions were conducted twice a week with 100 girls across ten schools, supplemented by after-school Girls’ Club listening sessions for a subgroup of 30 girls. We conducted seven before and after focus group discussions, five with girls (n = 50), one with men caregivers (n = 9) and one with women caregivers (n = 9), and analysed them using thematic and framework analysis approaches.
Results
Overall, we found that while girls exhibited significant engagement with the drama, caregiver participation, particularly among men, was low. We detected positive changes in four thematic areas after listening to the drama: (1) participant’s increasingly challenged perceptions about what kinds of girls and men take part in age-disparate transactional sex, what can be exchanged, and men’s motivations for engaging; (2) there was a shift from attributing blame for age-disparate transactional sex relationships from girls to men; (3) girl’s reported increased agency and confidence to avoid age-disparate transactional sex relationships; and (4) we found a heightened sense of responsibility and recognition for the role of parents, peers and community members in preventing age-disparate transactional sex. We did not find any differences in impact based on listening sessions’ attendance vs home listening, and no clear changes were detected in men.
Conclusions
These findings highlight the need for further implementation research to explore ways to effectively engage men, and underscore the potential of engaging, evidence-based edutainment interventions in fostering spontaneous critical reflection about complex behaviours such as age-disparate transactional sex, and diffusion of key messages among target populations without the use of organised diffusion activities.
A composite pressure relief method based on roof cutting and fracturing expansion for thick hard roof in large mining height
Authors: Yang Jun , Song Hongxu , Fu Qiang , Liu Jianning , Gao Yubing , Liu Yuxuan , Jin Hongyu
Published: September 2024

In coal mining, thick and hard roof strata are widely distributed, posing significant hazards that easily lead to various issues such as extensive deformations of the surrounding rock and failure of support systems due to strong mining pressure, resulting in frequent safety incidents. Particularly under conditions of large mining heights, the goaf height increases, exacerbating the problem of strong mining pressure on thick and hard roof strata. To address this issue, this paper proposes a composite pressure relief method (CPRM) based on roof cutting and fracturing expansion for thick hard roof in large mining height. Through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and field testing, the pressure relief mechanism and effects of this method are analyzed, validating its efficacy. Research results indicate that the CPRM severs the hanging roof of thick and hard strata, promoting the timely collapse of the roof in the goaf while enhancing the fracturing and expansion filling effect. This effectively reduces the stress intensity in stopes with thick and hard roof strata at high mining heights, significantly addressing issues such as extensive deformation of surrounding rock in roadways caused by strong mining pressure. It provides a reference for pressure relief and control of surrounding rock under similar conditions.
Causal Links of Factors to Neurodegenerative Diseases and Alzheimer's Risk Prediction Model
Authors: Tian Yucheng , Qiu Dan , Wang Zhaowei , Song Renjie , Chen Feiyu , Cheng Xue , Sun Dongqing , Cai Zhijian , Somjit Nutapong , Zhang Weijia
Published: September 2024

Objective: This study aimed to explore the causal links between various lifestyle, demographic, cognitive factors and neurodegenerative diseases, and to develop an Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk prediction model.
Methods: Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted using genetic variants as instrumental variables to investigate the relationships between lifestyle, demographics, cognitive factors, and neurodegenerative diseases. We used the MR-Egger regression, weighted median method, Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW), and weighted model. Based on the Mendelian analysis results, logistic multivariate analysis was used for validation and to design an AD rating prediction model.
Results: Mendelian randomization analysis showed that beer intake was positively correlated with AD risk, whereas education level and cognitive ability were negatively correlated with AD risk. There was a positive correlation between education level, economic status, and risk of Parkinson's. There was a positive correlation between physical activity level and the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and higher education level is significantly associated with a reduced risk of ALS. Logistic regression analysis showed that age and sex were positively correlated with AD, while education level was negatively correlated with AD. The accuracy of the AD risk prediction model was 78%, which was better than that of the logical model 62%.
Conclusion: Mendelian analysis results indicated that there is a causal relationship between beer intake, educational level, cognitive ability and AD. There is a causal relationship between education level, economic status, and Parkinson's disease. There was a causal relationship between physical activity level, education level, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. No causal relationship was found between these factors and Lewy body dementia or frontotemporal dementia. The rating prediction model outperformed traditional logistic models in terms of accuracy .
Associations of furan exposure with the prevalence and mortality in asthma: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Shuwen , Shen Kunlu , Sun Bingqing , Liu Bowen , Li Chunxiao , Zhou Mengqi , Hou Xin , Xiang Min , Lin Jiangtao
Published: September 2024

Background
Few studies have explored the role of furan exposure plays in aggravating asthma.
Objective
To access the relationship of furan exposure to asthma.
Methods
This is a prospective cohort study, involving 7,047 adults over 20 years old from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2012. Blood furan levels were employed to quantify furan exposure. Multivariate survey-weighted regressions were utilized to analyze the associations between furan exposure, the prevalence of asthma. Mediation analyses for furan exposure and asthma prevalence were conducted. Multiple Cox regression was employed to evaluate the association between furan exposure and asthma prognosis.
Results
Asthmatics have higher blood furan levels than non-asthmatics (P < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, log10-transformed blood furan levels (LBFL) were independently associated with an increased risk of asthma prevalence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21–4.78, P = 0.014). There was a significant positive linear relationship between LBFL and risk of asthma (P for linear = 0.0003). In mediation analyses, FEV1 was identified as mediators in the above relationships, with mediated proportions of 32.73%. Longitudinally, multiple Cox regression analysis demonstrated that LBFL were positively correlated with respiratory mortality in asthma (HR = 27.88, 95% CI = 4.19-185.69, P < 0.0001).
Conclusions
Exposure to furan revealed a positive association with greater odds of asthma, and lung function was identified as an important mediator. An elevated LBFL also is associated with an increased health care use, worse HQL, and prognosis of asthma.
Densification and resistance of Ta 2 O 5 and ZnO co-doped SnO 2 ceramic targets for low-cost TCO films of solar cells
Authors: Jian Ning , Xu Jiwen , Zhu Guisheng , Shang Fei , Xu Huarui
Published: September 2024

Low cost transparent and conducting oxide (TCO) films are important for solar cells, and sintering densification of SnO2-based ceramic targets for depositing TCO film are difficult. Ta2O5 and ZnO were used as dopants and harmless sintering aid, respectively. The targets with different ZnO contents show single rutile structure. The sintering densification was improved by ZnO, and the dense microstructure has fine grains with an average size of 0.2-3 µm. The decomposition and volatilization of targets sintered at higher temperature decrease density. The 0.85 wt% ZnO doped target at the optimal sintering temperature of 1500°C obtain the highest relative density (> 99%) and low resistance (< 50 Ω). The enhanced density of SnO2-based targets by ZnO can effectively improve the density, and further inhibit the formation of nodules on the target surface during magnetron sputtering.
An investigation into the seasonal, herd-specific, parity, and subclinical mastitis-related fluctuations in the microflora of raw milk from dairy cows in Ningxia, China
Authors: xie xiulan
Published: September 2024

Background
The milk microflora is closely associated with the physiology and pathology of the mammary gland, and plays a pivotal role in the development of offspring. The aim of this study was to examine the variability of milk microflora diversity in relation to seasonal, herd-specific, subclinical mastitis status, and parity-related effects.
Results
Milk samples were collected from 285 cows in Ningxia, China, followed by the exploration of microflora using 16S rRNA pyrosequencing. Subsequently, all samples were categorized based on seasonal variations (summer and winter), cow health status (healthy and subclinical mastitis cows), farm origins (6 commercial dairy farms), and parity levels (primiparity and multiparity). The bacterial diversity, community composition, and abundance were assessed in distinct cohorts. Additionally, the milk microflora from samples collected during summer, winter, and colostrum was compared. The findings indicated a significant variation in the bacterial diversity of milk between samples collected from summer and winter. It was observed that the summer samples exhibited higher bacterial richness compared to the winter samples. The gut-related genera, including Parabacteroides, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium_1, Sphingomonas, and Lactobacillus, were found to be prevalent in milk samples collected in summer. Conversely, Escherichia_Shigella, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Psychrobacter, Rhizobium, Bifidobacterium, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 were commonly observed in winter samples. The subclinical mastitis cows showed a significantly higher alpha diversity value (chao1 and Shannon index) compared to the healthy cows (summer). Sporolactobacillus, Mycobacterium, Escherichia_Shigella, and Actionmycetaceae were identified as biomarkers in the subclinical mastitis cows. In addition, the top 20 KEGG pathways were significantly reduced in the subclinical mastitis group compared to the healthy cows in summer, particularly in membrane transport, cell motility, and signal transduction pathways. The bacterial diversity varied across different farms, with Farms A and B demonstrating a higher degree of similarity of milk bacterial composition, while Farms D and F also displayed similarities. Farm C appeared distinct from other farms. Furthermore, there was observed a greater bacterial richness in multiparous cows compared to primiparous cows. Additionally, the comparative analysis revealed a significant difference in alpha and beta diversity, bacterial profiles among summer, winter and colostrum samples.
Conclusions
The study indicated that the composition of milk microflora exhibited variability across different seasons, farms, healthy status, and parities. Furthermore, distinct microflora characteristics were observed in milk samples obtained during summer, winter, and colostrum stages.
Guanidine hydrochloride assisted one-pot synthesis of 2-amino-4,6- disubstituted-3-cyanopyridine derivatives: a sustainable and greener strategy with catalyst recyclability
Authors: Yadav Pradeep U. , Zade Vivek D. , Gadkari Yatin U.
Published: September 2024

Here, we highlight an efficient and novel approach for the one-pot multicomponent preparations of 2-amino-4,6-disubstituted-3-cyanopyridine derivatives through the cyclo-condensation of substituted aromatic aldehydes, ammonium acetate, malononitrile, and aryl ketones under neat conditions. This study presents a novel approach for the preparations of 2-amino-4,6-disubstituted-3-cyanopyridine derivatives with numerous advantages, such as rapid reaction, environmentally friendly conditions, a broad range of compatible substrates, catalyst recyclability, and a simple workup process. The reported method harnesses the catalytic potential of guanidine hydrochloride, serving as a highly effective organo-catalyst, which exhibits exceptional mildness and catalytic activity, facilitating the reaction with high yield.
Enhanced Movie Recommendation Systems: Integrating Improved Kernel Self-Organizing Maps and Silhouette Analysis
Authors: Sharma Saurabh , Dubey Ghanshyam Prasad , Shakya Harish Kumar
Published: September 2024

The field of movie recommendation systems faces significant obstacles in achieving high accuracy and relevance, primarily due to issues such as cluster overlap and data integration. This work introduces a novel strategy that combines the Improved Kernel Self-organising Map (IKSOM) and Silhouette Clustering methods to address these challenges. The IKSOM algorithm enhances the accuracy of movie recommendations by improving the representation of user and item information in a high-dimensional space. The technique of Silhouette Clustering is utilised to improve the definition of cluster boundaries and minimise the occurrence of overlapping among clusters of movies. The methodology involves combining many data sources through data fusion techniques to improve the recommendation process by including contextual and user-specific information. By incorporating these techniques, the proposed strategy not only improves the precision and comprehensiveness of suggestions but also effectively reduces the duplication among groups, leading to a greater variety of relevant and suitable movie selections. The performance assessment of the proposed system was conducted using the MovieLens_25M dataset. The findings demonstrate a significant improvement in the accuracy of recommendations, with the system achieving an accuracy rate of 98.2%, a precision rate of 96.6%, a recall rate of 95.2%, an F1-score of 95.4%, a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.462, and a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.243. These indicators illustrate the efficacy of the integrated strategy in delivering recommendations of superior quality. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential enhancements that can be achieved in movie recommendation systems through the merging of IKSOM and Silhouette Clustering techniques. The findings suggest that combining advanced clustering methods with reliable data fusion techniques can significantly improve recommendation performance and increase user satisfaction. Future study should explore the integration of contextual variables and current information to improve the adaptability and precision of recommendation systems.
Corrosion-enhanced activated carbon deodorization of malodorous gases from fish processing
Authors: Wysocka Izabela , Lipińska Anna
Published: September 2024

Activated carbon adsorption is one of the most effective methods of deodorizing malodorous gases generated by fish processing. This paper proposes an innovative method of improving activated carbon adsorption of malodorous gases from the fish industry. The solution, which involves introducing a layer of corroding steel packing into the adsorption bed, provided the same high deodorization rate as activated carbon alone (nearly 100%). The innovation considerably extended the adsorbent service life. For gases with a concentration of 2,200 ouE/m3, the efficiency of the activated carbon increases over ninefold. At a carbon price of 2,400 € per ton, gas treatment becomes considerably cheaper (a reduction of 3.59 € per 1 m3 treated gas, which translates to a final cost of 0.38 €). The steel packing can consist of recycled materials. If the corrosivity of the treated gases is similar to that of air, the packing can be reused repeatedly, even over dozens of years.
Cyclopogon Guayanensis is an Unusual Orchid With a Generalistic Pollination System and Hexose Dominant Nectar
Authors: MENEGUZZO THIAGO E. C. , GOMES SUELI M. , BATISTA JOÃO A. N. , AGUIAR ANTONIO J. C. , MARTINS ALINE C. , WILLIAMS THOMAS C. R. , PROENÇA CAROLYN E. B.
Published: September 2024

Cyclopogon is a large Neotropical orchid genus pollinated by halictid bees that offers nectar as reward. In a recent phylogenetic tree, Brachystele guayanensis emerged nested within Cyclopogon and was transferred to that genus. The hypothesis for this study was that C. guayanensis would show a similar floral biology to Cyclopogon, although distinctive in its small, congested white flowers. Data on floral biology, pollinators, micromorphology, histochemistry, and nectar sugar composition of C. guayanensis in the Distrito Federal, Brazil were gathered. C. guayanensis is pollinated by at least four species of bees belonging to genera Exomalopsis, Nomada, Tetrapedia (Apidae) and Dialictus (Halictidae) foraging for nectar. Nectar is produced in visually imperceptible quantities by papillae on the inner surface of the labellum; similar papillae occur in other species of Cyclopogon but nectar class is unknown. C. guayanensis nectar is hexose dominant (< 10% sucrose) in the Baker and Baker system and is the second record of this nectar class in the Orchidaceae. Pollinia are dorsally adhesive and probably attach to the underside of the bee labrum, as in other Cyclopogon. The inflorescence rachis, bracteoles, and outer surfaces of the base of the sepals are covered with lipid-secreting glandular trichomes; sepals and petals have numerous raphid-rich idioblasts. This is the first record of papillae on a spurless labellum shown to produce nectar in the Orchidoideae. We suggest that hexose dominant nectars in the Orchidaceae are associated with a geophytic habit, small pale flowers, exposed nectaries, visually imperceptible quantities of nectar, and a generalistic pollination system, and coin the term ‘modest pollination strategy’ for this syndrome.
Hospital mortality and associated factors of Road traffic accident victims admitted at the trauma centers in Ethiopia. Hospital based retrospective cross- sectional study
Authors: Samuel Abraham , Hussien Heyira , Engida Haywet , Lajore Bereket Aberham , Moges Sisay , Lodebo Mengistu , Mekebo Merkineh
Published: September 2024

Background
About 1.35 million peoples deceased every year as a consequence of road traffic accidents (RTA). Half of all road traffic deaths occur among susceptible road users: walkers, bikers, and racers. 93% of the world's mortalities on the streets occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), although these nations have a small number of the world's vehicles. Ethiopia is a country with small number of vehicles and large number of death due to road traffic accident. This study aimed to assess mortality among admitted road traffic accident victims and factors determining it.
Methods
The study was conducted in Addis Ababa Burn and emergency trauma (AaBET), and Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital (TASH) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March 13, 2021 to April 23, 2021. Hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional chart review methods were implemented from Dec 31st 2018 to January 1st, 2021. 398 RTA victims were selected using simple random sampling method. Structured checklist was used to collect the data. The collected data was cleaned and entered into Epi-data ver.4.6 and exported to SPSS ver.26 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between variables.
Result
The study found that hospital mortality of road traffic accident victims admitted at AaBET and TASH in AA, Ethiopia, were 31.6% during the last two years. Among RTA victims who had severe head injury was more than 30 times (AOR = 30.79, 95%CL: 6.62, 143.25) likely to cause hospital mortality as compared to those who had a mild head injury. The hospital fatality of RTA victims who were admitted for ≥ 1 day more than 24 times (AOR = 24.88, 95%CI: 5.13, 114.37) likely to die as compared to those who had a length of hospital stay > 3days.
Conclusion and Recommendation:
This research clearly illustrates that the hospital mortality of RTA in the last 3 years was found to be high. The study revealed that head injury state severity, endotracheal intubation status, and length of hospital stay significantly determined hospital mortality of road traffic accidents.
Exploring the Anticonvulsant Potential of Agmatine in a Rotenone-Induced Corneal Kindling Mice Model of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: The Dual Control of Neurochemical Aberrations and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kaur Rashmin , Kaur Arvinder , Kaur Arshbir , Goel R. K
Published: September 2024

Objective
The study aimed to investigate the ameliorative potential of Agmatine in mitochondrial drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) owing to its ability to maintain neurochemical homeostasis and antioxidant effect.
Material and Method:
Adult albino mice(n = 42) were subjected to rotenone corneal kindling (2.5 mg/kg i.p.) with daily electric shocks (15 mA, 20V, 6Hz for 3s) via corneal electrode to develop mitochondrial DRE. The pre-treatment validation was carried using five standard ASDs (Pregabalin, Levetiracetam, Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine, and Phenytoin). Thereafter, animals were divided into six groups (excluding naïve): one control, and others received Agmatine (Agm) (5, 10 mg/kg i.p.) and Valproate (Val) (300 mg/kg i.p.) individually and in combination. The post-treatment resistance validation was conducted with same ASDs in same order following treatment phase. Further, the neurochemical (agmatine, arginine, GABA, glutamate, serotonin, and norepinephrine) and biochemical (GSH, Catalase, and TBARS) milieu were assessed in cortex and hippocampus regions of brain.
Results
The inability to reduce seizure severity by standard ASDs after 15-day kindling procedure, confirms the development of drugs resistance. Agmatine effectively eliminated resistance as post-treatment ASDs administration following the treatment phase as revealed by decreased in seizure severity scores. It also showed neurochemical modulatory activity as evidenced by elevated levels of agmatine, arginine, GABA, serotonin, norepinephrine and reduced glutamate levels and antioxidant activity by showing raised levels of GSH, catalase and lowered TBARS level. More Significant outcomes were found with combination of Agm 10 mg/kg and valproate 300 mg/kg
Conclusion
The present study revealed the reversal of drugs resistance in rotenone model of DRE by agmatine through its neurochemical modulatory and anti-oxidant property.
An aging-sensitive compensatory secretory phospholipase that confers neuroprotection and cognitive resilience
Authors: Sahay Amar , Vicidomini Cinzia , Goode Travis , McAvoy Kathleen , Yu Ruilin , Beveridge Conor , Iyer Sanjay , Victor Matheus , Leary Noelle , Steinbaugh Michael , Lai Zon , Lyon Marina , Silvestre Manuel , Bonilla Gracia , Sadreyev Ruslan , Walther Tobias , Sui Shannan , Saido Takaomi , Yamamoto Kei , Murakami Makoto , Tsai Li-Huei , Chopra Gaurav , Evans Liam
Published: September 2024

Breakdown of lipid homeostasis is thought to contribute to pathological aging, the largest risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Cognitive reserve theory posits a role for compensatory mechanisms in the aging brain in preserving neuronal circuit functions, staving off cognitive decline, and mitigating risk for AD. However, the identities of such mechanisms have remained elusive. A screen for hippocampal dentate granule cell (DGC) synapse loss-induced factors identified a secreted phospholipase, Pla2g2f, whose expression increases in DGCs during aging. Pla2g2f deletion in DGCs exacerbates aging-associated pathophysiological changes including synapse loss, inflammatory microglia, reactive astrogliosis, impaired neurogenesis, lipid dysregulation and hippocampal-dependent memory loss. Conversely, boosting Pla2g2f in DGCs during aging is sufficient to preserve synapses, reduce inflammatory microglia and reactive gliosis, prevent hippocampal-dependent memory impairment and modify trajectory of cognitive decline. Ex vivo, neuronal-PLA2G2F mediates intercellular signaling to decrease lipid droplet burden in microglia. Boosting Pla2g2f expression in DGCs of an aging-sensitive AD model reduces amyloid load and improves memory. Our findings implicate PLA2G2F as a compensatory neuroprotective factor that maintains lipid homeostasis to counteract aging-associated cognitive decline.
Schulentwicklung und Reality-TV?
Authors: Carmignola Matteo
Published: September 2024

Welche Assoziationen weckt der Einsatz von Reality-TV in Bezug auf die Trias der Schulentwicklung? Können Studierende dabei entsprechende Grundkonzepte erwerben? Welche Grenzen und Verzerrungen ergeben sich? Erfahrungen und Ergebnisse aus einem hochschuldidaktischen Experiment.
Initiierung eines nachhaltigen Schulentwicklungsprozesses an einer ländlichen Schule
Authors: Schmid Philipp , Schmid-Bürgi Kathrin
Published: September 2024

Wie kann die Schulleitung nachhaltige Schulentwicklungsprozesse auslösen? Braucht es allenfalls unterschiedliche Herangehensweisen zwischen Schulen in ländlichen, verglichen mit urbanen Gebieten? Welchen Einfluss hat das Führungshandeln auf die Implementierung des Prozesses?
Dritte universitätsweite Studierendenbefragung 2023 der Goethe-Universität: zentrale Ergebnisse
Authors: Winkler Antonia , Mordel Julia
Published: September 2024

Die dritte universitätsweite Studierendenbefragung fand zwischen Ende November 2022 und Ende Januar 2023 statt und setzte damit den fünfjährigen Turnus der Befragung fort (Wintersemester 2012/13, Wintersemester 2017/18). In der vorliegenden Zusammenfassung der zentralen Ergebnisse wird eine Auswahl der Ergebnisse der universitätsweiten Studierendenbefragung 2023 wiedergegeben. Ziel der Zusammenfassung ist es, einen übersichtlichen Einblick in die Perspektiven der Studierenden der Goethe-Universität zu geben.
Examining employee engagement and its importance at the selected South African university
Authors: Chikukwa Tatenda , Lourens Melanie , Vincent Mbona Sizwe
Published: September 2024

An engaged workforce is vital for higher education institutions to contribute positively to the developing world. The purpose of this study is to examine employee engagement and its significance for academic and administrative employees at the Durban University of Technology in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The study opted for a quantitative research design to explore the role and importance of employee engagement. The target population consisted of 1,861 university employees at the selected university in South Africa, and 320 employee from different university units and positions were selected using simple random sampling without replacement. The results revealed that 80% of respondents exert high levels of physical energy, concentration, and dedication toward achieving institutional objectives. Additionally, the results showed a significant difference in the support employees get, with administrative staff receiving more support than academic staff members. The study concluded that university employees exhibit high levels of physical energy at work. In addition, the study found a significant and positive relationship between employees exhibiting high levels of physical energy at work and employees who find their work meaningful and experience inspiration.
Turbidity assessment in coastal regions combining machine learning, numerical modeling, and remote sensing
Authors: Memari Saeed , Phanikumar Mantha S. , Boddeti Vishnu , N. Das Narendra
Published: September 2024

Machine learning models for water quality prediction often face challenges due to insufficient data and uneven spatial-temporal distributions. To address these issues, we introduce a framework combining machine learning, numerical modeling, and remote sensing imagery to predict coastal water turbidity, a key water quality proxy. This approach was tested in the Great Lakes region, specifically Cleveland Harbor, Lake Erie. We trained models using observed data and synthetic data from 3D numerical models and tested them against in situ and remote sensing data from PlanetLabs' Dove satellites. High-resolution (HR) data improved prediction accuracy, with RMSE values of 0.154 and 0.146 log10(FNU) and R2 values of 0.92 and 0.93 for validation and test datasets, respectively. Our study highlights the importance of unified turbidity measures for data comparability. The machine learning model demonstrated skill in predicting turbidity through transfer learning, indicating applicability in diverse, data-scarce regions. This approach can enhance decision support systems for coastal environments by providing accurate, timely predictions of water quality variables. Our methodology offers robust strategies for turbidity and water quality monitoring and has potential for improving input data quality for numerical models and developing predictive models from remote sensing data.
Research on the risk of drought disasters in the middle reaches of the Yellow River coupled with ecosystem entity
Authors: Wang Putian , Jian Shengqi , Zhang Guodong
Published: September 2024

Drought is one of the most significant natural disasters. In this study, we utilized the middle reaches of the Yellow River as the subject of our investigation. We characterized the exposure of ecosystem disaster-bearers by NDVI and established a probabilistic framework for assessing the vulnerability of ecosystems under drought stress, coupling ecosystems and human society disaster-bearers. The SPI was selected to identify the attributes of drought by employing the travel theory, and the bivariate joint distribution of drought duration and intensity was constructed by utilizing the Copula function. The temporal and spatial changes in drought risk in the middle reaches of the Yellow River are investigated using the risk calculation formula defined by the IPCC. The results indicate that a few areas, including the Wei River, Wuding River, Fen River, and Yiluo River basins, are prone to drought events with low drought duration and low drought intensity. The drought risk exhibited an upward trend, gradually expanding outward from the mainstem area. The area of high drought risk in the two-variable AND relationship migrated upstream from the downstream of the Wuding River, the Beiluo River, the Jing River, the Wei River, and the Fen River.