bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El guion cinematográfico como etnografía. A propósito de una investigación antropológica en Arabia Saudí
Authors: Galán Silvo Idoia
Published: May 2022

An ethnographic experience in a compound —a compound surrounded by security measures and physical, political, and bodily barriers in which a group of people of different nationalities live and/or work— in Saudi Arabia exposes the anthropologist to methodological constraints in conducting gender-sensitive anthropological research under the country’s authoritarian regime. The purpose of this article is to explore new tools for both data collection and data return, as ethnography in restrictive contexts. The fieldwork was conducted between 2011 and 2016 in the KAUST compound, a science and technology university created to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economic model under a restrictive and authoritarian social context. In this article, the researcher experiments with writing a film script in order to respect the anonymity and security of those involved in the research, and at the same time to reflect her double role as subject and object of study, as a researcher and as a Kaustian belonging to the group. The article depicts the film script, on the one hand, as a methodological guide drawn up during her stay at the site; and, on the other, as a creative ethnographic non-fiction text framed in a feminist strategy of resistance pursued by the anthropologist in the face of Saudi social and cultural hegemonic patterns. Although the proposal is situated in a specific ethnographic context that serves as a reference case, this article presents the film script as a multidisciplinary methodological approach applied to ethnography, which combines academic training in anthropology and the artistic expression of scriptwriting. This allows for reflection on methodological strategies applicable to other fields that, to a greater or lesser extent, respond to similar objectives and/or problems, as well as on the different approaches to scholarly communication.
Esoteric Lacan
Authors: Williams Saywrane Alfonso
Published: May 2022

This review analyzes Philipp Valentini and Mahdi Tourage’s Esoteric Lacan, describing the work in detail and the book review author’s reflections on it. Esoteric Lacan is a one-of-a-kind dialogue between Lacan and various religio-cultural studies. The study takes an interdisciplinary and interlocutive approach to ideas Lacan conversed with and goes beyond a Eurocentric context. The collection spans the gamut from Gnosticism to Judaism to Kabbalistic musings to Afropessimism to the Lacanian discourses to the Borromean Knot and Sinthome to Ibn ‘Arabī and much more.
An ethical visualization of the NorthCOVID-19 model
Authors: Fisher Andrew , Patel Neelkumar , Patel Preetkumar , Patel Pruthvi , Krishnankutty Vinit , Bhat Vaibhav , Valani Parth , Mago Vijay , Rao Abhijit
Published: May 2022

When modelling epidemics, the outputs and techniques used may be hard for the general public to understand. This can cause fear mongering and confusion on how to interpret the predictions provided by these models. This article proposes a solution for such a model that was created by a Canadian institute for COVID-19 in their region; namely, the NorthCOVID-19 model. In taking these ethical concerns into consideration, first the web interface of this model is analyzed to see how it may be difficult for a user without a strong mathematical background to understand how to use it. Second, a system is developed that takes this model’s outputs as an input and produces a video summarization with an auto-generated audio to address the complexity of the interface, while ensuring that the end user is able to understand the important information produced by this model. A survey conducted on this proposed output asked participants, on a scale of 1 to 5, whether they strongly disagreed (1) or strongly agreed (5) with statements regarding the output of the proposed method. The results showed that the audio in the output was helpful in understanding the results (80% responded with 4 or 5) and that it helped improve overallcomprehension of the model (85% responded with 4 or 5). For the analysis of the NorthCOVID-19 interface, a System Usability Scale (SUS) survey was performed where itreceived a scoring of 70.94 which is slightly above the average of 68.
Reducing Multi-tap Electrical Fires using Microcapsule Fire Extinguishing Patches
Authors: Kim Sikuk
Published: May 2022

The fire at the Coupang Deokpyeong Logistics Center has spurred studies to reduce the damage caused by multi-tap electrical fires. One solution is a microcapsule fire extinguishing patch with a built-in fire extinguishing agent. To confirm the efficacy of the fire extinguishing patch in curtailing electrical fires, a complex electrical fire in a multi-tap due to overload and tracking was simulated. In the absence of the fire extinguishing patch, continuous flame discharge occurred as the overcurrent reacted with internal combustibles, resulting in a short circuit due to final tracking and a risk of exposure to flames at 1,187s. In contrast, when an overload was applied to the multi-tap with the fire extinguishing patch for 2,400 s, the fire extinguishing agent stored in the microcapsule was released, preventing ignition of the combustibles inside the multi-tap and the formation of the carbonic electric conductive pass due to cooling, suffocation, and anticatalyst effects. Therefore, the overload did not lead to a fire, confirming the ability of the patch to retard electrical fires in the multi-tap. Evaluation of the effect of the location of the fire extinguishing patch showed that the fire extinguishing effect was most significant when the fire extinguishing patch was attached inside the multi-tap.
Development of Self-Generating Wireless Temperature Sensor Network Utilizing Pb-Free Energy-Harvesting Technology to Prevent Fire Caused by Using Lithium-Ion Batteries in Power Plants
Authors: Jang Jeong-Wook , Choi Jun-Ho
Published: May 2022

A recent battery fire accident in a power plant has drawn attention to fire safety management. The lithium-ion battery, the most widely used among secondary batteries, has a high energy density with a high risk of ignition, owing to shock, overheating, discharging, and overcurrent. Installing batteries in a hazardous area inside a power plant increases the risk of a fire. Therefore, there is a need to construct a facility capable of monitoring the state of the managed area without using a battery. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a self-powered wireless temperature sensor network using Pb-free piezoelectric energy-harvesting technology. The developed harvester consisted of a Pb-free piezoelectric element produced using Ba0.9Ca0.1Ti0.93Zr0.07O3 + 0 .3 m ol % CuO ( BCTZ0.3C) ceramic. When the Pb-free piezoelectric energy harvester was operated for 15 s, power to stably operate the wireless sensor network could be obtained, sufficient to transmit the temperature measured once every 1.2 s to the wireless transmitter.
Soft Tissue Treatment Goals for Orthodontic Patients- A Photogrammetric Analysis of Facial Profile for Soft Tissue Norms and Gender Variations in Young Adults, Hyderabad, India
Authors: Rao Srerama Janardhana , Valapula Spandana
Published: May 2022

Introduction: An average face is always more aesthetic than an atypical face, so setting soft tissue treatment goals for male and female orthodontic patients required local norms, like average measurements of local aesthetically pleasing profile is more important than adopting universal norms. Aim: To obtain angular and average measurements of softtissue facial profiles for males and females in young adults of Hyderabad, India. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Government Dental College and Hospital, Hyderabad, India, from the December 2007 to January 2010. The study included 104 aesthetically pleasing individuals between the age group of 16 years to 25 years (42 male and 62 female) selected by Orthodontists and laypersons, facial profile photographs were taken with standardized photographic set up with camera using 100 mm macrolens. Photographs were traced and 12 angular measurements were taken. Descriptive statistical analysis was done using software MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) mean, maximum, minimum value, standard deviation and confidence intervals were calculated. Student’s t-test was done to determine sexual dimorphism, and p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Total of 104 subjects (42 male subjects; mean age :21.4 years and 62 female subjects; mean age: 19.6 years) were analysed. There was a statistically (p-value <0.05) significant sexual dimorphism in seven of the angular measurements were noted. The nasofrontal (females-141o ±4.8o , males-137.86o ±5.2o ), nasal angle (females -84.4±9o , males-80.7o ±6.9o ), vertical nasal (males-32.08o ±3.3o , females-28.33o ±3.636o ), nasal dorsal angle (males-180.19o ±7.112o , females-174.43o ±6.648o ), cervicomental angle (females-98.41o ±5.4o , males-95.7o ±5.1o ), angle of facial convexity (females-173.2o ±4.4o , males-169.6o ±54.8o ), and angle of total facial convexity (females-149o ±4.6o , males144.4o ±5.2o ), showed sexual dimorphism. In the present study, large variability was observed with the nasolabial (p-value=0.314), and mentolabial (p-value=0.798) angles. Conclusion: Successful orthodontic treatment is mainly measured by patient appraisal only, this can be obtained by giving the locally more aesthetically pleasing facial profile to the patient, setting soft tissue facial profile treatment goals to native individuals is far more important than following universal norms in the total benefit of the patients.
Solitary Bone Cyst of Maxilla in a 12-year-old Child: A Case Report
Authors: Babu Ghanta Venkanna , Dwivedi Shilpy , Doneria Anukrati
Published: May 2022

Solitary bone cyst (SBC) are the bony cysts which lack epithelial lining. They are also known as simple bone cysts or pseudocyst. This fluid filled lesions, lies in an intact bony wall. These lesions are not a common clinical finding and are frequently discovered by chance in radiographs during routine examinations. The etiopathogenesis has not been studied in depth, and the management remains controversial. When presented in oral cavity, the most common site of occurrence is body of mandible with 75% occurrence among jaw bones while prevalence in maxilla is only 1% in the jaw bone. In this case report solitary bone cyst is presented in a 12- year-old male patient, who came with chief complaint of bony enlargement on buccal aspect of maxilla in the posterior region. The lesion presented as a painless swelling for three months gradually increasing in size. The patient was treated with surgical excision and there was no sign of regional recurrence at three months of postoperative follow-up. In this paper, the authors presented a rare case report of solitary bone cyst in maxilla in a paediatric patient.
Effectiveness of Sci-Math Board Game for Elementary Science and Mathematics
Authors: Galut Mark Neil A.
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to see how effective the Sci-Math Board Game is, at improving elementary learners’ academic performance in Science and Mathematics. Twenty Grade VI pupils from Tuyangan Elementary School in Tuyangan, Kabugao, Apayao participated. At the start of the academic year 2021-2022, the researcher used quasi-experimental research to conduct this study. The researcher employed quasi-experimental research to conduct this study at the start of the school year 2021-2022. The results showed that utilizing the Sci-Math Board Game in teaching and learning processes is successful, especially when teaching science and math. While playing board games, players can engage in computational thinking, teamwork, and creativity. Furthermore, there was a significant change in the participants' Science and Mathematics performance before and after using the Sci-Math Board Game as an instructional tool.
The Application of Social Media into Moodle for Teaching Writing Skills to Non-English Major Students at Dong Nai Technology University
Authors: Nghia Tran Trung , Thy Pham Hong , Nhi Ha Thi Yen , Dan Nguyen Ngoc Lynh
Published: May 2022

Social media tools are a new type of media with a variety of properties and characteristics. Today, the use of social media is increasing at an alarming rate. Students can digitally meet up with their peers and teachers in this realm. They are able to discuss important topics that are connected to their learning process. This study aimed to see how social media tools in Moodle affected English writing skills in narrative paragraphs and whether social media tools in Moodle may help enhance English writing skills in the narrative paragraph. The current study used a mixed-method strategy that included quantitative and qualitative methodologies such as interviews and questionnaires, as well as an experimental research method. To investigate the impact of using social media platforms on boosting students’ writing, pre-and post-tests were used to assess students’ performance before and after the experiment. The three instruments, the questionnaire, the interview, and the quasi-experiment (pre-post-test), revealed how Moodle’s social media facilities affect students’ English writing skills. Using social media features in Moodle helped students improve their writing skills and enhanced their motivation when creating recount narratives. As a result of this research, it is recommended that social media be integrated into Dong Nai Technology University to increase the students’ other skills dramatically.
School Sports Program of Luna District in the Province of Apayao and Its Level of Competence
Authors: Español King Irol Y. , Español Shane Pearl Lae S.
Published: May 2022

This research work was conducted to assess the school sports program of Luna District in the Province of Apayao using the descriptive research method, specifically employing the survey and comparative techniques.  It looked into the profile of teacher-coaches as to age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, years of teaching experience, years of experience as P.E teacher/coach/trainer and trainings regarding P.E.  It further gauged the adequacy of sports facilities of the schools in Luna District, the level of competition the school has reached and the relationship between the profile of the PE teachers/coaches/trainers and perceived adequacy of equipment and the level of competition reached by the athletes.

Findings show that the teacher-coaches of Luna District are still young having a mean age of 33.11 year old.  They are male dominated, married, almost 10 years in the teaching job but more or less 5 years as coaches/trainers.

This study found out that there is scarcity of basic equipment aside from dama and chess sets and whistles.  However, as teachers, they are resourceful enough to have trainings and coaching even there is lack of equipment to be used.  In this connection, this study found out that Arnis is the only combat event wherein athletes have reached as far as Palarong Pambansa.  Other events like table tennis, gymnastics, chess, volleyball (8.5%) and athletics have reached regional level of competition or the CARAA meet (Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association).  This study also found out that Luna District is making its best to be known also in the field of school sports amidst the scarcity and insufficiency of the different sports equipment or apparatuses.         

Finally, this study found out that the ability of the athletes count much in order for him or her to go to higher level of competition.  It is his/her will, power and determination that bring his/her as far as Palarong Pambansa.  One thing more, the efficiency and patience of the coach surely made the athlete to reach as far as he can.
Hunteria Umbellata Extract is a Potent Agent for Effec-Tive Diabetes Control
Authors: Ahajumobi E. N. , Anderson Peter B.
Published: May 2022

Background: As many as 422 million of the world population, which is 8.5% of the global population were suffering from diabetes in 2014, in 2016, diabetes as a cause of death rose by 5%, and 1.5 million lives were lost to diabetes in 2019 hence, solution-driven interventions to bring the diabetes epidemic under control is necessary. Diabetes treatment is too expensive for the poor and its modern medicine treatment adverse side effects stand in the way of treatment thus, the demand for affordable and harmless herbal alternative is on the rise, and many Africans use Hunetria umbellata to treat diabetes. It is rich in pharmacological phytochemical compounds.

Objectives: Conduct a review of clinical epidemiological studies performed to determine Hunteria umbellata extract efficacious potency in controlling blood sugar and diabetes. Purpose is to encourage and promote its proper use if evidence supports its use, or discourage its use if evidence states the contrary.

Methods: A systematic review study that used various search engines to locate, assess, review, and summarize clinical studies conducted to investigate the potency of Hunteria umbellata extract in blood sugar and diabetes control. The samples size n, (n=22) of the studies reviewed from  which the conclusion of this study was drawn. Search words were “Hunteria umbellata,             composition of Hunteria umbellata , Hunteria umbellata and diabetes, Hunteria umbellata  and sugar”.

Results: Results revealed that Hunteria umbellata extract is a potent agent for controlling blood sugar and diabetes significantly, its effect manifests after six hours and its sugar reduction action continues progressively over time as the dose and concentration increases.

Conclusion: Hunteria umbellata extraction in all clinically approved standards of extraction showed straight antagonism to blood sugar and diabetes, it is a potent agent against blood sugar and diabetes thus, its use in Africa as native medicine for treating diabetes is justified.
Dimensions of Quality in Health Care Facilities: A Simple Review Article
Authors: Albalwei Hamed Salem S. , Albalawi Fayez Muawwadh
Published: May 2022

The quality of medical care is human right . Higher quality health care enhances customer (totology), employee and supplier satisfaction and improves organizational performance. Improving the quality of medical services reduces costs, increases productivity, and enables customers to use better services. This improves the performance of the organization and enables long-term collaboration between employees and suppliers. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations identified core dimensions of quality care that can be used to assess the quality of care in any health-care environment. The SERVQUAL model can be used to measure the impact of the quality dimension on customer satisfaction.
Drug Eluting Stents versus Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Multivessel Disease
Authors: Abo-Elyazed Hesham Mohamed , Al-Sharnoubi Khaled Abdel Salam , Abdallah Taymour Mustafa , Al-Amrousy Mahmoud Zaki
Published: May 2022

Background: through coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or through utilization of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting, coronary revascularization can be achieved. Diabetics represents a particularly challenging group for both treatments. This work aimed to   estimate clinical outcome in diabetic individuals with multiple vessels disease (MVD) who had either PCI or CABG over 30 days.

Methods: This prospective research was conducted on 200 diabetic individuals with MVD established as severe stenosis. Into 2 equal groups, individuals were divided: Group (A) [underwent CABG], and group (B) [performed Drug Eluting Stents (DES) PCI]. All individuals underwent full history taking, resting twelve-leads electrocardiogram, complete clinical examination, transthoracic echocardiography, coronary angiographic, SYNTAX score and Euro score.

Results: In CABG group, age, statin, ACE-I/ARB, β- -blocker and dual antiplatelet therapy was significantly higher than PCI group. PCI group had significantly higher PCI, MI and repeated revascularization than the group of CABG. In PCI group, stroke and MI, death, myocardial infarction (MI), were significantly higher than in group of CABGS.

Conclusions: DES have developed for the coronary artery disease (CAD) treatment and are increasingly being utilized for complex CAD treatment, such as multivessel or left main CAD. PCI is preferred over CABG in high surgical risk individuals due to the shorter hospital stay, faster time of recovery, and potentially decreased stroke rate.
Male Pheromone Isolation, Chemical Analysis and the Perfumes Development from Goat Hair Waste from Some Local Farms in Thailand
Authors: Chawananorasest Khanittha , Inyod Tanapak , Niwaspragit Cholthicha , Preecharueangrit Supatcha , Prangchan Kittirat , Funk Runchana , Thubthimthed Sirinan , Tanpanich Sayan
Published: May 2022

Goat male pheromones are secreted through their hair and play a prominent role in “male effect”. In this study, we aimed to isolate some male pheromone from the goat hair, waste from local goat farm from the Southern Thailand. Goat hairs were collected from three farms in three breeds and different parts of goat bodies compared in both males and females. The goat hairs extraction was carried out by maceration with hexane. The isolation of the extract was performed by column chromatography using sephadex LH-20 to give 100 fractions. The further separations yielded the 4-ethyloctanoic acid reported as goat scent and the exert releaser pheromone activity to attract females. Quantitative analyses using GC-MS demonstrated 12.73±0.78% w/w in the extract. The results showed 17 fatty acid compositions, such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, cis-9-octadecenomic acid, lauric acid, cis-vaccenic acid as prominent compounds. The qualitative of the extract by GC-MS illustrated 13 compounds in which the chemical fingerprint was confirmed by using 1H NMR technique. The microbial contamination of goat hair extract was further evaluated by spread-plate technique, showing no microbial contamination with Staphylococcus aureus, Clotridium spp. and Salmonella spp. The extract was used as a raw material for perfumes blended development and no irritation on human skin was observed.
Alpha (α)-amylase Inhibitory Property of Anthocleista nobilis Leaf Extract
Authors: Dabie Kwabena , Adulley Felix , Ababio Boansi Adu , Yamoah Emmanuel Peprah , Owusuaa Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

Aims: Alpha (α)-amylase inhibitors from plants are preferable for type 2 diabetes treatment because of their relative potency and safety. This study examined, in vitro, the inhibitory effect of Anthocleista nobilis leaf extract on starch hydrolysis catalyzed by α -amylase (extracted from moated sorghum). 

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry (School of Biological Sciences) and Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana, between June 2021 and August 2021.

Methodology: Leaves of A. nobilis were air-dried, pulverized, and macerated in 70% aqueous ethanol for 72 hrs. The filtrate was concentrated and reconstituted in 0.02M Sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.9) for further analysis including Phytoconstituents screening. In vitro analysis of α -amylase activity as well as inhibitory effect of A. nobilis extract on α -amylase was performed. The Lineweaver-Burk plot was employed in the inhibition analysis to determine the inhibition type, maximum initial reaction rate (Vmax), as well as the Michaelis constant (KM).

Results: The percentage inhibition of α-amylase ranged from 25.0 ± 0.46% - 85.7 ± 2.17% for 0.1mg/mL and 0.9mg/mL of the A. nobilis leaf extract respectively. The mode of α-amylase inhibition was found from the Lineweaver-Burk plot as mixed noncompetitive. The KM and Vmax were determined as 0.2043 mM and 0.1282 mM/min respectively. In contrast, KM for the control were 0.1537mM and Vmax of 0.09750 mM/min. The inhibition property of A. nobilis could be attributed to its phytochemicals such as flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids that were present.

Conclusion: Anthocleista Nobilis leaf extract contains certain naturally occurring anti-diabetic compounds and could be explored for treating type 2 diabetic patients. These findings, however, need further work to validate the exact bioactive constituents responsible for the inhibitory effect.
Genotype x Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis in Maize across the Southern Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan
Authors: Kumawat Ravi , Dadheech Amit , Barupal Heera Lal
Published: May 2022

Crop production is the function of genotype, environment and their interaction (GEI) and evaluation of genotypes in multi environments helps to identify their adaptation and stability. The 45 hybrids along with their 18 parents and two check cultivars were evaluated in three environments viz., E1 (Kharif-2019, Instructional Farm, RCA, Udaipur), E2 (Kharif -2019, Agriculture Research Sub-Station, Vallabhnagar, Udaipur) and E3 (Rabi-2019-2020, Instructional Farm, RCA, Udaipur) in randomized block design with three replications at each environment to assess the phenotypic stability of genotypes by using Eberhart and Russel (1968). The mean squares due to genotypes and environments were found significant for all the traits under study indicated inherent genetic differences among the genotypes. The G x E (linear) interaction was found significant for most of the traits under study The mean squares due to pooled deviation were found non-significant for all the traits indicated major portion of the genotype x environment interaction was formed by predictable portion. The majority of the hybrids depicted non-significant deviations from regression (S2di) for grain yield per plant indicated their predictable response across the environments. A great majority of genotypes revealed non-significant non-linear estimates (S2di) for different traits under the study indicated the prediction of stability was more or less accurate and reliable. The top three hybrids suitable for all environments (bi≈1) were EI-2653 x EI-102, EI-2639 x EI-670 and EI-2505 x EI-102 with non-significant S2di values. The hybrids EI-2176-3 x EI-03 (bi<1) EI-2525-2 x EI-03 (bi>1) and EI-2159 x EI-670 (bi>1) out yielded the best check cultivar CC-1. Thus, these hybrids may be used in future breeding programmes of maize after further multi location yield testing.
Study of Selenoprotein P as a Marker of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapeutic Intervention Outcome
Authors: Elqatary Yara Mohamed , Shehata Mona Ahmed Helmy , Elenein Amany Mohamed Abo , Ali Lobna Ahmed Fahmy Abo
Published: May 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the main public health issue on a global scale, and its diagnosis remains difficult. HCC is now believed to be a common malignancy and a foremost cause of death in Egypt, owing to the high prevalence of cirrhosis associated with chronic HCV. Its incidence has increased in recent years, and it is expected that there will be continuous a rise in the number of occurrences. This study aimed to evaluate the role of serum selenoprotein P as a marker for diagnosis and follow up of therapeutic intervention outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Methods: This was a prospective study that took place in Tropical medicine department, Tanta university. Seventy patients with cirrhosis of the liver were included, either with or without hepatocellular carcinoma. The studied patients were divided into group I A of 20 HCC patients who underwent HCC therapeutic intervention, those patients were evaluated before and after their therapeutic intervention, group I B of 25 HCC patients who did not undergo HCC therapeutic intervention as unsuitable and group II of 25 patients with liver cirrhosis as controls

Results: Selenoprotein P was decreased significantly in group IB than group IA and group II (P <0.001) and was significantly decreased in group IA than group II (P <0.001).  At cut-off <11 ng/ml selenoprotein P can differentiate between HCC and liver cirrhosis with 80% sensitivity, 76% specificity, 85.7% PPV, 67.9% NPV and 0.851 AUC. After therapeutic intervention, increased serum level of selenoprotein P can be an indicator of good response to treatment. While decreased serum selenoprotein P level can be an indicator of poor response (P <0.001).

Conclusions: Serum selenoprotein P could be useful as a possible diagnostic biomarker for HCC. Detecting that biomarker in serum is a simple, non-invasive procedure that is more realistic than measuring it in tissue samples procured only through procedures that are invasive. Selenoprotein P could be used as a predictive marker of better therapeutic intervention outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Additionally, our findings imply that Se may be utilised as a supportive treatment for HCC by influencing the level of selenoprotein P.
Development and Performance Evaluation of a Mini-potentiostat for Corrosion Experimentations
Authors: Musa F. A. , Ajide O. O. , Idusuyi N. , Adebayo A. A. , Odunaro B. P. , Obasi O. P. , Oluwole O. O. , Oluwasegun K. M. , Kumar N. , Adebayo A. S.
Published: May 2022

The exorbitant cost of laboratory equipment is chiefly responsible for the dearth of corrosion characterization equipment in material science laboratories of Universities from Sub-Saharan Africa and that of other developing countries across the globe. It has therefore become germane to exploit available resources for development of affordable potentiostat within the university community. In this work, detailed procedure and working principles for design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a portable and inexpensive microcontroller-based potentiostat are presented. PROTEUS® software was used for the design of the parent circuit board. Graphical User Interface (GUI) developed using Visual Studio and Origin PRO Software was used for acquisition of experimental results. Performance evaluation of the potentiostat was implemented by performing corrosion experiments in 5 wt.% NaCl solution using mild steel as a working electrode (WE). Ag/AgCl reference electrode (RE) was used as well as Platinum wire as the counter electrode (CE). The analysis of the working electrode potential against the log of current-density plot at a scan rate of 10 mV/s of the fabricated potentiostat revealed a Tafel plot that is in conformity with results from commercially available potentiostats.
Efficacy of Direct Acting Anti-Viral Agents in Patients Infected with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Ahsam Salman , Kumar Sanjay Kirshan , Semejo Khadim Hussain , Lail Ghulamullah , Hanif Farina , Luck Nasir Hassan
Published: May 2022

Background: Hepatitis virus C (HCV) infection is affecting millions of people globally with an estimated prevalence in Pakistan ranging from 4.5 to 8%. Advent of oral direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) in combination therapy has made possible the treatment of decompensated cirrhosis secondary to hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Therefore, this study focused to evaluate safety and efficacy of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) in compensated and decompensated cirrhotic patients.

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) Karachi, from 1st September 2017 to 30th June 2018. Patients diagnosed with HCV, presenting in outpatient department were enrolled. All patients received Daclatasavir, Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin combination. Patient without cirrhosis and with cirrhosis received treatment for 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. End of treatment response was taken as primary end point. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 20.0.

Results: Out of 180 patients, 88(48.9%) were male and 92(51.1%) were female, with mean age of 44.59±11.29 years. Majority had genotype 3 i.e., 145(80.6%). In this study population, 97(53.9%) patients were non-cirrhotic and received 3 months treatment while 83(46.1%) cirrhotic patient got 6 months treatment. Post- stratification observed that young patients have better treatment response rate than older individuals (p-=0.031) On the other hand, statistical insignificant association was observed between end of treatment response with regards to gender, duration of treatment, history of hepatic encephalopathy and ascites.

Conclusion: This study concluded that treatment with direct antiviral agents of Hepatitis C virus related chronic liver disease is effectual and has shown equivalent response in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients. Age is an important factor affecting treatment response i.e, better response achieved in patient with less than 45 years.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Paediatric Age Group and Recurrent Abdominal Pain
Authors: Khalid Maria , Liaqat Sadaf , Sherazi Sajid Hussain , Rehman Rabeya , Nisar Rabia , Wajahat Hassan
Published: May 2022

Background: The term ‘recurrent abdominal pain’ or RAP is defined in terms of duration and frequency of pain. The duration is to be defined as: minimum preceding three months, and over this three-month period, minimum3 episodes of pain having severe intensity causing impairment to perform the daily activities by the affected patients. Over many years, more and more organic causes have been identified because of various advances and better knowledge as well as better investigations tools.  The commonest cause of RAP in paediatric age group is found to be H. Pylori infection and it is also treatable.

Objective: To find out helicobacter pylori infection frequency in paediatric age group with recurrent abdominal pain.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Hospital:  Pediatrics, DHQ teaching hospital Sargodha from 10th June 2018 to 9th December 2018.

Methodology: One hundred children with recurrent abdominal pain were selected using non probability consecutive sampling. H. Pylori serology was done and results presented.

Results: The mean age was 7.28±2.6 years. H. pylori infection was seen in 27%. More patients belonged to middle socio economic status.

Conclusion: Recurrent abdominal pain in paediatric age group is caused commonly by H. pylori infection and it is easily treatable if detected in early stages.
Development and Validation of the RP-HPLC Method for the Estimation of Chlorocresol and Betamethasone Dipropionate in Semisolid Dosage Formulation
Authors: Khatawakar Ashok , Sakat Sachin , Inamdar Poonam , Bagade Om
Published: May 2022

A simple, accurate, reproducible and cost-effective reverse phase HPLC technique for chlorocresol (CRC) as a preservative as well as betamethasone dipropionate (BTD) in bulk drug as well as semi-dose formulations. Snakes were developed during this research. In this method, Discovery HS (150x4.6 mm),was used as the stationary phase and an 80:20 mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol was used as the mobile phase A, and a mixture of acetonitrile plus tetrahydrofuran in the ratio. 70:30 ratio was used as mobile phase B in gradient mode to produce the final product. Approximately 1.00 ml/min of the solution is passed through the chromatograph by pumping it through. The UV detector operates at a wavelength of 240 nm. A validation study in accordance with the ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines is required to demonstrate that the new analytical method meets the reliability characteristics and these characteristics demonstrate the ability of a new analytical method. analysis in maintaining, over time, the basic validation criteria: selectivity, linearity, precision, precision, and specificity. When this method is used for quality control of commercial semi-solid dosage forms of betamethasone dipropionate throughout the day, the stability indicator technique can be used to measure the breakdown of the drug and its products it, as well as to evaluate the results of the tube homogeneity test.
Virtual patient‐specific QA with DVH‐based metrics
Authors: Lay Lam M. , Chuang Kai‐Cheng , Wu Yuyao , Giles William , Adamson Justus
Published: May 2022

We demonstrate a virtual pretreatment patient‐specific QA (PSQA) procedure that is capable of quantifying dosimetric effect on patient anatomy for both intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). A machine learning prediction model was developed to use linear accelerator parameters derived from the DICOM‐RT plan to predict delivery discrepancies at treatment delivery (defined as the difference between trajectory log file and DICOM‐RT) and was coupled with an independent Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm for dosimetric analysis. Machine learning models for IMRT and VMAT were trained and validated using 120 IMRT and 206 VMAT fields of prior patients, with 80% assigned for iterative training and testing, and 20% for post‐training validation. Various prediction models were trained and validated, with the final models selected for clinical implementation being a boosted tree and bagged tree for IMRT and VMAT, respectively. After validation, these models were then applied clinically to predict the machine parameters at treatment delivery for 7 IMRT plans from various sites (61 fields) and 10 VMAT multi‐target intracranial radiosurgery plans (35 arcs) and compared to the dosimetric effect calculated directly from trajectory log files. Dose indices tracked for targets and organs at risk included dose received by 99%, 95%, and 1% of the volume, mean dose, percent of volume receiving 25%–100% of the prescription dose. The average coefficient of determination (r2) when comparing intra‐field predicted and actual delivery error was 0.987 ± 0.012 for IMRT and 0.895 ± 0.095 for VMAT, whereas r2 when comparing inter‐field predicted versus actual delivery error was 0.982 for IMRT and 0.989 for VMAT. Regarding dosimetric analysis, r2 when comparing predicted versus actual dosimetric changes for all dose indices was 0.966 for IMRT and 0.907 for VMAT. Prediction models can be used to anticipate the dosimetric effect calculated from trajectory files and have potential as a “delivery‐free” pretreatment analysis to enhance PSQA.
A new Gaussian–Student's t mixing distribution‐based Kalman filter with unknown measurement random delay rate
Authors: Shan Chenghao , Zhou Weidong , Yang Yefeng , Shan Hanyu
Published: May 2022

In this article, a new Gaussian–Student's t mixing distribution‐based Kalman filter is presented to investigate the filtering issue for linear stochastic system with unknown measurement random delay rate and non‐stationary heavy‐tailed measurement noise. Firstly, by employing a Bernoulli distributed variable and introducing system state extension method, the form of measurement likelihood function of double measurement noise distributions is converted from the weighted sum to an exponential product. Secondly, the non‐stationary heavy‐tailed measurement noises of current time and last time are modeled as Gaussian–Student's t mixing distributions by introducing extra Bernoulli distributed variables. Thirdly, the variational Bayesian technique is utilized to jointly infer the system state, the Bernoulli distributed variables of measurement noises, distribution mixing probabilities, the intermediate random variables, the Bernoulli distributed variable of measurement delay and the unknown measurement random delay rate. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed Kalman filter is demonstrated by a target tracking simulation experiment.
Understanding the Site‐Selective Electrocatalytic Co‐Reduction Mechanism for Green Urea Synthesis Using Copper Phthalocyanine Nanotubes
Authors: Mukherjee Jit , Paul Sourav , Adalder Ashadul , Kapse Samadhan , Thapa Ranjit , Mandal Sumit , Ghorai Biswajit , Sarkar Sougata , Ghorai Uttam Kumar
Published: May 2022

Green synthesis of urea under ambient conditions by electrochemical co‐reduction of N2 and CO2 gases using effective electrocatalyst essentially pushes the conventional two steps (N2 + H2 = NH3 and NH3 + CO2 = CO(NH2)2) industrial process at high temperature and high pressure, to the brink. The single step electrochemical green urea synthesis process has hit a roadblock due to the lack of efficient and economically viable electrocatalyst with multiple active sites for dual reduction of N2 and CO2 gas molecules to urea. Herein, copper phthalocyanine nanotubes (CuPc NTs) having multiple active sites (such as metal center, Pyrrolic‐N3, Pyrrolic‐N2, and Pyridinic‐N1) as an efficient electrocatalyst which exhibits urea yield of 143.47 µg h–1 mg–1cat and faradaic efficiency of 12.99% at –0.6 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode by co‐reduction of N2 and CO2 are reported. Theoretical calculation suggests that Pyridinic‐N1 and Cu centers are responsible to form CN bonds for urea by co‐reduction of N2 to NN* and CO2 to *CO, respectively. This study provides the new mechanistic insight about the successful electro‐reduction of dual gases (N2 and CO2) in a single molecule as well as rational design of efficient noble metal‐free electrocatalyst for the synthesis of green urea.
Programmable Controlling of Multiple Spatial Harmonics via a Nonlinearly Phased Grating Metasurface
Authors: Tian Han Wei , Zhang Xin Ge , Jiang Wei Xiang , Li Xin , Liu Yuan Ke , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Cui Tie Jun
Published: May 2022

By modulating physical characteristics (amplitude, phase, polarization, etc.) at the subwavelength scale, metasurfaces have shown prominence in controlling electromagnetic waves. However, metasurfaces with linear phase distributions face difficulties in various wavefront reconstructions intentionally and efficiently, and complex‐amplitude metasurfaces with independent amplitude and phase modulations are preferable. Here, a new scheme of the reprogrammable nonlinearly‐phased grating metasurface, comparable to complex‐amplitude metasurfaces, enabling real‐time and versatile control of multiple spatial harmonics by modulating the phase is reported. Through elaborate and instantaneous programming of nonlinear phase distributions at the metasurface interface, desired electromagnetic wavefronts can be reconstructed in real‐time by reconfiguring the generation and suppression of multiple spatial harmonics and by customizing reflection angles and reflection intensities of each spatial harmonic. To corroborate this design, generation and suppression, intensity tailoring, and retro‐reflection of multiple spatial harmonics are presented and verified experimentally. This work provides a real‐time and efficient way to implement dynamical reconstruction of various electromagnetic wavefronts and can be further applied to other potential scenarios such as holography, imaging, and wireless communication.
Liquid Film Sculpture via Droplet Impacting on Microstructured Heterowettable Surfaces
Authors: Chu Fuqiang , Ni Zhongyuan , Wen Dongsheng , Feng Yanhui , Li Shaokang , Jiang Lei , Dong Zhichao
Published: May 2022

Liquid manipulation plays an increasingly critical role in daily life and future technological processes. Although intensive attention is paid on controlling droplets, how to manipulate the behavior of larger scale liquid film still remains mysterious. Here, a droplet‐impact‐induced liquid film sculpture strategy is demonstrated on a microstructured heterowettable surface that can precisely sculpt a liquid film into any graphic pattern. The fundamental principles of the liquid film sculpture are elucidate and a phase diagram is drawn to distinguish three liquid film states upon droplet impacting including dewetting, rupture, and nonrupture. To precisely guide the film sculpture, the microstructured heterowettable surface is designed so that water film will naturally rupture at the top of the microstructure after the droplet impact and subsequently dewet into desired pattern. Liquid film sculpture is accompanied by self‐propulsion and high construction speed, both of which are preferred in no‐spray printing, painting, cleaning, and drawing, inspiring future artistic and engineering applications.
Modulated Photoluminescence of Single‐Layer MoS2 via Nanostructured SrTiO3 Surface
Authors: Huang Chenxi , Chen Chen , Wang Wenyuan , Fu Jun , Xiang Miaomiao , Xing Yue , Chen Qi , Zeng Hualing , Shao Xiang
Published: May 2022

The structure and morphology of the substrate surface play critical roles in tuning the properties of the supported two‐dimension materials (2DM). In this work, a simple strategy to engineer the SrTiO3 single crystal into a trenched structure which is composed of atomically flat terraces and high steps of several nanometers is developed. Through the conventional chemical vapor deposition method, high quality single‐layered MoS2 nanosheets are successfully fabricated directly on the trenched SrTiO3 (Tr‐STO) substrate, which thus result in a heterostructure with well‐defined interface and controllable corrugated morphology. The corrugated MoS2/Tr‐STO sample displays a drastically suppressed photoluminescence as compared to those grown on atomically flat substrates. Detailed scanning probe microscopy in combination with optical spectroscopy measurements demonstrates that the photoluminescence quenching occurs exclusively in the MoS2 area carpeting the high SrTiO3 steps, which can be attributed to the significantly reduced bandgaps hence massively enriched free charges in these regions. This work not only provides a new strategy to tailor the 2DM properties by simply engineering the substrate surface corrugations, but also brings deep insights into the dependence of properties of the hybridized system on the interface morphologies.
Atomic Layer Engineering of Aluminum‐Doped Zinc Oxide Films for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kruszyńska Joanna , Ostapko Jakub , Ozkaya Veysel , Surucu Belkis , Szawcow Oliwia , Nikiforow Kostiantyn , Hołdyński Marcin , Tavakoli Mohammad Mahdi , Yadav Pankaj , Kot Małgorzata , Kołodziej Grzegorz Piotr , Wlazło Mateusz , Satapathi Soumitra , Akin Seckin , Prochowicz Daniel
Published: May 2022

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been considered as an efficient method to deposit high quality and uniform thin films of various electron transport materials for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, the effect of deposition sequence in the ALD process of aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO) films on the performance and stability of PSCs is investigated. Particularly, the surface of AZO film is terminated by diethylzinc (DEZ)/H2O (AZO‐1) or trimethylaluminum (TMA)/H2O pulse (AZO‐2), and investigated with surface‐sensitive X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy technique. It is observed that AZO‐2 significantly enhances the thermal stability of the upcoming methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) layer and facilitates charge transport at the interface as evidenced by photoluminescence spectroscopes and favorable interfacial band alignment. Finally, planar‐type PSC with AZO‐2 layer exhibits a champion power conversion efficiency of 18.09% with negligible hysteresis and retains 82% of the initial efficiency after aging for 100 h under ambient conditions (relative humidity 40 ± 5%). These results highlight the importance of atomic layer engineering for developing efficient and stable PSCs.