bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial Impact of Personal Electric Transportation Platforms in an Urban Area: A Cohort of Injuries over 18 Months at a Level 1 Urban Trauma Center
Authors: Ran Yuval , Niry Dana , Shendler Genady , Blum Itay , Rabinowich Aviad , Stav Dana , Silman Zmira , Benady Amit , Chen Jacob , Brenner Adi
Published: May 2024

The use of e-scooters and e-bicycles has been on the rise with an increased medical and financial burden. Our purpose was to identify risk factors for increased medical charges and recommend appropriate steps. We studied a retrospective cohort presenting to a level 1 urban trauma center from January 2018 through July 2019 due to micro-mobility platforms. The primary outcome for comparison was total billing cost and a regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with higher cost.
A total of 4073 patients were identified. The majority of which were males (67%), aged 20-30 years (41%). Helmet use reported in only 39.8%. Radiologic studies were performed more often in the e-bicycle group. Total billing charges amounted to 28.3 million New Israeli Shekels ($7.9 million). Average total cost was higher for e-bicycle injuries and in non-helmet users. Other factors associated with higher cost were age, and time of day 12:00-18:00.
We recommend that urban cities invest in infrastructure in advance to micro-mobility introduction, regulate the use of e-platforms, designate resources for education on personal protective equipment and prepare medical centers in advance.
Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of Fusarium species from the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex causing Fusarium stalk rot of maize
Authors: Jambhulkar Prashant , Bajpai Ruchira , Harish J. , Tripathy Partha Sarathi , Rout Ajaya Kumar , Varun Priyanka , Behera Bijay Kumar , Lakshman Dilip Kumar , N Mallikarjuna
Published: May 2024

Fusarium stalk rot (FSR) caused by the Fusarium species complex is an economic threat to maize cultivation all over the world. We investigated the population structure and genetic diversity of Fusarium spp. obtained from five major maize-growing regions of India. The Tef-1α locus was used for phylogenetic analysis of geographically distinct isolates of Fusarium verticillioides, F. andiyazi, F. proliferatum, F. nygamai, and F. acutatum causing FSR. Geographical separation among four local populations contributed to 7.87% variance, whereas 92.12% of the variance was within popula-tions, suggesting a predominant influence of local adaptation or stochastic events like genetic drift within populations, with geographical separation playing a lesser but significant role in shaping genetic diversity. Genetic differentiation statistics between Fusarium species showed lower gene flow from haplotypes except in the population of F. acutatum and F. andiyazi having high GST values. In contrast, a high Kxy was reported, indicating elevated genetic differentiation between populations. The haplotype network analysis revealed the presence of eight distinct haplotypes which reflected pathogenic evolution and adaptive potential of Fusarium spp. The results offer a comprehensive framework for discussing the implications of genetic diversity in pathogen management and the evolutionary dynamics of the Fusarium spp. causing FSR of maize in the Indian subcontinent.
A Review of Wormhole Stabilization in f(R) Gravity Theories
Authors: Radhakrishnan Ramesh , Brown Patrick M. , Matulevich Jacob A. , Davis Eric W , Mirfendereski Delaram , Cleaver Gerald B
Published: May 2024

It has been proven that in standard Einstein gravity, exotic matter (i.e. matter violating the point-wise and averaged weak and null energy conditions) is required to stabilize traversable wormholes. Quantum field theory permits these violations due to the quantum coherent effects found in any quantum field . Even reasonable classical scalar fields violate the energy conditions. In the case of the Casimir effect and squeezed vacuum states, these violations have been experimentally proven. It is advantageous to investigate methods of minimizing the use of exotic matter. One such area of interest is extended theories of Einstein gravity. It has been claimed that in some extended theories, stable traversable wormholes solutions can be found without the use of exotic matter. There are many extended theories of gravity and in this review paper we first explore f(R) theories and then explore some wormhole solutions in f(R) theories including Lovelock gravity.
Modelling of Texture Development during Metal Forming Using FE-VPSC
Authors: Kronsteiner Johannes , Theil Elias , Ott Alois Christian , Arnoldt Aurel Ramon , Papenberg Nikolaus Peter
Published: May 2024

In directional forming processes such as rolling and extrusion, the microstructure is strongly elongated in the forming direction. This results in a preferred alignment of the crystal orientations of the initially randomly oriented grains. These preferred orientations – the texture – and elongations of the grains are the cause of the material anisotropy. This anisotropy leads to phenomena such as earing, which occur during further forming processes, e.g., during deep drawing of sheet metal. Considering anisotropic properties in numerical simulations allows to investigate the effects of texture-dependent defects in forming processes and the development of possible solutions. Purely phenomenological models for modelling anisotropy work by fitting material parameters or applying measured R-values in experiments which are applied to all elements of the part and remain constant over the duration of the simulation. In contrast, methods such as the Visco-Plastic Self-Consistent (VPSC) model, which has been used in this work, provide a deeper insight into the development of the material microstructure. By experimentally measuring the initial texture and using it as an initial condition for the simulations, it is possible to predict the evolution of the microstructure and the resulting effect on the mechanical properties during forming operations. The results of the simulations with VPSC show good qualitative agreement with tests typically used for rolled stock.
Demystifying Heavy Metals and Physicochemical Characteristics of Groundwater in a Volcano-Tectonic Region of Middle Awash, Ethiopia, for Multipurpose Use
Authors: Abebe Yosef , Alemayehu Taye , Birhanu Behialu , Alamirew Tena , Alemayehu Esayas
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the concentrations of physicochemical and heavy metal contaminants in the groundwater of the Middle Awash Basin, Ethiopia, to inform targeted water management strategies. A total of 32 groundwater samples were collected from 16 stations via piezometers and boreholes at the end of both the dry (June 2021) and wet (October 2021) seasons. Utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and in situ metering, 22 physicochemical and 24 heavy metal parameters were analyzed. The data revealed significant levels of contamination; notably, sample GW11 had extraordinarily high concentrations of total dissolved solids (10,826 mg/L), strontium (908 µg/L), molybdenum (802.4 µg/L), zinc (6060 µg/L), and electrical conductivity (15,645 µS/cm), while GW12 exhibited elevated levels of aluminum (2615 µg/L), zinc (4446 µg/L), and arsenic (117.2 µg/L). Contaminants such as arsenic, vanadium, gallium, lithium, rubidium, chromium, manganese, copper, and zinc were found enriched in groundwater near Lake Beseka, influenced by agricultural runoff from sugarcane plantations and agro-industry activities. Over half of the groundwater sources were unsuitable for drinking, posing significant health risks to local communities that rely heavily on these sources due to limited access to clean surface water. The findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive groundwater management and remediation plans in the Middle Awash region to ensure safe and sustainable water use, particularly addressing the variation in contamination levels influenced by Lake Beseka. These measures are critical to protect public health and support local development in the face of ongoing environmental and anthropogenic pressures.
Nitrogen Estimation in Fig Cultivation through Remote Sensing and Machine Learning
Authors: Martínez-Macias Karla Janeth , Martínez-Sifuentes Aldo Rafael , Márquez-Guerrero Selenne Yuridia , Reyes-González Arturo , Preciado-Rangel Pablo , Yescas-Coronado Pablo , Trucíos-Caciano Ramón
Published: May 2024

Nitrogen is one of the most important macronutrients for crops, and in conjunction with artificial intelligence algorithms, it is possible to estimate it with the aid of vegetation indices through remote sensing. Various indices were calculated and those with a correlation ≥ 0.7 were selected for subsequent use in Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and Artificial Neural Networks to determine their relationship with nitrogen levels measured in the laboratory. Random Forest showed no relationship, yielding an R2 of zero, whereas Artificial Neural Networks yielded the best results with an R2 of 0.93. Thus, it is reliable to estimate nitrogen levels using this algorithm by feeding it with data from TCARI, MCARI, TCARI/OSAVI, and MCARI/OSAVI, assisted by technological tools.
Influence of Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm towards Transfer Function and Contrast resolution of Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening
Authors: Halim Esnu , Mazlan Dania , Awang Kechik Mohd Mustafa , Harun Hanif Haspi , Muhammad Nor Azura , Ibahim Mohammad Johari , Abdul Karim Muhammad Khalis
Published: May 2024

This study assessed the performance of low-dose CT lung scans across various acquisition parameters and examined the impact of iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms on image quality for lung cancer screening. The performance of multi-slice CT scanners was assessed by using a Catphan 600 phantom, specifically within the CTP404 test module that contains materials like Teflon, Delrin, Acrylic, Polystyrene, LDPE, PMP, Air, and water. Three protocols were selected and categorized into standard, low dose, and ultra-low dose. The standard protocol featured a tube voltage of 100 kVp for single-detector CT, a pitch of 0.75, detector collimation of 0.60 mm, and a gantry rotation time of 0.33 seconds, with 5 mm slice thickness. Images were reconstructed using standard kernels like B80f and 170f, combined with either FBP or various IR algorithms. Findings indicated that the noise power spectrum (NPS) peak value (HU2mm2) increased with higher IR levels, with FBP showing the highest peak. Additionally, NPS spatial frequency diminished as IR levels rose. Optimizing contrast and spatial resolution for both background and regions of interest involved adjusting the target transfer function (TTF) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), crucial for protocol optimization. Proper adjustment of IR levels is vital, as higher levels can alter image texture and affect NPS spatial frequency. The results of this study showed that the use of IR algorithms in low-dose CT lung scans significantly improved image quality, particularly in terms of noise reduction and spatial resolution. However, the choice of acquisition parameters also played a crucial
Lymphovascular Invasion in Gastric Cancer—Important or Unimportant?
Authors: Janiczek-Polewska Marlena , Borowczak Jędrzej , Szylberg Łukasz , Jagiełło Inga , Poter Paulina , Malicki Julian , Marszałek Andrzej
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is a very aggressive and heterogeneous tumor. GC does not cause symptoms, so it is often diagnosed in an advanced stage and associated with poor prognosis. Despite new treatment options, it still remains a therapeutic problem. An important element determining the method of treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) is the assessment of lymph node metastases in preoperative and postoperative imaging and/or histopathological examination.Aim: The assessment of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in histopathological examination in patients with LAGC after gastrectomy. The groups of patients were divided into patients who received preoperative chemotherapy, patients without preoperative chemotherapy, and all patients. Additionally, we assessed the correlation between the presence of LVI and the number of lymph nodes collected during gastrectomy.Material and method: We collected patients with histologically confirmed GC after gastrectomy. The collected samples were divided into three subgroups: patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), patients without NAC, and all patients. Histopathological examination assessed the presence of LVI infiltration. We then assessed the correlation between the presence of LVI and the presence of lymph node metastasis in GC. Additionally, we assessed the correlation between LVI and the number of lymph nodes evaluated in patients in each group. The statistical analyses were performed using Statistica v13.3 and Microsoft Excel 2021. The significance limit was set at p<0.05.Results:The presence of LVI strongly correlated with node involvement, and the result was statistically significant in all patients and the group of patients treated with NAC. The difference was not statistically significant in the group not treated by NAC. Additionally, we did not observe a correlation between the presence of LVI and the number of metastatic lymph nodes in GC.Summary and Conclusions: The presence of LVI in a patient with GC indicates a high probability of lymph node metastasis, which should translate into therapeutic procedures. Assessment of LVI may help identify potential patients with lymph node metastases, particularly in patients undergoing endoscopic resection without planned lymphadenectomy. It is advisable to expand research on a larger scale in order to establish clear standards in this area.
The Detection of Vaccine Virus and Protection of a Modified Live, Intranasal, Tri-Valent Vaccine in Neonatal, Colostrum-Fed Calves with an Experimental Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Challenge
Authors: Perkins-Oines Stephanie , Senevirathne Nirosh D , Krafsur Greta M , Abdelsalam Karim , Renter David G. , Meyer Brent , Chase Christopher CL
Published: May 2024

The efficacy of an intranasal (IN) bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) administered in the face of passive immunity was assessed. Pooled colostrum was administered by intubation to fifty (50) beef-dairy crossbred calves the day they were born. The calves were transported to a research facility and were blocked by age and sex and randomly assigned into two groups, a sham-vaccinated intranasally with a placebo (sterile water) or vaccinated with a tri-valent modified live viral (MLV) vaccine. The calves were 92 days old when vaccinated (day 0). The calves were challenged by aerosolized BRSV on day 80 and day 81 as a respiratory challenge. The study was terminated on day 88. Lung lesion scores (LLS) were significantly lower for calves vaccinated with tri-valent MLV vaccine than those for calves that were sham-vaccinated. Serum neutralization (SN) antibody against BRSV in calves vaccinated with the tri-valent MLV vaccine demonstrated an anamnestic response on day 88. After challenge, the calves sham-vaccinated with the placebo lost weight while those vaccinated with the tri-valent MLV vaccine gained weight. In this study colostrum-derived antibodies did not interfere with the immune response or protection provided by one dose of the tri-valent MLV vaccine.
Quantifying Traditional Wisdom: A Study of Indigenous Medicinal Plants in Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary, India
Authors: Ojha Anju K
Published: May 2024

India, a megadiverse nation, harbors significant biodiversity, particularly in tropical moist deciduous forests. However, these forests and valuable medicinal plants face habitat loss and overexploitation threats. While indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants exists, a comprehensive ethnomedicinal study still needs to be included, especially for Uttar Pradesh's Terai region. This study focuses on the Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for medicinal plants within the Terai. We aim to document the knowledge of local healers regarding wild medicinal plants used in phytotherapy. We will employ quantitative indices and compare our findings with data from other regions to identify novel medicinal plant uses. This enriched database can serve as a springboard for future pharmacological research. Suhelwa's diverse geography and climate contribute to its rich medicinal flora, making it a prime candidate for exploring the potential of traditional knowledge for drug discovery and sustainable income generation for local communities.
Methylation-based Characterization of a new IDH2 Mutation in Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma
Authors: Burgermeister Simon , Stoykova Simona , Krebs Fanny S , Zoete Vincent , Mbefo Martial , Egervari Kristof , Reinhard Antoine , Bisig Bettina , Hewer Ekkehard
Published: May 2024

Mutations affecting codon 172 of the isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) gene define a subgroup of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (SNUCs) with a relatively favorable prognosis and a globally hypermethylated phenotype. They are also recurrent (along with IDH1 mutations) in gliomas, acute myeloid leukemia, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Commonly reported mutations, all associated with aberrant IDH2 enzymatic activity, include R172S, R172T, R172G, and R172M. We present a case of SNUC with a never-before-described IDH2 mutation, R172A. Our report compares the methylation pattern of our sample to other cases from the GEO database. Hierarchical clustering suggests a strong association between our sample and other IDH-mutant SNUCs and a clear distinction between sino-nasal normal tissues and tumors. Principal component analysis (PCA), using 100 principal components explaining 94.5% of the variance, shows the position of our sample within 1.02 standard deviation of the other IDH-mutant SNUCs. Molecular modeling analysis of the IDH2 R172A versus other R172 variants provides a structural explanation to how they affect the protein active site. Our findings thus suggest that the R172A mutation in IDH2 confers a gain of function similar to other R172 mutations in IDH2, resulting in a similar hypermethylated profile.
Prospective Analysis of Cannabidiol's Effectiveness in Post-Exercise Recovery: An integrative Systematic Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Villalobos-González Carmen E. , Gómez-Carmona Carlos D. , Sánchez-Ureña Braulio , Azofeifa-Mora Christian , Rojas-Valverde Daniel
Published: May 2024

Recovery between physical efforts is essential for optimal performance in sports. Dietary supplements like cannabidiol (CBD) have been proposed to facilitate recovery and performance optimization. This systematic review aimed to: a) systematize the scientific evidence on CBD for recovery, b) associate CBD's biomedical properties with those required for optimal fatigue recovery, and c) recommend a future research agenda. Searches across databases identified 70 relevant studies from 1990-2022, including 38.6% preclinical, 31.4% clinical trials, and 30.0% reviews/meta-analyses across various populations like mice, rats, epileptics, and athletes. CBD demonstrated potentially beneficial properties for athlete recovery such as anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, and analgesic effects with doses ranging from 5-600mg administered orally, intravenously, and via other routes. However, rigorous confirmatory research specifically in athlete populations is lacking. While CBD appears promising for facilitating recovery and performance optimization, further randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to test the acute and chronic effects of different CBD dosing regimens in athletes. Future research should focus on elucidating CBD's physiological mechanisms of action as they relate to post-exercise recovery, as well as its comparative effectiveness versus conventional medications and therapies. Advancing our understanding of CBD's role in athlete recovery could provide new therapeutic strategies to optimize recovery and performance.
Investigation of Hydrophysical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Modified Self-Compacting Concretes
Authors: Zhagifarov Adlet M. , Akhmetov Daniyar A. , Suleyev Dossym K. , Zhumadilova Zhanar O. , Begentayev Meiram M. , Pukharenko Yuryi V.
Published: May 2024

Improvement of hydrophysical properties and corrosion resistance of self-compacting concrete to the effects of alternate freezing-thawing and aggressive soils of southern and central Kazakhstan is of interest to a wide range of researchers from the side of practical application of the obtained results in construction practice. It is proposed to form a spatially reinforced fine crystalline structure of cement matrix with maximum dense packing by using a complex modifier (Hyperplasticiser + Polymer + Microsilica + Fibro fibers) in the composition of self-compacting concretes (SCC). The introduction of the calculated amount of the above additives increases the operational reliability of the current SCC compositions, increasing the water resistance to W16, frost resistance to F=500, increasing the compressive strength by 20%, reducing the mass loss of samples during corrosion leaching to 50%. It has been experimentally established that the proposed addition of complex modifier (Hyperplasticiser + Polymer + Microsilica + Fiber fibers) to the SCC composition allows obtaining self-compacting concrete of high quality with improved performance characteristics (compressive strength, water resistance, frost resistance and corrosion resistance). Studies have shown that the complex modifier-modified SCC compositions have a high degree of resistance in aggressive environments and leaching corrosion. Based on the results of the conducted tests, it is possible to recommend the obtained SCC compositions for production of building products working in the zone of alternating freezing-thawing and aggressive soils.
Climate Change and Psychiatry: Correlation between Mean Monthly Temperature and Admissions to an Acute Inpatient Unit
Authors: Rizzo Pesci Nicola , Teobaldi Elena , Maina Giuseppe , Rosso Gianluca
Published: May 2024

Background: Many clinical conditions are affected by meteorological factors and climate changes. Psychiatric disorders are large contributors to the global disease burden, but the literature on the impact of climate changes on mental health is limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between rising temperatures and admissions for acute exacerbations of psychiatric disorders.
Methods: Data were collected for summer months of years 2013 to 2022. Mean monthly tempera-tures were obtained from the meteorological station of the Department of Physics of the Universi-ty of Turin. Data on patients admitted to the acute psychiatric unit of San Luigi Gonzaga Univer-sity Hospital (Turin, Italy) were extracted from the hospital registry. Linear regression analyses were used to investigate the correlation between temperature and number of admissions.
Results: A total of 1600 admissions to our psychiatric ward were recorded. Mean monthly temper-ature and monthly number of admissions were directly correlated (P = 0.0020). The correlation between temperature and admissions was significant for the subgroup of admissions due to Bipo-lar Disorders (BD) (P=0.0011), but not for Schizophrenia (P=0.6070) (SCZ) or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (P=0.0588).
Conclusions: These results confirm the impact of meteorological factors on mental disorders, and in particular on the course of BD. This provides new insights into etiopathological mechanisms and can contribute to improved follow up and relapse prevention.
Exploring Urban Agricultural Practices’ Association with Farmers’ Psychosocial Well-Being in Dar Es Salaam and Greater Lomé. A Perceptual Study
Authors: Konou Akuto Akpedze , Zinsou-Klassou Kossiwa , M. Mwakalinga Victoria , Munyaka Baraka Jean-Claude , Kemajou Mbianda Armel Firmin , Chenal Jérôme
Published: May 2024

As practiced in Africa, urban agriculture (UA) has been examined in the literature and by architecture and urban planning experts, revealing both advantages and disadvantages for health. While the recognized disadvantages are not negligible, the literature focuses mainly on the positive outcomes about food security and improved socio-economic conditions for farmers. However, little research has focused on farmers' perceptions of the effect of this practice on their psychological well-being. This study seeks to delve into this aspect by surveying 733 farmers in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé to map UA's distribution, assess its benefits and challenges, study its psychosocial associations, and demonstrate how architectural design and urban planning can enhance its spatial distribution and overall benefits. The standardized Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) and non-standardized questionnaires are used to evaluate their responses. Using logistic regression and spatial analysis techniques with Python and QGIS 3.32.2-Lima, the analysis uncovers that farmers attribute improved psychological well-being to their involvement in UA. The study found that farmers' happiness due to UA varies by location within a city, with those on the outskirts generally more satisfied than those in urban centers. Additionally, women farmers reported greater happiness than men farmers, highlighting UA's role in empowering women. The research underscores UA's positive association with practitioners' psychological health in Africa and advocates for its integration into urban planning to promote equitable and beneficial urban spaces.
Gender-Difference in Response to Treatment with Liraglutide 3.0 mg
Authors: Milani Ilaria , Guarisco Gloria , Chinucci Marianna , Gaita Chiara , Leonetti Frida , Capoccia Danila
Published: May 2024

Background: Gender differences characterize the prevalence and attitudes toward weight management. Despite limited evidence suggesting greater weight loss in women with anti-obesity pharmacotherapy, gender-specific analysis remains underexplored. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the gender-specific response to liraglutide 3.0 mg treatment in people with obesity without type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: Data were collected from 47 patients (31 women, 16 men), with age > 18 years, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m^2, absence of T2D, and with exclusion of prior anti-obesity treatment, comorbidities, or bariatric surgery. Only patients who maintained the liraglutide 3.0 mg dose for at least 6 months were included. Results: Both sexes showed significant reductions in weight and BMI at 3 and 6 months. Men achieved greater weight loss (WL), BMI reduction, % WL, WL >5% and >10% than women, and they also showed more significant improvements in metabolic parameters (total and LDL cholesterol, Fibrosis-4 Index FIB-4). No significant gender differences were observed in glucose metabolism or renal function. Conclusion: This study showed a greater therapeutic effect of liraglutide 3.0 mg in men. Given men's higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and underrepresentation in clinical weight loss programs, these findings may increase male engagement and improve their CVD risk.
Reactivity and Heavy Metal Adsorption Behaviour of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticle From First Principle Investigations: Case of Pb and CD
Authors: Nianga-Obambi Preslie S. , Douma Dick Hartmann , Etindele Anne Justine , Raji Abdulrafiu Tunde , Malonda-Boungou Brice rodrigue , M'PASSI-MABIALA Bernard , Kenmoe Stephane
Published: May 2024

Graphene oxide (GO) is considered as one of the promising adsorbents for the removal of various heavy metal contaminants in aquatic environment, due to its beneficial structural, chemical and electronic properties. Using the density functional theory (DFT) approach, we investigate the reactivity of a model GO nanoparticule (C30H14O15) toward neutral and charged lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) atoms. We found the model metal-free GO to have a high chemical reactivity. To study the adsorption of the metal atoms on the GO nanoparticle, we have used a single and doubly-adsorbed neutral (Pb0 and Cd0) and charged (Pb2+, Cd2+) atoms. After identified possible adsorption sites on the GO, we found that a single charged metal ion binds more strongly than a neutral atom of the same type. To determine the possibility of multiple adsorptions of GO nanoparticle, two metal atoms of the same species are co-adsorbed on its surface. Our calculations reveals a site-dependent adsorption energy such that when two atoms of the same specie are adsorbed at sites Si and Sj , the binding energy per atom depends on the whether one of the two atoms is adsorbed firstly on the Si or Sj sites. It is also found that the binding energy per atom for two co-adsorbed atoms of the same specie is less than the binding energy of a singly-adsorbed atom which suggests that atoms may become less likely to be adsorbed on the GO nanoparticle when their concentrations increase. This applies to both neutral and charged atoms. We adduce the origin of this observation to be interplay between metal-metal interaction on the one hand and GO-metal on the other, with the former resulting in a less binding for the charged adsorbed metals in particular, due to repulsive interaction between two positively charged ions. The frontier molecular orbitals analysis and the calculated global reactivity descriptors of the respective GO- metal complexes revealed that all the GO-metal complexes have a smaller HOMO-LUMO gap (HLG) relative to that of pristine metal-free GO nanoparticle. This suggests that although the GO-metal complexes are stable, they are less stable compared to metal-free GO nanoparticles. The negative values of the chemical potentials obtained for all the GO-metal complexes further confirms their stability. Our work calculates parameters that will be crucial to rational design of GO nanoparticles for Pb abd Cd ions contaminants removal, and may find application in water purification for example.
“Prevalence of Dental Caries and Dietary Determinants among 12–16 Years Old Students, a Cross-Sectional Study”
Authors: Hoxha Suela , Hoxha Fatime , Veseli Jaser , Hoxha Xheneta
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Caries is a public health problem in Kosovo among children, Caries is a multifactorial microbial disease and connection of this disease with soft drinks and food habits between children and their poor oral health is very strong.
Aim: The aim of present study is to evaluate prevalence of caries among 12 to 16 years old students in municipality of Suhareka and to analyze related risk factors that contribute in occurrence of caries.
Material and methods: To observe parameters of soft drink we used experimental method and a cross-sectional study was carried out among 120 adolescents in “Sadri Duhla” elementary school in Duhel and “7 Marsi” elementary school in city of Suhareka. Oral clinical examination and self administered questionnaire were used to collect information about dental caries and its correlation to soft drinks and food habits. Examination was done between May and October in the year 2023. Impact of soft drink in caries was assessed through DMFT index and frequency of consumption of soft drinks. The data were collected statistically using SPSS version 26 and presented in tables and graphs.
Results: The highest result of DMFT (4.36) with standard deviation 1.23 was noted in the group consuming more than 16 cans per week also the highest score in adolescent compared to frequency of consumed cans per week. Soft drinks found in Kosovo’s mar-kets are acidic with low pH, 93.75% of them had a pH below 4 which are considered erosive and only 6.25% are minimally erosive with a pH > 4, in terms of buffer capacity soft drinks can be ordered like this energy drinks >soda >100% fruit juice > fruit drinks. Improper tooth-brushing, dental visits only in case of pain and not preventive visits were significantly related to dental caries.
Conclusion: The results of the research awarned us for high frequency consumption of soft drinks related to dental caries. It is recommended to be aware of the use of soft drinks, regular visits to the doctor, higher maintenance of oral health by using paste with sufficient fluoride content also brushing teeth 1 hour after consuming acidic food.
Progress and Application of Genomic Selection in Sheep and Goat
Authors: Zhang Linyun , Duan Yixin , Xu Naiyi , Zhao Yongju
Published: May 2024

The advancement of sequencing technology and molecular breeding methods have provided technical support and assurance for accurate breeding. Genomic Selection (GS) utilizes genomic information to improve livestock breeding and, it is more accurate and more efficient than traditional selection methods. GS has been widely applied in domestic animals breeding, especially in cattle. However, there is still limited study on the application and research of GS in sheep and goat. In this paper, we outlined the principle, analysis methods, the influential factors of GS, and elaborated on the research progress, challenges, and prospects of applying GS in sheep and goat breeding. Through the review of these aspects this paper is expected to provide valuable references for the implementation of GS in the field of sheep and goat breeding.
Compensatory Modulation of Seed Storage Protein Synthesis and Starch Accumulation by Selective Editing of 13 kDa Prolamin Genes in Rice
Authors: Pham Hue Anh , Cho Kyoungwon , Tran Anh Duc , Chandra Deepanwita , So Jinpyo , Nguyen Hanh Thi Thuy , Sang Hyunkyu , Lee Jong-Yeol , Han Oksoo
Published: May 2024

Rice prolamins are categorized into three groups by molecular size (10, 13, or 16 kDa), while the 13 kDa prolamins are assigned to four subgroups (Pro13a-I, Pro13a-II, Pro13b-I, and Pro13b-II) based on cysteine residue content. Here, we generated four knockout strains of rice using CRISPR-Cas9, each of which demonstrated selectively reduced expression of specific subgroups of the 13 kDa prolamins. These four mutant rice lines also demonstrated compensatory expression of glutelins and non-targeted prolamins, which resulted in low grain weight, altered starch content and atypically-shaped starch granules and protein bodies. Transcriptome analysis identified 746 transcripts that were differentially expressed in the mutant rice lines during development. These transcripts played roles primarily in RNA processing, protein synthesis, stress response, and transport. After selective suppression/knockout of genes in the Pro13a-I subgroup, compensatory upregulation of genes in the Pro13a-II and Pro13b-I/II subgroups was observed. Compensatory expression of 9 ER stress and 17 transcription factor genes was also observed in mutant rice in which expression of 13 kDa prolamin genes was suppressed. Our results provide valuable insight into the regulatory mechanisms underlying rice seed development and the specific roles played by 13 kDa rice prolamins and their target genes.
Convivial Populations: Ivan Illich and Public Health in the 21st Century
Authors: Petriceks Aldis H.
Published: May 2024

Ivan Illich (1926–2002) was a historian, social critic, and professor at multiple universities. He came to intellectual fame through his criticisms of modern institutions, including health care, and his concern with social structures that he believed to impede human flourishing. However, Illich has not been thoroughly explored as a source of insight for public health professionals. Although he populates the medical and public health literature, discourse remains sparse about how Illich might contribute to key conversations in public health today. In this article, I explore Illich’s potential contributions to modern public health through one of his seminal works, Tools for Conviviality. I frame Illich as a valuable conversational partner for public health professionals at a crucial moment in the field’s history. ( Am J Public Health. 2024;114(7):723–728. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307675 )
Insights into reproductive dynamics and feeding biology of Sphyraena putnamae Jordan and Seale, 1905 exploited in the Indian EEZ
Authors: R. Vinothkumar  , Subal Kumar Roul  , Ajay D. Nakhawa  , H. M. Manas  , S. Surya  , C. Anulekshmi  , Shubhadeep Ghosh  , K. M. Rajesh  , A. Margaret Muthu Rathinam  , E. M. Abdussamad  , Prathiba Rohit
Published: May 2024

The sawtooth barracuda Sphyraena putnamae, widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, isone of the commercially important barracuda species exploited by trawls in the Indian EEZ.The present study examined 2,135 S. putnamae collected during 2014-2020 from differentfish landing centres along the Indian coast, to elucidate their reproductive and feedingbehaviour. The fork length of sampled females and males varied from 12.5 to 130.9 cm and16.5 to 90.0 cm respectively. Negative allometric growth was observed with a significantdifference (p<0.05) between the sexes. The observed sex ratio (Female:Male) was 1.23:1,indicating the dominance of females. Size at sexual maturity for females and males wereestimated at 55.3 and 45.4 cm fork length respectively. The higher proportion of spawningcapable individuals and higher gonadosomatic index (GSI) values in females observedduring March to May and November-December revealed the bimodal and protractedspawning nature of this species. Absolute fecundity increased with fork length and weightand varied from 70,080 to 10,18,068 oocytes with an average of 3,16,568 oocytes. Thestomach vacuity index of females and males was 49.09 and 47.92% respectively. Fifty-nineprey items were identified in the diet, with a predominance of fishes confirming S. putnamaehas a piscivorous feeding behaviour.
Keywords:Management, Protracted spawners, Piscivore,Sawtooth barracuda, Sex ratio
Pelagic Fisheries of India – An overview
Authors: Prathibha Rohit  , E. M. Abdussamad  , A. Margaret Muthu Rethinam  , U. Ganga  , Shubhadeep Ghosh  , K. M. Rajesh  , K. P. Said Koya  , K. Mohammed Koya  , C. Anulekshmi  , Ajay D. Nakhawa  , S. Surya  , Subal Kumar Roul  , P. Abdul Azeez  , R. Vinoth Kumar  , H. M. Manas  , J. Jayasankar  , K. G. Mini  , Somy Kuriakose
Published: May 2024

The annual pelagic fish landings of the country comprising diverse species, increased from0.3 million t in 1950 to >3 million t in 2021, marking a tenfold increase. The pelagic resourcesconsistently constituted over half of the total marine fish landings. Major contributors tothe pelagic landings are sardines, mackerels, tunas, carangids, ribbonfishes, Bombayduck,codlets, billfishes and barracudas. The west coast of India accounts for 60% of total pelagiclandings with the south-west coast comprising of Kerala, Karnataka and Goa sustainingvast shoals of small pelagic fishes thriving in the nutrient-rich upwelled waters. The pelagicfishes play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, functioning as both prey and predator.Furthermore, the small pelagic fishes serve as sources of protein-rich food for coastalpopulations, and the large pelagic species command lucrative market prices both in thedomestic and export markets. Continuous monitoring of the landings of pelagic fishes isessential for recommending suitable management plans for the optimal and sustainableexploitation of the available pelagic resources in Indian waters. This paper attempts toprovide an overview of the marine pelagic fisheries of India, based on analysis of the fishlandings data across various sectors spanning the period from 1985 to 2021.
 
Keywords:Marine fish landings, Pelagic fishes, Sustainableexploitation, State-wise contribution, Trends
“¿Qué nos dice el mapeo?” La generación de evidencia cultural a partir de la metodología de mapeo colectivo
Authors: Elías Pineda Natalia
Published: May 2024

Information generation, data processing and territorial approaches are keys to more accurate cultural and urban policies, whether at a community, private or public sphere. This article discusses the main findings from the cultural mapping project "Cultural Cartographies of Lima" (Nodos Culturales Association 2021) in order to spotlight alternative research methods for territory analysis that relies on cultural information such as type of infrastructure, cultural manifestations promoted, mobilizing agendas and audiences involvement. Information regarding the characteristics and distribution of Lima's cultural spaces tell us about urban inequalities and the civil resilience in the city that provides interesting evidence for the territory comprehension and policy making.
Optimization of a novel hybrid photo-ozonation peroxymonosulfate process for degradation of Acid Black ATT dye in aqueous environment
Authors: Majlesi Monireh , Rahmati Seyedeh Hoda , Alipour Arash , Dolatyari Atousa , Hashemi Marjan
Published: May 2024

The current research aimed to simultaneously generate sulfate and hydroxyl radicals to break down Acid Black ATT dye. It was observed that using UV radiation and ozonation separately is insufficient for the complete decomposition of this dye compound. Based on the results, the UV/O3/PMS process is able to completely remove all dye concentrations under the optimum conditions (pH=10, O3=20 mg/min, PMS=0.4 mM L-1, and AB-ATT=20 mg/L) in 10 minutes, with significant removal of TOC and COD. For every 0.1 mM increase in PMS concentration, dye removal increased by 14 %. Hydroxyl and sulfate radicals were identified as the primary active species responsible for the degradation. The degradation followed first kinetic order, and hydroxylation and decarboxylation pathways were found to contribute significantly to the process. Therefore, the combined UV/O3/PMS process can be used as an environmentally friendly hybrid technology of advanced sulfate-based oxidation to remove recalcitrant contaminants from aqueous solutions.
Transfer of Heavy Metals in Northeast Brazil's Topsoils: Insights from Sequential Extraction and Statistical Tools
Authors: Fernández Zahily Herrero , Júnior José Araújo dos Santos , Amaral Romilton dos Santos , Coutinho Artur Paiva , Bezerra Mariana Brayner Cavalcanti Freire , Santos Josineide Marques do Nascimento , Milan Marvic Ortueta , Rojas Lino Angel Valcarcel , Santos Yasmin Marques dos , Mazaira Leorlen Yunier Rojas
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the distribution and mobility of trace metals (Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn) in surface soils of Pernambuco state, Northeast Brazil, applying sequential extraction techniques defined by the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) and complemented by statistical analysis through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation matrix. Analysis of fifty topsoil samples showed that most metals predominantly reside in the residual fraction. However, Cd, Ni, and Zn were significantly present in the mobile fraction. Cd and Pb were closely associated with iron and manganese oxides, indicating their potential mobility within environmental matrices. Cu, however, was primarily detected under oxidising conditions in the residual fraction. PCA revealed a positive correlation of soil pH with Ni, Cu, and Cr and a negative correlation with Zn, Cd, and Pb. Factors such as organic matter and soil texture also play significant roles in influencing the mobility of these metals. The study highlights significant variances across different soil classes, underscoring the complex nature of soil chemistry. These findings emphasise the importance of sequential extraction and PCA in assessing metal solubility and availability, which is crucial for effective environmental management and agricultural practices.
Surface acoustic wave sensing chip based on acoustic impedance effect: a method for rapid gas leakage detection and respiratory monitoring
Authors: Wang Wen , Cui Baile , Cheng Lina , Jin Jing , Hu Anyu , Ren Zixuan , Xue Xufeng , Liang Yong
Published: May 2024

The transformation of acoustic impedance (AI) in different media regulates the transmission and reflection characteristics of acoustic waves between media, thus enabling many interesting acoustic applications. Here we introduce for the first time a surface acoustic wave (SAW) chip based on the AI effect, which utilizes its piezoelectric effect and unique interdigital transducer to excite a mechanical wave (SAW) propagating along the surface of the piezoelectric crystal, and it features high sensitivity to surface-loaded media such as gases and humidity changes due to the SAW energy being localized on the surface. On this basis, we theoretically established the relationship between surface load AI and SAW propagation loss, and analyzed the influence of AI on acoustic propagation loss under different gas/humidity media using mass conservation and ideal gas state equations. Experimental measurements using SAW chips reveal that the differences in AI generated by different gases trigger different acoustic propagation loss signals, and can achieve wide-range (1-100 v/v%) gas monitoring, with fast response and recovery speeds reaching sub-second levels (t90<1 s, t10<0.5 s). This capability can also be perfectly utilized for human respiratory monitoring, accurately reflecting respiratory status, frequency, and intensity. Therefore, the SAW sensing method and chip based on the AI effect proposed in this work provide a new solution for in-situ detection of gas leaks and precise monitoring of human respiration.
A dual growth mode unique for organic crystals relies on mesoscopic liquid precursors
Authors: Vekilov Peter , Yerragunta Manasa , Tiwari Akash , Chakrabarti Rajshree , Rimer Jeffrey , Kahr Bart
Published: May 2024

Organic solvents host the synthesis of high-value crystals used as pharmaceuticals and optical devices, among other applications. A knowledge gap persists on how replacing the hydrogen bonds and polar attraction that dominate aqueous environments with the weaker van der Waals forces affect the growth mechanism, including its defining feature, whether crystals grow classically, by association of monomers, or nonclassically, by integration of precursors. Here we demonstrate a rare dual growth mode of etioporphyrin I crystals, enabled by liquid precursors that associate with crystal surfaces to generate stacks of layers, which then grow laterally by incorporating solute molecules. We combine time-resolved in situ atomic force microscopy to monitor the evolution of crystal surfaces with microfluidics to measure crystal growth rates; scattering microscopy to characterize the precursors; density functional theory, absorption spectroscopy and molecular simulations to characterize the molecular interactions in the solution; and quantitative optical birefringence to assess crystal quality. Our findings reveal the precursors as mesoscopic solute-rich clusters, a unique phase favored by weak bonds such as those between organic solutes. The lateral spreading of the precursor-initiated stacks of layers crucially relies on abundant solute supply directly from the solution, bypassing adsorption and diffusion along the crystal surface; the direct incorporation pathway may, again, be unique to organic solvents. Clusters that evolve to amorphous particles do not seamlessly integrate into crystal lattices but incorporate as gross defects. Crystals growing fast and mostly nonclassically at high supersaturations are not excessively strained. Our findings demonstrate that the weak interactions with solutes typical of organic solvents promote nonclassical growth modes by supporting liquid precursors and enabling the spreading of multilayer stacks.