bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Feasibility of Using Spent Rooibos Tea Waste-Derived Activated Carbon for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Gembo Robert O. , Morake Gorata P. , Orero Bonface O. , Odisitse Sebusi , Msagati Titus AM. , King’ondu Cecil K. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The global drive towards sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions has led to increased interest in the development of efficient energy storage devices. In this context, the utilization of waste materials as precursors for activated carbon (AC) production has garnered substantial attention. This study investigates the feasibility of using spent Rooibos tea waste (SRTW), a hitherto unexplored precursor, to synthesize AC for supercapacitor applications. The preparation of the AC was optimized by the Taguchi method. The sample generated under optimum conditions (700 ℃, 75 min, and 2 g/g, activation temperature, time and ratio) designated as 2AC700-75, was subjected to morphological analysis by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) which reveal the porous nature of the prepared AC. Concurrently, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) elucidated the presence of carbonaceous functional groups. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analyses, employed for determining the electric double layer capacitance (EDLC) in the presence of a 6 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolytic medium. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) generated a Nyquist plot, revealing a charge transfer resistance value (Rct) of 11.36 Ω. Furthermore, a galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) study determined the specific capacitance (Sc) values of 109.16 and 210 F/g at 0.5 A/g for two and three electrode system, respectively. Remarkably, it exhibited excellent cycling stability, retaining 99.99% of its capacitance and maintaining 100% coulombic efficiency after 5000 cycles at a current density of 2 A g− 1. In a symmetric coin supercapacitor cell with a 6 M KOH solution, 2AC700-75 electrodes exhibited exemplary EDLC behavior, featuring an energy density of 15.16 W h kg− 1 and a power density of 999.2 W kg− 1. The findings illuminate the promising future of waste-to-energy conversion and its critical role in a sustainable and clean energy landscape.
Proapoptotic Bcl-2 inhibitor as host directed therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Jain Sanjay , Singh Medha , Sarhan Mona , Damiba Nerketa , Singh Alok , Villabona-Rueda Andres , Meza Oscar Nino , Chen Xueyi , Ordonez Alvaro , D'Alessio Franco , Aboagye Eric , Carroll Laurence 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Mycobacterium tuberculosis establishes within host cells by inducing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, triggering necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Here, we demonstrate that navitoclax, an orally bioavailable, small-molecule Bcl-2 inhibitor, significantly improves pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) treatments as a host-directed therapy. Addition of navitoclax to standard TB treatments at human equipotent dosing in mouse models of TB, inhibits Bcl-2 expression, leading to improved bacterial clearance, reduced tissue damage / fibrosis and decreased extrapulmonary bacterial dissemination. Using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, we show that navitoclax induces apoptosis in several immune cells, including CD68 + and CD11b + cells. Finally, positron emission tomography (PET) in live animals using novel, clinically translatable biomarkers for apoptosis (18F-ICMT-11) and fibrosis (18F-FAPI-74) demonstrates that navitoclax significantly increases apoptosis and reduces fibrosis in pulmonary tissues, which are confirmed using post-mortem studies. Our studies suggest that proapoptotic drugs such as navitoclax can improve pulmonary TB treatments, and should be evaluated in clinical trials.
Psychometric properties of the Feeling of Unsafety Scale – Arabic (FUSA) in general population adults.
Authors: Obeid Sahar , Bitar Zeinab , Malaeb Diana , Sakr Fouad , Dabbous Mariam , Hallit Souheil , Fekih-Romdhane Feten 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Feelings of unsafety, including fear of crime, uncertainty, or insecurity, can negatively impact individuals by reducing psychological well-being and worsening health. Validating a simple and cost-effective tool to assess the general feeling of unsafety in the Arabic-speaking population, primarily residing in the Middle-East and North-Africa (MENA) region, where safety can be a major concern, would be highly beneficial. The study aimed to translate the Feeling of Unsafety Scale into Arabic (FUSA) and evaluate its psychometric properties, including internal reliability, sex invariance, composite reliability, and correlation with a measure of intolerance of uncertainty.
Methods: A total of 484 Arabic-speaking adults were recruited between March and April 2024. A self-administered anonymous survey was distributed through social media using a Google Forms link. We used FACTOR software to conduct the exploratory factor analysis of the FUSA scale.
Results: The confirmatory factor analysis of the unidimensional model was poor; the exploratory factor analysis conducted on the first split subsample showed a two-factor solution, with the CFA conducted on the second split subsample showing good fit. The latter model fit indices improved even more after adding a correlation between items 2-5 due to high modification indices. the reliability of the scale was excellent as shown by the McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha values for the total score (ω = 0.89 and α = 0.90), Factor 1 = Feeling of outdoor unsafety (ω = 0.91 and α = 0.91) and Factor 2 = Feeling of indoor unsafety (ω = 0.83 and α = 0.83). Invariance was established between males and females. Good concurrent validity was attested by positive correlations between FUSA scores and intolerance of uncertainty dimensions.
Conclusion: The FUSA is found to be reliable, valid, and cost-effective for measuring the general feeling of unsafety in the general population. To evaluate its practical effectiveness and further enhance data on its construct validity, future studies should assess the scale in diverse contexts and among specific populations.
The emerging face of FOXG1 Syndrome: a rare, genetically defined neurodevelopmental disorder coming of age in the genomics era.
Authors: Mueller Katarina , Shine Mary Grace , Lee Jae , Lee Soo-Kyung , Malone Karen E. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
FOXG1 Syndrome was first identified in 2005 and has been closely associated with Rett Syndrome. However, with access to genetic testing an increasing number of patients have been identified that do not fulfill Rett Syndrome clinical criteria. Utilizing genetic surveys of large, severe neurodevelopmental disease (NDD) cohorts, we provide the first prevalence estimates of FOXG1 Syndrome independent of Rett Syndrome clinical criteria.
Methods
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducting extensive genetic testing on cohorts of severe neurodevelopmental patients within the last ten years. Fourteen studies were included, after exclusion of outliers biased for FOXG1 patients, providing analysis of over 36,000 severe neurodevelopmental disease pediatric patients in total.
Results
FOXG1 patients accounted for 0.20% [95% CI: 0.15–0.25%] of severe NDD pediatric patients. MECP2 and CDKL5 patients accounted for 0.54% [95% CI: 0.47–0.62%] and 0.35% [95% CI: 0.29–0.41%], respectively. This results in an estimated prevalence of 0.6–2.2 FOXG1 patients per 100,000 children or ~ 430–1600 patients in the United States. The estimated prevalence of CDLK5 patients was 2.1–7.7 cases per 100,000 female children, and the estimated prevalence of MECP2 patients was 3.2–11.9 cases per 100,000 female children.
Conclusions
Estimated prevalence of MECP2-driven severe NDD was comparable to estimates based on Rett Syndrome clinical criteria. Similarly, CDKL5-driven NDD were also comparable to an earlier study. However, prevalence estimates for FOXG1-associated severe NDD were ~ 10 times higher than expected if limited to reports based on Rett Syndrome clinical criteria. This data further supports that both FOXG1 Syndrome and CDKL5 deficiency represent distinct and sizable patient populations as compared to MECP2-associated Rett Syndrome. These findings have immediate implications for improved diagnosis of these patients and highlight the benefits of genetic testing in identifying them.
COVID-19 vaccination survey and anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG responses in a human cohort from Schistosoma mansoni-endemic villages in Mayuge, Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Niu Mimi , Mu Yi , Adriko Moses , Candia Rowel , Jones Malcolm K. , McManus Donald P. , Egwang Thomas G. , Cai Pengfei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic precipitated devastating health and economic consequences globally. Vaccination has been a central pillar for COVID-19 prevention and control. Understanding the immunomodulatory effects of helminth infections on COVID-19 vaccine-induced immune responses and vaccine efficacy is crucial to the development and deployment of effective vaccination strategies in low- and middle-income countries with high prevalence of worms.
Methods: In September 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional, population-based survey in five Schistosoma mansoniendemic villages in Mayuge District, Uganda (n=450). The prevalence of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths was determined by the Kato-Katz (KK) technique on two stool samples collected from each participant. A subset of individuals (n=204) were interviewed in a COVID-19 vaccination survey. IgG levels against the SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 subunit (Anti-S1 IgG) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays using collected serum samples.
Results: The overall schistosomiasis and hookworm prevalence in the five villages was 36.4% (166/450) and 36.9% (168/450), respectively. Within the cohort, 69.78% (314/450) subjects showed a positive anti-S1 IgG response. COVID-19 vaccination coverage in interviewed participants was 93.14% (190/204; 95% CI, 88.8% − 95.9%). However, 81% (154/190) COVID-19 vaccinees had an anti-S1 IgG titer ≤ 200. In an adolescent group receiving a single dose of BNT162b2 vaccine (n=23), an inverse correlation was observed between anti-S1 IgG antibody levels/titers and faecal egg counts. Within the above group, anti-S1 IgG levels/titers were significantly low in subjects with a moderate-to-heavy S. mansoni infections (n=5) compared with KK-negative individuals (n=9). IgG1 was the dominant IgG subclass in sub-groups vaccinated with a single dose of the BNT162b2 (n=23) or Ad26.COV2.S (n=18).
Conclusion: Although the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination was high, the majority of participants received only a single vaccine dose and the overall anti-S1 IgG titers in confirmed vaccinees were low. Moderate-to-heavy intensity schistosome infections blunted the antibody response following vaccination with a single dose of BNT162b2. These observations confirm the necessity for a second vaccine dose for two-dose primary immunization series and call for implementation research that may inform the development of a ‘treat and vaccinate’ policy during vaccination roll-out in regions with heavy worm burdens.
An overview of Self-Supervised Image Denoising
Authors: Zhang Dan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The advent of deep learning has brought a revolutionary transformation to image denoising techniques. The persistent challenge of acquiring noisy-clean pairs for supervised methods in real-world scenarios remains formidable, necessitating the exploration of more practical self-supervised image denoising. However, although a large number of reviews on deep learning image denoising methods have emerged in recent years, there is no review specifically on self-supervised image denoising methods. This paper focuses on self-supervised image denoising methods that offer effective solutions to address this challenge. Our comprehensive review analyzes the latest advancements in self-supervised image denoising approaches, categorizing them into three distinct classes: General methods, Blind Spot Network (BSN)-based methods, and Transformer-based methods. For each class, we provide a concise theoretical analysis along with their practical applications. To assess the effectiveness of these methods, we present both quantitative and qualitative experimental results on various datasets. Additionally, we critically discuss the current limitations of these methods and propose promising directions for future research. By offering a detailed overview of recent developments in self-supervised image denoising, this review serves as an invaluable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field, facilitating a deeper understanding of this emerging domain and inspiring further advancements.
Optimizing Automated Essay Scoring: Achieving Comparable Performance with Simpler Machine Learning Models through Effective Feature Engineering
Authors: USMAN QAMAR , USMAN QAMAR 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Automated Essay Scoring (AES) systems are crucial in modern education, providing scalable and consistent assessments of student writing. While large language models (LLMs) like BERT and DeBERTa have demonstrated state-of-the-art performance in various Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks, their high computational demands limit their applicability in resource-constrained educational environments. This paper explores the potential of simpler machine learning models—Support Vector Machines (SVM), LightGBM (LGB), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)—in achieving comparable AES performance through effective feature engineering. By leveraging a dataset of over 17,000 student essays from diverse backgrounds, we demonstrate that with thoughtful feature selection and transformation, these models can achieve Quadratic Weighted Kappa (QWK) scores competitive with those of more complex LLMs, with SVM and ANN models reaching QWK scores of 0.79 and LGB achieving 0.80 on test data. Our findings highlight the viability of using less computationally intensive models for AES, making such systems more accessible to a broader range of educational institutions. This research offers practical insights into developing efficient and scalable AES solutions that maintain high performance while reducing the computational burden.
Hemisection : Split to save a compromised tooth- A case report
Authors: Thakur Vivek , Vishal Sharma  , Anshu Minocha  
Published: September 2024

Hemisection involves splitting of a mandibular molar into two halves, removing the damaged root with its accompanying part of crown and leaving the intact root along with crown in place. This form of treatment may be used when only one root has been affected by periodontal, resorption, perforation and caries involving furcation area while another root remains in good condition. Hemisection of the damaged tooth assists to maintain the tooth’s structure and the alveolar bone surrounding it. The key element to ensuring the long-term success in such cases is the proper case selection. This case report shows the hemisection of a mandibular molar in a young patient, followed by an appropriate restoration.
Misalignments in prepaid water technology: findings from urban poor settings of Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Ahabwe Gerald Zihembire , Ssewaya Achilles , Batega Dauda Waiswa , Kayaga Sam 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Progressive urban water utilities in developing countries have, since the mid-2000s deployed prepaid dispensers (PPDs) to provide reliable and equitably priced water services to slum residents. This paper reports on a study that evaluates the performance of the PPDs first deployed in the slums of Kampala in 2006 by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Uganda's main urban water utility. By February 2020, over 1,400 PPDs were installed in 20 slums, serving residents through over 33,000 access tokens. Data were collected in 2019/2020 through 275 household questionnaires, 17 key informant interviews, and 8 focus group discussions. The main finding was that although the PPD technology has achieved a relatively high diffusion rate, water drawn therefrom was an average of a paltry 7 litres per capita per day, meaning that many slum residents still rely on other water sources of doubtful quality. Key misalignments include misappropriation by local middlemen, who inflate the prices; high levels of technical malfunctions; and the utility's overreliance on international development financing for asset maintenance and expansion. NWSC should mainstream the pro-poor service department and build the necessary capabilities to ensure better technical functionality of the PPDs, including setting up smart partnerships where necessary.
Water accounting of groundwater over exploited districts in Haryana and Punjab states to analyse impacts of water conservation measures on water availability
Authors: Rajput Jitendra , Kushwaha N. L. , Sikka Alok , Faiz Alam Mohammad , Mahapatra Smaranika , Sena D. R. , Singh D. K. , Sahoo P. K. , Mani Indra 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Escalating water scarcity threatens to sustainable food production, necessitating enhanced water use efficiency through effective water management practices. The present study aims to conduct water accounting in the groundwater-depleted districts of Haryana and Punjab, India, analysing the potential irrigation water savings achievable through the implementation of efficient management techniques in these selected districts. The study area encompasses Kaithal and Karnal districts in Haryana and Patiala and Sangrur districts in Punjab with water availability assessment for 2015. Results showed that there is a mismatch between the annual groundwater pumped and replenishable groundwater recharge in all selected districts indicating a need for improved water management. Adjusting the timing of rice sowing to align with the onset of the rainy season can significantly save water and reduce groundwater extraction. For instance, delaying rice transplanting from May 21st to June 15th can reduce crop water demand by 10.89%. Similarly, transplanting rice on June 15th can reduce water demand by 9.03%, 6.23%, 4.31%, and 2.46% compared to transplanting on May 26th, May 31st, June 5th, and June 10th, respectively. Shifting of a rice-wheat cropping system to a maize-wheat system can substantially decrease crop water demand. Replacing rice with maize can result in a 54.66% reduction in crop water demand per hectare.
Święty Jan Paweł II w oczach współczesnej młodzieży
Authors: Akonom Jakub 
Published: September 2024

W obliczu toczącej się w Polsce dyskusji wokół osoby św. Jana Pawła II warto przyjrzeć się postawom młodzieży wobec Papieża Polaka i uwzględniając kontekst gwałtownych zmian społecznych oraz kulturowych, wyciągnąć z nich wnioski mające pozytywny wpływ na bieżącą działalność pastoralną.
Artykuł obejmuje analizę wyników badań przeprowadzonych wśród uczniów liceów i techników zlokalizowanych na terenie województwa mazowieckiego, w granicach diecezji drohiczyńskiej w styczniu i lutym 2023 roku. Problematyka badawcza podejmuje m.in. uznawanie św. Jana Pawła II za osobisty autorytet oraz kwestię znajomości i stosowalności jego nauczania w życiu respondentów. Jednym z problemów, jakie poddano badaniu, jest także popularyzacja wśród młodzieży internetowych materiałów negatywizujących osobę Papieża Polaka oraz ich percepcję w środowisku młodych. Tym samym tekst ten stanowi istotne uzupełnienie stanu wiedzy na temat zagadnienia, które do tej pory nie zostało właściwie opracowane przez środowisko naukowe.
Przeprowadzona analiza pozwala na wyciągnięcie wniosków, których zastosowanie może przyczynić się do poniesienia jakości katechizacji oraz pozwala nadać nowy rys duszpasterstwu młodzieży w Polsce.
Potential Targets for the Protective Effect of Astaxanthin on Ethanol-induced Damage in Rat Liver Mitochondria
Authors: Krestinina Olga , Krestinin Roman , Odinokova Irina , Sotnikova Linda , Baburina Yulia 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Alcohol intoxication leads to multiple degenerative disorders in
the structure and function of mitochondria. The mechanisms underlying these disorders,
as well as ways to prevent them, are an urgent task in biomedicine. We investigate the
mechanism of the positive effect of AX on rat liver mitochondria after chronic alcohol
administration and suggest the targets of its effects. In this work, we continued our
studies of astaxanthin (AX) as a possible protector of mitochondria from the toxic effects
of ethanol.

Methods:
In our experiments, we used the Lieber-DeCarly model of chronic alcohol intoxication,
which allows high-dose alcohol intake. Four groups of animals were used in
the experiments: group 1 (control), group 2 (treated with AX), group 3 (treated with
ethanol), and group 4 (treated with ethanol and AX together). Rat liver mitochondria
(RLM) were isolated by the standard method modified in our laboratory. A multifunctional
chamber with built-in electrodes was used to determine mitochondrial functions.
Electrophoresis followed by Western blot analysis was used to detect mitochondrial proteins.
Statistical significance was calculated using t-test Student-Newman- Keuls test.

Results:
AX has been shown to have a positive effect on the functioning of the mitochondrial
permeability transition pore (mPTP), the regulation of signaling pathways, as
well as mitochondrial dynamics. It was found that AX is able to suppress the degenerative
effect of alcohol on liver mitochondria. Targets for the protective action of AX in
rat liver mitochondria (RLM) have been proposed.

Conclusion:
The discovered protective effect of AX on liver mitochondria during alcohol
damage may contribute to the development of new strategies for the treatment of alcohol-
induced damage
Transmission Dynamics of Adolescent HIV is Very Different from Adults: A Longitudinal Study from India
Authors: Ganguly Suman , Gupta Shibaji , Biswas Rahul , Guchhait Debjani 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Behavioral risk factors in adolescents make them vulnerable to human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although it is dissimilar to adults, adolescent HIV is less studied.
This study aimed to determine various socio-demographic attributes and transmission dynamics
associated with adolescent HIV in order to comment on how they differ from the overall epidemiology
of HIV.

Methods:
A record-based, comparative study was conducted using data from adolescents (ALHIV)
and adults registered in all HIV centers across the Indian state of West Bengal over four
years. The socio-demographic profile and modes of HIV transmission were studied. Transmission
dynamics were compared between adolescent and non-adolescent beneficiaries, as well as male
and female HIV-positive adolescents. The association of adolescent HIV burden with child marriage
and adolescent pregnancy rates was also tested.

Results:
More than 50% of AL-HIVs were students. While heterosexuality (87.17%) was the commonest
route of HIV transmission in adults, parent-to-child transmission (PTCT) (51.69%) and
blood transfusions (12.86%) were major routes in AL-HIVs; also, they were significantly more
prone to get infected through these routes. PTCT was significantly lower, and transmission by needle
syringes was higher in male adolescents than in their female counterparts. Districts with a higher
prevalence of child marriage and adolescent pregnancy had a significantly higher burden of
AL-HIV.

Conclusion:
The transmission dynamics of adolescent HIV are largely different from those of
adults, with PTCT and sociocultural issues playing significant roles. It is, therefore, essential to design
targeted interventions to tackle the unique challenges of HIV in adolescents for more effective
and comprehensive campaigns against the pandemic.