bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Darcy-Forchheimer Hybrid Nanofluids Flow in Inner Extending and Outer Static Coaxial Cylinders for Thermal Applications
Authors: Alharbi Sayer Obaid 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Hybrid nanofluids (HNFs) containing Al2O3 (Aluminum Oxide) and TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide) nanoparticles (NPs) are an emerging area of research with potential applications in many fields, such as heat transfer enhancement and medical treatments. These nanofluids exhibit unique properties that make them attractive for such applications, including enhanced thermal conductivity, antimicrobial properties, and biocompatibility. This pioneering study investigates the flow behavior of Al2O3 and TiO2 HNFs between the two coaxial cylinders including the stretching inner cylinder which is covered by the outer static cylinder such that the inside cylinder is heated and the external cylinder is cooled. The flow is driven by the stretching performance of the inner cylinder, and the curvature term between the two cylinders, and the heat transfer performance is evaluated based on the Nusselt number, which describes the effectiveness of heat transfer. The Darcy-Forchheimer medium is considered for the fluid flow in the existence of thermal radiations and viscous dissipation effects. The gap between the cylinders is varied to get different observations on the drag coefficient and heat transfer rate. The transformed set of nonlinear equations has been tackled through the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The curvature of the cylinders, gap parameters, Eckert number, radiation parameter, and nanoparticle volume fractions influence are observed. The % analysis to investigate the heat transfer enhancement also has been analyzed. The existing literature is recovered by exceeding the gap between the two cylinders to infinity.
Exploring the Relationship among Malnutrition, Intake of Various Food Groups, and Sarcopenia in Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Nasab Mohammad Mehdi Mousavi , Khavandegar Armin , Fakhrzadeh Hossein , Moodi Mitra , Karimi Keyvan , Salehi Sarmad , Khorashadizadeh Masoumeh , Ejtahed Hanieh-Sadat , Sharifi Farshad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Malnutrition and specific food groups may cause sarcopenia in elderly persons. This study examined this possible link. Cross-sectional analysis of an ongoing cohort study was performed in this study. Data from 1344 elderly people was collected from September 2018 to April 2019. Gait speed, handgrip strength, and muscle mass determined sarcopenia and likely sarcopenia. A Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire was used to assess malnutrition. In the crude models, consumption of animal protein sources (OR = 0.59, 95%CI = 0.37 to 0.96) as well as fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.32 to 0.85) had a significant preventive effect on sarcopenia. Milk and dairy products also reduced the risk of sarcopenia by 37% (OR = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.41 to 0.98). After correcting for confounders, most relationships disappeared and no dietary group predicted sarcopenia. Malnutrition was a risk factor for sarcopenia in the crude model (OR = 2.82, 95%CI = 1.93 to 4.12) and after age and sex adjustment (aOR = 2.05, 95%CI = 1.33 to 3.15). Besides, malnutrition was a risk factor for probable sarcopenia in the fully adjusted model for all confounding factors (aOR = 1.36, 95%CI = 1.03 to 1.81). Malnutrition may enhance geriatric sarcopenia risk. Consuming animal protein, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products protected against sarcopenia slightly. Long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Investigation into the Damage State and Safety Assessment of Concrete Bridge Deck Slabs
Authors: Ding Sheng-Xuan , Li Ji-Ren , Yang Jia , Liu Peng-Lin , Wei Jia-Liang , Zhang Chuan-Jun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The present study introduces an analytical approach grounded in fuzzy hierarchical analysis, aimed at detecting and analyzing bridge deck deterioration, with the overarching objective of enhancing the efficiency and safety of bridge maintenance operations.This methodology assesses the structural integrity of bridge deck slabs by scrutinizing variables including traffic volume, service life, traffic duration, temperature, and other pertinent factors, followed by meticulous weight calculation.Employing finite element modeling and computational techniques, this study delves into the analysis of principal stress and displacement distribution across the bridge deck, both pre- and post-reinforcement measures.This analysis serves as a pivotal reference point for maintenance endeavors, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the bridge infrastructure.Moreover, this approach enables prompt implementation of repair and reinforcement measures, mitigating the risk of accidents and concurrently augmenting the efficacy and safety standards of bridge maintenance protocols.Given the pivotal role of transportation infrastructure in societal development, the efficacy of such measures bears significant ramifications for overall transport advancement.
A giant benign myoepithelioma of the palate: report of a case
Authors: Chidzonga Midion Mapfumo , Zambuko Blessing , Muungani Welcome , Katiro Munyaradzi Phillip 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Myoepithelioma, previously recognized as a subtype of pleomorphic adenoma, is a rare benign salivary gland neoplasia composed predominantly of myoepithelial cells with variable cellular morphologies: spindle, epitheliod, plasmacytoid, and clear cells. In the World Health Organisation, International Histological Classification of Tumours myoepithelioma is now recognised as a distinct histological entity. Myoepithelial cells are present in salivary glands, breast, larynx, and sweat glands. It is a rare tumor comprising 1-1.5% of all benign and malignant salivary gland tumors, 2.2% of all benign tumors of major salivary glands, and 5.7% of all benign minor salivary gland tumors. It occurs predominantly in the parotid gland and is rare in the minor salivary glands. We are reporting a 44-year-old female who presented with a giant benign myoepithelioma on the palate that grew slowly over 27 years.
The effect of blood glucose levels on serum triglyceride clearance in patients with hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Qin Shuqi , Dai Si , Zhou Jing , Wang Zhendan , Yin Guojian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background/Aims:Preventing moderately severe and severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP & SAP) is the primary goal of the management of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP). The main aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting serum triglyceride (TG) clearance, particularly blood glucose (GLU) levels, which potentially help to prevent the development of MSAP & SAP.Methods:The clinical data from 181 patients with MSAP & SAP and 207 patients with mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) on days 1–6 after the onset were collected and analyzed by multivariate logistic regression to identify the factors that have an impact on the severity of HLAP, especially TG. The optimal TG threshold was obtained by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to differentiate TG fast-clearance patients from TG slow-clearance patients, as defined in this study. Metabolism-related factors that may interfere with TG clearance, such as GLU, diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, and uric acid, were further analyzed.Results:Day 2 TG was an independent risk factor for MSAP & SAP in patients with HLAP (OR: 3.718, 95% CI: 2.042–6.77;P< 0.001). And patients with TG slow-clearance (day 2 TG ≥ 7.335 mmol/L) were more susceptible to MSAP & SAP, with a sensitivity of 0.932 and a specificity of 0.898. DM (OR: 3.574, 95% CI: 1.13–11.308,P< 0.001) and day 2 GLU level (OR: 1.537, 95% CI: 1.292–1.675;P< 0.001) were independent risk factors for TG slow-clearance but not for HLAP severity (OR: 1.728,P= 0.253 and OR: 1.119,P= 0.059). Day 2 GLU decreased below 13.07 mmol/L and 6.575 mmol/L in patients with DM and non-diabetes mellitus (NDM), respectively, contributing to the reduction of day 2 TG to 7.335 mmol/L.Conclusions:Day 2 TG levels had the most impact on the severity of HLAP, which also accurately predicted the occurrence of MSAP & SAP. It is worth noting whether the GLU can reach the target value on day 2, as it can directly affect the TG clearance rate and indirectly affect the severity of HLAP.
A Prospective Study in Evaluating Clinical Utility of Novel Lipid Parameters and TyG index for Risk Stratification in Diabetes Mellitus Patients with STEMI
Authors: zhao Xiaoxiao , Zhao Hanjun , Chen Runzhen , Li Nan , Li Jiannan , Zhou Jinying , Yan Shaodi , Liu Chen , Zhou Peng , Chen Yi , Song Li , Yan Hongbing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background Abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism are very commonplace in individuals with myocardial infarction, while insulin resistance plays a vital role in this biological process. Nevertheless, cardiovascular risk estimation by novel lipid biomarkers based on classic lipid parameters needs assessment in myocardial infarction cohorts with diabetes mellitus (DM) according to triglyceride–glucose index (TyG) level, followed up for incident ischemic stroke events, to estimate any modification in risk estimation warrants a change in treatment. We report results from prospective cohort in such a continuing study.
Methods Three novel lipid biomarkers (including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, Fatty acid-binding protein 4 and Resolvin D1) from different pathophysiological pathways with six traditional lipid parameters were evaluated in 1580 DM and non-DM of the myocardial infarction population cohort with 449 incident cardiovascular events (fatal or nonfatal coronary or ischemic stroke events) at median 2.02 years with follow up.
Resluts 1）In the group with lower TyG levels, the risk of MACEs decreased significantly during first group (0-1 lipid parameters increased) in the DM population (HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12–0.81; P=0.017) but not in patients with higher TyG levels. Similarly, among male patients, increasing number of lipid parameters index levels were associated with a stepwise higher incidence of MACEs over time (group 2, HR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.12–0.59; P =0.001; group 3, HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.19–0.90; P =0.0026) in the fully adjusted Cox regression models. 2) Furthermore, among DM patients, group 1 (0-1 lipid parameters increased) and group 2 (2-4 lipid parameters increased) had significantly better ischemic stroke-free survival than other groups (p=0.025) when TyG index ≥median. 3) Adding novel lipid associated parameters and TyG index to the conventional lipid risk factors model in the cohort validated it by improved net reclassification index (p＜0.05) and integrated discrimination improvement and led to significant reclassification of individuals into risk categories.
Conclusion The addition of a biomarker score including novel lipid associated biomarkers and TyG index to a conventional risk model improved risk estimation for ischemic stroke events in myocardial infarction populations with DM. Further validation is needed in other populations and age group.
Management of Urinary Incontinence in Girls with Congenital Pouch Colon
Authors: Yadav Partap Singh , Kapoor Kanu , Khanna Vikram , Pant Nitin , Choudhury Subhasis Roy , Chadha Rajiv 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study describes the management of urinary incontinence (UI) in 8 girls with congenital pouch colon (CPC) associated with anorectal malformation (ARM).
Methods
From 2013 to 2015, 6 girls with CPC and UI underwent bladder neck reconstruction (BNR). Four girls had complete UI (CUI) and 2 girls partial UI (PUI). From 2019 to 2023, 4 girls, including 2 with failed BNR, underwent bladder neck closure (BNC) and augmentation cystoplasty (AC) with a continent stoma. Subtypes of CPC were Type I (n=1); Type II CPC (n=5); and Type III CPC (n=2). All girls had a double vagina; short, wide urethra; and reduced bladder capacity with an open, incompetent bladder neck (BNI).
During BNR, a neourethra was constructed from a 1.5-2 cm wide and 1.5-3 cm long trigonal strip. During BNC, AC was performed using a 20-cm ileal segment (n=3) and by a colonic pouch segment, preserved during earlier colorraphy (n=1). Continent stoma included a Monti’s channel (n=3) and appendicovesicostomy (n=1).
Results
BNR produced moderate improvement of UI (n=2) while UI was still very severe (n=4). During BNC, intraoperative complications included iatrogenic vaginal tears (n=4). Early complications included partial dehiscence of the ileocystoplasty (n=1), partial adhesive small bowel obstruction (n=1), and difficulty in stomal catheterization with prolonged drainage from the pelvic drain (n=1). Late complications included unilateral grade II vesico-ureteric reflux (n=2), and vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) (n=2) needing trans-vaginal closure in one girl. Urinary stones (n=2) with stomal leakage of urine in one girl needed open cystolithotomy twice (n=1), and endoscopic lithotripsy (n=1). At follow-up, all patients have high overall satisfaction with the procedure and their continence status.
Conclusions
BNC with AC and a catheterizable stoma satisfactorily achieves continence in girls with CPC and UI, vastly improving quality of life. If lower urinary tract (LUT) anatomy is favorable, BNR with/ without AC can be the initial surgical procedure. BNC should be the primary procedure in girls with unfavorable LUT anatomy and for failed BNR.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV
Economic Analysis of Set-Asides in Public Procurement: Advancing Human Rights Goals
Authors: Srivast Astha 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Set-Aside policy is a common tool in public procurement to promote horizontal objectives like support to small businesses, domestic produce etc. Under set-aside policy, a fraction of the procurement volume (termed the quantum of set-aside) is reserved for vendors that comply with the condition/standards stipulated in the policy. In this paper, an economic analysis of set-aside policy in public procurement is made to find out the extent to which a set-aside policy can induce vendors to comply with the stipulated standards.
The analysis is then extended to make a specific study on use of set-asides for promoting human rights in business connections of public procurement agencies. Under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, States are expected to utilise their leverage in public procurements to engender respect for human rights in their business connections. Set-asides for human rights compliance is a natural choice for achieving this horizontal objective of public procurement. The analysis departs from the traditional economic analysis and the usual economic conception of “maximum utility”. Instead, this analysis focusses on the notion of “universal compliance”, the hallmark of human rights discourse, as a measure of efficiency. This allows the researcher to suggest some practical measures that states can adopt for ensuring universal compliance by vendors with stipulated standards using set-aside policy. This analysis also enables the researcher to arrive at an economic definition of the term “leverage” used in the Business and Human Rights discourse which underpins the additional responsibility of states for protecting human rights in its business connections. The paper makes the following original contributions to the existing literature.
Firstly, a new economic model for set-aside policies in public procurement has been developed and used for understanding how and why the policy works to promote desired social goals. Secondly, a new concept of “maximum compliance/universal compliance” instead of “maximum utility”, as a measure of economic efficiency, is introduced and used for economic analysis of set-aside policy. Thirdly, an economic definition of “leverage”, as used in the field of Business and Human Rights, is presented.
JEL Classification: K23, K38
Psychometric evaluation of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) among Afghans
Authors: Neyazi Ahmad , Rahimi Bilal Ahmad , Mohammadi Abdul Qadim , Satapathy Prakasini , Shikhulislamy Yasamin , Qaderi Farima , Qarizada Bibi Shahd , Afzali Habibah , Neyazi Mehrab , Griffiths Mark D. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Depression, anxiety, and stress are psychological mood states that have close relationships. Moreover, they are influenced by situational factors such as living in conflict zones (e.g., Afghanistan). The World Health Organization's assessment suggests that a significant proportion, specifically one-tenth, of the population residing in areas of conflict endure varying degrees of mental health disorders, ranging from moderate to severe. The most used psychometric instrument to assess these mood states is the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21). However, the scale has not been validated in Dari, the most spoken language in Afghanistan.
Methods
A cross-sectional investigation was undertaken between June and September of 2023 across various locales within Afghanistan, aiming to assess the psychometric attributes of the Dari iteration of the DASS-21 instrument. The sample comprised 1318 participants (69% females) with mean age of 32 years.
Results
Cronbach’s alpha of the total scale was 0.94. Findings indicated a robust and consistent level of test-retest reliability across all three dimensions. All subscales and the overall DASS-21 scale exhibited favorable fit indices supporting the proposed factor structure.
Conclusions
The Dari version of DASS-21 is a reliable and valid instrument to assess the magnitude of depression, anxiety, and stress among the Afghan adult population. The availability of the Dari adaptation of the DASS-21 will facilitate Afghan clinicians and researchers in the screening of prevalent mental health disorders within the Afghan populace.
Cholangiocyte RAGE drives the ductular reaction which provides biliary drainage but fuels liver injury
Authors: Vartak Nachiket , Damle-Vartak Amruta , Joers Simone , Guenther Georgia , Lam Macrina , Sator-Schmitt Melanie , Poth Tanja , Hofmann Ute , Kovacevic Jasna , Ringelhan Marc , Ghallab Ahmed , Dürl Stephanie , Schmid Roland , Angel Peter , Hengstler Jan , Geisler Fabian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Ductular reactions inevitably co-occur with liver tissue injury along with inflammation, cholestasis, and fibrosis. However, it remains unknown whether they represent an adaptive response facilitating bile drainage, or if they exacerbate dysfunction. By using a reporter mouse with cholangiocyte-specific deletion of the pattern recognition receptor RAGE, specific effects of the DR could be differentiated from the consequences of the cytotoxicity of the CDE-diet. While CDE-diet induced hepatoxicity triggers the DR via RAGE-dependent DAMP-sensing on cholangiocytes, it does not itself lead to loss of liver function. Instead, the presence of DR causes downregulation of basolateral bile acid transporters. Thus, although the DR forms a contiguous network capable of draining bile, it remains unutilized due to interrupted bile acid transport from blood to hepatocytes. The de-differentiating influence of the DR on hepatocytes thereby results in cholestasis and eventual fibrosis, that are more insidious to liver function than its initial cytotoxic trigger.
Reimagining Scientific Literacy: A Framework for Future-Focused Science Education
Authors: Kumar Vishal , Choudhary Sanjiv Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Scientific literacy is a crucial goal of science education that must adapt to the needs of the time. Different scientific literacy frameworks (such as the PISA 2018 scientific literacy framework; Cansiz & Cansiz, 2019) have been used for evaluating textbooks to evaluate the content. However, in recent years, a significant body of literature about contemporary challenges, such as ‘environmental issues, misinformation, science denial, responsible and transformative actions,’ has emerged, necessitating an update to the current framework. This paper seeks to address this research gap by critically reviewing and synthesizing the recent literature on scientific literacy. This research paper proposes a reconstructed scientific literacy framework for evaluating textbooks that align with science education's evolving needs and challenges by analyzing and incorporating the latest insights, also considering the latest PISA 2025 framework. After careful analysis, considering the Cansiz & Cansiz (2019) framework as the base, descriptors of the aspect ‘Interaction of STSE’ have been reconceptualized, the aspect ‘Affective side of science’ has been reconceptualized as ‘Affective engagement with science,’ and the addition of a new aspect, ‘Environmental awareness and responsibility’ dedicated explicitly to environmental challenges and suitable actions, is suggested. The reconstructed framework will serve as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and researchers to enhance the teaching and assessment of scientific literacy in educational settings. The findings of this research have the potential to contribute to the ongoing discourse on scientific literacy and provide valuable guidance for future curriculum development and educational practices.
Co-creating community wellbeing initiatives: What is the evidence and how do they work?
Authors: Powell Nicholas , Dalton Hazel , Lawrence-Bourne Joanne , Perkins David 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Addressing wellbeing at the community level, using a public health approach may build wellbeing and protective factors for all. A collaborative, community-owned approach can bring together experience, networks, local knowledge, and other resources to form a locally-driven, place-based initiative that can address complex issues effectively. Research on community empowerment, coalition functioning, health interventions and the use of local data provide evidence about what can be achieved in communities. There is less understanding about how communities can collaborate to bring about change, especially for mental health and wellbeing.
Method
A comprehensive literature search was undertaken to identify community wellbeing initiatives that address mental health. After screening 8,972 titles, 745 abstracts and 188 full-texts, 12 exemplar initiatives were identified (39 related papers).
Results
Eight key principles allowed these initiatives to become established and operate successfully. These principles related to implementation and outcome lessons that allowed these initiatives to contribute to the goal of increasing community mental health and wellbeing. A framework for community wellbeing initiatives addressing principles, development, implementation and sustainability was derived from this analysis, with processes mapped therein.
Conclusion
This framework provides evidence for communities seeking to address community wellbeing and avoid the pitfalls experienced by many well-meaning but short-lived initiatives.