bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topical insulin for refractory persistent corneal epithelial defects
Authors: Abdi Parisa , Ghaffari Reza , Azad Nikoo , Alshaheeb Ahmed , Latifi Golshan , Soltani Shahgoli Sahel , Fakhredin Hanieh 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe aim was clinical evaluation of the efficacy of topical insulin eye drops in patients with refractory persistent epithelial defects (PEDs). This prospective non-randomized investigation was conducted to examine the efficacy of insulin eye drops in treating patients with PEDs that did not respond to conventional therapy. A total of twenty-three patients were included in the study, and they were administered insulin eye drops formulated as 1 U/mL, four times a day. The rate of epithelial defect resolution and time to complete corneal re-epithelialization were considered primary outcome measures. The relative prognostic impact of initial wound size and other parameters, including age, sex, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension were also analyzed. The results showed that during follow-up (maximum 50 days), a total of 16 patients (69.6%) achieved improvement. Insulin eye drops significantly reduced the corneal wounding area in 75% of patients with small epithelial defects (5.5 mm2 or less) during 20 days. Only 61% of patients with moderate epithelial defects (5.51–16 mm2) showed a significant recovery in 20–30 days. Also, 71% of patients with a defect size greater than 16 mm2, demonstrated a significant improvement in the rate of corneal epithelial wound healing in about 50 days. In conclusion topical insulin reduces the PED area and accelerates the ocular surface epithelium wound healing.
A lecturer’s voice quality and its effect on memory, listening effort, and perception in a VR environment
Authors: Schiller Isabel S. , Breuer Carolin , Aspöck Lukas , Ehret Jonathan , Bönsch Andrea , Kuhlen Torsten W. , Fels Janina , Schlittmeier Sabine J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMany lecturers develop voice problems, such as hoarseness. Nevertheless, research on how voice quality influences listeners’ perception, comprehension, and retention of spoken language is limited to a small number of audio-only experiments. We aimed to address this gap by using audio-visual virtual reality (VR) to investigate the impact of a lecturer’s hoarseness on university students’ heard text recall, listening effort, and listening impression. Fifty participants were immersed in a virtual seminar room, where they engaged in a Dual-Task Paradigm. They listened to narratives presented by a virtual female professor, who spoke in either a typical or hoarse voice. Simultaneously, participants performed a secondary task. Results revealed significantly prolonged secondary-task response times with the hoarse voice compared to the typical voice, indicating increased listening effort. Subjectively, participants rated the hoarse voice as more annoying, effortful to listen to, and impeding for their cognitive performance. No effect of voice quality was found on heard text recall, suggesting that, while hoarseness may compromise certain aspects of spoken language processing, this might not necessarily result in reduced information retention. In summary, our findings underscore the importance of promoting vocal health among lecturers, which may contribute to enhanced listening conditions in learning spaces.
Examining the relationship between land use and childhood leukemia and lymphoma in Tehran
Authors: Norzaee Samira , Yunesian Masud , Ghorbanian Arsalan , Farzadkia Mahdi , Rezaei Kalantary Roshanak , Kermani Majid , Nourbakhsh Seyed Mohammad-Kazem , Eghbali Aziz 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe conducted a hospital-based case–control study to explore the association between proximity to various land use types and childhood leukemia and lymphoma. This research involved 428 cases of childhood leukemia and lymphoma (2016–2021), along with a control group of 428 children aged 1–15 in Tehran. We analyzed the risk of childhood cancer associated with land use by employing logistic regression adjusted for confounding factors such as parental smoking and family history. The odds ratio (OR) for children with leukemia and lymphoma residing within 100 m of the nearest highway was 1.87 (95% CI = 1.00–3.49) and 1.71 (95% CI = 1.00–2.93), respectively, in comparison to those living at a distance of 1000 m or more from a highway. The OR for leukemia with exposure to petrol stations within 100 m was 2.15 (95% CI = 1.00–4.63), and for lymphoma it was 1.09 (95% CI = 0.47–2.50). A significant association was observed near power lines (OR = 3.05; 95% CI = 0.97–9.55) within < 100 m for leukemia. However, no significant association was observed between power lines and the incidence of childhood lymphoma. There was no association between bus stations, major road class 2, and the incidence of childhood leukemia and lymphoma. In conclusion, our results suggest a possible association between the incidence of childhood leukemia and proximity to different urban land uses (i.e., highways and petrol stations). This study is the first step in understanding how urban land use affects childhood leukemia and lymphoma in Tehran. However, comprehensive studies considering individual-level data and specific pollutants are essential for a more nuanced understanding of these associations.
Quality of life in women with normal pregnancy
Authors: Wójcik Małgorzata , Aniśko Bartosz , Siatkowski Idzi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPregnancy affects a woman’s physiological and psychological state. One of the most important aspects that requires attention is the quality of life of pregnant women. The quality of life of women during this period is influenced by a number of factors, such as back and pelvic pain, physiotherapy and physical activity, and also sexual satisfaction. Eighty-five women aged 21–40 years (30.80 ± 5.05) in pregnancy trimesters participated in the study: 17 women were in the first trimester, 32 women were in the second, and 36 women in the third trimester. The World Health Organisation Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women SSS-W-R15 were used to answer the research hypotheses. Respondents also provided information on questions regarding physiotherapy treatments and physical activity. Quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) and disability due to back pain (ODI) showed a statistical association and relationship (p-value = 0.045, rho = − 0.22). Quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) has an association with sexual satisfaction in pregnant women (SSS-W-R15) (p-value = 0.003, rho = 0.32). The trimester of pregnancy has an effect on ODI (p-value = 0.027). A significant effect occurred in a detailed comparison between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy (p-value = 0.026). The trimester also has an impact on quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) (p-value = 0.002). In a detailed analysis, a significant effect occurred between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy (p-value = 0.001). Moreover, the trimester of pregnancy has an impact on sexual satisfaction (SSS-W-R15) (p-value = 0.027). After detailed statistical analysis, a significant effect occurred between trimesters one and three of pregnancy (p-value = 0.046). On the other hand, the number of days of physical activity performed by pregnant women per month and the type of physical activity had no effect on the ODI (p-value = 0.071). The type of physical activity performed by pregnant women also has no effect on ODI (p-value = 0.023). The number of physiotherapy treatments used has no effect on the ODI (p-value = 0.156). Type of physiotherapy treatment has no effect on ODI (p-value = 0.620). Normal pregnancy quality of life (WHOQOL) is related to ODI and sexual satisfaction (SSS-W-R15), while the trimester of pregnancy also has an impact on quality of life, disability due to back pain and sexual satisfaction.
Single cell RNA analysis uncovers the cell differentiation and functionalization for air breathing of frog lung
Authors: Chang Liming , Chen Qiheng , Wang Bin , Liu Jiongyu , Zhang Meihua , Zhu Wei , Jiang Jianping 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe evolution and development of vertebrate lungs have been widely studied due to their significance in terrestrial adaptation. Amphibians possess the most primitive lungs among tetrapods, underscoring their evolutionary importance in bridging the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. However, the intricate process of cell differentiation during amphibian lung development remains poorly understood. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we identify 13 cell types in the developing lungs of a land-dwelling frog (Microhyla fissipes). We elucidate the differentiation trajectories and mechanisms of mesenchymal cells, identifying five cell fates and their respective driver genes. Using temporal dynamics analyses, we reveal the gene expression switches of epithelial cells, which facilitate air breathing during metamorphosis. Furthermore, by integrating the published data from another amphibian and two terrestrial mammals, we illuminate both conserved and divergent cellular repertoires during the evolution of tetrapod lungs. These findings uncover the frog lung cell differentiation trajectories and functionalization for breathing in air and provide valuable insights into the cell-type evolution of vertebrate lungs.
Distally Based Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach—A Modification of the Classic Approach
Authors: Wong Allen Wei-Jiat , Sim Nadia Hui Shan , Thing Coeway Boulder , Xu Wenxuan , Chua Hui Wen , Ngaserin Sabrina , Loh Shermaine , Kok Yee Onn , Feng Jia Jun , Pearlie Tan Woon Woon , Tan Benita Kiat-Tee 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe treatment of breast cancer has seen great success in the recent decade. With longer survivorship, more attention is paid to function and aesthetics as integral treatment components. However, breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) remains a significant complication. Immediate lymphatic reconstruction is an emerging technique to reduce the risk of BCRL, the Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach (LYMPHA) being the most widely used approach. Despite promising results, it is often difficult to find suitably sized recipient venules and perform the microanastomoses between mismatched vessels deep in the axilla. Moreover, high axillary venous pressure gradients and potential damage from radiotherapy may affect the long-term patency of the anastomoses. From an ergonomic point of view, performing lymphaticovenular anastomosis in the deep axilla may be challenging for the microsurgeon. In response to these limitations, we modified the technique by moving the lymphatic reconstruction distally—terming it distally based LYMPHA (dLYMPHA). A total of 113 patients underwent mastectomy with axillary clearance in our institution from 2018 to 2021. Of these, 26 underwent subsequent dLYMPHA (Group 2), whereas 87 did not (Group 1). In total, 17.2% (15 patients) and 3.84% (1 patient) developed BCRL in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.018). Lymphatics and recipient venules suitable for anastomoses can be reliably found in the distal upper limb with better size match. A distal modification achieves a more favorable lymphaticovenular pressure gradient, vessel match, and ergonomics while ensuring a comparably low BCRL rate.
Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety and Depression among Perinatal Women in Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ruban Jenose Asmila , Santhosh Abinesh , Velmurugan Madhunisha , Selvaraj Lavanya , Leela Krishnapriya , Subbarayan Latha Maheswari 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Introduction The perinatal period is a critical time in a woman's life. The impact of perinatal mental disorders includes new evidence of an increase in their prevalence among young pregnant women. Perinatal mental disorders are one of the most common and undertreated morbidities. Early detection of perinatal mental illness may be supported by evidence on risk factors. Our study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors of anxiety and depression and to determine the association between them.
Materials and Methods A prospective observational questionnaire-based study was conducted in the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary care hospital for a duration of 6 months. With random sampling, 741 participants were recruited for the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.
Results The prevalence of perinatal anxiety and depression was found to be 48.5 and 32.2%, respectively. We discovered a substantial link between perinatal depression and anxiety, with an odds ratio of 3.9. The predictors are gestational age, postpartum age, comorbid conditions, morning sickness, sleep disturbance, sleep duration, loss of appetite, loss of interest in their favorite food, type of family, and presence of risk in their pregnancy.
Conclusion Early screening and intervention may drastically and significantly reduce mental disorders existing in the pregnant population. So as health care professionals, we suggest that screening and counseling for depression and anxiety could be included as routine processes in antenatal care.
Requests as macro-speech act motivators in Qur’anic dialogues
Authors: Khafaga Ayman 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBesides their linguistic nature of directivity that necessitates a verbal and/or physical response, requests can also function as linguistic motivators of macro-speech acts. Based on this assumption, this paper explores the extent to which requests in some Qur’anic dialogues not only elicit a response but also motivate a sequence of ancillary speech acts that forms a macro-speech act communicating one macro-proposition. This objective is primarily pursued in light of an eclectic framework constituting van Dijk’s (1977) concept of macro-speech acts, Thornburg and Panther’s (1997) illocutionary scenarios, contributions on speech act theory and requests (e.g., Austin, 1962; Searle, 1979), and Blum-Kulka et al.’s (1989) categorization of modification strategies of requests. Three main findings are revealed in this paper: first, in some Qur’anic dialogues, requests are employed not only to create a position for a response or fulfillment on the part of addressees but also to motivate a sequence of other ancillary speech acts constituting one macro-speech act and profiling a shared logic-semantics representation. Second, unlike ordinary requests, macro-speech act requests (MSARs) in Qur’anic dialogues exhibit a high degree of contingency and a low degree of entitlement. Third, MSARs in Qur’anic dialogues are structured around three illocutionary scenarios, are modified internally and externally, and are illocutionary polysemous.
Urbanization inequality: evidence from vehicle ownership in Chinese cities
Authors: Duan Linlin , Song Lulu , Wang Wanjun , Jian Xiaomei , Heijungs Reinout , Chen Wei-Qiang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUnequal outcomes resulting from urbanization can pose a significant challenge to sustainable development. Vehicles are an important urbanization dimension as a critical component of urban infrastructure by providing mobility and accessibility to social services. China’s vehicle ownership (referred to as in-use vehicle stocks) has been growing quickly since 2000, but its per capita stocks are still much lower than that in developed economies. This raises the question of whether and when China’s vehicle stocks will reach a peak level close to that in the developed countries. By analyzing vehicle stocks in 283 Chinese cities during 2001–2018, we have the following findings: (1) vehicle stocks are predominantly distributed in northern and eastern coastal cities and provincial capital cities; (2) inequality in vehicle ownership rates between cities shows a declining trend at both national and region scales; (3) the growth of vehicle ownership rates follows an S-shape curve and most cities are still at the early stage of motorization; (4) China is likely to have a lower saturation level of vehicle ownership rate. These results could help to accurately forecast future vehicle demand in China, estimate the resulting environmental impacts, and explore strategies to achieve carbon neutrality in transportation.
Role of collaborative governance in unlocking private investment in sustainable projects
Authors: Bai Yiran , Lu Chunxian , Dong Ximiao , Li Yinan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis scholarly investigation scrutinizes the involvement of the private sector in environmentally sustainable projects, employing the cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag methodology on yearly data spanning from 2000 to 2020 across 11 low and lower-middle-income Asian nations. It specifically assesses the influence of the good governance index. Findings indicate a notable correlation, where a 1% enhancement in the index corresponds to a 0.34% increase in private engagement in green projects in the short term and a 0.64% increase in the long term. The study underscores the significance of economic stability; a 1% escalation in uncertainty leads to a 0.56% short term and 0.73% long-term reduction in private participation. It underscores the driving role of gross domestic product growth and the proliferation of small and medium-sized enterprises, emphasizing the necessity for tailored financial instruments to stimulate private investment in green projects. Moreover, it explores practical policy avenues such as e-government services, information and communication technology-driven digital transformation, sustainable corporate governance, and issuance of state-backed green bonds to foster private-sector participation in eco-friendly initiatives. Future research avenues encompass examining the repercussions of the pandemic on private green investments and evaluating the efficacy of the public-private partnership model in green projects across these economies.
3-level inverter based compensator for power quality enhancement using proposed Trianguzoidal PWM technique
Authors: Agrawal Nikhil , Agarwal Anshul , Kanumuri Tirupathiraju 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In today’s scenario, the integration of a grid-connected load system with a hybrid energy system (HES) is encouraged to improve the reliability of the system. With the stunning rise in nonlinear loads in HES over the last two decades, the power quality (PQ) of the system has emerged as a paramount concern in contemporary times. The power quality problems include the injection of harmonics in the source current, low input power factor, poor voltage regulation, the burden of reactive power, etc. So, to mitigate these power quality problems in a single-phase distribution system, a 3-level Cascade H-bridge (CHB) inverter-based shunt active power filter (SAPF) is employed alongside a proposed Trianguzoidal pulse width modulation (TRZ PWM) strategy. The single-phase distribution system with SAPF is simulated in fixed and dynamic load conditions to check the system’s efficacy. The proposed PWM techniques for SAPF are compared with conventional PWM techniques, i.e., level shift, phase shift, and hybrid PWM techniques. Results indicate satisfactory performance of the proposed PWM techniques, exhibiting low harmonic distortion in source current, well within IEEE 519 limits, and high active filtering efficiency (AFE) compared to conventional PWM methods. Furthermore, this paper provides detailed comparisons of conventional and proposed PWM techniques in the context of active & reactive power supplied or delivered by load, source, and compensator, input power factor, harmonics in source or grid current, AFE, and individual harmonic components concerning fundamental component of source current.
Laser-based synthesis of silver nanoparticles embedded in cellulose paper for catalytic reduction of azo dyes and SERS sensing of pesticides
Authors: Malik Ammara , Hussain Shafqat , Al-Ahmadi Ameenah N , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem , Ur Rehman Zia , Qayyum Hamza 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In this study, highly reactive bare silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are synthesized using the Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid (PLAL) technique. Ag NPs are then coated on the filter paper using the dip coating method. This process converts filter paper into a versatile substrate for catalysis and surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) based sensing. The successful synthesis of spherical Ag NPs and their effective embedding into the filter paper was confirmed using UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX). SEM images revealed that the Ag NPs were embedded in the filter paper and attached to the cellulose fibers. The use of Ag NPs embedded filter paper as a catalyst substrate for the reduction of both cationic and anionic dyes demonstrated that higher concentrations of Ag NPs on the filter paper resulted in a faster reduction. In particular, filter paper impregnated with 52 μg of Ag NPs demonstrated a complete reduction of methylene blue and methyl orange in less than a minute and 4 min, respectively. To demonstrate the practical sensing capability of the Ag NPs embedded filter paper, it was utilized as a SERS substrate. This enabled the detection of trace levels of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and the pesticide molecule chlorpyrifos, demonstrating its potential real-world applications.
Comparison of the effect of C doping on the photovoltaic properties of the defect state transition metal sulfur compounds MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Te): a first-principles study
Authors: Dai Ying , Liu Guili , He Jianlin , Yang Zhonghua , Zhang Guoying 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Two-dimensional layered materials are widely used due to their favorable electrical and optical properties. In this paper, the electronic structure, DOS, charge transfer, and optical properties of the defect state C-MX2 system of transition state metal-sulfur compounds are investigated using first-principle calculations. The electronic structure, DOS, charge transfer and optical properties of three systems, MoS2, MoTe2 and WS2, are systematically compared and analyzed. The results show that MoS2, MoTe2, and WS2 are all direct band-gap semiconductors. After the occurrence of vacancy defects, MoTe2 and WS2 are transformed from direct band-gap to indirect band-gap, while MoS2 still maintains the direct band-gap. We chose C atoms to dope the defective state MX2 system. After doping with a low concentration of C atoms, the Fermi energy level decreases, the valence band shifts upward, and the system undergoes a semiconductor-to-metal transition. In terms of density of states, the Mo-d and W-d orbitals as well as the S-p and Te-p orbitals are gradually enhanced under the effect of defect states and C doping, with the contribution of MoTe2 > MoS2 > WS2. In terms of optical properties, the absorption and reflection peaks of all three systems are blue-shifted after the change of defect states and C doping.