bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mononuclear Cu(II), Zn(II) Complexes with 2-Aminoethylpyridine and carboxylate ligands: Structure, DFT, DNA binding, Docking and Catecholase Like Activities
Authors: Sureshbabu Popuri , Pattanaik Koyal , Bhattacharya Suman , Sabiah Shahulhameed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Mononuclear copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of composition [Cu(2-AEP)(BA)2] 1, [Cu(2-AEP)(TPAA)2] 2, [Zn(2-AEP)(Cl)2] 3, [Zn(2-AEP)2](ClO4)2 4, and [Zn(2-AEP)(TPAA)2] 5, were synthesized by using, 2-aminoethylpyridine (2-AEP) as ligand, benzoic acid (BA) and triphenylaceticacid (TPAA) as ancillary ligands. Complexes 1-5 were characterized using elemental study, UV-Vis, FT-IR, ESI-MS, and ESR spectroscopy (incase of Cu). Single crystal XRD of complexes revealed 1 in octahedral, 2 & 5 in square pyramidal and 3 & 4 in tetrahedral geometry. The interactions towards DNA with complexes 1-5 were studied by spectral titration, electrochemical techniques, and CD measurements. These complexes were interacted strongly via groove binding with CT-DNA with binding efficacy in the range kb = 0.45-4.69 × 104 M-1. Among the complexes, zinc(II) complex 4 showed higher binding affinity than remaining complexes (1-3, 5). The binding affinity order is 4 > 5 > 3 > 1 > 2. In addition, copper(II) complexes (1 and 2) showed catecholase like activity with reaction rate, k = 2.68 × 10-3 M s-1 and 2.63 × 10-3 M s-1 respectively.
Acupuncture and related therapy for constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kang Xueling , Zhang Honglin , Li Xiaying , Huang Zhansheng , Zhang Kai , Li Yuanyuan , Chai Yemao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture and related therapies in adults with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) and to provide guidance for clinical management.
Methods: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases were searched for clinical randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture and related therapies for IBS-C published from the inception of the database to January 2023. The literature was assessed for quality using the Cochrane 5.3 risk of bias assessment tool, and StataSE 15.0 and GeMTC 0.14.3 software were used for network meta-analysis (NMA)..
Results: Twenty-seven trials were finally included in the NMA, including 7 acupuncture-related therapies. The results of the NMA showed that 7 acupuncture-related therapies were more effective than conventional medicine. The overall efficacy rate showed that acupuncture combined with medication was the most effective therapy (OR=6.33, 95% CI: 2.01, 41.74, P<0.05). The recovery rate showed that acupoint catgut embedding was the best treatment for IBS-C (OR=8.38, 95% CI: 2.65, 38.00, P<0.05). The overall efficacy rate at follow-up showed that acupuncture combined with medication had the best sustained effect.
Conclusion: Acupuncture-related therapies are more clinically effective than conventional medicine in the treatment of IBS-C. Acupoint injection combined with medication has the best effect in both the short and long term, and combination therapy may be more beneficial. However, the existing trials have limitations and more high-quality randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.
The devil’s in the details: An ecosystem-based adaptation and adaptive governance framework for analyzing governance challenges to addressing peatland restoration problems
Authors: Pacoma Ara Joy , Pearson Leonie , Wungaeo Surichai 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Peatland restoration is considered one of the most cost-effective ecosystem-based interventions for climate mitigation and adaptation, but also for sustaining local welfare and livelihoods as well as building the climate change resilience in local communities. However, despite its promise, the governance of peatland restoration as an ecosystem-based adaptation strategy poses significant challenges for local communities. Given that problems associated with peatland restoration often involve governance constraints and institutional mismatches, this paper presents an analytical framework illustrating how ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), through adaptive governance (AG) strategies, can promote for a more comprehensive and flexible practices in response to evolving environmental conditions and stakeholder needs. Located in Leyte Sab-a Basin Peatland, Philippines, this study shows that governance issues posed by peatland restoration problems often originate from a lack of comprehensive sense-making of the intricate nature of these challenges and that responses, therefore, tend to be counterproductive. These results empirically support the need for a workable governance approach capable of facilitating the necessary governance changes to address the complexities of peatland restoration problems adequately.
Wind Tunnel Bench Test of a Pitch-and-Plunge Aeroelastic Model Undergoing Nonlinear Post-Flutter Oscillations
Authors: Santos Matheus Martines dos , Adeodato Arthur , Dağlı Osman , de Sousa Vagner Candido 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The nonlinear post-flutter aeroelastic behavior of a classical pitch-and-plunge airfoil model in low-speed wind tunnel bench tests is reported in this study for a range of airflow speeds where stable oscillations are observed. Methods: An experimental airfoil prototype is designed, characterized and evaluated. Time domain data of the airfoil motion as well as other pertinent frequency and bifurcation characteristics are presented for different values of airflow speed, starting at the critical linear flutter speed of the airfoil model and increasing up to the sudden manifestation of violent unstable oscillations (when the test is interrupted for the safety of the structural apparatus). Results: Stable post-flutter nonlinear oscillations, mainly attributed to the dynamic stall phenomenon and in a lesser degree to hardening structural effects, are observed for a range of airflow speeds starting at the neutral stability boundary of the aeroelastic system. The amplitudes of oscillation increase with increasing airflow speed and settle onto a limit-cycle. The coupled frequency of oscillation is dominated by the plunge degree-of-freedom and also increases with increasing airflow speed. The observed critical airfoil cut-in speed of limit-cycle onset is about 8.1 \mps, and the observed cut-out speed of unstable response is about 9.5 \mps. Conclusion: This work contributes with the literature of Aeroelasticity by presenting the realization, evaluation, and wind tunnel test data of a pitch-and-plunge airfoil model undergoing nonlinear post-flutter oscillations that may be useful to support other studies for verification purposes of eventual numerical simulations of similar aeroelastic systems.
Liquid crystalline structuring in dilute suspensions of high aspect ratio clay nanosheets
Authors: Neto Osvaldo Trigueiro , Rosenfeldt Sabine , Michels-Brito Paulo Henrique , Seljelid Konstanse Kvalem , Akanno Andrew , Telli Bruno Ceccato , R Rini P. , Plivelic Tomás , Michels Leander , Breu Josef , Knudsen Kenneth D. , Fossum Jon Otto 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Aqueous liquid suspensions of high-aspect ratio 2D clay nanosheets were investigated using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The high aspect ratio of synthetic fluorohectorite clays allows for investigation of liquid crystalline orientational order for relatively large nanosheet spacings, in the range which can produce structural coloration, thus providing two handles for determining the nanosheet spacings: SAXS and visible color. Various clay concentrations were investigated, and good agreement with previous work on structural coloration from such suspensions, was obtained. Particular attention is given to the confinement caused by the container geometry, where both cylindrical and flat confinements were investigated. In both cases, the SAXS data suggest coherent regions that have a nematic inter-orientational distribution that surprisingly is linked to the container geometry, which apparently determines the efficiency of packing of the suspension. For both geometries the analysis suggests that these coherent regions have a 1D lamellar periodic intra-structure with uniform nanosheet spacing determined by the clay concentration and a typical coherence length in the range of 200 to 500 nm.
The skull base in Cingulata (Xenarthra, Mammalia): early ossification, homologies, and consequences (presphenoid and mesethmoid, not a child's play)
Authors: Sanchez Guadalupe Rocio Sanchez , Galliari Fernando Carlos , Carlini Alfredo Armando 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The mammalian skull base ossifies from chondral elements into successive bones described as the basicranial stem or axis. The axes included the basioccipital, basisphenoid, presphenoid, and mesethmoid bones. Tracing the accurate ontogenetic origin of this area is essential, as endochondral development plays a crucial role in understanding the homology of these axial bones. It contributes to building the ethmo-sphenoidal area and is reflected in the phylogeny. In our study, we examined the ontogeny of the neurocranial base and allied bones (i.e., alisphenoids and orbitosphenoids) in representatives of two living armadillo clades: Dasypus hybridus (n = 18) (Dasypodidae), Chaetophractus vellerosus (n = 9) and Chaetophractus villosus (n = 11) (Chlamyphoridae). The presphenoid is not ossified in Dasypus hybridus, Chaetophractus villosus, or C. vellerosus; moreover, there is no clear evidence that this bone ossifies in other cingulates. In addition, our evidence supports the existence of postnatal mesethmoid ossification in armadillos; reinforces the idea of a different ontogenetic trajectory in armadillos, precocial for Dasypus and altricial for Chaetophractus; and proposes that the presence of the mesethmoid is a primitive character for Eutheria.
Sectoral investments to achieve water, energy and land Sustainable Development Goals and enhance climate resilience
Authors: Vinca Adriano , Awais Muhammad , Byers Edward , Krey Volker , Riahi Keywan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships among water, energy, food, and land resources, particularly in the context of a growing global population and climate change. This paper explores the interplay between climate impacts and investment requirements for achieving sectoral-related SDG targets, employing the MESAGEix-GLOBIOM-Nexus model to analyze cost-optimal investment portfolios. By integrating biophysical sectoral climate impacts, including changes in water availability, crop yields, and energy demand for cooling services, the study assesses the economic implications on the SDG investment portfolios that enhance climate resilience.
Our findings underline the cross-sectoral economic benefits of achieving nutrition and food waste policies, revealing significant reductions in water withdrawal-related expenditures, particularly in South Asia. Climate impacts introduce uncertainties on the expected SDG investments and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) costs, leading to potential expenditure increases, especially in water-scarce regions. The study also highlights the importance of considering long-term costs and uncertainties to maintain SDG targets’ standards throughout the century, with investment requirements in Asia that could vary from 10 to 30 percentage points, emphasizing the need for climate resilience-building measures in water infrastructure to address extreme climate events.
This research contributes to understanding the complex interactions between climate impacts, socio-economic development and SDG achievement, offering insights for policymakers and stakeholders to navigate investment in pursuit of climate-resilient sustainable development. At the same time, it provides agenda inputs for research and modelling of integrated climate impacts.
Enhancing E-Learning Effectiveness: A Process Mining Approach for Short-Term Tutorials
Authors: Nai Roberto , Sulis Emilio , Genga Laura 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The rise of e-learning systems has revolutionized education, enabling the col- lection of valuable students’ activity data for continuous improvement. While existing studies have predominantly focused on prolonged learning paths, short- term tutorials offer a flexible and efficient alternative that is recently gaining increasing popularity. This article presents a framework for investigating e- learning systems for short-term tutorials leveraging user behaviour tracking and process mining techniques. A case study involving a web-based tutorial with approximately one hour of learning explores the learning processes of 250 students in Italy. The study analyzes learning outcomes and investigates the impact of dif- ferent learning paths on student progress. The research questions concern i) the extraction of behavioural patterns to study learning outcomes; ii) the prediction of outcomes in the early stages of the learning process. The proposed framework not only provides descriptive insights into the learning process but it can also be used to offer prescriptive guidance to refine tutorial design and improve overall learning outcomes.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Fungi Isolated From Spoilt Apples in OTA Metropolis
Authors: OLUMUYIWA Emmanuel O. , AJETUNMOBI Mobolaji T. , ADENIJI Omolara F. , OGUNYEMI Adewale K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The spoilage of apples remains a prevalent issue that significantly impacts the fruit industry. This study aimed to isolate and identify fungal species from deteriorated apples collected from three different locations in Ota market, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. Eighteen samples of red delicious and Granny Smith apples with obvious spoilage were collected and surface sterilized using 85% ethanol. The samples were then cultured on potato dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol (30 mg/l) and incubated for 5–7 days at 30°C. Pure cultures of the resulting fungal colonies were obtained from the subcultures of the primary plates. The identification of fungi at the genus level was carried out through macroscopic and microscopic examinations, which included colony colour, shape, hyphae, conidia, conidiophores, and arrangement of spores. The fungal DNA was extracted and amplified using specific internal transcribed spacer primers (ITS1/ITS4) via PCR. A set of ten apple fruit spoilage fungi have been identified and classified into six distinct classes. From 40 isolates, the most prevalent isolate was Trametes polyzona strain MT9, accounting for 27.5%. Secondly, Geotrichum candidum strain MT10 had six isolates, representing 15%, while the least frequent was Fusarium sp. strain MT3, with only one isolate, amounting to 2.5%. Additionally, a sequence analysis of the ITS regions of the nuclear-encoded rDNA was conducted, revealing significant alignments with Aspergillus sp., Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Curvularia aeria, and Trametes polyzona. This research aids in the development of effective control and preservation strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of spoilage and preserving the quality of the fruit.
Continuous crystallisation in a superstat: Batch kinetics informed theoretical SOP
Authors: Vashishtha Mayank , Ranjbar Mahmoud , Walker Gavin , Kannuchamy Vasanth Kumar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Developing theory informed standard operating procedure (SOP) for the continuous crystallisation of pharmaceuticals remain a bottleneck. In this communication, we propose a theoretical background and mathematics for superstat based on which we developed the theoretical SOP for the continuous crystallisation of a model compound curcumin in isopropanol. Using the proposed theory, we identified the theoretical optimum dilution rate and the corresponding mass of curcumin crystallised in isopropanol and productivity at steady state conditions as a function of initial supersaturation. Additionally, we estimated the dilution rate that corresponds to the washout conditions or no crystallisation during the continuous manufacturing of crystals.
Cloud-Based Knee Rehab Platform with IoT-Enabled Wearable Accelerometers
Authors: Wu Zong-Jie , Liu Chien-Liang , Lin Chun-Cheng , Hung Lun-Ping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

With the vigorous development of medical technology, the average human lifespan is increasing year by year. However, the probability of chronic diseases and physical degeneration is also growing proportionally. Among many chronic diseases, degenerative osteoarthritis is one of the common diseases among the elderly population. Depending on its severity, the worst cases require knee arthroplasty for treatment. After replacement surgery, patients need continuous rehabilitation exercises, follow-up, and observation. The rehabilitation process heavily relies on the guidance of professional physicians and the accuracy of the patient's rehabilitation movements. In order to improve the shortage of medical resources and the demand for continuous rehabilitation tracking, we propose a novel mobile technology-assisted remote rehabilitation detection and medical platform. It utilizes a three-axis accelerometer to measure the angle of knee joint rehabilitation. Through the rehabilitation guidance platform, patients are provided with prompts such as angles, frequencies, and movement content, effectively assisting patients in medical rehabilitation. Additionally, rehabilitation data collected through IoT devices during the patient's rehabilitation process are stored in a cloud-based medical platform. This platform allows physicians to analyze the activity data of patients' home rehabilitation behaviors and provide remote prescriptions, medical reminders, and patient Q&A to promote telemedicine. This facilitates real-time access to information for each patient, thereby improving the effectiveness of rehabilitation and realizing complementary added value.
Weather Shock Vulnerability in Children’s Nutrition: A Comparative Study of Three Ecological Regions in Nepal
Authors: Shakya Prakriti 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Nutrition obtained during the growth period of childhood significantly influences long-term well-being and overall productivity, ultimately contributing to the economy of a society. However, weather shocks can wreak havoc by damaging crops, changing yields of important crops and disrupting market access, which directly impacts the food intake of both adults and children. When these adverse events occur during childhood, short term and long term inadequacy in nutrition as well as disease incidence can cause malnutrition leading to stunted growth and cognitive impairment that may persist into adulthood, affecting the labor market and increasing health expenditure. To address this issue, we derive causal relations between weather changes and weight-to-height z score in the three ecological regions of Nepal. We find that there is a positive impact of average temperature on children’s weight-to-height z score in the Terai region. An increase of 19 percent in the average growing degree days leads to 1 standard deviation growth in weight-to-height z score. This relation persists in agricultural households in the Terai region of Nepal. JEL Codes: J13, O13, Q54.
Effectiveness of Two-Dimensional Shear-Wave Sonoelastography in the Diagnosis and Follow-up of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
Authors: Demir Sabri , Unlu Havva Akmaz , Kiris Gulsah , Oztorun Can Ihsan , Erturk Ahmet , Azili Mujdem Nur , Senel Emrah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction: We sought to determine the effectiveness and utility of two-dimensional shear-wave sonoelastography (2D-SW-SE) in the diagnosis and postoperative follow-up of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS).
Material and Methods: Twenty-three infants were included in the study, thirteen in the IHPS group and ten in the control group (CG). Preoperative B-mode ultrasonography measurements (longitudinal length and single-wall thickness of the pylorus) and 2D-SW-SE measurements (pylorus tissue stiffness and shear-wave propagation speed) were compared between the groups. The infants with IHPS then underwent Ramstedt pyloromyotomy and were invited for follow-ups on the tenth day and the first, third, and sixth months postoperatively. Measurements taken at the follow-ups were compared with the preoperative values.
Results: No difference was found between the groups regarding age, gender, body weight, or week of birth. The pyloric lengths in the IHPS group were longer than in the CG (p < 0.001), and the single-wall thicknesses were thicker (p < 0.001). The pylori in the IHPS group were four times stiffer than in the CG (27.4 kPa versus 7.66 kPa), and the shear-wave propagation speed in the tissue was higher (1.34 m/s versus 2.69 m/s; p < 0.001). Both values decreased over time in the IHPS group and were normal by the third postoperative month.
Conclusions: 2D-SW-SE can be used as an assistive imaging tool alongside B-mode ultrasound for diagnosing IHPS. It can also be used to identify inadequate surgery by detecting whether the pyloric tissue has softened at follow-up.
Prevalence and Determinants of Unintended Pregnancies among pregnant women in Western Uganda: A Hospital Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kobugabe Rosette , Nabawanuka Brenda , Asiimwe Moses 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Unintended pregnancies are among the most troubling health problems and a major reproductive health issue in low income countries, imposing appreciable socio-economic burden on individuals and society. To determine the prevalence and assess determinants of unintended pregnancies among pregnant women obtaining Antenatal Care services at a tertiary hospital in Western Uganda.
Methods
From November 2, 2022 to February 5, 2023, we conducted a cross sectional analytical study among pregnant women who had come to receive antenatal care services at a tertiary health care setting. A simple random sampling technique was implemented to select participants of this study. Data obtained was cleaned, coded and analyzed using SPSSv23 to obtain the prevalence and correlates of unintended pregnancies among pregnant women.
Results
We enrolled 376 pregnant women to participate in this study. Majority of the participants 239(63.56%) were below 28 years of age and 114 (30.32%) had four or more pregnancies, whereas 115(30.59%) had a family size of at least six individuals. The study found out that the prevalence of unintended pregnancy was high at 192 (51%). Pregnant women had significantly greater odds of having unintended pregnancies if they were > 35 years (aOR = 85.9; 95%CI [2.63-2814.31], P = 0.012); had a large family size (aOR = 0.0.27, 95%CI [0.08–0.91], P = 0.035); never used family planning (aOR = 1.02; 95%CI [0.29–1.25], P = 0.026); and had ever experienced side effects of family planning methods used (aOR = 0.025; 95%CI [0.0009-0.68], P = 0.029). Having a higher parity (aOR = 0.02; 95%CI [0.005–0.108], P = 0.000) and having an intention to conceive again (aOR = 0.26; 95%CI [0.13–0.56], P = 0.058) were also significantly associated with unintended pregnancies.
Conclusion
The prevalence of unintended pregnancy is high and which puts women at risk of poor maternal and child health outcomes. Programs to promote family planning accessibility especially long-term methods for women who have attained their desired family sizes.