bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Layered shallow water equations: Spatiotemporally varying layer ratios with specific adaptation to wet/dry interfaces
Authors: Bhat Naveed Ul Hassan , Pahar Gourabananda 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe study of multilayered shallow water equations has developed from a consideration of immiscible layers as a vertical mesh to the layer bounds as imaginary extremes for vertical integration of the flow equations. In the current work, a quasi three‐dimensional flow model has been developed with the consideration of the spatiotemporal flexibility/variability of the pervious vertical discretization/layer ratios. Thus, in principle, vertical layering offers a nonuniform grid with a temporal variation. The system of equations thus formulated comprises a conservative part and the appended source/sink terms. These source/sink terms pertain to the inter‐layer interactions such as mass/momenta transfer and interfacial stress, which have been treated in a novel implicit form alongwith the subgrid‐scale eddy‐viscosity for interlayer shear. They are integrated into the system through different physical considerations so as to arrive at a well‐balanced numerical scheme in a regular finite volume grid. The model has been validated through the standard test‐cases highlighting the conservation properties and the model's adaptability to uniform and nonuniform vertical meshes alongwith the spatiotemporal transitions of layer ratios, with a specific interest in limiting cases of wet/dry fronts. The increase in layer ratios tends to nearly replicate the full‐scale model results in experimental scenarios at a lesser computational overhead.
The effects of pomegranate consumption on obesity indices in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bahari Hossein , Pourreza Sanaz , Goudarzi Kian , Mirmohammadali Seyedeh Nooshan , Asbaghi Omid , Kolbadi Kosar Sadat Hosseini , Naderian Moslem , Hosseini Ali 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEvidence supports the potential application of polyphenols as agents against obesity. Pomegranate is one of the fruits that possess a high content of polyphenols. This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) sought to evaluate the effects of pomegranate consumption on obesity indices, including body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percentage (BFP), and fat‐free mass (FFM) in adults. Relevant RCTs were obtained by searching databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, up to May 2023. Heterogeneity tests of the included trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as the weighted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. Pooled analysis of 28 trials revealed that pomegranate consumption led to a significant reduction in body weight (WMD: −1.97, 95% CI: −2.91, −1.03, p < .05), and a significant decrease in BMI (WMD: −0.48, 95% CI: −0.76, −0.20, p < .05) in comparison with the control group. However, there were no significant effects on WC, FM, FFM, and BFP in comparison with the control group. Pomegranate consumption may yield a beneficial effect on body weight and BMI in adults. However, there were no significant effects on WC, FM, FFM, and BFP, by pomegranate consumption. Also, pomegranate consumption can reduce body weight, BMI, WC, and BFP in obese adults. Long‐term trials with different doses of pomegranate are needed.
Engineering Oxygen Vacancies in (FeCrCoMnZn)3O4‐δ High Entropy Spinel Oxides Through Altering Fabrication Atmosphere for High‐Performance Rechargeable Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Ozgur Cagla , Erdil Tuncay , Geyikci Uygar , Okuyucu Can , Lokcu Ersu , Kalay Yunus Eren , Toparli Cigdem 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHigh entropy oxides (HEOs) offer great potential as catalysts for oxygen electrocatalytic reactions in alkaline environments. Herein, a novel synthesis approach to prepare (FeCrCoMnZn)3O4‐δ high entropy spinel oxide in a vacuum atmosphere, with the primary objective of introducing oxygen vacancies into the crystal structure, is presented. As compared to the air‐synthesized counterpart, the (FeCrCoMnZn)3O4‐δ with abundant oxygen vacancies demonstrates a low (better) bifunctional (BI) index of 0.89 V in alkaline media, indicating enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen catalytic activity. Importantly, (FeCrCoMnZn)3O4‐δ demonstrates outstanding long‐term electrochemical and structural stability. When utilized as electrocatalysts in the air cathode of Zn‐air batteries, the vacuum atmosphere synthesized (FeCrCoMnZn)3O4‐δ catalysts outperform the samples treated in an air atmosphere, displaying superior peak power density, specific capacity, and cycling stability. These findings provide compelling evidence that manipulating the synthesis atmosphere of multi‐component oxides can serve as a novel approach to tailor their electrochemical performance.
Association between flaunting behaviors on social media and among the general population in Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nazmunnahar  , Nasim Rehnuma , Mosharrafa Rana Al , Hossain Iffat , Saima Jannatul , Taher Tania , Hossain Md. Jamal , Rahman Md. Ashrafur , Islam Md. Rabiul 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsThe number of social media users is growing with each passing day at full tilt, keeping pace with digitalization and technological advances. Despite several advantages, there are also certain negative aspects to using social networking sites (SNS) for communication, amusement, self‐expression, impression management, and other purposes. This study sought to investigate the association between mental health status and flaunting behaviors in social media among the general population in Bangladesh.MethodsWe conducted this nationwide cross‐sectional online survey among 465 people aged between 18 and 60 between October 15, 2021 and January 15, 2022. Following electronic consent, we collected the socio‐demographic profiles and psychometric parameters of the respondents. Additionally, we assessed the diverse perspectives on SNS usage and its relationship to the self‐reported symptoms of depression and loneliness.ResultsThe estimated prevalence of loneliness and depressive symptoms were 65.16% (mild: 39.57%, moderate: 16.56%, severe: 9.03%) and 55.49% (mild: 26.67%, moderate: 22.15%, severe: 6.67%), respectively. Key factors associated with flaunting on social media were mental health issues such as depression and loneliness. Several social factors were also considered, such as being young, of the male sex, unmarried, illiterate, a student, urban dwelling, average economic status, nuclear family structure, types of SNSs, checking social media first in the morning, and the use of SNS for gaining popularity.ConclusionA significant portion of SNS users reported symptoms of mental illness. Current study findings urge for longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes to have a nearly equal distribution of users from each social media platform for in‐depth exploration of how user attitudes about SNSs and site usage patterns impact the general public's mental health. We suggest that regulating SNS usage patterns and treatment approaches would improve the situation.
In‐school adolescents' sociodemographic correlates of serious unintentional injuries in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sarfo Jacob O. , Obeng Paul , Gbordzoe Newton I. , Debrah Timothy P. , Ofori Crescens O. B. , Hagan John E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundAs a public health concern, serious adolescent injuries constitute considerable global morbidity and mortality. Despite the proliferation of literature on this problem, the evidence on the determinants of injuries among in‐school adolescents in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is insufficient.MethodThe study analyzed data from the 2018 Global School‐based Student Health Survey to examine the prevalence and determinants of serious injuries in a nationwide adolescent sample in SVG. χ2 And binomial logistic regression analyses were carried out, along with an adjusted odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval.ResultsSerious injuries among this population were estimated at 50.5%. Student grades, gender, truancy, amphetamine or methamphetamine use, marijuana or alcohol use, cigarette smoking, physical assault, physical fight, cyberbullying, suicidal behavior (ideation, plan, and attempt), parental or guardian tobacco use, and multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with serious injuries. After adjusting for other variables, being a male, having experienced a physical attack, fighting physically, attempting suicide, and having multiple sexual partners predicted serious injuries among in‐school adolescents in SVG.ConclusionThe use of integrative health promotion and injury prevention programmes (e.g., antiviolence campaigns) and educational measures could help minimize or eradicate this menace in SVG.
Simulation of fourth‐grade magnetized fluid flow due to motile cilia in a heated curved channel
Authors: Abbas Z. , Arslan M. S. , Rafiq M. Y. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis research aims to investigate the main features of the ciliary flow of fourth‐grade fluid in a curved channel. The fluid is considered electrically conducting with a radial magnetic field effect. The constitutive relation for energy is formulated with the addition of viscous dissipation and thermal radiation. The governing system of coupled partial differential equations with extremely nonlinear expressions is simplified using the long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations. The numerical outcomes of simplified normalized equations are obtained using the finite difference method incorporating the relaxation algorithm. The numerical outcomes regarding the influences of several physical parameters on the temperature, velocity, pumping characteristics, and stream function are examined through graphs. The outcomes reveal that fluid velocity diminishes by enhancing the magnetic parameter. Also, the temperature is enhanced by enhancing the values of the Brickman number. The current model has been used in bioengineering processes, microfluidics, and drug delivery systems.
Unconventional monetary policy in the Euro area: Impacts on loans, employment, and investment
Authors: Afonso António , Gomes Pereira Francisco 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUsing a dataset of bank‐ and regional‐level data, we study the effectiveness and heterogeneity of the transmission mechanism of the ECB's large scale asset purchases (LSAPs) to the real economy. Our results indicate that banks more exposed to government debt securities had higher growth of loans and loans relative to total assets than less exposed banks after the asset purchase programme (APP), but not after the pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP). Furthermore, our results demonstrate that regions where banks are more exposed to government securities exhibit more favorable outcomes after the APP in GDP, fixed capital formation, unemployment, and compensation of employees than regions with less exposed banks, via the bank lending channel. We argue that banks' exposure to LSAPs targeted assets and their geographical location is an important factor determining the magnitude and heterogeneity of the portfolio rebalancing transmission mechanism to the real economy.
Female pelvic organ‐preserving robot‐assisted simple cystectomy and intracorporeal ileal neobladder reconstruction on a young woman with Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis
Authors: Oue Hiroyuki , Miyachi Shiori , Higashi Shinichiro , Sasaki Takeshi , Kato Manabu , Masui Satoru , Nishikawa Kouhei , Uchida Katsunori , Ueda Tomohiro , Inoue Takahiro 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionCystectomy is the last treatment option for Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis. However, consensus regarding optimal patient selection or treatment approaches is lacking.Case presentationA 27‐year‐old woman presented to a regional hospital with bladder pain and frequent urination. Antimicrobial therapy was administered; however, her symptoms persisted and she was finally diagnosed with HIC. Multiple endoscopic fulgurations of Hunner's lesions with bladder hydrodistension or intravesical therapy were performed; however, the symptoms persisted. A urethral catheter was inserted 1 month before she visited our clinic because of a severely contracted bladder. We performed female pelvic organ‐preserving robot‐assisted simple cystectomy and intracorporeal ileal neobladder reconstruction. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and her symptoms resolved.ConclusionThis is the first report of pelvic organ‐preserving robot‐assisted simple cystectomy and intracorporeal ileal neobladder reconstruction in a young woman with HIC.
Exploring the time‐frequency connectedness among non‐fungible tokens and developed stock markets
Authors: Hemrit Wael , Benlagha Noureddine , Ben Arous Racha , Ben Arab Mounira 
Published: November 2023

SummaryIn this paper, we examine the connectedness between volatilities for various non‐fungible tokens (NFTs) and developed stock markets during the period from July 1, 2018, to June 15, 2022. With the use of the time‐varying connectedness methods to explore the volatility interdependences among these assets, we find that there is a significant volatility connectedness during Russia's invasion of Ukraine and COVID‐19 periods. Evidence emerging from this study advocates the inclusion of NFTs in developed stock markets for medium and long time periods only. The results also suggest that UK and Germany stock markets are the predominant market of spillover transmission, whereas the XTZ is the top net recipient/transmitter of volatility connectedness shocks. Moreover, Chinese stock market and ENJ offer more diversification gains than others, and the volatility connectedness from US stock market to NFTs is more pronounced in the long‐term than the short‐term. Our research provides some urgent and prominent insights to help investors and policymakers to be aware that NFTs are important hedge assets that should be added to stock portfolios during periods of geopolitical stability and in the post‐pandemic times.
Predominant factors influencing reactive oxygen species in cancer stem cells
Authors: Soundararajan Loshini , Warrier Sudha , Dharmarajan Arun , Bhaskaran Natarajan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) and its related signaling pathways and regulating molecules play a major role in the growth and development of cancer stem cells. The concept of ROS and cancer stem cells (CSCs) has been gaining much attention since the past decade and the evidence show that these CSCs possess robust self‐renewal and tumorigenic potential and are resistant to conventional chemo‐ and radiotherapy and believed to be responsible for tumor progression, metastasis, and recurrence. It seems reasonable to say that cancer can be cured only if the CSCs are eradicated. ROS are Janus‐faced molecules that can regulate cellular physiology as well as induce cytotoxicity, depending on the magnitude, duration, and site of generation. Unlike normal cancer cells, CSCs expel ROS efficiently by upregulating ROS scavengers. This unique redox regulation in CSCs protects them from ROS‐mediated cell death and nullifies the effect of radiation, leading to chemoresistance and radioresistance. However, how these CSCs control ROS production by scavenging free radicals and how they maintain low levels of ROS is a challenging to understand and these attributes make CSCs as prime therapeutic targets. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of redox regulation in CSCs, with a focus on therapy resistance, its various pathways and microRNAs regulation, and the potential therapeutic implications of manipulating the ROS levels to eradicate CSCs. A better understanding of these molecules, their interactions in the CSCs may help us to adopt proper control and treatment measures.
FSH preserves the viability of hypoxic granulosa cells via activating the HIF‐1α‐GAS6‐Axl‐Akt pathway
Authors: Li Chengyu , Fu Chen , He Tong , Liu Zhaojun , Zhou Jiaqi , Wu Gang , Liu Honglin , Shen Ming 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe developmental fate of ovarian follicles is primarily determined by the survival status (proliferation or apoptosis) of granulosa cells (GCs). Owing to the avascular environment within follicles, GCs are believed to live in a hypoxic niche. Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) has been reported to improve GCs survival by governing hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α)‐dependent hypoxia response, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Growth arrest‐specific gene 6 (GAS6) is a secreted ligand of tyrosine kinase receptors, and has been documented to facilitate tumor growth. Here, we showed that the level of GAS6 was markedly increased in mouse ovarian GCs after the injection of FSH. Specifically, FSH‐induced GAS6 expression was accompanied by HIF‐1α accumulation under conditions of hypoxia both in vivo and in vitro, whereas inhibition of HIF‐1α with small interfering RNAs/antagonist repressed both expression and secretion of GAS6. As such, Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that HIF‐1α directly bound to a hypoxia response element site within the Gas6 promoter and contributed to the regulation of GAS6 expression in response to FSH. Notably, blockage of GAS6 and/or its receptor Axl abrogated the pro‐survival effects of FSH under hypoxia. Moreover, phosphorylation of Axl by GAS6 is required for FSH‐mediated Akt activation and the resultant pro‐survival phenotypes. Finally, the in vitro findings were verified in vivo, which showed that FSH‐induced proliferative and antiapoptotic effects in ovarian GCs were diminished after blocking GAS6/Axl using HIF‐1α antagonist. These findings highlight a novel function of FSH in preserving GCs viability against hypoxic stress by activating the HIF‐1a‐GAS6‐Axl‐Akt pathway.
Is there any sustained effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic? – A controlled trial comparing pre‐ and post‐pandemic oral radiology courses
Authors: Mücke Katharina , Igelbrink Justine , Busch Caroline , Drescher Dieter , Becker Jürgen , Becker Kathrin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPurpose/objectivesDue to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, undergraduate education shifted towards online‐only formats from April 2020 until July 2021. Previous research indicated a negative effect on students’ competence development, and it remains unclear whether blended learning concepts could provide compensation. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare pre‐ to post‐pandemic students’ performance in standardized baseline (BL) and final exams (FE), as well as the associated knowledge gain (KG) in three consecutive undergraduate blended learning‐based oral radiology courses (C1‐3).MethodsNinety‐four students participated during two pre‐pandemic semesters (October 17–July 18), and ninety‐eight students during two post‐pandemic semesters (October 21–July 22). Before the pandemic, conventional face‐to‐face lectures were combined with an oral radiology platform. Two years into the COVID‐19 pandemic, additional video‐based e‐learning modules were adopted from the pandemic online‐only curriculum. In each semester, skills and KG were assessed by conducting standardized BL and FE. Students’ performance in BL, FE, and the associated KG during pre‐pandemic semesters was compared to post‐pandemic semesters.ResultsIn post‐pandemic courses, students showed significantly lower BL scores, whereas KG was significantly higher in post‐ compared to pre‐pandemic semesters (27.42% vs. 10.64%, p < 0.001, respectively). FE scores in C1 significantly improved from pre‐ to post‐pandemic semesters.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of our study, the lower BL scores confirmed the negative effect of the pandemic on competence development. Blended learning concepts seem to compensate for this effect and enable students to return to pre‐pandemic levels. Future studies are needed to assess the additional impact of video‐based e‐learning modules.
State same‐sex marriage policies and pre‐exposure prophylaxis implementation among men who have sex with men in the United States
Authors: Raifman Julia , Cheng Debbie M. , Skinner Alexandra , Hatzenbuehler Mark L. , Mayer Kenneth H. , Stein Michael D. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionMore than 70% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States were among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 2019. Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a transformative innovation for reducing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Structural stigma against sexual minorities, including in the form of state‐level policies, may affect PrEP implementation. We evaluated whether lower structural stigma reflected by earlier year of state same‐sex marriage legalization was associated with increased male PrEP prescriptions and male PrEP‐to‐need ratio (PnR), a ratio of PrEP prescriptions to new HIV diagnoses.MethodsWe used 2012−2019 AIDSVu data on male PrEP prescriptions and male PnR in each US state and year. We used generalized estimating equations to evaluate the relationship between the timing of implementing state same‐sex marriage policies and the outcomes of male PrEP prescriptions per 100,000 people and the male PnR. We adjusted for calendar year, Medicaid expansion and the political party of the governor in each state.ResultsState implementation of same‐sex marriage policies in earlier, relative to later, periods was associated with increases in the rate of male PrEP prescriptions and in the male PnR. Specifically, implementing state same‐sex marriage policies between 2004 and 2011 and between 2012 and 2013 were each associated with greater rates of male PrEP prescriptions relative to implementing same‐sex marriage policies between 2014 and 2015. Implementing state same‐sex marriage policies between 2004 and 2011 as well as between 2012 and 2013 were both significantly associated with a greater male PnR relative to implementing same‐sex marriage policies between 2014 and 2015. By 2019, the difference in male PrEP prescriptions was 137.9 (97.3−175.5) per 100,000 in states that implemented same‐sex marriage in 2004−2011 and 27.2 (23.3−30.5) per 100,000 in states that implemented same‐sex marriage from 2012 to 2013, relative to states that implemented same‐sex marriage in 2014−2015.ConclusionsEarlier implementation of state same‐sex marriage policies was associated with greater rates of male PrEP prescriptions. Reducing state‐level structural stigma may improve HIV prevention among MSM in the United States.