bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tunable in-plane bi-hyperbolicity in bismuth monolayer
Authors: Zhao Mingwen , Hou Shuting , Wang Mingzheng , Du Yueheng , Ding Chao , Gao Han , Sun Lei , Ma Xikui 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The distinctive hyperbolic properties of natural two-dimensional (2D) materials have garnered considerable attention in recent years due to their potential to surpass the limitations of meta-hyperbolic surfaces. It is essential to control hyperbolic regions and the categories of hyperbolicity. In this research, we establish a critical connection between the semiconducting characteristics of 2D materials and their hyperbolic attributes, introducing a concept of “bi-hyperbolicity” using a simple tight-binding model. Based on first-principles calculations, we illustrate how this strategy can be applied to materials like the recently-synthesized bismuth monolayer. Our computations revealed that n-type semiconducting bismuth monolayers exhibit type-I hyperbolicity, whereas p-type semiconducting bismuth monolayers display type-II hyperbolicity. This captivating interplay between hyperbolicity and semiconductivity lays the foundation for crafting in-plane type-I/type-II hyperbolic heterostructures using well-established semiconductor technologies. These heterostructures unlock a plethora of exotic optical phenomena, including negative refraction and negative reflection, which open up new horizons in optical engineering and device design.
Sustainable and environmentally friendly lignin-based degradable composites
Authors: Zou Shuang-Lin , Xiao Ling-Ping , Yin Wen-Zheng , Gui Tao , Sun Run-Cang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The fabrication of composite materials from lignin has attracted increasing attention to reduce the dependence on petrochemical-based resources toward carbon neutrality. However, the low lignin content and the compatibility of the biocomposites remain a challenge. Herein, industrial lignin is fractionated by an organic solvent to reduce its structural heterogeneity. Subsequently, the purified lignin samples are combined with polyvinyl alcohol to produce lignin-based materials with uniform thicknesses and smooth surfaces. The mechanism investigations reveal that the hydroxyl groups of lignin and PVA form hydrogen bonds, resulting internal non-covalent interactions enable the PVA/lignin composite film to achieve excellent mechanical properties. The resultant composite films exhibit stresses and strains up to 75 MPa and 1050%, respectively, which surpasses those of state-of-the art lignin-based biocomposites. Notably, the PVA/lignin compliant film is biodegradable after 92 days burial in soil. This work provides new principles for designing lignin-based films as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
A procedure for temperature-sensitive, fluorescence-active carrageenan nanogel using disoriented conformation of carrageenan with de-solvating agent.
Authors: purohit Priyank , Bhatt Akanksha , Khailkhura Shashank 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Polymers, in their grafted and derivatized forms, are frequently used in medical research due to their unique properties as diagnostic, targeted, sustained, and regulated carriers. The method of iota carrageenan nanogel has been developed in this invention. The method is based on solubility, which was first investigated using the solvent screening technique. The de-solvating agent was then used to reduce the particle size and produce the gel in nano form, moreover, the viscosity and other physical properties were evaluated. Furthermore, it was compared to the basic gel, which was formed by adding polymer to hot water without any additional procedures, as opposed to the nano gel. The nanogel has an advantage over the regular gel due to its increased stability, fluorescence activity, and other favorable qualities. The special benefit of nanogel was discovered to be that it is an effective spreader material due to its low gel point and viscosity. The breakthrough technique that depends just on temperature and desolation without the need for crosslinking compounds will be more ecologically friendly and advantageous to polymer scientists, particularly in the domain of medical science.
Assessment of the Impacts of Flood on Socio-Economic Activities in Atan Offot and its Adjoining Communities, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Peter Brendan Michael , Umoh Justin Imeh 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The study examined the effects of flood on the socio-economic activities of residents of Atan Offot and its adjoining communities, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State-Nigeria. A sample of 168 households consisting of males and females participated in the study. Data were gathered using an interview schedule and a questionnaire. The questionnaire measured demographic variables and impacts of flood on socio-economic status such as housing, property/assets, agriculture, education, health, water/sanitation and transport system. From the study, 24% of the sampled household lost their homes, 87% indicated their crops were damaged and 52% indicated that flooding had negative impact on their main source of drinking water. It also showed the vulnerable groups and coping strategies of the people of Atan Offot and its environs. The study found that the flood had a negative impact on the socioeconomic well-being of the locals and that the majority of their coping mechanisms were insufficient. It is advised that all parties concerned assist the locals in moving to less/non-flooding prone areas and providing the necessary utilities and introducing them to alternate means of subsistence. It is important to find a long-term solution to the problem of food insecurity brought on by flood damage like cultivating on higher grounds and making sand banks. Government entities in this area should make sure that homes are constructed farther from areas susceptible to flooding and using high-quality building materials. To help the residents return to normal, all damaged amenities should be repaired by the government through agencies charged with the responsibility.
Plasmodium falciparum kinetochore proteins stabilise a nexus between the mitotic apparatus and the apical complex
Authors: Tilley Leann , Li Jiahong , Shami Gerald , Cho Ellie , Liffner Benjamin , Braet Filip , Absalon Sabrina , Dixon Matthew 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of malaria and remains a pathogen of global importance. Asexual blood stage replication, via a process called schizogony, is an important target for the development of new antimalarials. Here we used Airyscan super resolution imaging coupled with ultrastructure-expansion microscopy to probe the organization and function of the chromosome-capturing kinetochores in relation to the mitotic spindle, the centriolar plaque and the apical organelles during schizont development. We provide evidence that the inner and outer domains of the centriolar plaque nucleate the spindle and cytoplasmic microtubules, respectively. This, in turn, provides a physical nexus between the mitotic apparatus and the apical complex. Conditional disruption of the kinetochore components, PfNDC80 and PfNuf2, causes aberrant mitotic spindle assembly and disrupted karyokinesis. Surprisingly, kinetochore disruption also leads to disengagement of the centrin-containing, outer centriolar plaque from the nuclear envelope. Severing the connection between the nucleus and the apical complex leads to the formation of merozoites lacking nuclei. The data suggest that correct assembly of the kinetochore/ spindle complex plays a previously unrecognised a role in positioning the nascent apical complex in developing P. falciparum merozoites.
Structural, mechanical, electronic and optical properties of MgZnO3 perovskite: First-principles study
Authors: Lawati Dhan Raj , Neupane Hari Krishna , Chaudhary Dinesh Kumar , Shrestha Pitamber , Adhikari Rajendra Prasad , Joshi Leela Pradhan , Parajuli Rajendra 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

This study examines the structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of MgZnO3 perovskite using the first-principles calculation based on density functional theory (DFT). We perform the comparative study using four different exchange-correlation functionals–LDA:CA, GGA:PBE, GGA:PBEsol and mGGA:SCAN, and incorporate a Hubbard U-potential of 4.0 eV to address the electron-correlation effect of Zn-3d orbital. Further, we implement a hybrid functional–HSE06 for the band correction. From the assessment of structural optimization, tolerance factor, and formation and cohesive energies, we predict the stability of our system. The investigation of its structural properties shows that it exists in a cubic phase with 3.71-3.81 Å of lattice constant. An analysis of its mechanical properties predicts that it is a stable, rigid, ductile, and crystalline material with a metal-ionic bond. Based on the band structure analysis, MgZnO3 perovskite has an indirect band gap energy in the range of 0.92-1.77 eV along R-Γ high symmetric points, indicating a suitable material for photovoltaic and photocatalytic devices. We observe the dominant contribution of O-2p orbitals around the Fermi level from DOS/PDOS calculations. Moreover, the optical characterization of this perovskite has been found to indicate high values of refractive index, optical conductivity, and reflection coefficient in the infrared region, and absorption of radiation in the ultraviolet region, which suggests it as a potential material for optoelectronic devices.
Brecciation and fracturing by water ingress into a basaltic andesitic lava flow, Iwate volcano, northeastern Japan
Authors: Hoshide Takashi , Ishibashi Nao , Iwahashi Keisuke 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The Genbudo lava in the southwestern part of Iwate Volcano is a 70 m thick columnar jointed lava flow and divided into three parts from the bottom: the colonnade, the entablature, and the uppermost part. Two main types of fractures develop in the entablature: pseudopillow fractures that develop in a network-like pattern throughout entablature, and sheet fractures with curved surfaces that are nearly parallel to each other. At the uppermost part of the lava flow, finger-like structures of lava extending upward from the coherent lava is distributed, and cogenetic pyroclastic rocks are deposited between the fingers. The occurrence suggests that hyaloclastites generated at the uppermost part. The texture of lava near the pseudopillow fracture of the entablature is commonly hypocrystalline, while the other parts exhibit holocrystalline. There are two types of pyroxene microlites, large prismatic (average size ~ 30 µm) and dendritic (< 10 µm in length) crystals in the lava near the pseudopillow fracture. These suggest that the cooling rate of the lava became greatest in the vicinity of the pseudopillow fractures. Networks of palagonite-filled micro-fractures (less than 10 µm in width) are found in this part, and many bubbles are generated along the fractures. This is irrefutable evidence that the rapid cooling of the lava was caused by water infiltration through the pseudopillow fractures. By the measurement of the Fe-rich droplet sizes due to liquid immiscibility, we could estimate the cooling rates of the colonnade and entablature about 49°C/h and 642°C/h, respectively.
Evaluation on the application mode of blockchain technology in water transportation engineering project management
Authors: Lu Liyu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Due to the continuous development and application of blockchain technology, more and more industries are exploring its application in project management. In the management of water transportation engineering projects, blockchain technology also has certain application potential. This article will start with the characteristics of blockchain technology, and the current situation and needs of water transportation project management, analyze the application mode of blockchain technology in water transportation project management, and explore its advantages, limitations, and practical applications. The experimental results of this article showed that when blockchain technology was applied to the management of water transportation engineering projects, its information sharing score was 93; its data storage and management score was 96.1; its smart contract score was 97.4; its fund management score was 97.1; its Internet of Things technology score was 96.5, which was far higher than the score of applying traditional technologies. It was shown that using blockchain technology for water transportation engineering project management can improve the efficiency and quality of project management, reduce costs, and extend to a wider range of water transportation lines and project fields in the future.
Sex and Age Differences in the Association Between Social Determinants of Health and Cardiovascular Health According to Household Income Among Mongolian Adults: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shim Sun Young , Lee Hyeonkyeong 
Published: October 2023

Background
Although social determinants of health (SDH) are an underlying cause of poor cardiovascular health (CVH), there is insufficient evidence for the association between SDH and CVH, which varies by sex and age among Mongolian adults.

Objective
We aimed to explore whether education, household income, and health insurance were associated with CVH according to sex and age among Mongolian adults.

Methods
The final sample included data on 5691 participants (male: n=2521. 44.3% and female: n=3170, 55.7%) aged 18-69 years from the 2019 World Health Organization STEPwise approach to noncommunicable disease risk-factor surveillance. CVH was measured using a modified version of Life’s Simple 7 with 4 health behaviors (cigarette smoking, BMI, physical activity, and a healthy diet) and 3 biological factors (blood pressure, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol blood levels) and classified into poor, intermediate, and ideal levels as recommended by the American Heart Association. Multinomial logistic regression analyses examined the associations between SDH and CVH by monthly equivalized household income after adjusting for age, sex, work status, area, history of myocardial infarction or stroke, use of aspirin, and use of statin. Subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the associations between SDH and CVH based on sex and age, considering monthly equivalized household income as a key variable.

Results
Using the ideal level of CVH as a reference, among those with the lowest household income, having less than 12 years of education, and not having health insurance were associated with poor CVH (education level: odds ratio [OR] 2.42, 95% CI 1.30-4.51; P=.006; health insurance: OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.13-4.18; P=.02). These associations were more profound among female individuals (education level: OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.35-6.63; P=.007; health insurance: OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.09-5.90; P=.03) and those aged 18-44 years (education level: OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.54-6.72; P=.002; health insurance: OR 2.03, 95% CI 0.98-4.18; P=.06).

Conclusions
Participants in the lowest household income group with lower educational levels and without health insurance were more likely to have poor CVH, and these results were more pronounced in female individuals and young adults. These findings suggest the need to develop strategies for CVH equity in Mongolian female individuals and young adults that consider income levels, education levels, and health insurance.
Predictive factors of therapeutic response according to craniofacial skeletal biotype in patients with sleep apnea syndrome using mandibular advancement devices: a pilot study
Authors: Navarro Rafael Ecija , Karadede Berşan , Karadede Ünal Beyza , Salvador Domingo Martin 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives
To evaluate the influence of facial biotype in the therapeutic effect of mandibular advancement devices (MADs) according to polysomnographic records in patients diagnosed with sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (SAHS).

Materials and Methods
A total of 46 patients were recruited. Patients were classified according to facial biotype (mesofacial, brachyfacial, or dolichofacial). The quantitative variables were described as the arithmetic mean and standard deviation or the median and interquartile range. Hypothesis tests used were Pearson’s chi-square, paired-sample Student’s t- test, the Wilcoxon test, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U-test. P &lt; .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
A total of 46 patients were categorized into three facial biotype subgroups with no significant differences among them in age, body mass index, neck circumference, and sex. The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) results were as follows: brachyfacial patients had a reduction to 15 events/h (P &lt; .001), the mesofacial patients had a reduction to 14 events/h (P &lt; .001), and the dolichofacial patients did not show a significant reduction. The oxygen desaturation index (ODI) results were as follows: brachyfacial patients had a reduction in ODI episodes to 45 episodes/h (P = .001), mesofacial patients had a reduction to 18 episodes/h (P = .001). In the brachyfacial group, the number of awakenings with MAD therapy was reduced to 23 events/h (P = .003), while, in the mesofacial group, it was reduced to 37 episodes/h (P = .012).

Conclusions
The facial biotype influences the effectiveness of MAD therapy and is considered a good predictive factor.
Effects of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on diabetic polyneuropathy in patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Marton László , Szabó Monica IM 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Peripheral sensorimotor polyneuropathy is present in nearly half of the patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Over the past 10 years, animal and human studies have suggested that vitamin D3 treatment may have a role in preventing or reducing neuropathic complaints and symptoms.

Material and method: Our clinical, prospective, interventional, placebo-controlled study investigated the therapeutic effect of 2.000 IU oral cholecalciferol administered for three months on diabetic polyneuropathy. Patients treated with vitamin D and B, thioctic acid, and other analgesics were excluded. Using the single-blind technique, they were randomly assigned into vitamin D-treated and placebo-treated groups. In addition to recording anamnestic data, the study included - a Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Scoring System and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument based - questionnaire to assess subjective symptoms and a physical examination including sensory tests (fine touch-, temperature awareness, pain-, vibration perception). Vitamin D levels were measured. After three months of therapy, the examination was repeated.

Results: Most of the patients were found to have vitamin D deficiency (36% of the total population) or insufficiency (43%). In the cholecalciferol-treated group, but not in the control group, subjective symptoms decreased in intensity and/or frequency, and a significant improvement in the overall complaint scale was observed (p = 0.006), but no change regarding the sensory tests (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Our results show that oral administration of cholecalciferol for three months significantly reduced subjective symptoms and neuropathic pain as assessed by our questionnaire, however, there was no significant change in the results of the sensory tests. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was common in diabetic patients (79% in our population), therefore screening is recommended.
The role of diet in modulating the intestinal microbiota in healthy adults: Is the evidence enough?
Authors: Ruta Florina , Mardale Elena , Pintea Andrada , Avram Calin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The diet is an important factor that can influence the structures and function of the population of germs that compose the intestinal microbiota. This review presents current data on the response of the intestinal microbiota depending on the diet. While many studies have shown that the intestinal microbiota is influenced by macronutrient and micronutrient compounds of the diet, the studies on healthy human subjects were fewer and showed only to a small extent the influence of cooked food on the intestinal microbiota. Additional research is still needed regarding the effect of the way food is cooked can have on the intestinal microbiota, before beneficial dietary recommendations can be made.
Differences in literacy, education level, and healthcare attendance in two different Roma subgroups from Transylvania, Romania
Authors: Varga Boglárka , Marton László , Balázs Anita , Lőrincz Anita , Kovács Tímea , Sorbán Orsolya , Szabó Monica IM 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background: Literacy and education levels were demonstrated to be low in the Roma population. The outcomes after the implementation of different educational policies, in different countries, were not properly assessed for Roma subgroups until now. Aims: We aimed to study literacy, education level, and healthcare attendance in two well-defined Roma subgroups, compared to the majority population, in a specific Transylvanian rural region.

Material and methods: A non-interventional, cross-sectional comparative survey was conducted in 2016-2017 between two Roma subgroups and the general population, from a rural region in Transylvania regarding their literacy, education level and healthcare attendance.

Results: Illiteracy was 33.3%, 66.6%, and 4.2% in the Gabor, Lovari Roma, and general population (p < 0.001). 29.5% of the Gabors and 45.6% of the Lovari Roma did not attend any school, compared to 2.7% of the general population. Almost none of the Roma population attended school after finishing 8 classes. Healthcare service attendance was significantly lower for the Roma subgroups, and directly related to their education level. 32.7% of the Gabors, 28.3% of the Lovari Roma, comparing to 7.3% of the general population never attended the general practitioner (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Gabor Roma population had a significantly lower proportion of illiteracy and a higher school attendance than Lovari Roma group, but still illiterate by a high percentage. The Roma’s healthcare attendance was far lower than the general population’s, having been even worse in the Gabor group. Healthcare counseling was directly correlated with education level.