bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The long-term evolution model of metallic contamination of Monastir-Sayada Coast as deduced from the geochemical and statistical analysis
Authors: Khiari Nouha , Charef Abdelkrim , Khadhar Samia , Zahi Faouzi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Coastal regions are especially susceptible to both natural and human-induced pressures, and it is crucial to evaluate these pressures. This research aims to investigate the monitoring of human activities through river discharges in order to identify potential ecological risks and examine the long-term changes in metallic contamination in Monastir-Sayada. To accomplish this, four sediment samples were collected from various locations along the Monastir coast, specifically near the source of pollution, to analyse the concentrations of heavy metals like Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), and Iron (Fe). The findings indicate that the average concentrations of these metals in the sediment cores followed a descending order of Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cd in front of the Monastir effluent, Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cd > Cu > Ni in the effluent at Frina region, Fe > Mn > Zn > Cd > Ni > Pb > Cu in the Melah stream, and Fe > Mn > Cd > Zn > Cu in front of the Essouk stream at Lamta. Based on the enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF), the long-term evolution of the Monastir-Sayada coast is considered highly polluted for Pb and Cd, posing a relatively high potential ecological risk. The heavy metals are believed to originate from similar human activities, as indicated by the principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). Pollution from heavy metals can have long-lasting effects on coastal sediments, emphasizing the importance of preventing such pollution in the first place.
Modification in the structural, optical, thermal, electrical, and dielectric properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) blend through the incorporation of Ni/ZnO nanohybrid for optoelectronic and energy storage devices
Authors: Rajeh A. , Althobaiti Hanan A. , Alsalmah Hessa A. , Masmali N. A. , Al-Sulami Ahlam I. , Al-Ejji Maryam 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In order to produce suitable poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PMMA/PVDF) films for optoelectronic and power storage uses, Ni-doped ZnO nanoparticles were added to PMMA/PVDF films. This was done in order to generate a synergistic interaction between the superior electrical characteristics of Ni and the remarkable optical characteristics of ZnO NPs. The production of Ni/ZnO in wurtzite hexagonal phase with a normal grain size of 19 nm was verified by the findings of the selected-area diffraction of electrons and X-ray diffraction techniques. By using FTIR measurements, the interaction of polymers with Ni/ZnO has been studied. The raising of the Ni/ZnO content steadily redshifted the optical band gap, although the Urbach energy demonstrated a contrary trend. With various nanoparticle concentrations, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results revealed an enhancement in the temperature of melting of the PMMA/PVDF-Ni/ZnO nanocomposites films as well as an decrease in the level of crystallinity. At room temperature, an AC impedance study was carried out to check the electrical conductivity. All samples' ac conductivity spectra confirmed Jonscher's power law (JPL) behavior. The PMMA/PVDF-1.5%Ni/ZnO nanocomposites were discovered to have a greater ionic conductivity (σac) of 1.10 10− 5 S/cm at ambient temperature. Research on dielectric permittivity has additionally been carried out in order to comprehend the charge storage characteristics. The findings of the experiments showed that these PMMA/PVDF-Ni/ZnO films would provide excellent options for thermal insulators, cutting-edge microelectronics, capacitive storage of energy, optoelectronic technology and other applications.
Biomimetic Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Tinospora Cordifolia Plant Leaf Extract for Photo Catalytic Activity Applications
Authors: K Parvathalu , K Rajitha , B Chandrashekar , K Sathvik , K Pranay Bhaskar. , B Sreenivas , M Pritam , P Pushpalatha , K Moses , P Bala Bhaskar 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs), through a novel green synthesis method utilizing Tinospora Cordifolia (TC) aqueous leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent, were synthesized, and investigated for their dye degradation potential. The bio-synthesis process, which is operationally simple, non-toxic, and cost-effective, involves using cupric oxide (CuO) as precursor materials. The degradation of dyes in water bodies is challenging research due to their stable nature; therefore, It is essential to develop potential catalyst materials with desirable properties to degrade dyes in water bodies. The CuNPs were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis Spectrometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transformed Infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The FTIR results confirmed the presence of phytochemicals involved in the reduction, capping and stabilization of CuNPs, which was corroborated by the XRD data. The photo-catalytic activity of biosynthetic CuNPs was studied using methylene blue (MB) dye upon exposure to visible light source irradiation. The results showed that bio-synthesized CuNPs exhibited a high potential of dye degradation for the methylene blue dye in the presence of a visible light source and a dye degradation rate of 81% was achieved. The green synthesized CuNPs have proved to be a potential candidate for efficiently removing dyes from water bodies and provide a sustainable, environmentally friendly method for producing metal nanoparticles with excellent photo-catalytic properties.
Material Selection for Genetic Restoration of Abies koreana on Mt. Jirisan in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Seo Han-Na , Lim Hyo-In 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A strategy is required for selecting appropriate materials for the restoration of Abies koreana on Mt. Jirisan, where the habitat of A. koreana is continuously shrinking. The current study aimed to analyze the genetic characteristics of A. koreana in three subpopulations (Banyabong, Byeoksoryeng, and Cheonwangbong) on Mt. Jirisan using 10 nuclear simple sequence repeat (nSSR) markers and calculate the sampling distance for each subpopulation for avoiding genetically similar samples. Based on the calculated sampling distance, we proposed the size of a sample containing more than 95% of the alleles at a frequency greater than 0.05. AMOVA showed that the difference in genetic variation across subpopulations of A. koreana on Mt. Jirisan was small, approximately 3% of the total. Spatial genetic structure analysis results suggested that it would be appropriate to collect samples of the Banyabong subpopulation at intervals of 10 m or more, when sampling A. koreana, whereas for the Byeoksoryeong and Cheonwangbong subpopulations, samples should be collected at intervals of 20 m or more. Results of random sampling of 5 to 30 individuals indicated that, by applying a 10 m distance within the Banyabong subpopulation, more than 95% of the total alleles with a frequency ≥ 0.05 were secured when more than 25 individuals were extracted. Therefore, as a restoration strategy for A. koreana on Mt. Jirisan, we proposed the collection of more than 25 samples, keeping 10 m distance within the Banyabong subpopulation, which has a relatively high genetic diversity.
Antipsychotic prescribing and drug-related readmissions in multimorbid older inpatients, a post-hoc analysis of the OPERAM population.
Authors: Bienfait Adeline , Lagreula Juliette , Blum Manuel R. , Rodondi Nicolas , Sallevelt Bastiaan , Knol Wilma , O'Mahony Denis , Spinewine Anne , Boland Benoit , Dalleur Olivia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background. Limited data are available on characteristics associated with antipsychotic’s use in multimorbid older adults.
Aims. (1) To identify factors associated with antipsychotic prescribing in older inpatients, (2) to assess the association between antipsychotic use and drug-related readmission (DRA) within one year.
Method. This is a secondary analysis of the OPERAM randomized controlled trial which evaluated the impact of a structured medication review on DRA in multimorbid polymedicated inpatients aged ³70. Multivariate analysis assessed the association between characteristics and comorbidities (including neuro-psychiatric conditions), with antipsychotic use. An expert team assessed DRA occurring during the one-year follow-up.
Results. Antipsychotics were prescribed to 110/2008 patients upon admission while 7,7% (n=154) inpatients received antipsychotics at any time (i.e. upon admission, during hospitalisation, and/or at discharge). The most frequently prescribed antipsychotics were quetiapine (n=152), haloperidol (n= 48) and risperidone (n=22), used at low dose (mean PDD/DDD ratio= 0,37). Antipsychotic prescribing was associated with dementia (OR=3,7 95%CI[2,2;6,2]), psychosis (OR=26,2 [7,4;92,8]), delirium (OR=6,4 [3,8;10,8]), mood disorders (OR=2,6 [1,6;4,1]), ≥15 drugs a day (OR=1,7 [1,4;3,6]), functional dependency (Activities of Daily Living score <50/100) (OR=3,9 [2,5;6,1]) and < 2 units of alcohol per week (OR=2,2 [1,4;3,6]). DRA occurred in 458 patients (22.8%) within one year. Antipsychotic prescribing was not associated with DRA (OR=1,0 [0,3;3,9]) however contributed to 8 DRAs, including 3 falls.
Conclusion: In this European multimorbid polymedicated older inpatients, antipsychotics were unfrequently prescribed, most often at low dosage. Besides neuro-psychiatric symptoms, risk factors for inhospital antipsychotic prescribing were lower functional status and polymedication.
Urban bus scheduling considering maximizing TWB under the fixed departure times: A case of Beijing
Authors: Peng Jiankun , Wang Yucheng , Yang Min , Chen Zhijun , Ma Chunye 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Urban buses play a crucial role in urban transportation, and optimizing bus scheduling has emerged as a significant research area in transportation. However, existing studies have largely overlooked factors like travel satisfaction and subjective well-being when designing bus schedules. To bridge this gap and enhance passengers' well-being while promoting human-centric traffic management, this study employed a multiple linear regression model to establish a connection between passengers' perceived well-being and objective scheduling service attributes, such as perceived in-vehicle congestion, in-vehicle travel time, and waiting time at the station. By deriving a Travel Well-Being (TWB) index from these scheduling attributes, the study aimed to use it as a comprehensive optimization objective for bus timetable optimization. To validate the proposed optimization approach, a bus line in Beijing, China, was selected, and the results obtained using the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm demonstrated that the scheduling model, incorporating well-being considerations, effectively increased the estimated well-being rate by 29.80% compared to the original timetable. This study contributes to establishing a human-centric and inclusive transportation system by integrating perceived subjective well-being into the optimization of bus timetables.
The effect of lanthanum chloride on the electrocrystallization behavior of cobalt and grain refinement in deposition layers
Authors: Xu Yang tao , peng yin , Dai jing min , Du hai yang , Pei liang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the effect of different concentrations of lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) on the grain refinement of cobalt deposition layers during the electrochemical deposition process in industrial electrolytes. The impact of different LaCl3 concentrations on cobalt electrodeposition behavior was analyzed using the Liner sweep voltammetry curve (LSV), Cyclic voltammetry curve (CV), and Chronoamperometry curve (CA). The microstructure morphology and grain size of the deposition layers were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy and the preferred orientation and crystal structure were analyzed using X-ray diffraction. The results show that the addition of different concentrations of LaCl3 to the industrial electrolyte leads to a negative shift in the starting deposition potential of cobalt, an increase in cathode polarization degree, an increase in overpotential, a shortened nucleation relaxation time tm and an accelerated nucleation rate during cobalt electrodeposition, resulting in grain refinement of the deposition layers. However, the addition of LaCl3 does not change the cobalt electrocrystallization mechanism, nor does it alter the crystal structure of the cobalt deposition layers, which remain in a close-packed hexagonal structure (HCP). When 0.2 g/L LaCl3 is added, the grain growth orientation changes from the (11\(\stackrel{\text{-}}{\text{2}}\)0) plane to the (11\(\stackrel{\text{-}}{\text{2}}\)0) and (10\(\stackrel{\text{-}}{\text{1}}\)0) planes, resulting in a uniform distribution of grain size and obvious grain refinement of the deposition layers.
Oral administration of Manuka honey modulates gut microbiota composition and enhances anti-tumor immunity in a preclinical model of colorectal cancer
Authors: Masad Razan J. , al-Ramadi Basel K 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: There is increasing interest in exploring alternative natural products for cancer prevention and treatment. Among these, we recently highlighted the potential utilization of Manuka honey (MH) as an immunomodulatory agent. In the present study, we characterized mechanistically the immunomodulatory properties of MH in a preclinical model of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods: MH was administered orally over a 4 week-period. A solution containing equivalent concentrations of the main sugars in MH was used as a control (SC). Mucosal and systemic lymphoid tissues were examined for alterations in cellular composition and activation status by multi-color flow cytometry (FACS). Fecal pellets were collected before and after treatment and used for bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing. Pretreated mice were implanted with CRC cells and followed for tumor growth. Tumors, lymph nodes, and spleens were analyzed by FACS, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR 3-weeks post-implantation.
Results: Pretreatment with MH, but not SC solution, induced type I/II IFN response in mucosal and systemic lymphoid tissues, resulting in enhanced expression of IFN-inducible stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1) and MHC class II proteins. In an implantable model of CRC, tumor growth was significantly retarded in MH-pretreated mice. These tumors had increased infiltration of immune cells, ~2.0-fold increase in the percentage of intratumoral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and a 50% decrease in the percentage of Ly6G+ myeloid cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissues revealed an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and granzyme-B-expressing cells following MH treatment. Moreover, FACS analysis showed significantly elevated expression of MHC class I on tumors of MH-treated mice. qRT-PCR analysis of purified tumor-infiltrating leucocytes highlighted changes in the expression of various chemokines and inflammatory cytokines that underlie the increased tumor immunogenicity. Finally, bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing revealed unique enrichment of >20 bacterial genera in MH-treated mice.
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that oral administration of MH induces specific alterations in the gut microbiota and triggers innate and adaptive mucosal immune responses through the activation of type I/II IFN signaling pathways. This culminates in rendering the tumors more immunogenically responsive. Our data highlight the immunostimulatory properties of MH and demonstrate its potential utilization in cancer prevention.
Evolving Parameters of Shewhart Control Chart from Present-day Industrial Engineering Perspective
Authors: Sandeep  , Mukhopadhyay Arup Ranjan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The implementation of control charts for controlling processes based on statistical principles often requires answering questions like what should be the sample size (n), the sampling interval (h), and the control limits' multiplier (k). This work, inspired by Duncan and other authors like Gibra, I.N. and Saniga, E.M., etc., has evolved from certain practical considerations in an industry. Duncan in his economic design considered parameters like loss due to false alarm, the average cost of finding an assignable cause, the hourly cost of process control, and average income from in-control and out-of-control processes. However, the proposed model has considered additional parameters like production rate, sampling cost, sample preparation cost, testing cost, energy cost, consumables cost, and reporting cost from the perspective of production engineering. The economic model thus developed has been tailored to encapsulate the journey from Duncan to the contemporary period. The model has been appropriately optimized to determine n, h, and k. The effectiveness of the procedure has been demonstrated through numerical examples, comparative enumeration, and sensitivity analysis. The work is expected to transcend the much-hyped divide between theory and practice in the parlance of statistical process control.
Proteome‐wide Mendelian randomization and colocalization analysis identified potential drug targets for psoriasis
Authors: Li Shifang , Meijiao  
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. New psoriasis therapy targets are required. 18 causative proteins were discovered in this study employing proteome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis by integration of the largest-to-date GWASs of plasma protein. Five proteins (namely APOF, MAPRE1, GCKR, ATF6B, and PRSS8) were found to have high support for colocalization evidence with psoriasis (H4>0.8). Interestingly, two of them, namely APOF and PRSS8 with a high support for colocalization evidence with psoriasis, were detected in FinnGen and UK Biobank studies. Gene differentially expression analysis using bulk transcriptome data from 92 psoriatic and 82 normal punch biopsies revealed elevated PRSS8 expression was linked to an increased risk of psoriasis. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing from 33 biopsy samples revealed that PRSS8 was higher expressed in psoriasis skin compared to healthy normal skin and psoriatic non-lesional skin in SERPINB4+ cells of the supraspinous layer of keratinocytes that were upregulated in psoriatic non-lesional skin. Overall, our study revealed that PRSS8 may be prioritized as a potential psoriasis therapeutic target. These findings require additional research in both basic and clinical studies.
Peer-based Promotion and Nurse-led Distribution of HIV Self-Testing Among Networks of Men in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Development and Feasibility Results of the STEP Intervention
Authors: Conserve Donaldson F. , Abu-Ba’are Gamji Rabiu , Janson Samuel , Mhando Frank , Munisi Grace V. , Drezgic Busara , Rehani Abubakar , Sims Wynton , Ritchwood Tiarney , Choko Augustine , Mushy Stella , Johnson Cheryl , Mayo-Wilson Larissa Jennings , Komba Albert , Urasa Peris , Nelson LaRon , Mbita Gaspar 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background: According to the 2016-2017 Tanzania HIV Impact Survey, only 45% of men living with HIV (MLWH) were aware of their HIV status. In an effort to increase HIV testing in Tanzania, including among men, the Government of Tanzania passed a law in December 2019 to allowing HIV self-testing (HIVST) to be included in the national testing strategies. The objective of this paper is to describe the development and pilot feasibility assessment of the Self-Testing Education and Promotion (STEP) intervention, which was one of the projects conducted in Tanzania focusing on men to inform policy change.
Methods: The development and piloting processes were guided by the ADAPT-ITT model and informed by a national PEPFAR/USAID-funded HIV implementation science project called Sauti.
The adapted STEP intervention included the following two components: 1) peer-based HIVST promotion; and 2) nurse-led HIVST distribution. For the feasibility assessment, 25 men were selected and trained to promote HIVST among their peers before helping to recruit 253 men to receive instructions and collect an HIVST kit from a nurse at a community-based study tent site.
Results: Of the 236 participants who completed the 1-month follow-up survey, 98.3% reported using the kit. The majority (92.4%) of participants reported a negative HIVST result while 4.2% (n=10) received a positive result. Most (70%, n=7) of the participants with a positive result sought follow-up services at a healthcare facility while 40.3% (n=95) of the participants with a negative self-test result visited the community-based project site. Most of the men (53%, n =129) did not visit a healthcare facility or the study site. The majority of participants reported having a mobile phone and forty-seven of them called someone to share their results while twenty-seven sent a text message about their results.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the combined peer-based promotion and nurse-led distribution of HIVST intervention in the community for men was acceptable and feasible. However, the high proportion of men who visited the tent site in the community after self-testing indicated that future research should evaluate the potential for nurses to provide community-based linkage to HIV care and prevention services for self-testers.
Evaluation of the financial performances of the medical device companies among Fortune 500 companies before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tümer Tolga , Tengilimoğlu Dilaver , Demiray Emine Kübra Dindar 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the financial performances of the six medical device companies among Fortune 500 companies before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, we first conducted ratio analysis by using liquidity, turnover, leverage and profitability ratios; then we conducted Wilcoxon signed-rank tests by using the calculated values of the financial ratios. We obtained the required data from the annual financial statements of the medical device companies among Fortune 500 companies. In the analyses, we took 2019 as the year before the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 and 2021 as the year of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2022 as the year after the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the study showed that the medical device companies among Fortune 500 companies were able to keep their financial performances strong when the COVID-19 pandemic began; they were able to increase their profits in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic; and they were able to start using their assets more efficiently after the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that the overall financial performances of the medical device companies among Fortune 500 companies were strong before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The evaluation of the financial performances of the medical device companies among Fortune 500 companies before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic may be beneficial for managers and policy makers in the medical device industry to determine the areas that requires to be strengthened in order to be better prepared for possible future pandemics and crisis periods.