Past Research Articles

Temporal evolution and spatial variation of meteorological drought characteristics in Iran's diverse climates over the past half century

Temporal evolution and spatial variation of meteorological drought characteristics in Iran's diverse climates over the past half century

Status of floristic diversity and impact of development on two sacred groves from Maval Tehsil (Maharashtra, India) after a century

Global urbanisation and anthropogenic activities are leading to a decline in religious beliefs and adversely affecting the biodiversity, ecology, and environmental sustainability of sacred groves, particularly in Lonavala (Rye Wood Park) and Karla Grove in Maval Tehsil, Pune district, Maharashtra, India. The Lonavala Grove, situated at 18.749° N, 73.403° E, and 622 m, and the Karla Grove, located at 18.760° N, 73.478° E, with an elevation of 621 m, both within the Western Ghats, are undergoing transformations due to landscape gardens and urban developments despite their historical significance. Gammie Alexander‘s 1903 floristic research identified 84 species across both groves, but our present study reveals a significant decline. Lonavala and Karla groves now host 46 genera and 42 species and 25 genera and 29 species, respectively, totaling 120 species from 49 families and 110 genera. This decline is attributed to the introduction of alien and invasive species, resulting in the disappearance of six indigenous species over the past century. The research aims to explore and document changes in floristic diversity, utilising remote sensing methods like NDVI for growth and deterioration assessment, measuring tree and liana girth, and analysing the impact on native flora due to the spread of alien species.

Biopiezoelectromagnetic and mechanical effect

The study of the functional living organism through biological phenomena and their piezoelectric and electromagnetic interaction of particles and energy in the functional cells of organ systems that sustain life through homeostasis, and their relationship with the external environment, can be observed as a unique effect called the biopiezoelectromagnetic effect. Research in sciences, combined with the use of innovative technological tools and instruments at scales ranging from the subatomic to the astrophysical, have made it possible to observe, through these individual or combined effects, a phenomenon that is repeated in all structures: the conservation of elemental information. This approach makes it possible to research from the particle to the functional living organism in its environment and vice versa. It is possible to propose theories that link energy, particles and cells and their organised structural complexes within the same framework, analysing the biopiezoelectromagnetic effect and the constant effort to maintain the homeostasis of living organisms in an entropic environment. Biomaterials composed of crystals and quasicrystals promote the piezoelectric effect in living tissue-biomaterial contact. The piezoelectric effect is already known to stimulate and form a fibrocartilaginous bone callus and its subsequent hardening into mature bone but has never been directly associated with homeostasis, osseointegrated implants and biomaterial bonding. The synthesis described by evidence-based experiments over the past centuries is robust to describe the biopiezoelectromagnetic effect as a cascade of events in the functional living organism to maintain homeostasis and its binding properties as the basis of osseointegration and the foundation of biocompatibility.

Scientometric analysis of dissertation papers on pediatric dentistry in Russia

BACKGROUND: One of the crucial directions of scientific research within the scientific specialty “Dentistry” is the study of pediatric dentistry as an independent area of scientific knowledge and development of its scientific directions. Comprehensive research on the development of scientific directions and assessment of modern trends in the field of pediatric dentistry over the past quarter century has not been conducted. Analysis and comparison of scientific research conducted on each problem of pediatric dentistry is warranted.
 AIM: To assess the state of scientific research and identify priority areas in pediatric dentistry from 1993 to 2020.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 977 dissertation abstracts on pediatric dentistry, previously selected and added to the database, were analyzed. This study focused on dental issues in children and adolescents as presented in dissertation materials from 1993 to 2020.
 RESULTS: A scientific search of electronic databases revealed 977 dissertation abstracts on dental care issues in children. On average, 35.0±2.5 studies were presented annually for consideration by dissertation councils. The main research directions were as follows: pediatric therapeutic dentistry, 375 studies (38.4%); orthodontics and dentofacial anomalies in children, 229 dissertations (23.4%); epidemiology, public health, and organization of dental care for children, 125 studies (12.8%); surgical dentistry and maxillofacial surgery in children, 203 studies (20.8%); pediatric orthopedic dentistry, 33 studies (3.4%); and highly focused research (morphology, anesthesiology, etc.), 12 studies (1.2%).
 CONCLUSION: The study of pediatric dentistry issues in Russia has a comprehensive nature, representing one-fifth of all scientific research in dentistry as a whole.

The Influence of Space Standards on Housing Typologies: The Evolution of the Nuclear Family Dwelling in England

This article explores the evolution of dwelling typologies in London, examining how regulations and standards have transformed housing layouts and indirectly informed personal and social interactions at home. Housing policy of the past century, as reflected through space standards, type plans, housing manuals, and reports, reveal a socio-political agenda of promoting nuclear family dwellings, traditionally a household of parents and their children. This article contributes to this discussion by exploring the contextual drivers, spatial reasoning, and evidence underpinning the decisions of housing reports such as the <em>Tudor Walters Report</em> (1918), the <em>Dudley Report</em> (1944), and the <em>Parker Morris Report</em> (1961). Changes in household structures can be seen through regulations: from multiple families sharing a house, to the separation of individual families into single homes, to prioritising the individual over the family unit. This article analyses how five historical moments in which typological shifts promoted nuclear family dwellings that have determined spatial hierarchies and family dynamics around cooking, eating, and socialising. Similarly, societal shifts in housing expectations, such as the changing perceptions of social status symbols, privacy, gender roles, and household dynamics have contributed to the spatial arrangement and layout of homes. By shedding light on the socio-technical transformations, this research highlights the need for innovative design solutions and evidence-based space standards to meet contemporary needs.

Comparison of different machine learning models: Linear model, forest and SVM

Over the past century, machine learning has developed rapidly with the fast evolution of AI. As high-performance computing (HPC) has popularized over the past few decades, huge differences have been made in the field of machine learning, from expert systems to deep learning algorithms nowadays. This study summarizes some well-known models and compares three of the current popular machine learning models: the Linear Model, the Forest Model, and the Supporting Vector Machine (SVM), which aims to give and clearer view of those models in several aspects. Forest and SVM are more powerful in performance than the Linear Model due to their ability to deal with more types and more complex relationships and patterns. However, Forest and SVM have a higher complexity than the Linear Model and are less interpretable. Through the comparison of the three models, the basic model and algorithms will be better understood, the appropriate model will be selected faster when solving the problem, saving training time and space, and effectively saving resources and costs.

A Study on Groundwater Irrigation Expansion in Bihar, India

Water use has increased by more than twice the rate of population growth over the past century. Although, there is worldwide water scarcity, an increasing number of areas are chronically short of water. There has been a substantial increase in irrigated areas in the last thirty -five years. The Net Irrigated Area (NIA) in Bihar has increased from 2808 thousand hectares in 1985 to 3083 thousand hectares in 2021. The total annual replenishable groundwater potential of Bihar has been estimated as 33.15 billion cubic meters (bcm) with an annual extraction of 13.50 bcm. The share of surface water is declining while groundwater is increasingly being used in crop production. A total of 11754 thousand hectares have been estimated as the ultimate irrigation potential in the state, including major, medium and minor irrigation schemes, utilizing both surface and groundwater. If the available potential is fully exploited, it can cover more than the total cultivated area of the state. Considering the interests of both present and future generations attention needs to be directed towards the sustainable use of groundwater and promoting various sources of surface water.

Investigation of the presence of Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in ancient adult skulls: analyzing data from prehistoric and historical samples through a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesHistorically, the prevalence of caries has undergone significant changes, particularly increasing with the industrialization of sugar consumption. When examining ancient populations, lower caries rates are discovered, attributed in part to dietary factors. These populations consumed abrasive foods, leading to occlusal wear and reduced non-axial occlusal forces, potentially influencing Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCLs). Although some attribute NCCLs to abfraction, the mechanism remains debated. This systematic review aims to evaluate the presence of NCCLs in ancient populations, shedding light on the factors contributing to their occurrence.Materials and MethodsThe present systematic review was registered on PROSPERO, and the manuscript was prepared following PRISMA guidelines.ResultsAfter the literature search and article screening, data from 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis, with only 2 reporting NCCLs in ancient skulls, encopassing 17 subjects in 805 examined skulls, suggesting their presence even before the widespread use of toothbrushes. This finding indicates a potential etiopathogenic mechanism linked to abfraction, but the cause is complex and involves abrasive and erosive factors closely tied to dietary habits.ConclusionsIn summary, NCCLs were present in ancient populations, albeit with a much lower prevalence. Their occurrence cannot be solely attributed to wear mechanisms but must be connected to abrasive factors related to diet or practices with religious and cultural significance, such as the use of labrets. Clinical relevance: Th the knowledge of NCCLs presence in acient sculls is crucial today for better understand the associated risk factors. In this context, the analysis of ancient skulls allows us to discern the role that tooth brushing and diet played in the formation of NCCLs, over the past century.

High-Performance Ammonia Electrosynthesis from Nitrate in a NaOH-KOH-H2O Ternary Electrolyte.

A glut of dinitrogen-derived ammonia (NH3) over the past century has resulted in a heavily imbalanced nitrogen cycle and consequently, the large-scale accumulation of reactive nitrogen such as nitrates in our ecosystems has led to detrimental environmental issues. Electrocatalytic upcycling of waste nitrogen back into NH3 holds promise in mitigating these environmental impacts and reducing reliance on the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. Herein, we report a high-performance electrolyzer using an ultrahigh alkalinity electrolyte, NaOH-KOH-H2O, for low-cost NH3 electrosynthesis. At 3,000 mA/cm2, the device with a Fe-Cu-Ni ternary catalyst achieves an unprecedented faradaic efficiency (FE) of 92.5±1.5 % under a low cell voltage of 3.83 V; whereas at 1,000 mA/cm2, an FE of 96.5±4.8 % under a cell voltage of only 2.40 V was achieved. Techno-economic analysis revealed that our device cuts the levelized cost of ammonia electrosynthesis by ~40 % ($30.68 for Fe-Cu-Ni vs. $48.53 for Ni foam per kmol-NH3). The NaOH-KOH-H2O electrolyte together with the Fe-Cu-Ni ternary catalyst can enable the high-throughput nitrate-to-ammonia applications for affordable and scalable real-world wastewater treatments.

Early and contemporary drivers of the HIV-1 group M pandemic.

HIV emerged silently taking time to spread and become visible only through geographically isolated clusters of life-threatening immunodeficiency, known as AIDS since the early 80s. The clusters of infection expanded, overlapping to evolve into a pandemic that is ongoing and almost as silent. Phylogenetic analysis places the emergence of HIV-1 group M, the subtype responsible for the pandemic, in the human population more than 100 years ago. Once established, the rate and direction of spread of HIV-1 from local, to national, to contemporary pandemic proportions have varied over time and place. The literature presents many theories on the emergence and drivers of the spread of the virus over the past century. Here, historical evidence and phylogenetic models are reviewed to seek clarity on the emergence, geographic spread and key world events that mark the progression of the HIV-1 pandemic. This narrative review places particular focus on: war (both its direct and indirect affects), trade and economic expansion, changes in sexual behaviors, and public health policy. Investigating the impact of major world events and policy on the emergence and spread of HIV-1 may aid better understanding of what influences the viruses transmission dynamic. By identifying multilateral targets that influence transmission, up-scaled efforts to effectively control, if not remove, HIV-1 from the human population become a possibility. Suggestions for revisions in HIV-1 global public health policy are discussed. Refocused efforts to tackle HIV-1 transmission and replace the need to manage the pathology of this terrible disease are both ethically and economically just.

Weakened hydrological oscillation period increased the frequency of river algal blooms

The evolution of riverine aquatic ecosystems typically exhibits notable characteristic with cumulative, enduring, and hysteresis. Exploring the non-linear response of riverine ecology to long-term hydrological fluctuations become a major challenge in contemporary interdisciplinary research. In response to the critical issue of frequent river algal blooms in the lower Han River, which is impacted by Asian largest inter-basin water diversion project. We identified the non-linear response of eco-hydrology across various time scales through the integration of Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) and Inverse Wavelet Transform (IWT). Our study revealed that: 1) Over the past half century, the hydrological regime in the lower Han river showed a significant downward trend, and existed three significant hydrological oscillation periods (HOPs), including the short-scale Intra-AC (180 days), the medium-scale AC (365 days, the first major period), and the long-scale Inter-AC (2500 days), the variation of Inter-AC changed most dramatically. 2) We further found that the Inter-AC variation of hydrology is more closely related to the formation of river algal blooms in the Han River, and when the hydrological Inter-AC shows steady state or downward trend, the frequency of algal blooms in the lower Han River increases significantly. 3) The river algal blooms in the lower Han River is a cumulative consequence to the long-term hydrological influences. Weakened hydrological Inter-AC is more likely to increase the frequency of river algal blooms, and 10-years Inter-AC cumulation increased the frequency by 60%. Therefore, the weaken of long-scale HOP will significantly increase the frequency of river algal blooms in the future. This study received a critical scientific insight and aimed at provide guidance for the optimization of ecological management within the framework of national large-scale water conservation.

Defining Spatial Epidemiology: A Systematic Review and Re-Orientation.

Spatial epidemiology has emerged as an important subfield of epidemiology over the past quarter century. We trace the origins of spatial epidemiology and note that its emergence coincided with technological developments in spatial statistics and geography. We hypothesize that spatial epidemiology makes important contributions to descriptive epidemiology and analytic risk factor studies, but is not yet aligned with epidemiology's current focus on causal inference and intervention. We conducted a systematic review of studies indexed in PubMed that used the term "spatial epidemiolog*" in the title, abstract, or keywords. Excluded papers were not written in English, examined disease in animals, or reported biologic pathogen distribution only. We coded the included papers into five categories (review, demonstration of method, descriptive, analytic, intervention) and recorded the unit of analysis (i.e., individual vs. ecological). We additionally examined papers coded as analytic ecologic studies using scales for lexical content. A total of 482 papers met the inclusion criteria, including 76 reviews, 117 demonstrations of methods, 122 descriptive studies, 167 analytic studies, and 0 intervention studies. Demonstration studies were most common from 2006 to 2014, and analytic studies were most common after 2015. Among the analytic ecologic studies, those published in later years used more terms relevant to spatial statistics (IRR =1.3, 95%CI: 1.1, 1.5) and causal inference (IRR =1.1, 95%CI: 1.1, 1.2). Spatial epidemiology is an important and growing subfield of epidemiology. We suggest a re-orientation to help align its practice with the goals of contemporary epidemiology.

Метатренды и мифологемы тематики искусственного интеллекта западного научного дискурса

Introduction. For fifty years, the topic of artificial intelligence has remained leading within a wide range of scientific fields. Theoretical analysis. Preliminary analysis of the Scopus database results from a rating of publication activity, in which social sciences occupy insider positions along with computer sciences and some other areas. From the 60s of the past century to the present, there has been an exponential growth of scientific publications containing the label “artificial intelligence” in titles, abstracts and keywords. Empirical analysis. The article attempts, based on elementary numerical indi cators and qualitative content analytics, to identify trends in the subject of artificial intelligence in Western social sciences, the evolution of key research areas, as well as the main mythologies of scientific discourse. Conclusion. The research is preceded by the hypothesis: social sciences, owing to the specification of discourse and the subject spectrum, contain “naturalized” mythologems associated with other discursive practices and refractive scientific and technical interpretations of the subject of study.

The analysis of operation and failures of a power plant on high-speed vessels with semi-submersible propellers

Over the past century, shipbuilding has been closely linked to solving the most acute problem of increasing the speed of ships. Builders of high-speed vessels habitually justify this struggle for speed in connection with the requirements of the modern market. In Russia, as well as all over the world, there is a need for modern, high-speed, maneuverable and economical vessels. To meet this need, Almaz Central Design Bureau has developed, the Rybinsk Vimpel Plant has launched a high-speed vessel with semi-submersible propellers of project 12150 "Mongoose". Currently, about 75 ships have been launched [1]. This article analyzes the work of foreign and domestic engines accumulated during the operation of high-speed engines MTU 10V2000M93 (manufactured in Germany), ZVEZDA M470MK-M3 (manufactured in Russia) installed on high-speed vessels of project 12150. In particular, information on the most characteristic failures of the components of the main power plants and the propulsion system as a whole, as well as on the possible causes of the occurrence and development of typical engine failures installed on these high-speed vessels, which allow us to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the power plant used.

The end of Mexico–US migration as we knew it – or back to the future?

Over the last decade, scholars have declared the collapse of the Mexico–US system of undocumented migration. The H2 visa programme, a regime of managed sojourning is replacing the system of unauthorized cross-border mobility. In fiscal year 2023, the US government issued nearly 370,000 H2 temporary work visas to Mexicans. This temporary migrant labour programme is also bringing back circulation, temporary legal stays, and mostly male cross-border mobility – features that are akin to the old Bracero Program (1942–64). We contend that the restoration of these legal and sociodemographic dynamics undermines critical pillars of the system of undocumented labour mobility, limiting and reorienting the role of social networks, and potentially ending the way Mexico–United States has functioned for the past half century. We use ethnographic, interview and survey data to analyse the expansion of this new regime of highly mediated cross-border mobility, the ascent of the brokerage apparatus, and its effect transforming the social infrastructure of migration. We ask, specifically, how does the H2 temporary migrant labour programme constrain and diminish kin and hometown-based social networks, previously seen as ‘the engine of migration’? How does the shift from migrant networks to a brokerage apparatus impact trust, reciprocity and the development of migratory social capital? How is the new regime changing the experience of migration – substituting risk and adventure for certainty and routinized movement? How does the H2 temporary migrant labour programme revert the locus of social reproduction of the labour force back to sending communities, preempting integration at the destination? We frame the answers to these questions in the emerging migration industry and infrastructures paradigm, which examines to the role of migrant and non-migrant actors in the facilitation, control and overall mediation and structuring of cross-border mobility.

Beyond The Skin: B Cells in Pemphigus Vulgaris, Tolerance and Treatment.

Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune bullous disease characterized by blistering of the skin and mucosa owing to the presence of autoantibodies against the desmosome proteins desmoglein 3 and occasionally in conjunction with desmoglein 1. Fundamental research into the pathogenesis of PV has revolutionized its treatment and outcome with rituximab, a B-cell-depleting therapy. The critical contribution of B cells to the pathogenesis of pemphigus is well accepted. However, the exact pathomechanism, mechanisms of onset, disease course, and relapse remain unclear. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the fundamental research progress that has unfolded over the past centuries to give rise to current and emerging therapies. Furthermore, we summarized the multifaceted roles of B cells in pemphigus vulgaris, including their development, maturation, and antibody activity. Finally, we explored how these various aspects of B-cell function contribute to disease pathogenesis and pave the way for innovative therapeutic interventions.

Public opinion on reforming U.S. primaries

AbstractObjectiveFew studies have measured public attitudes about reform proposals for changing direct primaries. Despite strong public support over the past century for holding primaries, does the public want to change the direct primary, given its very low voter turnout and its potential role in fostering political polarization?MethodUsing a unique nationally representative survey of 3000 U.S. adults conducted in March 2023 by YouGov, this study shows that a majority of Americans support reform of primary elections.ResultsThe reforms which receive the greatest support are those that seem more “democratic” such as establishing national congressional primary and holding open primaries. There is lower support for reforms that give political parties more control over selecting candidates, such as state party conventions. There are significant differences between Republicans, Democrats, and independents, while factors such as interest, education, gender, and race have a minimal impact. Individuals living in states with nonpartisan primaries are more favorable toward this specific reform, ranked‐choice voting, and open primaries, but primary type was not significant in regression models.ConclusionsThe public is opposed to reforms that give parties more say in choosing candidates, consistent with public sentiment a century earlier when the direct primary was adopted.

Materiovigilance as a Health Care Safety in India: A Regulatory Prospective

Abstract: Over the past few centuries, life-saving tools have been extensively used across the globe. The use of medical devices has increased adverse events associated with them. Materiovigilance is the process of identifying, collecting, reporting, and examining unfavorable events connected to medical devices in order to prevent the recurrence of such occurrences. Several countries keep an eye on medical products once they are commercialized. Other nations with similar programs include France, Australia, and the United Kingdom, in addition to the Medical Device Reporting (MDR) programme in the United States. This article addressed how some types of medical equipment might be dangerous and how a Materiovigilance programme is essential. : This page provides information about how to report adverse reactions to these medical devices, as well as what they are. : In many countries, post-marketing surveillance for medications has been initiated but is not as reliable and advanced as it is today. By monitoring adverse events related to medical devices, generating safety data, educating stakeholders, and recommending appropriate procedures and interventions, the Indian Pharmacopeia Commission established the committee on July 6, 2015. : Monitoring adverse events related to medical device usage can increase patient safety. On the basis of safety data gathered and generated, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) will make recommendations about the safe use of medical devices in the Indian population.

Evaluating the Demand for Nucleic Acid Testing in Different Scenarios of COVID-19 Transmission: A Simulation Study.

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been recognized as the most severe human infectious disease pandemic in the past century. To enhance our ability to control potential infectious diseases in the future, this study simulated the influence of nucleic acid testing on the transmission of COVID-19 across varied scenarios. Additionally, it assessed the demand for nucleic acid testing under different circumstances, aiming to furnish a decision-making foundation for the implementation of nucleic acid screening measures, the provision of emergency materials, and the allocation of human resources. Considering the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 and the preventive measures implemented by countries, we explored three distinct levels of epidemic intensity: community transmission, outbreak, and sporadic cases. Integrating the theory of scenario analysis, we formulated six hypothetical epidemic scenarios, each corresponding to possible occurrences during different phases of the pandemic. We developed an improved SEIR model, validated its accuracy using real-world data, and conducted a comprehensive analysis and prediction of COVID-19 infections under these six scenarios. Simultaneously, we assessed the testing resource requirements associated with each scenario. We compared the predicted number of infections simulated by the modified SEIR model with the actual reported cases in Israel to validate the model. The root mean square error (RMSE) was 350.09, and the R-squared (R2) was 0.99, indicating a well-fitted model. Scenario4 demonstrated the most effective prevention and control outcomes. Strengthening non-pharmaceutical interventions and increasing nucleic acid testing frequency, even under low testing capacity, resulted in a delayed epidemic peak by 78days. The proportion of undetected cases decreased from 77.83% to 31.21%, and the overall testing demand significantly decreased, meeting maximum demand even with low testing capacity. The initiation of testing influenced case detection probability. Under high testing capacity, increasing testing frequency elevated the detection rate from 36.40% to 77.83%. Nucleic acid screening proved effective in reducing the demand for testing resources under diverse epidemic prevention and control strategies. While effective interventions and nucleic acid screening measures substantially diminished the demand for testing-related resources, varying degrees of insufficient testing capacity may still persist. The nucleic acid detection strategy proves effective in promptly identifying and isolating infected individuals, thereby mitigating the infection peak and extending the time to peak. In situations with constrained testing capacity, implementing more stringent measures can notably decrease the number of infections and alleviate resource demands. The improved SEIR model demonstrates proficiency in predicting both reported and unreported cases, offering valuable insights for future infection risk assessments. Rapid evaluations of testing requirements across diverse scenarios can aptly address resource limitations in specific regions, offering substantial evidence for the formulation of future infectious disease testing strategies.

When to Stop Antibiotics in the Critically Ill?

Over the past century, antibiotic usage has skyrocketed in the treatment of critically ill patients. There have been increasing calls to establish guidelines for appropriate treatment and durations of antibiosis. Antibiotic treatment, even when appropriately tailored to the patient and infection, is not without cost. Short term risks-hepatic/renal dysfunction, intermediate effects-concomitant superinfections, and long-term risks-potentiating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), are all possible consequences of antimicrobial administration. These risks are increased by longer periods of treatment and unnecessarily broad treatment courses. Recently, the literature has focused on multiple strategies to determine the appropriate duration of antimicrobial therapy. Further, there is a clinical shift to multi-modal approaches to determine the most suitable timepoint at which to end an antibiotic course. An approach utilising biomarker assays and an inter-disciplinary team of pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and microbiologists appears to be the way forward to develop sound clinical decision-making surrounding antibiotic treatment.