Universal Issues Research Articles

A Predictive Level of C-peptide for Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Antibody Positivity in Autoimmune Diabetes

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases and is considered a universal health issue. This study aimed to establish a C-peptide cut-off level to predict glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody 65 (GADA) positivity in autoimmune diabetes. Methods: Designed as a retrospective methodological study, the study reviewed diabetic patients aged over 16 years who presented to adult internal medicine outpatient clinics between 2008 and 2022. The data were collected retrospectively from the hospital records. Patients were categorized into two groups according to GADA positivity, and their sensitivity and specificity were calculated for fasting C-peptide levels. Results: GADA positivity was observed in 96 of a total of 343 patients. The group with antibody positivity was younger (p < .001), had lower C-peptide levels (p < .001) and higher HbA1c levels (p = .03). Thyroid antibody positivity was more common in this group (p = .009). Sensitivity was 80.2% and specificity was 72.5% for the optimal C-peptide level cut-off point of ≤ 1.35 ng/mL, which predicted GADA positivity. Conclusion: GADA positivity was highly prevalent at a fasting C-peptide level cut-off point of ≤1.35 ng/mL. Hence, in clinical practice, GADA could be routinely examined in patients with a value below this level for accurate diagnosis and early initiation of treatment in autoimmune diabetes.

In-Situ Growth of One-Dimensional Blocking Layer to Mitigate Deficient Surface of Single-Crystal Perovskites.

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) single crystals are promising for optoelectronic application, but their high surface trap density and associated ion migration hinders device performance and stability. Herein, a one-dimensional (1D) perovskites are designed and proposed as blocking layer at the crystal/electrode interface to mitigate the surface issues. As a model system, the interface ion migration in Cs0.05FA0.95PbI3 (FA=formamidinium) single-crystal perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is obviously suppressed, leading to increase of T90 lifetime from 260 to 1000 hours, five times better than previously reported results. Besides, the reduction of surface iodide ion vacancies inhibits nonradiative recombination, thus increasing the efficiency from 22.1 % to 23.8 %, which is one of the highest values for single-crystal PSCs. Since the deficient crystal surface is a universal and open issue, our strategy is instructive for optimizing diverse single-crystal perovskite devices.

Critical Analysis of Universal Issues in Healthcare and Beyond

Critical Analysis of Universal Issues in Healthcare and Beyond

Kaukaz Wacława Sieroszewskiego

Numerous descriptions of the Caucasus have been preserved in Polish literature, which can serve as valuable sources for historical and ethnographic research of this country. Most of them were created in the years 1830–1860, when many Poles came to the Caucasus, forcibly conscripted into the Tsar’s army for their patriotic activities. These are scientific, travel and romantic poetry with a nostalgic tint. One of the most interesting Polish descriptions of the Caucasus can be found in the novel Risztau by Wacław Sieroszewski from 1898. This novel stems from the writer’s personal experiences. It is distinguished by a different view of these regions of the Russian Empire. Risztau is an adventure novel and an exotic novel at the same time. Sieroszewski created his own exemplar of an exotic novel, distinguished by its focus on universal human issues. It is an adventure novel and an exotic novel at the same time. Sieroszewski developed his own model of an exotic novel, the aim of which is to show universal human issues. The plot in this novel serves to convey a moral lesson about human work and heroism in the fight against nature. What distinguishes Risztau are his painterly descriptions of mountain landscapes, in which color and light play the main role. The novel was highly praised by critics of the time.

HAMLET AND GJORG BERISHA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CHARACTERS

The art of literature has brought together the experiences of human society and foregrounded various artistic values. The effort to examine the elements of universalization in literature through the perspective of juxtaposition is an innovation of this study. The purpose of this paper is to highlight this type of universalization, recognizing two characters from different literatures, genres, and cultures. The work is based on the main theme, which is revenge, but it also deals with some key elements such as life, death, justice, honor, love, passion, etc., through which the characters are compared as a whole. The study provides a comparative perspective, where systematic juxtaposition assists in identifying shared and distinctive elements throughout the logical flow of the narrative. The compared elements are of different natures and different in contextual and social aspects (events, situations, psychological aspects, space-time, etc.). For the comparison of these elements, a blend of comparative methodology, juxtaposition, as well as methods of variation and inclusion have been employed. The study holds a novel scientific value, as it extensively delves into comparison through juxtaposition, and aims to explore universal literary issues by recognizing two characters, Gjorg Berisha and Hamlet.

Wisława Szymborska – trzy studia anatomiczne

The article is of an interpretive and methodological nature and concerns the design of reflections around existential and universal issues of “longue durée” (Braudel), as well as the design of situations of reception of cultural texts within the framework of humanities education at the high school level. The author describes a project – implemented in practice – related to the phenomenon of human existence and the diagnosis of human condition, primarily based on Wisława Szymborska’s poems, including three poetic “anatomical studies”, with literature treated here as a “laboratory of thought experiments” (Ricoeur). The principles of text selection and arrangement are explained using this example, with particular attention paid to the various materials available on the Internet.

RETRACTED: Production of eco-friendly cathode materials from cellulose skeleton induced manganese dioxide to produce zinc ion battery: Physicochemical, morphological, and electrochemical study

Energy security is a universal issue since modern civilization cannot be imagined for a single moment without energy. Though lean fossil fuels are fighting against the current energy demand principally, these are linked to adverse environmental effects. Various energy storage technologies can resolve this issue in a sustainable eco-friendly manner. Rechargeable Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) are emerging as potential candidates to meet the growing commercial demand with several advantages. As a part of this, the cellulose skeleton-induced manganese dioxide-based electroactive cathode materials have been prepared by an innovative route and characterized using UV–vis-NIR, FTIR, FESEM, EDS, and XRD analysis. Results suggested that the newly produced eco-friendly cathode materials have possessed outstanding physicochemical, morphological, and structural properties. While the finished product namely the coin cell of ZIBs has shown a good CV profile along with minimal charge transfer resistance in PEIS. Noteworthy that the newly prepared cathode materials have also been shown a significant capacity of 29 mAhg-1 at a 5 mA constant current charge-discharge rate. Thus, the method could be beneficially used in energy storage devices for its eco-friendly nature though some drawbacks have been noticed. The cyclic stabilities were somewhat low which can be increased in further studies.

Eurocentrism, Afrocentrism, Postcolonialism and Hybridity in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun and August Wilson’s Radio Golf

This paper is a thematic study dealing with a postcolonial critical view of Eurocentrism and Afrocentrism in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun (1959) and August Wilson’s Radio Golf (2005). In A Raisin in the Sun, Beneatha views Western cultures as superior and she ultimately opts for Afrocentrism. The spirit of Beneatha will be analysed with a focus on Frantz Fanon’s arguments against ‘négritude’ and Eurocentrism. Hansberry, through the voice of Mama Lena, calls for a union between the African and the American selves, as well as between the Western and the non-Western cultures. The issue of the oscillation between Eurocentrism and Africanness is shared by August Wilson in his last contemporary play where he exposes different facets and layers of identity. Contemporary black citizens have achieved their American dreams of collecting lucre, but they are still grappling between keeping faithful to their African heritage and cultural repertoire or adopting the Western way of life and distance themselves from their roots. This dilemma is best exemplified through Harmond and his wife Mame Wilks. Unlike Wilks, who imitates the prestigious way of life and looks for appearances and social status, Harmond crosses the boundaries of Eurocentrism and Afrocentrism and he tries to find a space for intercultural communication between the Western and the African cultures. The discussion part will relate the two plays to the recent events surrounding Floyd’s murder during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The aim is to examine the critical situation of blacks during crisis and to demonstrate that they are disproportionally targeted. The rationale for choosing a modern African-American text that explores contemporary Eurocentrism, Afrocentrism, assimilation, nativism, and decolonization is to show that race is a universal issue. The goal is to suggest hybridity as the best alternative for establishing a more humanitarian society where different races can be interwoven.

Recycling Single‐Crystal Perovskite Solar Cells With Improved Efficiency and Stability

AbstractMetal halide perovskite single crystals are promising for photovoltaic applications due to their outstanding properties. However, the high surface trap density causes severe nonradiative recombination and ion migration, hindering device performance and stability. Herein, mitigation of the deficient crystal surface is reported by optimized polishing engineering, resulting in stoichiometric lead‐iodine ratio with reduced iodide ion vacancies, increased ion migration activation energy, and suppressed nonradiative recombination. As a result, Cs0.05FA0.95PbI3 (FA = formamidinium) devices exhibit an impressive efficiency of 23.1%, which is one of the highest values for single‐crystal perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Moreover, multiple recycling of the degraded single‐crystal PSCs with higher efficiency and stability is achieved by removing the deteriorated surface, validating crystal surface dominates device degradation while the role of bulk and buried interface is negligible, which is different from polycrystalline devices. The T85 lifetime (remain 85% of initial efficiency) of Cs0.05FA0.95PbI3 devices increases to 1150 h after the recycling process, which is much better than that of previously reported single‐crystal PSCs. Since deficient crystal surface and ion migration are universal issues of perovskite materials, this work will promote the development of stable single‐crystal PSCs and other optoelectronic devices, such as X‐ray detectors, light‐emitting diodes, etc.

Mitigation of hypoxia and ocean acidification on the inner East China Sea shelf impacted by the 2023 summer drought

Hypoxia and acidification are universal environmental issues in coastal seas, especially in large river dominated shelves, and the East China Sea shelf is a typical case among them. However, the responses of status of hypoxia and acidification in coastal seas to the extremes of river discharges are still to be revealed. This study surveyed the influences of a summer drought on the status of hypoxia and acidification on the inner East China Sea shelf off the Changjiang estuary. In August of 2023 during a summer drought, carbonate system parameters and dissolved oxygen (DO) were surveyed on the East China Sea shelf off the Changjiang estuary. As expected, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) removal (up to >40 μmol kg−1) and DO over-saturation (up to >110 %) accompanied by high pH (up to >8.15) in the surface water were observed. However, low DO (32–172 μmol kg−1), low pH (7.63–8.04) and low saturation state index of aragonite (ΩAr) (1.34–3.06) in the bottom water were observed. Relationships of Excess DIC with DO consumption, and pH and ΩAr with Excess DIC indicated that the hypoxia and acidification in the bottom water was due mainly to the remineralization of the marine-sourced organic matter. Nevertheless, both hypoxia and acidification were mitigated, i.e. the hypoxic area was smaller, the minimum DO concentration, pH and saturation state index of aragonite were higher in August of 2023 than under the general summer condition. The lower Changjiang discharge (∼60 % of the long-term monthly average) mitigated eutrophication of the East China Sea shelf and decreased the phytoplankton biomass in the surface water and subsequently the hypoxia and acidification in the bottom water. However, acidification of the bottom water on the East China Sea shelf was still severe even during the summer drought. Regulating the anthropogenic impact on the coastal marginal seas is still urgently needed to mitigate the acidification status.

Perceptions on Public Transportation Safety Among Female Users in Malaysia

Public transport in Malaysia has grown through government investment aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in urban areas. However, the safety of women using public transport is often viewed as less significant and is generally treated as a universal design issue. Ironically, past research strongly indicates that women face safety and security concerns in public spaces and while using public transportation services, traveling differently from men in terms of mobility and accessibility. These gendered and socio-economic inequalities affect women’s choice of transportation mode, negatively impacting their overall health, safety, and well-being. These elements must be planned thoroughly to achieve inclusive planning and gender equality in transportation. The main challenges to women's mobility in Malaysia include gender-based violence and issues related to the safety and access to public transportation. This paper is based on a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) regarding public transport safety attitudes and perceptions among female users aged 15 to 70 in Malaysia, focusing on variables such as safety, women-friendly facilities, and expectations vs. perceptions. The findings highlighted gender-based issues such as sexual assault, harassment, and child trafficking as major concerns impeding women's access to public transportation services in Malaysia. Participation by stakeholders in the provision of a holistic and inclusive public transport infrastructure remains a bureaucratic obstacle in Malaysia's planning and implementation of public transport services. Public transportation strategies need to be holistic, ensuring that the physical design and other strategies employed prevent security breaches and provide a sense of safety, especially for women and children. Post-incident support by designated and relevant agencies is also crucial. Infrastructure improvements need to be accompanied by awareness campaigns and advocacy to cultivate a more secure environment for everyone in public spaces.

Study on environmental monitoring classification system based on improved bayesian algorithm

Abstract The commonly used methods for classifying water quality data are based on water quality parameters. The naive Bayesian classification method can be applied to substitute different evaluation criteria and selected water quality parameters for different water bodies. Compared to other water quality data classification methods, naive Bayesian classification methods have advantages such as simple calculation, high classification accuracy, and strong universality. However, this method overlooks the correlation between various water quality parameters and categories. To address the issues of poor universality, computational complexity, and low accuracy of traditional water quality data classification methods, a water quality data classification method based on weighted naive Bayes is proposed. This method comprehensively considers the impact of water quality attributes and their values on the classification results and replaces the original naive Bayes with weighted attribute conditional probabilities to make the classification results as close as possible to the actual category of the sample. The results indicate that this method exceeds 94% accuracy and can be directly utilized as a water quality classification module in water quality monitoring systems.

Marine-derived Compounds: A Powerful Platform for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating form of dementia that primarily affects cholinergic neurons in the brain, significantly reducing an individual's capacity for learning and creative skills and ultimately resulting in an inability to carry out even basic daily tasks. As the elderly population is exponentially increasing, the disease has become a significant concern for society. Therefore, neuroprotective substances have garnered considerable interest in addressing this universal issue. Studies have shown that oxidative damage to neurons contributes to the pathophysiological processes underlying AD progression. In AD, tau phosphorylation and glutamate excitotoxicity may play essential roles, but no permanent cure for AD is available. The existing therapies only manage the early symptoms of AD and often come with numerous side effects and toxicities. To address these challenges, researchers have turned to nature and explored various sources such as plants, animals, and marine organisms. Many historic holy books from different cultures emphasize that adding marine compounds to the regular diet enhances brain function and mitigates its decline. Consequently, researchers have devoted significant time to identifying potentially active neuroprotective substances from marine sources. Marine-derived compounds are gaining recognition due to their abundant supply of diverse chemical compounds with biological and pharmacological potential and unique mechanisms of action. Several studies have reported that plants exhibit multitarget potential in treating AD. In light of this, the current study focuses on marine-derived components with excellent potential for treating this neurodegenerative disease.

Symbolics of ‘The White Cloud of Genghis Khan’ by Chinghiz Aitmatov Through the Spectacle of Mythopoetics

The presented article is devoted to the most important aspects of the interaction between mythologization and the principles of constructing a symbol in the text structure of original prose fiction. The author attempted to reveal the process of transforming the mythologization and symbolization of the image into one of the conceptual components of the link-building mechanisms in a 'novella towards a novel’ by Chinghiz Aitmatov - ‘The White Cloud of Genghis Khan’. The author focuses on the myth, acting in the structure of the novel ‘The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years’ at the level of symbolic-ideological, idea-bearing, and spatio-temporal paradigm while being aesthetically implemented through composition, plot, image/coding system, certain motives, symbols, and other artistic and aesthetic means and thuswise forming various combining components of cited works into a single structurally whole artistic expression.Aitmatov's artistic endeavour is characterized by the original focus of the myth in solving such universal ontological issues as ‘good’, ‘evil’, ‘betrayal’, ‘meaning of existence’, ‘mystery of death’, etc. Also, to depict the contrast between the eternal universal categories, Aitmatov often resorts to binary opposition. Thus, since the latter performs a structure-forming function in the architectonics of the artwork (determining the dynamics of the plot development), it also helps explain the dynamics and statics of characters and their actions in time and space. The article reveals the features of mythopoetic means that perform auxiliary functions of expanding the philosophical, ideological, and original artistic concept of the literary work. The conducted study summarized and identified three ways of considering a symbol as a text-generating and text-binding factor: in terms of peculiarities of the author's writing techniques, from the standpoint of its involvement in the general poetics of the writer, and the point of view of the formation of a literary text’s conceptual and philosophical basis.

Updates on Tropical Medicinal Plant Tinospora cordifolia as an Antimicrobial Shrub to Combat Respiratory Infections

Abstract: Respiratory infections are a universal issue with high death rates caused by several pathogens. It makes it obligatory to explore novel antimicrobial drugs to cure lung infections. Phytochemicals, which are herbal compounds found in plants, exhibit antimicrobial properties and contain substances like tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, etc. Now, researchers have opted for novel strategies for drug invention through the screening of medicinal plants. These plants offer a lavish source of new structures and phyto moieties, making them precious in the development of effective treatments. Many current researchers recommend medicinal plant formulations to cure different respiratory disorders. Among these are Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers (T. cordifolia) shrubs. The plant T. cordifolia is mainly claimed for its antispasmodic, antipyretic, antineoplastic, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, immunopotentiating, and hepatoprotective pharmacological properties. This review provides insight into T. cordifolia, which plays a significant role in combating infectious ailments and its significance in maintaining the health of mankind. This review article recapitulates the plant TC and specifies different bioactive components that showed antimicrobial action. The present study outlined various investigations that have been done on T. cordifolia, i.e., in-silico, toxicity, and antimicrobial, which will explore the opportunity in the development of novel medications against microbial infections. In addition, this study depicts the application of T. cordifolia in culinary, beverage and marketed products that were found helpful in the treatment of various disorders and recent updates on T. cordifolia. The literature acknowledges that this natural antimicrobial plant will help to lay the foundation for upgrading exhaustive pharmacological and pharmaceutical studies to better understand the clinical relevance and application of T. cordifolia in the prevention and treatment of life-threatening respiratory infections.

Co-design knowledge mobilization tools for universal accessibility in municipalities.

Modern research teams are re-evaluating conventional methods with the aim of improving the usefulness of knowledge for users, focusing on the role of knowledge users in shaping innovation. In disability field, encouraging participatory research inherently involves diverse perspectives and inclusion, which aligns with the principles of universal accessibility. By actively involving individuals with various backgrounds, abilities, and needs in the research process, we can better understand and address the challenges faced in adopting universal accessibility. This approach ensures that solutions are more comprehensive, inclusive, and effectively cater to the needs of all individuals, fostering a more equitable and accessible environment for everyone. Despite municipal organizations mandating universal accessibility action plans, they lack tools for efficient implementation. The aim of this study was to develop knowledge mobilization tools tailored to a specific municipal context in Quebec, Canada, to facilitate the implementation of universal accessibility measures by municipal employees. The co-design process employed in this study was organized into four distinct stages, following the Morales model: (1) Exploration (2) Co-Design (3) Validation (4) Development. Stages one and two highlighted the employees' lack of awareness about universal accessibility issues and their need to have more information and resources about how universal accessibility is encountered in their work. A steering committee co-designed three video vignettes about universal accessibility, the city's action plan and measures included in it. The co-design approach used in this study allowed us to observe the non-linear nature of partnership research with an organization as complex as a municipality. Our study shows significant advantages of collaboration between the municipal sector and research.

The substantiality of “zaman” in the worldview of Abai and Shakarim

In the Kazakh worldview, the issue of the variability of the world is extensive. This variability extends beyond just time, encompassing changes in nature, the world, and even the appearance of individuals. Referred to as “zaman”in the Kazakh worldview, the changing of time and individuals are seen as equivalent. It is debated whether individuals influence time, time influences individuals, or if both are influenced by external phenomena. Thinkers such as Abai and Shakarim, who defied the norms of their time, exemplify the ability of individuals to navigate through changing times.Abai and Shakarim delved into questions about the meaning of life, morality, and faith amidst the constantly changing world. Their works highlight the complexity of contemporary and universal issues, showcasing how a clear and open mind can navigate and influence time. Reason allows individuals to connect with a higher power and understand the purpose behind creation.The concepts of time, person, society, spirituality, honor, value, knowledge, science, and change are deeply intertwined in the Kazakh worldview.Overall, the teachings of Abai and Shakarim emphasize the importance of a sound mind, a pure heart, and a person free from vices. Their philosophies continue to hold significance in every era, offering guidance on navigating through changing times. The Kazakh worldview, with its focus on harmony with nature and spiritual values, provides valuable insights on the essence of time and humanity's role in shaping the futur

An Overview on a new generation LDL-C lowering drug: Inclisiran and its market forecast

Inspite of the broadly available efficacious lipid-lowering drugs, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease still remains a universal health issue. LDL-C represents an essential part in pathological process of atherosclerotic disease. High concentrations of plasma have been correlated with 50-70 % increase in progression of atherosclerotic plagues in patients with or without undistinguished cardiovascular risk. FDA has approved Novartis Leqvio (Inclisiran) first -in class siRNA to lower cholesterol and maintain it low with two doses a year. Inclisiran is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecule, targeting the hepatic production of PCSK9 results in lowering of LDL. The review displays the current scientific information referring to inclisiran as a new favourable weapon in the control of hypercholesterolemia and insights to its global market forecast.

Research on intelligent tooth segmentation method combining multiple seed region growth and boundary extension

The segmentation of dental models is a crucial step in computer-aided diagnosis and treatment systems for oral healthcare. To address the issues of poor universality and under-segmentation in tooth segmentation techniques, an intelligent tooth segmentation method combining multiple seed region growth and boundary extension is proposed. This method utilized the distribution characteristics of negative curvature meshes in teeth to obtain new seed points and effectively adapted to the structural differences between the top and sides of teeth through differential region growth. Additionally, the boundaries of the initial segmentation were extended based on geometric features, which was effectively compensated for under-segmentation issues in region growth. Ablation experiments and comparative experiments with current state-of-the-art algorithms demonstrated that the proposed method achieved better segmentation of crowded dental models and exhibited strong algorithm universality, thus possessing the capability to meet the practical segmentation needs in oral healthcare.

A PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW ON TRIPHALADI KWATHA – AN AYURVE-DIC FORMULATION FOR STOMATITIS

Dental hygiene is crucial to overall health. The inflammation of the mucous membranes of lips, mouth and cheeks is known as Mukhapaka (stomatitis). It is a universal health issue that almost everyone faces. Although it is an inconsequential fact, it restricts day-to-day activities. Stomatitis has an overall prevalence rate of 18.93% in India, with most patients ranging between the age of 20 to 30. Traditional medical systems are considered to be safer in terms of receiving treatment. In classical texts, numerous formulations exist for oral diseases like Laghukhadiradi vati, Irimedadi taila, Kamadudha Rasa, Jatyadi kwatha, etc. Triphaladi Kwatha is one of the polyherbal formulation comprised of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica Roxb.), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Jatipatra (Jasminum officinale Linn.), Patha (Cissampelos parei-ra Linn.) & Mridvika (Vitis vinifera Linn.). Each of the aforesaid drugs has Antibacterial, Antifungal, and ulcer healing properties to confront stomatitis. In contrast, Triphala possesses various bioactive substances, i.e. flavo-noids, saponins, anthraquinones & amino acids, that promote the maintenance and encouragement of good oral hygiene by exerting a cleansing activity and strengthening the defence mechanism in the oral cavity. Patha shows anti-ulcer properties due to the presence of flavonoids, i.e., Qurectein. At the same time, Phenolic com-pounds in Mridvika, i.e. resveratrol, exhibit potent antifungal activity against the human pathogenic fungi Can-dida albicans.