bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Link between ADHD and Obesity: A Focus on Temperament
Authors: Porfirio Maria Cristina , Campanile Roberta , Masi Gabriele , Purper-Ouakil Diane , Giovinazzo Silvia , Ascenzi Alessandra , Troisi Alfonso , Mazzone Luigi
Published: November 2022

Multiple studies support the relationship between ADHD and overweight/obesity in youth. Different mechanisms may be involved, such as temperamental and psychopathological factors. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that specific temperamental and psychopathological dimensions could mediate the relationship between ADHD and obesity. The sample included 100 children and adolescents (78 males and 22 females; age range 6 to 18 years; mean age 9.90 ± 2.5 years). The assessment procedure included Conners’ Parent Rating Scale—Long (CPRS-R:L) as the inclusion criterion for ADHD diagnosis, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a dimensional measure for psychopathology, and the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory, which describes four temperamental dimensions: novelty seeking (NS), harm avoidance (HA), reward dependence (RD), and persistence (P). While in the whole ADHD sample, the highest scores were found in NS and the lowest in P, ADHD with overweight/obesity, compared to ADHD with normal weight, showed higher HA and RD, lower NS, and higher CBCL Internalizing scores. These findings suggest that ADHD youth with overweight/obesity present specific temperamental and psychopathological features compared to those without overweight/obesity. If confirmed in larger samples, using a control group without ADHD, these temperamental and psychological features may be helpful for an earlier recognition of ADHD patients at higher risk for obesity, and may represent possible targets for temperament-based preventive interventions and tailored treatment programs. These features should be included in the routine assessment of children and adolescents with ADHD and/or are overweight/obese.
Experimental Study of the Seismic Behavior of a Prefabricated Low-Rise Steel Frame Structure with Hinged Joints
Authors: Jia Bin , Zhang Wenying , Wu Ti , Wang Yuanqing , Yu Shaole
Published: November 2022

This paper investigated the seismic behavior of a prefabricated steel braced frame structure with hinged joints. Six steel frame specimens with different enclosure walls were tested under pseudo-static loading. The results indicated that the vertical load of the hinged braced frame system was mainly resisted by the beam and column members, and the lateral stiffness was completely provided by the bracing members. The final failure mode of all specimens was the failure of the bracings, while the beam-column members and the joints remained largely intact. The rigidly braced specimen was mainly damaged by buckling, yielding, and tearing, and the flexibly braced specimen was mostly damaged by buckling, yielding, and node failure. The energy dissipation of the specimens primarily depended on lateral force-resistant components such as braces and enclosure walls. Different building envelopes exert significant effects on the lateral stiffness and energy dissipation capacity of the structure. The ductility coefficient of all specimens ranged between 1.4 and 1.9, which indicates that the structural system mainly relies on lateral stiffness and elastic deformation to resist earthquakes, rather than structural ductility. The proposed prefabricated steel frame system with hinged connections has wide prospects of application in economically underdeveloped areas because of its convenience in transportation and installation.
Use of Lightweight Sintered Fly Ash Aggregates in Concrete at High Temperatures
Authors: Křížová Klára , Bubeník Jan , Sedlmajer Martin
Published: November 2022

This study addresses the issue of the resistance to high temperatures of lightweight concrete lightweighted with sintered fly ash aggregate. Lightweight concretes with different amounts of lightweighting and their properties after loading temperatures of 600, 800 and 1000 °C were investigated. In particular, the effect of high temperature on the mechanical properties of the concrete was determined on the test specimens, and the effect on the microstructure was investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that there is an increase in compressive strength between 0 and 21% up to 800 °C, where the increase in strength decreases with increasing degree of lightening. At 1000 °C, the internal structure of the lightweight concrete destabilized, and the compressive strength decreased in the range of 51–65%. After loading at 1000 °C, the scanning electron microscope showed the formation of spherical-shaped neoplasms, which significantly reduced the internal integrity of the cement matrix in the lightweight concrete due to the increase in their volume. It was found that the lightweight concretes with higher lightweighting showed significantly less degradation due to higher temperature.
Experimental Study on Characteristics of Pile-Soil Interaction in Screw Piles
Authors: Ma Jiakuan , Luo Lijuan , Mu Tong , Guo Hongtao , Tang Yong
Published: November 2022

A screw pile is a special-shaped pile with several advantages, including good bearing capacity, economy, and rapid construction. The calculation of the screw piles’ ultimate bearing capacity in the individual bearing failure state remains controversial. To address the problems of an unclear failure mechanism and the pile–soil contact relationship in screw piles, we conducted large-scale direct shear tests using a partial amplification method. The variation law for soil stress and the failure pattern of soil around the screw teeth were analyzed. The bearing capacity of the screw shear plate with screw teeth was found to be significantly higher than that of the plane shear plate, while that of the screw pile first increased and then decreased with an increase in the screw pitch. The optimal screw pitch allowed the determination of the maximum bearing capacity. Furthermore, the optimal screw pitch was generally equal to the critical screw pitch, which distinguished the individual bearing failure from the cylindrical shearing failure. A new calculation method for the critical screw pitch and ultimate bearing capacity in the individual bearing failure state was presented, and its rationality was proved using the direct shear test results. The calculation of the critical screw pitch considers the shear strength of soil and the geometric parameters of the screw teeth, making it more widely applicable. These results can provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent design of screw piles.
Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for the Solar Photovoltaic System in the Post-Subsidy Era: A Comparative Analysis under an Urban-Rural Divide
Authors: Li Xintao , Xu Xue’er , Liu Diyi , Han Mengqiao , Li Siqi
Published: November 2022

Concerns about the environment and renewable energy are growing. Improving the perception of renewable energy in urban and rural households is required to promote green development and to learn about consumer preferences for renewable energy based on the gradual reduction in financial subsidies for photovoltaic (PV) power generation. This paper aims to estimate the willingness of consumers to pay for a Household PV system and explores the factors that affect consumers’ product selection, which is conducive to optimizing Household PV products and policies and is important for achieving the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. Using a discrete choice model, this paper surveyed 765 urban and rural residents without installing Household PV systems in Tianjin, China. Subsequently, the respondents’ attribute preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for a Household PV system were analyzed using a logit regression analysis model. The influence of respondents’ socio-economic characteristics on WTP was analyzed. The empirical results showed that (1) price significantly impacts consumers’ PV adoption behaviors and consumers tend to choose cheaper PV products; (2) consumers are more willing to pay for the after-sales service (3959 USD/level) and traceable information (2176 USD/level), indicating their preference for these two attributes when considering options; (3) socio-economic variables, including gender and the number of minor children (i.e., children under the age of 18) at home, significantly impact consumers’ PV adoption behaviors. Males and consumers without minor children at home will pay more attention when selecting the products. Our research findings will provide valuable insights into policy making and the wide-ranging use of Household PV systems.
Seasonal Changes in Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Padina pavonica Extracts and Their Application in the Development of Bioactive Chitosan/PLA Bilayer Film
Authors: Čagalj Martina , Fras Zemljič Lidija , Kraševac Glaser Tjaša , Mežnar Eva , Sterniša Meta , Smole Možina Sonja , Razola-Díaz María del Carmen , Šimat Vida
Published: November 2022

Seaweeds are a potentially sustainable source of natural antioxidants that can be used in the food industry and possibly for the development of new sustainable packaging materials with the ability to extend the shelf-life of foods and reduce oxidation. With this in mind, the seasonal variations in the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of brown seaweed (Padina pavonica) extracts were investigated. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (measured by ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)) were found for P. pavonica June extract. The TPC of 26.69 ± 1.86 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, FRAP of 352.82 ± 15.41 µmole Trolox equivalent (TE)/L, DPPH of 52.51 ± 2.81% inhibition, and ORAC of 76.45 ± 1.47 µmole TE/L were detected. Therefore, this extract was chosen for the development of bioactive PLA bilayer film, along with chitosan. Primary or quaternary chitosan was used as the first layer on polylactic acid (PLA) films. A suspension of chitosan particles with entrapped P. pavonica extract was used as the second layer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of layers on the material surface. The highest recorded antioxidant activity of the newly developed films was 63.82% inhibition. The developed functional films exhibited antifogging and antioxidant properties, showing the potential for application in the food industry.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis to Investigate the Immunotoxicity Mechanism Triggered by Dimethomorph on Human Jurkat T Cell Lines
Authors: Li Yun-Cheng , Liu Shu-Yan , Meng Fan-Bing , Xu Shu-Hui , Qiu Jing , Qian Yong-Zhong , Xu Yan-Yang , Li Yun
Published: November 2022

Dimethomorph (DMM) is a broad-spectrum fungicide used globally in agricultural production, but little is known regarding the immunotoxicity of DMM in humans. In this study, the immunotoxicity of DMM on human Jurkat T cells was evaluated in vitro. The results indicated that the half-effective concentration (EC50) of DMM for Jurkat cells was 126.01 mg/L (0.32 mM). To further elucidate the underlying mechanism, transcriptomics based on RNA sequencing for exposure doses of EC25 (M21) and EC10 (L4) was performed. The results indicated that compared to untreated samples (Ctr), 121 genes (81 upregulated, 40 downregulated) and 30 genes (17 upregulated, 13 downregulated) were significantly differentially regulated in the L4 and M21 samples, respectively. A gene ontology analysis indicated that the significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mostly enriched in the negative regulation of cell activities, and a KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the DEGs were mainly enriched in the immune regulation and signal transduction pathways. A quantitative real-time PCR for the selected genes showed that compared to the high-dose exposure (M21), the effect of the low-dose DMM exposure (L4) on gene expression was more significant. The results indicated that DMM has potential immunotoxicity for humans, and this toxicity cannot be ignored even at low concentrations.
Optimization of Oil Extraction from Rice Bran with Mixed Solvent Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Li Shuzhen , Zhang Min , Yang Huanyue , Li Gang , Ren Xin , Liang Shan
Published: November 2022

In order to improve the extraction ratio of rice bran oil, a single-factor experiment and response surface methodology with a central composite design were used to determine a new mixed solvent and the optimal extraction conditions of the mixed solvent. The effects of solid–liquid ratio, extraction time, extraction temperature, and oscillation speed on the extraction ratio were investigated. The regression equation was established, and the optimal extraction conditions were determined as follows: a solid–liquid ratio of 5.5:1, extraction temperature of 45 °C, extraction time of 12 min, and extraction ratio of rice bran oil of 85.8%. Compared with traditional solvent extraction, the peroxide value, acid value, iodine value, and fatty acid composition content of rice bran oil extracted using the new mixed solvent were close to those of n-hexane and significantly lower than those of solvent No. 6, while the content of oryzanol and total sterol increased to 2.7% and 5.1%. This study can be useful in exploring the possibility of new mixed solvents and provide theoretical guidance and data support for the production practice of new mixed solvents.
Chitosan Schiff-Base Hydrogels—A Critical Perspective Review
Authors: Duceac Ioana A. , Coseri Sergiu
Published: November 2022

Chitosan is quite a unique polysaccharide due to the presence of the amine groups naturally occurring in its structure. This feature renders it into a polycation which makes it appealing for preparing polyelectrolyte complexes or imine bonds gels. Therefore, the vast majority of hydrogels prepared using Schiff base chemistry have chitosan as one component. Usually, the counterpart is a low molecular weight aldehyde or a macromolecular periodate-oxidized polysaccharide, i.e., cellulose, pullulan, starch, alginate, hyaluronic acid, etc. Indisputable advantages of hydrogels include their quick gelation, no need for crosslinking agents, and self-healing and injectability properties. This gives grounds for further research, both fundamental in materials science and applicative in various domains. This article is a critical assessment of the most relevant aspects of this topic. It also provides a short review of some of the most interesting research reported in the literature supporting the main observations of this perspective.
Bing–Neel Syndrome: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Wong Evangeline Y. , D’Sa Shirley , Minnema Monique C. , Castillo Jorge J. , Talaulikar Dipti
Published: November 2022

Bing–Neel syndrome (BNS) is a rare neurological complication of Waldenström macroglobulinaemia. We highlight key issues in clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment while focusing on new and emerging therapies available for patients diagnosed with BNS. It is anticipated that further development of Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitors and less toxic chemoimmunotherapies will improve treatment delivery and response.
The Role of the Coagulation System in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Interactions with the Arterial Wall and Its Vascular Microenvironment and Implications for Rational Therapies
Authors: Miceli Giuseppe , Basso Maria Grazia , Rizzo Giuliana , Pintus Chiara , Tuttolomondo Antonino
Published: November 2022

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a clinical manifestation of atherosclerotic disease with a large-scale impact on the economy and global health. Despite the role played by platelets in the process of atherogenesis being well recognized, evidence has been increasing on the contribution of the coagulation system to the atherosclerosis formation and PAD development, with important repercussions for the therapeutic approach. Histopathological analysis and some clinical studies conducted on atherosclerotic plaques testify to the existence of different types of plaques. Likely, the role of coagulation in each specific type of plaque can be an important determinant in the histopathological composition of atherosclerosis and in its future stability. In this review, we analyze the molecular contribution of inflammation and the coagulation system on PAD pathogenesis, focusing on molecular similarities and differences between atherogenesis in PAD and coronary artery disease (CAD) and discussing the possible implications for current therapeutic strategies and future perspectives accounting for molecular inflammatory and coagulation targets. Understanding the role of cross-talking between coagulation and inflammation in atherosclerosis genesis and progression could help in choosing the right patients for future dual pathway inhibition strategies, where an antiplatelet agent is combined with an anticoagulant, whose role, despite pathophysiological premises and trials’ results, is still under debate.
Cancer Stemness/Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Axis Influences Metastasis and Castration Resistance in Prostate Cancer: Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Castellón Enrique A. , Indo Sebastián , Contreras Héctor R.
Published: November 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer death in men, worldwide. Mortality is highly related to metastasis and hormone resistance, but the molecular underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We have studied the presence and role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the Epithelial–Mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PCa, using both in vitro and in vivo models, thereby providing evidence that the stemness–mesenchymal axis seems to be a critical process related to relapse, metastasis and resistance. These are complex and related processes that involve a cooperative action of different cancer cell subpopulations, in which CSCs and mesenchymal cancer cells (MCCs) would be responsible for invading, colonizing pre-metastatic niches, initiating metastasis and an evading treatments response. Manipulating the stemness–EMT axis genes on the androgen receptor (AR) may shed some light on the effect of this axis on metastasis and castration resistance in PCa. It is suggested that the EMT gene SNAI2/Slug up regulates the stemness gene Sox2, and vice versa, inducing AR expression, promoting metastasis and castration resistance. This approach will provide new sight about the role of the stemness–mesenchymal axis in the metastasis and resistance mechanisms in PCa and their potential control, contributing to develop new therapeutic strategies for patients with metastatic and castration-resistant PCa.
Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Potential, Proximate and Trace Elements Composition of Leaves, Stems and Ashes from 12 Combretum spp. Used as Food Additives
Authors: Mathipa Morongwa Mary , Mphosi Maboko Samuel , Masoko Peter
Published: November 2022

In this study, twelve Combretum spp. were investigated for their phytochemical content, antioxidant potential, and their proximate and trace elements/minerals composition. The qualitative phytochemical composition of the leaves, stems, and ashes of Combretum plants analysed revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids. The following phytoconstituents were lost in the ashes; tannins apart from C. mkuzense and C. padoides; cardiac glycosides; and flavonoids. The quantitative phytochemical analyses revealed that both the leaves, stems, and some ashes such as C. apiculatum and C. vendae contained levels of phenolic compounds, tannins, and flavonoids. DPPH screening method indicated great scavenging activity with the 70% acetone leaf extracts of C. kraussii, C. zeyheriim, and C. mkuzense. There was a significant decrease in the antioxidant activity in the ashes compared to the leaves and the stems. AOAC and ICPE protocols performed the proximate and nutritional analysis of the 70% acetone extracts. The extracts had substantial amounts of ash, moisture, protein, and energy. The leaves and ashes of C. adenogonium and C. apiculatum could provide a good source of calcium in the diet. This study presents valuable information on the phytochemical composition, nutritional composition, and antioxidant properties of some Combretum species.
Assessment of Pulmonary Function Tests in COVID-19 Convalescents Six Months after Infection
Authors: Guziejko Katarzyna , Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna , Czupryna Piotr , Dubatówka Marlena , Łapińska Magda , Raczkowski Andrzej , Sowa Paweł , Kiszkiel Łukasz , Minarowski Łukasz , Moniuszko Marcin , Groth Monika , Kaminski Karol A.
Published: November 2022

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the pulmonary function tests (PFT) in COVID-19 convalescents six months after recovery. Additionally, the research question was whether PFT should be performed routinely in post-COVID-19 patients. Methods: A total of 39 patients with a history of COVID-19 6 months prior to the study were included in the study (Group I). Individuals were hospitalized or treated in the outpatients department. The control group (Group II) consisted of 39 healthy patients without a COVID-19 history. Each subject completed a questionnaire interview and underwent laboratory and pulmonary function examinations. Results: Six months after COVID-19 recovery, patients mainly complained about cough (46%, n = 18), shortness of breath (23%, n = 9), weakness (13%, n = 5), and memory/concentration disorders (8%, n = 3). In the group of patients complaining of persistent cough present 6 months after COVID-19, the following PFT parameters were decreased: FEV1, FVC, FRC, TLC, and DLCO (p < 0.05) in comparison with patients without this symptom. Conclusions: Persistent shortness of breath is not necessarily associated with pulmonary function impairment in patients 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and hence it requires appropriate differential diagnosis. Patients with a cough persisting 6 months after the acute phase of COVID-19 may benefit from PFT.
Cytotoxicity of V-Prep Versus Phosphoric Acid Etchant on Oral Gingival Fibroblasts
Authors: Ghoubril Victor , Changotade Sylvie , Lutomski Didier , Ghoubril Joseph , Chakar Carole , Abboud Maher , Hardan Louis , Kharouf Naji , Khoury Elie
Published: November 2022

The most used etchant in dental daily practice is the phosphoric acid (P.A.; 37%). However, acid etchants can induce necrosis on the oral mucosa and cause the ulceration of periodontal tissue when a rubber dam is not used. V-prep is a new practical alternative, and it has satisfactory results. It is used as a preparation before the application of a resin-modified glass ionomer composite (RMGIC) to bond the orthodontic brackets. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the V-prep on oral gingival fibroblasts cells by comparing the cell damage and cell viability after the use of V-prep and a conventional phosphoric acid etchant with different application times and concentrations. Therefore, Gingival fibroblasts passage 6 (GFP6) was grown and treated with an acid etchant and V-prep at three different concentrations (1:1, 1:2 and 1:10) for two different application durations (30 s and 1 min). The morphological changes, cell death and cell viability were assessed. Pyknosis, karyolysis, nucleus reversible and irreversible damages and membrane destruction were observed for both of the etchants at the higher concentrations and longer application durations. Mann–Whitney U-tests were used for the statistical analyses. The application of the V-prep for 30 s showed better values than the acid etchant did in the cell damage analysis and cell viability analysis (p = 0.03). V-prep at a 1:10 concentration applied for a 30 s duration can preserve the viability of gingival fibroblasts cells up to 100%. The toxicity of V-prep is equal or lower than the toxicity of the acid etchant that is commonly used in dentistry. Thus, the V-prep can be used with precautions intra-orally, and it should be applied on the enamel as a gel for 30 s only before it is rinsed and removed.
Technological Potential Analysis and Vacant Technology Forecasting in Properties and Composition of Low-Sulfur Marine Fuel Oil (VLSFO and ULSFO) Bunkered in Key World Ports
Authors: Ershov Mikhail A. , Savelenko Vsevolod D. , Makhmudova Alisa E. , Rekhletskaya Ekaterina S. , Makhova Ulyana A. , Kapustin Vladimir M. , Mukhina Daria Y. , Abdellatief Tamer M. M.
Published: November 2022

Analysis of the very-low-sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) and ultra-low-sulfur fuel oil (ULSFO) bunkered in key ports in Asia, the Middle East, North America, Western Europe, and Russia is presented. The characteristics of said fuels, including density, sulfur content, kinematic viscosity, aluminum and silicon content, vanadium and nickel content, as well as pour point are investigated. Furthermore, the main trends and correlations are also discussed. Based on the graphical and mathematical analysis of the properties, the composition of the fuels is predicted. The key fuel components in Asian ports, the most important of which is Singapore, are hydrodesulfurized atmospheric residues (AR) (50–70%) and catalytic cracker heavy cycle oil (HCO) (15–35%) with the addition of other components, which is explained by the presence of a number of large oil refining centers in the area. In the Middle East ports, the most used VLSFO compositions are based on available resources of low-sulfur components, namely hydrodesulfurized AR, the production facilities of which were recently built in the region. In European ports, due to the relatively low sulfur content in processed oils, straight-run AR is widely used as a component of low-sulfur marine fuels. In addition, fuels in Western European ports contain on average significantly more hydrotreated vacuum gas oil (21%) than in the rest of the world (4–5%). Finally, a mixture of hydrotreated (80–90%) and straight-run fuel oil (10–15%) with a sulfur content of no more than 2.0–2.5% is used as the base low-sulfur component of marine fuels in the ports of Singapore and the Middle East.
Characteristics of the Genome, Transcriptome and Ganoderic Acid of the Medicinal Fungus Ganoderma lingzhi
Authors: Wu Qiang , Liu Huan , Shi Yixin , Li Wanting , Huang Jia , Xue Feifei , Liu Yongnan , Liu Gaoqiang
Published: November 2022

Ganoderma (Ganodermaceae) is a genus of edible and medicinal mushrooms that create a diverse set of bioactive compounds. Ganoderma lingzhi has been famous in China for more than 2000 years for its medicinal properties. However, the genome information of G. lingzhi has not been characterized. Here, we characterized its 49.15-Mb genome, encoding 13,125 predicted genes which were sequenced by the Illumina and PacBio platform. A wide spectrum of carbohydrate-active enzymes, with a total number of 519 CAZymes were identified in G. lingzhi. Then, the genes involved in sexual recognition and ganoderic acid (GA, key bioactive metabolite) biosynthesis were characterized. In addition, we identified and deduced the possible structures of 20 main GA constituents by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, including a new special ganochlearic acid A. Furthermore, 3996 novel transcripts were discovered, and 9276 genes were predicted to have the possibility of alternative splicing from RNA-Seq data. The alternative splicing genes were enriched for functional categories involved in protein processing, endocytosis, and metabolic activities by KEGG. These genomic, transcriptomic, and GA constituents’ resources would enrich the toolbox for biological, genetic, and secondary metabolic pathways studies in G. lingzhi.
Employee Compensation, Training and Financial Performance during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mahssouni Rabie , Touijer Mohamed Noureddine , Makhroute Mohamed
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper is multi-faceted: first, to analyze the impact of employee compensation and training on firms’ financial performance and the moderating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the relationship between employee compensation and financial performance, as well as the relationship between training and financial performance; and second, to analyze the decision-making process pertaining to these two aspects of human resources both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study utilizes a sample of 103 Belgian pharmaceutical firms whose financial statements were published in the Bureau Van Djik database between 2012 and 2021. The estimation approach employed was panel data analysis, and the Generalized Method of Moments was used to evaluate the robustness of the system. Whether or not a crisis exists greatly alters the parameters that influence a pharmaceutical company’s business performance. Specifically, the results reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial and negative impact on financial performance. Human resource factors, which include employee compensation and training, more accurately explain the company’s performance. The key contribution of such an approach is to illustrate that human resource-related factors have an impact on performance indicators during various types of crises, thereby assisting HR managers in making the best decision during times of crisis. It provides basic guidelines for policymakers to adhere to in order to have a better knowledge of how human capital characteristics might be utilized to improve the performance of their businesses during times of crisis. In addition, this research demonstrates that the firm’s unique characteristics may affect the success of Belgian businesses.
The Development of a Holistic and Inclusive Model for Disaster Priority Regeneration Area (DPRA): The Case of Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Tunc Ali , Sezgin Ezgi , Yomralioglu Tahsin
Published: November 2022

Urban regeneration can be defined as a multi-functional, specifical zoning application for the improvement and sustainability of an urban area with its physical, environmental, social and economic conditions. The question of where the urban regeneration will take place constitutes the primary pillar of the applications. Considering the expected high-intensity earthquake in Istanbul, there is a significant number of risky regions in the earthquake zone that need to be regenerated. The important part of reducing damage in an earthquake disaster is improving the quality of the building stock. The identification, prioritization, analysis and visualization of disaster priority regeneration areas (DPRAs) is possible by creating a functional model based on a spatial basis. The main element in the scope of this study is to establish the processes related to the DPRAs and to determine the necessary criteria for the determination of these areas. Analyzing how much the existing DPRAs overlap with the areas suggested in this study and creating basis for the needed model in order to identify the undeclared areas, the destruction and losses that may be caused by the earthquake in the coming years can be prevented by the implementation of this sustainable and integrated urban regeneration model.
Optimization of EDM Machinability of Hastelloy C22 Super Alloys
Authors: Nas Engin , Kara Fuat
Published: November 2022

In this study, machinability tests were carried out on a corrosion-resistant superalloy subjected to shallow (SCT) and deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) via electrical discharge machining (EDM), and the effect of the cryogenic treatment types applied to the material on the EDM processing performance was investigated. Experimental parameters, including pulse-on time (300, 400 and 500 μs), peak current (A) (6 and 10 A) and material types (untreated and treated with SCT and DCT), were used to construct the full factorial experimental design. The resulting average surface roughness (Ra) and material removal rate (MRR) results were optimized using the Taguchi L18 method. According to the Taguchi-based gray relational analysis, the optimal parameters for both Ra and MRR were determined as cryogenic treatment, pulse-on time and peak current, respectively. The response table obtained using the Taguchi method showed the most effective factors as A1BlC3 for Ra and A2B2C1 for MRR values. According to the ANOVA results for determining parameters affecting performance, peak current was the most effective factor for average surface roughness and MRR, at 74.79% and 86.43%, respectively. When examined in terms of Taguchi-gray relational degrees, the optimal parameters for both Ra and MRR were observed in the experiment performed with the SCT sample at a peak current of 6 A and 300 μs pulse-on time.
Risk Factors Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Professional Vehicle Drivers in India Using an Ordinal Priority Approach
Authors: Sharma Gajender , Ahmad Shafi , Mallick Z. , Khan Zahid A. , James Ajith Tom , Asjad Mohammad , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Kamangar Sarfaraz , Javed Syed , Mohammed Azam Ali , Ahammad N. Ameer
Published: November 2022

Professional driving involves sitting in uncomfortable positions, navigating difficult terrain and roads, and occasionally conducting small repairs and other auxiliary transportation duties while at work for long periods. Drivers who engage in these activities may develop a variety of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs in professional drivers are accompanied by several risk factors. In this study, the various risk factors for MSD have been identified through the literature reviews, discussions with professional drivers, and consultations with ergonomics specialists. This study employed the ordinal priority approach (OPA), a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique, to rank the identified risk variables for MSD in order of importance. The same OPA method has also been used to identify the group of professional drivers who use eight different types of vehicles and are more likely to develop MSDs. The analyses findings show that the five main risk factors for MSDs among drivers are prolonged sitting, restricted posture, working hours, alcohol consumption, and uncomfortable seating. Additionally, among all drivers regarded as professionals, truck drivers are found to be the most at risk. For the study’s conclusions to be validated, a sensitivity analysis was also carried out. The results of this study are anticipated to help formulate strategies for lowering these hazards through the ergonomic design of drivers’ cabins by automobile OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and vehicle scheduling by concerned transportation organizations to reduce driver tiredness.
Could Religiosity and Religion Influence the Tax Morale of Individuals? An Empirical Analysis Based on Variable Selection Methods
Authors: Davidescu Adriana AnaMaria , Manta Eduard Mihai , Stoica-Ungureanu Adina Teodora , Anton (Musat) Magdalena
Published: November 2022

When people who adhere to tax morality act in a situation where there is no sense of risk, no acceptance of the government, or no environment conducive to tax compliance, it is easier to see how they are motivated to do so. Tax morality is also known as the ethics of compliance. It is the independent cause that motivates a positive tax behaviour. Employees’ religious beliefs may impact their ideas and actions in organizational life, just as individuals’ attitudes, values, emotions, abilities, and behaviours influence their thoughts and actions at work. Religion can positively influence a worker’s loyalty, morale, and communication. In this context, the research seeks to determine whether religiosity and religion may have an effect on tax morale, examining whether an individual’s religiosity reduces tax evasion and increases the degree of tax morale. Using machine learning variable selection techniques appropriate for categorical variables, we have used the dataset of the Joint EVS/WVS 2017-2020 (European Value Survey/World Value Survey), allowing for comparisons of tax morality in more than 79 nations globally (chi-squared and mutual information). The empirical findings showed that the most important aspects of religiosity, such as religious denomination, belief in God, and the significance of God, along with the degree of trust placed in other religions and churches, have a considerable positive impact on the level of tax morale. Another significant conclusion relates to how much people feel the government is responsible, how much they care about their nation, and how satisfied they are with the political system—findings that have been shown to boost employee morale. The following are a person’s primary traits that indicate their financial morale: an adult above the age of 25, a full-time worker or retired person, married, and living alone. Therefore, employees that are morally upright, trustworthy, diligent, and committed to the workplace values of justice and decency raise morale generally and improve an organisation’s success. A business may enhance its reputation and help to secure its long-term success by establishing behavioural policies.
Crossroads in Liver Transplantation: Is Artificial Intelligence the Key to Donor–Recipient Matching?
Authors: Calleja Lozano Rafael , Hervás Martínez César , Briceño Delgado Francisco Javier
Published: November 2022

Liver transplantation outcomes have improved in recent years. However, with the emergence of expanded donor criteria, tools to better assist donor–recipient matching have become necessary. Most of the currently proposed scores based on conventional biostatistics are not good classifiers of a problem that is considered “unbalanced.” In recent years, the implementation of artificial intelligence in medicine has experienced exponential growth. Deep learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, may be the answer to this classification problem. The ability to handle a large number of variables with speed, objectivity, and multi-objective analysis is one of its advantages. Artificial neural networks and random forests have been the most widely used deep classifiers in this field. This review aims to give a brief overview of D–R matching and its evolution in recent years and how artificial intelligence may be able to provide a solution.
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dentists in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hussein Amal , Mando Mahmoud , Radisauskas Ricardas
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: A dental environment possesses a serious ergonomic health issue on the dental team members which in turn contributes to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The present research is aimed at evaluating the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders and their associated sociodemographic and work environment risk factors among dentists in the United Arab Emirates. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a pretested and validated questionnaire was sent via email as well as on different social media platforms to a total of 497 dentists. A total of 179 dentists completed the study survey, with a total response rate of 36%. A binary logistic regression model was conducted to identify significant risk factors associated with WMSDs. Results: Dentists in the United Arab Emirates experience a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (90.4%) which were associated with high levels of stress in the work environment. Furthermore, dentists in the private sector worked more clinical hours per day (p = 0.000) and had more financial stress (p = 0.007) as compared to those in the governmental sector. Gender (p = 0.007), age (p = 0.01), monthly income (p = 0.073), work experience (p = 0.037), number of patients treated per day (p = 0.049), and the use of an ergonomic dental chair (p = 0.005) were all factors associated with a greater number of affected body regions by WMSDs. Multivariate binary logistic regression for the number of regions affected by WMSDs revealed that not using an ergonomic dental chair (OR 2.70, 95% CI, 1.14–6.36) and high stress in the work environment (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.02 to1.67) were associated with more body regions being affected by WMSDs. Conclusions: This study highlights the high prevalence rate of WMSDs among dentists in the UAE. Future research should be directed towards reducing stress in the work environment, increasing awareness regarding the importance of an ergonomic dental chair, and reducing gaps between private and governmental practices.
Preparation of Spiral Nitrogen-Doped Macroscopic Graphene Tube and Tuning the Activity of Oxygen Catalysis by Twisted Ferrum (Fe) Wires
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Liu Yanzhen , Chen Shuai , Li Xiaoming , Ma Shengguo
Published: November 2022

A FeNx-C-based catalyst is considered one of the most promising candidates for the highest oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities among nonprecious metal-based electrocatalysts. In this work, a unique catalyst of nitrogen-doped twisted macroscopic graphene tubes decorated with Fe-Nx and bamboo-like carbon nanotubes (CNT) was prepared by using twisted iron wire as a template and cyanamide as a carbon source. The microstructure and physicochemical natures of the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements. Torsion can promote the dislocation of the iron wire lattice, and activate the surface Fe atoms, thus leading to the growth of bamboo-like carbon nanotubes and forming iron nitride. The product has a graphene-like macroscopic tube structure and exhibits excellent ORR activity. Such excellent ORR performance may be ascribed to the synergistic effect, including high ORR catalytic sites caused by the dislocation of the iron wire lattice, nitrogen heteroatoms doping, favorable reactant transport channels provided by macroscopic tube structure, and fast electron transfer rate induced by 3D continuous networks.
CD36—A Host Receptor Necessary for Malaria Parasites to Establish and Maintain Infection
Authors: Bachmann Anna , Metwally Nahla Galal , Allweier Johannes , Cronshagen Jakob , del Pilar Martinez Tauler Maria , Murk Agnes , Roth Lisa Katharina , Torabi Hanifeh , Wu Yifan , Gutsmann Thomas , Bruchhaus Iris
Published: November 2022

Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (PfIEs) present P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 proteins (PfEMP1s) on the cell surface, via which they cytoadhere to various endothelial cell receptors (ECRs) on the walls of human blood vessels. This prevents the parasite from passing through the spleen, which would lead to its elimination. Each P. falciparum isolate has about 60 different PfEMP1s acting as ligands, and at least 24 ECRs have been identified as interaction partners. Interestingly, in every parasite genome sequenced to date, at least 75% of the encoded PfEMP1s have a binding domain for the scavenger receptor CD36 widely distributed on host endothelial cells and many other cell types. Here, we discuss why the interaction between PfIEs and CD36 is optimal to maintain a finely regulated equilibrium that allows the parasite to multiply and spread while causing minimal harm to the host in most infections.
HPLC Study of Product Formed in the Reaction of NBD-Derived Fluorescent Probe with Hydrogen Sulfide, Cysteine, N-acetylcysteine, and Glutathione
Authors: Słowiński Daniel , Świerczyńska Małgorzata , Romański Jarosław , Podsiadły Radosław
Published: November 2022

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and its bioderivatives analogs, such as L-cysteine (L-Cys) and glutathione (GSH), are ubiquitous biological thiols in the physiological and pathological processes of living systems. Their aberrant concentration levels are associated with many diseases. Although several NBD-based fluorescence probes have been developed to detect biological thiols, the HPLC-detection of H2S, GSH, L-Cys, and N-acetylcysteine-specific products has not been described. Herein, a novel NBD-derived pro-coumarin probe has been synthesized and used to develop a new strategy for the triple mode detection of H2S and such thiols as GSH, L-Cys, and NAC. Hydrogen sulfide and those biothiols at physiological pH release fluorescent coumarin from the probe and cause a significant fluorescence enhancement at 473 nm. The appropriate NBD-derived product for H2S, L-Cys, GSH, and NAC has a different color and retention time that allows distinguishing these biological thiols meaning the probe has a great possibility in the biological application. Fluorescent imaging combined with colorimetric and HPLC detection of H2S/biothiol-specific product(s) brings a potential tool for confirming the presence of biological thiols and determining concentrations in various aqueous biological samples.
The Mitochondrial Protein MitoNEET as a Probe for the Allostery of Glutamate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Nnatubeugo Chimere , Johnson Erica , Gisondi Sarah , Roland Felicia , Geldenhuys Werner J. , Menze Michael A. , Konkle Mary E.
Published: November 2022

The proteins glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and mitoNEET are both targets of drug development efforts to treat metabolic disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, these two proteins differ starkly in the current knowledge about ligand binding sites. MitoNEET is a [2Fe-2S]-containing protein with no obvious binding site for small ligands observed in its crystal structures. In contrast, GDH is known to have a variety of ligands at multiple allosteric sites thereby leading to complex regulation in activity. In fact, while GDH can utilize either NAD(H) or NADP(H) for catalysis at the active site, only NAD(H) binds at a regulatory site to inhibit GDH activity. Previously, we found that mitoNEET forms a covalent bond with GDH in vitro and increases the catalytic activity of the enzyme. In this study we evaluated the effects of mitoNEET binding on the allosteric control of GDH conferred by inhibitors. We examined all effectors using NAD or NADP as the coenzyme to determine allosteric linkage by the NAD-binding regulatory site. We found that GDH activity, in the presence of the inhibitory palmitoyl-CoA and EGCG, can be rescued by mitoNEET, regardless of the coenzyme used. This suggests that mitoNEET rescues GDH by stabilizing the open conformation.
Abridging CMOS Technology
Authors: Wong Hei
Published: November 2022

Whether from a device physics, fabrication technology, or process economics point of view, the practice of downsizing silicon-based CMOS devices will soon end [...]
Parametrizations of Collinear and kT-Dependent Parton Densities in Proton
Authors: Abdulov Nizami A. , Kotikov Anatoly V. , Lipatov Artem
Published: November 2022

A new type of parametrization for parton distribution functions in the proton, based on their Q2-evolution at large and small x values, is constructed. In our analysis, the valence and nonsinglet parts obey the Gross–Llewellyn–Smith and Gottfried sum rules, respectively. For the singlet quark and gluon densities, momentum conservation is taken into account. Then, using the Kimber–Martin–Ryskin prescription, we extend the consideration to Transverse Momentum Dependent (TMD, or unintegrated) gluon and quark distributions in the proton, which currently plays an important role in a the number of phenomenological applications. The analytical expressions for the latter, valid for both low and large x, are derived for the first time.