bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of ITPR1 as a hub gene of Group 3 Medulloblastoma and coregulated genes with potential prognostic values
Authors: Chagas Pablo Ferreira das , de Sousa Graziella Ribeiro , Veronez Luciana Chain , Martins-da-Silva Andrea , Corrêa Carolina Alves Pereira , Cruzeiro Gustavo Alencastro Veiga , Nagano Luis Fernando Peinado , Queiroz Rosane Gomes de Paula , Marie Suely Kazue Nagahashi , Brandalise Silvia Regina , Scrideli Carlos Alberto , Tone Luiz Gonzaga , Valera Elvis Terci
Published: October 2021

The Group 3 Medulloblastoma ( Grp3-MB ) is an aggressive molecular subtype with a high incidence of metastasis and deaths. In this study, were used an RNA sequencing data ( RNA-Seq ) from a Brazinian cohort of MBs to identify hub genes associated with the metastatic risk. Data validation were performed by using multiple large datasets from MBs (GSE85217, GSE37418, EGAS00001001953). DESeq2 package in R software was used to identify the differentially expressed genes ( DEGs ) in our RNA-Seq data. The DEGs data were accessed to construct the modules/graphs of coexpression and to identify hub genes through Cytoscape platform. The co-regulated genes were enriched by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes ( KEGG ) pathway and the Protein-protein interaction ( PPI ) network was visualized by Cytoscape. The Kaplan–Meier plotter and ROC curves were used to validate the diagnostic and prognostic values of specific biomarkers identified through this model. We identified that Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor type 1 ( ITPR1 ) as a downregulated hub gene, with a high diagnostic accuracy to Grp3-MBs and associated with tumor metastasis. In addition, we identified genes significantly correlated with ITPR1 that were associated with metastasis in Grp3-MB ( ATP1A2 , MTTL7A and RGL1) , and worst overall survival in MBs ( ANTXR1 and RGL1 ). Our findings suggest that the ITPR1 hub gene is potentially involved in the metastatic process for Grp3-MB. Our data also provide evidence of targets that may serve as prognostic predictors and/or regulators for the metastatic process that maybe explored for further research of individualized therapy to Grp3-MBs.
Air Pollution, Residents’ Happiness, and Environmental Regulation: Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Fang , Luo Xiao-Ling , Zhou Di
Published: October 2021

Using data from the China General Social Survey and data on air pollution, this study explores the impact and the critical path of air pollution on residents’ happiness in China and evaluates whether environmental regulations can alleviate these effects. A probit model is used to analyze the impact of air pollution on residents’ happiness, and wind speed is taken as the instrumental variable of air pollution to overcome endogeneity. A stepwise regression is used to test the critical path of air pollution on residents’ happiness. Finally, the effects of environmental regulations are considered by adding an interaction term between environmental regulation and air pollution. The following conclusions are drawn. First, air pollution can significantly impair residents’ happiness, especially those who have children, are younger, are in poor health, have a lower education level, have lower income, and live in a rural area. Second, there are two critical paths through which air pollution impairs residents’ happiness: mental health level and the frequency of leisure activities. Finally, command-and-control, market-based, and voluntary environmental regulations can all effectively alleviate the impact of air pollution on residents’ happiness.
E-learning Modules to Improve Clinical Reasoning and Practice: a Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Stollar Fabiola , Cerutti Bernard , Aujesky Susanne , Scherly Daniel , Nendaz Mathieu , Galetto-Lacour Annick
Published: October 2021

Background: Controversy remains about how successfully e-learning can improve clinical skills and knowledge acquisition. Our study's main objective was to compare the effects of e-learning versus traditional education on medical students' reasoning and how they applied their knowledge to clinical skills by evaluating their performance in a pediatrics exam based on key features. Our secondary objectives were to assess the factors associated with e-learning that might influence exam scores and to evaluate medical students' satisfaction with these two learning methods. Methods: Prospective observational study of two pediatric clerkship cohorts (2016–17 and 2017–18) of fourth-year medical students at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Medicine, Switzerland. All students participated in a standardized program of traditional seminars and e-learning using case-based scenarios. To compare the two learning methods, we taught two subjects using traditional seminars in 2016–17 and then using e-learning modules in 2017–18. To evaluate factors that might have influenced e-learning's effects, we monitored the use of all the e-learning modules studied in the months preceding the pediatric exam. Student satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire of four-point Likert scale-like items. Results: We included 299 medical students. Students using interactive e-learning modules had the same median scores for exam questions associated with e-learning as students who attended traditional seminars (median 80%, IQR 67%–100% vs. median 80%, IQR 67%–100%; p=0.975). A linear regression model showed an association between the scores for exam questions associated with e-learning and the number of quizzes taken and sex. Even though the overall satisfaction with the two learning methods was similar, students claimed that they learned more in e-learning than in traditional seminars, that learning objectives were better explained in e-learning modules, and that traditional seminars were better integrated into the curriculum.Conclusions: We found no evidence of a difference in students’ reasoning and how they applied their knowledge to clinical skills between e-learning and traditional seminar-based methods. The number of quizzes taken and being a female student were factors associated with better scores. Overall, students were satisfied with both learning methods, but they claimed that they learned more with e-learning.
Damage Estimation using Shock Zones: A case study of Amphan tropical cyclone
Authors: Medha  , Mondal Biswajit , Doloi Gour , Islam S.M. Tafsirul , Bera Murari Mohan
Published: October 2021

The tropical cyclone affects millions of people living in the coastal regions. The changing climate has led to an increased intensity and frequency of cyclones, therefore increasing the damage caused to people, the environment, and property. The Bay of Bengal is most prone to tropical cyclones, which affects Bangladesh and the eastern coastal region of India due to geographical proximity. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the inundation damage and intensity caused becomes essential to focus the relief efforts on the affected districts. This study identified the shock zone and assessed the inundation associated damage caused by recent cyclone Amphan in the area of Bangladesh and West Bengal in India. The shock zonation was based on the track of cyclones, cyclone wind speed zones, elevation, wind impact potentiality, and agricultural population area. The identification of the affected area was done using integrated Landsat and SAR data, and economic damage cost was assessed using the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Unit price approach. The total people affected due to inundation are 2.4 million in India and 1.4 million in Bangladesh and the damage totaled up to 5.4 million USD. The results of this study can be used by concerned authorities to identify the shock zones and be used for rapid assessment of the damages.
The community residents’ NIMBY attitude on the construction of community ageing care service centres: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yu Bo , Han Yue-Hong , Sun Yin , Zhang Xu-Dong
Published: October 2021

Background: China is the country with the largest elderly population. To actively respond to this ageing population, China has proposed the Community Aged Care Service Centre (CACSC) network as the major elderly care development policy. However, many residents resisted the development of the CACSC network, which affected its smooth implementation. Based on the theory of “Not in My Backyard” (NIMBY), this paper proposes a model of the influencing factors of community residents on the opposition to the construction of CACSCs. Methods: In this study, residents of urban communities over the age of 20 in mainland China were the research target. After a total of 509 questionnaires were collected through online surveys, using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 and IBM SPSS Amos 24.0 to analyse the data. Results: The research results show that superstition, the NIMBY attitude, and perceived risk have a significant positive impact on the opposition to the construction of CACSCs, while the negative impact of perceived benefit on the opposition intention is not significant. Moreover, perceived knowledge has a significant positive impact on perceived benefit and a significant negative impact on superstition and perceived risk. Conclusions: Strengthen policy advocacy on ageing, clarify the service content of CACSC and encourage young people to participate in public welfare activities for the elderly can reduce the opposition of community residents to the construction of a CACSC.
Qiangli Wuhu Mixture Alleviates LPS-Induced Pneumonia by Inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway: A Study Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Tian Jie , Wang Xiao-Long , Wang Long-Cheng , Chen Fei , Tian Yun , Ma Li , Pan Chao-Yun , Wang Yan-Pinig
Published: October 2021

Background: This study aimed to clarify the mechanism of action of Qiangli Wuhu Mixture used in the treatment of pneumonia.Methods: The potential targets of Qiangli Wuhu Mixture in the treatment of pneumonia were predicted by network pharmacology. ICR male mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control (Control), pneumonia model (Vehicle), low and high dose groups of Qiangli Wuhu Mixture, and dexamethasone positive control group with 12 mice in each. The model was established by tracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide for 3 consecutive days. After the establishment of the animal model, Qiangli Wuhu Mixture was intragastrically administered for 5 days; the expression of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the serum of mice in each group was detected by ELISA kit; the protective effect of Qiangli Wuhu Mixture on the lung tissue of pneumonia mice was observed by staining; Western Blot was used to detect the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and NLRP3 signal pathway related proteins in lung tissue.Results: Network pharmacology predicted that the target of Qiangli Wuhu Mixture in treating pneumonia might be related to lipopolysaccharide reaction and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. the in vivo results indicated that Qiangli Wuhu Mixture had a strong protective effect on acute pneumonia in mice induced by lipopolysaccharide, decreased the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in serum of model mice, and decreased the activation of TLR4, NF- κ B, and the expression of NLRP3 protein in lung tissue. Conclusion: Qiangli Wuhu Mixture has a strong protective effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced pneumonia in mice, and its mechanism of action may be related to reducing the pathological changes of lung tissue, reducing the level of inflammatory cytokines in blood, and inhibiting the inflammatory signal pathway of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3.
The Mere Sight of Loved Ones Does Not Inhibit Psychophysiological Defense Mechanisms When Threatened
Authors: Bublatzky Florian , Schellhaas Sabine , Guerra Pedro
Published: October 2021

Looking at pictures of loved ones, such as one's romantic partner or good friends, has been shown to alleviate the experience of pain and reduce defensive reactions. However, little is known about such modulatory effects on threat and safety learning and the psychophysiological processes involved. Here, we explored the hypothesis that beloved faces serve as implicit safety cues and attenuate the expression of fear responses and/or accelerate extinction learning in a threatening context. Thirty-two participants viewed pictures of their loved ones (romantic partner, parents, and best friend) as well as of unknown individuals within contextual background colors indicating threat-of-shock or safety. Focusing on the extinction of non-reinforced threat associations (no shocks were given), the experiment was repeated on two more test days while the defensive startle-EMG, SCR, and threat ratings were obtained. Results confirmed pronounced defensive responding to instructed threat-of-shock relative to safety context (e.g., threat-enhanced startle reflex and SCR). Moreover, threat-potentiated startle response slowly declined across test days indicating passive extinction learning in the absence of shocks. Importantly, neither a main effect of face category (loved vs. unknown) nor a significant interaction with threat/safety instructions was observed. Thus, a long-term learning history of beneficial relations (e.g., with supportive parents) did not interfere with verbal threat learning and aversive apprehensions.
Normal Mode Analysis of The Thermal conductivity in Amorphous Polymers: The Importance of Localized Modes
Authors: Li Buxuan , DeAngelis Freddy , Chen Gang , Henry Asegun
Published: October 2021

Polymers are a unique class of materials from the perspective of normal mode analysis. Polymers consist of individual chains with repeating units and strong intra-chain covalent bonds, and amorphous arrangements among chains with weak inter-chain van der Waals and for some polymers also electrostatic interactions. Intuitively, this strong heterogeneity in bond strength can give rise to interesting features in the constituent phonons, but such effects have not been studied deeply before. Here, we use lattice dynamics and molecular dynamics to perform modal analysis of the thermal conductivity in amorphous polymers for the first time. We find an abnormally large population of localized modes in amorphous polymers, which is dramatically different from amorphous inorganic materials. Contrary to the common picture of thermal transport, localized modes in amorphous polymers are found to be the dominant contributors to thermal conductivity. We find that a significant portion of the localization happens within individual chains, but heat is dominantly conducted when localized modes involve two chains. These results suggest that even though each polymer is different, localized modes play a key role. The results provide new perspective on why polymer thermal conductivity is generally quite low and gives insight into how to potentially change it.
Regulation of cell distancing in peri-plaque glial nets by Plexin-B1 affects glial activation and amyloid compaction in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Friedel Roland , Huang Yong , Wang Minghui , Wahane Shalaka , de Anda Mitzy Ríos , Ho Lap , Li Yuhuan , Kang Sangjo , Neff Ryan , Kostic Ana , Buxbaum Joseph , Crary John , Zhang Bin , Zou Hongyan
Published: October 2021

Communication between glial cells has a profound effect on the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we reveal a role of reactive astrocytes in enforcing cell distancing in the glial nets surrounding amyloid plaques, which restricts microglial coverage of Aβ, a prerequisite to detect and engulf amyloid deposits. This process is mediated through guidance receptor Plexin-B1, which we identified as a key network regulator of late-onset AD. We show that Plexin-B1 is robustly upregulated in plaque-associated astrocytes in a corona-like pattern, and its expression levels correlate with plaque burden and disease severity in AD patients. In APP/PS1 mice, an amyloidogenic model of AD, removing Plexin-B1 led to smaller peri-plaque glial nets with relaxed cell distancing and enhanced glial coverage of Aβ plaques, as well as transcriptional changes in both reactive astrocytes and disease-associated microglia that are linked to glial activation and amyloid clearance. Furthermore, amyloid plaque burden was lowered, together with a shift towards dense-core plaques and reduced neuritic dystrophy. Our data thus support a role of Plexin-B1 in controlling glial net structure by imposing cell distancing, leading to poor glial coverage of Aβ, reduced amyloid clearance and compaction. Relaxing cell distancing by targeting guidance receptors may present an alternative strategy to alleviate neuroinflammation in AD by improving glial coverage of Aβ amyloid and plaque compaction.
Bioinformatics Analysis of ISLR in Pan-Cancer and its Correlation with Tumor Immunity
Authors: Zhang Cangyuan , Long Ziyang , Yan Cheng , Jalloh Mohamed Said , Fang Yongkun , Bao Li , Sun Biao , Shao Wenzhe , Sun Guowei , Fu Yayan , Zhang Qi , Wang Wei , Wang Liuhua , Ren Jun , Sun Qiannan , Tang Dong , Wang Daorong
Published: October 2021

Background

The protein meflin encoded by ISLR contains a C2-type immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domain and five leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains. ISLR is known to play a role in a small number of tumors, but its role in most tumors is unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression and prognosis of ISLR in pan-cancer, as well as its correlation with tumor immunity.
Methods

We used multiple databases and R software to conduct bioinformatics analysis to explore the predictive role of ISLR in pan-cancer, mainly involving expression patterns, prognosis, and immune infiltration.
Results

Compared with normal tissues, the expression of ISLR was significantly increased or decreased in most tumors. Moreover, the high expression of ISLR may cause the prognosis of some tumors to become better or worse. ISLR also affects immune infiltration in a variety of tumors, which affects the clinical prognosis. ISLR is also significantly related to TMB and MSI in pan-cancer and is related to genes encoding immune regulatory genes. ISLR also affects various cancer-and immune-related pathways.
Conclusions

ISLR is differentially expressed in tumors, may regulate TME, affect tumor prognosis, and is expected to become a prognostic biomarker.
Reduced susceptibility to daptomycin in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from catheter-related bloodstream infections
Authors: Ohyatsu Sho , Nariyama Tomoyuki , Matsumoto Kotaro , Moritoki Yuki , Kikuchi Kentaro
Published: October 2021

Background

The appearance of reduced susceptibility to daptomycin in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has recently been reported. It is unclear how likely MRSA involved in catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) is to dampen susceptibility to daptomycin. We investigated the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of daptomycin in MRSA isolated from the blood of patients with CRBSI and examined how it was affected by previous anti-MRSA drug treatment.
Methods

A total of 115 patients whose blood culture samples were found to contain MRSA were enrolled in this study. The MIC of daptomycin and vancomycin and whether the subjects had a history of anti-MRSA drug treatment were investigated and compared between the CRBSI and non-CRBSI groups.
Results

The mean MIC of daptomycin was significantly higher for the 46 CRBSI-related MRSA isolates than for the 69 non-CRBSI-related MRSA isolates (0.78 vs. 0.33, respectively; p<0.0001). Among the CRBSI-related MRSA isolates, those collected from patients with a history of anti-MRSA drug treatment had significantly higher MIC (1.27 vs. 0.53, respectively; p <0.01). During treatment, MRSA was detected again in 10 CRBSI and 4 non-CRBSI patients, and all of the CRBSI-related MRSA isolates exhibited 1-2 log2 increases in their daptomycin MIC.
Conclusions

It is considered that when MRSA in catheter biofilms is exposed to anti-MRSA drugs, strains with reduced susceptibility to daptomycin are able to survive and disperse into the blood. Catheters should be removed if an MRSA-induced CRBSI is suspected. Further study of whether high-dose daptomycin treatment is effective when catheters cannot be immediately removed is needed.
Impact of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors On The Survival of Patients With Rectal Cancer
Authors: Zeman Marcin , Skałba Władysław , Wilk Agata M. , Cortez Alexander J. , Maciejewski Adam , Czarniecka Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

Background Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) are widely used in the treatment of hypertension. However, their impact on the outcome of the combined treatment of rectal cancer is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of RASIs on the survival of rectal cancer patients with associated hypertension after neoadjuvant treatment and radical resection.Methods Between 2008 and 2016, 242 radical (R0) rectal resections for cancer were performed after neoadjuvant treatment in patients with associated hypertension. At the time of treatment, 158 patients were on RASIs, including 35 angiotensin-receptor antagonists (ARB) users and 123 angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) users. Eighty-four patients were on drugs other than RASIs (non-RASI users). The survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator with the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model.Results The log-rank test showed a significantly worse overall survival (OS) in the group of ACEI users compared to ARB users (p= 0.009) and non-RASI users (p= 0.013). As regards disease-free survival (DFS), worse survival was found in the ACEI group compared to ARB users and it was close to the statistical significance level (p= 0.064). The Multivariate Cox analysis showed a significant beneficial effect of ARBs on OS (HR: 0.326, 95% CI: 0.147-0.724, p= 0.006) and ARBs on DFS (HR: 0.339, 95% CI: 0.135-0.850, p= 0.021) compared to ACEIs. Other factors affecting OS included age (HR: 1.044, 95% CI: 1.016-1.073, p= 0.100), regional lymph node metastasis (ypN+) (HR: 2.157, 95% CI: 1.395-3.334, p= 0.001) and perineural invasion (PNI) (HR: 3.864, 95% CI: 1.799-8.301, p= 0.001). Additional factors affecting DFS included ypN+ (HR: 2.310, 95% CI: 1.374-3.883, p= 0.002) and PNI (HR: 4.351, 95% CI: 1.584-11.954, p= 0.004). Conclusions The use of ARBs instead of ACEIs may improve the outcome of the combined therapy for rectal cancer patients with associated hypertension.
Quantification of Ocular Parameters To Create An Anatomical Eye Model for The Japanese Population
Authors: Kawamorita Takushi , Uozato Hiroshi , Oshika Tetsuro , Negishi Kazuno , Fujikado Takashi , Murakami Akira , Kamiya Kazutaka , Maeda Naoyuki , Ueno Yuta , Onuma Kazuhiro , Hirota Masakazu , Hoshikawa Rie , Masui Sachiko , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Mihashi Toshifumi
Published: October 2021

This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the eye shape and visual function of Japanese people through a multicenter approach and to create a Japanese model eye. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA, respectively) in the log minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), subjective and objective spherical equivalent values (SE) of ocular refraction, anterior and posterior corneal curvature (ACC and PCC, respectively), anterior and posterior corneal asphericity (ACA and PCA, respectively), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and ocular axial length (AL) were measured in the eyes of 250 participants (mean age = 46.5 ± 18.0 years, range: 20–90 years) across five institutions in Japan. The mean UDVA, CDVA, subjective SE, objective SE, ACC, PCC, ACA, PCA, CCT, ACD, and AL were 0.68, -0.08, -2.42 D, -2.66 D, 7.77 mm, 6.33 mm, -0.31, -0.39, 0.55 mm, 2.92 mm, and 24.78 mm, respectively. Age-related changes and sex-based differences were observed in the visual acuity, refraction, corneal shape, ACD, and AL. Although the sample size needs to be increased, the results of this study can be applied to the development of refractive correction methods and various vision-related fields.
Diversity and Functionality of Seed Vectored Bacterial Endophytes in Different Cultivars of Triticum Aestivum L. Across Ecological Boundaries
Authors: SaiPrasad Jogdande , Suman Archna , Ramakrishnan B. , Aswini K.
Published: October 2021

The endophytic microbial communities of plant seeds are either early or late colonizers, from the vascular system and stigma of mother plants or through contact from the environmental niches. Microbial communities get established in the plant progenies, particularly seeds, by vertical or horizontal transmission. The composition of seed microbiome determines the type of microbial associations, ranging from mutualism to pathogenicity with the emerging plants and also, the environmental conditions have a significant effect on their diversity. Wheat associated microbiota, especially rhizobacteria and endophytes from different plant organs possess competencies for plant growth promotion, and mitigation of abiotic and biotic stress. Improved yield and adaptation, as well as sustained wheat production across different ecologies necessitate the microbiome basis for understanding the genotype-environment (G×E) interactions. Hence,we investigated the diversity and functions of culturable endophytes from different ecological conditions on seed germination and the growth and fitness of plants. The core culturable microbiome members associated with seeds were identified, and evaluated for their potential for application and ensuing colonization in wheat plants.The diversity indices such as Shannon diversity (H), Chao1, Simpson’s reciprocal index and Species evenness (J) were generally highest in the PZ, followed by the NHZ. Likewise,this study showed that the genotypes play a profound role in their diversity, with variations in the hydrolytic enzyme production, plant growth promotion and priority effects on seedling colonization of wheat. The potential for hydrolytic enzyme production also suggest the multifarious mechanisms mediated by these endophytic bacteria for colonization and antagonism against plant pathogens.
Spatial Distribution of Stunting and Its Associated Factors Among Under-five Children in Ethiopia: Spatial and Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Yehualashet Delelegn Emwodew , Seboka Binyam Tariku , Tesfa Getanew Aschalew , Seid Elias , Hailegebreal Samuel , Demeke Abel Desalegn , Amede Endris Seid
Published: October 2021

Background: Childhood stunting is a major challenge to the growth and development of nations by affecting millions of children across the world. Although Ethiopia has made steady progress in reducing stunting, the prevalence of stunting is still one of the highest in the world. This study aimed to assess the spatial variation and factors associated with stunting among under-five children in Ethiopia.Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis of the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS). The Getis-Ord statistics tool has been used to identify areas with high and low hotspots of stunting. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with stunting. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with its 95% confidence intervals (CI) at p-value < 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.Results: The result of this study shows that about 37% of under-five children were stunted. Statistically significant hotspots of stunting were found in northern parts of Ethiopia. Children in the age group between 24–35 months were more likely to be stunted than children whose age was less than one year [AOR = 3.74; 95 % CI: (3.04–4.59)]. Children with mothers who had completed higher education had lower odds of being stunted compared to children whose mothers had no formal education [AOR = 0.55; 95%CI: (0.38–0.82)]. Children from the poorest wealth quintile had higher odds of being stunted compared to children from the richest wealth quintiles [AOR = 2; 95 % CI: (1.46–2.73)]. Children living in Tigray (AOR =3.64; 95 % CI: 2.17–6.11), Afar (AOR 2.02; 95 % CI 1.19-3.39), Amhara (AOR =2.29; 95 % CI: 1.37–3.86), Benishangul Gumz (AOR=1.87; 95% CI: 1.10-3.17) and Harari (AOR=1.95; 95% CI: 1.17-3.25) regions were more likely to be stunted compared to children living in Addis Ababa.Conclusion: This study showed that both individual and community-level factors were significant predictors of stunting. Improving maternal education, improving the economic status of households, improving age-specific child feeding practice, and providing additional resources to regions with high hotspots of stunting are recommended.
Experimental Investigation of Snail Shell-Based Cement Mortar: Mechanical Strength, Durability and Microstructure
Authors: Alla Suseela , Asadi SS.
Published: October 2021

Snail shells are the discarded bio-shell waste from restaurants, and oceans creating huge environmental problems for society. Living organisms are harmed when these shells are released. As previously stated, the work focuses primarily on the utilisation of snail shell powder as a raw ingredient in cement mortar. The mechanical and durability features of snail shell-based cement mortar were compared to the nominal mortar in this study. Snail shell powder, ranging from 0% to 35%, was used to partially substitute cement in mortar, with a variation of 5%. XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) was used to determine the chemical composition of both mixes. The mechanical properties of mortar for both mixes were determined using a compressive strength test. The tests on cement mortar viz., Water Absorption, Sorptivity, Acid Durability, and Rapid Chloride Permeability Test (RCP Test) were compared with nominal mortar mix. According to the results of the investigation, the optimum use of snail shell powder is 30%. The durability of both mixes increased by the increase of the snail shell powder. To detect the C-S-H gel formations, microstructural analysis was performed for both mixes.
Tilapia Prolactin Cells are Thermosensitive Osmoreceptors
Authors: Woo Daniel W. , Malintha G.H.T. , Celino-Brady Fritzie T. , Yamaguchi Yoko , Breves Jason P. , Seale Andre P.
Published: October 2021

Prolactin (PRL) cells within the rostral pars distalis (RPD) of the euryhaline teleost tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, rapidly respond to a hyposmotic stimulus by releasing two distinct PRL isoforms, PRL188 and PRL177. Here, we describe how environmentally relevant temperatures affect the release and mRNA levels of PRL188 and PRL177 from RPDs and dispersed PRL cells. When applied under isosmotic conditions (330 mOsm/kg), a 6 °C rise in temperature stimulated the release of PRL188 and PRL177 from both RPDs and dispersed PRL cells under perifusion. When exposed to this same change in temperature, ~50% of dispersed PRL cells gradually increased in volume by ~8%, a response partially inhibited by the water channel blocker, HgCl2. Following their response to increased temperature, PRL cells remained responsive to a hyposmotic stimulus (280 mOsm/kg). The mRNA expression of transient potential vanilloid 4, a Ca2+-channel involved in hyposomotically-induced PRL release, was elevated in response to a rise in temperature in dispersed PRL cells and RPDs at 6 and 24 h, respectively; prl188 and prl177 mRNAs were unaffected. Our findings indicate that thermosensitive PRL release is mediated, at least partially, through a cell-volume dependent pathway similar to how osmoreceptive PRL release is achieved.
Prognostic Effects of Treatment Protocols for Febrile Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Children
Authors: Tokumoto Shoichi , Nishiyama Masahiro , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Tomioka Kazumi , Ishida Yusuke , Toyoshima Daisaku , Kurosawa Hiroshi , Nozu Kandai , Maruyama Azusa , Tanaka Ryojiro , Iijima Kazumoto , Nagase Hiroaki
Published: October 2021

Background: Febrile status epilepticus is the most common form of status epilepticus in children. No previous reports compare the effectiveness of treatment strategies using fosphenytoin (fPHT) or phenobarbital (PB) and those using anesthetics as second-line anti-seizure medication for benzodiazepine-resistant convulsive status epilepticus (CSE). We aimed to examine the outcomes of various treatment strategies for febrile convulsive status epilepticus (FCSE) in a real-world setting while comparing the effects of different treatment protocols and their presence or absence.Methods: This was a single-center historical cohort study that was divided into three periods. Patients who presented with febrile convulsive status epilepticus for ≥60 min even after the administration of at least one anticonvulsant were included. During period I (October 2002–December 2006), treatment was performed at the discretion of the attending physician, without a protocol. During period II (January 2007–February 2013), barbiturate coma therapy (BCT) was indicated for FCSE resistant to benzodiazepines. During period III (March 2013–April 2016), BCT was indicated for FCSE resistant to fPHT or PB. Results: The rate of EEG monitoring was lower in period I than period II+III (7.7% vs. 83.3%, p<0.01). Midazolam was administered by continuous infusion more often in period I than period II+III (84.6% vs. 25.0%, p<0.01), whereas fPHT was administered less often in period I than period II+III (0% vs. 27.4%, p<0.01). The rate of poor outcome, which was determined using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category scale, was higher in period I than period II+III (23.1% vs. 7.1%, p=0.03). The rate of poor outcome did not differ between periods II and III (4.2% vs. 11.1%, p=0.40).Conclusions: While the presence of a treatment protocol for FCSE in children may improve outcomes, a treatment protocol using fPHT or PB may not be associated with better outcomes.
Study on the Technical Evaluation of De-Identification Procedures for Personal Data in the Automotive Sector
Authors: Rannenberg Kai , Pape Sebastian , Tronnier Frédéric , Löbner Sascha
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate different de-identification techniques that may be used in several mobility-related use cases. To do so, four use cases have been defined in accordance with a project partner that focused on the legal aspects of this project, as well as with the VDA/FAT working group. Each use case aims to create different legal and technical issues with regards to the data and information that are to be gathered, used and transferred in the specific scenario. Use cases should therefore differ in the type and frequency of data that is gathered as well as the level of privacy and the speed of computation that is needed for the data. Upon identifying use cases, a systematic literature review has been performed to identify suitable de-identification techniques to provide data privacy. Additionally, external databases have been considered as data that is expected to be anonymous might be reidentified through the combination of existing data with such external data. For each case, requirements and possible attack scenarios were created to illustrate where exactly privacy-related issues could occur and how exactly such issues could impact data subjects, data processors or data controllers. Suitable de-identification techniques should be able to withstand these attack scenarios. Based on a series of additional criteria, de-identification techniques are then analyzed for each use case. Possible solutions are then discussed individually in chapters 6.1 - 6.2. It is evident that no one-size-fits-all approach to protect privacy in the mobility domain exists. While all techniques that are analyzed in detail in this report, e.g., homomorphic encryption, differential privacy, secure multiparty computation and federated learning, are able to successfully protect user privacy in certain instances, their overall effectiveness differs depending on the specifics of each use case.
TRANSFORMATION OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AS A CONSEQUENCE OF COVID-19
Authors: Smakouz A. , Yaremenko A. , Kovalov B. , Kubatko O.
Published: October 2021

The article examines the changes and consequences in the field of tourism under the influence of the pandemic. Based on the analysis of the report of the World Tourism Organization UNWTO, it was found that in the first ten months of 2020, the number of international revenues decrease by 72%, due to travel restrictions, low consumer confidence and the global fight against COVID-19. in the first quarter of 2020, there was already a 22% reduction in travel, and arrivals in March fell to 57% in all markets. That means a loss of 67 million international tourists and about $ 80 billion in revenue. It is determined that Ukraine lags far behind in the implementation of measures to support tourism, so the forecasts for competitiveness are disappointing. The share of tourism contributions to the economy of Ukraine, according to various estimates, is about 7-10%, and the tourism-related economy in Ukraine depends mainly on domestic tourism and the domestic component of outbound tourism. The results of our own survey were analyzed, on the basis of which (107 respondents mostly from Sumy) it was determined: respondents are amateur travelers, so after quarantine 50% of them will travel as before, without much changes; people consciously and responsibly approach the rules of life during a pandemic, so they are ready to refrain from traveling for some time for the sake of safety of life and health, or travel in compliance with all safety measures, or will choose travel on their own; the main factor when choosing a trip is its cost; respondents are interested in the development of tourism in Ukraine and in their regions, ready to support the development of this area. Moreover, an analysis of the Booking platform research was conducted and their forecasts for tourism trends in 2021 were singled out. We formed ways to solve the problems of tourism in Ukraine: the restoration and proper condition of natural resources, historical and cultural heritage of the country; qualitatively and with interest to inform about tourist places of the country, to launch advertising campaigns; by the authorities - to provide financial and legal support to the tourism industry; support of domestic air and rail connections, as well as regulation of ticket prices, etc.
STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL APPROACH TO IDENTIFICATION OF RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT
Authors: Vorontsova A. , Rudychenko A. , Zakharkina L.
Published: October 2021

Numerous environmental problems, the consequences of the financial crisis, the aggravation of social issues (such as poverty, unemployment, other consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic etc) cause the need for the evolution of financial instruments in the field of investment. The main requirement is a reasonable investment, which involves focusing not only on financial benefits but also to promote social, environmental and economic (or sustainable) development. This work is devoted to the use of structural and functional approach to the identification of responsible investment. This allows us to consider such an investment concept as a complex system formed of interconnected functional elements. To do this, the author conducted a study of the essence of responsible investing and its main criteria. These primarily include consideration of various environmental, social and managerial factors (ESG-factors) in making management decisions. The next step is to analyze the approaches of domestic and foreign scientists to determine the main forms of responsible investment. Based on this, the stage formation of the concept of responsible investing is formed in the work. At the initial stage, there is the use of various forms of responsible investing, depending on the purpose of investors and the period time: ethical, green, thematic, impact investing. In the second stage, the idea of socially responsible investment was developed, and later - sustainable investment. The final stage is the allocation of responsible investment as a separate integrated concept that meets modern requirements. To better understand the distinction between certain forms of responsible investment in the work, their gradation depending on the orientation on financial or social goals has been studied. The study is theoretical and involved the use of general scientific methods: structural and functional approach, analysis and synthesis, grouping and logical generalization. The provisions formed in the article allow forming a theoretical basis within the research, which will be used for further work in this direction.
ANTI-CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN BUSINESS FINANCIAL SECURITY ENSURING
Authors: Zhukova T. , Basanets I. , Plikus I.
Published: October 2021

The problem of effective anti-crisis management is of crucial importance for ensuring the overall level of development of Ukraine, surmounting the financial and economic crisis, as well as creating an appropriate level of national security. In today's world with its unstable economic, political and legal dimension an entity is exposed to the external environment. The impact of the economic crisis in the world, including Ukraine, has led to the fact that most companies are close to financial crisis and some of them have already gone bankrupt. The article presents the data showing that companies are in crisis and need anti-crisis management. It is reasoned that anti-crisis management as a mechanism of adaptive regulation of business processes of enterprises is relevant and in demand both in science and in practice; the program of anti-crisis measures in case of its successful practical application can help the companies being on the brick of bankruptcy. Theoretical approaches to the formation of anti-crisis management of enterprises are considered, further research was given to the problems of developing a system of anti-crisis management of the enterprise and the development of anti-crisis financial policy. It is proved that crisis management is aimed at adapting the enterprises' activities to the constantly changing environmental conditions as well as to extract benefits from new opportunities. At the same time, the main thing in the implementation of such management is the rejection of unpromising areas of activity and the definition of the most promising ways of the organization activity ensuring its development. After analysing the latest research on ensuring the stable state and bringing the company out of the crisis, the main approaches to preventing and overcoming bankruptcy in enterprises have been identified. For effective management the measures that will clearly assess the threat and respond to management staff are proposed in the article. The causes and factors that accompany the emergence of a crisis at the enterprise are studied. The activity of Ukrainian enterprises in the conditions of crisis is analyses and a set of measures to improve crisis management for the financial security of the company is created.
UNIT KEPATUHAN DAN AUDIT INTERNAL BANK SYARIAH DI INDONESIA; SUDAHKAH SESUAI DENGAN PRINSIP SHARIAH GOVERNANCE?
Authors: Arrazi Muhammad Fakhrul
Published: October 2021

Shariah governance is crucial in the Islamic banking system to ensure that all commercial operations comply with Islamic principles and differentiate Islamic banking operations from conventional banking. This research discusses the similarities between the practice of the compliance unit and internal audit of Islamic banks in Indonesia and Bank Indonesia/ OJK’s regulations and existing standards. The data for the research were collected through interviews and documentation instrument, and analyzed by using qualitative methods. Based on the analysis, the researcher identified that the work practices of the compliance unit and internal audit of Islamic banks in Indonesia are in line with regulations promoted by Bank Indonesia/ OJK, AAOIFI and IFSB shariah governance, but are still not comprehensive when compared to the Shariah governance framework of Bank Negara Malaysia and the opinions of other practitioners of Islamic Economics.
Ecological Characterisation of Native Isolates of Heterorhabditis indica from Viti Levu, Fiji Islands
Authors: Kour Sumeet , Khurma Uma , Brodie Gilianne
Published: October 2021

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae are obligate parasites of soil inhibiting insects. EPNs are being widely researched as promising biocontrol agents for a wide range of agricultural pests. It is known that strains of EPNs isolated from different geographical regions differ in their attributes, such as host-finding ability, host range, infectivity, reproduction, and environmental stress tolerance. A precise knowledge of these factors is therefore an essential pre-requisite for devising successful strategies to use these nematodes in biological control programmes. Thus, ecological characterisation of the EPN Heterorhabditis indica (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) newly isolated and representing the only species of EPN reported from the island of Viti Levu, Fiji was carried out using Galleria mellonella larvae (L) (Pyralidae: Galleriinae) as hosts to allow comparisons between bioassays conducted in different laboratories around the world. Temperature data showed that native isolates of H. indica are warm-adapted nematodes with thermal range for infectivity between 15˚C and 35˚C and can reproduce between 20˚C and 30˚C. They are highly virulent with LC50 values against G. mellonella ranging from 2.8 IJ to 3.8 IJ/larva. However, they showed poor desiccation tolerance and fail to infect hosts in soil with moisture levels below 8%. They showed a moderate level of hypoxic tolerance and can be stored at 15˚C for 4 months. Results also showed great variability within the selected native isolates of H. indica. Beneficial traits for selected isolates were added up to identify a superior candidate. The current study also suggested that the thermal niche breadth for infection can differ among conspecific strains of an EPN species. The results of this experimental study on ecological aspects of these native isolates of H. indica should form a basis for their potential use in biological control of insect pests in Fiji.
Oxidation of arcs and mantle wedges by reduction of manganese in pelagic sediments during seafloor subduction
Authors: Song Shuguang , Ye Shiting , Allen Mark B. , Niu Yaoling , Sun Weidong , Zhang Lifei
Published: October 2021

Plate subduction links the Earth’s surface and interior and may change the redox state of the Earth’s mantle. Mantle wedges above subduction zones have high oxygen fugacity compared with other mantle reservoirs, but the cause is debated. Here we analyze high-pressure metamorphic rocks derived from ferromanganese pelagic sediments in the Qilian subduction complex, northwest (NW) China. We show that progressive metamorphism is a process of reducing reactions, in which Mn4+ is reduced to Mn2+. On the global scale, such reactions would release significant amounts of oxygen (~1.27 × 1012 g year−1), estimated from the global flux of MnO in sediments passing into subduction zones. This budget is sufficient to raise the oxygen fugacity of the mantle wedge, hence arc magmas, to a higher level than other mantle reservoirs. In contrast, ferric iron (Fe3+) enters hematite, aegirine, and garnet, without valence change and plays little role in the oxidation of the mantle wedge. Fe3+ remains stable to depths of >100 km but will transfer to the deeper mantle along with the subducting slab. The manganese reduction process provides a new explanation for high oxygen fugacity in the mantle wedge.