bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR-132-3p downregulates FOXO1 in CD4+ T cells and is associated with disease manifestations in patients with lupus
Authors: Qin Haihong , Chen Sunyi , Liu Xiao , Liang Jun , Wu Hao , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the expression status of miR-132-3p in CD4+ T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and explore its potential role in SLE development.

Methods

The study included 60 patients with SLE and 30 healthy controls. miR-132-3p expression in CD4+ T cells was detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain. Bioinformatics analyses were employed to predict target genes and explore the potential role of miR-132-3p. The associations between miR-132-3p levels and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, as well as laboratory characteristics, were analyzed.

Results

miR-132-3p levels in CD4+ T cells were significantly higher in patients with SLE compared with healthy controls. Bioinformatics analysis identified FOXO1 as a potential target gene of miR-132-3p, with a particular emphasis on the FOXO signaling pathway. miR-132-3p up-regulation in CD4+ T cells was associated with high SLEDAI score, high anti-double-stranded DNA levels, low C3 and C4 levels, positive anti-ribosomal P, and high 24-hour urinary protein levels in patients with SLE.

Conclusions

miR-132-3p may contribute to CD4+ T cell dysregulation during SLE by targeting FOXO1 and could potentially be used to assess disease severity.
Investigation on the desulphurisation process by powder injection during RH refining process of non-oriented silicon steel
Authors: Cao Ruihong , Xu Rui , Ling Haitao , Wang Haijun , Qiu Shengtao
Published: October 2024

In the present study, the desulphurisation process by powder injection during RH (Ruhrstahl-Heraeus) refining process was studied by establishing a kinetic model. The predicted results by the model were compared with experimental data obtained from industrial trials to verify its accuracy. The effects of the desulphuriser particle diameter, desulphuriser composition and powder injection rate on the desulphurisation process were analysed and discussed. Results show that the desulphuriser particle diameter and powder injection rate considerably affected the desulphurisation process. By decreasing the desulphuriser particle diameter and increasing the powder injection rate, the reaction area between desulphuriser particles and liquid steel considerably increased. Therefore, the desulphurisation rate and ratio increased. When the desulphuriser particle diameter decreased from 3.0 to 0.1 mm, the desulphurisation ratio increased from 44.6% to 88.4%. The ratio increased from 32.8% to 62.2% for 3.0 mm desulphuriser particles when the powder injection rate increased from 100 to 250 kg min−1. Furthermore, an increase in the desulphuriser basicity and CaO/Al2O3 ratio improved the sulphur capacity and accelerated the desulphurisation process. The desulphuriser used herein had a low sulphur partition ratio, and thus it yielded a lower desulphurisation ratio than the CaO-SiO2-Al2O3 desulphuriser.
Jordan’s Strategic Alliance With the West to Protect the Hashemite Regime
Authors: Yitzhak Ronen
Published: October 2024

Jordan’s strategic alliance with the Western countries was established at the same time as the establishment of the state. It was a survival tool for the Hashemite regime which was perceived in the West and the Middle East in particular as a weak and vulnerable regime. The internal and external threats, as well as the coup attempts, were many and therefore the regime had to create a defense alliance with a Western power. Naturally, Britain was the first security support for the Hashemite regime and as its position in the Middle East declined at the end of the 1950s, the United States replaced Britain and became the Western power that protected the Hashemite regime. This was due to its pro-Western policy. Jordan receives the largest foreign aid from America (after Israel), is involved in security projects, participates in training with the American army and with Western countries, and is a partner with them in the fight against global terrorism. However, it should be mentioned that Israel also took a significant part in the defense of the Hashemite regime and was involved, officially and unofficially, in a number of operations starting in the 1950s. At that time, Israel’s perception of security took shape, which saw the existence of the Hashemite regime in Jordan as an Israeli interest, and therefore did everything possible to prevent its fall.
The Hashemite Regime on Jordanian Postage Stamps: A Visual History of Nation-Building
Authors: Sharnoff Michael
Published: October 2024

This study will examine the political use of stamps to preserve the Hashemite heritage. It will focus on how Jordanian stamps combine images of the Hashemite royal family with Arab, Islamic, and Palestine-themed symbols to strengthen the legitimacy and stability of the Hashemite monarchy and develop a Jordanian national identity. In the first period (1921–1947), stamps emphasized images of King Abdullah I, founder and first monarch of the Emirate of Transjordan, to bolster legitimacy of Hashemite rule in Transjordan and forge a bond between Transjordanians and Hashemites. In the second period (1948–1967), Palestine motifs complimented images of the Hashemites to construct a hybrid identity consisting of one Jordanian family including Transjordanians and Palestinians. In the third period (1972–1999), Transjordanian, Arab and Islamic, and military themes accompanied Hashemite images. This tumultuous period witnessed Israel’s conquest of the West Bank, the 1971 Black September insurgency between the Jordanian army and fedayeen, and King Hussein’s West Bank disengagement decision in 1988. While Palestinian and Transjordanian themes fluctuated, recurrence of Hashemite images and symbols sought to convince Jordanians that the kingdom’s long-term stability and security will always be destined with the monarchy even if its borders or relationship with the Palestinians change.
Effect of carbon nanotube incorporation on the mechanical and physical properties of hydroxyapatite/glass ionomer nanocomposite
Authors: Mohamed Yasser S , Abdelbary Ahmed
Published: October 2024

This manuscript discusses the potential use of multi-walled (MW) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a filler material in hydroxyapatite/glass ionomer cement HA/GIC nanocomposite to enhance its properties: mechanical and physical. Four different proportions (1, 2, 3, and 5 wt%) of CNTs were added to the HA/GIC nanocomposite to determine the optimum ratio that can lead to the best properties of the new nanocomposite biomaterial. Mechanical mixing technique followed in dentistry was used in preparing all samples. FTIR, PSA, XRD, TEM, and SEM were used to characterize the fabricated Pellets. In addition, the new nanocomposite samples were evaluated using compressive and diametral tensile tests. Overall, increasing the weight ratio of CNTs added to the nanocomposite (from 1 to 5 wt%) caused about a 40% reduction in the compression strength of the samples. However, a slight increase (about 4%) was detected at 2 wt% CNTs samples. Also, a distinct increase in the elasticity of the composite (about 50%) was reported. The best results of diametral tensile strength were found at a 3 wt% CNTs. Furthermore, for all samples, adding CNTs to the composite changed the sample’s color from A2 and B2 to totally black color.
Do the Special Education Regulations in States Requiring RtI for SLD Identification Include or Omit Intervention Fidelity?
Authors: Cochrane Wendy S. , Wood Brandon J.
Published: October 2024

This study examined intervention fidelity (IF) and the extent to which this essential feature of response to intervention (RtI) was included within artifacts (laws and guidance documents) for states requiring RtI for specific learning disability (SLD) identification. Intervention fidelity is defined as the degree to which an intervention is implemented as planned. Artifacts from all U.S. states were reviewed. Twelve states were identified as requiring RtI for SLD identification, and they comprised the sample for the study. Using state department of education websites, artifacts for the 12 states were found and reviewed for any information on preferred terms (fidelity or integrity), definition, IF dimensions (adherence, exposure, interventionist quality, and participant response), and methods for assessing, reporting, and evaluating IF. We found nine states used the term fidelity, four states provided explicit guidance on assessing IF, and two states provided explicit information on how often to collect IF data and what level (percent) of IF was required for intervention decision-making. Implications for state policies and practices, future directions for improving IF knowledge, application, and evaluation, and study limitations are discussed.
Genetic Panel Reveals Coexisting Neuromuscular Disorders in Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Butson Carter , Ntekim Nedeke , Acord Stephanie , Marks Warren
Published: October 2024

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetically based neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive physical impairment and cardiomyopathy in children, leading to fatal cardiac or respiratory failure. Duchenne muscular dystrophy shares some overlapping clinical features with other disorders, complicating clinical differentiation. We hypothesized that some Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients may have a secondary neuromuscular disorders that could negatively skew data during pharmaceutical clinical trials and lead to incomplete treatment plans. Consecutive genetic panels on 353 patients were reviewed. Thirty-two (32; 9.1%) patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were identified. Three (3; 9.4%) were found to have at least 1 genetically confirmed secondary neuromuscular disorder. Overlooking these coexisting disorders could lead to unexpected treatment failures, potentially affecting medication efficacy in trials or commercial use. Secondary neuromuscular disorders should be considered in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients before clinical trial enrollment or treatment planning, with expanded genetic testing, such as whole exome sequencing or whole genome sequencing, likely to reveal even more secondary disorders.
From persons to general principles: Methodological decisions for idiographic and nomothetic research
Authors: Kuper Niclas , Andresen Pia K. , Beck Emorie D. , Costantini Giulio , Hamaker Ellen L. , Wright Aidan G. C. , Zimmermann Johannes
Published: October 2024

Research in psychology can have various foci, ranging from the psychological dynamics of single individuals to the generalization across individuals, often termed idiographics and nomothetics, respectively. However, terminological ambiguities have limited communication clarity about idiographics and nomothetics. Importantly, whether studies are suitable for idiographic and/or nomothetic inferences is not categorical but rather a matter of degree. Therefore, we propose a list of concrete, better-defined methodological aspects characterizing individual studies. Specifically, we highlight 16 different decisions researchers have to make pertaining to (1) research question, (2) research design, and (3) analyses and interpretation. These decisions are introduced with a focus on personality psychology but apply to psychological research broadly. We discuss the different decisions with an emphasis on their relation to idiographic and nomothetic inferential goals. Rather than providing specific recommendations, we emphasize the importance of aligning the methodology of a given study with the research question and theory. Overall, this overview seeks to help researchers make relevant decisions more intentionally to help them tailor their studies to their inferential goals.
Digital Intermediation in Paid Domestic Work in Argentina: An Analysis of Ambivalent Effects on Working Conditions
Authors: Poblete Lorena , Pereyra Francisca , Tizziani Ania
Published: October 2024

Recent studies offer ambivalent conclusions on the effect of digital intermediaries in domestic and care work; while some suggest that the digital platforms exacerbate and perpetuate the precariousness of the sector as well as its underlying social inequalities, others contend that the effects of these technologies are not yet clear. Drawing on these perspectives but focusing specifically on the platforms’ organizational structures, this article contributes to a growing body of scholarship on the differential impact of digital intermediaries in this occupation. Based on a study of the digital platform Zolvers in Argentina, the article analyzes the effects on working conditions of three types of working arrangements: regular work managed by the digital intermediary, regular work managed by the employer household, and casual ‘one-time-only’ jobs. This research uses a mixed methods approach, including a survey of 300 domestic workers, 20 semi-directed interviews, and two focus groups with workers using Zolvers.
A new semi-analytical approach for nonlinear dynamic responses of functionally graded porous graphene platelet-reinforced circular plates and spherical shells
Authors: Hoai Nam Vu , Tien Tu Bui , Van Doan Cao , Nhu Nam Pham , Minh Duc Vu
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the semi-analytical approach for nonlinear dynamic responses of porous graphene platelet-reinforced circular plates (CiPs) and spherical shells (SpSs) resting on the Pasternak foundation in thermal environment. The graphene platelets (GPLs) are distributed in the functionally graded (FG) distribution patterns and uniform distribution pattern through the CiP and SpS thickness direction. The governing equations of the GPL-reinforced structures subjected to time-dependent external pressure respected to the harmonic and linear functions of time are established based on the geometrically nonlinear higher-order shear deformation theory. A simple and effective semi-analytical solution for the considered problem is established using the Euler-Lagrange equations, and the damping viscosity of the foundation can be counted using the Rayleigh dispassion function. The Runge-Kutta method is employed to determine the dynamic responses of the GPL-reinforced structures, while the fundamental frequencies of free and linear vibration, and frequency-amplitude curves are obtained in explicit form. The numerical results obtained reveal that the GPL and porous distributions, geometrical and material properties can significantly affect the frequency-amplitude curves, and dynamic responses of harmonically loaded and linearly loaded structures, specially, the dynamic buckling phenomenon is clearly observable with the SpSs but not with the CiPs.
The effect of residual stress on the multi-step multi-point straightening with the three-dimensionally deformed linear guideway
Authors: Zang Yue , Zhang Yongquan , Yu Lang , Lu Hong , Liu Zhi , Wang Yongjing
Published: October 2024

The Multi-Step Multi-Point (MSMP) pressure straightening method is widely recognised for its effectiveness in manufacturing linear guideways. However, current theoretical analyses are limited to two-dimensional models, which oversimplify the complex nature of the straightening process. In reality, this process involves three-dimensional deformation and results in residual stress, adding complexity to the theoretical understanding of MSMP straightening. To address these challenges, this paper introduces an innovative MSMP straightening method specifically designed for three-dimensionally deformed linear guideways. It integrates both straightening and residual stress theories to thoroughly examine the impact of residual stress in various directions. Moreover, the paper develops a stroke-based straightening model that accounts for residual stress effects. Theoretical analyses are validated through comprehensive experiments, including bending and straightening tests. This research establishes a solid foundation for the study of pressure straightening three-dimensional deformed components.
Effect of kaolin ratio on wear, water absorption, acidic resistance, and mechanical properties of thermoset composites
Authors: Bati Serkan , Çetkin Edip , Altunkaynak Yalçın , Çelik Yahya Hışman
Published: October 2024

Natural fiber reinforced composites are easy to decompose in nature compared to synthetic fiber reinforced composites. However, due to environmental effects, natural fibers cannot maintain their properties for a long time. This situation has led researchers to search for natural but non-degradable materials. Kaolin is one of the most abundant minerals in nature and is an easy material to obtain. This study investigated the use of kaolin as a potential natural additive for polymer composites. In this direction, different proportions by weight of kaolin were added to two different polymer matrices (polyester and polyvinylester) materials. Mechanical tests were performed on the samples, and a series of tests were carried out to understand the acid resistance, wear resistance and water absorption properties of the samples. Also, SEM images of the fracture surface, wear surface, and surface exposed to the acidic solutions were taken and examined. According to test results, kaolin improved compression strength while reducing tensile and flexural strength. However, serious improvements have been achieved by nearly 45% and 115% in the tensile modulus and nearly 84% and 218% in the flexural modulus of polyester and polyvinylester composites, respectively. Also, kaolin improved acid resistance and wear properties and reduced the water absorption rate of the composites.
Three-dimensional coupled vibration failure analysis and structural optimization of the crankshaft of the diesel engine used in the shale gas fracturing truck
Authors: Xiang Shang , Tang Yang , Lei Bo , Wang Guorong , Wang Jin-Zhong
Published: October 2024

The crankshaft is the key component of the shale gas fracturing truck's diesel engine. Mass imbalance due to errors in the manufacturing process and other damage caused by long periods of operation can cause vibration for the crankshaft vibration problem. The static analysis is carried out based on the ignition condition of the second cylinder. The modal analysis of the crankshaft is then carried out. The modal analysis showed that resonance could cause significant deformation of the crankshaft. Consequently, harmonic response analysis, stochastic vibration analysis, and topology optimization were carried out on the crankshaft. The results show that the modes of each order of the crankshaft of the fracturing truck diesel engine are diverse. The modal amplitude is large. Fatigue damage is easily generated. After optimization, the mass of the crankshaft is reduced, the first natural frequency is increased, and the crankshaft is far away from the resonance interval while avoiding resonance failure. This document provides theoretical guidance for the design, optimization, research, and development of crankshafts.
Igniting the Flames of Entrepreneurial Intentions: Unravelling the Dynamics of Perceived Business Feasibility,  Self-perceived Altruism, Innovativeness and Uncertainty  Among University Students
Authors: Chaudhary Manisha , Biswas Abhijeet
Published: October 2024

The study seeks to elucidate the enablers shaping students’ entrepreneurial intentions across India’s top five central universities. The study evaluated the entrepreneurial intentions of 730 university students utilizing structural equation modelling and augmenting the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the entrepreneurial event model (EEM) and the social entrepreneurship theory (SET). Mediation and moderation techniques facilitated the examination of the direct and indirect linkages in the model. The findings reveal that perceived behavioural control (PBC), entrepreneurial attitude, subjective norms and self-perceived altruism magnify perceived business feasibility (PBF), significantly escalating students’ entrepreneurial intentions. PBC and PBF partially mediate the relationship among the underlying constructs. In addition, perceived innovativeness reinforces the association, while perceived uncertainty weakens the association between PBF and students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The study’s findings could help policymakers, social entrepreneurs, educational institutions, impact investors and global development agencies strengthen India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Self-perceived altruism and PBF have not received adequate attention in entrepreneurship. We attempt to embrace these constructs and crucial personality traits by extending the horizons of TPB, EEM and SET using a precise conceptual model.
Omicron-COVID-19-Related Knowledge in Parkinson’s Disease Patients and Their Caregivers: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Dhiman Neetu Rani , Gyanpuri Vyom , Kumar Anand , Joshi Deepika
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) became the global community’s third major cause of worry. In the current study, we deployed a self-reported survey questionnaire to investigate the degree of comprehension, awareness and perception of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their respective caregivers (CGs).

Materials and Methods

Using a standardised questionnaire, we conducted a prospective study on PD patients attending the neurology outpatient department prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study period was between February and August of 2022.

Results

A total of 114 CGs and 134 disease-affected patients were evaluated. Approximately 1.8% of the CGs and 4.5% of the patients contracted the Omicron-COVID-19. Over half of the patients (77.6%) were aware of the Omicron variant, and approximately 40.3% of them were aware of its symptoms. After receiving the Covid immunisation, patients (94.02%) reported no change in symptoms. The percentage of patients and CGs who had no symptoms of the viral infection and were not even got tested ever was 95.5% and 98.2%, respectively. Further, patients (95.5%) opted for the ‘offline’ as a preferred mode of consultation, citing the precision of treatment being the main reason.

Conclusion

No definite correlation between the Omicron variant infection and symptoms of PD could be established. The awareness regarding Omicron variant was largely unknown. More patient-centred research on larger population groups, incorporating literate and urban groups would unravel the knowledge gaps.
Resatovir Combined with Glycyrrhizic Acid Ameliorates Osteoarthritis and Enhances Autophagy in Chondrocytes
Authors: Mei Qijie , Xu Wenfei , Hu Qi , Guo Jinrong , Zeng Chao , Ming Chunyu , Li Chongming , Yuan Changshen , Duan Kan
Published: October 2024

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease worldwide. With resatovir usually used as an inhibitor, resatovir and glycyrrhizic acid have several pharmacological activities.

Objectives

We intend to explore the mechanism underlying resatovir combined with glycyrrhizic acid in OA.

Materials and Methods

After the establishment of an animal model of OA through anterior cruciate ligament transection and destabilization of the medial meniscus, the rats were subjected to intramuscular injection of resatovir combined with glycyrrhizic acid (60 mg/kg) or 5% glucose (60 mg/kg) every day for 4 weeks. During the progress, the rat movement and the bend score of knees were observed through behavioral studies. Additionally, the SKP2 gene expression and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-related signaling pathways were examined, as apoptosis and autophagy were evaluated by flow cytometry.

Results

With increased inflammatory cells in the model group, treatment with resatovir combined with glycyrrhizic acid significantly decreased the number of inflammatory cells. Meanwhile, the treatment resulted in decreased SKP2 expression in OA cells when hindering the migration of preosteoclast cells. Interestingly, it was observed that the bend score increased over the treatment with resatovir plus glycyrrhizic acid and TIPPI% declined dramatically. Resatovir treatment enhanced autophagy and apoptosis in OA cells and decreased pP65, P65, and LC3 expression.

Conclusion

Resatovir combined with glycyrrhizic acid can inhibit the inflammatory response through decreasing SKP2 expression and induce autophagy activation in OA cells through TLR4/NF-κB signaling, thereby attenuating OA progression.
Comparing Static and Dynamic Vibration Cues in Wristband Haptic Feedback for Enhanced Driver Response in Automated Vehicles
Authors: Lo Wei-Hsiang , Huang Gaojian
Published: October 2024

Higher levels of driving automation make effective takeover requests critical. The wrist’s sensitivity to vibration makes wristband devices a potential carrier for sending these requests. However, the impacts of conveying takeover requests through directional vibrotactile patterns such as dynamic patterns (sequential stimuli occurring at different locations on the wrist) and static patterns (fixed stimuli at the same locations on the wrist) are unclear. Therefore, this study examined the effects of directional vibrotactile patterns on takeover performance among younger and older adults. Participants responded to four patterns (two dynamic, one static, and one baseline) in a simulated SAE Level 3 automated vehicle. Takeover performance was evaluated using reaction time and takeover time. The results show that the static and baseline patterns had shorter reaction and takeover times compared to the dynamic patterns. In addition, younger adults react faster to takeover requests compared to older adults. Findings provide important insights for the future design of human-machine interfaces via wristband devices for automated vehicles.
Ideal Connected Home Configurations: Insights From Expert Users
Authors: FakhrHosseini Shabnam , Milton Matthew , Lee Chaiwoo , Coughlin Joseph
Published: October 2024

Connected Homes incorporate various digital and communication technologies that allow for control and monitoring through a centralized system, ranging from basic to advanced automation. Nevertheless, users often face issues such as interoperability and complexity which hinder the full potential of these technologies and shows the existing state of Connected Homes falls short of the ideal configurations users envision. This research seeks to narrow this gap by delving into the desires and frustrations of current Connected Home users, thus shaping a roadmap for the future development and refinement of smart home technologies. Through a series of in-depth interviews with six early adopters, we explored specific desires and criteria for an ideal connected home. The findings offer insights into various types of connected homes and how technological innovations and design improvements should be approached, considering users’ living conditions and lifestyles.
Treestrand-Related Injuries Outnumber Projectile-Related Injuries in Arkansas Hunters, 1993–2022
Authors: Haselow Dirk Thomas
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Epidemiologic data on hunting-related injuries is sparse. Most published studies in this arena come from case reports or case series from a trauma department or state trauma registry. Relatively few of the studies have attempted to calculate rates of injury by demographic characteristics or hunting-related activities. In this study, we summarize the epidemiologic trends in hunting-related injuries in Arkansas over the last 30 years.

Methods

A descriptive analysis of hunter injury data collected by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission from 1993 to 2022 was performed.

Results

Analyses showed that the overall number of hunting-related injuries decreased by 0.16 per 100,000 licensees per year during the study period ( P=0.0009). Projectile-related injuries decreased by 0.24 per 100,000 licensees ( P=0.00001), and treestand-related injuries increased by 0.06 per 100,000 licensees ( P=0.02) during the same time (both trends P<0.00001). treestand-related injuries now account for two thirds of all hunting-related injuries reported to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Among hunters subject to hunter education certification mandates, compliance was 48.7%.

Conclusions

Although projectile-related hunting injuries have decreased in Arkansas in the last 30 years, treestand-related hunting injuries have increased. These injuries are largely preventable if the hunter follows treestand safety recommendations (such as using a body harness and tether at all times when off the ground), as recommended by the Treestand Manufacturers of America. In addition, implementing strategies to improve compliance with hunter education certification also may help reduce injury rates.
An Effective Computational Method for Predicting Self-Interacting Proteins Based on VGGNet Convolutional Neural Network and Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix
Authors: Chu Dan-Hua , An Ji-Yong , Nie Xiao-Mei
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Predicting Self-interacting proteins (SIPs) is a crucial area of research in predicting protein functions, as well as in understanding gene-disease and disease-drug associations. These interactions are integral to numerous cellular processes and play pivotal roles within cells. However, traditional methods for identifying SIPs through biological experiments are often expensive, time-consuming, and have long cycles. Therefore, the development of effective computational methods for accurately predicting SIPs is not only necessary but also presents a significant challenge.

Results:

In this research, we introduce a novel computational prediction technique, VGGNGLCM, which leverages protein sequence data. This method integrates the VGGNet deep convolutional neural network (VGGN) with the Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) to detect Self-interacting proteins associations. Specifically, we initially utilized Position Specific Scoring Matrix (PSSM) to capture protein evolutionary information and integrated key features from PSSM using GLCM. We then employed VGGNet as a predictive classifier, leveraging its capabilities for powerful learning and classification prediction. Subsequently, the extracted features were input into the VGGNet deep convolutional neural network to identify Self-interacting proteins. To evaluate the performance of the VGGNGLCM model, we conducted experiments using yeast and human datasets, achieving average accuracies of 95.68% and 97.72% respectively. Additionally, we compared the prediction performance of the VGGNet classifier with that of the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and the state-of-the-art Support Vector Machine (SVM) using the same feature extraction method. We also compared the prediction ability of VGGNGLCM with other existing approaches. The comparison results further demonstrate the superior performance of VGGNGLCM over other prediction models in this domain.

Conclusion:

The experimental verification further strengthens the evidence that VGGNGLCM is effective and robust compared to existing methods. It also highlights the high accuracy and robustness of the VGGNGLCM model in predicting Self-interacting proteins (SIPs). Consequently, we believe that the VGGNGLCM method serves as a valuable computational tool and can catalyze extensive bioinformatics research related to SIPs prediction.
Determination of Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient for Tomato by Using Non-Weighing Lysimeter in Semiarid Region
Authors: Negash Tatek Wondimu , Tefera Abera Tesfaye , Ashemi Bikila Gebeyehu , Tezera Bizuneh Ketema , Awulachew Tigist Worku , Gurms Dinku Aynalem
Published: October 2024

Providing an accurate amount of water to crops based on their requirements is the primary objective of irrigated agriculture. The crop evapotranspiration and coefficient of tomato were measured using non-weighing lysimeters. The trial was conducted at the Melkassa Agricultural Research Center’s experimental farmland in Ethiopia. The soil water balance approach was applied to compute tomato crop evapotranspiration, whereas the reference evapotranspiration was computed using the Penman-Monteith method. The crop coefficient was calculated using the ratio between the measured crop evapotranspiration and the reference evapotranspiration. A total of 590.4 and 413.3 mm of tomato seasonal evapotranspiration was recorded in the experimental years 2022 and 2023, respectively. The mean crop evapotranspiration for tomatoes over the two experimental years was 501.83 mm. The mean locally produced crop coefficient values were 0.63 for the initial, 1.18 during the mid, and 0.94 at the end of the season. The FAO-adjusted Kc values were 1.12 during the mid and 0.86 at the end of the season. The FAO-adjusted crop coefficient values differed from the crop coefficient values developed. Hence, to ensure efficient irrigation scheduling and planning, measuring the crop evapotranspiration and coefficient for optimal crop production under specific climatic conditions is vital.
Long Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets Utilization and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Shebel Berenta District, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Getnet Yeshitla , Teym Abraham , Wubie Moges , Shiferaw Sintayehu , Tilahun Assaye Bayou , Aneley Zelalem , Mekonen Abera Habitamu , Temesgen Habtamu
Published: October 2024

Background:

Insecticide-treated bed nets are cost-effective vector control methods for malaria prevention. Malaria during pregnancy poses a significant health problem in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess insecticide-treated nets utilization and associated factors among pregnant women in Shebel Berenta District, Northwest Ethiopia.

Objective:

To assess insecticide-treated bed nets utilization and associated factors among pregnant women in Shebel Berenta District, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2023.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 15 to April 30, 2023, on 505 randomly selected pregnant women. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and observational checklist, analyzed with EpiData 3.1 and SPSS 25. Significant factors associated with long-lasting insecticide-treated nets were identified (P < .05, 95% CI) and were reported as statistically significant factors associated with the utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets.

Results:

The utilization of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets was 45.10% [95% CI: 40.5%-49.2%]. Mothers who had antenatal care follow-up (AOR = 3.359; 95%CI: 1.829, 6.166), mothers with illiterate educational status (AOR = 0.196; 95%CI: 0.064-0.603), and mothers who had received information (message) (AOR = 8.102; 95%CI: 3.942-16.653) were significantly associated with long lasting insecticide-treated net utilization.

Conclusion:

Utilization of long lasting insecticide-treated nets by pregnant women was 45.1%, which was lower than the WHO standard. Attending antenatal care, receiving information (messages) about malaria and long lasting insecticide-treated net, and mother’s being literate had a substantial impact on long lasting insecticide-treated net utilization. Therefore, efforts should be made to strengthen ANC service, health information and women’s educational status to increase utilization of long lasting insecticide-treated nets.
Male Infertility associated with a Novel PRKAR1A Mutation in Carney Complex
Authors: Dimitrovska Maja , Plaseska-Karanfilska Dijana , Gogusev Jean K. , Milenkovic Tatjana , Bozhinovski Gjorgji , Dimitrovski Cedomir
Published: October 2024

Carney Complex (CNC) is a rare syndrome characterized by spotty skin pigmentation and multiple neoplasms, notably cardiac myxomas, schwannomas, and endocrine tumours. It is often inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with PRKAR1A gene mutations found in the majority of cases. Male infertility is established as part of the CNC phenotype and is largely associated with Large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumours (LCCSCT). We describe a case of a 30-year-old male patient with Carney Complex, presenting with severe oligoasthenozoospermia and primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD). During follow-up consults, the severe oligozoospermia and impaired semen motility persisted and the patient was also diagnosed with a recurring cardiac myxoma and LCCSCT. Molecular testing identified a novel PRKAR1A mutation involving a deletion of exons 4 to 7. Our findings suggest this mutation causes PRKAR1A haploinsufficiency, which may be directly linked to male infertility, irrespective of the presence of testicular tumours. Accordingly, in male patients with CNC, detection of a PRKAR1A gene mutation may serve as a predictive marker for infertility. This case report illustrates the importance of early consideration and management of infertility in male patients diagnosed with CNC.
Bond between single and bundled high-modulus ribbed GFRP bars with short embedment lengths and concrete
Authors: Habibi Omid , Asadian Alireza , Galal Khaled
Published: October 2024

The bond between glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebar and concrete is one of the most important parameters in the design of GFRP-reinforced structures. This study investigates the bond behavior of single and bundled high-modulus ribbed GFRP rebars with short embedment lengths in concrete. To achieve this, a total of 48 pullout specimens were constructed and tested. The effect of various parameters, including GFRP rebar embedded length, the concrete block dimensions, GFRP surface characteristics, presence of transverse reinforcement, and bundling of rebars on the bond behavior of high-modulus ribbed GFRP rebar was studied. The experimental results indicated that the failure mode changed from pullout to splitting failure as the embedment length increased. The presence of transverse reinforcement, in many cases, changed brittle splitting failure to partial splitting failure followed by pullout failure. The variation in rebar surface characteristics resulted in differences in the bond-slip behavior of GFRP rebar in concrete. The experimental findings illustrated that rebar stress at failure for specimens with bundled GFRP was generally higher than that of corresponding individual bar with approximately same cross-sectional area. This observation suggests that the equivalent area method may serve as a conservative approach for evaluating the embedment length of bundled ribbed GFRP rebars. Furthermore, the adhesion between ribbed GFRP rebars and concrete was quantified for various bar sizes. Finally, the experimental results were employed to refine and calibrate existing bond-slip models of ribbed GFRP rebar to concrete.
Promising the earth: Forms of capital promised and pursued in Australian-Chinese research collaborations
Authors: Brosnan Caragh , Collyer Fran , Williams Kate
Published: October 2024

Science is a space of both collaboration and competition, illustrated by international research collaboration (IRC) and its advantages for individual countries, institutions and scientists. IRC also brings together countries positioned unequally in global epistemic hierarchies. Little is known about how scientists navigate these tensions within IRC. We explore this through a study of Australian–Chinese IRC, drawing on interviews with Australian scientists and Bourdieu's theoretical framework. We identify specific capitals that are sought and promised in Australian–Chinese IRC, namely, scientific, economic and ‘environmental’ capital, with successful collaboration depending also on social and cultural capital. Differences in how Australia and China are positioned in global academic and scientific fields, and differences between national scientific fields, mean that collaboration facilitates access to forms of capital unobtainable in scientists’ home settings. Because the benefits of IRC are fundamentally relational and promissory, these will change alongside the global hierarchies that are, themselves, being reshaped by IRC.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Derived Psoas Muscle Area and Survival in Patients Treated Invasively for Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Söderlund Minea , Huhtamo Henni , Protto Sara , Hernesniemi Jussi A. , Vakhitov Damir , Oksala Niku , Khan Niina
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims:

Psoas muscle parameters estimated from computed tomography images, as surrogates for sarcopenia, have been found to be associated with post-interventional outcomes after a wide range of cardiovascular procedures. The pre-interventional assessment in patients undergoing invasive treatment for peripheral arterial disease is increasingly often carried out with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and we therefore sought to investigate the predictive potential of MRI-derived psoas muscle area in this cohort.

Methods:

A total of 899 patients with available sufficient quality pre-interventional MRI conducted within 6 months prior to treatment undergoing open, endovascular, or hybrid revascularization procedures for claudication and/or limb-threatening ischemia at Tampere University hospital between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively studied in this single-center cohort study. The follow-up lasted until 17 June 2021. Psoas muscle areas were measured from the magnetic resonance images at the L4 level, and the reliability of muscle parameter measurements was tested with intraclass correlation coefficient analysis. The average psoas muscle area values (mean of left and right psoas surface areas) were z-scored and analyzed separately for men and women.

Results:

The median follow-up time was 5.9 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 2.7–7.8), and the overall mortality count was 259 (28.8%) (29.5% n = 168/569 for men and 27.6% n = 91/330 for women). The intraclass correlation coefficient analysis showed excellent interrater reliability for psoas muscle measurements. The muscle surface areas were larger in men (mean = 7.58 cm2) compared to women (mean = 5.27 cm2) (p < 0.001). Higher psoas muscle area was associated with better survival in women (p = 0.003, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.6–0.9 per 1 SD), whereas in men, an independent association of the muscle parameter with mortality was not found.

Conclusions:

MRI-derived psoas muscle area may be a prognostic factor for clinical use.
Online Versus Offline eSports Tournaments: Prize Structure and Individual Performance
Authors: Shenkman Evgeniya , Molodchik Mariia , Parshakov Petr
Published: October 2024

This article examines whether the online context affects tournament theory incentive mechanisms. It investigates the impact of prize structure on player performance in eSports under online and offline conditions. Using a quasi-experimental approach with data from the Counter-Strike Global Offensive eSports scene, the study finds that high prize distributions increase individual output in both settings, but the incentive effect is weaker in online events.
Preoperative Depression is Associated With a Higher Risk of Bleeding in Type a Aortic Dissection Repair: A Population Study of National Inpatient Sample From 2015-2020
Authors: Li Renxi , Luo Qianyun , Huddleston Stephen J.
Published: October 2024

Background

Depression is highly prevalent in patients with aortic diseases. While depression has been shown to predispose patients to adverse outcomes after surgery, its impact on postoperative outcomes in Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection (TAAD) has not been established. This study aimed to conduct a population-based examination of the effect of preoperative depression on in-hospital outcomes after TAAD using the National/Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, the largest all-layer database in the US.

Methods

Patients undergoing TAAD repair were identified in NIS from the last quarter of 2015-2020. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to compare in-hospital outcomes between patients with and without preoperative depression, adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, primary payer status, and transfer status.

Results

There were 321 (7.50%) patients with depression and 3961 (92.50%) non-depressive patients who underwent TAAD repair. Patients with and without depression had comparable in-hospital mortality (11.84% vs 15.37%, P = 0.35). However, Patients with depression had a higher risk of hemorrhage/hematoma (83.49% vs 76.6%, aOR 1.593, 95 CI 1.161-2.184, P < 0.01) and a higher rate of transfer out (40.81% vs 32.62%, aOR 1.396, 95 CI 1.077-1.81, P = 0.01). All other in-hospital complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charge were comparable between patients with and without depression.

Conclusion

Preoperative depression is associated with a higher risk of bleeding after TAAD repair. This may be due to anti-depression treatment, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), that can disrupt platelet function and lead to abnormal bleeding. While depression is not associated with other major outcomes, preoperative depression screening, as well as hemostatic monitoring and appropriate blood management in patients with depression may be crucial in preventing bleeding complications in TAAD repair.
Benefits and barriers of participating in community sport for individuals with an intellectual disability
Authors: Fraser Kelly , Clayden Mark , Piggott Ben , Picknoll Duncan
Published: October 2024

In recent years, there is an increasing number of individuals accessing integrated community sport clubs in Australia. The objective of this study was to explore the benefits and barriers of participating in community sport directly from the perspectives of the individuals with the intellectual disability. This qualitative study provided an appreciation of the lived experienced of participating in community sport for individuals with intellectual disabilities. A total of 29 participants shared their personal lived experiences in a series of focus groups. Data from the focus groups was transcribed and coded using a thematic analysis. Results highlight that participation in community sport increased exposure to social capital, ameliorated interpersonal skills, confidence, leadership, and respect, in addition to enhancing ability to develop and achieve personal goals. Findings illustrate the need for increased awareness about community integrated sport in schools and communities to increase participation in the programs.