bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the operating conditions of traction power supply systems incorporating renewable energy sources
Authors: Beloev Ivan , Davtyan Vahe , Kryukov Andrey , Grozev Dimitar , Suslov Konstantin , Kryukov Alexander , Shi Jie , Valeeva Yulia
Published: September 2024

The paper presents the results of research aimed at developing digital models for determining the operating parameters of railway power supply systems equipped with distributed generation plants based on renewable energy sources (RES). RES can be used in railway transport to increase the reliability of power supply to facilities located in areas with insufficiently developed power grid. First of all, this applies to consumers of the first category, whose power failure can lead to significant damage, accidents, and a threat to human life. RES can serve as a basis for independent power sources for consumers of a special group and provide an increase in the efficiency of energy conversion. Furthermore, large-scale implementation of renewable energy sources can significantly reduce energy supply costs and improve the quality of electricity. The study employs a technique of modeling in phase coordinates, which is characterized by the following features: systems approach, which implies determining operating conditions considering the properties and characteristics of complex traction and supply networks; versatility, which provides modeling of power supply systems of various structures and designs; comprehensiveness, which involves calculating normal, emergency, and special operating parameters, which is crucial for the scenarios such as ice melting on catenary wires. The modeling results achieved using the Fazonord software show that the RES-based distributed generation plants provide a variety of beneficial effects: reduction in electricity consumption from power system networks; decrease in the unbalance and harmonic distortion on the busbars of regional windings of traction substations, and stabilization of voltage levels on current collectors of electric locomotives.
CT can enhance the measurement accuracy of radiographic anteversion of acetabular cup following total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Wenzhe , Zhang Zian , Huang Zhenchao , Liu Chang , Wang Qianqian , Zhang Haining
Published: September 2024

Background
This study employed a novel method to measure radiographic anteversion (RA) of acetabular cups following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and validated its accuracy in comparison to traditional methods. The new method involves measuring anatomical anteversion (AA) using CT scans and radiographic inclination (RI) from anteroposterior (AP) radiographs, followed by calculating RA through a mathematical function.
Methods
The imaging data of 152 patients (192 hips) post-THA were retrospectively assessed twice for RA by two independent observers, utilizing Lewinnek’s method, Pradhan’s method, and the new method. Obtaining actual values ​​of RA from patient’s 3D imaging data. The intraobserver and interobserver reliability and accuracy of each method were subsequently compared.
Results
When compared to Lewinnek’s and Pradhan's method, the new method demonstrated superior intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Furthermore, the values obtained through the new method were closer to the actual values for acetabular RA.
Conclusion
Leveraging CT data, the new method introduced in this study enhances the accuracy of acetabular radiographic anteversion measurements.
The Role of Triglyceride-Glucose Index in Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
Authors: Sirakaya Hatice Aslan , Ayyildiz Bekir , Sert Ibrahim Ismet , Kucuk Bekir , Koca Semra , Sirakaya Ender
Published: September 2024

Purpose:To evaluate the correlation between the Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index and newly diagnosed cases of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) in patients.
Methods: The research involved 51 patients diagnosed with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and a control group consisting of 50 healthy volunteers matched for age and sex. Following a thorough ocular examination, various blood biochemistry and hematological parameters were documented. The TyG index was derived from fasting plasma glucose and triglyceride values.
Results:The average age was 66.1 ± 8.9 years for individuals with CRAO and 64.9 ± 7.6 years for those in the control group. Significant differences in TyG values were observed between the CRAO and control groups, with the CRAO group exhibiting higher values (8.74 ± 0.17 vs. 8.49 ± 0.22, p<0.001). Upon multivariate analysis, the TyG index emerged as an independent predictor of CRAO (Odds Ratio= 1.84, 95% confidence interval = 1.19 – 4.23; p < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristics analysis, the area under the curve for the TyG index was 0.789. A TyG index exceeding 8.58 predicted CRAO with 78% sensitivity and 68% specificity.
Conclusion:The current study demonstrated a notable association between increased TyG index and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). Thus, the TyG index could serve as a valuable predictive marker for assessing the risk of CRAO.
Association of both depressive symptoms scores and specific depressive symptoms with cardiovascular disease among middle-aged and older Chinese adults with chronic pain
Authors: Tang Dingzhong , Wang Weiwei , Chen Hong , Song Xiayan , Luo Guojun , Yu Chunli
Published: September 2024

Background There are limited studies on the associations of both depressive symptom scores and specific depressive symptoms with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. our purpose was to analyze association of both depressive symptom scores and specific depressive symptoms with CVD among Chinese population with chronic pain. Methods We collected data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) during 2011–2015. The primary endpoint of this study was CVD events, which was defined as heart disease or stroke. COX proportional hazards regression was performed to analyze the association of both depressive symptom scores and specific depressive symptoms with CVD events. Results 3401 individuals were included when followed up to 2015, including 304 participants with CVD and 3097 participants without CVD, establishing a CVD incidence of 8.94% after an average follow-up of 46.58 months. The adjusted restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves showed a linear relationship between depression symptom scores and CVD events (P for non-linearity > 0.05). Each 1-point increase in the depression symptom score was associated with a 2% increase in the incidence of CVD events (adjusted HR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04). Only 2 specific depressive symptoms were significantly associated with CVD events: feeling hopeless (adjusted HR, 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02–1.22) and feeling lonely (adjusted HR, 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03–1.26). Conclusions This study revealed a significant positive association between elevated depressive symptom scores and high CVD incidence in individual with chronic pain, only two specific depressive symptoms (feeling hopeless and feeling lonely) were independently associated with the development of CVD.
The effect of 5-item modified frailty index on clinical outcomes in elderly rectal cancer patients after curative surgery
Authors: Wu Hong , Shi Feiyu , Hu Chenhao , Zhang Lei , Qu Penghong , She Junjun
Published: September 2024

Frailty is a significant factor contributing to an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes in older cancer patients. This study aims to investigate the impact of the 5-item modified frailty index (mFI) on both short-term and long-term prognosis in elderly rectal cancer patients who underwent radical resection. And, by integrating the 5-item mFI with clinicopathological characteristics, a postoperative major complications nomogram and a cancer-specific survival (CSS) prediction nomogram were further constructed. Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic data were collected from 1,034 patients aged ≥ 70 years with rectal cancer who underwent proctectomy between 2017 and 2022. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their mFI scores: 318 patients with mFI = 0, 404 patients with mFI = 1, and 312 patients with mFI ≥ 2. Comparisons among these groups revealed that higher 5-item mFI scores were associated with an increased incidence of both overall and major postoperative morbidity, prolonged recovery times, and elevated total medical costs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that an mFI score of ≥ 2 [odds ratio = 3.145, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.047–4.833, P < 0.001] was an independent risk factor for major postoperative complications. Similarly, in competing risk analysis, the 5-item mFI was identified as an independent prognostic factor for CSS (subdistribution hazard ratio = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.47–2.72, P < 0.001). The postoperative major complications nomogram and CSS prediction nomogram AUC values were 0.730 and 0.844, respectively, both demonstrating superior predictive capabilities. In conclusion, the 5-item mFI serves as a concise and effective tool for preoperative risk stratification and for predicting clinical outcomes in elderly rectal cancer patients.
Effect of Oblique Laser shock peening on the Wear Resistance of Nitrided H13 Steel Components
Authors: Li Longhui , Li Yi , Liu Judong , Chen Junying , Xu Zhilong , Chen Shiqi , Jiang Qingshan , Chen Xiuyu , Jiang Wenjun , Ma Wenbin
Published: September 2024

This article describes the adoption of an oblique Laser shock peening modification process to perform surface composite modification on nitrided H13 steel. The modified layers are characterized by element distribution, microhardness, surface microstructure, residual stress, and wear morphology. The wear properties of the modified layers were researched through a ball-on-disc (BOD) wear test. The research results showed that oblique Laser shock peening constructs a composite modified layer on the surfaces of nitrided H13 steel components, refining the grain size and significantly improving the hardness and residual stress. However, as the incident angle increases, the magnitude of the increase in hardness and residual stress decreases. The wear test results showed that the wear mechanisms of H13 steel components before and after modification are both abrasive wear and oxidative wear. However, the presence of the composite modified layer helps reduce the depth of surface abrasive wear by 46.3% compared to untreated components. Additionally, the wear properties decrease with an increase in the laser incidence angle.
Barriers in Enabler for Hospitals to Control Hospital- Acquired Infections in India – a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Htoo San Thaw Tar Nyan , Kamath Rajesh , R Vani Lakshmi , Tiwari Krati
Published: September 2024

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) have a substantial impact on patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures. They represent a major challenge to global healthcare systems. The prevalence of HAIs is very high in India due to the country's unique issues regarding healthcare infrastructure and infection control methods. With the help of this comprehensive evaluation of the literature, hospitals in India should be able to better manage healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Included were seven investigations that were carried out in India between 2020 and 2022 and covered a range of geographic areas and healthcare settings. Antibiotic resistance is emphasized in the study as a primary obstacle, underscoring the pressing need for novel therapeutic approaches and infection control measures. Colistin is a possible enabler that shows promise in combating microbes resistant to many drugs. The significance of thorough infection control methods, the difficulties experienced by patient populations, such as newborns and patients with liver illness, and the promise of natural remedies such phytochemicals are some other important findings. The consequences for healthcare policy and practice highlight how critical it is to fortify antibiotic stewardship initiatives and execute evidence-based interventions that are customized for regional settings. Even though this evaluation offers insightful information, more investigation is necessary to fully comprehend the intricate variables affecting HAI control in India and to create more effective preventative and treatment plans.
Enhancing Real-Time Object Detection on Low-End Devices: A Comparative Study of Performance of YOLOv4 and SSD MobileNetv2
Authors: Chimakurthi Ashok Kumar , Chimakurthy Lakshmi Priya
Published: September 2024

This research tackles the challenge of achieving efficient and accurate real-time object detection on low-end devices, such as single-board computers and embedded hardware. Departing from the conventional choice of SSD MobileNetv2, the study opts for the YOLOv4 architecture known for its superior performance in both speed and accuracy. By training the model on a dataset consisting of images captured in densely populated public spaces by surveillance cameras, the focus lies on discerning between individuals and crowds, critical for surveillance and crowd management applications. The hardware setup involves deploying the trained model on a Raspberry Pi 3B, a widely accessible single-board computer, to demonstrate real-world feasibility. Beyond merely showcasing improved stability, precision, and accuracy, the research conducts an in-depth analysis encompassing architectural shifts, relevance of training data, inference speed, and resource utilization, aiming to develop machine learning models specifically tailored for low-resource platforms. This holistic approach seeks to strike a balance between computational affordability and real-time performance, ultimately contributing to advancements in surveillance systems for various practical applications.
Minimally invasive surgery via bilateral thoracotomy for treating left ventricular aneurysm with concomitant ventricular septal rupture
Authors: Li Qianzhen , Chen Xiaodong , Xu Weiye , Chen Liangwan
Published: September 2024

Full median sternotomy is the traditional approach for the treatment of left ventricular aneurysms (LVA) with or without concomitant ventricular septal rupture (VSR). However, it has some disadvantages such as reduced breathing and exercise thoracic stability, which may increase the surgical risk for older or fragile patients. Herein, we report a case of successful minimally invasive bilateral thoracotomy.
Patient and method
A 79-year-old male patient visited our center complaining of breathlessness and orthopnea 21 days after an acute myocardial infarction and percutaneous coronary intervention. An LVA (34.7 mm × 44.4 mm) and a VSR with a diameter of 10 mm close to the apex was detected by echocardiography. Bilateral thoracotomy was performed via two incisions: a 3 cm incision at the right 3rd intercostal space for the aortic root and left atrium vent cannula and aortic clamping; a 7 cm incision at the left 5th intercostal space to expose the apex for LVA and VSR repair. The patient was discharged 7 days postoperatively without any complications.
Conclusion:
LVA with or without VSR can be successfully repaired via bilateral thoracotomy with promising outcomes.
Automatized THM simulations capturing glacial cycle effects on nuclear waste repositories in clay rock
Authors: Christian Silbermann , Zill Florian , Meisel Tobias , Kolditz Olaf , Magri Fabien , Nagel Thomas
Published: September 2024

To assess the present and future conditions of potential deep geological repository sites, understanding their evolution in the past is mandatory. Here, glaciation cycles strongly affected the long-term thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) evolution of the geosystem.The AREHS project studies the effects of changing boundary conditions (BCs) on the long-term evolution of large-scale hydrogeological systems. The focus is on numerical modeling using the open-source multi-field finite element code OpenGeoSys with THM couplings. The impact of the glacial THM loading is taken into account using complex time-dependent THM BCs. A generic geological model for a clay host rock formation including predominantly sedimentary rock layers is applied. Assuming the plastic flow behavior of the sedimentary rocks to share qualitative features, an elasto-plastic model is applied that can describe qualitatively a range of relevant effects (dilatancy, contractancy, consolidation etc.) with few material parameters. Special emphasis is put on the specification of a suitable initial state: To this end, an initial simulation is carried out, where a reasonable plastic pre-consolidation is adjusted. Then, the thermodynamic state is transferred in full to the subsequent simulation of two glacial cycles. As a main result, the glacial cycles lead to persistent deviations in the subsurface, e. g. long-term pressure anomalies due to THM coupling. However, under the chosen assumptions, only the first glacial cycle leads to pronounced (contractant) plastic flow whereas the second cycle merely shows elastic rock behavior.
Genetic diversity, core collection construction and genotype–environment associations of Eucalyptus cloeziana F. Muell. (Myrtaceae) germplasm based on EST-SSR markers
Authors: Lu Hui , Liang Xinyuan , Wang Jianzhong , Bai Tiandao , Jiang Weixin
Published: September 2024

Conservation and assessment of germplasm resources play a crucial role in forest genetics and breeding. Eucalyptus cloeziana F. Muell is esteemed as a valuable timber tree species in China owing to its substantial economic and ecological significance. Nevertheless, there has been a dearth of research on functional genomics and molecular breeding within this species. In this study, 20 fluorescent-labeled polymorphic EST-SSR markers were utilized to genotype 448 E. cloeziana individuals from 118 families originating from 19 provenances within the State-owned Dongmen Forest Farm of Guangxi province, one of the largest gene pools of Eucalyptus in Asia. The results unveiled a relatively high genetic diversity of E. cloeziana germplasm (I = 2.310; He = 0.855) and low genetic differentiation among provenances, with the majority of genetic variation occurring within provenances (96.73%). Bayesian structure analysis grouped the tested accessions into three clusters: northern provenances, northern high-altitude provenances, and southern provenances. A core collection comprising 85 individuals (18.97% of the total breeding population of 448 individuals) was established through random non-repetitive sampling to diminish redundancy while uploading a high level of genetic diversity (I = 2.470; He = 0.890). Three loci associated with environment (EC-e039, EC-e015, and EC-e089) were identified using latent factor mixed model (LFMM) and redundancy analysis (RDA). Two temperature variables (maximum temperature of the warmest month and mean temperature of the driest quarter) and two precipitation variables (annual precipitation and precipitation of the driest month) were identified as significant environmental factors influencing adaptive variation in the species. These findings highlight the close relationship between climate conditions and genetic variability, providing valuable insights for the management of forest species in the face of a swiftly changing environment.
The Effects of Exercise on University Students’ Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown: The Mediating Effects of Relative Deprivation and Subjective Exercise Experience
Authors: Chen Chao , Ma Jie , Song Jinzhuang , Yan Chuang , Yan Minghao
Published: September 2024

Background Epidemic prevention measures in universities are very important as a special area with crowds. Many universities have taken measures of lockdown to stem the spread of COVID-19 epidemic on campus. Negatively life events such as lockdown and pandemic are important variables of depression which may affect students' mental health.
Methods AMOS24.0 analysis software packages were used for construct model to analyze the effects of exercise on depression of university student. An ANOVA analysis of variance for repeated measures was applied to analyze the differences between exercise and depression.
Results This study found that effects of exercise on university students' depression has both direct effects and mediating effects, with direct effects accounting for 43.7% and mediating effects accounting for 56.3%.The mediating effects of exercise on depression mainly included three aspects: subjective exercise experience, relative deprivation, subjective exercise experience and relative deprivation.
Conclusions Exercise intensity and exercise frequency had better effects on reduce depression. Not only did positive happiness reduce depression, but also reduce depression by controlled relative deprivation. However, exercise fatigue cause high level of depression by increased relative deprivation indirectly. Therefore, if we want to reduce depression with the help of exercise effectively, it is necessary to arrange moderate intensity exercise three times a week and pay attention to recovery after fatigue.
Assessing the implementation of Santiago Principles by Sovereign Wealth Funds in the ASEAN Community
Authors: Rwakigumba Ronald , Guney Yilmaz , Wiryono Sudarso Kaderi , Lauretta Eliana , Hariadi Melia Famiola
Published: September 2024

The International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF) adopted the Santiago Principles to foster good governance, accountability, and transparency practices. The origins, objectives, market impacts, financial performance, and investment strategies of SWFs have dominated scholarly discourse. A still unsolved question is how and to what extent SWFs implement governance practices. We analyse the governance self-assessment reports of the three SWFs that are signatories to the Santiago Principles and belong to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). That is, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. As SWFs grow in size and number, deepened coordination with domestic fiscal and monetary authorities will be needed. We also find that the Santiago Principles’ economic and financial targeting objective appears indifferent to the environmental and social impacts that have the potential to affect the stability of financial markets. The variation in levels of disclosure across SWFs threatens to dilute the essence of the Santiago Principles badge. Fifteen years after their formulation, the Santiago Principles show signs of needing an update to reflect emerging realities and expanded member contexts.
Performance Management of Hospital Oxygen Systems: A Literature Review
Authors: Mohamed Zid Alkilani Emad , I. Abubakar Mohammed
Published: September 2024

In situations where a continuous oxygen supply is essential the need for a reliable oxygen delivery system can never be overemphasized. This is a literature review on the performance management of hospital oxygen systems. The purpose of this study is to critically analyse previous studies on the performance management of hospital oxygen systems. The study summarizes the level of understanding as regards the topic presently because of the importance of the information to the health outcomes of patients requiring oxygen therapy. The authors searched ScienceDirect.com, Google Scholar, and PubMed as well as MEDLINE using a series of combinations of the following keywords: management of oxygen systems, performance management and, reliability of oxygen systems as well as hospital oxygen delivery services and oxygen therapy. This literature review has shown that performance management of hospital oxygen systems is critical to achieving favourable health outcomes in different clinical situations. It has also revealed that performance management is key to attaining and maintaining the high-level performance of oxygen delivery services in healthcare facilities.
The Role of Senior Management in Fostering Ethical Cultures in Guyana’s Public and Private Sectors: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: F. M. Nelson Roystone
Published: September 2024

This paper revisits the significant empirical gaps in ethical decision-making within organizations highlighted by Linda Trevino in 1986, emphasizing their persistence in today's dynamic business environment, particularly within Guyana’s public and private sectors. Despite decades of progress, companies continue to grapple with the integration of ethical practices into their operational frameworks. This essay explores the pivotal role of senior management in cultivating ethical standards and delves into the strategies and challenges of embedding these practices sustainably within organizations. Through comprehensive analysis, it aims to bridge Trevino's identified gaps by examining the practical application of ethical leadership and its implications for corporate governance in Guyana. Key findings indicate that while most organizations have established codes of ethics, there remains a significant disconnect between policy articulation and actual practice. The research highlights the influence of senior management in shaping organizational culture and the critical challenges they face, including inconsistency in policy enforcement and a lack of robust mechanisms to support ethical behavior. This study proposes several recommendations for enhancing ethical practices, including strengthening leadership commitment to ethical standards, improving communication and training regarding ethics, and fostering an organizational culture that supports ethical decision-making.
Capacity Planning in A Sweater Factory -Challenges and Strategies: Case of Starlight Sweaters Limited, Gazipur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Al Mansur Bhuiyan Abdullah
Published: September 2024

Capacity planning is a critical but one of the most important aspects of operations management in manufacturing facilities, particularly in labour-intensive industries such as the Garments and Textile sector. Bangladeshi sweater industry as a part of Garments and Textiles industry, playing a significant role in the country's economy. Efficient capacity planning is essential to ensure optimal utilization of resources, timeline for raw materials sourcing, streamline production processes, and enhance competitiveness in every season with optimum productivity with best quality. This research paper focuses on capacity planning in a Bangladeshi sweater factory, analysing the challenges faced by the industry and exploring strategies to optimize capacity utilization. Through a combination of qualitative interviews, data analysis, case studies, and literature review, this paper aims to provide insights into the dynamics of capacity planning in the context of Bangladeshi sweater manufacturing. Starlight Sweaters Limited, which is considered as one of the top Sweater Manufacturing factories of Bangladesh, having more than 25 years’ experience with very high reputation and also having a decent business all over the world, is considered as the case of this research work.
Unlocking Corporate Value – An Investigation on the Extent to which an Organization’s Strategic Priorities Can Affect its Corporate Value
Authors: Chuka Dukor Michael , Sreekala S.P.
Published: September 2024

All over the world, businesses experience stormy and changeable business environments which influence the success or otherwise of the business. The financial industry – banking especially, is not an exception to this theory as the world has become a global village, with activities from one country becoming a threat to businesses in other countries. It is therefore imperative for organizations to employ various strategies to enable them compete and survive in turbulent environments. There are several facets of an organization which facilitate its attainment of corporate value. Of utmost importance is the definition of strategic priorities which must be in place for an organization to achieve its objectives. For this study, in terms of understanding the extent to which an organization’s Strategic Priorities can affect its Corporate Value, the chosen organization’s strategic priorities of Technological Innovation, Level of Productivity, Service Delivery, Wealth Maximization and Market Efficiency were all examined to determine the degree to which they affect corporate value. The study adopted a convergent parallel design approach to enable the extraction and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. Due to its composite attributes of perfectly combining the characteristics of cluster sampling with stratified sampling elements, the multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. Following a robust analysis, the conclusion was that an organization’s strategic priorities jointly and significantly influence its corporate value. Multiple regression results reveal an F-value of 88.77; p<0.05 thus demonstrating statistical significance between the combined strategic priorities and the firm’s corporate value, with Wealth Management very significant (β=.28; p<.05).
An Investigation into the Effects of Organizational Conflict in the Zambian Civil Service: A Case Study of the Ministry of Health Headquarters
Authors: Chilo Hamwanza Namwiinga , Dynamite Benson Munkumba Michael
Published: September 2024

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of organizational conflict in the Zambian Civil Service (ZCS) using Ministry of Health Headquarters in Zambia as a case study. The paper analyzes the effects of conflict in order to address them and ensure that there is improved performance in the organization. The research will add to the existing knowledge in identifying the effects of conflict in organizations so that necessary measures are put in place to address them.The sample of one hundred was selected from officers in senior supervisor, supervisor and below supervisor positions using purposive and simple random sampling method. However, eight respondents could not proceed with the study as they indicated that they were not aware of conflict in the organization, hence only ninety-two participated in the study. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that the most common effect of conflict in the organization was reduced work productivity. Other effects were reduced morale, low collaboration, increased stress, poor quality of work produced, excessive turn over, absenteeism and increased cost to the institution.
Comparative study of evapotranspiration from the SWAT model and MODIS-derived remote-sensing data in two climatic zones in Egypt
Authors: Morsy Mostafa , Sayad Tarek , Abdou Mahmoud I. , Aboelkhair Hassan
Published: September 2024

Evapotranspiration (ET) estimation is highly dependent on several input factors that differ between different estimation methods either from models or remote-sensing data. Therefore, the main objectives of this study are to assess and compare the ET simulated from the SWAT model and derived from MODIS (SSEBop and MOD16A2) in South-Delta (northern Egypt) and KomOmbo (southern Egypt) zones during the period from April 2013 to December 2020. The daily rainfall, maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), solar radiation (Rs), relative humidity (RH), and wind speed (WND) from the NASA-POWER agroclimatology dataset were used to run the SWAT model. The results showed that the simulated monthly, seasonal, and annual ET from SWAT is lower than SSEBop by about −41% in South-Delta and −66% in KomOmbo and higher than MOD16A2 by about 34% in South-Delta and 28% in KomOmbo. The SWAT model may have the potential to produce reasonable ET values, as it is reliant on both climatic and actual land-surface conditions. The monthly and seasonal ET from SWAT and MODIS is positively correlated with Rs, Tmax, Tmin, and WND, and is negatively correlated with RH and rainfall, while the annual ET has varied (positive/negative) weak correlation with the weather variables.
MORPHOFUNCTIONAL STATUS OF COSMONAUTS' ERYTHROCYTES AFTER MISSIONS TO THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION OF VARYING DURATION
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Serova A.V. , Zhuravleva О.А. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Rykova M.P. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Antropova Е.N. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Markin А.А. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: September 2024

Forty ISS male cosmonauts at the age of 36 to 61 years participated in investigations of the hematological parameters and erythrocyte indices including those used to detect a latent iron deficit (MAF, LHD%). The cosmonauts were divided into 3 groups. Group-1 consisted of 9 cosmonauts who had made 8 to 14-day missions; groups-2 consisted of 27 cosmonauts whose mission duration was 125 to 215 days; group-3 consisted of 4 cosmonauts who had accomplished 355 to 371-day long missions. The data show that post-recovery changes of the erythrocyte morfo-functional properties are compensatory and aimed to overcome the stress from re-adaptation to Earth's gravity. Missions of 8-14-d duration do not affect erythrocytes dramatically. After 125-215-d and 355-371-d missions we observed signs of a hypochromic anemic syndrome that depended on length of life in microgravity. Irrespective of mission duration, the width of erythrocyte distribution by volume decreases considerably during early recovery which implies reduction of heterogeneity in the erythrocyte population.
ROLE OF THE MECHANICALLY ACTIVATED CHANNELS IN THE REGULATION OF ANABOLIC MARKERS IN THE ISOLATED RAT POSTURAL MUSCLE IN RESPONSE TO PASSIVE STRETCHING
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Vilchinskaya N.A. , Sergeeva K.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Tyganov S.А. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Shenkman B.S. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Mirzoev Т.М. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: September 2024

At present, the role of mechanically-activated (МА) channels in realization of anabolic processes in the anti-gravity postural muscles in response to passive stretching remains poorly explored. The purpose of our investigation was to define a potential role of МА-channels in activation of ribosome biogenesis and the ERK1/2-dependent pathway in isolated rat soleus muscle in response to mechanical loading induced by passive stretching. Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: 1) Control (m. soleus was not subjected to the action of a MA-channels inhibitor or MA-channels activator Piezo1); 2) Gd3+ (m. soleus was incubated in the presence of MA-channels inhibitor gadolinium chloride); 3) Yoda1 (m. soleus was incubated with MA-channels activator Piezo1 – Yoda1). In each group, m. soleus from the left leg was incubated in solution without mechanical loading and m. soleus from the right leg was exposed to passive stretching. The content or expression of anabolic markers was determined using the western-blotting or real-time PCR. In an hour after completion of the m. soleus passive stretching, we discovered a reliable increase in c-Myc and 45S pre-rRNA expression, as well as increases in ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) and phospho-p90RSK when compared to the resting muscle. After incubation with Gd3+, no difference was found in с-Myc expression and levels of rpS6 and phospho-p90RSK between the resting and stimulated m. soleus. In the Yoda1 group, no difference was noted between the resting and stimulated m. soleus in such parameters as phospho-p90RSK, c-Myc, 45S pre-rRNA and rpS6. Exposure of the resting muscle in the Yoda1 solution resulted in a significant increase in expression of c-Myc, 45S pre-rRNA, and rise in the content of rpS6 in comparison with the control muscle. Incubation of antigravity m. soleus together with the MA-channels inhibitor (Gd3+) attenuates the mechano-dependent response of a number of anabolic markers (phospho-r90RSK, c-Myc, 45S pre-rRNA, rpS6). Chemical activation of the Piezo1 channels in resting muscles produced activation of the markers of ribosomal biogenesis.
MORPHOFUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF MESENCHYMAL STROMAL CELLS EXPOSED TO GDF11
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Ratushnyy А.Yu.
Published: September 2024

GDF11 (growth differentiation factor 11) is being investigated intensively because of its potential geroprotective properties and conceivable use for therapy. In our model we studied the GDF11 effect on human mesenchymal stromal cells (MDCs) which are often regarded as a prospective instrument in regenerative medicine. Experiments were conducted with immortalized standard MSCs line ASC52telo (ATCC® SCRC-4000™). It was shown that a high GDF11 concentration (160 ng/ml) decreases the cytoplasmic grainularity, ROS, activities of the lysosomal and mitochondrial compartments. A reliable reduction of autofluorescence was seen already after treatment by 10 ng/ml. In our experimental model, GDF11 did not change MSCs proliferation considerably. However, we observed a cytokine reaction.
Determinants that influence the informality of the vulnerable area of the Briceño-San Vicente Beach profile
Authors: Alcívar-Intriago Andrés Aladino , Valencia- Castro Fátima Acnabel , Zambrano-Gómez María Gabriela , Moreira-Castro Silvia Alexandra , Palacios-Dueñas Ana Katerine
Published: September 2024

A correct vulnerability assessment will allow, in the long term, to make better decisions when making comprehensive coastal plans, planning the construction of sites for industry, ports, tourist housing. The objective was to analyze the determinants that influence the informality of the vulnerable area of the Briceño beach profile of the San Vicente canton, province of Manabí; in the period from March to June 2023. The bibliographic review and field, experimental and transectional research were used as methodology. The information was obtained through participatory observation and the survey was used as an instrument, designed by the proposed variables. The result was that, of the 30 families surveyed, segregation and informality are three-dimensional phenomena: Residentially: 53% of the families live in a precarious state, 30% in a regular state and 17% in a state of satisfactory housing; That is to say, they do not have architectural spatial organization, nor standardized setbacks between homes.
Digitalization, Social Network and Women Entrepreneurship: A Sociological Analysis
Authors: Ph.D Research Scholar Archana Behera,
Published: September 2024

The importance of entrepreneurship for women extends beyond mere economic empowerment,encompassing enhanced decision-making abilities and leadership skills. Entrepreneurial endeavors,particularly in self-employment, significantly impact women's empowerment. In Odisha, women areincreasingly involved in network marketing, which serves not only as a platform for entrepreneurship butalso for empowerment. This form of marketing diverges from traditional methods by focusing on networkfacilitation, employment opportunities, product benefits, and digitalization. To investigate thisphenomenon, this study aims to assess the impact of digitalization on women entrepreneurs and comparetraditional entrepreneurship with network marketing. Primary data was gathered from 200 women engagedin network marketing companies (such as Amway, Herbalife, Vestige, Modicare) in Balasore district,Odisha, utilizing the snowball sampling technique. Additionally, secondary data from sources such as theIDSAannual report, various journals, and websites were used. The study findings indicate that women showa greater inclination towards network marketing compared to traditional marketing. This preference isattributed to the ease of managing business alongside household responsibilities, and digitalization playinga crucial role in expanding networks and ensuring business sustainability. Thus, prioritizing digitaleducation is imperative to augment women's capabilities in this domain.
Study on Women Entrepreneurship Development through Self-Help Groups
Authors: Assistant Professor Pradhyuman Singh Lakhawat, , Assistant Professor Dharini Jyotishi, , Assistant Professor Prateek Gupta,
Published: September 2024

Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in nation-building, especially in developing countries like India.Women entrepreneurs, in particular, contribute significantly to economic growth and social progress. Thesewomen drive change and promote inclusive development since they are resilient, creative, and innovative.However, females frequently run into a number of challenges in their entrepreneurial endeavours, such asdiscrimination against women, societal hurdles, and restricted access to resources.Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are a game-changer when it comes to advancing gender parity and empoweringfemale business owners. Through the facilitation of group activity and reciprocal assistance, Self-HelpGroups (SHGs) empower women to get financial services, cultivate entrepreneurial abilities, and surmountsocial obstacles. Women from underprivileged and marginalized backgrounds receive the resources andconfidence needed to start and grow their enterprises through SHGs, which eventually raises their socialstanding and financial security.Overall, the study highlights the critical role of SHGs in fostering women's entrepreneurship and promotinggender equality. By facilitating access to resources, offering mentorship and support, and advocating forsocial change, SHGs empower women to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations and contribute to theeconomy. The study's primary focus is on exploring the role of SHGs in promoting women'sentrepreneurship. It aims to provide a comprehensive assessment and analysis of existing knowledge on thesubject, highlighting the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and how SHGs facilitate theirempowerment. By shedding light on the transformative impact of SHGs, the study seeks to emphasize theimportance of collective action and community support in advancing women's economic empowerment. Byanalysing case studies and success stories, the study seeks to highlight effective strategies and interventionsthat can be replicated and scaled up to empower more women across different regions and sectors.Furthermore, the study explores the potential synergies between SHGs, government initiatives, and privatesector partnerships in fostering a conducive environment for women's entrepreneurship. Through a holisticapproach that encompasses policy advocacy, capacity building, and community engagement, the study aimsto contribute to the ongoing discourse on gender-responsive entrepreneurship development and inclusiveeconomic growth.
Lyme Disease Under-Ascertainment During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: Retrospective Study
Authors: Jones Brie S , DeWitt Michael E , Wenner Jennifer J , Sanders John W
Published: September 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a massive disruption in access to care and thus passive, hospital- and clinic-based surveillance programs. In 2020, the reported cases of Lyme disease were the lowest both across the United States and North Carolina in recent years. During this period, human contact patterns began to shift with higher rates of greenspace utilization and outdoor activities, putting more people into contact with potential vectors and associated vector-borne diseases. Lyme disease reporting relies on passive surveillance systems, which were likely disrupted by changes in health care–seeking behavior during the pandemic.

Objective

This study aimed to quantify the likely under-ascertainment of cases of Lyme disease during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and North Carolina.

Methods

We fitted publicly available, reported Lyme disease cases for both the United States and North Carolina prior to the year 2020 to predict the number of anticipated Lyme disease cases in the absence of the pandemic using a Bayesian modeling approach. We then compared the ratio of reported cases divided by the predicted cases to quantify the number of likely under-ascertained cases. We then fitted geospatial models to further quantify the spatial distribution of the likely under-ascertained cases and characterize spatial dynamics at local scales.

Results

Reported cases of Lyme Disease were lower in 2020 in both the United States and North Carolina than prior years. Our findings suggest that roughly 14,200 cases may have gone undetected given historical trends prior to the pandemic. Furthermore, we estimate that only 40% to 80% of Lyme diseases cases were detected in North Carolina between August 2020 and February 2021, the peak months of the COVID-19 pandemic in both the United States and North Carolina, with prior ascertainment rates returning to normal levels after this period. Our models suggest both strong temporal effects with higher numbers of cases reported in the summer months as well as strong geographic effects.

Conclusions

Ascertainment rates of Lyme disease were highly variable during the pandemic period both at national and subnational scales. Our findings suggest that there may have been a substantial number of unreported Lyme disease cases despite an apparent increase in greenspace utilization. The use of counterfactual modeling using spatial and historical trends can provide insight into the likely numbers of missed cases. Variable ascertainment of cases has implications for passive surveillance programs, especially in the trending of disease morbidity and outbreak detection, suggesting that other methods may be appropriate for outbreak detection during disturbances to these passive surveillance systems.
Exploration of National Basic Education—Reflection on Localization of Framework for Improving Student Outcomes Policy
Authors: Wei Yukai , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2024

School improvement is an important way to enhance the resilience of schools and to ensure education quality. FISO (Framework for Improving Student Outcomes) is a unified policy framework for school improvement and effectiveness research in basic education in Victoria in Australia. Improvement cycle and improvement model are the main elements, and has achieved a certain degree of success in its implementation. With the gradual advancement of education reform, difficulties and barriers in ethnic minority basic education in China are emerging.Based on the effective practical experience of FISO project, and its combination with the current situation and dilemmas of ethnic minority basic education in both countries, this paper attempts to construct a new framework to provide innovations and insights for the promotion of ethnic minority basic education in China, under guidance of policy improvement model and the theory of “Four Stages of Policy Borrowing in Education”. Chinese schools can optimise ethnic minority basic education schools in four areas: teaching and curriculum, leadership and management, community participation, and learning atmosphere.