bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Green Engineered Cementitious Composite using Fly Ash and Nanosilica for 3D Printing
Authors: S. Anandaraj  , S. Sakthi Sowmya  , A. R. Krishnaraja  , T. Mithun
Published: March 2024

The effects of adding Nanosilica (NS) to Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) for 3D Printing (3DP) applications were investigated in this study. The mechanical characteristics of 3DP ECC mortar with different NS contents were investigated. The basic components of the composite included fly ash, M-sand, polypropylene fibers, Ordinary Portland Cement, nanosilica and an accelerator. There were four different mix proportions of NS involving 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2%. After 3, 7, 14, and 28 days of curing, the following strengths, viz., pull-out strength, direct tensile strength, compressive strength, and flexural strength were assessed. Addition of NS improved the mechanical properties of ECC up to an ideal level of 0.15%, after which decreasing returns and adverse effects, including agglomeration, were observed. Insights into the ideal NS content for obtaining maximum performance of ECC obtained from the study provide knowledge for formulations in high-performance 3DP technologies.
Air Quality Prediction in Smart Environment using Lightweight Residual Network: Sustainable Light-AirNet Approach
Authors: P. Muthusamy  , V. Nandhini  , B. Karthikeyan  , K. Nithya  , S. Sabarunisha Begum  , K. Elangovan
Published: March 2024

In densely populated places, air pollution prediction is crucial since it directly affects human health and the local governance. The main objective of this work is to analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of the concentration of the main air pollutants in Bangalore, India. In this paper, a lightweight residual network with an attention mechanism is created using a collection of residual concatenation blocks layered with recursive residual blocks. This aids in the adaptive extraction of useful features, the learning of more expressive spatial context information, and the efficient transfer of information through gradient flow in the network. A unique attention mechanism, known as the Two-Fold Attention Module, has been created with the purpose of enhancing the model’s ability to represent information. The Light-AirNet model was designed to provide hourly forecasts by using past pollution data and three measured weather variables were collected from weather stations. Light-AirNet is compared with existing approaches in terms of different metrics and it was found that it achieves 24.5% of root-mean-square error, 21.5% of mean square error, 12.59% of mean absolute error, and 97.45% of prediction accuracy.
Cathode Ray Tube Glass as an Aggregate: A Step Towards Greener Concrete
Authors: P. S. Jalal  , A. Yadav  , V. Srivastava  , A. K. Tiwari
Published: March 2024

The use of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) glass as an aggregate in concrete is a promising approach for sustainable construction. The CRT technology, once innovative, is now obsolete, leading to the accumulation of millions of CR tubes globally, posing disposal challenges due to their toxic composition. The CRT glass, consisting mainly of silica along with various oxides and heavy metals, holds potential for recycling and reuse applications. Recycling methods for CRT glass, including closed-loop and open-loop recycling, offer avenues to mitigate waste and conserve resources. Integrating CRT glass into concrete improves mechanical properties and durability. Although replacing natural sand with CRT glass may slightly reduce compressive strength, innovative mix designs offset this effect. Concrete with CRT glass exhibits resistance to environmental factors, making it suitable for diverse construction applications. Addressing environmental concerns related to CRT glass disposal requires efficient recycling technologies and stringent regulations. Overall, integrating CRT glass into concrete presents a sustainable solution to mitigate environmental impacts while enhancing concrete performance.
Simulation and experimental study on laser cleaning of paint-rust mixed layer on a Q235 surface
Authors: Liu Hanqi , Dong Hang , Wang Tanghao , Lu Shanman , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the theoretical model of laser cleaning of paint-rust mixed layer on the
surface of a Q235 steel plate is established from the perspective of
the laser ablation effect and the thermal vibration effect. The study
simulates the temperature and stress field variations of the mixed
layer under different laser power densities. The experiment recorded
ablative fumes and vibrational spattering generated during the
cleaning process and measured the micro-morphology and surface
roughness of the cleaned specimens. The results show that the cleaning
mechanism of the paint-rust mixed layer is dominated by the ablation
effect at low laser power densities, while the combined effects of
ablation and thermal vibration dominate at high laser power densities.
However, excessive laser energy can damage the substrate. At a laser
power density of 12.37×106W/cm2, the substrate surface is free from
contamination residues and exhibits a bright, white, metallic gloss,
which can be determined as the cleaning threshold for laser cleaning
of paint-rust mixed layers. This study provides a valuable reference
for the laser cleaning of mixed pollutants of paint and rust on metal
surfaces.
Tunable fiber attenuator for electrically wet-driven micromirrors
Authors: Chen Tao , Yang Zhengxuan , Zhang Zhenqin , Zhao Zhen , Guan Jianfei , Chen Jing , Xu Rongqing
Published: March 2024

Herein we report an electronically controlled tunable fiber-optic attenuator that leverages the microfluidic electro-wetting effect, which enables a fine-tuning of the solid-liquid interface wetting angle to control the micro-reflector, thus regulating the lens fiber coupling efficiency. Theoretical calculations indicated an optical attenuation regulation effect of 0–45.0 dB in the voltage range of 0–30.0 V. Experimental results align closely with theoretical calculations, demonstrating an attenuation range of 0.59–43.0 dB within a voltage variation range of 0–25.0 V, with control accuracy of 0.56 dB. Our study unveils the potential for designing fiber-optic attenuators with varying tuning accuracy by precisely adjusting the solid-liquid interface wetting angle.
Triggered cagedSTORM microscopy
Authors: Bíró Péter , Novák Tibor , Czvik Elvira , Mihály József , Szikora Szilárd , van de Linde Sebastian , Erdélyi Miklós
Published: March 2024

In standard SMLM methods, the photoswitching of single fluorescent molecules and the data acquisition processes are independent, which leads to the detection of single molecule blinking events on several consecutive frames. This mismatch results in several data points with reduced localization precision, and it also increases the possibilities of overlapping. Here we discuss how the synchronization of the fluorophores’ ON state to the camera exposure time increases the average intensity of the captured point spread functions and hence improves the localization precision. Simulations and theoretical results show that such synchronization leads to fewer localizations with 15% higher sum signal on average, while reducing the probability of overlaps by 10%.
Archimedes spiral beam: composite of a helical-axicon generated Bessel beam and a Gaussian beam
Authors: Ding Zhoulin , Yu Yongji
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a structured beam with Archimedes spiral intensity distribution. The Archimedes spiral (AS) beam is the composite of a helical-axicon generated (HAG) Bessel beam and a Gaussian (GS) beam. We observed the spiral intensity patterns using computational holography, achieving the tuning over spiral arms number and spiral spacing. Analyzing the propagation dynamics of AS beams, we present that the spiral intensity will reverse beyond the maximum diffraction-free distance. Before and after the beam reverse, the spiral spacing remains constant, but the spiral direction is opposite. In addition, we obtain the Archimedes spiral equations to describe the spiral intensity patterns. Unlike the beams with Fermat and hyperbolic spiral patterns, the intensity distributions of AS beams are isometrically spiral. The isometric spiral intensity makes it possible to form particle isometric channels. AS beams have potential application prospects in particle manipulation, microscopic imaging, and laser processing.
Prevalence and predictors of anemia among six-week-old infants in Kwale County, Kenya: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mwakishalua Joyce , Karanja Simon , Lihana Raphael , Okoyo Collins , Stoffel Nicole , Zimmermann Michael
Published: March 2024

Anemia is a significant public health problem among children worldwide. The etiology of anemia is multifactorial but iron deficiency (ID) is the most common cause of anemia in low- and middle-income countries. ID and anemia in infancy can impair growth and cognitive development. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of anemia among six-week-old infants in Kwale County, Kenya. This cross-sectional study included 424 mother-infant pairs. Structured questionnaires were administered to the mothers to obtain information on socio-demographic variables, maternal characteristics and birth information. Anthropometric data was collected for each child. A heel prick was done to measure hemoglobin and zinc protoporphyrin concentration levels. Chi-square test, bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were done to determine factors associated with anemia. The prevalence of ID, anemia and IDA was 60.4% (95%CI: 55.9–65.2), 21.0% (95%CI: 17.5–25.2) and 15.8% (95%CI: 12.7–19.7) respectively. Bivariate analysis showed that the risk of anemia was significantly higher among male infants (odds ratio (OR) = 2.20 (95%CI: 1.33–3.63), p = 0.002), iron deficient infants (OR = 2.35 (95%CI: 1.39–3.99), p = 0.001) and infants from Msambweni Sub-County (OR = 2.80 (95%CI: 1.40–4.62), p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that odds of anemia were significantly higher in infants born to mothers who did not use iron supplements during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 74.01 (95%CI: 2.45–2238.21), p = 0.013 and significantly lower in infants born to mothers with parity ≥ 4 (aOR = 0.05 ((95%CI: 0.00–0.77), p = 0.024). In six-week-old infants in rural Kenya, anemia prevalence was 21.0% with ID accounting for 75.3% of anemia cases. Given the physical and cognitive impairments associated with ID and anemia in early infancy, it may be prudent to re-evaluate the current Kenyan pediatric protocols to include anemia screening and potential treatment of infants less than 6-months of age.
Proceedings of the 6th Asia Dengue Summit, June 2023
Authors: Srisawat Nattachai , Gubler Duane J. , Pangestu Tikki , Limothai Umaporn , Thisyakorn Usa , Ismail Zulkifli , Goh Daniel , Capeding Maria Rosario , Bravo Lulu , Yoksan Sutee , Tantawichien Terapong , Hadinegoro Sri Rezeki , Rafiq Kamran , Picot Valentina Sanchez , Ooi Eng Eong
Published: March 2024

The 6th Asia Dengue Summit (ADS) themed “Road Map to Zero Dengue Death” was held in Thailand from 15th–16th June 2023. The summit was hosted by Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand in conjunction with Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, The Thai Red Cross Society; Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University; and the Ministry of Public Health. The 6th ADS was convened by Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA); Global Dengue and Aedes Transmitted Diseases Consortium (GDAC); Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Tropical Medicine and Public Health Network (SEAMEO TROPMED); Fondation Mérieux (FMx) and the International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ISNTD). Dengue experts from academia and research, and representatives from the Ministries of Health, Regional and Global World Health Organization (WHO) and International Vaccine Institute (IVI) participated in the three-day summit. With more than 51 speakers and 451 delegates from over 24 countries, 10 symposiums, and 2 full days, the 6th ADS highlighted the growing threat of dengue and its antigenic evolution, flagged the urgent need to overcome vaccine hesitancy and misinformation crisis, and focused on dengue control policies, newer diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines, travel-associated dengue, and strategies to improve community involvement.
Ammonification by kelp associated microbes increases ammonium availability
Authors: Hochroth Alex , Pfister Catherine A.
Published: March 2024

Microbes contribute biologically available nitrogen to the ocean by fixing nitrogen gas from the atmosphere and by mineralizing organic nitrogen into bioavailable dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN). Although the large concentration of plants and algae in marine coastal environments provides ample habitat and reliable resources for microbial communities, the role of the microbiome in host-microbe nitrogen cycling remains poorly understood. We tested whether ammonification by epiphytic microbes increased water column ammonium and improved host access to nitrogen resources by converting organic nitrogen into inorganic nitrogen that is available for assimilation by hosts. When bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) in the northeast Pacific was incubated with 15N labelled amino acid tracers, there was accumulation of 15N in kelp tissue, as well as accumulation of 15NH4 in seawater, all consistent with the conversion of dissolved organic nitrogen to ammonium. Metagenomic analysis of surface microbes from two populations of Nereocystis indicated relative similarity in the percentage of genes related to ammonification between the two locations, though the stressed kelp population that had lower tissue nitrogen and a sparser microbiome had greater ammonification rates. Microbial communities on coastal macrophytes may contribute to the nitrogen requirements of their hosts through metabolisms that make ammonium available.
A systematic review of risk factors associated with depression and anxiety in cancer patients
Authors: Ikhile Deborah , Ford Elizabeth , Glass Devyn , Gremesty Georgie , van Marwijk Harm
Published: March 2024

Depression and anxiety are common comorbid conditions associated with cancer, however the risk factors responsible for the onset of depression and anxiety in cancer patients are not fully understood. Also, there is little clarity on how these factors may vary across the cancer phases: diagnosis, treatment and depression. We aimed to systematically understand and synthesise the risk factors associated with depression and anxiety during cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. We focused our review on primary and community settings as these are likely settings where longer term cancer care is provided. We conducted a systematic search on PubMed, PsychInfo, Scopus, and EThOS following the PRISMA guidelines. We included cross-sectional and longitudinal studies which assessed the risk factors for depression and anxiety in adult cancer patients. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Newcastle-Ottawa assessment checklists. The quality of each study was further rated using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Standards. Our search yielded 2645 papers, 21 of these were eligible for inclusion. Studies were heterogenous in terms of their characteristics, risk factors and outcomes measured. A total of 32 risk factors were associated with depression and anxiety. We clustered these risk factors into four domains using an expanded biopsychosocial model of health: cancer-specific, biological, psychological and social risk factors. The cancer-specific risk factors domain was associated with the diagnosis, treatment and survivorship phases. Multifactorial risk factors are associated with the onset of depression and anxiety in cancer patients. These risk factors vary across cancer journey and depend on factors such as type of cancer and individual profile of the patients. Our findings have potential applications for risk stratification in primary care and highlight the need for a personalised approach to psychological care provision, as part of cancer care.
The neighborhood effects on the online financial investment of rural households: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Wenxian , Han Kefei , Lao Zhenyu , Chen Yuyuan
Published: March 2024

Neighborhood effects are a common strategy for rural households to deal with irrational situations such as deficient information and ability. Based on the 2019 CHFS survey data, we designed a Probit model to verify whether neighborhood effects exist in the online financial investment of rural households. Our paper constructs a multiple mediation model to explore its mechanism. Otherwise, we execute the heterogeneity analysis by dividing the total sample into groups. Our paper proved that (1) Rural households have significant neighborhood effects on online financial investment. (2) Heterogeneity analysis shows that neighborhood effects are stronger among women, the younger, low-education, and low-income rural households. (3) Through the multiple mediation model, we proved that the neighborhood effects on online financial investment of the peasant household work by the financial knowledge spillover and risk-taking enhancement. Our study conduces to a better understanding of the financial decision-making of rural households, which may provide a practical implication for the popularization of new financial products and the optimal design of policy interventions.
Human resources challenges in the management of diabetes and hypertension in Mozambique
Authors: Madede Tavares , Mavume Mangunyane Elzier , Munguambe Khátia , Govo Valério , Beran David , Levitt Naomi , Damasceno Albertino
Published: March 2024

Background

The major burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally occurs in low-and middle-income countries, where this trend is expected to increase dramatically over the coming years. The resultant change in demand for health care will imply significant adaptation in how NCD services are provided. This study aimed to explore self-reported training and competencies of healthcare providers, and the barriers they face in NCD services provision.

Methods

A qualitative design was used to conduct this study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with government officials within the Mozambican Ministry of Health, district health authorities, health facility managers, and health providers at urban and rural health facilities of Maputo, in Mozambique. The data was then analyzed under three domains: provider´s capacity building, health system structuring, and policy.

Results

A total of 24 interviews of the 26 planed with managers and healthcare providers at national, district, and health facility levels were completed. The domains analyzed enabled the identification and description of three themes. First, the majority of health training courses in Mozambique are oriented towards infectious diseases. Therefore, healthcare workers perceive that they need to consolidate and broaden their NCD-related knowledge or else have access to NCD-related in-service training to improve their capacity to manage patients with NCDs. Second, poor availability of diagnostic equipment, tools, supplies, and related medicines were identified as barriers to appropriate NCD care and management. Finally, insufficient NCD financing reflects the low level of prioritization felt by managers and healthcare providers.

Conclusion

There is a gap in human, financial, and material resources to respond to the country’s health needs, which is more significant for NCDs as they currently compete against major infectious disease programming, which is better funded by external partners. Healthcare workers at the primary health care level of Mozambique’s health system are inadequately skilled to provide NCD care and they lack the diagnostic equipment and tools to adequately provide such care. Any increase in global and national responses to the NCD challenge must include investments in human resources and appropriate equipment.
Topography influences diurnal and seasonal microclimate fluctuations in hilly terrain environments of coastal California
Authors: John Aji , Olden Julian D. , Oldfather Meagan F. , Kling Matthew M. , Ackerly David D.
Published: March 2024

Understanding the topographic basis for microclimatic variation remains fundamental to predicting the site level effects of warming air temperatures. Quantifying diurnal fluctuation and seasonal extremes in relation to topography offers insight into the potential relationship between site level conditions and changes in regional climate. The present study investigated an annual understory temperature regime for 50 sites distributed across a topographically diverse area (>12 km2) comprised of mixed evergreen-deciduous woodland vegetation typical of California coastal ranges. We investigated the effect of topography and tree cover on site-to-site variation in near-surface temperatures using a combination of multiple linear regression and multivariate techniques. Sites in topographically depressed areas (e.g., valley bottoms) exhibited larger seasonal and diurnal variation. Elevation (at 10 m resolution) was found to be the primary driver of daily and seasonal variations, in addition to hillslope position, canopy cover and northness. The elevation effect on seasonal mean temperatures was inverted, reflecting large-scale cold-air pooling in the study region, with elevated minimum and mean temperature at higher elevations. Additionally, several of our sites showed considerable buffering (dampened diurnal and seasonal temperature fluctuations) compared to average regional conditions measured at an on-site weather station. Results from this study help inform efforts to extrapolate temperature records across large landscapes and have the potential to improve our ecological understanding of fine-scale seasonal climate variation in coastal range environments.
Coal consumption and carbon emission reductions in BRICS countries
Authors: Wen Jie , Yang Fan , Xu Yiyin
Published: March 2024

The primary energy consumption structure of BRICS countries is dominated by fossil energy, particularly coal. Coal consumption in BRICS countries is a major driver underlying increased carbon emissions. Therefore, this study developed a spatiotemporal decoupling mode and incorporated factors related to coal consumption-induced carbon emissions into a spatiotemporal decoupling analysis method to provide differentiated and targeted policies for energy restructuring and emission reduction targets in BRICS countries. Moreover, a temporal-spatial decomposition logarithmic mean Divisia index model was developed using the spatiotemporal decoupling index method. The model is based on CO2 emissions generated by coal consumption in BRICS countries, with a primary focus on data from Brazil, Russia, South Africa, India, and China. The findings reveal distinct spatiotemporal distributions and driving effects of coal consumption and carbon dioxide emissions across various countries. Factors such as CO2 emission intensity, coal consumption intensity, economic output per capita, and population structure exerted either positive or negative effects on the distributional effect of the carbon emission-economic output per capita association in BRICS countries. Additionally, country-level heterogeneity in the influence of the distributional effects of CO2 emissions was observed within each BRICS country. Thus, different policies are needed to achieve carbon emission reduction targets in different countries.
Responsiveness of respiratory function in Parkinson’s Disease to an integrative exercise programme: A prospective cohort study
Authors: McMahon Laura , McGrath Denise , Blake Catherine , Lennon Olive
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Respiratory disorders are the most common cause of death in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Conflicting data exist on the aetiology of respiratory dysfunction in PD and few studies examine the effects of exercise-based interventions on respiratory measures. This study was conducted to better understand respiratory dysfunction in PD and to identify measures of dysfunction responsive to an integrative exercise programme.

Objectives

The objectives were to compare baseline respiratory measures with matched, published population norms and to examine immediate and longer-term effects of a 12-week integrated exercise programme on these measures.

Design

Twenty-three people with mild PD (median Hoehn & Yahr = 2) self-selected to participate in this exploratory prospective cohort study. Evaluation of participants occurred at three time points: at baseline; following the 12-week exercise programme and at 4-month follow-up.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures included: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), Inspiratory Muscle Strength (MIP), Expiratory Muscle Strength (MEP), Peak Cough Flow (PCF), and Cardiovascular Fitness measures of estimated VO2 max and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT).

Results

Compared to published norms, participants had impaired cough, reduced respiratory muscle strength, FEV, FVC, PEF and cardiovascular fitness. Post exercise intervention, statistically significant improvements were noted in MEP, cardiovascular fitness, and PEF. However only gains in PEF were maintained at 4-month follow-up.

Conclusions

Significant respiratory dysfunction exists, even in the early stages of PD. Metrics of respiratory muscle strength, peak expiratory flow and cardiovascular fitness appear responsive to an integrative exercise programme.
Cohesión, conocimiento y solidaridad respecto a las periferias socio-territoriales en Iberia (España y Portugal) y los países nórdicos. Diferencias institucionales y políticas públicas en la era de la crisis eco-social
Authors: Ahedo Manuel
Published: March 2024

En las últimas décadas, las periferias rurales, semirrurales y semiurbanas han vivido una fase de declive económico y demográfico, frente al auge de las áreas urbanas. Cada país ha interpretado y gestionado estas dinámicas estructurales desde sus características institucionales. Desde una sociología macro-constructivista, el artículo compara la cohesión socio-territorial en dos casos macrorregionales en Europa: Iberia (España y Portugal) y países nórdicos (Finlandia, Suecia, Noruega y, en menor medida, Dinamarca). La efectividad de las políticas de cohesión socio-territorial y de periferias se basa en una colaboración público-civil, y depende de dos dimensiones institucionales: el conocimiento compartido y aplicado sobre el tema; y la solidaridad nacional dentro de la identificación colectiva en el Estado-nación. En el análisis comparativo se observan diferencias significativas en la gestión institucional de la cohesión. Los países nórdicos muestran un mayor nivel de conocimiento compartido y aplicado, y de solidaridad nacional socio-territorial, a pesar de su difícil y extensa geografía. España y Portugal, en contraste, muestran un bajo nivel de conocimiento compartido y aplicado, y de solidaridad nacional socio-territorial, aunque con algunas dinámicas positivas recientes. La comparación subraya la importancia de los mecanismos cognitivos e institucionales para mejorar la cohesión socioespacial en la era del capitalismo financiero y la crisis eco-social.
Pneumocystis Pneumonia in a Patient With Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Krier Emily , Tomczak Ursulina , Checketts Thomas , Chandan Saurabh
Published: March 2024

Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic fungus typically causing pulmonary infection in immunocompromised persons. We present a case of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in a patient with alcoholic hepatitis and underlying cirrhosis. PJP in patients with alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis is sparsely reported in literature. This condition carries a poor prognosis and high mortality. Clinicians need to recognize alcohol use resulting in liver damage as a significant etiological risk factor for PJP.
Clinical and molecular detection of fowl pox in domestic pigeons in Basrah Southern of Iraq
Authors: Khaleefah Isam Azeez , Al-Tameemi Hassan M. , Kraidi Qayssar Ali , Najem Harith Abdulla , Ahmed Jihad Abdulameer , Alrafas Haider Rasheed
Published: March 2024

Bird species, particularly poultry and other bird types, including domestic pigeons, are susceptible to fowl pox, a contagious viral disease. The main goal of this study was to validate clinical avipoxvirus diagnoses using molecular analytical methods. The essential components of the investigation were the clinical signs, visible abnormalities, histological changes, and polymerase chain reaction analysis. Twenty out of 120 pigeons had clinical symptoms, which included yellowish crust or nodules near the feet, eyes, and beak. An erosive epidermal lesion and an epidermal acanthotic papular lesion with basal vacuolation were maculopapular evidence associated with significant epidermal hyperkeratosis, as confirmed by histological analysis. In addition, the results showed keratinocyte necrosis beneath the hyperkeratotic epidermal layer, together with superficial and deep dermal perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. In addition, the P4b core protein gene underwent phylogenetic analysis. The sequence analysis results indicated a high degree of similarity across the local strains, with just minor variations observed. Five sample sequences were selected and submitted to the NCBI database. These sequences were identified as OR187728, OR187729, OR187730, OR187731, and OR187732. All the various strains in this research may be classified under clade A of the chicken pox virus phylogenetic classification. This study presents the first description and characterization of pox virus infections in domestic pigeons inside the Basrah governorate.
Cytotoxic Activity and Senescence Modulatory Effect of Hesperetin on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells and Kidney Cells Co-Treatment with Cisplatin
Authors: Artanti Anif Nur , Jenie Riris Istighfari , Rumiyati Rumiyati , Meiyanto Edy
Published: March 2024

Cisplatin (Cisp) is a non-specific chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer. Hesperetin (HST), a flavanone found in various citrus fruits, exhibits bioactive properties, functioning as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agent. The objective of this research was to investigate the potential of HST as a co-chemotherapeutic agent in conjunction with Cisp, specifically focusing on its cytotoxic effects against 4T1 triple-negative breast cancer cells and senescence modulatory effect on Vero normal kidney cells. The cytotoxic effect and viability cell of HST were evaluated through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. In addition, the effect of cellular senescence inhibition on the Vero cell line was measured using senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining. In the MTT assay, both HST and cisplatin demonstrated a reduction in the viability of 4T1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, yielding IC50 values of 498 μM and 2 μM, respectively. The co-treatment of HST and cisplatin showed an increase in sensitivity of the 4T1 cells with a combination index of <1. HST showed low cytotoxic activity against Vero cells, with IC50 values of over 500 μM. HST decreased cellular senescence induced by cisplatin exposure on Vero cells. These results indicated that HST in co-treatment with cisplatin decreased 4T1 cell viability synergistically. HST independently reduces the cellular senescence of normal cells. Consequently, HST holds promise for potential development as a co-treatment agent in combination with cisplatin for breast cancer cells, and it may also serve as an alternative for counteracting senescence in healthy tissues.Keywords: cytotoxic, senescence, hesperetin, cisplatin, breast cancer.
Cytotoxic Activity of Cambodian Leaves Extract (Plumeria acuminate) on Breast Cancer Cells and COX-2 Targeted Prediction of Its Chemical Contents
Authors: Rahmah Inggita Hasi , Harsan Hayfa Salsabila , Rahman Faaza Aulia , Meiyanto Edy , Susidarti Ratna Asmah
Published: March 2024

Cambodian leaves are suspected to contain stigma sterol which may target Cyclo-Oxygenase-2 (COX-2) or Estrogen Receptor (ER) to contribute to its cytotoxic activity on breast cancer cells. This study aimed to determine the potential of Cambodian leaf compounds and extracts as chemopreventive agents for luminal breast cancer with a molecular target of COX-2. Ethanol was used to extract the active compound of Cambodian leaves. The study on chemical activity against COX-2 employed molecular docking with Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) and the cytotoxic property of Cambodian leaf extract (CLE) on T47D was determined using the trypan blue exclusion method. The extraction yielded as 4.87% w/w CLE. Thin layer chromatography showed that Cambodian leaves contain sterol. Molecular docking confirmed that several sterol compounds have greater affinity to COX-2 than native ligands indicating that they are potent as COX-2 inhibitors. They are Stigmast-7-en-3-ol, Lupeol Acetate, and Lupeol carboxylic acid with docking scores of -14.3874, -13.8098, and -14.1045 kcal/mol respectively. The CLE exhibited cytotoxic activity on T47D cells with an IC50 value of 18 μg/mL. Therefore, CLE has a potential effect as a chemopreventive agent for breast cancer and potentially as a COX-2 inhibitor.Keywords: Cambodian leaf extract, breast cancer, COX-2 inhibitor, chemopreventive.
Decoding Retail Realities: Traditional Retailers' Outlook on Sales Erosion to Modern Retail Economy
Authors: BHAGAT Shikha , RAVI Shilpa Sarvani , SANKAR Mallika
Published: March 2024

The traditional retail landscape in Indian metropolises has changed significantly in the last several decades, mostly due to the modern retail economy's growth, including corporate chain stores and e-commerce sites. Small merchants have been gradually displaced as a result of this paradigm shift, which has been exacerbated by changed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) laws that have brought significant money into the Indian market, as well as a rise in consumer disposable income and the wave of digitalization. This study explores small merchants' consequences as they contend with the growing power of organized retail and e-commerce behemoths. Despite earlier research studies mostly focusing on the organized trade's exponential rise due to changing customer behavior, this paper fills this gap by illuminating the traditional retailer’s perspective towards the contemporary retail landscape and highlighting the threats to small businesses with a traditional focus. The study uses empirical analysis using tools like SPSS and SEM models to examine the initial troubles faced by small retailers of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), highlighting the difficulties they face in competing with the powerful forces of deep discounting, massive sales events, and evolving consumer tastes. This exploratory research analyzed the undermining factors like utilitarian and hedonic, purchasing patterns, menaces, hindrances, pecuniary and location as reasons for the retail paradigm from traditional to modern trade. The outcome emphasized that utilitarian factors like ambience, experience, status, variety, payment modes, single-store distribution and assortment are the drivers behind the explosion of traditional trade by the modern trade in retail economy.
Performance Management in the Public Sector of Albania
Authors: SINAJ Zamira , NEXHIPI Olta , SULAJ Mjaftesa
Published: March 2024

In the realities of today's economy, the development of good governance in the public sector is one of the most important tasks of the authorities. If actions on the part of the authorities are not conducive enough, it can cause a multitude of negative consequences for the country's economy and the living standards of its citizens, as well as for the country. Therefore, an assessment of governance by the authorities in different countries around the world is a relevant research topic. The analysis is carried out for Albania in Vlora. The research aims to show how effective public administration is in the public sector in the country now. The main methods used in the study were analysis, forecasting, abstraction, and the historical method. The study included a contemporary assessment of the state of efficiency governance in Albania. It was shown that there are problems in this area due to the socialist past of the country. In addition, difficulties with the corruption component remain relevant, which requires urgent action and finding new methods to counter it. The work also assessed the current state of the Vlora region. It was shown that despite the serious difficulties associated with the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis, the region is developing quite strongly. The reason for this is, among others, the policy formulated by the public authorities, which aimed to support local producers and medium and small enterprises, as well as to create policies to promote domestic tourism. This paper brings new insights into the field of public sector management, as well as a better understanding of the functioning of the Albanian economy.
Study on the Liability Structure and Profitability of the Banking Industry in the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: WANG Jing , SELAMAT Aslam Izah , ASHHARI Zariyawati Mohd , YAHYA Mohamed Hisham Dato Hj
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the relationship between the profitability and liability structure of commercial banks within six Asia-Pacific countries (China, India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore), by analyzing annual data from BankFocus for 691 banks from 2013 to 2022. The central focus of this research is to explore the impact of banks' liability structure - highlighting passive liabilities, interbank borrowing, and bond issuance - on critical profitability indicators, specifically Return on Equity (ROE) and Tier 1 Ratio (T1R). This research employs panel data analysis alongside Hausman-tested. Our findings discover the roles that passive liabilities and bond issuance play in strengthening banks' core capital and enhancing profitability. Additionally,  the impact of bank deposit and borrowing services on profitability and capital across developed and developing nations within the Asia-Pacific region. The study offers practical suggestions for the banking sector, emphasizing the need for improved liability management to boost profitability. These recommendations, backed by thorough empirical research and robustness checks, provide a solid foundation for strategic policy and planning in the sector.
Changes in Liver Ganglioside Metabolism in Obstructive Cholestasis – the Role of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Šmíd V. , Petr T. , Váňová K. , Jašprová J. , Šuk J. , Vítek L. , Šmíd F. , Muchová Lucie
Published: March 2024

Bile acids have been implicated in cholestatic liver damage, primarily due to their detergent effect on membranes and induction of oxidative stress. Gangliosides can counteract these harmful effects by increasing the rigidity of the cytoplasmic membrane. Induction of haem oxygenase (HMOX) has been shown to protect the liver from increased oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in the synthesis and distribution of liver gangliosides following bile duct ligation (BDL), and to assess the effects of HMOX both on cholestatic liver injury and ganglioside metabolism. Compared to controls, BDL resulted in a significant increase in total as well as complex gangliosides and mRNA expression of corresponding glycosyltransferases ST3GalV, ST8SiaI and B3GalTIV. A marked shift of GM1 ganglioside from the intracellular compartment to the cytoplasmic membrane was observed following BDL. Induction of oxidative stress by HMOX inhibition resulted in a further increase of these changes, while HMOX induction prevented this effect. Compared to BDL alone, HMOX inhibition in combination with BDL significantly increased the amount of bile infarcts, while HMOX activation decreased ductular proliferation. We have demonstrated that cholestasis is accompanied by significant changes in the distribution and synthesis of liver gangliosides. HMOX induction results in attenuation of the cholestatic pattern of liver gangliosides, while HMOX inhibition leads to the opposite effect.
Mast Cells Might Have a Protective Role against the Development of Calcification and Hyalinisation in Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis
Authors: Milutinović Aleksandra , Petrovič D. , Zorc M. , Porenta O. Vraspir , Arko M. , Pleskovič A. , Alibegović A. , Zorc-Pleskovič R.
Published: March 2024

Aortic valve stenosis is characterized by inflammation and extracellular matrix remodelling. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of mast cells on the occurrence of histopathological changes of aortic valves in patients with severe grade, non-rheumatic degenerative aortic valve stenosis. Valve specimens were obtained from 38 patients undergoing valve replacement. The role of mast cells was analysed by dividing the specimens into two groups, characterized by the presence (group A, N = 13) or absence of mast cells (group B, N = 25). There were no significant differences in clinical data between the two groups. In group A, T cells and macrophages were present in all aortic valves, as compared to a significantly lower proportion of valves with T cells and macrophages in group B. Valves in group A were less often calcified and hyaline-degenerated than valves in group B. There were no changes in fibrosis between the two groups. We found a positive correlation between the presence of mast cells and macrophages/T cells, a negative correlation between the presence of mast cells and calcification/ hyaline degeneration, and no correlation between the presence of mast cells and fibrosis. There was also a negative correlation between the presence of macrophages/T cells and calcification. The linear regression model identified only the presence of mast cells as an independent negative prediction value for calcification. In conclusion, mast cells might have a protective role against the development of calcification and hyaline degeneration in severe grade, non-rheumatic aortic valve stenosis.
Genetic diversity in Algerian diploid and tetraploid oats (Avena L.) based on their morphological characters and eco-geographical parameters
Authors: Boudersa Yacer , Benouchenne Djamila , Bellil Ines , Khelifi Douadi
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted to determine the different ploidy levels of various species of the genus Avena, located in northern Algeria, using different morphological and eco-geographical parameters. The specific objectives of the investigation were to estimate phenotypic diversity for different morphological descriptors. One hundred and thirty-eight populations of the genus Avena were collected from 98 different sites in northern Algeria. Harvest sites were determined based on latitude, longitude, and altitude. The pluviothermic Emberger quotient (Q2) was identified by combining three climatic factors (P = annual rainfall, M = average of the maximum temperature of the warmest month, and m = average of the minimum temperature of the coldest month). The interpretation of this quotient required the use of the Emberger climate diagram, which placed each station in one of the 54 combinations of bioclimatic Mediterranean climate. To evaluate intra and inter-specific morphological variations and the extent to which they express genomic variations, the ordination-based Principal Component Analysis was performed. The results showed the presence of the following species: A. barbata with 59 accessions, A. wiestï with 27 accessions, 21 accessions of A. hirtula, 13 accessions of A. longiglumis, 9 accessions of A. macrostachya, 3 accessions of A. clauda, 4 accessions of A. eriantha (ex-Pilosa), and 2 accessions of A. ventricosa. Quantitative traits were crucial for distinguishing inter and intra-specific individuals. Morphological variations proved largely to express genomic variation among the species studied, especially in distinguishing between species carrying both A and C genomes. The morphological differences could not convey the genomic differences among species that share the C genome.
韩国企业员工汉语自主学习研究
Authors: 徐 晓羽 , 娜丽 安
Published: March 2024

提要

本研究依据“个人—行为—环境”三维框架, 运用量化和质化研究的方法, 从三个维度、五个方面 (学习意愿、学习方法、学习时间、学习评价、学习环境) 研究韩国企业员工的汉语自主学习情况。研究发现个人、行为、环境三者之间呈显著正相关关系; 随着汉语水平的提升, 韩国企业员工自主学习评价等级也逐渐上升, 但整体处于中下等, 没有有效开展自主学习; 初级汉语水平和高级汉语水平的韩国企业员工的自主学习情况呈显著差异; 自主学习情况对汉语水平有显著影响, 可以较好地预测初级和高级水平。韩国企业员工汉语自主学习存在较突出的特点和困难。据此, 本研究向韩国企业及韩国企业中学习汉语的员工提出相应的建议。
“把” 字句中情态动词的位置
Authors: 修 俊俊
Published: March 2024

提要

汉语语法学界一般认为情态动词只能用于 “把” 字句的 “把” 字之前, 但语言事实显示情态动词在一定的条件下, 也能用于 “把” 字之后。 本文主要考察了情态动词用于 “把” 字之后的允准与限制、使用特点、表达效果与语法意义。 情态动词出现在 “把” 字之后, 可以出现在作为假设小句、宾语小句、推测主句之类的 “把” 字句中, 此类 “把” 字句存在时体与情态语义的限制, 即: (一) 当把字句存在现实体 “了1”, 情态动词一般不能进入。 (二) 当把字句没有时体成分出现时, “把” 后的情态动词语义无标记情况下不能是动力情态[意愿] (被动), 认识情态[推测], 而道义情态[义务], 动力情态[能力]则可以出现。 语用上则具有主观认识性、虚拟假设性、以及非现实的施为性等要求。 情态动词用于 “把” 字之后, 此时的 “把” 字句处置性减弱, 叙述性、描述性增强, “把” 字后为道义情态表现为施为句, “把” 字后为认识情态则表现为叙事句。 情态动词作为焦点敏感算子, 在 “把” 前后表现为焦点与焦点辖域的不同。 这可以从距离像似性得到解释, 距离情态动词越近的成分越容易成为焦点。 本文还为 “把” 字句表达 “完全” 意义, “把” 字之后的宾语不一定是有定成分等观点提供了形式与意义上的证据。
Testing and Evaluation of Interlayer Shear Performance of Conductive Rubber Active Deicing Composite Bridge Deck Pavement Structure
Authors: Ma Zipeng , Wei Haibin , Jiang Boyu , Wei Dongsheng , Chen Jinhao
Published: March 2024

To achieve real-time, sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly active deicing of bridge decks, a new active electric heating deicing technology based on conductive rubber as a heat source is proposed in this study. The conductive rubber was laid between asphalt layer and cement layer as the functional deicing layer, and the conductive rubber active deicing composite bridge deck pavement structure was established. The interlayer treatment method of conductive rubber active deicing composite structure was proposed. Styrene butadiene styrene–modified asphalt, PB-II type polymer-modified asphalt waterproof coating, and AMP-100 second-order reactive waterproofing coating were selected as waterproofing bonding layer. The interlayer shear performance of conductive rubber composite structure was tested and evaluated by 45° inclined shear test. Taking shear strength as the evaluation index of interlayer shear performance, the durability of interlayer shear performance of conductive rubber composite bridge deck pavement in complex environment was studied. Taking the fatigue life as the evaluation index, the interlayer fatigue resistance of conductive rubber composite bridge deck and traditional bridge deck under different stress ratios were analyzed. The results showed that shear strength between the layers of the conductive rubber active snow-melting bridge deck pavement structure using PB-II type waterproof bonding layer material was the highest, which was 0.584 MPa, and the optimum dosage was 1.5 kg/m2. Under the complex environment, the interlayer shear performance of conductive rubber composite bridge deck pavement decreases, which could still be maintained at about 70 % and had certain durability. Under the same interlaminar shear stress, the interlaminar shear fatigue life of the conductive rubber active snow-melting bridge deck was reduced by about 34 % compared with the traditional bridge deck. The research results can provide a theoretical basis and data support for the structural design of conductive rubber active deicing bridge deck pavement and the selection of waterproof bonding layer materials.
Schmidt Rebound Hardness Dependence on the Core-Size: A Correction Model Presented and Tested on Greywacke
Authors: Brabec Marek , Krmíček Lukáš
Published: March 2024

We determined the effect of the core sample dimensions on the measured values of the Schmidt rebound hardness and proposed a way to correct it to obtain unaffected value. The effect was previously investigated on cubes, where a clear dependence of the rebound hardness on the cube edge was proved. For cylindrical bodies, however, the problem is more complex. In order to determine and verify our model, a set of cylindrical samples was made from greywacke. After applying the correction, an improvement in the mean rebound hardness of the whole set was achieved from 80 to 98.8 % of the unaffected mean rebound value.