bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Water Quality Parameters and Their Variations on Recreational Activities in the Greater Plettenberg Bay
Authors: Kolwapi Zovuyo , Shale Karabo , Uhunamure Solomon Eghosa
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to analyse the variation of recreational water quality in Plettenberg Bay in an attempt to comprehend the effects of pollution on the environment, and more specifically the potential impacts on the quality of surface water used for recreational activities. Plettenberg Bay is a major destination for tourists in South Africa, with recreational water activities representing an important attraction. For this study, data were obtained from Bitou Municipality, the local au-thority in charge of the water monitoring program in Plettenberg Bay. The selected datasets contained water quality data collected by the Bitou Municipality waterworks department in three sampling sites in Plettenberg Bay. The samples were tested for six water quality parameters namely, Ammonia, Suspended Solids, Conductivity, Nitrates/Nitrites, pH, and E coli. Water quality trends appeared stabile over the five years, with only a few parameters showing variation in their concentration levels. It is recommended that the Bitou Municipality increase the sampling frequency to allow a clearer understanding of water quality variation and to minimise potential uncertainties.
Synergistic Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Panax Ginseng, Symphytum Officinale, and Metronidazole against P. gingivalis
Authors: Ibrahim Salah M. , Al-Mizraqchi Abbas S. , Haider Julfikar
Published: August 2023

Background: The biofilm-forming bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is primarily responsible for periodontal disorders, which continue to be a global health issue. Despite the widespread use of antibiotics like metronidazole, other potent therapeutic a crucial quorum sensing molecule implicated in the formation of P. gingivalis biofilm. Approaches are now being explored due to the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. Objective: In particular, chemicals from Symphytum Officinale (S) and Panax Ginseng (G) plants will be examined in this study to assess if they have the ability to inhibit biofilm and to prevent the development of acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs), a quorum sensing molecule. Materials and Methods: With Metronidazole serving as a control, the antibacterial effects of these substances (Symphytum Officinale and Panax Ginseng) were examined against a standard strain and a clinical isolate of P. gingivalis. Dilutions of these plant extracts were used either alone (G+S) or in conjunction with metronidazole (G+S+F), to assess their antibacterial activity using antibacterial susceptibility test (inhibition zone), biofilm inhibition and disruption assay (optical density) and quorum sensing inhibition assay (AHL). Results: The combinations of Symphytum officinale, Panax Ginseng and metronidazole (S+G+F) showed the maximum effectiveness with highest zone of inhibition (25.000±0.001 mm) and biofilm inhibition (98.46%), and were comparable to G+S (inhibition zone of 24.341±0.593 mm and biofilm inhibition of 97.76%), and significantly different in the degree of biofilm inhibition with different treatment scenarios. Additionally, the plant's extracts and combinations are specific concentrations had a significant effect on the suppression of the generation of AHL (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to preliminary research, these plant-derived substances, especially when paired with metronidazole, significantly inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis biofilm providing valuable information for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for periodontitis and other biofilm-associated illnesses.
Validation of a Clinicopathological Classification for Predicting Outcomes of Pituitary Tumours: Retrospective Cohort Study in a Pituitary Tumour Centre of Excellence, 2013–2023
Authors: Argüello Gordillo Thalía , Castro-García José Miguel , Martínez Gauffin Lucía , Kuptsov Artem , Moreno-Pérez Óscar , Niveiro María , Abarca-Olivas Javier , Concepción-Aramendia Luis , Picó Antonio
Published: August 2023

Immunostaining of transcription factors allows a more exact classification of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs), but not a better prediction of their clinical behaviour. This retrospective, single-centre study aims to classify a series of PitNETs using Trouillas et al.’s clinicopathological classification from 2013. We analysed 166 patients undergoing PitNET surgery in 2013–2023. Tumours were identified according to the gene and immunohistochemical expression of PitNET transcription factors plus adenohypophyseal hormones. Tumours were classified according to a grading system based on MRI invasion and Ki-67 index. Eighty-one (48.8%) patients had grade 2a tumours; 71 (42.8%), grade 1a; 8 (4.8%), 2b; and 6 (3.6%), 1b. At a mean follow-up of 57.8 (standard deviation 30) months, 13.9% (n=23) showed recurrence/progression; independent predictors of recurrence were tumour volume (p=0.031) and T2 signal intensity ratio (SIR) (p<0.001). This risk was 18.6-fold higher for a T2 SIR of 2 or more. Grade 2a and 2b tumours, T2 SIR, and silent corticotroph adenomas (SCAs) were associated with lower progression-free survival. Our results add more evidence to the prognostic value of the five-grade PitNET classification and suggest higher clinical surveillance of patients with SCAs is warranted. The MRI findings highlight the increasing value of radiological evaluation for managing PitNETs.
The Use of Questionnaires in Pain Assessment during Orthodontic Treatments: Narrative Review
Authors: Consuelo Vitale Marina , Chiara Falzinella , Francesca Sfondrini , Patrizia Defabianis , Andrea Scribante
Published: August 2023

Pain is a complex multidimensional feeling combined with sensorial and emotional features. The majority of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment reported various degrees of pain, which is perceived as widely variable between individuals, even when the stimulus is the same. Orthodontic pain is considered the main cause of poor-quality outcomes, patients' dissatisfaction, and lack of collaboration up to the interruption of the therapy. A deep understanding of pain and how it influences the patient’s daily life is fundamental to establishing proper therapeutic procedures and obtaining the correct collaboration. Because of its multifaced and subjective nature, pain is a difficult dimension to measure. The use of questionnaires and their relative rating scales is actually considered the gold standard for pain assessment. Depending on the patient’s age and cognitive abilities is possible to choose the most appropriate instrument for self-reported pain records. Although several scales have been proposed and a lot of them are applied, it remains uncertain which of these tools represents the standard and performs the most precise, universal, and predictable task. This review aims to give an overview of the aspects which describe pain, specifically the pain experienced during orthodontic treatment, the main tool to assess self-perceived pain in a better and more efficient way, the different indications for each of them, and their correlated advantages or disadvantages.
The Brain Endothelial Cell Glycocalyx Plays a Crucial Role in The Development of Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hayden Melvin R
Published: August 2023

Abstract: The brain endothelial cell (BEC) glycocalyx (ecGCx) is a BEC surface coating consisting of a complex interwoven polysaccharide (sweet husk) mesh-like network of membrane-bound proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) covering the apical luminal layer of the brain endothelial cells. The ecGCx may considered as the 1st barrier of a tripartite blood-brain barrier (BBB) consisting of 1) ecGCx; 2) BECs; (3) extravascular compartment of pericytes, extracellular matrix, and perivascular astrocytes, Perturbations of this barrier allow for increased permeability in the postcapillary venule that will be permissive to both fluids, solutes, and proinflammatory peripherally-derived leukocytes into the perivascular spaces (PVS) to result in enlargement as well as increased neuroinflammation. The ecGCx is known to have multiple functions, which include its physical and charge barrier, mechanical transduction, regulation of vascular permeability, modulation of inflammatory response, and anticoagulation functions. This review discusses each of the listed functions in detail and utilizes multiple transmission electron micrographs and illustrations to allow for a better understanding of the ecGCx structural and functional roles as it relates to enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS). This is the 5th review of a series quintet that discuss the importance of EPVS from the perspective of the cells of brain barriers. Attenuation and/or loss of the ecGCx results in brain barrier disruption with increased permeability to proinflammatory leukocytes, fluids and solutes, which accumulate in the postcapillary venule perivascular spaces. This accumulation results in obstruction and results in EPVS with impaired waste removal of the recently recognized glymphatic system. Importantly, EPVS are progressively being regarded as a marker of cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative pathology.
Towards Real-time 3D Terrain Reconstruction from Aerial Imagery
Authors: Wang Qiaosong
Published: August 2023

We present a near real-time solution for 3D reconstruction from aerial images captured by consumer UAVs. Our core idea is to simplify the multi-view stereo problem into a series of two-view stereo matching problems. Our method applies to UAVs equipped with only one camera and does not require special stereo-capturing setups. We found that the neighboring two video frames taken by UAVs flying at a mid-to-high cruising altitude can be approximated as left and right views from a virtual stereo camera. Leveraging GPU-accelerated real-time stereo estimation, efficient PnP correspondence solving algorithms and extended Kalman filter, our system simultaneously predicts scene geometry and camera position/orientation from the virtual stereo cameras. Also, this method allows user selection of varying baseline lengths, which provides more flexibility given the trade-off between camera resolution, effective measuring distance, flight altitude, and mapping accuracy. Our method outputs dense point clouds at a constant speed of 25 frames per second and is validated on a variety of real-world datasets with satisfactory results.
Astragaloside IV in the Treatment of Memory Impairment – the In Silico Studies with the In Vivo Analysis and Post-mortem ADME Profiling on Mice
Authors: Stępnik Katarzyna , Kukula-Koch Wirginia , Boguszewska-Czubara Anna , Gawel Kinga
Published: August 2023

Astragaloside IV (AIV) – triterpenoid saponin from the Astragalus mongholicus roots with the proved acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-inhibitory capability was used as the substance with the potential to attenuate memory impairment. Scopolamine (SCOP), antagonist of muscarinic cholinergic receptors and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), neuroinflammation inducer were used to impair memory processes in the passive avoidance (PA) test in mice. This memory impairment in the SCOP-treated mice was attenuated by the earlier intraperitoneal (ip) administration of AIV in the dose of 25 mg/kg. The reduction of memory impairment by LPS was not observed, therefore AIV does not reverse memory impairments through the anti-inflammatory mechanisms. All the studied doses of AIV did not affect basic locomotor activity of mice. As a result of the post-mortem analysis of mice body tissues, the largest content of AIV was determined in the kidneys, then in the spleen, liver and the smallest one in brain by mass spectrometry.
The Effect of Religion in European Financial Statement Disclosures: A Real Earnings’ Management Case
Authors: Toudas Kanellos S. , Zhu Jinxiu
Published: August 2023

Prior research has extensively examined the relationship between religion and accrual-based earnings management. However, there is currently little research in the relationship between religion and real (non-accrual) earnings management, especially in Europe. This paper aims to fill this research gap and examines whether and how the effect of religion could be linked with firms’ real earnings management activities. Four hypotheses are developed and tested with our results providing indications that the degree of overall religiosity is negatively and significantly associated with real earnings management. Furthermore, when investigating the effects of different religions in Europe, Christianity and Islam have the opposite impact on firms’ real earnings management activities. Overall, our paper indicates that in European countries, the religious environment can mitigate firms’ manipulations on earnings.
Study on Consumer Knowledge, Attitude and Purchasing Practices Regarding Edible Fats and Oil in Kandy
Authors: Weerasooriya Nisansala Lakmali , Mendis Eresha
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Fat and oils plays one of the major roles in Sri Lankan modern unhealthy diet. The study was guided to collect, analyze, and interpret data about the awareness of general community on edible fat and oil products available in the market and their knowledge about safe/healthy ways of fat and oil usage. A sample of 250 purchasing women respondents were selected using the convenience sampling method from Kandy District and a well-designed questionnaire was used to gather information. Results revealed that, Coconut oil (71%) is the leading supermarket oil product purchased. From that RBD coconut oil is 46%, and white coconut oil 12% respectively. Consumption of animal fats and oil are very limited (<3%). Educational level affects significantly (P<0.05) on purchasing behavior. Regardless of educational level and working status, price (73%) will be the most significant factor look at during purchasing edible oils while only 11% look at the nutritional table. 57% of purchasing women use the same oil for both deep frying and stir frying. Coconut oil is the predominant for both frying types. Only 43% of women keep two different types of oils for stir frying and deep frying. 83% of the respondents use oil more than one time after first cooking. Working women prefer internet and facebook (38%) as the major food related information searching resource, while newspapers (35%) are among non-working women. All in all, lowering the price of healthy fat and community awareness programs will encourage healthy fat and oil purchasing behavior in Sri Lanka.
Assessing Consequences of Global Trade Wars for World Economies: Tools and Forecasts
Authors: Mashkova Aleksandra , Bakhtizin Albert
Published: August 2023

In the context of growing global political tension and introduction of world trade barriers, the urgent task is to develop new tools for assessing their consequences. In the paper we present the agent-based model of trade wars, considering organizations, states and residents generated using initial statistical data. Simulation determines changes in output and supplies of organizations under trade restrictions. Results of calculations on the developed model and comparison of various model complexes forecasts with real consequences of trade wars between the USA and China in 2018 and Western countries against Russia in 2022 are presented. Within calculations four scenarios were considered: (1) baseline, (2) new restrictions between China and the USA, (3) more serious sanctions against China and Russia by the USA and the EU, (4) a global trade war. In the second scenario deviation GDP of the USA and China from the baseline scenario does not exceed 0.5%. In the third scenario, the range of countries involved is expanding, and the fall in GDP in them is expected at the level of 0.7-1%. In the fourth scenario, the entire world economy experiences a serious slowdown, and the EU are facing the most severe consequences, going into recession.
Low-Level Laser Therapy Promotes Wound Healing in Fibroblasts Isolated from Human Chronic Wounds
Authors: Phan Minh-Hoang , Nguyen-Thi Bich-Phuong , Dinh Van-Han , Nguyen Thi-Huong
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the proliferation and migration of fibroblast cells derived from chronic wounds and investigate the impact of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on their growth and migration. A total of 60 dermal samples were obtained from three sites of chronic pressure ulcers and diabetic ulcers in 20 patients. Following collection in the operating room, the dermal samples were isolated using the procedure described by Freshney RI. Fibroblasts from the wound base (Site 1) exhibited a slow proliferation rate and a decrease in proliferative capacity. Fibroblasts from wound margins (Site 2) and adjacent healing skin (Site 3) could be successfully isolated and maintained for multiple generations without any morphological changes. Fibroblasts from chronic wounds at Sites 2 and 3 showed slower proliferation rates and reduced migration capabilities compared to normal dermal fibroblasts (control samples). The fibroblast cells were exposed to LLLT at different energy levels (2.5, 3, and 3.5 J/cm2). The laser-treated groups demonstrated a significantly higher increase in cell count compared to the control sample, with the highest increase observed at an energy level of 3 J/cm2. These findings suggest that LLLT at an energy level of 3 J/cm2 could effectively enhance fibroblast migration, indicating its potential as a therapeutic intervention for chronic wounds.
Detection of Alpha- and Betacoronaviruses in Small Mammals in Western Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Xu Fen-Hui , Han Pei-yu , Tian Jia-wei , Zong Li-dong , Yin Hong-min , Zhao Jun-ying , Yang Ze , Kong Wei , Ge Xing-Yi , Zhang Yun-zhi
Published: August 2023

The genetic diversity of coronavirus (CoV) is high, and its infection in animals has not yet been fully revealed. By RT-PCR detection of partial RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of CoV, we screened a total of 502 small mammals belonging to 18 species in 12 genera and 4 orders collected in Dali and Nujiang Prefecture of Western Yunnan Province, China. The prevalence of β-CoV in Chevrieri's field mouse (Apodemus chevrieri) and Lancangjiang field mouse (A. ilex) were 3.54% (4/113) and 6.67% (6/90), respectively; the prevalence of α-CoV in White-footed Indochinese rat (Rattus nitidus) and long-tailed red-toothed shrew (Episoriculus leucops) was 75% (3/4) and 5.88% (1/17), respectively. The co-infection rates of β-CoV and α-CoV in Kachin red-backed vole (Eothenomys cachinus), Norway rat (R. norvegicus) were 2.22% (2/90), 3.85% (1/26) respectively. The identity of the partial RdRp genes obtained of 13 strains of β-CoV was 83.42%-99.23% at nucleotide level, and it is worth noting that the two strains from Kachin red-backed vole showed highly homology to BOV-36/IND/2015 from Indian bovine and DcCoV-HKU23 from one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Morocco, the nucleotide similarity between 97.86%-98.33%. Similarly, the identity of the 7 strains of α-CoV among the partial RdRp sequences was 94.00%-99.18% at nucleotide levels. The viral load in different tissues was measured by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). The average CoV viral load in small mammalian intestinal tissue was 1.25×106copies/g, differently, the mean CoV viral load in liver, heart, lung, spleen and kidney tissue was from 1.29×103 to 4.02×103copies/g, which revealed that CoV has extensive tropism of intestinal tissue in small mammals (P < 0.0001). This result revealed the genetic diversity, epidemiology, and infective tropism of α-CoV and β-CoV in small mammals from Dali and Nujiang, which deepens the comprehending of the retention and infection of coronavirus in natural hosts.
IL-31—Pruritus Interleukin: Serum Values and Clinical Impact in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria —A Romanian Retrospective Study
Authors: Dobrican-Băruța Carmen-Teodora , Deleanu Diana Mihaela , Muntean Ioana Adriana , Pintea Irena , Florea Cristian Marius , Filip Gabriela Adriana
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the implications of IL-31 in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and to assess the differences that occur between its serum values compared to controls. Additionally, the serum IL-31 levels were measured alongside other clinical and paraclinical parameters identified in the patients to understand its immunological importance in this skin disease and to determine if it could potentially serve as a therapeutic target in CSU in the future. (2) Methods: The serum levels of IL-31 were estimated in 50 patients diagnosed with CSU according to the international guidelines. Additionally, 38 controls who had not experienced any episodes of urticaria during their lifetime were included. (3) Results: Our data have shown higher serum levels of IL-31 in CSU patients compared to controls. A correlation between the serum level of IL-31 and other inflammatory markers, such as ERS, CRP, or serum eosinophils and total IgE was not identified. On the other hand, statistically significant differences were found in IL-31 serum values in UCS patients depending on the severity of the disease, its impact on the patients' quality of life, the severity of itching, and the response to H1 antihistamines. (4) Conclusions: In the present study, IL-31 did not change directly with non-specific inflammation, nor with eosinophilic inflammation or atopy. However, its expression was modified in CSU depending on major characteristics of the disease: severity, pruritus, and response to H1 antihistamines. The focus on the pathogenesis of CSU is of indisputable significance since any additional information in understanding the mechanisms of this disease can open doors to new therapeutic targets. This is particularly important considering that the available therapies are deficient, incomplete, and the remaining symptoms are uncontrolled in many cases.
Rootstocks Alter the Seasonal Dynamics and Vertical Distribution of New Root Growth of Vitis vinifera cv. Shiraz grapevines
Authors: Mahmud Kare P. , Field Stewart K. , Rogiers Suzy Y. , Nielsen Sharon , Guisard Yann , Holzapfel Bruno P.
Published: August 2023

Minirhizotron tubes were installed to monitor root growth dynamics of mature Shiraz grapevines in a rootstock trial established in the hot climate Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia. The vertical root distribution and seasonal root growth dynamics of Shiraz on own-roots and Shiraz grafted on the rootstocks Ramsey, 140 Ruggeri and Schwarzmann was studied for five seasons across a seven-year period to a depth of 60 cm. New root production was significantly influenced by genotype, soil depth, season, growth stage and year. Soil moisture and soil tem-perature were monitored at 10, 30 and 60 cm in the last two seasons. Soil moisture at 30 cm and soil temperature at all three depths were significant predictors of root growth. New root numbers were significantly higher in 140 Ruggeri than the other rootstocks. To the depth studied, 140 Ruggeri roots were evenly distributed from the topsoil down, whereas the majority of roots of Schwarzmann and Shiraz were located at intermediate depths in the 10-40 cm ad 20-40 cm zones respectively, while Ramsey roots were found at 20 cm or below. Depending on genotype, root growth occurred across several phenological stages but tended to peak at flowering. In some years we observed root growth in early and late winter at rates exceeding that of autumn, and this was associated with warmer temperatures during this period. Overall, seasonal rooting dynamics were responsive to abiotic factors but dominated by genotype.
Synthetic Health data Generation for Enhancement of Non-Invasive Diabetes AI-Based Prediction
Authors: Cruz Castañeda William Alberto , Bertemes Filho Pedro
Published: August 2023

Continuous glucose monitoring devices allow diabetes condition management. However, when limited data is available, one option is to increase their size by generating synthetic samples. From a homemade wearable prototype was created a real dataset with 18 instances and 53 attributes that capture characteristics of capillary and venous blood glucose, oxygen concentration, pulse rate, skin temperature, and 24 modules and 24 phases related to bio-impedance. The objective of this article is to generate synthetic datasets, and also it investigates the ideal features subset and optimal model for non-invasive diabetes prediction. Gaussian-Copulas (GC), conditional generative adversarial networks (CG), variational autoencoders, and Copula-GAN techniques' were used to generate five synthetic datasets. Experiments show that GC1 and GC2 datasets follow min/max boundaries and are not copies of the original data. Multilayer perceptron regressor outperformed (train and test) with 2.17, 2.51 in MAE; 9.29, 13.59 in MSE; 3.05, 3.69 in RMSE, and 0.95, 0.92 in R2 in GC1, and 2.64, 3.02 in MAE; 11.43, 15.11 in MSE; 3.38, 3.89 in RMSE, and 0.94, 0.92 in R2 in GC2 with eight features. Future work is necessary to explore autoencoder and generative architectures, datasets with diverse characteristics, and the effect of the number of features.
Assessment of Combustion Cavern Geometry in UCG Process with Use Borehole Ground-Penetrating Radar
Authors: Pilecki Zenon , Hildebrandt Robert , Krawiec Krzysztof , Pilecka Elżbieta , Lubosik Zbigniew , Łątka Tomasz
Published: August 2023

In this study, the shape and size of a combustion cavity with a fracture zone in the gasified coal seam was determined with use control boreholes and a ground-penetrating radar (BGPR) test. The underground coal gasification (UCG) field-scale experiment was performed in Carboniferous strata in coal seam 501 at a depth of approx. 460 m in the Wieczorek hard-coal mine in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland. After the termination of the UCG reactor, five coring boreholes were drilled to identify the geometry of the resulting combustion cavity and the impact of the UCG process on the surrounding rock mass. Borehole ground-penetrating radar measurements were performed using a 100 MHz antenna in three boreholes with a length of about 40-50 m. This enabled the identification of the boundaries of the combustion cavity and the fracture zone in the coal seam. The fracture zones of rock layers and lithological borders near the control borehole were also depicted. As a result, the cavity was estimated to have a length of around 32 m, a width of around 7 m and a height of around 5 m. The analyses performed with the control boreholes and the BGPR provided sufficient information to determine the geometry of the combustion cavity and the fracture zone.
Determination of Optimal Spatial Sample Sizes for Fitting Negative Binomial-Based Crash Prediction Models with Consideration of Statistical Modeling Assumptions
Authors: Koloushani Mohammadreza , Abazari Seyed Reza , Vanli Omer Arda , Ozguven Eren Erman , Moses Ren , Giroux Rupert , Jacobs Benjamin
Published: August 2023

Transportation authorities aim to boost road safety by identifying risky locations and applying suitable safety measures. The Highway Safety Manual (HSM) is a vital resource for US transportation professionals, aiding in the creation of Safety Performance Functions (SPFs), which are predictive models for crashes. These models rely on Negative Binomial distribution-based regression and misinterpreting them due to unmet statistical assumptions can lead to erroneous conclusions, including inaccurately assessing crash rates or missing high-risk sites. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has introduced context classifications to HSM SPFs, complicating assumption violation identification. This study, part of an FDOT-sponsored project, investigates established statistical diagnostic tests to identify model violations and proposes a novel approach to determine optimal spatial regions for Empirical Bayes adjustment. This adjustment aligns HSM-SPFs with regression assumptions. The study employs a case study involving Florida roads. Results indicate that a 20-mile radius offers an optimal spatial sample size for modeling crashes of all injury levels, ensuring accurate assumptions. For severe injury crashes, which are less frequent and harder to predict, a 60-mile radius is suggested to fulfill statistical modeling assumptions. This methodology guides FDOT practitioners in assessing the conformity of HSM-SPFs with intended assumptions and determining appropriate region sizes.
Modeling and Dynamical Analysis of a Fractional Order Predator-Prey System with Anti-Predator Behaviour and Holling Type IV Functional Response
Authors: Wang Baiming , Li Xianyi
Published: August 2023

We here investigate the dynamical behavior of a fractional-order predator-prey system with anti-predator behavior and Holling IV type functional response. First we study the non-negativity, existence, uniqueness, and boundedness of solutions to the system from a mathematical analysis perspective. Then, we analyze the stability of its equilibrium points and the possibility of bifurcations using stability analysis methods and bifurcation theory, and prove the existence of a supercritical Hopf bifurcation in the system. After providing numerical simulations to illustrate the conclusions theoretically derived, by summarizing those various analytical results obtained, we finally present three interesting conclusions that can contribute to better understanding and preservation of ecological systems.
Does Live Stream Selling Affect Customer Engagement and Purchase Intention? The Shopee Live Platform Case Study
Authors: Arisman Arisman , Imam Salehudin
Published: August 2023

Manuscript type: Empirical paper Research Aims: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how customer shopping values (utilitarian, hedonic, and symbolic) influence customer trust, engagement, and purchase intention for live stream selling on e-commerce marketplace platforms. Design/methodology/approach: The information was gathered online from 225 valid respondents. Respondents are Shopee users from Indonesia who have watched Shopee Live stream selling within the last two weeks. The data was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with LISREL 8.51. Research Findings: The findings revealed that only symbolic value affects purchase intention, both directly and indirectly, whereas hedonic value affects purchase intention directly. Utilitarian value influences purchase intent indirectly through product trust and customer engagement. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study adds to the body of knowledge about online commerce by expanding on previous research on live stream selling, particularly by small sellers on Indonesian e-commerce platforms. Practitioner/Policy Implication: According to the findings of this study, small sellers doing Live Stream selling should focus on symbolic and hedonic value to increase customer purchase intention. Research limitation/Implications: The study's respondents may only represent some of the population of Indonesian online shoppers. Future research could consider balancing the types of respondents. In addition to enhancing the insight, the research model could be expanded by including additional antecedents or moderators.
The Effects of Country of Origin and Social Media Opinion Leaders on Purchase Intention for Wuling Vehicles
Authors: Ekyawan Fandis , Rahman Ma’ruf Fauzi
Published: August 2023

Manuscript type: Research Article Research Aims: This research objective was to analyse the influence of country of origin, trust, price perception, perceived quality and social media opinion leader on Wuling purchase intention. Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted quantitatively by distributing questionnaires to 234 respondents who are over 20 years old and know about Wuling and selected YouTube channels. Data was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) method with the LISREL software application. Research Findings: The results of this study indicate that there is a positive significant impact relationship between country of origin (country-related products) and trust in the purchase intention of Wuling vehicles as well as the relationship of the negative significant impact of country of origin (country-related effect) on trust and social media opinion leaders on purchase intention of Wuling vehicles. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The findings of this study can explain the importance of country of origin cues and social media opinion leader effect on customer behaviour in their decision-making. Practitioner/Policy Implication: The managerial implication of the research is that Wuling has to reduce brand associations with China to compete in Indonesia, and Wuling has to improve the product quality, after-sales service, ease of getting spare parts and continuous innovation to get an impact and positive response. Research limitation/Implications: This study has limitations; first, the research data only relies on one platform (YouTube) in Indonesia to test hypotheses. Second, the survey was about vehicles.
Pandemic Pedagogy: K-12 Technology and Engineering Education Under COVID-19
Authors: Kelly Daniel
Published: August 2023

No single event in modern history has affected education like COVID-19. This study examines the effects of COVID-19 related modifications within technology and engineering education. Using social media, a survey was distributed among groups whose focus was technology and engineering education. This survey asked how teachers addressed COVID-19 related modifications to instruction and how they felt about instructional quality and support. The results showed that teachers are working longer hours, yet instruction is suffering due to virtual/ hybrid teaching, social distancing, and sanitation concerns. Hands-on and group work has been largely limited or eliminated entirely, and many lessons have had to be heavily adapted if they are possible at all. Most concerning is an apparent deficit in morale, with a substantial number of teachers contemplating leaving the classroom if the current conditions continue. COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in nearly every facet of life in 2020, but the challenges faced in education are largely undocumented within the academic literature. It is imperative that the real-time effects of COVID-19 on teaching and learning be understood so that adjustments can be made while the nation is still affected by the pandemic and future changes to instruction to address currently developing deficits are made with a full understanding of what occurred during the crisis rather than retrospectively.
The Effectiveness of Health Education With The Booklets Method on The Level of Mother's Independence During Postpartum
Authors: S Rika Dwi , Dinengsih Sri , Kundaryanti Rini
Published: August 2023

Postpartum care is an important factor in improving the quality of mothers. Increased knowledge can be done by providing health education about postpartum self-care so that maternal independence can be achieved. There needs to be good cooperation between midwives in providing knowledge and motivation in meeting their needs. This study was to determine the effectiveness of health education using the lecture method with the booklet method on the level of maternal independence in postpartum care. This study used a quantitative method with a quasi-experimental research design with pretest and posttest with control group design. The research sample was all primiparous postpartum women in February 2020 which consisted of 30 people and divided into 15 people in the lecture method group and 15 people using the booklet method. The sampling technique was total sampling and the research instrument was a questionnaire. Data analysis had been done by univariate and bivariate analysis with Independent T-test. The mean values of pretest and posttest of postpartum mothers' independence in the lecture method group were 32.70 and 63.65 with standard deviations of 4.98 and 5.02. The booklet method group was 34.83 and 66.50 with standard deviations of 3.80 and 5.33. The booklet method was more effective in increasing the level of mother's independence in postpartum care with p-value = 0.035. Health education with the booklet method is more effective in increasing the level of mother's independence in postpartum care.
Frekuensi Konsumsi Junk Food Dengan Kejadian Menarche Dini Pada Remaja Putri
Authors: Nurhayati Risa , Purwandari Henny
Published: August 2023

Menarche as a sign of puberty. Menarche can occur early, one of which is due to nutritional status such as junk food and if consumed in excess will stimulate accelerated maturity of the reproductive organs. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the frequency of junk food consumption and the incidence of early menarche in young women at SDN Ja'an III Kec. Gondang Kab. sleepy. The research design was cross sectional with 30 respondents taken by total sampling. The dependent variable is early menarche, the independent variable is consumption of junk food. These two variables were measured using a questionnaire about junk food and menarche data. After the data was obtained, the results were analyzed through Spearman rank with a significance of α 0.05. The results of the study were that most of the 21 respondents (70%) consumed junk food 1-2 times/week and almost all of them, namely 25 respondents (83%) who consumed, did not experience early menarche. Statistical test results using the Spearman rank test p value = 0.000. Means p value = 0.000 ≤ α (0.05) so that Ha is accepted that there is a relationship between the frequency of consumption of junk food and the incidence of early menarche in young women. The correlation coefficient is 0.799 with a very strong relationship. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that consumption of junk food continuously triggers excess nutrition. Excess nutrition will affect the development and maturity of the reproductive organs.
A Novel Approach for Malicious Node Detection in Vehicular Ad-hoc Network using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Sharan Bhagwati , Sagar Anil Kumar , Nand Parma , Jain Vishal , Ather Danish
Published: August 2023

Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) are the most popular research area of wireless technology. It is offering various types of services such as safety and comfort for drivers as well as for passengers and requires less infrastructure than other technology. VANETs are being used in the concept of making smart cities, and smart traffic management systems all over the world. Due to vulnerability in VANETs, undesired data may attack the network traffic and broadcast false messages in the entire network which causes poor communication among the networks. False data or undesired information is termed malicious data. These malicious data can affect the performance of VANETs it increases vehicle delay, increases fuel consumption and there will be more safety threats. So, there must be a relative study, which will show the variation of network performance metrics with enhancing the number of malicious nodes in the network. This paper had focused to discuss the detection and a deep analysis of affects of malicious nodes on the network performance as throughput, average latency, and packets drop in the network. In this paper, we have discussed a novel approach to detect malicious data with Artificial Neural Networks as well as malicious nodes with Support Vector Machines in VANETs.
HtrA1 prevents and reverses α-synuclein aggregation, rendering it non-toxic and seeding incompetent
Authors: Chen Sheng , Puri Anuradhika , Bell Braxton , Fritsche Joseph , Palacios Hector , Balch Maurie , Sprunger Macy , Howard Matthew , Patterson Jessica , Patti Gary , Davis Albert , Jackrel Meredith
Published: August 2023

Parkinson disease (PD) is closely linked to the misfolding and accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) into Lewy bodies. HtrA1 is a PDZ serine protease that degrades fibrillar tau, which is associated with Alzheimer disease (AD). Further, inactivating mutations to mitochondrial HtrA2 have been implicated in PD. Here, we establish that HtrA1 inhibits the aggregation of α-syn as well as FUS and TDP-43, which are implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We demonstrate that the protease domain of HtrA1 is necessary and sufficient for inhibition of aggregation, yet this activity is independent of HtrA1 proteolytic activity. Further, we find that HtrA1 also disaggregates preformed α-syn fibrils, which may promote their clearance. Treatment of α-syn fibrils with HtrA1 renders α-syn incapable of seeding the aggregation of endogenous α-syn in mammalian biosensor cells. We find that HtrA1 remodels α-syn by specifically targeting the NAC domain, which is the key domain that catalyzes α-syn oligomerization and fibrillization. Finally, in a primary neuron model of α-syn aggregation, we show that HtrA1 and its proteolytically inactive form both detoxify α-syn and prevent the formation of hyperphosphorylated α-syn accumulations. Our findings suggest that HtrA1 prevents aggregation and promotes disaggregation of multiple disease-associated proteins, and may be a therapeutic target for treating a range of neurodegenerative disorders.
Performance Improvement for Catheter Ablation Assembly Using an Effect Solving Method
Authors: Hsu Weiliang , Mardiono Intan , Saputro Imang Eko , Fuh Yiin-Kuen
Published: August 2023

Catheter ablation has become more prevalent in recent years because it has successfully modified or eliminated certain heart rhythm disorders. The device is used to reach the heart through a venous blood vessel with a size of 2.0-3.5 cm; hence the design of the device's motion mechanism parts must be compact and delicate. This project focuses on improving the motion control of wire assembly device for making catheter ablation. The main contribution of this manuscript is to design a new device for the assembly of the wire of catheter ablation by considering effect solving method for product development. Because the existing design has a problem in the difficulty for assembly of the small workpiece, then production process takes longer time and larger workforce demand. At the early step, TRIZ theory was applied to renew the design of the wire-cutting machine by analyzing adverse factors impacting the production process and improving opportunities, including the assembly process of motion control line components. Afterward, Analytic Network Process (ANP) method was adopted to select the best conceptual design with the lowest weight in some parameters. According to the ANP result, the best concept is given in scenario 3 with the lowest score at design difficulty, process difficulty, cost demand, equipment cost, and manufacturing cost by 0.9, 0.9, 0.45, 0.3, and 0.35 respectively. Finally, it is conducted by adding an axis function with an upper and lower cover. Lastly, after applying the new device according to the effect-solving method analysis, it impacted the efficiency percentage of assembly cycle time, equipment demand, and labor by 55%, 57%, and 57%, respectively.
Age group: The effect of gender differences and injury conditions in receiving help.
Authors: Gan Avery , Suyama Mizuki , Lee Shu Xuan , Lim Ting Cong , Tan Voon She , Lee Yee Harn
Published: August 2023

Our research explores altruistic behaviour on the potential influence of gender and injury status on the probability of receiving assistance from others in Chinese society. By employing rigorous statistical analysis, we have determined that neither gender nor injury status exhibits a discernible impact on the willingness of individuals to extend aid. Nonetheless, we have observed a significant correlation between age and the provision of help, with advanced age being associated with a decreased inclination to help relative to younger age groups. It should be underscored that gender in isolation does not appear to exert a statistically significant influence on the likelihood of providing help. Furthermore, we have found that middle-aged participants are more susceptible to the injury status of the individual in need and are less inclined to help an injured woman. These findings are of utmost significance in providing essential insights into the complex interplay of factors that govern the provision of assistance in real-world scenarios.
Remote Sensing Method (TLS) in Architectural Analysis and Constructive Pathology Diagnosis
Authors: Alikhodja Nadir , Zeghlache Hamza , Bousnina Monia
Published: August 2023

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) techniques have been tested by both academic and commercial communities since the early 2000s to digitize architectural, archaeological, and cultural assets. However, most applications have adopted a descriptive approach, creating documentation and cataloguing of cultural heritage (CH). After more than two decades of pioneering research, a three-dimensional (3D) acquisition process has been developed. The use of digital restoration models has been difficult, and their goals have remained unclear for a long time. Current approaches are increasingly developing model-based comparison methodologies, either for detecting building pathology or for architectural and archaeological investigation. This study falls into the latter category. The technique and method presented in this work have the particularity that they are not based on comparison, but solely on the analysis of the surveyed model.
The method was tested on the oldest minaret in Algeria and the 1,000-year-old Agadir Mosque minaret in the Province of Tlemcen, where the geometric differences between the vertical parts, which are equal by definition, were identified and analysed. In addition, potential lesions and deformations of the structures were studied. This means that the technique can be used on any other vertical structure of any type, and can be replicated.
Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation Improves Breast Conserving Surgery Rate but Not Local Disease Control in Patients with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhang Xu , Zhu Xiaoping , Shen Kunwei , Zhu Juanying , Chen Xiaosong
Published: August 2023

Background: The role of preoperative evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) management remains controversial. The study aims to assess the associations of preoperative MRI, surgery type, and disease outcome in DCIS patients.
Methods: Patients with DCIS who received primary surgery in two breast centers between Jan. 2009 and Jan.2021 were retrospectively included and subdivided into MRI and non-MRI cohorts. The target lesion’s largest diameters (LD) measured on ultrasound, MRI, and histopathology were compared. Associations between MRI, clinicopathological characteristics, surgery type, and prognosis were evaluated after propensity score matching (PSM).
Results: A total of 1351 patients were eligible and included. Among 708 cases with complete LD data, the mean of LD measurements for histopathology, ultrasound, and MRI was 19.6±14.0 mm, 21.7±13.0 mm, and 21.9±13.9 mm, respectively. The overall correlation for LD measurements between MRI and histopathology (ρ=0.657) was stronger than that between ultrasound and histopathology (ρ=0.574; P<0.001). LD measurements were significantly more accurate measured by MRI than by ultrasound compared with histopathology (51.3% vs. 45.0%; P=0.033). After PSM, 742 patients were further analyzed. Patients in MRI cohort were more likely to receive breast-conserving surgery (BCS) than those in non-MRI cohort (28.6% vs. 19.1%; P=0.003). For 227 patients planning to receive BCS as primary surgery, initial negative surgical margin was similar between MRI and non-MRI cohorts (73.6% vs. 71.9%; P=0.485). There was no difference in second mastectomy rate between MRI and non-MRI cohorts (22.0% vs. 23.7%; P=0.433). Locoregional recurrence and cumulative breast cancer incidence were similar between two cohorts.
Conclusion: Preoperative MRI evaluation for DCIS patients provided a more accurate estimation of lesions than ultrasound. It was associated with a higher BCS rate but no improvement of positive surgical margin.