bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in a dense urban community of Kathmandu Valley using sewage samples
Authors: Napit Rajindra , Manandhar Prajwol , Chaudhary Ashok , Shrestha Bishwo , Poudel Ajit , Raut Roji , Pradhan Saman , Raut Samita , Rajbhandari Pragun G. , Gurung Anupama , Rajbhandari Rajesh M. , Dixit Sameer M. , Schwind Jessica S. , Johnson Christine K. , Mazet Jonna K. , Karmacharya Dibesh B.
Published: March 2023

Understanding disease burden and transmission dynamics in resource-limited, low-income countries like Nepal are often challenging due to inadequate surveillance systems. These issues are exacerbated by limited access to diagnostic and research facilities throughout the country. Nepal has one of the highest COVID-19 case rates (915 cases per 100,000 people) in South Asia, with densely-populated Kathmandu experiencing the highest number of cases. Swiftly identifying case clusters (hotspots) and introducing effective intervention programs is crucial to mounting an effective containment strategy. The rapid identification of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants can also provide important information on viral evolution and epidemiology. Genomic-based environmental surveillance can help in the early detection of outbreaks before clinical cases are recognized and identify viral micro-diversity that can be used for designing real-time risk-based interventions. This research aimed to develop a genomic-based environmental surveillance system by detecting and characterizing SARS-CoV-2 in sewage samples of Kathmandu using portable next-generation DNA sequencing devices. Out of 22 sites in the Kathmandu Valley from June to August 2020, sewage samples from 16 (80%) sites had detectable SARS-CoV-2. A heatmap was created to visualize the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community based on viral load intensity and corresponding geospatial data. Further, 47 mutations were observed in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Some detected mutations (n = 9, 22%) were novel at the time of data analysis and yet to be reported in the global database, with one indicating a frameshift deletion in the spike gene. SNP analysis revealed possibility of assessing circulating major/minor variant diversity on environmental samples based on key mutations. Our study demonstrated the feasibility of rapidly obtaining vital information on community transmission and disease dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 using genomic-based environmental surveillance.
In Vitro effects of petroleum ether, dichloromethane, methanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Eucalyptus grandis on selected multidrug-resistant bacteria
Authors: Kwansa-Bentum Bethel , Okine Beatrice Awuradwoa , Dayie Alberta D. , Tetteh-Quarcoo Patience B. , Kotey Fleischer C. N. , Donkor Eric S. , Dayie Nicholas T. K. D.
Published: March 2023

Background

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance is of grave concern, requiring the search for newer and more effective antimicrobials to combat infections caused by resistant microbes. This study assessed the antimicrobial effects ofEucalyptus grandiscrude extracts against selected multidrug resistant bacteria.

Methodology

Four different crude leaf extracts ofE.grandiswere prepared using petroleum ether, dichloromethane, methanol, and water, with the aid of the Soxhlet extraction method. These were screened against methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), multidrug resistantPseudomonas aeruginosa, and multidrug resistantEscherichia coli, using the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening was carried out to evaluate the bioactive phytochemical constituents responsible for the antimicrobial effect.

Results

Each of the extracts, except for the one prepared from water, had antimicrobial activity against the screened bacteria. The non-polar petroleum ether extract had the highest antimicrobial activity (19.33–24.33 mm), including bactericidal effects, compared to the medium polar dichloromethane and polar methanol extracts, which recorded zone diameter ranges of 14.33–16.67 mm and 16.33–17.67 mm, respectively. The Gram-negative bacteria (E.coliandP.aeruginosa) were the least susceptible in comparison with the Gram-positive bacterium (MRSA), probably owing to differences in their cell wall structures. Furthermore, phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and flavonoids.

Conclusion

The findings suggest thatE.grandiscould be potentially useful in the treatment of infections caused by multidrug resistant bacteria.
Clinical characteristics and factors associated with COVID-19-related mortality and hospital admission during the first two epidemic waves in 5 rural provinces in Indonesia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Surendra Henry , Praptiningsih C. Yekti , Ersanti Arina M. , Rahmat Mariati , Noviyanti Widia , Harmani Joshua A. D. , Mansur Erni N. A. , Suleman Yana Y. , Sudrani Sitti , Rosalina Rosalina , Mukhtar Ismen , Rosadi Dian , Fauzi Lukman , Elyazar Iqbal R. F. , Hawley William A. , Wibisono Hariadi
Published: March 2023

Background

Data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical characteristics and severity from resource-limited settings are limited. This study examined clinical characteristics and factors associated with COVID-19 mortality and hospitalisation in rural settings of Indonesia, from 1 January to 31 July, 2021.

Methods

This retrospective cohort included individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 based on polymerase chain reaction or rapid antigen diagnostic test, from five rural provinces in Indonesia. We extracted demographic and clinical data, including hospitalisation and mortality from a new piloted COVID-19 information system named Sistem Informasi Surveilans Epidemiologi (SISUGI). We used mixed-effect logistic regression to examine factors associated with COVID-19-related mortality and hospitalisation.

Results

Of 6,583 confirmed cases, 205 (3.1%) died and 1,727 (26.2%) were hospitalised. The median age was 37 years (Interquartile range 26–51), with 825 (12.6%) under 20 years, and 3,371 (51.2%) females. Most cases were symptomatic (4,533; 68.9%); 319 (4.9%) had a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia and 945 (14.3%) presented with at least one pre-existing comorbidity. Age-specific mortality rates were 0.9% (2/215) for 0–4 years; 0% (0/112) for 5–9 years; 0% (1/498) for 10–19 years; 0.8% (11/1,385) for 20–29 years; 0.9% (12/1,382) for 30–39 years; 2.1% (23/1,095) for 40–49 years; 5.4% (57/1,064) for 50–59 years; 10.8% (62/576) for 60–69 years; 15.9% (37/232) for ≥70 years. Older age, pre-existing diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver diseases, malignancy, and pneumonia were associated with higher risk of mortality and hospitalisation. Pre-existing hypertension, cardiac diseases, COPD, and immunocompromised condition were associated with risk of hospitalisation but not with mortality. There was no association between province-level density of healthcare workers with mortality and hospitalisation.

Conclusion

The risk of COVID-19-related mortality and hospitalisation was associated with higher age, pre-existing chronic comorbidities, and clinical pneumonia. The findings highlight the need for prioritising enhanced context-specific public health action to reduce mortality and hospitalisation risk among older and comorbid rural populations.
An Illustrated Reader: Illustration, fiction and historical narratives
Authors: McLoughlin Caitlin
Published: March 2023

This article will examine the critical potential of illustration practice through an examination of a BA stage project in which illustration was utilized alongside historical research to present both a subjective reading and empathetic critical analysis of a historical piece of fiction. It will look more closely at how both can interact with the idea of the archive to unpick or to challenge existing narratives. I will use my project The Yellow Wallpaper: An Illustrated Reader as a framework for this discussion. It is this practice-based project that sparked this initial line of enquiry and first influenced my thinking about the ways illustration can be a force for critical analysis.
Intangible to tangible: Illustration practice as a tool for safeguarding a disappearing culture of lived experience
Authors: Kim Yeni
Published: March 2023

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is problematic as it is ‘intangible and not yet fixed in any medium’ (Ivey), however, it opens new possibilities for illustrators to shape and form its intangibility. This article explores the role of illustration in preserving disappearing culture, with reference to my recent project, Tamnarok: The Record of Tamna. This project aims to investigate illustration as both a research method and an artistic mode of disseminating knowledge of endangered cultural heritage, specifically with case studies around female free divers Jeju haenyeo and the distinctive language Jejueo in South Korea. Positioning illustration as a participatory and creative practice for communicating, understanding, facilitating and disseminating lived experience, this article proposes that illustration is an effective way of processing and manifesting ICH.
The Co-Production of Hydrogen and Methane from Dark Fermentation of Mixed Palm Oil Mill Effluent and Aquaculture Wastewater: Gompertz Modelling and Sludge Recovery
Authors: Siddique Md. Nurul Islam , Kamil Aina , Ibrahim Mohd. Zamri Bin , Ali Noraaini Binti , Rasit Nazaitulshila , Ismail Shahrul Bin , Khalid Zaied Bin , Nik Wan Sani Wan
Published: March 2023

The potentials for non-stop hydrogen and methane production employing an ideal loading mixture of palm oil mill effluent (POME) and aquaculture wastewater (AWW) in a double-phase digester at a thermophilic state are presented. Different organic loadings were studied such as 31, 41, 51 and 61 Kg COD/(m3 d) for the generation of hydrogen; 9, 11, 14 and 16 kg COD/(m3 d) for the synthesis of methane. In a UASB reactor, hydrogen production was kept under control with a constant HRT of 12 h. At the loading of 51 kg COD/h, the maximal H2 content, volumetric H2 generation rate and H2 yield were observed as 46%, 6 L H2/d and 34 mL H2/g COD, respectively (m3 d). After an HRT of 6 days, the substrate from the hydrogen digester was further fermented into methane in the CSTR digester. At an organic loading rate of 14 kg COD/h, the highest volumetric CH4 generation rate and yield were 11 L CH4/d and 0.13 m3 CH4/kg COD, respectively (m3 d). This two-stage procedure removed 92% of the chemical oxygen requirement overall. Based on the findings, the Gompertz modeling was a good fit for the cumulative methane generation patterns, with a strong correlation coefficient (> 0.994). Sludge recovery was 0.07 m3 sludge/m3 wastewater and water recovery was 0.82 m3/m3 wastewater. This double-phase technique has the potential to contribute greatly to the development of a comprehensive waste management plan, including the digestion of palm oil mill effluent and aquaculture wastewater.
Synthesis, Characterization and Molecular Modeling of Pyrazole-Quinoline Hybrids as New Class of Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Anticancer Agents and DFT Study
Authors: Patel Rajat , Sharma Puja , Koshti Rohit R. , Vyas Akshay , Sangani Chetan B.
Published: March 2023

A new series of pyrazole-quinoline hybrids were synthesized by a base-catalyzed cyclocondensation reaction through one-pot multi-component reaction, based on molecular hybridization techniques. All the compounds 10a-x were examined for in vitro antibacterial and anticancer activities. Enzyme inhibitory activities were carried out against FabH and EGFR. From the studied compounds, most of the compounds showed effective antibacterial as well as anticancer activity against used strains and cancer cell lines, respectively. The most potent inhibitory activity was displayed by compound 10r against EGFR and by compound 10i against FabH. Spatial arrangement of the molecule and their HOMO-LUMO was studied and explained by DFT theory, to evaluate plane angle respective to the core and substitutions. Docking studies indicated that compound 10r was bound to the active pocket of EGFR with hydrogen bond and π-H interaction with minimum binding energy and compound 10i was bound to the active site of FabH with hydrogen bond and π-H interaction having minimum binding energy. Based on their substitutions, the hypothetical plane arising in the molecule and their twist angles were related with their activities against EGFR and FabH as well as antibacterial and anticancer activities.
Treatment of Dairy Wastewater with Pretreatment Techniques and Sequencing Batch Reactor for the Removal of Pollutants: Kinetics and Optimization
Authors: Rajan S. , Sundararaman Sathish , Balaji V.
Published: March 2023

In order to remove pollutants like BOD, COD, TKN, TP, TSS, sulphates, chlorides, oil and grease effectively, this study outlines the treatment of dairy effluent by employing the advanced oxidation process (AOP) as pretreatment method with a sequencing batch reactor. It also describes the impact of aeration time and bacterial mass concentration (MLSS) in the sequencing batch reactor for pollutant removal. The high percentage of nutrient contents can be removed by the sequencing batch reactor (SBR), which only needs a single tank for the entire treatment procedure. The pretreatment technique of a combination of ozone and AOP was introduced into the dairy effluent to increase the removal efficiency of pollutants. In this research, the optimal conditions for ozone were a pH of 10, a reaction time of 5 minutes, and an amount of H2O2 of 10 mL/L. The experiments were conducted in the 4 L Plexiglas reactor and the analysis was carried out for different aeration times of 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 24 h at the different MLSS concentrations of 2100, 2400, 2900, 3200, 3700 and 4200 mg/L after the addition of ozone and hydrogen peroxide. In this analysis, the higher percent removal of BOD, COD, TKN, TP, TSS, sulphates, chlorides, oil and grease was obtained for the MLSS of 2100 mg/L at the aeration time of 16 h. The percent removal of above pollutants for the above MLSS concentration was in the order of 99.8%, 99.6%, 76.7%, 99%, 99.3%, 34%, 46% and BDL, respectively. The GC-MS analysis was carried out to find the level of contaminants present in the raw and treated water. Further, the sludge analysis was done for the wasted sludge to find its characteristics and its uses. This study suggests that at low MLSS concentrations, a large percentage of pollutants can be removed.
Potential Dye Suji Leaves (Pleomele angustifolia) Chlorophyll and Red Dragon Fruit Peel (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Anthocyanins as Natural Dyes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Setiarso Pirim , Sova Rimbi Rodiyana
Published: March 2023

In this study, the quality analysis of chlorophyll and anthocyanin extraction dyes from suji (Pleomele angustifolia) leaves and red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel was extracted using ethanol as a natural dye for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Dye characterization was carried out using UV-visible spectrophotometry to determine the wavelength absorption and bandgap using the Tauc plot method, electrochemical characterization of dye was carried out using cyclic voltammetry. The efficiency of DSSC was measured using a digital multimeter. In this study, chlorophyll was produced with absorption wavelengths at 663 nm and 439 nm while anthocyanin dye was at a wavelength of 532 nm. The bandgap of chlorophyll was calculated to be 2.51 eV and that of anthocyanins to be 2.1 eV using the Tauc plot method.. The electrochemical results shows that chlorophyll dye of suji leaves has HOMO energy (highest occupied molecular orbital) at -5.68 eV and a LUMO energy (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) at -3.17 eV while anthocyanin has HOMO energy of -5.16 eV and a LUMO energy of -3.06 eV. The efficiency produced by DSSC with chlorophyll dye was 3.4163 × 10-3 % and anthocyanins were 6.3994 × 10-3 %. These results show that chlorophyll and anthocyanin dyes from suji leaves and red dragon fruit peel are promising reagents to be used as DSSC dyes.
Structural and Luminescence Analysis of Low Temperature Solution Combustion Derived White Light Emitting Y2(1-x)Dy2xZr2O7 Nanophosphors for WLEDs
Authors: Singh Sonika , Dalal Annu , Kumar Mahesh , Dhaterwal Deepika
Published: March 2023

White light emitting dysprosium doped rare-earth zirconate Y2(1-x)Dy2xZr2O7 (x = 0.5 to 5 mol%) crystalline phosphors in nano-regime were obtained using urea supported solution combustion methodology at low temperature 650 ºC. Presence of fluorite structure having cubic symmetry with Fm3m space group was analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction patterns. Spherical shaped nanoparticles with clear boundaries were observed by surface morphological studies. Diverse elements Y, Zr, Dy and O were present in the optimized nanophosphors as examined by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Upon near ultraviolet (NUV) excitation at 354 nm wavelength, the Y2(1-x)Dy2xZr2O7 phosphors displayed the characteristic white light emanation resulted from blue and yellow emission owing to 4F9/2→6H15/2 (450-525 nm) and 4F9/2→6H13/2 (525-650) transitions, respectively. With the doping of 1.5 mol% amount of Dy3+ ions in Y2(1-x)Dy2xZr2O7 powders showed maximum photoluminescence emission, above which intensity was quenched due to dipole-dipole interactions. In addition, Y1.97Dy0.03Zr2O7 nanopowders exhibit CIE colour coordinates (0.2605, 0.3145) residing in white region. The closeness of this value to the white emission coordinates of the National Television System Committee (NTSC) endorsed Y2(1-x)Dy2xZr2O7 nanophosphors as fascinating candidate for displays and white light emitting diodes.
Enhancing Corrosion Resistance Property of Mild Steel by Benzoxazine Synthesized from Vanillin and Copolymerize with Urethane
Authors: Jayanthi K. , Sivaraju M. , Shanmugasundaram P.
Published: March 2023

Benzoxazine monomer prepared from vanillin and n-butylamine was characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR and UV visible spectroscopic techniques. The synthesized monomer was coated on the mild steel with isocyanate hardener in varying concentrations of isocyanate of the poly(VaBz-PU) and cured. The thermal properties of the monomer with and without isocyanate hardener were studied by TGA and DSC methods. The effect of various concentrations of isocyanate (PU) hardener with benzoxazine monomer on hardness, water absorption and gel absorption was investigated. Various concentrations of PU hardener with benzoxazine coating (VaBz-PU) on the mild steel were investigated by the electrochemical impedance and polarization studies. The study revealed that an increasing concentration of isocyante in the coating with benzoxazine increased their thermal, chemical and anticorrosive properties. The DFT calculations were also performed to support the anti-corrosive ability of the material.
Use of Acai Berry Photosensitizer Conjugated with KCl in Different Solvents for Fabrication of Dye Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Rajoriya Varsha , Mahavar Chanchal , Soni Virendra , Genwa K.R.
Published: March 2023

Now a day, researchers concentrating on energy harvesting from a variety of sources since the ever-increasing world’s population demands the use of energy in diverse forms. Dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is constantly an excellent option to other thin film solar cells because of its high conversion efficiency, simple fabrication method and low-cost price. Due to the aforementioned benefits, several studies have been conducted globally to improve cell function. The anthocyanin dye isolated from the acai berry was used as photosensitizer in the present study, which involves the fabrication of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using metallic solution of KCl and deoxycholic acid (DCA) in various solvents such as distilled water, ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide. (DMSO). In ethanol as solvent with deoxycholic acid (DCA) and KCl solution, the electrical output was shown extremely effective. The fill factor (FF) was found to be 0.64 and photoconversion efficiency was 2.311%.
Syntheses and Characterization of Chitosan-Expired Amoxicillin/Natural Rubber Copolymers for Slow-Release Fertilizer
Authors: Kadhim Wasaf Atheraa Abdul , Alwaan Ismaeel Moslam , Mutar Mohammed Ali
Published: March 2023

As the global population rises, so does the urgency with which the agricultural sector must increase crop output to keep up with demand. The spread of nutrient deficiencies in the soil led to economic losses and a significant decrease in nutritional quality and total quantity of grains for humans and livestock. Fertilizers can increase nutrient use efficiency through the slow release mechanism and targeted or controlled delivery. Coating fertilizers with polymers is one of the most important and effective aspects of slow-release fertilizers in the soil. In this study, urea fertilizer was coated with a grafted polymer prepared from chitosan and expired amoxicillin using condensation reaction and vulcanized with natural rubber using tetramethyl thiuram disulfide (TMTD) as catalyst. The expired amoxicillin improved the diffusion of the fertilizer. The FTIR results confirmed the presence of azomethine group in chitosan/expired amoxicillin. The swelling, water retention, slow release of urea, biodegradation and remoter tests of the chitosan/NR/expired amoxicillin compounds were characterized. The slow release rate of urea was decreased with the increase in the concentration of amoxicillin. The highest release percentage in soil media was 2.69 g/L for the B2 blend. The highest swelling ratio was 189.482 % for the C4 blend while the highest water retention was 75.69% for the B2 blend. It was also shown a good biodegradability, where the highest concentration of amoxicillin with chitosan gave the highest rate of biodegradation to be 14.63% for C4. The homogeneity of the mixtures was studied by FE-SEM technique. It was concluded that the C1-4 blends were the best for slow-release fertilizer application.
An Uncommon Case of Urethral Leiomyoma in a Female
Authors: Sajira Bhasi  , Yogesh Bhandari  , Munir Sayed  , Sanket Shah  , Subbian Krishnamurthy
Published: March 2023

Rare sites of myoma can present with unusual symptoms, which can cause clinical dilemmas in management. Leiomyomas are benign mesenchymal tumours which arise from smooth muscles. They are commonly found in the uterus. Leiomyoma in the vagina and urethra are a rare occurrence. The literature mostly reported cases of urethral leiomyoma arising from the proximal urethra. In our case, we report a distal urethral leiomyoma, which is an unusual location.

This young lady was a 32-year-old Filipino (Asian) lady who presented with mass per vagina, recurrent UTI, difficulty in micturition, discharge per vagina, the feeling of fullness in the vagina, difficulty and unpleasantness during sex for 2.5 years. She came with previous medical records & USG which disclosed many differential diagnoses of PID, cystocele, urethrocele, embryological remnant cyst, urethral diverticulitis and caruncle. She was treated for her complaints, nonetheless, her symptoms gradually became more disabling. After a thorough urogynecological investigation, which included an ultrasound, MRI with contrast and biopsy of the mass, the precise diagnosis of a distal urethral benign leiomyoma’ was made. She underwent a complete surgical excision under general anaesthesia, with excellent post-operative recovery, and was well relieved of all her complaints.
Peer Tutoring
Authors: Haider Salar , Azam Waleed
Published: March 2023

Peer tutoring is a well-established learning strategy that involvesstudents instructingtheir peers in a systematic way with the goal of enhancing the knowledge and skills of both the tutor and the tutee. A variety of models have been proposed for peer assisted learning. These include but are not limited to class wide peer tutoring, cross age peer tutoring and reciprocal peer tutoring (RPT). These models employ techniquesof grouping individuals together based on differences in expertise, age or specific strengths. In each group, the roles of tutor and tutee are defined. The effectiveness of peer tutoring has been reported by numerousstudies done across variousdisciplines with highly promising results. In order tooptimize the benefits of this strategy, attention must be paid tothe selection and training of tutors, appropriate pairing of individuals, clearly defined objectives and frequent evaluations. Overall, peer tutoring represents a valuable learning methodology when it is appropriately implemented.

This poster was presented at the“Integrated Medical Education Marathon (IMEM) 2017, organized by International Federation of Medical Students Association Pakistan (IFMSA) at the University College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore dated February 13th, 2017.
The Influence of Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and Perceived Enjoyment on Customer Intentions to Move From Non-Digital Banks to Digital Banks
Authors: Hidayat Farid
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT
Research Aims: The digital bank system is relatively new at this time, and the development of digital banks is growing significantly, both in terms of the number of digital banks and their customers. The technology system used is relatively new. There are various advantages of digital banks, but digital banks can generally make them more efficient. This study aims to determine the influence of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment on customer intentions to move from non-digital banks to digital banks
Methodology: The sampling technique of this study used purposive sampling, with a total of 170 respondents.
Research Findings: The results of this study show that the variables perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment directly affect customer intentions to move from non-digital banks to digital banks.
Can Significant Coronary Artery Disease Coexist With Transient Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, and How Does Spasm Interrelate?
Authors: Angelini Paolo , Uribe Carlo , Salem Philip A.
Published: March 2023

An 86-year-old woman being treated for metastatic breast cancer developed severe chest pain at rest during a follow-up visit at a hospital's outpatient oncology clinic. An electrocardiogram showed severe ST-segment elevation. The patient was given sublingual nitroglycerin and was transferred to the emergency department. Diagnostic coronary angiography revealed moderate coronary artery disease with calcific stenoses and transient spastic occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. For this patient, sublingual nitroglycerin aborted the spastic event and apparent transient takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Chemotherapy can potentially cause endothelial dysfunction and increased coronary spasticity, which could result in takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
A Study on the Causality Relationship between Total Capital Increase, Foreign Investments, and Tourism Sector Revenues in Azerbaijan
Authors: HUSEYNLI Nigar
Published: March 2023

The causation link between foreign investments in Azerbaijan, the country's overall capital expansion, and the growth of the tourist industry is examined in this paper. The Granger technique was used to ascertain the causal connection. The World Bank provided the data set needed for the analytical step. The findings of the research conducted to ascertain the connection between total capital rises, foreign investments, and tourist revenues in Azerbaijan demonstrate that there is some causation. The study's findings indicate that in Azerbaijan, economic development and tourist revenue are related. In other words, as the economy develops, the tourist industry in this nation expands and generates more revenue. In addition, it is evident that the growth of the tourist industry in this nation is successful in luring foreign capital to this nation. The growth of the tourist industry has a direct impact on the rise in total capital rises, just as it does on luring foreign investment into the nation. In other words, the growth of the tourist industry is the primary driver of both domestic and international investments. It is acknowledged that causation exists in each of the three situations.
Tourist Potential of Ukraine: Challenges and Prospects of the Post-War Time
Authors: LEVYTSKA Inna , KLYMCHUK Alona , SHESTAKOVA Anna
Published: March 2023

The tourism industry is one of the sectors of the global economy most affected by the pandemic. At the same time, in 2022, having not yet fully recovered from the impact of quarantine restrictions, it was forced to face a completely new challenge for itself - large-scale military operations on a large part of the European territories. It was Ukraine and its tourism sector that suffered the most from the war, and since the prospects for the end of the war are very uncertain, the issue of preserving the country’s tourism potential, finding ways to speed up its recovery and post-war development of the tourism sector of Ukraine are gaining particular relevance.

To substantiate the prospects and challenges for the tourism potential of Ukraine in the post-war period and to determine the key directions of actions of the state and business for its preservation, effective use and expansion during the war period.

The methodological basis of the study was made up of general scientific and special methods of economic theory, in particular, methods of theoretical generalization and comparative analysis and synthesis for the purpose of researching all processes and phenomena of the tourism sector of Ukraine in interdependence and interconnection. In the course of the study, statistical materials of the European Union and Ukraine were applied on the functioning of the tourism sector of the economy and processed using the methods of statistical analysis: comparison, grouping, calculation of average values and proportions, as well as analytical data and assessments of specialized state agencies of Ukraine were used.

A comparison of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of the tourism sector of Ukraine and individual EU countries and the shares of tourism trade turnover in their GDP is made, which has revealed to note the low level of use of Ukraine’s own tourism potential in the pre-war period. The key strengths and weaknesses of the tourism sector of Ukraine according to the version of the World Economic Forum have been studied and the prospects and consequences for them as a result of the war have been substantiated. A number of strategic courses of action for the state and business are proposed, based on the main possible prospects for the duration of active hostilities.
Key Factors to Promote a Vulnerable Region as a Competitive Tourist Destination
Authors: MARÍN-IDÁRRAGA Diego , SÁNCHEZ-TORRES Juan , SANABRIA-RANGEL Pedro
Published: March 2023

The aim of this research was to identify the key factors to promote a vulnerable region as a competitive tourist destination. Using Dwyer and Kim´s model as a reference, this was an exploratory research based on a confirmatory factor analysis. The results show that created resources, tourist destination management, situational conditions, competitive performance related to visitors, and competitive performance related to governmental support are determining factors to promote the region as a competitive tourist destination. From the theoretical point of view, it contributes to demonstrate that, although the competitiveness of tourist destinations is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon, it is possible to define a reduced number of factors on which competitiveness performance falls. From the practical point of view, this work offers a relevant input to direct public policies in matters of tourism in a vulnerable region. This research is an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Epidemic on Risk Management Perception in Tourism Business
Authors: NINH Nguyen Van
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic is an infectious disease; through the dispersion of steam in the air, the level of rapid global infection, normal control measures have not been effective. Scientists have access to research and publication on the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic. One of the differences in each study depends on the actual population area and habitat of each community in each country. Through this study, it will provide information on the impact relationship of the COVID-19 epidemic in the field of tourism business risk management to have a basis for understanding of tourism risk management response in sustainable tourism recovery and development.

This study is based on behavioral theories, and pathogen stress theories applied extended scales to survey visitors at tourist attractions. The process of collecting data of 487 response and using structural equation modeling to analyze the data.

Research results have verified the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on risk management issues in tourism business including travel risk and management perception, risk Management places of visitors, awareness of limiting contact when traveling, hygiene and safety awareness, perceived behavioral control, emergency processing support channel.

This research contributes to a better explanation of the behavioral theory framework and helps to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic in the field of tourism business risk management as well as establish emergency responses for visitors in the future.
Kazakhstan Tourism Industry in Promoting Sustainable Agriculture Development
Authors: AINAKANOVA Bakytgul , NUKESHEVA Anar , SUNDETULY Zhaskairat , KAZKENOVA Aigul , OMARKHANOVA Zhibek , YERNAZAROVA Anar
Published: March 2023

The expansion of such an area of tourism industry as agrotourism is a breakthrough for the development of rural industry. In addition, the integration of agro-tourism with agricultural eco-efficiency is closely related to agro-ecological development, therefore, it is necessary to study the relationship between the two in order to realize quality agro-ecological development. Integration of agriculture with other industries is an important means of expanding the agro-industrial chain and is useful for promoting sustainable agricultural development. The purpose of this study is to analyze the improvement of competitiveness of agricultural enterprises in the Republic of Kazakhstan through diversification of production and its impact on the tourism industry, including tourism enterprises. The degree of effectiveness of implementation of management decisions aimed at the development of tourism and agribusiness depends on the level of development of infrastructure and services in a particular region of the country. In this context, statistical data on the development of tourism and its relationship with agribusiness in the Republic of Kazakhstan are used to analyze some factors affecting their development.
Motives to Visit Urban Ecotourism Sites: A Study of a Botanical Garden in South Africa
Authors: HERMANN Uwe P. , BOUWER Samantha C.
Published: March 2023

Botanical gardens are a global phenomenon. Historically developed with the intention of maintaining a living collection of plants (under scientific management) for the purpose of research and education, botanical gardens have evolved to provide an accessible urban alternative for ecotourism experiences. Given that many botanical gardens are publically funded, income secured from tourist visitation can help supplement (limited) government funds. The purpose of this study was determining the motives of visitors to a botanical garden in South Africa. Employing a quantitative methodology, an onsite intercept survey by means of convenience sampling yielded 304 usable responses. An exploratory factor analysis revealed six distinct visitor motivations. The results inform the marketing of botanical gardens with a view to promoting their financial sustainability as visitor attractions, and ultimately their continued role as centres of scientific research, conservation and education.
Actors, the Actor Network and Their Impact on Public Space Management: Social Network Analysis as a Method
Authors: Lee Dahae
Published: March 2023

Public space is an essential element of cities as it offers several benefits. Due to its significance, there is much discussion of its design, development and use. Although equally important, the management of public space lacks attention in academia and policy. This is regrettable given concerns about the quality of public space and calls for substantial changes in public space management. Moreover, while multi-actor involvement in public space management has become popular, its impact has been less studied. This paper attempts to fill the research gap by presenting an empirical study on Görlitzer Park in Berlin, Germany. Thereby, it focuses on multi-actor involvement in public space management. Based on the results of social network analysis, the paper provides a valuable insight into the actors involved, the actor network and their impact on public space management. Most importantly, the paper argues that the structure of the actor network matters for managing public space. This suggests that improving the actor network can be a key to enhancing the quality of public space. The paper also discusses how to improve communication between actors to better manage public space.
The Effectiveness of Service Delivery in Fast Moving Consumer Goods Supply Value Chain: A Case Study of Brands Africa Zambia Limited Company
Authors: Kanyamuna Vincent , Chawapiwa Oswell , Bwanga Cynthia
Published: March 2023

The study focused on analysing the effectiveness of service delivery in fast moving goods supply chains taking Brands Africa as a case study. Some observed supply chain related challenges of Brands Africa that included lower sales volume, high volume of product returns, sale of some expired products out of stock of some product lines and high prices of some merchandise made the study to be mandatory. A pragmatic research paradigm was used in collecting data from a cross-sectional survey sample of 87 respondents and a case study sample of 5 research participants using a survey questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide as research instruments, respectively. The study concluded that supplier contact was strongest on communication with suppliers, importing goods to Zambia and good relationships with suppliers. The study showed Brands Africa had good advertising and merchandising services, and effective marketing research activities in its supply chains The study established that quality of merchandise high, and market image and reputation of Brands Africa was high, and that inventory management, price of merchandise and efficiency of supply chains needed improvement.  The study also concluded that there is a significant relationship between supplier contact and marketing contact activities of Brands Africa with the overall satisfaction of its stakeholders. The research recommends Brands Africa to upgrade its product, financial, information and social with its suppliers, transporters, wholesalers and retailers. The study will also guide managers on cost cutting ways, quality management, ensuring efficient operations and maintaining positive image of Brands Africa. The study recommended Brands Africa’s on policy issues like quality of merchandise, quantity of merchandise, price range of merchandise, delivery schedules and communication systems will be improved.   The researcher recommends another research to be carried out at national level covering supply chain of other fast-moving consumer goods companies and also considering more independent variables.
Blow-up for compressible Euler system with space-dependent damping in 1-D
Authors: Geng Jinbo , Lai Ning-An , Yuen Manwai , Zhou Jiang
Published: March 2023

This article considers the Cauchy problem for compressible Euler system inR{\bf{R}}with damping, in which the coefficient depends on the space variable. Assuming the initial density has a small perturbation around a constant state and both the small perturbation and the small initial velocity field are compact supported, finite-time blow-up result will be established. This result reveals the fact that if the space-dependent damping coefficient decays fast enough in the far field (belongs toL1(R){L}^{1}\left({\bf{R}})), then the damping is non-effective to the long-time behavior of the solution.
Description and validation of an equilibrium dialysis ID-LC-MS/MS candidate reference measurement procedure for free thyroxine in human serum
Authors: Jansen Heleen I. , van der Steen Rob , Brandt André , Olthaar André J. , Vesper Hubert W. , Shimizu Eri , Heijboer Annemieke C. , Van Uytfanghe Katleen , van Herwaarden Antonius E.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Free thyroxine (FT4) in serum is routinely measured in clinical practice to diagnose and monitor thyroid disease. Due to its concentration in picomolar range and the delicate equilibrium of free and protein-bound T4, accurate measurement is challenging. As a consequence, large inter-method differences in FT4 results exists. Optimal method design and standardization of the FT4 measurement is therefore necessary. The IFCC Working Group for Standardization of Thyroid Function Tests proposed a reference system with a conventional reference measurement procedure (cRMP) for FT4 in serum. In this study, we describe our FT4 candidate cRMP and its validation in clinical samples.

Methods

This candidate cRMP is based on equilibrium dialysis (ED) combined with determination of T4 with an isotope-dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) procedure and was developed according to the endorsed conventions. Its accuracy, reliability, and comparability was investigated using human sera.

Results

It was shown that the candidate cRMP adhered to the conventions and its accuracy, precision, and robustness were adequate in serum of healthy volunteers.

Conclusions

Our candidate cRMP measures FT4 accurately and performs well in serum matrix.
A projected homotopy perturbation method for nonlinear inverse problems in Banach spaces
Authors: Xia Yuxin , Han Bo , Wang Wei
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we propose and analyze a projected homotopy perturbation method based on sequential Bregman projections for nonlinear inverse problems in Banach spaces.
To expedite convergence, the approach uses two search directions given by homotopy perturbation iteration, and the new iteration is calculated as the projection of the current iteration onto the intersection of stripes decided by above directions.
The method allows to use

L
1

{L^{1}}

-like penalty terms, which is significant to reconstruct sparsity solutions. Under reasonable conditions, we establish the convergence and regularization properties of the method.
Finally, two parameter identification problems are presented to indicate the effectiveness of capturing the property of the sparsity solutions and the acceleration effect of the proposed method.
Identification of the time-dependent source term in a Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation
Authors: Cao Kai
Published: March 2023

The determination of an unknown time-dependent source term is investigated in a Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation from given additional integral-type measurement.
Based on Schauder’s fixed point theorem, the existence and uniqueness of such inverse problem are obtained under certain assumptions on the input data.
In order to calculate the unknown source term, a time-discrete system is established, and its solution shall be applied to approximate the unknown quantity.
The existence, uniqueness and some estimates to the time-discrete system are derived, and the convergence rates are deduced rigorously for both exact and noisy observation, respectively.
Finally, the theoretical convergence rate results are verified, and accurate and stable solutions to the inverse problem are computed numerically by two numerical experiments.
Enhanced heat transfer in corrugated plate fin heat sink
Authors: Jose Alen Mathew , Kumar Manoj , Patil Anil Kumar
Published: March 2023

To design a compact heat sink, a simplified geometry, enhanced heat dissipation, and the minimum pressure drop should be taken into consideration. With this objective, an experimental investigation has been conducted with the corrugated plate-fin heat sink by varying the relative radius of corrugation and relative corrugation pitch in the range of 0.16–0.31, and 0.06–0.16, respectively, for the Reynolds number range of 6000–14,000. Experiments were conducted on a corrugated plate-fin heat sink using an open-loop experimental system comprising a test section of a rectangular channel measuring 2300 mm long, 180 mm wide, and 80 mm high. The corrugated fin creates higher disturbances caused by multiple separations and reattachments in the flow and thereby yielding a higher localized heat transfer coefficient and enhanced heat transfer from the system. The maximum fin performance is found to be 5.87 for the corrugated plate-fin heat sink corresponding to the relative radius of corrugation and relative corrugation pitch of 0.16 and 0.125, respectively.
Chronic hepatitis B complicated with secondary hemochromatosis was cured clinically: A case report
Authors: Ye Yun , Xie Jing , Wang Lina , He Cong , Tan Youwen
Published: March 2023

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) often causes iron overload in the liver but rarely causes severe secondary hemochromatosis (SH). A 48-year-old man was infected with CHB via vertical transmission. For 21 years, nonstandard treatment with second-line hepatitis B antiviral drugs has been administered. Repeated abnormalities in the liver transaminase function and continuous low-level replication of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) have been detected. The skin had turned black 5 years back. Biochemical tests and imaging revealed the presence of hemochromatosis. A liver biopsy suggested severe iron overload. Two genetic tests ruled out hereditary hemochromatosis. The patient was diagnosed with SH and treated with 400 ml bloodletting once per week and an iron-chelating agent. After 12 weeks, liver function was normal, and the skin turned white. First, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was lost, and HBV DNA was copied at low levels. The patient was diagnosed with an occult hepatitis B infection. HBV DNA was undetectable after 4 weeks of antiviral treatment with tenofovir. Upon reviewing the patient’s medical history, hemochromatosis was believed to be related to CHB with chronic inflammatory damage and no complete virological response. Improvements in hemochromatosis may promote HBsAg disappearance.
Blood endothelial ALK1‐BMP4 signaling axis regulates adult hair follicle stem cell activation
Authors: Li Kefei Nina , Chovatiya Gopal , Ko Daniel Youngjoo , Sureshbabu Sripad , Tumbar Tudorita
Published: March 2023

Blood vessels can play dual roles in tissue growth by transporting gases and nutrients and by regulating tissue stem cell activity via signaling. Correlative evidence implicates skin endothelial cells (ECs) as signaling niches of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs), but functional demonstration from gene depletion of signaling molecules in ECs is missing to date. Here, we show that depletion of the vasculature‐factor Alk1 increases BMP4 secretion from ECs, which delays HFSC activation. Furthermore, while previous evidence suggests a lymphatic vessel role in adult HFSC activation possibly through tissue drainage, a blood vessel role has not yet been addressed. Genetic perturbation of the ALK1‐BMP4 axis in all ECs or the lymphatic ECs specifically unveils inhibition of HFSC activation by blood vessels. Our work suggests a broader relevance of blood vessels, adding adult HFSCs to the EC functional repertoire as signaling niches for the adult stem cells.