bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance and firm sustainability in the emerging economy: A literature review
Authors: Agbata Amaka Elizabeth , Egolum Priscilla Uche , Offia Anthonia Chioma , Okoye Nonso John
Published: January 2023

Firm sustainability has gained popularity recently because businesses have seen the need for the creation of long-term sustainable values. Good corporate governance practices have been the pathway for companies in achieving social sustainability, environmental sustainability, and financial sustainability (Proshare, 2021a). Corporate governance and firm sustainability have been widely studied but in separate ways such as corporate governance and financial sustainability, corporate governance and environmental sustainability as well as corporate governance and social sustainability (Abolo, 2020). This study, therefore, aggregated these three components into their main fold, i.e., firm sustainability, and reviews previous studies to conclude what extant literature has on corporate governance practices and firm sustainability in Nigeria. The review covered a period from 2013 to 2022 and was done using the qualitative analysis method. The finding showed that corporate governance has a significant effect on environmental sustainability, but mixed effects (significant and not significant) on social sustainability and financial sustainability. The other category shows that it has a significant effect on the sustainability of Nigerian firms. The researchers conclude that good corporate governance practices improve firm sustainability in Nigeria. The findings enriched accounting literature and gave the situation of corporate governance and firm sustainability in Nigeria at a glance that has not been established.
The relationship between earnings management and integrated reporting quality: Board gender diversity as moderator
Authors: Velte Patrick
Published: January 2023

This study focuses on the relationship between earnings management and materiality disclosure quality in integrated reporting (IRQ) in an international setting. Moreover, board gender diversity as a moderator variable will be included. A cross-country sample consisting of 696 firm-year observations between 2014 and 2019 is included in this empirical-quantitative study. Correlation and regression analyses are conducted in order to focus on the impact of both accruals-based earnings management (AEM) and real earnings management (REM) on IRQ and the moderating impact of board gender diversity (Blau index). Both AEM and REM are negatively related to IRQ and board gender diversity weakens this relationship. A bidirectional link between earnings management and IRQ is not stated. While prior research did not find significant impacts of accruals attributes on IRQ, our analysis makes a key contribution as the link between AEM, REM, and IRQ is both analysed and stated for the first time. Corporate practice, regulators and researchers should be aware of the notion that earnings quality and integrated reporting quality have many interdependencies and should be discussed together
Suitable sites for groundwater development: A capture map-based approach integrated with weighted overlay analysis
Authors: Bajpai Mayank , Kumar Ranveer , Gaur Shishir , Ohri Anurag , Piégay Hervé
Published: January 2023

A novel methodology for suitable site selection for groundwater
development based on river capture, pumping cost and groundwater
potential has been proposed for better groundwater utilization. River
capture and cost map have been generated from a calibrated groundwater
model, simulated with forecasted hydrological time series data. The
groundwater potential has been calculated with weighted overlay
analysis. These three variables have been used to classify the model
domain into five zones of groundwater development by K-Means clustering.
The area with lower river capture, low cost of pumping and high
groundwater potential is found to be the best location for groundwater
extraction. The methodology has been applied to the lower Ain river
basin, France.
First experience with the novel AcQCross™️ Qx system combined with Medtronic FlexCath TM Advance steerable sheath for cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation.
Authors: Zanchi Simone , Greca Carmelo La , Prezioso Amedeo , Kheir Joseph Antoine , Pecora Domenico
Published: January 2023

Transseptal puncture is a fundamental learning step for a young
electrophysiologist. New technologies have been developed to reduce the
complexity of the procedure and improve safety. One of them is
AcQCross™️Qx. Our aim is to discuss our procedural approach with this
new technology, during cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation.
Responses of drylands woody vegetation to elevated CO2: review of consequences and research needs.
Authors: attaelmanan abdoelmoniem , Siddig Ahmed , Warrag Essam Ibrahim
Published: January 2023

Global changes such as elevated carbon dioxide [eCO2] and warming
have been described as the most serious environmental threats to our
planet. Elevated CO2 may have important consequences on forested
ecosystems. Although, the impact is worse in dryland ecosystems as
atmospheric changes increase aridity and change soil fertility, but it
remains unknown. The study aiming at understanding the effects of eCO2
and its consequences on Hashab (Acacia senegal) as a dryland C3 tree
species with substantial ecological and economic roles. We
quantitatively reviewed and discussed over 50 papers on the literature
about CO2 elevation (eCO2) effects on C3 plant and ecosystems to
understand how eCO2 will affect dryland C3 species of sub-Saharan
Africa. We found in the literature that, for C3 species generally eCO2
increases photosynthesis rate and reduces stomatal conductance but with
increased plant leaves’ area leading to release water. Water loss due to
stomatal conductance is unavoidable in dryland ecosystems. More seeds
can be produced in eCO2 but with mostly correlated seed low quality
which may limit seedling recruitment. Seedlings, as the most responsive
stage to eCO2, may respond by enhancing growth and biomass production or
experience photosynthesis down regulation and/or photorespiration. The
results suggested that A. senegal, as a C3 and leguminous species will
respond to eCO2 by two scenarios; 1) positively through enhancing growth
and biomass or; 2) a negative photosynthetic acclimation that could be
due to physiological dysfunction that resulted in metabolic compulsions.
The responses need to be further investigated under different ecological
conditions to feedback the global changes and ecosystem monitoring
including changes of species composition is recommended.
Inter- and intra-species comparative analysis of drought effects on seed metabolic composition
Authors: Wen Lingling , Toubiana David , Rachmilevitch Shimon , Fait Aaron
Published: January 2023

Drought stress can severely affect seed characteristics and seed
metabolism during development, resulting in a grain yield reduction.
Here, we examined the effect of drought on seed characteristics and
central metabolism of seven different plant species, i.e., tomato,
pepper, and eggplant from the Solanaceae family; melon and
watermelon from the Cucurbitaceae family; maize from the
Poaceae family; and sunflowers from the Asteraceae family.
Synchronized changes of seed weight and seed size in response to drought
were observed, showing smaller seed size and lower 1000 seeds weight for
tomato and melon while larger seed size and higher 1000 seeds weight for
pepper, eggplant, maize, and sunflower. Except for watermelon, number of
seeds per plant declined in drought condition for all the species.
Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering highlighted
differences of seed relative metabolite content due to phylogenetic
differences and different regimes of water deficit. Correlation network
analysis revealed interspecies differences in the metabolites associated
with seed traits and stress-specific metabolite coordinated behavior in
each species. The results suggest that the maintenance of seed
dimensions in droughty environments may depend on the rewiring of amino
acids and sugar metabolic network. The detected metabolic interactions
that are conserved across species shed light on phylogenetic
relationships. This comparative study expands our understanding of the
interspecific diversity of seed metabolism in response to drought and
may assist us for future breeding programs in light of climate change.
Disentangling the causality between parasite infections and poor host conditions in the wild population
Authors: Hasegawa Ryota , Otsuki Yasuhiko , Uemura Yohsuke , Furusawa Chiharu , Naka Masahiro , Koizumi Itsuro
Published: January 2023

Although parasites reduce host health, parasite infections also occur as
a consequence of compromised host health. Both causalities could induce
positive feedback, in which infected hosts with poor body conditions may
suffer further infection, but it has rarely been demonstrated in the
wild, possibly due to methodological difficulties. We used a
mark-recapture survey combined with structural equation modelling (SEM)
to examine whether both causalities and positive feedback occurred in
stream salmonid and parasitic copepod systems. We found that parasitic
copepods reduced host conditions and hosts with poor conditions were
likely to be infected, suggesting that positive feedback can occur in
the wild. Importantly, heavily infected hosts with poor body conditions
showed lower apparent survival rates. Our findings provide robust
evidence showing host condition–parasite infection dynamics, offering
novel insights into how positive feedback could strongly undermine the
wild host population via reduction of host survival.
Molecular insights into orphan G protein-coupled receptors relevant to schizophrenia
Authors: Lu Yao , Hatzipantelis Cassandra , Langmead Chris , Stewart Gregory
Published: January 2023

Schizophrenia remains a sizable socioeconomic burden that continues to
be treated with therapeutics based on 70-year old science. All currently
approved therapeutics primarily target the dopamine D2 receptor to
achieve their efficacy. Whilst dopaminergic dysregulation is a key
feature in this disorder, the targeting of dopaminergic machinery has
yielded limited efficacy and an appreciable side effect burden. Over the
recent decades, numerous drugs that engage non-dopaminergic GPCRs have
yielded a promise of efficacy without the deleterious side effect
profile, yet none have successfully completed clinical studies and
progressed to the market. More recently, there has been increased
attention around non-dopaminergic GPCR-targeting drugs, notably KarXT,
which demonstrated efficacy in some schizophrenia symptom domains. This
provides renewed hope that effective schizophrenia may lay outside of
the dopaminergic space. Despite the potential for muscarinic receptor-
(and other well-characterised GPCR families) targeting drugs to treat
schizophrenia, they are often plagued with complications such as lack of
receptor subtype selectivity and peripheral on-target side-effects.
Orphan GPCR studies have opened a new avenue of exploration with many
demonstrating schizophrenia-relevant mechanisms and a favourable
expression profile, thus offering potential for novel drug development.
This review discusses centrally-expressed orphan G protein-coupled
receptors: GPR3, GPR6, GPR12, GPR52, GPR85, GPR88 and GPR139 and their
relationship to schizophrenia. We review their expression, signalling
mechanisms and cellular function, in conjunction with small molecule
development and structural insights. We seek to provide a snapshot of
the growing evidence and development potential of new classes of
schizophrenia therapeutics.
Inferior vena cava distensibility from subcostal and trans-hepatic imaging using both M-mode or artificial intelligence: a prospective study on mechanically ventilated patients.
Authors: Via Luigi La , Sanfilippo Filippo , Dezio Veronica , Amelio Paolo , Genoese Giulio , Messina Antonio , Robba Chiara , Noto Alberto
Published: January 2023

Background: Variation of inferior vena cava (IVC) is used to
predict fluid-responsiveness, but the IVC visualization with standard
sagittal approach (SC, subcostal) cannot be always achieved. In such
cases, coronal trans-hepatic (TH) window may offer an alternative, but
the interchangeability of IVC measurements in SC and TH is not fully
established. Further, artificial intelligence (AI) with automated border
detection may be of clinical value but it needs validation.
Methods: Prospective observational validation study in
mechanically ventilated patients with pressure-controlled mode. Primary
outcome was the IVC distensibility (IVC-DI) in SC and TH imaging, with
measurements taken both in M-Mode or with AI software. We calculated
mean bias, limits of agreement (LoA), and intra-class correlation (ICC)
coefficient. Results: Thirty-three patients were included.
Feasibility rate was 87.9% and 81.8% for SC and TH visualization,
respectively. Comparing imaging from the same anatomical site acquired
with different modalities (M-Mode vs AI), we found the following IVC-DI
differences: 1)SC: mean bias -3.1%, LoA [-20.1;13.9], ICC=0.65;
2)TH: mean bias -2.0%, LoA [-19.3;15.4], ICC=0.65. When comparing
the results obtained from the same modality but from different sites (SC
vs TH), IVC-DI differences were: 3)M-Mode: mean bias 1.1%, LoA
[-6.9;9.1], ICC=0.54; 4)AI: mean bias 2.0%, LoA [-25.7;29.7],
ICC=0.32. Conclusions: In patients mechanically ventilated, AI
software shows good accuracy (modest overestimation) and moderate
correlation as compared to M-mode assessment of IVC-DI, both for SC and
TH windows. However, precision seems suboptimal with wide LoA. The
comparison of M-Mode or AI between different sites yields similar
results but with weaker correlation.
Vitamin D deficiency and genetic polymorphisms of Vitamin D-associated genes in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Basu Barnali Ray , Pal Randrita , Choudhury Supriyo , Kumar Hrishikesh , Dey Sanjit , Das Nilansu
Published: January 2023

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and vitamin D share a unique link as Vitamin D
deficiency (VDD) prevails in PD. Thus, an in-depth understanding of
Vitamin D biology in PD might be crucial for therapeutic strategies
emphasizing Vitamin D. Specifically, explicating the effect of VDD and
genetic polymorphisms of vitamin D-associated genes in PD, like VDR
(Vitamin D Receptor) or GC (Vitamin D Binding Protein), may aid the
process along with polymorphisms of Vitamin D metabolizing genes (e.g.,
CYP2R1, CYP27A1) in PD. Literature review of single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs) related to Vitamin D levels [GC (GC1-rs7041,
GC2-rs4588), CYP2R1, CYP24A1, CYP27B1] and Vitamin D function [VDR
(FokI - rs2228570, ApaI - rs7976091, BsmI-rs1544410, TaqI-rs731236)]
was conducted to explore their relationship with PD severity globally.
Furthermore, the DisGeNET database was utilized to explore the
gene-disease associations in PD, and STRING alongside Cytoscape was
utilized to identify critical genes associated with PD. VDR-FokI
polymorphism was reported to be significantly associated with PD in
Hungarian, Chinese, and Japanese populations, whereas VDR-ApaI
polymorphism was found to affect PD in the Iranian population. However,
VDR-TaqI and BsmI polymorphisms had no significant association with PD
severity. Conversely, GC1 polymorphisms reportedly affected Vitamin D
levels without influencing the disease severity. CYP2R1 (excluding
rs1993116) was also reportedly linked to clinical manifestations of PD.
Genetic polymorphisms might cause VDD despite enough sunlight exposure
and vitamin D-rich food intake, enhancing inflammation, and thereby
influencing PD pathophysiology. Knowledge of the polymorphisms
associated with vitamin D appears promising for developing new
therapeutic strategies against PD.
Stochastic maximum principle for discrete time mean-field optimal control problems
Authors: Ahmadova Arzu , Mahmudov Nazim
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we study the optimal control of a discrete-time
stochastic differential equation (SDE) of mean-field type, where the
coefficients can depend on both a function of the law and the state of
the process. We establish a new version of the maximum principle for
discrete-time mean-field type stochastic optimal control problems.
Moreover, the cost functional is also of the mean-field type. This
maximum principle differs from the classical principle one since we
introduce new discrete-time mean-field backward (matrix) stochastic
equations. Based on the discrete-time mean-field backward stochastic
equations where the adjoint equations turn out to be discrete backward
SDEs with mean field, we obtain necessary first-order and sufficient
optimality conditions for the stochastic discrete mean-field optimal
control problem. To verify, we apply the result to production and
consumption choice optimization problem.
Food insecurity, social support and COVID-19 pandemic among the urban slum dwellers of Soshanguve, South Africa.
Authors: AKINBOADE Oludele , MOLOBI Victor , TAFT Trevor
Published: January 2023

This study examined possible impact of social support on food insecurity
in South Africa’s Soshanguve township. Binomial logit models, combine
statistical and maximum likelihood features to estimate odds of
household food insecurity in Soshanguve, adjusted separately for gender
and employment of household head. Predictably, economic factors are
weakly associated with increased risk of general food insecurity at
lower household incomes, with large families, the unemployed, and those
with lower education. Social support, in the form of access to child
and/or pension grant or special relief of COVID distress, has no
significant impact on food insecurity, neither is receiving in-kind
help. The study is interdisciplinary and contributes to the
understanding of the link between COVID-19 pandemic, and the attainment
of United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) through urban
metabolic flows, and the relationships between physical, social and
economic factors in the urban environment.
Overlaps and differences in the symptomatology of patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and patients with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Christen Anna Lisa , Cavelti Marialuisa , Stieglitz Rolf-Dieter , Abt-Mörstedt Beatrice , Bitto Hannes , Newark Patricia E. , Moggi Franz , Felleiter Kerstin Gabriel , Riedel Andreas , Corbisiero Salvatore
Published: January 2023

Background: Patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) and patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) show
symptomatic overlaps. They both suffer from deficits in emotional
regulation, are impulsive and have problems with their self-concept.
Therefore, a precise diagnostic differentiation is of great importance.
The aim of this study was to find symptom overlaps and differences in
patients with ADHD and BPD. Methods: 80 patients with ADHD, 55 patients
with BPD and 55 healthy controls were examined regarding their ADHD and
BPD symptoms and their degree of emotional dysregulation using
self-report instruments. Results: Patients with ADHD and patients with
BPD did not differ significantly in their expression of emotional
dysregulation. However, the ADHD patients showed higher scores in
impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity, whereas the group with BPD
showed higher scores in self-concept problems and suicidal behaviour.
The two clinical groups showed significantly higher scores in emotional
dysregulation and all other symptom domains compared to the control
group. Conclusion: The symptom overlap in emotional dysregulation yields
implications for both further research and diagnosis of ADHD. Further
studies should define emotional dysregulation consistently in order to
examine the same construct.
Inconsistent welfare attitude in South Korea:Trends and factors of Not Out of My Pocket (NOOMP)
Authors: Kim Yun Min
Published: January 2023

This study compares longitudinal changes in the scales and
characteristics of the ‘not out of my pocket’ (NOOMP) phenomenon, a
welfare attitude in South Korea that supports expanding the welfare
system but rejects tax increases. Using the Welfare Perception and
Attitude Surveys, this study examines shifts in the scales and
characteristics of NOOMP for major welfare policies. The results show
that NOOMP is being alleviated; alleviation is largest for pensions,
followed by public assistance, health insurance, and employment
policies. These changes suggest that, to mitigate NOOMP, the welfare
system should strengthen the benefit levels of health insurance, improve
the gender inequality inherent in the national pension, build a social
consensus on increases in public assistance, and expand employment
insurance benefits to youth and the elderly.
Hummingbird foraging preferences during extreme heat events
Authors: Lawrence Sabina , Hazlehurst Jenny
Published: January 2023

Climate change is projected to increase mean temperatures as well as the
frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. These changes are
anticipated to alter the behavior of animals as they seek to
thermoregulate in extreme heat. An important area of research is
understanding how mutualistic interactions between animals and plants,
such as pollination, will be affected by the cascading effects of
extreme heat on animal foraging behavior. In this study, we used an
experimental and observational approach to quantify the effects of
extreme heat on hummingbird foraging preferences for nectar sources in
shady versus sunny microsites. We also quantified pollen deposition
using artificial stigmas at these sites to quantify any cascading
effects on plant reproduction. We hypothesized that hummingbirds would
respond to extreme heat by preferentially foraging in shady microsites.
We found little support for this hypothesis, instead finding that
hummingbirds preferred to forage in sunny microsites regardless of
ambient temperature. We found that in sunny microsites on hot days
pollen deposition was slightly higher than in all other microsite and
ambient temperature interactions, though it was only near-significant.
Test Suite Assessment of Safety-Critical Systems using Safety Tactics and Fault-Based Mutation Testing
Authors: Tekinerdogan Bedir , Gurbuz Havva Gulay , Catal Cagatay , Er Nagehan Pala
Published: January 2023

A safety-critical system is a system in which the software
malfunctioning could result in death, injury, or damage to the
environment. Addressing safety concerns early on at the architecture
design level is critical to guide the subsequent life cycle activities
to ensure that the eventual system is reliable. A fundamental approach
to address safety at the design level is the adoption of architectural
tactics. It is crucial for safety-critical systems to correctly
implement the constraints as defined by the selected safety tactics.
This article proposes a systematic approach for assessing the adequacy
of test suites of safety-critical systems based on these architectural
safety tactics. We use a case study to evaluate the effectiveness of our
approach using fault-injection techniques. Our study shows that this
systematic approach is feasible and effective for test suite assessment
of safety-critical systems.
Association between patient attitudes towards deprescribing and subsequent prescription changes
Authors: McCarthy Caroline , Flood Michelle , Clyne Barbara , Smith Susan , Boland Fiona , Wallace Emma , Moriarty Frank
Published: January 2023

Deprescribing is an essential component of safe prescribing, especially
for people with higher levels of polypharmacy. Identifying individuals
prepared to consider medicine changes may facilitate
deprescribing-orientated reviews. We aimed to explore the relationship
between revised patient attitudes towards deprescribing (rPATD) scores
and medication changes in older people prescribed ≥15 medicines. A
secondary analysis of rPATD scores and prescription data from a cluster
randomised controlled trial of a GP-delivered, deprescribing-orientated
medication review was conducted. The association between number of
medicines stopped, started and changed and baseline rPATD scores was
assessed using Poisson regression adjusting for patient age, gender,
study group allocation, baseline number of medicines and effects of
clustering. Participants (n=404) had a mean age of 76.4 years and were
prescribed a mean of 17.1 medicines at baseline. Willingness to stop a
medicine was associated with higher rates of both deprescribing (IRR:
1.40; 95%CI: 1.06-1.84) and initiating medicines (IRR: 1.43; 95%CI:
1.09-1.88). Satisfaction with current medicines was associated with a
lower rate of deprescribing (IRR: 0.69; 95%CI: 0.57-0.85). The rPATD
questionnaire could be used as part of a deprescribing intervention to
identify participants who may be prepared to engage in deprescribing,
enabling more efficient use of clinician time during complex
consultations.
RBCK1 promotes the stabilization of HBx by linear ubiquitination to drive the progression of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: li yongyin , Chen Peng , Dong Zheyu , Zhou Yuxin , Ye Qiuyue , Chen Junling , Cai Jianzhong , Huang Yiyan , Yang Jiayue , Feng Yaoting , Chen Liangxing , Tang Libo
Published: January 2023

Background & Aims: Linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex
(LUBAC) has been reported to participate in cancer progression, but its
role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. This study aimed
to investigate the functions and potential tumorigenic mechanisms of
LUBAC components in HBV-associated HCC. Methods: The expression
of LUBAC components ( RBCK1, RNF31, and Sharpin)
and Met1-linked ubiquitination (M1-Ubi) and their correlation with
prognosis were detected. The biological functions of RBCK1 in
HBV-associated HCC were investigated in vitro and in vivo.
The regulation of RBCK1 on the HBx protein expression was analyzed by
cycloheximide chase assays, coimmunoprecipitation, and ubiquitin assays.
Results: We found that the expression of LUBAC components and
M1-Ubi was significantly upregulated in HCC and correlated with poor
prognosis. Interestingly, subgroup analysis revealed that RBCK1,
not RNF31 or Sharpin, was exclusively overexpressed in
HBV-associated HCC compared to non-HBV-associated HCC. Upregulated
RBCK1 expression was associated with larger tumor size, higher
AFP level, and poor prognosis in HBV-associated HCC cohort.
Functionally, RBCK1-knockdown suppressed cell growth and migration, and
also inhibited the progression of xenografted tumors in HBV-associated
HCC mouse model. Mechanistically, RBCK1 interacted with HBx to promote
its stabilization by increasing M1-Ubi ubiquitination and reducing
K48-linked ubiquitination. Furthermore, clinical analysis confirmed a
positive correlation between RBCK1 and HBx, and the co-expression of
which predicted poor prognosis for HCC patients. Conclusion:
RBCK1 is an oncogenic gene to promote tumor progression and may serve as
a potential target for HBV-associated HCC.
Yellow Fever Virus Infection Alters Mitochondrial Network Dynamics
Authors: Gomez R. , Tomatis Carla , L María Scalise , Thomas Pablo , Aquila Silvia , Calderone Martina , Fuentes Federico , A Eugenio Carrera Silva , F María Ferrer
Published: January 2023

In this work we studied the effect of Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) infection
on mitochondrial network dynamics (MD). Using the A549 cell line as a
model, we examined MD during YFV infection at day 1 post-infection
(dpi), when only some cells are infected, and at day 3, when viral
infection has spread. Although we did not detect significant differences
in total mitochondrial mass using flow cytometry, confocal and MiNA
image analysis at 1 dpi showed that YFV increased the number of
individual structures, networks, and branches compared with
mock-infected cells. In contrast, no differences were observed at 3 dpi.
Using two different mitotimer plasmids, the results showed that YFV
slightly increased mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy at 1 dpi.
Confocal studies of Parkin 2 and F1-ATPase colocalization supported
these results. Treatment of cells with CCCP, a reversible ionophore that
triggers mitochondrial fragmentation, increased the number of individual
structures and networks one day later and had opposite effects at three
days after treatment. Treatment also decreased viral titers in cell
supernatants. On the other hand, treatment of cells with Mdivi-1, an
inhibitor of mitochondrial fission that leads to mitochondrial
elongation, increased the number of individual structures one day later
and decreased the number of individual structures, networks, and
branches at three days after treatment, with no change in viral titers.
As expected, YFV infection increased IFN-I transcription and PKR
expression, but these levels were also modulated by the drugs CCCP and
Mdivi-1. Our results suggest that YFV infection induces early changes at
MD that affect viral replication and open new strategies for developing
new treatments.
Method for determination of elemental impurities in metronidazole benzoate using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Tian Maoxian , Zhang Hui , Fan Huajun , Yin Mingxing , Wang Wenqing , Shi Chunyang
Published: January 2023

Rationale: Metronidazole benzoate is widely used to treat a variety of
infections. The presence of elemental impurities in drug products harms
the normal physiological system without any therapeutic effects. To
ensure the quality and safety of benzoyl metronidazole, a method for the
simultaneous determination of 7 elemental impurities in metronidazole
benzoate needs to be established. Methods: Ge was used as the internal
standard element to compensate for matrix effects. The samples were
processed by direct dissolution and measured by inductively coupled
plasma mass spectrometry in kinetic energy discrimination(KED) mode. The
method was validated by USP Pharmacopoeia chapter
<233> Elemental Impurities-Procedure. Results:
The correlation coefficients of the standard curves of 7 elemental
impurities were not less than 0.999. The limits of detection were in the
range of 0.0010~0.0487 μg/g and the limits of
quantification were in the range of 0.0280 ~ 0.0306
μg/g. The recoveries were within the range of
76.5%~119.4% and the precision RSD(%) was
0.39%~1.59%(n=6). The contents of 7 elemental
impurities in the three batches of metronidazole benzoate were
originally below their limits and less than 30% of the control
threshold, in accordance with the ICH Q3D guidelines. Conclusion: This
newly developed and validated inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometric method for estimating elemental impurities(As, Cd, Hg, Pb,
V, Vo, and Ni) in metronidazole benzoate was within the permitted limit
and suitable for routine use.
Green Synthesis of TiO2 Nanoparticles to Enhance the Efficiency of existing Solar Panels
Authors: Marathe Snehal , Patil BP , Zaware Trupti , Waghmode Shobha
Published: January 2023

Nowadays Replacing traditional energy sources such as fossil
fuels, the burning of coal with renewable energy is no longer a secret.
Research in the field of renewable energy, specifically solar energy,
has become the main focus, as it is available abundantly. The key point
in the field of solar energy is increasing the electrical power output,
further increasing the efficiency of the solar panels. Various methods
to improve the existing solar panel output are available, namely, using
solar tracker for the panel, an automatic cleaning system for the solar
panels. Lastly, as most of the sunlight falling on to the panel is
reflected back to the atmosphere, the method of using an antireflecting
coating has also gained importance in increasing the efficiency of the
solar panels. Nanoparticles have wide application in various fields due
to its small size. In this setup, the nanocomposite material titanium
dioxide with green synthesis method is used to increase the material
efficiency [1]. Titanium dioxide nanoparticle is the most abundant
compound on our planet and it has distinct physical and chemical
properties along with greater thermal stability, bright, and high
refractive index (n = 2.4). Green synthesis is a 90% natural process
using natural products such as roots, flowers, petals, fruit peels, or
leaves to prepare Titanium Dioxide (TiO nano
particles. Here, flower petals are used as a natural product to prepare
the coating. By applying this coating with spraying techniques, it
increased the power output by an average of 1 watt in comparison with an
uncoated panel.
A gated strategy stabilizes room-temperature phosphorescence
Authors: Gu Kaizhi , Meng Zhen-Gong , Liu Xing-Wang , Wu Yue , Qi Xin , Ren Yiran , Yu Zhenqiang , Tang Ben
Published: January 2023

Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) of purely organic materials is
easily quenched with unexpected purposes because the excited triplet
state is extremely susceptible to external stimuli. How to stabilize the
RTP property of purely organic luminogens is still challenging and
considered as the bottleneck in the further advancement of the bottom-up
approach. Here, we describe a gated strategy that can effectively
harness RTP by employing complexation/dissociation with proton. Due to
the order-disorder transition orientation of intermolecular packing, the
RTP of triazine derivative Br-TRZ will easily vanish upon mechanical
force. Impressively, by enhancing its intramolecular charge transfer
effect, the protonated Br-TRZ stubbornly possesses an obvious RTP under
external grinding, whatever in the ordered or disordered intermolecular
arrangement state. Consequently, the “Lock” gate of RTP was achieved
in the protonated Br-TRZ molecule. Combined with theoretical calculation
analysis, the enhanced charge transfer effect can narrow the
singlet−triplet energy gap significantly, and stabilize the RTP property
of triazine derivative sequentially. Furthermore, the locked RTP can be
tuned via proton and counterions repeatedly and show excellent
reversibility. This gated RTP concept provide an effective strategy for
stabilizing the RTP emission of purely organic systems.
Substance Abuse Poisoning Registry development: Based on lessons learned from a pilot implementation.
Authors: Badali Borhan , Jebraeily Mohamad , Delirrad Mohammad , Boushehri Behzad , Pahlevanynejad Shahrbanoo
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Substance abuse has been recognized as a national
problem in which poisoning with pharmaceutical drugs, opioids and
alcohols is a common problem in Iran. Due to the lack of a comprehensive
information system related to Substance abuse, despite the systematic
information in health services, and to achieve this goal, the purpose of
this research was to develop a registry system for substance abuse
poisoning in - Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Materials
and methods: This research is a practical development study that was
done in 4 phases. In the first phase, minimum data set (MDS) of the
system were determined. In the second phase, the registration system was
designed. The third phase includes the implementation of the system, and
finally, the system was evaluated by QUIS questionnaire.
Findings: A total of 58 data elements in 6 classes were
recognized as essential for this system from the point of view of
experts. The system was implemented on the ASP.NET platform using C#
language and SQL Server database in the poisoning department of
Taleghani Hospital in Urmia. The evaluation of usability of the system
showed score obtained in the 6 main categories were in set of terms of
the system 8.52, screen 8.36, ability to learn 8.8, overall
functionality 8.04, user interface 7.98, and the overall interaction is
7.73 respectively. Conclusion: Considering the capabilities of
the system for registering poisonings caused by drug abuse, it seems
necessary to implement this system in the form of a national network, in
order to make the necessary interventions to control drug abuse while
using resources efficiently.
Biased Signaling is Structurally Encoded As An Autoproteolysis Event in Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor Latrophilin-3/ADGRL3
Authors: Ojeda-Muñiz Estefania , Rodríguez-Hernández Brenda , Segura-Landa Petra , Correoso-Braña Kerlys , Boucard Antony
Published: January 2023

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) possess a unique topology
including the presence of a GPCR proteolysis site (GPS) which upon
autoproteolysis generates two functionally distinct fragments that
remain non-covalently associated at the plasma membrane. A proposed
activation mechanism for aGPCRs involves the release of a tethered
agonist which depends on cleavage at the GPS. However, this hypothesis
has been challenged by the observation that non-cleavable aGPCRs exhibit
constitutive activity, thus making the function of GPS cleavage widely
enigmatic. In this study, we sought to elucidate the function of
GPS-mediated cleavage through the study of G protein coupling with
Latrophilin-3/ADGRL3, a prototypical aGPCR involved in synapse formation
and function. Using BRET-based G protein biosensors, we reveal that an
autoproteolysis-deficient mutant of ADGRL3 retains constitutive
activity. Surprisingly, we uncover that cleavage deficiency leads to a
signaling bias directed at potentiating the activity of select G
proteins such as G and G. These
data unveil the underpinnings of biased signaling for aGPCRs defined by
GPS autoproteolysis.
Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody-resistant esophageal squamous cell carcinoma showing the abscopal effect: A case report with T-cell receptor/B-cell receptor repertoire analysis
Authors: Takehara Yuka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Mimura Kousaku , Yoshimoto Yuya , Watanabe Yohei , Saze Zenichiro , Sato Hisashi , Tamaki Tomoaki , Kono Koji
Published: January 2023

Background Several good results of clinical trial of nivolumab or
involving nivolumab in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were
reported. However, the response rate was still poor. A rare phenomenon
called the “abscopal effect” refers to the regression of not only the
irradiated tumor but also non-irradiated distant tumors after local
radiotherapy. The mechanism is not completely clear, but it is thought
that the activation of anti-tumor immunity induced by radiotherapy is
the main factor. Case A 66-year-old man with recurred and nivolumab
resistant esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in left-side cervical and
abdominal para-aortal lymph node metastasis was treated with a total of
40 Gy (10 fractions) of radiotherapy to the left-side cervical lymph
node metastasis which caused neck pain as a palliative treatment.
Nivolumab was resumed the day after completion of radiotherapy. At 3
months after radiotherapy showed that the irradiated lesion in the left
neck had regressed to a scar-like appearance. Notably, the abdominal
para-aortal lymph nodes outside the irradiation area, which had
previously tended to progress, had also shrunk (abscopal effect). The T
cell receptor and B cell receptor (TCR/BCR) repertoire analysis before
and after radiotherapy revealed that radiotherapy caused the changes in
the TCR/BCR repertoire. Conclusion Changes in the TCR/BCR receptor
repertoire repertoires were assumed to be a part of the mechanism of the
abscopal effect. The findings in this patient suggest that combination
of immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy can be a promising
treatment approach, even for patients with immune checkpoint inhibitors
resistant cancer.
Development of 3-D topometric imaging and 2-D photogrammetry methods for high-throughput phenotyping of perennial ryegrass spikes
Authors: Tubbs Travis , Chastain Thomas
Published: January 2023

Advances in technology have increased adoption of high-throughput
phenotyping (HTP) methodologies, potentially replacing laborious and
time-consuming measurements and data recording. One promising HTP tool
for fine-featured and small-sized characteristics are 3-dimensional
(3-D) scanning and imaging systems, but the utility of present 2-D
technology has not been fully explored for this purpose. The objective
of this work was to develop 2-D photogrammetric and 3-D topometric
imaging methods for HTP of spike characteristics in perennial ryegrass
(Lolium perenne L.) with special attention to traits that might be
associated with seed retention. These HTP imaging systems were compared
with direct data capture by hand in spikes of 21 diverse global
accessions of perennial ryegrass. The Fiji (ImageJ) open source imaging
software was used for photogrammetric analysis of spike structure
including spike length, spikelet number, internode length and 2-D
curvature of the spike. The optical sensor Artec Space Spider 3-D
scanner was used to generate dense 3-D point clouds to measure spike
length, spikelet number, internode length, spikelet length, spikelet
angle, and 3-D curvature of the spike. Both methods were found to
accurately characterize the subject, the 3-D method was slower than 2-D
but was more (P ≤ 0.01) precise than 2-D image analysis with a linear
measurement deviation of only 0.17%. Fiji was effectively used for
post-processing image analysis and the Space Spider can be used directly
in the field to support HTP data collection. This non-destructive field
measurement system facilitates HTP in perennial ryegrass spikes and
likely in other applications.
Genes and genetic mechanisms contributing to fall armyworm resistance in maize
Authors: Warburton Marilyn L. , Woolfolk Sandra , Smith Jessie , Hawkins Leigh , Castano-Duque Lina , Lebar Matthew , Williams William
Published: January 2023

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a crop of major economic and food security
importance globally. The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, can
devastate entire maize crops, especially in countries or markets that do
not allow the use of transgenic crops. Host-plant insect resistance is
an economical and environmentally benign way to control FAW, and this
study sought to identify maize lines, genes, and pathways that
contribute to resistance to FAW. Of 289 maize lines phenotyped for FAW
damage in artificially infested, replicated field trials over three
years, 31 were identified with good levels of resistance that could
donate FAW resistance into elite but susceptible hybrid parents. The 289
lines were genotyped by sequencing to provide SNP markers for a
genome-wide association study (GWAS), followed by a metabolic pathway
analysis using the Pathway Association Study Tool (PAST). GWAS
identified 15 SNPs linked to 7 genes, and PAST identified multiple
pathways, associated with FAW damage. Top pathways, and thus useful
resistance mechanisms for further study, include hormone signaling
pathways and the biosynthesis of carotenoids (particularly zeaxanthin),
chlorophyll compounds, cuticular wax, known antibiosis agents, and
1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate. Targeted metabolite analysis confirmed that
maize genotypes with lower levels of FAW damage tend to have higher
levels of chlorophyll a than genotypes with high FAW damage, which also
tend to have lower levels of pheophytin, lutein, chlorophyll b and
β-carotene. The list of resistant genotypes, and the results from the
genetic, pathway, and metabolic study, can all contribute to efficient
creation of FAW resistant cultivars.
Perspective of sustainable development in the functional area of nodal centres of Zlatibor district
Authors: Milosevic Zoran , Rascanin Sanja
Published: January 2023

The concept of sustainable development in the functional area of the network
of the most important settlements is based on the dependence on the
settlement environment as well as the development of the entire settlement
system in the Zlatibor district. The assessment of the functional
development of nodal centres and their impact on the sustainable
socioeconomic transformation of other settlements through
integrative-incentive mechanisms is based on: the dominant role of nodal
settlements as a geospatial factor in the sustainable development of the
settlement system of the Zlatibor district; structural and demographic
changes within the socioeconomic area; complementarities with settlement
specificities; development needs of functional centres; integration into the
spatial system of nodal settlements of Serbia; manifestations of
differentiated planning and research into the sustainable development of
complex geospatial entities. Based on the functional-process approach, the
concept of sustainable development of the settlement system was formulated
based on the following foundations: elements of the settlement system formed
on the basis of spatial-geographical conditions; the main areas of
population concentration are urban environments; the high conditionally of
the socioeconomic development of the settlement system based on the
gravitational-encouraging and polarizing effects of the influence of nodal
settlements; from the process of redistribution within the active
population, settlement- functional concentration and the development of
other settlements result.
Cyber Risks, Potential Liabilities and Insurance Responses in the Marine Sector
Authors:   , Mckenzie Alicia A.
Published: January 2023

The marine sector is vulnerable to cyber-attacks as it becomes more dependent on information and operational technology systems connected to the internet. While this allows for greater efficiency, the interconnected nature of such systems will expose the sector to new and evolving cyber risks. The research begins by briefly examining the nature of cyber risks, identifying likely threat actors and the motivation behind such attacks. Through the use of hypothetical scenarios, the researcher identified; i) some of the cybersecurity vulnerabilities particular to the marine sector, ii) the potential losses and liabilities from a cyber-attack / incident and iii) analysed how insurance may be used to mitigate the risks focusing specifically on the adequacy of traditional marine policies as well as cyber insurance policies to cover such risks. Traditional marine policies were analysed to identify the gaps in cyber coverage in addition to the recognition that without a clearly written cyber exclusion clause, insurers will be exposed to risks and liabilities they did not intend to cover. As for Assureds, while traditional hull and cargo insurance policies may cover some risk, they will not fully cover losses unique to cyber risks such as network failure, data loss, business interruption, cyber espionage and reputational damage so they too may not have adequate coverage against cyber-attacks. The main conclusion from the research is that marine and cyber insurance policies currently available do not adequately protect against cyber related losses and liabilities particularly those unique to the marine sector. This is primarily due to the extensive list of exclusions found in cyber insurance policies and commonly used cyber exclusions clauses usually attached to traditional marine policies. The coverage limits are also inadequate to cover the potential losses to marine facilities and assets which are usually connected to a complex supply chain.