bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political risk effects and entry mode strategies of multinational corporations (MNCS) in Nigeria
Authors: Olufemi Amos Akinbola , Taofik Osindero Agbatogun , Omolola Sariat Akinbola , SekinatArike Sanni
Published: February 2022

Research on the political risk and entry mode of multinational companies (MNCs) has been one of the major subjects of interest in international business terrain, and the political risk factor has constitute a major basis for explaining whether exporting, licensing, franchising, or joint venture agreement (JVA) and Foreign direct investment seems to be appropriate. As such, the study examined the effect of political risk as it affects the entry mode strategies of selected multinational corporations in Nigeria as the economy of most developing economies has been characterized as being exposed to political instability and risk. The research adopted the survey technique with inference to the expo facto method and adopted questionnaire as an instrument through content and test re-test appraisal before data were analyzed through the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The results from the analysis indicated that franchising remains a viable option of multinationals in Nigeria and the second hypothesis indicated that licensing significantly reduces the risk exposure of multinational corporations as the licensor have lesser liability in an unstable political economy of the licensee. Based on these findings companies are recommended to adopt appropriate entry strategies in line with governmental policies and economic situation before entering foreign markets.

JEL CODES: M1, M10
Optimal crop plan of cooperative farmers in Osun state, Nigeria: a linear programming approach
Authors: Sofoluwe N.A , Tijani A.A
Published: February 2022

Optimal level of production requires better use of existing resources at the lowest possible cost. Despite the inherent advantage of cooperatives to the agricultural sector, the question of how farmers under cooperative umbrella use farm resource for optimal outcome remains unanswered. This study investigates optimal crop mix for cooperative farmers in rural communities in Southwest Nigeria. Primary data were collected for the study through structured questionnaire. The data were fitted to Linear Programming Model. Three different cropping patterns are identified among the cooperative farmers. Based on the results from linear programming model, only maize, cassava and yam are admitted in the final plan and this combination is to be produced at 2.23 hectares. The gross margin value associated with the plan is ₦156, 235.781 (1$ = N365). Input resources such as land, labour, fertilizer, and chemicals are not fully utilized. The slack values for these inputs are 0.31, 651.20, 1929.6 and 140.76 respectively. The sensitivity analysis shows that seed/seedling is the only binding resource in the final plan with a shadow price which suggests that proper allocation of seed and seedlings would improve returns to cooperative farmers. There is need for appropriate farm management strategies to ensure optimal return for farmers. More education and training is suggested to boost cooperative farmers understanding of optimum strategy that is needed to improve production and earnings.

JEL code: Q10, Q13
Profit efficiency among catfish marketers in Lagos state, Nigeria: a Stochastic Profit Frontier Analysis (SPFA) approach
Authors: Settings Kazeem Aboaba
Published: February 2022

The study analyzed the determinants of profit efficiency among catfish marketers in Lagos state, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 catfish marketers, data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics, enterprise budgetary technique, Shephered-Futrell method and stochastic profit frontier analysis (SPFA) model. The result of the gross ratio and net return on investment reveals that catfish marketing was a profitable and bankable enterprise. About 76.72% of sales revenue was taken up by the costs. The SPFA reveals that cost of catfish purchased and depreciation cost had positive (p<0.01) effects on profit while transportation cost (p<0.01) and labour cost (p<0.05) had negative effects. Furthermore, marital status and credit use (p<0.01) had negative effects on profit inefficiency, the mean profit efficiency of the catfish marketers was 74%. The study concluded that catfish marketers were inefficient, however, to improve the efficiency of the marketers and create more job opportunities; the study recommends that credit facilities that will enable the marketers increase their scale of operation, acquire better marketing resources and employ capable hands in catfish marketing should be made available and accessible. Policies that will help to provide good road networks and reduce the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) should be given adequate consideration.
Computational Intelligence Applications in Medicine and Biology
Authors: Hier Daniel B. , Wunsch II Donald C.
Published: February 2022

This special edition of the European Science Journal is devoted to applying computational intelligence methods to solving complex problems in medicine and biology.
Subsumption is a Novel Feature Reduction Strategy for High Dimensionality Datasets
Authors: Wunsch III Donald C. , Hier Daniel B.
Published: February 2022

High dataset dimensionality poses challenges for machine learning classifiers because of high computational costs and the adverse consequences of redundant features. Feature reduction is an attractive remedy to high dimensionality. Three different feature reduction strategies (subsumption, Relief F, and principal component analysis) were evaluated using four machine learning classifiers on a high dimension dataset with 474 unique features, 20 diagnoses, and 364 instances. All three feature reduction strategies proved capable of significant feature reduction while maintaining classification accuracy. At high levels of feature reduction, the principal components strategy outperformed Relief F and subsumption. Subsumption is a novel strategy for feature reduction if features are organized in a hierarchical ontology.
Tingkat Pendidikan dan Status Ekonomi Pemilik Hewan Kesayangan dalam Hal Pengetahuan dan Penerapan Kesejahteraan Hewan
Authors: Rahmiati Dwi Utari , Pribadi Eko Sugeng
Published: February 2022

Pet is an animal that lives to partially or completely dependent on humans for a particular purpose. Keep a pet as a companion animal, should pay attention to animal welfare. This study aims to gain insight about the relationship between education level and economic status of pet owners on knowledge andimplementation of the animal welfare principles. The data were collecting by direct interview or a face to face interview to the animal clinic or hospital visitors on site (accidental technique). The data were calculated by statistical methods chi square to examined the relationship or the impact of the two nominal variables and measure the strengthness of the relationships between variables with each other nominal variables.Data showed a significantly correlation between the economic status of n North Jakarta respondentsbehavior (p value is 0.040), with the economic status of the Central Jakarta respondents’ attitudes (p value is 0.020), level of education and attitude of South Jakarta respondents (p value is 0.000). There were no difference significantly between the level of education and economic status of the respondents’ knowledgewas observed in all study sites. However, based on current information and on site observation, North Jakarta and West Jakarta respondents were considered to be able to demonstrate more sufficient knowledge of the animal welfare principles.
The Promise and Limitations of Information Technology for Tax Mobilisation
Authors: Okunogbe Oyebola , Santoro Fabrizio
Published: February 2022

Tax revenue in many low-income countries is inadequate for funding investments in public goods and human capital. While tax systems have been adopting new technologies to improve tax collection for many years, limitations to in-person interactions due to COVID-19 have further highlighted the role of information technology in tax mobilisation. This paper examines the potential of technology to transform tax administration by helping to identify the tax base, facilitate compliance, and monitor compliance. It also identifies possible limitations to the use of technology arising from inadequate infrastructure and connectivity, lack of adoption (or resistance) by taxpayers and tax collectors, lack of institutional mainstreaming, and an unsupportive regulatory environment.
Digital Financial Services and Digital IDs: What Potential do They Have for Better Taxation in Africa?
Authors: Santoro Fabrizio , Munoz Laura , Prichard Wilson , Mascagi Giulia
Published: February 2022

New digital technologies are now being widely used in Africa and lower-income countries (LICs). This has had an impact on tax administration, which has been increasingly digitised. Specifically Digital Financial Services (DFS) and digital IDs can improve tax administration. They have the potential to identify taxpayers more easily, communicate with them better, enforce and monitor compliance, and reduce compliance costs. While the potential is clear, existing literature indicates some of the barriers. Take-up of digital technology is still low due to barriers. Also, when taking up the technology, taxpayers often tend to adopt various measures to minimise tax payments. Within tax administrations there are challenges to accessibility and use of quality data. Mistakes can be made when launching digitisation, and there are regulatory and political barriers for effective use of digital technology. Given this context, this paper summarises key questions that are relevant for research and policy development to make more effective use of digital technology in tax administration in Africa and LICs.
Lessons From Livelihood Interventions that Increase the Resilience of Populations to Droughts in Afghanistan and Other FCAS
Authors: Price Roz
Published: February 2022

Creating and protecting more resilient rural livelihoods is seen as being key to advancing Afghanistan’s development and improving its reslience to climate change impacts, particularly drought. This rapid review draws on policy and programme information from donor and multi-lateral organisations and some academic literature to identify best practices and lessons learned on interventions to support livelihood resilience (to drought) in Afghanistan. Where possible, final project evaluations were utilised. Some broader recommendations and insights are taken from other fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCAS) and also from resilience and livelihoods interventions in Afghanistan that are not necessarily explicitly linked to dought. This review highlights the prominence of ‘resilience’ in donor interventions, but that there is a continued lack of clarity on how it should be measured or evaluated. This rapid review uses broad search categories and approaches, including database and website searches and snowballing of references. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed iteratively, with abstracts and documents assessed to find the most relevant papers. Donor databases were searched for relevant information. Much of the literature identified through this rapid review is donor-based evaluations of projects in Afghanistan. However, many of these evaluations are mainly concerned with project outputs and issues of implementation and process, particularly those relating to routine project monitoring and evaluation in fragile situations. Less robust information was provided on the success/results, appropriateness and lessons learned from the interventions themselves. . This review shows a breadth of resilience and livelihood programming in Afghanistan, especially aimed at agriculture and livestock. It was not possible to explore all the evidence and evaluations identified; priority was given to systematic reviews of multiple interventions and evaluations with clear lessons on intervention success.
Education and Stability Learning Journey: Lessons Learned and Emerging Issues
Authors: Millican Juliet
Published: February 2022

This document brings together key findings from a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Learning Journey designed to explore the relationship between education, conflict, and stability. Prepared by the Knowledge, Evidence and Learning for Development Programme (K4D), it responds to questions from FCDO on how education interventions can build peace and stability, drawing together research and lessons from FCDO posts, and input from leading academics. The Key messages are: 1) Education matters for peace. 2) At the same time, education can exacerbate conflict. 3) All education interventions need to be grounded in robust political economy and conflict analyses. 4) To avoid instrumentalising education simply as a tool for security. 5) Taking a pragmatic inter-sectoral approach to maximise opportunities. 6) Recogniseing the links between education and inclusive economic development 7) Acknowledging unavoidable trade-offs in meeting the needs of different groups. 8) Aiming for nationally owned systemic change rather than piecemeal interventions 9) To consider the importance of different educational sectors, 10) Recognising that the recommendations set out by the global education agenda are difficult to achieve in situations of extreme instability.
Role of Oxidative Stress as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Myocardial Injury Due to Ischemia/Reperfusion in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Morales-Carreno Pablo , Rodrigo Ramon
Published: February 2022

The most effective therapeutic intervention for reducing infarct size and improving outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction is the thrombolytic therapy or percutaneous coronary angioplasty. However, this process itself can generate ischemia-reperfusion injury that can be responsible for up to 50% of the final infarct size. Considering oxidative stress as the main damaging agent in this pathology, it has been postulated that reinforcing antioxidant defenses could improve cardiac function. However, up to date clinical trials based on monotherapies have been consistent in the favorable results. In this review the pathophysiological mechanisms of myocardial injury due to ischemia/reperfusion in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angioplasty are updated. In addition, new therapeutic alternatives for cardioprotection in this population, are explored, with emphasis in the combined therapy as a novel antioxidant treatment for this myocardial injury.
BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM PURPLE ROSELLE CALYX (HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L.) EXTRACT USING MULTISTAGE COUNTERCURRENT METHOD
Authors: Triyastuti Meilya Suzan , Anwar Nadiem
Published: February 2022

Multistage Countercurrent Extraction (MCE) is a new extraction technique used to extract bioactive compounds (anthocyanin, quercetin, antioxidants) from purple roselle calyxes (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). This study of purple roselle calyxes extract with three-stage MCE was carried out at a comparison of roselle calyxes and distillation water solvent 1:10, extraction temperatures of 50°C, 60°C, 70°C and extraction time of 15, 30, 45 minutes. Purple roselle calyxes using the MCE method contained the highest anthocyanin content of 2815,43 mg/L, quercetin content 59,25 mg/L, and antioxidant capacity 197,6 ppm. The results showed that the content of bioactive compounds increased by increasing the extraction temperature and extraction time. MCE is an efficient technique for extracting bioactive compounds from roselle calyxes. Roselle calyxes that are rich in antioxidants have the potential as a good food colorant andnatural antioxidants.
Pengaruh Pemanfaatan Tepung Buah Kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) dan Substitusi Gula terhadap Kandungan Gizi, Antioksidan dan Organoleptik Biskuit
 The Effect of Calabura Fruit (Muntingia calabura L.) Flour Utilization and Sugar Substitution on Nutritional, Antioxidants and Organoleptics of Biscuit

Authors: Silviani Deya , Marliyati Sri Anna , Kustiyah Lilik
Published: February 2022

Perubahan pola konsumsi ke pola yang kurang sehat seperti peningkatan konsumsi gula dan rendahnya konsumsi sayur dan buah, berkontribusi terhadap peningkatan prevalensi overweight dan obesitas di Indonesia. Overweight dan obesitas merupakan faktor resiko penyakit tidak menular. Pada penderita obesitas terjadi peningkatan stres metabolik, yang lebih lanjut dapat memicu penyakit tidak menular. Buah kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) memiliki potensi gizi dan antioksidan yang dapat dimanfaatkan pada pengembangan produk pangan. Pemanfaatan buah kersen dan substitusi gula pada biskuit dapat dilakukan sebagai upaya untuk membuat produk biskuit menjadi lebih bergizi, mengandung antioksidan dan rendah gula yang dapat berkontribusi pada pencegahan faktor resiko overweight dan obesitas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh pemanfaatan tepung buah kersen dan substitusi gula terhadap  kandungan gizi, kandungan antioksidan, aktivitas antioksidan, karakteristik organoleptik serta karakteristik fisik biskuit. Rancangan Percobaan yang digunakan adalah Rancangan Acak Lengkap Faktorial dengan dua faktor, yaitu substitusi tepung buah kersen dan substitusi gula. Analisis yang dilakukan meliputi analisis kandungan gizi, kadar dan aktivitas antioksidan, dan kekerasan. Pengaruh perlakuan terhadap kandungan zat gizi dianalisis menggunakan sidik ragam (ANOVA), sedangkan  terhadap sifat organoleptik menggunakan Kruskal Wallis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa substitusi tepung buah kersen dan gula memberikan pengaruh terhadap kadar abu serta kandungan dan aktivitas antioksidan biskuit (p<0,05), namun tidak berpengaruh pada karakteristik organoleptik biskuit. Peningkatan taraf substitusi tepung buah kersen meningkatkan aktivitas dan kadar antioksidan biskuit.
Curcumin Bioactive Substance to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy Due to Diabetes Mellitus Complications: A Literature Review
Authors: Ramadani Ade Lia , Atmaka Dominikus Raditya , Wulandari Fatqiatul , Kuatiningsari Ratna
Published: February 2022

Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia, and if it continues, the patients are at risk of having a macrovascular or microvascular complication. One of the most frequent microvascular complications is Diabetic Retinopathy, with a prevalence of 42.6%. Most of the blindness due to Diabetic Retinopathy is a permanent condition and cannot be treated, so prevention is vital in reducing this disease. This literature aimed at providing the recent information related to the effect of curcumin in preventing Diabetic Retinopathy from occurring in patients with Diabetes Mellitus and becoming a source of the latest product innovation in preventing this disease. The writing began by electronic database searching via Google Scholar, Science Direct, Medline, and Research Gate. Only articles in English were taken as a literature review with the following research variables, namely the decrease in ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species), the decline in inflammation, morphological changes in the retina, and reduction in levels of VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)which is an angiogenic factor. Twelve studies showed the following measurement results, namely five studies showed a significant result for giving curcumin extract to decrease ROS; ten studies showed that curcumin extract could significantly improve the morphology of the retina; four studies showed that curcumin extract could significantly help the anti-inflammation process, and four studies showed a significant reduction in VEGF levels. Based on twelve articles reviewed, curcumin can act as a bioactive substance in preventing Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.
FOOD-BASED AND NON-FOOD-BASED INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE DIETARY DIVERSITY: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Ginting Riska Mayang Saputri , Haryani Nila Reswari , Sumarmi Sri
Published: February 2022

Dietary diversity is one of the diet quality. Poor dietary diversity is associated with malnutrition, stunting, poor gut health, pregnancy complications, and cognitive impairment. Overcoming the underlying and basic causes of poor dietary diversity is imperative through policymaking. This current literature review discussed about intervention policies to improve dietary diversity at the individual and population levels. Literature search was carried out in some databases, i.e., Pubmed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Google with key word search such as dietary diversity, improvement, programs, interventions, and policies. The synthesized articles included observational studies, experimental studies, and grey literature on Dietary diversity programs and interventions. Articles on biodiversity and microbial diversity were not included. Dietary diversity can outgrow by knowing the policy on food-based interventions which are closely related to the food system and non-food-based interventions to improve socio-economic aspect and knowledge. Food-based interventions include food production, food prices, agricultural diversification, market development, and food-based dietary guidelines. Meanwhile, non-food-based interventions involve a country's development and economic growth, social behavior change, communication strategy, cash transfer, and mass media campaigns. Interventions to improve dietary diversity must be carried out in multi-sectors, for example, by improving family welfare, knowledge and behavior change, and stable food access.
Soft tissue coverage of lower extremity defects: pearls and pitfalls in the chronic wound population
Authors: Deldar Romina , Merle Chamilka , Attinger Christopher E. , Evans Karen K.
Published: February 2022

The incidence of chronic lower extremity (LE) wounds continues to increase. Lower limb amputations are associated with increased cardiovascular exertion, further decline in functional ability, and higher mortality rates. As such, there has been a shift towards limb salvage modalities. These include local debridement with advanced wound care, revascularization, bony reconstruction, and soft tissue reconstruction. Perioperative planning for soft tissue reconstruction requires careful consideration of several factors, including patient comorbidities, wound size and location, exposed underlying structures, and in the case of possible free flap, patency of donor and recipient vessels. This article reviews the perioperative factors that should be considered in preparation for successful soft tissue reconstruction of the LE.
Partial auricular reconstruction surgery for facial skin cancer
Authors: Rosi-Schumacher Mattie , Shokri Tom , Bassichis Benjamin
Published: February 2022

Auricular defects resulting from excision of cutaneous malignancies pose a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon due to the complex anatomy, convexities, and concavities of the ear. A surgeon must be familiar with analyzing defects of the ear and understand the variety of reconstructive options available with the goals of restoring function, re-establishing anatomic units, and achieving aesthetic balance. This review summarizes current methods for reconstruction of partial auricular defects resulting from neoplasm. A brief overview of ear anatomy and aesthetic relationships is also provided. Techniques for the reconstruction are classified by anatomic region: upper-third, middle-third, and lower-third defects.
Immunotherapy resistance of lung cancer
Authors: Yu Xin , Han Chaonan , Su Chunxia
Published: February 2022

In recent years, immunotherapy has made remarkable breakthroughs and brought long-term survival benefits to lung cancer patients. However, a high percentage of patients do not respond to immunotherapy or their responses are transient, indicating the existence of immune resistance. Current studies show that the interactions between cancer cells and immune system are continuous and dynamic. A range of cancer cell-autonomous characteristics, tumor microenvironment factors, and host-related influences account for heterogenous responses. Furthermore, with the identification of new targets of immunotherapy and the development of immune-based combinations, we propose the response strategies to overcome resistance.
Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Yunchang , Hu Lanlin , Peng Xinhao , Xu Huasheng , Tang Bo , Xu Chuan
Published: February 2022

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation are associated with significant clinical heterogeneity and a poor prognosis to standard NSCLC therapies such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapies, and targeted medicines. However, the application of immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) has dramatically altered the therapeutic pattern of NSCLC management. Clinical studies have indicated that some KRAS-mutant NSCLC patients could benefit from ICIs; however, the responses in some patients are still poor. This review intends to elucidate the mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy in KRAS-driven NSCLC and highlight the TME functions altered by immunoinhibitors, immunostimulators, and cancer metabolism. These metabolic pathways could potentially be promising approaches to overcome immunotherapy resistance.
ONECUT2 as a key mediator of androgen receptor-independent cell growth and neuroendocrine differentiation in castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Choi WonSeok William , Boland Julia L. , Lin Jianqing
Published: February 2022

Despite androgen dependence in a majority of castration-resistant prostate cancers, some cancer cells are independent of androgen receptor (AR) function, a feature of heterogeneity in prostate cancer. One of the aggressive variants of prostate cancer that are AR independent is neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). This manuscript will focus on the new finding of human one cut domain family member 2 (ONECUT2) transcription factor and its role in castration resistance, especially in NEPC.
Endophyte bacteria growth promotion effect on Lemna gibba plants
Authors: Paz-Delgado Jorge Adrián , Rodríguez-Dorantes Angélica
Published: February 2022

Duckweeds a kind of aquatic plants classified as macrophytes, have been considered as nutrient pumps that can help to reduce the eutrophication effects. Studies of endophyte associates focused to their functional analysis contributing the knowledge of plant microbe interactions. This work compared the phytohormones in vitro production efficiency of endophyte bacteria isolated from Lemna gibba plants and their plant growth promoting effect in this plant species. Five endophyte bacteria belonging to Bacillus genera and named: Bacillus sp. strain Fb1, Bacillus sp. strain Fb2, Bacillus sp. strain Fb3, Bacillus sp. strain Fb4 and Bacillus sp. strain Fb5 were isolated. The IAA quantified as basal and inherent production without the addition of the amino acid tryptophan showed that Bacillus sp. strain Fb1, Bacillus sp. strain Fb3 and Bacillus sp. strain Fb5, were considered as higher producers (24.21, 25.44 and 30.8 μg/mL, respectively). Even the effect of plant growth (EPG) on Lemna gibba plants was between 40 to 70 %; a suitable promoting activity by the endophyte bacteria tested was obtained, and could be associated with their IAA production. This work contributes to the knowledge of the phytobacteria diversity in aquatic plants, particularly in Lemnaceae species; here the five endophyte bacteria could be candidates to be recommended as biostimulants.
Practical Self-Driving Cars: Survey of the State-of-the-Art
Authors: Saha Debanjan , De Shuvodeep
Published: February 2022

Self-Driving Vehicles or Autonomous Driving (AD) have emerged as the prime field of research in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning of late. The indicated market share of existing vehicles might be supplanted by these self-driving vehicles within the next few decades. While AD may appear to be relatively easy, in fact, it is quite the contrary owing to involvement and coordination amongst various kinds of systems. Numerous research studies are being conducted at various stages of these AD systems. While some find the various stages of the AD Pipeline beneficial, others tend to rely on Computer Vision mostly. This paper attempts to summarise the recent developments in Autonomous Vehicle architecture. Although some people might seem to be sceptical about the pragmatic use of AD as an alternative to existing vehicles, the plethora of research and experiments being conducted suggests the opposite. Indeed, there are many challenges to implementing AD in the real world, but significant progress made in the last couple of years indicates general acceptance of AD in upcoming years.
The Wealth of Ottoman Individuals by Different Socio-Economic Groups, 1650-1918: A Descriptive Analysis in the Context of Institutional Change
Authors: ALTAY Bora , GÖKSAL Koray , KIRMIZIKUŞAK Hande Nur
Published: February 2022

The study offers a descriptive analysis of individual wealth in the Ottoman Empire, employing a new dataset from inheritance records of 36 different provinces located in Anatolia. The main purpose is to contribute to the discussion on the relationship between wealth inequality and changing institutional structures, spanning from 1650 to 1918. The limitations of data entail restrictions to construct a quantitative research, and hence, the study provides an implicit analysis on this relationship. A new dataset on individual wealth, however, allow to present a descriptive analysis in a long-term perspective. Establishing information on individual wealth by socio-economic groups, the study estimates wealth inequality according to Gini coefficients. This estimates also include a comparative analysis among different groups, including four quartiles starting from the wealthiest 25 percent. Our findings underlie the importance of the role of institutional change over the wealth inequality. We suggest the wealth inequality is higher under the periods of decentralized institutions, particularly during the pre-industrial period. This trend has become better with series of political, economic and institutional reforms towards centralization during the second half of the nineteenth century.
VARIATIONS OF INDONESIAN TRHOUGHFLOW TRANSPORT IN MALUKU AND HALMAHERA SEA RELATED TO THE OCCURRENCE OF EL NINO SOUTHERN OSCILLATION
Authors: Rejeki Hasti Amrih , Betsi B , Andariwan Yogi Muhammad
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTMaluku and Halmahera Sea are the entry paths for the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF). This study examined the variation of their current speed, current direction, and transport during the ENSO phases on La Nina in 2010-2011 and El Nino in 2015-2016. The data used were the Marine Copernicus reanalysis data of u and v components of current velocity at 155 m and 266 m of depth. The data were processed by using GrADS to see the direction and speed of the current as well as by calculating the ITF transport. During La Nina, both at 155 m and 266 m of depths were found the eddy patterns. When El Nino occurred, the direction of currents in Maluku Sea was different from La Nina conditions, while the direction of currents in Halmahera Sea had no differences. Current velocity in both oceans at each depth was lower during El Nino than La Nina. The condition of ITF transport in the Maluku Sea during La Nina was dominated by southward movement with a smaller value than during El Nino which generally moved northward meanwhile in the Halmahera Sea had the opposite condition.Keywords: current speed, current direction, ENSO, ITF, transport
Geodiversity assessment through the Évora – Montemor-o-Novo region: On the scope of valorising the mining heritage of the Ossa-Morena Zone (SW Iberia, Portugal)
Authors: Maia Miguel , Nogueira Pedro , Mirão José , Noronha Fernando
Published: February 2022

The SW of Iberia registers diverse examples of mining remnants from activities that ceased during the 20th century, namely in the Ossa-Morena Zone. Such activities exposed outcrops that make part of the mining heritage of the Alentejo province (Portugal), and examples of that are found throughout the Évora – Montemor-o-Novo region at the ancient Montemor-o-Novo iron mines. The area, comprised within the Évora Massif, besides displaying an important mining and quarrying heritage, also exhibits important geomorphological, structural, and lithological features that are key to understand the geodynamic evolution of the Variscan Orogeny at the SW of Iberia. This work intends to evaluate the geodiversity throughout the region and propose routes that integrate geodiversity features along with the mining heritage of the ancient mines from the Montemor-o-Novo iron district. Furthermore, the region is characterised by immense cultural, historical and archaeological assets that together with the geodiversity of the region have efficiently been used for scientific and formal and informal educational purposes. Mining heritage can contribute to the understanding of the role of mineral resources on the past, present, and future of society as we know it. The proposal herein disclosed although intending to promote geoconservation strategies regarding the mineral resources of Ossa-Morena Zone does not aim to make exploration and mining unfeasible in these locations. On the contrary, this work intends to promote strategies in which industry and geoheritage can work together on the knowledge transfer to society, contributing to the geological literacy.
Selected ‘Starter kit’ energy system modelling data for selected countries in Africa, East Asia, and South America (#CCG, 2021)
Authors: Allington Lucy , Cannone Carla , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Walker Miriam Zachau , Ahsan Aniq , Charbonnier Flora , Halloran Claire , Stephanie Hirmer  , Cronin Jennifer , Constantinos Taliotis  , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Maarten Brinkerink   , Deane Paul , Andrii Gritsevskyi  , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Edito Barcelona  , Niet Taco , Rogner Holger , Bock Franziska , Quirós-Tortós Jairo , Angulo-Paniagua Jam , Krishnamurthy Satheesh , Harrison John , To Long Seng
Published: February 2022

Energy system modelling can be used to develop internally consistent quantified scenarios. These provide key insights needed to mobilise finance, understand market development, infrastructure deployment, the associated role of institutions, and generally support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling, especially in developing countries, thereby causing delays to decision making. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero-order energy system model for a range of developing countries in Africa, East Asia, and South America, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organisations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the datasets can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. As an example, these data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model for Kenya using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and three stylized scenarios (Fossil Future, Least Cost and Net Zero by 2050) for 2020-2050. The assumptions used and the results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
On The New Hyperbolic Wave Solutions to Wu-Zhang System Models
Authors: YAZGAN Tuğba , ILHAN Esin , ÇELİK Ercan , BULUT Hasan
Published: February 2022

In this study, some solitary wave solutions of the Wu-Zhang system are analyzed using the modified expansion function method and the sine-Gordon expansion method. Solitary wave solutions of this non-linear mathematical model consisting of hyperbolic and trigonometric function structures are get. Two and three dimensional, density graphics of the solitary solutions of the mathematical models are drawn by choosing the appropriate parameters. It was seen that all solution functions found as a result provide the mathematical model. In this study, Wolfram Mathematica software program was used for all mathematical calculations.
Micropollutant content of Sargassum drifted ashore: arsenic and chlordecone threat assessment and management recommendations for the Caribbean
Authors: Devault Damien Alain , Massat Félix , Lambourdière Josie , Maridakis Clio , Dupuy Laëtitia , Péné-Annette Anne , Dolique Franck
Published: February 2022

Massive Sargassum beachings occur since 2011 on Caribbean shores. Sargassum inundation events currently involve two species, namely S. fluitans and S. natans that are circulating and blooming along the North Atlantic subtropical gyre and in the entire Caribbean region up to the Gulf of Mexico. Alike other brown seaweeds, Sargassum have been shown to bioaccumulate a large number of heavy metals, alongside with some organic compounds including the contamination by historical chlordecone pollution in French West Indies (FWI), an insecticide used against the banana’s weevil Cosmopolites sordidus. The present study reports, during two successive years, the concentration levels of heavy metals including arsenic in Martinique and Guadeloupe (FWI). We found that Sargassum can also accumulate high concentration of chlordecone. Sargassum contamination by chlordecone is observed in areas that are close to contaminated river mouth. Our results further demonstrate that algae bleaching raises a number of questions about inorganic and organic pollutants bioaccumulation, transport and dissemination.
Quantification of left atrial function and geometry by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Cionca Carmen , Zlibut Alexandru , Orzan Rares Ilie , Cojan-Minzat Bianca Olivia , Horvat Dalma , Muresan Ioana Danuta , Kiss Eva , Gonciar Diana , Dirzu Dan , Seicean Serban , Agoston-Coldea Lucia , Mocan Teodora
Published: February 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Impact of Gervital Against Histopathological, Ultrastructural, and Biochemical Alterations Caused by Methotrexate or Azathioprine in Albino Rats Testis
Authors: Abdul-Hamid Manal , Abdel-Reheim Eman Salah , Hegazy Walaa , Allam Ahmed , Othman Sarah I. , Alqhtani Haifa A , Abdel-Kawi Samraa Hussein
Published: February 2022

Methotrexate (MTX) and azathioprine (AZA) are chemotherapeutic, immunosuppressive, cytotoxic drugs with reported adverse impacts such as oxidative damage to testis. This study aims to scrutinize the potential effect of grape seed extract (GSE; gervital) to prevent testicular damage propelled by MTX and AZA. Rats were separated into six groups: Group I, normal control group; Group II, GSE (150 mg/kg/day); Group III, MTX (8 mg/kg/week). Group IV, AZA (15 mg/kg/day). Group V, GSE (150 mg/kg/day) + MTX (8 mg/kg /week); Group VI, GSE (150 mg/kg/day) + AZA (15 mg/kg/day). All rats were sacrificed, blood samples were obtained for testosterone analysis and testis was removed for histological, ultrastructural studies and oxidation measurements. A reduction in body and testes relative weight, along with a significant decrease in testosterone was observed. Histopathological, ultrastructural alterations induced by MTX or AZA include scanty spermatozoa, sloughing, marked reduction of spermatogonia cells, and pyknosis of some nuclei. Significant oxidative stress (OS) manifested by reduced glutathione (GSH) level, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. GSE administration showed an ameliorative effect on testosterone, histopathological and ultrastructural changes. GSE treatment also suppressed the increases in MDA levels and the decrease in GSH level, CAT, and SOD activities. Conclusion, our findings confirmed that GSE is an effective antioxidant that prevent and protect testis from the histopathological and ultrastructural damages induced by MTX and AZA. So, GSE is a promising candidate for future use to minimize and alleviate MTX and AZA risks
Spreading Awareness of Attenuating Vehicular Speed After Lifting of Covid-19 Lockdown Using Web-Based Estimation of Visual Reaction Time for Primary Prevention of Road Traffic Collision
Authors: Rajdeep Prashant , Patel Lajja , CD Steffy , Panchal Preeti
Published: February 2022

Objectives- Attenuating the vehicular speed after lifting of lockdown during Covid-19, by employing visual reaction time (RT) as a tool to prime citizens for creating decorum of driving and checking the road traffic fatalities.Background- It is indispensable to curb the driving speed post lockdown to avoid accidents. Even though, the impact of inactivity on RT has been well established, an insight into the new method can deal with the gross issue of road traffic casualty worldwide. Method- Using a web-based platform (http://physicsiology.com), RT was derived by visual stimulation test. Of which, the slowest and the fastest RT were obtained. Using these and prefeed average vehicular speed before lockdown in the website the post lockdown vehicular speed were quantified for the participant. Apart from spreading awareness the website has also collected data for age and days of lockdown.Results- Compared to pre lockdown vehicular speed, reduced post lockdown speed was well calculated and suggested. Furthermore, from 643 participants, there was a correlation between RT, age, and days of lockdown.Conclusion- Containment of speed can be achieved through RT to prime people for prevention of road traffic collision after lifting of Covid-19 lockdown.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knock-in of Masu Salmon (Oncorhyncus Masou) Elongase Gene in the Melanocortin-4 (mc4r) Coding Region of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus) Genome
Authors: Coogan Michael , Xing De , Su Baofeng , Alston Veronica , Johnson Andrew , Khan Mohd , Khalil Karim , Elaswad Ahmed , Li Shangjia , Wang Jinhai , Lu Cuiyu , Wang Wenwen , Hettiarachchi Darshika , Shang Mei , Hasin Tasnuba , Qin Zhenkui , Cone Roger , Butts Ian , Dunham Rex
Published: February 2022

Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, have limited ability to synthesize Ω-3 fatty acids due to a lack of elongases and desaturases. The ccβA-msElovl2 transgene containing masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou, elongase gene driven by the common carp, Cyprinus carpio, beta-actin promoter was inserted into the channel catfish melanocortin-4 receptor (mc4r) gene site using the two-hit two-oligo with plasmid (2H2OP) method. The best performing sgRNA resulted in a knockout mutation rate of 92% with 69% homozygosity/bi-allelism, a knock-in rate of 54% and a simultaneous knockout/knock-in rate of 49%. Fish simultaneously mutated with the ccβA-msElovl2 transgene knock-in and mc4r knockout (Elovl2) were 41.8% larger than controls at 6 months post-hatch. Mean eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) levels in Elov2 mutants and MC4R mutants were 121.6% and 94.1% higher than in controls, respectively. Observed mean docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3) and total EPA+DHA content was 32.8% and 45.1% higher, respectively, in Elovl2 fish than controls. To our knowledge this is the first example of multiplexed genetic engineering and gene editing of a commercially important aquaculture species for valuable performance traits. With a high mutation rate, improved growth, and higher omega-3 fatty acid content, the use of Elovl2 channel catfish appears beneficial for application on commercial farms.
A Retrospective Study of Mortality for Perioperative Cardiac Arrests Towards Personalized Treatment
Authors: Shang Huijie , Chu Qinjun , Zheng Shasha , Ji Muhuo , Guo Jin , Yang Jianjun , Ye Haotian
Published: February 2022

Background

Perioperative cardiac arrest (POCA) is associated with a high mortality rate. This work aims to study its prognostic factors for risk mitigation by means of care management and planning.
Methods

A database of 380,919 surgeries was reviewed and 150 POCAs were curated. The main outcome is the mortality prior to hospital discharge. Patient demographics, medical history, and clinical characteristics (anesthesia and surgery) were main features. Six ML algorithms were explored: LR, SVC, RF, GBM, AdaBoost, and VotingClassifier. The last one is an ensemble of the beginning five ones. k-fold cross-validation and bootstrapping minimized the prediction bias and variance, respectively. Explainers (SHAP and LIME) were used to interpret the predictions.
Results

The ensemble provided the most accurate and robust predictions (AUC=0.90 [95% CI, 0.78-0.98]) across various age groups. The risk factors were identified by order of importance. Surprisingly, the comorbidity of hypertension was found to have a protective effect on survival, which was reported by a recent study (Alnabelsi T. et. al. 2020) for the first time to our knowledge.
Conclusions

The validated ensemble classifier in aid of the explainers improved the predictive differentiation, deepening our understanding of POCA prognostication. It offers a holistic model-based approach for personalized anesthesia and surgical treatment.
Photonic Generation and Application of Dual-band Phase-Coded LFM Signals
Authors: Zhou Yixiao , Zhao Shanghong , Li Xuan , Wang Guodong , Huang Lanfeng , Yu Longqiang
Published: February 2022

A novel photonic method is proposed to generate dual-band phase encoding linearly frequency modulation (LFM) waveforms. In this scheme, two binary sequences are sent into one dual-polarization Mach-Zehnder modulator (DPol-MZM) to perform phase modulation with the optical carrier, while driving LFM signal is sent into another DPol-MZM to generate second and fourth-order optical sidebands. Then, the generated sidebands and the phase modulated optical carrier are combined together to perform optical to electrical conversion. As a result, bandwidth doubled and quadrupled phase coded LFM signals can be produced. The proposed scheme is verified by simulation, dual-band signals of 6~10 GHz & 12~20 GHz, 6~13 GHz & 12~26 GHz and 8~10 GHz & 16~20 GHz are obtained by using 3~5 GHz, 3~6.5 GHz, and 4~5 GHz driving LFM signals, respectively. Furthermore, the applications of the generated dual-band signals on both radar and communication are demonstrated. For radar detection, optical de-chirping operation for the dual-band signals can be simultaneously realized by using a DPol-MZM, on the other hand, the time bandwidth product of the radar waveform can be improved by phase encoding the LFM signal with M sequence. For wireless communication, each band LFM signal can be modulated with a binary sequence, and the two phase-coded LFM signals can be coherently demodulated in the optical domain. The proposed method features multi-functional operation, which can be potentially employed in radar-communication integrated systems.