bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polystyrene Nanoplastics (50 nm) Exposure Induce P-Glycoprotein Affect at the Blood-Brain Barrier and Blood–CSF Barrier Cells
Authors: Kim Young-Hun , Kim Eunhee , Moon Byungho , Kim Yulli , Choi Byung-Sun
Published: November 2024

Recently published academic paper, small pieces of plastic (microplastics and nanoplastics) are generated from the fragmentation of larger plastic pieces, synthetic fibers from clothing, and microbeads used in consumer products. Additionally, microplastics and nanoplastics are emerging as significant issues as they act as sources of exposure in drinking water and food. Recent studies suggest that microplastics and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), potentially affecting protein folding at the molecular level and inducing the formation of abnormal amyloid proteins, which may lead to the development of systemic and localized amyloidosis. However, the association with transport proteins is still under investigation. This study investigates the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics 50 nm (PSNP) exposure after 24 hours 100, 200 ㎍/ml on the expression of LRP1, RAGE, and P-gp in the BBB and BCB cells. Our findings indicate that PSNP (50 nm) treatment 200 ug/mL significantly increases P-gp protein expression to Z310 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. To RBE4 cells, P-gp expression also increased with PSNP treatment, although the increase was not statistically significant. These results suggest that PSNP exposure may influence Aβ transport mechanisms, potentially impacting AD progression.
Effects of Extraction Temperature of Protein from Date Palm Pollen on the Astringency Taste of Tea
Authors: Mohamed Rania , Xie Jizhou , Wei Fang , Luo Liyong , Luo Wei , Zeng Liang
Published: November 2024

The astringent taste of tea is caused by polyphenols like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This has led to efforts to reduce these compounds in order to make tea products taste better by adding protein. Date palm pollen (DPP) protein has emerged as a promising plant protein source for this purpose. In a recent study, the influence of extraction temperature (30 and 80 °C) on the quality of DPP protein and the astringency taste of tea was investigated. The findings indicated that extraction at 80 °C resulted in increased protein yield and improved surface and thermal properties of DPP. Spectroscopic methods, such as FTIR, UV, and CD, were used to look at how the structure of the DPP protein changed at 30 and 80 °C with and without EGCG. The results showed that EGCG changed the secondary structures of DPP at 80 °C. A sensory evaluation utilizing quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) showed a reduction in astringency for DPP-tea polyphenol solutions at 80°C. The food industry stands to benefit from the interaction of tea polyphenols and DPP as a protein-polyphenol complex for a functional beverage that mitigates the astringent taste of tea while preserving its distinctive flavor profile.
Comparative Assessments of New Hair Straightening Cosmetic Formulations on Wavy Caucasian Hair
Authors: Junior Celso Martins , Vieira Matheus Henrique , Cacoci Erica Savassa Pinto , Abelan Ursulandrea Sanches , Sarruf Fernanda Daud , Lima Cibele Castro , Chin Chung Man
Published: November 2024

Hair straighteners are among the most technically complex products to be safely and effectively developed, and this challenge has increased even more with higher incidence of resistant hair among consumers. This underscores the importance of studying new actives, combinations and carrier formulations to improve performance without compromising safety. In this research we compared eight hair straightening formulations with different actives and/or concentrations to develop new, safer and more effective texture modifiers. Eight formulations were developed and compared with each other and to control (virgin and bleached hair) by mechanical and thermal resistance, cuticle morphology, hair shine and fiber diameter. Results showed that all formulations were safe and effective to straighten hair, specifically, 13.3% and 9.4% ammonium thioglycolate (G03 and G04) were more suitable for wavy and curly hair, 12.5% and 7.9% amino methyl propanol thioglycolate (G05 and G06) for finer or chemically processed hair, 5% and 4% sodium cysteamine (G07 and G08) for curly and tight curly hair to control volume, and 2% and 1% of a combination of ammonium thioglycolate with sodium thioglycolate (G09 and G10) for more resistant Caucasian wavy and curly hair.
Comparative Analysis of Bayesian Networks for Breast Cancer Classification: Naive Bayes vs. Tree-Augmented Naive Bayes
Authors: Zhang Qimin , Zheng Huili , Gong Yiru , Liu Zheyan , Chen Shaohan
Published: November 2024

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with nearly 1.7 million new cases diagnosed worldwide each year. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates. This study applies Bayesian Networks, specifically Naive Bayes and Tree-Augmented Naive Bayes (TAN), along with Decision Tree and Random Forest models to classify breast cancer using the Breast Cancer Wisconsin Data Set. We explore different methods for learning the structure and parameters of these networks and compare their performance with a Decision Tree and Random Forest model. The comparative analysis reveals that while Naive Bayes achieves the highest specificity, Random Forest provides a well-balanced accuracy and sensitivity. Our results offer insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, helping to guide their application in clinical settings.
Generic Equations for Long Gravity Waves in Incompressible Fluid with Finite Amplitude
Authors: Kruglov Vladimir
Published: November 2024

We present the derivation of generic equations describing the long gravity waves in incompressible fluid with decaying effect. We show that in this theory the only restriction to the surface deviation is connected with the stability condition for the waves. Derivation of these generic equations is based on Euler equations for inviscid incompressible fluid and definition of dynamic pressure which leads to correct dispersion equation for gravity waves. These derived generic equations for velocity of fluid and the surface deviation describe the propagation of long gravity waves in incompressible fluid with finite amplitude. We also have found the necessary and sufficient conditions for generic equations with dissipation of energy or decaying effect. The developed approach can significantly improve the accuracy of theory for long gravity waves in incompressible fluid. We also have found the quasi-periodic and solitary wave solutions for generic equations with decaying effect.
Semi-Automatic Refinement of Myocardial Segmentations for Better LVNC Detection
Authors: Barón Jaime Rafael , Bernabé Gregorio , González-Férez Pilar , García José Manuel , Casas Guillem , González-Carrillo Josefa
Published: November 2024

Accurate segmentation of the left ventricular myocardium in cardiac MRI is essential for developing reliable deep learning models to diagnose Left Ventricular Non-Compaction Cardiomyopathy (LVNC). This work focuses on improving the segmentation database used to train these models, enhancing the quality of myocardial segmentation for more precise model training. We present a semi-automatic framework that refines segmentations through three fundamental approaches: 1) Combining neural network outputs with expert-driven corrections, 2) Implementing a blob-selection method to correct segmentation errors and neural network hallucinations, and \textcolor{black}{3) Employing a cross-validation process using the baseline U-Net model. Applied to datasets from three hospitals, these methods demonstrate improved segmentation accuracy, with the blob-selection technique boosting the Dice coefficient for the trabecular zone up to 0.06 in certain populations. Our approach enhances the dataset’s quality, providing a more robust foundation for future LVNC diagnostic models.
Unveiling the Genetic Diversity of Tunisian Monumental Olive Trees to Enhance the Olive Sector
Authors: Rahmani Sameh Mnasri , Marilena Miazzi Monica , Montemurro Cinzia , Saddoud Debbabi Olfa
Published: November 2024

The centennial olive trees of Tunisia serve as enduring symbols of resilience, having withstood the test of time while bearing witness to the effects of climate change, rising temperatures, water scarcity, and the emergence of new diseases. Presently, there is a notable lack of research on the genomic analysis of ancient trees. This study investigates the genomes of twenty-eight ancient olive specimens collected from archaeological sites. It uses nine highly polymorphic microsatellite markers to compare these ancient genomes with twenty-five local Tunisian cultivars and sixty olive varieties from the Mediterranean countries. The study revealed high genetic diversity among ancient olive trees, with 67 alleles and a Shannon index of 1.68, surpassing Tunisian cultivars. Key findings identify the ancient trees M25, M1, M28, and M24 as synonyms for local olive cultivars, while "M10" is noted as a first-generation migrant from Tunisian olives. Cluster analysis methods, including structure, neighbor-joining (NJ), and principal coordinates (PCoA), demonstrate that these ancient trees share a common genetic background and ancestry with varieties from Tunisia, Italy, Spain, and Greece. Therefore, conserving and valuing these genotypes will enhance the genetic diversity available for breeding programs and strengthen the resilience of agriculture, which is currently facing unprecedented pressures worldwide.
Digital Media Ethics in Generative AI Journalism: A Framework for Accountability
Authors: Okonkwo Peter , Njoku PhD Ignatius Achilike , Okonkwo Rosemary Ngozi
Published: November 2024

This study examined the ethical challenges and implications of generative AI in journalism, focusing on the impact of AI-generated content on traditional journalistic practices. The primary research questions addressed the transparency, accountability, and trust issues surrounding AI in journalism, as well as the perceptions of audiences regarding AI-generated content. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combined qualitative data from interviews with journalists, editors, and AI ethics experts, along with quantitative data from surveys measuring audience attitudes. The outcome include insights into the ethical concerns of AI in journalism, the development of best practices for transparency and accountability, and recommendations for improving media literacy and audience trust in AI-generated content. The findings will contribute to advancing ethical frameworks for AI usage in journalism, ensuring that the integration of AI technology enhances, rather than diminishes, journalistic integrity.
Newtonian Gravity of Antimatter Particles and Gravitational Foundation Underlying Field Quantization through Quantum Spacetime Geometrization
Authors: Chiarelli Piero
Published: November 2024

By incorporating quantum mechanics into gravitational theory through the so-called spacetime geometrization procedure that consists in applying the principle of least action alongside the covariance of quantum mechanical motion equations, we present a model that describes the gravitational behavior of antimatter whose existence is fundamentally rooted in quantum mechanics. This approach is based on the fact that the equivalence of gravitational and inertial mass in General Relativity can be replaced by the condition of covariance of classical equations of motion in curved spacetime. The findings suggest that to assign negative values to antimatter particles with non-zero rest mass, we must adopt new concepts for antimatter kinematics in order to preserve the energy conservation. The model indicates that while Newtonian gravity of point-like matter on macroscopic scale may be repulsive on antimatter particles, the observed kinematics appear attractive. Consequently, because we cannot directly measure the gravitational force on antimatter, it is fundamentally difficult to experimentally confirm whether gravity between matter and antimatter is inherently attractive or repulsive. The work also shows that the gravitational effect of non-punctual quantum bodies includes an additional term that is inversely proportional to their mass. The divergence of gravitational energy for infinitesimal masses may provide an explanation for the origin of field quantization in elementary particles, defining fundamental vacuum states with discrete, non-zero mass values.
Climate Fluctuations and Growing Sensitivity of Grape Production in Abruzzo (Central Italy) Over the Past Sixty Years
Authors: Guerriero Vincenzo , Scorzini Anna Rita , Di Lena Bruno , Di Bacco Mario , Tallini Marco
Published: November 2024

The sensitivity of the agricultural production system to short- and long-term climate variations significantly affects the availability and prices of food resources, raising relevant issues of sustainability and food security. To evaluate the vulnerability of crop yield to climate fluctuations and to determine whether it changes over time, we conducted a statistical analysis focusing on one of the main crops in the Abruzzo region (central Italy): grape. The study spans the four provinces of Abruzzo and involves the analysis of temperature, precipitation and grape yield over the sixty-year period from 1952 to 2014. Our findings reveal a climatic trend in the region, shifting from temperate to temperate-arid conditions, along with an increasing correlation between crop yield and climatic fluctuations. This suggests a rising sensitivity of the agricultural productive system to climate fluctuations over time. Despite progressively growing yields in the agricultural production system, the increase in sensitivity to climatic fluctuations indicates an inability to maintain high performance under unfavorable climatic conditions. On the other hand, yield fluctuations consistently pose a potential threat to market equilibria.
The Natural Cyclic AMP Antagonist Prostaglandylinositol Cyclic Phosphate (Cyclic PIP) Triggers, Depending on Time, Two Opposing Alpha-Adrenoceptor Effects on Glucose Release from Rat Liver
Authors: Weber Stephan Wilhelm , Cooper Laura , Wasner Heinrich
Published: November 2024

The synthesis of prostaglandylinositol cyclic phosphate (cyclic PIP) is stimulated by insulin and by adrenaline via its a1- and a2- adrenoceptors. Cyclic PIP inhibits protein kinase A and activates protein ser/thr phosphatase holoenzymes. Consequently, it inhibits glycogen phosphorylase and glucose-release. On extra-corporal rat liver perfusion, 0.1 μM cyclic PIP triggers a rapid glucose-release, comparable to the one generated by the calcium ionophore A23187, confirming reports that phenylephrine stimulates glucose-release via a1-adrenoceptors. 10–9 M glucagon stimulates glucose-release nearly 2-fold in male rat livers. Simultaneous stimulation with glucagon and 2 x 10–9 M insulin causes a 65% reduced glucose-release. 10–6 M adrenaline stimulates a rapid first phase and a second, cyclic AMP-triggered phase of glucose-release. Insulin triggers no rapid glucose- release, though both hormones stimulate the synthesis of cyclic PIP. The synthesis of cyclic PIP peaks 1 min after stimulation with adrenaline, but 3–4 min after stimulation with insulin, and cyclic PIP synthesis increases approximately 6-fold slower on insulin than on adrenaline stimulation. This can explain the too low Ca2+ increase on insulin-stimulation in order to “flash- activate” glycogen phosphorylase. In summary, cyclic PIP first “supports” and thereafter antagonizes the cyclic AMP-triggered glucose-release from liver.
Quantitative Risk Analysis of China's Financial Industry: Based on AHP + Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Model
Authors: Li Zhetong
Published: November 2024

In recent years, with the development of science and technology in China, the financial industry has also undergone significant changes. In the diversified financial field, the diversified financial system headed by financial technology gradually occupies a dominant position. The cash of financial technology has played a very important role in improving the efficiency of financial services. However, fintech goes hand in hand with fintech risks. This paper uses AHP + fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model, seeks 50 financial experts to comprehensively quantify the risk of financial industry, and explores the leading factors of China's financial industry risks at present, so as to make predictable intervention. It is found that technical risk, moral risk and legal risk, with a weight of 76% and a fuzzy evaluation index of "high", are the main factors affecting financial technology risks, while traditional financial risks account for the majority but only account for 24%. Although the weight ratio is not large, it still cannot be ignored. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the vague financial industry risks, explore the dominance of financial technology risks and traditional financial risks in the current financial industry, and conclude that in the face of the future development of China's financial industry, it is necessary to pay more attention to intervening in the risks brought by financial technology, so as to optimize resource allocation, but traditional financial risks cannot be ignored.
Multiple-Valued Logic, Vocabularies Structure, and Linked List for Data Verification in Dialog Communications of Agents
Authors: Bykovsky Alexey
Published: November 2024

Distant verification of autonomous agent`s parameters in dialog mode is a difficult multi-parametric task, if the large-scale scene of action is characterized by a large number of collaborative and rival robots. The possible scheme to realize it for mass robots is to use non-exhaustive and selective data verification, combining the polling of internal subsystems and external data storages in collaborating network agents. Selective extraction of data for such checks is proposed to involve the special ordered set of vocabularies, which contains coded digital words and classifies parameters of agents, tasks, objects, and events. Such structure of vocabularies is to be combined with various versions of the linked list scheme, known in blockchain and actual for protective documenting of critical data. Multiple–valued logic is here the convenient method to provide autonomous navigation in a multi-parametric structure of data and verification variables.
A Consequence-Based Response Framework for a More Resilient Shipping Amidst Growing Uncertainty
Authors: Thanopoulou Helen , Strandenes Siri Pettersen
Published: November 2024

The 2011 Fukushima disaster, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 are two, least expected and highly disruptive, events about ten years apart. Both had an immediate impact, but also longer-term repercussions on shipping business operations. However, while pandemics are a recurrent phenomenon of the known-known type, the combination of phenomena which led to Fukushima had no assigned probability. Hence no preparedness was in place as this was a practically unique occurrence in shipping. Considering significant shipping incidents of various less uncommon etiologies also, as are missile attacks on merchant ships or vessel-onto-bridge collisions, the paper puts forward a different general framework for handling shocks in the maritime domain, especially the ones classified in the “unknown-unknown” or “Black Swan” category, proposing a consequence-based approach. A parallel to other approaches and tools emphasis by shipping businesses on the Assessment-reaction-Recovery-Conversion (ArRC) framework for managing risk may assist in a) increasing resilience through planning for consequence-oriented, root-neutral reactions and b) promoting a “bounce-back-better” frame of mind, contributing to faster and easier recovery after a shock of any type.
Roles of Circadian Clocks in Macrophage Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease: Implications in Inflammation, and Metabolism of Lipids, Glucose, and Amino Acids
Authors: Dar Mohammad Irfan , Hussain Yusuf , Pan Xiaoyue
Published: November 2024

Macrophages are essential immune cells that play crucial roles in inflammation and tissue homeostasis, and are important regulators of metabolic processes, such as the metabolism of glucose, lipids, and amino acids. The regulation of macrophage metabolism by circadian clock genes has been emphasized in many studies. Circadian genes substantially influence cellular processes and inflammatory reactions: the metabolic pathways regulating glucose and lipid homeostasis are closely associated with these clock genes, which govern daily biological cycles. Changes in metabolic profiles occurring after the perturbation of macrophage circadian cycles may underlie the etiology of several diseases. Specifically, chronic inflammatory disorders, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and liver dysfunction, are associated with poor macrophage metabolism. Developing treatment approaches that target metabolic and immunological ailments requires an understanding of the complex relationships among clock genes, disease etiology, and macrophage metabolism. This review explores the molecular mechanisms through which clock genes regulate lipid, protein, and glucose metabolism in macrophages, and discusses their potential roles in the development and progression of metabolic disorders and the progression of cardiovascular diseases. The findings underscore the importance of maintaining circadian homeostasis in macrophage function as a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention in diseases involving metabolic dysregulation, given its key roles in inflammation and tissue homeostasis.
Örgütsel Çeviklik, İş Modeli Yeniliği ve Firma Performansı Arasındaki İlişki
Authors: İmamoğlu Salih Zeki , Türkcan Hülya
Published: November 2024

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, örgütsel çeviklik, iş modeli yeniliği ve firma performansı arasındaki ilişkileri incelemektir.
Tasarım/Yöntem: Araştırma kapsamında, Kocaeli ve İstanbul’da faaliyet gösteren üretim sektöründeki firmalarda yönetici olarak görev yapan 268 kişiden anket yöntemiyle veri toplanmıştır. Araştırma hipotezleri yapısal eşitlik modeli ile test edilmiştir.
Bulgular: Yapılan analizler neticesinde, örgütsel çevikliğin hem iş modeli yeniliği ile hem de firma performansı ile pozitif ilişkili olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bununla birlikte iş modeli yeniliği ile firma performansı arasında da pozitif bir ilişki olduğu bulunmuştur. Ayrıca iş modeli yeniliğinin, örgütsel çeviklik ve firma performansı arasındaki ilişkide ara değişken rolü olduğu saptanmıştır.
Sınırlılıklar: Bu çalışmanın Kocaeli ve İstanbul’da bulunan üretim firmalarındaki yöneticilerden toplanan verilerle yapılmış olması sonuçların genellenebilirliği açısından bir kısıttır.
Özgünlük/Değer: Örgütsel çeviklik, iş modeli yeniliği ve firma performansı arasındaki ilişkilere yönelik literatürde sınırlı sayıda çalışma mevcuttur ve araştırmacılar tarafından bu ilişkilere yönelik araştırma çağrıları bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmada ilgili ilişkiler ampirik olarak incelenerek araştırma çağrılarına cevap vermek, literatürdeki boşluğu doldurmak ve mevcut literatürü zenginleştirmek amaçlanmıştır. Dolayısıyla bu çalışma özgündür ve ilgili literatüre katkı sağlamanın yanı sıra yöneticilere ve gelecek araştırmalara yol gösterici öneriler de içermektedir.
Kalkınma İktisadı Ekseninde Yoksulluk Riski ve Savunma Harcamaları İlişkisi: Türkiye ve Seçili OECD Ülkeleri İçin Panel Veri Analizi
Authors: Has Banu , Çinar Sinan
Published: November 2024

Amaç: Ülkeler dış tehditlere karşı caydırıcı politikalar izlemek ve ulusal egemenliği sürdürmek amacıyla savunma harcamalarına önem vermektedir. Bu yüzden, savunma sektörü talep yaratıcı bir alan olması sebebiyle kapitalist sistemin vazgeçilmez bir kar odağı haline gelmiştir. Böylece, savunma harcamalarının artırılması için nitelikli beşeri sermaye oluşumunu destekleyen eğitim ve sağlık gibi alanlara aktarılacak kaynakların bir kısmından ödün verilmektedir. Bu sorunun kalkınma iktisadı ekseninde negatif dışsallıklara neden olarak yoksulluk riskini tetiklediği varsayılmaktadır. Çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’nin de içinde bulunduğu 19 OECD ülkesi bazında yoksulluk ve savunma harcamaları arasında bir ilişki olup olmadığını incelemektir.
Tasarım/ Yöntem: Çalışmada herhangi bir sahte regresyon oluşma ihtimaline karşın Levin, Lin ve Chu (2002), ADF Fisher (Maddala ve Wu, 1999) ve Im, Pesaran ve Shin (2003) panel birim kök testi uygulamaları yapılmıştır. Diğer taraftan, veri setinde zaman boyutunun kısa olması ve değişkenlerin de düzey değerlerde durağan çıkması nedeniyle sabit etkiler modeli ve tesadüfi etkiler modeli aracılığıyla tahminlemeler yapılarak analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir.
Bulgular: Çalışmada, yoksulluk riski bağımlı değişken, savunma harcamaları ve kamu eğitim harcamaları ise bağımsız değişkenler olarak ele alınmıştır. Sonuçlar, kamu eğitim harcamalarının yoksulluk riskini azalttığını; savunma harcamalarının ise yoksulluk riskini artırdığını ortaya koymuştur.
Sınırlılıklar: Çalışmanın 2006-2021 yıllarını kapsayan bir çalışma olması yoksulluk riskini üzerinde iki değişkenin etkisinin ölçülmesi modelin sınırlılıklarıdır.
Özgünlük/ Değer: Çalışma, yoksulluk ve savunma harcamaları arasındaki ilişkiyi bir ekonometrik model aracılığıyla OECD ülkeleri kapsamında incelemesi yönünden literatüre katkı sağlamaktadır.
6 Şubat 2023 Kahramanmaraş Depremleri Sonrası Kurumsal Vatandaşlık ve Sosyal Sorumluluk Bağlamında Kriz Yönetimi: Firmalar Üzerine Bir İnceleme
Authors: Acar Safa , Sarnıç Ahmet
Published: November 2024

6 Şubat 2023 Kahramanmaraş depremleri, Türkiye genelinde büyük bir yıkıma neden olmuş ve kriz yönetimi açısından çeşitli çalışmaların önemini ortaya koymuştur. Kurumsal vatandaşlık çerçevesinde, kurumlar kriz dönemlerinde topluma karşı sosyal sorumluluklarını yerine getirme yükümlülüğü taşırlar. Söz konusu deprem sonrasında kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk (KSS) odaklı kriz yönetimi çalışmalarının gerekliliği ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu bağlamda, yapılan bu çalışmada, 6 Şubat 2023 Kahramanmaraş depremleri sonrasında Türkiye faaliyet gösteren 10 farklı sektörden 20 işletmenin, kurumsal vatandaşlık çerçevesinden kriz yönetimi uygulamalarını incelenmiştir. Nitel araştırma yöntemlerine dayanan bu çalışma kapsamında, deprem sonrası kriz yönetimi çalışmaları yürüten işletmelerin kendi internet sitelerinde paylaştıkları kurumsal vatandaşlık davranışı ekseninde KSS faaliyetlerine ilişkin raporları ve medya taramaları incelenmiştir. İçerik analizi yöntemiyle değerlendirilen veriler, söz konusu 20 işletmenin kriz yönetim stratejileri ve KSS uygulamaları üzerine çıkarımlar yapılmasını sağlamıştır. Bulgular, birçok işletmenin deprem sonrasında hızlı bir şekilde harekete geçerek toplum güvenliği, eğitim, istihdam, çevre, temel ihtiyaçlar, toplum sağlığı, sosyal ve ekonomik ihtiyaçların karşılanması gibi alanlarda önemli katkılar sağladığını göstermektedir. İşletmelerin rehabilitasyon projelerine ve kurumsal vatandaşlık uygulamalarına katılım gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Çalışma, kriz yönetimi ve KSS kavramlarını bir araya getirerek, kriz dönemlerinde firmaların toplumsal sorumluluklarını nasıl yerine getirdiğini kuramsal olarak irdelemekte ve etkin KSS uygulamalarının toplumsal güvenin yeniden inşasına katkıda bulunabileceğini vurgulamaktadır.
Apclusterv: Refinement of Viral Genome Clustering with Affinity Propagation
Authors: Haobin Yao , Ruishi Liang , Zhongyu Xiong , Yanming Zhou
Published: November 2024

Background
Clustering assemblies is a fundamental process of metagenomic analysis. In an era where researchers from a variety of export domains are conducting heavy efforts on viral metagenomics, unsupervised clustering becomes a critical bioinformatics tool to overcome the shortage of viral reference genomes with known taxonomy information.
Results
Here we present Apclusterv, a novel software for clustering viral genome assemblies in an unsupervised manner. Our clustering pipeline relies on gene prediction from contigs and protein sequence alignment. The program is implemented as an open-source Python package. Apclusterv integrates two clustering procedures: Markov Clustering (MCL) and Affinity Propagation (AP). MCL and AP are both clustering algorithms that can determine the number of clusters automatically. Also, they display great synergy in our work. In the task of clustering metagenomic assemblies of viral genomes, our algorithm shows significant improvement in the quality of clusters obtained.
The software freely available at https://github.com/hbyaoherbert/Apclusterv
Conclusions
Assemblies of metagenomic reads are largely incomplete. Apclusterv resolves the limitation of short-reads assembly by identifying confident local alignments through a self-adaptive clustering system. The software can give accurate genera-level viral clusters from metagenomic contigs, which are critical to subsequent classification, Operation Taxonomy Unit (OUT) construction, or gene-sharing network analysis.
GABAergic anti-convulsion prospects of thymol through in vivo and in silico studies
Authors: Islam Muhammad Torequl , Hasan Md. Sakib Al , Ferdous Jannatul , Ansari Irfan Aamer , Ansari Siddique Akber , Islam Md. Amirul
Published: November 2024

The thyme monoterpenoid phenol thymol (THY) possesses diverse biological activities, including anti-convulsant effects. However, the possible action mechanism behind this fact has yet to be discovered. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-convulsant effects of THY with possible molecular insights through in vivo and in silico studies. For this, we performed isoniazid (INH) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsion studies in Swiss mice, along with molecular docking studies with the GABAA receptor subunits. Our in vivo study reveals that THY (especially at 25, and 50 mg/kg) significantly (p <0.05) and dose-dependently delayed the onset of convulsion and decreased the duration of convulsion along with the mortality rates, thereby increasing protection in animals alone and/or with the standard GABAergic anti-convulsant drug diazepam (DZP) (2 mg/kg). Interestingly, THY antagonized both INH and PTZ-induced convulsions more profoundly with DZP in animals. In silico studies demonstrate that THY showed a strong binding affinity against GABAA (‒6.6 kcal/mol) by forming several bonds. THY may be a hopeful bioactive to manage convulsions and their associated comorbidities in animals.
Magnetically Dependent Photovoltages in Permalloy Metasurfaces
Authors: Rab Md Afzalur , Keene David , Nesbit Sean , Baker Terence , Noginova Natalia
Published: November 2024

Significant photoinduced voltages observed in permalloy structures consist of two contributions with different origins, which depend on illumination conditions, structure geometry and magnetic field in distinct ways. The first component is the plasmon drag effect voltage closely associated with plasmon propagation. The second contribution is magnetically dependent and can be related to photoinduced gradients in the sample temperature and spin polarization. Possible mechanisms of the effect are discussed.
Development of a Bayesian Subjective Model for Predicting the Clinical Diagnosis of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Kebela John Kamwina , Kimpanga Prince , Nyandwe Jean , Kokolomami Jack , Chabikuli Odrague , Bwira Steve , Ahuka Steve , Mabela Rostin , Bulenfu Dorothée , Sundika Tresor , Beya Willy , Matadi Bibiche , Malu Gisele , Dyamba Fidèle , Mutombo Annie , Buhalagarha Jean-Paul , Kebela Benoit , Kabasele Bienvenu , Mwamba Dieudonné , Musema Godfroid , Bope Cedrick , Kukangindila Emmanuel , Munyanga Sylvain
Published: November 2024

The symptoms and clinical signs of Ebola virus disease are similar to those of malaria, thus leading to difficulties in terms of making differential diagnoses. Therefore, we developed a subjective model for the clinical diagnosis of Ebola. Excel and SPSS software were used to analyse data. The likelihood ratio, the kappa statistic and various internal evaluation parameters of the model were calculated. These analyses revealed that 4 factors strongly influence the clinical diagnosis of Ebola: haemorrhagic signs, neurological signs, digestive signs and epidemiological links. Among these 4 factors, the combination of haemorrhagic signs and epidemiological links in a patient yields a 60.5% chance of the case being confirmed as Ebola. Therefore, all health care providers in areas with the potential for Ebola must prioritise classifying any patient with these 2 factors as a genuine case of Ebola
Insights into Genetics of Floral Development in Amborella trichopoda Baill through Genome-wide Survey and Expression Analysis of MADS-Box Transcription Factors
Authors: Parajuli Sanam , Adhikari Bibek , Nepal Madhav P.
Published: November 2024

The ABCDE model is a well-known general model of floral development in angiosperms with perfect flowers, with some modifications in different plant taxa. The Fading Borders Model was proposed to better explain floral patterning in basal angiosperms that typically possess spirally arranged floral organs. The MADS-Box gene family is central to these models and has greatly expanded in higher plants which is associated with increasing complexity in floral structures. Amborella trichopoda is a basal angiosperm with simpler floral features, and the genetic and functional roles of MADS-box genes in floral development remain poorly understood in the species. The major objectives of this study were to perform a genome-wide identification and characterization of MADS-BOX genes in A. trichopoda, and to analyze their expression in floral buds and mature flowers t. We identified 42 members of the MADS-Box gene family in A. trichopoda with a Hidden Markov Model (HMM)-based genome-wide survey. Among them, 27 were classified into Type-II or MIKC group. Based on our classification and orthology analysis, a direct ortholog APETALA1 (AP1), an A-class floral MADS-Box gene was absent in A. trichopoda. Gene expression analysis indicated that MIKC-type genes were differentially expressed between male and female flowers with B-function orthologs: APETALA3 (AP3) and PISTILLATA (PI) in the species having differential expression between the two sexes, and E-function orthologs being upregulated in female flowers. Based on these findings, we propose a modification in the Fading Borders Model in A. trichopoda with a modified A-function, B- and E-function orthologs’ expression being sex-specific, and C- and D-function genes having roles similar to that in the classical ABCDE model. These results provide new insights into the genetics underlying floral patterning in the basal angiosperms.
Genesis and Provenance of Chimanimani Diamonds in the Umkondo Basin: Insights from Geochemical Maturity
Authors: Mupaya Fadzanayi , Mapani Benjamin , Meck Maideyi , Mugumbate Forbes
Published: November 2024

We report a novel discovery of a westward trend in geochemical maturity revealed by major oxides and SiO2 ratios in the Chimanimani diamondiferous sediments of the Umkondo Basin, eastern Zimbabwe. The analyses were carried out on diamond drill core samples obtained by the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company from the grits in the Lower Argillaceous Formation in Chimanimani. The origin of these sediments has been a subject of debate. Unlike the basal Marange diamondiferous deposits occurring basal to the Proterozoic Umkondo sediments, the Chimanimani grits occur within the sedimentary pile, overlying finer sandstones and underlying shales, which suggests a distinct depositional sequence. While some researchers have attributed the Chimanimani diamondiferous grits to eastward erosion and dispersal from the basal Marange diamondiferous deposits on the basin's western margin, others propose an origin from the older and metamorphosed Mozambique Facies thrust sheets in the east. This study favours a closer source for the diamonds, to the east of the current deposit, as revealed by the westward maturation of hosting grits. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of major and trace elements in the samples revealed ratios of major oxides to SiO2 ranging from 70 to 96%, indicative of mature sediments. This maturity could be attributed to a distant source for the sediments, or to hydraulic sorting within the basin. A striking westward increase in SiO2/major oxide ratios, corroborated by a decrease in SiO2/TiO2, is observed across the deposit. This trend suggests a possible source for the sediments as being to the east of the Chimanimani deposit. This appears to contradict the hypothesis of derivation of the sediments from the west, similar to the provenance of the Marange deposits.
Optimizing the composition of geopolymer composites incorporating secondary aluminium industry by-products using mathematical modelling
Authors: Sharko Artem , Le Van Su , Sharko Oleksandr , Stepanchikov Dmitry , Pavel  , Petrů Michal , Czarnywojtek Piotr , Louda Petr , Łoś Katarzyna Ewa
Published: November 2024

Geopolymer composite materials are a viable alternative to conventional construction materials. The research problem of geopolymer composites revolves around the imperative to comprehensively address their synthesis, structural performance, and environmental impact. The derived mathematical model facilitates precisely determining the optimal proportions of two crucial constituents in the geopolymer matrix: silica sand and secondary aluminium by-product. A mathematical model for optimising the composition of geopolymer composites has been developed based on the integrated use of Markov chains, criterion methods and orthogonally compositional plan. The optimal composition of the geopolymer matrix is determined and predicted using a mathematical model. Specifically, the recommended content mixing ratio is as follows: metakaolin at 1000 g, activator at 900 g, silica fume at 1052.826 g, carbon fibre at 10 g, and secondary aluminium by-product at 62,493 g. Analysing the influence of different secondary aluminium industry by-products on the geopolymerization process, and assessing the mechanical, thermal, and environmental properties of the resulting composites to establish a comprehensive understanding of their structural viability.
Leakage analysis and leakage monitoring system design for LNG tanker filling process
Authors: Song Lei , Yin Tao , Han Chuanjun , Zhao Hai
Published: November 2024

During the filling process of LNG tank trucks, due to the long-term operation of filling equipment in low temperature and high-pressure conditions, the sealing parts in the equipment are prone to failure, leading to leaks. The reasons for the leakage of LNG filling equipment were analyzed, and the diffusion of LNG after different equivalent leakage hole diameters and different wind speeds were numerically analyzed. A gas leak monitoring system suitable for LNG filling stations was established based on TDLAS technology. The analysis results show that when the equivalent leakage hole diameter is greater than 4mm, the height of natural gas diffusion will exceed 5m within 2 seconds without wind; the concentration of natural gas above the leakage point is inversely proportional to the height, and the decrease in concentration at a height of 5m is between 50% and 60% compared with a height of 0.5m; the wind will bend the natural gas diffusion shape downwind, and the degree of bending decreases as the equivalent leakage hole diameter increases; the optimal laser incidence angle of the laser gas sensor is between 30° and 50°, and the theoretical effective monitoring area width of the sensor when the installation height is 5m is 4.46m within the optimal laser incidence angle range.
Unplanned Pregnancy and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Makumbi Fredrick , Ssebadduka Peter , Musaba Milton , Wandabwa Julius , Kiondo Paul
Published: November 2024

Unplanned pregnancies significantly contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality especially in settings where the abortion law is restrictive. This study aimed to establish the prevalence and factors associated with unplanned pregnancy among women attending antenatal clinic in Uganda. This cross-section study was carried out from 31st January to 30th June 2023 at Kawempe national referral hospital in Uganda. Three hundred and eighty-four pregnant mothers gave information on socio demographic, health system and family planning factors. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was done to determine the factors associated with unplanned pregnancy. The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy was (130/384) 34%. Unplanned pregnancy was associated with: age 20–24 years (AOR;2.8, 95%CI:1.4–5.8) and 25–34 years (AOR = 3.9,95%CI = 2.6–10.2), urban dwelling (AOR = 3.9,95%CI = 2.2–7.5) monogamy (AOR = 3.6,95%CI = 2.1–6.9), jobless women (AOR = 4.2,95%CI = 2.4–8.9) spouse in an informal sector (AOR = 2.8,95%CI = 1.7–4.5) lack of family planning communication (AOR = 2.3,95%CI = 1.4–5.4), single women (AOR = 0.4,95%CI = 0.2–0.8), income of Uganda shillings ≥ 200,000 (AOR = 0.3,95%CI = 0.1–0.6) and Seventh day Adventist belief (AOR = 0.2,95%CI = 0.09–0.6). There was a high prevalence of unplanned pregnancy in this tertiary hospital, associated with maternal age, place of residence, family type, employment status, not discussing about family planning among spouses, marital status, family income and being of Seventh Day Adventist faith. A community-based study in both urban and rural settings is recommended.
Investigation on non-suicidal self-injury and influenced factors of middle school students in a city of Hebei Province
Authors: Liu Yanan , Li Na , Li Yafan , Wang Meng , Wang Yongliang , Chen Yanan , Hang Ling , Ling Jianan , Lu Wenting , Gao Minglong
Published: November 2024

Objective
To investigate the incidence and influencing factors of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among middle school students in a city within Hebei Province.
Methods
A total of 11,321 students from grades one to three from two middle schools in Dingzhou, Hebei Province, were randomly selected. Socio-demographic data, mental disorders, coping styles, and experiences of childhood abuse were collected.
Results
10,982 students finally included in the statistical analysis. We found that the detection rate of NSSI in the past year was 11.6%. Comparatively, the NSSI group and the non-NSSI group revealed significant discrepancies in coping styles, childhood abuse, and mental disorders. Factors protective against NSSI included living with parents, a problem-oriented coping style, and a preference for participating in extracurricular activities (OR = 0.729, 0.966, 0.815). NSSI’s risk factors included frequent parental quarrels, interpersonal tension and sensitivity, depression, emotion-oriented coping styles, and childhood emotional abuse (OR = 1.322, 1.045, 1.141, 1.023, 1.137).
Conclusion
The detection rate of NSSI within the past year in the city of Hebei stands at 11.6%. Recognized risk factors for NSSI include childhood abuse, relationship difficulties, depression, and emotion-oriented coping styles, whereas problem-oriented coping strategies act as protective factors. The risk of NSSI may be decreased through the promotion of a harmonious home environment, encouraging positive emotional interaction, and the facilitation of greater involvement in extracurricular activities.
Systematic Photophysical Interaction of New Class of Fluorescein Based Derivative with Organic Solvents: Spectroscopic and Density Functional Theory Methods for Optoelectronic Applications.
Authors: Sucheta M , Pramod A G , Renuka C G
Published: November 2024

In this report the photophysical property of newly synthesized fluorescein based derivative 2-(5-((2,4-dichlorophenyl)diazenyl)-6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl)benzoic acid by spectroscopic and density functional theory technique. The structural of the synthesized molecule was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique, from this analysis it has been revealed that the molecule has a stable structure and about the functional groups present in the sample. From the UV-Visible spectroscopy measurement has revealed the solute-solvent interaction behaviour of the molecule and it has been observed that the bathochromic shift was of about 5 nm, from the fluorescence measurement it has revealed that the emission has been observed at green region and from the power spectra it has been confirmed the same. The DFT study has been derived for the synthesized molecule the optimized structure, electrostatic potential maps, theoretical energy band gap and HOMO and LUMO visualizations are derived from the Gaussian 09W software and it has been found that the bandgap energy is found to be 2.060eV for benzene solvent and 3.08 eV in methanol solvent, the electrophilic and nucleophilic sites exhibited at the substitution group of the molecule. The outcomes of the study clearly endorse the synthesized fluorescein derivative suitable for photonic/optoelectronic applications.
A detector-response compensation simulation study with 3D MLEM in SPECT compares distance-dependent and distance-nondependent resolution methods
Authors: ZARRAD BOUBAKER , Aida Mohammed , Altubaynawi Nuha
Published: November 2024

Background Correcting spatial resolution in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using iterative methods has proven effective in many studies. This correction involves using a projection matrix (projector) to simulate the acquisition of projections by a gamma camera, along with a back-projection matrix (back-projector), which is generally the transpose of the projector without any attenuation modeling. This study examined the contribution of distance-dependent detector-response compensation (DRC) and compared it to the accelerated version and the distance-nondependent method. Two projecttors (P1 and P2) and their corresponding back-projectors (B1 and B2) were implemented. P1 represented the distance-dependent response model, while P2 represented a nondependent average response model. Three reconstruction pairs were used: P1/B1 and P1/B2 for distance-dependent DRC, and P2/B2 for distance-nondependent DRC. The reconstruction method was the full 3D maximum-likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM), using simulated digital phantom projections that included attenuation, distance-dependent resolution, and Poisson noise without considering scatter.Results The assessment used transaxial slices. For full-width spatial resolution at half maximum (FWHM), P1 outperformed P2. P1/B2 outperformed P1/B1, with closer approximation after each iteration. Regarding Poisson noise, P1/B1 was more efficient than P1/B2 and P2/B2. Edge artifacts and overshoots were less intense with P2/B2 than the other pairs. P1/B2 and P2/B2 achieved the best relative contrast performance. The root mean squared error (RMSE) or normalized mean error (NME) showed that P1/B1 was best for low projection counts and large iteration numbers, while P1/B2 was best for high projection counts and low iteration numbers. On RMSE, the reconstruction pair performance depended on projection noise level, phantom insert size and type, and iteration.Conclusions No pair was consistently more efficient than the others across all parameters. Using P1/B1, which is far from convergence iteration, could yield results similar to other methods. Considering scatter would likely result in worse and more similar results across the three pairs. Although P2/B2 generally performed worse than P1/B2, they were similar and had more straightforward implementation. The number of iterations should be chosen according to the reconstruction pair, projection count, and desired spatial resolution.