bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conflict Detection and Separation Configuration Method Based on Uncertain Flight Trajectory
Authors: Ren Xuanming , Tang Xinmin , Zhang Kang , Lu Qixin
Published: April 2024

Aiming at two aircraft conflict scenario in the pre-tactical stage, by converting the uncertain flight trajectory of the target aircraft into a spatio-temporal trajectory under its performance constraints, a conflict detection model based on truncated normal distribution was proposed,and influencing factors affecting the overall conflict probability were analysed by numerical simulation. For the conflict scenario, nonlinear  particle swarm optimisation (NPSO) algorithm was applied to solve the optimal separation configuration strategy for the ownship. The simulation results show that, in comparison to conventional PSO algorithm, the improved NPSO algorithm improves the optimal value by 14.88% and decreases the maximum velocity change by 19.84%. The simulation also shows that the algorithm can maintain the minimum interval requirements under different initial parameters, demonstrating its strong adaptability.
Associations of combined phenotypic aging and genetic risk with incident cancer: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Bian Lijun , Ma Zhimin , Fu Xiangjin , Ji Chen , Wang Tianpei , Yan Caiwang , Dai Juncheng , Ma Hongxia , Hu Zhibin , Shen Hongbing , Wang Lu , Zhu Meng , Jin Guangfu
Published: April 2024

Background:

Age is the most important risk factor for cancer, but aging rates are heterogeneous across individuals. We explored a new measure of aging-Phenotypic Age (PhenoAge)-in the risk prediction of site-specific and overall cancer.

Methods:

Using Cox regression models, we examined the association of Phenotypic Age Acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) with cancer incidence by genetic risk group among 374,463 participants from the UK Biobank. We generated PhenoAge using chronological age and nine biomarkers, PhenoAgeAccel after subtracting the effect of chronological age by regression residual, and an incidence-weighted overall cancer polygenic risk score (CPRS) based on 20 cancer site-specific polygenic risk scores (PRSs).

Results:

Compared with biologically younger participants, those older had a significantly higher risk of overall cancer, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.22 (95% confidence interval, 1.18–1.27) in men, and 1.26 (1.22–1.31) in women, respectively. A joint effect of genetic risk and PhenoAgeAccel was observed on overall cancer risk, with HRs of 2.29 (2.10–2.51) for men and 1.94 (1.78–2.11) for women with high genetic risk and older PhenoAge compared with those with low genetic risk and younger PhenoAge. PhenoAgeAccel was negatively associated with the number of healthy lifestyle factors (Beta = –1.01 in men, p<0.001; Beta = –0.98 in women, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

Within and across genetic risk groups, older PhenoAge was consistently related to an increased risk of incident cancer with adjustment for chronological age and the aging process could be retarded by adherence to a healthy lifestyle.

Funding:

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82230110, 82125033, 82388102 to GJ; 82273714 to MZ); and the Excellent Youth Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20220100 to MZ).
Conditional chemoconnectomics (cCCTomics) as a strategy for efficient and conditional targeting of chemical transmission
Authors: Mao Renbo , Yu Jianjun , Deng Bowen , Dai Xihuimin , Du Yuyao , Du Sujie , Zhang Wenxia , Rao Yi
Published: April 2024

Dissection of neural circuitry underlying behaviors is a central theme in neurobiology. We have previously proposed the concept of chemoconnectome (CCT) to cover the entire chemical transmission between neurons and target cells in an organism and created tools for studying it (CCTomics) by targeting all genes related to the CCT in Drosophila. Here we have created lines targeting the CCT in a conditional manner after modifying GFP RNA interference, Flp-out, and CRISPR/Cas9 technologies. All three strategies have been validated to be highly effective, with the best using chromatin-peptide fused Cas9 variants and scaffold optimized sgRNAs. As a proof of principle, we conducted a comprehensive intersection analysis of CCT genes expression profiles in the clock neurons, uncovering 43 CCT genes present in clock neurons. Specific elimination of each from clock neurons revealed that loss of the neuropeptide CNMa in two posterior dorsal clock neurons (DN1ps) or its receptor (CNMaR) caused advanced morning activity, indicating a suppressive role of CNMa-CNMaR on morning anticipation, opposite to the promoting role of PDF-PDFR on morning anticipation. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of conditional CCTomics and its tools created here and establish an antagonistic relationship between CNMa-CNMaR and PDF-PDFR signaling in regulating morning anticipation.
Germline cis variant determines epigenetic regulation of the anti-cancer drug metabolism gene dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD)
Authors: Zhang Ting , Ambrodji Alisa , Huang Huixing , Bouchonville Kelly J , Etheridge Amy S , Schmidt Remington E , Bembenek Brianna M , Temesgen Zoey B , Wang Zhiquan , Innocenti Federico , Stroka Deborah , Diasio Robert B , Largiadèr Carlo R , Offer Steven M
Published: April 2024

Enhancers are critical for regulating tissue-specific gene expression, and genetic variants within enhancer regions have been suggested to contribute to various cancer-related processes, including therapeutic resistance. However, the precise mechanisms remain elusive. Using a well-defined drug-gene pair, we identified an enhancer region for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD, DPYD gene) expression that is relevant to the metabolism of the anti-cancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Using reporter systems, CRISPR genome-edited cell models, and human liver specimens, we demonstrated in vitro and vivo that genotype status for the common germline variant (rs4294451; 27% global minor allele frequency) located within this novel enhancer controls DPYD transcription and alters resistance to 5-FU. The variant genotype increases recruitment of the transcription factor CEBPB to the enhancer and alters the level of direct interactions between the enhancer and DPYD promoter. Our data provide insight into the regulatory mechanisms controlling sensitivity and resistance to 5-FU.
AMPLIFY: attention-based mixup for performance improvement and label smoothing in transformer
Authors: Yang Leixin , Xiang Yu
Published: April 2024

Mixup is an effective data augmentation method that generates new augmented samples by aggregating linear combinations of different original samples. However, if there are noises or aberrant features in the original samples, mixup may propagate them to the augmented samples, leading to over-sensitivity of the model to these outliers. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a new mixup method called AMPLIFY. This method uses the attention mechanism of Transformer itself to reduce the influence of noises and aberrant values in the original samples on the prediction results, without increasing additional trainable parameters, and the computational cost is very low, thereby avoiding the problem of high resource consumption in common mixup methods such as Sentence Mixup. The experimental results show that, under a smaller computational resource cost, AMPLIFY outperforms other mixup methods in text classification tasks on seven benchmark datasets, providing new ideas and new ways to further improve the performance of pre-trained models based on the attention mechanism, such as BERT, ALBERT, RoBERTa, and GPT. Our code can be obtained at https://github.com/kiwi-lilo/AMPLIFY.
Phosphoproteomics analysis of serum from dogs affected with pulmonary hypertension secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease
Authors: Sakarin Siriwan , Rungsipipat Anudep , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Jaresitthikunchai Janthima , Phaonakrop Narumon , Charoenlappanit Sawanya , Thaisakun Siriwan , Surachetpong Sirilak
Published: April 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), a common complication in dogs affected by degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD), is a progressive disorder characterized by increased pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Phosphorylation of proteins, impacting vascular function and cell proliferation, might play a role in the development and progression of PH. Unlike gene or protein studies, phosphoproteomic focuses on active proteins that function as end-target proteins within signaling cascades. Studying phosphorylated proteins can reveal active contributors to PH development. Early diagnosis of PH is crucial for effective management and improved clinical outcomes. This study aimed to identify potential serum biomarkers for diagnosing PH in dogs affected with DMVD using a phosphoproteomic approach. Serum samples were collected from healthy control dogs (n = 28), dogs with DMVD (n = 24), and dogs with DMVD and PH (n = 29). Phosphoproteins were enriched from the serum samples and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Data analysis was performed to identify uniquely expressed phosphoproteins in each group and differentially expressed phosphoproteins among groups. Phosphoproteomic analysis revealed nine uniquely expressed phosphoproteins in the serum of dogs in the DMVD+PH group and 15 differentially upregulated phosphoproteins in the DMVD+PH group compared to the DMVD group. The phosphoproteins previously implicated in PH and associated with pulmonary arterial remodeling, including small nuclear ribonucleoprotein G (SNRPG), alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M), zinc finger and BTB domain containing 42 (ZBTB42), hemopexin (HPX), serotransferrin (TRF) and complement C3 (C3), were focused on. Their unique expression and differential upregulation in the serum of DMVD dogs with PH suggest their potential as biomarkers for PH diagnosis. In conclusion, this phosphoproteomic study identified uniquely expressed and differentially upregulated phosphoproteins in the serum of DMVD dogs with PH. Further studies are warranted to validate the diagnostic utility of these phosphoproteins.
Structural equation models of health behaviour, psychological well-being, symptom severity and quality of life in abdominal bloating
Authors: Abdullah Nurzulaikha , Kueh Yee Cheng , Kuan Garry , Wong Mung Seong , Tee Vincent , Tengku Alang Tengku Ahmad Iskandar , Hamid Nurhazwani , Lee Yeong Yeh
Published: April 2024

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the inter-relationship between psychosocial variables and their impact on symptom severity and quality of life (QoL) concerning abdominal bloating.

Methods

The study adopted a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling. Participants who consented and met the criteria for bloating based on the Rome IV classification completed designated questionnaires. Independent variables comprised health beliefs, intentions, health-promoting behaviors, social support, depression, and anxiety, while dependent variables included bloating severity (general and within 24 h) and QoL. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was conducted utilizing Mplus 8.0 to analyze the relationships between these factors.

Results

A total of 323 participants, with a mean age of 27.69 years (SD = 11.50), predominantly females (64.7%), volunteered to participate in the study. The final SEM model exhibited good fit based on various indices (CFI = 0.922, SRMR = 0.064, RMSEA (95% CI) = 0.048 (0.041–0.054), p-value = 0.714), with 15 significant path relationships identified. The model explained 12.0% of the variance in severity within 24 h, 6% in general severity, and 53.8% in QoL.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the significant influence of health beliefs, intentions, behaviors, social support, depression, and anxiety on symptom severity and QoL in individuals experiencing abdominal bloating.
Expressing banana transcription factor MaERFVII3 in Arabidopsis confers enhanced waterlogging tolerance and root growth
Authors: Teoh Ee Yang , Teo Chee How , Baharum Nadiya Akmal , Tan Boon Chin
Published: April 2024

Background

Waterlogging poses a significant threat to plant growth and yield worldwide. Identifying the genes responsible for mitigating waterlogging stress is crucial. Ethylene-responsive factors (ERFs) are transcriptional regulators that respond to various biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. However, their roles and involvement in responding to waterlogging stress remain largely unexplored. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the role of ERFs in enhancing banana plant resilience to waterlogging.

Methods

We hypothesized that introducing a group VII ERF transcription factor in Arabidopsis could enhance waterlogging stress tolerance. To test this hypothesis, we isolated MaERFVII3 from banana roots, where it exhibited a significant induction in response to waterlogging stress. The isolated MaERFVII3 was introduced into Arabidopsis plants for functional gene studies.

Results

Compared with wild-type plants, the MaERFVII3-expressing Arabidopsis showed increased survival and biomass under waterlogging stress. Furthermore, the abundance of transcripts related to waterlogging and hypoxia response showed an elevation in transgenic plants but a decrease in wild-type and empty vector plants when exposed to waterlogging stress. Our results demonstrate the significant contribution of MaERFVII3 to waterlogging tolerance in Arabidopsis, providing baseline data for further exploration and potentially contributing to crop improvement programs.
Circulating HMGB1 in acute ischemic stroke and its association with post-stroke cognitive impairment
Authors: Liu Zhenbao , Yang Weixia , Chen Jianxin , Wang Qian
Published: April 2024

Background

Ischemic stroke frequently leads to a condition known as post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Timely recognition of individuals susceptible to developing PSCI could facilitate the implementation of personalized strategies to mitigate cognitive deterioration. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a protein released by ischemic neurons and implicated in inflammation after stroke. Circulating levels of HMGB1 could potentially serve as a prognostic indicator for the onset of cognitive impairment following ischemic stroke.

Objective

To investigate the predictive value of circulating HMGB1 concentrations in the acute phase of ischemic stroke for the development of cognitive dysfunction at the 3-month follow-up.

Methods

A total of 192 individuals experiencing their initial episode of acute cerebral infarction were prospectively recruited for this longitudinal investigation. Concentrations of circulating HMGB1 were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique within the first 24 hours following hospital admission. Patients underwent neurological evaluation including NIHSS scoring. Neuropsychological evaluation was conducted at the 3-month follow-up after the cerebrovascular event, employing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as the primary tool for assessing cognitive performance. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to investigate the relationship between circulating HMGB1 concentrations and cognitive dysfunction following stroke, which was operationalized as a MoCA score below 26, while controlling for potential confounders including demographic characteristics, stroke severity, vascular risk factors, and laboratory parameters.

Results

Of 192 patients, 84 (44%) developed PSCI. Circulating HMGB1 concentrations were significantly elevated in individuals who developed cognitive dysfunction following stroke compared to those who maintained cognitive integrity (8.4 ± 1.2 ng/mL vs 4.6 ± 0.5 ng/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). The prevalence of PSCI showed a dose-dependent increase with higher HMGB1 quartiles. After controlling for potential confounders such as demographic factors (age, gender, and education), stroke severity, vascular risk factors, and laboratory parameters in a multivariable logistic regression model, circulating HMGB1 concentrations emerged as a significant independent predictor of cognitive dysfunction following stroke (regression coefficient = 0.236, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Circulating HMGB1 concentrations quantified within the first 24 hours following acute cerebral infarction are significantly and independently correlated with the likelihood of developing cognitive dysfunction at the 3-month follow-up, even after accounting for potential confounding factors. HMGB1 may be a novel biomarker to identify patients likely to develop post-stroke cognitive impairment for targeted preventive interventions.
The representation of contextual cue is stimulus-specific yet its expression is flexible
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Bai Shuliang , Ren Qidan , Chen Yi , Long Fangfang , Jiang Ying
Published: April 2024

Background

Contextual cueing refers to the phenomenon in which individuals utilize frequently encountered environmental contexts, comprised of distractors, as cues to expedite a target search. Due to the conflict between the widespread occurrence of contextual cue transfer and the observed impact of changing the identity of distractors on contextual cue learning, the content of contextual cue representations remains contentious. Considering the independent nature of contextual cue learning and expression, our proposition is twofold: (1) Contextual cue representations are stimulus-specific, and (2) their expression is highly flexible.

Methods

To validate the model, two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 aimed to confirm the hypothesis that contextual cue representations are stimulus-specific. We manipulated the identity consistency of distractors within repeated scenes during contextual cue learning. Difficulty in contextual cue learning under the identity-changing condition would suggest the necessity of identity within contextual cue representation, indicating the stimulus-specific nature of these representations. Experiment 2 was designed to affirm the conclusion of Experiment 1 and explore the flexibility in the expression of contextual cue representations. This experiment comprised two phases: learning and testing. During the learning phase, participants were exposed to two sets of repeated scenes in different colors under two learning conditions: load and no-load. Working memory load was introduced to interfere with the expression to prevent it from becoming automatic. In the subsequent testing phase, the colors of the two scene sets were interchanged to impede retrieval based on identity. If both load and no-load conditions demonstrate similar levels of contextual cue effects during the testing phase, it implies the flexibility in the expression of contextual cue representations and confirms the conclusion of Experiment 1.

Results

In Experiment 1, a notable contextual cue learning effect was observed under the identity-consistent condition (p = 0.001). However, this effect was not evident under the identity-changing condition (p = 0.286). This finding strongly supports the stimulus-specific nature of contextual cue representation. In Experiment 2, the contextual cueing effect appeared but did not show a significant difference between the two conditions (t(23) = 0.02, p = 0.987, BF10 = 0.215), indicating the cognitive system’s ability to flexibly redefine retrieval cues. This adaptability aligns with our hypothesis and confirms the high flexibility in the expression process of contextual cue representations and confirms the conclusion of Experiment 1.
Influences of nano-clay amount on flexure behavior of concrete identified by acoustic emission
Authors: Tayfur Sena , Yavuz Ünal Hasan , Alver Ninel , Pekbey Yeliz
Published: April 2024

Nano-modification is an effective method currently used to improve mechanical properties of concrete by adding various nanomaterials. The results obtained from previous studies demonstrate that presence of these particles has positive effects on both mechanical and durability performances of concrete. However, while the existing studies investigate the state of resistance, revealing progressive failure mechanism of nano-particle added concrete under loading is a significant subject. In this regard, Acoustic Emission (AE) method is useful for identification of invisible damage progress by means of basic phenomenon defined as release of energy due to a fracture and propagation of it as elastic waves in a stressed medium. Apart from the existing studies in the literature, this paper is focused on investigation of the influences of nano-clay on mechanical and failure behaviors of concrete by AE. For this purpose, a plain and three different concrete mixtures including 1%, 3% and 5% nano-clay (NC) of cement weight were prepared. 100x100x600 mm beam specimens were produced from these mixtures and were tested under three-point-bending. Furthermore, to reveal invisible failure mechanisms of the specimens, all tests were simultaneously monitored with AE method. The results reveal that presence of nano-clay increases the load capacity and ductility of the concrete specimens which is also confirmed by AE results, as more amount of micro-scale events are obtained.Nano-modification is an effective method currently used to improve mechanical properties of concrete by adding various nanomaterials. The results obtained from previous studies demonstrate that presence of these particles has positive effects on both mechanical and durability performances of concrete. However, while the existing studies investigate the state of resistance, revealing progressive failure mechanism of nano-particle added concrete under loading is a significant subject. In this regard, Acoustic Emission (AE) method is useful for identification of invisible damage progress by means of basic phenomenon defined as release of energy due to a fracture and propagation of it as elastic waves in a stressed medium. Apart from the existing studies in the literature, this paper is focused on investigation of the influences of nano-clay on mechanical and failure behaviors of concrete by AE. For this purpose, a plain and three different concrete mixtures including 1%, 3% and 5% nano-clay (NC) of cement weight were prepared. 100x100x600 mm beam specimens were produced from these mixtures and were tested under three-point-bending. Furthermore, to reveal invisible failure mechanisms of the specimens, all tests were simultaneously monitored with AE method. The results reveal that presence of nano-clay increases the load capacity and ductility of the concrete specimens which is also confirmed by AE results, as more amount of micro-scale events are obtained.
Dualismo tecnológico da agricultura na área de influência do mega complexo mineral de Carajás, Amazônia Oriental, Brasil
Authors: Moia Gabriel Costa Maciel , Silva Rosa de Nazaré Paes da , Martin Débora Gonzaga , Alves Vanessa da Paixão , Homma Alfredo Kingo Oyama
Published: April 2024

Este trabalho identifica os aspectos relevantes da modernização da agricultura com base nas características de 33 municípios sob influência do complexo minerário nos estados do Pará e Maranhão, para os anos de 2006 e 2017. Um conjunto de nove indicadores de modernização é submetido à análise fatorial, permitindo a criação de um índice de modernização sintetizado em três fatores: assistência técnica e uso de insumos modernos (fator 1); boas práticas agrícolas (fator 2); e organização social e crédito rural (fator 3). Os resultados apontam um crescimento na modernização da agricultura na região de, aproximadamente, 0,12 no período. Nos municípios do Pará verificou-se uma especialização a partir do fator 1, enquanto nos municípios maranhenses a modernização teve um caráter diversificado. O trabalho conclui que há dualismo tecnológico na região, com propriedades apresentando níveis distintos de tecnologia da agricultura. Esse dualismo é mais visível quando comparado a especialização da agricultura através dos fatores. Notou-se um salto maior da modernização nos municípios mais próximos das áreas de extração de minério, ainda que não presente em todas as propriedades. Este dualismo tecnológico pode ter impactos importantes no desenvolvimento econômico e social da região. Pode contribuir para desigualdades na produtividade, na distribuição de renda e na capacidade de competir no mercado global. Frequentemente, são necessárias políticas e intervenções para mitigar essa dualidade e facilitar a transição para tecnologias mais avançadas em todos os setores. Este trabalho contribui para a pesquisa empírica acerca do processo de modernização da agricultura brasileira em nível de municípios que abrigam e/ou sofrem influência da mineração em larga escala.
Informality and Taxation: Evidence from Seven Latin American Countries
Authors:   Independent Researcher, Mellbystrand, Sweden, Irandoust Manuchehr
Published: April 2024

This study examines the impact of the shadow economy on taxation in seven Latin American countries between 1993 and 2018. The technique is built using a MIMIC model and a bootstrap panel Granger causality approach. The results show that the variables are related causally, with the shadow economy having a detrimental impact on tax revenues. Governments are advised to embark on labor market and institutional reforms, reduce barriers to firm entry, provide a reliable and sufficient regulatory environment, and provide employee social protection as ways to reduce the informal economy.
Differential Effects of Expansions and Recessions on Social Assistance Duration: The Case of Regional Minimum Income Programmes in Spain
Authors:   UNED and Equalitas, Ayala Luis , Melnychuk Mariya ,   University College London
Published: April 2024

In this paper we study the effects of the business cycle on welfare benefit duration and successful exits from the welfare programs. We construct durations for households entering these programs using administrative data for the total population participating in 2005-2016 in Minimum Income Integration programs in Spain,and combine these with province-level data on aggregate unemployment rate. We estimate discrete hazard models to analyse whether different labour conditions at entry to the program significantly affect the length of participation, and whether favourable conditions increase or decrease the hazard of a successful leaving the program. Our results show that higher unemployment rates are related to lower probability of successful exit from the program, and this effect becomes larger during recessions than in expansion periods.
Use and Abuse of the Concept of ‘Excess Burden’ in the Theory of Public Finance
Authors:   Farmingdale State College (SUNY), Sepúlveda Cristian
Published: April 2024

Optimal tax theory assigns two roles to the measure of excess burden, one to compare the costs of alternative tax instruments, the other to measure the deadweight loss of specific tax instruments, which presumably correspond to the welfare costs of their distortionary effects. This paper claims that the deadweight loss provides misleading measures of welfare costs from tax distortions, because it requires to make unverified assumptions to equate costs to distortions and ensure that the deadweight loss is greater than zero. Taxes other than the lump-sum tax and tax-induced changes in relative prices cannot generally be assumed to be distortionary.
Cognitive Functions and Subjective Hearing in Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Zhang Fawen , McGuire Kelli , Skeeters Madeline , Barbara Matthew , Chang Pamara F. , Zhang Nanhua , Xiang Jing , Huang Bin
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives: A cochlear implant (CI) is an effective prosthetic device used to treat severe-to-profound hearing loss. The present study examined cognitive function in CI users by employing a web-based cognitive testing platform, i.e., BrainCheck, and explored the correlation between cognitive function and subjective evaluation of hearing. Subjects and Methods: Forty-two CI users (mean age: 58.90 years) were surveyed in the subjective evaluation of hearing, and 20/42 participated in the BrainCheck cognitive tests (immediate recognition, Trail Making A, Trail Making B, Stroop, digit symbol substitution, and delayed recognition). As controls for cognitive function, young normal-hearing (YNH, mean age=23.83 years) and older normal-hearing (ONH, mean age=52.67 years) listener groups were subjected to Brain-Check testing. Results: CI users exhibited poorer cognitive function than the normal hearing groups in all tasks except for immediate and delayed recognition. The highest percentage of CI users who had “possible” and “likely” cognitive impairment, based on BrainCheck scores (ranging from 0-200), was observed in tests assessing executive function. The composite cognitive score across domains tended to be related to subjective hearing (p=0.07). Conclusions: The findings of the current study suggest that CI users had a higher likelihood of cognitive impairment in the executive function domain than in lower-level domains. BrianCheck online cognitive testing affords a convenient and effective tool to self-evaluate cognitive function in CI users.
Competence and Work Motivation on Employee Performance Mediated by Career Development
Authors: Wirana Ivan Agung , Suyoto . , Darmawan Akhmad , Alfalisyado .
Published: April 2024

This research aims to determine the influence of competency and work motivation on the performance of Banyumas Industry and Trade Service Employees with Career Development as a mediating variable. This quantitative research uses a simple random sampling method with a population of Civil Servants, using data collection instruments and a questionnaire. The sample used was 131 employees. The analysis technique uses SEM with the Smart PLS Version 3.0 tool. The tests used are the outer model, inner model, and mediation and hypothesis tests. The research results show that competence, work motivation, and career development positively and significantly affect employee performance. Competence and work motivation have a positive and significant effect on career development. Career development mediates the influence of competency and work motivation on employee performance.
Roles and Barriers to Waste Management among Garbage Collectors in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Nkere Olachi U , Iwunze Ezinne C
Published: April 2024

Efficient waste management continues to be a significant public health challenge in Nigeria and other developing nations owing to a number of factors facing the personnel of waste management authorities, potentially leading to a disruption in the environment.
Aim: To investigate the waste management roles and barriers faced by municipal waste collectors in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State.
Study Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used.
Place and Duration of Study: Port Harcourt metropolis, River State, Nigeria over a six month period.
Methodology: The study was conducted among 302 municipal waste collectors through cluster random sampling, using pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data entry and analysis were done using MS-Excel and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and proportions.
Results: All study participants were males aged 20 years and above. They collected and sorted waste from both approved and unapproved receptacles. However, poor waste segregation at households, collection and processing practices, disruptive activities of scavengers, use of old, frequently dysfunctional equipment, poor training and insufficient remuneration/welfare and lack of public support were identified as the existing challenges faced by the garbage collectors.
Conclusion: Unified efforts from relevant stakeholders such as households, organized private sector and the government are required to surmount the challenges faced by waste collectors.   This will lead to the implementation of measures which could significantly promote sustainable development and environmental protection.
Characterization and Classifications of Soils in an Experimental Farm in the Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Arunkumar V. , Dhanasekaran D. , Ananthi K. , Vijayakumar M.
Published: April 2024

It is essential to characterize and classify soil resources in order to plan agricultural land use agroforestry, agri-horticulture and silvipastoral farming systems. In the present study, an attempt was made to characterize and classify the soils occurring on different topography in an experimental farm in Tiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu, India. A detailed soil survey was carried out using cadastral map.  Physiographically, the area has been characterized into Pediplain shallow weathered and Pediplain moderately weathered which were further subdivided based on slope and erosion categories.  Six typical pedons were identified based on landform and their soil morphological properties.  The soils were very shallow to moderately deep, dark reddish brown to yellowish red (red soils) in colour with sub-angular blocky in structure, These soils were sandy loam to sandy clay loam in texture, slightly acidic to mildly alkaline (3.28-7.70) in reaction (non-saline soils) and had low to medium (1.2 to 6.4 g/kg) organic carbon content. Calcium and magnesium were the dominant exchangeable cations followed by sodium and potassium. Taxonomically these soils were classified as Typic Rhodustalfs, Typic Haplustalfs, Vertic Haplustepts and Typic Haplustepts at the subgroup level.
Bias Correction of Monthly Precipitation from different General Circulation Models Using Cumulative Density Function in Raipur District, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: V Harithalekshmi , Chandniha Surendra Kumar , Das Gopi Krishna
Published: April 2024

Accurate representation of precipitation patterns is crucial for understanding and adapting to these impacts. General Circulation Models (GCMs) are essential for projecting future climate scenarios but often exhibit biases in simulating precipitation, undermining the reliability of their outputs. This study focused on bias correction of monthly precipitation data from different GCMs using Cumulative Density Functions (CDFs). Bias correction techniques were employed to align model-simulated precipitation with observed data, revealing significant improvements in the accuracy of future precipitation projections. The study area, Raipur, characterized by diverse topography, served as the location for analysis. Three GCMs were selected based on their availability and participation in the CMIP6 experiment. The bias correction process involved the calculation of CDFs and equiprobability transformations, resulting in a closer match between model predictions and observations. Results showed substantial variability in monthly precipitation values across different climate models and scenarios, with distinct seasonal patterns observed. Inter-model discrepancies underscored the complexities of precipitation simulations, highlighting the need for careful interpretation of model outputs. Continued research efforts were crucial for improving the accuracy and reliability of climate model simulations for informed decision-making and planning in climate-sensitive sectors.
Physical Consequences of Climate Change on Agriculture: Causes and Effects
Authors: K Naresh Kumar , Yadav Harmohan Singh , Bag Animesh Ghosh
Published: April 2024

Climate is the most important predictor of agricultural productivity. Concerns about the potential impact of climate change on agriculture have motivated considerable research developments in the last few decades. The research on the physical consequences of climate change on agriculture, such as changes in crop and livestock yields, as well as the economic ramifications of these potential yield going on quite aggressively. The current review examines the information and data associated with impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and sustainability for solving this complex problem. The global food and nutrition security are at risk due to consequences of climate change.  Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, emissions from human activity, primarily from changes in land use, have resulted in a huge increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This rise is altering the climate, and it will only get worse throughout the course of the 21st century. Since agricultural systems are especially susceptible to climate change (CC), efforts to increase crop productivity while also maximizing resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact may not be successful. Not only productivity, the population of microbes and their enzymatic activities in soil are also impacted by climate change. Different strategies and technologies like zero tillage, site specific nutrient management, application of efficient irrigation system (drip) etc. are helpful to avoid the effect of climate change on agriculture and ultimately increase productivity.
Characterization and Identification of Major Constraints and Potentials of Kiltu Sorsa Watershed, in Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Demise Sintayo , Emire Aschalew
Published: April 2024

Ethiopia is a country seriously affected by different natural resource degradation that included soil, vegetation, biodiversity and water degradation and climate deterioration. The study was conducted at Adola Rede District of Guji Zone, in Southern Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to document baseline information on socioeconomic aspects and to document major biophysical and socio-economic constraints and potentials of the study watershed. The survey data were collected using key informant interview, focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and guided field observations. A total of 60 respondents were selected for semi-structured interviews by means of simple random sampling methods. The majority (65%) of the respondent households were practiced physical and biological soil and water conservation activities. However, about 35% of the sampled households were not practiced soil and water conservation activities due to lack of awareness, lack of materials and labor. In the study watershed five major constraints such as land and soil related constraints, production related constraints, institutional and infrastructure related constraints, livestock related constraints and socio-economic related constraints were identified. However, suitable agro-ecology, availability of labor force, youth and women associations and informal institutions were the major identified potentials in the study watershed. Therefore, by using the potentials/opportunities of the study watershed and through providing quality extension services and training on soil and water conservation practices it is possible to enhance farmers participation and technical limitations. Moreover, for sustainable watershed management of the study area different soil and water conservation structures are very significant in various land use system of the study watershed through active participation of the local communities.
Lateral Pectus Carinatum and Non-Surgical Treatment: A Case Report
Authors: Marques Maria Helena Nolasco , Coelho Lukas Oliveira , Maciel Gabriela Cardoso , Brito Gabriel Rodrigues , Marques Pedro Nolasco , Santos Mateus Silva
Published: April 2024

Aims: The objective of the present work is to describe a congenital bone deformity known as Pectus Carinatum, being a prominence generated in the anterior region of the chest wall, in the regions of the manubrium of the sternum.
Presentation of Case: The first contact with the patient was in February 2023 and ended in September 2023.The study is of a descriptive observational nature and data collection was carried out through interviews and photographic records, the patient was approached peacefully, and he agreed to inform his clinical case.
Discussion: This study is based on a case report of a male patient, 16 years old, from Tocantins, with the condition of Lateral Pectus Carinatum which performed the non-invasive dynamic chest compression procedure (DTC) in the Federal District. Thus, together with the doctor responsible for the case, the patient's legal representatives authorized the study through the medical records of the consultations over a period of 1 year. After the aforementioned period of treatment, correctly, it showed great progress in decreasing prominence, without the need for an invasive procedure.
Conclusion: This study aims to better understand the anatomical deformity and verify possible diagnostic and prognostic methods, in order to guarantee a better quality of life for the patient.
Examining Patterns and Trends of Change in Greater Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria: A 10 Years Spatio-Temporal Investigation
Authors: R.M. Aliyu, , J.I. Igbokwe, , M.N. Ono, , E.C. Igbokwe,
Published: April 2024

This research paper explores the dynamics of land cover and land use in Greater Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria, spanning the years 2013 to 2023. Through comprehensive analysis, including remote sensing techniques and spatial modeling, the study examines the temporal trends and implications of urbanization on ecosystem diversity and resilience within the region. The findings reveal a significant trend of rapid urbanization, characterized by the expansion of built-up areas at the expense of natural vegetation, which poses challenges to ecosystem integrity. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the implications of these changes for ecosystem diversity, including the loss of natural habitats and fragmentation of ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and essential ecosystem services. The study underscores the critical need for a balanced approach to urban development and environmental conservation to achieve sustainable development goals. Recommendations are provided to guide policymakers and stakeholders in fostering ecosystem conservation, promoting sustainable land use practices, and mitigating the adverse impacts of urbanization on ecosystem health. By implementing these recommendations, Greater Yola can strive towards achieving a harmonious balance between urban growth and environmental stewardship, ensuring the long-term sustainability of ecosystems and the well-being of its residents.
PENGARUH BRAND FAMILIARITY DAN PERCEIVED NOSTALGIA TERHADAP POST-PURCHASE INTENTION JAJAN TRADISIONAL SRABI NOTOSUMAN PADA GENERASI MILLENNIAL DAN GEN Z
Authors: Prayogo Nico Siswanto , Kunto Yohanes Sondang , Raharja Michael Setiabudi , Eleison Ni Putu Gabriella Kyrie , Budiono Alfredo Gian
Published: April 2024

Studi terdahulu menunjukkan bahwa brand familiarity dan perceived nostalgia berpengaruh positif terhadap post-purchase intention. Akan tetapi, tidak banyak studi yang membahas pengaruh tersebut untuk kategori jajan tradisional, khususnya di Indonesia yang mempunyai beragam jenis jajan tradisional. Untuk menelaah celah penelitian tersebut, penelitian ini mengangkat salah satu jajan tradisional Indonesia, yaitu Srabi Notosuman. Data penelitian berasal dari 186 konsumen Srabi Notosuman di Kota Solo dan dianalisis menggunakan PLS-SEM. Hasil penelitian menunjukan brand familiarity dan perceived nostalgia berpengaruh positif terhadap post-purchase intention. Tidak ditemukan efek moderasi lintas generasi pada pengaruh tersebut, sehingga dapat disimpulkan pengaruh brand familiarity dan perceived nostalgia terhadap post-purchase intention berlaku secara universal untuk Millennial dan Gen Z, setidaknya dalam kasus Serabi Notosuman.
Human leukocyte antigen‐DR15, low infant sibling exposure and multiple sclerosis: Gene–environment interaction
Authors: van der Mei Ingrid A. F. , Ponsonby Arine‐Louise , Taylor Bruce V. , Stankovich Jim , Dickinson Joanne L. , Foote Simon , Kemp Andrew , Dwyer Terence
Published: September 2009

The risk for development of multiple sclerosis has been associated with human leukocyte antigen‐DRB1*1501‐DQB1*0602 (HLA‐DR15) genotype, low infant sibling exposure, and high Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen IgG levels. In a population‐based case–control study (Tasmania, Australia), we found that the combined effect of HLA‐DR15 positivity and low infant sibling exposure on multiple sclerosis (odds ratio, 7.88; 95% confidence interval, 3.43–18.11) was 3.9‐fold greater than expected (test for interaction, p = 0.019) This interaction was observed irrespective of Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen IgG levels. This suggests that immune mechanisms involving HLA class II molecules are susceptible to modulation in early life. Ann Neurol 2009;66:261–265 ANN NEUROL 2010;67:259–263
A 1‐step Bayesian predictive approach for evaluating in vitro in vivo correlation (IVIVC)
Authors: Gould A. Lawrence , Agrawal Nancy G. B. , Goel Thanh V. , Fitzpatrick Shaun
Published: September 2009

IVIVC (in vitro in vivo correlation) methods may support approving a change in formulation of a drug using only in vitro dissolution data without additional bioequivalence trials in human subjects. Most current IVIVC methods express the in vivo plasma concentration of a drug formulation as a function of the cumulative in vivo absorption. The absorption is not directly observable, so is estimated by the cumulative dissolution of the drug formulation in in vitro dissolution trials. The calculations conventionally entail the complex and potentially unstable mathematical operations of convolution and deconvolution, or approximations aimed at omitting their need. This paper describes, and illustrates with data on a controlled‐release formulation, a Bayesian approach to evaluating IVIVC that does not require convolution, deconvolution or approximation. This approach incorporates between‐ and within‐subject (or replicate) variability without assuming asymptotic normality. The plasma concentration curve is expressed in terms of the in vitro dissolution percentage instead of time, recognizing that this correspondence may be noisy because of the various sources of error. All conventional functions of the concentration curve such as AUC, Cmax and Tmax can be expressed in terms of dissolution percentage, with uncertainties arising from variability in measuring absorption and dissolution accounted for explicitly. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of cell death by 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐based photodynamic action and its enhancement by ferrochelatase inhibitors in human histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937
Authors: Amo Takashi , Kawanishi Noriaki , Uchida Masataka , Fujita Hirofumi , Oyanagi Eri , Utsumi Toshihiko , Ogino Tetsuya , Inoue Keiji , Shuin Taro , Utsumi Kozo , Sasaki Junzo
Published: September 2009

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for tumors is based on the tumor‐selective accumulation of a photosensitizer, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), followed by irradiation with visible light. However, the molecular mechanism of cell death caused by PDT has not been fully elucidated. The 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐based photodynamic action (PDA) was dependent on the accumulation of PpIX, the level of which decreased rapidly by eliminating ALA from the incubation medium in human histiocytic lymphoma U937 cells. PDA induced apoptosis characterized by lipid peroxidation, increase in Bak and Bax/Bcl‐xL, decrease in Bid, membrane depolarization, cytochrome c release, caspase‐3 activation, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization. PDT‐induced cell death seemed to occur predominantly via apoptosis through distribution of PpIX in mitochondria. These cell death events were enhanced by ferrochelatase inhibitors. These results indicated that ALA‐based‐PDA induced apoptotic cell death through a mitochondrial pathway and that ferrochelatase inhibitors might enhanced the effect of PDT for tumors even at low concentrations of ALA. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.