bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of two minimally invasive surgical approaches for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage: a study based on postoperative intracranial pressure parameters
Authors: Yan Zhongnan , Lian Minxue , Li Xiaolei , Wang Yuangang , Che Hongmin
Published: December 2023

Background
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) has been associated with poor prognosis. The transsylvian insular approach (TIA) and the transcortical (TCA) approach are applied by surgeons for HCIH patients with basal ganglia hematomas of 30–50 ml. The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative ICP parameters between TIA and TCA to explore which procedure can yield better short-term outcomes in patients with basal ganglia hematoma volumes ranging from 30 to 50 ml.
Methods
Eighty HICH patients with basal ganglia hematomas 30–50 ml in volume were enrolled in this study. Patients were implanted with ICP probes and divided into the TIA group and the TCA group according to the surgical approach. The ICP was continuously recorded for five days at four-hour intervals. The short-term outcomes were evaluated using the length of hospitalization and postoperative consciousness recovery time.
Results
No statistically significant differences were found in age, sex, GCS score at admission, hematoma volume, or hematoma clearance rate (p > 0.05). The results showed that the postoperative initial ICP, the ICP on the first postoperative day, the mean ICP, the DICP20 mmHg × 4 h, the postoperative consciousness recovery time, the length of hospitalization, the mannitol utilization rate and the mannitol dosage were lower in the TIA group than in the TCA group (p < 0.05). Postoperative consciousness was positively correlated with the ICP on the first postoperative day, and the length of hospitalization was positively correlated with the mean ICP.
Conclusions
Compared with TCA, TIA was more effective at improving the short-term outcomes of patients with basal ganglia hematoma (30–50 ml) according to comparisons of postoperative ICP parameters.
Scattered trees in smallholder farms improve soil properties and litter decomposition in humid-agroecosystems in Ethiopia
Authors: Anbessa Gizatu Nesi , Utaile Yonas Ugo
Published: December 2023

Low agricultural productivity associated with poor soil fertility management characterizes the sub-Sahara African agriculture. Trees in farmlands are believed to improve soil properties and agricultural productivity, yet smallholders are limited in their choice of agroforestry tree species. Here, we assessed the effect of Cordia africana and Croton macrostachyus trees on soil properties and leaf litter decomposition in parkland agroforestry in Bullen District, Benshangul Gumuz, northwestern Ethiopia. We used a randomized complete block design with a distance from a tree trunk setup to draw soil samples and conduct a litter burial experiment across five farmlands. In each farmland, three mature trees per species were identified, separately, and under each tree, three transects containing three concentric radial distances measured from a tree trunk were established. Using this setup, a total of 45 composite soil samples per the study species were drawn and analyzed for soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon, and cation exchange capacity. Additionally, leaf litter mass losses of the study species were quantified for three consecutive months. The results revealed that all the measured soil variables and litter decomposition were significantly different between distances for both C. africana and C. macrostachyus. A significantly higher nutrient contents and litter decomposition were observed under the tree canopies than outside, and for C. macrostachyus than C. africana. We conclude that trees in farmlands might improve soil properties through litter addition and decomposition. Future studies should disentangle the role of litter addition and microclimate effects of trees in farmlands on soil properties.
Willingness to pay for haemodialysis among patients with chronic kidney disease in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Agada-Amade Yakubu Adole , Ogbuabor Daniel Chukwuemeka , Obikeze Eric , Eborieme Ejemai , Onwujekwe Obinna Emmanuel
Published: December 2023

BackgroundEvidence of willingness to pay for renal replacement therapy is scarce in low-middle-income countries, including Nigeria's Formal Sector Social Health Insurance Programme. The study, therefore, assessed the willingness to pay for haemodialysis among chronic kidney disease patients in Abuja, Nigeria.MethodsThe study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. We used the contingent valuation method to estimate the maximum stated willingness to pay (WTP) for haemodialysis among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The socio-demographic characteristics and willingness to pay data were summarized using descriptive statistics. We evaluated the mean differences in respondents' WTP using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. All variables that had p < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were included in the Generalized Linear Model (gamma with link function) to determine the predictors of the WTP for one's and another's haemodialysis. The level of significance in the final model was ρ < 0.05.ResultsAbout 88.3% and 64.8% of patients receiving haemodialysis were willing to pay for their haemodialysis and others, correspondingly. The mean annual WTP for haemodialysis for one’s and altruistic haemodialysis was USD25,999.06 and USD 1539.89, respectively. Private hospital patients were likelier to pay for their haemodialysis (β = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.21 to 0.57, p < 0.001). Patients attending public-private partnership hospitals were less likely to pay for altruistic haemodialysis than those attending public hospitals (β = -1.65, 95%CI: -2.51 to -0.79, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe findings highlight the need for policies to promote affordable access to haemodialysis for all socioeconomic groups. Pre-payment mechanisms should be explored rather than out-of-pocket payments which pose financial hardships. The potential for altruistic financing strategies should also inform the redesign of funding policies to enhance equitable access.
The association between flavonoids intake and hypertension in U.S. Adults: a cross-sectional study from The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Hu Ben , Wang Yan , Feng Jun , Hou Linlin
Published: December 2023

Background
Although in vitro experiments have demonstrated the potential of flavonoid compounds in regulating blood pressure, there is still a lack of evidence from large population studies to confirm it. We conducted a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate the relationship between flavonoid intake levels and hypertension events.
Method
A total of 15,752 participants aged over 20 years were included, and a weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between total flavonoids intake and hypertension events. Smooth curve fitting was used to explore potential nonlinear relationships.
Results
Higher total flavonoids intake (natural log transformation) were associated with a lower risk of hypertension than the lowest group. The adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.79 (0.70, 0.88) for total flavonoids intake. Elevated total flavonoids intake levels were significantly and linearly associated with a lower risk of hypertension. For each unit increase in the total flavonoids intake level (natural log transformation), the adjusted ORs for risk of hypertension decrease by 5% (OR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.98). In stratified analysis, higher total flavonoids intake significantly reduced hypertension events in the absence of other comorbidities population.
Conclusion
Within a certain range, a negative correlation exists between total flavonoids intake and hypertension events. This finding provides insights into dietary modifications in the prevention of hypertension.
Can pre-treatment MRI and CT radiomics improve prediction of complete pathological response in locally advanced rectal cancer following neoadjuvant treatment?
Authors: Reddy Jeba Karunya , A Sathya , S Balu Krishna , Varghese Amal Joseph , Sathyamurthy Arvind , John Neenu Oliver , Chandramohan Anuradha , Singh Ashish , Joel Anjana , Mittal Rohin , Masih Dipti , Varghese Kripa , J Grace Rebekah , Ram Thomas Samuel , Thomas Hannah Mary T
Published: December 2023

Objective(s):
The treatment response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) differs largely in individuals treated for rectal cancer. In this study we investigated the role of radiomics to predict the pathological response in locally advanced rectal cancers at different treatment time points. 1) prior to start of any treatment using baseline T2-weighted MRI (T2W-MR) 2) at the start of radiation treatment using planning CT.
Methods
Patients who received nCRT followed by surgery between June 2017 to December 2019 were included in the study. Based on the histopathological tumour response grading (TRG) criteria, 58 patients with TRG 1 were classified as complete responders (pCR) and the rest as incomplete responders (IR). The gross tumour volume was defined by the radiation oncologists. Following resampling, 100 and 103 Pyradiomic features were extracted from T2W-MR and planning CT images, respectively. Synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) was applied to correct for class imbalance. Four Machine Learning classifiers were used to build clinical, radiomics and merged models. Model performance was evaluated on a held-out validation dataset following repeated stratified 3-fold cross validation using area-under-the-receiver-operator-characteristic curves (AUC) with bootstrap 95% confidence intervals.
Results
150 patients were included. Clinical models performed better (AUC = 0.68) than the radiomics models (AUC = 0.62). Overall, the clinical + T2W-MR merged model performed the best (AUC = 0.72) in predicting the pathological response prior to therapy. Clinical + Planning CT merged models could only achieve highest AUC = 0.66.
Conclusion
Combining clinical and radiomics from baseline T2W-MR improves the prediction of pathological response in rectal cancer. Validation in larger cohorts is warranted before they can guide clinical decisions; especially in watch and wait strategies.
The relationship between body mass index and recurrence risk of stroke: a systematic review and meta‑analysis
Authors: Qian Qiuxia , Zhao Yuting , Ma Yuxia
Published: December 2023

Background The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and recurrence risk of stroke is unclear, and a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between BMI and recurrence risk of stroke needs to be updated.
Objective To explore the relationship between BMI and the risk of stroke recurrence.
Methods We searched databases including the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, CBM, VIP, WanFang Database and CNKI, from inception to August 2023, to collect literature on BMI and the risk of stroke recurrence. After two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the literature data and assessed the quality of the literature included in the study, a meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 16.0 software to examine the relationship between BMI and the risk of stroke recurrence.
Results A total of 17 studies were included, involving 166309 patients. In terms of stroke recurrence risk, compared with normal weight patients, underweight patients (RR=1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.78) had a higher risk of stroke recurrence, while overweight (RR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.87-0.96) and obese patients (RR =0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.98) had a lower risk of stroke recurrence.
Conclusion BMI is associated with stroke recurrence. Underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) is a risk factor for stroke recurrence, while overweight (25 kg/m2≤BMI≤29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m2) are protective factors for stroke recurrence. Overweight and obesity may be beneficial for secondary prevention in stroke patients.
Registration number CRD42023447236
Enhancing Continuous Professional Development: Virtual Patient Cases as a Learning Strategy for Nurses at Primary Health Care in Rwanda: a quasi-experimental design
Authors: Nyiringango Gerard , Fors Uno , Forsberg Elenita , Tumusiime David K
Published: December 2023

Background: In Rwanda, nurses manage all primary care at health centres, and therefore are, their clinical reasoning skills important. In this study, a web-based software that allows the creation of virtual patient cases (VP cases) has been used for studying the possibility of using VP cases for the continuous professional development of nurses in primary health care in Rwanda. Previous studies in pre-service education have linked VP cases with the enhancement of clinical reasoning, a critical competence for nurses. This study investigated the feasibility of continuous professional development through VP cases to further train in-service nurses in clinical reasoning.
Method: The study used a quasi-experimental design of a pre-post test. Initially, seventy-three participants completed a questionnaire as part of the pre-test phase, subsequently invited to engage with all four VP cases, and finally responded to the post-test questionnaire evaluating clinical reasoning skills. Fifty-six participants successfully completed the entire study process and were considered in the analysis. The primary outcomes of this study were evaluated using a paired t-test for the statistical analysis.
Results: The results show that the mean score of clinical reasoning increased significantly from the pre-test to the post-test for all four illness areas (p<0.001). The study findings showed no statistically significant difference in participants’ scores based on demographic factors, including whether they worked in urban or rural areas.
Conclusion and recommendation: Utilizing Virtual Patient cases appears to significantly enhance the continuous professional development of nurses, fostering a deliberate learning process that enables them to reflect on how they manage cases and, in turn, refine their clinical reasoning skills. This study strongly recommends incorporating VP cases in the continuous professional development of nurses at the primary health level (health centres). This is especially pertinent in a context where nurses are required to perform diagnostic processes similar to those employed by physicians.
Non-mechanical steering of the optical beam in spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Urrego Daniel F. , Machado Gerard J. , Torres Juan P.
Published: December 2023

We demonstrate in a proof-of-concept experiment spectral-domain optical coherence tomography where steering of the optical beam that probes the sample in a transverse scan does not make use of any mechanical element. Steering is done with the help of a spatial light modulator, that introduces a spatially-dependent phase between the two orthogonal polarization components of an optical beam, and some optical elements that control the polarization of light. We demonstrate that making use of the non-mechanical steering system considered here, we can reproduce the main traits of imaging with standard OCT that makes use of mechanical-assisted optical beam steering.
Study for Coumarin Synthesis by Magnetically Recoverable Metal Deposited Ferromagnetic Nano-Green Catalyst
Authors: Shaikh Azaharuddin , Jagdale Amarnath , Dateer Ramesh , Manjul Rajesh , Bolij Yogesh , Shelke Sharad
Published: December 2023

In the present work, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) supported by Tin and Magnesium nanomagnetic catalysts were synthesized by a facile synthetic method under aerobic conditions using inexpensive chemicals. This nanomagnetic catalyst was characterized by various characterization techniques such as FE-SEM, XPS, and XRD. The catalytic activity of nanoparticles was tested for the synthesis of various substituted coumarins in good to excellent yields (70-95%). The new method demonstrated is more efficient in terms of the time required and yield obtained compared to methods reported in the literature. The catalyst was found to be reusable for up to five cycles.
Characterization of Waters Rejection of Drinking Water Treatment Station for Proposal Treatment Method for a Recirculation in the Production System: Case of the Me Station (South-east Ivory Coast)
Authors: BENOIT KOUAME KOUAKOU , SERAPHIN KONAN KOUAKOU , SOUMAHORO GUEU , HENRI BRITON BI GOUESSE
Published: December 2023

This study was carried out with the aim of reusing waste water from the Me factory by proposing an innovative and sustainable solution, with a view to reducing the environmental impact of discharges and maximizing the reuse of this precious water resource. This involves proposing a recirculation system which will make it possible to use all of the water discharged while maintaining water quality at levels consistent with environmental standards. To do this, physicochemical and bacteriological analyzes were carried out on the waste water in order to assess their quality. Then, the Drawio software was used to propose a waste water recirculation system. Analyzes revealed that discharge water has the potential to negatively influence the environment due to parameters slightly exceeding established standards, such as turbidity, TSS, total coliforms and lead, generally in the month of May. In addition, the quantity of water discharged represents approximately 15% of the total volume pumped daily. The results of this study therefore highlight the possibilities and advantages of a wastewater recirculation system at the Me plant. The implementation of the proposed recirculation system will make it possible to minimize this impact on the environment and optimize the use of water resources, promoting the saving of these resources at the Me factory.
Enhancing Cloud Gaming QoE Estimation by Stacking Learning
Authors: Soares Daniel Henriques Cézar Miranda , Carvalho Marcos , Macedo Daniel F.
Published: December 2023

The Cloud Gaming sector is burgeoning with an estimated annual growth of morethan 50%, poised to reach a market value of $22 billion by 2030, and notably, GeForce Now, launched in 2020, reached 20 million users by August 2022. Cloud gaming presents cost-effective advantages for users and developers by eliminating hardware investments and game purchases, reducing development costs, and optimizing distribution efforts. However, it introduces challenges for network operators and providers, demanding low latency and substantial computational power. User satisfaction in cloud gaming depends on various factors, including game content, network type, and context, all shaping Quality of Experience. This study extends prior research, merging datasets from wired and mobile cloud gaming services to create an Expanded stacking model. All data gathering involves actual users engaging in gameplay within a realistic test environment, employing protocols akin to those utilized by the Geforce Now cloud gaming platform. Results indicate significant improvements in QoE estimation across different gaming contexts, highlighting the feasibility of a versatile predictive model for cloud gaming experiences, building upon previous stacking learning approaches.
Effects of Microwave Assisted Extraction of Synthetic Compounds (Basil and Epazote) from Jasmine (Jasmine Azoricum L.) Essential Oil to Modifiy Aromatic Properties
Authors: Hirbo Hirbo Geremu , Kuse Kenenisa Abdisa
Published: December 2023

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) has been recognized as a technology with many advantages over other extraction methods, such as cost reduction, extraction time, energy consumption, electricity and CO2 emissions. In this study, MAE was used to obtain the essential oils of two types of jasmine (basil and epazote). A factorial design was conducted to determine the effects of weight volume, strength, and heating time on essential oils. The chemical composition, physical properties and results of MAE essential oils were compared with those obtained by steam distillation (SD).
Result: Drug weight and heating time had an effect on the results (p < 0.05). The chemical composition and physical properties of basil and epazote essential oils were not affected by the extraction method (MAE or SD) and similar results were obtained (p<0.05).
"Fight alone" to "win-win cooperation": A quantum stag-hunt game model for analyzing cooperative R&D between enterprises
Authors: Tan Bin-qiang , HUANG Ding-xuan
Published: December 2023

Cooperative R&D has become one of the effective ways for enterprises to improve R&D efficiency and break the bottleneck of R&D resources, but cooperation between enterprises often falls into difficulties due to various factors. Given this, we use the quantum game to study the incentive mechanism of forming cooperative R&D strategic alliances between enterprises, first we establish a stag-hunt game model based on cooperative R&D and independent R&D, then expand the classical strategy to the quantum strategy space, and discuss the strategic characteristics of whether to consider state entanglement, and finally conducts case study to verify the effectiveness of the model. The results show that in the non-entangled scenario or non-quantum scenario, it is difficult to achieve the Pareto optimal result that both sides in full cooperation, because the full-effort one need to bear the risk of betrayal by the on-effort one. However, in the context of maximally entangled quantum game, the risk causing by the defector is borne by himself rather than the cooperator, so both parties will adopt a complete cooperative R&D strategy to achieve a win-win situation. Based on these findings, we establish three incentive mechanisms: information sharing, performance evaluation and responsibility constraint, which provides theoretical guidance for the formation and stability of enterprise cooperative R&D strategic alliance. Furthermore, our research can be extended to other fields, such as the issues of multilateral cooperation between major powers.
GAERS are resistant to migraine-provoking agents: The role of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors
Authors: Alpay Berkay , Cimen Bariscan , Akaydin Elif , Onat Filiz , Bolay Hayrunnisa , Sara Yildirim
Published: December 2023

Background
Migraine headache is a global health concern, and the role of GABA-related mechanisms is ill-defined in migraine pathogenesis. The role of GABAergic system has never been examined in a migraine model with clinically relevant behavioral readouts. We aimed to investigate the susceptibility to valid and depicted migraine-provoking substances in Genetic Absence Epilepsy of Rats Strasbourg (GAERS), in which GABAergic tonus was altered.
Methods
Male Wistar and GAERS rats were administered nitroglycerin (10 mg/kg) or levcromakalim (1 mg/kg). Rats were tested for mechanical allodynia with von Frey monofilaments and light aversion using a dark-light box. Effects of tiagabine (5 mg/kg), baclofen (2 mg/kg), diazepam (1 mg/kg), gaboxadol (4 mg/kg), and muscimol (0.75 mg/kg), ethosuximide (100 mg/kg) or flumazenil (15 mg/kg) on levcromakalim induced migraine phenotype were screened.
Results
In contrast to Wistar rats, mechanical periorbital and hind paw pain thresholds were not reduced in GAERS rats after nitroglycerin or levcromakalim injection. Additionally, GAERS were free of the light aversive effects of these substances as opposed to Wistar rats. Ethosuximide did not reverse the resistant phenotype in GAERS, indicating T-type calcium channel dysfunction did not contribute to this phenomenon. Tiagabine, GABA reuptake inhibitor, prevented levcromakalim-induced mechanical allodynia in Wistar rats, suggesting a key role of enhanced GABA spillover. GABAB receptor agonist baclofen did not alleviate mechanical allodynia. Synaptic GABAA receptor agonist diazepam failed to mitigate levcromakalim-induced migraine phenotype. Additionally, the resistant phenotype by levcromakalim in GAERS was not affected by flumazenil, a synaptic GABAA receptor antagonist. Extrasynaptic GABAA receptor agonists gaboxadol and muscimol successfully inhibited periorbital mechanical allodynia in Wistar rats.
Conclusion
Our study introduces a migraine-resistant rat strain and signifies a critical role of GABAergic system in migraine phenotype. Also, detailed pharmacological evaluation demonstrates extrasynaptic GABAA receptors as a novel drug target with a therapeutic potential in migraine susceptibility.
EFL learners’ attitudes, motivations, and beliefs in Egyptian online learning environments
Authors: Mekheimer Mohamed
Published: December 2023

This study, utilizing a mixed-methods approach, examined the attitudes, motivations, and beliefs of university teachers of EFL college students in online English learning environments. It found that language e-learning practices positively correlated with students' attitudes and motivations. The study also found that learners' beliefs about language learning in e-learning settings significantly influenced teachers' use of technology. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating language e-pedagogy in English education, integrating e-learning and e-teaching technologies, and addressing the motivational component of language e-learning.
Compressive characterization of Ceramic particles filled Metal Matrix Composite
Authors: Kharadkar Rohan , Kulkarni Vedant , Kumar Parshant , Kotecha Karan , Dharmadhikari Saurabh
Published: December 2023

Al/Cu matrix-based composites reinforced with 1 to 10 weight percent of Fe2O3 particles were fabricated using the powder metallurgy method. The specimen was prepared by mixing at 160 rpm for 20 minutes, uniaxially pressed at 60kN and sintered in a furnace at a temperature of 450°C for 1.5 hours with 10°C/min heating rate. The optimum amount of reinforcement was determined by evaluating the compressive strength & Microscopy test is used to characterize the material and microstructure, of the composite. The results and analysis revealed that the compressive strength of Fe2O3 filled composites increases as the percentage of Fe2O3 was increased. Compressive strength also showed variation with the quenching medium. Microscopy test will offer detailed information about the structural characteristics, phase distribution, interface quality, and potential defects within the Alloy Al/Cu with Fe2O3 Metal Matrix Composite. These insights are crucial for optimizing the composite's properties and understanding its behaviour under compressive loads.
Subject classification codes: 140 Composites
Contrastive Active Adaptive Partial Label Learning under Class Distribution Mismatch
Authors: Zhang Aohan , 张 红英 , Dong Kezhen , Sun Qianqian
Published: December 2023

Partial label learning is an important learning framework where each training sample is associated with a candidate label set and its ground-truth label is included in the candidate label set. Semi-supervised partial label learning is defined as a special case of partial label learning problem where the training sample set consists of partially labeled sample subset and unlabeled sample subset. However, there exists the problem of class distribution mismatch, wherein the unlabeled sample set contains many instances out of the target categories. In this paper, we propose a contrastive active adaptive partial label learning method which combines the active partial learning with the contrastive coding. A novel active sample selection strategy is established to use label propagation ability to measure the optimization ability of unlabeled samples to partially labeled samples. Furthermore, to solve the problem of class distribution mismatch, a jointly query score based on contrastive coding is utilized to reduce the queries of unlabeled samples out of target categories. Finally, the above two indicators are combined adaptively to select the most valuable unlabeled samples in target categories for manual labeling and the selected samples will be added to the training sample set to train the new classifier. The performance and effectiveness of our method is evaluated by performing experiments on the actual data set CIFAR10.
Revolutionizing Plant Regeneration: Unleashing Somatic Embryogenesis in Sorghum bicolor (L. Moench) via Immature Embryo and Mature Seed Explants
Authors: Thaddi Bangaru Naidu
Published: December 2023

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) has long posed challenges in In vitro culture due to its recalcitrant nature, leading to limited success with regeneration techniques across various genotypes. This study aimed to assess the influence of hormonal treatments on sorghum callus induction and subsequent regeneration using tissue culture methods. Immature embryos and mature seeds were utilized as explant sources, and varying concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mg/L) of the hormones 2,4-D, IAA, BAP, KN, and ZN were employed to induce callus and regenerate six distinct sorghum varieties, namely IS 3477, IS 33095, IS 7005 (non-pigmented), IS 2898, IS 7115, and IS 1202 (pigmented). Callus induction frequencies were markedly distinct among genotypes, with IS 3477 and IS 33095 exhibiting the highest rates, while IS 7115 and IS 1202 showed the lowest. The most significant embryogenic callus induction was observed in IS 3477 (92%) when treated with 2,4-D at 2.5 mg/L and KN at 0.5 mg/L, whereas IS 1202 displayed the lowest induction (48%). Investigation into various cytokinin concentrations revealed that a regeneration medium containing 2.0 mg/L BAP resulted in high regeneration frequencies, particularly in the non-pigmented IS 3477 genotypes, producing the highest number of shoots (20). Furthermore, mature seed explants displayed varying embryogenic callus induction frequencies, with IS 3477 exhibiting the highest (76%) when treated with 2,4-D at 2.5 mg/L and BAP at 0.5 mg/L, while IS 1202 displayed the lowest induction (36%). Optimal regeneration responses were observed with ZN at 1.5 mg/L, with IS 3477 producing the highest shoot count (11). This study elucidated the genotype-specific responses to In vitro protocols across diverse sorghum pigmented and non-pigmented lines. The findings offer valuable insights into the development of high-frequency response profiles, crucial for advancing impending genetic transformation efforts.
Clustering and interfacial segregation of radiogenic Pb in a mineral host-inclusion system: Tracing two-stage Pb and trace element mobility in monazite inclusions in rutile
Authors: Verberne Rick , Reddy Steven M. , Fougerouse Denis , Seydoux-Guillaume Anne-Magali , Saxey David W. , Rickard William D.A. , Quadir Zakaria , Clark Chris
Published: December 2023

Accessory minerals like zircon, rutile and monazite are routinely studied to inform about the timing and nature of geological processes. These studies are underpinned by our understanding of the transfer processes of trace elements and the assumption that the isotopic systems remain undisturbed. However, the presence of microstructures or Pb-bearing phases in minerals can lead to the alteration of the Pb isotopic composition. To gain insight into the relationship between Pb isotopic alterations from inclusions and microstructures, this study focused on inclusions from an ultra-high-temperature metamorphic rutile. The studied inclusions are submicrometer monazites, a common mineral rich in Pb but normally not present in rutile. The sample is sourced from Mt. Hardy, Napier Complex, East Antarctica, an ultra-high-temperature (UHT) metamorphic terrane. By applying correlative analytical techniques, including electron backscatter diffraction mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atom probe tomography, it is shown that monazite inclusions are often in contact with low-angle boundaries and yield no preferred orientation. TEM analysis shows the monazite core has a mottled texture due to the presence of radiation damage and nanoclusters associated with the radiation damage defects that are rich in U, Pb, and Ca. Some monazites exhibit a core-rim structure. The rim yields clusters composed of Ca- and Li-phosphate that enclose Pb nanoclusters that are only present in small amounts compared to the core, with Pb likely diffused into the rutile-monazite interface. These textures are the result of two stages of Pb mobility. Initial Pb segregation was driven by volume diffusion during UHT metamorphism (2500 Ma). The second stage is a stress-induced recrystallization during exhumation, leading to recrystallization of the monazite rim and trace element transport. The isotopic signature of Pb trapped within the rutile-monazite interface constrains the timing of Pb mobility to ca. 550 Ma.
High-Precision Geochronology of LIP Intrusions: Records of Magma–Sediment Interaction
Authors: Gaynor Sean P. , Davies Joshua H.F.L. , Schaltegger Urs
Published: December 2023

Reconstructing the tempo and emplacement mechanisms of large igneous provinces (LIPs) and establishing potential links to environmental change and biological crises requires detailed and targeted high-precision geochronology. Contact metamorphism during LIP intrusive magmatism can release large volumes of thermogenic gas, so determining the timing of these events relative to global climate change is crucial. The most reliable age information comes from U-Pb geochronology; however, LIP mafic igneous rocks do not commonly crystallize U-bearing minerals, such as zircon or baddeleyite. Recent work has shown that U-rich minerals can crystallize in fractionated melt pockets in intrusive components of LIPs after contamination of the melt by sedimentary rocks at emplacement level. Zircon and baddeleyite from these pockets make high-precision U-Pb geochronology of LIPs possible, but these unique mechanisms add other complexities.
Solving the choice puzzle: Financial and non-financial stakeholders preferences in corporate disclosures
Authors: Pasko Oleh , Zhang Li , Oriekhova Alvina , Gerasymenko Nataliia , Polishchuk Olena
Published: December 2023

The paper delves into the relationship between accounting conservatism, valued by financial stakeholders, and corporate social performance (CSP), esteemed by non-financial stakeholders. This study assesses the potential impact of financial reporting practices, specifically accounting conservatism, on a firm’s CSP activities, which has significant implications for diverse stakeholders. Employing an accrual-based proxy for accounting conservatism and the social contribution value per share from the Shanghai Stock Exchange as a proxy for CSP, the study utilizes a sample of 25,490 year-company observations of A-share listed companies on China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges spanning from 2008 to 2019. Empirical findings indicate a negative correlation between accounting conservatism and CSP. The study suggests that higher levels of social performance are associated with reduced conservatism in financial reporting, indicating that firms prioritize CSP over the interests of financial stakeholders by adopting less conservative financial reporting policies. Aligned with agency theory, these results underscore that socially responsible firms are less inclined to employ accounting conservatism in reporting earnings. This study establishes a connection between firms’ unconventional and less traditional activities, such as CSP, and conservative financial reporting, offering valuable insights for investors, analysts, and regulators.
AcknowledgmentThis paper is co-funded by the European Union through the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) within the project “Embracing EU corporate social responsibility: challenges and opportunities of business-society bonds transformation in Ukraine” – 101094100 – EECORE – ERASMUS-JMO-2022-HEI-TCH-RSCH-UA-IBA / ERASMUS-JMO-2022-HEI-TCHRSCH https://eecore.snau.edu.ua/
Desenvolvimento local e políticas públicas: Ações de manutenção e salvaguarda do patrimônio presente no plano diretor participativo do município de Ijuí/RS
Authors: De Oliveira Tarcisio Dorn , Das Chagas Daniel Hedlund Soares
Published: December 2023

A preservação do patrimônio estrutura-se como ação fundamental no que concerne a um desenvolvimento adequado e sustentável aos lugares, posto que o planejamento urbano mostra-se fundamental ao estimular a formação da identidade, do pertencimento e do fomento à memória dos cidadãos por intermédio da valorização daquilo que foi materializado (ou não) no decorrer do tempo e do espaço. O objetivo desta pesquisa prende-se a analisar como a Lei Complementar Municipal nº 6.929, instituída em 21 de janeiro de 2020, que consolida o Plano Diretor Participativo do Município de Ijuí (Pladip), evoca a seara da preservação do patrimônio em relação ao ordenamento e planejamento da cidade. Este estudo caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa de caráter descritivo e de cunho qualitativo, considerando os procedimentos de uma pesquisa documental, revisão bibliográfica e estudo de caso. Ao considerar as três categorias de análise (Política de Desenvolvimento, Programa de Incentivo e Proteção Especial), o Pladip compõe-se por meio de um planejamento urbano adequado instigando a busca de medidas que tragam melhorias na qualidade de vida da população de Ijuí, utilizando, de forma apropriada, ou da melhor maneira possível, o espaço urbano. Fica evidente que a referida normativa esforça-se em orientar a ocupação do território de Ijuí de forma sustentável, promovendo o equilíbrio entre os diversos setores da cidade, buscando garantir a melhoria da qualidade de vida da população, a preservação do meio ambiente, a promoção da justiça social e a eficiência na gestão dos recursos públicos.
A study on pipe failure analysis in water distribution systems using logistic regression
Authors: Karadirek I. Ethem , Kaya-Basar Ebru , Akdeniz Tugba
Published: December 2023

This study presents a pipe failure analysis that aims to identify key factors affecting pipe failure in a pilot study area (PSA). For this purpose, pipe failures that occurred in the PSA were recorded for 2 years. Recorded pipe failures were integrated into the existing geographical information systems of the PSA and then visualized. Then, the logistic regression model that calculates failure probability with unbalanced and small- and medium-sized data was performed to analyze pipe failures. Pipe material, age, diameter, burst pressure, and average water pressure are the factors used in the study. The developed model achieved a success rate of 70.1%, suggesting that it can predict a considerable portion of pipe failures with a relatively satisfactory performance. Findings show that the failure probability of pipes with an age greater than 20 years is 1.675 times higher than that of pipes with an age less than 20 years. Moreover, polyvinyl chloride pipes are 5.265 times and high-density polyethylene pipes are 9.027 times more likely to fail than ductile pipes. Further research should delve into the impacts of the number of service connections, pipe lengths, and traffic load on pipe failures.
A method based on improved ant colony algorithm feature selection combined with GWO-SVR model for predicting chlorophyll-a concentration in Wuliangsu Lake
Authors: Wu Chenhao , Fu Xueliang , Li Honghui , Hu Hua , Li Xue , Zhang Liqian
Published: December 2023

Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) is an important parameter in water bodies. Due to the complexity of optics in water bodies, it is difficult to accurately predict Chl-a concentrations in water bodies by current traditional methods. In this paper, using Sentinel-2 remote sensing images as the data source combined with measured data, taking Wuliangsu Lake as the study area, a new intelligent algorithm is proposed for prediction of Chl-a concentration, which uses the adaptive ant colony exhaustive optimization algorithm (A-ACEO) for feature selection and the gray wolf optimization algorithm (GWO) to optimize support vector regression (SVR) to achieve Chl-a concentration prediction. The ant colony optimization algorithm is improved to select remote sensing feature bands for Chl-a concentration by introducing relevant optimization strategies. The GWO-SVR model is built by optimizing SVR using GWO with the selected feature bands as input and comparing it with the traditional SVR model. The results show that the usage of feature bands selected by the presented A-ACEO algorithm as inputs can effectively reduce complexity and improve the prediction performance of the model, under the condition of the same model, which can provide valuable references for monitoring the Chl-a concentration in Wuliangsu Lake.
VEGF165b Mutant Promotes the Apoptosis of Murine Breast Cancer Cells
Induced by Paclitaxel by Inducing Tumor Vessel Maturation
Authors: Liang Chen , Li Youwei , Guo Enhui , Bai Shuge , Wang Yan , Zhang Huiyong
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

The anti-angiogenic agent vascular endothelial growth factor 165b
(VEGF165b) mutant (mVEGF165b), which was developed by our laboratory, has superior antitumor
activity to that of native VEGF165b; however, its mechanism of action and druggability need further
exploration.

Methods:

Using the commercial anti-angiogenic drug bevacizumab as a positive control, the
mechanism and developability of mVEGF165b were evaluated and explored. The Cell Counting Kit-8
assay was performed to evaluate the effects of mVEGF165b and bevacizumab alone on the
proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Meanwhile, the inhibitory effects
of mVEGF165b and bevacizumab combined with paclitaxel in a mouse model of breast cancer were
assessed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect their effects on tumor vascular maturation, and
the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect
the apoptosis of tumor cells.

Results:

In vitro cell experiments confirmed that mVEGF165b inhibited the proliferation of HUVECs
with an efficacy equivalent to that of bevacizumab. mVEGF165b and bevacizumab combined with
paclitaxel significantly delayed the growth of breast cancer in mice. Immunohistochemistry and the
TUNEL assay showed that mVEGF165b and bevacizumab combined with paclitaxel-induced higher
vascular maturity and more apoptosis than paclitaxel alone.

Conclusion:

mVEGF165b showed similar efficacy and mechanism of action as bevacizumab,
indicating its potential to be developed into a safe and effective anti-angiogenic drug.
Pharmacogenetic Variants Can Influence Optical Medication Use
Authors: Alves Diana , Ferreira Filipa , Pereira Cristina , Lopes Altina , Nogueira Célia , Vilarinho Laura
Published: December 2023

Introduction::

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are used as drug susceptibility
biomarkers in metabolic diseases. Alterations in the gene encoding triggers the enzyme flavin
monooxygenase 3 (FMO3), involved in the Sulindac metabolization, which also is responsible
for the inherited metabolic disorder. Trimethylaminuria (TMAu, OMIM: 602079). DPYD
gene variants are associated with the enzyme dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency
(DPD; OMIM: 274270). This autosomal recessive metabolic disorder, ultimately leads to the
inability to metabolize fluoropyrimidines, which causes severe toxicity in individuals treated
with these drugs.

Methods::

Variants in genes responsible for the expression of enzymes that encode transporters
or receptors involved in the metabolization pathways of certain drugs may condition the individuals
response to certain drugs, compromising the therapeutic response and clinical prognosis.
Thus the sequencing and identification of variants become relevant, not only gain knowledge on
effects of these variants’ on disease causality but also in terms of its side effects resulting from
the coding enzymes responsible for drug metabolization.

Results::

It was found that patients with the c.472G>A (p.Glu158Lys) and c.923A>G
(p.Glu308Gly) polymorphisms, in homozygosity, in FMO3 gene did not develop polyps, thus
have a protective effect in the treatment of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (PAF). However,
in the case of the DPYD gene, c.1905+1G>A (IVS14+1G>A), c.1679T>G (p.Ile560Ser),
c.2846A>T (p.Asp949Val) e c.1236G>A/HapB3 variants can be lethal in cancer patients indicated
for fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy.

Conclusion::

Knowledge on the drug mechanisms will affect the therapeutic response of patients
treated with a given drug. Thus, pharmacogenetics is an essential tool in personalized medicine,
since molecular studies allows the clinician to predict the probability of efficacy and toxicity of
certain drugs, resulting higher efficiency in individualizing treatment and also improving the
safety of the patient. From a personalized medicine perspective, the study of the characteristics
of the drug and its metabolization site, the genes involved in the encoding of enzymes responsible
for its metabolization will be of great interest.
Increasing Sanfilippo Syndrome Awareness through Children's Literature
and Music
Authors: Marques Raquel , Carlson Rodrigo , Higonnet Guilhain
Published: December 2023

There is an ongoing effort to increase rare disease awareness amongst healthcare
providers. This front is important and can help to address several challenges faced by rare disease
patients, such as lengthy diagnosis times, difficulty in finding adequate providers of medical
services and experts, and adequate treatment if one exists. On another front, there is the need
for awareness among citizens and their support in the advocacy for public policies towards rare
disease patients and families. Awareness campaigns are prevalent in social networks and fundraising
events. In this poster, we present a complementary approach to engage society and promote
rare disease awareness through children’s literature and music. A Portuguese teenager
wrote a book (‘My Life with my sister’), describing simple and daily moments spent with her
teenage sister affected by Sanfilippo syndrome. A professional illustrator designed and illustrated
the book. The book is bilingual in Portuguese and English. The author, with the assistance of
her music teacher, also composed a song which was recorded with the participation of professional
musicians and made into a video clip telling their story and the books. The book and song
promote the inclusion and love for people affected by rare diseases and their families. To increase
outreach, sister organizations translated the book, adapted the song, and published/
recorded the material in Brazilian Portuguese and French. The proceeds from the sales go towards
the Sanfilippo foundations in their respective countries to fund common research projects.
The material is being advertised on social media, television, interviews, newspapers, podcasts,
libraries, schools, bookshops, book fairs, and others. To date, more than eight hundred
books have been sold to individuals and companies. The interviews and video clips add to more
than twelve hundred views. The target audience is children, parents, teachers but also companies,
and their employees.
Bioleaching Extraction of Valuable Metal From E-Wastes: A Mini
Review
Authors: Jiang Mingjun , He Siyu , Zhang Yongkui
Published: December 2023

Electrical waste (E-waste) is a significant global issue, with an annual generation
of over 50 million tons, causing detrimental effects on both the environment and human
health. However, E-waste is also known as a secondary valuable metal resource. Although
hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy are still the preferred methods for metal recovery
from E-wastes, bioleaching has gained significant attention as a promising alternative
for metal recovery from E-wastes due to its sustainability, environmental friendliness, and
cost efficiency. In this review, different chemical principles of bioleaching were first discussed.
Major bacterial groups that can be applied in bioleaching were then introduced.
The bioleaching procedures and applications have been summarized and analyzed. Finally,
a few perspectives were made on potential future research on bioleaching.
Reply to Comments
Authors: Lenz Martin
Published: December 2023

Abstract: This is a reply to the comments by Daniel Bella, Lorina Buhr, Andrea Blättler, and Ivo Eichhorn. The individual responses attempt to identify the main challenges of the pieces and sketch answers to questions or elaborations on issues raised.