bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Capital Structure, Firm Size and Dividend Policy on Firm Value in Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Suprayoga Didin Septian Mahardiana , Setiyono Wisnu Panggah
Published: January 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of capital structure, firm size and dividend policy on firm value. Several previous studies on firm value showed different results. Therefore, other research needs to be done to retest the theory of firm value. The population of this study was 15 manufacturing companies. The sampling method used was purposive sampling method, so that 15 sample companies were obtained for 3 years of observation (2018 - 2020) with 45 observations (observations). The research data were obtained from sample companies which were downloaded from the Indonesia Stock Exchange website. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistical analysis and multiple regression analysis. The process of data analysis carried out first is descriptive statistics, classical assumption test, multiple regression analysis and then hypothesis testing. The results of this study partially show that capital structure, firm size and dividend policy have a significant effect on firm value. The results of this study indicate that capital structure, firm size and dividend policy have a simultaneous effect on firm value. Keywords - Capital Structure, Firm Size, Dividend Policy and Firm Value
Effect of Foreign Flow, Stock Transaction Volume and Bid-Ask Spread on Stock Prices
Authors: Nurcahyani Amaliasari , Sari Herlinda Maya Kumala
Published: January 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of foreign flow, stock transaction volume and bid-ask spread on stock prices. This research is a type of quantitative research and population collection and the sample of the research object is carried out using the purposive sampling method, namely pharmaceutical companies listed on the IDX during the 2018-2020 period. The type of data used in this study is secondary data taken from the annual reports of each company sourced from the Indonesia Stock Exchange website. The data analysis technique used panel data regression using Eviews 10. The results showed partially that the Foreign Flow variable did not have a significant effect on the Stock Price, the Stock Transaction Volume had a significant positive effect on the Stock Price and the Bid-Ask Spread had a significant negative effect on the Stock Price. . Meanwhile, simultaneously all independent variables have a significant effect on stock prices.
The Influence of Motivation, Work Discipline and Leadership on Employee Performance
Authors: Sudibyo Eko , Sukmono Rita Ambarwati
Published: January 2023

This study aims to analyze and prove the effect of motivation, work discipline and leadership on the performance of employees of PT. Djabes Tunas Utama Mojokerto. The study was conducted with a quantitative approach, with sampling using probability sampling technique totaling 142 employees. The analysis technique used is multiple linear regression. Based on the results of research data analysis, the results obtained either partially or simultaneously motivation, work discipline and leadership proved to have a significant contribution to the performance of employees of PT. Djabes Tunas Utama Mojokerto. Other results show that motivation, work discipline and leadership have a contribution of 82.5% to employee performance.
The Influence of Transformational Leadership Style, Organizational Culture, Perception of Organizational Support on Hospital Employee Engagement
Authors: Hidayah Ika Nurul , Sari Dewi Komala
Published: January 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of transformational leadership style, organizational culture and perceptions of organizational support on employee engagement at Al-Islam H.M Mawardi Hospital employees. This research is a type of quantitative research with hypothesis testing. The sample used in this study were 107 respondents, namely employees of the Al-Islam Hospital H.M Mawardi Sidoarjo. The analytical tool used is multiple linear regression analysis, coefficient of determination (R2), partial correlation coefficient, t test, F test, and classical assumption test using SPSS version 18.0 application program. This primary data was obtained through a questionnaire whose measurements used a Likert scale which tested the validity and reliability of the data declared valid and reliable Al-Islam H.M Mawardi Hospital, Sidoarjo. The results of this study prove that transformational leadership style affects employee engagement, organizational culture affects employee engagement, perceptions of organizational support on employee engagement. Transformational leadership style, organizational culture, perceived organizational support simultaneously affect employee engagement.
Equity Crowdfunding in Indonesia: Complying with Regulations and Legal Consequences for Investors
Authors: Ningrum Hesti , Multazam M Tanzil
Published: January 2023

This research aims to understand the equity crowdfunding scheme that has been adjusted to the existing regulations and the legal consequences for investors who invest in unregistered equity crowdfunding in Indonesia. Normative research method with the approach of applying the law was used, and primary and secondary legal materials were utilized. The findings show that there is an equity crowdfunding scheme that complies with the applicable regulations. As for the legal consequences, investors who invest in unregistered equity crowdfunding in Indonesia may face legal sanctions. The research contributes to the understanding of equity crowdfunding in Indonesia and provides insights for regulators, investors, and startups/UMKM seeking alternative funding sources.

Highlights:

Equity crowdfunding scheme in Indonesia complying with regulations.

Legal consequences for investors investing in unregistered equity crowdfunding.

Contribution to understanding equity crowdfunding and providing insights for stakeholders.
The Influence of Competence, Leadership Style, and Work Discipline on Employee Work Motivation in Sidoarjo
Authors: Sutilah Muhammad Reza Muslim , Prapanca Detak
Published: January 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of competence, leadership style, and work discipline on employee motivation at PT. Mapan Putra Sentosa Sidoarjo. The population used in this study are employees of PT. Mapan Putra Sentosa Sidoarjo, totaling 55 people. By using the sampling technique Quota Sampling, where in this technique the emphasis is on taking samples based on the total population. This research was conducted with quantitative methods. The data collection technique used is a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used in this study is multiple linear regression using SPSS version 22 for windows. The results of this study indicate that, Competence does not have a significant effect partially on employee work motivation, leadership style has a partially significant effect on employee work motivation, work discipline has a partially significant effect on employee work motivation. Competence, Leadership Style, and Work Discipline have a simultaneous effect on employees' work motivation. Leadership style is the most significant variable on employee motivation. Keywords: Competence, Leadership Style, Work Discipline, and Work Motivation.
The Role of Accounting in Family Financial Management Strategies in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Evelina Aisyah Quinta , Abidin Fityan Izza Noor
Published: January 2023

This study aims to find out how the role of accounting in family financial management strategies in the COVID-19 era. This research is a type of qualitative descriptive research using interpretive studies in order to get maximum results. Using research with primary data results which include in-depth interviews with the relevant resource persons in this case are housewives whose family income has been affected by COVID-19 by documenting it in written form, photos and then the data will be processed into main data. The results of the research that have been carried out, the conclusion that can be drawn is that accounting in financial management is not always in line with existing theories. Lack of understanding about recording or accounting in the household is a major problem, so there are still many difficulties in managing finances. Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in the amount of income require the management of family finances to make a priority scale. In various aspects that become the formulation of the research problem, it is known that good financial management records do not provide significant difficulties for financial management in the future.
The Effect of Organizational Commitment , Organizational Communication and Organizational Culture on Employee Performance
Authors: Syaifuddin Muhammad , Sumartik Sumartik
Published: January 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of organizational commitment, organizational communication and organizational culture on employee performance (Study at Lazismu Umsida). This research is a type of quantitative research with hypothesis testing. The sample used in this study were 40 Lazismu Umsida employees. The analytical tool used in this study is multiple linear regression analysis using SPSS Version 22 for windows. The primary data in this study were obtained from a questionnaire whose measurement was using a Likert scale which was tested for validity and reliability. The results of this study prove that organizational commitment affects employee performance, organizational communication affects employee performance, organizational culture also affects employee performance. In addition, Organizational Commitment, Organizational Communication and Organizational Culture have a simultaneous effect on Employee Performance.
The Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Word of Mouth and Company Value, with Company Reputation as a Mediation Variable
Authors: Anggraini Titania , Fitriyah Hadiah
Published: January 2023

This study aims to analyze test empirically : 1) Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility 2) Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility, Word of Mouth  (WOM), Company Value with Corporate Reputation as Moderating Variables.This study shows that Corporate Social Responsibility (X1) as independent variables,  with and Word of Mouth  (Y1) and Company Value (Y2) as dependent variable (Y), and Corporate Reputation as a moderating variables (Z). The population of this study are Aqua consumers Pasuruan region. Sampling technique used in this research is purposive sampling with data is compiled with distribute questionareto Aqua comsumers in Pasuruan region. Analysis technique data used that includes the outer model, inner model and path analysis with Smart PLS 3.2.8 for windows program.The results of this research showed that Corporate Social Responsibility has significant-positively effect on Word of Mouth , and Company Value with Corporate Reputation be able to mediate relationship.
The Effect of Work Experience and Organizational Culture on Employee Productivity through Job Satisfaction as an Intervening Variable at Company
Authors: Putri Dini Anggaita , Sumartik
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of work experience and organizational culture on employee productivity at PT. Implora Sukses Abadi with employee job satisfaction as an intervening variable. In determining the number of samples in this study, the Porposive Sampling . formula was used so that the number of samples used in this study were 134 respondents. Data analysis technique used is path analysis. The data collection technique used in this study was to distribute questionnaires and the tools to analyze the data obtained were using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 for windows. The results obtained from this study prove that that 1) Work Experience has a significant influence on Employee Productivity. 2) Organizational Culture has a significant influence on Employee Productivity 3) Work Experience has a significant influence on Job Satisfaction. 4) Organizational Culture has a significant influence on Job Satisfaction. 5) Work Experience has a significant influence on Employee Productivity through Job Satisfaction. 6) Organizational culture has a significant influence on employee productivity through job satisfaction.7) Job Satisfaction has a significant effect on Employee Productivity
The Influence of Leadership Style, Work Motivation and Loyalty on Supermarket Employee Performance
Authors: Fitrianti Fita , Ubaidillah Hasan
Published: January 2023

This study aims to determine the influence of leadership style on employee performance, the effect of work motivation on employee performance, the effect of loyalty on employee performance, and the simultaneous influence of leadership style, work motivation, and loyalty on employee performance at Alfamart Buduran branch. This research is a type of quantitative research. The population used is all Alfamart employees, totaling 40 employees. Data collection techniques using questionnaires. The data analysis technique used was classical assumption test, multiple linear regression and hypothesis testing. This study concludes that leadership style has an effect and is significant on employee performance, while work motivation has no effect and is not significant on employee performance, and loyalty has an effect on employee performance. And simultaneously Leadership Style, Work Motivation and Loyalty affect the Employee Performance of Alfamart Buduran branch.
Effect of Organizational Commitment, Work Environment and Work Stress on Job Satisfaction of Radiology Installation Employees at Hospital
Authors: Utami Linda Muji , Prapanca Detak
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of organizational commitment, work environment and work stress on job satisfaction of radiology installation employees at RSUD Sidoarjo.This study uses a type of quantitative research. The technique used in this study is a non-probability sampling technique with a saturated sample, which is a sampling technique if all members of the population are used as research samples. The sample size in this study were 77 employees of the radiology installation at RSUD Sidoarjo.The results of the study found that organizational commitment partially and simultaneously positive effect on job satisfaction, work environment partially and simultaneously positive effect on job satisfaction and job stress negatively affects job satisfaction.
Coastal switching of dominant depositional processes driven by decreasing rates of Holocene sea-level rise along the macrotidal coast of Gochang, SW Korea
Authors: Yoon Hyun Ho , Ryang Woo Hun , Chun Seung Soo , Simms Alexander R. , Kim Jin Cheul , Chang Tae Soo , Yoo Dong-Geun , Hong Seok-Hwi
Published: January 2023

Decreasing rates of eustatic sea-level rise during the Holocene accompanied the deposition of transgressive coastal deposits worldwide. However, unraveling how transgressive deposition varies in response to different rates of relative sea-level (RSL) rise is limited by the scarcity of long (10+ m) well-dated cores spanning the entire middle to late Holocene record along macrotidal coasts. To investigate the sedimentary response of this macrotidal coast to decreasing rates of RSL rise, we acquired four cores up to 32 m in length and Chirp seismic profiles along the west coast of Korea. Core sediments were analyzed in terms of sedimentary texture, structure, and facies. Nineteen optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and fourteen 14C accelerated mass spectrometry (AMS) ages constrain the timing of deposition of the sandy sediments. This relatively dense distribution of ages is used to determine how deposition rates changed through time. We also use a compilation of previously published RSL indices for the southwestern Korean coast in order to better constrain RSL changes through time. Results show that the evolution of the Gochang coastline switched from a tide-dominated environment to a wave-dominated environment during the latter stage of transgression as the rate of the sea-level rise decreased. Rugged antecedent topography likely led to the development of tidal currents and the formation of a tide-dominated tidal flat during rapid RSL rise from 10 to 6 ka. As the tidal channels filled with fine-grained sediments from 6 to 1 ka, tidal amplification likely waned leading to a greater role of wave energy in shaping the formation of the sandy open-coast tidal flat. Since 1 ka, wave-dominated environments formed sand-rich tidal beaches and flats. Decreasing changes in rates of the RSL rise resulted in changes in depositional environments from a tide-dominated intertidal flat to an open-coast tidal flat and finally a wave-dominated tidal beach. This study highlights the important role that rates of RSL rise play on not only sedimentation rates in a shelf setting but also playing a role in the switch from a tide-dominated to a wave-dominated setting.
Sonic Drilling on Embankment Dams and Levees
Authors: Elson Mark S. , Widincamp Steven D.
Published: January 2023

Sonic drilling, auger drilling, and cable-tool drilling are the preferred methods utilized to drill through le-vees and embankment dams. Sonic drilling is the most recently developed of the three and has distinct advantages over the other methods. Notably, sonic drilling offers a high rate of advance through most materials while still protecting embankments from erosion and hydrofracturing. The method is not without limitations, as cost and space constraints prevent it from being the most effective choice in some circumstances.
Calidad de vida de pacientes operados de artroplastia de cadera
Authors:   , Goodman Rios Robert Alexis
Published: January 2023

Introducción: Las patologías degenerativas e inflamatorias en la cadera se rehabilitan mediante artroplastias, la calidad de vida de estos pacientes es discutida y muchas veces depende de factores posoperatorios. Objetivo: El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la calidad de vida de pacientes con artroplastia de cadera tratados en el Hospital Militar Central (Lima. Perú) dentro del periodo 2019 - 2020. Métodos: Se realizaron 60 encuestas a pacientes tratados mediante artroplastia de cadera en el Hospital Militar Central (Lima. Perú) utilizando el SF-36 Health Survey en donde se analizaron las dimensiones de: estado físico, ocupacional, de habilidades funcionales, estado psicológico y bienestar, interacciones sociales; estado vocacional, religioso y económico. Resultados: El puntaje del componente físico medio fue de 51,4 ± 11,8 la media del puntaje del componente mental fue de 42,1 ± 8,3 y la diferencia más significativa en las sub escalas del SF-36 de los pacientes se observó en el rendimiento físico, la función física y la función social. Las complicaciones postoperatorias se asociaron inversamente con las puntuaciones totales de la calidad de vida de los pacientes (p= 0,012). La calidad de vida total se asoció con el género de los pacientes, las mujeres registraron una puntuación considerablemente más baja que los hombres (p = 0,001). Conclusiones: La calidad de vida de los pacientes después de una artroplastia de cadera es considerada como promedio regular. El género y el número de complicaciones postoperatorias tienen un papel predictivo en la calidad de vida postoperatoria y su impacto puede ser difícil de controlar.
Uso de la coronta de maíz morado (Zea Mays L.) sobre los índices productivos, calidad y aporte diferencial de nutrientes en huevo de gallinas de postura
Authors:   , Flores Nizama Milagros Nikole
Published: January 2023

El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de la inclusión de diferentes porcentajes de pulverizado de coronta de maíz morado (PCMM) sobre los índices productivos (ganancia de peso total, consumo de alimento, producción, índice de conversión alimenticia), calidad de huevo (índice morfométrico, unidades Haugh, índice de yema, índice de cáscara) y aporte diferencial de nutrientes (determinación de ácidos grasos y lipoperoxidación) en huevo de gallinas de postura. Se utilizaron 64 gallinas de la línea Hy-Line Brown de 29 a 35 semanas de edad, las cuales fueron divididas en 4 tratamientos con 4 repeticiones y 4 gallinas por repetición, brindándoseles dietas con diferente porcentaje de PCMM (0%, 0.2%, 0.4% y 0.6%). En los índices productivos los tratamientos con 0.4 y 0.6% de PCMM incrementaron de manera significativa (p<0.05) el índice de conversión alimenticia, el porcentaje de producción, el peso y masa de huevo, peso de yema y unidades Haugh. No hubo diferencias significativas (p>0.05) entre los tratamientos para el peso de cáscara, peso de albumen, grosor de cáscara y color de yema. En los tratamientos con 0.4% y 0.6% de PCMM hubo un incremento (p<0.05) de ácidos grasos insaturados, con disminución de ácidos grasos saturados y así como los niveles de TBARS. Se evaluó la pérdida de peso del huevo en huevos almacenados por 28 días, encontrándose que los tratamientos con 0.2 y 0.4% de PCMM tuvieron una menor pérdida de peso (p<0.05). La inclusión de PCMM en la dieta de gallinas ponedoras puede mejorar los índices productivos, calidad externa e interna de huevo y conservar por mayor tiempo sus propiedades en almacenamiento.
Efficient Reconfigurable Architecture to Extract Image Features using Local Binary Pattern for Face recognition
Authors: Bhavikatti Sumangala , Bhairannawar Satish
Published: January 2023

Recognition of the face is a widely held method to detect human features. In various claims, like detecting criminals over video surveillance, face recognition is the most practical and computable recognition technique for humans. In this paper, we propose Efficient Reconfigurable architecture to extract image features using Local Binary pattern (LBP) for Face Recognition. The face image is preprocessed using Gaussian filter to remove high frequency components. The preprocessed image is then applied to optimized LBP block to obtain the LBP features followed by Histogram. The counter and comparators are used along with moving window architecture which leads to less complex LBP architecture. The Histogram LBP features obtained for both database sample and test sample are further compared to make the decision for recognition. The simulation is performed for Olivetti Research Laboratory (ORL) dataset using MATLAB by showing FAR, FRR and TSR values. Further, the proposed architecture is synthesized on Spartan 6-xc651x4c-3csg432 Digilent FPGA board. It is observed that the recognition time of our architecture is 1.05 µS which is better compared to existing methods.
Apomixis beyond trees in the Brazilian savanna: new insights from the orchid Zygopetalum mackayi
Authors: Costa Gleicyanne Vieira da , Alves Mariana Ferreira , Duarte Mariana Oliveira , Caetano Ana Paula Souza , Koehler Samantha , Mayer Juliana Lischka Sampaio
Published: January 2023

Knowledge on the biology of apomictic tropical plants is still fragmentary. Studies on trees from the Brazilian savanna show apomixis is mainly sporophytic, facultative and associated with polyploidy and polyembryony. Here we show, for the first time, how reproduction mode is associated with chromosome numbers and polyembryony in an herbaceous plant from the Brazilian savanna, the orchid Zygopetalum mackayi. We described megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis in all three cytotypes of this species and clarify apomixis is strictly sporophytic, facultative and restricted to triploids and tetrapoloids, while seed formation is strictly sexual in diploids. Polyembryony is mainly a result of apomixis, but also a consequence of the occurrence of multiple archesporium in all cytotypes. Fruit set is higher in tetraploids compared to other cytotypes and suggest the occurrence of a late-acting self-incompatibility system in diploids. Contrary to other Brazilian savanna species, apomixis in Z. mackayi does not allow for reproductive assurance. We hypothesize range expansion of tetraploids as a consequence of higher fruit set compared to diploids and polyembryony associated with putative physiological plasticity increased by polyploidy. Biological consequences of apomixis may be more diverse in tropical biomes than previously described for temperate species.
Reactivation of an Endogenous retrovirus in Drosophila ovarian somatic tissue: from germline invasion to taming
Authors: Yoth Marianne , Gueguen Nathalie , Maupetit-Méhouas Stephanie , Bertin Benjamin , Jensen Silke , Brasset Emilie
Published: January 2023

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are transposable elements (TEs) related to infectious retroviruses. In eukaryotes, ERV-related TEs occupy large parts of the genome, but it is unclear what led to such successful genome invasion. We created conditions where control of the Drosophila ZAM ERV through the piRNA pathway was abolished leading to its reactivation in real time in somatic gonadal cells. We show that ZAM may remain active in these cells indicating that ERVs may hide from the efficient germline piRNA pathway by being expressed exclusively in somatic cells. After reactivation, ZAM invaded the oocytes resulting in severe fertility defects. The germline then set up its own adaptive genomic immune response against the constantly invading ERV, restricting invasion and restoring fertility. Our results not only highlight how ERVs and their host adapt to each other but also reveal a time window during oogenesis that may be favourable for viral germline invasion and endogenization.
Cephalometric Landmark Detection Without X-Rays Combining Coordinate Regression and Heatmap Regression
Authors: Takahashi Kaisei , Shimamura Yui , Tachiki Chie , Nishii Yasushi , Hagiwara Masafumi
Published: January 2023

Fully automated techniques using convolutional neural networks for cephalometric landmark detection have recently advanced. However, all existing studies have adopted X-rays. The problem of direct exposure of patients to X-ray radiation remains unsolved. We propose a model for detecting cephalometric landmarks using only facial profile images without X-rays. First, the model estimates the landmark coordinates using the features of facial profile images through high-resolution representation learning. Second, considering the spatial relationship of the landmarks, the model refines the estimated coordinates. The estimated coordinates are input into fully connected networks to improve the accuracy. During the experiment, a total of 2000 facial profile images collected from 2000 female patients were used. Experiments results demonstrated that the proposed method exhibits a better performance than advanced methods trained with X-rays. We obtained an MRE of 0.61 mm for the test data and a mean detection rate of 98.20% within 2 mm. Our proposed two-stage learning method enables a highly accurate estimation of the landmark positions using only facial profile images. The results indicate that X-rays may not be required when detecting cephalometric landmarks.
Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Suppresses Growth and Reduces Multi-drug Resistance Effect in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Szlasa Wojciech , Michel Olga , Sauer Natalia , Novickij Vitalij , Lewandowski Damian , Kasperkiewicz Paulina , Tarek Mounir , Saczko Jolanta , Kulbacka Julita
Published: January 2023

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) have been shown to exert anticancer effects; however, little is known about the mechanisms triggered in cancer cells by nanosecond-length pulses, especially when low, sub-permeabilization voltage is used. In this study, three human pancreatic cancer cell lines were treated with nsPEF and molecular changes at the cellular level were analyzed. Further, we assessed the efficacy of paclitaxel chemotherapy following nsPEF treatment and correlated that with the changes in the expression of multi-drug resistance (MDR) proteins. Finally, we examined the influence of nsPEF on the adhesive properties of cancer cells as well as the formation and growth of pancreatic cancer spheroids.
Cell line response differed with the application of a 200 ns, 100 pulses, 8 kV/cm, 10 kHz PEF treatment. PEF treatment led to 1) the release of microvesicles (MV) in EPP85-181RDB cells, 2) electropermeabilization in EPP85-181RNOV cells and 3) cell shrinkage in EPP85-181P cells. The release of MV’s in EPP85-181RDB cells reduced the membrane content of P-gp and LRP, leading to a transient increase in vulnerability of the cells towards paclitaxel. In all cell lines we observed an initial reduction in size of the cancer spheroids after the nsPEF treatment. Cell line EPP85-181RNOV exhibited a permanent reduction in the spheroid size after nsPEF.
We propose a mechanism in which the surface tension of the membrane, regulated by the organization of actin fibers, modulates the response of cancer cells towards nsPEF. When a membrane’s surface tension remains low, we observed some cells form protrusions and release MVs containing MDR proteins. In contrast, when cell surface tension remains high, the cell membrane is being electroporated. The latter effect may be responsible for the reduced tumor growth following nsPEF treatment.
Molecular imaging of fibroblast activation in multiple non-ischemic cardiomyopathies
Authors: Wang Jingnan , Huo Li , Lin Xue , Fang Ligang , Hacker Marcus. , Niu Na , Li Xiang
Published: January 2023

Purpose
This pilot study aimed to evaluate the in vivo fibroblast activation in non-ischemic cardiomyopathies by 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT.
Methods
29 consecutive patients with symptomatic non-ischemic cardiomyopathies who underwent 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT was prospectively recruited. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic parameters were recorded. Cardiac uptake was quantified by standardized uptake values (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVR) and left ventricular metabolism volume (LVMV). The relationship between 68Ga-FAPI-04 uptake with clinical and echocardiography parameters was investigated.
Results
Heterogenous 68Ga-FAPI-04 uptake was observed in different subtypes of non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. 22 (75.9%) patients showed elevated 68Ga-FAPI-04 uptake in the left ventricle and 10 (34.5%) patients also showed slightly diffuse elevated uptake in the right ventricle. Cardiac uptake values were significantly correlated with enlarged ventricular volume evaluated by echocardiography.
Conclusion
FAPI PET/CT presents a potential value for in vivo visualization and quantification of fibroblast activation on the molecular level. Further study is warranted for investigating the theranostic and prognostic value of elevated FAP signal.
Surgical Outcomes of Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair with and without Azygos Vein Preservation. A comparative Study
Authors: Daboos Mohammad , Aboukifa Amin , Gouda Samir , Badawey Refaat , Salama Ahmed , Hussein. Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Background
Since the Azygos vein is a functional important part of the venous system in the human body, it is rational to recommend preserving this vein during surgery for esophageal atresia. Benefits from preserving this vein, make this modification more favorable in future surgical principles. The aim of this study to report the benefits of Azygos vein preservation during the surgery for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA&TEF), highlighting the advantages in terms of, prevention of anastomotic leak, survival rate and other post-operative outcomes.
Patients and methods
The study included all neonates with esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA&TEF), admitted at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Al-Azhar University between April 2020 to January 2023, 32 cases were reviewed prospectively for azygos vein preservation during TEF repair; and were compared with the randomly selected 32 cases of Azygos vein disconnection.
Results
The two groups were comparable in respect to sex, weight, prematurity, associated anomalies, Spitz classification, operative time and distance between the pouches after mobilization. Anastomotic leak occurred in 2 case (6.2%) in Group A and 6 cases (18.7%) in Group B, pneumonitis occurred in 4 cases of group A and 16 cases in group B. There were two mortalities in Group A. and there were 8 cases of mortality in Group B due to sever pneumonitis and sepsis.
Conclusion
Preservation of Azygos vein resulted in significant reduction in the number of mortality, pneumonitis and leak. We propose that preservation of the Azygos vein is very important and valuable modification of the current surgical procedure.
A coding variant in SULT1A2 gene: association with obesity and dyslipidemia in southern Chinese adults
Authors: Lv Hai-Yan , Shi Guifeng , Li Cai , Ye Ya-Fei , Chen Ya-Hong , Chen Li-Hua , Tung Tao-Hsin , Zhang Meixian
Published: January 2023

Background
A coding variant rs1059491 in the SULT1A2 gene has been reported to be associated with childhood obesity. This study aimed to investigate the association of rs1059491 with risk of obesity and cardiometabolic abnormalities in adults.
Methods
This case-control study included 226 normal weight, 168 overweight and 72 obese adults who underwent a health examination in Taizhou, China. Genotyping of SULT1A2 rs1059491 was performed by Sanger sequencing.
Results
The minor allele frequency of rs1059491 in the overweight combined obesity and control group was 0.0292 and 0.0686, respectively. No differences in weight and body mass index were detected between TT genotype and GT + GG genotype under the dominant model, but levels of serum triglyceride was significantly lower in G-allele carriers than non-G-allele carriers (1.02 (0.74–1.32) vs. 1.35 (0.83–2.13) mmol/L, P = 0.011). The GT + GG genotype of rs1059491 versus TT genotype reduced the risk of overweight and obesity by 54% (OR: 0.46, 95%CI: 0.22–0.96, P = 0.037) after adjusted for sex and age. Similar results were observed for hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 0.25, 95%CI: 0.08–0.74, P = 0.013) and dyslipidemia (OR: 0.37, 95%CI: 0.17–0.83, P = 0.015).
Conclusion
This study revealed that the coding variant rs1059491 is associated with decreased risk of obesity and dyslipidemia in southern Chinese adults. More studies are needed to validate the association in other populations and its underlying mechanisms.
Near-infrared simultaneous measurement of temperature and flow fields of a thermal plume arising in water
Authors: Nguyen The-Anh , Kondo Katsuya , Hanada Kyohei , Kakuta Naoto
Published: January 2023

This study presents a method for the simultaneous measurement of three-dimensional (3D) temperature and flow fields in water where a thermal plume arises from a small heat source. This method is based on the near-infrared (NIR) absorption imaging with a two-orthogonal-direction telecentric system at a wavelength of 1150 nm. The acquired images of each direction were separated into the absorbance images corresponding to the temperature field and the particle shadow images through a background subtraction method. To the absorbance images of the two directions, a non-axisymmetric inverse Abel transform was applied in order to reconstruct the 3D temperature fields. The temperature was determined using the temperature dependence of the absorption coefficient of water at the wavelength. The 3D flow fields were obtained by applying the particle shadow tracking velocimetry (PSTV) that consisted of particle identification, track interpolation, and particle 3D matching to the particle shadow images. The results demonstrated the 3D transient temperature profiles within the plume and the effect of forced flow on its growth direction. At the same time, the PSTV indicated that the trajectories were consistent with the mixed convection field, which was verified by numerical simulation.
Let-7a/cMyc/CCAT-1/miR-17-5p Circuit Modulates PDL-1 Expression and Atezolizumab Resistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Selem Noha A. , Nafae Heba , Manie Tamer , Youness Rana Ahmed , Gad Mohamed Z.
Published: January 2023

Background
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an immunogenically hot tumor. The immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) have been recently emerged as promising therapeutic candidates for several malignancies including TNBC. Yet, the development of innate and/or adaptive resistance by TNBC patients towards ICBs such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors (e.g. Atezolizumab) shed the light on importance of identifying the underlying mechanisms regulating PD-L1 in TNBC. Recently, it was reported that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) perform a fundamental role in regulating PD-L1 expression in TNBC. Hence, this study aims to explore a novel ncRNA axis tuning PD-L1 in TNBC patients and investigate its possible involvement in fighting Atezolizumab resistance.
Methods
In-silico screening was executed to identify ncRNAs that could eventually target PD-L1. Screening of PD-L1 and the nominated ncRNAs (miR-17-5p, let-7a and CCAT1 lncRNA) was performed in BC tissues and cell lines. Ectopic expression and/or knockdown of respective ncRNAs were done in MDA-MB-231 cells. Viability, migration and clonogenic capacities were evaluated using MTT, scratch assay and colony-forming ability, respectively.
Results
PD-L1 was upregulated in BC patients, especially in TNBC patients. PD-L1 is positively associated with lymph node metastasis and high Ki-67 in recruited BC patients. Let-7a and miR-17-5p were nominated as potential regulators of PD-L1. Ectopic expression of let-7a and miR-17-5p caused a noticeable reduction in PD-L1 levels in TNBC cells. In order to investigate the whole ceRNA circuit regulating PD-L1 in TNBC, intensive bioinformatic studies were performed. The lncRNA, Colon Cancer-associated transcript 1 (CCAT1), was reported to target PD-L1 regulating miRNAs. Results showed that CCAT1 is an upregulated oncogenic lncRNA in TNBC patients/cell lines. CCAT1 siRNAs induced a noticeable reduction in PD-L1 levels and a marked increase in miR-17-5p level, building up a novel regulatory axis CCAT1/miR-17-5p/PD-L1 in TNBC cells that was tuned by the let-7a/c-Myc engine. On the functional level, co-treatment of CCAT-1 siRNAs and let-7a mimics efficiently relieved Atezolizumab resistance in MDA-MB-231 cells.
Conclusion
The present study revealed a novel PD-L1 regulatory axis via targeting let-7a/c-Myc/CCAT/miR-17-5p. Additionally, it sheds the light on the potential combinational role of CCAT-1 siRNAs and Let-7a mimics in relieving Atezolizumab resistance in TNBC patients.
Cross-domain research output trends in Covid-19 and the advanced reproductive technologies, 2020-2022
Authors: Sills E Scott , Wood Samuel H
Published: January 2023

Background: How has the research portfolio among IVF clinics been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic? From 2020 to present, the publication output at the intersection of IVF and Covid-19 has evolved and enlarged consistently each year.
Methods: This descriptive, bibliometric scoping audit gathered metadata on all publications accessioned by the U.S. National Library of Medicine under MeSH terms ‘IVF’ and ‘Covid-19’, from 2020 to 2022.
Results:In April 2020, the first published reports on IVF and Covid-19 entered the medical literature; 290 authors had produced 39 papers in this domain by year end. Research output on IVF and Covid-19 accelerated in 2021 and 2022 with a total of 158 articles attributed to >1200 authors. During the three-year reference interval, Open Access (free full-text) papers accounted for more than half of all published work. Despite pandemic lockdown restrictions, international collaboration on Covid-19 research at IVF units peaked in 2021 (39.6%).
Conclusions: Although IVF units were temporarily closed during quarantine, the unprecedented challenges during the pandemic did not halt published research and patient safety remained uncompromised. Reliance on letters, editorials, and committee opinions seen in the early pandemic is unlikely to recur, now that more original primary clinical data are available.
A novel cuproptosis-related LncRNA signature predicts prognosis inpatients with esophageal carcinoma
Authors: peng Shang , Haipeng Li , Min Jingting , An Ran , Du Nana , zhenghong Li
Published: January 2023

Background: Esophageal cancer (ESCA) is a significant cause of tumor-related mortality worldwide. Cuproptosis is a novel cell death which is different from other regulate cell death, including ferroptosis, pyroptosis and apoptosis. However, the role of cuproptosis in the initiation and progression of ESCA remains unknown.
Methods: The transcriptome data and clinical data of 173 patients with esophageal cancer in TCGA database were sorted and extracted with Perl software. Pearson correlation analysis was performed on cuproptosis related genes and all lncRNAs. The prognostic related lncRNAs were determined by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, and a new prognostic model was constructed to calculate the risk score of each patient. C-Index curve, PCA analysis and ROC curve analysis were used to evaluate the prognosis prediction performance of 3- cuproptosis related lncRNAs (CRLs) model. In addition, multivariate Cox analysis was used to assess the prognostic value of the model in the entire cohort and in different subgroups.
Results: The 3-CRLs risk scoring criteria including EWSAT1, AC125437.1 and GK-IT1 was established to evaluate the overall survival (OS) of ESCA. Survival analysis and ROC curve showed that the score had good prediction performance in TCGA train group and test group. The coefficients of each lncRNAs were analyzed using Lasso regression and lambda values were determined. principal component analysis was used to determine whether 3-CRLs can clearly distinguish the gap between high and low risk samples. Multivariate Cox regression showed that 3-CRLs characteristics were independent prognostic factors of OS. Norman map showed robust effectiveness in prognosis prediction.
Conclusion: The risk characteristics based on 3-CRLs may be used to predict the prognosis of esophageal carcinoma patients
Impact of Music Therapy on Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Control Study
Authors: Lin Yufan , Zhang Xiaoying , Li ChaoJinZi , Wei Tianyuan , Du Xiaoxia
Published: January 2023

Background

Currently, music therapy interventions in stroke rehabilitation have begun to diversify. This study observed the effect of music therapy on cognitive function in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).

Methods

42 patients diagnosed with PSCI were randomly selected and divided into the conventional rehabilitation (CR) group (N = 18) and the music therapy (MT) group (N = 24), both the CR group and the MT group were given conventional medication and cognitive rehabilitation, while the MT group was given additional music therapy cognitive training for a total of 8 weeks. Patients' cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA). The degree of neurological deficits, motor function and activities of daily living (ADL) were assessed by National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). All those assessments were tested at the baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the intervention.

Results

At 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention, the MT group had higher increases in MMSE, MoCA, and LOTCA scores than the CR group (p < 0.05). At 4 weeks after the intervention, there was no statistical difference in the increase of NIHSS, MBI, and FMA scores between the two groups. At 8 weeks after the intervention, the increase of FMA score was higher in the MT group than in the CR group, but there was no statistical difference in the increase of NIHSS and MBI scores between the two groups.

Conclusions

Music therapy combined with cognitive rehabilitation was significantly more effective than conventional rehabilitation in restoring cognitive function in patients with PSCI, but the 8-week music therapy intervention did not have a significant advantage in improving neurological deficits, ADL and motor function. In addition, music therapy can improve the cognitive domains of verbal fluency, attention, visual perception, spatial perception, and thought operations in patients with PSCI.
Trial registration: The registration number of the clinical trial is ChiCTR2000040612. Registration date: 03/12/2020.
Does long-term care insurance reduce the disability of middle-aged and older adults? Evidence from China
Authors: Cao Na , Shi Tong , Pan Chaoping
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to examine whether the implementation of Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) policy reduces the disability of middle-aged and older adults in China, and to test the heterogeneity of the effects. Data came from four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2011 to 2018). The Difference-In-Difference (DID) method and the panel data fixed effect model were used to estimate the effect of the implementation of LTCI policy on disability among individuals aged 45 years and above. The LTCI policy had a positive impact on reducing disability among middle-aged and older persons. Females, younger adults, city dwellers, and those who did not live with their spouses benefited the most from the LTCI policy. The results provided empirical evidence for the implementation of LTCI in China and other similar countries as China. The implementation should also pay more attention to inequity of the effects on reducing disability among different demographic groups.
Recharge Net Metering (ReNeM) is a novel, cost-effective management strategy to incentivize groundwater recharge
Authors: Bruce Molly , Sherman Luke , Bruno Ellen , Fisher Andrew , Kiparsky Michael
Published: January 2023

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR), which uses available water to augment groundwater resources, holds promise as a strategy to reduce chronic groundwater overdraft. However, agencies and municipalities often confront hurdles when implementing MAR; favorable sites for recharging water are often located on private land and common-pool resource conflicts frequently disincentivize voluntary private participation. We introduce Recharge Net Metering (ReNeM), a conceptually novel, market-based mechanism to help overcome these barriers and achieve multiple benefits from improved groundwater management. ReNeM enables an agency to incentivize practices that enhance infiltration and groundwater recharge. Here, we formalize the basis for incentivizing recharge and conduct a multi-party cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of an operating ReNeM program in California’s Pajaro Valley. Calculations show that water supply from ReNeM can be achieved at a lower cost than many viable alternatives and can produce multiple benefits for collaborating entities and stakeholders.