bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A screened predictive model for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on salivary flora data
Authors: Meng Yunxiang , Duan Qihong , Jiao Kai , Xue Jiang
Published: September 2023

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant tumor of the digestive system in the esophageal squamous epithelium. Many studies have linked esophageal cancer (EC) to the imbalance of oral microecology. In this work, different machine learning (ML) models including Random Forest (RF), Gaussian mixture model (GMM), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization was developed to predict the relationship between salivary flora and ESCC by combining the relative abundance data of Bacteroides, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria and Actinobacteria in the saliva of patients with ESCC and healthy control. The results showed that the XGBoost model without parameter optimization performed best on the entire dataset for ESCC diagnosis by cross-validation (Accuracy = 73.50%). Accuracy and the other evaluation indicators, including Precision, Recall, F1-score and the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), revealed XGBoost optimized by the GA (GA-XGBoost) achieved the best outcome on the testing set (Accuracy = 89.88%, Precision = 89.43%, Recall = 90.75%, F1-score = 90.09%, AUC = 0.97). The predictive ability of GA-XGBoost was validated in phylum-level salivary microbiota data from ESCC patients and controls in an external cohort. The results obtained in this validation (Accuracy = 70.60%, Precision = 46.00%, Recall = 90.55%, F1-score = 61.01%) illustrate the reliability of the predictive performance of the model. The feature importance rankings obtained by XGBoost indicate that Bacteroides and Actinobacteria are the two most important factors in predicting ESCC. Based on these results, GA-XGBoost can predict and diagnose ESCC according to the relative abundance of salivary flora, providing an effective tool for the non-invasive prediction of esophageal malignancies.
Pedagogical Conditions for the Training of Future Teachers Based on Digital Educational Technologies
Authors: Baltynova Aizhan , Kamariyash Kalkeeva , Muzdbaeva Tolkyn , Bolat Yerzhan , Beleukhanova Korlan , Zharikova Didar , Mollakuqe Elissa
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to assess the pedagogical frameworks for developing future teachers using digital education technology. The mixed-methods design, which combines quantitative and qualitative approaches, was employed to develop this study. Three hundred seventeen teacher candidates who are enrolled at several universities in Kazakhstan make up the research team. The researchers created a semi-structured interview form and an attitude scale toward digital technology in order to gather research data. The data was determined to be regularly distributed. Therefore, descriptive statistics, the T-test, and one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were employed to assess them. The descriptive analysis method was applied to study the research’s qualitative data. The study’s findings showed that most pre-service teachers who took part in it thought that teacher training programs based on digital technology had adequate pedagogical conditions. Based on its results, the study offers recommendations.
Analysis and Advice on Employment Forecasts for Graduates Taking into Account the Characteristics of Employment Mobility
Authors: Jia Xiangyu , Gao Yue , Liu Yuqing
Published: September 2023

In the context of accelerating globalization, the emerging knowledge economy and rapid technological development have brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges to the employment choices of graduates. The employment mobility of graduates has been constantly increasing, and their employment decisions are no longer limited to majors or regions. Instead, graduates can consider various factors more comprehensively, including industrial and urban development, compensation and benefits, etc. This study attempted to understand the characteristics of graduate employment mobility from a more macro perspective, by deeply analyzing the spatial correlation measure and the city-industry integration effect. Then, detailed research and prediction were conducted on the mobility characteristics based on the dynamic decomposition prediction mechanism, which provided not only a more scientific and accurate theoretical basis for graduate employment prediction but also scientific decision-making references for policy makers and educational institutions when formulating relevant policies and educational training plans. The research results contribute to promoting close city-industry integration and have important reference value for promoting urban economic development and optimizing urban industrial structure.
Study of the Influence of Electrolytic-Plasma Treatment on the Tribological Properties of High-Speed Steel
Authors: Aringozhina Zarina , Rakhadilov Bauyrzhan , Yeskermessov Didar , Tabiyeva Yerkezhan , Ahmed Waqar
Published: September 2023

This chapter is devoted to experimental studies of changes in structural-phase blocks and tribological properties of combustion of layers of high-speed steels R6M5, R9, and R18 during electrolytic-plasma nitriding. Systematized experimental data on the effect of electrolytic-plasma nitriding on the structure, phase composition, and tribological properties of the surface layer of high-speed steels have been obtained. In addition, the patterns of formation of modified layers in high-speed steels during electrolytic-plasma nitriding, revealed in this work, can be used by researchers when choosing the modes of electrolytic-plasma treatment of alloyed steels, as well as when analyzing structural transformations of high-speed steels.
Role of Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials in Electrodes for Rechargeable Batteries and Supercapacitors
Authors: Vargas-Bernal Rafael
Published: September 2023

It has become urgently necessary to develop energy storage technologies and materials due to the rising need for advanced sustainable energies. Among the emerging advances in materials chemistry is the research and development of new electrode materials for rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors. To increase their energy density, service life, specific power, charge and/or discharge capacity, and environmental friendliness, electroactive electrode materials with high surface areas and redox-active mediators are essential. Two-dimensional materials such as MXenes, Xenes, phosphorene, silicene, siloxane, stanene, arsenene, plumbene, bismuthene, antimonene, metallenes, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and other materials are being investigated to optimize their performance for various implementations of rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors. This chapter discusses recent progress and future challenges in the design of two-dimensional materials for electrodes of electrochemical energy storage devices.
Is It Practical to Utilize AI-Powered Chatbots in Halal Marketing Communications?
Authors: Nasution Muhammad Dharma Tuah Putra , Rini Endang Sulistya , Sembiring Beby Karina Fawzeea Sembiring , Silalahi Amlys Syahputra , Pahlufi Cut Kesuma
Published: September 2023

The aim of this chapter is to explore the capabilities of chatbots in the domain of marketing communication, with a particular focus on their potential application within the halal industry. It also analyzes the escalation in chatbot adoption across various business sectors. Furthermore, the chapter delves into the significance of adopting chatbots in Halal marketing communication. This includes an analysis of the challenges that may arise and capitalize on opportunities to successfully engage and captivate the intended audience. Likewise, this chapter sheds light on the areas of research that require further investigation and outlines potential avenues for future exploration regarding the adoption of chatbots in the context of Halal marketing. Hence, the contribution of this chapter lies in providing a comprehensive analysis of the challenges, opportunities, and positive outcomes associated with the chatbots. By doing so, it enriches existing knowledge and may serve as a basis for future research agendas.
How Islamic Relational Capital Is Being Explored
Authors: Yusoff Yusmazida Mohd
Published: September 2023

This study aims to develop a relational capital model from an Islamic perspective. This study uses qualitative research that involves three 3 focus group discussions including three zones. The data were then transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the Nvivo application. Empirical findings revealed that five sub-themes (conflict management, customer satisfaction as a priority, enhancing professional networking, mutual respect, practicing Islamic good governance, and produce halal toyyiban product) formed Islamic relational capital. The present study only includes Muslim SME organization in its determinant framework of Islamic relational in Malaysia. This study serves as guidelines to policymakers, and Muslim and non-Muslim organizations to improve SMEs' competitiveness. Academics and practitioners could also refer to this study to enhance the knowledge of relational capital from an Islamic perspective.
Islamic Marketing for Small Firms Value
Authors: Siregar Onan Marakali , Andriansyah Andriansyah
Published: September 2023

This study examines how Islamic marketing influences the value of small enterprises. It analyzes strategies aligned with Islamic principles that engage Muslim consumers and differentiate small businesses in competitive markets. The research synthesizes insights from various sources, emphasizing empirical research and theoretical frameworks that reveal the interaction between Islamic marketing, small business value, and related factors. This chapter dissects the complex relationship between Islamic marketing, small business value, and relevant factors. It highlights the importance of aligning marketing strategies with Islamic principles to cater to Muslim consumers and address diverse client challenges. This chapter lays a foundation for further research, providing guidance to small enterprises thriving in Islamic markets with ethical, value-driven marketing strategies.
Strategizing Islamic Medicine Marketing Through Social Media
Authors: Yahaya Nasir
Published: September 2023

This chapter explored the role of social media in marketing Islamic medicine. The chapter utilized qualitative case study approach through interviews and participant observation. Using purposive sampling, a sample of ten respondents were interviewed in Kano and Kaduna. The author found that social media has strategic positive implications for the marketing of Islamic medicines in Northern Nigeria. In addition, Islamic medicine practitioners use content creation and influencer marketing to create awareness and increase visibility of their products. The prospects of social media adoption lie in the promotion and customization of advertising strategies such as influencer marketing and content creation, which draw attention and aid in promoting a product. Despite its prospect in expanding market share, lack of regulation and the spread of fake news pose serious challenges. Therefore, the chapter suggested that the Nigerian government should support and encourage the business of Islamic medicine through regulations on health standards, fair marketing policies and sound digital innovation.
Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to Explore the Factors Influencing Muslim Consumers in Purchasing Halal Products
Authors: Sari Nilam , Dwitawati Ima , Khairunnisak Khairunnisak
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to explore the factors that influence Muslim Consumers in purchasing halal products through the digital marketplace, using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The approach of this study was based on the UTAUT's constructs such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions toward behavioral intention and use behavior. There were 296 data collected through an online questionnaire from Muslim consumers in Indonesia by using the purposive sampling method. The structural equation modeling (SEM) Amos application was used to analyze the data of this study. The results of this study indicated that performance expectancy and social influence significantly affected the behavioral intention of Muslim consumers in purchasing halal products through the digital marketplace. On the other hand, effort expectancy had no significant effect on behavioral intention.
The Epistemological Structures of Teacher Training Programmes in Sudan (1900 – 2023)
Authors: Alkhair Mohammad , Eljack Nada , Abdalla Ahmed , Musaad Mohammed , Abdelhay Ashraf
Published: September 2023

Traditional Western applied linguistics viewed the teachers as technicists, and the process of teacher-training as unproblematic applications of theoretical linguistic principles already constructed in the Global North. Teacher training programmes throughout Sudanese history have played a significant role in instructing teachers at the different levels of education in the country. Each training programme seemingly works along certain epistemological lines to achieve professionalism in the learning by its teachers. The authors engage with the following three related questions: What is the nature of the epistemological structures embedded in teacher-training programmes in Sudan? How do they dialectically shape the design of Sudanese English language teacher-training programmes in attaining professionalism? And how is the teacher trainee's identity imagined and enacted in the training materials and practice? Drawing on theoretical framework, the chapter explores a case study of five teacher-training programmes. The chapter demonstrates that most programmes analysed conform to “technicist,” applied, and competency-based epistemologies of teacher education/training.
Professional Development of Mathematics and Science Teachers in Kenya
Authors: Orado Grace N. , Njoroge John Mungai , Akatsa Jacinta L.
Published: September 2023

The Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) provides continuous teacher professional development (TPD) to mathematics and science teachers to upgrade their pedagogical skills. This happens through the Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) program. The program, which started with in-service education and training (INSET) as the only TPD activity at its inception in 1998, expanded over the years to include other TPD activities. This chapter provides a description of SMASE program including the implementation of its TPD activities for teachers in Kenya and factors that have contributed to the sustainability of the program. It is clear that building a system for TPD requires not only resources but also a commitment from all stakeholders. To mitigate situations such as those caused by COVID-19 that limit face-to-face training, there is need for a blended teaching and learning (BTL) model that allows both face-to-face and online training.
Views and Perceptions of Kenyan Teachers on the Structured Teacher Professional Development Programme
Authors: Kariuki Damaris Wagikondi , Njihia Samwel Mukirae , Muchanje Peter Nyaga
Published: September 2023

The study sought the views of teachers and union officials on the conceptualization, rationale, structure and benefits of the structured TPD programme being rolled out in Kenya. Descriptive research design was employed with an online questionnaires and interview schedules being used to collect data. The findings showed that most teachers had a good understanding of TPD and found it beneficial to their practice. However, there was little involvement in the design and conceptualization of the TSC-TPD program. It is recommended that TSC adopts a more robust engagement mechanism with teachers and other key education stakeholders for effective implementation of the programme.
Healthcare Technologies for Pregnant Women
Authors: Alwyn Rajiv S. , Nancy Deborah R. , Uma Maheswari P. , Vinora A. , Sivakarthi G.
Published: September 2023

Monitoring the health conditions of pregnant women is very important and a vital task for ensuring the wellbeing of the pregnant women and the fetus. Technological advancements are exponentially increasing and the same can be used to provide healthcare services for pregnant women. Healthcare for mothers and children is widely valued by governments as a component of public health. During this time, pregnant women and their unborn children are especially vulnerable to medical crises. To avoid health issues and guarantee a baby's healthy development, prompt medical care is essential. Pregnant women can completely manage their own health with the help of data mining, analysis, interpretation, and expert medical guidance. What's more crucial is that wearables for pregnant women quickly assist in disclosing health concerns and high-risk factors, allowing hospitals to perform prompt interventions. This leads to the increasing need for healthcare technologies for pregnant women.
A Review on Major Complications in the Pregnancies of Women Using Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Ragavi V. , Shanthi P. , Ananth J. P. , Aswathy H.
Published: September 2023

Deep learning is an innovative technological advancement that has revolutionized the identification and diagnosis of various severe diseases. The complications in pregnant women lead to changes in mother's health, the health of the fetus, or even both. Pregnant women who were in good health before can also be prone to such complications. The authors of this chapter analyse some of the deep learning algorithms like recurrent neural network (RNN), convolution neural networks (CNN), long short-term memory networks (LSTM), and ensemble models to traverse the intricacies of these pregnancy complications. These algorithms aid in the diagnosis of an array of health problems including migraine, thyroid abnormalities, prenatal issues, stillbirth problems, and heart disease. This chapter not only provides a comprehensive explanation of the theoretical and mathematical foundations of these algorithms for disease diagnosis but also explores the model's predictive abilities. The research team rigorously assesses the accuracy of the model's classifications of the data.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Managing Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth
Authors: Muthusamy Parimala Devi , Boopathi Raja G. , Sathya T. , Nandhini P.
Published: September 2023

Artificial intelligence is extensively used in the majority of research fields, including health and medicine. Emotional concerns, such as dread, stress, or sadness, for example, might constitute a major risk indicator in pregnancy. This is the conclusion reached by scientific research, which gives sufficient data to back the claim. The mother can develop complications during her pregnancy as a result of illnesses or conditions she had before becoming expectant. During the process of childbirth, there are occasionally complications. Early diagnosis and pregnancy treatment can minimize any further risks to both the mother and the baby, even if complications are present. Furthermore, the use of artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms in the healthcare business enables medical practitioners to monitor, diagnose, locate, and emphasize the location of a problem, as well as give a speedy and accurate remedy. Because of the prevalence of gadgets that employ emotion detection using artificial intelligence, more research on this subject is strongly encouraged.
Transformation Human Resource Management Using Advanced Business Analytics
Authors: Shukla Rashi
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the business landscape has experienced significant shifts due to technological advancements and the abundance of data. These changes have not spared human resource management (HRM), as it too has undergone a profound transformation. Capitalizing on the integration of advanced business analytics techniques with HRM practices, organizations have gained invaluable insights to optimize their workforce management, augmented decision-making processes, and elevated overall organizational performance. This chapter embarks on an exploration of the boundless potential that advanced business analytics holds for HRM. It delves into a comprehensive examination of the diverse applications of advanced analytics techniques, encompassing predictive analytics, prescriptive analytics, and machine learning, within HRM processes, thereby discerning their profound impact on organizational outcomes. Additionally, the chapter elucidates the intricacies of implementing advanced analytics in HRM, elucidating both the challenges that may arise and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Transformation of Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) and Startups Using Advanced HR Analytics
Authors: Dubey Rashi
Published: September 2023

Human resources have always been the company's most significant asset. Employees should be viewed as resources to acquire a competitive edge, and MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) and startups may succeed in a competitive market by aligning human resource activities with fundamental company objectives. With the advent of technology and the expansion of business, HR analytic tools can now be used to manage personnel and monitor their performance online. The application of HR analytics has enhanced employee performance and boosted corporate efficiency in areas such as recruiting quality, talent management, employee productivity, and employee attrition. Human resource analytics are critical for connecting HR strategy with overall company strategy. HR analytics helps HR managers design strategies that provide startups with a competitive edge. HR analytics, according to a new study, are revolutionizing the human resources department and HR managers.
Machine Learning Methods and IoT for Smart Parking Models and Approaches
Authors: Singh Veerendra , Kumar Rajendra
Published: September 2023

Smart parking models and approaches aim to optimize the use of parking spaces, reduce traffic congestion, and provide a more efficient parking experience. There are various models, and approaches are used like sensor-based parking, IoT-based parking, mobile-based parking, automatic parking systems, and shared parking. Overall, these models and approaches aim to optimize parking usage, reduce traffic congestion, and improve the overall parking experience for users. By leveraging new technologies and innovative approaches, smart parking solutions can help make urban areas more efficient and sustainable.
A Comparative Study of Different Digitalization Indexes
Authors: Korzhyk Olena , Gomes Jorge Vareda , João Gonçalo
Published: September 2023

Digitalization is nowadays one of the fastest developing processes. The adoption of digital technologies can provide innumerous opportunities for the organizations to evolve and gain competitive advantage by leveraging technologies to respond to dynamic expectations and demands. Information about the country's digitalization level is essential to decision makers in both public and private organizations. It can present insights into which areas need the most investment, and furthermore to gain feedback on the outcomes of these investments. To assess the evolution of this process in different countries, various indexes were proposed and employed by different corporations. Indexes are analyzed thoroughly by their structure, coverage, weights, methodology, and ranking. The result of the practical work is an equivalence table which shows the percentage of their similarity. Additionally, a new digitalization index is proposed, based on the result of the previous comparison, which can be applied to analyze both public and private sector of the country's digitalization level.
Identification of the Problem and Research Methodology
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Kumar Rajeev , Singh Kumar Balwant , Kumar Madhurendra
Published: September 2023

Internet and applications have become an essential part of life nowadays. We are now at the stage where we can think about future smart cities as we are having various driving forces in the form of web-based applications. The main phenomena behind data-computing can be considered as for keeping data persistent, secure, available, and relevant for the information in real time. In the chapter, the authors proposed blockchain representation-based application process that is a low cost and efficient application for true sense ubiquitous usage that is also the demand of current time. The implemented application is providing a huge data security scenario for a web application system, and it is dealing with the efficient information processing towards storage, processing, and access of the information in a real time. In this chapter, the authors provided various schemes for high availability of on-demand data with proper asymmetric algorithms techniques.
Labor Transformation Through the Prism of Communities
Authors: Bruun Charlotte , Hammershøy Anna , Lassen Zakaria Anne
Published: September 2023

Most villages of Coastal Ghana have lost their traditional livelihoods and their labor never entered global supply chains, i.e., a local working class never formed. There is a consensus in tourism literature, pointing towards tourism as a vehicle for development. However, tourism requires transformation of labor which cannot be seen in isolation from existing social and economic structures. In this chapter, the authors take a point of departure in data collected at a tourist resort in Ghana to understand why tourism has not created prosperity for the local community. Since young employees interviewed, as well as owners of the resort, expressed tension between the culture of their workplace and the culture of their communities, this case suggests that not merely transformation of labor, but transformation of communities is called for if tourism is to support livelihoods in rural Ghana.
Workplace Integration of Employees in the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Kotsev Emil Nikolov
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this chapter is twofold: first, to examine and explain the existing theory and practice of workplace integration in the organization, and second, to propose alternative mechanisms that could contribute to positive social changes in hospitality industry organizations. Critical research methodology is used to increase explanation in workplace integration research. Employers' and employees' perceptions and attitudes toward workplace integration are explored through interviews and focus group discussions in four hotels. Fourteen thematic categories (or demi-regularities) are identified as being able to affect the process of workplace integration and generate social impact in the hotel industry. The demi-regularities are explained through abductive reasoning and as a result, eleven workplace integration practices are formulated. Finally, ten practices, or ‘mechanisms,' to encourage workplace integration in hotel companies are approved through retroduction.
Storytellers' Inside Story
Authors: Düz Burak
Published: September 2023

This chapter draws a conceptual framework for the exploitation and domination practices in tour guiding. Despite the emphasized significance of their role in the tourism industry, tour guides have been reported to be the victims of unfair practices from the stakeholders. Therefore, an extensive literature review was carried out, and the author offered their insider perspective based on their nine-year tour guiding experience. The findings in the body of tour guiding literature were scrutinized, and conceptual discussions were offered to provide an insight into the ‘inside story' of tour guides. Eventually, some practical implications were noted, and the need to remediate the conditions of tour guides was confirmed due to their crucial role in the industry.
Developing an Undergraduate Module on Climate Change, Social Justice, and Sustainability
Authors: Shohel M. Mahruf C. , Mortby Alex , Whewell Charles Edward , Khan Farzana
Published: September 2023

This chapter is based on researchers' experience of developing an undergraduate module (Level 4) in collaboration with students and colleagues supported by a curriculum investigation grant from the British Educational Research Association (BERA). It presents a research-led module development initiative that was designed to engage and empower students by making them the co-creators of the curriculum which promotes practical examples of education towards sustainable development. This project utilised participatory research to promote teacher's agency and student's voices, empowering them as partners in co-creating the curriculum. The project aimed to foster teaching and learning that enables institutions and individuals to make informed choices that impact on individuals and communities to develop practice that promotes sustainability. This chapter reflects on the process of developing the module and learning from the process, outlining future directions for embedding climate change mitigation and adaptation issues across different disciplines.
Post-Antibiotic Era
Authors: Contractor Shafa S. , Arakera Suresh B.
Published: September 2023

The discovery of antibiotics was a breakthrough in the field of medicine in the late 1920s. Antibiotics have saved millions of lives ever since and even increased life expectancy. But due to their irrational use in humans, animals, and agriculture, there is a global concern about antibiotic resistance. The 'magic bullets' are no longer effective against 'superbugs', posing difficulties for the medical practitioners in treatment. The pathogens have evolved different resistance strategies for their survival: enzymatic inactivation of antibiotics, altering the movement of antibiotics across the cell, or modifying target sites that interact with the antibiotics. As the efficacy of the critical drugs wanes and the discovery of new antibiotics stagnates, exploration and use of alternative therapies could offer a much-needed solution. Researchers worldwide are constantly striving to find a solution to combat antibiotic resistance. Some of the alternative therapies and the regulatory measures to deal with antibiotic resistance are discussed in this chapter.
The Interplay Between Environmental Pollutants, Gut Microbiota, and Infections
Authors: El-Mansoury Bilal , Smimih Kamal , Hamdan Youssef Ait , El Khiat Abdelaati , Elouali Samia , El Fatimi Hanane , Draoui Ahmed , El Hiba Omar , Jayakumar Arumugam Radhakrishnan
Published: September 2023

Environmental pollutants (EPs) have become an increasingly common health hazard. Several studies have sustained the impact of these EPs on human gut microbiota (GM). The human GM is made up of thousands of microbes that play a paramount role to maintain hosts' health by providing many physiological functions, as well as protecting the host from pathogens and aggressions. Considering the crucial role that the host's GM plays in maintaining health, its disruption (gut dysbiosis) by the EPs can increase extraordinary the risk of infections and lead to the development of several conditions. Therefore, interventions aimed to restore the gut microbial population are of great interest. This chapter examines the intricate relationship between EPs and GM, highlighting the profound impact of EPs on human health including the development of infections. Additionally, this chapter discusses the potential role of probiotics, prebiotics, and FMT in mitigating the detrimental effects of EPs on GM.
A Critical Evaluation of Streamflow Estimation of an Ungauged Watershed using a Gauged Watershed of Same River Basin – Case of Nilwala River Basin
Authors: Wickramarachchi M. , Wijesekera N. T. S.
Published: September 2023

Transferring hydrological model parameters of a nearby gauged watershed to an ungauged watershed is being widely practiced to predict streamflow in the ungauged watershed. However, proper conclusions on transferring data from the main to sub-watershed and vice versa need to be established, then only watershed managers can plan where to locate or ensure optimum use of resources when establishing gauging stations. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the performance of spatial transferability by using the Tank Model, which was initially calibrated to daily streamflow from water year 2008/09 to 2017/18 observed at two gauged watersheds in Nilwala River Basin, and then transferred from main to sub-watershed and vice versa. The efficiency of predictions under two parameter transferability scenarios was highly acceptable where the Mean Ratio of Absolute Error (MRAE) values were 0.35-0.39 and, the accuracy of annual water balance was 91.8%-93.3%. Most importantly, the best results were in the intermediate flow regime with an accuracy of 61%-70%. The monthly-scaled streamflow indicated an accuracy of 83%-92%. The present study demonstrated the liability of the Tank Model for successful estimation of daily streamflow with an average accuracy of 63% under spatial parameter transferability thereby with only a single wellmanaged streamflow gauging station, Tank Model can be applied for sustainable water resources management in similar ungauged watersheds of the basin.
Evaluating the Options for Streamflow Modelling in Ungauged Watersheds for Sustainable Engineering Designs - A Case Study at Attanagalu River Basin, SriLanka
Authors: Siriwardana S. T. , Wijesekera N. T. S.
Published: September 2023

Water management and infrastructure designs all over the world are mostly associated with ungauged watersheds. The critical task is to estimate the streamflow at a desired location and then to convert the streamflow as design streamflow by incorporating safety factors. In the current setting, practicing engineers find a deficiency in guidelines to select a model and also find out ways to incorporate safety factors ensuring sustainable design of water infrastructure. The guideline of Irrigation Department, Sri Lanka, provides guidance on the use of an empirical model while the Snyder’s synthetic unit hydrograph method and HEC-HMS model are two other popular process-based models opted by most recent modelers to estimate watershed streamflow. The authors carried out a critical literature review and a case study in the Kalu river basin to investigate the issue of model selection faced by ungauged watershed modelers. A streamflow modeler of ungauged watersheds requires to responsibly select a streamflow model, model parameters and safety factors. In this context, the major challenge in the Sri Lankan practice is the unavailability of catchment studies with comparative evaluations of model studies with observed streamflow. The objective of the present work was to first determine the rationale for a design engineer to select a watershed model and parameters when computing design streamflow from an ungauged watershed and then to verify the selection using observed streamflow. Accordingly, the Irrigation Department Empirical Model (IDEM), Snyder’s UH Model (SUHM) and HEC-HMS model were selected and developed for Dunamale watershed of the Attanagalu river basin using methods and parameters from responsible publications. Then the model estimates were critically evaluated by comparing the observed streamflow. IDEM estimates of monthly yield estimations closely matched with the observed data. In the case of overall hydrographs, the IDEM indicated a MRAE value of 0.43 for design rainfall estimation, while the same for HEC-HMS model and SUHM method were 0.63 and 0.61, respectively. The qualitative review based on the uncertainties associated with the computations using IDEM, HEC-HMS and SUHM models classified them into three, as Moderately uncertain, Uncertainty between moderate and high, and Highly uncertain, respectively. The study concluded that, amongst the three selected models, the IDEM is still the best option available for an ungauged watershed modeler to compute design streamflow but pointed to the urgent need for upgrading the ID guidelines with focused research. The study pointed to the importance of identifying appropriate models and parameters for each watershed for meaningful use of process based streamflow models for design of water infrastructure. It was identified that explicit safety factors should be established to incorporate the uncertainties associated with the models and their parameters.
Comparison of RANSE and LES for Wind Structural Interaction
Authors: Balasooriya L. H. S. U. , Krishantha B. R. G. A. , Wijesundara K. K.
Published: September 2023

Popularity of tall buildings increases due to technological advances, but Code-based designs are conservative and not reliable for structures beyond 200 m height. Conducting a wind tunnel test is expensive and the resources are limited. Hence, numerical modelling is an alternative where Reynolds Average Navier Stokes Equation (RANSE) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) are such numerical techniques.In recent Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) studies, it could be observed that results have considerable deviations in flow separating and high turbulent areas. Hence a structured mesh was used here to perform mesh refinement in such critical locations to refine only the required areas.The objective of this study is to compare the RANSE and LES in interpreting the wind structural interactions using a structured mesh arrangement. This study will be limited to tall buildings of height less than 200m, rectangular in shape. Hence Commonwealth Advisory Aeronautical Council (CAARC) standard building model was used as the subject and Simulation results will then be compared with the values of the wind tunnel test available in the literature.It could be observed that the results obtained by RANSE simulation for a structured mesh has a deviation less than 10%. But natural variations of the wind are more clearly indicated with LES with a deviation even less than 3% in turbulent regions.
Mitochondrial transplantation confers protection against the effects of ischemic stroke by repressing microglial pyroptosis and promoting neurogenesis
Authors: Sun Li , Zhao Zhaoyan , Guo Jing , Qin Yuan , Yu Qian , Shi Xiaolong , Guo Fei , Zhang Haiqin , Sun Xude , Gao Changjun , Yang Qian
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00037/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff

Transferring healthy and functional mitochondria to the lateral ventricles confers neuroprotection in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Autologous mitochondrial transplantation is also beneficial in pediatric patients with cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. Thus, transplantation of functional exogenous mitochondria may be a promising therapeutic approach for ischemic disease. To explore the neuroprotective effect of mitochondria transplantation and determine the underlying mechanism in ischemic stroke, in this study we established a photo-thrombosis-induced mouse model of focal ischemia and administered freshly isolated mitochondria via the tail vein or to the injury site (in situ). Animal behavior tests, immunofluorescence staining, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, mRNA-seq, and western blotting were used to assess mouse anxiety and memory, cortical infarct area, pyroptosis, and neurogenesis, respectively. Using bioinformatics analysis, western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and mass spectroscopy, we identified S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9) as a potential regulator of mitochondrial function and determined its possible interacting proteins. Interactions between exogenous and endogenous mitochondria, as well as the effect of exogenous mitochondria on recipient microglia, were assessed in vitro. Our data showed that: (1) mitochondrial transplantation markedly reduced mortality and improved emotional and cognitive function, as well as reducing infarct area, inhibiting pyroptosis, and promoting cortical neurogenesis; (2) microglial expression of S100A9 was markedly increased by ischemic injury and regulated mitochondrial function; (3) in vitro, exogenous mitochondria enhanced mitochondrial function, reduced redox stress, and regulated microglial polarization and pyroptosis by fusing with endogenous mitochondria; and (4) S100A9 promoted internalization of exogenous mitochondria by the microglia, thereby amplifying their pro-proliferation and anti-inflammatory effects. Taken together, our findings show that mitochondrial transplantation protects against the deleterious effects of ischemic stroke by suppressing pyroptosis and promoting neurogenesis, and that S100A9 plays a vital role in promoting internalization of exogenous mitochondria.
Neuroprotective effects of chaperone-mediated autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Jia Qi , Li Jin , Guo Xiaofeng , Li Yi , Wu You , Peng Yuliang , Fang Zongping , Zhang Xijing
Published: September 2023

Chaperone-mediated autophagy is one of three types of autophagy and is characterized by the selective degradation of proteins. Chaperone-mediated autophagy contributes to energy balance and helps maintain cellular homeostasis, while providing nutrients and support for cell survival. Chaperone-mediated autophagy activity can be detected in almost all cells, including neurons. Owing to the extreme sensitivity of neurons to their environmental changes, maintaining neuronal homeostasis is critical for neuronal growth and survival. Chaperone-mediated autophagy dysfunction is closely related to central nervous system diseases. It has been shown that neuronal damage and cell death are accompanied by chaperone-mediated autophagy dysfunction. Under certain conditions, regulation of chaperone-mediated autophagy activity attenuates neurotoxicity. In this paper, we review the changes in chaperone-mediated autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases, brain injury, glioma, and autoimmune diseases. We also summarize the most recent research progress on chaperone-mediated autophagy regulation and discuss the potential of chaperone-mediated autophagy as a therapeutic target for central nervous system diseases.
Dysregulation of RNA modification systems in clinical populations with neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Knight Helen M. , Demirbugen Öz Merve , PerezGrovas-Saltijeral Adriana
Published: September 2023

The study of modified RNA known as epitranscriptomics has become increasingly relevant in our understanding of disease-modifying mechanisms. Methylation of N6 adenosine (m6A) and C5 cytosine (m5C) bases occur on mRNAs, tRNA, mt-tRNA, and rRNA species as well as non-coding RNAs. With emerging knowledge of RNA binding proteins that act as writer, reader, and eraser effector proteins, comes a new understanding of physiological processes controlled by these systems. Such processes when spatiotemporally disrupted within cellular nanodomains in highly specialized tissues such as the brain, give rise to different forms of disease. In this review, we discuss accumulating evidence that changes in the m6A and m5C methylation systems contribute to neurocognitive disorders. Early studies first identified mutations within FMR1 to cause intellectual disability Fragile X syndromes several years before FMR1 was identified as an m6A RNA reader protein. Subsequently, familial mutations within the m6A writer gene METTL5, m5C writer genes NSUN2, NSUN3, NSUN5, and NSUN6, as well as THOC2 and THOC6 that form a protein complex with the m5C reader protein ALYREF, were recognized to cause intellectual development disorders. Similarly, differences in expression of the m5C writer and reader effector proteins, NSUN6, NSUN7, and ALYREF in brain tissue are indicated in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, individuals with a high neuropathological load or have suffered traumatic brain injury. Likewise, an abundance of m6A reader and anti-reader proteins are reported to change across brain regions in Lewy bodies diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, and individuals with high cognitive reserve. m6A-modified RNAs are also reported significantly more abundant in dementia with Lewy bodies brain tissue but significantly reduced in Parkinson’s disease tissue, whilst modified RNAs are misplaced within diseased cells, particularly where synapses are located. In parahippocampal brain tissue, m6A modification is enriched in transcripts associated with psychiatric disorders including conditions with clear cognitive deficits. These findings indicate a diverse set of molecular mechanisms are influenced by RNA methylation systems that can cause neuronal and synaptic dysfunction underlying neurocognitive disorders. Targeting these RNA modification systems brings new prospects for neural regenerative therapies.
Immune modulation by probiotics in deterring carcinogenesis with an emphasis on oral cancer: A narrative review
Authors: Vasanthi V , Sanjeev Kavitha , Rajkumar Krishnan , Divya Bose , Rameshkumar Annasamy , Swarup Shanti , Ramadoss Ramya
Published: September 2023

Probiotics modulate immune responses, enhance anti-tumoral immune surveillance, promote apoptosis of cancer cells, suppress tumor progression by their cytotoxic activity, and target the epigenetic changes in the cancer cell population. Evidence from the literature suggests that the role of probiotics in oral carcinogenesis is limited as compared to that in colon and gastric cancer. The present review aims to describe the immune modulation by probiotics in deterring carcinogenesis with an emphasis on oral cancer. We searched for relevant articles (in vitro and animal studies) published between January 2011 and December 2022 in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, both by electronic and manual means with the medical subject headings (MeSH) terms: “probiotics,” “carcinogenesis,” “immune modulation,” and “oral cancer.” The identified studies were analyzed by two independent reviewers according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eight articles met the requirements and were included. The data suggested that probiotics had immunomodulatory and anti-tumorigenic effects. Clinical studies are required to encourage the assessment of probiotics to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, prevent metastasis, and support anti-cancer therapy.
Novel laparo-endoscopic hybrid technique of management of a rare case of duodeno-duodenal intussusception
Authors: Shenoy K. Ganesh , Gadiyaram Srikanth , Ramesh B. S.
Published: September 2023

We herein report a rare case of duodeno-duodenal intussusception (IS) presenting with obstruction caused by tubulovillous adenoma in an adult with malrotation that was managed by a novel laparoendoscopic hybrid technique. This was done by passing transjejunal nasogastric tube (NG) through one of the ports and manoeuvring it towards the IS. Two hundred and fifty millilitre of saline was flushed by aseptosyringe with pressure connected to the NG. This hydrostatic reduction technique resulted in distension of the jejunal and duodenal loop achieving reduction of IS. Intraoperative endoscopy was performed to exactly localise the mass lesion. The duodenum was kocherised and was delivered through a 4-cm transverse incision. Anterior duodenotomy was performed; the mass was excised; and duodenotomy was closed transversely. An extensive literature search did not show any case report of duodenoduodenal IS being managed by this technique. The combination of novel retrograde decompression and intraoperative endoscopy helped us to manage this rare case by this novel technique.