bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AWARE. A web application to rapidly assess cardiovascular risk in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Authors: Berra Cesare Celeste , Manfrini Roberto , Mirani Marco , Bucciarelli Loredana , Zakaria Amhed S , Piccini Sara , Ghelardi Renata , Lunati Maria Elena , Rodovalho Sylka , Bifari Francesco , Fiorina Paolo , Folli Franco
Published: December 2022

Background
Cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment may result unpractical in real-world clinical practice, although being considered a key step for choosing appropriate therapies for patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). In order to streamline this process in the diabetes clinic, we have developed the web application “AWARE”.
Methods
The AWARE App is based on 2019 ESC/EASD criteria for cardiovascular risk (CVR) stratification in T2DM, which divides patients into 3 categories: very high (VHCVR), high (HCVR) and moderate (MCVR) CV risk. In this retrospective clinical study, we employed the AWARE App to assess CV risk of consecutive T2DM patients attending Diabetes Clinics in Lombardy (Italy).
Results
Overall, 2243 T2DM patients underwent CV risk assessment with the AWARE App. 1619 patients (72.2%) had a VHCVR, 199 (8.9%) an HCVR, and only 17 (0.8%) had an MCVR. 408 patients (18.2%) did not fit into any of the ESC/EASD risk categories and we included them in the additional “moderate-to-high” (MHCVR) group. Patients with VHCVD were more frequently ≥65 years old (68.9%), with a longer disease duration (≥10 years [56.8%]), history of CV disease (41.4%), organ damage (35.5%) and higher numbers of CV risk factors compared with other risk groups. Patients with MHCVD generally had disease duration <10 years (96%), younger age (50-60 years [55%]), no history of CV disease and no organ damage, and 1-2 CV risk factors (89%). GLP-1 RA or SGLT-2i were prescribed only to 26.3% of the patients with VHCVR and to 24.7% of those with HCVR. Glycaemic control was unsatisfactory, both in the overall population and in each CV risk group (mean A1c level of 58.7 ± 13.44 mmol/mol [7.5 ± 3.4%]).
Conclusions
The AWARE App is a practical tool for CV risk stratification of T2DM patients in real-world clinical practice. Despite a generally severe CV risk and unsatisfactory glycaemic control, T2DM patients are rarely treated to achieve HbA1c < 7% and with newer cardioprotective medications.
LEVYEFO-WTMTOA: The hybrid of the multi-tracker optimization algorithm and the electromagnetic field optimization
Authors: Esfahani Faramarz Safi , Mirjalili Ali , Mohamadhoseini Leili
Published: December 2022

Many engineering optimization problems can be solved using meta-heuristics. Despite their merits, such algorithms face common challenges of early convergence rate and the imbalance between the exploitation and exploration phases. These algorithms have strengths and weaknesses considering the convergence rate, local search, and global search criteria. This study presents the new algorithm called the LEVYEFO-WTMTOA that combines the Modified Multi-Tracker Optimization Algorithm (MTOA) and the electromagnetic field optimization (EFO) approach. The LEVYEFO-WTMTOA applies the following proposals to escape from local optima: 1) the Morlet wavelet transform is used to determine the Radius of Search (RS) of the MTOA; 2) a mutation phase based on the combination of the best global position in the electromagnetic field optimization algorithm and the levy law is used in the exploration phase to update the new position 3) it has focused on balancing local and global search and escaping from the local optima trap of the MTOA. To evaluate the proposed LEVYEFO-WTMTOA algorithm, the CEC2018 benchmark suite is used, and the results are compared with the original MTOA, EFO, MEFO, MVO Levy, GSA, and COA algorithms in terms of mean error. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm performs better than the baseline algorithms. The applications of LEVYEFO-WTMTOA on several classical engineering problems are included as well.
Increased Interleukin-6 is Associated with Long COVID-19: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Yin Jing-Xian , Agbana Yannick Luther , Sun Zhi-Shan , Fei Si-Wei , Zhao Han-Qing , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Chen Jun-Hu , Kassegne Kokouvi
Published: December 2022

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can involve persistence, sequelae, and other clinical complications that last weeks to months to evolve into long COVID-19. Exploratory studies have suggested that interleukin-6 (IL-6) is related to COVID-19; however, no correlation between IL-6 and long COVID-19 is known. We designed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the relationship between IL-6 levels and long COVID-19.
Methods: Databases were systematically searched for articles with data on long COVID-19 and IL-6 levels published before September 2022. A total of 22 published studies were eligible for inclusion following the PRISMA guidelines. Analysis of data was undertaken by using Cochran's Q test and the Higgins I-squared (I2) statistic for heterogeneity. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted to pool the IL-6 levels of long COVID-19 patients and to compare the differences in IL-6 levels among the long COVID-19, healthy, non-post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (non-PASC), and acute COVID-19 populations. The funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess potential publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was used to test the stability of the results.
Results: An increase in IL-6 levels was observed after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The pooled estimate of IL-6 revealed a mean value of 20.92 pg/ml (95% CI = 9.30 – 32.54 pg/ml, I2 = 100%, p < 0.01) for long COVID-19. The forest plot showed high levels of IL-6 for long COVID-19 compared with healthy controls (mean difference = 9.75 pg/ml, 95% CI = 5.75 – 13.75 pg/ml, I2 = 100%, p < 0.00001) and PASC category (mean difference = 3.32 pg/ml, 95% CI = 0.22 – 6.42 pg/ml, I2 = 88%, p = 0.04). The symmetry of the funnel plots was not obvious, and Egger’s test showed that there was no significant small study effect in all groups (long COVID-19 versus healthy controls, p = 0.24; long COVID-19 versus non-PASC, p = 0.31).
Conclusions: This study showed that increased IL-6 correlates with long COVID-19. Such an informative revelation suggests IL-6 as a basic determinant to predict long COVID-19 or at least inform on “early stage” of long COVID-19.
Biomechanical analysis of adjacent segments after spine fusion surgery using a novel geometrically-parametric patient-specific finite element model
Authors: Wang Yuming , Shen Qianyi , Liang Chang , Tang Xiangsheng , Yi Ping
Published: December 2022

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to perform mechanical analysis of adjacent segments after spine fusion surgery using a novel geometrically-parametric patient-specific finite element model and to elucidate the mechanism of adjacent segments degeneration（ASD）thus providing theoretical evidence for early prevention.
METHODS: Fourteen parameters based on patient specific spinal geometry were extracted from the patient's preoperative computed tomography(CT), and the relative positions of each spinal segment were determined using image match method. A preoperative patient-specific model of spine was established by the above method. The postoperative model of L45 posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) surgery was constructed using the same method except for removing the lamina and the intervebral disc, and inserting a cage, 4 pedicle screws, and 2 connecting rods. Range of motion(ROM) and stress changes were compared between each anatomic structure of the preoperative and postoperative models.
RESULTS: The overall ROM of the lumbar spine decreased after fusion, while the ROM, stress at facet joint, and stress at the intervertebral disc of adjacent segments all increased. The stress distribution in the annulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, and facet joints also showed that not only the maximum stress in these tissues were elevated, but the areas of the moderate-to-high stress region were also expanded. During torsion, the stress at facet joint and annulus fibrosus of the proximal adjacent segment (L34) increased to a larger extent compared with the distal adjacent segment (L5S1).
Conclusion: While fusion surgery causes an overall restriction of motion at the lumbar spine, it also causes more loads sharing by the adjacent segments in order to compensate for the fused segment, thus increasing the risk of ASD. The proximal adjacent segment is more prone to degeneration than the distal adjacent segment after spinal fusion due to the significant increase in stress changes.
Dental Pain Perception and Emotional Changes: On The Relationship Between Dental Anxiety And Olfaction
Authors: Alkanan Sarah Abdulaziz Mohammed , Alhaweri Hadeel Saleh , Khalifa Ghada Amin , Ata Shaimaa Mohamed Saeed
Published: December 2022

Background: The study aimed to determining the magnitude of the power of the aromatherapy at which it reduces the intensity of dental pain and level of dental anxiety. Also, it aimed to correlate between olfactory aromatherapy, phases of dental visits, and different dental procedures.
Methods: A randomized controlled study was enrolled on female patients. The olfaction was stimulated via lavender oils. Patients were randomly divided into a lavender group in which patients inhaled 2 % of lavender vapors and control group where the patients inhaled water vapors. The variables included pain score, anxiety score, and changes in vital signs. Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and ﻿Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires and visual analog scales (VAS) were used to assess anxiety and pain. Vital signs included systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen saturation (Spo2). Variables were assessed before inhalations, 20 minutes after inhalations, at the end of settings, and on the day after visits.
Results: Each group included 175 subjects. Pain and anxiety scores were significantly reduced and vital signs were also improved, except for DBP. The MDAS, STAI, and pain scores are reduced by 3.4, 4.2, and 2.4 times more than control group, respectively. The greatest effect of the aromatherapy appeared in setting rooms.
Conclusion: The pleasant olfaction minimizes anxiety scores three to four times and pain perception two times more than the control group. It also significantly reduces the fear of dental procedures which have mild to moderate scores.
Modelling green volume using Sentinel-1, -2, PALSAR-2 satellite data and machine learning for urban and semi-urban areas in Germany
Authors: Lehmler Sebastian , Förster Michael , Frick Annett
Published: December 2022

Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) provides ecosystem services such as cooling of temperatures and is majorly important for climate change adaptation. Green Volume (GV) describes the 3-D space occupied by vegetation and is highly useful for the assessment of UGI. This research uses Sentinel-2 (S-2) optical data; vegetation indices (VIs); Sentinel-1 (S-1) and PALSAR-2 (P-2) radar data to build machine learning models for yearly GV estimation on large scales. Our study compares random and stratified sampling of reference data, assesses the performance of different machine learning algorithms and tests model transferability by independent validation. The results indicate that stratified sampling of training data leads to improved accuracies when compared to random sampling. While the Gradient Tree Boost (GTB) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms show generally similar performance, Support Vector Machine (SVM) exhibits considerably greater model error. The results suggest RF to be the most robust classifier overall, achieving highest accuracies for independent and inter-annual validation. Furthermore, modelling GV based on S-2 features considerably outperforms using only S-1 or P-2 based features. Moreover, the study finds that underestimation of large GV magnitudes in urban forests constitutes the biggest source of model error. Overall, modelled GV explains around 79% of the variability in reference GV at 10m resolution and over 90% when aggregated to 100m resolution. The research shows that accurately modelling GV is possible using openly available satellite data. Resulting GV predictions can be useful for environmental management by providing valuable information for climate change adaptation, environmental monitoring and change detection.
Towards high-throughput many-body perturbation theory: efficient algorithms and automated workflows
Authors: Bonacci Miki , Qiao Junfeng , Spallanzani Nicola , Marrazzo Antimo , Pizzi Giovanni , Molinari Elisa , Varsano Daniele , Ferretti Andrea , Prezzi Deborah
Published: December 2022

The automation of ab initio simulations is essential in view of performing high-throughput (HT) computational screenings oriented to the discovery of novel materials with desired physical properties. In this work, we propose algorithms and implementations that are relevant to extend this approach beyond density functional theory (DFT), in order to automate many-body perturbation theory (MBPT) calculations. Notably, a novel algorithm pursuing the goal of an efficient and robust convergence procedure for GW and BSE simulations is provided, together with its implementation in a fully automated framework. This is accompanied by an automatic GW band interpolation scheme based on maximally-localized Wannier functions, aiming at a reduction of the computational burden of quasiparticle band structures while preserving high accuracy. The proposed developments are validated on a set of representative semiconductor and metallic systems.
The relationship between components of hypoglycemia worries and avoiding hypoglycemia behavior in type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypoglycemia: a network analysis
Authors: Wu Chao , Wang Wenwen , Cheng Sizhe , Zhang Yinjuan , Li Lu , Zhang Linyuan , Chen Nana , Du Juan , Ren Lei , Lang Hongjuan
Published: December 2022

Background: The fear of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with hypoglycemia has seriously affected their quality of life. They are always afraid of hypoglycemia and often take excessive action to avoid it. Yet, researchers have investigated the relationship between hypoglycemia worries and excessive avoiding hypoglycemia behavior using total scores on self-report measures. However, network analysis studies of hypoglycemia worries and excessive avoiding hypoglycemia behavior in T2DM patients with hypoglycemia are lacking.
Purpose: The present study investigated the network structure of hypoglycemia worries and avoiding hypoglycemia behavior in T2DM patients with hypoglycemia and aimed to identify bridge items to help them correctly treat hypoglycemia and properly deal with hypoglycemia fear.
Methods: A total of 283 T2DM patients with hypoglycemia were enrolled in our study. Hypoglycemia worries and avoiding hypoglycemia behavior were evaluated with the Hypoglycemia Fear Scale. Network analyses were used for the statistical analysis.
Results: B9 “Had to stay at home for fear of hypoglycemia” and W12 “I am worried that hypoglycemia will affect my judgment” have the highest expected influences in the present network. In the community of hypoglycemia worries, W17 “I worry about hypoglycemia during sleep” has the highest bridge expected influence. And in the community of avoiding hypoglycemia behavior, B9 has the highest bridge expected influence.
Conclusion: Complex patterns of associations existed in the relationship between hypoglycemia worries and avoiding hypoglycemia behavior in T2DM patients with hypoglycemia. From the perspective of network analysis, W17 “I worry about hypoglycemia during sleep” aspect of hypoglycemia worries and B9 “Had to stay at home for fear of hypoglycemia” aspect of avoiding hypoglycemia behavior may be the main targets for reducing the fear of hypoglycemia. These results have important implications for clinical practice, which provided potential targets for interventions to reduce hypoglycemia fear and improve the quality of life in T2DM patients with hypoglycemia.
Development and Validation of a New Multivariable Prediction Model to Estimate Risk of Abnormal Vault
Authors: Yang Jing , Zou Zongyin , Wu Minhui , He Runzhang , Nong Yating , Li Hui , Zhou Sheng
Published: December 2022

Purpose:
To develop and validate a new multivariable prediction model to estimate risk of abnormal vault after EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (EVO-ICL) implantation using the preoperative parameters.
Methods:
This retrospective study comprised 282 eyes of 143patients who underwent EVO-ICL surgery between May 2021 and April 2022. We measured preoperative parameters and vaults in 1 week after the operation using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Risk factors for abnormal vault were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and a nomogram was developed to forecast the probability of abnormal vault after EVO-ICL implantation. We assessed the performance of nomogram in terms of discrimination and calibration, including concordance index (C-index), area under the curve (AUC), and decision curve analysis (DCA). Bootstrap resampling was used as an internal verification method.
Results:
The logistic regression analysis revealed the independent risk factors for abnormal vault were WTW, ACA, pupil size, and ICL-width, all of them were used to establish a nomogram to predict the risk of abnormal vault. The C-indexes and AUC were 0.669 (95%CI, 0.605, 0.733). The calibration curves of the nomogram showed relatively small bias from the reference line, implicating an acceptable degree of confidence. The DCA indicates the potential clinical significance of the nomogram.
Conclusion:
We developed a new multivariable prediction model to estimate risk of abnormal vault. The model shows good prediction effect and can provide assistance for clinical decision of ICL size.
It All Depends on Which Side of the Fence You Are Standing: Agent and Recipient Perspectives Are Differently Linked With Job Crafting
Authors: Roczniewska Marta , Marszałek Magdalena
Published: December 2022

Background
In social contexts, people may view themselves as agents, who are in control of the environment, or recipients, who succumb to what others have decided. Here, we investigated how these perspectives determine job crafting (JC)—self-initiated employee behaviors targeted at altering job characteristics to fit them with one’s needs.
Methods
Study 1 tested the relationships between chronic agent–recipient tendencies and JC in a cross-lagged panel design. Study 2 was a randomized experiment where agent–recipient perspectives were manipulated to predict JC intentions in the week to follow.
Results
Supporting our predictions, while agents sought structural job resources and increased challenging demands, recipients resorted to reducing hindering demands (Study 1). Study 2 revealed that activating an agent perspective led to stronger intentions to increase structural job resources and challenging demands.
Conclusions
We conclude that agent and recipient perspectives are linked with differential patterns of JC behaviors. Strengthening agency is a vital step in forming job redesign goals during JC interventions.
Sociodemographic, mental health, and physical health factors associated with participation within re-contactable mental health cohorts: an investigation of the GLAD Study
Authors: Bright Steven J. , Hübel Christopher , Young Katherine S. , Bristow Shannon , Peel Alicia J. , Rayner Christopher , Mundy Jessica , Palmos Alish B. , Purves Kirstin L. , Kalsi Gursharan , Armour Cherie , Jones Ian R. , Hotopf Matthew , McIntosh Andrew M. , Smith Daniel J. , Walters James T. R. , Rogers Henry C. , Thompson Katherine N. , Adey Brett N. , Monssen Dina , Kakar Saakshi , Malouf Chelsea M. , Hirsch Colette , Glen Kiran , Kelly Emily J. , Veale David , Eley Thalia C. , Breen Gerome , Davies Molly R.
Published: December 2022

Background: The Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) Study is a large cohort of individuals with lifetime anxiety and/or depression, designed to facilitate re-contact of participants for mental health research. At the start of the pandemic, participants from three cohorts, including the GLAD Study, were invited to join the COVID-19 Psychiatry and Neurological Genetics (COPING) study to monitor mental and neurological health. However, previous research suggests that participation in longitudinal studies follows a systematic, rather than random, process, which can ultimately bias results. Therefore, this study assessed participation biases following the re-contact of GLAD Study participants.
Methods: In April 2020, all current GLAD Study participants (N = 36,770) were invited to the COPING study. Using logistic regression, we investigated whether sociodemographic, mental, and physical health characteristics were associated with participation in the COPING baseline survey. Subsequently, we used a zero-inflated negative binomial regression examined whether these factors were related to participation in the COPING follow-up surveys.
Results: For aim one, older age, female gender identity, non-binary or prefer to self-define gender identity, having one or more physical health disorders, and providing a saliva kit for the GLAD Study were associated with an increased odds of completing the COPING baseline survey. In contrast, lower educational attainment, Asian or Asian British ethnic identity, Black or Black British ethnic identity, higher alcohol consumption at the GLAD sign-up survey and current or ex-smoking were associated with a reduced odds. For aim 2, older age, female gender, and saliva kit provision were associated with greater COPING follow-up survey completion. On the other hand, lower educational attainment, ex-smoking, higher alcohol consumption at the GLAD Study sign-up, and self-reported attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had negative relationships.
Conclusions: Participation biases surrounding sociodemographic and physical health characteristics were particularly evident when re-contacting the GLAD Study volunteers. Future researchers re-contacting participants from existing cohorts/BioResources should be mindful of participation bias and how it may affect results obtained from analyses.
Quality of Family Planning Services and Associated Factors Among Reproductive Age Women Attending Family Planning Unit at Public Health Facilities in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Abera Legesse , Ejigu Ezira , Hailu Mickiale , Tadesse Daniel , Omer Abdu
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Improving the quality of care has been a necessary goal for family planning programs worldwide. Even though extensive work has been done, the contraceptive prevalence rate is still low (41% in Ethiopia, 30.5% in Dire Dawa) and the unmet need for contraception is high (26%) in Ethiopia. Moreover, quality of care in family planning services has an important role in increasing coverage of services and program sustainability.
Objective: To assess quality of family planning services and associated factors among reproductive age women attending family planning unit in public health facilities in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia, 2021.
Methods:A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among reproductive-age women attending a family planning unit in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia, from September 1-30/2021. A total of 576 clients were selected by systematic random sampling and interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. SPSS version 24 was used to analyze the data, which included descriptive statistics, binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses. To determine the presence of an association between dependent and independent variables, AOR, P-value 0.05, and 95% CI were used.
Results: A total of 576 clients participated in the study and provided a response rate of 99%. The overall satisfaction of clients with family planning services was 79.0%. Client education, facility opening hours, maintaining privacy, demonstrating how to use the method, and discussing with husbands are significantly associated with client satisfaction.
Conclusion and recommendation: This study revealed that more than one-fifth of the clients were unsatisfied with the service they received. Clients’ education, facility opening hour, maintained privacy, discussion with husband, and demonstration of how to use the methods were associated with client satisfaction. Health providers should consistently utilize information, education, and communication materials during consultation sessions.
A new equation of four infinite series and sums by using a generalized recurrence relation
Authors: Louiz Akram
Published: December 2022

Motivated by the fundamental presence of mathematics in all engineering and scientific fields, I made this
mathematical article in order to answer many of my personal questions which are also not answered questions
in mathematics. This is a mathematical article that proves a usefulrecurrence relation that is very useful for
mathematics demonstrations. The article proves also that four infinite series are equivalent. Hence, this article
opens new opportunities to demonstrate and develop new mathematical findings and observations. The demonstrated
formulas of this article can also be very useful for all the fields that apply mathematics and especially
infinite series and sums.
Update of global maps of Alisov’s climate classification
Authors: Shimabukuro Ryu , Tomita Tomohiko , Fukui Ken-ichi
Published: December 2022

Alisov’s climate classification was proposed in 1954, and it focuses on the January–July changes in large-scale air mass zones and their fronts. In this study, data clustering by machine learning was applied to global reanalysis data to quantitatively and objectively determine air mass zones, which were then used to classify the global climate. The differences in air mass zones between two half-year seasons were used to determine climatic zones, which were then subdivided into continental or maritime climatic regions or according to east–west climatic differences. This study renews Alisov’s climate classification for the first time in almost 70 years and applies data-driven machine learning to establishing a standard for genetic climate classification.
Prevalence of and relevant factors for depression and anxiety symptoms among pregnant women on the eastern seaboard of China in the post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Yang Haidong , Pan Yangyang , Chen Wanming , Yang Xu , Liu Bin , Yuan Nian , Zhang Xiaobin
Published: December 2022

Background
Antenatal depression and anxiety symptoms may have negative consequences for both mothers and offspring, and upward trends in the prevalence of these symptoms were especially apparent during the COVID-19 epidemic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of and relevant factors influencing depressive and anxiety symptoms in Chinese pregnant women in the post-COVID-19 era.
Methods
We conducted an online survey of 1,963 pregnant women in Jiangsu Province, using a cross-sectional design, and collected their general demographic data. The nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to evaluate depression symptoms, and the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) was used to measure anxiety symptoms.
Results
The prevalence of reported antenatal depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and depression combined with anxiety symptoms was 25.2%, 27.9%, and 18.6%, respectively. Of the respondents, prevalence of moderate to severe depression, anxiety, and combined symptoms was 7.9%, 7.7%, and 4.7%, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, low level of education, rural area, unemployment, pregnancy complications, poor marital relationship, and fair household income were positively association with both depressive and anxiety symptoms (all P < 0.05). The proportion of women reporting anxiety symptoms in the third trimester was 1.895-fold higher than in first trimester. Parity was not a relevant factor for depression and anxiety symptoms (all P > 0.05).
Conclusions
In the post-COVID-19 era, the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in pregnant women was higher than expected, and it is vital to establish hospital, community, and family psychological health screening systems based on relevant factors and enhance early preventive measures.
Melanin-like polydopamine nanoparticles mediating anti-inflammatory and rescuing synaptic loss for inflammatory depression therapy
Authors: Zhu Tingting , Wang He , Gu Hanwen , Ju Lingsha , Wu Xinmiao , Pan Weitong , Zhao Mingming , Yang Jianjun , Liu Panmiao
Published: December 2022

Inflammatory depression is closely related to the activation of the immune system in the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS). Due to the lack of drugs, the treatment of inflammatory depression has been an urgent problem to be solved. According to the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, melanin-like polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs), may have a good therapeutic effect on the inflammatory depression. Hence, we investigated the therapeutic effect of PDA NPs on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory depression in this study. The PDA NPs with diameter of ~250 nm were prepared by the simplest one-step synthesis method. Applying these PDA NPs to the LPS-induced inflammatory depression mice model confirmed that PDA NPs significantly reversed the depression behavior of mice. Further exploration found that, therapeutic effects of PDA NPs were attributed to their antagonism to the peripheral inflammation induced by LPS. More importantly, PDA NPs also crossed the blood-brain barrier to reach the CNS, and inhibited microglial activation via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, restoring neuronal synapse loss, which consequently attenuated depression-like behaviors induced by LPS. The PDA NPs were also confirmed to show good biocompatibility both in vivo and in vitro. Our study therefore provided the great promise of PDA NPs as a biocompatible nano-drug in rescuing inflammatory depression.
Funding for the Construction of "Double First-Class" Universities in China Research on Core Performance Objectives and Indicator Setting
Authors: Si Chen
Published: December 2022

The performance evaluation of "double first-class" construction funds of colleges and universities in China reflects not only the necessary requirement of implementing comprehensive budget performance management, but also the realistic demand of colleges and universities to achieve their development goals. Performance objectives and indicator setting are the core and key to the full implementation of budget performance management. The framework of the core performance objectives and index system of the "double first-class" construction projects will be constructed in this study from the characteristics of the "double first-class" construction projects of Chinese universities. To realize this purpose, various performance evaluation tools such as Balanced Scorecard (BSC), Key Performance Indicators (KPI), etc. will be applied. Furthermore, we will take the process of formulating the performance indicators for the "double first-class" construction funds of university B as an example to verify the scientificity and operability of the constructed performance evaluation index system framework.
Association between childhood trauma, cognition, and psychosocial function in a large sample of partially or fully remitted patients with bipolar disorder and healthy participants
Authors: Miskowiak Kamilla Woznica , Hansen Katrine Bang , Mariegaard Johanna , Kessing Lars Vedel
Published: December 2022

Background: Childhood trauma (CT) are frequently reported by patients with bipolar disorder (BD), but it is unclear whether and how CT contribute to patients’ cognitive and psychosocial impairments. We aimed to examine the impact of CT on cognition and psychosocial functioning in a large sample of 345 patients with BD and 183 healthy control participants (HC) using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, neurocognitive tests and ratings of mood symptoms and functioning.
Results: Patients showed broad cognitive impairments across memory, attention and executive function and functional disability despite being in partial or full remission and had higher levels of CT than HC. Higher levels of CT correlated with impairments across almost all cognitive domains and lower psychosocial functioning across BD patients and HC. Of these, the associations between CT and poorer working memory and lower psychosocial functioning, respectively, prevailed after adjusting for clinical and demographical variables. Diagnosis of BD and estimated verbal intelligence did not moderate these associations. Analysis of CT sub-categories showed that working memory impairments were related particularly to childhood physical and emotional abuse, while psychosocial difficulties were related to physical and emotional neglect.
Conclusions: CT may have negative implications for working memory and psychosocial functioning across both BD and healthy populations. If the findings are replicated, this would suggest that early interventions that reduce the frequency of CT in vulnerable families may aid children’s cognitive and psychosocial development.
Grow Newtonian rigid inertia into parameter repetitiveness memory equivalent bio-inertia by gravitationally degenerating eigenstates on a surface tension region for growth turnover selection inheritance
Authors: Lai Yi Yu
Published: December 2022

Note: Please see pdf for full abstract with equations.
Inversion energy is parameter-against-gravity-internal-fluctuation, the non-simultaneousness in correlated internal fluctuations is quantizing time. Modified Newtonian Laws are, first: 𝑑/𝑑𝑥 cosx =−𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥, 𝑑/𝑑𝑥 sinx = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥; second: 𝐹⃗=𝑚∙𝑎⃗+|𝑚𝑔⃗∫𝑡𝑔𝜃⋅𝑑𝜃 ⟩↿⇂ third: Wavelength =2/𝑛 L, frequency = n𝑓0. Bio-systems are topological spaces that can process input objects into inversion energy for entropy-control by repetitiveness memory, the capability of equivalent procured inversion energy with memorized trigonometric repetitiveness by quantizing time is bio-inertia. Evolution grows the trigonometric folding equivalent capacity of a topological space. Schrödinger equation has only quantized energy but hasn’t quantized time thus inducing quantum collapse, we then write down equation 𝑯̂𝜓=𝑬𝜓 + Σn|cos(1/𝑛 𝑥)⟩ to grow eigenstates on certain surface tension regions to procure quantizing time for lifespan. Originating from elastic quantum scale differences between Planck regions and surface tension regions, bio quantum duality grows in vivo cross folded-surface tension region flow. Life relies on trigonometric negentropy procured from elastic entropy generation ground condensates and physically inherit by bio quantum growth turnover selection.
STRATEGY FOR A JOB CHANGE
Authors: Joseph Sheelu
Published: December 2022

Various methods one need to practise for the successful Job change.
Impact of corporate governance on earnings management – Experimental evidence on listed commercial banks in Vietnam
Authors: Anh Tuan Dang
Published: December 2022

Earnings management is the practice of adjusting accounting policies to change earnings. It affects the earnings of the banking industry, including listed commercial banks. It also reduces the trust of investors because the information provided is unreasonable for the bank system. Corporate governance as a management organization can prevent earnings management in the banking industry. The paper aims to consider the impact of corporate governance on the earnings management of listed commercial banks in Vietnam. The paper uses a time series of ten years from 2012 to 2021. The research uses experiments to test the hypothesis of the model. The result finds three factors positively affect the earnings management of listed commercial banks, including the number of members, professional qualifications, and meetings of the board of directors. The number of members is the strongest influence on earnings management, while the professional qualifications have the lowest effect. The results also demonstrate that listed commercial banks have practiced earnings management in recent years. From there, the paper proposes some policies to prevent the earnings management of listed commercial banks to improve the quality of information.
Economy of knowledge and transfer of innovations: Ukraine’s progress through the lens of European development trends
Authors: Shkarupa Olena , Vlasenko Dmytro , Makedon Halyna , Bilan Svitlana , Serafimova Desislava
Published: December 2022

In advanced economies, the acceleration of scientific and technological progress, the introduction of innovations are connected with the opportunities for developing the knowledge economy, commercialization of technologies and innovation transfer networks. The current stage of scientific and technical progress takes place in conditions of dynamic global competition and at the same time requires cooperation and collaboration. This paper aims to determine the dependence of economic development on indicators characterizing the potential of a country’s knowledge economy and transfer of innovations. The study focuses on finding ways to assess the impact of the potential of the country’s scientific and educational activities on innovative development using the characteristics of the “business-education-science” system in the field of innovation transfer. The methodological research tools are the abstract-logical method and correlation-regression analysis, which allowed establishing relevant links between the indicators of the development of education, science and the economy in the context of the knowledge economy and the transfer of innovations for Ukraine and European countries in the period 2016–2021. It was found that in many countries of the “new” Europe (Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta, Portugal), as well as in Ukraine, the trend of independence of GDP growth from indicators of the development of science and education is maintained. At the same time, the countries of “old” Europe maintain their innovative progress at a high level, investing in science-intensive activities, infrastructure and the R&D sector. The results can be used to improve the efficiency of innovation transfer in Ukraine, for which the paper provides relevant recommendations.
SME innovation and employee creativity: The role of entrepreneurial leadership
Authors: Naushad Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Entrepreneurial leadership and innovation are needed for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to survive and grow. Entrepreneurial leaders must unlock and use their employees’ creativity to innovate. Moreover, they should foster creativity, risk-taking, and teamwork to secure business growth and success. Therefore, this study analyzes the link between entrepreneurial leadership, creativity, and innovation among SMEs. The aim is to identify the traits that lead to entrepreneurial leadership which helps in fostering creativity and innovation among SMEs in Saudi Arabia.The study is based on primary data from employees, managers, and owners of SMEs in the capital region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Two hundred and eighty-one responses were collected. However, only two hundred and forty-eight responses were left for the final analysis. The results of the study indicate that entrepreneurial leadership positively influences organizational innovation and employee creativity among SMEs, where the coefficient was found to be significant. Next, no mediation relationships involving creativity were noted between entrepreneurial leadership and organizational innovation. However, entrepreneurial leadership has been identified as a critical driver of innovation and employee creativity in SMEs. Furthermore, the study suggests that SMEs need to foster a culture of innovation to unleash employee creativity. Finally, the study can have important implications for practitioners and academic scholars.
AcknowledgmentThis project was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University under the research project (PSAU-2022/01/20421).
Data Analytics of Procurement Fraud Risks in Indonesia
Authors: Kamal Mustofa
Published: December 2022

The era of digital transformation requires management and auditors to apply data analytics. This era also increases the risk of procurement fraud. This study aims to determine the application of data analytics in handling the risk of procurement fraud in the 4.0 era. Quantitative methods are applied with data analytics techniques to 2018 provincial tender data. The results show that descriptive statistical techniques can reveal the profile of collusion risk attributes. The average provincial construction tender in 2018 indicates a risk of collusion above 50% for the high price attribute. The visualization technique produces a tender collusion risk dashboard. There are 3 provincial LPSEs detected to meet the combined risk indications of collusion. The level of likelihood of collusion risk in the 3 provinces also shows “almost certain to occur” or with a value of 5. The results of this study have implications for data analytics which are very important to be immediately applied in government procurement to manage the risk of procurement fraud.
Toxic chromium in water and the effects on the human body: a systematic review
Authors: Georgaki Maria-Nefeli , Charalambous Marianna
Published: December 2022

Both in developed and developing countries, there is a growing concern about the dangerous hexavalent chromium, in the consumption of drinking water. Hexavalent chromium is recognized to have a negative impact on the human body, both in the short and long term. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between hexavalent chromium in water and its impact on human health. A systematic review of the international literature is applied, according to the instructions of PRISMA protocol, in the databases PubMed and Scopus, for the years 2005–2022. The systematic literature review was conducted using inclusion and exclusion criteria, and appropriate keywords for exposure and outcome. A total of 18 studies met all inclusion criteria. Most research concludes that hexavalent chromium is a risk factor for humans, as opposed to trivalent chromium who is a protective factor. A study indicates the consumption of drinking water with high concentrations of hexavalent chromium, as a protective factor for human life, while eight of the total studies suggest hexavalent chromium as a potential risk factor. It is necessary to clarify the origin, the mode of action, and the negative impact has on human health, to create appropriate preventive and intervention measures.
Hydrogeochemical investigation and groundwater quality assessment toward ‘smart city planning in a coastal aquifer, India
Authors: Biswas George , Arshad Mohd , Saba Naseem Us , Arora Tanvi , Ahmed Shakeel
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to understand the general background of groundwater quality that must be considered for the 'smart city' planning of Surat city. Twenty-Six water samples collected from bore wells of the city were analyzed. The results showed that water is alkaline, as pH varies from 7.6 to 9.2. The concentration of Cl− and Na+ are correlated with EC. The highest levels of Cl− and Na+ are found near the coastal region (predominantly northwestern); Piper trilinear diagram shows 52% of samples are Na-HCO3− type and 48% NaCl type. WQI shows that most samples are potable for drinking, but a few samples from the western part are not suitable for drinking. SAR, Na%, and PI results show that most samples are suitable for irrigation. The corrosivity index indicates that 50% of samples have a CR > 1(unsafe zone), and the rest are within the safe limit. The relationship of WQI with different water quality parameters revealed that groundwater quality has deteriorated in the city's western part, which may be due to seawater intrusion in the aquifer. This work gives a basic idea of groundwater quality, which will help make Surat a smart city.
Uma análise comparativa dos indicadores de competitividade turística regional com base na teoria de crouch e Ritchie (1999)
Authors: DE CHAVES THIAGO JOSE , Secchi Leonardo
Published: December 2022

Com a evolução da relevância do Turismo como segmento econômico mundial, o tema da competitividade turística ganha espaço nas pesquisas acadêmicas. A identificação de rankings de competitividade, bem como as variáveis que os compõem, podem oferecer diversos direcionamentos para o desenvolvimento do setor em determinada localidade. A partir do modelo de competitividade proposto por Crouch e Ritchie (1999), que aborda a multidimensionalidade da competitividade e do seu aspecto econômico, como a verificação de indicadores específicos que aumentem a prosperidade dos destinos turísticos com um impacto negativo mínimo; este estudo analisou artigos sobre competitividade turística regional obtidos a partir de pesquisa bibliográfica realizada durante o segundo semestre de 2019, alcançando 182 artigos na base de Periódicos da Capes, do quais 107 foram analisados sistematicamente. Como efeito, baseado nos percursos estatísticos de cada artigo selecionado, ficou demonstrado diferentes formas de abordagem do tema a partir de uma mesma base teórica. Logo, auferiu-se, que a complementariedade do modelo de Ritchie e Crouch (1999, 2003) seria a criação de um único indicador a partir das duas formas de escala analisadas neste estudo; da atratividade focada no bem-estar do turista e outra focada no cenário econômico do turismo local.
Ligação da extremidade frontal com zona de convergência intertropical (zcit) e análise de fenômenos associados
Authors: Muanza Gomes António , Fedorova Natalia , Levit Vladimir
Published: December 2022

A ZCIT ??e as Extremidades Frontais (FE) são os principais sistemas produtores de chuvas intensas no Nordeste brasileiro (NEB). A influência simultânea de ambos os sistemas causa prejuízos à sociedade devido a enchentes e deslizamentos de terra. Os objetivos do estudo são os seguintes: identificação da estrutura FE ligada ao ITCZ; elaboração do padrão de circulação atmosférica e análise dos fenómenos associados. A identificação frontal foi elaborada usando advecção de temperatura potencial equivalente, vorticidade relativa e imagens de satélite infravermelho. Cinco eventos mostraram conexão dos sistemas frontais com ZCIT ??durante o período de estudo (2008-2017). A análise sinótica da estrutura troposférica apresentou diferenças entre os casos do sistema frontal conectado com ZCIT ??e os casos sem tal conexão. Ambos os padrões da troposfera para a zona frontal conectada com ZCIT ??e não conectada foram elaborados. Esta conexão ocorre quando: a) Corrente de Jato Subtropical (CJS) está no sudoeste do Brasil; b) circulação anticiclônica em altos níveis é apresentada no NEB (excluindo evento com VCAN). A conexão não acontece quando: Há CJS e circulação ciclônica em altos níveis no NEB. Névoa úmida e chuva forte foram registradas em todos os casos. Chuvas fortes (20-28/05/2017) causaram 4 mortes e deslizamentos de terra.