bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Вплив міграційних процесів на економічну безпеку держави
Authors:   National Academy of Management, Sergii Yerokhin , Julia Negovska ,   National Academy of Management
Published: April 2023

The profound changes in the social structure of the postmodern society require the allocation of knowledge about migration as a special area of research on migration processes in the humanitarian paradigm. Currently, migration as a complex and multidimensional phenomenon is traditionally studied within the framework of various sciences, such as political science, sociology, history, jurisprudence, public administration, demography, etc. Economics also plays an important role. The processes of external migration are an integral part of the international delineation of labor and global economic relations in particular. Population dynamics, human resources deficit or surprisingly their high centralization, and diverse quality and composition in their interconnectedness significantly affect economic, geopolitical, and security trends around the world. The causes of migration are diverse. These include wars and armed conflicts, climate change and natural disasters, but above all, economic shocks and unstable economic situations in different countries. That is why migration as a certain socio-economic phenomenon should not be assessed as a purely positive or negative category. In view of the above, scientific and research works aimed at addressing the problem of economic security should be designed to identify and distinguish between positive and negative effects of migration on socio-economic processes in the respective State, as well as to formulate ways to neutralize the latter (negative) and develop and strengthen the former (positive) ones. Key words: migration processes; economic security; globalization.
РОЛЬ ЦІЛІСНОЇ ПРОГРАМИ МЕТОДОЛОГІЧНОГО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ГЕНДЕРНОЇ ДЕМОКРАТІЇ В СИСТЕМІ ПУБЛІЧНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ
Authors: Новаченко Т. В. , Беркут М. С.
Published: April 2023

У статті представлено аргументацію щодо значущості ролі вироблення цілісної програми методологічного забезпечення дослідження гендерної демократії в системі публічного управління. У ході нашого дослідження, було підтверджено, що сучасне державне управління постає одним із структурних компонентів публічної політики, який є процесом, що наповнений політичною владою, державною владою, суспільством і громадами. Окреслену програму визначено як «концентрований екстракт», який крім традиційних та загальнонаукових підходів та методів наповнюється сучасними спеціальними методами, підходами та принципами, що не є статичними, оскільки віддзеркалюють суспільну динамічність і трансформаційність. У цьому контексті сучасними науковими підходами окреслено міждисциплінарний, соціокультурний, соціопсихологічний та архетипнй, застосування яких сприяє підвищенню інструментальних можливості вживаних методів, принципів та орієнтація на визначення особливостей реалізації гендерної демократії в системі публічного управління України. Доведено, що проведення дослідження на засадах міждисциплінарного підходу відкриває можливість побудувати стратегію для його реалізації, що спрямовує на актуальну в сучасній методології гуманітарних наук антропоцентристську парадигму дослідницької діяльності. Підтверджено, що в умовах безперервних суспільних змін, соціальної активності та емерджентності, антропоцентризм та його основний принцип рівноправ’я, постають основою вироблення цілісної методологічної програми дослідження гендерної демократії в системі публічного управління України. Подальші дослідження проблем гендерної демократії в системі публічного управління України передбачає розвиток її теоретико-методологічних підходів та оновлення базових понять, що співвідносяться з вимогами сучасного українського суспільства до системи публічного управління України.
МОДИФІКОВАНИЙ АЛГОРИТМ СТИСКАННЯ ПОСЛІДОВНОСТІ ЗОБРАЖЕНЬ
Authors: Панков Т. С. , Потапова К. Р. , Радченко К. О.
Published: April 2023

З поширенням в сучасному світі як цифрових носіїв, так і мережі Інтернет, все частіше постає питання про зберігання та передачу даних у цифровому форматі. Потреби користувачів зростають швидше, ніж розвиваються апаратні технології зберігання та передачі даних, тому все частіше постає питання програмної оптимізації даних процесів. Крім механізмів балансування навантаження, оптимізації в мережевій передачі на транспортному рівні, важливу роль відіграють механізми стискання даних. Стискання даних має на увазі під собою зменшення розміру аналізованої інформації за рахунок використання того факту, що здебільшого дані не є випадковим набором біт, а підпорядковуються певному закону. Іншими словами, використовується той факт, що дані є залежними або випадковими величинами, або випадковими величинами, що підпорядковуються певній, нерівномірній функції розподілу. Більшість даних, що передаються по мережі – фото і відео файли. Для швидкої передачі цих файлів та компактного їх зберігання потрібні ефективні алгоритми стискання, які здатні швидко та якісно стискати окремі зображення та послідовності кадрів відео. Проблемою при стисканні послідовності кадрів відео є обчислювальна складність пошуку областей кореляції зображень, яка проводиться з метою підвищення коефіцієнта стискання шляхом кодування посилання на схожу область зображення та різниці між попереднім та наступним зображенням замість кодування повністю вихідного зображення. Проблемою при стисканні набору зображень є виділення загального контексту даних зображень з метою підвищення якості стиснення. У цій роботі ми розглянемо особливості стискання зображень, дослідимо підходи знаходження подібних областей, оптичних потоків та реалізуємо модель, що дозволяє підвищити ефективність стискання послідовності зображень.
INFLUENCES OF FEED AND SEASON ON BREED AND REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF AND SAHEL BUCKS IN TARABA STATE
Authors: WABA Y.E. , UMARU M. G. , MOHAMMED A.U
Published: April 2023

The study evaluated the influence of feed on the reproductive parameters of West African Dwarf and Sahel goats at theTeaching and Research farm of the Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State.  A total of 8 bucks from two goats breeds (West African Dwarf and Sahel) were used for the experiment. The 8 bucks were later moved to Vom, for semen collection, using electro-ejaculator. The study lasted for 12 calendar months. They were fed Gmelina and cassava peel meal, Gmelina and cowpea husk, Ficus and cassava peel meal and, Ficus and cowpea husk as experimental treatments (T1-T4), respectively. Goats according to breed were allotted to treatments randomly and treated as factorial experiments. Season had significant (P<0.01) influence on buck parameters (scrotal length and semen qualities). The overall samples collected was 192 on both the breeds on the following parameters; scrotal circumference, semen volume, semen pH, sperm concentration, sperm motility and live cells and the results were 11.91cm, 0.47ml, 6.78ph, 414.92x106, 83.02% and 92.33% respectively. The result was significant for breed, season and treatment for all parameters except live and dead cells for breeds and treatment. Feeding Ficus containing diets resulted in higher semen quality values. Also, semen colour using likert scale was analyzed which resulted to three types of colour (creamy, milky and watery). The colour was evaluated under based on breed, seasons and treatment diets (feeds). The overall results show insignificant differences for all the parameters (feeds, seasons, breeds and reproductive traits) observed.
Nghiên cứu các nhân tố ảnh hưởng đến quản lý của chính quyền tỉnh Thanh Hóa đối với du lịch biển
Authors: Nguyễn Hoài Nam , Trần Thị Hoàng Mai , Phạm Nguyên Hồng , Trịnh Thị Liên
Published: April 2023

Nghiên cứu này được thực hiện nhằm khám phá các nhân tố ảnh hưởng đến quản lý của chính quyền tỉnh Thanh Hóa đối với du lịch biển. Dựa trên các nghiên cứu đã có, nhóm tác giả đề xuất thang đo sơ bộ ban đầu và sử dụng phương pháp phỏng vấn chuyên gia để điều chỉnh, hoàn thiện thành các thang đo chính thức. Dựa vào số liệu sơ cấp thu thập từ 256 cán bộ quản lý nhà nước về du lịch và cán bộ quản lý doanh nghiệp du lịch tại tỉnh Thanh Hóa, các tác giả tiến hành phân tích Cronbach’s Alpha, phân tích nhân tố khám phá (EFA) và hồi quy tuyến tính để khám phá ảnh hưởng của các nhân tố tới công tác quản lý của chính quyền cấp tỉnh đối với du lịch biển, bao gồm: môi trường kinh tế xã hội của địa phương; cơ chế chính sách của Nhà nước, mức độ cải cách thủ tục hành chính; đội ngũ cán bộ công chức quản lý du lịch biển; nhận thức người dân, doanh nghiệp; cơ sở vật chất kỹ thuật phục vụ quản lý.
Students’ Performance in Speaking Skill and Self-Efficacy : An Correlational Study
Authors: Khotimah Khusnul , Amumpuni Rengganis Siwi , Arifin Samsul
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study is to investigate the extent to which students' levels of self-efficacy are correlated with their levels of success in speaking skill assessments of the students of MAN 1 Madiun. The research method used quantitative research. The population in this study are all the eleventh grade students. The sample for this study are students from class XI MIA 2 consists of 22 students. The researcher uses using purposive sampling technique. The researcher uses questionnaires to students to determine the level of students’ self-efficacy and uses speaking test. Pearson Product Moment (r) formula using t-test is used in this research. The results show that the highest score is 95. Meanwhile, the lowest score is 82. The result of the Pearson product moment correlation is.052 with a negative sign. The conclusion that can be drawn from these findings is that there is a negative correlation  between speaking ability and self-efficacy, as well as the results of significance levels above 0.05.This is what causes scores on students to be lacking. Besides self-efficacy, it has a very positive effect on each student. The implication of this research is to describe the correlation between students’ self-efficacy and their performance in speaking skill so the teacher and other researchers can get information related with that.
Pengaruh Penerapan ESG Terhadap Nilai Perusahaan di Indonesia
Authors: Jeanice Jeanice , Kim Sung Suk
Published: April 2023

The development of the application of environmental, social, and governance aspects for companies continues to increase. This can be seen by the growing sustainability investment from many companies that pay attention to good environmental, social, and governance aspects. Companies in Indonesia that are listed on Indonesian stock exchange and implement environmental, social, and governance continue to experience an increase in massive exploitation of resources for large financial gains causing enormous environmental damage. This study aims to investigate the effect of environmental, social, and governance on firm value in Indonesia. Firm value will be measured using return on equity and price book value. Meanwhile, environmental, social, and governance will be measured using the environmental, social, and governance index value. A total of 45 companies on the Indonesian Stock Exchange for 3 years from 2018-2020 were used. The effect of environmental, social, and governance on company performance is measured using a panel model after correcting violations of its assumptions. The results showed that the environmental, social, and governance variable had a negative and significant effect on return on equity and had no effect on simplified Tobin's. Companies need to improve environmental, social, and governance performance due to the low environmental, social, and governance values during this research period. Improved environmental, social, and governance performance is expected to improve other aspects including company performance
Pengaruh Rasio Likuiditas dan Rasio Profitabilitas Terhadap Harga Saham
Authors: Putri Laras Auditria , Ramadhan Muhammad Iqbal
Published: April 2023

Increased liquidity ratios and profitability ratios can give a positive signal to stock prices. This study aims to obtain an overview of the relationship between liquidity ratios and profitability ratios with prices. The research approach uses a quantitative approach using secondary data in the form of financial and annual reports. This research was conducted in all companies except the financial sector which was listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the period 2016 to 2019. The analysis technique used was multiple regression with STATA software. The liquidity ratio is proxied by the Cash Ratio, and Current Ratio (CR). Profitability ratio proxied ROE, ROS, EPS, . The results showed that the liquidity ratio and profitability ratio had a positive effect on stock prices. The higher the liquidity ratio and profitability ratio, it will lead to increasing stock prices.
Analisis Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Terhadap Pengguna Aplikasi Mobile Banking
Authors: Siswoyo Agus , Irianto Bambang Setyobudi
Published: April 2023

Mobile banking application users have increased rapidly, but in its use there are still many problems experienced by users. This study aims to determine the level of user acceptance of the mobile banking application of a national bank using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) approach. In this study using the TAM framework, namely perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude to use, behavioral intention, and use of the actual system. The research was conducted on mobile banking application users in Tegal City using a purposive convenience sampling technique, obtained 104 respondents. The type of data used is primary data, namely data obtained directly from respondents. Methods of data collection using a questionnaire. The data analysis method uses the Partial Least Square (PLS) statistical test approach. The results showed that perceived ease of use had an effect on perceived benefits, perceived ease of use had an effect on attitudes of use, perceived benefits had no effect on attitudes of use, attitudes of use had had an effect on behavioral intentions, and behavioral intentions had had an effect on system use. The implications of the results of this study are input for banks to continue to improve mobile banking services in order to increase the number of mobile banking application users.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SMART METHOD IN THE DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR PENALTY RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors: Ginting Novita Br , Widhyaestoeti Dahlia , Jaenuddin Jejen , Rachmawati Fitria , Maolani Yusup
Published: April 2023

Sanctions need to be given to students who do not obey school rules, and the purpose is to establish student discipline and ethics. SMK Gazza Wiguna 1 Megamendung Bogor district also imposes sanctions for students who violate the rules of conduct. The problem is that determining the violation point has not been done objectively. To overcome this, applying the Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique Method (SMART) method to the decision support system to determine recommendations for sanctions for students who commit violations. This system is designed to use UML tools and is built on a web basis. The system uses an alternative oral warning, first warning letter, second warning letter, third warning letter, and returned to parents (DO).   The criteria include violation of school uniforms, tidiness, discipline, cleanliness, order, hospitality, commemorating national holidays, and additional provisions. The type of criteria used is the cost criteria because it is expected that students do not violate school rules; if students commit violations, it is hoped that students do not commit serious transgressions.
Incidentally Detected Renal Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hermans Barbara , Uvin Pieter , Vanhoucke Jean-Louis , Goeman Lieven , Verhamme Lieven , Boel Kristien , Van Der Eecken Hans , Ryckaert Thomas , Marrannes Jesse , Joniau Steven , Marchand Wouter
Published: April 2023

Renal arteriovenous malformations and fistula are an uncommon, underdiagnosed condition that can be asymptomatic. However, there is a real risk of rupture and severe bleeding. Imaging techniques have a critical role in planning the treatment. Arteriography is the gold standard but is invasive. Diagnostic selective arteriography can be followed by embolisation of the lesion during the same procedure. Although invasive, because of the potential risk for rupture, arteriography is the elective technique when intervention is planned.

We report a rare case of an adult male patient incidentally diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation. Since he had no prior history of renal intervention or trauma, a diagnosis of idiopathic renal arteriovenous malformation was made. We describe the computed tomography findings and management outcome. This asymptomatic, though potentially lethal, condition can be treated with minimally invasive methods.
The First Chinese Rendition of the Prose Adaptation of Hamlet: Evidencing Change in Early Twentieth-Century China
Authors: Dai Yun-Fang
Published: April 2023

This article focuses on the Chinese rendition of Lamb’s prose adaptation of Hamlet, examining the factors affecting the domesticating strategies employed by the anonymous translator of this work. Based on Itamar Even-Zohar’s polysystem hypothesis, it not only explores the influence of an intra-literary polysystem on this translation, but also investigates the constraints imposed on it by an extra-literary polysystem. Finally, by taking the market failure of this work as a signal that translation had begun to move from periphery to centre, this article seeks to provide an insight into how changes occurring in the Chinese literary polysystem affected the route to modernization at the turn of the twentieth century.
Experience of foreign countries in relation to institutional provision of environmental safety: proposals for Ukraine
Authors: Kirova M.
Published: April 2023

The experience of regulation of ecological safety in foreign countries has been studied and generalized, including At the regional level, in particular, the main tendencies and peculiarities of implementation of environmental policy by the countries of the European Union have been determined. The progressive work on organizational forms, mechanisms and instruments of environmental safety regulation that can be adapted to the conditions of Ukraine in the process of constructing a new environmental policy in the state has been analyzed.
World experience of development of medicinal plant growing: ecological and economic aspects
Authors: Drebot O. , Solohub Yu.
Published: April 2023

The world tendencies of development of medicinal plant growing are investigated. The ecological and economic prerequisites for a balanced use of the medicinal plant resource are analyzed. The main strategic directions of harmonization of the development of the relevant domestic sector with world trends have been identified.
Wellbeing Consequences of Unemployment and Working with a Job Dissatisfaction in Turkey
Authors: UGUR Zeynep
Published: April 2023

This study aims to answer the following two questions. First, are the unemployed unhappy compared to the employed? Second, are unemployed individuals even unhappier compared to people who are unsatisfied with their job? We utilize the the Life Satisfaction Survey’s individual level data between 2004-2020 period. The LSS survey is a nationally representative survey with more than 324,000 observations in 17 years. Firstly, after controlling for household income, the unemployed have a considerably lower wellbeing than the employed. However, compared to employed people who are dissatisfied with their job, the unemployed’s wellbeing is statistically significantly higher. Thus, it appears that unemployment is a negative life event in Turkey as in elsewhere, but so is working in a toxic job. Moreover, we find strong gender effects as males and particularly married males suffer more from unemployment. Also, a quarter of the unemployed report that they feel social pressure due to unemployment. These findings suggest that social approval plays some role in the impact of unemployment. Our findings imply that societies similar to Turkey in terms of labor market would be better off with some unemployment insurance program as it signals to potential quitters that some unemployment is tolerated by society.
Application in the analysis of the occlusal force of free-end missing tooth implant restoration with T-SCAN III
Authors: Wu Ming-Le , Lai Peng-Yu , Cheong Fan , Zhou Wen-Cheng , Xu Sang-Hui , Li Hui , Shen Shan
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The occlusal force of the teeth in the dental arch and the remaining adjacent natural teeth will change after implant restoration with a free-end missing tooth. This study intends to use the T-SCAN III scanner to collect dynamic quantitative data before and after the restoration of free-end implants and to explore the application of the T-SCAN III in redistributing the occlusal force of free-end implants.

Methods: In this study, 24 patients with free-end implant restoration were selected, and their occlusion was tested before, immediately after, and 3 months after implant restoration.

Results: In all 24 cases, the bite force of the first natural tooth adjacent to the implanted tooth after restoration changed from 19.12% ± 9.48%–12.93% ± 11.47% (p < 0.01). For additional data analysis, all cases were further subdivided by single implant and fixed bridge restorations. In 17 cases, there was a successful follow-up after 3 months. The percentage of the total bite force of dental arch with implant increased from 41.92% ± 10.78%–53.06% ± 10.71% (p < 0.01).

Discussion: This study shows that the free-end implant restoration protects the remaining natural teeth, and the patient’s missing dental arch bite force improves within 3 months of implant restoration.
Key aspects for conception and construction of co-culture models of tumor-stroma interactions
Authors: Mason James , Öhlund Daniel
Published: April 2023

The tumor microenvironment is crucial in the initiation and progression of cancers. The interplay between cancer cells and the surrounding stroma shapes the tumor biology and dictates the response to cancer therapies. Consequently, a better understanding of the interactions between cancer cells and different components of the tumor microenvironment will drive progress in developing novel, effective, treatment strategies. Co-cultures can be used to study various aspects of these interactions in detail. This includes studies of paracrine relationships between cancer cells and stromal cells such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, as well as the influence of physical and mechanical interactions with the extracellular matrix of the tumor microenvironment. The development of novel co-culture models to study the tumor microenvironment has progressed rapidly over recent years. Many of these models have already been shown to be powerful tools for further understanding of the pathophysiological role of the stroma and provide mechanistic insights into tumor-stromal interactions. Here we give a structured overview of different co-culture models that have been established to study tumor-stromal interactions and what we have learnt from these models. We also introduce a set of guidelines for generating and reporting co-culture experiments to facilitate experimental robustness and reproducibility.
Fast and convenient delivery of fluidextracts liquorice through electrospun core-shell nanohybrids
Authors: Liu Hang , Dai Yelin , Li Jia , Liu Ping , Zhou Wenhui , Yu Deng-Guang , Ge Ruiliang
Published: April 2023

Introduction: As an interdisciplinary field, drug delivery relies on the developments of modern science and technology. Correspondingly, how to upgrade the traditional dosage forms for a more efficacious, safer, and convenient drug delivery poses a continuous challenge to researchers.

Methods, results and discussion: In this study, a proof-of-concept demonstration was conducted to convert a popular traditional liquid dosage form (a commercial oral compound solution prepared from an intermediate licorice fluidextract) into a solid dosage form. The oral commercial solution was successfully encapsulated into the core–shell nanohybrids, and the ethanol in the oral solution was removed. The SEM and TEM evaluations showed that the prepared nanofibers had linear morphologies without any discerned spindles or beads and an obvious core–shell nanostructure. The FTIR and XRD results verified that the active ingredients in the commercial solution were compatible with the polymeric matrices and were presented in the core section in an amorphous state. Three different types of methods were developed, and the fast dissolution of the electrospun core–shell nanofibers was verified.

Conclusion: Coaxial electrospinning can act as a nano pharmaceutical technique to upgrade the traditional oral solution into fast-dissolving solid drug delivery films to retain the advantages of the liquid dosage forms and the solid dosage forms.
Non-lethal roles of the initiator caspase Dronc in Drosophila
Authors: Dominguez Daniela , Fan Yun
Published: April 2023

The role of caspases, or cysteine-aspartic proteases, in apoptosis has been well-studied across multiple organisms. These apoptotic caspases can be divided into initiator and effector caspases, with the former cleaving and activating the latter to trigger cell death. However, emerging evidence is supporting non-lethal roles of caspases in development, tissue homeostasis and disease. In comparison to effector caspases, less is known about the non-apoptotic functions of initiator caspases because of their more restricted activities and fewer known substrates. This review focuses on some recent findings in Drosophila on non-lethal roles of the initiator caspase Dronc. We discuss their biological importance, underlying regulatory mechanisms, and implications for our understanding of their mammalian counterparts. Deciphering the non-apoptotic functions of Dronc will provide valuable insights into the multifaceted functions of caspases during development and in diseases including cancer.
Balancing WNT signalling in early forebrain development: The role of LRP4 as a modulator of LRP6 function
Authors: Geng Shuang , Paul Fabian , Kowalczyk Izabela , Raimundo Sandra , Sporbert Anje , Mamo Tamrat Meshka , Hammes Annette
Published: April 2023

The specification of the forebrain relies on the precise regulation of WNT/ß-catenin signalling to support neuronal progenitor cell expansion, patterning, and morphogenesis. Imbalances in WNT signalling activity in the early neuroepithelium lead to congenital disorders, such as neural tube defects (NTDs). LDL receptor-related protein (LRP) family members, including the well-studied receptors LRP5 and LRP6, play critical roles in modulating WNT signalling capacity through tightly regulated interactions with their co-receptor Frizzled, WNT ligands, inhibitors and intracellular WNT pathway components. However, little is known about the function of LRP4 as a potential modulator of WNT signalling in the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated the role of LRP4 in the regulation of WNT signalling during early mouse forebrain development. Our results demonstrate that LRP4 can modulate LRP5- and LRP6-mediated WNT signalling in the developing forebrain prior to the onset of neurogenesis at embryonic stage 9.5 and is therefore essential for accurate neural tube morphogenesis. Specifically, LRP4 functions as a genetic modifier for impaired mitotic activity and forebrain hypoplasia, but not for NTDs in LRP6-deficient mutants. In vivo and in vitro data provide evidence that LRP4 is a key player in fine-tuning WNT signalling capacity and mitotic activity of mouse neuronal progenitors and of human retinal pigment epithelial (hTERT RPE-1) cells. Our data demonstrate the crucial roles of LRP4 and LRP6 in regulating WNT signalling and forebrain development and highlight the need to consider the interaction between different signalling pathways to understand the underlying mechanisms of disease. The findings have significant implications for our mechanistic understanding of how LRPs participate in controlling WNT signalling.
Spermidine as a promising anticancer agent: Recent advances and newer insights on its molecular mechanisms
Authors: Prasher Parteek , Sharma Mousmee , Singh Sachin Kumar , Gulati Monica , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Rajput Rashi , Gupta Gaurav , Ydyrys Alibek , Kulbayeva Marzhan , Abdull Razis Ahmad Faizal , Modu Babagana , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Dua Kamal
Published: April 2023

Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine compound found in semen. It is also found in several plant sources and boasts a remarkable biological profile, particularly with regards to its anticancer properties. Spermidine specifically interferes with the tumour cell cycle, resulting in the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and suppression of tumor growth. Moreover, it also triggers autophagy by regulating key oncologic pathways. The increased intake of polyamines, such as spermidine, can suppress oncogenesis and slow the growth of tumors due to its role in anticancer immunosurveillance and regulation of polyamine metabolism. Spermidine/spermine N-1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) plays a critical role in polyamine homeostasis and serves as a diagnostic marker in human cancers. Chemically modified derivatives of spermidine hold great potential for prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications against various malignancies. This review discusses in detail the recent findings that support the anticancer mechanisms of spermidine and its molecular physiology.
NanoSIMS analysis of water content in bridgmanite at the micron scale: An experimental approach to probe water in Earth’s deep mantle
Authors: Yang Ya-Nan , Du Zhixue , Lu Wenhua , Qi Yue , Zhang Yan-Qiang , Zhang Wan-Feng , Zhang Peng-Fei
Published: April 2023

Water, in trace amounts, can greatly alter chemical and physical properties of mantle minerals and exert primary control on Earth’s dynamics. Quantifying how water is retained and distributed in Earth’s deep interior is essential to our understanding of Earth’s origin and evolution. While directly sampling Earth’s deep interior remains challenging, the experimental technique using laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LH-DAC) is likely the only method available to synthesize and recover analog specimens throughout Earth’s lower mantle conditions. The recovered samples, however, are typically of micron sizes and require high spatial resolution to analyze their water abundance. Here we use nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) to characterize water content in bridgmanite, the most abundant mineral in Earth’s lower mantle. We have established two working standards of natural orthopyroxene that are likely suitable for calibrating water concentration in bridgmanite, i.e., A119(H2O) = 99 ± 13 μg/g (1SD) and A158(H2O) = 293 ± 23 μg/g (1SD). We find that matrix effect among orthopyroxene, olivine, and glass is less than 10%, while that between orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene can be up to 20%. Using our calibration, a bridgmanite synthesized by LH-DAC at 33 ± 1 GPa and 3,690 ± 120 K is measured to contain 1,099 ± 14 μg/g water, with partition coefficient of water between bridgmanite and silicate melt ∼0.025, providing the first measurement at such condition. Applying the unique analytical capability of NanoSIMS to minute samples recovered from LH-DAC opens a new window to probe water and other volatiles in Earth’s deep mantle.
The presence of Enterococcus faecalis in saliva as a risk factor for endodontic infection
Authors: Gaeta Carlo , Marruganti Crystal , Ali Islam A. A. , Fabbro Andrea , Pinzauti David , Santoro Francesco , Neelakantan Prasanna , Pozzi Gianni , Grandini Simone
Published: April 2023

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate and correlate the prevalence of Enterococcus faecalis in saliva and in root canals with different pulpal and periapical conditions.

Methodology

Sixty-seven patients were divided into five groups based on pulpal and periapical tissue status: healthy vital teeth (HVT, n=7), healthy treated teeth without lesion (HTT, n=9), irreversible pulpitis (IP, n=13), necrosis (N, n=18), and post-treatment apical periodontitis (PTAP, n=20). Saliva, rubber dam, sterility control and pre-treatment root canal samples were collected and microbiologically processed by culture method. The phylogenetic relationship of E. faecalis isolates collected from root canals and saliva were investigated by whole genome sequencing. Fisher’s exact test was used to correlate the presence of E. faecalis in root canals or saliva with clinical and/or radiographic findings. Linear/logistic regression analyses were performed to establish the relationship between the presence of E. faecalis in root canals, saliva, and the status of periapical tissues.

Results

E. faecalis was found in 18 root canal and saliva samples. E. faecalis root canal isolates were recovered with the highest frequency from post-treatment apical periodontitis. The occurrence of E. faecalis in saliva was strongly associated with its detection in the root canals (P < 0.001). The pretreatment presence of E. faecalis in root canals was associated with significantly higher odds of having periapical lesions (OR=11.03; 95% CI, 1.27-95.70; p < 0.05). Saliva and root canal isolates from the same patient were highly correlated at the phylogenetic level (Jaccard index >0.95).

Conclusion

This pilot study confirms the role of E. faecalis in developing peri-radicular lesions in secondary endodontic infections and suggests that saliva could be the main source of infection. Further studies are needed to investigate the exact origin of this bacteria and its true role in the pathogenesis of secondary/persistent endodontic infections.
Antithrombotic regimens for the prevention of major adverse cardiac events in chronic coronary syndrome: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Marques Gustavo Lenci , Albuquerque Arthur Mendonça , Romaniello Gabriela , Bozzi Fernanda Proença Lepca , da Cunha Gustavo Pereira , Andraus Gabriel Savogin , Hastreiter Gabriel , Maniesi Barbara , Baena Cristina , Guedes Murilo
Published: April 2023

Backgroud

Antithrombotic therapy is the cornerstone of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) management. However, the best treatment option that optimally balances bleeding risk and efficacy remains undefined. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of antithrombotic options and identify the optimal treatment option for patients with CCS.

Methods

We used the MEDLINE, CENTRAL and Embase databases to search for randomized controlled trials with follow-up periods longer than 12 months that compared aspirin (ASA) monotherapy with other antithrombotic therapies in patients with CCS. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used. Extracted data [hazard ratios (HR)] were pooled using Bayesian fixed-effect models, allowing the estimation of credible intervals (CrI) and posterior probabilities of benefit, harm, and practical equivalence. Confidence in the results was assessed with the Confidence In Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) tool. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and primary bleeding, respectively. Secondary outcomes were acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, all-cause, and cardiovascular-specific mortality.

Results

Five trials with a total of 80,605 patients were included. Mean patient age ranged from 61 to 69 years, while 20.3% to 31.4% were women. The reference treatment was ASA monotherapy. ASA + prasugrel 10 mg and clopidogrel 75 mg monotherapy presented the greatest benefit for MACE [HR 0.52 (95% CrI, 0.39–0.71); and 0.68 (95% CrI, 0.54–0.88)]. There was a probability of 98.8% that ASA + ticagrelor was practically equivalent to ASA monotherapy. Regarding the primary bleeding outcome, clopidogrel 75 mg monotherapy performed best [HR 0.64 (0.42, 0.99)]. There was a probability of 97.4% that ASA + Prasugrel 10 mg increases bleeding (HR > 1.0). Secondary outcome results followed a similar treatment ranking pattern as in primary outcomes. Overall, CINeMA confidence ratings were judged as either low or very low.

Conclusions

These results revealed that clopidogrel monotherapy might provide the best risk-benefit balance in treating CCS. However, low CINeMA confidence ratings may preclude more forceful conclusions. Our analysis suggests that current guidelines recommending ASA as first-line therapy for CCS management need to be revised to include additional pharmacological options.
Identification of predictors for the comprehensive clinical risk and severity of coronary lesions of acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Li Lihui , Sun Guangfeng , Yu Jiangbo , Shan Gaojun , Su Lide , Dong Guo
Published: April 2023

Background

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the most common cause of death in patients with coronary artery disease. The aim of the study was to identify the predictors of both comprehensive clinical risk and severity of coronary lesions by comprehensive use of GRACE and SYNTAX scores in patients with ACS.

Methods

Clinical data of 225 ACS patients who underwent coronary angiography between 2015 and 2016 were collected. Multiple logistic regression analysis (stepwise) was used to identify the predictors. The predictive ability of predictors and the model were determined using receiver operating characteristics analyses.

Results

Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that high aspartate aminotransferase (AST) predicted the comprehensive clinical risk with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 1.011 (1.002–1.021). High total cholesterol (TC) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) predicted the severity of coronary lesions with ORs and 95% CIs of 1.517 (1.148–2.004) and 1.556 (1.195–2.028), respectively. Low prealbumin predicted both severity of coronary lesions and comprehensive clinical risk of ACS patients with ORs and 95% CIs of 0.743 (0.672–0.821) and 0.836 (0.769–0.909), respectively. The model with a combination of prealbumin and AST had the highest predictive efficacy for comprehensive clinical risk, and the combination of prealbumin, TC, and RDW had the highest predictive efficacy for the severity of coronary lesions. The sensitivity and specificity, and the optimal cut-off values of these four indexes were determined.

Conclusions

Four predictors for the comprehensive clinical risk and severity of coronary lesions of ACS were identified, which provided important information for the early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of ACS.
A review of biomarker and imaging monitoring to predict heart failure recovery
Authors: Yan Crystal Lihong , Grazette Luanda
Published: April 2023

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome caused by structural cardiac abnormalities that lead to increased intracardiac pressures and decreased cardiac output. Following cardiovascular insult or direct myocardial injury, neurohormonal activation triggers hemodynamic changes and cardiac remodeling to preserve cardiac output. While initially adaptive, cardiac remodeling eventually causes pathologic changes in cardiac structure that often compromise cardiac function. Reverse remodeling is the regression of abnormal cardiac chamber geometry and function after myocardial injury. In recent years, several classes of therapeutics have been associated with greater likelihood of reverse remodeling. Heart failure recovery and heart failure remission, terms encompassing the clinical correlates of reverse remodeling, have been associated with improved survival in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection. As such, identifying predictors of heart failure recovery can have important implications for guiding clinical practice and therapeutic innovation. This review addresses the role of biomarkers and imaging monitoring in predicting structural, functional, and clinical recovery in patients with acute and chronic heart failure.
Comparative study of bin and bulk microphysical schemes in simulating a heavy snowfall event that occurred in Beijing during the 2022 Winter Olympic Games
Authors: Li Yupeng , Li Jingyuan , Ping Fan , Li Lin , Li Ji
Published: April 2023

A heavy snowfall event that struck Beijing during February 12-13, 2022, affected some of the training sessions and events of the Winter Olympic Games. This heavy snowfall event was simulated using the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting Model with both the two-moment bulk scheme (BULK) and the spectral bin microphysics scheme (BIN), and the differences in surface precipitation, radar reflectivity, and cloud microphysics processes were compared and analyzed. It was found that surface precipitation was dominated by solid precipitation particles. The 24-h accumulated precipitation of the BULK simulation was larger than that of the BIN simulation, but both were smaller than that observed. The BIN simulation was closer to the observations in terms of the trends of variation in precipitation rate and radar reflectivity during the period of heavy precipitation. The maximum and minimum vertical velocities of the BIN simulation were notably higher than those of the BULK simulation, and the water vapor content of the BIN scheme at the heights of the −10 to −20°C levels and above the −38°C level was substantially higher than that of the BULK scheme. The contents of cloud water and snow simulated by the BIN scheme were much higher than those simulated by the BULK scheme. The nucleation of ice crystals in the middle and high layers of the BULK scheme was obvious, whereas such a process was not evident in the BIN scheme. The net production rate of ice crystals and snow simulated by the BULK scheme was stronger near the surface than that simulated by the BIN scheme, and a second peak in the conversion rate existed at heights very close to the surface below 1 km, which might account for the greater intensity of precipitation in the BULK scheme. The latent heat simulated by the BULK scheme was larger (smaller) than that simulated by the BIN scheme below (above) the height of 2 km.
A longitudinal study on sensitivity to symmetry in writing and associations with early literacy abilities
Authors: Yin Li , McBride Catherine
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Young children reportedly find symmetrical prints, such as H, easier to copy and produce from memory than asymmetrical ones. Little is known about how sensitivity to symmetry in print relates to early word reading and writing development. We examined this in Chinese, a visually complex writing system featuring symmetrical patterns, such as X or X.

Methods

Sixty preschoolers in Beijing completed a character decision task (Experiment 1, Mage = 62.16 months) and a character learning task (Experiment 2, Mage = 63.96 months), using stimuli matched on visual complexity and frequency but differing in symmetry, and were assessed on Chinese word reading and word writing abilities twice with a 2-year interval.

Results

Children were significantly more likely to endorse symmetrical complex stimuli as possible Chinese than asymmetrical complex ones, and they learned to read symmetrical characters significantly better than asymmetrical ones, reflecting their sensitivity to symmetry in Chinese characters. However, with age and nonverbal IQ statistically controlled, sensitivity to symmetry was not uniquely associated with Chinese word reading or word writing abilities at any time; rather, asymmetrical character learning, which necessitates reduced sensitivity to symmetry, was uniquely associated with Chinese word writing concurrently and longitudinally.

Discussion

Findings highlight the close relationship between analytic perception of written words and early writing ability.
Optimal wholesale price and technological innovation under dual credit policy on carbon emission reduction in a supply chain
Authors: Ma Miaomiao , Meng Weidong , Huang Bo , Li Yuyu
Published: April 2023

The adoption of new energy vehicles (NEVs) can effectively reduce vehicle exhaust emissions and achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals in the transportation sector. To facilitate the development of NEVs, the Chinese government issued the dual credit policy (DCP). However, whether the DCP can promote the technological innovation of NEVs and effectively reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector remains to be studied. This study constructed the decision-making model of NEVs under the DCP and obtained the optimal strategy to study the impact of the DCP on carbon emissions. Furthermore, we constructed a bargaining game model based on an alliance strategy to demonstrate the coordination of the NEV supply chain. The results showed that implementing the DCP can effectively reduce carbon emissions in the transportation field. The higher the technological innovation credit coefficient or credit price, the more significant the DCP’s incentive effect on reducing carbon emissions. Decentralized decision-making weakens the DCP’s incentive effect on reducing carbon emissions. The bargaining game based on alliance negotiation can enable independent companies to achieve carbon emission reduction when making centralized decisions so that the DCP’s incentive effect on reducing carbon emissions is optimized. The alliance between manufacturers is not to increase profits but to enhance their product advantages. However, suppliers can gain higher profits by participating in the alliance, which provides a theoretical reference for the alliance’s cooperation in decision-making.
A new system to study directional volatile-mediated interactions reveals the ability of fungi to specifically react to other fungal volatiles
Authors: Bruisson Sébastien , Alfiky Alsayed , L'Haridon Floriane , Weisskopf Laure
Published: April 2023

Microbes communicate with each other using a wide array of chemical compounds, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Usually, such volatile-mediated interactions are studied by growing two different microbes in a shared, confined environment and by subsequently collecting and analyzing the emitted VOCs by gas chromatography. This procedure has several drawbacks, including artificial volatile overaccumulation and potential oxygen limitation, as well as the impossibility to assign a producer to the compounds newly emitted during the interaction. To address these challenges, we have developed a novel system specifically designed to analyze volatile-mediated interactions allowing for sequential unidirectional exposure of a “receiver” microorganism to the VOCs of an “emitter” microorganism. Using hermetically sealed systems connected to an air compressor, a constant unidirectional airflow could be generated, driving emitted volatiles to be absorbed by a collection charcoal filter. Thus, our developed system avoids artificial overaccumulation of volatile compounds and lack of oxygen in the headspace and enables the univocal assignment of VOCs to their producers. As a proof of concept, we used this newly developed experimental setup to characterize the reaction of plant growth-promoting and biocontrol fungus (Trichoderma simmonsii) to the perception of VOCs emitted by two plant pathogens, namely Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum. Our results show that the perception of each pathogen's volatilome triggered a specific response, resulting in significant changes in the VOCs emitted by Trichoderma. Trichoderma's volatilome modulation was overall stronger when exposed to the VOCs from Fusarium than to the VOCs from Botrytis, which correlated with increased siderophore production when co-incubated with this fungus. Our newly developed method will not only help to better understand volatile-mediated interactions in microbes but also to identify new molecules of interest that are induced by VOC exposure, as well as the putative-inducing signals themselves.