bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural adjustment programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 1980s and 1990s
Authors: Noyoo Ndangwa
Published: November 2022

The paper discusses the World Bank’s and International Monetary Fund’s Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 1980s and 1990s. Most countries in this region did not demonstrate autonomy in regard to national economic management and public policy processes, but acquiesced to the economic austerity prescriptions of the international financial institution, which were supposed to have resuscitated their economies. The paper seeks to provide some insights pertaining to how multilateral financial agencies engaged national governments, not as partners in a contractual relationship, but as servile actors. This situation was not mutually beneficial to both parties as interventions in local economies through financial injections had not resulted in easier repayment of loans by Sub-Saharan African governments. However, conditionalities tied to loans resulted in the erosion of social policies and social rights in Sub-Saharan Africa in the said period. Instead of shoring up economies of the countries in the region, SAPs had helped to weaken or even implode them. SAPs also eroded the social policy gains which were attained in the decade of independence in this region. The paper’s main contention is that Sub-Saharan African countries should bolster their institutions, policy-making mechanisms, and not make the same mistakes they did during that period, if they want to develop and be prosperous this century.
Kepemimpinan politik: Peran Walikota dalam implementasi kebijakan pengentasan kemiskinan di Kota Bontang
Authors: Pratiwi Windy Widya
Published: November 2022

This article discusses about the leadership model of Bontang City Mayor for the period of 2016-2021, Neni Moerniaeni, in implementing the poverty alleviation policy in Bontang. As one of the small cities located in East Kalimantan Province, Bontang has a promising natural resource potential. However, because most of its natural resources are non-renewable, it then demands the Government of Bontang to look for other alternatives to reduce the poverty level. One of the efforts was done through policies, such as ‘Pesisir juga Kota’, Kube FM, PRODUTA, Kotaku, and other policies. Other poverty alleviation effort is by attracting the interest of investors through the companies’ CSR programs and Industrial development. The leadership model of the mayor also shows that her way of handling the poverty is not only through cooperating with companies, the government also have their own programs. This research will see what is the tendency of the mayor’s political leadership model in implementating poverty policies. The theory that will be used is that of Herbert Feith (1962), where the leadership model is divided into two: Solidarity Maker type which prioritise the strength of the people, and the administratorist type which handle the poverty problems through administrative approach and policies implementation.
Alumni perceptions of registered psychological counsellor training at a South African university
Authors: Joubert C. , Hay J.
Published: November 2022

In this article the strengths, caveats and suggestions for improvement of a BEd Hons programme in Educational Psychology presented at a traditional South African university from the viewpoint of 10 alumni students who were part of the 2016 cohort, are explored. The programme under investigation has been running since 2003 and is aimed at training mid-level psychological counsellors who have to pass the Health Professions Council of South Africa’s (HPCSA) board examination for Psychology to formally qualify as registered counsellors. The HPCSA instituted the category of registered counsellor early in the 2000s to provide a route to basic psychological support for the majority of citizens without access to registered psychologists. In order to achieve the aim of this research, qualitative individual telephone interviews were conducted in 2017 to gather data from the counsellor alumni of the 2016 cohort. In total, 10 of a possible 26 participants voluntarily participated in the study. The perceptions of the participants were analysed, and findings suggest that the BEd Hons programme has the following strengths: weekly supervision by experienced lecturers enabled knowledge obtained through theoretical coursework to be applied during the practicum; various professional skills were also gained during the practicum, enabling students to feel competent in the workplace. A very strong focus on clients from disadvantaged communities was also seen as a particular strength. Some caveats were inadequate information about the psychological and job-related implications of the programme. Suggestions indicated that the organisation of the theoretical and practicum components could be reconsidered so as to optimise the programme in future. Furthermore, it was found that transformation in this type of higher education programme is needed on a theoretical and practical level by ensuring broadened access to the programme and listening to the voices of the students regarding the curriculum. Keywords: registered counsellor, programme evaluation, transformation in African higher education, social justice
Students’ perceptions towards instructor-developed screencasts as a stand-alone method of instruction on WhatsApp in an introductory statistics course during COVID-19
Authors: Delport D. H.
Published: November 2022

E-learning and access to internet facilities remain a problem for many students in South Africa. The purpose of this article is to assess students’ perceptions of the use of WhatsApp as an online learning technology together with instructor-developed screencasts as a stand-alone method of instruction in an introductory statistics course during the COVID-19 pandemic at a South African university. The responses to an open-ended questionnaire showed that students preferred WhatsApp over the university’s student learning platform. Although it is advocated to use screencasts to supplement traditional lectures, the findings of this research revealed that instructor-developed screencasts have the potential to be used as a stand-alone method of instruction for the teaching and learning of introductory statistics. Participants’ responses also revealed that, apart from the electronic connection they had on WhatsApp, they valued the emotional connection as well. The sharing, support, love, as well as cooperation among the lecturer and students emphasised the importance of ubuntu in educational settings. Furthermore, the results revealed that the attitude and support of a lecturer play a crucial role in providing an online atmosphere where students feel safe and comfortable, especially during the pandemic period. Keywords: WhatsApp, instructor-developed screencasts, introductory statistics course, COVID-19 lockdown, South African university
Language of instruction: A critical aspect of epistemological access to higher education in South Africa
Authors: Xulu-Gama N. , Hadebe S.
Published: November 2022

The article discusses language as a critical aspect of epistemological access to higher education in South Africa through a critical analysis of students’ views on language preferences and attitudes at Durban University of Technology (DUT). Language of instruction at higher education institutions is one amongst a plethora of challenges faced in providing equity in higher education in a socially divided post-apartheid South Africa. This discussion of language and access takes place within broader epistemological access challenges faced in South African higher education. The data generated by 45 semi-structured interviews with undergraduate students from six faculties was collected as part of an institution-wide “Who are our students?” research project. The phenomenological thematic analysis arose from the three research questions asked: what is your home language and what language would you prefer to be taught in and why? Some students did not provide an explanation for their choice as they felt it was self-evident, while some provided interesting reasons for their choices. A critical analysis of the findings using Morrow’s epistemological access theory is conducted against the backdrop of the context of English dominance over indigenous languages; the history of South African higher education, current DUT and higher education policy as it pertains to language and the subsequent challenges around equitable access. Keywords: language of instruction, epistemological access, higher education, undergraduate students, success
Efficacy of using life design-based counselling for an emerging adult who had suffered parental neglect
Authors: Le Grange C. , Maree J. G.
Published: November 2022

This article reports on the value of life design-based counselling for an emerging adult who had experienced parental (emotional) neglect and was now ready to embark on a career. Purposive sampling was used to select an emerging adult who had experienced parental neglect and had entered the workplace stage. Such research in South African education contexts is limited. A QUAL + quan design was used to gather and analyse the data. An intrinsic, descriptive, exploratory intervention case study involving a single individual was the basis of the research. Thematic data analysis (in combination with ATLAS.ti) was conducted to analyse the data, that is, look for themes and subthemes in the data. The intervention enhanced the participant’s career resilience and career adaptability. Exploring her life story for themes and patterns helped her gain new insight into the meaning of her experiences. The intervention enabled her to enter a new chapter in her life from a position of strength and an improved sense of self. Longitudinal studies on the long-term effects of life design-based interventions on groups of emerging adults who had experienced different kinds of parental neglect are needed to determine the longer-term value of the kind of intervention described in this article. Keywords: life design-based counselling, career adaptability, career resilience, emergent adult, parental neglect
Penanaman karakter religius remaja putus sekolah di balai perlindungan dan rehabilitasi sosial remaja Kabupaten Sleman Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Authors: Elvina Yuniarti  , Dikdik Baehaqi Arif
Published: November 2022

Remaja putus sekolah yang tidak mendapatkan pendampingan cenderung memiliki perilaku menyimpang dalam lingkungan masyarakat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penanaman karakter religius di BPRSR DIY untuk membentuk remaja menjadi warga negara yang berkarakter religius. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian deskriptif dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa :(1)Aspek keyakinan dilakukan melalui bimbingan keagamaan setiap pagi dengan materi praktik sholat,  membaca iqra dan al-Qur’an. Untuk agama kristen, kegiatan yang dilakukan pembimbing menjelaskan kitab Injil dan setiap hari minggu pagi, remaja yang beragama kristen diwajibkan berangkat ke gereja untuk melaksanakan kebaktian.(2)Aspek kepribadian dilakukan melalui penanaman rasa untuk saling memberi dengan cara bersedekah, infaq pada setiap hari jumat.(3)Aspek penghayatan dilakukan melalui kegiatan bintal agama setelah sholat magrib di masjid, para remaja diajarkan oleh ustad maupun guru agama mengenai nasihat agama seperti segala yang kita miliki di dunia ini merupakan anugerah dari Tuhan Yang Maha Esa.(4)Aspek pengetahuan dilakukan melalui pemberian hafalan surat pendek, tuntunan sholat, praktik adzan dan praktik sholat jenazah.(5)Aspek pengamalan dilakukan melalui pemberian materi akhlak dan akidah. Remaja diajarkan untuk saling tolong menolong dan selalu bersikap jujur dalam segala perkataan dan perbuatan.
BONE MODIFICATION FEATURES RESULTING FROM BARNACLE ATTACHMENT ON THE BONES OF LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLES (Caretta caretta), CUMBERLAND ISLAND, GEORGIA, USA: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PALEOECOLOGICAL, AND TAPHONOMIC ANALYSES OF FOSSIL SEA TURTLES
Authors: ZONNEVELD J-P. , ZONNEVELD Z.E.E. , BARTELS W.S. , GINGRAS M.K. , HEAD J.J.
Published: November 2022

Sea turtles are characterized by a wide variety of invertebrate ectoparasites. Few of these ectoparasites leave a permanent indication of their presence on the skeletal remains of their host taxa and thus represent ecological information doomed to be lost in the paleontological record. Some barnacle taxa provide an exception to this, in that they cause the formation of small, subcircular to circular divots, pits, and holes on the skull, mandible, carapace or plastron of sea turtles. Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) skeletons from Cumberland Island, Georgia, USA were examined to assess the presence, frequency, and loci of occurrence of barnacle pits, and to establish which taxa are involved in pit development.

Six types of divot and pit attributed to barnacles are identified in this study. Type I traces are shallow, oval/semi-circular in outline, with smooth, gently sloped bases. Type II traces are deep, hemispherical pits with smooth bases. Type III traces are deep, circular to subcircular pits with flat bases. Type IV traces are deep, circular to subcircular pits with multiple (4–6) small sub-pits on their bases. Type V traces are cylindrical, penetrative holes. Type VI traces comprise shallow ring-shaped grooves on the surface of the bone. Type I through III traces are identical to the ichnotaxon Karethraichnus lakkos. Type IV traces have not, as yet, been described in the rock record. Type V traces are identical to K. fiale. Type VI traces are identical to Thatchtelithichnus holmani. Barnacle taxa identified as emplacing non-penetrative divots and pits on C. caretta skulls, mandibles, and shell bones include Chelonibia caretta (Type I), Platylepas hexastylos (Types I–IV), Calyptolepas bjorndalae (Types I and II), and Stomatolepas elegans (Types I and II). Type V traces were most likely emplaced by either Stephanolepas muricata or Chelolepas cheloniae. Type VI traces reflect the former attachment of balanid or lepadid barnacles. Embedded barnacles were observed in epidermal material associated with Types I through IV traces but not for Type V and VI traces and thus the relationship is inferred for these latter traces.

Barnacle-related pits, divots, and holes are believed to result from barnacle mediated chemical corrosion into the outer surface of sea turtle bone. The occurrence of these traces provides one of the few preservable lines of evidence of barnacle interactions with sea turtle hosts. Identification of definitive barnacle borings in fossil material will provide evidence of the evolution of platylepadid barnacles and the development of their commensal relationship with chelonid turtles.
Spatiotemporal Modeling in Wireless Communication Networks
Authors: AlQaysi Manhal K. , Behadili Suhad Faisal , Salam Ali
Published: November 2022

تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى تحليل تدفق هجرة الأفراد بين المحافظات العراقية باستخدام بيانات مجهولة حقيقية من شركة كورك تيليكوم في العراق. الغرض من هذا التحليل هو فهم بنية الاتصال وجاذبية المدن أو المحافظات من خلال فحص هجرة التدفق والكثافة السكانية، لذلك من وجهة النظر هذه يتم تصنيفها على أساس الهجرة البشرية في وقت معين. تمت ملاحظة بيانات الهاتف المحمول من نوع المكالمات التفصيلية للمكالمات ((CDRs، والتي تقع في فترة 6 أشهر خلال COVID-19 في العام 2020-2021. وفقًا لطبيعة CDRs، تم تطبيق الخوارزميات المكانية والزمانية المعروفة: نموذج الإشعاع ونموذج الجاذبية لتحليل هذه البيانات، واتضح أنها مكملة للآخر بناءً على النتائج التي تم الحصول عليها. تم تمثيل النتائج من خلال استكشاف التدفقات لكل محافظة على مستويين من التجريد: الماكروسكوب والميزوسكوب. وجدت النتائج أن نماذج التفاعل الزماني المكاني مكملة للآخر، حيث تم حساب التدفقات بواسطة نموذج الإشعاع الذي سيتم استخدامه في نموذج الجاذبية. كما تم الحصول على ملخص للتدفقات بين المحافظات ولكل محافظة على حدة. واستناداً إلى العينة المأخوذة من إجمالي عدد التدفقات، كانت أعلى نسبة جذب بين محافظتي نينوى وذي قار وبلغت٪ ، بينما كانت أقل نسبة جذب بين محافظتي واسط وكربلاء والتي بلغت   . بالإضافة إلى ذلك، أظهرت الخرائط النسبة المئوية لكل محافظة، في إشارة إلى لون كل محافظة، من اللون الفاتح الذي يعني انخفاض الجذب، إلى الغامق الذي يعني الجذب العالي. في المستقبل، من الممكن الحصول على بيانات أكثر تفصيلاً واستخدام خوارزميات الشبكة المعقدة لتحليل هذه البيانات.
Estimation of Parameters for the Gumbel Type-I Distribution under Type-II Censoring Scheme
Authors: Yılmaz Asuman , Kara Mahmut
Published: November 2022

تهدف هذه الورقة إلى تحديد أفضل طرق تقدير المعلمات لمعاملات توزيع كامبل من النوع الأول تحت نظام الرقابة من النوع الثاني. لهذا الغرض، تم الاخذ في الحسبان إجراءات تقدير المعلمات الكلاسيكية و معلم بايسون. كما تم استخدام تقديرات الاحتمالية القصوى لإجراء تقدير المعلمة الكلاسيكي. كذلك تم اشتقاق التوزيعات المقاربة لهذه المقدرات. والتي ليس من الممكن الحصول على حلول صريحة لمقدرات بايسون. ولذلك ، تم أخذ تقنيات سلسلة ماركوف و مونت كارلو ولندلي في الاعتبار لتقدير المعلمات غير المعروفة. في تحليل بايسون ، من المهم جدًا تحديد تركيبة مناسبة من التوزيعات السابقة ودالة الخسارة. ولهذا، تم استخدام توزيعين مختلفين سابقين. أيضًا ، تم التحقق من تقديرات بايسون فيما يتعلق بالمعلمات ذات الأهمية في ظل وظائف الخسارة المختلفة. وتم اُستخدام خوارزمية جبز لأخذ العينات لإنشاء فترات بايسون ذات مصداقية. بعد ذلك ، تتم مقارنة كفاءات مقدرات الاحتمالية القصوى بمقدرات بايز من خلال دراسة محاكاة مونت كارلو واسعة النطاق. لقد ثبت أن مقدر بايسون أكثر كفاءة بكثير من مقدر الاحتمالية القصوى. أخيرًا ، تم أيضًا تقديم مثال واقعي لأغراض التطبيق.
Simultaneous Determination of Piroxicam and Codeine Phosphate Hemihydrate in a Pharmaceutical Dosage Form Using Validated HPLC Method
Authors: Alsaqqa Ammar , Hasian Jameela A. , Al-Laham Anton M.
Published: November 2022

تم تطوير وتوثيق طريقة تحليلية من أجل التعيين المتواقت لمادتي البيروكسيكام والكودئين فوسفات باستخدام كروماتوكرافيا العمود السائلة عالية الأداء (HPLC) حيث تتمتع هذه الطريقة بالبساطة، الانتقائية والدقة. حُقّق الفصل الاستشرابي بواسطة استخدام عمود الفصل C18 من نوع (BDS Hypersil 5μ, 150 mm x 4.6 mm) واستُخدم الميتانول: وقاء فُسفاتي (4:6 حجم/حجم، pH=2.3) كطور متحرك بمعدل جريان 1.1 مل/دقيقة واستخدم طول موجة مكشاف 214 نانومتر. أُجريت اختبارات ملاءمة النظام لتقييم مدى ملاءمة وفعالية النظام الاستشاربي بأكمله. حُسب زمن احتباس مادتي البيروكسيكام والكودئين فوسفات فكانتا 3.95 و1.460 دقيقة، على التوالي. وأجُري التحقق من مصدوقية الطريقة التحليلية المطورة من حيث الخطية والدقة والمضبوطية والنوعية وحد الكشف وحد التقدير الكمي. حيث كان حد الكشف وحد الكم لمادة البيروكسيكام 1.92 مكغ/مل و6.336 مكغ/مل، على التوالي. أما حد الكشف وحد الكم لمادة الكودئين فوسفات فكانتا 0.29 مكغ/مل و0.95 مكغ/مل، على التوالي. أظهرت كلا المادتين الدوائيتين استجابة خطية ضمن المجال 5-50 مكغ/مل. تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى تطوير طريقة تحليلية باستخدام جهاز الاستشراب عالي الأداء والتحقق من مصدوقيتها، ويمكن استخدام الطريقة المقترحة لتقدير هذه الأدوية في الأشكال الجرعية التوليفية لها.
Student teamwork in professional programmes in higher education: a comparative study of Spain and South Africa
Authors: Nudelman Gabrielle , Kalil Claudia , Navarro-Astor Elena , English Jane
Published: November 2022

Teamwork is a fundamental employability skill and, as such, is fostered in professional programmes. This study presents a comparative analysis of higher education students' perceptions, development, and experiences of teamwork at two universities: one in South Africa and the other in Spain. These study sites provided a fruitful opportunity for comparison, given their contextual similarities. Through a survey of 395 3rd and 4th-year students of professional degrees, the authors explored how these students developed the teamwork skills required within their curricula. The findings showed that respondents from both institutions perceive teamwork similarly, but there are significant differences in how these skills are developed. While most South African respondents had participated in courses focused on team functioning, the Spanish had learnt to function in teams during project work. Furthermore, the South African sample was more aware of the impact of socio-cultural factors on team functioning than the Spanish one. The former reported feeling marginalised due to their race, gender and language to a greater extent than the Spanish. The paper outlines the potential benefits of successful teamwork, such as improving social cohesion. The results could be useful to policymakers and lecturers designing context-specific interventions to develop students' teamwork skills.
Fatty acid synthesis suppresses dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid use
Authors: Schlein Christian , Worthmann Anna , Piel Sharlaine , Fischer Alexander , O'Farell Marie , Adak Sangeeta , Kloth Katja , Sundd Monica , Siffeti Hasibullah , Musfeldt Melina , Bierhals Tatjana , Heine Markus , Pauly Mira , Haumann Friederike , Kundu Suman , Fuh Manka , Neu Axel , Beysen Carine , Pertzborn Paul , Schlüter Hartmut , Knippschild Uwe , Tödter Klaus , Hempel Maja , Semenkovich Clay , Heeren Joerg , Scheja Ludger , Kubisch Christian
Published: November 2022

Metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are closely linked to aberrant synthesis of endogenous fatty acids in the liver, called de novo lipogenesis, which is mediated by the enzyme fatty acid synthase (FASN). Endogenously synthesized fatty acids are either saturated or monounsaturated and can adversely affect metabolic health through mechanisms that are not sufficiently understood. Here we show that lipogenesis critically determines the use of food-derived, metabolically beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). We found a patient with a hypofunctional heterozygous de novo Arg2177Cys mutation in FASN, which resulted in a cysteine-dependent, non-enzymatic acetylation of FASN and decreased protein stability. Remarkably, the patient showed markedly elevated levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas patients with high FASN expression in the liver showed diminished levels. Moreover, pharmacological intervention with the FASN-inhibitor TVB-2640 in patients with NASH was sufficient to increase the rate of PUFA use in circulating lipids. In line, the incorporation rate of supplemented omega-3 PUFA in obesogenic diet could be dramatically increased by reducing the lipogenesis rate in mice. Mechanistically, we show that fatty acid storage preferences are determined by an active, enzymatic process dependent on FASN and DGAT2. Our results demonstrate that low lipogenesis rates increase the efficiency of PUFA incorporation into complex lipids, whereas high lipogenesis rates lead to low PUFA use. This has critical clinical implications for the prediction of low therapeutic success of omega-3 supplementation in patients with high lipogenesis and provides evidence for the urgent development of combined therapy options targeting lipogenesis and PUFA supplementation.
Prognostic Factors for Cancer Therapeutics-Related Cardiac Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Current Anthracycline Regimens
Authors: Egashira Koichi , Sueta Daisuke , Tomiguchi Mai , Hidaka Kaori , Goto-Yamaguchi Lisa , Sueta Aiko , Komorita Takashi , Takae Masafumi , Oike Fumi , Fujisue Koichiro , Usuku Hiroki , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Matsushita Kenichi , Yamamoto Yutaka , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: November 2022

Background: Anthracycline therapies cause myocardial damage and the onset of heart failure, depending on their doses. We investigated prognostic factors for cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) in patients receiving modern anthracycline therapies.
Methods: We retrospective investigated 625 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer and received anthracycline therapy at Kumamoto University Hospital between January 2007 and December 2018. We excluded 153 patients because of missing data, and the remaining 472 patients were enrolled in this study. The primary endpoint was the onset of CTRCD. The exact observation end date was December 31, 2020.
Results: Of 472 breast cancer patients with complete data treated with anthracycline, 8 were diagnosed with CTRCD. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that the anthracycline cumulative dose, concomitant use of molecular targeted drugs and a prechemotherapy left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% were independent and significant predictors of the onset of CTRCD.
Conclusions: Even in the modern era, the anthracycline cumulative dose is an independent risk factor for the onset of CTRCD.
Multi objectives Edge Server Placement in Mobile Edge computing Using Trees Social Relations Optimization Algorithm and DVFS technique
Authors: Asghari Ali , Azgom Hossein , Zoraghchian Ali Abbas
Published: November 2022

The advent of fifth-generation(5G) telecommunication technology and the rapid growth of smart mobile equipment have led to many processing demands in this area. Many mobile applications developed with this technological growth. In most cases, the services required by mobile cloud users are offered online. The high volume of processes, such as the Internet of Things, online games, electronic education, and e-commerce, which are processing-oriented, consumes a large amount of energy. The limited power of mobile equipment and their battery capacity causes some users' data and applications to be offloaded on network edge servers. Proper placement of mobile cloud resources has an important impact on their efficiency and energy consumption. The appropriate resource placement model can reduce latency and improve energy consumption. Because of the large number of mobile servers, finding the best geographical placement of all resources is an NP-Hard problem, so researchers have introduced some optimization methods for the problem solution. Parallelization methods can improve the scalability of the resource placement problem and reduce the time complexity of finding the optimal solution. In the proposed method, a novel multi-objective edge server placement algorithm, using the trees social relations optimization algorithm(TSR) and the DVFS(dynamic voltage and frequency scaling) technique (MSP-TD), has been introduced for optimal placement of edge servers to extend the network coverage. The simulation results show that our proposed model leads to less latency and energy consumption reduction than some state-of-the-art and similar algorithms.
Experimental investigation on the expansive characteristics of Gansu clay-sulfate rocks in China subjected to confined compression and cyclic drying-wetting
Authors: Cheng Shufan , Zeng Yawu , Ye Yang , Gao Rui
Published: November 2022

Gansu clay-sulfate rock is a special red-bed rock that formed in an evaporation environment with strong oxidation. Due to the high content of hydrophilic minerals (including clay mineral, sulfate, and carbonate), tunnel in clay-sulfate rock stratum has a potential risk of large expansive deformation after the erosion of groundwater. In this study, a loadable cyclic drying-wetting instrument was designed to simulate the occurrence of the surrounding rock mass of a tunnel experiencing a periodic change in groundwater level. Firstly, a series of drying-wetting cycle tests with different normal pressure were carried on to obtain the expansion regulation of clay-sulfate rock. Then, computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests were carried on to explain the corresponding mechanism in mesoscopic. The test results show that large expansive deformation was generated in the first water immersion and only part of the deformation can be recovered during the later drying process. During the 2–5 cycles, expansion-shrink deformation is much less than in the first cycle, and the volume of the sample tends to be constant. Meanwhile, the degeneration of the clay-sulfate rock was observed in the first cycle by the CT and SEM test. Then the mesostructure of the sample is stable during the 2–5 cycle. It indicates the clay rock, in large part, degenerated to clay soil during the first drying-wetting cycle. Structural degradation and hydration of anhydrite is the main source of irreversible expansive deformation. Moreover, normal stress and confined restraint can reduce or even eliminate the expansive deformation, however, cannot avoid the degeneration of mesostructure. The shear strength of Gansu clay-sulfate rock also decreased after the first drying-wetting cycle, which manifested as the attenuation in both cohesion and internal friction angle.
Ecological network analysis of the carbon metabolism system in mountainous cities based on land-carbon nexus: A case study in the main urban area of Chongqing, China
Authors: Xiang Shujiang , Wang Ying , Deng Hua , Yang Chunmei , Wang Zifang , Gao Ming
Published: November 2022

Land use/cover change (LUCC) under rapid urbanization has led to a sharp increase in urban carbon emissions, an imbalance in carbon budgets, and climate warming. Therefore, the development of urban carbon metabolism research has become key to mitigating global warming and achieving China’s “Dual Carbon” targets. Taking the main urban area of Chongqing, a typical mountainous city in China, as an example, this study accounted for the carbon release and carbon absorption in the main urban area of Chongqing, constructed an urban carbon flow model based on the land-carbon nexus, and finally evaluated the urban carbon metabolic system from 2000 to 2020 by using the ecological network analysis method. The results show that: 1) During the study period, the carbon release of the main urban area of Chongqing was 31.43 times, 31.53 times, 49.43 times, 51.99 times, and 51.58 times that of the carbon absorption in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, respectively. The main urban area of Chongqing is dominated by a “carbon source” effect, and the carbon budget imbalance has increased. 2) The net carbon flow in the main urban area of Chongqing has been negative in the past 20 years, showing a fluctuating downward trend. The negative carbon flow mainly comes from the conversion of cultivated land to construction land, and the positive carbon flow mainly comes from the conversion of construction land to cultivated land and woodland. 3) From the flow analysis, it can be seen that the H-index of the main urban area of Chongqing was 0.287, 0.189, 0.094, and 0.330, in respective chronologically ordered 5-year intervals, during the 20-year study period, showing a “V-shaped” change trend. From the perspective of structure analysis, it is clear that the carbon flow contribution level of each component is ranked as follows: cultivated land ＞ construction land ＞ woodland ＞ water ＞ grassland ＞ unused land. The utility analysis shows that the K-index of the main urban area of Chongqing was1.40, 0.80, 0.57, and 1.40, in respective 5-year intervals, during the study period, showing a “U-shaped” change trend. From the function relationship analysis, it can be seen that the ecological relationship of carbon metabolism in the main urban area of Chongqing is dominated by exploitation and control relationships, which mainly exist in the ecological relationship between construction land and cultivated land, and the spatial distribution is concentrated in the central and western areas of the main urban area of Chongqing. Our research results can provide a reference for Chongqing’s green and low-carbon sustainable development as a means toward the realization of the “Dual Carbon” targets, and provide a reference for other similar mountainous cities in western China.
Using the sociotechnical model to conduct a focused usability assessment of a breast reconstruction decision tool
Authors: Foraker Randi , Phommasathit Crystal , Clevenger Kaleigh , Lee Clara , Boateng Jessica , Shareef Napiera , Politi Mary
Published: November 2022

Background: BREASTChoice is a web-based decision tool about breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The current focused usability assessment was designed to elicit patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators for implementing BREASTChoice into the clinical workflow.
Methods: We conducted think-aloud protocols and qualitative interviews with patients and clinicians from two Midwestern medical centers from August 2020 to April 2021. We used the sociotechnical framework to evaluate BREASTChoice’s implementation and sustainability potential according to end-users, human-computer interaction, and contextual factors.
Results: Twelve clinicians and ten patients completed interviews. Using the sociotechnical framework, we determined the following. People Using the Tool: Patients and clinicians agreed that BREASTChoice could help patients make more informed decisions about their reconstruction, and prepare better for their first plastic surgery appointment. Workflow and Communications: They felt that BREASTChoice could improve communication and the decision process if the patient could view the tool before the clinical visit. Clinicians suggested the information from BREASTChoice about patients’ risks and preferences be included in the patient’s chart or the clinician electronic health record (EHR) inbox for accessibility during the consultation. Human Computer Interface: Patients and clinicians stated that the tool contains helpful information, does not require much time for the patient to use, and efficiently fills gaps in knowledge. Although patients found the risk profile information helpful, they reported needing time to read and digest it.
Conclusion: BREASTChoice was perceived as highly usable by patients and clinicians and has the potential for sustainability. Future research will implement and test the tool after integrating the stakeholder-suggested changes to its delivery process and content. It is critical to conduct usability assessments such as these prior to decision tool implementation in order to improve workflow and risk communication.
Persistence of Toscana virus in sugar and blood meals of phlebotomine sand flies: epidemiological and experimental consequences
Authors: Laroche Lison , Ayhan Nazli , Charrel Rémi , Bañuls Anne-Laure , Prudhomme Jorian
Published: November 2022

Many virological studies have tested the persistence of enveloped RNA viruses in various environmental and laboratory conditions and shown their short-term persistence. In this article, we analyzed Toscana virus (TOSV) infectivity, a pathogenic sandfly-borne phlebovirus, in two different conditions: in the sugar meal and blood meal of sand flies. Our results showed that TOSV RNA was detectable up to 15 days in sugar solution at 26°C and up to 6 hours in blood at 37°C. Moreover, TOSV remains infective for 7 days in sugar solution and for minimum 6 hours in rabbit blood. TOSV has shown persistent infectivity/viability under different conditions, which can lead to important epidemiological consequences and raises new hypotheses about its natural cycle.
Targeting RNA-binding protein HuR to inhibit the progression of renal tubular fibrosis
Authors: Huang Zhimin , Liu Simeng , Tang Anna , Wu Xiaoqing , Aube Jeffrey , Xu Liang , Huang Yufeng
Published: November 2022

Background
Upregulation of an RNA-binding protein HuR has been implicated in glomerular diseases. Herein, we evaluated whether it is involved in renal tubular fibrosis.
Methods
HuR was firstly examined in human kidney biopsy tissue with tubular disease. Second, its expression and the effect of HuR inhibition with KH3 on tubular injury were further assessed in a mouse model induced by a unilateral renal ischemia/reperfusion (IR). KH3 (50 mg·kg–1) was given daily via intraperitoneal injection from day 3 to 14 after IR. Last, one of HuR-targeted pathways was examined in cultured proximal tubular cells.
Results
HuR significantly increases at the site of tubular injury both in progressive CKD in patients and in IR-injured kidneys in mice, accompanied by upregulation of HuR targets that are involved in inflammation, profibrotic cytokines, oxidative stress, proliferation, apoptosis, tubular EMT process, matrix remodeling and fibrosis in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. KH3 treatment reduces the IR-induced tubular injury and fibrosis, accompanied by the remarkable amelioration in those involved pathways. A panel of mRNA array further revealed that 519 molecules in mouse kidney following IR injury changed their expression and 71.3% of them that are involved in 50 profibrotic pathways, were ameliorated when treated with KH3. In vitro, TGFβ1 induced tubular HuR cytoplasmic translocation and subsequent tubular EMT, which were abrogated by KH3 administration in cultured HK-2 cells.
Conclusions
These results suggest that excessive upregulation of HuR contributes to renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by dysregulating genes involved in multiple profibrotic pathways and activating the TGFß1/HuR feedback circuit in tubular cells. Inhibition of HuR may have therapeutic potential for tubular fibrosis.
Pelvic three-dimensional ultrasound is a practical tool for assessing anal fistula
Authors: Ren Junyi , Gu Liangrui , Li WeiMei
Published: November 2022

Objective
In this study, we investigated the diagnostic value of pelvic floor three-dimensional ultrasound for anal fistula.
Methods
Sixty-seven patients (62 males) with anal fistula were included in the study. All patients underwent pelvic floor three-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging before the operation.. The type of fistula and the number of internal openings were documented. These parameters were compared with the postoperative outcomes.
Results
At surgery, 11(14%) were intersphincteric, 55(68%) transsphincteric, 10(12%) suprasphincteric and 5(6%) extrasphincteric. There were no significant differences(P > 0.05) in the accuracy rates of pelvic three-dimensional ultrasound and MRI, in terms of anal fistulas (97.01%, 94.03%), internal openings (97.92%, 94.79%) and those under Parks classification (97.53%, 93.83%).
Conclusion
Three-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound is an accurate and reproducible method for detecting anal fistulas and internal openings, as well as determining the type of fistula.
A New Hybrid Approach for Desulfurization of Diesel Fuel and Straight Run Gas Oil using MIM-PW11CuO39@CuO as a Heterogeneous Nanocatalyst
Authors: Roustaei Sajjad , Taheri Alireza
Published: November 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Multi-objective optimizing high strength concrete using meta-heuristic genetic algorithm
Authors: masihi mohsen
Published: November 2022

Reducing the cost of concrete construction as the most expensive building material reduces the overall cost of construction high-strength concrete (HSC). In the present study, to achieve this goal, the mix design of HSC is optimized in terms of strength and price using the meta-heuristic genetic algorithm (HGA). To do this, in the first step, a series of experimental data was considered as basic information and then, a mix design function was obtained to determine 28-day compressive strength and a slump calculation function using meta-HGA m in MATLAB software. In the next step, strength-price function was optimized using the meta HGA by changing the material ratios in the mix design, the price of the materials in each mix design and applying the required conditions of HSC including slump obtained from slump calculation function. Then, a comparison was performed between the results of this algorithm and the regression method, the results showed the better responses of the algorithm compared to regression for both factors of strength and price with the values of 10.2% and 6.5%, respectively. In addition, the construction of the mix design resulting from responses of the algorithm and regression in laboratory indicates that more than 97% of the strength was achieved at 28 days of age.
Health professional assisted Kangaroo mother care practice in Ethiopian health care facilities: Evidence from the 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey
Authors: Kassaw Mesfin , Abebe Ayele Mamo , Tegegne Kirubel Dagnaw
Published: November 2022

Background: Worldwide, 15million children born prematurely every year and over one million of them died because of premature birth complications. However, three-fourths of deaths from preterm birth complications are preventable without intensive care units. One of the prevention methods is Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). KMC is a method of holding neonate in skin-to skin contact immediately following birth or latter in upright prone position on the maternal chest. An evidence stated that KMC can prevent up to half of all deaths in neonates weighing <2000gm at birth. The Ethiopian government also developed and has been implementing a guideline on putting all low birth weight (LBW) neonates at KMC. The aim of this study was to assess health professionals’ assisted Kangaroo mother care practice and its associated factors among mothers who gave birth at health facility in Ethiopia.
Methodology: This study used the 2016Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data (EDHS). The 2016EDHS used a stratified two stage sampling method to select a representative sample for the country. According to the 2016 EDHS data, all the regions were stratified into urban and rural areas. Before analyzing the data, weighting, cluster and strata adjustment were performed to get representative sample and appropriate to population size estimates. The study sample used in this study after cleaning the children’s dataset from the 2016EDHS is 2,760. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between health professional assisted KMC practice and predefined independent variables.
Results: Mothers who gave birth in a health facility and practiced kangaroo mother care were 1808 (62.1%), 95% CI (60.3, 63.9).The remained mothers did not practice KMC, although they gave birth in health facilities under the support of trained health professionals.
In the multivariable logistic regression analysis; only wealth index, poorest (AOR, (95%CI)), (0.60, (0.43, 0.81)), and poorer (0.62, (0.46, 0.86)) socio-economic status were decreasing the practice of health professionals assisted KMC practice.
Conclusions: The coverage of health professional assisted KMC practice was low, which was far lower than the expectation for mothers who gave birth in health facilities. Low socio-economic status (low wealth index) was associated with lack of practicing KMC. The minister of health and research institutes may study further why mothers from low income did not practicing KMC while they are in health facilities’ KMC center.
Discovery of an Ir-ate Catalyst for Ultra-efficient Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Ketones with 3S Character (Stable, Speed and Selectivity)
Authors: Yin Congcong , Jiang Yafei , Huang Fanping , Xu Cong-Qiao , Pan Yingmin , Gao Shuang , Chen Gen-Qiang , Ding Xiaobing , Lang Qiwei , Bai Shao-Tao , Li Jun , Zhang Xumu
Published: November 2022

Reduction of organocarbonyl compounds occupies a large space in organic synthesis and mass production of fuels, chemicals and materials. 1-9 Instead of using stoichiometric reduction agents, the development of ultra-efficient homogeneous hydrogenation catalysts using green dihydrogen is one of the foremost challenges in the transition from chiral resolution toward selective production of chiral entities, as evidenced from the growing capacity and quantity of production plants. 10,11 However, despite useful enantioselectivities (>98% ee) are often obtained in asymmetric hydrogenation (AH) of ketones, the celebrated Noyori-type catalysts are currently limited in few million turnover numbers (TONs) and a hundred turnover frequencies (TOFs). 12-24 Challenges especially remain for nitrogen-containing ketones that are relevant to construction of high-value bioactive compounds where at most 10,000 TONs are reported. Here, by integration of the concepts of multidentate ligation and ate-type complex, we report the first ultra-efficient Ir-ate catalyst for highly selective construction of chiral alcohols via AH of ketones with remarkable, biocatalysis-like 3S capacity of >99% ee (enantiomeric excess) selectivity, 13,425,000 turnover number (TON) and 253 s-1 turnover frequency (TOF). With this Ir-ate catalyst a selective industrial route to chiral nicotine at 500 kg batch scale has been established, already providing 40 tons of product. Mechanistic studies reveal a novel ONa/MH bifunctional mechanism of the Ir-ate catalyst. Such concept is yet to be explored and may have a major impact in applied homogeneous catalysis.
Wolfram Syndrome: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Danyang Du , Tuhuti Aihemaitijiang , Yanrong Ma , Abuduniyimu Munila , Suli Li , Guoying Ma , Zynat Jazyra , Guo Yanying
Published: November 2022

Background:Wolfram syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive multisystem neurodegenerative disease, mainly with diabetes, optic atrophy, sensorineural deafness, and diabetes as the main features. Because of clinical phenotype heterogeneity, its misdiagnosed rate is high. However, early accurate diagnosis and comprehensive management is the key to improving the quality of life and prolonging life.
Results:This study reported 11 patients from 7 WS pedigrees with 10 mutation sites (c.1314_1317delCTTT, c.C529T, c.C529A, c.G2105A, c.C1885T, c.1859_1860del, c.G2020A, c.C529A, c.G2105A, c.G1393C) of the WFS1 gene.We further conducted expert department analysis to clarify the diagnosis and analyze the correlation between gene and phenotype.
Conclusions: We found that the genotype of the patients was closely related with the phenotype. And the genotype-phenotype correlation was analyzed combined with the clinical data of the patients, to provide the basis for the diagnosis and clinical management of the disease.
Clinical profile and outcome of children with shock admitted at a tertiary hospital in Addis Ababa
Authors: Gellan Tewodros Gulema , Bedada Sisay Degefa , Besir Fikretsion Degemu , Tesfaye Michael Hawlet , Biratu Mulualeme Nigusie , Shifa Desalegn Mechal
Published: November 2022

Background: Shock is an acute syndrome characterized by the body's inability to deliver adequate oxygen to meet the metabolic demands of vital organs and tissues. Early diagnosis and initiation of aggressive management is critical before it reaches irreversible stage and finally death occurs
Objective: To determine the prevalence, type, outcome and determinants of outcome of shock in children at Saint Paul hospital Millennium Medical College.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical study conducted from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 at Saint Paul hospital Millennium Medical College, a tertiary teaching hospital. All Children above neonatal age with a diagnosis of shock was included in the study.
Results: Out of 1605 patients seen in the pediatric department 31 (1.9%) of them were diagnosed with shock. The most common type of shock was hypovolemic shock (64.2%) followed by septic shock (32.3%) and only 1 patient with a diagnosis of cardiogenic shock. Most of the participants were below the age of two years (74.2%). Mortality rate was 25.8%. Highest mortality was seen in septic shock (50%) and in hypovolemic shock (15%). Significant correlation was found between hypoglycemia, need of mechanical ventilation support, multi organ dysfunction and poor outcome with P value of 0.038, 0.04, and 0.00 respectively.
Conclusion: Hypovolemic shock was the commonest type of shock. Septic shock carries the highest mortality. Hypoglycemia, need of MV support, and MOD was significantly related with poor outcome