bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis: Pre‐transplant does not predict the early post‐transplant outcome
Authors: Chouik Yasmina , Francoz Claire , De Martin Eleonora , Guillaud Olivier , Abergel Armand , Altieri Mario , Barbier Louise , Besch Camille , Chazouillères Olivier , Conti Filomena , Corpechot Christophe , Dharancy Sébastien , Durand François , Duvoux Christophe , Gugenheim Jean , Hardwigsen Jean , Hilleret Marie‐Noëlle , Houssel‐Debry Pauline , Kamar Nassim , Minello Anne , Neau‐Cransac Martine , Pageaux Georges‐Philippe , Radenne Sylvie , Roux Olivier , Saliba Faouzi , Samuel Didier , Vanlemmens Claire , Woehl‐Jaegle Marie‐Lorraine , Leroy Vincent , Duclos‐Vallée Jean‐Charles , Dumortier Jérôme
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare indication (<5%) for liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to describe the early outcome after LT for AIH.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective nationwide study including all patients aged ≥16 transplanted for AIH in France was conducted. Occurrences of biliary and vascular complications, rejection, sepsis, retransplantation and death were collected during the first year after LT.

Results

A total of 344 patients (78.8% of women, 17.0% of (sub)fulminant hepatitis and 19.2% of chronic liver diseases transplanted in the context of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure [ACLF]) were included, with a median age at LT of 43.6 years. Acute rejection, sepsis, biliary and vascular complications occurred in respectively 23.5%, 44.2%, 25.3% and 17.4% of patients during the first year after LT. One‐year graft and patient survivals were 84.3% and 88.0% respectively. The main cause of early death was sepsis. Pre‐LT immunosuppression was not associated with an increased risk for early infections or surgical complications. Significant risk factors for septic events were LT in the context of (sub)fulminant hepatitis or ACLF, acute kidney injury at the time of LT (AKI) and occurrence of biliary complications after LT. AKI was the only independent factor associated with graft (HR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1–5.4; p = .02) and patient survivals (HR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.0–6.5; p = .04).

Conclusion

Early prognosis is good after LT for AIH and is not impacted by pre‐LT immunosuppression but by the presence of AKI at the time of LT.
Detection of ferric iron in an exsolved lunar pyroxene using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS): Implications for space weathering and redox conditions on the Moon
Authors: Cymes Brittany A. , Burgess Katherine D. , Stroud Rhonda M.
Published: December 2022

To shed light on the mechanism of formation of nanophase iron particles (npFe) in space‐weathered materials from airless bodies, we analyzed exsolved and unexsolved space‐weathered lunar pyroxenes from Apollo 17 sample 71501. The exsolved pyroxene allowed for the observation of the effects of space weathering on similar mineral phases with variable composition. Using coordinated scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), we determined that two coexisting pyroxenes in the exsolved grain showed systematic variations in response to space weathering, despite equivalent exposure conditions. The npFe in the space‐weathered rim of augite lamellae were smaller and fewer than the npFe in the rim of pigeonite lamellae. EELS spectrum imaging revealed the presence and heterogeneous distribution of Fe0, Fe2+, and Fe3+ in the exsolved pyroxene. Metallic iron occurred in the npFe, a mixture of Fe2+ and Fe3+ occurred in the pigeonite lamellae, and the augite lamellae contained virtually all Fe3+. Approximately 50% of the total Fe measured in the exsolved pyroxene grain was ferric. Partitioning of Fe2+ and Fe3+ among the lamellae is invoked to explain the difference in npFe development in pigeonite and augite. The results of this study, the first to identify Fe3+ in a crystalline lunar ferromagnesian silicate, have implications for our understanding of how space weathering might proceed in oxidized phases. Furthermore, the discovery of an Fe3+‐rich pyroxene also supports attribution of the 0.7 μm absorption feature observed in Galileo Solid State Imager data to oxidized Fe in clinopyroxenes.
Atypical life cycle does not lead to inbreeding or selfing in parasites despite clonemate accumulation in intermediate hosts
Authors: Keeney Devon B. , Cobb Sarah A. , Jadin Robert C. , Orlofske Sarah A.
Published: December 2022

Many parasites utilize asexual and sexual reproduction and multiple hosts to complete their life cycles. How these taxa avoid inbreeding is an essential question for understanding parasite evolution and ecology. Aquatic trematodes that require multiple host species may benefit from diverse genetic parasite assemblages accumulating within second intermediate hosts prior to sexual reproduction in definitive hosts. However, Cotylurus species are able to utilize the same snail species as first and second intermediate hosts, potentially resulting in the accumulation of genetically identical clones (clonemates) prior to sexual reproduction. In this study, we developed and analysed novel microsatellite loci to determine if clones are accumulating within snail hosts prior to ingestion by bird hosts and the effects this could have on parasite inbreeding. Contrary to previous studies of aquatic trematodes, significantly large numbers of clonemates were present within snails, but full‐sibs were not. Genetic structure was present over a relatively small geographical scale despite the use of vagile definitive hosts. Phylogenetic analysis identified the Cotylurus sp. clones as belonging to a single species. Despite the presence of clones within snails, mating between clones/selfing was not common and heterozygosity is maintained within individuals. Potential issues with clones mating may be mitigated by the presence of snails with numerous clones, the consumption of many snails by bird hosts and parasite clone recognition/avoidance. Use of the same host species for multiple life stages may have advantages when parasites are able to avoid inbreeding and the required hosts are common.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis induces delayed lipid droplet accumulation in dendritic cells depending on bacterial viability and virulence
Authors: Costa Maria Fernanda de Souza , Pereira‐Dutra Filipe , Deboosere Nathalie , Jouny Samuel , Song Ok‐Ryul , Iack Guilherme , Souza Andreia Lamoglia , Roma Eric Henrique , Delorme Vincent , Bozza Patricia T. , Brodin Priscille
Published: December 2022

Tuberculosis remains a global health threat with high morbidity. Dendritic cells (DCs) participate in the acute and chronic inflammatory responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) by directing the adaptive immune response and are present in lung granulomas. In macrophages, the interaction of lipid droplets (LDs) with mycobacteria‐containing phagosomes is central to host‐pathogen interactions. However, the data available for DCs are still a matter of debate. Here, we reported that bone marrow‐derived DCs (BMDCs) were susceptible to Mtb infection and replication at similar rate to macrophages. Unlike macrophages, the analysis of gene expression showed that Mtb infection induced a delayed increase in lipid droplet‐related genes and proinflammatory response. Hence, LD accumulation has been observed by high‐content imaging in late periods. Infection of BMDCs with killed H37Rv demonstrated that LD accumulation depends on Mtb viability. Moreover, infection with the attenuated strains H37Ra and Mycobacterium bovis‐BCG induced only an early transient increase in LDs, whereas virulent Mtb also induced delayed LD accumulation. In addition, infection with the BCG strain with the reintroduced virulence RD1 locus induced higher LD accumulation and bacterial replication when compared to parental BCG. Collectively, our data suggest that delayed LD accumulation in DCs is dependent on mycobacterial viability and virulence.
Clinical development of novel therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy—Current and future
Authors: Tominari Tsukasa , Aoki Yoshitsugu
Published: December 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most common muscle degenerative disease, is an X‐linked genetic disorder caused by the loss or reduction of dystrophin protein, resulting in progressive muscle wasting, and involving skeletal, cardiac, and respiratory muscles. There is currently no cure for DMD, and an anti‐inflammatory steroid is the conventional treatment to delay disease progression. Recently, several therapeutic approaches have been developed to improve patient quality of life and even to treat the underlying cause of the disease. These approaches include exon‐skipping, stop‐codon read‐through, vector‐mediated gene therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Exon‐skipping is one of the most promising techniques, and four exon‐skipping drugs have received approval, including NS‐065/NCNP‐01 (viltolarsen) in Japan and the USA. The read‐through drug, Ataluren, has received approval in the EU. Vector‐mediated therapy and cell transplantation are also attractive approaches, and currently, clinical trials are ongoing for some drugs. Furthermore, several studies have developed innovative approaches for DMD treatment, such as multiple exon skipping, gene editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)‐ or inducible pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐based cell transplantation. In this review, we summarize current therapeutic approaches for DMD treatment.
Chlorhexidine‐based versus non‐chlorhexidine dressings to prevent catheter‐related bloodstream infections: An evidence‐based review
Authors: Azzopardi Anthea , Trapani Josef
Published: December 2022

In patients with central venous catheters (CVCs) in situ, the development of catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) is often linked with increased morbidity and mortality. Sterile gauze or transparent polyurethane dressings are conventionally used as extraluminal barriers; however, antimicrobial chlorhexidine CVC dressings could potentially reduce infection risk. This short evidence‐based review examined the literature comparing the effectiveness of chlorhexidine‐based CVC dressings against non‐chlorhexidine dressings in reducing CRBSI occurrence. Four systematic reviews with meta‐analysis were reviewed, all of which reported a statistically significant reduction in CRBSI occurrence on using chlorhexidine‐based dressings. Further research is needed to determine the cost‐effectiveness of chlorhexidine‐based CVC dressings and their effectiveness in reducing CRBSIs in different catheter types and entry sites because infection risk is not uniform.
Chronic opioid users with dysphagia are indistinguishable from symptomatic nonusers on functional lumen imaging probe evaluation
Authors: Patel Devan , Khodadadi Alexandra , Jadcherla Aditya , Rengarajan Arvind , Rogers Benjamin D. , Gyawali C. Prakash
Published: December 2022

Background

Opioid‐induced esophageal dysmotility (OIED) includes spastic esophageal motility disorders, increasingly recognized in the contemporary opioid epidemic. We assessed functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) findings in diagnosing OIED.

Methods

Symptomatic patients undergoing FLIP with no prior foregut surgery who completed validated questionnaires were identified and segregated into chronic opioid users and nonusers in this cohort study. Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility index (DI), EGJ diameter, and esophageal body contraction patterns were extracted. Symptom profiles were compared to FLIP findings between chronic opioid users and nonusers. Outcome was evaluated in a subset using the same validated questionnaires.

Results

Over the 18‐months study period, of 116 patients (median age 62 years, 70.7% female), 33 (28.4%) were chronic opioid users, with median morphine milligram equivalent of 30 mg. While presenting symptoms were similar, chronic opioid users reported higher perceptive symptoms (p = 0.008) and worse quality of life (p = 0.01) compared to nonusers. Median DI trended lower in chronic opioid users (p = 0.08), with more retrograde repetitive contractions (p < 0.001) and less absent contractility (p = 0.007), but final FLIP diagnoses were similar compared to nonusers. There was no correlation between opioid dose and FLIP metrics. In the subset with follow‐up, perceptive symptoms trended higher in chronic opioid users (p = 0.08), but symptom improvement following therapy was similar in both groups.

Conclusions & Inferences

Symptomatic chronic opioid users have FLIP diagnoses that are similar to nonusers, despite higher perceptive symptoms and worse quality of life. Dominant symptoms improve both in chronic opioid users and nonusers following treatment directed by FLIP.
Comparative effectiveness of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists for the management of obesity in adults without diabetes: A network meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Alkhezi Omar S. , Alahmed Abdullah A. , Alfayez Osamah M. , Alzuman Osama A. , Almutairi Abdulaali R. , Almohammed Omar A.
Published: December 2022

Tirzepatide is a new glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) that has shown promising results for weight loss. A Bayesian network meta‐analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of GLP‐1RAs for obesity management. Embase and MEDLINE were searched looking for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy of GLP‐1RAs for weight loss in patients without diabetes. The main efficacy outcomes evaluated were the mean change in actual and percentage weight loss and the proportion of patients with weight loss of ≥5%–20%. Main safety outcomes evaluated include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, pancreatitis, gallbladder‐related disorders, and withdrawal due to adverse events. Seven RCTs with more than 12,300 patients were analyzed, including patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2, or BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 with comorbidities. Weekly tirzepatide 10 and 15 mg resulted in more weight loss than weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg, daily semaglutide 0.4 mg, or liraglutide 3 mg. Tirzepatide and weekly semaglutide demonstrated comparable results but with significantly higher odds of achieving ≥5%–20% weight loss compared with liraglutide. GLP‐1RAs triggered more gastrointestinal adverse events than placebo, with no in‐between difference. Although all GLP‐1RAs lead to significant weight reduction, tirzepatide was associated with better efficacy outcomes while having a comparable safety profile.
Association of temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis with dentoskeletal morphology in males: A cone‐beam computed tomography and cephalometric analysis
Authors: Zhang Qinlanhui , Gong Yanji , Liu Fang , Wang Jun , Xiong Xin , Liu Yang
Published: December 2022

Objective

The objective of the study was to assess the differences in dentoskeletal morphology in males with and without temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis (TMJOA).

Methods

Three hundred seventy‐one male participants seeking orthodontic treatment were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Each participant's osseous status was evaluated using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and classified into normal (N = 104), indeterminate for TMJOA (N = 110) and TMJOA (N = 157) groups. The dentoskeletal characteristics were evaluated using cephalograms. Stratified analysis was performed based on age and skeletal pattern. Descriptive statistics and one‐way analysis of variance were performed to investigate dentoskeletal differences among groups. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The differences in posterior cranial base length, FMA, MP‐OP, anterior facial height, articular angle, ramus height and L1‐MP were statistically significant. After stratification by age, the differences in FMA, maxillomandibular angle, posterior facial height, facial height ratio, gonial angle and mandibular body length were statistically significant in adults. No statistical difference except for articular angle was observed in adolescents. After stratification by skeletal pattern, statistical differences were mainly apparent in skeletal Class II adults.

Conclusion

Males with TMJOA showed a posteriorly positioned and backward‐rotated mandible, especially in skeletal Class II adults. Compared with women, the craniofacial morphology of men is less affected by TMJOA. The association between TMJOA and craniofacial morphology also varied across different age groups and skeletal patterns. Prospective studies are required to clarify the cause–effect relationship between TMJOA and craniofacial morphology in males.
Bilateral theta‐burst stimulation on emotional processing in major depressive disorder: A functional neuroimaging study from a randomized, double‐blind, sham‐controlled trial
Authors: Chou Po‐Han , Tu Cheng‐Hao , Chen Chun‐Ming , Lu Ming‐Kuei , Tsai Chon‐Haw , Hsieh Wan‐Ting , Lai Hui‐Chen , Satyanarayanan Senthil Kumaran , Su Kuan‐Pin
Published: December 2022

Aim

Bilateral theta‐burst stimulation (biTBS; intermittent TBS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC] and continuous TBS over the right DLPFC) has demonstrated efficacy in improving symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the underlying brain mechanisms remain unknown. The authors aimed to investigate the antidepressant efficacy of biTBS monotherapy and its effects on the brain responses measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during emotional processing in MDD.

Methods

The authors conducted a double‐blind, randomized, sham‐controlled trial of patients with MDD who exhibited no responses to at least one adequate antidepressant treatment for the prevailing episode. Recruited patients were randomly assigned to 10 biTBS monotherapy or sham stimulation sessions. The fMRI scans during performing emotional recognition task were obtained at baseline and after 10 sessions of treatment. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 21‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression at baseline and the weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 week.

Results

The biTBS group (n = 17) exhibited significant decreases in depression scores compared with the sham group (n = 11) at week 8 (70% vs 40%; P = 0.02), and the significant differences persisted during the 24‐week follow‐up periods. At week 4, when the treatment course was completed, patients in the biTBS group, but not in the sham group, exhibited increased brain activities over the left superior and middle frontal gyrus during negative emotional stimuli.

Conclusion

The authors’ findings provide the first evidence regarding the underlying neural mechanisms of biTBS therapy to improve clinical symptoms in patients with MDD.
Alveolar ridge preservation: Complications and cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Barootchi Shayan , Tavelli Lorenzo , Majzoub Jad , Stefanini Martina , Wang Hom‐Lay , Avila‐Ortiz Gustavo
Published: December 2022

Alveolar ridge preservation is routinely indicated in clinical practice with the purpose of attenuating postextraction ridge atrophy. Over the past two decades numerous clinical studies and reviews on this topic have populated the literature. In recent years the focus has primarily been on analyzing efficacy outcomes pertaining to postextraction dimensional changes, whereas other relevant facets of alveolar ridge preservation therapy have remained unexplored. With this premise, we carried out a comprehensive evidence‐based assessment of the complications associated with different modalities of alveolar ridge preservation and modeled the cost‐effectiveness of different therapeutic modalities as a function of changes in ridge width and height. We conclude that, among allogeneic and xenogeneic bone graft materials, increased expenditure does not translate into increased effectiveness of alveolar ridge preservation therapy. On the other hand, a significant association between expenditure on a barrier membrane and reduced horizontal and vertical ridge resorption was observed, though only to a certain degree, beyond which the return on investment was significantly diminished.
Repeated burns fail to restore pine regeneration to the natural range of variability in a Sierra Nevada mixed‐conifer forest, U.S.A.
Authors: May Carolina J. , Zald Harold S. J. , North Malcom P. , Gray Andrew N. , Hurteau Matthew D.
Published: December 2022

Fire‐exclusion has acted as a major perturbation on dry conifer forests in the western United States, increasing tree density and, in mixed‐conifer forests, the dominance of shade‐tolerant species. Restoration efforts aim to reverse these effects by reducing stand density, restoring relative proportions of tree species, and reintroducing recurrent fire, but there are limited long‐term data on the effects of repeated burning on tree regeneration. We analyzed two decades of seedling and overstory data from the Teakettle Experimental Forest in the southern Sierra Nevada, California, United States to determine how thinning and repeated burning affect seedling establishment and overstory recruitment. Across treatments, pine seedling densities remained much lower than shade‐tolerant seedling densities. We found repeated burns led to modest increases in sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) and substantial increases in incense‐cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) seedling densities 4 years postburn. No significant differences in seedling densities among repeated burning treatments were detected for Jeffrey pine (P. jeffreyi) or white fir (Abies concolor). Estimates of natural midstory recruitment were much higher among white fir and incense‐cedar than pines, even following treatments. However, postharvest planting increased rates of pine midstory recruitment in overstory thinned treatments. Our results suggest that fire‐exclusion may have shifted the ecosystem out of its initial domain of attraction, creating a forest dominated by shade‐tolerant species that exhibits hysteresis by resisting a return to a natural range of variability even after restoring structure and process. Planting pine species may be effective at overcoming this resistance to restore the forest to a pine‐dominated state.
Social institutions, gender attitudes and female labour force participation in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Zawaira Tendai , Clance Matthew , Chisadza Carolyn
Published: December 2022

Using data from the Ethnographic Atlas and World Values Survey within a structural equation modelling (GSEM) framework, we analyse how historical social institutions and current gender attitudes influence female employment outcomes, specifically female labour force participation in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). We find that patriarchal systems generally reduce female labour force participation, in relation to matriarchal systems. We also find that current gender attitudes have negative effects that appear to be dominated by the historical social institutions. The findings suggest that historical social institutions are important in understanding gender dynamics in SSA because they inform on gender identification and appropriate gender roles.
External merge in spec,CP: Complementizers projecting an argument
Authors: Burukina Irina
Published: December 2022

The standard assumption that spec,CP is always an A′ position has been questioned for several languages where embedded C heads are involved in agreement and case assignment; however, the idea that no XP can be introduced in spec,CP by external merge has remained unchallenged. The article presents novel data from control phenomena in Mari (Uralic; nominative, SOV) and argues that, in this language, a particular type of C head is capable of thematically licensing an overt argument externally merged in spec,CP: the complementizer manən used in infinitival complement clauses projects a dative goal of communication. This behavior of manən follows from its dual nature: it is a semigrammaticalized verb ‘say’ that retains some lexical characteristics. I further suggest that the dative goal can be considered an overt realization of the addressee discourse variable, in line with the recent work on the presence of speaker, addressee, and logophoric center in syntax.
Effects of HIV infection and/or malaria on maternal and neonatal health in a high‐prevalence setting
Authors: Jaén‐Sánchez Nieves , González‐Azpeitia Gloria , Carranza‐Rodriguez Cristina , Muianganisso Anselmo Joaquim , Torres Laura Vallejo , Pérez‐Arellano José Luis
Published: December 2022

Objective

HIV infection and malaria have been associated with different complications during pregnancy and delivery. HIV‐positive pregnant women are at increased risk for all adverse outcomes of malaria during pregnancy. The main objective was to analyse the obstetric and perinatal consequences of malaria, HIV infection and HIV/malaria co‐infection in pregnant women and newborns, which has been less well evaluated.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out in the Maternity Service of the Provincial Hospital of Tete Mozambique, involving completion of a structured questionnaire that included demographic data, and information on the current pregnancy, delivery and the newborn. In total, 819 women (13–45 years old) in the immediate postpartum period were enrolled between 1 March and 31 October 2016.

Results

The overall prevalence of HIV and malaria, considered separately, in pregnant women was ~12% (103 women with HIV and 101 with malaria). Only one‐fifth of HIV‐infected women knew their HIV status before pregnancy. A significantly higher proportion of women with HIV attended four or more antenatal care visits than women without HIV. Caesarean section was less frequent in HIV patients, and peripartum urinary infection was more frequent than in seronegative women (13/103 [12.6%] vs. 34/716 [4.7%]). HIV/malaria co‐infection were 17/819 (2%) and was significantly associated with the development of pre‐eclampsia when HIV‐infected patients received anti‐retroviral treatment, and with an increase in urinary tract infections around delivery. With respect to the newborn, co‐infection increased the frequency of early neonatal death, as well as neonatal asphyxia and jaundice.

Conclusions

In Mozambique, the prevalence of malaria and HIV infection in women of childbearing age continues to be high and contributes additively to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and in the newborn. Therefore, integrating HIV, malaria and reproductive health services is essential if maternal and foetal outcomes are to improve.
Causal Relationship amongst Risk Factors Impacting the Adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Nigeria
Authors: Bello Amina Sani , Abdullahi Muhammad , Ahmadu Hassan Adaviriku
Published: December 2022

As the performance of BIM could be impaired when unidentified risks are present during implementation, it has become important for the construction industry of different countries to identify these risk factors as well as the causal relationships amongst them. In Nigeria, while risk factors impacting implementation of BIM have been identified, no attempt exist to unravel the causal relationship amongst these risk factors. This study thus, aims to assess causal relationship amongst risk factors impacting BIM implementation in Nigeria. Through extensive review of literature, risk factors totalling up to 54 were identified and assessed via a questionnaire survey administered to 256 construction firms in major cities of Nigeria, namely; Lagos, Abuja and Kaduna. Categorisations existing in previous literature were used as a basis to group the risk factors into 5 constructs, namely; technological, management, financial, legal and environmental factors while Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to assess the causal relationship. It was found that technological risk factors’ effect on management factors was strong and positive. In turn, management factors’ effect on environmental factors was strong and positive as well. This implies that risk factors requiring much attention are the technological factors. The study’s findings provide construction organisations in Nigeria with knowledge of risk factors possessing highest cause and effect on others, thereby enabling appropriate risk mitigation strategies. The study concludes that construction organisations in Nigeria intending to adopt and implement BIM should formulate risk-response strategies for technological risk factors. Also, findings from the study provide a platform for risk factors to be assessed at project as well as industry levels.
Branding the Capital City through Multi-Perspective Approach: The Case of ‘Enjoy Jakarta’ Campaign
Authors: Lestari Forina , Md Dali Melasutra , Che-Ha Norbani
Published: December 2022

Place branding has become a powerful tool for promoting cities and regions. Unfortunately, many urban managers have been preoccupied with creating slogans and logos in implementing place branding. This has eventually limited the contribution of place branding towards tourism development, for which most place branding is targeted. This study aims to determine the factors that influence the successfulness of city branding programs in promoting tourism. This study applies qualitative methods by employing a series of in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders comprising the government, private sector, destination management staff, tourism associations, academics, and the public. Using Enjoy Jakarta's branding campaign, this study found seven contributing factors that may impact the implementation of the campaign. Leadership, stakeholder collaboration, public management and departmental coordination are classified as tourism governance. On the other hand, attraction, accessibility and promotion are classified as tourism components. The study found that the governance factor is the most influential in the success of city branding programs. Tourism governance determines how tourism components may be implemented to achieve the goal of city branding.
Positioning Research Paradigm in the Development of the Social Housing Management Model in a Semi-Arid Climate
Authors: Modu Mala Ali , Sapri Maimunah , Ab. Muin Zafirah
Published: December 2022

This paper examines the philosophical perspectives in research and the justification for the adoption of an appropriate paradigm in conducting social housing management research. An extensive review of established literature related to philosophical perspectives in social science research was conducted which forms part of the methodology. The review revealed several philosophical paradigms for conducting research such as positivism, realism, interpretivism, and pragmatism; and each of these paradigms aimed towards solving the many problems in research through appropriate methodologies. The review also indicated that effective strategy for housing management should be considered through research that is inclined to a relevant philosophical paradigm that dictates the appropriate research tools and design. The paper suggests that pragmatism with its methodological traditions was conceptualized by researchers to ensure not only adequate study of a given social phenomenon in the realm of social science as it views objective reality is embedded in the environment which is encountered through human experience; but also is a set of tools of value for addressing practical problems in the real world regardless of the peculiarity of research environment. Therefore, pragmatism has the potential to offer a suitable methodology to the social science research investigating social housing management in a peculiar environment such as the semi-arid climate by using different methodological combinations to address the research questions through either intermixing of interviewing, observation, and document analysis; relying on interviews rather than observations, or the intermixing of qualitative and quantitative data to address their research question.
Finite Element Analysis of Biomagnetic Fluid Flow in a Channel with an Overlapping Stenosis
Authors: Abdullah Normazni , Ismail Zuhaila
Published: December 2022

Analysis of biomagnetic fluid (blood) flow (BFD) is important due to the potential biomedical applications that have been proposed such as cell separation for magnetic devices, drug delivery using magnetic particles for the treatment of cancer tumours, hyperthermia, and the reduction of bleeding during surgeries. In this study, the effects of spatially varying magnetic field on a straight channel with an overlapping stenosis is investigated numerically using finite element method (FEM). The mathematical model of biomagnetic fluid is constructed based on the coupled study of Navier-Stokes equations with the principles of ferrohydrodynamic (FHD). While the flow in a constricted artery is considered to be Newtonian, steady, two-dimensional and isothermal. Galerkin finite element method is used to discretize the governing equations and then the source code is developed by using MATLAB software. The source code is validated, and the results is compared with the previous literature. Based on the findings, the introduction of magnetic field alters the behaviour of blood flow in the area near the magnetic source. The increment of magnetic field intensity near stenosis area causes the recirculation area downstream to become smaller. This could be seen from the velocity profile and streamline pattern of constricted artery.
Identification of Flavonoids of Kalanchoe Pinnata as Candidate Drugs for COVID-19 Gamma-Variant Treatment
Authors: Aurora Yulia , Tarigan Immanuella Putri N , Suryanto Nio Meinwen Metta , Santosa Pramujinoto , Pricillia Viona , Parikesit Arli Aditya
Published: December 2022

Treatment of COVID-19 that is based on plants could be a more cost-effective therapy against the disease. Flavonoids, a group of compounds that have been observed to have various effects, including antiviral activity, were chosen as the candidate molecule for treatment of COVID-19. Kalanchoe Pinnata is one of the plants containing flavonoids that has been demonstrated to have antiviral activity. The structure of ACE2 and various flavonoids were retrieved and cleaned from unnecessary residues. The ACE2 structure was subjected to molecular docking in order to analyze the binding affinity. Following that, the ADME properties of each flavonoid were analyzed accordingly. The QSAR analysis was also performed for each type of flavonoid. Lastly, molecular dynamics simulation was conducted. All of the tested compounds were able to bind to human ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, but were unable to compete with them as the binding affinity of the compounds to the protein were lower compared to ACE2-Spike interaction. The ADME and toxicity analysis showed that most of the ligands were able to be absorbed by the GI tract, but have low bioavailability. The compounds also cause no major toxicity effects and were able to be sufficiently distributed to the body. Molecular dynamics analysis also revealed that among the compounds, quercetin and rutin were able to interact with ACE2 and Spike protein stably. The QSAR analysis showed that friedelin, kaempferol, quercetin, and rutin are mostly non-toxic, but the high Cramer values indicate that there are no initial safety impressions for these molecules and could cause toxicity. In conclusion, quercetin and rutin have potential to be a candidate for COVID-19 drug development based on the in-silico predictions results obtained. Friedelin and Narcissin whose affinity to the proteins were relatively stronger but had unstable interactions from molecular dynamics simulation results, may also be a potential COVID-19 treatment with further investigation. However, further research is required to assess the effectiveness and also specially to measure the toxicity of the compounds.
Novel Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) of Single Garlic Extract: Bio-accessibility, Cytotoxicity, and Anti-Inflammatory Studies
Authors: Lestari Sri Rahayu , Dewi Putri Elok Septiana , Maslikah Siti Imroatul , Gofur Abdul , Fajaroh Fauziatul , Annisa Yuslinda , Nik Malek Nik Ahmad Nizam
Published: December 2022

Single garlic has many health benefits in which the active compound content five times higher than regular garlic. However, the utilization of the active compound in single garlic was not optimal due to its lipophilic characteristics, volatility, and low stability in gastrointestinal fluids. Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) has the potential to control the release rate of the active compounds and lead to increase bioavailability in the digestive tract. The study aimed to formulate SNEDDS for single garlic extract (SGE) to increase its bioaccessibility and anti-inflammatory potentials. SNEDDS-SGE was formulated with Tween-80, PEG-400, canola oil, and SGE. SNEDDS-SGE was characterized by response tests including emulsification time, emulsion pH, and transmittance; morphology and droplet size of SNEDDS using TEM; and SGE stability in SNEDDS was evaluated by in vitro gastrointestinal simulation. The cytotoxicity of SNEDDS-SGE was tested using MTT assay, and its anti-inflammatory potential on IL-1ß expression was assessed by the immunocytochemistry (ICC) method on TIG-1 cells induced by methylglyoxal. Response test data and characterization of SNEDDS-SGE were analyzed descriptively, bioaccessibility data were analyzed by T-test, cytotoxicity test by linear regression, IL-1β and C/EBPα expression data by One-way ANOVA. The results showed that SNEDDS-SGE had a fast emulsification time of 41.913 seconds, a stable pH of 7.56, and a high transmittance percentage of 98.027%. The SNEDDS-SGE droplet has a uniform shape with a size of less than 100 nm. SNEDDS-SGE was able to increase the bioaccessibility of SGE by 89.34% for allicin and 89.31% for alliin, also non-toxic at concentrations below 1000 µg/ml. SNEDDS was able to significantly increase the effect of SGE in suppressing the expression of IL-1ß at all concentrations of SNEDDS-SGE 62.5 µg/ml, 125 µg/ml, and 250 µg/ml with the lowest decreased expression of 44.82 ± 4.30 AU. Our study suggested that SNEDDS has the potential to enhance the biological effects of SGE, as well as being a promising anti-inflammatory agent.
Evaluation of Static Electric Field Exposure on Histopathological Structure and Function of Kidney and Liver in DMBA-Induced RAT (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769)
Authors: Nurhidayat Luthfi , Fajar Ibnu , Yati Afif , Prinanda Helmi Hana , Irfan M. , Afina Dalila , G. Fadlurrahman Ahmad , Yudi Antara Nyoman , Alamsyah Firman , P. Taruno Warsito , Pratiwi Rarastoeti
Published: December 2022

Intermediate frequency and low intensity static electric field have been developed for non-invasive cancer therapy nowadays. The evaluation of the vital organs, one of which is kidney and liver, is necessary for pre-clinical safety assessment. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of the intermediate frequency (150 kHz) and low intensity (18 Vpp) static electric fields in kidney tissue of rats induced by DMBA (7,12-Dimethylbenz [α] anthracene). This study was carried out in breast tumor models using Sprague Dawley (SD) rats induced with 7,12-Dimethylbenz [α] anthracene (DMBA) by 20 mg/kg body weight of dose ten times over five weeks. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, namely: Non-induction Non-therapy (NINT), Non-Induction Therapy (NIT), Induction Non-Therapy (INT), and Induction Therapy (IT) groups. Static electric field therapy is carried out for 10 hours (resting 2 hours after 5 hours exposure) per day using the Electro-Capacitive Cancer Therapy (ECCT) individual enclosure for 21 days. The blood samples were collected before and after therapy for AST, ALT, and Creatinine measurement. The samples of liver and kidney were processed using Paraffin Method and Hematoxylin-Eosin Staining for histopathological observation. The histopathological score was determined using the ordinal method and post-examination masking. This study reveals that the 150 kHz and 18 Vpp static electric field therapy doesn’t significantly induce histopathological injuries on the liver and the kidney. Furthermore, it also does not have a negative impact on the creatinine, AST, and ALT levels of blood plasma.
Assessment of Coliform, Escherichia coli, and Enterococci in Raw and Treated Water in Negeri Sembilan, and Factors Associated with the Decontamination Procedure
Authors: Azmee Norfadzilah , Abdul Mutalib Noor Azira
Published: December 2022

World Health Organization estimated that half of the world’s population will encounter water-stressed living areas by the year 2025 due to climate change, population growth, and urbanization which already pose challenges for water supply systems. In Malaysia, water operators for each state are responsible to treat water and supplying it all over the state. This study focused on Negeri Sembilan state which has 21 water treatment plants that are responsible for supplying treated water to consumers. The objectives of this study were to assess microbial contaminants in raw and treated water using a rapid detection method (IDEXX Colilert method for coliform and E. coli detection, and IDEXX Enterolert-DW for enterococci detection in drinking water) and to quantify the number of microorganism with most probable number (MPN) method. A total of 96 samples were collected from both raw (n=17) and treated water (n=79) in Negeri Sembilan. Results have shown that the raw water sample in Seremban recorded the highest number of coliform (7258.8 MPN/100 ml), E. coli (5198.7 MPN/100 ml), and enterococci (997.5 MPN/100 ml). For treated water, all samples were recorded at <1 MPN/100 ml. This showed that the decontamination procedure especially chlorination done by the water treatment plant did reduce the number of microbes in drinking water. Further analysis showed that the level of ammonia did not influence the number of microorganisms. However, the presence of chlorine did reduce the number of microbes, whereas and high level of turbidity showed a high number of microbes. In conclusion, despite the high number of microbes in raw water samples, treatment using chlorine (0.2mg/L to 5.0mg/L) was effective in reducing their numbers (<1 MPN/100 ml) to provide clean water to the consumers.
Spongy TiO2 layers deposited by gig-lox sputtering processes: Contact angle measurements
Authors: Spampinato C. , Valastro S. , Smecca E. , Arena V. , Mannino G. , La Magna A. , Corsaro C. , Neri F. , Fazio E. , Alberti A.
Published: December 2022

The use of nanostructured materials is increasingly widespread thanks to their particular properties that can improve the performance of devices in various scientific applications. One of them is in the architecture of perovskite solar cells characterized by high photoconversion efficiency values that make them able to compete with silicon solar cells. In this framework, we deposited TiO2 sponges by reactive sputtering based on a grazing-incidence geometry combined with the local oxidation of species. The deposited material gains 50% porosity in volume through depths of hundreds of nanometers and consists of a forest of uniform rods separated by mesopores (pipelines) arising from the grazing geometry. Many previous studies showed how TiO2 can improve the efficiency of perovskite solar cells. In this article, we investigated the change of the wettability values of the TiO2 samples before and after a postdeposition thermal annealing treatment. For comparison, the influence of the annealing on the wettability of the glass substrate is also reported.
Electron beam-induced etching of SiO2, Si3N4, and poly-Si assisted by CF4/O2 remote plasma
Authors: Lin Kang-Yi , Preischl Christian , Hermanns Christian Felix , Rhinow Daniel , Solowan Hans-Michael , Budach Michael , Marbach Hubertus , Edinger Klaus , Oehrlein G. S.
Published: December 2022

Electron-stimulated etching of surfaces functionalized by remote plasma is a flexible and novel approach for material removal. In comparison with plasma dry etching, which uses the ion-neutral synergistic effect to control material etching, electron beam-induced etching (EBIE) uses an electron-neutral synergistic effect. This approach appears promising for the reduction of plasma-induced damage (PID), including atomic displacement and lateral straggling, along with the potential for greater control and lateral resolution. One challenge for EBIE is the limited selection of chemical precursor molecules that can be used to produce functionalized materials suitable for etching under electron beam irradiation. In this work, we studied a new experimental approach that utilizes a remote plasma source to functionalize substrate surfaces in conjunction with electron beam irradiation by an electron flood gun. Etching rates (ERs) of SiO2, Si3N4, and poly-Si are reported in a broad survey of processing conditions. The parametric dependence of the ER of these Si-based materials on the operating parameters of the flood gun and the remote plasma source is evaluated. We also identified the processing parameters that enable the realization of material selective removal, i.e., the etching selectivity of Si3N4 over SiO2 and poly-Si over SiO2. Additionally, surface characterization of etched materials is used to clarify the effects of the co-introduction of particle fluxes from the remote plasma and flood gun sources on surface chemistry.
An Exploration of Coaching Practice: How Do High-Level Adventure Sports Coaches Develop Independence in Learners?
Authors: Eastabrook Chris , Taylor Robin D. , Richards Pamela , Collins Loel
Published: December 2022

An increasing body of evidence has demonstrated that high-level adventure sports coaches are developing their learners towards a personalised conception of independence in their activities. However, how coaches do this has yet to receive much attention. This investigation draws on a thematic analysis of 10 semistructured interviews that followed coaching sessions with an explicit focus on developing independence. Three themes emerged: developing a cognitive performer, an attuned coaching process that fosters independence, and developing the individual’s capacity to learn. The findings suggest that learners have an explicit comprehension of the “what and why” of the performance and coaches develop the learner’s ability to learn both how and where to continue their development postcoaching. The coaches achieve these two objectives by developing a long-term independent performance in their coaching practice. Coaches are not trying to develop fully independent performances during coaching, but instead to prepare learners to continue their development with adaptable performances within the practicalities of learning in adventurous environments.
The Military–Strategic Factor in the Economic Policy of the “Khrushchev Decade”
Authors: Artemov E. T.
Published: December 2022

The role of the military–strategic factor in determining the main trends of the economic policy of the “Khrushchev decade” is analyzed. It is noted that the limitation of military spending after Stalin’s death made it possible to reduce disproportions in the country’s economy. As a result, the pace of its development increased and the well-being of the population grew noticeably. Based on the successes achieved, long-term plans were made. They envisaged the acceleration of economic growth and the improvement of the material well-being of the Soviet people. However, the publicized plans proved unworkable. The desire of the Soviet leadership to strengthen radically the position of the Soviet Union in the international arena in the conditions of the Cold War turned into a return to the policy of unlimited buildup of military power and a decrease in investment activity. As a result, instead of acceleration, at the turn of the 1950s–1960s, there were a decline in the rate of economic growth, stagnation, and even a decline in the standard of living of the population.
Peter I and Modern Historiography: Reflections on the 350th Anniversary of the Great Reformer
Authors: Zakharov V. N.
Published: December 2022

Some features of the historiography covering the rule of Peter I are considered. The criticism of Petrine transformations that influenced the activities of merchants and the development of foreign trade and estimated judgments about the founding of St. Petersburg and its capital status is analyzed. A statement is put forward about Peter’s reforms as the starting point of Russia’s New Age.