bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Influence of Foreign Exchange Policy Regime on the Construction Sector in Nigeria
Authors: Saka Najimu , Moyanga Dorcas Titilayo
Published: July 2023

In developing economies, foreign exchange policy regime (FEPR) play a critical role in the viability of all sectors of the economy. In Nigeria, the economy is dependent on foreign inputs from contracting services, technology, materials, expatriates, etc. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of FEPR on the performance of the construction sector in Nigeria. To achieve this goal, time series data was extracted from United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) on the construction sector, gross domestic product (GDP) and FEPR for 50 years spanning from 1970 to 2019. The study uses econometric approach including tests of stationarity and co-integration as well as the generalized method of moment (GMM) to model the relationships between the variables. The study reveals that the 1986 FEPR reform had significant and negative effect on the construction sector output in Nigeria. This implies that the performance of the construction sector is affected by the state of the economy and government policy. This study proves that the foreign exchange policy regime does not significantly influence the construction industry during the period of review. It also ascertained that the development of the construction sector depends more on previous construction outputs and only altered due to oil export shock. Hence, this study recommends that sustainable construction development strategies should be implemented to eliminate construction sector challenges and reduce the effect of foreign exchange rate volatility on the construction sector. Finally, monetary and fiscal policies that can engender sustainable growth and development of the construction sector should be implemented.
Assessment of Residential Real Estate Investment Performance in Lafia Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Agava Halim Yusuf , Popoola Naomi Ijadunola , Ajayi Michael Tolu Adeyemi
Published: July 2023

Investors are expected to be guided through investment performance measurement and analysis in order to safeguard against potential loss of investment returns or the capital invested. Whereas residential real estate (RRE) constitutes a significant part of the portfolios of individual and institutional investors across the globe, the assessment of risk-return performance of RRE investment in Nigeria generally has not been well researched. Investors in real estate (RE) in the Lafia city of Nasarawa State, like other cities in Nigeria, still rely on mere intuition, sales comparison and the rule of thumb in real estate investment decisions-making. Consequently, these ill-informed investors often venture into poorly conceived and subsequently financially disastrous real estate investment projects thereby failing to achieve their desired investment objectives. Hence, this research was conducted to evaluate the performances of RRE investment in Lafia metropolis of north-central Nigeria with a view to guiding existing and potential real estate investors and practitioners in the region in making informed property investment decision. A survey research design was adopted to collect transacted residential property value data from estate surveying and valuation firms as well as reputable estate agent offices in the study area. Mean scores, property value index and holding period return model were used to analyse the rental/capital value indices and total return performance respectively. The modified value-at-risk model was used to assess risk while the modified Sharpe ratio was used to evaluate the risk-return performance of RRE investment performance in the study area. The research findings revealed, among others, a progressive increase in rental and capital values of RRE within the study period. RRE investment showed an average rental growth of 6.8% per annum and capital value growth of 9.4% per annum. On the basis of investment returns, it was found that Angwan Doka outperformed other selected neighbourhoods in the study area with an average mean total return and risk-adjusted return of 13.76% and 0.80% per annum respectively while Shabu underperformed other locations with average mean total return and risk-adjusted return of 12.17% and 0.55% per annum. The study recommended, among others, that potential real estate investors should consider investing in residential real estate in Angwan Doka since this location gives higher total and risk-adjusted returns on residential property investment relative to other locations in the city.
Need for Creative Placemaking in New Development Areas: An Analysis of the Real Estate Developments of Qom, Iran
Authors: Sobhaninia Saeideh , Buckman Stephen T. , Schupbach Jason
Published: July 2023

Sense of place gives meaning to the areas in which we live. Despite the importance of the sense of place in the quality of life and the success of new development areas, many new developments, especially those built as exurbs to large cities and geared towards housing for middle and lower-income people, are built without a conscious understanding and design to encourage a sense of place. While recognizing that economic and longstanding racial, religious, and other societal factors might influence the flow of capital and resources to new development areas, placemaking can provide communities with some of the tools they need to revitalize neighborhoods. This paper presents the findings of one of those places in Qom, Iran, where development was built without consulting those who would live there and, in turn, suffered the repercussions of that decision. Moreover, although some studies have acknowledged the importance of creative placemaking, limited studies have provided practical strategies to improve new development areas using this concept. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the current sense of place and propose practical strategies to enhance place quality in new development areas using creative placemaking. Through a mixed-method study, including a survey and follow-up interviews with the community’s residents, the researchers have found that a general banality exists in the Qom, which degrades the residents' sense of place. The research results show the importance of social participation, emphasizing co-produced and citizen-led creative placemaking at the beginning of the development process. As only half of the community has been developed, the findings of this research can help lead the future of real estate development and, in turn, help real estate developers design and build communities that will create a sense of belonging for residents, maintain their value and be a destination for future residents.
Factors Affecting Design toward Affordable Sustainable Housing Delivery in South African Construction Industry
Authors: Akinyede Imisioluseyi Julius , Fapohunda Julius Ayodeji
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to establish the factors that affect the design toward affordable sustainable housing delivery because housing is delivered above budget and unaffordable for low-income earners in South Africa. A sequential mixed method involving qualitative and quantitative approach was engaged for this study, and construction professionals were selected as respondents from nine provinces of South Africa to answer four points Likert scale quantitative questionnaires. A total of one hundred and fourteen (114) questionnaires were appropriately completed and retrieved from the respondents. Data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics which include PCA, correlation, and regression analysis tools on SPSS version 25 to determine factors that affect the design with the regards to affordable housing delivery in South Africa, interview process is used to validate the findings obtained. The findings indicated that improper design leads to failure in achieving client objectives and causes a change in design and demolition. Lack of design of first-rate living conditions for a healthy environment, design sufficiency, and adaptability to meet people’s demand for cost efficient housing were the major factors responsible for unaffordable housing in South Africa. The study recommended that government should establish key policies on housing design to control resource waste and limit construction costs within budget. This will encourage the sensitivity of construction operators about resources control at the planning and implementation stages of housing production.
Evaluation of the Spatial Quality of Apartments from Different Price Categories Using the Visibility Graph Analysis: A Case of Tirana, Albania
Authors: Shtepani Ernest , Yunitsyna Anna
Published: July 2023

During the last decade, there has been massive growth in the construction of large residential complexes and apartment blocks in Tirana. Urban density is increasing due to the fact that traditional low-story villas are demolished, and the space of the former private gardens is used for the new construction with high built ratio. The public areas which are adequate for such dense cities are not provided and therefore residents have a tendency to spend more time indoors. This research aims to evaluate the spatial qualities of the newly constructed 3+1 apartments using the Space Syntax visibility graph analysis (VGA). VGA allows to compare the overall exposure of the room, to estimate its level of privacy and control and to check if it is suitable for the assigned function. Analysis is performed for the apartments of different price levels in order to find the influence of price to the design quality and residential comfort. The results show that the degree of separation of the public and private domains corresponds to an increase in the price of the apartment. The visual exposure of the hall is higher in comparison with the living room, which facilitates the movement towards the individual rooms without interaction with the other family members.
Socio-Economic Characteristics of Households Determining Housing Satisfaction in Bauchi Metropolis, Bauchi State, Nigeria
Authors: Sakariyau Jamiu Kayode , Muhammad Salihu Maryam , Bello Muhammad Umar , Aliyu Aliyu Ahmad , AbdulRazak Rukayya
Published: July 2023

Life satisfaction and housing quality are inextricably linked, and socio-economic factors have an impact on both. Low income families in poor quality housing thus bearing the impact of income-related deficits with housing satisfaction. There is potential call for lower-income families to make more frequent housing adjustment in order to be content with less-than-ideal living conditions. In Bauchi, it has been observed that socio-economic characteristics of an individual translates into his earning, thereby influences his choice of location and housing satisfaction. This study's goal was to determine examining the impact of socio-economic characteristics of households on housing satisfaction in the study area. The study employed a quantitative methodology descriptive survey. 380 household heads received a questionnaire, of which 258 were recouped and used for data analysis. Households were surveyed employing stratified random sampling to gather data on the socio-economic characteristics of the households and satisfaction with environmental and physical characteristics. To determine the symbolic importance of the various elements, the gathered questionnaire was subjected to ordinal regression and descriptive statistics. According to the research findings, household’s satisfaction is correlated with their housing. There is significant link between socio-economic indicators and households’ housing satisfaction in the study area. The socio-economic factors in the study area that had a significant impact on housing satisfaction were gender and farming as a form of occupation. The government was advised to build the social facilities that are needed, repair the ones that are in bad shape, and implement the development control requirements as soon as possible.
Heteroleptic Cobalt Complexes with Abnormally Coordinated N-Heterocyclic Carbene
Authors: Petrov P. A. , Nikolaevskii S. A. , Yambulatov D. S. , Sukhikh T. S. , Starikova A. A. , Kiskin M. A. , Sokolov M. N. , Eremenko I. L.
Published: July 2023

The reaction of cobalt pivalate [Co(Piv)2]n and in situ generated N‑heterocyclic carbene IPrPh (1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-2-phenylimidazol-4-ylidene) affords heteroligand complexes [Co2(Piv)4-(IPrPh)2] (I), [Co2(Piv)2.8(OtBu)1.2(IPrPh)2] (II), and [Co3(μ3-O)(Piv)4(IPrPh)2] (III). The structures of complexes II·C6H14 and III are determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) (CIF files CCDC nos. 2216724 and 2216725, respectively). Exchange spin-spin interactions between the magnetic Со2+ ions in the synthesized compounds are estimated by quantum chemical calculations.
Cryptanalysis of quantum private comparison with six-particle maximally entangled states
Authors: Tsai Chia-Wei , Yang Chun-Wei , Wang Chun-Hsiang , Lin Jason
Published: July 2023

The measurement property of the six-particle maximally entangled state was used by Sun [Mod. Phys. Lett. A 37, 2250149 (2022)] to design a quantum private comparison (QPC) protocol. However, this study points out that the entanglement property of the six-particle maximally entangled state is inconsequential as a security measure; that is, participants waste resources to store the entanglement state and perform the Bell measurement without obtaining any additional security advantage. Although a third party (TP) cannot obtain information regarding the participants’ secret messages through an attack, an attack renders the six-particle entanglement redundant. Accordingly, this study proposed an improved QPC protocol to prevent third-party attacks.
Risk Factors for Stroke in the Young (18–45 Years): A Case-Control Analysis of INTERSTROKE Data from 32 Countries
Authors: Khan Maria , Wasay Mohammad , O'Donnell Martin James , Iqbal Romaina , Langhorne Peter , Rosengren Annika , Damasceno Albertino , Oguz Aytekin , Lanas Fernando , Pogosova Nana , Alhussain Fawaz , Oveisgharan Shahram , Czlonkowska Anna , Ryglewicz Danuta , Yusuf Salim
Published: July 2023

Background: It is not clear whether conventional vascular risk factors are responsible for most strokes in patients younger than 45 years of age. Our objective was to evaluate the association of common risk factors with stroke in individuals under 45 years. Methods: INTERSTROKE was a case-control study carried out in 32 countries between 2007 and 2015. Patients presenting within 5 days of symptom onset of a first stroke were enrolled as cases. Controls were age and sex matched to cases and had no history of stroke. Cases and controls underwent similar evaluations. Odds ratios (ORs) and population attributable risks (PARs) were calculated to determine the association of various risk factors with all stroke, ischemic stroke, and intracranial hemorrhage, for patients 45 years of age or younger. Findings: 1,582 case-control pairs were included in this analysis. The mean age of this cohort was 38.5 years (SD 6.32). Overall, 71% strokes were ischemic. Cardiac causes {OR: 8.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.01–23.5)}; binge drinking of alcohol (OR: 5.44 [95% CI: 1.81–16.4]); hypertension (OR: 5.41 [95% CI: 3.40–8.58]); ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (OR: 2.74 [95% CI: 1.69–4.46]); psychosocial stress (OR: 2.33 [95% CI: 1.01–5.41]); smoking (OR: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.17–2.94]); and increased waist-to-hip ratio (OR: 1.69 [95% CI: 1.04–2.75]) were the most important risk factors for ischemic stroke in these young cases. For intracerebral hemorrhage, only hypertension (OR: 9.08 [95% CI: 5.46–15.1]) and binge drinking (OR: 4.06 [95% CI: 1.27–13.0]) were significant risk factors. The strength of association and population attributable risk (PAR) for hypertension increased with age (PAR 23.3% in those <35 years of age, 50.7% in 35–45 years of age). Interpretation: Conventional risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, binge drinking of alcohol, central obesity, cardiac causes, dyslipidemia, and psychosocial stress are important risk factors for stroke in those younger than 45 years of age. Hypertension is the most significant risk factor in all age groups and across all regions and both stroke subtypes. These risk factors should be identified and modified in early adulthood to prevent strokes in young individuals.
Sports Games towards Intelligence and Nerve Development of Children in Iodine Deficiency Endemic Area
Authors: Noor Zulkhah , Safira Ira , Darmawati Idiani
Published: July 2023

Increased circulation, hormones, and energy metabolism due to exercise are thought to have a positive effect on nerve growth and development. This study aims to examine the effect of addition of sports games on IQ score, TSH, and BDNF levels of elementary school children in IDD endemic areas. This research method was a quasi-pretest-posttest control group design experiment. As many as 40 children aged 9 -11 years were divided into 19 children as controls, and 21 children doing sports games for 30 minutes per day, five times a week for eight weeks. Serum TSH and BDNF levels were measured using ELISA and IQ score using Culture Fear Intelligence Test (CFIT) method. Statistical analysis used was T-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney test. The mean of serum TSH levels and IQ scores of the treatment group were not significantly different from those of the control group (p>0.05). The mean of BDNF levels in both groups increased significantly, and the increase in BDNF levels in the treatment group was greater than in the control group (p<0.05). It can be concluded that the addition of sports games did not significantly change TSH levels and IQ scores (p>0.05), but significantly increase BDNF levels (p<0.05).
Statistical Analysis of Covid-19 Outbreak with Benford’s Law
Authors: DOĞAN Ali Hasan , ALTUNTAŞ Cemali , GÜL Caneren , TUNALIOĞLU Nursu , ERDOĞAN Bahattin
Published: July 2023

The coronavirus disease first identified in mid-December 2019 in Wuhan, China is an ongoing pandemic and the virus has spread around the world. As of 13 March 2020, the number of new cases started to increase significantly in Europe, and Europe was considered as the new center of the Covid-19 pandemic as announced by the WHO. Confirmed case rate (CCR), computed from the numbers of confirmed cases over numbers of tests of the countries can be used to confirm the quality of the numbers, and to detect the manipulation for health surveillance systems of the countries for managing the situation by testing whether or not follow Benford’s Law (BL). The main aim of this study is to test CCRs of the countries in Europe by BL to detect the data qualities and to monitor the manipulations, which can help to take precautions for the health surveillance systems of the countries.
INTERNATIONALIZATION OF EMERGING MARKET FIRMS: IMPACTS OF BUSINESS GROUP AFFILIATION AND OWNERSHIP CONCENTRATION IN TURKEY CONTEXT
Authors: KAYACI Ayşe
Published: July 2023

Emerging market firms are known for their lack of ownership advantages for internationalization. For this reason, most of them should search for these advantages in foreign markets. On the other hand, emerging market firms have specific governance structures which can facilitate some ownership advantages to internationalize. This study proposes that emerging market firms could also have ownership advantages at a threshold level that enhance their internationalization level. Moreover, business group affiliation and ownership concentration would have moderating roles in this positive relation. Accordingly, World Bank Enterprise Surveys database is used for sample formation. Hypotheses of the study are tested with a sample of Turkish firms that cover 4159 firm-year observations between 2008-2019. According to statistical findings, a negative relationship between ownership advantages and internationalization level is found for emerging market firms. However, there is no significant moderating effects of business group affiliation and ownership concentration.
COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE OF TURKISH AEROSPACE INDUSTRY IN THE CONTEXT OF INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS
Authors: DEMİRDAŞ Güven , MARŞAP Beyhan
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relative comparative advantage and specialization level of Turkey’s aerospace industry under industrial clustering context. To estimate the degree of industrial specialization; Balassa (1965), Balassa-Noland (1989), Vollrath (1991), and Laursen (2015) indices were used. The results revealed that Turkey's aerospace industry has not yet reached the specialization level to create any comparative advantage. In the light of concurrent data and reports presented by the World Trade Organization (2022), Defense Industry Manufacturers Association of Turkey (2022), and Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (2022); it is seen that the industry outputs are almost entirely created by aerospace clusters’ stakeholders in Turkey. From this point of view, some policy recommendations are presented by synthesizing the research findings with the industrial cluster literature.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF BRAIN DRAIN FROM TURKEY TO THE UNITED STATES: THE CASE OF H-1B VISA
Authors: AKYILDIZ İbrahim Ethem
Published: July 2023

The notion of brain drain is indicated by the transfer of human capital and this is implied by the migration of highly educated people from developing countries to developed. While skilled people leave their countries, they always prefer to emigrate to developed places. Developed countries have “selected temporary skilled migration programs” to attract skilled people. The USA is very successful in attracting human capital and qualified people The first brain drain from Turkey to the USA started with doctors and engineers in the 1960s and still continues. In this study, H-1B Visa Turkish holders representing the highly skilled labor and human development index elements data between 1996 and 2019 were used. According to the results of the study; A causal (granger) relationship has been determined from income, education, and life expectancy index to brain drain. As a result of the analysis, it is concluded that economic, education, and life expectancy factors cause brain drain.
COGNITIVE BACKGROUND OF VERTICAL FDI SPILLOVERS: AWARENESS MOTIVATION COGNITIVE CAPACITY
Authors: İLHAN-NAS Tülay , ŞAHİN Fatih
Published: July 2023

This study aims to investigate how the awareness, motivation, and capacity of local organizations affect vertical FDI spillovers in the Turkish automotive industry within the framework of institutional theory. A multiple case study method was used in this study, in which interviews, observations, and documents of seven local supplier organizations were subjected to content analysis. The findings show that the expectations of multinational companies for efficiency in buyer-supplier relationships have limited the awareness, motivation and capacity of local suppliers for internationalization and innovation. This situation prevents local organizations, especially those located at the lower rungs of the supply chain, from capturing the positive effects of vertical FDI spillovers.
Health Tourism and Emergency Medicine: A Case Study
Authors: TATLIPARMAK Ali Cankut , ÖZDEN Muhammed Furkan , KAHRAMAN AK Sibel , SANIR Rabia , YILMAZ Sarper
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study is to analyze the tourist patients admitted to Arnavutköy State Hospital for one year. This hospital is the closest hospital to Istanbul Airport and is one of Turkey's largest transportation hubs. An observational, descriptive, and retrospective case study design was used for this study. Study participants were foreign nationals who applied to Arnavutköy State Hospital without a Republic of Turkey Identity Card. In terms of patient volume, emergency medicine accounted for 60.9% of patients, surgical departments for 25.8%, and medical branches accounted for 13.3%. A total of 57.7% of the income derived from these foreign patients was received from the Emergency Department (ED), 25.0% by the surgical departments, and 17.3% by the medical departments. A total of 1021 foreign patients were admitted to the ED, accounting for 57.7% of the total foreign patient revenue. The application rate for foreign patients was highest from Asian countries (n=1282, 76.5%), followed by the European continent (n=204, 12.2%). The impact of EDs in health tourism may be missed if authorities consider health tourism only as therapeutic travel.
The Politics of Play: Ugo La Pietra's Design Without Ends
Authors: Fardin J. Igor
Published: July 2023

This article investigates the potential of play for design practice and theory. First, drawing on the works of linguist Emile Benveniste and philosopher Giorgio Agamben, I propose a theoretical understanding of play as an act capable of suspending and deactivating means-end relations. Second, I articulate what this deactivating potential of play entails for the field of design through close readings of a series of works by Italian architect, artist, and designer Ugo La Pietra. In doing so, I uncover the politics that this deactivation within design seems to point towards—a politics of play.
Systematic revision of the Spotted and Northern Dusky Salamanders (Plethodontidae: Desmognathus conanti and D. fuscus), with six new species from the eastern United States
Authors: PYRON R. ALEXANDER , BEAMER DAVID A.
Published: July 2023

Spotted and Northern Dusky Salamanders (Desmognathus conanti and D. fuscus) have a long and complex taxonomic history. At least 10 other currently recognized species in the genus were either described from populations previously considered D. fuscus, described as or later considered subspecies thereof, or later considered synonyms thereof, before ultimately being recognized as distinct. Recent molecular analyses have also revealed extensive cryptic diversity within both species, which are polyphyletic assemblages of 13 distinct mitochondrial lineages with 5.7–10.3% uncorrected ‘p’ distances in the COI barcode locus. Based on phylogenomic data and population-clustering analyses considering admixture between lineages, 11 candidate species were circumscribed by recent authors. Those within D. conanti are also ecomorphologically variable, comprising both large, robust, keel-tailed populations, and small, gracile, round-tailed forms. Evaluating their distinctiveness based on genetic, geographic, and morphological evidence, we conclude that six of the candidates represent new species: Desmognathus anicetus sp. nov., D. bairdi sp. nov., D. campi sp. nov., D. catahoula sp. nov., D. lycos sp. nov., and D. tilleyi sp. nov. Consequently, we recognize eight total species from populations formerly associated with the nominal species D. conanti and D. fuscus, the re-delimited concepts of which also contain additional phylogeographic lineage diversity that may represent further distinct species. In addition to existing mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenetic, network, and clustering results, we present preliminary analyses of linear morphometrics to bolster diagnostic specificity based on phenotypic characteristics. These changes stabilize the previously paraphyletic taxonomy of species-level lineages within Desmognathus, though additional cryptic diversity may exist both within the species considered here, and elsewhere in the genus.
Two new Nearctic carnid flies of the genus Meoneura Rondani (Diptera: Carnidae)
Authors: STUKE JENS-HERMANN , LEVESQUE-BEAUDIN VALERIE
Published: July 2023

Meoneura pacifica spec. nov. (USA: Montana) and Meoneura tyrionlannisteri spec. nov. (Canada: British Columbia, USA: Montana) are described, and their DNA barcode provided.
Four rare harpacticoid copepods from shallow littoral habitats in South Korea
Authors: KARANOVIC TOMISLAV
Published: July 2023

In natural sciences single observations are sometimes ignored and often excluded from datasets as outliers. Taxonomists refrain from reporting new records or describing new species after single specimens for obvious reasons of inability to explore sexual dimorphism and intraspecific variability. Here I report on four such harpacticoids from four different families, all collected from marine algal beds (0.5–1.5 m) in South Korea in 2013. Three of them are new species: Diarthrodes jindoensis sp. nov. (family Dactylopusiidae), Paralaophonte (P.) naroensis sp. nov. (family Laophontidae), and Xouthous naroensis sp. nov. (family Pseudotachidiidae). The fourth species, Delavalia oblonga (Lang, 1965) (family Miraciidae), is recorded for the first time from the Western Pacific, being described originally from California. One can only speculate about the reasons these harpacticoids were not found again after a decade of intensive fieldwork all around Korea, but not reporting them would be a misrepresentation of biodiversity.
A review of the genus Phaneroserphus (Hymenoptera, Proctotrupidae) in North and Central America with the description of a new species
Authors: KOLYADA VICTOR A. , CHEMYREVA VASILISA G.
Published: July 2023

Phaneroserphus mesamericanus sp. n. is described from Central America. A revised diagnosis of Phaneroserphus and an illustrated identification key for New World species of the genus are provided.
Raymond Gibson (1938–2023): in memoriam
Authors: CHERNYSHEV ALEXEI V. , ALFAYA JOSÉ E. FERNÁNDEZ , ANADÓN NURIA , ANDRADE SÓNIA C. S. , BARTOLOMAEUS THOMAS , DÖHREN JÖRN VON , FERNÁNDEZ-ÁLVAREZ FERNANDO ÁNGEL , GIRIBET GONZALO , JUNOY JUAN , KAJIHARA HIROSHI , KEM WILLIAM R. , KURIS ARMAND , KVIST SEBASTIAN , MACHORDOM ANNIE , MCEVOY ERIC G. , NORENBURG JON L. , OKAZAKI ROBERT K. , ROGERS ALEX D. , STRAND MALIN , SUN SHI-CHUN , SUNDBERG PER , THIEL MARTIN
Published: July 2023

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Street-Level Pedagogy: Fostering and Communicating Social Equity Through Course Syllabi
Authors: Irizarry Jose Luis , Evans Michelle D. , Meyer Seth J.
Published: July 2023

This article examines frontline educators as street-level bureaucrats and their pedagogical philosophies, approaches, and choices—what we are calling “street-level pedagogy” to prepare current and future public servants and nonprofit leaders. This provides crucial insight into how (or if) social equity is incorporated into syllabi through a critical reflection on what materials and perspectives are assigned and how they are communicated. Our findings show that gender diversity is more visible, largely through authors of assigned readings, but that visibility is dependent upon presentation method (i.e., citation style). The gender of the professor is linked to gendered patterns in selection of authors of assigned readings. Other types of diversity and intersectionality were visible in course topics and readings, which are discussed along with implications for communicating social equity in graduate nonprofit curricula.
Barriers to Indo-Pak Trade: A Case Study of Land Routes
Authors: Zahid-ul-Islam-Dar  , Kaur Sandeep , Chattu Vijay Kumar
Published: July 2023

Concerning land routes, the study aims to document some crucial barriers, which are relatively easy to address but potent enough to expand trade between India and Pakistan. Using field research, this article examines the factors that impede trade between India and Pakistan through land-border crossings—Attari–Wagah border in Punjab and, Chakkan da Bagh, Poonch, and Salamabad Uri, Baramulla, the two land-border crossings in Jammu and Kashmir. Semi-structured questionnaires are administered to traders and unstructured interviews are held with other stakeholders. The findings such as security issues, inadequate banking facilities, inadequate physical infrastructure, communication lacunae, excessive paperwork, and lack of arrangements for traders’ meets are documented as some of the prominent impeding factors in overland trade between the two nations. The prominent barriers perceived by the traders concerning Attari and Cross-the Line of Control (LoC) trade are excessive documentation, complex procedures, and nonavailability of banking facilities.
Does Twin Deficit Hypothesis Exist in India? A Structural Break Co-integration Analysis
Authors: Husain Shah , Baig Imran Ali , Asif Mohammad , Gupta Yogesh
Published: July 2023

The primary focus of this study is to examine the long-term and short-term impact of fiscal deficit (FD) on the current account deficit (CAD) in India over the period of 1980 to 2021 in the presence of inflation and exchange rate. For the estimation of data series, the study employed autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) co-integration test and Gregory Hansen (GH) co-integration test with endogenous structural break. The empirical results from ARDL bounds tests fail to provide a long-run relationship for the variables. The threshold co-integration test (GH) estimation suggests a strong evidence of a co-integration relationship for the variables and the break year is found in 2005. Thus, the findings validate the twin deficit hypothesis in the long-run as the FD has a positive significant effect on a CAD in India. Similarly, the long-run estimates of inflation have a positive significant effect on the CAD. It implies that an increase in rate of inflation distorts the CAD in the long-run. Consequently, the government of India should control the price hike and make macroeconomic situations favourable for domestic tradable sectors. The results from the Granger causality technique show bidirectional causality between FD and CAD implies the twin deficit in India. Based on the empirical findings, it may be argued that the Central Bank of India should try to reduce the prolonged CADs and retain stability in the domestic currency.
Micro-structural white matter abnormalities in new daily persistent headache: a DTI study using TBSS analysis
Authors: Mei Yanliang , Wang Wei , Qiu Dong , Yuan Ziyu , Bai Xiaoyan , Tang Hefei , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xue , Zhang Yaqing , Yu Xueying , Sui Binbin , Wang Yonggang
Published: July 2023

Background

New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a rare primary headache disorder characterized by daily and persistent sudden onset headaches. The pathogenesis of NDPH remains unclear, and there are few white matter imaging studies related to NDPH. The purpose of this study was to investigate the micro-structural abnormalities of white matter in NDPH and provided insights into the pathogenesis of this disease based on tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS).

Methods

Twenty-one patients with NDPH and 25 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. T1 structural and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were acquired from all participants. Differences in the fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) between patients with NDPH and HCs were investigated using TBSS analysis.

Results

Significantly decreased FA, increased MD and RD were found in patients with NDPH compared to HCs. White matter regions overlaid with decreased FA, increased MD and RD were found in 16 white matter tracts from the Johns Hopkins University ICBM-DTI-81 White-Matter Atlas and Johns Hopkins University White-Matter Tractography Atlas. Specifically, these white matter regions included the right anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), body of the corpus callosum (BCC), bilateral cingulum, left hippocampal cingulum (CGH), left corticospinal tract (CST), forceps major, fornix, left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), bilateral inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), left posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), right retrolenticular part of the internal capsule (RPIC), splenium of the corpus callosum (SCC), right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and left uncinate fasciculus (UF). After Bonferroni correction, there were no correlations between the FA, MD, AD and RD values and the clinical characteristics of patients with NDPH (p > 0.05/96).

Conclusion

The results of our research indicated that patients with NDPH might have widespread abnormalities in the white matter of the brain.
Exosome-derived circKIF20B suppresses gefitinib resistance and cell proliferation in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wei Si-Liang , Ye Jing-Jing , Sun Li , Hu Lei , Wei Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Da-Wei , Xu Meng-Meng , Fei Guang-He
Published: July 2023

Background

The gefitinib resistance mechanism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear, albeit exosomal circular RNA (circRNA) is known to possibly play a vital role in it.

Methods

We employed high-throughput sequencing techniques to detect the expressions of exosomal circRNA both in gefitinib-resistant and gefitinib-sensitive cells in this study. The circKIF20B expression was determined in serum exosomes and tissues of patients by qRT-PCR. The structure, stability, and intracellular localization of circKIF20B were verified by Sanger sequencing, Ribonuclease R (RNase R)/actinomycin D (ACTD) treatments, and Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The functions of circKIF20B were investigated by 5-Ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), oxygen consumption rate (OCR), and xenograft model. Co-culture experiments were performed to explore the potential ability of exosomal circKIF20B in treating gefitinib resistance. The downstream targets of circKIF20B were determined by luciferase assay, RNA pulldown, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP).

Results

We found that circKIF20B was poorly expressed in the serum exosomes of gefitinib-resistant patients (n = 24) and the tumor tissues of patients with NSCLC (n = 85). CircKIF20B was negatively correlated with tumor size and tumor stage. Decreasing circKIF20B was found to promote gefitinib resistance by accelerating the cell cycle, inhibiting apoptosis, and enhancing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), whereas increasing circKIF20B was found to restore gefitinib sensitivity. Mechanistically, circKIF20B is bound to miR-615-3p for regulating the MEF2A and then altering the cell cycle, apoptosis, and mitochondrial OXPHOS. Overexpressing circKIF20B parental cells can restore sensitivity to gefitinib in the recipient cells by upregulating the exosomal circKIF20B expression.

Conclusions

This study revealed a novel mechanism of circKIF20B/miR-615-3p/MEF2A signaling axis involving progression of gefitinib resistance in NSCLC. Exosomal circKIF20B is expected to be an easily accessible and alternative liquid biopsy candidate and potential therapeutic target in gefitinib-resistant NSCLC.

Graphical Abstract
An Atlas of Variant Effects to understand the genome at nucleotide resolution
Authors: Fowler Douglas M. , Adams David J. , Gloyn Anna L. , Hahn William C. , Marks Debora S. , Muffley Lara A. , Neal James T. , Roth Frederick P. , Rubin Alan F. , Starita Lea M. , Hurles Matthew E.
Published: July 2023

Sequencing has revealed hundreds of millions of human genetic variants, and continued efforts will only add to this variant avalanche. Insufficient information exists to interpret the effects of most variants, limiting opportunities for precision medicine and comprehension of genome function. A solution lies in experimental assessment of the functional effect of variants, which can reveal their biological and clinical impact. However, variant effect assays have generally been undertaken reactively for individual variants only after and, in most cases long after, their first observation. Now, multiplexed assays of variant effect can characterise massive numbers of variants simultaneously, yielding variant effect maps that reveal the function of every possible single nucleotide change in a gene or regulatory element. Generating maps for every protein encoding gene and regulatory element in the human genome would create an ‘Atlas’ of variant effect maps and transform our understanding of genetics and usher in a new era of nucleotide-resolution functional knowledge of the genome. An Atlas would reveal the fundamental biology of the human genome, inform human evolution, empower the development and use of therapeutics and maximize the utility of genomics for diagnosing and treating disease. The Atlas of Variant Effects Alliance is an international collaborative group comprising hundreds of researchers, technologists and clinicians dedicated to realising an Atlas of Variant Effects to help deliver on the promise of genomics.
Unusual presentation of Pott disease and diagnostic challenges in a resource-limited setting: a case report
Authors: Byamukama Anacret , Acan Moses , Sebikali Mugisha Julius
Published: July 2023

Background

Pott disease is rare and responsible for only 1%–2% of all tuberculosis cases. It poses diagnostic challenges in resource-limited settings due to unusual presentation and limited investigative capacity, resulting in debilitating sequelae if diagnosed late.

Case presentation

We present a case of severe Pott disease of the lumbar spine, with a large paravertebral abscess tracking down to the gluteal region in a 27-year-old Black African Ugandan woman living with human immunodeficiency virus, whose main complaint was right lower abdominal pain. She was initially misdiagnosed from the peripheral clinics as a case of lumbago and later with a psoas abscess. The diagnosis of severe Pott disease was established at the regional referral hospital following an abdominal computed tomography scan, and the patient was appropriately initiated on anti-tuberculosis drugs. However, only abscess drainage and provision of a lumbar corset were possible, with no neurosurgical intervention done on the spine due to financial constraints. Clinical review at 2, 6, and 12 months revealed improvement.

Conclusions

Pott disease may present with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain resulting from pressure effects of an expansile cold abscess. This, coupled with limited diagnostic capacity in resource-limited settings; results in significant morbidity and possible mortality. Hence, there is need to train clinicians to increase their index of suspicion and equip health units with basic radiological equipment, such as x-ray, for timely detection and subsequent management of Pott disease.
Tensile Test and Numerical Simulation Investigations on the Mechanical Properties of a New Type of Slightly Curved Arc HRB400 Steel Bars in Mass Concrete
Authors: Gao Li , Zhuang Mei-Ling , Zhu Fangzhi , Sun Chuanzhi , Yang Jun
Published: July 2023

The temperature stress in mass concrete structure is relatively high during construction, which usually leads to temperature cracks. To solve this problem, concrete blocks are usually placed by setting wide slots. Connecting the truncated steel bars at the position of the wide slots by welding or extruding sleeves has many disadvantages. To solve the problem of temperature-induced stress loss, a new type of slightly curved arc HRB400 (SCAHRB400) steel bars was proposed without cutting off the steel bars in this article. Tensile tests and numerical simulations were performed for five types of SCAHRB400 steel bars considering geometric and material nonlinearity. Based on the test results and numerical simulation results, the equivalent stress–strain relationships of SCAHRB400 steel bars were established, and the emergence of the plastic zone of SCAHRB400 steel bars in the tensile process were observed, the tensile properties of SCAHRB400 steel bars were analyzed and discussed. The test results indicate that SCAHRB400 steel bars are prone to local yielding near the crown of large arches and at the connection of horizontal and arc sections. The numerical simulation equivalent stress–strain curves have good regularity. The equivalent stress–strain curves of slightly curved arc HRB400 and HRB335 steel bars have the similar changing law. When the stress is small, the tensile stiffness and compressive axial stiffness of slightly curved arc HRB400 and HRB335 steel bars are similar; when the stress is large, the axial stiffness of SCAHRB400 steel bars is greater than that of slight curved arc HRB335 steel bars. Through test and numerical simulation studies, the theoretical basis can be established for the engineering application of new slightly curved arc steel bars in mass concrete.
Comparative effects of soy protein concentrate, enzyme-treated soybean meal, and fermented soybean meal replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs
Authors: Deng Zixiao , Duarte Marcos Elias , Kim So Young , Hwang Yunil , Kim Sung Woo
Published: July 2023

Background

Soy protein supplements, with high crude protein and less antinutritional factors, are produced from soybean meal by different processes. This study evaluated the comparative effects of various soy protein supplements replacing animal protein supplements in feeds on the intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress, mucosa-associated microbiota, and growth performance of nursery pigs.

Methods

Sixty nursery pigs (6.6 ± 0.5 kg BW) were allotted to five treatments in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks. Pigs were fed for 39 d in 3 phases (P1, P2, and P3). Treatments were: Control (CON), basal diet with fish meal 4%, 2%, and 1%, poultry meal 10%, 8%, and 4%, and blood plasma 4%, 2%, and 1% for P1, P2, and P3, respectively; basal diet with soy protein concentrate (SPC), enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESB), fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus (FSBL), and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus (FSBB), replacing 1/3, 2/3, and 3/3 of animal protein supplements for P1, P2, and P3, respectively. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4.

Results

The SPC did not affect the BW, ADG, and G:F, whereas it tended to reduce (P = 0.094) the ADFI and tended to increase (P = 0.091) crypt cell proliferation. The ESM did not affect BW, ADG, ADFI, and G:F, whereas tended to decrease (P = 0.098) protein carbonyl in jejunal mucosa. The FSBL decreased (P < 0.05) BW and ADG, increased (P < 0.05) TNF-α, and Klebsiella and tended to increase MDA (P = 0.065) and IgG (P = 0.089) in jejunal mucosa. The FSBB tended to increase (P = 0.073) TNF-α, increased (P < 0.05) Clostridium and decreased (P < 0.05) Achromobacter and alpha diversity of microbiota in jejunal mucosa.

Conclusions

Soy protein concentrate, enzyme-treated soybean meal, and fermented soybean meal with Bacillus could reduce the use of animal protein supplements up to 33% until 7 kg body weight, up to 67% from 7 to 11 kg body weight, and entirely from 11 kg body weight without affecting the intestinal health and the growth performance of nursery pigs. Fermented soybean meal with Lactobacillus, however, increased the immune reaction and oxidative stress in the intestine consequently reducing the growth performance.