bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DISPOSITIONAL MINDFULNESS AND LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA: COGNITIVE REAPPRAISAL AS THE MEDIATOR
Authors: Lee Zhing Tian , Khai Ling Khor
Published: July 2023

Undergraduate students are facing different challenges and stressors in their life, which may lower their life satisfaction. Dispositional mindfulness has been found to increase life satisfaction, and this relationship might include cognitive process namely cognitive reappraisal. Hence, grounded in Mindfulness-to-Meaning Theory, this study examined cognitive reappraisal as the mediator in the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and life satisfaction among 147 undergraduate students (aged 18-25 years old) who were studying in Malaysia. A non-experimental correlational design was used, where the students were required to fill in three questionnaires through Google Form survey, the results were analysed through hierarchical multiple regression. The results supported all four hypotheses, with significant positive relationships found among dispositional mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal and life satisfaction. Cognitive reappraisal partially mediated the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and life satisfaction. The findings provide valuable information for the experts to devise mindfulness interventions by incorporating cognitive reappraisal strategies, allowing students to use cognitive reappraisal to cope with challenges, improving life satisfaction.
Emergencias artísticas y procesos de politización de la cultura en torno a la práctica del teatro callejero en Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Authors: Rindone Francesca
Published: July 2023

El artículo analiza el surgimiento de la agrupación De la Calle, Unión de Grupos de Teatro Callejero enmarcándola en las complejas dinámicas de organización política en torno a las prácticas artísticas que caracterizan el sector cultural de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, con énfasis en el lenguaje escénico del teatro callejero. El trabajo se enmarca en una más amplia investigación en el campo de las ciencias antropológicas, por tanto, la metodología sobre la cual se sostiene principalmente es el trabajo de campo etnográfico; asimismo, la investigación recibe constantes aportes de los estudios teatrales y de los estudios de la performance. El campo desde el cual se deriva el análisis es el de las políticas culturales, que entiende lxs actores y las actrices de teatro callejero como sus hacedorxs, y no solo como beneficiarixs, en tanto sujetos dotados de agencia y capacidad de organización colectiva. El caso será tratado como un proceso de politización de la cultura en vínculo con experiencias previas en el pasado reciente y con el contexto sociopolítico y cultural en el que tales procesos se gestaron. Considero estas experiencias paradigmáticas para indagar la combinación entre lenguajes escénicos y luchas político-territoriales, y para dar cuenta de los procesos a través de los cuales el arte y la cultura contribuyen a conformar sujetos colectivos que buscan tener un papel activo en las agendas públicas.
Marketing With Purpose: Building Upon Momentum in the Angel City
Authors: Smith Danielle K. , Davies Melissa
Published: July 2023

The growth of women’s sports, specifically women’s soccer through the National Women’s Soccer League, creates a contemporary landscape through which students explore the relationship between revenue-driving and community-based marketing strategies. Drawing upon the realistic case of Angel City Football Club, a National Women’s Soccer League expansion franchise in Los Angeles, students will study and discuss the role of a socially responsible team position, analyze and create target market segmentation strategies, generate sponsorship partner recommendations, and create a social media campaign for this growing women’s professional sport in one of the United States’ most diverse and sport-crazed cities.
Supplemental Material: Examining the influence of disequilibrium landscape on millennial-scale erosion rates in the San Bernardino Mountains, California, USA
Authors: Argueta Marina O. , Moon Seulgi , et al.
Published: July 2023

Text to explain blank corrections for 10Be data and the influence of drainage area on erosion rates, tables, and additional figures to supplement the main text are included in the Supplemental Material.
Alpha-lipoic acid enhances ischemic postconditioning-mediated improvement of myocardial infarction and apoptosis in diabetic rats with ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Gholami Sanaz , Badalzadeh Reza , Alihemmati Alireza
Published: July 2023

This work evaluated the combined effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and ischemic postconditioning (Post) on myocardial infarction and cell death in rats with chronic type-II diabetes following ischemia/reperfusion injury. The rats received a high-fat diet and were given one intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin to induce chronic diabetes. They were then pretreated with ALA (100 mg/kg/day, orally) for 5 weeks before undergoing ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) insult. The hearts experienced 35 min regional ischemia through ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by 60 min reperfusion. The Post protocol involved 6 cycles of a 10/10 s algorithm, applied during the early stage of reperfusion. The use of Post alone did not significantly alter lactate dehydrogenase and infarct size levels, while ALA showed positive effects. Similar findings were observed for apoptotic changes with single treatments. However, the concurrent administration of ALA and Post significantly reduced the protein expressions of Bax, Bax/Bcl2, and cleaved caspase-3 while increasing Bcl2 expression. Additionally, the histopathological findings of the combined therapy were superior to those of single treatments. The concomitant use of ALA and Post effectively inhibited apoptosis, leading to cardiac recovery after I/R injury in diabetic conditions. This strategy could improve outcomes for preserving diabetic hearts following I/R insults.
Alteration of a temperate forest invertebrate community by invasive Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) has limited influence on the diet composition of territorial ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla)
Authors: Carter Wales A. , Seewagen Chad L.
Published: July 2023

Invasive species are widely implicated in the decline of songbird populations, potentially via indirect effects such as the restructuring of ecological communities by non-native plants. We used stable isotope analysis to investigate whether ground-foraging, generalist insectivore ovenbirds ( Seiurus aurocapilla (Linnaeus, 1766)) shifted diets following invasion by a non-native shrub, Japanese barberry ( Berberis thunbergii DC.), in a temperate woodland system in New York, USA where barberry was previously linked to trophic downgrading in the leaf litter arthropod community. Assimilated ovenbird diets were primarily composed of predatory invertebrates followed by sucking herbivores, chewing herbivores, and detritivores. The only notable changes in assimilated ovenbird diets were a modest 14.7% decrease in chewing herbivore contributions and a minor 7.0% increase in sucking herbivore contributions in forest patches with high barberry densities. Our results indicate that the effects of non-native plants on connections between higher trophic levels are context-dependent, and comparisons with other studies suggest that community complexity and time since introduction are key contextual differences that affect the outcome of an invasion. Our results may reflect compensatory shifts in individual foraging effort by ovenbirds, but, in combination with our previous research, provide little evidence that barberry affects ovenbird condition and therefore downstream outcomes.
Open quantum system dynamics of X-states: Entanglement sudden death and sudden birth
Authors: Nunavath Nikhitha , Mishra Sandeep , Pathak Anirban
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the origin of disentanglement for two specific sub-classes of [Formula: see text]-states namely maximally nonlocal mixed states (MNMSs) and maximally entangled mixed states (MEMSs) is investigated analytically for a physical system consisting of two spatially separated qubits interacting with a common vacuum bath. The phenomena of entanglement sudden death (ESD) and the entanglement sudden birth (ESB) are observed, but the characteristics of ESD and ESB are found to be different for the case of two-photon coherence and single photon coherence states. The role played by initial coherence for the underlying entanglement dynamics is investigated. Further, the entanglement dynamics of MNMSs and MEMSs under different environmental noises namely phase damping, amplitude damping and random telegraph noise (RTN) noise with respect to the decay and revival of entanglement is analyzed. It is observed that the single photon coherence states are more robust against the sudden death of entanglement, indicating the usability of such states in the development of technologies for the practical implementation of quantum information processing tasks.
Stretch effects on structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric features of LiGeBr3: A DFT calculations
Authors: Ech-Charqy Zakaria , Ziati Meryem , Ez-Zahraouy Hamid
Published: July 2023

Strain engineering is generally employed as an efficient means of tuning the physical properties of a target compound. In this research paper, we investigated the effect of three axial stretches on the structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of inorganic Ge-based halide perovskites LiGeBr3. Computations were carried out using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and the semi-classical Boltzmann transport theories. The electronic investigation indicated that LiGeBr3 perovskite exhibits a direct bandgap of 0.480[Formula: see text]eV. The findings suggest that the bandgap is highly responsive to strain, which improves the absorption ability in the visible light range (300–500[Formula: see text]nm). The relative stability of the strained compounds and the feasibility of their synthesis were robustly demonstrated by the negative formation energies. The transport features were assessed as a function of temperature and yielded interesting results. The electrical conductivity was considerably enhanced under strain, and the highest figure of merit was found at low temperatures (approximately 0.741). Our theoretical discovery proved that strain is an enormously exciting technique for extending semiconductor applications and boosting thermoelectric and solar cell devices.
Social Noise on Social Media and Users Perception of Global Warming
Authors: Madali Nayana Pampapura , Alsaid Manar , Hawamdeh Suliman
Published: July 2023

Global warming refers to the long-term heating of the earth, including melting of the glaciers and the expected rise in seawater level that could threaten a large number of areas and communities around the world. Social media has a big influence on people’s perception and understanding of environmental issues and challenges. In this study, we examine the impact of misinformation and social noise on people’s perception of global warming during critical environmental events. The study used data analytic techniques such as sentiment analysis and topic modelling to assess the level of objectivity and subjectivity in the discussion about global warming and examine the presence of certain topics that fit the definition of social noise and misinformation. Data collection was limited to the hashtag “global warming” captured during the months there was a spike in global warming tweets during the period from 2012-2022. The results from the sentiment analysis have shown a 62.46% subjectivity score compared to 37.54% objectivity score, indicating that most of the tweets posted were based on users’ personal opinion and perception of global warming. Topic modelling showed a prevalence of social noise in the tweets indicating the presence of social noise and thus aids in understanding the factors that lead to misinformation creation. The presence of social noise questions the credibility of the tweets and its contents.
Application of Big Data Analytics in Precision Medicine: Lesson for Ethiopia
Authors: Woldemariam Misganaw Tadesse , Alemneh Daniel Gelaw
Published: July 2023

In Ethiopia, healthcare service delivery faces various challenges, specifically in relation to prescribing the right medicine to the right patient at the right time. Thus, patients are exposed to challenges ranging from staying on treatment plans longer than necessary, leaving treatment too early and dying of complications. This paper aims to explore the trends, challenges and opportunities of applying big data analytics (BDA) in precision medicine in other locations around the globe and taking lessons for Ethiopia through a systematic review of 14 peer-reviewed articles from three popular databases. The findings indicate that cancer, epilepsy and systemic diseases altogether are areas currently getting big attention. The challenges are attributed to the nature of health data, failure in collaboration of data sharing, ethical and legal issues, interoperability of systems, poor knowledge skills and culture, and poor infrastructure. In addition to the adoption of modern technologies (new and experimental methods, cloud computing, Internet of Things, social networks, etc.), Ethiopia’s government initiative to promote private technological firms could be an opportunity to use BDA in precision medicine in Ethiopia.
Automatic diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy using vision transformer based on wide-field optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Zhou Zenan , Yu Huanhuan , Zhao Jiaqing , Wang Xiangning , Wu Qiang , Dai Cuixia
Published: July 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the major causes of visual impairment in adults with diabetes. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is nowadays widely used as the golden criterion for diagnosing DR. Recently, wide-field OCTA (WF-OCTA) provided more abundant information including that of the peripheral retinal degenerative changes and it can contribute in accurately diagnosing DR. The need for an automatic DR diagnostic system based on WF-OCTA pictures attracts more and more attention due to the large diabetic population and the prevalence of retinopathy cases. In this study, automatic diagnosis of DR using vision transformer was performed using WF-OCTA images (12[Formula: see text]mm × 12[Formula: see text]mm single-scan) centered on the fovea as the dataset. WF-OCTA images were automatically classified into four classes: No DR, mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), moderate to severe NPDR, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The proposed method for detecting DR on the test set achieves accuracy of 99.55%, sensitivity of 99.49%, and specificity of 99.57%. The accuracy of the method for DR staging reaches up to 99.20%, which has been proven to be higher than that attained by classical convolutional neural network models. Results show that the automatic diagnosis of DR based on vision transformer and WF-OCTA pictures is more effective for detecting and staging DR.
Optimal execution with liquidity risk in a diffusive order book market
Authors: Lee Hyoeun , Lee Kiseop
Published: July 2023

We study the optimal order placement strategy with the presence of a liquidity cost. In this problem, a stock trader wishes to clear her large inventory by a predetermined time horizon T. A trader uses both limit and market orders, and a large market order faces an adverse price movement caused by the liquidity risk. First, we study a single period model where the trader places a limit order and/or a market order at the beginning. We show the behavior of optimal amount of market order, [Formula: see text], and optimal placement of limit order, [Formula: see text], under different market conditions. Next, we extend it to a multi-period model, where the trader makes sequential decisions of limit and market orders at multiple time points.
Dynamic spillover among the sectoral indices: Evidence from first and second waves of COVID-19
Authors: Mishra Amritkant , Kumar Dash Ajit , Pandey Shri Narayan , Agarwal Amba
Published: July 2023

This examination endeavors to divulge the effects of the COVID-19 first and second waves on daily sectoral indices and volatility spillover in Indian markets. The empirical outcomes of the analysis reveal that the outbreaks of the first and second waves had a heterogeneous impact on the average value of eleven major sectoral indices. It also produces sufficient evidence of the assorted impacts of the first and second waves on volatility. The empirical outcome also confirms that the COVID-19 first wave led to greater uncertainty and intensification of volatility in the financial market as compared to the second wave. Finally, our research shows that the auto, banking, and Fast-moving consumer good (FMCG) sectors in India experienced higher volatility during the first wave of COVID-19, as these sectors contributed to the volatility in other sectors. However, consumer durables, metals, and oil and gas appear to have had the greatest impact on sectoral indices during the first wave, as they are a net recipient of volatility in the Indian financial market. On the other hand, on the basis of relevant outcomes, it can be surmised that the media, FMCG, and banking sectors demonstrated a high level of dominance on the other indices during the second wave of COVID-19 in India. However, consumer durables, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and information technology sectoral indices appeared mostly affected during the first and second waves of COVID-19, as they are net receivers of volatility in the Indian financial market.
Analytical formulas for option prices under time-changed CARMA process
Authors: Tong Zhigang
Published: July 2023

We consider the option pricing problem when the underlying asset price is driven by a continuous time autoregressive moving average (CARMA) process, time changed a Lévy subordinator or/and an absolutely continuous time change process. We derive the analytical formulas for the option prices by employing the orthogonal polynomial expansion method. Our method is based on the observation that the CARMA process belongs to the class of polynomial diffusion and the time variable and underlying state variables enter the polynomial expansion separately. We demonstrate the accuracy of the method through a number of numerical experiments. We also investigate the price sensitivities with respect to the key parameters that govern the dynamics of the underlying state and time change variables.
Spectacular Spirulina: How Yard Waste and Algae can be used to Make Clean Energy
Authors: Kimball Rachel
Published: July 2023

We need energy, and while current renewable energy sources like solar and wind power provide us with electricity, they can be unreliable and the energy they produce is not suitable for long-term storage. But what is? Hydrogen. With the highest energy content per unit weight of any fuel and only giving off a byproduct of water, hydrogen is regarded as the fuel of the future. However, there is a problem with hydrogen energy: people are resorting to using fossil fuels to separate hydrogen from other molecules. We can avoid that by using the Spirulina Platensis algae to produce hydrogen for us. This project aimed to test yard waste as a viable nutrient source for Spirulina Platensis for the purpose of producing hydrogen. The use of yard waste makes this process carbon-negative. Algae were grown in 200 mL conical flasks with either commercial nutrient solution, distilled water, or 4 grams of yard waste, and the growth of algae was compared by determining cell density using a Secchi Stick and cell counting. It was found that while the concentration of algae in the flask with the yard waste solution grew the least, it still grew despite an observed change in pH. This suggests that yard waste can be used as a nutrient for algae growth, and lays the groundwork for further testing.
Biocultural Lactation: Integrated Approaches to Studying Lactation Within and Beyond Anthropology
Authors: Quinn E.A. , Palmquist Aunchalee E.L. , Tomori Cecília
Published: July 2023

This review examines anthropological contributions over the past decade to the biocultural processes and practices of lactation via the analytical pillars of colonialism, racial capitalism, and medicalization. The nexus of these three processes has been foundational to the profound disruption and decline of breastfeeding in the mid-twentieth century and is still impacting ongoing efforts to restore and facilitate breastfeeding. Anthropologists have helped expose and challenge biocapitalist, medicalized conceptualizations of lactation that undermine breastfeeding often even when they claim to support it. Moreover, they have highlighted how ethnocentric cultural ideologies shape biomedical categories of “normal” infant feeding and lactation and have demonstrated the variability of these processes and practices. While these efforts have yielded important interventions into anthropology and a range of other disciplines, significant work remains to integrate efforts across the subfields and to challenge racist, oppressive systems that continue to shape both the study and the practice of lactation.
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide inhibits colonic carrier-mediated uptake of thiamin pyrophosphate: roles for TLR4 receptor and NF-κB/P38/JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Anthonymuthu Selvaraj , Sabui Subrata , Lee Katherine , Sheikh Alaullah , Fleckenstein James M. , Said Hamid M.
Published: July 2023

This study examined the effect of the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the colonic uptake of thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP), the biologically active form of vitamin B1. Three complementary models were used: in vitro (human NCM460 cells), ex vivo (human colonoids), and in vivo (mice). The results showed LPS to significantly suppress TPP uptake and the expression of its transporter, and that these effects are mediated via the membrane TLR4 receptor, and involve the NF-κB/p38/JNK signaling pathways.
Investigation on the Flammability and Washing Durability of Trevira CS and Its Blends with Cotton, Modal, and Acrylic Fabrics
Authors: Murugesan Bharani , Dessie Wolela Asaye , Mahendragowda R. V.
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to develop flame-retardant textile materials and study their aspects to durability against several washing cycles. Since the conventional textile substrates are flammable and combustible, the development of flame-retardant apparel from pure Trevira CS fabrics as well as its blends with cotton, modal, and acrylic in certain proportion was carried out in this study. Furthermore, in addition to demonstrating necessary flame-retardancy characteristics, flame-retardant garments must provide a minimum degree of comfort to the wearer, and it is thought of as blending. The productions of yarn were made with ring spinning systems, and knitted fabrics also were produced from this pure Trevira CS and its blends yarn. Flammability test was carried out for the spun yarn and for the fabrics manufactured separately. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests were carried out for the sample fabrics. The result indicates that most of the fabrics are flame resistant except the T/C (80 : 20) fabric which show low LOI values, but by treatment with finishing agents, it can be improved. In order to study the durability against washing cycles, LOI values of all sample fabrics were determined. LOI values of all the four types of knitted fabrics in gray, finished, and washed states were evaluated and compared. The pure Trevira-spun knitted fabric exhibits very good flame retardancy in gray state and hence may not require any flame-retardant finishing treatment. Upon imparting the wash resistant, flame-retardant finish Pekoflam DPN, it was observed that the LOI of all the treated samples showed a significant increase. It was revealed also that upon washing (after 10 washes), the LOI values of the fabrics have been considerably reduced; however, no appreciable reduction in flame retardancy is noticed upon further washing of fabrics, after 20 and 30 washes, respectively. Even after 30 washes, the flame retardancy of most of fabrics are very good and one sample showed good result. Finally, the knitted fabrics from pure Trevira-spun yarns and the FR-treated T/C (80 : 20), T/M (80 : 20), and T/A (80 : 20) ones qualify very well for the production of flame-retardant garments for various applications in different forms.
Time-Domain Finite Element Model Updating for Operational Monitoring and Damage Identification of Bridges
Authors: Malekghaini Niloofar , Ghahari Farid , Ebrahimian Hamed , Bowers Matthew , Azari Hoda , Taciroglu Ertugrul
Published: July 2023

The well-known limitations of modal system identification methods have led to a broad exploration of alternative solutions for operational monitoring and damage diagnosis of structures. This study presents a time-domain Bayesian finite element model updating approach to jointly identify the vehicular loads and finite element modeling parameters of bridges using the vibration data and the location of vehicles traversing the bridge as input. A Bayesian model updating is devised and verified through a series of case studies based on numerically simulated data from a prestressed reinforced concrete box-girder bridge model. Damage states are defined for concrete degradation and delamination, steel corrosion, and loss of prestressing force. Ten different damage scenarios, encompassing the range from minor localized to major distributed damage, are examined. The responses of the damaged bridge are simulated under random traffic scenarios. The acceleration responses, along with the location of the vehicles on the bridge, are used for jointly estimating the model parameters and vehicular loads. The estimated model parameters are then used to infer the location and extent of damage within the bridge. The results show the successful performance of the proposed approach in a numerically simulated environment.
Students’ Perceptions on Online Clinical Learning amid the COVID-19 Pandemic in an Institution of Higher Learning: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Mukasa Jean , Mukona Doreen Macherera , Joseph Smitha , Kanissery Anupama , James Joemol , Tabay Maribeth Carpio , Abdulla Salimbabu , Al Amoor Hussam
Published: July 2023

Institutions of learning have been disrupted globally with serious implications for clinical teaching for students of health professions. The purpose of our study was to explore the perceptions of students towards online clinical teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic at Fatima College of Health Sciences. This was a descriptive qualitative study conducted on a purposive sample of 25 students from 24 June to 30 August 2020. The sample size was determined by data saturation. These were mainly nursing students in their 2nd to the 4th years of study. Students are required to have experiences, of stipulated nature and duration, in various specialty clinical settings throughout the clinical years of their programs. Approval for the study was granted by the Fatima College Research Ethics Committee (approval number: INTSTF010BSN20). The research was conducted according to the requirements of the Declaration of Helsinki. Data were collected through online semistructured questionnaires. Prospective participants were sent a soft copy of the informed consent document, and consent was indicated by clicking an “agree” link on the page that took them to the questionnaire. All participants were informed of their freedom to either participate in the study or not, without any penalty and were assured of their confidentiality. The questionnaires were kept in a password-protected file to which the researchers had sole access. Manual thematic analysis was done following the stages of organisation, familiarisation, transcription, coding, developing a thematic framework, indexing, displaying, and reporting. The major themes identified were the unfamiliar experience, challenges of online clinical learning, and possible solutions. Challenges of online clinical learning are multifaceted and require concerted multidisciplinary efforts to resolve. Nursing institutions, ours included, must develop flexible education systems that will be able to thrive in crisis and other unforeseeable circumstances.
Application of BPNN Optimized by Fireworks Algorithm on Structural Bearing Capacity Analysis of Transmission Tower under Icing Conditions
Authors: Guo Jian , Guo Wu
Published: July 2023

With the increasing power demand in city development, the construction and application of transmission towers need to meet higher requirements. Icing is an extreme meteorological condition in the world, and icing disasters cause various accidents such as tower collapse and line disconnection of large-area lines every year. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the ultimate bearing capacity of transmission towers under icing conditions. The structural bearing capacity under icing is greatly affected by meteorological conditions and environmental factors, which has strong randomness and complexity, and brings a series of urgent problems to the structural stability of transmission towers. In the paper, the ultimate bearing capacity analysis and failure path research are conducted on the 500 kV linear cathead tower structure, and a structural bearing capacity prediction model based on the fireworks algorithm (FWA) is established. In order to accurately predict the structural bearing capacity, reduce the adverse effects of line icing, and ensure the structural stability of the transmission tower, the FWA is introduced into the neural network model. The self-adjusting mechanism of the local search ability and global search ability of the FWA is used to optimize the optimization process of weights and thresholds in the neural network, and a structural bearing capacity prediction model based on the FWA improved backpropagation neural network (BPNN) is proposed. Through the analysis and calculation of the measured data of the transmission tower in a certain area, and the comparative study with the traditional BPNN and the BPNN optimized by other common algorithms, the analysis and calculation results of the FWA-BPNN model used in this paper are closer to the actual value, the multiple indicators are more superior, and the model is more stable, which can realize the rapid and accurate analysis of the axial stress of tower members and maximum displacement between member nodes of the transmission tower under the icing condition.
Mining Prognostic Biomarkers of Thyroid Cancer Patients Based on the Immune-Related Genes and Development of a Reliable Prognostic Risk Model
Authors: Fei Hongjun , Han Xu , Wang Yanlin , Li Shuyuan
Published: July 2023

Purpose. Tumor immunity serves an essential role in the occurrence and development of thyroid cancer (THCA). The aim of this study is to establish an immune-related prognostic model for THCA patients by using immune-related genes (IRGs). Methods. Wilcox test was used to screen the differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) in THCA and normal tissues, then the DEIRGs related to prognosis were identified using univariate Cox regression analysis. According to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, we developed a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression prognostic model and performed validation analyses regard to the predictive value of the model in internal (TCGA) and external (International Cancer Genome Consortium) cohorts respectively. Finally, we analyzed the correlation among the prognostic model, clinical variables, and immune cell infiltration. Results. Eighty-two of 2,498 IRGs were differentially expressed between THCA and normal tissues, and 18 of them were related to prognosis. LASSO Cox regression analysis identified seven DEIRGs with the greatest prognostic value to construct the prognostic model. The risk model showed high predictive value for the survival of THCA in two independent cohorts. The risk score according to the risk model was positively associated with poor survival and the infiltration levels of immune cells, it can evaluate the prognosis of THCA patients independent of any other clinicopathologic feature. The prognostic value and genetic alternations of seven risk genes were evaluated separately. Conclusion. Our study established and verified a dependable prognostic model associated with immune for THCA, both the identified IRGs and immune-related risk model were clinically significant, which is conducive to promoting individualized immunotherapy against THCA.
A Crohn’s Disease Patient Found to Have Entamoeba histolytica Infection Causing Pyogenic Liver Abscess
Authors: Saven Hannah , Harmacinski Ashton , Canakis Andrew , Wong Uni
Published: July 2023

Entamoeba histolytica is a parasite that typically causes amoebic dysentery but can result in complications such as pyogenic liver abscess. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease often take immunosuppressive therapies that make them more susceptible to such infections. Notably, parasitic infections in this context are rare in nonendemic areas. We describe a 57-year-old man who recently started infliximab therapy for Crohn’s disease and presented with fever and right upper quadrant pain. While hospitalized, this patient was diagnosed with Entamoeba histolytica liver abscess. This case demonstrates that parasitic infections should be considered early in immunocompromised patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Facts and Hopes on Neutralization of Protumor Inflammatory Mediators in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Olivera Irene , Luri-Rey Carlos , Teijeira Alvaro , Eguren-Santamaria Iñaki , Gomis Gabriel , Palencia Belen , Berraondo Pedro , Melero Ignacio
Published: July 2023

In cancer pathogenesis, soluble mediators are responsible for a type of inflammation that favors the progression of tumors. The mechanisms chiefly involve changes in the cellular composition of the tumor tissue stroma and in the functional modulation of myeloid and lymphoid leukocytes. Active immunosuppression, proangiogenesis, changes in leukocyte traffic, extracellular matrix remodeling, and alterations in tumor-antigen presentation are the main mechanisms linked to the inflammation that fosters tumor growth and metastasis. Soluble inflammatory mediators and their receptors are amenable to various types of inhibitors that can be combined with other immunotherapy approaches. The main proinflammatory targets which can be interfered with at present and which are under preclinical and clinical development are IL1β, IL6, the CXCR1/2 chemokine axis, TNFα, VEGF, leukemia inhibitory factor, CCL2, IL35, and prostaglandins. In many instances, the corresponding neutralizing agents are already clinically available and can be repurposed as a result of their use in other areas of medicine such as autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Data from A Novel Autologous CAR-T Therapy, YTB323, with Preserved T-Cell Stemness Shows Enhanced CAR T-Cell Efficacy in Preclinical and Early Clinical Development
Authors: Dickinson Michael J. , Barba Pere , Jager Ulrich , Shah Nirav N. , Blaise Didier , Briones Javier , Shune Leyla , Boissel Nicolas , Bondanza Attilio , Mariconti Luisa , Marchal Anne-Laure , Quinn David S. , Yang Jennifer , Price Andrew , Sohoni Akash , Treanor Louise M. , Orlando Elena J. , Mataraza Jennifer , Davis Jaclyn , Lu Darlene , Zhu Xu , Engels Boris , Moutouh-de Parseval Laure , Brogdon Jennifer L. , Moschetta Michele , Flinn Ian W.
Published: July 2023

Abstract
CAR T-cell product quality and stemness (Tstem) are major determinants of in vivo expansion, efficacy, and clinical response. Prolonged ex vivo culturing is known to deplete Tstem, affecting clinical outcome. YTB323, a novel autologous CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy expressing the same validated CAR as tisagenlecleucel, is manufactured using a next-generation platform in <2 days. Here, we report preclinical development and preliminary clinical data of YTB323 in adults with r/r DLBCL (NCT03960840). In preclinical mouse models, YTB323 exhibited enhanced in vivo expansion and antitumor activity at lower doses than traditionally manufactured CAR T-cells. Clinically, at doses 25-fold lower than tisagenlecleucel, YTB323 showed 1) promising overall safety (CRS [any-grade, 35%; grade ≥3, 6%], neurotoxicity [any-grade, 25%; grade ≥3, 6%]); 2) ORR of 75% and 80% for DL1 and DL2, respectively; 3) comparable CAR T-cell expansion; and 4) preservation of T-cell phenotype. Current data support continued development of YTB323 for r/r DLBCL.
Table S3 from Characterizing the Immune Microenvironment and Neoantigen Landscape of Hürthle Cell Carcinoma to Identify Potential Immunologic Vulnerabilities
Authors: Ganly Ian , Kuo Fengshen , Makarov Vladimir , Dong Yiyu , Ghossein Ronald , Xu Bin , Morris Luc G.T. , Chan Timothy A.
Published: July 2023

Neopeptides (8mer) associated with SNV alterations in HCC
Supp Figure S4 from Inhibition of Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase Reduces Collagen Deposition in Melanoma Tumors and May Improve Immunotherapy Efficacy by Reducing T-cell Exhaustion
Authors: Fukuda Yasunari , Kim Sun-Hee , Bustos Matias A. , Cho Sung-Nam , Roszik Jason , Burks Jared K. , Kim Hong , Hoon Dave S.B. , Grimm Elizabeth A. , Ekmekcioglu Suhendan
Published: July 2023

Figure S4 explains quantitative analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cells
Supp Figure S3 from Inhibition of Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase Reduces Collagen Deposition in Melanoma Tumors and May Improve Immunotherapy Efficacy by Reducing T-cell Exhaustion
Authors: Fukuda Yasunari , Kim Sun-Hee , Bustos Matias A. , Cho Sung-Nam , Roszik Jason , Burks Jared K. , Kim Hong , Hoon Dave S.B. , Grimm Elizabeth A. , Ekmekcioglu Suhendan
Published: July 2023

Figure S3 shows mfIHC staining details
Table S10 from Characterizing the Immune Microenvironment and Neoantigen Landscape of Hürthle Cell Carcinoma to Identify Potential Immunologic Vulnerabilities
Authors: Ganly Ian , Kuo Fengshen , Makarov Vladimir , Dong Yiyu , Ghossein Ronald , Xu Bin , Morris Luc G.T. , Chan Timothy A.
Published: July 2023

Neopeptides (11mer) associated with INDELS in HCC
Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Muscle Strength in Older Men with Low to Low-Normal Testosterone Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lee Ta-Wei , Kao Pei-Yu , Chen Yang-Ching , Wang Sen-Te
Published: July 2023

Background: Previous studies and meta-analyses have explored the relationship among testosterone, muscle strength, and physical function, to the best of our knowledge, no meta-analysis has investigated the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on subgroup of relatively hypogonadal older men. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TRT in older men with low testosterone levels. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched for articles published between January 1990 and April 2020. We included randomized controlled studies that investigated the effect of TRT and included older men (age >60 years) with relatively low testosterone levels. Studies were extracted following the PRISMA flowchart, and the included randomized controlled trials were evaluated using RoB 2.0. Our main outcome was muscle strength changes after TRT evaluated using a metaregression of confounding factors. Secondary outcomes included changes in physical performance and the risk ratio of adverse events. Random-effects meta-analyses of TRT on muscle strength and physical function were performed. Results: Thirteen studies with 2,043 patients were included. The mean age of subjects in various studies ranged from 65.9 years to 76 years. Transdermal testosterone dosages ranged from 5 to 10 g/day, while intramuscular options were 125 mg/week or 200 mg every 2 weeks. Oral testosterone supplementation was given at 160 mg/day in one study. Pooled meta‐analyses revealed greater muscle strength improvement after TRT compared with placebo (Hedges’ g = 0.21; 95% CI: = 0.15–0.28). Intramuscular administration of TRT had greater efficacy (Hedges’ g = 0.74; 95% CI: = 0.34–1.14) than transdermal and oral TRT (p < 0.001). A metaregression revealed that baseline serum total testosterone was associated with muscle strength improvement (β = −0.004, p = 0.002). The risk ratios of adverse events, including elevated prostate-specific antigen, acute coronary syndrome, and prostate cancer, were not significantly different. Conclusion: TRT improved muscle strength in older, relatively hypogonadal men. The effect was more pronounced in populations with lower baseline testosterone levels.
Development of academic achievements using inquiry-based learning together with educational games
Authors: Sitthikrai Naruemon , Hemtasin Chulida , Thongsuk Tawan
Published: July 2023

The objectives of this action research were: i) To develop learning achievement in basic science subjects of grade 8 students who received an inquiry-based learning (IBL) management system combined with an educational game on the topic of solutions to pass the requirement of 70%; and ii) To study the satisfaction of grade 8 students toward the use of IBL together with an educational game. This was a classroom action research study with a target group consisting of 14 grade 8 students in the first semester of the 2022 academic year in a public school located in Northeast Thailand. The research tools were eight learning management plans, an IBL questionnaire, an educational game about the solution, a learning achievement test, an interview form, and a satisfaction questionnaire. The statistics used were mean, standard deviation, and percentage. The result showed that the mean was 14.93, and the standard deviation was 1.44, which passed the criteria of 70%, which is in the level of satisfaction.
Comparative Yield Performance of Rice Production Under Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Application
Authors: Dollison Mohammad D.
Published: July 2023

The technology demonstration on rice production under organic and inorganic fertilizer application was conducted to determine which of the identified treatments would give better rice growth and yield and showcase the technology to the farmers. The study was composed of three treatments. Treatment A – Inorganic Fertilizer (120-60-60); Treatment B – ½ of 50% Inorganic + 50% Vermicast RR; Treatment C – 25 bags of vermicast as organic fertilizer. An area of 778.18 square meters was divided into three plots with a measurement of 19.30 meters in length and 12.44 meters in width (19.30m x 12.44m). Between plots was provided with a 1-meter distance for the passageway and drainage for excess water. The research made use of frequency and mean to determine the growth and yield performance of NSIC Rc 160 (Tubigan 14) as applied with organic and inorganic fertilizers. Treatment variation was analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The result of the study shows that the application of inorganic and organic fertilizers gave a comparable performance in terms of growth and yield performance. However, in terms of a cost analysis of using inorganic and organic fertilizers, it is more economical to use organic fertilizer than inorganic fertilizer. It further showed that the lower the cost of production, the higher the net income of the rice production under organic fertilizer application. The researcher further concluded that the application of vermicast alone as a fertilizer source or a combination of inorganic and organic fertilizers is more cost-efficient in rice production than purely inorganic fertilizer application.
Unraveling the Effectiveness of Blended Learning: Key Factors for Effective Implementation from the Perspective of Senior High School Students
Authors: Samson Julia Carelle M. , Abrenica Keona Faye C. , Delfin Riane Jesserine M. , Arcinas Myla M.
Published: July 2023

Blended learning integrates in-person and online learning, resulting in a flexible learning environment. The main objective of this study is to determine the perceived level of blended learning effectiveness among Grade 12 STEM students from a Philippine private university based in the City of Manila. It also examined the relations between the learners' attitudes, level of efficacy in using the LMS, and academic support received from parents and teachers. A total of 202 SHS students answered the survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Spearman Rho, and multiple regression were employed to analyze the data. Findings show a positive attitude of the learners on the use of blended learning as a mode of learning (x͂ = 4), high self-efficacy on the use of LMS (x͂ = 4), high academic parental support (x͂ =4) and high teachers' support (x͂ = 4). The findings of their perceived effectiveness of blended learning show a high rating with a x͂ = 4. The Spearman Rho tests found each variable's correlation with blended learning effectiveness. Both instructors' academic support for students and learners' attitudes had a strong positive correlation; LMS self-efficacy had a moderately positive correlation, while parents' academic support had a weak positive correlation. Multiple regression tests revealed that learners' attitudes, academic support from parents and teachers, and students' level of efficacy in using the LMS design feature all predict effective blended learning.
Strategic Learning and Metacognitive Skills in Mathematics of The Bachelor of Industrial Technology at A University in Roxas City, Capiz
Authors: Icamina Princess May A.
Published: July 2023

Students frequently believe that mathematics is a challenging subject to learn. The learners must have the necessary skills to study the material quickly as a result. The idea that learners can select various methods for completing particular tasks is implied frequently by the term "strategic learning skills". This strategy can help students develop their critical-thinking and artistic abilities in the classroom. The investigation aims to determine the level of strategic learning skills of students that affect their level of metacognitive skills in Mathematics. The study used the survey-correlational method of research in gathering data. The participants of this study were the 158 BS in Industrial Technology second-year students, officially enrolled in Capiz State University – Main Campus randomly selected using stratified sampling. Data were gathered using a 50-item researcher-made Strategic Learning Skills Questionnaire and a 35-item standardized Metacognitive Skills Questionnaire. Frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation, One-way ANOVA, and Pearson r were used as statistical tools.  Inferential tests were at the alpha level of significance set at 0.05. Findings revealed that the level of strategic learning skills of the second-year learners of the BS in Industrial Technology was “high”. In consonance, the level of their metacognitive skills in Mathematics was “evident”. These led to the conclusion that there were no appreciable differences in the metacognitive abilities among the strategic learning skill levels of the second-year BS in Industrial Technology learners. There was no connection between the second-year students of BS in Industrial Technology's strategic learning and metacognitive skills in Mathematics.
Green Infrastructure: Flood Control and Water Management
Authors: Velita Lolita , Demeterio Rino Anthony , Mayor Alex , Flores, Jr. Januario
Published: July 2023

Water scarcity is a pressing issue in many parts of the world. One innovative solution to this problem is rainwater harvesting, which involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use.  The study aims to install a rainwater harvesting and treatment system to :1. Reduce water loss by its running-off.2 Meeting the demands of increasing water. 3. Reducing groundwater contamination.4. Increase available water during dry season.5. Reduce flooding and potentially prevent flooding of roads. This is a descriptive research method and is purely qualitative. It used Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Interview, and secondary data to get the necessary information from three Consultants, three Executives, and four Professors who are experts in the field. The study found that the rainwater harvesting and treatment facility would be a feasible project. It would minimize water consumption costs and reduce flooding in the city, with potential for replication by other universities, governments, and private entities.