bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An emphasis on responsibility provides a competitive advantage in trade: The ESG performance and export of Chinese listed companies
Authors: Hu Yang , Wang Kui , Zhou Jing , Hu Feng
Published: May 2024

Currently, countries worldwide are giving increasing attention to environmental and social sustainability. An emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and the resulting ESG advantage could improve their export competitiveness and give them an edge. In this study, the 2010–2016 data for Chinese listed companies are used to investigate the impact of ESG performance on enterprise exports. The results show that ESG performance significantly improves enterprise export performance; furthermore, the corresponding promoting effect on general trade, final goods, and clean products exports is greater. Mechanistic analysis shows that catering to the ESG preferences of consumers in the destination country, reversing market reputation disadvantages of the exporting country, and overcoming institutional access barriers and information barriers in the destination country are the internal mechanisms by which ESG performance affects enterprise exports. Further analysis shows that ESG initiatives can help enterprises gain export competitive advantages via a quality competition strategy.
JEL: F10; F18; M14
AI spatio-temporal prediction of industrial heritage land-use influenced by dynamic passenger flow at metro stations
Authors: Fei Fu , Ke Chen , Fangzhou Tian , Liwei Lin , Can Du
Published: May 2024

Efficient land development in megacities’ industrial heritage areas is heavily influenced by the influx of mass passenger flows from new subway stations. To address this, we developed a dynamic passenger flow-oriented land use prediction model of subway stations. This model iterates a simulation model for dynamic passenger flow based on tourists and residents with an artificial neural network for land-use prediction. By enhancing the Kappa coefficient to 0.86, our model accurately simulated pedestrian flow density from stations to streets. We conducted experiments to predict inefficient land-use scenarios and compared them with the current state in national industrial heritage areas. The results demonstrated that the AnyLogic-Markov-FLUS Coupled Model outperformed expert experience in objectively assessing dynamic passenger flow impacts on the carrying capacity of old city neighborhoods during peak and off-peak periods at subway stations. This model can assist in resilient urban space planning and decision making regarding mixed land use.
Development and validation of a risk identification model for frailty in stroke survivors: A new evidence from CHARLS
Authors: Wang Jia xian , Kwan Rick Yiu Cho , Suen Lorna Kwai Ping , Lam Simon Ching , Liu Ning
Published: May 2024

Background
Stroke survivors combined with frailty have high rates of complications, mortality, disability, and readmission. Given that frailty is an early stage of disability that is reversible and preventable, a reliable frailty risk identification model should be developed. This study aimed to develop and validate a stroke frailty risk identification model using information collected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) database.
Methods
Data were obtained from the CHARLS. Stroke survivors were selected from the database and analyzed for 30 relevant indicators, including socio-demographic variables, physical status, psychological, cognitive, and social factors. The data were divided by year, with 2013 and 2015 as the development set and 2018 and 2020 as the validation set. Screening was performed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses. Logistic regression risk identification models were developed based on the results of univariate analyses and LASSO variable screening. Factors associated with frailty in stroke survivors were explored and identified. A nomogram was constructed for modelling risk identification. Calibration curves and decision curve analysis were used to determine the fit of the model and test the discriminatory power of that model, respectively.
Findings
A total of 2,188 stroke survivors from the CHARLS database collected at follow-up in 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020 were included in the final analysis. About 68% stroke survivors had symptoms of frailty. We found statistically significant differences in age, marital status, living alone, hypertension, and self-reported health status (all with p < 0.05). Age, sleep quality, balance, nervousness and anxiety, and living alone were independent risk factors for the development of frailty in older stroke survivors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the column line graph for the development and validation sets was 0.833 and 0.838, respectively.
Interpretation:
Frailty risk identification models for stoke survivors built using CHARLS data have better discriminatory performance than models built using raw data collected from small samples in the literature. Thus, this work has an implication for the clinical practice of identifying those high-risk populations for frailty.
Gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines and gastro-esophageal reflux disease: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Wang Qilin , Ma Shenghui , Liu Mengjie , Tao Yu , Sun Zhiguang
Published: May 2024

Background: Gut microbiota has been recognized as an extrahepatic manifestation of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in observational studies. However, the directionality and causality of the association and whether cytokines act as a mediator remain unclear. We aim to estimate the casual relationship between gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines and GERD using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method.
Methods: Gut microbiota, cytokines, and GERD were identified using summary data from the genome-wide association studies and the FinnGen consortium. The primary method for causal estimation was the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach, complemented by a range of sensitivity analyses aimed at assessing heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and the robustness of the findings. Furthermore, mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between gut microbiota and GERD, with five cytokines, and to calculate the mediated proportions.
Results: We found three positive and three negative causal associations observed between genetic predisposition in gut microbiota and GERD. Additionally, two positive and three negative causal associations were identified between cytokines and GERD. Our analysis unveiled that TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand levels (TRAIL) mediated the causal relationships between the genera Family XIII UCG001 and Senegalimassilia, and GERD.
Conclusion: We identified causal effects between six bacterial traits, five inflammatory cytokines, and GERD. Notably, we furnished causal evidence linking TRAIL levels to a substantial proportion of the risk attributed to genus Family XIII UCG001 and genus Senegalimassilia, thereby mediating the risk of GERD. These findings offer novel avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting individuals with GERD.
Level of Evidence: 3
Evaluation of the impact of short term manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) training program on trainees with varying prior surgical experience using International Council of Ophthalmology- Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubrics (ICO-OSCAR)
Authors: R Sankarananthan , Prasad Senthil , Paul Anu , Koshy Tony Alex , Nagu Kamatchi , Raman Ramalakshmi , Shekhar Madhu
Published: May 2024

Purpose
To assess the learning curve of MSICS in three different groups of trainees with varying prior MSICS experience. To evaluate the effectiveness of ICO OSCAR for objective assessment of surgical skill transfer.
Methods
Ninety-five MSICS trainees were divided into three groups as 1st year resident, fellow and external trainee. Each group were evaluated for their surgical skill acquisition during one month MSICS training program using ICO-OSCAR. Each trainee performed an average of 19 surgeries. The progress in the learning curve of the three groups of trainees was analyzed by evaluating the mean scores in sets of five consecutive cases. Complications during the training period were also noted.
Results
The study evaluated a total of 1842 cases. The fellows and external trainees, with prior MSICS experience, had an initial mean score of 57.57 ± 16.16 and 56.86 ± 17.82 respectively, whereas the 1st year resident group had a relatively low initial mean score of 45.91(p = 0.009). The difference in mean scores between the 1st year resident group and other groups significantly reduced towards the end of training. The most common complications made by 1st year residents were in sclero-corneal tunnel construction. The external trainee group had statistically significant higher rates of zonular dialysis in the study.
Conclusions
ICO-OSCAR is an effective tool for assessing MSICS training program. Structured short term MSICS surgical training program is effective in surgical skill transfer, especially in novice surgeons.
New Unit Dot Product Similarity Method and Parallelized Greedy Soup Algorithm in The End-to-end Automatic Speech Recognition
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Zifan , Sun Yiming , Chen Chunyi
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces a novel similarity calculation method, called unit dot product similarity method. The proposed method restricts the denominator by the sum of vector modulus. Compared with traditional dot product similarity calculation method, the proposed method can maintain the similarity of equally scaled vector and obtain the bounded similarity result. We develop and compare the proposed method in the attention-based encoder decoder structure. The proposed method brings the recognition results further improvement. For the end-to-end speech recognition model, we select greedy soup instead of the average model parameters in WeNet. A dynamic parallel greedy soup optimization algorithm is proposed to increase computational speed. The experiments show the importance of proposed method and optimization algorithm. The effectiveness is also proved on multiple corpora.
Tumor immunogenicity regulates host immune responses, and conventional dendritic cell type 2 uptakes the majority of tumor antigens in an orthotopic lung cancer model.
Authors: Kim Ki-Hyun , Park Gye Young , Kim Seung-jae , Eccles Jacob D. , Ascoli Christian
Published: May 2024

Human lung cancer carries high genetic alterations, expressing high tumor-specific neoantigens. Although orthotopic murine lung cancer models recapitulate many characteristics of human lung cancers, genetically engineered mouse models have fewer somatic mutations than human lung cancer, resulting in scarce immune cell infiltration and deficient immune responses. The endogenous mouse lung cancer model driven by Kras mutation and Trp53 deletion (KP model) has minimal immune infiltration because of a scarcity of neoantigens. Fine-tuning tumor antigenicity to trigger the appropriate level of antitumor immunity would be key to investigating immune responses against human lung cancer. We engineered the KP model to express antigens of OVA peptides (minOVA) as neoantigens along with ZsGreen, a traceable fluorescent conjugate. The KP model expressing minOVA exhibited stronger immunogenicity with higher immune cell infiltration comprised of CD8+ T cells and CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs). Consequentially, the KP model expressing minOVA exhibits suppressed tumor growth compared to its origin. We further analyzed tumor-infiltrated DCs. The majority of ZsGreen conjugated with minOVA was observed in the conventional type 2 DCs (cDC2), where cDC1 has minimal. These data indicate that tumor immunogenicity regulates host immune responses, and tumor neoantigen is mostly recognized by cDC2 cells, which may play a critical role in initiating anti-tumor immune responses in an orthotopic murine lung cancer model.
Dissecting Causal Relationships Between Inflammation-related Proteins, Plasma Metabolites, and Low Back Pain: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Yan , Lv Hao , Hu Zhimu , Chu Qingsong , Zhou Yao , Wang Jiuxiang , Jiang Ting
Published: May 2024

Background
We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationship between inflammation-associated proteins, LBP , and potential metabolite mediators.
Methods
Using the aggregated data of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the causal relationship between inflammatory proteins and LBP was explored by two-way MR Analysis, and potential mediating metabolites were identified by two-step MR. Sensitivity analysis was performed to further verify the robustness of the results
Results
After primary analysis and a series of sensitivity analyses, 3 inflammation-related proteins were identified that have a causal relationship with LBP. IL-17C (OR = 0.924; 95% CI, 0.883 - 0.967; P = 0.001 < 0.05) , IL-1 alpha (OR = 0.917; 95% CI, 0.859 -0.978; P = 0.009 < 0.05), were negatively associated with OP, whereas IL-20RA (OR = 1.066; 95% CI, 1.004 -1.131; P =0.036 < 0.05) was positively associated with LBP. This study showed that IL-20RA reduced the risk associated with LBP.
Conclusion
Our study identified a causal relationship between inflammation-related proteins and LBP, with a proportion of the effect mediated by plasma metabolites.
Bio-fungicidal impact of volatile and non-volatile compounds from Bacillus paramycoides for the management of Trichoderma-induced green mold on mushrooms
Authors: Jyothi Booravilli , Peter A. John , Seniya Chandrabhan
Published: May 2024

Worldwide, mycoparasites in mushrooms seriously impair the financial success of commercial mushroom farms. Especially, Trichoderma species cause green mold disease that lowers the production and quality of edible mushrooms. The volatile and non-volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by bacteria can significantly impact positively or negatively the morphological characteristics and mycelial growth of fungi. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate 161 bacterial isolates’ fungicidal potential against Trichoderma spp. such as T. viride, T. harzianum, and T. asperellum. Our results showed that co-cultivation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Aneurinibacillus migulanus, Bacillus paramycoides, and Bacillus isolates 28, 65, and 88 exhibited antagonistic activities against Trichoderma spp. Notably, antagonistic activity of 73.3% was recorded for B. paramycoides against T. viride compared to the control and other species. However, no antagonism was expressed by P. fluorescens, B. clausii, and B. polymyxa against Trichoderma spp. Dose-dependent antibacterial activity was observed in intra- and extracellular crude extract of B. paramycoidesagainst B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa. The bioactive VOCs and non-VOCs produced by B. paramycoides were characterized by GC-MS that may significantly inhibit spore germination of T. viride, T. harzianum, and T. asperellum. Our finding demonstrates how strikingly species-dependent impacts of bacteria discourage mycelial growth, and how bacterial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can do just that. From the results, it can be apparent that B. paramycoides could be used as bio-fungicidal against Trichoderma spp. induced infections during mushroom farming.
Putting the Squeeze on Valence Tautomerism in Cobalt-Dioxolene Complexes
Authors: Moggach Stephen , Zahir F. Zahra , Turner Gemma , Hay Moya , Riboldi-Tunicliffe Alan , Williamson Rachel , Boer Stephanie , Goerigk Lars , Boskovic Colette , Summers Aston
Published: May 2024

Two isostructural cobalt complexes, [Co(Mentpa)(dbdiox)]+ (Mentpa = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine where n = 2 or 3, corresponding to successive methylation of the 6-position of the pyridine rings, dbdiox = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-dioxolene), were studied using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The less sterically hindered dimethylated complex exhibits two-step thermally-induced interconversion between the high-spin CoII-seminquinonate and low-spin CoIII-catecholate forms (valence tautometrism) at 155 and 95 K due to the presence of two symmetry-independent complexes. In contrast, the more sterically hindered trimethylated complex does not display thermal valence tautomerism. Both complexes exhibit unique behaviour under high pressure. The dimethylated species undergoes gradual, one-step valence tautomerism in both symmetry-independent complexes concurrently between 0.43 GPa and 1.30 GPa. In the trimethylated species, pressure is sufficient to overcome steric hindrance, leading to one-step valence tautomerism between 2.60 GPa and 3.10 GPa; the first record of pressure-induced valence tautomerism in a thermally inactive complex.
Imaging the Microstructure of Lithium and Sodium Metal in “Anode-Free” Solid-State Batteries using EBSD
Authors: Janek Juergen , Fuchs Till , Ortmann Till , Becker Juri , Haslam Catherine , Ziegler Maya , Singh Vipin , Rohnke Marcus , Mogwitz Boris , Peppler Klaus , Nazar Linda , Sakamoto Jeff
Published: May 2024

“Anode-free” or more fittingly, metal reservoir-free cells (RFCs) have the potential of drastically improving current solid-state battery technology by achieving higher energy density, improving safety and simplifying the manufacturing process. Various strategies have been reported so far to control the morphology of electrodeposited alkali metal films to be homogeneous and dense, for example, by utilizing planar interfaces with seed interlayers or three-dimensional host structures. To date, the microstructure of such electrodeposited alkali metal, i.e., its grain size distribution, shape and orientation is unknown, and a suitable characterization route is yet to be identified. At the same time, the influence of the alkali metal microstructure on the electrochemical performance of the anode, including the available discharge capacity, is expected to be substantial. Hence, analysis of the microstructure and its influence on the performance of electrochemically deposited alkali metal layers is a key requirement to improving cell performance. This work establishes first a highly reproducible protocol for characterizing the size and orientation of metal grains in differently processed lithium and sodium samples by a combination of focused-ion beam (FIB) techniques and electron-backscatter diffraction (EBSD) with high spatial resolution. After ruling out grain growth in lithium or sodium during room temperature storage or induced by FIB, electrodeposited films at Cu|LLZO, Steel|LPSCl and Al|NZSP interfaces were then characterized. The analyses show very large grain sizes (> 100 µm) within these films and a clear preferential orientation of grain boundaries. Furthermore, metal growth and dissolution were investigated using in situ SEM analyses, showing a dynamic grain coarsening during electrodeposition and pore formation within grains during dissolution. Our methodology and results open up a new research field for the improvement of solid-state battery performance through first characterization of the deposited alkali metal microstructure and subsequently suggesting methods to control it.
Construction of basement membrane-associated lncRNA prognostic model and personalized therapeutic strategy in gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Jiyu , Tang Zhuojun , Gu Gaocheng , Xu Junqing , Zhuang Qingyuan , Qu Lili
Published: May 2024

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) is a significant global health issue with high incidence and poor prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in cancer biology. This study aims to identify basement membrane (BM)-related differentially expressed lncRNAs and evaluate their prognostic significance.
Methods
RNA-sequencing data and clinical information from GC patients were obtained from the TCGA database. Differentially expressed BM-related lncRNAs were identified using DESeq2. A prognostic model was constructed using univariate Cox analysis, LASSO regression, and multivariate Cox regression. The model's predictive value was validated with Kaplan-Meier survival curves and ROC curves. Functional enrichment, genomic mutation, and immune environment analyses were conducted.
Results
A total of 349 BM-related differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified. The prognostic model, including AL138889.1, AP000695.2, and AP000695.1, demonstrated that high-risk patients had worse prognosis. Risk scores were significantly associated with tumor stage and clinical features. High-risk groups showed higher gene mutation frequencies and an immunosuppressive microenvironment.
Conclusion
The BM-associated lncRNA prognostic model effectively stratifies GC patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, providing significant prognostic value. Identified lncRNAs and pathways offer potential therapeutic targets, warranting further research for clinical application.
Predictors and correlates of outcome for dorsolateral, dorsomedial, and orbitofrontal rTMS in major depression
Authors: Fettes Peter W , Mazza Frank , Mansouri Farrokh , Schulze Laura , Vila-Rodriguez Fidel , Giacobbe Peter , Lam Raymond W , Kennedy Sidney H , Daskalakis Zafiris J , Blumberger Daniel M , Downar Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Objective: It is increasingly being recognized that depression is clinically heterogeneous in terms of clinical presentation and neuroimaging. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a neuroanatomically focal treatment for depression that may be used to probe this heterogeneity. Here, we examine the predictors and correlates of response to rTMS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC), or orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). It is expected that each rTMS target will be associated with distinctive mechanisms of outcome, centered in different resting-state networks implicated in depression.
Method: Resting-state fMRI data was collected in 120 patients with depression before and after receiving rTMS targeting the DLPFC (n=50), DMPFC (n=40) or OFC (n=30). An age- and sex-matched comparator group of 50 healthy controls was included to examine relative connectivity changes following rTMS. Baseline sgACC connectivity to the DLPFC and stimulation site was examined as a predictor of treatment outcome. fMRI predictors and correlates of outcome were also examined with seed-based analyses (using DMPFC and nucleus accumbens as a priori regions of interest).
Results: sgACC-DLPFC connectivity was unable predict treatment outcome for any of the rTMS targets, while sgACC to stimulation site connectivity only predicted outcome for DMPFC-rTMS. DLPFC-, DMPFC-, and OFC-rTMS were shown to have differential predictors and correlates using seed-based analyses, suggesting that each has different mechanisms of action.
Conclusions: The mechanisms of action for DLPFC-, DMPFC-, and OFC-rTMS are distinctive, and do not universally involve connectivity to the sgACC, but instead involve different resting-state networks, highlighting the heterogeneity of depression.
Robotic Pauli repair of parastomal hernia
Authors: lambrecht jan roland
Published: May 2024

Background Robotic retro-muscular mesh repair of parastomal hernia (PH) is possible with transversus abdominis release. The accounts aim is to report mid-term results with this method.Methods Patients operated for PH were enrolled in a prospective study. Patients with concomitant midline hernia also had Rives repair. Polypropylene meshes with an absorbable buffer mesh were used in the retro-muscular pocket – except PTFE was chosen for inflammatory bowel disease patients.Results Of 53 included ostomates 43 had colostomies, 8 ileostomies and 2 urostomies, all end-type. 40% had a concomitant hernia and 26% had recurrent PH. Mean operating time without accessory repair was 156 minutes (SD 37) and with accessory repairs 220 minutes (SD 62). Postoperative complications ensued in 12 patients (23%). One bowel lesion and one vascular injury to the stoma occurred, prompting intraoperative revision of the stoma without postoperative morbidity. One patient had late stoma necrosis and was relocated after 3 weeks. One patient had a mesh infection, 3 patients suffered temporary ileus and one hypovolemic renal failure, one of two patients with flare-up of their IBD. One parastomal abscess had with percutaneous drain. The median postoperative stay was 3 days (1–21; mean 3.7 days) and the readmission rate was 7.5%. The recurrence rate at mean and median 24 months follow up is 3.8%, both in ileostomy patients.Conclusions Robotic Pauli repair shows promising results. However, the repair fails with short mesentery in small bowel ostomies. ePauli/TAR is now the standard operation for all eligible patients at our site.
Research trends in Caenorhabditis elegans and aging from 2004 to 2023: a bibliometric analysis.
Authors: Zhang Yue , Quan Tian , Zeng Yue , Hou Yi , Yu Xin-Tian , Leng Yan-En , Shi Lin
Published: May 2024

Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) have emerged as a prominent model organism for investigating aging, owing to its short life cycle, complete body transparency, protein editing capabilities, and advancements in aging-related pathways. Despite the significance of C. elegans in aging research, there is currently a lack of bibliometric analysis on this topic. To address this gap and gain deeper insights into C. elegans and aging, we retrieved 6204 records from the Web of Science database and employed scientometric tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to conduct an extensive analysis encompassing countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, co-cited literature, and keywords. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of research trends in the field of C. elegans and aging using bibliometric approaches while also identifying potential avenues for future investigations. Currently, key areas within C. elegans and aging research primarily revolve around dauer larvae、caloric restriction、stress resistance and alzheimers disease pathogenesis exploration. It is noteworthy that insulin, anti-aging, free radicals, neurodegeneration, and antioxidants have emerged as the most prominent and rapidly advancing frontiers in current research. We anticipate that this study will contribute to the advancement of scientific research in C. elegans and aging, while facilitating potential collaborations and fostering interdisciplinary partnerships for scientists and scholars.
Rezension zu: Silvester Kreisel, Alte Feste in neuer Zeit. Zur Entwicklung der paganen Festkultur unter dem Einfluss des spätantiken Christentums
Authors: Kumpitsch Winfried
Published: May 2024

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Research on expanding the scope of application of the MARA method
Authors: Thinh Hoang Xuan , Dua Tran Van
Published: May 2024

Data normalization is a crucial step in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) processes. The choice of data normalization method significantly influences the ranking of alternatives. The available data normalization methods in the MARA (Magnitude of the Area for the Ranking of Alternatives) method may not be applicable in certain cases. This study aims to broaden the application scope of the MARA method. Therefore, an investigation into the compatibility of data normalization methods when combined with the MARA method has been conducted. Ten data normalization methods were utilized, including Linear normalization, Weitendorf normalization, Sum linear normalization, Vector normalization, Logarithmic normalization, Max linear normalization, Min linear normalization, Jüttler-Körth normalization, Peldschus normalization, and Stop normalization. The compatibility between the MARA method and these ten data normalization methods was tested in five different scenarios. In the initial four scenarios, variations in the number of alternatives, criteria, and criterion types were introduced. Eight out of the ten data normalization methods were proven to be suitable for integration with the MARA method. In the fifth scenario, a hypothetical situation was presented where the data normalization methods available in the MARA method could not be used. Alternative data normalization methods were employed, and their combination with the MARA method was compared to using other multi-criteria decision-making methods. The results affirmed the accuracy of these combinations. This exploration has expanded the application scope of the MARA method compared to its original version
The effect of company growth on sustainable performance: A moderating perspective of stock mispricing in Indonesia and Japan
Authors: Teresa Kristianthy Leddy , Ekawati Erni
Published: May 2024

The adoption of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) measures to realize socially responsible companies continues to accelerate, becoming a trend amid global uncertainty due to climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine the effect of company growth on sustainable performance, moderated by company stock mispricing in Indonesia and Japan, representing a developing and a developed country, respectively. This study uses panel data regression, namely the Common Effect Model (CEM), Fixed Effect Model (FEM), and Random Effect Model (REM), to test hypotheses. With a total of 42 observations from companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) and 112 observations from companies listed on the Japan Stock Exchange (JPX) during 2019–2020, the results show that a company’s growth has a negative effect on sustainable performance in Indonesia, while in Japan it has no effect. Stock mispricing strengthens the negative effect of company growth on sustainable performance in Indonesia but has no effect in Japan. This study found that companies in Indonesia place more emphasis on internal growth than on ESG implementation compared to companies in Japan. The implication of this study is that the implementation of ESG shows different dynamics when comparing two countries. Indonesia needs to evaluate the regulations governing socially responsible businesses in order to encourage further improvement of ESG performance. Meanwhile, in Japan, ESG practices have been running voluntarily, so enforcement from regulators is relatively less necessary.
A jelenérték számítás pontatlanságának numerikus vizsgálata
Authors: Sereg Nikolett
Published: May 2024

Gazdasági döntések meghozatalához elengedhetetlen, hogy a döntést támogató számítási módszerek kellően pontos eredményre vezessenek. A kutatás célja a jelenérték-számítás „tankönyvi” megközelítése során alkalmazott periódus-végi konvencióból és a várható élettartamig történő számításból fakadó hibák együttes hatásának numerikus vizsgálata. A hiba mértéke függ a feltételezett pénz-áramprofiltól és az élettartam valószínűség-eloszlásától. Elsőként azt elemezzük, hogy a „tankönyvi” megközelítéshez képest mennyivel pontosabb, ha csak az élet-tartammal kapcsolatban hibázunk, illetve javít-e a „tankönyvi” számítás pontossá-gán, ha figyelembe próbáljuk venni az élettartam valószínűségeloszlásának maga-sabb momentumait is. Eredményként elmondható, hogy a kutatásban szereplő fel-tételezések teljesülése esetén a „tankönyvi” eljáráshoz képest az életszerű esetek többségében nem érdemes törekedni sem a helyes pénzáramprofil, sem az élettar-tammal kapcsolatos bizonytalanság figyelembevételére.
A személyes értékek változása egyetemisták családjainak három generációjában: a közösségi kohézió fellazulása
Authors: Csorba László , Bán Szabina
Published: May 2024

A kutatásba 201 egyetemista, illetve mindegyikük 1-1 szülője, illetve nagyszülője került került bevonásra. A résztvevőket a személyes értékeik tekinte-tében vizsgáltuk. Elkülönítésre kerültek a leginkább meghatározó elsődleges érté-kek, a mögöttes értékek, illetve az úgynevezett anti-értékek. A szülők lényegében a három generáció átlagát jelenítik meg. A nagyszülők számára sokkal fontosabb a közösségük fenntartása, a hagyományok tisztelete, a nemzeti érzelem és a vallás. Egy tipikus gyermeknél ezek már anti-érték kategóriába esnek, miközben olyanok lépnek elő értékké, melyek a nagyszülők számára anti-értékek. Jelentős hatása van az értékek átörökítésére a család méretének és a lakóhely, település nagyságának. Megvizsgálásra került a három generáció áldozatvállalása is. Személyek javára történő áldozatvállalás esetében kevésbé nagy a különbség a három generáció kö-zött, mint ügyek esetében. A gyermekek ugyanakkor már inkább vállalnának ál-dozatot az állatokért – a másik két generációval ellentétben – mint települése lakó-iért. A hittársak pedig már lényegében csak a nagyszülőknek fontosak. Az ered-mények alapján a gyermekeknél azok az értékek lazultak fel, melyek a közösségi kohézió erősségét tartják fenn, azokkal szemben, melyek az egyéni boldogulást szolgálják. Különösen azért figyelemre méltóak az eredmények, mert a minta csa-ládi értelemben zárt volt, tehát nem mások szüleivel, nagyszüleivel kerültek ösz-szehasonlításra a gyermekek.
Mathematical modeling of reverse osmosis system design and performance
Authors: Saeed Ahmed , Alhawaj Mohammed
Published: May 2024

Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most effective technologies for water desalination. However, the RO system's performance is contingent on its design parameters and operating conditions. In this study, a computational model for RO desalination performance prediction was developed. The study compares the performance parameters of the RO system utilizing various types of membranes with the established model using a single pressure vessel and seven membrane elements within the pressure vessel. This study looked at two different feed water concentrations. The first is for saltwater with a concentration of 40,000 mg/L, while the second is for seawater with a concentration of 32,000 mg/L. WAVE software assessed the findings of the generated model to the recovery ratio, feed pressure, salt rejection, and permeate concentration of each membrane element inside the pressure vessel. The results of the study show good similarity between the simulation model results and the results obtained by WAVE software as they are illustrated in Figures 4–7.
Safety and Efficiency of Anti-VEGF with Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for Non-Ischemic Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Prospective, Case-controlled, Cohort Study
Authors: Cai Xiaohui , Zhao Jing , Dang Yalong
Published: May 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF combined
with dexamethasone implant for the retinal vein occlusion patients with macular edema.

Methods:

In this prospective, case-controlled, cohort clinical trial (Register ID: ChiCTR2400080048),
patients with non-ischemic retinal vein occlusion were enrolled from the Sanmenxia
Central Hospital from August 2020 to April 2023. The patients were randomized into two
groups. All the patients received ranibizumab intravitreal injection in the first 3 consecutive
months. For the ranibizumab group, anti-VEGF injections were as needed thereafter in case of recurrence
of macular edema; For the combination group, the patients received an intravitreal dexamethasone
implant injection at 15 days after the first ranibizumab injection. The primary outcome
measurements were improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reduction in
central macular thickness (CMT). The secondary outcomes were recurrence of macular edema,
number of intravitreal injections, and injection interval. Safety profiles were also recorded.

Results:

A total of 124 patients were included, of which 73 patients completed all follow-ups.
Both the ranibizumab monotherapy and the combination therapy significantly improved BCVA at
all time points, compared to the baseline. The combined group achieved more BCVA improvement
in 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, compared to the ranibizumab alone group. Compared
to the baseline, both groups achieved significant reductions in CMT at all follow-ups. However,
the combination group showed more CMT reduction at 1 week post injection, compared to the
ranibizumab group. The combination group had a significantly longer injection interval, lower injection
time, and recurrence of macular edema. Ocular hypertension was the most common adverse
events. Lastly, intraocular pressure was all well controlled by 1-3 glaucoma medications
without surgical intervention.

Conclusion:

The combination therapy could significantly improve the BCVA and reduce the
CMT with a good safety profile.
Isolation and Characterization of Amylase Enzyme Produced by Indigenous Bacteria from Sugar Factory Waste
Authors: Sanjaya Eli Hendrik , Suharti Suharti , Alvionita Mieke , Telussa Ivonne , Febriana Silvia , Clevanota Hafiz
Published: May 2024

Background

Enzymes are biocatalysts commonly used in industries. One of these enzymes is amylase. In Indonesia, most of the enzymes are still imported from overseas. To reduce the production cost, local amylase is needed which can be produced from indigenous microorganisms.

Aims

This research aims to explore isolates amylase-producing bacteria from a liquid waste of sugar factories, optimize amylase enzyme production, and identify genotypically the indigenous bacterial.

Objective

This research aims to explore isolates amylase-producing bacteria from a liquid waste of sugar factories, optimize amylase enzyme production, and identify genotypically the indigenous bacterial.

Methods

This study consists of seven stages: sample preparation, isolation of amylase-producing bacteria, crude amylase extract production, amylase activity assay, optimization of amylase enzyme production, determining the specific activity, and bacterial identification through genotyping.

Results

This research successfully identified 3 bacterial isolates (G-7, G-8, and G-12) that positively produce amylase enzymes from sugar factory waste. The optimal conditions for amylase enzyme production for all three isolates were at 37°C, pH 7.0, and during the exponential growth phase - at 24 hours for isolate G-8 with specific amylase enzyme activity of 0.198 U/mg, and at 48 hours for isolates G-7 and G-12 with specific amylase enzyme activities of 0.108 U/mg and 0.208 U/mg respectively. The 16S rRNA gene identification results showed that G-7, G-8, and G-12 belong to the species Bacillus infantis, Bacillus flexus, and Pseudomonas nitroreducens respectively.

Conclusion

The species Bacillus infantis, Bacillus flexus, and Pseudomonas nitroreducens has shown great potential for the production of amylase enzyme.
Developing Functional Properties of Food Through Biotechnology
Authors: Borompichaichartkul Chaleeda , Phumsombat Putthapong
Published: May 2024

Functional foods and ingredients offer health benefits that extend beyond
their nutritional value. To develop functional foods, often functional ingredients or
supplements are added to create desired properties, especially in the area of health
improvement. Many well-known functional ingredients can be obtained from
biological processes including probiotics, prebiotics, beta-glucan, enzymes, peptides,
antioxidants, medium or short-chain fatty acids, vitamins, etc. Therefore, it is necessary
to understand the biotechnological process that is used to create high-quality functional
ingredients. This chapter gives an overview of functional foods and ingredients in
terms of definition, category, biological production, safety, and future functional foods.
Functional food can not only prevent nutrient deficiencies but also protect against
diseases and promote proper growth and development, as well as enhance health by
boosting the intake of important nutrients. Innovations in functional foods and
ingredient development would result from understanding more about their
biotechnological manufacturing.
Bioremedial Approach to the Mitigation of Environmental Pollution
Authors: Shahina S. K. Jasmine , Rafiq Summera
Published: May 2024

Anthropogenic events have caused environment all around the world to
deteriorate, rendering them unsuited for the existence of indigenous biological species.
Over the last few decades, environmental contamination seems to have been a
prominent subject of concern, affecting the wellbeing of people. The environments
have been gravely damaged by excessive industrialization, inappropriate farming
techniques, and unregulated release of contaminants into soil and aquatic bodies. As a
result, there has been poor utilization of natural resources, increase in deforestation, a
decline of flora and fauna, drinking water scarcity, and significant economic losses
which are challenging. The need to develop innovative, eco-friendly, low-cost, and
much more effective environmental remediation technologies emerged as a result of
environmental pollution. Microbes are well recognised for their propensity to degrade
and absorb a broad range of organic chemicals and are now utilized to clean up
environmental pollution through the process of 'bioremediation'. The bioremediation
process involves a variety of microorganisms that help in degradation, eradication,
immobilization, or detoxification of different chemical pollutants from the
environment. Bioremediation methods are widely used and are still increasing at an
enormous speed nowadays. Entrepreneurship can be developed by commercializing
bioremediation in saving the environment.
Industrial Biotechnology - Scope and Risks in Establishing an Enterprise
Authors: Samrot Antony V. , Sathiyasree M. , Prakash P.
Published: May 2024

The use of enzymes, microorganisms, and plants to create energy, and
industrial chemicals for consumers is industrial biotechnology. This sector utilizes
natural processes to maximise and improve biochemical pathways that can be used in
the manufacturing process. The integration of biotechnology into industrial processes is
changing not only how we produce goods but also bringing us new goods that were
unthinkable just a few years ago and has created a lot of room for innovation and
entrepreneurship. The commercial aspects of industrial biotechnology as well as the
possible fundamental strategies associated with working biotech entrepreneurs and
professionals in addition to its scope and risk involved in it are discussed here.
Generating Successful Start-up & Research Opportunities in Industrial Biotechnology
Authors: K. Chidhambara Priya Dharshini , Umamaheswari S.
Published: May 2024

Industrial Biotechnology is concerned with the sustainable production of
materials from renewable sources. It is one of the widely recognized fields of
biotechnology as it is associated with a decreased utilization of energy sources and
reduced emission of greenhouse gases and its popularity in terms of economic value in
recent years. With such concerns, the current chapter provides an insight into the
opportunities for building start-ups and research scope in the field of Industrial
Biotechnology and focuses on the various opportunities for initiating a start-up related
to the field of Industrial Biotechnology. Moreover, it highlights the attractive
approaches for setting up and developing the start-ups and government schemes
associated with them. The scope of research and various research opportunities for
students and scholars are highlighted in the field of Industrial Biotechnology. Since
entrepreneurship based on innovation has immense potential in any field, the chapter
highlights the essential entrepreneurial skills and various innovations happening in this
era of Industrial Revolution.
Medical Biotechnology - Approaches to become an Entrepreneur in Medical Biotechnology
Authors: Samrot Antony V. , R. Sanjay Preeth , Bavanilatha M.
Published: May 2024

Medical biotechnology is one of its branches which involves the application
of medicine and biotechnology resources. Entrepreneurship is said to be the
development of a new business making profits where innovation and creditability are
considered as the backbone for its expansion. In the field of medical biotechnology, the
innovation of new medicines, methods for the identification and analysis of new
diseases, discovery of new solutions for a complex problem by satisfying the specific
needs, etc., are involved. In this chapter, various approaches and ideas for becoming an
entrepreneur in the field of medical biotechnology are discussed briefly.
Promising Roadmap in the Development and Commercialization of Pharmaceutical Products for Early Career Researchers
Authors: Rajesh Saranga , N. Selva Sudha , Goswami Raksha , Kishore Kunal , Vasanthi Hannah R.
Published: May 2024

Translational research by budding scientists in the pharmaceutical and
biotechnological field demands the application of their knowledge to a bedside medical
problem. Career opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector range from bench-side
research which includes screening, discovery and development, and operational
activities to manufacture, quality control, and marketing, including pharmacovigilance.
The success of trials leading to commercialization is determined by the quality of
research conducted in academia with the ultimate goal of moving the product ahead.
Early career researchers should have a deep understanding of pharmaceutical products,
particularly advanced drug delivery systems (DDS). Advanced DDS such as niosomes,
liposomes, dendrimers, nanoparticles, and others are developed to increase drug
distribution and bioavailability. DDS can accomplish localized or systemic drug
distribution by careful selection of excipients. DDS could be used to deliver all types of
therapeutic molecules, including biological macromolecules, to the site of action with
more stability. However, one must be aware of several factors, including the
physicochemical properties of the drug, formulation parameters, physiological
considerations, intersubject variability, and the choice of an appropriate animal model
for in vivo studies. In addition, the in vitro and in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) should be
considered, as it confidently converts the bench trial to a market level for bedside
applications. Accordingly, this review focuses on factors that influence drug delivery,
approaches to drug delivery systems, excipient selection strategies, ways to translate
the pilot scale to industrial scale, and the basic requirements of the pharmaceutical
sector for product commercialization. Furthermore, this chapter will also discuss some
of the possible funding avenues to nurture drug discovery and development to motivate
early-career entrepreneurs.