bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SITES OF THE FUNNELBEAKER CULTURE IN THE INTERFLUVE OF UPPER DNISTER AND WESTERN BUG RIVERS IN THE LIGHT OF NEW RESEARCH
Authors: HAWINSKYI Andriy
Published: December 2024

The territory of the basins of the upper reaches of the Dnister and the Western Bug is the extreme south-eastern border of the Funnelbeaker culture (FBC) on the border with the Trypillian culture. Starting from the end of the 19th century. More than 300 sites related to the FBC were found here, which in general makes it possible to talk about the level of settlement of this territory. Among the excavated settlements, Zymne, Lezhnytsia, Tadani, Mali Hrybovychi, Vynnyky-Zhupan, Vynnyky-Lysivka, etc. stand out. They in general reveal the character of the FBC in the interfluve of the mentioned rivers. In terms of the history of research and historiography, the time of the second half of the 20th century can be called the «period of M. Peleshchyshyn», who was, in fact, the only specialist in problematic of FBC on the territory of Ukraine.

The resumption of systematic field studies of the FBC started in 2010 with the excavations of the Kotoryny settlement on the right bank of the Dnister in the immediate border area with the Trypillian culture. Since 2013, the study of the FBC settlement complex in Vynnyky near Lviv lasted without interruption. Several ground dwelling structures were discovered here, in particular constructions with clay walls. A significant number of storage pits were recorded. Defensive structures in the form of a ditch and a palisade in Vynnyky on Lysivka Mount became an important discovery, which has started a discussion about the nature of relationships within the community and with the nearest neighbors.

One of the greatest achievements during this time was a series of absolute dates obtained from Zymne, Kotoryny, Vynnyky-Lysivka, Vynnyky-Zhupan, the synchronous border Trypillian settlements of Bilshivtsi, Kurgany-Dubova, Novomalyn-Podobanka, Myrogoshcha, further ones – Brînzeni, Gordinești, etc. This dating, in comparison with the relative chronology, allows us to talk about the time of the appearance of representatives of the FBC, the stages of functioning of this culture, and the chronology of their relationships with other adjacent cultures in the Upper Dnister and Western Bug regions.

A significant number of "imported" ceramics of the Trypllian culture indicate the peculiarity of the contacts of the FBC on its southeastern borderland, which is particularly reflected in ceramics of a syncretic character.

Keywords: Funnelbeaker culture, dwelling, contacts, absolute dating, defensive constructions.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF YAROSLAV STETSKО AS A PUBLIC AND POLITICAL ACTIVIST
Authors: KOSENKO Nazar
Published: December 2024

On the basis of memories and archival documents, the main aspects of the formation of Yaroslav Stetsko as an individual and a public-political figure have been analyzed. The beginning of the life path of the prominent nationalist has been highlighted. The family of Y. Stetsko, their worldview, social status have been characterized. The circumstances of the formation of Y. Stetsko's nationalist worldview have been analyzed. The figure has been characterized as a student of the Ternopil State Ukrainian Gymnasium. The level of his academic performance has been highlighted. The results of Y. Stetsko's final exams have been revealed. The attitude of his peers towards the figure has been determined. His first steps in the public-political field have been characterized. The beginning of Y. Stetsko's activity in the illegal structures of the Ukrainian national liberation movement has been revealed.

The activity of the underground cell of the Union of Ukrainian Nationalist Youth in the Ternopil State Ukrainian Gymnasium is characterized. The role of Y. Stetsko in the activities of the secret organization of nationalist high school students is revealed. The activist's participation in the work of the legal youth associations "Young Community" and "Mary's Druzhina" is highlighted. The main intellectual interests of Y. Stetska after finishing the Ternopil State Ukrainian Gymnasium, the circumstances of choosing the direction and place of obtaining higher education are revealed.

The activity of Y. Stetsko in the ranks of the OUN in Ternopil Oblast is characterized. The rapid rise of the young man through the hierarchical ladder of the Ukrainian nationalist movement was noted. The circumstances of the first arrest of Y. Stetsko by the Polish occupation authorities have been revealed. The reasons for the actor's move to Lviv are highlighted. The main aspects of Y. Stetsko's activity in the position of ideological and educational referent of the Youth of the OUN have been revealed. His work as the editor of the nationalist monthly "Youth" is characterized. It was established that Y. Stetskо acquired valuable experience in intellectual political work thanks to his move to Lviv.

Keywords: Yaroslav Stetsko, Ukrainian liberation movement, UVO, OUN, interwar period, social and political activity.
CRIMINAL CASE AS A SOURCE FOR STUDYING THE BIOGRAPHY OF IVAN GUBKA (1932–2014)
Authors: SYRKO Myroslav
Published: December 2024

This study aims to uncover the informational value of criminal case records as a source for examining the life of Ivan Gubka. It demonstrates that, alongside other source types, criminal case records serve as an essential element in conducting a comprehensive biographical study of this participant in the Ukrainian liberation movement. It was established that on its basis it is possible to clearly find out the date and place of arrest, information about the family (parents, brothers, sisters, their biographical data and individual life stages), incriminating articles of the Criminal Code (Articles 20-54-1«a» of the Criminal Code of the Ukrainian SSR and Article 2 of the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of May 26, 1947 «On the Abolition of the Death Penalty»), sentence (25 years in correctional labor camps, with subsequent restriction of rights for a period of 5 years each of confiscation of all property), term (7 years, 9 months and 28 days) and place (North-Eastern Correctional Labor Camp (Magadan Region)) of serving the sentence, the fact of rehabilitation (November 18, 1992 by the Lviv Regional Prosecutor's Office). We can also single out the main accusations that Ivan Gubka himself admitted: first, writing two anti-Soviet songs in the summer of 1947 together with Ivan Stadnytskyi; secondly, in the fall of 1947, receiving a rifle and four cartridges for it from Mykola Oleksiyovych Gubka; thirdly, three random meetings (July, August, September 1948) with the leader of the local underground «Grizny». At the same time, he very unambiguously denied his participation in the murder and robbery of the conductor of the mail car Florina Vladyslavivna Pechenyuk at night from October 19 to 20, 1948. The case itself was reviewed several times because there were appeals from G. Gubka (August 25, 1951, November 29, 1954). We also learn from the case that Ivan Gubka himself did not write complaints and requests for pardon. However, on September 3, 1954, the military tribunal of the Carpathian Military District reviewed the case and reduced the term to 12 years and 6 months of labor camps. Ivan Gubka was released on August 23, 1956. The case contains 18 interrogation protocols and 4 protocols of face-to-face interviews of Ivan Gubka (interrogated by lieutenant Shugaev and senior lieutenant Semenov).

Keywords: Ivan Gubka, criminal case, Ukrainian liberation movement, repressive system.
YURII ZAITSEV – SCHOLAR OF THE UKRAINIAN DISSIDENT MOVEMENT
Authors: PATER Ivan
Published: December 2024

The study examines the contribution of Y. Zaitsev to the study of the problems of dissidence, opposition and anti-regime movements of the second half of the twentieth century (before the declaration of independence) in Ukraine. The author notes his active participation in the work of national public organisations at the turn of the 80s and 90s of the 20th century, his rapprochement with former political prisoners, their influence on his choice of research topics - opposition processes in Ukraine after the Stalinist era and the first publications on dissidence. The study emphasises the development by the scholar of the problems of implementing the Ukrainian national idea as the core of state ideology and independent state-building. The work examines underground Ukrainian groups and organisations, including the Ukrainian National Committee, the Ukrainian Workers‘ and Peasants’ Union, and the Ukrainian National Front. The author highlights their publishing activities, the illegal distribution of their printed organs, and some practical implementation of their anti-totalitarian struggle, including, in addition to the distribution of underground literature, the display of national blue and yellow flags. The author reveals the struggle of the communist regime against Ukrainian political, literary, scientific, and artistic dissent, which resulted in a series of trials against members of the opposition movement and their sentencing to various terms of imprisonment. The paper highlights the role of women in the Ukrainian Resistance movement after the Stalinist period, emphasising their socio-political, national and cultural work, and their contribution to the struggle for Ukrainian statehood. The author points to the researcher's significant contribution to the implementation of the Oral History of Ukraine project and his work in the study of the political history of Ukraine.

Keywords: opposition movement, dissidence, women dissidents, totalitarian regime.
Exploring the Effect of the Government Interventions on the Information Asymmetry in the Post-Pandemic
Authors: Chang Chih-Hsiung
Published: December 2024

The article aimed to explore the effect of the government intervention on the information asymmetry in Taiwan’s credit card market during the post-pandemic. To achieve the goal, the article constructed the information asymmetry model which was combined with the government interventions, adverse selections and moral hazards and designed the hypotheses. It was concluded that the government interventions involved with the fiscal and monetary policies failed to improve the market failure and even caused the government failure. The conclusions revealed a significant implication for the policymakers to make the proper policies when facing the challenges in the future.
Predicting Counterproductive Work Behaviors: Examining the Role of Spiritual Intelligence and Personality Traits in Public and Private Sector Organizations
Authors: Jain Neha , Rawa Anushri
Published: December 2024

Counterproductive work behaviors are intentional and harmful behaviors directed either towards the organization or towards its people. This study attempts to examine the role of two antecedent variables, spiritual intelligence (SQ), and personality based on the Big Five Personality dimensions (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness) in predicting the occurrence of counterproductive work behaviors. Two dimensions of counterproductive work behaviors: rating and self-indulgence were used in this study based on the tool developed by Jain & Singh (2020). A sample of 351 employees working in both public (170) and private (181) sector organizations in India was taken for the purpose of the study. Mean, correlational analysis and multiple hierarchical regressions were carried out to test the hypotheses. Significant results were found for both personality and spiritual intelligence (SQ) in predicting counterproductive work behaviors across both public and private sector organizations. The two antecedent variables significantly improved the model's predictive power, for both public and private sector organizations, though to a lesser extent in the private sector. No difference was found based on gender.
Auditing Transformation: A Model of Artificial Intelligence Adoption
Authors: O’Donnell Joseph B.
Published: December 2024

Auditors using artificial intelligence (AI) offers opportunities for transforming audits, and drastically improving audit effectiveness and efficiency. Generative AI, augmented AI, and AI performing an entire audit offer possibilities for enormous cost savings and the potential to dramatically improve audit quality. Obstacles to audit adoption include AI processing opaqueness, shortage of auditors with AI knowledge, a dearth of AI audit standards, and significant AI implementation costs. This paper develops a theoretical auditor AI adoption model utilizing innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The paper provides suggestions for facilitating auditors’ adoption of AI.
Expectations vs. Abilities: Bridging the Gap
Authors: Martin Mary Andrews
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this grounded theory study which applies qualitative techniques, using open-ended interviews and surveys, is to address the problem that businesses lack efficient and effective work production due to entry-level employees not being adequately prepared. The specific purpose is to understand what deficits currently exist between demands and abilities, and what can be done to eliminate those. While there is always some on-the-job training, having this knowledge will fill the current gap in the literature and better prepare entry-level practitioners. While this study looks specifically at accounting students, it can be applied to all areas of business.
The Geographic Proximity Among Firms, Auditor Office and SEC office and Audit Fees
Authors: Fu Liang , Parkash Mohinder , Yu-Thompson Yin
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the geographic distances among the auditors, audit clients, and the regulatory agency Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and their impact on audit quality. Consistent with the exacerbated information asymmetry issue caused by distance, we find the audit quality is negatively associated with the distance between the client/auditor and the SEC offices. We further find that auditors charge higher fees when they are closer to the SEC office, irrespective of the client’s distance to the SEC. This suggests that the distance between auditor and the SEC has a more prominent influence than the client’s location on the audit quality.
Exploring the Biopesticidal Potential of Sonchus arvensis L. for Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Protection
Authors: Togoobat Batchimeg , Baterdene Purevjargal , Tsogtsaikhan Uyanga , Jatoi Ghulam Hussain , Davaadorj Munkhtsetseg , Myagmarsaikhan Gantuya , Tserendolgor Nyamkhuu , Mijidsuren Byambasuren
Published: December 2024

Sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis L.) contains bioactive compounds with natural defense mechamism against pests and pathogens, making it a potential source for developing biopesticides. In present studies, advanced instrumental analysis methods, including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and spectrophotometry, were employed to analyze the composition of sow thistle extracts. Key compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, rutin (0.2 μg/ml), quercetin (1.02 μg/ml), kaempferol (0.7 μg/ml), and ferulic acid (9.2 μg/ml) were identified. The extract demonstrated significant antifungal activity, inhibiting Fusarium oxysporum by 72.5% and Alternaria alternata by 78.8%, both major plant pathogens. Additionally, herbicidal effects were observed, with inhibition rates ranging from 29% to 95% on rapeseed germination. These findings highlight the potential of Sonchus arvensis as a sustainable biopesticide. Further research will optimize extraction methods for its use in eco-friendly pest management solutions.
Assessment and Characterization of Colletotrichum species causing Bitter Rot Disease of Apple in Quetta (Pakistan)
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Naz Farah , Sana Sadia , Irshad Gulshan , Khan Muhammad Azam
Published: December 2024

Colletotrichum species present a significant threat and posing a serious threat to the economy of Pakistan. This fact is due to suitable environmental conditions for pathogen dispersal. The research was conducted for the accurate identification of Colletotrichum species and studying its pathogenic behaviour responsible for pre-harvest bitter rot disease of apple fruits in Quetta, Pakistan. For this purpose, a survey was conducted in 2016 2017 across ten locations in Quetta to evaluate the disease assessment and sample collection. The findings revealed disease incidence of 39.22% in 2016 and 32.56% in 2017. Symptoms observed sunken brown lesions, measuring 1-4 cm in diameter, on the fruit surface, containing small, pinhead-sized black fruiting structures. A total of 130 fungal isolates were obtained from infected samples and categorized primarily into three groups (A, B, C) based on distinct cultural and morphological characteristics. Pathogenicity test, conducted in triplicate through spore suspension application on healthy apple fruit, confirmed Colletotrichum as the causative pathogen. Furthermore, ten isolates from each group were subjected to molecular analysis to identify the  Colletotrichum species using internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (TUB), and glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene regions. From sequence analysis, the fungal isolates were identified as three Colletotrichum species mainly Group (A) C. acutatum (B) C. gloeosporioides and (C) C. siamense. Morphological features act as a primary way of identifying Colletotrichum spp. although it is not feasible due to some Colletotrichum genera being morphologically related, consequently molecular method of identification was sufficient for accurate identification and species confirmation. At our knowledge, tion this is the first comprehensive study of Colletotrichum spp. causing bitter rot disease of apple in Pakistan. The findings of our resesearch will pave the way for future disease management experiments, aiming to prevent this disease becoming a serious threat in the region.
ANALISIS RASIO LIKUIDITAS, RASIO SOLVABILITAS, RASIO AKTIVITAS, DAN RASIO PROFITABILITAS TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN PERUSAHAAN PADA PT. NIPPON INDOSARI CORPINDO TBK
Authors: Ajeng Kartika Aprilia Santi  , Cahyani Anisa’ Dwi , Anita  , Najib M. Thoha Ainun
Published: December 2024

Kesehatan keuangan perusahaan bisa dievaluasi melalui analisis finansial menggunakan rasio likuiditas, solvabilitas, aktivitas, dan profitabilitas. Hal Ini membantu memahami bagaimana manajemen aset beroperasi, mengurangi risiko operasional dan keuangan. Khususnya, dalam konteks PT. Nippon Indosari Corpindo Tbk., analisis rasio ini memberi wawasan lebih dalam tentang kinerja perusahaan. Laporan keuangan yang diajukan ke Bursa Efek Indonesia menjadi sumber data utama untuk menganalisis rasio ini. Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif kuantitatif, menggunakan data laporan keuangan tahunan dari 2022-2023 untuk mengevaluasi kinerja fiskal PT. Nippon Indosari Corpindo Tbk.
Low-cost high performance piezoelectric fabrics based on Nylon-6 nanofibers
Authors: Kwon Dong-Jun , Milam-Guerreroa JoAnna , Choi Yun Young , Myung Nosang Vincent
Published: December 2024

To fully harness the potential of smart textiles, it is cruical to develop energy harvesters which can function both as fabric and energy generator. In this work, we present a high performance low-cost piezoelectric nano-fabric using even-number Nylon (i.e., Nylon-6). Nylon-6 was chosen for optimal mechanical properties such as mechanical strength and stiffness. To maximize the voltage output, Nylon six nanofibers with varying diameter and crystallinity were synthesized by adjusting the polymer precursor and solvent, along with electrospinning parameters, followed by post thermal treatment. The average diameter of electrospun nanofibers was finely tuned (down to 36 nm) by adjusting solution polymer precursor content and electrospinning parameters. The content of desired piezoelectric-active γ crystal phase enhanced upto 76.4% by controlling solvent types and post thermal annealing. The highest peak to peak voltage (V33) of 1.96 V were achieved from γ-phase dominant (>60%) Nylon-6 nanofiber fabric which has an average nanofiber diameter of 36 nm with high fiber fraction (i.e., > 98%). Unlike its thin film counterpart, piezoelectric electrospun nanofiber fabric demonstrated durability against wear and washing. This work paves a new way to utilize Nylon-6 nanofibers in next-generation electronic textiles.
Feasibility of relaxation along a fictitious field in the 2nd rotating frame (TRAFF2) mapping in the human myocardium at 3 T
Authors: Tourais Joao , Božić-Iven Maša , Zhao Yidong , Tao Qian , Pierce Iain , Nitsche Christian , Thornton George D. , Schad Lothar R. , Treibel Thomas A. , Weingärtner Sebastian , Akçakaya Mehmet
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Evaluate the feasibility of quantification of Relaxation Along a Fictitious Field in the 2nd rotating frame (RAFF2) relaxation times in the human myocardium at 3 T.

Methods

TRAFF2 mapping was performed using a breath-held ECG-gated acquisition of five images: one without preparation, three preceded by RAFF2 trains of varying duration, and one preceded by a saturation prepulse. Pixel-wise TRAFF2 maps were obtained after three-parameter exponential fitting. The repeatability of TRAFF2, T1, and T2 was assessed in phantom via the coefficient of variation (CV) across three repetitions. In seven healthy subjects, TRAFF2 was tested for precision, reproducibility, inter-subject variability, and image quality (IQ) on a Likert scale (1 = Nondiagnostic, 5 = Excellent). Additionally, TRAFF2 mapping was performed in three patients with suspected cardiovascular disease, comparing it to late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), native T1, T2, and ECV mapping.

Results

In phantom, TRAFF2 showed good repeatability (CV < 1.5%) while showing no (R2=0.09) and high (R2=0.99) correlation with T1 and T2, respectively. Myocardial TRAFF2 maps exhibited overall acceptable image quality (IQ = 3.0±1.0) with moderate artifact levels, stemming from off-resonances near the coronary sinus. Average TRAFF2 time across subjects and repetitions was 79.1 ± 7.3 ms. Good precision (7.6 ± 1.4%), reproducibility (1.0 ± 0.6%), and low inter-subject variability (10.0 ± 1.8%) were obtained. In patients, visual agreement of the infarcted area was observed in the TRAFF2 map and LGE.

Conclusion

Myocardial TRAFF2 quantification at 3 T was successfully achieved in a single breath-hold with acceptable image quality, albeit with residual off-resonance artifacts. Nonetheless, preliminary clinical data indicate potential sensitivity of TRAFF2 mapping to myocardial infarction detection without the need for contrast agents, but off-resonance artifacts mitigation warrants further investigation.
Bare metal stent application to prevent limb occlusion in iliac arteries with severe tortuosity during an endovascular aneurysm repair: a cohort study
Authors: Zeng Xiong , Ju Zhinan , Min Xixi , Zeng Xiande , Chen Wei , Dai Kanghui , Zhou Weimin , Qiu Jiehua
Published: December 2024

Background

The risk of limb graft occlusion (LGO) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is increased by severe tortuosity of the iliac artery. A bare metal stent (BMS) may protect LGO, according to the hypothesis of this single-center retrospective analysis.

Methods

All patients undergoing elective EVAR with a bifurcated stent graft between January 2012 and June 2022 were included in this cohort study. Patients demonstrating significant tortuosity at the iliac angle were incorporated into this study and classified into two groups: group A comprised those who received a BMS. In contrast, group B consisted of those who did not receive a BMS. The primary outcomes were the incidence of limb occlusion and technical success during the follow-up period. However, secondary outcomes included perioperative mortality, external iliac angioplasty, and crossed-limb techniques.

Statement

This study has been reported as being in line with the STROCSS criteria.

Result

A total of 157 patients (mean age = 71.6 ± 8 years) with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms were enrolled. In total, 50 individuals were included in group A, while 107 were in group B. Overall technical success was 100%, and only one (2%) patient from group A and 17 (15%) from group B suffered from limb occlusion during follow-up (p < 0.05). At a mean follow-up imaging duration of 28.7 ± 23.6 months (range 1–124), the estimated primary limb patency at 2 years was 98% for the BMS group and 84% for the non-BMS group (p < 0.05). There were no changes in perioperative mortality or crossed-limb procedures between the BMS and non-BMS groups. Nonetheless, there were disparities in external iliac angioplasty between the two groups during the follow-up period (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Deploying a BMS inside the iliac artery to prevent or treat limb occlusion is a safe and effective strategy, with clear prolonged outcomes concerning patency and re-interventions.
Geometric reconstruction of the left ventricle on a beating heart through a minimally invasive approach from the left anterolateral thoracotomy: case report
Authors: Aigumov R. N. , Donakanyan S. A. , Merzlyakov V. Yu , Skopin A. I. , Baichurin R. K. , Panagov Z. G. , Sizhazhev E. M. , Shvartz V. A. , Golukhova E. Z.
Published: December 2024

Despite the widespread use of mini-invasive treatment methods in cardiac surgery, their use in post-infarction myocardial aneurysms of the left ventricle is not of frequent occurrence. In this clinical case, we used left anterolateral thoracotomy and “eating heart” technique to correct the post-infarction left ventricle aneurysm with ventricular thrombosis using the Dor method in a 66-year-old patient. This technique created opportunity to perform safely and effective the planned reconstruction of the left ventricle with less trauma, as well as to ease the postoperative course and recovery of the patient, reduce hospitalization time.
The geometry and evolution of the deeply buried structural wedge in the kuqa fold-and-thrust belt: insights from numerical simulation
Authors: Chen Weili , Wang Wei , Zhao Jiaqi , Yin Hongwei , Hu Fangjie , Zhang Yong , Li Zhihao , Jia Dong , Zhang Chunbo
Published: December 2024

Numerical simulation is used to investigate the influence of thickness variation on the evolution of buried structural wedges, representing structures formed between two detachments. Simulations are based on the Kuqa fold-and-thrust belt, characterized by a tapered sedimentary sequence. Two sets of models were developed, one considering syn-tectonic sedimentation and the other without it. Model results indicate that an increase in thickness leads to larger intervals of thrusts, larger-scale thrust anticlines, and a reduced number of thrusts within the buried structural wedge, regardless of the presence of syn-tectonic sedimentation. The presence of syn-tectonic sedimentation is found to constrain the propagation of deformation within buried structural wedges, while increased thickness is observed to promote deformation propagation. Model results show that the deformation front expands toward the foreland from the thin model to the medium model and withdraws from the medium model to the thick model. This suggests that with the increase of wedge thickness, the restriction influence of syn-tectonic sedimentation on deformation propagation is more obvious than promotion. Model results show similarities in the structural features with the buried structural wedge in the Kuqa fold-and-thrust belt. With insights from numerical simulation, we suggest that the increased Mesozoic strata thickness from the west to east controls the structural variation along the strike. In the east, there are fewer thrust faults and larger fault intervals. Due to the restriction influence of the syn-tectonic sedimentation on the deformation propagation, the deformation front is an arc shape in the map view from west to east.
Risk assessment of potential rock collapse in Fenghuang Mountain, three gorges reservoir area, China
Authors: Cheng Shi , Dai Zhenwei , Zhang Anle , Geng Jun , Li Zixuan , Wang Fen , Huang Bolin , Zhang Nan , Jiang Xiannian
Published: December 2024

On 8 October 2017, persistent heavy rainfall triggered a rock collapse on Fenghuang Mountain in Wuxi Town, located within the Three Gorges Reservoir region of China. Subsequent field investigations and monitoring identified several potentially unstable rock masses in the area, posing a significant threat to the safety of nearby residents and their property. In this study,the Rapid Mass Movement Simulation (RAMMS) numerical tool was used to perform a back analysis of the rock collapse event. The well calibrated numerical model was then used to assess the risk of the potential unstable rock masses in the study area. The rock collapse on Fenghuang Mountain descended rapidly along the slope, with the dislodged material accumulating at the base and obstructing the road at the foot of the slope. Some debris breached the embankment and entered the Daning River. The computed maximum velocity during the rock collapse event was approximately 9.14 m/s, with an average maximum deposit thickness of around 4.48 m. The back-analysis of the rock collapse event closely aligns with the observed failure process and deposit morphology documented through field investigation. Using the well calibrated numerical model, a dynamic analysis was conducted on the potential unstable rock mass. The risk assessment indicates that the potential unstable rock mass is prone to instability, with a high likelihood of a subsequent rockfall under extreme rainfall conditions. The computed average maximum velocity for the potential rockfall is 33.83 m/s, with an average maximum deposit thickness of 2.20 m. The computed maximum impact pressure is about 164 kPa, which would result in significant damage to the road below. Additionally, a maximum wave height of 1.38 m from the surge caused by potential rockfall entering the Daning River was calculated by a semi-empirical model. This research offers a novel approach and methodology for assessing the risk of such hazardous events in similar geological setting globally.
Non-linear dose-response relationship between the visceral adiposity index and diabetes in adults with normoglycemia: a cohort study
Authors: Liang Xiaomin , Xing Zemao , Li Ying , Gui Shuiqing , Hu Haofei
Published: December 2024

Objective

Previous studies have identified a positive link between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and diabetes in specific populations. Our investigation focused on examining this association in normoglycemic adults in Japan.

Methods

A cohort study of NAGALA (NAfld in the Gifu Area Longitudinal Analysis) was undertaken from 2004 to 2015 in Japan. The link between VAI and diabetes was evaluated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of the VAI for incident diabetes.

Results

Our study included 15,452 participants, with 8,418 men (54.48%) and 7,034 women (45.52%). The average age was 43.71 ± 8.90, and 373 participants (2.41%) developed diabetes. VAI was positively related to diabetes (HR=1.13, 95% CI 1.08-1.18). The inflection point of the non-linear relationship was observed at a VAI value of 4.67. For the VAI values up to 4.67, one unit increase in the VAI related to a 24% increase in new-onset diabetes (HR=1.24, 95% CI 1.12-1.37, p<0.0001). Subgroup analysis detected a more robust relationship in women (HR=1.40, 95% CI 1.14-1.70, p=0.0010). ROC analysis indicated that VAI, with an AUC of 0.7479 (95% CI: 0.7237-0.7720), had good predictive power.

Conclusion

Our cohort study validated the positive and non-linear relationship between the VAI and diabetes in normoglycemic adults in Japan. The relevance was more marked in women than in men. For those with a VAI below 4.67, a further reduction in the VAI could potentially lead to a significant decrease in diabetes risk.
The impact of cognitive bias about infectious diseases on social well-being
Authors: Pestow Radomir
Published: December 2024

Introduction

We investigate the relationship between bias, that is, cognitive distortions about the severity of infectious disease and social well-being.

Materials and Methods

First, we establish empirically the existence of bias and analyze some of its causes; specifically, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, we derive an integrated economic-epidemiological differential equation model from an agent-based model that combines myopic rational choice with infectious disease dynamics. Third, we characterize axiomatically a model of an ethical, impartial, eudaemonistic and individualist observer. We prove that such an observer evaluates the state of society (social welfare or social well-being) according to the utilitarian principle.

Results

We show numerically that while increased risk-perception indeed improves epidemiological outcomes such as peak of infections and total incidence, the impact on social well-being is ambiguous.

Discussion

This result urges to look beyond cases and deaths. We also discuss problematic aspects of the simplified utilitarian principle.

Conclusion

Finally, we point out three possible future research directions and highlight some critical issues that arise in the normative direction.
Exploring landscape ecological risk with human activity intensity and correlation in the Kuye River Basin
Authors: Wu Yihan , Qin Fucang , Li Long , Dong Xiaoyu
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The Kuye River Basin, a typical erosion area of the Loess Plateau region with the second largest tributary of the Yellow River Basin, faces significant environmental challenges and intense human activities. Balancing environmental sustainability and economic development in this region is urgent.

Methods

Therefore, this study takes this basin as the object and evaluates the landscape ecological risk and human activity intensity from 2000 to 2022 based on land use/land cover, population distribution and nighttime lighting data. And a geographically weighted regression model was used to reveal the correlation between the two.

Results and discussion

Results showed that the average landscape ecological risk index in 2000, 2015, and 2022 were 9.01×10-4, 5.61×10-4, and 7.40×10-4, respectively. This shows that the overall landscape ecological risk index is low in the first 15 years and then gradually increases over time. Cultivated land, grassland and construction land are the main landscapes, the expansion of 7.95 times construction land is a key factor in the intensification of human activities, mainly concentrated in the northwest, followed by a gradual expansion towards the south-east, and likewise the landscape ecological risks follow the same trend. Medium to high intensity human activities exacerbate landscape ecological risks, with a significant positive correlation, while low intensity human activities cause little damage to landscape ecology. To achieve sustainability, it is necessary to effectively control construction land and improve land use structure. Then, in the planning work, priority will be given to the northwest region with high human activity intensity and high landscape ecological risks, and the governance direction will gradually shift to the southeast region. These findings provide empirical evidence to support decision-making and underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate landscape ecological risks and promote sustainable development in the Kuye River Basin.
Workplace genetic testing: which employees are likely to participate, what are their concerns with employer sponsorship, and which design features could reduce barriers and increase participation?
Authors: Briscoe Forrest , Maxwell James H. , Bourgoin Angel
Published: December 2024

Voluntary genetic testing (GT) leverages low-cost DNA sequencing and other testing methods to provide genetic risk screening for healthy individuals. Given the potential to prevent disease and promote health, some employers now offer GT as an employee benefit (workplace GT, or wGT), but participation remains low. To investigate facilitators and barriers to wGT participation, we conducted one of the first representative surveys of working U.S. adults on this topic (n = 958). We assessed factors that could influence participation, including: sponsoring entity (health provider or employer), program design, and individual demographics. Two-thirds (68%) of respondents indicated willingness to participate in some type of GT, but only half (49%) expressed willingness to participate through their employer. Women were 60% more willing to participate than men, and individuals with previous genetic testing experience were 143% more willing to participate than those without such experience. Across all demographic groups, certain GT program design features tended to increase or decrease willingness to participate. The ability to have one’s data deleted from the GT database increased willingness most often (true for 67% of respondents), while selling data to pharmaceutical companies decreased willingness most often (true for 63% of respondents).
Gene expression ranking change based single sample pre-disease state detection
Authors: Bao Zhenshen , Li Xianbin , Xu Peng , Zan Xiangzhen
Published: December 2024

Introduction

To prevent disease, it is of great importance to detect the critical point (pre-disease state) when the biological system abruptly transforms from normal to disease state. However, rapid and accurate pre-disease state detection is still a challenge when there is only a single sample available. The state transition of the biological system is driven by the variation in regulations between genes.

Methods

In this study, we propose a rapid single-sample pre-disease state-identifying method based on the change in gene expression ranking, which can reflect the coordinated shifts between genes, that is, S-PCR. The R codes of S-PCR can be accessed at https://github.com/ZhenshenBao/S-PCR.

Results

This model-free method is validated by the successful identification of pre-disease state for both simulated and five real datasets. The functional analyses of the pre-disease state-related genes identified by S-PCR also demonstrate the effectiveness of this computational approach. Furthermore, the time efficiency of S-PCR is much better than that of its peers.

Discussion

Hence, the proposed S-PCR approach holds immense potential for clinical applications in personalized disease diagnosis.
A novel microRNA promotes coxsackievirus B4 infection of pancreatic β cells
Authors: Lalani Salima , Knudsen Joseph , Kenney James , Hober Didier , DiPersio C. Michael , Gerber Allen
Published: December 2024

The epidemiological association of coxsackievirus B infection with type 1 diabetes suggests that therapeutic strategies that reduce viral load could delay or prevent disease onset. Moreover, recent studies suggest that treatment with antiviral agents against coxsackievirus B may help preserve insulin levels in type 1 diabetic patients. In the current study, we performed small RNA-sequencing to show that infection of immortalized trophoblast cells with coxsackievirus caused differential regulation of several miRNAs. One of these, hsa-miR-AMC1, was similarly upregulated in human pancreatic β cells infected with coxsackievirus B4. Moreover, treatment of β cells with non-cytotoxic concentrations of an antagomir that targets hsa-miR-AMC1 led to decreased CVB4 infection, suggesting a positive feedback loop wherein this microRNA further promotes viral infection. Interestingly, some predicted target genes of hsa-miR-AMC1 are shared with hsa-miR-184, a microRNA that is known to suppress genes that regulate insulin production in pancreatic β cells. Consistently, treatment of coxsackievirus B4-infected β cells with the hsa-miR-AMC1 antagomir was associated with a trend toward increased insulin production. Taken together, our findings implicate novel hsa-miR-AMC1 as a potential early biomarker of coxsackievirus B4-induced type 1 diabetes and suggest that inhibiting hsa-miR-AMC1 may provide therapeutic benefit to type 1 diabetes patients. Our findings also support the use of trophoblast cells as a model for identifying microRNAs that might be useful diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for coxsackievirus B-induced type 1 diabetes.
Machine learning-based diagnostic model of lymphatics-associated genes for new therapeutic target analysis in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Lin Maoqiang , Li Shaolong , Wang Yabin , Zheng Guan , Hu Fukang , Zhang Qiang , Song Pengjie , Zhou Haiyu
Published: December 2024

Background

Low back pain resulting from intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) represents a significant global social problem. There are notable differences in the distribution of lymphatic vessels (LV) in normal and pathological intervertebral discs. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of lymphatics-associated genes (LAGs) in the development of IVDD remain unclear. An in-depth exploration of this area will help to reveal the biological and clinical significance of LAGs in IVDD and may lead to the search for new therapeutic targets for IVDD.

Methods

Data sets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Following quality control and normalization, the datasets (GSE153761, GSE147383, and GSE124272) were merged to form the training set, with GSE150408 serving as the validation set. LAGs from GeneCards, MSigDB, Gene Ontology, and KEGG database. The Venn diagram was employed to identify differentially expressed lymphatic-associated genes (DELAGs) that were differentially expressed in the normal and IVDD groups. Subsequently, four machine learning algorithms (SVM-RFE, Random Forest, XGB, and GLM) were used to select the method to construct the diagnostic model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, nomogram, and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the model effect. In addition, we constructed a potential drug regulatory network and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network for key LAGs.

Results

A total of 15 differentially expressed LAGs were identified. By comparing four machine learning methods, the top five genes of importance in the XGB model (MET, HHIP, SPRY1, CSF1, TOX) were identified as lymphatics-associated gene diagnostic signatures. This signature was used to predict the diagnosis of IVDD with strong accuracy and an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.938. Furthermore, the diagnostic model was validated in an external dataset (GSE150408), with an AUC value of 0.772. The nomogram and DCA further prove that the diagnosis model has good performance and predictive value. Additionally, drug regulatory networks and ceRNA networks were constructed, revealing potential therapeutic drugs and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.

Conclusion

We developed and validated a lymphatics-associated genes diagnostic model by machine learning algorithms that effectively identify IVDD patients. These five key LAGs may be potential therapeutic targets for IVDD patients.
Wave forces and dynamic pressures on pile-supported breakwaters with inclined perforated plates under regular waves
Authors: Li Ziwang , Liu Rui , Wang Zhenlu , Liang Bingchen , Xia Haofeng , Sun Xuehai , Wang Xinpeng , Shi Luming
Published: December 2024

The use of pile-supported breakwaters can be a cost-effective solution for wave energy dissipation when traditional rubble mound breakwaters are not suitable. For a cost-effective design of these barriers, it is essential to obtain accurate estimates of dynamic pressures and wave forces. Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the dynamic pressures and forces on a novel pile-supported breakwater with inclined perforated plates. The analysis focused on various wave and structural parameters, including incident wave height, wave period, plate porosity, and plate configuration. For double-layer configurations with the same porosity, dynamic pressures on the single-layer or front plate were significantly higher than on the rear plate, with rear plate forces being 20% to 60% less. The dynamic pressure on the rear plate exhibited a uniform vertical distribution. Varying plate porosity at different locations significantly impacted structural forces. Gradually decreasing porosity improved wave dissipation and reduced forces on the plates, with front and back plate forces reaching approximately 70% of those on single-layer plates. Optimal protection across various wave periods can be achieved by adjusting porosity and plate arrangement. These findings provide valuable insights for designing pile-supported breakwaters in coastal protection engineering.
Treatment of giant fecalith colonic obstruction in a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy using endoscopic injection of hydrogen peroxide: a case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Cheng , Gao Zhichao , Zhang Yuhang , Li Guofeng , Ge Lida
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder primarily affecting cardiac and skeletal muscles, with gastrointestinal obstruction being an infrequent complication.

Case report

We present a 17-year-old boy with DMD (G-to-T transversion at c.4150 in the gene encoding dystrophin protein) who developed severe colonic obstruction due to fecal impaction. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an obstructing fecalith in the left colon (length: 39.5 cm, width: 18.3 cm, height: 12.7 cm). Despite the application of initial conservative measures including fasting, enemas, and fluid resuscitation, the obstruction persisted. Therefore, we performed manual disimpaction and endoscopic injection of hydrogen peroxide, effectively alleviating the obstruction.

Discussion

This case underscores the necessity of devising stage-specific, tailored strategies for the prevention and management of gastrointestinal complications in patients with DMD.