bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of machine learning in classification of overinvestment: Evidence from listed firms in Vietnam stock exchange market
Authors:   University of Economics and Law, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Phan Huy Tam ,   Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Ngo Dinh Linh Tram ,   University of Economics and Law, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh ,   University of Economics and Law, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Nguyen Quoc Trong Nghia ,   University of Economics and Law, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Hoang Thao Linh ,   University of Economics and Law, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, Trinh Van Thanh ,   University of Economics and Law, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Published: January 2024

Studies have consistently demonstrated that both overinvestment and underinvestment exert adverse effects on the overall efficacy of business operations, showcasing the significance of understanding and addressing these phenomena in the realm of scholarly research. Therefore, in this study, we aim to develop an accurate machine-learning model to identify overinvestment in firms listed on the HSX and the HNX stock exchanges in Vietnam. We decided to conduct a comparison to identify the optimal model for classifying firms of overinvestment or not, including Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Naive Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree, and Random Forest. Using a sample of 658 non-financial listed companies in Vietnam between 2011 and 2021, our result shows that the most importance predictor variable is "FCF" (free cash flow), with an importance value of 0.14. Although both logistic regression and random forest (RD) algorithms demonstrate high accuracy in identifying firms with overinvestment, the Random Forest algorithm exhibits slightly higher precision and recall for class 1 (overinvestment firms) when compared to Logistic Regression. By contrast, the accuracy performance of the four models (NB, KNN, DT, and SVM) is low, ranging from 0.53 to 0.67. At the microeconomic level, this research can help businesses gain insights into their financial performance, identify areas for improvement, and take proactive measures to avoid financial distress and improve profitability by identifying potential cases of overinvestment. Overall, the study provides a valuable contribution to the field of financial analysis using machine learning techniques. We firmly believe that the findings of this research will serve as a significant scholarly reference for future investigations in the field and explore other importance predictors of overinvestment in Vietnam and other emerging markets.
International tourists’ satisfaction towards online banking services in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors:   Faculty of Business Administration, Van Lang University, 69/68 Dang Thuy Tram Street, Ward 13, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tan Nguyen Tai , Ha Nam Khanh Giao ,   Vietnam Aviation Academy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Published: January 2024

Online banking allows a user to conduct financial transactions via the Internet. Online banking is also known as Internet banking or web banking. Online banking offers customers almost every service traditionally available through a local branch, including deposits, transfers, and online bill payments. The goal of this research was to analyze international tourists’ satisfaction with online banking services in the context of Ho Chi Minh City. The paper explores international tourists’ satisfaction with efficient dimensions, responsiveness dimensions, system-available dimensions, privacy dimensions, fulfillment dimensions, compensation dimensions, and contact dimensions. The data were gathered from a sample of 176 international tourists to Ho Chi Minh City by utilizing a purposive sampling method and adopting a survey method comprised of a structured questionnaire. The findings of the research suggest that efficient dimensions, system availability dimensions, privacy dimensions, and fulfillment dimensions are the most essential aspects that significantly affect international tourists’ satisfaction with online banking services. The study also reports that responsiveness dimensions, compensation dimensions, and contact dimensions do not have a statistically significant impact on international tourists’ satisfaction. It has implications for bank service marketers regarding the effective design of service marketing strategies for enhancing international tourists’ satisfaction in the context of online banking services in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tactical forms of interaction in the system of counteraction to terrorism and religious extremism
Authors:   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Sembekova B.R.
Published: January 2024

In this article, tactical forms of interaction of state, law enforcement agencies, public organizations, non-governmental associations and the media in the system of counteraction to terrorism and religious extremism are considered.Tactical forms of interaction are determined by the system, organization, mobility, purposefulness to solve organizational, search, communicative and certifying problems. A systematic, integrated approach to solving the tasks of countering terrorism and religious extremism in the interaction of state, law enforcement bodies with public associations and the media will ensure the development of effective methods necessary for solving the tasks of preventing and uncovering investigations into terrorist and extremist offenses.One of the most effective forms of interaction is international cooperation, which provides a method for developing organizational, legal, organizational, tactical and strategic areas for countering terrorism and religious extremism.
Análise do uso da metodologia Building Informations Modeling (BIM) nas prefeituras do Triângulo Crajubar/CE
Authors: Barros Antônio Soares , Luna Raimundo Pereira
Published: January 2024

Por meio do decreto 10.306/20, o governo brasileiro estabeleceu a utilização do Building Information Modeling (BIM) na elaboração de projetos e também na execução de obras e serviços de engenharia que podem ser executados pelo setor público. Logo em seguida, veio a Lei 14.133/21 estabeleceu a preferência pela utilização da metodologia BIM os por processos similares ou até mesmo que sejam mais avançados, que possam ser utilizados em processos de licitação de obras e serviços da construção, tanto na engenharia ou na arquitetura, dessa forma os profissionais que estão inseridos nesse mercado precisam se se adequar para realizarem seus projetos dentro da metodologia BIM. A ideia desse trabalho é apresentar como se encontra a utilização dessa metodologia nas prefeituras do triângulo CRAJUBAR, que é compreendido pelas idades de Crato, Juazeiro e Barbalha, mostrando a situação no atual momento no local, que podem vir a minimizar aditivos, preço, qualidade e prazo para entrega de projetos. Para execução deste estudo, foi realizado uma pesquisa bibliográfica e somada a aplicação de questionários que foram respondidos por autoridades do setor responsável. Os resultados obtidos que das três prefeituras citadas, apenas o Juazeiro do Norte demonstra mais conhecimento e mais avanço rumo a utilização do BIM, mas que mesmo assim não se encontra preparada para adoção da metodologia já para o ano de 2024, no entanto o setor já tem pessoas com conhecimento e já busca a implementação, apesar de ainda ser impedida devido a falta de profissionais capacitados no mercado. É fato que nem o setor privado nem o setor público, se encontram preparados, e na maioria das vezes, apenas com a criação de programas ou simplesmente com a utilização de softwares que nesse caso são ferramentas BIM, se deixam confundir e acabam achando que fazendo isso já estão trabalhando em BIM, acabam confundindo e achando que já estão fazendo BIM, sendo assim, seguem os mesmos colaboradores que apenas atendem demandas, desenhando em 2D ou em outros casos modelando em 3D, porém sem de fato realizar a implementação correta para uso da metodologia BIM.
Differences in Halal Food Knowledge and Providing Flashcard and Leaflet Media Education to Students
Authors: Kharisma imami  , Endah Budi Permana Putri
Published: January 2024

Halal food is important for the Muslim community, halal certification of a food or beverage product needs to be done to ensure the public that the product being consumed has proven its halalness. Therefore, it is very important as a Muslim community to increase halal food knowledge. This study aims to determine the difference in halal food knowledge by providing education with Flashcard and Leaflet media to FKIP students at Nahdlatul Ulama University Surabaya. The method of this study was True Experimental Design using Pre-Post Test Design. The sample in this study amounted to 66 respondents. Sampling in this study using Simple Random Sampling technique. Then divided into 33 respondents in the Intervention group and 33 respondents in the control group. The test analysis used was the Mann Whitney test with a significant level (α=0.05). The results showed that there were differences in the respondents' knowledge in the group that was given leaflet media education and in the group that was given flashcard media education with the result (p=0.029). It is hoped that there will be more research using other methods in increasing more knowledge of halal food
Influence of Price, Product Quality and E-Wom on Customer Satisfaction and Repurchase Intention: Study on Moslem Daily Wear (Hijab Buttonscarves Products)
Authors: Rosalbah Raniyah Diva , Rizqina Mardhotillah Rachma
Published: January 2024

Indonesia is a country with the majority of Muslims in the world. One of the fastest changing trends in Muslim fashion products is hijab. This fact is intended for companies so that they can carry out their business processes in order to retain potential old consumers and get new consumers. This study aims to analyze the effect of price, product quality, and E- WOM on customer satisfaction and repurchase intention. This research method uses quantitative methods with purposive sampling techniques. The questionnaire was distributed online via google form which was distributed to 200 respondents within 1 week. The analysis in this study used Partial Least Square (PLS). The results in this study are that there is a significant influence between price and product quality on customer satisfaction. price and customer satisfaction have a significant influence on repurchase interest. however, this study found that E-WOM has an insignificant effect on customer satisfaction and repurchase interest, and product quality has an insignificant effect on repurchase interest
Effect of Brand Ambassador, Brand Image, Brand Trust and E- WOM on Purchase Intention for Halal Skincare Product. (Study on Avoskin Skincare in Surabaya)
Authors: Sa’adah Fatkhiyatus , Mardhotillah Rachma Rizqina
Published: January 2024

The development of the skincare industry has made the competition in the cosmetics industry even tighter. Skincare is one of the favorite things for women. Many skincare brands in the local cosmetic industry launch a lot of new skincare products to compete for customers, making consumers very careful when buying skin care products. Existing competition requires local skincare to be aggressive in innovating in order to keep pace with foreign products entering Indonesia. One of the innovations that have been made is to make a series of products more specific than before. This study aims to analyze the influence of brand ambassadors, brand image, brand trust and e-wom on purchase intention of Avoskin skincare products. The research method uses a quantitative method with a purposive sampling technique. The distribution of questionnaires was made online via Google forms which were distributed to 260 respondents within four days. Analysis of this research using SPSS. The results of this study are that there is a positive and significant influence between brand trust and e-wom on purchase intention. However, in this study it was found that brand ambassadors did not have a positive and significant influence on purchase intention and brand image also had a positive and insignificant influence on purchase intention.
Toxin-producing Clostridium perfringens in cooked cereal food in restaurants in Bangladesh
Authors: MA Mannan , B Saud , AK Shah , KMR Uddin , MA Hashem
Published: January 2024

Clostridium perfringens causes food poisoning in humans worldwide and C. perfringens beta toxin is associated with improperly heated or reheated cooked food. A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of beta toxin-producing C. perfringens in cooked Plain rice, Pulao, and Biryani in different types of restaurants (general, well furnished) of four districts [Dhaka (north and south city corporation area), Cumilla, Narayangonj, Gazipur)] of Bangladesh. A total of 200 food samples were examined for the presence of C. perfringens and its beta toxin. The positive samples were further tested for the CPB gene (236 bp) of beta toxin-producing C. perfringens using PCR assay. Three samples had C. perfringens (1.5%), in food samples of the restaurants in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Beta toxin-producing C. perfringens was in one sample (0.5%) in a sample of pulao in the same area during the winter. It is suggested that the prevalence of beta toxin-producing C. perfringens was low but, further studies are required in other cities in Bangladesh.

Bangl. vet. 2023. Vol. 40, No. 1-2, 8–15
Detection of tetracycline and ampicillin resistant E. coli and Salmonella species from hospital wastewater
Authors: S Mahmood , M Islam , S Chowdhury , MA Mannan
Published: January 2024

Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella spp. were found in hospital wastewater. The highest (E = (6.2 ± 1.8) x 109; S = (4.3 ± 2.2) x 109) and lowest (E = (1.4 ± 1.2) x 109; S = (1.1 ± 1.8) x 109) Total Viable Count (TVC) were in Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (SSMCH) and National Institute of Ophthalmology Hospital (NIOH), respectively. The overall occurrence of E. coli and Salmonella spp. was 80% and 87%, respectively, with 100% occurrence in SSMCH and National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Hospital (NICVDH) for Salmonella spp. (p ≤ 0.036). Prevalence of E. coli was low (72%) in winter (November - February). Both types of bacteria were resistant to Tetracycline whereas and 97.5% of E coli were resistant to ampicillin. Gentamycin was more effective than other antibiotics. Rational use of antibiotics is suggested, and hospital management practice should be followed as defined by the Joint Commission International for Hospital Accreditation.

Bang. vet. 2023. Vol. 40, No. 1 – 2, 16 – 24
Aproximación al significado de “innovación” en la industria palmera de Colombia
Authors:   Universidad Industrial de Santander, Madero-Fontecha Damián
Published: January 2024

La innovación como proceso complejo, para que sea efectiva, o comprensible, implica tener un significado claro; este puede construirse o resignificarse en la práctica. En ese sentido, el presente artículo busca divulgar la búsqueda de una aproximación al significado de “innovación” en la industria palmera de Colombia. Así pues, se asumió una metodología cualitativa, con enfoque descriptivo, enfocada en recibir información directa de participantes responsables de decisiones de tres empresas productoras de aceite de palma del norte del país. Al finalizar, se halló que la innovación en esta industria específica se significa como una evolución creativa, desde los planteamientos de Joseph Schumpeter, pero que tiene una afinidad hace la innovación del proceso productivo, que responden a procesos de calidad consolidados.
Docentes, enseñanzas y aprendizajes en contextos educativos penitenciarios: revisión de la literatura
Authors:   Universidad Antonio Nariño, Macías-Garzón Gina Ximena , Rodríguez-Leuro Ángela Isabel ,   Universidad Antonio Nariño
Published: January 2024

Con el objetivo de identificar el estado actual del conocimiento alrededor de los saberes y competencias de los docentes que intervienen en entornos educativos penitenciarios, se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura, empleando la estructura metodológica PRISMA 2020. Para esto se seleccionaron nueve artículos que comprenden el núcleo de la investigación. La búsqueda incluyó publicaciones teóricas y empíricas publicadas entre los años 2013 y 2023 en las bases de datos Scopus, Web of Science y SciELO. Se establecieron dos categorías emergentes de las investigaciones analizadas: dinámicas educativas diferenciales, saberes y competencias. Los hallazgos proporcionan una confirmación teórica de que los docentes presentan fortalezas en los saberes, pero carecen de competencias pedagógicas necesarias para orientar de forma pertinente procesos de reinserción social. Desde esta mirada se concluye que las competencias que los y las docentes deben emplear en las escuelas en prisión son, hasta el momento, frágiles.
Die chinesische Inschrift auf dem uigurischen Denkmal in Kara Balgassun
Authors: Schlegel Gustav
Published: January 2024

Suomalais-Ugrilaisen Seuran Toimituksia IX
Health-Related Factors Among Pilots in Aviation Accidents
Authors: Zhu Ye , Wolf Michael E. , Alsibai Reem A. , Abbas Alzhraa S. , Alsawaf Yahya , Saadi Samer , Farah Magdoleen H. , Wang Zhen , Murad M. Hassan
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION: Health-related factors can impact aviation safety. This study investigated the published, historical aviation accidents that have been investigated by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to understand medical conditions and medication use that have been determined to be causal to mishaps.

METHODS: A two-part approach was adopted for this study: 1) a scoping review was conducted to provide an overview of the current medical literature addressing medical factors and flight safety; and 2) a comprehensive review of aviation accident reports from the NTSB database from January 2013 to October 2022.

RESULTS: The literature review demonstrated that psychiatric, cardiovascular, and neurological medications were the major categories of medications reported in fatal aircraft accidents. Age was not found to be a risk factor. Review of the NTSB database demonstrated that, among 15,654 mishaps, medical factors were associated in 703 (4.5%) accidents. NTSB data showed that cardiovascular (1.3%), psychiatric (0.23%), and endocrine diseases (0.17%) were the most commonly reported diseases among pilots. In accident reports, cardiovascular medications (1.49%), sedating antihistamines (0.91%), and alcohol (0.70%) were the most commonly used medications at the time of the accidents.

DISCUSSION: Health-related factors were a small yet likely underestimated proportion of the factors associated with accidents. Cardiovascular diseases and treatment were the most important factors. It is important to continue to investigate the association between health-related factors and the commission of mishaps.

Zhu Y, Wolf ME, Alsibai RA, Abbas AS, Alsawaf Y, Saadi S, Farah MH, Wang Z, Murad MH. Health-related factors among pilots in aviation accidents. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(2):79–83.
ВЕЛИКОЛЕПНАЯ ПЯТЕРКА (БЛИЦ-ОПРОС СОТРУДНИКОВ ЦФА В ЧЕСТЬ 80-ЛЕТИЯ НАШЕГО ОТДЕЛА)
Authors: Просикова Екатерина , Рашковская Юлия
Published: January 2024

The year 2023 is doubly significant for the employees of the Center for Physical Anthropology. We are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences and at the same time celebrating the anniversary of our own Department – it is turning 80 years old. The numbers speak for themselves, because every decade, whatever, every year, and even every day of the Department’s work was filled with pains-taking work.The current agenda of our Center becomes known to the public through the publication of scientific results, lectures and events held for various audiences. At the same time, expeditions and research, monographs and articles, conferences and reports – behind each type of scientific activity there are people. And it is to them, the employees of our Department, that we want to dedicate this work. We interviewed those whose minds are growing anthropological scientific knowledge. At this stage, only five people took part in the interviews. But we are convinced that our other colleagues, having read the answers of the “pioneers”, will also want to share their thoughts. In any case, we, the instigators of this interview, would be happy to receive detailed answers from those colleagues who have not yet had time to communicate them to us.In this interview, we were able to capture the opinions of both experi-enced researchers and very young employees. This means getting a cross-section of the points of view of several generations. Thanks to this approach, everyone who reads this article will be able to learn something new for themselves, and in a sense, learn about life!
РОЛЬ ГЕОРГИЯ ФРАНЦЕВИЧА ДЕБЕЦА В ФОРМИРОВАНИИ ТОМСКОЙ АНТРОПОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ШКОЛЫ
Authors: Рыкун Марина
Published: January 2024

The article publishes five letters (for 1943–1949) from G.F. Debets to N.S. Rozov, the only anthropologist at that time in Tomsk state university. These let-ters contain important recommendations for organizing field anthropological work and collecting comparative data in neighboring Tomsk regions. Regions, methodological advice on the unification and processing of somatological mate-rials during survey of indigenous and mestizo groups of Western and Southern Siberia. Total in the TSU CA collections there are 11 letters and 1 postcard from Georgy Frantsevich, which date from 1940–1960. During this most difficult peri-od of development anthropological direction at Tomsk University actual director, curator of scientific research in anthropology Georgy Frantsevich Debets became the head of the Siberian region.
Phenotypes, endotypes and genotypes of atopic dermatitis and allergy in populations of African ancestry on the continent and diaspora
Authors: Lunjani N. , Kerbelker T. , Mdletshe F. B. , Hlela C. , O’Mahony L.
Published: January 2024

Atopic dermatitis is a complex inflammatory condition characterized by synergist interactions between epidermal and immune related genotypes, skin barrier defects and immune dysregulation as well as microbial dysbiosis. Ethnicity-specific variations in clinical presentation, immune endotypes and genetic susceptibility have been described in diverse populations. We summarize available data with specific consideration of AD in populations of African ancestry. Some highlights include the observation of AD lesions on extensor surfaces, lichen planus-like AD, prurigo type AD and follicular AD in African populations. In addition, a consistent absence of dominant filaggrin gene defects has been reported. The detection of normal filaggrin protein content in AD skin implicates the contribution of alternative mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AD in African patients. Markedly high IgE has been described in paediatric and adult African AD. While Th2, Th22 and Th17 activation in African AD skin shares the same direction as with other populations, it has been noted that the magnitude of activation is dissimilar. Reduced Th17 cytokines have been observed in the circulation of moderate to severe paediatric AD.
Autoantibodies against eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 delta in two patients with autoimmune cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Guo Liyuan , Ren Haitao , Fan Siyuan , Chao Xingchen , Liu Mange , Guan Hongzhi , Wang Jing
Published: January 2024

Background

Autoantibodies are useful biomarkers for the early detection and diagnosis of autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (ACA).

Objective

To identify novel autoantibody candidates in ACA patients.

Methods

Patients with cerebellar ataxia of unknown cause were recruited from July 2018 to February 2023. Anti-neural autoantibodies in patient samples were detected by tissue-based indirect immunofluorescence assay (TBA) on rat cerebellum sections. TBA-positive samples were further screened for well-established anti-neural autoantibodies using commercial kits. Tissue-immunoprecipitation (TIP) and subsequent mass spectrometric (MS) analysis were used to explore the target antigens of autoantibodies in samples that were TBA-positive but negative for known autoantibodies. The specific binding between autoantibodies and the identified target antigen was confirmed by neutralization experiments, recombinant cell-based indirect immunofluorescence assay (CBA), and western blotting experiments.

Results

The eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 delta (EEF1D) protein was identified as a target antigen of autoantibodies in samples from a 43-year-old female ACA patient, while the specific binding of autoantibodies and EEF1D was confirmed by subsequent experiments. A second anti-EEF1D autoantibody-positive ACA patient, a 59-year-old female, was detected in simultaneous screening. The main clinical manifestations in each of the two patients were cerebellar syndrome, such as unsteady walking and limb ataxia. Both patients received immunotherapy, including corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and mycophenolate mofetil. Their outcomes provided evidence to support the effectiveness of immunotherapy, but the cerebellar atrophy that occurred before treatment may be irreversible.

Conclusion

In the current study, we identified anti-EEF1D autoantibody as a novel autoantibody candidate in ACA. Its pathological roles and diagnostic value need to be further verified in larger-scale studies.
Examining the impacts of elevated, variable pCO2 on larval Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula) in Alaska
Authors: Alcantar Marina W. , Hetrick Jeff , Ramsay Jacqueline , Kelley Amanda L.
Published: January 2024

An increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide is driving oceanic chemical shifts resulting in a long-term global decrease in ocean pH, colloquially termed ocean acidification (OA). Previous studies have demonstrated that OA can have negative physiological consequences for calcifying organisms, especially during early life-history stages. However, much of the previous research has focused on static exposure to future OA conditions, rather than variable exposure to elevated pCO2, which is more ecologically relevant for nearshore species. This study examines the effects of OA on embryonic and larval Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula), a bivalve that produces a concretion during early shell development. Larvae were spawned and cultured over 28 days under three pCO2 treatments: a static high pCO2 of 867 μatm, a variable, diel pCO2 of 357 to 867 μatm, and an ambient pCO2 of 357 μatm. Our results indicate that the calcium carbonate polymorphism of the concretion phase of S. patula was amorphous calcium carbonate which transitioned to vaterite during the advanced D-veliger stage, with a final polymorphic shift to aragonite in adults, suggesting an increased vulnerability to dissolution under OA. However, exposure to elevated pCO2 appeared to accelerate the transition of larval S. patula from the concretion stage of shell development to complete calcification. There was no significant impact of OA exposure to elevated or variable pCO2 conditions on S. patula growth or HSP70 and calmodulin gene expression. This is the first experimental study examining the response of a concretion producing bivalve to future predicted OA conditions and has important implications for experimentation on larval mollusks and bivalve management.
Azo dye polyelectrolyte multilayer films reversibly re-soluble with visible light
Authors: Kim Mikhail , Hillel Coral , Edwards Kayrel , Borchers Tristan H. , Mermut Ozzy , Pietro William J. , Barrett Christopher J.
Published: January 2024

Polymeric multilayer films were prepared using a layer-by-layer (LBL) technique on glass surfaces, by repeated and sequential dipping into dilute aqueous solutions of various combinations of water-soluble polyanions (polyacrylic acid (PAA)), polycations (polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) or chitosan (CS)), with bi-functional water-soluble cationic azo dyes bismark brown R bismarck brown red or bismark brown Y (BBY), or anionic azo dyes allura red (ALR) or amaranth (AMA), as ionic cross-linkers. The electrostatically-assembled ionically-paired films showed good long-term stability to dissolution, with no re-solubility in water. However, upon exposure to low power visible light under running water, the films photo-disassembled back to their water-soluble constituent components, via structural photo-isomerization of the azo ionic crosslinkers. The relative rate of the disassembly (RRD) of the films was established using UV-Vis spectroscopy, demonstrating that these assemblies can in principle represent fully recyclable, environmentally structurally degradable materials triggered by exposure to sunlight, with full recovery of starting components. A density functional theory treatment of the allura red azo dye rationalizes the geometrical isomerization mechanism of the photo-disassembly and provides insight into the energetics of the optically-induced structural changes that trigger the disassembly and recovery.
Causal associations between gut microbiota and Cholestatic liver diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Jiaqi , Ma Gang , Wang Kemei , Yang Hui , Jiang Shuangshuang , Fan Qingling , Zhou Xinmin , Guo Guanya , Han Ying
Published: January 2024

Background

The etiological factors of Cholestatic Liver Diseases especially primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are not fully illustrated. It has been reported in previous observational studies that gut microbiota are associated with cholestatic liver diseases. However, there is uncertainty regarding the causality of this association. By using Mendelian randomization, this study aimed to examine the causal impact of gut microbiota on cholestatic liver diseases.

Methods

From large-scale genome-wide association studies, genetic instruments for each gut microbiota taxa as well as primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis were developed. Subsequently, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis, supplemented by multiple post hoc sensitivity analyses. Additionally, we performed reverse MR analyses to investigate the possibility of the reverse causal association.

Result

This two-sample MR study indicated that the order Bacillales, family Peptostreptococcaceae, family Ruminococcaceae, genus Anaerotruncu was associated with a decreased risk of developing PBC, and that order Selenomonadales, family Bifidobacteriaceae may be factors that increase the risk of PBC. On the other hand, we also identified order Selenomonadales, family Rhodospirillaceae, and genus RuminococcaceaeUCG013 were positively associated with PSC. The order Actinomycetales, family Actinomycetaceae, genus Actinomyces, genus Alloprevotella, genus Barnesiella, and genus Peptococcus were found negative associations with the risk of PSC. The reverse MR analysis demonstrated no statistically significant relationship between PBC, PSC and these specific gut microbial taxa.

Conclusion

Our findings offered novel evidence that the abundance of particular bacteria contributes to the risk of PBC and PSC, which may contribute to more effective approaches to PBC and PSC therapy and prevention.
Classification, replication, and transcription of Nidovirales
Authors: Liao Ying , Wang Huan , Liao Huiyu , Sun Yingjie , Tan Lei , Song Cuiping , Qiu Xusheng , Ding Chan
Published: January 2024

Nidovirales is one order of RNA virus, with the largest single-stranded positive sense RNA genome enwrapped with membrane envelope. It comprises four families (Arterividae, Mesoniviridae, Roniviridae, and Coronaviridae) and has been circulating in humans and animals for almost one century, posing great threat to livestock and poultry，as well as to public health. Nidovirales shares similar life cycle: attachment to cell surface, entry, primary translation of replicases, viral RNA replication in cytoplasm, translation of viral proteins, virion assembly, budding, and release. The viral RNA synthesis is the critical step during infection, including genomic RNA (gRNA) replication and subgenomic mRNAs (sg mRNAs) transcription. gRNA replication requires the synthesis of a negative sense full-length RNA intermediate, while the sg mRNAs transcription involves the synthesis of a nested set of negative sense subgenomic intermediates by a discontinuous strategy. This RNA synthesis process is mediated by the viral replication/transcription complex (RTC), which consists of several enzymatic replicases derived from the polyprotein 1a and polyprotein 1ab and several cellular proteins. These replicases and host factors represent the optimal potential therapeutic targets. Hereby, we summarize the Nidovirales classification, associated diseases, “replication organelle,” replication and transcription mechanisms, as well as related regulatory factors.
Metabolic perturbation of Streptomyces albulus by introducing NADP-dependent glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase
Authors: Mao Jiaqi , Zhang Min , Dai Wenjuan , Fu Chenghao , Wang Zhanzhan , Wang Xiuwen , Yao Qingshou , Kong Linghui , Qin Jiayang
Published: January 2024

The available resources of Streptomyces represent a valuable repository of bioactive natural products that warrant exploration. Streptomyces albulus is primarily utilized in the industrial synthesis of ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL). In this study, the NADP-dependent glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GapN) from Streptococcus mutans was heterologously expressed in S. albulus CICC11022, leading to elevated intracellular NADPH levels and reduced NADH and ATP concentrations. The resulting perturbation of S. albulus metabolism was comprehensively analyzed using transcriptomic and metabolomic methodologies. A decrease in production of ε-PL was observed. The expression of gapN significantly impacted on 23 gene clusters responsible for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. A comprehensive analysis revealed a total of 21 metabolites exhibiting elevated levels both intracellularly and extracellularly in the gapN expressing strain compared to those in the control strain. These findings underscore the potential of S. albulus to generate diverse bioactive natural products, thus offering valuable insights for the utilization of known Streptomyces resources through genetic manipulation.
Electrophysiological hallmarks for event relations and event roles in working memory
Authors: Yu Xinchi , Li Jialu , Zhu Hao , Tian Xing , Lau Ellen
Published: January 2024

The ability to maintain events (i.e., interactions between/among objects) in working memory is crucial for our everyday cognition, yet the format of this representation is poorly understood. The current ERP study was designed to answer two questions: How is maintaining events (e.g., the tiger hit the lion) neurally different from maintaining item coordinations (e.g., the tiger and the lion)? That is, how is the event relation (present in events but not coordinations) represented? And how is the agent, or initiator of the event encoded differently from the patient, or receiver of the event during maintenance? We used a novel picture-sentence match-across-delay approach in which the working memory representation was “pinged” during the delay, replicated across two ERP experiments with Chinese and English materials. We found that maintenance of events elicited a long-lasting late sustained difference in posterior-occipital electrodes relative to non-events. This effect resembled the negative slow wave reported in previous studies of working memory, suggesting that the maintenance of events in working memory may impose a higher cost compared to coordinations. Although we did not observe significant ERP differences associated with pinging the agent vs. the patient during the delay, we did find that the ping appeared to dampen the ongoing sustained difference, suggesting a shift from sustained activity to activity silent mechanisms. These results suggest a new method by which ERPs can be used to elucidate the format of neural representation for events in working memory.
Advancements and future prospects of adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy for sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Li Linke , Shen Tian , Liu Shixi , Qi Jieyu , Zhao Yu
Published: January 2024

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), a highly prevalent sensory impairment, results from a multifaceted interaction of genetic and environmental factors. As we continually gain insights into the molecular basis of auditory development and the growing compendium of deafness genes identified, research on gene therapy for SNHL has significantly deepened. Adeno-associated virus (AAV), considered a relatively secure vector for gene therapy in clinical trials, can deliver various transgenes based on gene therapy strategies such as gene replacement, gene silencing, gene editing, or gene addition to alleviate diverse types of SNHL. This review delved into the preclinical advances in AAV-based gene therapy for SNHL, spanning hereditary and acquired types. Particular focus is placed on the dual-AAV construction method and its application, the vector delivery route of mouse inner ear models (local, systemic, fetal, and cerebrospinal fluid administration), and the significant considerations in transforming from AAV-based animal model inner ear gene therapy to clinical implementation.
Altered cortical thickness-based structural covariance networks in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Huang Yang , Zhang Xin , Cheng Miao , Yang Zhen , Liu Wanting , Ai Kai , Tang Min , Zhang Xiaoling , Lei Xiaoyan , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: January 2024

Cognitive impairment is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and early cognitive dysfunction may be associated with abnormal changes in the cerebral cortex. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the cortical thickness-based structural topological network changes in T2DM patients without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Fifty-six T2DM patients and 59 healthy controls underwent neuropsychological assessments and sagittal 3-dimensional T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging. Then, we combined cortical thickness-based assessments with graph theoretical analysis to explore the abnormalities in structural covariance networks in T2DM patients. Correlation analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between the altered topological parameters and cognitive/clinical variables. T2DM patients exhibited significantly lower clustering coefficient (C) and local efficiency (Elocal) values and showed nodal property disorders in the occipital cortical, inferior temporal, and inferior frontal regions, the precuneus, and the precentral and insular gyri. Moreover, the structural topological network changes in multiple nodes were correlated with the findings of neuropsychological tests in T2DM patients. Thus, while T2DM patients without MCI showed a relatively normal global network, the local topological organization of the structural network was disordered. Moreover, the impaired ventral visual pathway may be involved in the neural mechanism of visual cognitive impairment in T2DM patients. This study enriched the characteristics of gray matter structure changes in early cognitive dysfunction in T2DM patients.
Enhancing nutritional and sensory properties of plant-based beverages: a study on chickpea and Kamut® flours fermentation using Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Mefleh Marina , Omri Ghofrane , Limongelli Rosangela , Minervini Fabio , Santamaria Monica , Faccia Michele
Published: January 2024

The study aimed to set up a protocol for the production of a clean-label plant-based beverage (PBB), obtained by mixing chickpeas and Kamut® flours and using a commercial Lactococcus lactis (LL) as fermentation starter, and to characterize it, from nutritional, microbiological, textural, shelf-life, and sensory points of view. The effect of using the starter was evaluated comparing the LL-PBB with a spontaneously fermented beverage (CTRL-PBB). Both PBBs were high in proteins (3.89/100 g) and could be considered as sources of fiber (2.06/100 g). Notably, L. lactis fermentation enhanced the phosphorus (478 vs. 331 mg/kg) and calcium (165 vs. 117 mg/kg) concentrations while lowering the raffinose content (5.51 vs. 5.08 g/100 g) compared to spontaneous fermentation. Cell density of lactic acid bacteria increased by ca. two log cycle during fermentation of LL-PBB, whereas undesirable microbial groups were not detected. Furthermore, L. lactis significantly improved the beverage’s viscosity (0.473 vs. 0.231 Pa s), at least for 10 days, and lightness. To assess market potential, we conducted a consumer test, presenting the LL-PBB in “plain” and “sweet” (chocolate paste-added) variants. The “sweet” LL-PBB demonstrated a higher acceptability score than its “plain” counterpart, with 88 and 78% of participants expressing acceptability and a strong purchase intent, respectively. This positive consumer response positions the sweet LL-PBB as a valuable, appealing alternative to traditional flavored yogurts, highlighting its potential in the growing plant-based food market.
A journey from molecule to physiology and in silico tools for drug discovery targeting the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel
Authors: Amaya-Rodriguez Cesar A. , Carvajal-Zamorano Karina , Bustos Daniel , Alegría-Arcos Melissa , Castillo Karen
Published: January 2024

The heat and capsaicin receptor TRPV1 channel is widely expressed in nerve terminals of dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and trigeminal ganglia innervating the body and face, respectively, as well as in other tissues and organs including central nervous system. The TRPV1 channel is a versatile receptor that detects harmful heat, pain, and various internal and external ligands. Hence, it operates as a polymodal sensory channel. Many pathological conditions including neuroinflammation, cancer, psychiatric disorders, and pathological pain, are linked to the abnormal functioning of the TRPV1 in peripheral tissues. Intense biomedical research is underway to discover compounds that can modulate the channel and provide pain relief. The molecular mechanisms underlying temperature sensing remain largely unknown, although they are closely linked to pain transduction. Prolonged exposure to capsaicin generates analgesia, hence numerous capsaicin analogs have been developed to discover efficient analgesics for pain relief. The emergence of in silico tools offered significant techniques for molecular modeling and machine learning algorithms to indentify druggable sites in the channel and for repositioning of current drugs aimed at TRPV1. Here we recapitulate the physiological and pathophysiological functions of the TRPV1 channel, including structural models obtained through cryo-EM, pharmacological compounds tested on TRPV1, and the in silico tools for drug discovery and repositioning.
Precision medicine: a new era for inner ear diseases
Authors: Tavazzani Elisa , Spaiardi Paolo , Contini Donatella , Sancini Giulio , Russo Giancarlo , Masetto Sergio
Published: January 2024

The inner ear is the organ responsible for hearing and balance. Inner ear dysfunction can be the result of infection, trauma, ototoxic drugs, genetic mutation or predisposition. Often, like for Ménière disease, the cause is unknown. Due to the complex access to the inner ear as a fluid-filled cavity within the temporal bone of the skull, effective diagnosis of inner ear pathologies and targeted drug delivery pose significant challenges. Samples of inner ear fluids can only be collected during surgery because the available procedures damage the tiny and fragile structures of the inner ear. Concerning drug administration, the final dose, kinetics, and targets cannot be controlled. Overcoming these limitations is crucial for successful inner ear precision medicine. Recently, notable advancements in microneedle technologies offer the potential for safe sampling of inner ear fluids and local treatment. Ultrasharp microneedles can reach the inner ear fluids with minimal damage to the organ, collect μl amounts of perilymph, and deliver therapeutic agents in loco. This review highlights the potential of ultrasharp microneedles, combined with nano vectors and gene therapy, to effectively treat inner ear diseases of different etiology on an individual basis. Though further research is necessary to translate these innovative approaches into clinical practice, these technologies may represent a true breakthrough in the clinical approach to inner ear diseases, ushering in a new era of personalized medicine.
Through the wall human heart beat detection using single channel CW radar
Authors: Pramanik Sourav Kumar , Islam Shekh Md Mahmudul
Published: January 2024

Single-channel continuous wave (CW) radar is widely used and has gained popularity due to its simple architecture despite its inability to measure the range and angular location of the target. Its popularity arises in the industry due to the simplicity of the required components, the low demands on the sampling rate, and their low costs. Through-the-wall life signs detection using microwave Doppler Radar is an active area of research and investigation. Most of the work in the literature focused on utilizing multi-channel frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW), CW, and ultra-wideband (UWB) radar for their capability of range and direction of arrival (DOA) estimation. In this paper, through-the-wall single-subject and two-subject concurrent heart rate detection using single-channel 24-GHz CW radar leveraged with maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) is proposed. Experimental results demonstrated that the repetitive measurement of seven different subjects at a distance of 20 cm up to 100 cm through two different barriers (wood and brick wall) showed an average accuracy of heart rate extraction of 95.27% for varied distances (20–100 cm) in comparison with the Biopac ECG acquisition signal. Additionally, the MODWT method can also isolate the independent heartbeat waveforms from the two subjects’ concurrent measurements through the wall. This involved four trials with eight different subjects, achieving an accuracy of 97.04% for a fixed distance of 40 cm from the Radar without estimating the angular location of the subjects. Notably, it also superseded the performance of the direct FFT method for the single subject after 40 cm distance measurements. The proposed simpler architecture of single-channel CW radar leveraged with MODWT has several potential applications, including post-disaster search and rescue scenarios for finding the trapped, injured people under the debris, emergency evacuation, security, surveillance, and patient vital signs monitoring.