bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kratom use disorder and unfolded protein response: Evaluating their relationship in a case control study
Authors: Yang Bin , Tan Mei Lan , Zhang Ruiling , Singh Darshan , Leong Bin Abdullah Mohammad Farris Iman
Published: June 2023

Background and aims

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) is widely use worldwide despite its addictive potential. Although psychostimulant use has been linked to occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, data is lacking on how regular kratom use affects ER stress. This case-control study first determined differences in ER stress sensor protein expression (BiP, sXBP1, ATF4, CHOP, JNK, and p-JNK) between regular kratom users and healthy controls. Second, it evaluated the association between kratom use characteristics, targeted ER stress sensor protein expression, and “kratom use disorder” diagnosed with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) among regular kratom users.

Methods

In total, 60 regular kratom users and 50 healthy control-group participants were recruited and administered a sociodemographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire. While participants who used kratom were also administered a kratom use characteristics questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from all participants, and targeted ER stress sensor protein expression was determined via Western blot analysis.

Results

The study’s findings revealed first that kratom users registered significantly higher protein expression in all targeted ER stress sensors compared to the control group. Second, higher protein expression of CHOP (B = 5.061, standard error [SE] = 2.547, Wald = 3.948, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.382, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.071 to 9.656, p = 0.047) and p-JNK (B = 5.795, SE = 2.635, Wald = 4.544, AOR = 17.025, 95% CI = 1.395 to 24.123, p = 0.017) increased the odds of kratom use disorder occurrence. Kratom use characteristics and other ER stress sensor protein expression were not associated with kratom use disorder.

Conclusion

Regular kratom use may induce protracted ER stress, leading to the decompensation of the unfolded protein response to maintain ER homeostasis. This effect may be linked to kratom use disorder occurrence.
A network-based approach to identifying correlations between phylogeny, morphological traits and occurrence of fish species in US river basins
Authors: Tripathi Richa , Reza Amit , Mertel Adam , Su Guohuan , Calabrese Justin M.
Published: June 2023

The complex network framework has been successfully used to model interactions between entities in Complex Systems in the Biological Sciences such as Proteomics, Genomics, Neuroscience, and Ecology. Networks of organisms at different spatial scales and in different ecosystems have provided insights into community assembly patterns and emergent properties of ecological systems. In the present work, we investigate two questions pertaining to fish species assembly rules in US river basins, a) if morphologically similar fish species also tend to be phylogenetically closer, and b) to what extent are co-occurring species that are phylogenetically close also morphologically similar? For the first question, we construct a network of Hydrologic Unit Code 8 (HUC8) regions as nodes with interaction strengths (edges) governed by the number of common species. For each of the modules of this network, which are found to be geographically separated, there is differential yet significant evidence that phylogenetic distance predicts morphological distance. For the second question, we construct and analyze nearest neighbor directed networks of species based on their morphological distances and phylogenetic distances. Through module detection on these networks and comparing the module-level mean phylogenetic distance and mean morphological distance with the number of basins of common occurrence of species in modules, we find that both phylogeny and morphology of species have significant roles in governing species co-occurrence, i.e. phylogenetically and morphologically distant species tend to co-exist more. In addition, between the two quantities (morphological distance and phylogentic distance), we find that morphological distance is a stronger determinant of species co-occurrences.
School-based physical education, physical activity and sports provision: A concept mapping framework for evaluation
Authors: Rocliffe Padraic , O’ Keeffe Brendan T. , Sherwin Ian , Mannix-McNamara Patricia , MacDonncha Ciaran
Published: June 2023

Objective

Physical education, physical activity and sports provision are important factors in whole school health promotion, however, a standardised evaluation framework to evaluate the contribution of these components is lacking. A framework that accounts for the distinct structures and associated factors, that impact upon provision would facilitate a more coherent evaluation.

Methods

A concept mapping methodology, involving the generation of factors relevant to school physical education, physical activity and sports provision and their subsequent thematic and numeric rating and sorting was utilised. Concept mapping effectively gathers, integrates, and visually and numerically represents the composite thinking of a group of relevant and expert stakeholders around a complex social phenomenon. Following a review of the extant literature and synthesis among 20 expert stakeholders, a list of 95 factor statements relevant to school physical education, physical activity and sports provision were developed.

Results

Each factor statement was rated and sorted by 197 multi-disciplinary participants. An eight-cluster framework that demonstrated good validity (stress value: 0.266), was derived from the data based on: 1. Partnerships and Pupil Centered Physical Education; 2. Physical Activity and Sports; 3. School Demographics; 4. Equipment, Facilities and Budget; 5. Extra Costs; 6. Curriculum and Policy; 7. School Management and 8. Timetable. Statements within the cluster on school management received the highest mean importance and modifiability ratings while statements within the cluster on school demographics received the lowest mean importance and modifiability ratings.

Conclusions

Eight overarching structures which account for school physical education, physical activity and sports provision have been identified. Within each of these, structures and overall factors of greatest importance and modifiability have been illuminated. Findings stemming from this rigorous methodology, provide the foundation for the development of a national provision evaluation index to inform both school-level and national policy and actions. It is recommended the current methodology is replicated in other nations to gain corresponding insights.
Health inequity associated with financial hardship among patients with kidney failure
Authors: Ng Marques Shek Nam , Chan Dorothy Ngo Sheung , So Winnie Kwok Wei
Published: June 2023

Financial hardship is a common challenge among patients with kidney failure and may have negative health consequences. Therefore, financial status is regarded as an important determinant of health, and its impact needs to be investigated. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the differences in patient-reported and clinical outcomes among kidney failure patients with different financial status. A total of 354 patients with kidney failure were recruited from March to June 2017 at two hospitals in Hong Kong. The Dialysis Symptoms Index and Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 were used to evaluate patient-reported outcomes. Clinical outcomes were retrieved from medical records and assessed using the Karnofsky Performance Scale (functional status) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (comorbidity level). Patients were stratified using two dichotomised variables, employment status and income level, and their outcomes were compared using independent sample t-tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests. In this sample, the employment rate was 17.8% and the poverty rate was 61.2%. Compared with other patients, increased distress of specific symptoms and higher healthcare utilization, in terms of more emergency room visits and longer hospital stays, were found in patients with poorer financial status. Low-income patients reported a decreased mental quality of life. Financially underprivileged patients experienced health inequity in terms of impaired outcomes. Attention needs to be paid to these patients by providing financial assessments and interventions. Additional research is warranted to confirm these findings and understand the experience of financial hardship and health equity.
The primary care experience of adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An interpretative phenomenological inquiry
Authors: Madawala Sanduni , Warren Narelle , Osadnik Christian , Barton Chris
Published: June 2023

Background

Studies of the lived experience of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reveal a number of challenges patients face when interacting with healthcare providers that may be exacerbated by unwillingness or inability to quit smoking. However, none have explored, in-depth, primary care experiences among patients with COPD in community healthcare settings.

Aims/ objective

The study investigated healthcare experiences of patients living independently in the community with COPD who smoked or had recently quit (at most within the last 5 years), seeking care in primary care settings.

Method

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) involving thirteen participants purposively recruited from social media posts in COPD and carer support groups, general community groups, community noticeboards and paid adverts on social media. In-depth interviews were held between February and April 2022 by phone or Zoom™ and explored patient experience of primary care, focusing on how smoking patterns, addiction and stigma impact upon and shape these experiences.

Results

Participants were aged between 45 to 75 years. Nine were female and two thirds were current smokers. Problematic experiences including time-constrained consultations, having to self-advocate for care “…go digging myself and then go and see him and say, can we do this, can we do that type of thing?” and guilt about smoking were common. Positive care experiences described non-judgemental interpersonal interactions with doctors, timely referral, proactive care and trust “I have an actual great trust for my GP… they’re awesome, they’ll look after you”. Participants described how their care experience shifted as primary care adapted care delivery during COVID-19.

Conclusions

Pro-active, empathetic care from general practitioners is desired from patients living with COPD. Stigma and fear of judgement was an important underlying driver of negative care experiences contributing to delayed help seeking from general practitioners.
Image perception of ice and snow tourism in China and the impact of the Winter Olympics
Authors: Liu Songying , Guo Quanen
Published: June 2023

This study analyzes image perceptions of ice and snow tourism destinations in China. Using network text analysis on data from several online travel platforms such as Ctrip, Qunar, and Meituan, it further investigated how the Winter Olympics impacts destination image. Results reveal the following 1) The development patterns of ice and snow attractions in northern and southern China are different. 2) Ice and snow tourism destination imagination in China is generally positive. 3) The 2022 Winter Olympics has no significant influence on the image perception of ice and snow tourism destinations. The Winter Olympics increases tourists’ interest in ice and snow tourism, but the lagging development of service and management levels in scenic spots cannot match the sudden increase in visitors. This study provides a reference for researchers to recognize the image of China’s ice and snow tourism destinations and suggests ways for policymakers to promote such tourism attractions.
Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal patterns of hand, foot, and mouth disease in Hubei, China from 2009 to 2019
Authors: Wang Wuwei , Rosenberg Mark W. , Chen Hongying , Gong Shengsheng , Yang Mengmeng , Deng Dacai
Published: June 2023

Background

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a public health issue in Hubei and studies of- spatiotemporal clustering at a fine scale are limited. The purpose of this research was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics, temporal variation characteristics, and spatiotemporal clustering of HFMD cases at the town level from 2009 to 2019 to improve public health outcomes.

Methods

Mathematical statistics, a seasonal index, wavelet analysis, and spatiotemporal scans were used to analyze epidemiological characteristics, time series trends, and spatiotemporal clusters of HFMD in Hubei.

Results

EV-A71 (Enterovirus A71) and CVA16 (Coxsackievirus A16) constitute the two primary pathogens of the HFMD epidemic in Hubei, among which EV-A71 is the dominant pathogen, especially in 2016. In terms of age distribution, a major peak occurred at 0–5 years and a very small increase appeared at 25–35 years, with the former having a higher incidence among males than females and the latter having the opposite difference between males and females. The number/rate of HFMD cases exhibited a considerable increase followed by a moderate decline from 2009 to 2019, with the first large peak in April-July and a smaller peak in November-December. HFMD in Hubei exhibited the characteristics of a 270-day cycle with multiscale nesting, which was similar to the periodicity of HFMD cases caused by EV-A71 (9 months). Cities with a higher incidence of HFMD formed a part of an “A-shaped urban skeleton”. Subdistricts had the highest incidence of HFMD, followed by towns and villages. The spatiotemporal scan results showed one most likely cluster and 22 secondary clusters, which was consistent with the geographic location of railways and rivers in Hubei.

Conclusions

These findings may be helpful in the prevention and control of HFMD transmission and in implementing effective measures in Hubei Province.
The role of quality institutions and technological innovations in environmental sustainability: Panel data analysis of BRI countries
Authors: Gao Xudong , Fan Mingjun
Published: June 2023

The majority of countries struggle to accomplish sustainable development and environmental sustainability; nevertheless, environmental degradation issues can be resolved by enhancing technological innovations and institutional effectiveness. This study assesses the impact of technological innovations and institutional quality on carbon dioxide emission in the Belt and road initiative countries for the time period of 2002 to 2019. Fixed effect, OLS, and generalized method of moment estimators were applied to the panel data for analysis. The results shows that energy from fossil fuels, economic growth and technological innovations increase environmental degradation by rising carbon dioxide emission. Renewable energy consumption, the rule of law, and the quality of institutions make a significant contribution to the improvement of environmental quality. In particular, the Environmental Kuznets Curve and Innovation Claudia curve is valid in the Belt and Road Initiative countries. In the presence of quality institutions, countries can achieve sustainable growth and environmental sustainability by expanding their use of green technology and renewable energy. The findings provide suggestions to the sample countries on the improvement of institutional framework and technological innovations in order to achieve sustainable development.
Nexus between carbon emissions, energy consumption, and economic growth: Evidence from global economies
Authors: Dissanayake Hasara , Perera Nishitha , Abeykoon Sajani , Samson Diruni , Jayathilaka Ruwan , Jayasinghe Maneka , Yapa Shanta
Published: June 2023

Renewable energy holds a remarkable role in clean energy adaptation due to the much lower carbon footprint it releases compared to other fossil fuels. It also has a positive impact by slowing down the rate of climate change. The study has examined the links between renewable and non-renewable energy use, CO2emissions and economic growth in developed, developing, and LDCs and Economies in Transition between 1990 and 2019 in 152 countries. Granger-causality has been used as the methodology to investigate the link between the variables. The findings of the existing studies on the relationship between the consumption of renewable and non-renewable energy sources and economic growth are inconsistent, indicating that there may or may not be a relationship between the two factors. Apart from having a few empirical studies so far have examined the link between the above-mentioned variables, analysis has yet to encompass all the regions in the four sub-groups discussed above. The results indicated that no Granger-causal relationship exists between GDP and REC outside of Economies in Transition. Additionally, the GDP and CO2of all countries have a one-way relationship. Nevertheless, research indicates that GDP and CO2have a bi-directional link in Economies in Transition, a uni-directional relationship in developing countries, and no meaningful association in developed and LDCs. Therefore, it is essential to emphasise actions to lower CO2emissions and develop renewable energy while also stimulating the economy. Ultimately, more nations should choose renewable energy sources to build a more sustainable future.
Comparative efficacy of chemical and botanical pediculicides in Thailand and 4% dimeticone against head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis
Authors: Yingklang Manachai , Gordon Chadaporn Nuchjangreed , Jaidee Patchana Hengboriboonpong , Thongpon Phonpilas , Pinlaor Somchai
Published: June 2023

Head louse infestations remain a global public-health concern due to increased resistance of lice to artificial pediculicides. In Thailand, there is a lack of comparative data on the current efficacy of pediculicides for treating head lice. In this study, we explored the status of botanical and toxic synthetic pediculicides with that of 4% dimeticone liquid gel for treating head lice in Thailand. The ex-vivo pediculicidal activity of various pediculicidal shampoos available at drugstores in Thailand was assessed and compared with that of 4% dimeticone liquid gel. The shampoos chosen were based on active ingredients toxic to lice (1% permethrin, 0.6% carbaryl, 0.15% Stemona root crude extract, or mixed plant extracts), whereas dimeticone acts physically on lice. We found that exposure to 4% dimeticone liquid gel following the manufacturer’s instructions completely killed 100% of head lice in 15 min, whereas other pediculicide products failed to kill the great majority of head lice, whether treatment was for 10 min (resulting in 0% to 50.0% mortality) or 30 min (resulting in 17.0% to 60.0% mortality). We also extended a clinical assessment to confirm the efficacy of 1% permethrin for treating head lice in infested schoolchildren. In this clinical assessment, none of the 26 children treated with 1% permethrin shampoo achieved a cure after two applications. These results highlight that 4% dimeticone demonstrated a higher ex-vivo pediculicidal efficacy compared to both chemical and botanical pediculicides in Thailand. Conversely, 1% permethrin showed low efficacy in both laboratory and clinical assessments. Given its physical mode of action, 4% dimeticone merits consideration as an alternative treatment option for lice in Thailand, particularly in cases where treatment with toxic pediculicides has proven ineffective.
Weight loss during follow-up in patients with acute heart failure: From the KCHF registry
Authors: Seko Yuta , Kato Takao , Morimoto Takeshi , Yaku Hidenori , Inuzuka Yasutaka , Tamaki Yodo , Ozasa Neiko , Shiba Masayuki , Yamamoto Erika , Yoshikawa Yusuke , Kitai Takeshi , Yamashita Yugo , Iguchi Moritake , Nagao Kazuya , Kawase Yuichi , Morinaga Takashi , Toyofuku Mamoru , Furukawa Yutaka , Ando Kenji , Kadota Kazushige , Sato Yukihito , Kuwahara Koichiro , Kimura Takeshi
Published: June 2023

Backgrounds

The prognostic implication of weight loss after discharge from acute heart failure (AHF) remains unclear. We sought to investigate the association of weight loss between discharge and 6-month visit with subsequent clinical outcomes in patients with AHF.

Methods

We analyzed 686 patients with AHF in the prospective longitudinal follow-up study derived from the Kyoto Congestive Heart Failure registry, and divided them into 2 groups based on the weight loss at 6-month index visit. We defined the weight loss as ≥ 5% decrease in body weight from discharge to 6-month index visit.

Results

There were 90 patients (13.1%) with a weight loss at 6-month visit. Patients in the weight loss group compared with those in the no weight loss group had higher body weight at discharge and lower body weight at 6-mont visit. Patients in the weight loss group had a lower systolic blood pressure, higher brain-type natriuretic peptide, lower serum albumin, lower hemoglobin, higher prevalence of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction at 6-month visit, and a lower prescription rate of inhibitors of renin-angiotensin system than those in the no weight loss group. The cumulative 6-month incidence of all-cause death was significantly higher in the weight loss group than in the no weight loss group (14.2% and 4.3%, log-rank P<0.001). The excess adjusted risk of the weight loss group relative to the no weight loss group remained significant for all-cause death (HR 2.39, 95%CI 1.01–5.65, P = 0.048).

Conclusion

Body weight loss of ≥5% at 6-month visit after discharge was associated with subsequent all-cause death in patients with AHF.
Structural aging of human neurons is opposite of the changes in schizophrenia
Authors: Mizutani Ryuta , Saiga Rino , Yamamoto Yoshiro , Uesugi Masayuki , Takeuchi Akihisa , Uesugi Kentaro , Terada Yasuko , Suzuki Yoshio , De Andrade Vincent , De Carlo Francesco , Takekoshi Susumu , Inomoto Chie , Nakamura Naoya , Torii Youta , Kushima Itaru , Iritani Shuji , Ozaki Norio , Oshima Kenichi , Itokawa Masanari , Arai Makoto
Published: June 2023

Human mentality develops with age and is altered in psychiatric disorders, though their underlying mechanism is unknown. In this study, we analyzed nanometer-scale three-dimensional structures of brain tissues of the anterior cingulate cortex from eight schizophrenia and eight control cases. The distribution profiles of neurite curvature of the control cases showed a trend depending on their age, resulting in an age-correlated decrease in the standard deviation of neurite curvature (Pearson’sr= -0.80,p= 0.018). In contrast to the control cases, the schizophrenia cases deviate upward from this correlation, exhibiting a 60% higher neurite curvature compared with the controls (p= 7.8 × 10−4). The neurite curvature also showed a correlation with a hallucination score (Pearson’sr= 0.80,p= 1.8 × 10−4), indicating that neurite structure is relevant to brain function. This report is based on our 3D analysis of human brain tissues over a decade and is unprecedented in terms of the number of cases. We suggest that neurite curvature plays a pivotal role in brain aging and can be used as a hallmark to exploit a novel treatment of schizophrenia.
On-site detection system of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus by using TaqMan probe-based insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction (iiPCR)
Authors: Yao Shun-Min , Wu Meng-Ling , Hung Ting-Hsuan
Published: June 2023

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most destructive diseases of citrus plants caused by the obligate and phloem-limiting bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las). Reliable detection methods are important for successful control of the disease. This study was aimed to develop a rapid and user-friendly on-site detection system for Las using the TaqMan probe-based insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction (iiPCR) assay. The Las-specific on-site detection system could be completed within one hour by simple DNA extraction coupled with a portable POCKIT device, which can perform PCR amplification and automatically provide qualitative results derived from fluorescence signals. The sensitivity of the TaqMan probe-iiPCR assay could be as low as single copy of Las, comparable to a real-time PCR method. Further testing of the field citrus samples showed 100% agreement between the TaqMan probe-iiPCR assay and the real-time PCR method, and the on-site detection system also demonstrated a great performance of Las detection. With high specificity and sensitivity, the on-site detection system developed in this study becomes a simple, rapid and powerful tool for detecting Las in fields.
Live-attenuated pediatric parainfluenza vaccine expressing 6P-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is protective against SARS-CoV-2 variants in hamsters
Authors: Liu Xueqiao , Park Hong-Su , Matsuoka Yumiko , Santos Celia , Yang Lijuan , Luongo Cindy , Moore Ian N. , Johnson Reed F. , Garza Nicole L. , Zhang Peng , Lusso Paolo , Best Sonja M. , Buchholz Ursula J. , Le Nouën Cyril
Published: June 2023

The pediatric live-attenuated bovine/human parainfluenza virus type 3 (B/HPIV3)-vectored vaccine expressing the prefusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein (B/HPIV3/S-2P) was previously evaluated in vitro and in hamsters. To improve its immunogenicity, we generated B/HPIV3/S-6P, expressing S further stabilized with 6 proline mutations (S-6P). Intranasal immunization of hamsters with B/HPIV3/S-6P reproducibly elicited significantly higher serum anti-S IgA/IgG titers than B/HPIV3/S-2P; hamster sera efficiently neutralized variants of concern (VoCs), including Omicron variants. B/HPIV3/S-2P and B/HPIV3/S-6P immunization protected hamsters against weight loss and lung inflammation following SARS-CoV-2 challenge with the vaccine-matched strain WA1/2020 or VoCs B.1.1.7/Alpha or B.1.351/Beta and induced near-sterilizing immunity. Three weeks post-challenge, B/HPIV3/S-2P- and B/HPIV3/S-6P-immunized hamsters exhibited a robust anamnestic serum antibody response with increased neutralizing potency to VoCs, including Omicron sublineages. B/HPIV3/S-6P primed for stronger anamnestic antibody responses after challenge with WA1/2020 than B/HPIV3/S-2P. B/HPIV3/S-6P will be evaluated as an intranasal vaccine to protect infants against both HPIV3 and SARS-CoV-2.
From social enterprises to impact businesses: Examining the theoretical debate toward social innovation
Authors: Alperstedt Graziela Dias , Andion Carolina , Pires Priscila Keller
Published: June 2023

Objective: provide a critical examination of existing theoretical models and their disagreements that arise from divergent political views, imbued with value about what the social is, what is good and what is bad. Methodology/Approach: theoretical essay that examines, on the one hand, the theoretical discussion that encompasses models with different logics and organizational formats, with an emphasis on prescriptive approaches that romanticize this type of enterprise and, on the other hand, critical approaches that interpret the debate not as a rupture, but as a legitimizing and reproducing character of the established social order. Main results: the visions about social enterprises, divergent in many of the existing theoretical models, shift attention from socio-environmental problems by focusing on heroic individuals and miraculous “solutions”. Social innovation would be the way to solve the impasse of how social transformations are generated in practice, involving different actors that go beyond the discussion in question, directing the debate to the notion of social innovation ecosystems. Theoretical/methodological contributions: propose an inclusive framework that involves the acceptance of diversity and pluralism, and that goes beyond the dispute between models, in order to allow greater focus on socio-environmental issues, recognizing the importance of collective approaches, socio-historical, cultural and territorial differences, in addition to hosting multiscale and multisectoral studies in the direction of social innovation as a transforming process. Relevance/originality: The article expands the understanding of the characteristics and typologies of social enterprises and their different interpretations, leading to reflection on their practices and advancing in the study of the real consequences that these organizations promote, bringing to the fore the debate on social innovation as focus. Social contributions: by discussing the practical consequences of social enterprises and bringing to light the social innovations that these actors co-produce in their specific realities, the article sheds light on this broader dimension directed to the serious problems experienced today.
Health Financing and Household Financial Protection in D.R. Congo: A Vector Autoregressive Model (VaR) Analysis
Authors: BINENE SABWE Emmanuel , LOWENGA KOYAMODJA Logas , LUBONGO MBILU Yannick , NTUNGILA NKAMA Floribert
Published: June 2023

This paper examines the health-related expenditures of economic agents in the Democratic Republic of Congo (households, government and its external technical and financial partners). Given health care high costs of health care in the DRC, access to appropriate health care is hindered due to low income. As a result, government and its external technical and financial partners indispensably step in to ensure that vulnerable households are protected from ruinous expenses.    

At the same time, the paper provides an overview of public finances in the DRC health sector using a theoretical approach and analyzes government intervention effects and their external technical and financial partners intervention effects using a vector autoregressive model (VaR) through random shock simulations and variance decomposition. This analysis is carried out assuming that socioeconomic environment is constant "all things being equal".

The result is that household health-related expenditure per capita forecasts can be significantly improved at 0.05 threshold by public health-related expenditure per capita and by health-related expenditure per capita forecasts engaged by external technical and financial partners.
The Impact of the Pandemic on the Economic Development about Small and Medium Sized Businesses
Authors: ZHAKUPOV Altynbek , YESSILOV Assylkhan , YELEMESSOV Alibek , ISMAILOVA Nargiz
Published: June 2023

The article substantiates the use of a systems approach to the processes about business model switching in small businesses, as this approach was not previously demanded before the pandemic. In this regard, it is concluded that the study of strategic shifts made by small businesses in different segments of the economy is an important new stage in the development of the systems approach.

This paper proposes adapting the matrix approach to distinguish crisis states for small businesses according to the properties of their business models: divergent to crisis; crisis-resistant; adaptive; temporarily limited; externally supported; true bankruptcy.

A standardized decision-making procedure for digitalization has been developed, and the challenges that small businesses need to address when choosing a digitalization scenario as the minimum necessary sequence of actions, each element of which is necessary to realize the digital transition, have been identified.
Evaluating the Impact of Technology Interventions on Organizational Development from an Ethical and Values Perspective
Authors: Castillo Maria Victoria R. , Tiwari Siddhartha Paul
Published: June 2023

echnology has the potential to be one of the fastest-growing fields in the world in the near future, and it has the ability to revolutionize a number of areas including overall society, education, and banking as a result in the near future. In spite of the fact that technology has been omnipresent in our day-to-day lives for quite some time now, the advent of language models and smart home devices has created a need for an ethical discussion on the associated risks as well as responsibilities associated with language models and smart home devices. Whenever a set of technologies is developed and deployed, it is crucial to ensure that a set of ethical values are followed as a guide; this is because the use of these technologies can have a significant impact on people's lives.
Islamic Urdu Literature: A Heretical Islamic Literature in Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Shamsuddin Salahuddin
Published: June 2023

The Intellectual heritage of India is an integral part of Islamic civilization in Indian subcontinent and the development of Islamic civilization in India represents a regional pattern or a local formation of this civilization that occurred as a reaction and in response to the developments that were the result of Islam's insistence on survival in India and its fear for itself of being lost. The link among Urdu, Persian, Arabic and Turkish literatures is that each of them is considered influenced in its dimensions by Islamic civilization that emerges from the religion, science and art, and it is not permissible under any circumstances to sever the link among them, and we give an example for that saying that Persian literature is influenced by Arabic literature and the ancient Turkish literature is influenced by Persian literature influenced by Arabic literature, and Urdu literature is influenced by Arabic, Persian and Turkish literature, and from here we find similarities among these literatures that depict and speak about Islamic civilization in its various manifestations. Language of these different literatures is influenced by Arabic, as they contain countless Arabic words that evidence that they are all branched out from one origin, which is Islamic religion.
Sensitivity of Countermovement Jump Variables in Professional Rugby Union Players Within a Playing Season
Authors: Howarth David J. , McLean Blake D. , Cohen Daniel D. , Coutts Aaron J.
Published: June 2023

Howarth, DJ, McLean, BD, Cohen, DD, and Coutts, AJ. Sensitivity of countermovement jump variables in professional rugby union players within a playing season. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1463–1469, 2023—The aim of this study was to explore the measurement sensitivity of a wide range of countermovement jump (CMJ) variables to a full European professional rugby union season. A secondary purpose was to compare 3 different data treatment methods for the calculation of CMJ variables. Twenty-nine professional rugby union players (mean ± SD; age 24 ± 4 years, height 183.7 ± 8.0 cm, body mass 101.6 ± 10.7 kg) completed a minimum of 12 CMJ testing sessions on Thursdays—a day preceded by a rest day and a minimum of 96 hours after a match—throughout a season. Measurement sensitivity, quantified by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), was determined for 74 CMJ variables and was calculated by dividing the signal, (week-to-week variation expressed as a coefficient of variation [CV%]) by the noise (interday test/retest reliability expressed as CV%). We also identified variables which had no overlap between the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the signal and the noise. The 3 data treatment methods for comparison were (a) mean output across 3 jump trials (Mean3), (b) single output from the trial with the highest jump (BestJH), and (c) the trial with the highest flight time to contraction time ratio (BestFTCT). Most variables had an SNR >1.0 (Mean3 = 60/74; BestFTCT = 59/74; BestJH = 48/74). Fewer variables displayed a nonoverlap of 95% CIs (Mean3 = 23/60; BestFTCT = 22/59; BestJH = 16/48). Most CMJ variables during a professional rugby season demonstrated a signal that exceeded measured noise (SNR > 1.0) and that using the Mean3 or BestFTCT data treatment methods yields a greater number of variables considered sensitive within a season (i.e., SNR > 1.0) than when using BestJH. We also recommend the calculation of the 95% CIs for both signal and noise, with nonoverlap indicative of a greater probability that the responsiveness of the variable at team level (i.e., SNR) also applies at the individual level. As sensitivity analysis is cohort and environment specific, practitioners should conduct a sensitivity analysis using internal signal and noise data to inform their own monitoring protocols.
Face Masks at the Gymnasium: Physiological Responses and Mechanical Performance Are Not Compromised by Wearing Surgical or Filtering Facepiece 2 Masks in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Rial-Vázquez Jessica , Nine Iván , Guerrero-Moreno Jose María , Rúa-Alonso María , Fariñas Juan , Márquez Gonzalo , Giráldez-García Manuel Avelino , Méndez-Bouza Kevin Yoel , López-Pillado Hugo , Coutado-Sánchez Etham , Losada-Rodríguez Alejandro , Iglesias-Soler Eliseo
Published: June 2023

Rial-Vázquez, J, Nine, I, Guerrero-Moreno, JM, Rúa-Alonso, M, Fariñas, J, Márquez, G, Giráldez-García, MA, Méndez-Bouza, KY, López-Pillado, H, Coutado-Sánchez, E, Losada-Rodríguez, A, and Iglesias-Soler, E. Face masks at the gym: physiological responses and mechanical performance are not compromised by wearing surgical or filtering facepiece 2 masks in healthy subjects. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1404–1410, 2023—This study explored the effects of wearing 2 types of face masks on mechanical performance and physiological responses during high-intensity resistance exercise. Twelve healthy men performed 3 workout protocols in a randomized order: wearing a surgical or filtering facepiece 2 (FFP2) mask or without a mask. Each workout consisted of 3 sets of 10 repetitions of bench press (BP) and parallel squat (SQ) with a 12 repetition maximum load, including 2 minutes of recovery between sets and exercises. Mechanical performance was evaluated through the mean propulsive velocity and the number of repetitions completed during each session. Physiological responses were the oxygen saturation (SpO2), blood lactate concentration, heart rate (HR), and HR variability. Perceived exertion was recorded after each set, and The Beck Anxiety Inventory scale was completed at the end of each workout. The number of repetitions completed and the session mean propulsive velocity {(BP [m·s−1]: surgical: 0.35 ± 0.05; FFP2: 0.36 ± 0.04; nonmask: 0.38 ± 0.06) and (SQ: surgical: 0.43 ± 0.05; FFP2: 0.40 ± 0.07; nonmask: 0.41 ± 0.05)} were similar between conditions (p > 0.05). Heart rate recorded during sessions was similar across conditions: surgical: 119 ± 14, FFP2: 117 ± 13, and nonmask: 118 ± 10 bpm (p = 0.919). Face masks had no effect on SpO2, blood lactate concentration, HR variability, perceived exertion, and anxiety values (p > 0.05). Face masks do not compromise strength performance, physiological parameters, and perceived comfort of young and healthy individuals during a high-intensity resistance training session.
Effect of chemical modification of Luffa cylindrica fibers on the mechanical and hygrothermal behaviours of polyester/luffa composites
Authors: Ghali Lassaad , Aloui Mourad , Zidi Mondher , Bendaly Hachmi , M’sahli Slah , Sakli Faouzi
Published: June 2023

Effects of surface chemical modifications of luffa fibers on mechanical and hygrothermal behaviors of polyester/luffa composites were studied. Unsaturated polyester resin was used as matrix. Untreated, alkali-treated, treated with combined process, and acetylated luffa fibers were used. Scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the morphology and chemical structure of the luffa fibers. The mechanical properties of the composites were characterized using the three-point flexural bending test. Water absorption tests were conducted on both the fibers and the composite materials by immersion in distilled water at 25°C. The acetylation treatment improved the mechanical properties. As shown by infrared analysis, the process decreased the hydrophilic behaviour of the luffa fibers, improving their adhesion to the polyester matrix. The chemical modifications at the surface of the luffa fibers also decreased the diffusion coefficient and the maximum amount of water absorbed by these fibers. Moreover, it was observed that for the fibers tested in this study, the diffusion process was “Fickian” at earlier times of immersion, but became complicated towards the end of the immersion. Similar results have been obtained for composite materials at earlier stages of water immersion. The diffusion process was found to be affected by external loads applied on the exposed composite materials. As the load increased, the amount of absorbed water increased at a higher rate of diffusion.
Effect of cellobiase and surfactant supplementation on the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated wheat straw
Authors: Cui Li , Liu Zhong , Hui Lan-Feng , Si Chuan-Ling
Published: June 2023

Wheat straw is a suitable raw material for ethanol production since it has high cellulose content. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of cellobiase and surfactant on the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials. For this purpose, wheat straw was first pretreated by organosolv digestion. The chemical s of raw and pretreated wheat straw were analyzed. Much of the hemicellulose and lignin were removed, and the relative cellulose content of pretreated wheat straw was 26.57% higher when compared to untreated wheat straw. Cellobiase was added into hydrolysate to improve the hydrolysis efficiency. Through experiments and analysis, the optimum cellobiase dosage was found to be 1/10 of the cellulase loading. Surfactant was also added into hydrolysate. Nonionic surfactant (Tween 80) exhibited better effect on improving enzymatic hydrolysis. When 0.06 g/g dry solids (DS) Tween 80 was also added into hydrolysate, the yield of glucose in hydrolyzate could reach 486 g/kg DS.
Biodegradation of Natural Rubber Wastewater in the Submerged Membrane Bioreactor by Pichia Guilliermondii and Yarrowia Lipolytica
Authors: Nsoe M.N. , Amba E.V. , Kameni N.M. , Kofa G.P. , Ndi K.S. , Heran M. , Kayem G.J.
Published: June 2023

Abstracts: Despite the many services that natural rubber provides to humanity, its production generates significant quantities of polluted effluents which have a negative impact on health and the environment. In order to reduce this pollution and allow water to be reused after treatment, a synthetic effluent treatment trial was carried out in a submerged membrane bioreactor in the presence of two strains of yeast (Yarrowia lipolytica, Pichia guilliermondii) and biodegradation parameters (COD, NH4+, NO2-, NO3-) were followed. The Mohlman Index (MI), the particle size distribution, the Lowry method for proteins and the Dubois method for sugars have made it possible to characterize the sludge generated during biodegradation. It appears from these experiments that the reduction rate of COD was 98% and that of nitrification and denitrification 90%. There is a decreasing linear relationship between the MI and SS (Suspended Solids) with an R2 of 95%. The distribution of the particle size of the sludge is tri-modal with a maximum of sludge having an average size of 1000 µm. The sludge formed resists filtration with a polysaccharide/protein ratio of 0.45.
Experimental Dehydration of the Water-Ethanol Mixture by Pervaporation through Membranes Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol: What Conditions for Better Performance?
Authors: Regragui Anissa , Merzouk Nadia , Tarras Faissal , Idrissi Najib Al , Essamri Azzouz
Published: June 2023

Abstract: The separation processes are of paramount importance in the industrial field. The techniques used to obtain separation membranes depend on the type of membrane and the applications envisaged.

Aim: The objective of the study is to focus on the master membrane allowing better pervaporation of the water-ethanol mixture by varying various parameters such as the polymer content, the polyacrylic acid (PAA) content and the operating variables such as the drying temperature and the stay in the oven.

Materials: We fabricated membranes to separate water-ethanol mixtures by the pervaporation process. First, films based on polyvinyl alcohol and acid polyacrylics were prepared using the appropriate solvent (water) with different PAA contents. We then characterized these films using the technique of infrared spectroscopy and the measurement of swelling of these membranes in water / ethanol mixtures. Pervaporation tests were carried out to measure the selectivity and flow of these films with respect to the mixture.

Results: All the membranes exhibit a higher permeation flux than that of pure PVA, especially when the PAA content is high. The selectivity to water of these crosslinked membranes, represented by the water content in the permeate is appreciable.

Conclusion: The addition of PAA to PVA makes possible the improvement of swelling, the flow is improved as well as the water selectivity and the permeability of the membrane which makes the PVA-PAA alloy a simple and effective method to ensure dehydration of the Water-Ethanol mixture.
Detection of Spread-out Position for Pulse Changing-state of Porous Material-object in Dermis Layer
Authors: Kim Jeong L. , Im Yong S. , Park Jong Y. , Jang Kyeong S. , Choi Gyoo S. , Kang Jeong J.
Published: June 2023

Grainy surface of moist skin is a stalk transition by grain transport containing monolayer or multilayer multiblock modules as superconductors. Brilliant-differentiation cognition level (BIAL) is conveyed the stiff spread-out-sonance status within the skin to the stalk cognition level function and used a technique of mixing by pulse change. In order to observe the spread-out-sonance status within the skin with the stalk conveyance function, the stalk value with ductile-dot was found and calculated by the superstructure. In the dermis layer, the criterion of brilliant-differentiation level is transition signal by stalk sonance function. Configured as the cognition level and the technical concept of pulse change was measured by the diffusion sonance function that converted into BIAL value by the maximum average. According to the degree of water distribution in the skin, the degree of pulse change was configured as the cognition level of the sonance function, and the value was formed. Stalk ductile-dot sonance presented stalk far transition value of St-CF-FA-?MAX-MED with 11.34±5.57 units. Stalk convenient transition value presented St-CF-CO-?MAX-MED with 2.04±0.51 units. Stalk flank transition value presented St-CF-ST-?MAX-MED with 1.21±0.18 units. Stalk vicinage transition value presented St-CF-VI-?MAX-MED with 0.19±0.11 units. As the degree of ability of the ductile-dot is evaluated spread-out sonance by diffusion function that appeared at the stalk cognition level of the porous material-object by BIAL in the dermis layer. As a differentiation function can be used by the conveyance level system of the dermis layer. Diffusion cognition systems are suppressed by differential signals. Cognition systems is able to exploit the data as promising primary tools for analyzing surfaces from fundamental applications and nanotechnology perspectives.
Tourism Information QA Datasets for Smart Tourism Chatbot
Authors: Ko Tae-Seung , Jwa Myeong-Cheol , Jwa Jeong-Woo
Published: June 2023

Smart tourism uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to provide easy and convenient travel services to tourists. The task-oriented chatbot system is a way to provide tourists more efficiently with travel services that were previously provided on the web or apps. In this paper, we develop the question answering (QA) dataset for an AI-based tourism information chatbot system. The tourism information QA dataset is developed in JSON format of KLUE MRC based on the tourism information database and tourism knowledge base built for smart tourism apps and rule-based chatbot services, respectively. To apply the QA model along with the DST and NER models to the smart tourism chatbot system, we develop the QA dataset by considering the previously developed the tourism information NER dataset and the smart tourism DST dataset. We evaluate the tourism information QA datasets with the koBigBird model, which can handle sequences of 4,096 tokens, and the EM (Exact Match) and F1 score are 96.85 and 98.84, respectively.