bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Value in Extending the Lifetime of Products: An Analysis of Perceived Value and Green Consumption Values on Pro-Circular Behaviors of Repair and Reuse
Authors: Arias Claudia , Cadena Lozano Javier Bernardo , Bello Bernal Miguel Angel
Published: February 2024

Promoting circular business models is a clear path to tackling current environmental and social issues. The success of these models depends not only on companies in charge of creating new products, processes, and models that include circular strategies but also on consumers and their choices. Thus, fully understanding consumers and the factors that influence accepting and adopting practices towards circularity is imperative. One of these factors is the relationship that consumers have with the products they purchase and their assessment of these products through the concept of perceived value. This research aimed to explore the relationship between the dimensions of perceived value (i.e., functional, emotional, and social) and pro-circular behaviors of repair and reuse, as well as the role of green consumption values in this relationship. A representative sample of 417 people was surveyed in Medellín (Colombia). Using an Ordinal Logit model, we tested the hypotheses proposed. Findings reveal that functional value is a primary starting point to encourage behaviors aiming to extend the lifetime of products. Moreover, the interaction between sources of value (perceived value and green consumption values) increases the probability of reusing and repairing. Based on these and other relevant results, managerial implications and opportunities for future research are proposed.
Navigating Crisis: Insights into the Depletion and Recovery of Central Java’s Freshwater Eel (Anguilla spp.) Stocks
Authors: Nugroho Supradianto , Uehara Takuro
Published: February 2024

The southern coast of Central Java Province is one of Indonesia’s largest eels (Anguilla spp.) fishing grounds. The annual eel catches in this region showed an increasing trend in 2011–2014 but then plummeted in 2019–2021. However, studies on stock status are lacking to provide an effective management plan to prevent the collapse of eel fisheries. Therefore, this study assessed the state of freshwater eels in Southern Central Java using a data-limited method, catch-based maximum sustainable yield (CMSY). The analysis revealed a swift stock depletion, shifting from a healthy state in 2011 to a concerning red zone in 2015–2018. Subsequently, the stock began a recovery phase in 2019, but the recent trajectory raised concerns as it approached the red zone again, signaling the urgency of implementing a rebuilding plan. The simulation of several rebuilding scenarios suggests that reducing fishing mortality to 80% of the FMSY (maximum sustainable fishing mortality) can balance production and conservation objectives, achieving the quickest stock rebuilding with minimal catch loss. This study showed that eel stock could be rebuilt by reducing fishing pressure to preserve a surplus of individuals who can complete their migration and spawning cycles.
Regional Disparities in Safe and Clean Environments in Uzbekistan: Analysis of 2021–2022 Uzbekistan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Data
Authors: Moon Juyoung , Choi Jae Wook , Kim Kyung Hee
Published: February 2024

Background: Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services and clean fuels are representative factors of a clean and safe residential environment. Uzbekistan faces environmental issues and ranks low among countries on the Environmental Performance Index. This study aimed to identify regional disparities and wealth inequalities in WASH services and clean fuels in Uzbekistan. Methods: We employed raw data from the 2021–2022 Uzbekistan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and the WASH and clean fuels coverage were analyzed. For each of the variables with the lowest coverage within WASH services and clean fuels variables, we evaluated the disparities between urban and rural areas and calculated the concentration index (CI). Results: Among WASH services and clean fuels, basic handwashing and clean fuels for space heating demonstrated the lowest coverage. In most regions, urban areas had higher coverage of basic handwashing and clean fuels for space heating compared to rural areas. The CI of clean fuels for space heating was 0.2141 or higher in five areas. The CI was notably high in areas with low coverage of WASH services and clean fuel for space heating. Conclusions: Basic handwashing and clean fuels for space heating showed varied regional coverage patterns and wealth-related inequalities. The results of this study can provide evidence for policy formulation, particularly in addressing disparities.
Influence of Virtual Reality and Gamification Combined with Practice Teaching Style in Physical Education on Motor Skills and Students’ Perceived Effort: A Mixed-Method Intervention Study
Authors: Fernández-Vázquez Diego , Navarro-López Víctor , Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto , Palacios-Ceña Domingo , Espada María , Bores-García Daniel , Delfa-de-la-Morena José Manuel , Romero-Parra Nuria
Published: February 2024

This mixed-method study examined the impact of combining virtual reality (VR) and gamification (GAM) with the practice teaching style (PTS) on students’ motor skills and perceived effort in physical education. Participants (n = 75) were divided into three groups: PTS (control), PTS + GAM and PTS + GAM + VR. Each group had two one-hour sessions per week for six weeks. Participants’ motor skills and perceived effort were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively using tests such as the SportComp Motor, flamingo and plate-tapping tests, as well as the handgrip strength test and the Pictorical Children’s Effort Rating Table. The results indicate that the PTS group reported a higher perceived effort compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). All study groups exhibited improvements in the handgrip strength (p < 0.001) and flamingo (p < 0.05) tests, while lateral jump test improvements were observed only in the two GAM groups (p < 0.001). The VR group showed an improvement in the plate-tapping tests (p < 0.001), while the PTS group exhibited a decline in the displacement with support test (p < 0.05). Participant perceptions suggest that the activity nature, motivation from competition and rewards influenced the perceived effort and motor skills. In conclusion, GAM techniques are effective in reducing perceived effort in physical education programs, and combining GAM with VR enhances improvements in motor skills.
Understanding Binding of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds with Cellulose-Based Fibers and Wipes for Renewable and Sustainable Hygiene Options
Authors: Mali Monika , Salem Khandoker Samaher , Sarder Roman , Agate Sachin , Mathur Kavita , Pal Lokendra
Published: February 2024

Cellulose-based fibers are desirable materials for nonwoven wipes for their good absorbency, strength, cleaning, and biodegradable properties. However, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), being cationic in nature, show electrostatic interactions with anionic cellulosic fibers, reducing the available QACs to efficiently clean surfaces. This research presents sustainable alternative fibers that show better controlled exhaustion than commercial wipes and textile fibers. Textile and lignocellulosic fibers were prepared, soaked in QAC, and a UV–vis spectrophotometer was used to measure their exhaustion percentages. Factors such as immersion time and concentration of the disinfectant were also investigated, which affect the rate of exhaustion of the disinfectant from the fibers. A higher immersion time resulted in better exhaustion, whereas the total exhaustion decreased with an increase in the initial concentration of the disinfectant. The exhaustion of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) from the commercial wipes was also investigated at different immersion times and BAC concentrations. It was found that the wood and non-wood fibers showed more controlled exhaustion than the textile fibers and commercial wipes, and could be considered an alternative option for renewable and sustainable wipes and hygiene products.
Circular Economy Similarities in a Group of Eastern European Countries: Orienting towards Sustainable Development
Authors: Stoenoiu Carmen Elena , Jäntschi Lorentz
Published: February 2024

The transition to a circular economy determines benefits at the level of each country by ensuring the premises for a sustainable economy in the future. The purpose of this study is to analyze indicators that measure the results of the implementation of circular economy through five study directions: Production and Consumption, Waste Management, Secondary Raw Materials, Competitiveness and Innovation, and Global Sustainability and Resilience. The analysis used 11 indicators that allow for the measurement of the evolution of eight Eastern European countries in the years 2012–2020. The study used three working hypotheses, which were all verified. The obtained results allowed for the classification of countries using a composite index and the grouping of countries with the help of cluster analysis using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. In a nutshell, sustainable development requires both economic development and environmental sustainability, and the developed composite index groups the countries’ evolution towards this goal.
Investigating the Relationship and Impact of Environmental Governance, Green Goods, Non-Green Goods and Eco-Innovation on Material Footprint and Renewable Energy in the BRICS Group
Authors: Ganda Fortune
Published: February 2024

The global climate is undergoing a significant and unprecedented transformation. The phenomenon presents a significant peril to the well-being of the human population, biodiversity, and the overall stability of the global ecosystem. This article explores the relationship and impact between environmental governance, green goods, non-green goods, and eco-innovation on material footprint and renewable energy for the BRICS countries from 2000 to 2019. We apply the FGLS and PCSE approaches to estimate the relationships, and the Dumitrescu and Hurlin test to ascertain causality. The study reveals that eco-innovation and environmental governance produce a statistically significant positive relationship with both material footprint and renewable energy consumption. Economic growth generates an insignificantly positive link with material footprint and renewable energy use. The findings also illustrate that non-green goods generate a significantly negative association with both material footprint and green energy use. Green goods depict a significant and positive relationship with material footprint, but a significantly negative relationship with renewable energy consumption in the BRICS situation. The causality results demonstrate a bi-directional causality association between non-green goods and material footprint, green goods and material footprint, renewable energy use and eco-innovation, renewable energy consumption and environmental governance, and renewable energy use and green goods. Moreover, a uni-directional causality relationship running from eco-innovation to material footprint, environmental governance to material footprint, non-green goods to renewable energy consumption, material footprint to economic development, and renewable energy consumption to economic growth is established. The study’s findings provide light on the association between the parameters and unsustainable and sustainable green practices on material footprint and renewable energy consumption, respectively, within the BRICS framework. These findings offer useful insights for policymakers, emphasizing the need for nations to work together in order to create a balanced and harmonious relationship between economic progress and environmental conservation from an emerging economy scale.
Symmetry Breaking in the U-Net: Hybrid Deep-Learning Multi-Class Segmentation of HeLa Cells in Reflected Light Microscopy Images
Authors: Ghaznavi Ali , Rychtáriková Renata , Císař Petr , Ziaei Mohammad Mehdi , Štys Dalibor
Published: February 2024

Multi-class segmentation of unlabelled living cells in time-lapse light microscopy images is challenging due to the temporal behaviour and changes in cell life cycles and the complexity of these images. The deep-learning-based methods achieved promising outcomes and remarkable success in single- and multi-class medical and microscopy image segmentation. The main objective of this study is to develop a hybrid deep-learning-based categorical segmentation and classification method for living HeLa cells in reflected light microscopy images. A symmetric simple U-Net and three asymmetric hybrid convolution neural networks—VGG19-U-Net, Inception-U-Net, and ResNet34-U-Net—were proposed and mutually compared to find the most suitable architecture for multi-class segmentation of our datasets. The inception module in the Inception-U-Net contained kernels with different sizes within the same layer to extract all feature descriptors. The series of residual blocks with the skip connections in each ResNet34-U-Net’s level alleviated the gradient vanishing problem and improved the generalisation ability. The m-IoU scores of multi-class segmentation for our datasets reached 0.7062, 0.7178, 0.7907, and 0.8067 for the simple U-Net, VGG19-U-Net, Inception-U-Net, and ResNet34-U-Net, respectively. For each class and the mean value across all classes, the most accurate multi-class semantic segmentation was achieved using the ResNet34-U-Net architecture (evaluated as the m-IoU and Dice metrics).
Shaking Table Tests on the Seismic Response of Symmetrically Integrated Underground Stations
Authors: Ming Shi , Tao Lianjin , Wang Zhigang
Published: February 2024

This paper focuses on the seismic response of symmetrical underground subway stations to seismic waves with varying frequencies and peak ground accelerations (PGAs), essential in light of growing urban underground transit systems. A 1/40 scale station model was subjected to seismic simulations using waves from the Wenchuan and Tangshan earthquakes and an artificial wave spanning 0.1 g to 0.5 g PGAs. Shaking table tests revealed that seismic impacts divide at PGA = 0.3 g; high-frequency waves affect structures more below this threshold, while low-frequency waves have more impact above it. The columns on the third basement level responded more to seismic activity, particularly at their base. The study recommends prioritizing the seismic design of these columns during station construction, especially in earthquake-prone zones. Understanding the dynamic effects of different frequencies and amplitudes is crucial for selecting and reinforcing materials and structural designs to enhance seismic resistance.
Effects of Preheating on Thermal Behavior in Inconel 718 Processed by Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Chowdhury Hasina Tabassum , Palleda Thaviti Naidu , Kakuta Naoto , Kakehi Koji
Published: February 2024

Preheating is important to improve the mechanical properties of nickel-based superalloys processed by additive manufacturing. The microstructure of IN718 was found to be influenced by the preheating temperature. Different preheating temperatures affect mechanical properties by changing microstructures. This work aims to clarify the thermal behavior for two preheated base plate temperatures (200 °C and 600 °C) on the IN718 superalloy built by the selective laser melting (SLM) process using the finite element method and experiments. The simulation findings indicate that the preheated 600 °C model has a deeper melt pool, a slower transformation of liquid to solid, and a slower cooling rate compared to the 200 °C model. As a result, the interdendritic Niobium (Nb) segregation of IN718 is reduced, thus improving the mechanical properties of additive-manufactured IN718 using the laser. The solidification map derived from the simulation indicates a columnar microstructure for the IN718 superalloy. Preheating increased the size of the dendrite structure and reduced elemental segregation, but it did not affect the morphology or size of crystal grains. We focused on comparing the temperature gradient and cooling rate for the two preheated base plate temperatures using the solidification map of IN718. The simulation confirmed that preheating does not affect the grain structure.
Association between the Thickness of Lumbar Subcutaneous Fat Tissue and the Presence of Hernias in Adults with Persistent, Non-Traumatic Low Back Pain
Authors: Poot-Franco Jorge Adolfo , Mena-Balan Anuar , Perez-Navarrete Adrian , Huchim Osvaldo , Azcorra-Perez Hugo , Mendez-Dominguez Nina
Published: February 2024

We aimed to analyze the association between the average lumbar subcutaneous fat tissue thickness (LSFTT) at each intervertebral level and the presence of hernias in patients with low back pain from an insurance network hospital in Mexico. This observational prospective study included 174 patients with non-traumatic lumbago who underwent magnetic resonance imaging with a 1.5T resonator. Two independent radiologists made the diagnosis, and a third specialist provided a quality vote when needed. The sample size was calculated with a 95% confidence interval using random order selection. Anonymized secondary information was used. Percentages and means with confidence intervals were tabulated. The area under the curve, specificity, and sensitivity of LSFTT were calculated. A regression analysis was performed to analyze the presence of hernias with LSFTT using each intervertebral level as a predictor. The odds of herniation at any intervertebral level increased directly with LSFTT. The average LSFTT predicted the overall presence of hernias; however, the LSFTT at each intervertebral level better predicted hernias for each intervertebral space. The area under the curve for LSFTT in predicting hernias was 68%. In conclusion, the average LSFTT was associated with the overall presence of hernias; patients with more hernias had higher LSFTT values.
The Exposure Peaks of Traffic-Related Ultrafine Particles Associated with Inflammatory Biomarkers and Blood Lipid Profiles
Authors: Lin Cheng , Lane Kevin J. , Chomitz Virginia R. , Griffiths Jeffrey K. , Brugge Doug
Published: February 2024

In this article, we explored the effects of ultrafine particle (UFP) peak exposure on inflammatory biomarkers and blood lipids using two novel metrics—the intensity of peaks and the frequency of peaks. We used data previously collected by the Community Assessment of Freeway Exposure and Health project from participants in the Greater Boston Area. The UFP exposure data were time-activity-adjusted hourly average concentration, estimated using land use regression models based on mobile-monitored ambient concentrations. The outcome data included C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor 2 (TNF-RII), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides and total cholesterol. For each health indicator, multivariate regression models were used to assess their associations with UFP peaks (N = 364–411). After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status and education level, an increase in UFP peak exposure was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with an increase in TNF-RII and a decrease in HDL and triglycerides. Increases in UFP peaks were also significantly associated with increased IL-6 and decreased total cholesterol, while the same associations were not significant when annual average exposure was used. Our work suggests that analysis using peak exposure metrics could reveal more details about the effect of environmental exposures than the annual average metric.
Unusual Localization of AIDS-Related Kaposi’s Sarcoma in a Heterosexual Male during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Report
Authors: Arbune Manuela , Padurariu-Covit Monica-Daniela , Tiutiuca Carmen , Mihailov Raul , Niculet Elena , Arbune Anca-Adriana , Tatu Alin-Laurentiu
Published: February 2024

Kaposi’s sarcoma is an AIDS-defining illness and remains the most frequent tumor arising in HIV-infected patients with multifactorial etiology. We present a case of a 30-year-old Caucasian male with an 18-year history of HIV infection. The patient was presented with a one-week history of fever, non-productive cough, and skin lesions. There was an associated weakness and weight loss in a duration of 6 months. Clinical examination showed fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, lower limb edema, ascites, and violaceous cutaneous eruption comprising patches, plaques, and nodules. He also had a red nodule on the left conjunctiva, as well as on his oral mucosa. His CD4+ count was below 10/mm3 and ARN-HIV viral load was above 100,000 c/mL, in relation to the antiretroviral failure after five drug regimens. The role of co-infections in oncogenesis and the course of Kaposi’s sarcoma were considered in recent studies. Delayed diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma in the present case resulted in a negative impact for this patient during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Genomic and Proteomic Analysis of Six Vi01-like Phages Reveals Wide Host Range and Multiple Tail Spike Proteins
Authors: Harris Evan B. , Ewool Kenneth K. K. , Bowden Lucy C. , Fierro Jonatan , Johnson Daniel , Meinzer McKay , Tayler Sadie , Grose Julianne H.
Published: February 2024

Enterobacteriaceae is a large family of Gram-negative bacteria composed of many pathogens, including Salmonella and Shigella. Here, we characterize six bacteriophages that infect Enterobacteriaceae, which were isolated from wastewater plants in the Wasatch front (Utah, United States). These phages are highly similar to the Kuttervirus vB_SenM_Vi01 (Vi01), which was isolated using wastewater from Kiel, Germany. The phages vary little in genome size and are between 157 kb and 164 kb, which is consistent with the sizes of other phages in the Vi01-like phage family. These six phages were characterized through genomic and proteomic comparison, mass spectrometry, and both laboratory and clinical host range studies. While their proteomes are largely unstudied, mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the production of five hypothetical proteins, several of which unveiled a potential operon that suggests a ferritin-mediated entry system on the Vi01-like phage family tail. However, no dependence on this pathway was observed for the single host tested herein. While unable to infect every genus of Enterobacteriaceae tested, these phages are extraordinarily broad ranged, with several demonstrating the ability to infect Salmonella enterica and Citrobacter freundii strains with generally high efficiency, as well as several clinical Salmonella enterica isolates, most likely due to their multiple tail fibers.
PTEN Mediates the Silencing of Unintegrated HIV-1 DNA
Authors: Phan An Thanh , Zhu Yiping
Published: February 2024

The integration of viral DNA into a host genome is an important step in HIV-1 replication. However, due to the high failure rate of integration, the majority of viral DNA exists in an unintegrated state during HIV-1 infection. In contrast to the robust expression from integrated viral DNA, unintegrated HIV-1 DNA is very poorly transcribed in infected cells, but the molecular machinery responsible for the silencing of unintegrated HIV-1 DNA remains poorly characterized. In this study, we sought to characterize new host factors for the inhibition of expression from unintegrated HIV-1 DNA. A genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening revealed the essential role of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in the silencing of unintegrated HIV-1 DNA. PTEN’s phosphatase activity negatively regulates the PI3K-Akt pathway to inhibit the transcription from unintegrated HIV-1 DNA. The knockout (KO) of PTEN or inhibition of PTEN’s phosphatase activity by point mutagenesis activates Akt by phosphorylation and enhances the transcription from unintegrated HIV-1 DNA. Inhibition of the PI3K-Akt pathway by Akt inhibitor in PTEN-KO cells restores the silencing of unintegrated HIV-1 DNA. Transcriptional factors (NF-κB, Sp1, and AP-1) are important for the activation of unintegrated HIV-1 DNA in PTEN-KO cells. Finally, the knockout of PTEN increases the levels of active epigenetic marks (H3ac and H3K4me3) and the recruitment of PolII on unintegrated HIV-1 DNA chromatin. Our experiments reveal that PTEN targets transcription factors (NF-κB, Sp1, and AP-1) by negatively regulating the PI3K-Akt pathway to promote the silencing of unintegrated HIV-1 DNA.
Fatal Myocarditis following COVID-19 mRNA Immunization: A Case Report and Differential Diagnosis Review
Authors: Sousa Pedro Manuel Barros de , Silva Elon Almeida , Campos Marcos Adriano Garcia , Lages Joyce Santos , Corrêa Rita da Graça Carvalhal Frazão , Silva Gyl Eanes Barros
Published: February 2024

Carditis in childhood is a rare disease with several etiologies. We report a case of infant death due to pericarditis and myocarditis after the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 (COVIDmRNAV). A 7-year-old male child received the first dose of the COVIDmRNAV and presented with monoarthritis and a fever non-responsive to oral antibiotics. The laboratory investigation showed signs of infection (leukocytosis, high levels of c-reactive protein). His condition rapidly deteriorated, and the patient died. The autopsy identified pericardial fibrin deposits, hemorrhagic areas in the myocardium, and normal valves. A diffuse intermyocardial inflammatory infiltrate composed of T CD8+ lymphocytes and histiocytes was identified. An antistreptolysin O (ASO) dosage showed high titers. The presence of arthritis, elevated ASO, and carditis fulfills the criteria for rheumatic fever. However, valve disease and Aschoff’s nodules, present in 90% of rheumatic carditis cases, were absent in this case. The temporal correlation with mRNA vaccination prompted its inclusion as one of the etiologies. In cases of myocardial damage related to COVID-19mRNAV, it appears to be related to the expression of exosomes and lipid nanoparticles, leading to a cytokine storm. The potential effects of the COVID-19mRNAV must be considered in the pathogenesis of this disease, whether as an etiology or a contributing factor to a previously initiated myocardial injury.
Key Learnings from the Development and Early Use of Global Guidance on the Integration of COVID-19 Vaccination into Broader Health Systems
Authors: Dadari Ibrahim , Vilajeliu Alba , Berdaga Viorica , Rozario Shalini , Meyer Phoebe , Nic Lochlainn Laura , Horemans Dirk , Toro Nuria , Lihemo Gloria , Bhardwaj Sanjay , Cowley Peter , Chang Blanc Diana , Conteh-Nordman Florence , Mirza Imran , Malm Shahira , Ameda Ida Marie , Lindstrand Ann
Published: February 2024

More than 13.5 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses were delivered between 2021 and 2023 through a mix of delivery platforms, with mass vaccination campaigns being the main approach. In 2022, with the continued circulation of SARS-CoV2 and the need for periodic boosters being most likely, countries were required to plan for more sustainable approaches to provide COVID-19 vaccinations. In this context of uncertainty, a global tool for integrating COVID-19 vaccines into immunization programs and as part of broader health systems was published jointly by the WHO and UNICEF to respond to country needs. This paper summarizes the approach to, and lessons learned during, the development of a global guidance document and describes some examples of its early use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The guidance leveraged existing health system frameworks, proposed four steps for planning and implementing the COVID-19 vaccination integration journey, and identified investment areas. The development process maximized robust global stakeholder and country engagement, and the timeframe was aligned with donor funding windows to support countries with the integration of COVID-19 vaccination. The rapid dissemination of the guidance document allowed countries to ascertain their readiness for integrating COVID-19 vaccination and inform the development of national plans and funding applications. While progress has been made in specific areas (e.g., optimizing cold chain and logistics leveraging COVID-19 vaccination), in the context of decreasing demand for COVID-19 vaccines, reaching adult COVID-19 vaccine high-priority-use groups and engaging and coordinating with other health programs (beyond immunization) remain challenges, particularly in LMICs. We share the learning that despite the uncertainties of a pandemic, guidance documents can be developed and used within a short timeframe. Working in partnership with stakeholders within and beyond immunization towards a common objective is powerful and can allow progress to be made in terms of integrating health services and better preparing for future pandemics.
Microarray Gene Expression Analysis of Lesional Skin in Canine Pemphigus Foliaceus
Authors: Starr Haley , Howerth Elizabeth W. , Leon Renato , Gogal Robert M. , Banovic Frane
Published: February 2024

Canine pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is considered the most common autoimmune skin disease in dogs; the mechanism of PF disease development is currently poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the molecular mechanisms and altered biological pathways in the skin lesions of canine PF patients. Using an RNA microarray on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples, we analyzed the transcriptome of canine PF lesional skin (n = 7) compared to healthy skin (n = 5). Of the 800 genes analyzed, 420 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (p < 0.05) were found. Of those, 338 genes were significantly upregulated, including pro-inflammatory and Th17-related genes. Cell type profiling found enhancement of several cell types, such as neutrophils, T-cells, and macrophages, in PF skin compared to healthy skin. Enrichment analyses of the upregulated DEGs resulted in 78 statistically significant process networks (FDR < 0.05), including the Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. In conclusion, canine PF lesional immune signature resembles previously published changes in human pemphigus skin lesions. Further studies with canine PF lesional skin using next-generation sequencing (e.g., RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, etc.) and the development of canine keratinocyte/skin explant PF models are needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of this debilitating disease.
Generation and Immuno-inflammatory Checkpoints in Oral Cavity Cancers
Authors: Hatamnezhad Leilasadat
Published: February 2024

Oral malignancies are responsible for a considerable portion of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Even though survival rates have increased recently, new treatments are being explored to slow the advancement of the disease and enhance outcomes, especially in cases of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant diseases (OPMDs). Immunotherapy is a novel therapeutic approach that targets immune checkpoint molecules such as programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4, lymphocyte-activated gene 3, and T cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 in order to enhance the host’s immune response against malignancies and impede the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. Accordingly, a systematic review was performed by scanning five databases for keywords related to immune checkpoint inhibitors, along with oral malignancies, oral pathologies, and OPMDs, in order to describe the current state of their use and efficacy in these disorders. For this purpose, 644 unique publications published between 2004 and 2019 were found, 76 of which were judged to be appropriate for the study and produced 8826 samples. PD-1 and PD-L1 are expressed in most OPMD and OSCC samples, and their expression is associated with worse survival rates and greater rates of progression. Two immunotherapy drugs targeting PD-1, namely, pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have been demonstrated to enhance disease outcomes and increase survival rates, especially when combined with radiation or chemotherapy. Despite the equivocal nature of the available data, there is support for the prognostic and predictive usefulness of immune checkpoint molecules, notably PD-L1, and multiple studies support the useful use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the management of OSCC.
An Analysis of Demand for Foreign University Campuses in India
Authors: Thampy Poornima , Devaprasad Rebecca
Published: February 2024

Students going abroad for education is not a recent phenomenon but the number of students leaving the country for higher education overseas indicates that cross-border education has become more prominent in recent decades. As per the data submitted by the education ministry in Parliament in February 2023, the number of Indian students going abroad for higher education stood at 7,50,365 in 2022. This is 68% higher compared to 4,44,553, students who went abroad in 2021. This tendency of young productive minds to seek education abroad and even settle there impacts the country on several fronts and the economic challenges this poses are significant. India is currently facing a serious brain drain as more students prefer to get settled abroad. To address this rampant movement of students and to reduce the economic threat that migration puts on India, an attempt is being made by the University Grants Commissionto permit well-known and highly ranked leading foreign institutions to set up international branch campuses in the country.This research investigates the factors that influence students to move abroad and forecasts the demand for foreign universities when opened in India. The study collected responses from 110 students from an opinion poll survey through google forms. The data collected were analyzed using cross-tabulation which identified exposure, quality of education and better employment opportunities as major reasons to migrate. Additionally, it also revealed that the demand for foreign universities will be less in India.
Economic Valuation of Recreational-benefits and Visitation Rate of Selected Lakes in Coimbatore City: An Application of Travel Cost Method
Authors: Bhuvanesvari S , Manikandan R , Sowmitha K
Published: February 2024

Lakes provide direct and indirect use values and benefits; it was support to human well-being. The recreational values and benefits are one of the direct use values of the lake. It includes enjoying nature with family and friends for relaxation,boating rides, parks, and enjoying other facilities available in the lakes. The Periyakulam/Ukkadam Lake and Valankulam Lake in Coimbatore City have been chosen for this study. The convenient sampling method was adopted to confirm the sample size,from Ukkadam Lake 70 sample visitors and from Valankulam Lake 50 sample visitors have been selected for this study. This study explores the recreational value and visitation rate of selected lakesby using the Travel Cost Method with application of multiple regression. The study found out the Ukkadam lake recreational value was Rs. 1062.78/visit and the Valankulam lake recreational value was Rs. 619.94/ visit gained by sample visitors. The regression result show that R2value was 0.377, and the lake visitation rate was determined by the travel cost, monthly income of the visitors, mode of transport, type of visit, recreational benefits,and distance traveled to reach the Lake. The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation made a good effort in lake restoration process, it was benefits to the visitors. In this study, visitors stated some drawbacks in facilities available in lakes. The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation should take necessary actions to improve the facilities in the lakes. This will make the path for sustainability of recreational benefits.
Using Principal Components Regression (PCR) to Predict the Nexus between Institutional Training and Development Programs and Employer Performance in Private Universities in Ghana
Authors: Ntumi Simon
Published: February 2024

Aim: This study examined the nexus between institutional training and development and employee performance from private universities in Ghana using Principal Components Regression (PCR). Methodology: The study employed exploratory design through the quantitative and cross-sectional survey methods for data collection. The questionnaires were administered t0 384 respondents from the private universities. Findings: The study revealed that training on leadership behaviour and development modules is more prevalent in the private universities in Ghana (M= 3.2669, SD = 0.6918, Skewness = -0.8262, p-value = 0.0000). The correlation results revealed a significant positive relationship between on-job training (r=0.3570*, p-value = 0.000), off-job training (r= 0.2893*, p-value = 0.000), training on leadership behaviours (r=0.4019*, p-value = 0.000) and training on development modules and employee performance (r=0.5917*, p-value = 0.000). Using PCR, the results revealed that there is a significant combined effect of on-job training, off-job training, training on leadership behaviour and development modules on employees’ performance (F-statistic = 54.512, p-value =0.000<0.05). Recommendation: it is recommended that private universities intensify more efforts to train their employees. Also,institutional training and development programmes at the private universities in Ghana should emphasized more on-job training and off-job training and further improve their activities of development modules training and leadership.
The Rise of Webinars as Professional Development Modality: Investigating the Opinions of Teacher Educators of English
Authors: Inal Sevim , Tunaboylu Oya , Kazazoglu Semin
Published: February 2024

Professional development is the essential part of education. Rapid development globaly, technology dominated our life. Language teaching and learning was mainly shaped by the digital mode and this necessiates teacher educators to relay on webinars to maintain professional exchange and networking during pandemic. Even after, it seems that webinars continue to be a part of professional lives. However, not many studies have been conducted about its impact on teacher educators. Given that a great amount of time and effort is invested in preparing and attending professional webinars, it is a good time to hear the participants’ voices. With this in mind, a total of 115 English language teacher educators were requested to evaluate their webinar-attending experiences. The data were collected through an online survey and focus group interviews. Participants mentioned that webinars generaly are male keynote-speaker dominated, need improvement and propose some implications to increase the effectiveness of future webinars.
A Study on Socio-Economic Condition of Women in Self Help Group (SHG) with Special Reference to Thenpalanchi Panchayat
Authors: Nisanth M
Published: February 2024

Self Help Group is an important tool which helps the rural women to acquire power for their self supportive life. The research aimed to study the socio – economic condition of women in Self Help Group (SHG) with special reference to Aandipatti. This research based on the demographic variables like age, gender, religion, educational qualification, marital status, occupational pattern, family size, monthly income, reason for joining in SHG, social factors and economic factors to determine socio economic conditions of the women in SHG in the study area. The researcher adopted Descriptive Research Design for this study. The researcher has been used Convenience sampling method for collecting the data. For the analysis, primary data collected from 82 women from various Self Help Groups and it was done by SPSS – Version 20. The researcher used self structure question for collect the data. SHGs should also be encouraged to form to eradicate poverty even among poor people. On the whole, the research concluded that the government, NGOs should dedicate their efforts to poverty alleviation through SHGs and maximum member were satisfied with the activities of SHG.
Challenges of Inclusive Education in India
Authors: Suja GP , Elamaran S
Published: February 2024

The goal of inclusive education is to educate kids with disabilities and learning challenges alongside regular kids under one roof. It gathers all students in one classroom, focusing on maximising each student’s potential without taking into account their areas of strength or weakness. According to inclusive education, all categories of people with disabilities should have equal access to school and that extra attention should be given to the learning requirements of children with disabilities.The Indian government expedited the new Inclusive Education programme in order to meet the 2010 deadline for Education for All (EFA). The goal of inclusion is to ensure that a varied range of learners, including individuals with disabilities, speakers of other languages and cultures, families and homes, and interests and learning styles, are included. As far as we are aware, the Indian government has already implemented the RTE Act of 2009, which guarantees free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years old, regardless of their caste, gender, colour, religion, disability, or language. Education for all helped to integrate many communities, including children from disabled families and members of Scheduled Tribes and Castes, into the mainstream of education. The inclusive education model serves as the foundation for education for everyone. Additionally, love, acceptance, and a sense of belonging are necessities for every child. Nonetheless, it offers them a completely new viewpoint on how to handle diversity or combat unfavourable sentiments. This article explains the idea of inclusive education in India, as well as its implementation’s difficulties.
Shakespeare’s Timeless Impact: Navigating Loss and Anxiety in Contemporary Society
Authors: Madonna Sheela J , Sowmya L M
Published: February 2024

This study looks at how Shakespeare used modern society to assist people deal with profound grief, ambiguity, and fear. This was achieved through producing a corpus of work for future generations as well as by providing a venue for plays and other works in the present. As a result, humanity was able to cope with fear and hopelessness and overcome obstacles in life. This effect eventually extended throughout the world. In examining Shakespeare’s works, the research highlights the importance of these works for professionals who operate in environments characterised by pain and hopelessness.
Performance evaluation of a simple electrochemical treatment model for saline wastewaters: Part B
Authors: Fehintola Ezekiel Oluwaseun , Adekunbi Enoch Adedayo , Ojo Babatunde , Awotunde John , Oke Isaiah
Published: February 2024

This paper investigated the performance of the electrochemical treatment technique in removing chloride from saline wastewater (brine) with the critical objective of purifying the wastewater, evaluated the efficacies of selected mathematical models and particular attention to selected polynomial regression models as a follow-up to previous studies. The saline wastewaters were prepared and subjected to electrochemical treatment using developed carbon–resin (anode) and aluminium (cathode) electrodes. Electrochemical treatment of the synthesised saline wastewaters (between 10 x 10^3 mg/l and 40 x 10^3 mg/l of chloride) was conducted on a laboratory scale. The influences of selected or picked-out operational factors on the functioning or efficacy of the electrochemical purification process of the wastewater were monitored using fractional factorial experiments. Three mathematical models were formulated using Microsoft Excel Solver and evaluated statistically. The study revealed that the current, the time and the interval distance between the electrodes were significant and vital factors that impacted on the performance of the electrochemical purification treatment of brine. The factors with negative special effects on the performance of the treatment process of brine were separation distance between the electrodes, pH, the depth of the electrode, the initial and primary concentration of the chloride and the flow and discharge rate of the wastewater. The performances or efficacy of the polynomial regression models in predicting the performance of the treatment technique were with average errors of 2.99 %, 2.97 % and 2.94% and accuracy of 97.01 %, 97.03 % and 97.06 % for Models A, B and C, respectively. It was concluded that the electrochemical treatment of brine with carbon-resin electrodes is efficient in removing chloride from brine and the selected models predicted the performance of the treatment technique well.
ПОТРЕБА В ОРТОПЕДИЧНІЙ РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ ПАЦІЄНТІВ ІЗ ЩЕЛЕПНО-ЛИЦЕВИМИ ПОРАНЕННЯМИ
Authors: Брожина Б.В. , Павленко О.В.
Published: February 2024

Мета дослідження. Визначення потреби в ортопедичній реабілітації для пацієнтів із щелепно-лицевими пораненнями, яким були проведені хірургічні втручання в умовах стаціонару, і виготовлення відповідних висновків. Методи дослідження. В основу цієї роботи покладено аналіз даних 49 історій хвороб постраждалих з вогнепальними та міно-вибуховими пораненнями щелепно-лицевої ділянки, які лікувалися у відділенні щелепно-лицьової хірургії КНП КОР «Київська обласна клінічна лікарня» в 2022 р. з метою виявлення потреби в ортопедичній реабілітації проведено збір та систематичний аналіз медичної документації. Наукова новизна. За результатами проведеного дослідження встановлено нові потреби та тенденції в ортопедичній реабілітації поранених пацієнтів після хірургічних втручань, проаналізовано медичну документацію та встановлено чіткі етіологічні чинники поранення, встановлено стан місцевих тканин після поранень в ході Російсько-Української збройної агресії, а також загальну потребу в ортопедичному лікуванні пацієнтів з задокументованими втратами зубів в кількості від одного та більше. Висновки. У зв'язку з ростом кількості щелепно-лицевих поранень в контексті Російсько-Української війни, виникає необхідність подальшого розвитку та вдосконалення методів ортопедичної реабілітації для пацієнтів із подібними пораненнями. Надані статистичні дані підтверджують складність відновлення зубних рядів після поранень щелепно-лицевої ділянки, а також вказують на необхідність вдосконалення та створення інновацій у сфері ортопедичної стоматології. Ми робимо акцент на необхідній спільній роботі хірургів та ортопедів для досягнення найефективніших та оптимальних результатів у лікуванні пацієнтів із втратою зубів в результаті поранень щелепно-лицевої ділянки. Ця проблема стає все більш актуальною, і розробка нових підходів та інноваційних методів стає невідкладним завданням для медичної спільноти. Покращення діагностики та лікування поранень обличчя сприятиме покращенню якості життя поранених пацієнтів і сприяє їхньому поверненню до активного життя в суспільстві.