bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What’s in a Smile? The features of Indigenous Fijians’ and NZ Europeans’ smiles
Authors: Reginald Kumar , Mohammed Hisham , Firth Fiona , Bennani Hamza , Halberstadt Jamin B , Farella Mauro
Published: December 2022

The Fijian “Bula Smile,” is often described as the world’s friendliest, however its description remains anecdotal. We aim to describe and compare the features of Fijians’ smiles with those of New Zealand Europeans. An observational study was conducted on two ethnic groups, Fijians (FJ; N=23) and New Zealand Europeans (NZ; N=23), age- and gender-matched. All participants were asked to watch amusing videos, and their reactions were video recorded. The videos were analysed by software to assess the frequency, duration, intensity, and genuineness of smiling episodes. Based on the Facial Action Coding System, Action Unit 6 (AU6 - cheek raiser), Action Unit 12 (AU12 - lip corner puller), and Action Unit 25 (AU25 – lips apart) were assessed. Data were analysed by generalised linear models after adjusting for personality traits. Fijians smiled longer than New Zealand Europeans (+19.9%; p=0.027). Mean intensity of AU6 (+1.0; 95%CIs=0.6-1.5; p<0.001), AU12 (+0.5; 95%CIs=0.1-0.9; p=0.008) and AU25 (+22.3%; 95%CIs=7.3-37.3%; p=0.005) were significantly higher in FJ group than the NZ group. Smiling features of Fijians and New Zealanders showed objective differences, the most distinctive being a higher activation of the Duchenne’s marker (AU6) in the Fijian group, which is regarded as a sign of smile genuineness.
Realtime observation of ATP-driven single B12 molecule translocation through BtuCD-F
Authors: Hunt John , Zhu Lingwei , Kim Jinrang , Leng Kun , Ramos John , Kinz-Thompson Colin , Karpowich Nathan , Gonzalez Ruben
Published: December 2022

ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporters use ATP binding and hydrolysis to power transmembrane transport of chemically diverse substrates. Current knowledge of their mechanism comes primarily from static structures of stable intermediates along the transport cycle. Recently, single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) measurements have generated insight into the functional dynamics of transmembrane transporters, but studies to date lack direct information on the physical movement of the transport substrate. Here, we report development of an smFRET system that exploits fluorescence quenching by vitamin B12 to track its location in real time during ATP-driven transport by nanodisc-reconstituted E. coli BtuCD-F, an extensively studied type II ABC importer. Our data demonstrate that transmembrane translocation of B12 is driven by two sequential high-energy conformational changes that are inaccessible to standard structural methods because they are inherently transient. The first moves B12 from the periplasm into the transmembrane domain of the transporter; notably, this reaction is driven by hydrolysis of a single ATP molecule, in contrast to the mechanism established for several other ABC Transporter families in which ATP-binding drives the mechanochemical power-stroke prior to hydrolysis. The second mediates B12 release on the opposite side of the transporter, and it is driven by formation of a hyper-stable complex between BtuCD and BtuF. Hydrolysis of a second single ATP molecule is then required to dissociate BtuCD from the BtuF substrate-binding protein to enable it to bind B12 and initiate another round of transport. Our experiments have visualized substrate translocation in real-time at a single-molecule level and provided unprecedented information on the mechanism and dynamics of a paradigmatic transmembrane transport process.
The role of testicular microcirculatory disorders in spermatogenic dysfunction in obese men
Authors: Fu Wei , Cui Jun , Tang Shaoshan
Published: December 2022

Background: Obesity is a recognized risk factor for systemic microcirculatory disorders. The association between obesity-related microcirculatory disorders and spermatogenesis has been difficult to investigate and has not been reported in the literature until now. The aim of this study was to study the role of testicular microcirculatory disorders in spermatogenic dysfunction in obese men.
Subjects: 576 participants were enrolled in this prospective observational study.
Methods: Angio PLUSTM Planwave Ultrasensitive Imaging of the testicular microcirculation was performed and the number of vessels was counted and recorded as the ultrasonic microvascular density (UMVD).
Results: Participants were divided into Group I (normozoospermia), Group II (asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia and asthenoteratozoospermia) and Group III (oligozoospermia and NOA) based on semen results. There were no differences in BMI and UMVD between semen groups (p>0.05). Participants were then divided into normal weight, overweight and obese subgroups based on body mass index. In the obese subgroup, UMVD tended to decrease with decreasing sperm concentration, with significant differences in groups I, II and III (p<0.01). ROC curve for UMVD was established for differential diagnosis between Groups I, II and Group III in the obese subgroup. UMVD had a high diagnostic value with a cut-off value of 19.25 /cm2, AUC of 0.829, sensitivity of 0.773 and specificity of 0.737 (95% CI: 0.740-0.917).
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that microcirculatory disorders play an essential role in the development of spermatogenic dysfunction in obese men. Obese participants with oligozoospermia and NOA had a significantly lower UMVD. Testicular UMVD below 19.25 /cm2 was highly suggestive of spermatogenic dysfunction. Angio PLUSTM Planwave Ultrasensitive Imaging should be used routinely to screen testicular microcirculation in obese men and to identify those who may benefit from microcirculation improvement therapy.
Simulating the impact of projected climate on growth and yield of wheat in Eastern India using crop growth simulation model
Authors: Banerjee Saon , Sattar Abdus , Kumari P , MA Sarath Chandran
Published: December 2022

Crop simulation models offer a great tool for understanding the impact of climate change factors, their interaction and effect on crop growth and yield. It is essential to ensure higher wheat yield, being a major crop during the winter season on Eastern India, to achieve the food security in coming years. The present study aims to assess the impact of projected climate (rcp 4.5 of IPCC-AR5) on grain yield and biomass of wheat at three locations under three different States of Eastern India using CERES-Wheat model under DSSAT (v4.7). The impact of projected climate on wheat yield and biomass was studied using output of global climate model GFDL-ESM2G for the periods 2030-31, 2060-61 and 2090-91, with and without increase in CO2 concentration. The results indicated that grain yield in Kalyani is projected to be higher in future periods under reduced moisture depletion treatments, grain yield in Ranchi is projected to decrease under early sowing condition and the response is mixed at Samastipur. Across the locations, the effect of future CO2 concentration was observed and the reduction in grain yield for future was less when CO2 level enhancement was considered. Simple adaptation options, like higher dose of nutrient application (e.g. 160: 80: 80 kg per ha N: P: K) and irrigation management have the capacity to retain the yield plateau under changing climatic scenario of Mohanpur. Similarly, sowing of wheat during second fortnight of December in Samastipur region can reduce the adverse impact of climate change.
Fully Automated Agatston score calculation from ECG gated Cardiac CT using Deep learning and Multiorgan Segmentation: A Validation study
Authors: Gautam Ashish , Raghav Prashant , Subramanya Vijay , Kumar Sunil , Kumar Sudeep , Jain Dharmendra , Verma Ashish , Singh Parminder , Singhal Manphoul , Gupta Vikash , Rathore Samir , Iyengar Srikanth , RATHORE SUDHIR
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To evaluate deep learning-based calcium segmentation and quantification on ECG gated Cardiac CT scans compared with manual evaluation.
Methods:Automated calcium quantification was performed using a combination of deep-learning convolution neural networks based on Mask R CNN for multiorgan segmentation. Calcifications were identified automatically, after which the algorithm automatically excluded all non-coronary calcifications using 2D erosion, dilation, volume, and maximum intensity threshold and by applying cardiac, aortic, and epicardial fat segmentation. This study used 40 patients to train and test the segmentation model.
Results:110 patients were tested for the validation of the algorithm. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the reference actual and the computed predictive scores on the test set show high level of correlation (0.84; p < 0.001) and high limits of agreement in Bland-Altman plot. The proposed method correctly classifies the risk group in 75.2% of the cases and classifies the subjects in the same group. 81% of the predictive scores lie in the same categories and only seven patients out of 110 were more than one category off. For the presence/absence of coronary artery calcifications, the deep learning model achieved a sensitivity of 90 % and a specificity of 94 %.
Conclusion: Fully automated deep learning-based calcium quantification on cardiac-CTs shows good correlation compared to reference standards. Automating this process may reduce evaluation time and potentially optimize clinical calcium scoring without additional resources.
The speed of propagation of background radiation
Authors: Tokarev Valerii , Kuleshov Gennadii
Published: December 2022

We have experimentally found that the speed of propagation of the relict background radiation is 123 km/s. The obtained result is confirmed by the excessively large width of its autocorrelation function, which is possible only if the signal propagation speeds before and after reflection from the mirror of an offset parabolic pointed antenna differs by several orders of magnitude. In addition, the width of the autocorrelation function of the signal received from the blue shift of the background radiation spectrum and from the red shift differs by 2.4 times, which is possible only if the total speed of the Earth's motion in the Galaxy is comparable to the speed of the propagation of relict radiation. The low rate of propagation of the relict radiation leads to a significant expansion of its correlation function due to refraction in the presence of clouds and other inhomogeneities in the atmosphere, which is absolutely absent when receiving satellite television broadcast signals under exactly the same conditions and is an indicator of the cosmological cause of the detected anomalies.
PACS: 98.80.-k
Determining KLF13 structure, uniqueness, and possible molecular crosstalk in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Khan Khushbukhat , Gulzar Atia , Badshah Yasmin , Ashraf Naeem Mahmood , Rafiq Mehak , Hamid Arslan , Shabbir Maria , Afsar Tayyaba , Almajwal Ali , Arshad Mohammed , Razak Suhail
Published: December 2022

Background: The mortality rate of prostate cancer is rising rapidly, and its early diagnosis greatly impacts the success rate of its treatment. Despite the identification of numerous biomarkers, its timely identification has been compromised, which calls for the need to identify new markers for its timely diagnosis. KLF13 is a transcription factor that regulates the transcription of several oncogenic proteins, specifically KRAS and Akt pathway proteins. Its aberrant expression is previously found in cancers. Therefore, in this study, the structure and cellular localization of KLF13 were predicted, and its interaction with sin3A was studied through protein-protein docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, TPD52 and PKCɛ were identified as the targets of KLF13, and PKCɛ as a target for miR-223.
Methods:KLF13 aberrant expression impact on TPD52, PKCɛ, and miR-223 was also studied through real time-PCR, and a signalling cascade associated with prostate carcinogenicity was constructed.
Results:The study outcomes indicated the nuclear localization of KLF13 and the presence of the sin3A binding domain. KLF13-sin3A interaction analysis showed hydrophobic interactions dominate KLF13 and Sin3A binding, and KLF13 binding with Sin3A is transient. Blood-based expression analysis revealed that TPD52 expression was highly up-regulated, while expression of miR-223, PKCɛ, and KLF13 was downregulated compared to healthy controls.
Conclusion: This outcome has potential application in modulating KLF13 activity in several diseases. The study further delineated the differential expression of these proteins and their role in PCa, which provided new insights into the potential mechanisms of oncogenesis and metastasis of PCa and may facilitate in designing of novel diagnostic strategies.
Finding inhibitor from phytochemicals for novel target Glycosyltransferase family 62 protein in Trichophyton rubrum using insilico study
Authors: Hussain Syed Abuthakir Mohamed , Elangovan Nandha Devi , Malik Abdul , Khan Mohammad , Muthusamy Jeyam
Published: December 2022

The dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum is producing more than 70% of dermatophytosis in human and animals. Glycosyltransferase family 62 protein in T.rubrum is potential and novel drug target which is non-homologous to human, human gut microbiota and it is not targeted by any drug. It is very essential for priming mannosyltransferase activity and different types of N-glucan biosynthesis. Various parts of medicinal plant Balanites aegyptiaca are used in treating many diseases in human especially skin diseases. Aim of this study is to find potential inhibitor from phytochemicals of various medicinal plant sources against the novel drug target. 3D structures of Glycosyltransferase family 62 protein was obtained by homology modeling and docked with the compounds from phytochemicals of various plant species using GLIDE and best pose of docked complex free energy was calculated by MM-GBSA analysis using PRIME. The stability of the best docked complex was evaluated by molecular dynamics simulation studies using Desmond module of Schrödinger. Cyanidin 3-O-rhamnoside had better result with novel target Glycosyltransferase family 62 protein of T.rubrum which has to be further assessed in vitro and in vivo.
The Effect of Water Extract of Betaone against Osteoporosis in OVX mice by Inhibiting MAP Kinase Signaling
Authors: Lee Yongjin , Lee Hyun-Jin , Kim Kwang-Jin , Shin Han-Byeol , Ham Ju Ri , Lee Mi-Ja , Lee Mi-Kyung , Son Young-Jin
Published: December 2022

Betaone barley (Hordeum vulgare) is one of the most important crops and have detoxification, antioxidant, and cholesterol control effects. To analyze the effect of Betaone water extract (B1W) on osteoclasts, mRNA and protein expression of nuclear factor-activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) were measured. The mRNA expression of several proteins involved in osteoclast differentiation were investigated, and bone pit assays to investigate bone resorption function were performed. Finally, micro-CT imaging of ovariectomized (OVX) mice was performed to investigate in vivo activity. The results showed that B1W reduced the transcription and translation expression of NFATc1, and decreased mRNA expression levels of various marker genes and reduced the osteoclast activity. Moreover, improvement effects of B1W were obtained in osteoporosis-induced mice. Based on the results, B1W is considered a useful candidate as a therapeutic agent for treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis, and could also be used as an ingredient in health supplements.
One Novel BiP/GRP78 Inhibitor YUM70 Induces GSDME Dependent Pyroptosis and Enhances Sensitivity To EGFR Inhibitors in cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Lei , Liu Yanan , Zhou Hao , Zhang Mingyan , Cao XueLei , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2022

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are deadly malignancy with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of malignant solid tumors which is associated with chemotherapeutic drug resistance. The therapeutic potential of targeting ER stress signaling in cancer via surface BiP/GRP78 (78-kDa glucose-regulated protein), a major role in ER stress sensing, is now under clinical trials. YUM70 is a novel inducer of ER stress that induces apoptosis in cancer by directly bound BiP and inactivated its function. In this study, we investigated the possible role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway and cell death mechanisms in YUM70 induced CCA or HCC cells cytotoxicity. Although both YUM70 and HA15 as BiP inhibitors exerted the mono-therapeutic anti-proliferation effect and induced autophagy and apoptosis, YUM70 exhibited more potent anti-tumor potential by suppressing the EGFR downstream signaling: ERK1/2 and mTOR/p70(S6K) pathways at the concentration of 100 µM more effectively. At the same tested concentration, HA15 could not inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 or p70(S6K). Moreover, we discovered that YUM70 induced GSDME dependent pyroptosis by activating NF-κB pathway and inhibited EMT via inactivation of β-catenin pathway. Additionally, pharmacologic targeting of ERK signaling is usually limited by adaptive resistance, frequently mediated by feedback activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) signaling. We observed that treatment of HuCCT1 or Huh7 cells with YUM70 resulted in increased EGFR phosphorylation. Inhibiting EGFR activation with Gefitinib or Osimertinib synergistically increased the anti-tumor activity of BiP inhibitors. Our results demonstrated novel strategy that BiP inhibitors, in combination with Gefitinib or Osimertinib, should be tested in CCA or HCC patients.
Information asymmetric non-cooperative game and virtual games of players
Authors: Chen Jeanpantz
Published: December 2022

An important assumption in classical non-cooperative game theory is that players have complete information or nearly complete information, but in real games, information is often asymmetric among the players. Undoubtedly, in an information asymmetric non-cooperative game, players hypothesize their own virtual games on the basis of their own information sets, and thus decide their own strategic choices. This paper provides a virtual game model of an information asymmetric non-cooperative game, and proposes a proof of the existence of the solution to the virtual game of an arbitrary player.
In an information asymmetric non-cooperative game, the signals issued by a certain player can change the information sets of other players, thus affect their strategic choices and change his own expected payoff. In this paper the author also analyzes the optimal signal strategy of a player.
Performance Assessment of an Anti-Xa Assay-Based Heparin Dosing Protocol in Pediatric Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Al-Jazairi Abdulrazaq , Shorog Eman , Owaidah Tarek , dalaty Hani Al , Alheriash Yasser , Almehizia Rayd , Alahmadi Mamdouh
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the post-operative cardiac critical care setting is evolving. Anticoagulation monitoring is among the most challenging aspects of pediatrics. However, there is no consensus on the optimal dosing and monitoring of unfractionated heparin in this setting. To address this, we developed an anti-Xa assay-based protocol derived from the best available clinical and anecdotal evidence of use in ECMO therapy. Objective: To assess the performance of the protocol in achieving the anti-Xa assay therapeutic target.
Methods: This prospective single-arm study was conducted in the Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Unit at a large tertiary hospital. We used two different anti-Xa assay intensity levels based on the patient’s bleeding status.
Results: The median age was seven months (interquartile range [IQR]: 5–11.25), and the median weight was 5.7 kg (IQR: 3.8–13.82). The median ECMO duration was six days (IQR: 4.5–7.5). The bleeding protocol was used for most of the patients. Seventy percent achieved the anti-Xa assay therapeutic target during the study period (median: 75.5 hours; IQR: 60.5–117.5). Hemorrhagic complications were reported in 40 percent of the patients and thrombotic complications in 25 percent. The median hospital length of stay was 37 days (IQR: 22–43), with a discharge survival rate of 75 percent. Conclusion and Relevance: Despite a failure to achieve the anti-Xa assay target in the first ECMO days, most of our patients achieved the target by the median ECMO duration. Moreover, using two different anti-Xa assay levels reduced thrombotic complications in pediatrics.
Improvement of Vitamin K2 Production by Bacillus subtilis mutant with leakage fermentation
Authors: Zhou Meng-jie , Wu Jing , Hu Liu-xiu , Hu Wen-song , Huang Jun-bao , Huang Xi-lin , Gao Xu-li , Luo Ya-ni , Xue Zheng-lian , Liu Yan
Published: December 2022

Menaquinone-7 (MK-7), a highly valuable member of the vitamin K2 series, is an essential nutrient for humans. It plays an important role in the treatment of coagulation, osteoporosis, promotion of liver function recovery and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, in order to further improve the metabolic synthesis of MK-7 by the mutant strain, the effect of metabolic synthesis of MK-7 by mutant strain Bacillus subitilis 168 KO-SinR (BS168 KO-SinR) was analyzed by adding surfactants. The results showed that the addition of surfactants changed the permeability of the cell membrane of the mutant strain and the structural components of the biofilm, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry. When 0.7% Tween-80 was added into the medium, the extracellular and intracellular synthesis of MK-7 reached 28.8 mg/L and 59.2 mg/L, respectively, increasing the total synthesis of MK-7 by 80.3%. qRT-PCR showed that the addition of surfactant significantly increased the expression level of MK-7 synthesis-related genes, and the results of electron microscope showed that the addition of surfactant changed the permeability of cell membrane. The research results of this paper provide a certain reference value for the industrial development of MK-7 prepared by fermentation.
Bamboo wine brewing leads to high abundance of Basidiomycetes rather than Ascomycetes of the soil fungal community in Phyllostachys edulis (moso bamboo) forest
Authors: Peng Yan , DENG Wenkai , SU Jianru , WEI Jie , JIANG Wei , YANG Chen , LI Tingting , ZHU Jian
Published: December 2022

Purpose Environmental conditions have an important impact on soil microbial communities. This study aimed to explore the effects of special management of bamboo wine brewing on the soil fungal community structure and dominant flora in Phyllostachys edulis (moso bamboo) forest.
Methods In this experiment, the geometric center of moso bamboo forest was taken as the core, and three kinds of soils including the core area of bamboo forest (J1), non-bamboo forest area (J2) and marginal area of bamboo forest (J3) were selected as the research objects.The community structure and diversity of soil fungi and FunGuild function prediction were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing on IonS5TMXL sequencing platform using ITS sequencing technology.
Results The results showed that: (1) in contrast to other bamboo forests and woodlands, the abundance of Ascomycetes in bamboo forest soil was higher than that of Basidiomycetes under bamboo wine making environment. (2) In the core area of bamboo forest J1, the soil fungal community complexity and species diversity were higher because of this special management. As samples gradually approached the core area of bamboo forest J1 from the non-bamboo forest J2, the dominant species of Basidiomycetes transitioned from Saitozyma podzolica to Burgoa anomala. Meanwhile, the dominant species of the Ascomycota shifted from Gliocladiopsis forsbergii to Fusarium oxysporum and Cyberlindnera saturnus. (3) The special bamboo forest management of bamboo wine brewing could reduce the abundance of plant pathogens and animal pathogens in bamboo forest soil, and Saitozyma and Penicillium, which had antibacterial effects, were important. As a result, the abundance of Fungal parasite-Undefinded Saprotroph (26.86%), Ectomycorrhizal (10.46%) and Ericoid Mycorrhizal (6.66%) increased significantly.
Conclusions Our study indicated that the special management of bamboo wine brewing could change soil fungal community structure and diversity by increasing Basidiomycete abundance and inhibiting soil pathogens in moso bamboo forest.
THE EFFECT OF SHARIA AUDIT ON THE LEVEL OF PUBLIC TRUST IN THE NATIONAL ZAKAT AMIL TULUNGAGUNG
Authors: Zulaekah Siti Zulaekah , Oftafiana Triya , Rohmah Mei Azizatur
Published: December 2022

A sharia audit is a procedure that entails a systematic review of a sharia financial institution's whole operation for conformity with sharia rules. Internal audits, external audits, and any other activities requiring adherence to sharia principles are examples of these activities. Internal and external auditors can both do Sharia audits. The general public's trust is crucial to the efficacy of zakat management. In part, a sharia audit can be used to maintain and ensure the integrity of zakat management organizations in their implementation of sharia principles. The goal of this study was to use a descriptive quantitative research technique as well as a literature review from relevant sources, including earlier studies. The findings suggest that implementing a good and legal sharia audit in zakat institutions will have a significant impact on the level of public trust. Sharia-compliant auditing is an important part of restoring public trust in zakat institutions.
Drug susceptibility of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium avium complex
Authors: Starkova D. A. , Zhuravlev V. Yu. , Solovieva N. S.
Published: December 2022

The objective: to study drug susceptibility of M. avium and M. intracellulare isolates received from patients with mycobacteriosis residing in the North Western Federal District using the Sensititre SLOMYCO panels.

Subjects and Methods. From 2014 to 2020, 192 slow-growing MAC strains (164 – M. avium, 28 – M. intracellulare) obtained from HIV-negative patients with pulmonary mycobacteriosis were studied. Drug susceptibility testing of MAC strains was performed using the Sensititre SLOMYCO panel consisting of 13 antibacterial drugs.

Results. Of the 13 antibacterial drugs, clarithromycin was also most effective against both M. avium (67.1%; 110/164) and M. intracellulare (60.7%; 17/28) (p > 0.05). The proportion of M. avium and M. intracellulare strains sensitive to linezolid was high and amounted to 57.3 and 53.5%, as well as to amikacin – 57.3 and 53.5% respectively.

Of the four antibacterial drugs of the Sensititre SLOMYCO panel (clarithromycin, moxiﬂoxacin, linezolid, and amikacin), for which critical concentrations (CC) were established, clarithromycin was the most eﬀective against M. avium and M. intracellulare. Antibiotic-resistant M. avium isolates were more frequent in the group of previously treated patients.
Model for preventing bankruptcy of Ukrainian enterprises in force majeure circumstances
Authors: Poliakov Rodion , Zayukov Ivan
Published: December 2022

Given rapid changes in global financial and economic processes caused by rapid transformations in the institutional environment and the onset of force majeure circumstances, there is a need to develop new approaches to assessing the level of bankruptcy. Most models that estimate the probability of enterprise bankruptcy are based on internal information, while external information is used to a limited extent. The growing threat of force majeure requires using not only the existing discrete models but also those that consider the external environment of enterprises when assessing the probability of bankruptcy. The purpose of this study is to develop a model for preventingbankruptcy of Ukrainian enterprises in force majeure conditions based on the use of artificial intelligence methods ‒ the theory of fuzzy logic– which allows for a comprehensive assessment of bankruptcy prevention. The paper uses analytical data from the World Bank. The model consists of interrelated groups of factors: organizational, informational and legal, and economic. As a result, a comprehensive indicator of prevention of corporate bankruptcies (D) was calculated on a neurolinguistic scale from 0 to 10; the indicator was estimated for Ukraine (5.644) and Romania (4.520) (as countries close in terms of economic and geopolitical development). The simulation results show that the level of prevention of enterprises’ bankruptcy in Ukraine falls into the average interval.
Burnout in hostels: How it shapes workers’ perceptions of human resources practices
Authors: Estevez Santos Magda , Dias Álvaro , Patuleia Mafalda
Published: December 2022

There are scarce results on burnout in such organizations as hostels and how it influences workers’ perceptions of their companies. Therefore, this study aims to analyze burnout of hostel workers and assess how it influences their perceptions of the type of leadership, the kind of support, the existence of feedback sessions, the organizational climate, and the quality of T&D programs. Data were collected from 96 employees of Portuguese hostels; existing validated measures were adapted from relevant literature. A pilot test was conducted to ensure the accuracy of the measures according to the target population. A PLS analysis of survey data provided the following results. Burnout plays a negative role in employees’ overall acknowledgment of the organization and their sense of satisfaction and loyalty toward it. Specifically, the most substantial negative effects of burnout were on feedback quality, manager support, and organizational climate (β = –0.557; –0.549; –0.542, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the indirect and negative effect of burnout on employee loyalty and employee satisfaction was also verified (β = –0.415; –0.418, p < 0.001, respectively). Therefore, managers can elaborate well-designed and applied practices based on these factors. Finally, this paper also discusses future research recommendations.
AcknowledgmentThis study was financially supported by the research unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policy (UIDB/04058/2020) + (UIDP/04058/2020), funded by national funds through FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia.
Causes of continuous and short-term hypoxia in rivers entering the sea: a case of Minjiang River in Fujian Province
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Bingyi , Wang Yishu , Pang Yong , Shi Chengchun , Xie Rongrong
Published: December 2022

In the last 10 years, the Minjiang River, which is the longest river in the Fujian Province in Southeast China, has been facing a downward trend of dissolved oxygen (DO) and a frequent occurrence of hypoxia. In this study, the development of the continuous and short-term presence of low DO was investigated by using the water age concept and average DO consumption concept based on a three-dimensional Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code in the Minjiang River. The results revealed that the spatial distribution of DO was affected by temperature, runoff, pollution emission, tidal advection, and hypoxic water discharge from the reservoir bottom. The continuous low DO in the water of the North Channel occurred frequently when the enough pollutants were aerobically decomposed faster than the rate of oxygen reaeration during the high temperature and low river discharge period. In addition, the water age and reaeration time decreased with a rapid increase in the water flow from the Shuikou dam when the reservoir capacity was released via drainage. The results of this study provide scientific insights on the mechanism involved in the occurrence of hypoxia and suggest countermeasures for addressing hypoxic problems in estuaries.
Leveling osteotomy of the tibial plateau at an inverted angle in a dog
Authors: Bernardi Paula Eduarda Quintana , Curuci Eloy , Poletto Marcio Ferreira , Carneiro Rafael Kretzer , Santos Rogerio Rodrigues , Cunha Olicies da
Published: December 2022

One dog, Golden Retriever, 5 months old, was seen complaining of lameness and pain in the left pelvic limb. Avulsion of the tibial crest was diagnosed by radiographic means, which was corrected with a tension band. The absence of postoperative radiographic monitoring and the non-removal of the apparatus led to the early closure of the cranial tibial physis with continuous flow growth, resulting in pain, functional loss of the limb after one year and at a 13.2º tibial plateau angle negative. The biomechanical alteration of the limb was corrected using the inverted TPLO technique, converting the angle of the tibial plateau to 5.3 positive, without a rockback evidenced in 30, 60, 90 days up to four months after the operation. The objective of this case report is to describe the surgical correction with the inverted TPLO technique in a case of angle of the negative tibial plateau secondary to not removing the tension band applied in avulsion of the growing tibial crest. After 120 days, the dog was presented fully recovery and weight-bearing without any complication.
Canine intraventricular pneumocephalus: a case report
Authors: Oliveira Lígia Assunção , Viscone Érica Almeida , Pastor Felipe Martins , Bandarra Márcio de Barros
Published: December 2022

Pneumocephalus is a well described disease; it is commonly diagnosed in humans, but the condition is rarely encountered in veterinary medicine. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold-standard diagnostic method for identifying this disease, and other methods (such as necropsy) are rarely described. In this report, we describe necropsy findings of a 10-month-old, mixed-breed dog with intraventricular pneumocephalus. The dog was referred to Laboratory of Animal Pathology of the Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil, for necropsy after being diagnosed with pneumocephalus upon CT. In the examination, the brain had dilation of both lateral ventricles with empty spaces. Histopathology showed congestion and mineralization only near the lateral ventricles, leading to the diagnosis of pneumocephalus based on the macroscopic findings. The animal also showed sinusitis characterized by nasal discharge and neutrophilic infiltration of nasal sinuses. However, bacterial culture was not conclusive because of contamination of the sample. This is therefore an important report that shows necropsy findings of intraventricular pneumocephalus, which is a rare condition in dogs. By documenting the necropsy findings, we hope to help veterinary pathologists, including those with limited access to diagnostic imaging.
Evaluation of the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in obese dogs and the role of caloric restriction diet as an adjuvant therapy
Authors: Fernandes Camila Gasparotto , Almeida Breno Fernando Martins de , Floriano Beatriz Perez , Romão Felipe Gazza
Published: December 2022

Metabolic syndrome, or metabolic dysfunction related to obesity in dogs, is a set of factors that may predispose comorbidities secondary to obesity. Adjuvant therapy with an energy-restricted diet, especially with low levels of carbohydrate and fat, is essential for weight loss, in addition to controlling snacks intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical profile of obese dogs compared to lean dogs, and also to compare these profiles before and after a 30-day treatment, thus evaluating the possibility of obesity-related metabolic dysfunction and the action of adjuvant dietary therapy in this condition. Cholesterol and its fractions (HDL, LDL and VLDL), triglycerides, systemic blood pressure and glycemia of obese and lean dogs were measured, and seven obese dogs were treated only with a low-calorie diet with low levels of fat and carbohydrates for 30 days; these patients were evaluated before and after treatment. Obese dogs showed higher levels of triglycerides than lean dogs, and dogs treated with low-calorie diet presented weight loss and better outcomes related to biochemical profile, especially triglycerides levels, after treatment.
Osteoma in Agapornis roseicollis
Authors: Cagnini Didier Quevedo , Moraes Weida Katrinny do Carmo , Dias Mayara Colmanetti , Bonfim Leuton Scharles , França Francyelle Martins , Regalin Doughlas
Published: December 2022

Neoplasias are important causes of illness and death in domestic animals. However, in birds, they are less frequent compared with other species such as dogs and cats. Moreover, benign tumors of bone are even less frequent in captive birds being considered sporadic, which make it a poorly understood entity due to the lack of clinical and histopathological data. Thus, we present a case of an osteoma in a Peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) approaching clinical and morphological aspects. A two-years-old lovebird was referred to the veterinary hospital with a 4-month evolution round to oval tumoral mass on the wing. The nodule was firm, painful when manipulated. Radiographic examination revealed a radiopaque mass in the radius and ulna bones. The animal has died during the surgical procedures. The affected wing was submitted to pathology service and histopathology revealed an osteoma.
Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrom and Predisposing Factors Among Engineering Students in Hawass University Institution of Techenology Campus, Hawassa, Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Gebresellassie Mikael Girum , Sisay Helen , Getahun Bekalu , Abera Elias , Birhanu Hiwot , Ashenafi Tesfay
Published: December 2022

Objective:

Lack of detail information about the magnitude of the computer vision syndrome (CVS) and the factors which predominantly cause CVS. This study has an importance for further studies as a baseline data. The purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude of CVS and associated factors on students of Hawassa university institution of technology, Hawassa, Ethiopia, 2019.

Methodology:

Institution based cross sectional study design was used from March 30 to May 2019. A multi stage sampling was used. Four departments were selected by using simple random sampling. Among each selected departments students was selected by using systematic random sampling and calculating proportion (K) on each selected department based on the proportion of the number of students in each department. And the final sample size was 896. Each student was assessed whether he/she was exposed to any kind of visual display terminal (VDT). Face to face interview, ocular examination and observation during VDT use was performed by five optometrists from March 30 to May 2019. After collected data was cleaned and coded, EPI info 2002 for data entry and SPSS version 16.0 software for data analysis was used. Odds ratio with a 95% CI will be used to display results. P value less than 0.05 in multivariate logistic regressions was used to show statistical significance.

Results:

The prevalence of Computer vision syndrome is 41.7% and urban(OR =1.66; CI = (1.14, 2.43)), no glass use(OR = 6.01 ; CI = (1.67, 21.63)), reading playing game with VDT (OR = 2.33; CI = (1.33, 4.08)), reading and watching movies with VDT (OR = 1.49; CI = (1.02, 2.18)), using Smartphone (OR = 0.60; CI = (0.38, 0.95)), remote NPC (OR= 3.19; CI = (1.64, 6.25)) and moderate size of VDT (OR = 0.63; CI = (0.41, 0.96)) were significantly associated with CVS. There is 0.39Ds reduction of amplitude of accommodation in students who has CVS.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of CVS was high in engineering students, mostly having symptoms of tearing. It is better to avoid using VDT like Smartphone for multiple activities like reading, playing game and watching movies and need an eye examination and protective glass to prevent CVS.
Prevalence of Malaria among Febrile Patients Attending Government Hospitals in Ondo State, South-West Nigeria
Authors: Omoya F.O. , Ajayi K. O.
Published: December 2022

Background:

The use of malaria infection prevalence among febrile patients is a valuable epidemiological surveillance tool.

Methods:

In this study, a cross sectional study was conducted among febrile patients in selected government Hospitals in Ondo State for malaria prevalence.

Results:

Plasmodium falciparum is the only encountered malaria parasite with prevalence values of 82.72% (426/515) and 80.19% (413/515) obtained using microscopy and RDTs respectively. The prevalence of malaria among the males (86.59%) was higher than the females (80.65%), all age groups in this study were vulnerable with highest infection rate of 89.66% among age group 11-20 years. The parasites densities ranged between 209 and 22310 parasites/μL with a mean parasitaemia of 5522.17±183.30 parasites/μL. The prevalence of malaria among the febrile participants that have used antimalarial drug before visiting the hospital is 82.94% (389/469) with the mean parasitaemia of 4615.21±188.14 parasites/μL while those that have used herbs before visiting the hospital had malaria prevalence of 85.03% (142/167) with the mean parasitaemia of 4913.81±330.20 parasites/μL.

Conclusion:

There was high prevalence of malaria among febrile patients. This finding will help improve the diagnosis and treatment of other febrile (non-malaria) infections, limit antimalarial usage to only malaria parasite-based test true positives and serve as a guide to combat malaria drug resistance in the study area.
Brain Age Estimation Using UK Biobank Data: Methodologies and Outcomes
Authors: Salih Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Brain age estimation has received much attention from neurologists and researchers in recent years. It can be used to track cognition development and monitoring brain diseases progress throughout life span for both healthy and patient’s people. Different methods and data have been used to predict age of brain based on research objective. Supervised ma-chine learning methods are used to estimate brain age as a regression problem. UK Biobank is a large cohort prospective that gathered health related data about 500, 000 British aged between 40 and 69 since 2006. Many studies have used UK biobank data to estimate brain age. We discuss their methods, data used and the objective of these studies. We also highlight the differences among them despite the use of same data and for the same purpose.
COVID-19 + Omicron and Sunspot Theory: Subsiding by 2022
Authors: HO Samuel Kwong-Ming
Published: December 2022

Background:

COVID-19 is co-existing in the contemporary World. During the 2.2-year period (2020-1-1 to 2021-3-3) when the COVID-19 comes into play, the World has recorded around 440,553,000 cases, averaging 557,662/day. Death toll so far is around 5,993,000, with a mortality rate of 1.36% (compared to 1.95% till end-Nov 2021 when the Omicron Variant came into play). Dr. Angelique Coetee (Head of S. Africa Medical Association) has voiced recently that the symptom of the new variant Omicron is mild and there is no need for patients to be hospitalized. Yet, due to its fast propagation speed resulted from the 32 mutations on the Spike Protein and the 10 mutations on the ‘receptor binding domain’ which gain entry to the human cells, it has attracted global attention, and many countries have closed their borders to relevant regions.

Materials & Methods:

This research paper is based on the impact of the consistent Sunspot cycle’s 11-year variation on mankind. Riding on a similar paper published at the Oxford Business & Economic Conference in 2007 on a hypothesis of Sunspot on “Uni-Economic” which has been award the best paper at the time, the current paper is focusing on the impact of Sunspot, but on the front of human health as affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Dataset over 4 centuries and converging on the past 60 years have been collected to verify the hypothesis of Sunspot on Pandemic with confidence level above 95%.

Results & Discussion:

2019 experienced the lowest sunspot in the history of mankind at 281 days without any Sunspot. In other words, there is a subtle lack of “Energy” for mankind. It is well recognized that, in Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, Energy (Chi) is the most important drive and defense line for our human body.

Conclusion:

Through literature review and critical analysis, most of the Pandemic in the human history occurs at the Sunspot Minima years when there were serious lacking of Chi for mankind. Nevertheless, it is expected that the Sunspot day-count will be almost daily in 2022, and hence its radiation on Earth will be approaching Maxima. Therefore, the COVID-19 will subside naturally, and the virus (including the weak Omicron, resulting in the Mortality rate dropping from 1.95% to 1.36% since encountered in Dec 2021) will become an Endemic. This has been proven by history.
COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance and its Predicting Factors among Internet Users in Ho Chi Minh City and Other Regions in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Bac , Nguyen Thi Hong Minh , Vo Thi Hong Nhan , Le Hoang Phong , Vo Thi Mai Ca , Nguyen Thi Anh Nhung , Tang Tuan-Ngan , Nguyen Thi-Hiep , Dang Anh Long , Truong Quang Binh
Published: December 2022

Aim:

This study was conducted to evaluate the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and its predictors among adult internet users residing in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and other regions in Vietnam.

Methods:

An online survey was disseminated to eligible participants, applying the snowball sampling technique, including demographic details, knowledge, five components of the Health Belief Model (HBM), and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine predicting factors toward COVID-19 vaccination acceptance.

Results:

Among 3310 participants, the majority were 18-39 years old (76.1%), and had completed higher education (69.7%). Most respondents reported sufficient knowledge (90.2%). 87.8% showed acceptance of getting COVID-19 vaccinated. While becoming unemployed (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.94), the number of chronic diseases (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.89), living in the environment with currently existing infected cases (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.50-0.93), and perceived barriers (OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.85-0.91) were negative determinants, the number of information sources for updating COVID-19 vaccine (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.19), perceived benefits (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.07-1.18), and cues to action (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.18-1.29) were positive predictors for vaccination acceptance.

Conclusion:

The internet users’ level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination was impressively high and influenced by perceived benefits, barriers, cues to action, and some demographic and health-related details. People with low acceptance levels, such as chronically ill adults, should be imported into consideration and provided with reliable scientific information.
Gastro-retentive Nanocarriers in Drug Delivery
Authors: Rajpoot Kuldeep , Jain Sunil K. , Rajpoot Saroj Dangi
Published: December 2022

The oral route is an extremely accepted route for the administration of
several drug delivery systems. This route exhibits several merits for the controlled and
sustained release of different formulation types to attain enhanced therapeutic
responses. Gastro-retentive nanocarriers (NCs) (GRNCs) have advantages due to their
aptitude for extended retaining potential in the stomach environment and thereby
elevate gastric retention and augmenting bioavailability of the drug molecules. This
chapter covers various merits and demerits of gastro-retentive NCs. Further, it also
discusses some gastro-retentive strategies and their applications in the therapy of
various illnesses, for instance, swelling NCs, porous NCs, floating/non-floating NCs,
lipid NCs, Polymeric NCs, bioadhesive NCs, and magnetic NCs, etc.