bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Warm Sitz Bath and Electronic Bidet with a Lower-Force Water Flow for Postoperative Management after Hemorrhoidectomy (BIDLOW)
Authors: Kwon Yoon-Hye , Ryoo Seung-Bum , Oh Heung-Kwon , Lee Jae Bum , Jung Hyung-Joong , Song Kee-Ho , Heo Seung Chul , Shin Rumi , Lee Joongyub , Park Kyu Joo
Published: November 2023

Electronic bidets can be a substitute for sitz baths, but no study has examined the use of electronic bidets to manage anal problems. A randomized, controlled, single-blind, multicenter, parallel group trial was performed. Patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy were randomly assigned (1:1) to use the electronic bidet or warm sitz baths for 7 days after hemorrhoidectomy. The primary endpoint was the difference in the anal pain VAS score for 7 days posthemorrhoidectomy. Patients were assigned to the electronic bidet (51) or sitz bath (50) groups. Twenty-six patients dropped out after randomization, and the final analysis included 34 patients in the electronic bidet group and 41 in the sitz bath group. The VAS score for anal pain 7 days posthemorrhoidectomy did not differ between the electronic bidet and sitz bath groups (38.3 ± 21.9 vs 42.0 ± 21.1, p = 0.453). The upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of the VAS score in the electronic bidet group (81.22) was greater than the margin of noninferiority (46.20). The VAS scores after hemorrhoidectomy did not differ between the electronic bidet and sitz bath groups, but the noninferiority of the electronic bidet to sitz baths for anal pain 7 days posthemorrhoidectomy was not verified.
Trends in socio-demographic characteristics and substance use among high school learners in a selected district in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Shuro Linda , Waggie Firdouza
Published: November 2023

Background
Substance use is an escalating public health problem in South Africa resulting in risky behaviours and poor educational attainment among adolescents. There is a huge battle to overcome substance use among learners as more drugs become easily available with the mean age of drug experimentation reported to be at 12 years of age. It is important to continuously understand the trends in substance use in order to assess if there are positive changes and provide evidence for development of effective interventions. This paper outlines the prevalence of substance use among selected high schools in Limpopo province.
Methods
To determine the prevalence of substance use among selected high school learners in Capricorn district, Limpopo Province, a cross-sectional school survey of 768 learners was conducted. Data was analysed using SPSS v 26. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the independent and dependent variables and Chi-Square test was used to investigate associations between demographic characteristics and substance use among high school learners.
Results
The most abused substances by learners were alcohol (49%), cigarettes (20.8%) and marijuana (dagga/cannabis) (16.8%). In a lifetime, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in cigarette smoking with gender, school, and grade; with more use in males (14.2%) than females (7.6%); in urban schools (14.6) than peri-urban (6.7%) and more in Grade 12 (6.4%). There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in alcohol use with more use in Grade 10 (12.6%) and varied use among male and female learners but cumulatively more in females (27.7%). Drug use varied, with an overall high drug use in urban schools (20.7%).
Conclusions
Substance use is rife among high school learners in the district and health promotion initiatives need to be tailored within the context of socio-demographic characteristics of learners including the multiple levels of influence such as peer pressure, poverty, unemployment and child headed families. Additional research is required to investigate the factors leading to a notable gradual increase in use among female learners and into the environmental and family settings of learners in influencing drug abuse.
Increasing access to fertility preservation for women with breast cancer: protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial in France
Authors: Addamiano Maria-Claudia , Joannès Camille , Fonquerne Leslie , Morel Charlotte , Lauzeille Delphine , Belkadi Lorène , Empereur Fabienne , Grosclaude Pascale , Bauvin Eric , Delpierre Cyrille , Lamy Sébastien , Durand Marie-Anne
Published: November 2023

Background
With the increase in the number of long-term survivors, interest is shifting from cancer survival to life and quality of life after cancer. These include consequences of long-term side effects of treatment, such as gonadotoxicity. Fertility preservation is becoming increasingly important in cancer management. International recommendations agree on the need to inform patients prior to treatments about the risk of fertility impairment and refer them to specialized centers to discuss fertility preservation. However, the literature reveals suboptimal access to fertility preservation on an international scale, and particularly in France, making information for patients and oncologists a potential lever for action. Our overall goal is to improve access to fertility preservation consultations for women with breast cancer through the development and evaluation of a combined intervention targeting the access and diffusion of information for these patients and brief training for oncologists.
Methods
Firstly, we will improve existing information tools and create brief training content for oncologists using a qualitative, iterative, user-centred and participatory approach (objective 1). We will then use these tools in a combined intervention to conduct a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial (objective 2) including 750 women aged 18 to 40 newly treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer at one of the 6 participating centers. As the primary outcome of the trial will be the access to fertility preservation counselling before and after using the combined intervention (brochures and brief training for oncologists), we will compare the rate of fertility preservation consultations between the usual care and intervention phases using linear regression models. Finally, we will analyse our approach using a context-sensitive implementation analysis and provide key elements for transferability to other contexts in France (objective 3).
Discussion
We expect to observe an increase in access to fertility preservation consultations as a result of the combined intervention. Particular attention will be paid to the effect of this intervention on socially disadvantaged women, who are known to be at greater risk of inappropriate treatment. The user-centred design principles and participatory approaches used to optimize the acceptability, usability and feasibility of the combined intervention will likely enhance its impact, diffusion and sustainability.
Trial registration:
Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov
Trial registration number: 2022-057
Date of registration: 7th September 2023
URL: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05989776
Protocol version:
Manuscript based on study protocol version 2.0, 21st may 2023.
Transboundary Particulate Matter Pollution and the Environmental Kuznets Curve in Korea
Authors: bak yuhyeon , Teshigawara Tsurue , Yoon Taeyean , Lee Yoon
Published: November 2023

Recent studies on the air pollution Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in South Korea imply an N-shaped curve, suggesting the worsening of air pollution in the country. This study aims to test the EKC hypothesis of South Korea by considering China’s transboundary air pollution effect. We estimate EKC for monthly PM10 with the generalized least squares approach using meteorological and economic factors, and China’s effect during 2000–2021. We find that PM10 pollution shows an N-shaped trajectory EKC with turning points at $6,836 and $12,662, suggesting that China’s effect may have played a role in the process of improving and deteriorating air quality in South Korea. We also confirm that major air pollutants (PM10, SO2, and NO2) are cointegrated using the seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) model. The findings suggest a need for regional cooperation, taking into account the transboundary effects from neighboring countries to mitigate air pollution in a country.
Audio Steganography Algorithm Based On Phase Coding
Authors: Dussan Sofia , Henao Adriana Sofia , Silva María Manuela , Donado Siler Amador
Published: November 2023

Given the exponential growth of data transmission over the Internet, ensuring digital security has emerged as a paramount concern. In response to this, various disciplines, such as steganography, have been developed. Steganography operates on the principle of concealing confidential information within a carrier medium, thereby keeping it hidden from prying eyes. In this study, we present a MATLAB-based steganography algorithm tailored for audio signals as the carrier medium. Leveraging the Fourier Transform, we employ the phase spectrum of the chosen audio signal to embed information. Our approach includes the introduction of five distinct methods within the transformed domain, along with the implementation of one method in the time domain for comparative purposes. These methods are evaluated based on their embeddability and imperceptibility. The assessment of imperceptibility is conducted using both objective and subjective metrics. While the \textit{temporal method} exhibits the highest embedding capability, \textit{methods one, three, and four} excel in terms of imperceptibility, as indicated by objective results. Interestingly, methods three and four demonstrate superior performance in the subjective evaluation.
An in-vitro study of antibacterial, cytocompatibility and physicochemical properties of nanoarchitecture TiO2-ZnO
Authors: Duraisamy Murugesan , Sreekan Srimala , Govindasamy G Ambarasan , Murthe Satisvar Sundera , Appaturi Jimmy Nelson
Published: November 2023

Background: "Across the globe, the persistent and escalating problem of infections spreading in healthcare settings is driven by the increasing resistance of microbes to disinfectants and antibiotics. Among the most alluring technologies to combat this issue are self-cleaning and disinfecting solutions, particularly for use in hospitals, operating rooms, buildings, and even on glass windows."
A nanoarchitecture TiO2-ZnO was synthesized using a sol-gel and peptization method for photocatalytic antibacterial applications. The resultant TiO2-ZnO exhibited a spherical morphology, encompassing particles with a size below 10 nm. The XRD spectrum and the distinct particle boundaries, displays the good crystalline quality of the particles with anatase and wurtzite phase. The nanoarchitecture TiO2-ZnO solution exhibits excellent stability (65 mV) over an extended period of 24 months. The antibacterial characteristic of the nanoarchitecture TiO2-ZnO were tested using clinical strains of K. pneumoniae (ESBL), E. coli (CRE), E. coli (ESBL), E. faecium (VRE), P. aeruginosa (MDR), A. baumanii (MDR), and K. pneumoniae (CRE). The structural characteristic contributes to a high active surface area for photocatalytic reactions, possessing 99.9% disinfectant of all clinical bacterial strain's colonies in 5 minutes exposure time except E. coli strains (CRE and ESBL) which took 30 minutes. The cytocompatibility profile test MTT, clonogenicity and cell proliferation assay were performed using either L929 mouse fibroblasts and V79 cell demonstrated an absence of cytotoxic effects, underscoring the nanostructure's safety features. Given its high antibacterial properties coupled with its non-cytotoxic nature, the nanoarchitecture TiO2-ZnO emerges as a highly promising candidate for a disinfectant coating material for healthcare segments.
Development and validation of the missed intensive nursing care scale
Authors: Yang Li , Zhou Wen , Gao Yan , Wu Taiqin , Zhang Huan , Gan Xiuni
Published: November 2023

Background
Missed nursing care is a pervasive issue in hospitals, nursing homes, and communities, posing a significant threat to patient safety and the quality of nursing care. It has adverse effects on patient satisfaction and the motivation of nursing staff. Understanding the causes and nature of these care omissions in clinical settings is essential for implementing effective interventions. This study aims to develop and validate a tool for assessing missed nursing care in adult intensive care units.
Methods
A literature review, semistructured interviews, and expert consultations conducted via the Delphi method were used to develop the initial scale. Our analysis involved data collected from 400 nurses and employed correlation coefficient analysis, critical ratio assessment, Cronbach's α coefficient evaluation, discrete trend analysis, and factor analysis, which were grounded in both classical test theory and item response theory, allowing us to scrutinize and refine the items in the scale. To validate the scale, we purposively sampled 550 nurses and assessed content validity, structural validity, internal reliability, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability to ensure the scale's robustness and accuracy.
Results
The Missed Intensive Nursing Care Scale (MINCS) comprises three distinct components. Part A serves to collect general information about the participants. In Part B, the missed care elements are categorized into five domains, following the framework of Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory: physiology, safety, belongingness, esteem, and cognition. Part C is dedicated to detailing the reasons behind missed care, which encompass labor resources, material resources, community factors, and managerial factors. Remarkably, the Cronbach's α coefficient for the MINCS stands at an impressive 0.98, underscoring the scale's exceptional reliability and validity. This demonstrates the scale's effectiveness in measuring missed nursing care while upholding rigorous standards of quality.
Conclusions
The MINCS emerges as a robust and dependable instrument for quantifying instances of missed care within the ICU. Its efficacy makes it a valuable resource for informing the development of strategies aimed at averting and mitigating the adverse effects associated with missed nursing care.
Gender Gap and Impact Analysis in Cardiovascular Research
Authors: Rozenshteyn Diana , Homayouni Hajar
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study is to assess gender inequalities in research publications in the field of heart disease and to examine the influence of these disparities on research success. Our approach employs explainable machine learning models to gauge publication impact, uncovering the key institutional and demographic factors contributing to successful research outcomes, measured by the beneficiaries of the published research. We analyze a database of heart disease research publications funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 2002 to 2020. Our analysis uncovers gender disparities, particularly a greater presence of male first authors in prominent journals and institutions. Furthermore, works authored by males generally garner more citations and achieve higher NIH funding scores than those by females, highlighting an enduring gender disparity in publication rates and visibility. In conclusion, this study offers crucial insights into the determinants of impactful publications in the field of heart disease research, encompassing institutional affiliations, gender inequalities, journal rankings, and study types.
USP49 inhibits ferroptosis via activation of the SHCBP1-β-catenin-GPX4 pathway, promoting the malignant progression of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction
Authors: Ding Yun , Liu Zhen , Dai Xiaofeng , Ruan Ruiwen , Zhong Hongguang , Wu Zhipeng , Yao Yangyang , Chen Jun , Deng Jun , Xiong Jianping
Published: November 2023

Background: Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) has received widespread attention because of its increasing incidence. However, the molecular mechanism underlying tumor progression remains unclear.
Methods: Malondialdehyde assay, lipid peroxidation and Transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate ferroptosis. Cell proliferation was determined using CCK-8, EdU assay and cell colony formation assays. A xenograft animal model in vivo was established by subcutaneous injection of stable cell lines into the flank of nude mice. Western blotting and Immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate protein expression in cells and patient tissues, respectively. Additionally, the interaction of Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 49 (USP49) and Shc SH2-domain binding protein 1 (SHCBP1) was detected by immunofluorescence(IF), coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP), cycloheximide and ubiquitination assays. was used to determine USP49 and GPX4 expression in.
Results: Here, we report that the downregulation of USP49 promotes ferroptosis in OE33 and OE19 cells, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, whereas the overexpression of USP49 had the opposite effect. In addition, USP49 downregulation promoted radiotherapy sensitivity in OE33 and OE19 cells. Moreover, the downregulation of USP49 reduced the mRNA and protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and the overexpression of GPX4 rescued the malignant biological behavior induced by USP49 knockdown. Mechanistically, USP49 deubiquitinates and stabilizes Shc SH2-domain binding protein 1 (SHCBP1), subsequently facilitating the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus to enhance GPX4 transcriptional expression. Finally, high USP49 expression was correlated with shorter overall survival in patients with AEG.
Conclusions:In summary, our findings identify USP49 as a novel regulator of ferroptosis in AEG cells, indicating that USP49 may be a potential therapeutic target in AEG.
Theoretical investigation of threshold pressure gradient in hydrate-bearing clayey-silty sediments under combined stress and local thermal stimulation conditions
Authors: Qu Jiangtao , Lei Gang , Liu Tianle , Sun Jiaxin , Zheng Shaojun , Qu Bo
Published: November 2023

Due to the characteristics of smaller grain size and higher clay mineral content, a threshold pressure gradient (TPG) exists in multi-phase flow within hydrate-bearing clayey-silty sediments (HBCSS), which significantly affects the hydrate production. However, the dissociation of hydrates can result in cementation loss, changes in effective stress, and variation in local temperature. As a result, the TPG in HBCSS differs from that of conventional geotechnical materials. Until now, the understanding of TPG in HBCSS with complex pore structures and hydrate distribution is unclear. In this study, we have developed a theoretical TPG model for HBCSS that takes various factors into account, such as effective stress, temperature increase, pore structures, hydrate saturation, and growth patterns. The proposed TPG model for HBCSS has been thoroughly validated using available experimental data. Additionally, we conducted a parameter sensitivity analysis based on this derived model, revealing a positive correlation between TPG and both effective stress and temperature increase. Furthermore, while TPG generally increases with higher hydrate saturation when other parameters are held constant, the relationship between TPG and hydrate saturation is non-monotonic. This observation suggests that TPG is influenced not only by hydrate saturation but also by other factors, including hydrate growth patterns and pore structures. The findings of this study establish a theoretical foundation for characterizing the nonlinear flow behavior during hydrate exploitation.
Eating Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Social Functioning: A Conditional Process Analysis
Authors: González-Martell M.S. Angely K. , Vélez-Pastrana María C.
Published: November 2023

Background: This study examined the relationship between eating disorder (ED) and ADHD symptoms and their impact on social functioning. It aimed to clarify the mechanisms whereby the symptoms of ED cause impairment through their impact on general social functioning.
Method: A community sample of 160 Latino adults completed an anonymous online survey including self-report measures of symptoms of ED and ADHD, social functioning, and social functioning related to eating behavior. We tested a conditional process model that posits that social functioning related to eating behavior mediates the effect of ED on general social functioning, while ADHD symptoms moderate the effect of ED on general social functioning.
Results: Results support the hypothesized model. We show that the effect of ED on social functioning is fully mediated by social functioning related to eating behavior. However, we found no evidence of a significant conditional effect of ED symptoms on general social functioning as being moderated by ADHD symptoms at the levels of ADHD symptoms that we tested. Overall, increased ED and ADHD symptoms, as well as poorer social functioning related to eating behaviors, were associated with reduced general social functioning.
Conclusions: Both eating disorder and ADHD symptoms are associated with diminished general social functioning. This underscores the importance of screening for and addressing ADHD symptoms in ED populations, and vice versa, in clinical settings. The findings highlight the important role of social functioning related to eating behavior as the mechanism whereby ED symptoms cause impairment by diminishing general social functioning. We discuss clinical and research implications.
Experimental study on the damage performance and forced response of concrete lining in fault-crossing tunnel
Authors: Hu Hui , Lan Youdi , Liu Yun , Qiu Wenge
Published: November 2023

Understanding the adverse effects of tunnel crossing active faults on tunnel structures is crucial for ensuring their safe operation and construction. This paper presents the results of a series of model tests conducted at a scale of 1:40 using a fault sliding test box. Three sets of fault comparison tests were carried out, namely: (1) the tunnel does not cross the fault, (2) the spring stiffness is reduced, and (3) the model is not reinforced. The objective was to study the failure characteristics of tunnels crossing active faults. The findings reveal that when the upper wall moves downwards, cracks appear on the surrounding rock surface of the upper wall, specifically above the tunnel lining crossing the fault. The lining is significantly damaged within the range of -30cm~+30cm. All points of axial force exhibit an increasing compression trend. The section of axial force and bending moment near the fault fracture surface is notably larger than that far from the fault fracture surface. The safety factor of the entire structure decreases sharply after dislocation, making the tunnel more susceptible to cracking at various locations such as the vault, arch waist, left and right arch feet, and inverted arch. It has been proven that the shear compression of the fracture surface during fault dislocation is the main cause of longitudinal through cracks in the lining. The use of springs with higher stiffness effectively ensures the reciprocating dislocation of the upper and lower walls, with long duration and large displacement, providing a better simulation of the dislocation of active faults.
Non-linear association of atherogenic index of plasma with hyperuricemia in US adults: a cross- sectional study
Authors: Yang Xin , Chen Pei-nan , Wu Bin , Liao Jie-ying , Shi Bingchun , Li Yutao , Yang Xu
Published: November 2023

Background
Hyperuricemia is related to various cardiometabolic diseases in US adults, having an increasingly substantial impact on healthcare resources and costs. Nonetheless, there are limited studies examining the association between atherogenic index of plasma(AIP) and hyperuricemia in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
Methods
We carried out a cross-sectional research study using data obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). All 12,261 participants were classified according to the AIP quartiles. Participants aged ＜18 years old, without BMI, waist, blood pressure, SCr, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C data, alcohol use, and smoking behavior information were excluded. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is calculated as the log triglycerides (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). We explored the association between AIP and the risk of hyperuricemia using multivariate ordinal logistic regression. Hyperuricemia is widely defined as serum uric acid levels that are at or above 360 mmol/l in women and 420 mmol/l in men.
Results
Among 12261 participants included (mean age, 48.0 years), 6080 were male. The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 20.73% in the cross-sectional study. The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios [HRs; 95% confidence interval (CI)] for hyperuricemia gradually and significantly increased with the AIP quartiles [1.26 (1.06, 1.49) in Q2, 1.63 (1.39, 1.93) in Q3, and 2.06 (1.76, 2.43) in Q4], following an adjustment for potential confounders. And we observed a non-linear dose–response and a consistent relationship between them after the interaction test stratified by age, sex, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol.
Conclusions
On a continuous scale, per 1 unit increase in AIP was associated with multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of 2.06 (1.76, 2.43) for having a higher risk of hyperuricemia. These findings suggested the potential of AIP as an independent risk indicator in preventing hyperuricemia.
Evaluation of Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunctions in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: GÖZÜKÜÇÜK Davut , İLERİ Berkut Alkım , BAŞKAN Serra KARACA , ÖZTARHAN Ece , GÜLLER Dilek , ÖNAL Hasan , ÖZTARHAN Kazım
Published: November 2023

Background:Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic diseases in children. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is an important and overlooked complication of diabetes, which almost doubles the mortality. Therefore early recognition and treatment will prevent the development of cardiovascular events. Aim of our study is to determine the necessary parameters to recognize cardiovascular dysfunctions that may develop due to CAN in the early period.
Methods:In our study, 30 healthy children and 30 T1DM patients with poor glycemic control were evaluated. Echocardiographic data, heart rate variability (HRV) with 24-hour Holter electrocardiography, exercise capacities, and tilt table test for baroreceptor susceptibility were evaluated.
Results: In our study, 30 patients with poor glycemic control were evaluated, their mean diabetes duration was 8±3.66(1-16) years. CAN that may develop in early childhood were evaluated in the patient group. It is observed that there was a decrease in HRV, this situation is accompanied by ventricular dysfunction and postural hypotension.
Conclusion:CAN is one of the most common complications of T1DM and is associated with patient's age and poor glycemic control. Decreased baroreceptor susceptibility with autonomic dysfunction is associated with decreased ventricular diastolic functions, respiratory functions, and exercise capacity. In our study, we showed that cardiac autonomic dysfunction may develop in early childhood in T1DM patients with poor glycemic control. It may be valuable to evaluate HRV and tilt table tests in the early detection of CAN in pediatric groups.
Head Nodding and Hand Coordination Across Dyads in Different Conversational Contexts
Authors: Falk Patrick , Cañigueral Roser , Ward Jamie A , Hamilton Antonia F de C
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to explore what different patterns of head nodding and hand movement coordination mean in conversation by recording and analysing interpersonal coordination as it naturally occurs in social interactions. Understanding the timing and at which frequencies such movement behaviours occur can help us answer how and why we use these signals. Here we use high-resolution motion capture to examine three different types of two-person conversation involving different types of information-sharing, in order to explore the potential meaning and coordination of head nodding and hand motion signals. We also test if the tendency to engage in fast or slow nodding behaviour is a fixed personality trait that differs between individuals. Our results show coordinated slow nodding only in a picture-description task, which implies that this behaviour is not a universal signal of affiliation but is context driven. We also find robust fast nodding behaviour in the two contexts where novel information is exchanged. For hand movement, we find hints of low frequency coordination during one-way information sharing, but found no consistent signalling during information recall. Finally, we show that nodding is consistently driven by context but is not a useful measure of individual differences in social skills. We interpret these results in terms of theories of nonverbal communication and consider how these methods will help advance automated analyses of human conversation behaviours.
Measurement, Subsystem Coupling Coordination, and Spatial Convergence of the modernization of Chinese-style Governance Capability
Authors: Tian Shizhong , Jin Shaopeng
Published: November 2023

Promoting the modernization of the national governance system and governance capability serves as a crucial conduit to expedite the process of Chinese-style modernization. Based on the study of the modernization of Chinese-style governance capability (MCGC), some findings are as follows: (1) The index of MCGC demonstrates a steady upward trend with noticeable regional disparities, ranking in descending order as eastern region > central region > northeastern region > western region. The region with the highest internal disparities in MCGC is the eastern, while the northeastern region has the lowest internal disparities. The greatest interregional disparity in MCGC is observed between the eastern and western regions. (2) The indices of the five major subsystems improve annually, yet the trajectories of them are not entirely consistent. (3) The five subsystems coupling coordination degree for MCGC displays a temporal characteristic of gradual improvement and a spatial feature of gradual decrease from the eastern coastal areas to the northwestern inland areas. (4) MCGC exhibits a significant positive spatial correlation, manifesting a spatial distribution pattern of “high-high” and “low-low” aggregation. What’s more, the MCGC follows a “smooth and gradual” process, without a “multilevel leapfrogging” trajectory. And the improvement of MCGC demonstrates spatial convergence.
ZNF692 promotes the migration and response to therapy of immune checkpoint blockade regents of clear cell renal cell carcinoma cells by targeting essential genes of metabolism process pathway
Authors: Liu Yuming , Zeng Dehua , Gao Yunzhen
Published: November 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), with high mortality and poor prognosis, is the most common type of renal malignancy. It is necessary to identify new biomarkers that can serve as indicators for the detection of ccRCC at its early stages. In this study, we analyzed the role of classical zinc finger protein 692 (ZNF692) in ccRCC using datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Single Cell Portal and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of a tissue-microarray, and analyzed the function of ZNF692 in ccRCC cells. The analyses indicated that ZNF692 was upregulated in ccRCC samples compared with normal or paracancerous control samples (p < 0.001) and that the expression of this gene was linked to poor overall survival (HR = 2.1, p < 0.0001). The knockdown of ZNF692 inhibited the proliferation and migration of ccRCC cells by target GTPase-activating protein (SH3 domain)-binding protein 2 (G3BP2), and transmembrane 9 superfamily member 2 (TM9SF2)). Furthermore, the expression of ZNF692 mRNA was significantly upregulated in patients with mutations in the BAP1 (p = 0.025), PBRM1 (p = 0.00066), and SETD2 (p = 0.011) genes. T, B, proximal, and collecting tubule cells are the dominant cell types in normal kidney tissue where ZNF692 is expressed. In addition, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy dramatically changed the expression patterns of ZNF692. Collectively, these data indicate that ZNF692 may serve as prognosis, and as a potential indicator of the response to ICB therapy, a possibility needs to be verified by a case‒control study.
A Comprehensive Dataset of 10 Exotic Vegetable Plants Across Three Growth Stages
Authors: amin sayed mohammed
Published: November 2023

A Ten categories of Exotic vegetables plants dataset comprises 4,187 high-definition images representing three growth stages viz seedling, vegetative, and harvest. To support research in hydroponics, precision agriculture, and plant health monitoring, the dataset is systematically organized into folders for each growth stage. Within these primary folders, sub-folders named after the plant varieties house the corresponding images. This organizing ensures easy access and clear identification of each plant's variety and growth stage. Addressing a notable gap in hydroponic agriculture datasets, this collection provides a robust resource for the development and validation of deep learning models, especially in plant identification, growth stage detection, and health assessment.
Coevolutionary analysis of the Pfs47-P47Rec complex: a bioinformatics approach
Authors: Ortiz-Morazán Andrés S. , Moncada Marcela María , Escobar Denis , Cabrera-Moreno Leonardo A. , Fontecha Gustavo
Published: November 2023

Background: The ability to predict and comprehend molecular interactions offers significant insights into the biological functions of proteins. The interaction between Pfs47 and P47Rec has attracted increased attention due to their roles in parasite evasion of the mosquito immune system and the concept of geographical coevolution between distinct species. The aims of this study were: (1) to apply a bioinformatics approach to investigate the interaction between Pfs47 and P47Rec proteins, and (2) to identify the potential binding sites, protein orientations, and receptor specificity sites concerning the geographical origins of the vectors and the parasite.
Methods: The p47 gene was subjected to sequencing and subsequent analysis in two distinct Anophelesspecies collected in Honduras. In addition, public sequences of the pfs47and p47rec genes were downloaded, which were subsequently filtered to predict functional and structural annotations of the Pfs47-P47Rec complex. Phylogenetic analyses of both proteins were carried out.
Results: The findings revealed a pattern of dissemination of anophelines and parasites originating from Africa to other geographical regions. Additionally, the examination of motifs reveals a significant degree of conservation in pfs47, suggesting that Pfs47 might have undergone recent evolutionary development and adaptation. The theory of selectivity of Plasmodium falciparumstrains towards their vectors in diverse geographical regions was supported by structural models and docking analyses. A detailed description of the putative interaction between the Pfs47-P47Rec complex is shown.
Conclusions: The findings of this study unveiled coevolutionary trends between P47Rec and Pfs47, which are associated with the process of speciation and the geographical distribution of Anopheles spp and P. falciparum.
Phase-controlled coherent photons for the quantum correlations in a delayed-choice quantum eraser scheme
Authors: Ham Byoung
Published: November 2023

The delayed-choice quantum eraser has been intensively studied for the wave-particle duality of a single photon in an interferometric system over the last decades. Coincidence measurements between quantum erasers have also been applied for the nonlocal quantum feature, satisfying the Bell inequality violation. However, those quantum features have not been clearly understood yet, resulting in the quantum mystery. Recently a coherence approach has been tried for the quantum eraser to unveil the quantum mystery. Here, a phase quantization of higher-order intensity products between coherently controlled quantum erasers is presented using a quarter wave plate-induced phase shift between orthogonal polarization bases of a single photon. Theoretical solutions of both photonic-de-Broglie-wave-like quantum features and nonlocal quantum correlations are presented for further discussions of quantum mechanics.
Consumers’ Preferences for Novel and Traditional Pear Cultivars: Evidence from Sensory Evaluation and Willingness-to-pay Elicitation
Authors: Gallardo R. Karina , Ma Xueying , Colonna Ann , Montero Maria Laura , Ross Carolyn
Published: November 2023

A significant challenge faced by the US Pacific Northwest pear industry is the limited availability of diverse pear cultivars beyond conventional selections. This scant availability of new pear options that align with consumers’ consistent quality preferences falls short of their expectations and jeopardizes potential demand growth, which poses a threat to the industry’s long-term economic viability. We use a combined approach of sensory evaluation and contingent valuation to uncover preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for specific pear cultivars, encompassing both novel and traditional types. The outcomes reveal that the key determinants driving WTP are taste and texture attributes. Particularly for early-season pears, a greater liking score for flavor, firmness, and juiciness corresponds to an elevated WTP. For late-season pears, the range of quality attributes expands to encompass overall appearance and sweetness, in addition to the aforementioned factors. Participants who use social media to access information about pears exhibit a heightened WTP. These findings provide valuable insights for the industry to consider revitalizing existing pear orchards through the incorporation of alternatives to conventional pear cultivars.
Persatuan Guru Melayu Kedah (PGMK), 1946–1956: Isu-isu Pendidikan dan Perguruan
Authors:   School of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Mohamad Noor Mohamad Muzammil
Published: November 2023

Makalah ini membincangkan tentang perjuangan guru-guru Melayu Kedah melalui Persatuan Guru-guru Melayu Kedah (PGMK) iaitu isu bahasa sebagai medium pendidikan serta sistem pendidikan Melayu sebelum tanah air mencapai kemerdekaan. Selain berjuang menuntut kenaikan gaji, mereka menuntut bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa komunikasi di sekolah-sekolah Melayu di Kedah daripada pihak kolonial British. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut, objektif utama yang ingin diketengahkan dalam penulisan ini ialah isu-isu guru Melayu Kedah dalam menuntut kebajikan mereka serta pendidikan Melayu dengan menjadikan bahasa Melayu sebagai bahasa utama diajar di sekolah kebangsaan dan sekolah menengah di Tanah Melayu di samping memartabatkan bahasa Melayu di institusi. Perjuangan merubah sistem pendidikan zaman kolonial yang diperkenalkan oleh kerajaan British yang tidak sesuai diamalkan dalam sistem pendidikan tempatan. Perbincangan dalam artikel ini adalah berdasarkan kepada pendekatan sejarah iaitu sumber-sumber daripada media massa sebelum merdeka seperti akhbar Warta Negara, Majalah Guru dan The Straits Times serta penyelidikan menerusi kaedah kajian arkib dengan menganalisis dokumen-dokumen British. Penyelidikan ini menggunakan sumber primer dan sekunder yang dirujuk di arkibarkib, pejabat PGMK dan perpustakaan universiti. Hasil penulisan ini mendapati perjuangan guru-guru Melayu telah memberi impak kepada kerajaan kolonial dalam mengambil langkah-langkah yang perlu bagi menangani isu-isu yang dibangkitkan iaitu memartabatkan peranan guru serta bahasa Melayu sebagai medium dalam pendidikan di sekolah. Impak kajian berjaya membuktikan bahawa guru berperanan sebagai kumpulan pendesak bagi masyarakat Melayu ke atas kerajaan kolonial yang menyebabkan berlaku beberapa perubahan dalam isu-isu tuntutan gaji, peluang pendidikan guru, kemudahan sekolah dan nasionalisme bahasa.
Promotion of green economic growth in post-Soviet countries: Role of foreign direct and portfolio investments
Authors: Atashov Bayali , Mammadova Elnura , Ibrahimov Elshan
Published: November 2023

Green economic growth ensures the country’s wealth and population well-being with decreasing ecological damages. This strategy requires effective government policy to push economic agents to environmentally friendly behavior and significant financial resources to invest in technological modernization. The study aims to assess whether promotion of green economic growth in post-Soviet countries depends on direct and portfolio investment. The paper develops the index of green economic growth performance considering traditional economic growth, social, and environmental indicators. To determine the contribution of direct and portfolio investments in the promotion of green economic growth performance, regression equations (for the panel of countries as a whole and each country in particular) are developed. All models are supplemented with traditional economic growth control variables (GDP growth, inflation, gross fixed capital formation, trade). The information base is public data from the World Bank for the sample of 13 post-Soviet countries for 2000–2021. It was revealed that Estonia and Latvia have the highest level of green economic growth performance, while Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan have the lowest. The most effective country (Latvia) uses its green economic growth potential only for 62.33%. Modeling results do not confirm the significance of foreign and portfolio investment contributions in promoting green economic growth in most post-Soviet countries (portfolio investments boost green economic growth in Estonia and Moldova, while foreign direct investments contribute to green economic growth in Ukraine). These results might be explained by a lack of institutional capacity and government efficiency to ensure effective absorption of investments.
Características, Importância e Desafios da Agricultura Familiar no Haiti: Uma Análise de Fond’oies - Léogâne - Haiti
Authors: Dor Isaac , Wesz Junior Valdemar João
Published: November 2023

O objetivo desta pesquisa é apresentar as características socioeconômicas, a importância e os desafios atuais da agricultura familiar no Haiti, aprofundando a análise na seção comunal de Fond’oies, município de Léogâne. Para a elaboração do trabalho foi utilizada revisão bibliográfica, análise de dados secundários e aplicação de questionário a 20 famílias de agricultores de Fond’oies, selecionados aleatoriamente. Os resultados deste estudo mostram que a agricultura familiar haitiana, apesar de ser um segmento estratégico para alcançar a estabilidade social, a segurança alimentar e o crescimento econômico, tem enfrentado historicamente restrições que limitam o seu potencial e a sua importância. Isso também pode ser visto em Fond’oies, dado que os agricultores enfrentam vários desafios, como a carência de serviços básicos, baixa escolaridade, vulnerabilidade econômica, ausência de políticas agrícolas efetivas e integrais, catástrofes ambientais, entre outros. Este grupo enfrenta dificuldades tão profundas e enraizadas que a sua importância e a relevância acabam sendo enfraquecidas.
Causas da Postergação de Aposentadoria do Servidor Público: Estudo de Caso no Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento da Educação
Authors: Oliveira Paula Karlleyne Queiroz , De Almeida Alexandre Nascimento
Published: November 2023

O entendimento da decisão de aposentadoria é indispensável para a gestão etária das organizações. As instituições públicas deparam-se com o desafio de incentivar o interesse do servidor em prolongar o seu tempo de atividade e de prepará-lo para uma melhor adaptação ao pós-carreira. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar os motivos que levam servidores públicos a aposentarem-se ou adiarem esse direito. Os dados foram obtidos pela aplicação de questionário aos servidores do Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento da Educação do Brasil, sendo analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e análise de conteúdo. Os resultados mostraram que a decisão de aposentar-se é influenciada por fatores individuais e organizacionais. A decisão de adiar a aposentadoria foi motivada por questões financeiros e por aspectos relacionados ao bom ambiente de trabalho. A maioria dos servidores que pretende se aposentar imediatamente foi dos que perceberam a aposentadoria como uma oportunidade para aproveitar a vida ou ingressar em outra carreira profissional.
Conceitos e definições do ESG – Environmental, social and corporate governance – no contexto evolutivo da sustentabilidade
Authors: Borsatto Ana Luisa , Baggio Daniel Knebel , Brum Argemiro Luís
Published: November 2023

Este estudo busca identificar e analisar o termo que está em voga, no momento, no cenário corporativo, que é o ESG (Environment, Social and Governance). Cada vez mais investidores e analistas estão atentos à maneira como as empresas lidam com questões sociais, ambientais e governança corporativa, não sendo o desempenho financeiro o único critério gerador de valor a uma companhia e, consequentemente, elemento de atração de investimentos. De modo específico, busca-se neste artigo entender os conceitos atribuídos ao desenvolvimento social ao longo dos anos, e assim, identificar o conceito e aplicabilidade da expressão ESG nas empresas. Quanto à metodologia aplicada neste estudo, optou-se pelo método qualitativo, utilizando da pesquisa bibliográfica a fim de identificar análises mais adequadas ao tema tratado. Entre os resultados obtidos destaca-se a tendência, nos últimos anos, nos negócios, de adotar as práticas ESG, por trazer maior competitividade para as empresas e melhorar o alinhamento com os stackeholders.
Selection of mathematic model method for surfacing effective area of tools
Authors: Kai Jian Ding
Published: November 2023

It is more appropriate to describe mathematic model for gas-thermal surfaces by means of finite triangular elements, for thin surfaces one should use shell finite elements. In mathematic model for plasma surfaces is more appropriate to present the thickness of layer by means of plate set or shell set and bar elements.
Content of Corporate Social Responsibility Management
Authors: Dereshev Sergei Alekseevich
Published: November 2023

The article discusses the concept, content of activities, phases of the corporate social responsibility management process, functions and CSR management system. Based on the analysis of various approaches to determining the content of social responsibility management, typological characteristics of the CSR management process are highlighted. The thesis is substantiated that the CSR management process includes additional functions, along with the traditional management functions adopted in management. The paper also describes the corporate organizational mechanism of CSR management on the example of large public joint stock companies.