bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effect of YOD1 and USP21 on the Hippo signaling pathway
Authors: Park Sang-Soo , Baek Kwang-Hyun
Published: September 2023

Background

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) comprise a family of proteases responsible for cleaving the peptide or isopeptide bond between ubiquitin and its substrate proteins. Ubiquitin is essential for regulating diverse cellular functions by attaching to target proteins. The Hippo signaling pathway plays a crucial role in controlling tissue size, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. In a previous study, we discovered that YOD1 regulates the Hippo signaling pathway by deubiquitinating the neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4 (NEDD4), an E3 ligase of large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1). Here, our aim was to investigate potential substrates of YOD1 implicated in the Hippo signaling pathway.

Methods

We employed various bioinformatics tools (BioGRID, STRING, and Cytoscape) to identify novel potential substrates of YOD1. Furthermore, we used western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down, immunocytochemistry (ICC) assays to investigate cellular interactions. To evaluate cell proliferation, we performed cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing, colony forming, and flow cytometry assays using A549, HEK293T, and HeLa cells. Additionally, we assessed the expression levels of YAP and p-YAP in A549, HEK293T, and HeLa cells through western blotting.

Results

Our investigations revealed that YOD1 interacts with ubiquitin-specific proteases 21 (USP21), a DUB involved in the Hippo signaling pathway, and deubiquitinates the microtubule-affinity regulating kinase (MARK). Intriguingly, YOD1 and USP21 mutually deubiquitinate each other; while YOD1 regulates the protein stability of USP21, USP21 does not exert a regulatory effect on YOD1. Moreover, we observed the synergistic effect of YOD1 and USP21 on cell proliferation through the modulation of the Hippo signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Our study revealed multiple cellular interactions between YOD1 and USP21. Moreover, our findings suggest that the combined activities of YOD1 and USP21 synergistically influence cell proliferation in A549 cells by regulating the Hippo signaling pathway.
Blood-spinal cord barrier disruption in degenerative cervical myelopathy
Authors: Kim Hyun Woo , Yong Hu , Shea Graham Ka Hon
Published: September 2023

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most prevalent cause of spinal cord dysfunction in the aging population. Significant neurological deficits may result from a delayed diagnosis as well as inadequate neurological recovery following surgical decompression. Here, we review the pathophysiology of DCM with an emphasis on how blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption is a critical yet neglected pathological feature affecting prognosis. In patients suffering from DCM, compromise of the BSCB is evidenced by elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to serum protein ratios and abnormal contrast-enhancement upon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In animal model correlates, there is histological evidence of increased extravasation of tissue dyes and serum contents, and pathological changes to the neurovascular unit. BSCB dysfunction is the likely culprit for ischemia–reperfusion injury following surgical decompression, which can result in devastating neurological sequelae. As there are currently no therapeutic approaches specifically targeting BSCB reconstitution, we conclude the review by discussing potential interventions harnessed for this purpose.
Fragment merging approach for design, synthesis, and biological assessment of urea/acetyl hydrazide clubbed thienopyrimidine derivatives as GSK-3β inhibitors
Authors: Saleh Joseph S. , Abd El Hadi Soha R. , Ibrahim Hany S. , Elrazaz Eman Z. , Abouzid Khaled A. M.
Published: September 2023

New thienopyrimidine derivatives were designed and synthesized as GSK-3β inhibitors based on the structure of active binding site of GSK-3β enzyme. In this study, compounds 6b and 6a were found to be moderate GSK-3β inhibitors with IC50s 10.2 and 17.3 μM, respectively. Molecular docking study was carried out by docking the targeted compounds in the binding site of the GSK-3β enzyme using the MOE program. Moreover, ADME study was performed to predict certain pharmacokinetic properties. The results showed that all synthesized compounds may not be able to penetrate the blood brain barrier; so, the chances of CNS side effects are predicted to be low. CYP1D6 is predicted to be inhibited by compounds (5a, 5d, 6a, 9a and 9b), So drug-drug interactions are expected upon administration of these compounds.

Graphical Abstract
Optimisation of culture conditions for gesho (Rhamnus prinoides.L) callus differentiation using Artificial Neural Network-Genetic Algorithm (ANN-GA) Techniques
Authors: Dejene Minilu , Palanivel Hemalatha , Senthamarai Heeravathi , Varadharajan Venkatramanan , Prabhu S. Venkatesa , Yeshitila Alazar , Benor Solomon , Shah Shipra
Published: September 2023

Gesho (Rhamnus prinoides) is a medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities commonly used in the ethnomedicinal systems of Africa. Using a three-layer neural network, four culture conditions viz., concentration of agar, duration of light exposure, temperature of culture, and relative humidity were used to calculate the callus differentiation rate of gesho. With the ability to quickly identify optimal solutions using high-speed computers, synthetic neural networks have emerged as a rapid, reliable, and accurate fitting technique. They also have the self-directed learning capability that is essential for accurate prediction. The network's final architecture for four selected variables and its performance has been confirmed with high correlation coefficient (R2, 0.9984) between the predicted and actual outputs and the root-mean-square error of 0.0249, were developed after ten-fold cross validation as the training function. In vitro research had been conducted using the genetic algorithm’s suggestions for the optimal culture conditions. The outcomes demonstrated that the actual gesho differentiation rate was 93.87%, which was just 1.86% lesser than the genetic algorithm's predicted value. The projected induced differentiation rate was 87.62%, the actual value was 84.79%, and the predicted value was 2.83% higher than Response Surface Methods optimisation. The environment for the growth of plant tissue can be accurately and efficiently optimised using a genetic algorithm and an artificial neural network. Further biological investigations will presumably utilise this technology.
Clinical implications of aberrant PD-1 expression for acute leukemia prognosis
Authors: Ruan Yanjie , Wang Jiyu , Zhang Qiuye , Wang Huiping , Li Cong , Xu Xuanxuan , Zhai Zhimin
Published: September 2023

Background

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are the most common types of leukemia in adults with an overall poor prognosis. PD-1 alone or combined with other immune checkpoint blockade is a promising research direction for the treatment of acute leukemia (AL) patients. However, clinical Implications of aberrant PD-1 expression in peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes of AML and ALL patients in assessing the prognosis of diseases, remains inconclusive.

Methods

In the present study, we used flow cytometry to evaluate PD-1 expression on the surface of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral circulation of AML and ALL patients and its clinical significance. A total of 53 AML patients, 44 ALL patients and 28 healthy controls were enrolled in this study and peripheral blood specimens were detected by flow cytometry.

Results

Our results indicated that percentages of CD4+ PD1+ and CD8+ PD1+ T lymphocytes in newly diagnosed and non-remission groups were significantly higher than healthy control both in AML and ALL patients. The high level of CD4+ PD1+ and CD8+ PD1+ T lymphocytes were respectively poor prognostic indicators of AML patients and ALL patients but had no significant correlation with most common clinical risks.

Conclusions

Our findings show that aberrant PD-1 expression correlates with the prognosis of AL patient and may thus serve as poor prognostic indicators. Immunotherapy using PD-1 inhibitors may be a promising strategy for AML and ALL patients with peripheral circulating CD4+ PD1+ and CD8+ PD1+ T lymphocytes positively expressed, respectively.
Implications of vitamin D for flesh quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella): antioxidant ability, nutritional value, sensory quality, and myofiber characteristics
Authors: Zhang Yao , Li Chaonan , Zhou Xiaoqiu , Jiang Weidan , Wu Pei , Liu Yang , Ren Hongmei , Zhang Lu , Mi Haifeng , Tang Jiayong , Zhang Ruinan , Feng Lin
Published: September 2023

Background

Muscle represents a unique and complex system with many components and comprises the major edible part of animals. Vitamin D is a critical nutrient for animals and is known to enhance calcium absorption and immune response. In recent years, dietary vitamin D supplementation in livestock has received increased attention due to biological responses including improving shear force in mammalian meat. However, the vitamin D acquisition and myofiber development processes in fish differ from those in mammals, and the effect of vitamin D on fish flesh quality is poorly understood. Here, the influence of dietary vitamin D on fillet quality, antioxidant ability, and myofiber development was examined in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).

Methods

A total of 540 healthy grass carp, with an initial average body weight of 257.24 ± 0.63 g, were allotted in 6 experimental groups with 3 replicates each, and respectively fed corresponding diets with 15.2, 364.3, 782.5, 1,167.9, 1,573.8, and 1,980.1 IU/kg vitamin D for 70 d.

Results

Supplementation with 1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D significantly improved nutritional value and sensory quality of fillets, enhancing crude protein, free amino acid, lipid, and collagen contents; maintaining an ideal pH; and reducing lactate content, shear force, and cooking loss relative to respective values in the control (15.2 IU/kg) group. Average myofiber diameter and the frequency of myofibers > 50 μm in diameter increased under supplementation with 782.5–1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D. Levels of oxidative damage biomarkers decreased, and the expression of antioxidant enzymes and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling molecules was upregulated in the 1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D treatment compared to respective values in the control group. Furthermore, vitamin D supplementation activated cell differentiation by enhancing the expression of myogenic regulatory factors and myocyte enhancer factors compared to that in the control group. In addition, supplementation with 1,167.9 IU/kg vitamin D improved protein deposition associated with protein synthesis molecule (target of rapamycin) signaling and vitamin D receptor paralogs, along with inhibition of protein degradation (forkhead box protein 1) signaling.

Conclusions

Overall, the results demonstrated that vitamin D strengthened antioxidant ability and myofiber development, thereby enhancing nutritional value and sensory quality of fish flesh. These findings suggest that dietary vitamin D supplementation is conducive to the production of nutrient-rich, high quality aquaculture products.
A meme-based approach for knowledge mining, organization, and presentation of traditional Chinese settlement culture
Authors: Yang Simin , Yi Lina , Guan Hui , Li Yong
Published: September 2023

Traditional Chinese settlements are successful examples of harmonious coexistence between man and nature. Traditional Chinese settlement culture (TCSC) is the product of its inhabitants' adaptation to the natural and social environment and has national cultural originality and transmission. Core cultural elements of these being chosen to stay can be considered as memes. This study considers traditional Chinese settlement cultural memes (TCSCM) as a special kind of knowledge, and proposes a meme-based approach to mine, organize, and present traditional Chinese settlement cultural knowledge from a knowledge management perspective. This approach is composed of identifying memes, constructing the memes ontology, and the memes knowledge graph, mainly describing and establishing the memes identification index system, the ontology conceptual framework, and knowledge graph construction rules. In addition, the feasibility of the above work is verified by a case study of Jinggang Ancient town in Hunan province. This study provides new practical ideas for the authentic conservation and industrial construction of TCSC.
Research on the development methodology for clinical practice guidelines for organic integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine
Authors: Jin Ying-Hui , Wang Yan-Ping , Xie Ying-Lan , Tian Gui-Hua , Zhang Xiao-Yu , Shi Nan-Nan , Yang Ke-Hu , Sun Xin , Chen Yao-Long , Wu Da-Rong , Guo Xin-Feng , Ge Long , Zhao Chen , Lu Cheng , Jiang Yin , Guo Jing , Yan Si-Yu , Wang Yong-Bo , Huang Qiao , Ren Xiang-Ying , Rao Ying-Yue , Wang Yun-Yun , Yuan Meng-Qian , Zeng Xian-Tao , Shang Hong-Cai
Published: September 2023

Integrated traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine (WM) is a new medical science grounded in the knowledge bases of both TCM and WM, which then forms a unique modern medical system in China. Integrated TCM and WM has a long history in China, and has made important achievements in the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment. However, the methodological defects in currently published clinical practice guidelines limit its development. The organic integration of TCM and WM is a deeper integration of TCM and WM. To realize the progression of "integration" to "organic integration", a targeted and standardized guideline development methodology is needed. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to establish a standardized development procedure for clinical practice guidelines for the organic integration of TCM and WM to promote the systematic integration of TCM and WM research results into clinical practice guidelines in order to achieve optimal results as the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Effects of bactericide–protease interactions on the protease-assisted soaking performance
Authors: Liu Hao , Pan Yahang , Shi Bi , Zeng Yunhang
Published: September 2023

Protease-assisted soaking has received increasing attention in recent years. However, few reports have elaborated on the effect of bactericides, which are used to protect raw hides from microbial damage in the soaking process, on the performance of protease-assisted soaking. Here we investigate the effects of three bactericides, namely, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MIT), sodium propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (SPHB) and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), on the catalytic activity of protease. MIT and SPHB have little effect on the proteolytic activity, whilst CTAB has a negative effect. Fluorescence spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used to analyse the bactericide–protease interaction. The data reveal that MIT and SPHB are bound to the non-catalytic sites of protease, whilst CTAB affects the catalytic triad of protease. Furthermore, the protease and bactericides were used alone, simultaneously and sequentially in the soaking process, and their soaking performances were evaluated. The evaluation shows that the use of protease increases the microorganisms in the soaking float, and MIT exhibits the best bactericidal effect. The simultaneous use of protease and MIT effectively inhibits bacteria and scarcely affects the removal of unstructured proteins from hides and the attack on epidermis by protease. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the scientific use of protease with other auxiliaries in soaking.

Graphical Abstract
Otoacoustic emission measurements: a test–retest reliability study
Authors: Yağcıoğlu Ayşenur Aykul , Öztürk Burak
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are an important part of the audiological test battery and have many clinical uses. This study aims to determine the amplitude changes in the test–retest condition of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs), which are widely used in clinical settings.

Design

DPOAE and TEOAE measurements were taken in 110 ears of 55 adults aged 18–35 years with normal hearing during three sessions. The repeatability of the measurements was evaluated by very short-term measurements taken 20 min after the first measurement and by short-term measurements taken 20 days after the first measurement.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the three measurements in which DPOAE and TEOAE amplitudes were evaluated. The weakest reliability for TEOAEs was determined at frequencies of 1.0 kHz and 1.5 kHz, and the weakest reliability for DPOAEs was determined at 6728 Hz.

Conclusions

The current findings indicate that DPOAE and TEOAE measurements are reliable for monitoring cochlear function over time. The data obtained from this study could help clinicians correctly interpret OAE changes and distinguish between physiological and pathological changes.
RNA-based antibiotic susceptibility testing of tmexCD-toprJ-mediated tigecycline resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Yu Feiyu , Zhang Haijie , Zhu Shuyao , Wang Zhiqiang , Liu Yuan
Published: September 2023

The emergence and prevalence of plasmid-encoded RND-type efflux pump TMexCD-TOprJ severely compromise tigecycline treatment, which is recognized as the last resort for multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections. There is an urgent need for rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) that can simultaneously identify the genotype and phenotype of tmexCD-toprJ-positive bacteria. Through characterizing transcriptional profiling responses of tmexCD-toprJ-positive and -negative strains after exposure to 2 μg/mL tigecycline, here we identified 12 differentially RNA biomarkers and developed an RNA-based AST (RBAST) to distinguish tmexCD-toprJ-positive and -negative K. pneumoniae. These mRNA biomarkers were successfully validated in tigecycline exposure time variations, concentration shifts, and other tmexCD-toprJ variants. In addition, a group of clinical isolated strains was effectively distinguished using RBAST, with an accuracy of over 94% during 3 h test period. Our work highlights the potential of RNA transcripts as biomarkers for rapid AST, which will contribute to deploying effective antibiotic regimens in clinical practice.
False-positive Imaging for Papillary Thyroid Cancer Caused by Intraosseous Hemangiomas
Authors: Kang Heejoo , Drake Frederick Thurston , McAneny David , Lee Stephanie L
Published: September 2023

Two patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and an elevated thyroglobulin had false-positive imaging studies from intraosseous hemangiomas (IH). A 62-year-old man presented with a palpable lytic skull mass suspicious for a bone metastasis after computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Surgical excision confirmed an IH. The second patient is a 64-year-old woman whose I-123 whole-body scan with single photon emission computed tomography/CT demonstrated radioiodine uptake in the right frontal bone. Her MRI and CT scans were also consistent with an IH. These cases reveal the limitations of nuclear imaging and of CT and MRI scans in distinguishing metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer from IH in patients with lytic bone lesions. Because no imaging studies are definitive for an IH, bone cranial lesions may warrant resection to establish a diagnosis and avoid potential brain invasion by a malignancy or unnecessary radioiodine treatment.
Melanistic coloration does not influence thermoregulation in the crepuscular gecko Eublepharis macularius
Authors: Hastings Brandon T. , Melnyk Anastasiya , Ghyabi Mehrdad , White Emma , Barroso Frederico M. , Carretero Miguel A. , Lattanzi David , Claude Julien , Chiari Ylenia
Published: September 2023

Body coloration in ectotherms serves multiple biological functions, including avoiding predators, communicating with conspecific individuals, and involvement in thermoregulation. As ectotherms rely on environmental sources of heat to regulate their internal body temperature, stable melanistic body coloration or color change can be used to increase or decrease heat absorption and heat exchange with the environment. While melanistic coloration for thermoregulation functions to increase solar radiation absorption and consequently heating in many diurnal ectotherms, research on crepuscular and nocturnal ectotherms is lacking. Since crepuscular and nocturnal ectotherms generally absorb heat from the substrate, in these organisms melanistic coloration may have other primary functions beside thermoregulation. As such, in this work we hypothesized that the proportion of dorsal melanistic body coloration would not influence heating and cooling rates in the crepuscular gecko, Eublepharis macularius, and that changes in environmental temperature would not trigger color changes in this species. Temperature measurements of the geckos and of the environment were taken using infrared thermography and temperature loggers. Color data were obtained using objective photography and a newly developed custom software package. We found that body temperature reflected substrate temperatures, and that the proportion of melanistic coloration has no influence on heating or cooling rates or on color changes. These findings support that melanistic coloration in E. macularius may not be used for thermoregulation and strengthen the hypothesis that in animals active in low light conditions, melanistic coloration may be used instead for camouflage or other functions.
Case Report: Tuberculosis in hydrocele of the spermatic cord in an older adult
Authors: Gharde Pankaj , Koul Shalinder , Lamture Yeshwant , Badwaik Nitesh
Published: September 2023

Background: Antibioma is a loculated collection in the spermatic cord, which is generally a transparent sterile fluid located above the testis in the inguinal region. It is an acquired congenital anomaly that is commonly observed in infants and children. Infected spermatic cord hydrocele has been reported on previously, but to the best of our knowledge, antibioma of spermatic cord hydrocele in adults has not yet been reported. In specific cases of long-standing abscesses, cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) is used as the final diagnostic tool and can determine whether they are of tubercular pathology.

Case: Here we are presenting a case of a 72-year-old male patient reporting to the surgery Outpatient Department, with complaints of swelling in the left inguinal region since birth, along with intermittent pain in the swelling for one year. It was diagnosed as antibioma and was confirmed to be of tubercular origin by CBNAAT following surgical exploration. The patient was started on anti-tubercular management as per the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme protocol.

Conclusions: Long standing abscesses are mostly tuberculous. We must look into whether they need urgent attention or can be managed conservatively as a routine procedure.
Oleogel-based drug delivery for the treatment of periodontitis: current strategies and future perspectives
Authors: Karmakar Shaswata , Shanmugasundaram Shashikiran , Modak Baishakhi
Published: September 2023

Periodontitis is the chronic inflammation of tooth-supporting tissues that leads to loss of tooth support if untreated. Conventional therapy for periodontitis (mechanical removal of microbial biofilm and oral hygiene enforcement) is augmented by anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs are frequently delivered locally into the periodontal pocket for maximum efficiency and minimum adverse effects. The potential of oleogels for periodontal drug delivery has been discussed and further, the future scope of oleogel-based drug delivery systems in dentistry. An oleogel-based local drug delivery system offers several advantages over other systems. Superior mechanical properties (firmness and compressibility), muco-adhesion, shear thinning, thixotropy, controlled drug release and the ability to incorporate water-insoluble drugs clearly distinguish and highlight the potential of oleogels as periodontal local drug delivery systems. Bigels can combine the qualities of both hydrogels and oleogels to provide a more promising option for drug delivery. However, there is limited evidence concerning oleogels as local drug delivery agents in periodontics. Further studies are needed to discern the clinical efficacy of oleogel-based drug delivery systems.
Quantum Mechanics with Real Numbers: Entanglement, Superselection Rules and Gauges
Authors: Vedral Vlatko
Published: September 2023

We show how imaginary numbers in quantum physics can be eliminated by enlarging the Hilbert space followed by an imposition of—what effectively amounts to—a superselection rule. We illustrate this procedure with a qubit and apply it to the Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The procedure is somewhat reminiscent of the constrained quantization of the electromagnetic field, where, in order to manifestly comply with relativity, one enlarges the Hilbert Space by quantizing the longitudinal and scalar modes, only to subsequently introduce a constraint to make sure that they are actually not directly observable.Quanta 2023; 12: 164–170.
Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Program on Perceived Stress, Internalized Stigma, and Psychological Well-being in Psychiatric Inpatients
Authors: Ko Jin Kyeong , Kim Ji Young
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on the perceived stress, internalized stigma, and psychological well-being of psychiatric inpatients. Methods: A non-equivalent control group study with a pretest-posttest design was used. Participants were obtained from the closed wards of a psychiatric hospital in K-city. A total of 45 people were included in this study, 22 in the experimental group and 23 in the control group. The pre, post, and follow-up scores of both the experimental and control groups were obtained using the Korea Perceived Stress Scale, the Korea Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale, and the Korea Psychological Well-Being Scale to validate the effectiveness of the program. A 45 minute program was performed twice weekly for three weeks. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in perceived stress (F=6.92, p=.002) and internalized stigma (F=22.76, p<.001), and a significant improvement in psychological well-being (F=38.34, p<.001) in the experimental group. Conclusion: A mindfulness-based stress reduction program could be implemented as an intervention to reduce perceived stress and internalized stigma and enhance psychological well-being in psychiatric inpatients.
Mediating Effect of Job Satisfaction on the Relationship between Nursing Practice Environment and Turnover Intention of Nurses in a National Forensic Psychiatic Hospital
Authors: Gang Moonhee , Gwak Donghyeon
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine job satisfaction as a mediator of the relationship between nursing practice environment and turnover intention of nurses in a national forensic psychiatric hospital.Methods: This study used a descriptive design. All participants were nurses (n=102) working at a national forensic psychiatric hospital. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and PROCESS macro (version 4.1) with SPSS 26.0 program.Results: Turnover intention showed a significant negative correlation with the nursing practice environment (r=-.37, p<.001) and job satisfaction (r=-.46, p<.001). Job satisfaction had a mediating effect on the relationship between nursing practice environment and turnover intention.Conclusion: The results of the study confirmed the completely mediating effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between nursing practice environment and turnover intention. In order to prevent turnover, it is necessary to improve the nursing practice environment and job satisfaction in consideration of forensic patients and hospital environment.
Parasite control in cattle is evolving
Authors: Howe Rob
Published: September 2023

Increasing reports of anthelmintic resistance of gut and lungworm are occurring, probably because of over-treatment with the same products, often unnecessarily. A more sustainable approach to parasite control – known as integrated parasite management – puts diagnostic testing and prevention before treating, centre stage. This reduces farmers' reliance on products, saving them for when they might be really needed.
Parametric multiphysics study of focus-variable silicone lenses
Authors: Ziebehl Arved , Grabe Tobias , Biermann Tobias , Xia Panpan , Teves Simon , Lachmayer Roland
Published: September 2023

By exploiting their inherent elasticity, focus-variable silicone lenses shift their focal length reversibly when deformed. Although biconcave and meniscus lenses contribute to optical systems just as well as biconvex lenses, studies primarily revolve around the latter. Thus, we aim to reveal the focal length shifting potential of all aforementioned lens types. Covering a wide parameter range of varying lens curvature radii, we present a coupled mechanical and optical simulation in which a lens deformation is applied. The results show significant differences in focal length shifting effectiveness for different lens types. Within the domains of specific lens types, trends in this effectiveness emerge for different combinations of curvature radii. Matching these radii when incorporating adaptive silicone lenses in optical systems may guide optics engineers toward more effective system designs through this study.
Non-line-of-sight ultraviolet transmission coverage in non-precipitating, foggy, and rainy weather
Authors: Shan Tao , Yuan Renzhi , He Nan , Cheng Julian
Published: September 2023

Sensitivity to weather conditions is the principal limitation of free-space optical communication. However, for the scattering based ultraviolet (UV) non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communication, the atmospheric scattering effect functions as an attenuation factor and potentially as a performance enhancer. To investigate the UV NLOS transmission coverage under different weather conditions, we employ the Mie Theory in conjunction with classical aerosol and hydrometeor particle models to estimate the absorption coefficient, the scattering coefficient, and the scattering phase function. We then use these atmospheric parameters combined with a range estimation model to determine the coverage of the UV NLOS communication for specified path loss. Simulation results reveal that in non-precipitating weather, poorer visibility correlates with broader coverage. In foggy conditions, the coverage range in light fog exceeds that in fog-free environments; however, as fog intensity increases, the coverage range decreases. Rain enhances the coverage range; and heavier precipitation results in a larger coverage area.
Virtual first impressions: Zoom backgrounds affect judgements of trust and competence
Authors: Cook Abi , Thompson Meg , Ross Paddy
Published: September 2023

Trait inferences from first impressions are drawn rapidly and spontaneously. However, the Covid-19 pandemic forced interactions online introducing differential influential factors on first impressions. As such, there is an absence of research investigating video background on videoconferencing impression formation. This study explored the influence of video background, facial expression, and gender on first impressions of trustworthiness and competence. Video background affected trustworthy and competence perceptions with Plants and Book backgrounds scoring highly on both dimensions while the Home and Novelty backgrounds consistently received the lowest ratings. Happy faces were perceived as more trustworthy and more competent while female faces were also rated as more trustworthy and more competent, regardless of the background they were using. The explanations for these findings are discussed, along with future directions for research and the implications for videoconferencing use.
Some Aspects of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Hassan Rusepno , Kasim Y.A.
Published: September 2023

A pediatric intensive care unit is a matter of fact indispensable for a pediatric hospital. The Pediatric Department of the Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, although not really a pediatric hospital, has a capacity of 300 beds for infants and young children; therefore, it is only natural that the department should acquire its own intensive care unit. On July 1, 1976, we established the Intensive Care Unit, furnished at first with simple equipments, and eventually with more modern ones. In the first ten months of operation we were able to treat 154 cases with a mortality rate of 51.9%. This high rate is mainly due to the severity of the cases treated and the delay of hospitalization.
Immune-mediated hemolysis after administration of human intravenous immunoglobulin in a dog: a case report
Authors: Kim Minji , Kim Youngju , Bae Hyeona , Jung Rankyung , Kang Minjeong , Cha Sumin , Cho Kyu-Woan , Jung Dong-In , Yu Do-Hyeon
Published: September 2023

A 10-year-old spayed female Maltese presented with purpura and hematemesis. Initial laboratory evaluation revealed immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, but evidence of hemolytic anemia was not identified. Three milligrams of human intravenous immunoglobulin (hIVIG) was administered for 3 hours following prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil. A pale mucous membrane was identified, and the packed cell volume decreased by 3%. Blood film examination revealed significant spherocytosis with auto-agglutination. Blood transfusions and immunosuppression were continued for 4 days, and hIVIG was discontinued. This report describes a case of increased immune-mediated hemolysis after hIVIG administration, possibly due to new-onset immune-mediated hemolytic anemia or enhanced immunogenicity.
Identification of Primary and Secondary Metabolites of Apis cerana Honey using FTIR-ATR Diamond Spectroscopy and Their Botanical Origin
Authors: Lestari Tiffany Hanik , Susandarini Ratna
Published: September 2023

Apis cerana Fab. is one of the popular honeybees species among beekeepers in Indonesia. This species is easy to care for and produces valuable honey products. Honey from A. cerana is abundantly available in traditional and modern markets in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to identify the primary and secondary metabolites in the honey produced by A. cerana using FTIR-ATR Diamond spectroscopy. Twelve samples of honey from three provinces in Java Island were used in this study. In general, all honey samples contained protein, carbohydrate, water, alcohol, cellulose, alkaloid, tannin, and flavonoid. Variation on primary and secondary metabolites in honey samples was strongly affected by the botanical origin, geographical origin, and the local condition around beekeeping areas where the honeycombs were placed.
Conservation of a WWII Supermarine Spitfire section wing
Authors: Paillaux Eve , Bampitzaris Sotiris , Echinard Jane , Baron Gilles , Escobar-Claros Cesar , Brunet Magali , Robbiola Luc , Guilminot Elodie
Published: September 2023

This study focuses on a WWII Supermarine Spitfire aircraft section wing conservation, salvaged from the seabed in 1988 and stored in a private garden. The object was in poor condition so decisions on the conservation, preservation or removal of parts of the original elements were needed. Firstly, the wing fragment was studied to determine its heritage interest and to assess its historical, industrial, technical and scientific values. This object will become a memorial to the pilot who died during the mission, in his hometown. The conservation project aims to find the best solution to both conservation priorities and exhibition needs. Based on cleaning tests on corroded, painted aluminium alloys carried out within the PROCRAFT Project, a treatment was determined. This case serves as an example of how the results of a European project can be implemented in a conservation-restoration process and how industrial conservation theory can be applied to archaeological artefacts.
Comparative assessment of paint systems for use on heritage artillery at coastal forts in England: experimental design and interim report
Authors: Smith William , Watkinson David , Emmerson Nicola , Lankester Paul , Thickett David , Leins Ian
Published: September 2023

This work aims to harmonise conservation practises for 20th century artillery housed in forts around the English coast by identifying a suitable protective coating for the nation-wide collection. Groups of analogue samples of five coating systems are undergoing 15 months of accelerated aging in the laboratory and three years real-time in situ exposure at two coastal sites in the UK. The impact of this on their chemical, physical, aesthetic and protective properties is being measured using pull-off tests, impact testing, colourimetry, FTIR, oxygen consumption and EIS. Results of the physical tests at three and six months accelerated aging and one year in situ exposure are reported in this paper. Based on set criteria and this data set, the Sherwin Williams 1 epoxy coating system is currently the best performing system.
Data analysis techniques for the visualization and classification of historical vehicle engines’ health status using data-driven solutions
Authors: Carrino Stefano , Meyer Luca , Dreyer Jonathan , Chalançon Brice , Roda-Buch Alejandro , Brambilla Laura
Published: September 2023

In the field of cultural heritage, the use of non-destructive techniques to determine the state of conservation of an artifact is of the utmost importance, to avoid damage to the object itself. In this paper, we present a data pipeline and several machine learning techniques for the visualization, analysis and characterization of engines in historical vehicles. The paper investigates the use of vibro-acoustic signals acquired from the engines in different states of conservation and working conditions to train machine learning solutions. Data are classified according to their state of health and the presence of anomalies. The t-SNE algorithm is used for dimensionality reduction for data visualization. The machine learning algorithms tested showed encouraging performance in associating acoustic emission data with the engine signature, the type of anomaly and the working conditions. Nevertheless, a larger dataset would allow us to improve and strengthen the results.
“Rare and vital”: positive terminology, contemporary relevance and robust teaching options for heritage maker trades
Authors: Wain Alison , Stein Jesse Adams , Cleghorn Mitchell
Published: September 2023

Manual trades from the past are often referred to negatively as “lost”, “dying” or “forgotten”, driving perceptions that such skills are unimportant in the present and future. Such trades, however, remain vital in some industries, promote wellbeing and social empowerment and are important for meeting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper puts forward constructive and positive alternative terminology for these skills, including “rare”, “vital”, “heritage” and “maker trades”. The second section engages with issues in teaching these skills effectively. This includes educational and economic contexts, student and teacher expectations and issues such as accreditation and certification. The third section of this paper discusses practical solutions for teaching these skills in contemporary educational settings. Options include embracing work integrated learning (WIL) paths within broader tertiary courses, targeting mid-career learners, and splitting skill acquisition into base maker skills and specific industry skills for more distributed teaching opportunities.
Empirical Assessment of the Effect of Financial Reporting Components on Investment Decisions of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria
Authors: Akinadewo Israel Seriki , Al-Amen Saliu , Dagunduro Muyiwa Emmanuel , Akinadewo Jeremiah O.
Published: September 2023

Financial reporting is a critical aspect of business operations that enables companies to communicate relevant financial information to their stakeholders. The primary goal of financial reporting is to provide investors with information that can assist them in making informed investment decisions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of financial reporting on the investment decisions of SMEs. The study made use of primary data. Primary data was collected using an interview guide and questionnaires, with respondents being those in charge of making investment decisions in the firm under study or their agents. The questionnaire included both closed-ended and Likert-type questions. 150 questionnaires were administered out of which 100 were completed and returned. In order to ensure the reliability of the measures used in this research, the researcher conducted a random re-test exercise within the population sample of the study. The study findings indicate that financial reporting has a significant impact on the investment decisions of SMEs. The comprehensive income statement, statement of financial position, cash flow statement, and the statement of changes in shareholder's equity were found to have a significant positive effect on investment decisions. This finding implies that investors consider the information contained in these financial statements when making investment decisions. The study results state the importance of including all financial statements in financial reporting, as each statement provides unique information that can be relevant to investors. The study therefore recommended among other things; The Nigerian government and regulatory bodies should strive to improve financial reporting standards for SMEs, SMEs in Nigeria should be encouraged to undergo financial literacy education to improve their understanding of financial statements, the government should provide incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies to SMEs that prepare and disseminate comprehensive financial report.
Economic Impact and Coping Mechanisms of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (S.M.E.s) in Nigeria during Currency Redesign
Authors: Aladejebi Olufemi , Oladimeji Johnson Abiodun , Bukola Amao-Taiwo
Published: September 2023

On October 26, 2022, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced a redesign of the N1, 000, N500, and N200 Naira currency notes to promote a cashless economy. Despite the well-intentioned government initiative, this policy posed significant challenges to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, resulting in decreased sales and productivity. This study aims to assess the impact of the currency redesign on small business performance, gauge awareness and preparedness among SMEs regarding the redesign, explore coping mechanisms employed by SMEs during the currency overhaul in Lagos, Nigeria, and propose enhancements for future currency redesign strategies. Utilizing a structured online questionnaire, primary data was collected from 310 SMEs in the Yaba/Ojuelegba region of Lagos, Nigeria, employing a stratified random sampling technique. Both SPSS and Excel were utilized for data analysis. The findings indicated a considerable awareness of the currency redesign among business owners, yet inadequate preparedness due to limited resources and information. The currency redesign had a negative impact on SMEs, particularly in terms of decreased sales, but had little impact on workforce reductions. Price adjustments and better terms with suppliers were among the coping strategies, with point of sale (P.O.S.) machines emerging as the primary alternative payment method. Increased publicity, extended implementation periods, ample new currency supply, harmonized policies across government branches, alignment of monetary and fiscal policies, and increased implementation flexibility are among the recommendations for improved future implementations.
Competitive Advantage Based on the Resources of E-Commerce Platforms in Vietnam
Authors: Huong Nguyen Thi Thu , Dung Nguyen Thuy
Published: September 2023

With the growing socio-economic environment, the industrial revolution 4.0 appears in all areas of life. In Vietnam, buying and selling on e-commerce platforms is growing. This creates increasingly fierce competition among businesses in this industry. The study aims to explore the competitive strategies of e-commerce platforms in Vietnam today. The article uses the expert interview method combined with the document research method to analyze how to create a competitive advantage based on the resources of e-commerce platforms in Vietnam, such as Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada, Tiki, and Sendo. Research shows that successful e-commerce platforms all try to focus on creating advantages from valuable, rare, inimitable, and non-substitutable resources, in which human resources, finance, and customer data play an essential role. From the research results, the article makes recommendations for the remaining enterprises in the industry to gain a sustainable competitive advantage in their own "home turf."
Social Responsibility and Hospitality: Strengthening Tourism on the Costa da Mata Atlântica/Brazil
Authors: Pozo Hamilton , Silva Thames Richard , Souza-Mossini Fábio Emmerich , Durante Denise , Guimarães Luciana Maria
Published: September 2023

This study aims to expand the analysis of and initiatives in implementing social responsibility in hospitality and tourism. To this end, a theoretical scenario of the specific nature of social responsibility and hospitality was configured to understand what shapes organizations' decision-making factors regarding market principles. Social responsibility, often confused with philanthropy, has become of utmost importance for organizations given the present context of global climate change and the search for sustainability. Hospitality is a differentiating factor and competitive advantage for companies seeking to maintain a strong market position. The methodological approach adopted was a case study based on two data sources: a literature review and other empirical qualitative and quantitative studies. That resulted in a research tool applied to eight Costa da Mata Atlântica, Brazil tourism organizations. The results reveal beliefs and values that influence these organizations' increased involvement and interaction in tourism. The findings have implications primarily for strengthening tourism in the Costa da Mata Atlântica and supporting the development of a management framework for the organizations surveyed.