bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of The City Meaning in Three Paintings by Agung Tato (Semiotics Approach Of Charles Sanders Peirce’)
Authors: Tjahyadi Indra
Published: September 2022

A painting is not just a meaningless manifestation of human artisticcreation. A painting is also a manifestation of a meaningful signcreated by a painter. This article focuses its study on the meaning ofthe city that is represented in three paintings by Agung Tato entitledSecond Level, City of Tommorow, and B…..The theory that it is usedto reveal the meaning of the three paintings by Agung Tato is CharlesSanders Peirce's semiotics theory. The method which used in thisstudy is an interpretive qualitative method. The interpretation factorof the sign which the basis of the analysis work is the factor that leadsthe choice of this method in this article. Based on the analysis that hasbeen done, it was found that in Agung Tato's painting of the city isinterpreted as an inhumane geography. Human is no longer as asubject who becomes central to the development or growth of a city.The city exists as a city itself, apart from the various living things inthe universe.
Entity of Behavioral Arts Performing Music Tradition Jaranan Pogogan During Pandemic
Authors: Tri Laksono Yunanto
Published: September 2022

Changes in art and culture require a period of interrelated change withthe existence of a virtual-based creative industry during the pandemic.These changes occur because of the community's efforts to adapt tonew needs, conditions, and conditions that arise in line with thegrowth of society. The government's policy is to carry out all activitiesat home, in order to cut the chain of the spread of the COVID-19pandemic, which is a tough test for art and cultural actors. Thecondition of the performers of arts and culture is not far from the twothings that must be canceled or postponed. However, the actors stillsurvive by holding virtual shows. Performers of arts and culture invitethe audience to donate to communities affected by the COVID-19pandemic through the holding of the virtual show. The unfavorableimpact of changing the virtual performing arts culture is changingthings that are abstract to concrete, and vice versa, namely fromconcrete to abstract. Making creative industry players of traditionalperforming arts, in this case the owners of capital, can easily savevarious costs of the production process. Another impact is that itmakes the appreciator, in this case humans, no longer able to interactwith fellow humans because they spend more of their timeappreciating the show virtually
Last but not Least Important Variant: The Most Negative Gibbs Energy of Binding Indicates the Greatest Infectivity of the BA.2.75 Compared with Other SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Popovic Marko
Published: September 2022

Omicron BA.2.75 may become the next globally dominant strain of COVID-19 in 2022. BA.2.75 sub-variant has acquired more mutations (9) in spike protein and other genes of SARS-CoV-2 than any other variant. Thus, its chemical composition and thermodynamic properties have changed comparing to earlier variants. In this paper Gibbs energy of binding and antigen-receptor binding rate is reported for the BA.2.75 variant. Gibbs energy of binding (driving force of binding) of Omicron BA.2.75 variant is more negative than that of the competing variants BA.2 and BA.5.
Calcium-Bound S100P Protein is a Promiscuous Binding Partner of the Four-Helical Cytokines
Authors: Kazakov Alexey S. , Deryusheva Evgenia I. , Permyakova Maria E. , Sokolov Andrey S. , Rastrygina Victoria A. , Uversky Vladimir N. , Permyakov Eugene A. , Permyakov Sergei E.
Published: September 2022

S100 proteins are multifunctional calcium-binding proteins of vertebrates that act intracellularly, extracellularly, or both, and are engaged in the progression of many socially significant diseases. Their extracellular action is typically mediated by the recognition of specific receptor proteins. Besides, recent studies indicate the ability of some S100 proteins to affect cytokine signaling through direct interaction with cytokines. S100P was shown to be the S100 protein most actively involved in interactions with some of four-helical cytokines. To assess selectivity of S100P protein binding to four-helical cytokines, we have probed interaction of Ca2+-bound recombinant human S100P with a panel of 32 four-helical human cytokines covering all structural families of this fold, using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. 22 cytokines from all families of four-helical cytokines are S100P binders with the equilibrium dissociation constants, Kd, ranging from 1 nM to 3 µM (below the Kd value for the S100P complex with the V domain of its conventional receptor, receptor for advanced glycation end products, RAGE). Molecular docking and mutagenesis studies revealed the presence in the S100P molecule of a cytokine-binding site, which overlaps with the RAGE-binding site. Since S100 binding to four-helical cytokines inhibits their signaling in some cases, the revealed ability of S100P protein to interact with ca 71% of the four-helical cytokines indicates that S100P may serve as a poorly selective inhibitor of their action.
The Tetrahydrofuran Motif in Marine Lipids and Terpenes
Authors: González-Andrés Paula , Fernández-Peña Laura , Díez-Poza Carlos , Barbero Asunción
Published: September 2022

heterocycles are particularly common moieties within marine natural products. Specifically, tetrahydrofuranyl rings are present in a variety of compounds which present complex structures and interesting biological activities. Focusing on terpenoids, a high number of tetrahydrofuran-containing metabolites have been isolated during the last decades. They show promising biological activities, making them potential leads for novel antibiotics, antikinetoplastid drugs, amoebicidal substances or anticancer drugs. Thus, they have attracted the attention of the synthetic community, and numerous approaches to their total syntheses have appeared. Here, we offer the reader an overview of marine-derived terpenoids and related compounds, with a special focus on their isolation, structure determination, biological profiles and total syntheses.
SARS-Cov-2 in Asymptomatic and Mild Infections in a Hungarian Outpatient Cohort in the First Year of the Pandemic
Authors: Jankovics István , Müller Cecília , Gönczöl Éva , Visontai Ildikó , Varga István , Lőrincz Márta , Kuti Dávid , Hasitz Ágnes , Malik Péter , Ursu Krisztina , Bányász Borbála , Sarkadi Júlia , Dénes Béla
Published: September 2022

We aimed to estimate the proportion of the population infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the first year of the pandemic. The study population consisted of outpatient adults with mild or no COVID-19 symptoms, and was divided into subpopulations with different levels of exposures. Of the subpopulation without known previous COVID-19 contacts 4143, of the subpopulation with known COVID-19 contacts 594 persons were investigated. IgG- and IgA-seroprevalence and RT-PCR positivity were determined in context with COVID-19 symptoms. We hope to have contributed to the understanding of the significance of the asymptomatic and mild infections in the long persistence of the pandemic.
Barriers and Recommendations for a Cervical Cancer Screening Program among Women in Low-resource Settings in Lagos Nigeria: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Olubodun Tope , Balogun Mobolanle Rasheedat , Odeyemi Kofoworola Abimbola , Odukoya Oluwakemi Ololade , Ogunyemi Adedoyin Oyeyimika , Kanma - Okafor Oluchi , Okafor Ifeoma Peace , Olubodun Ayodeji Bamidele , Ogundele Oluwatoyin Olanrewaju Progress , Ogunnowo Babatunde , Osibogun Akin
Published: September 2022

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally despite being a largely treatable and preventable malignancy. Developing countries account for over 80% of all new cases of cervical cancer. Women residing in low-resource settings such as those residing in slums have a higher risk of cervical cancer, and lower uptake of cervical cancer screening. Diverse barriers influence the uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in low-resource settings. Objectives: This qualitative study was carried out prior to a cervical cancer screening program and explored women’s knowledge about cervical cancer, and their perceived barriers and recommendations for the program.Method: Four focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted among 35 women between the ages of 21 – 65 years residing in two urban slums in Lagos, Nigeria. Each FGD was limited to 8-10 participants of women of similar ages. Voice recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysis was done using thematic analysis.Results: Most of the women were not aware of cervical cancer and none knew the symptoms or risk factors of cervical cancer. The participants felt that the cervical cancer screening program would be well accepted in the community, however, they expressed concerns about the cost of the screening test and the sex of the person performing the test. The recommendations proffered for a successful cervical cancer screening program include; reducing the cost of the test or providing the test free of charge, having people that speak the local language as part of the team, using female health care providers, using a private location within the community or nearby PHC, and publicizing the program with the use of SMS, phone calls, town crier, and health talks. It was recommended that organizing health education sessions would help improve women’s poorly perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer.Conclusion: Interventions to increase uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in low resource settings need to improve knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer and address the barriers to cervical cancer screening such as cost, distance, and as much as possible, sex of the healthcare provider should be considered.
Philosophy of Family Center Care (FCC) in Child Nursing
Authors: Kurnia Iqlima Dwi , Arief Yuni Sufyanti , Pandin Moses Glorino Rumambo
Published: September 2022

Family-Centered Care (FCC) as a philosophy is defined as a care provider that emphasizes and involves the important role of the family. However, there are several obstacles in implementing family center care for children where parents have different perceptions from health workers. Parents are angry when they are involved in a job they consider to be a nurse's job and the attitude of nurses prevents parents from participating. This difference in perception causes the implementation of Family Center Care (FCC) has not been carried out optimally, this has an impact on discomfort during treatment. Along with the not yet optimal implementation of family center care when providing care to children, further discussion is needed regarding the philosophy of child nursing with a family center care approach. The reasons for the importance of implementing family center care include building a collaborative system, focusing on family strengths and resources.
Misdiagnosis of Extraskeletal Osteochondroma in the Foot
Authors: Lynch-Wong Matthew , Wilson Robert Alistair , Wong-Chung John , Sharaf-Eldin Osama
Published: September 2022

Cases:

Two women presented with newly growing callosities beneath the first and second metatarsal heads, initially believed to reflect gastrocnemius tightness and plantar plate pathology. In another man, swelling at the posterolateral aspect of the heel was mistaken for a Haglund deformity. Subsequent imaging of each patient led to delayed diagnosis of extraskeletal osteochondroma (ESO). Surgical excision resolved symptoms in all 3 with no recurrence over 12 months later.

Conclusions:

Whenever bony prominences newly develop in soft tissues of the foot, ESO should be suspected and appropriate imaging obtained. We describe physical features to help differentiate ESO from other common causes of foot overload.
Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Rupture and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse
Authors: Ikumi Akira , Ichimura Harumitsu , Asanuma Sho , Nagashima Katsuya , Takeuchi Yousuke , Tatsumura Masaki , Mammoto Takeo , Ogawa Takeshi , Yoshii Yuichi , Hirano Atsushi , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: September 2022

Case:

We report a case of flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon rupture and carpal tunnel syndrome due to scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse deformity. Intraoperative findings showed disruption of the palmar joint capsule and a sharp proximal bone fragment protruding into the carpal tunnel. Removal of this proximal fragment and tendon grafting were performed. At the postoperative 2-year follow-up, the patient had no wrist pain, finger numbness, or restriction of thumb motion.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as proximal pole or osteophyte resection, might be optimal choices for early rehabilitation after tendon repair in cases of FPL tendon rupture due to asymptomatic scaphoid nonunion.
Brucellosis Spondylodiscitis
Authors:   Professor and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, Elisbridge, Ahmedabad 380006, India., Patel Mukesh , Raval Himanshu ,   Resident, Department of Neurosurgery,Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, Elisbridge, Ahmedabad 380006, India.
Published: September 2022

Brucellosis is neglected but important zoonotic disease when it comes about spondylodiscitis. Here, we are presenting rare case of 54 years old male with brucellosis spondylodiscitis which is diagnosed by serum agglutinin test and had undergone L5-S1 Level discectomy with L5 Partial coprpectomy with L4-L5-S1 Screw and rod fixation for the same. Postoperative period was uneventful and he was discharged on fourth postoperative day with complete neurological recovery. Due to atypical presentation and prevalence of spinal tuberculosis, diagnosis of brucellosis is challenging but with proper investigation battery and right treatment, patient can be saved from greater morbidity. Keywords: Brucellosis; Spondylodiscitis; Zoonotic disease.
Leader Sets up the Direction for the Spiral of Evolution between Employees and Customers
Authors: Chang Yu Hsin , Hsu Wen Ling
Published: September 2022

After environmental selection, co-evolution produces similar and interdependent relationships of species through cooperation and competition. Likewise, a co-evolution exists between employees and customers in enterprises, while leaders dominate the selection factors. The direction that the leaders set up eliminates the unsuitable employees and customers who fail to bring benefits to the enterprise. Since leaders could largely affect the development of enterprises, this study conducted in-depth interviews with leaders of three small enterprises. Next, based on Grounded Theory, the data gathered were summarized into five categories: (1) interaction, (2) selection factors, (3) benefits, (4) adaptability, and (5) limitation. Then, these categories, which drive the tripartite relationship of leaders, employees, and customers, were merged into two concepts, namely, the internal personal factor and the external enterprise factor. The interaction among these three parties forms a leader-oriented co-evolution spiral between employees and customers. This study believes that under the co-evolution and selection factors formulated by the leaders of the organization, employees, and customers who remain connected in the enterprise would treat each other as family members and friends.
Dietary and lifestyle associations with microbiome diversity
Authors: Watson Katherine M. , Siemens MBSc Kyla N. , Anand Sudarshan , Gardner Ivy H. , Sharpton Thomas J. , Dewey MS Elizabeth N. , Martindale MD Robert , Gaulke Christopher A. , Tsikitis
Published: September 2022

Background
Microbial dysbiosis has been closely linked with colorectal cancer development. However, data is limited regarding the relationship of the mucosal microbiome, adenomatous polyps and dietary habits. Understanding these associations may elucidate pathways for risk stratification according to diet.
Results
Patients undergoing screening colonoscopy were included in our prospective, single center study and divided into adenoma or no adenoma cohorts. Oral, fecal, and mucosal samples were obtained. Microbial DNA was extracted, and amplicon libraries generated using primers for the 16S rRNA gene V4 region. Patient and dietary information was collected. Of 104 participants, 44% presented with polyps, which were predominantly tubular adenomas (87%). Adenoma formation and multiple patient dietary and lifestyle characteristics were associated with mucosal microbiome diversity. Lifestyle factors included age, body mass index, adenoma number, and dietary consumption of red meats, processed meats, vegetables, fruit, grain, fermented foods and alcohol.
Conclusion
In this study we showed associations between dietary habits, adenoma formation and the mucosal microbiome. These early findings suggest that ongoing research into diet modification may help reduce adenoma formation and subsequently the development of CRC.
The effects of Social Media Marketing on Consumers Buying Decision Making Processes evidence from College of Business and Economics Students, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
Authors: Dessie Tsadiku Setegne , Baylie Abaynesh Degu , Yimer Ahmed Mohammed , Amera Mekdes Birara
Published: September 2022

The main objective of the study was to investigate the effects of social media marketing on Consumers buying decision making processes. Specifically an explanatory research design was employed to examine the effects of social media Ads, social media WOM, users’ presence period on social media, users’ exposure time on social media, users’ number of social media account and users’ level of trust in social media on a consumers buying decision making processes. To achieve the objective of the study, the primary data was collected from a sample 279 students of college of business and economics at Bahir Dar University through questionnaire by applying a convenience sampling techniques. The collected data from sample students were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency percentage & mean and inferential statistics such as correlation and multiple regression on SPSS version 23 software package .The study revealed and concluded that Electronic Word of Mouth (E-WOM), Users' Presence Period, Social Media Ads, Users' level of trust and Users' exposure time have a statistically significant positive influence on a consumers buying decision making processes while users’ number of social media account were not statistical significant factor to determine consumer buying behaviour. Finally the study recommended that marketers should have to; use affiliate marketing, align themselves with other trusted brands, publications & influencers/opinion leaders, keep open and honest communication on social media, offer different benefit such as after sales service to the customer to generate positive word of mouth and should have to use the right combination of video, photo, banners, model and creator of social media that will encourage prospective consumers to purchase.
Consumer perception of brand equity based on environmental sustainability - development and validation of a scale
Authors: Diego Luiz , Holanda Francisco Sandro Rodrigues
Published: September 2022

Brands gradually became the core dimension and strategic asset of branding for organizations of all sizes, and today many companies adopt various forms of green marketing activities as part of their strategies. The objective of this study was to investigate and develop the psychometric properties of precision and validity of a scale for brand evaluation equity based on environmental sustainability. The scale was validated by adopting the standards described in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing APA. As samples for validation tests, eight companies were selected from those developing their sustainable business. The data were applied to 262 potential consumers. A scale with 22 items was constructed and validated, and after evaluation by the specialists, 22 items were obtained, divided into four dimensions: Brand quality perception — BQP (6 questions); Strategic Brand Positioning – SBP (10 questions); Willingness to purchase — WtB (3 questions) and Innovation in retail — INM (3 questions). Three items were modified because they presented the CVC at 0.8 and were accepted after the adjustments. The instrument items showed good internal consistency (0.877) regarding their domains. For DIF data, the scale invariably works for older and younger people for almost all items, except item INM 04. This article fills the gap in the literature by developing a scale to assess consumer perception of brand equity and environmental sustainability.
Efficacy and prognosis of multiple neoadjuvant therapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Sun Yi , Ren Fang , Li Gailing , Hai Panpan , Cao Yuan , Han Pin , Liu Yuchen , Wen Jing , Wang Yuanpei , Cheng Xiaoran
Published: September 2022

Objective
To investigate the short-term efficacy and prognosis of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (arterial interventional chemotherapy and intravenous chemotherapy) combined with surgery and concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.
Methods
A total of 187 patients with stage IB3-IIB cervical cancer hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to May 2019 were included in this study. According to the inclusion criteria, these patients were pathologically confirmed to be cervical squamous cell carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma or adenocarcinoma and completed the treatment according to the established protocol. According to the treatment methods, they were divided into three groups: neoadjuvant arterial interventional chemotherapy + surgery + chemotherapy group (IA-NAC + RS) which included 40 patients, neoadjuvant intravenous chemotherapy + surgery + chemotherapy group (IV-NAC + RS) which included 63 patients and concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (CCRT) which included 84 patients. The prognosis of the three groups and the chemotherapy efficacy, intraoperative blood loss, operation time and postoperative pathological risk factors of different neoadjuvant therapy groups were compared.
Results
①There were no significant differences in the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate, 3-year progression free survival (PFS) rate, 5-year OS rate, and 5-year PFS rate among the three groups (p > 0.05). ②The chemotherapy response rates of IA-NAC + RS group (37.5%) and IV-NAC + RS group (25.4%) were comparable (p > 0.05). ③The intraoperative blood loss in the IA-NAC + RS group (average 92.13 ± 84.09ml) was lower than that in the IV-NAC + RS group (average 127.2 ± 82.36ml), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). ④The operation time of the IA-NAC + RS group (average 231.43 ± 63.10min) and the IV-NAC + RS group (average 219.82 ± 49.11min)were comparable (p > 0.05). ⑤There were no significant differences between the IA-NAC + RS group and IV-NAC + RS group in postoperative pathological lymph node metastasis, parametrial invasion and involvement of lymphovascular space (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with surgery had the same long-term survival benefit as concurrent chemoradiotherapy; neoadjuvant arterial chemotherapy could achieve better short-term efficacy than neoadjuvant intravenous chemotherapy without increasing the risk of postoperative pathological risk factors.
Carcinogenic and non – carcinogenic health risks of heavy metals in drinking water of district Mahendergarh, Haryana, India
Authors: Chahal Kavita , Kumar Suneel , Budhwar Savita , Singh Ranjeet , Panghal Amanjeet , Singh Balvinder
Published: September 2022

In the present research work, the study has been carried out on carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic toxic effects for inhabitants due to exposure to heavy metals through dermal and ingestion of drinking water. Present research data assessment has been carried out for the first time; no record has been collected earlier. The maximum concentration of heavy metals was evaluated for Nickel and Arsenic metals, respectively. The average concentration values of heavy metals were found in increasing order as: Ni > As > Cr > Hg > Mn > Cu > Fe > Cd > Zn > Co = Pb 15.36 > 10.3 > 4.73 > 3.32 > 1.43 > 0.27 > 0.246 > 0.068 > 0.06 mg/l respectively. Also, the highest value of incremental lifetime cancer risk was evaluated due to chromium metal. The Hazard Index > 1 was recorded, concluding that non-carcinogenic health risk via ingestion of water, and the Hazard Index < 1 for dermal contact of water, concluded the low risk of non-carcinogenic health risk. These results disclose a new avenue for the removal of these hazardous metals from drinking water. Also, assist future researchers to plan for a healthy life for living things and the present work can be useful for the development of ideas for potential risk control and management.
Thresholds and Mechanisms of Human Magnetophosphene Perception Induced by Alternating Magnetic Fields
Authors: Legros Alexandre , Nissi Janita , Laakso Ilkka , Kavet Robert , Modolo Julien
Published: September 2022

Time-varying Magnetic Fields (MF) are a cornerstone of major modern healthcare technologies and are also a byproduct of our modern environment. Virtually everyone is exposed to power-frequency MF (50/60 Hz), inducing in our body electric fields and currents, potentially modulating brain function. MF-induced electric fields within the central nervous system can generate flickering visual perceptions (magnetophosphenes), which form the basis of international MF exposure guidelines and recommendations protecting workers and the general public. However, magnetophosphene perception thresholds were estimated 40 years ago in a small, unreplicated study with significant uncertainties and leaving open the question of the underlying mechanism. Here, we report magnetophosphene perception in 81 volunteers exposed to MF (eye or occipital exposure) between 0 and 50 mT at frequencies of 20, 50, 60 and 100 Hz. Frequency-dependent threshold were quantified and support an interaction between induced electric fields and retinal rod cells. Beyond fundamental and immediate implications for international guidelines and recommendations, these results have translational potential for the differential diagnosis of retinal disorders.
Antigenic molecular mimicry in viralmediated protection from cancer: the HIV case.
Authors: Manolio Carmen , Ragone Concetta , Cavalluzzo Beatrice , Mauriello Angela , Tornesello Maria Lina , Buonaguro Franco M. , Megna Angelo Salomone , D’Alessio Giovanna , Penta Roberta , Tagliamonte Maria , Buonaguro Luigi
Published: September 2022

Background: People living with HIV /AIDS (PLWHA) show a reduced incidence for three cancer types, namely breast, prostate and colon cancers. In the present study, we assessed whether a molecular mimicry between HIV epitopes and tumor associated antigens and, consequently, a T cell cross-reactivity could provide an explanation for such an epidemiological evidence.
Methods: Homology between published TAAs and non-self HIV-derived epitopes have been assessed by BLAST homology. Structural analyses have been performed by bioinformatics tools. Immunological validation of CD8+ T cell cross-reactivity has been evaluated ex vivo by tetramer staining.
Findings: Sequence homologies between multiple TAAs and HIV epitopes have been found. High structural similarities between the paired TAAs and HIV epitopes as well as comparable patterns of contact with HLA and TCR α and β chains have been observed. Furthermore, cross-reacting CD8+ T cells have been identified.
Interpretation: This is the first study showing a molecular mimicry between HIV antigens an TAAs identified in breast, prostate and colon cancers. Therefore, it is highly reasonable that memory CD8+ T cells elicited during the HIV infection may play a key role in controlling development and progression of such cancers in the PLWHA lifetime. This represents the first demonstration ever that a viral infection may induce a natural “preventive” anti-cancer memory T cells, with highly relevant implications beyond the HIV infection.
Nonlinear Thermal Radiation Effect on 3D Nanofluid Flow with Convective and Slip Condition via Stretching/Shrinking Surface
Authors: Jagadeesh Shiva , Reddy M. Chenna krishna , Tarakaramu Nainaru , Sivakumar Narsu , Sivajothi Ramalingam
Published: September 2022

A numerical technique for the nonlinear thermal radiation effect on 3D (“Three Dimensional”) nanofluid (NFs) motion through shrinking or stretching surface with convective boundary condition is examined. In this investigation we use the convective and velocity slip conditions. The governing equations were converted into a set of couple non-linear ODE’s by suitable similarity transformations. The converted nonlinear equations are obtained by applying R-K-F (“Range-Kutta-Fehlberg”) procedure along with shooting technique. The physical parameters are explained graphically on velocity, temperature and concentration. Moreover, we found the coefficient of skin friction, rate of heat transfer with various nanofluid parameters. It is very good agreement when compared with previous study.
Fabrication of a 3D high-resolution implant for neural stimulation - challenges and solutions
Authors: Shpun Gal , Farah Nairouz , Chemla Yoav , Markus Amos , Gerber Doron , Zalevsky Zeev , Mandel Yossi
Published: September 2022

Background -
Tissue-integrated micro-electronic devices for neural stimulation hold a great potential in restoring the functionality of degenerated organs, specifically, retinal prostheses, which are aimed at vision restoration. The fabrication process of 3D polymer-metal devices with high resolution and a high aspect-ratio (AR) is very complex and faces many challenges that impair its functionality.
Approach -
Here we describe the optimization of the fabrication process of a bio-functionalized 3D high-resolution 1mm circular subretinal implant composed of SU-8 polymer integrated with dense gold microelectrodes (23µm pitch) passivated with 3D micro-well-like structures (20µm diameter, 3µm resolution). To this end, a nickel (Ni) evaporated silicon (Si) wafer was sequentially spin-coated with SU-8 and photolithographed layer-by-layer, with a sharp electrode formation achieved through a two-step bi-layer lift-off process using LOR/AZ, followed by Cr/Au thin-layer sputter deposition to increase the adhesion. Next, the device was released by overnight Ni wet-etching using nitric acid, after which it was bio-functionalized with N2 plasma treatment and the addition of the bio-adhesion molecule arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD).
Main results - In-vitro
and in-vivo investigations, including SEM and FIB cross section examinations, revealed a good structural design, as well as a good integration of the device in the rat sub-retinal space and cell migration into the wells. The reported process and optimization steps described here in detail can aid in the design and fabrication of similar neural implants.
Conclusions -
The reported process and optimization steps described here in detail can aid in the design and fabrication of retinal prosthetic devices or similar neural implants.
Urban Area Extraction Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Saraswat Ajay , Ghosh Sanjay Kumar , Kumar Sumit
Published: September 2022

Urbanization is the major concern nowadays for the whole world as it is increasing at a very tremendous rate. Several studies have already been conducted and new researches still going on in this particular field. Considering optical data for urban mapping is a challenging task using conventional supervised classification methods. A new method of classification needs to be developed to overcome this problem. In the study, Decision Tree, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based machine learning classifiers have been used for urban area classification. For the study, high resolution Sentinel-2A satellite image is considered so as to get the efficient urban map of area around Roorkee, Haridwar. Spectral features are good at discriminating classes to some extent but intermixing of pixels in few bands affects the accuracy. In this study, extraction of average spectral reflectance features of each class in different bands is considered as a feature attribute and combined with the geo-coordinates at the point locations in a data-frame to train the classifiers and urban area maps are created using these classifiers. Machine learning models such as Decision Tree, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models have been trained using the training dataset to classify the urban area and accuracy assessment is performed to get the best classifier. The overall accuracy for the above classifiers is in preferring order as 94.50, 93.00, 92.00 and 91.5% respectively for SVM, RF, NN and Decision Tree. Our result showed that SVM model performs best, followed by RF, ANN and decision tree. ANN and decision tree are relatively poorer in terms of urban area extraction.
Identification and initial characterization of Hfq-associated sRNAs in Histophilus somni strain 2336
Authors: Subhadra Bindu , Cao Dianjun , Jensen Roderick , Caswell Clayton , Inzana Thomas J.
Published: September 2022

Background
Small RNAs (sRNA), in association with the global chaperone regulator Hfq, positively or negatively regulate gene expression in bacteria. For this study, Histophilus somni sRNAs that bind to Hfq were first identified and then partially characterized to initiate understanding their role in regulation of virulence factors, which is unknown in H. somni.
Results
The Hfq-associated sRNAs in H. somni were first identified by co-immunoprecipitation using anti-Hfq antibody, followed by sRNA sequencing. Sequence analysis of the sRNA samples identified 180 putative sRNAs, out of which 17 were present in pathogenic strain 2336, but not in non-pathogenic strain 129Pt. Bioinformatic analyses depicted that the sRNAs HS9, HS79, and HS97 bound to the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) of many genes involved in virulence/biofilm formation. Furthermore, multi-sequence alignment of these sRNA candidates revealed that these sRNAs could interact with sigma-54, which is a transcription factor linked to important bacterial traits, including motility, virulence, and biofilm formation. Northern blotting was used to determine the approximate size, abundance and any alternate splice products of sRNAs. Two bands of ~ 115 bp and ~ 60 bp were identified for sRNA HS9, sRNA HS79 had three bands of ~ 80 bp, ~ 130 bp and ~ 300 bp, and two bands of ~ 140 bp and ~ 200 bp were identified for HS97. All three sRNA candidates were confirmed to bind Hfq, as determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays using sRNAs synthesized by in vitro transcription and recombinant Hfq. The exact transcriptional start site of the sRNA candidates were determined by RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of cDNA ends, followed by cloning and sequencing.
Conclusions
In this study, a number of Hfq-associated sRNAs were identified and characterized in the bovine pathogen, H. somni 2336. Analysis of these sRNAs showed that they may be driven by environmental factors and mayave important regulatory roles in H. somni virulence and biofilm formation.
Exploration of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of Luo Tong formula on retinal function in diabetic rats via the “gut microbiota-inflammation-retina” axis
Authors: Di Sha , Yao Chensi , Qiao Liping , Li Xiuyang , Pang Bing , Lin Jiaran , Wang Jia , Li Min , Tong Xiaolin
Published: September 2022

Background
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes. Luo Tong formula (LTF), a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, consists of four plants that have been widely and effectively used to treat DR. Previous work in our laboratory has confirmed that LTF can effectively ameliorate DR. However, the potential mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of LTF on DR has not been fully elucidated. To explore the potential mechanism of action through which LTF prevents and alleviates DR from an inflammation and gut microbiota perspective.
Materials and Methods
Metabolite profiling of LTF was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Type 1 diabetes was induced in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats via tail vein injection of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin. Next, 125 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, normal control; diabetic control; diabetic + insulin + calcium dobesilate; and diabetic + insulin + LTF. After 12 weeks of treatment, glucose metabolism, fundus oculi, blood-retinal barrier permeability, retinal thickness, microvascular damage, as well as cell junction expression in retinas were measured and the changes observed in different groups were compared. Finally, the alteration in gut microbiota and inflammatory cytokine expression in serum and tissues were monitored, and their correlation was analyzed.
Results
A total of 1024 valid peaks were obtained for LTF using GC-MS. The HbA1c and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels in the LTF group were slightly decreased. LTF exerted protective effects on fundus oculi and the retina structure to different degrees. LTF attenuated systemic and local retinal inflammation by significantly decreasing the levels of seven pro-inflammatory cytokines, including ICAM1, IL-6, IL-8, MCP1, VCAM1, VEGF, and IL-1β. LTF restored the intestinal microbiota of diabetic rats to levels that were similar to those of normal rats. Further analysis revealed that Enterobacteriales, Prevotellaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroides, and Klebsiella were significantly and positively correlated with the inflammatory factors in DR after LTF treatment.
Conclusions
Our results revealed the mechanisms underlying the preventive effects of LTF on DR development and progression. LTF inhibited pathological changes in retinal histopathology, cell composition, and cell junction proteins while effectively ameliorating systemic and local retinal inflammation via regulating pivotal gut microbiota.
Tax avoidance landscape scheme: Scientometrics analysis using Biblioshiny
Authors: Probowulan Diyah , Tjaraka Heru
Published: September 2022

This study seeks to provide an evaluation of the current status and trends in research on tax avoidance. Many studies have been on tax avoidance schemes, necessitating a systematic overview to summarise the landscape of tax avoidance research. The data analyzed is from 791 cited references from the Web of Science. The search term is "tax avoidance," published from 2002 to 2022, with data updated on September 09, 2022. The analysis technique uses an R-based tool with Biblioshiny scientometric. Numerous sources have released voluminous amounts of research on tax avoidance. The most commonly referenced sources are articles or conversations about theory and concepts. Researchers from the USA, China, Germany, and the U.K. were the most active. International cooperation remains uncommon, except for those involving the USA and China. Research on tax avoidance broadly includes aggressiveness and incentives. The emerging topics have discussed performance, earnings management, corporate governance, and investment. The relevance and suitability of the review with technological approaches and the scope of keywords are less expanded, using only the keyword "tax avoidance." This study recommends further studies on tax systems, tax behavior, and tax disclosure. Future researchers must also systematically investigate the issues of taxable income, financial constraints, risk, investment, information systems, and corporate governance in their tax avoidance strategies. The results reveal the most current scientific advances and future research needs. Greater collaboration is welcomed for future research that will provide information to tax avoidance professionals. Considering the increase in technical progress, there is room for improvement.
JEL: D85; H268
Conversion surgery for stage IV gastric cancer: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Kano Yosuke , Ichikawa Hiroshi , Hanyu Takaaki , Muneoka Yusuke , Ishikawa Takashi , Aizawa Masaki , Matsuki Atsushi , Yabusaki Hiroshi , Bamba Takeo , Nakagawa Satoru , Kobayashi Kazuaki , Kuwabara Shirou , Makino Shigeto , Kawachi Yasuyuki , Naito Tetsuya , Tani Tatsuo , Hirukawa Hiroshi , Tada Tetsuya , Shimada Yoshifumi , Sakata Jun , Wakai Toshifumi
Published: September 2022

Background: Recent improvements in systemic chemotherapy have provided an opportunity for patients with stage IV gastric cancer (GC) to undergo conversion surgery (CS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent CS and to elucidate the prognostic factors for CS in stage IV GC.
Methods: A total of 79 patients who underwent CS with the aim of R0 resection for stage IV GC at six institutions from January 2008 to July 2019 were enrolled. We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological data and prognosis.
Results: Of the 79 patients, 23 (31.1%) had initially resectable disease (IR) before chemotherapy, defined as positive for cancer on peritoneal cytology (CY1), resectable hepatic metastasis, or para-aortic lymph node No. 16a2/b1 metastasis. Of the 56 remaining patients with primary unresectable disease, 39 had peritoneal dissemination. R0 resection was accomplished in 63 patients (79.7%). The median survival time for the study population was 40 months, and the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 55.3%. Multivariate analysis showed that IR (P = 0.014) and R0 (P = 0.014) were statistically significant independent prognostic factors for favorable OS. Among patients with peritoneal dissemination alone, OS was significantly better for patients with R0 resection than for patients with R1/2 resection, with the 3-year OS rates of 65.5 % and 23.1%, respectively (P= 0.011).
Conclusions: CS is a treatment option for selected patients with stage IV GC. Patients with IR and patients who achieve R0 resection may obtain a survival benefit from CS.
Detection and classification of road signs in raining condition with limited dataset
Authors: Khan Mohamed Jamil Khan Mohamed Bysul , Shah Noraisyah Mohamed , Mokhtar Norrima
Published: September 2022

The road sign recognition (RSR) system is used to complete two tasks: localizing the traffic sign in an image and then classifying it according to the image features. Some of the applications of such system are incorporated into the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. However, the accuracy of the model decreases when changes in lighting or weather occurs, and the lack of training samples taken in rainy condition causes the model to be sub-optimal. The research was conducted with the focus on solving two problems, the accuracy of an object detection model decreases when changes in lighting or weather occurs and the lack of training data, especially images taken under adverse condition. In this work, we compare and analyze three methods; automatic white balance (AWB), policy augmentations and Image-to-Image-translation (I2IT) technique on their performance to detect traffic signs in raining conditions. All methods were built upon the pre-trained SSD-MobileNetV2 model and using the TensorFlow2 framework. The images from the Malaysia Traffic Sign Dataset (MTSD) are used to train all models. Finally based on the result of the three model a final combination model is proposed that achieved the best performance in rainy condition. Experimental results showed that AWB was not that effective in detecting road sign in raining condition, while the other two techniques were highly effective. The final proposed model was implemented by combining policy augmentation and I2IT, obtained an mAP of 0.7967 in clear images and mAP of 0.7160 when rainy images was added to the testing dataset. These corresponds to mAP at 50% IoU of 0.8921mAP@0.5 during clear weather and 0.8340mAP@0.5 in raining images, which outperformed other models. Thus, a road sign detection and classification system that can perform well in rainy condition with limited training dataset has been successfully developed.
Convective Momentum Transport and Multiscale Organization in Simulated Shear Parallel Mesoscale Convective Systems
Authors: Han Ying , Khouider Boualem
Published: September 2022

The way in which moist convection interacts with large scale flows is a major contemporary research issue. Organized mesoscale systems are, in particular, important for the interactions between convection and the ambient shear. Here we present numerical simulations of mesoscale systems evolving in a background shear using the Research and Weather Forecasting (WRF) model. We are particularly interested in the long time integration, allowing the systems to repeatedly develop and die and effectively interact with the background shear. Starting with a typical African and equatorial jet-shear, the simulated solution goes through various phases or stages. First, a transient state, consisting of scattered squall-like systems that are aligned perpendicular to the background shear, develops and then evolves into a regime of multiscale mesoscale systems with large stratiform anvils. During the latter period the background wind changes substantially through the effect of both up scale and down scale convective momentum transport (CMT). At this stage, the systems become aligned parallel to the wind shear, with elongated stratiform anvils in which meso-beta scale convective cells evolve and propagate in the shear direction, relative to the stratiform anvils. These results are reminiscent of the development of shear parallel mesoscale convective systems observed for instance in the Eastern Pacific ITCZ and corroborate recent theoretical results obtained with a simple multi-cloud model. As such they have important implications for the parameterization of CMT in climate models.
Does ‘Geography’ matter? Mapping the Spatial Dependence in Quality of Living (QOL) in India
Authors: Mondal Sandip , Mondal Monidip , Mondal Subhadeep
Published: September 2022

For a long time, studies in social sciences focused on various dimensions but somehow talked less about the spatial dimension of inequality as well as the spatial dimension of quality of living in India. Therefore the primary objective of this study is modelling the spatial dependence of quality of living (QOL) across Indian districts using various spatial econometric tools. First of all we calculated quality of living index by using principal component analysis. Then we calculated descriptive statistics and used Choropleth mapping to understand the nature of variables distribution. After that, we used Moran’s I statistics and LISA statistics to understand global and local spatial dependence. Lastly, we used spatial error model to understand the spatial dependence with covariates. The high Moran’s I value suggests that the clustered nature of QOL across districts. LISA mapping reflects the localized nature of spatial clustering of QOL. It is evident from the SEM model that level of urbanization, workforce in service sector, female literacy rate and higher education have significantly positive impact on QOL. On the contrary, QOL decreased with the increasing concentration of SCs and STs population. It can be argued that geography plays a vital role in determining the spatial patterning of QOL of the districts of India. From the perspective of policy implication, spatially targeted policies and programmes are required. In this context, spreading economic development and the growth outcome to the districts having low QOL should be a primary step in the policy response.