bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternally transmitted anti-measles antibodies, and susceptibility to disease among infants in Chandigarh, India: A prospective birth cohort study
Authors: Mathew Joseph L. , Wagner Abram L. , Ratho Radha Kanta , Patel Pooja N. , Suri Vanita , Bharti Bhavneet , Carlson Bradley F. , Dutta Sourabh , Singh Mini P. , Boulton Matthew L.
Published: October 2023

Prior to the age of measles vaccination, infants are believed to be protected against measles by passively transferred maternal antibodies. However, the quantity and quality of such protection have not been well established in the Indian setting. We undertook this study to characterize the transfer and decline in maternal anti-measles antibodies among infants, and determine their susceptibility to measles. In this population-based, birth-cohort study, we enrolled pregnant women and their newborn infants, from a catchment area of 30 Anganwadis in Chandigarh, India. We collected maternal blood at delivery, and infant blood samples at birth, and 3, 6, and 9 months of age. Anti-measles IgG antibodies were measured using quantitative ELISA. We assessed antibody decline using log-linear models. In total, 428 mother-infant dyads were enrolled, and data from 413 dyads were analyzed. At birth, 91.5% (95% CI: 88.8, 94.2) of infants had protective antibody levels, which declined to 26.3% (95% CI: 21.0%, 31.9) at 3 months, 3.4% (95% CI: 0.9, 5.9) at 6 months, and 2.1% (95% CI: 0.1, 4.1) at 9 months. Younger mothers transferred lower levels of antibodies to their infants. We concluded that the majority of infants are susceptible to measles as early as three months of age, much earlier than their eligibility to receive measles vaccination.
Factors associated with suicide/self-inflicted injuries among women aged 18–65 years in the United States: A 13-year retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample database
Authors: Akinyemi Oluwasegun , Ogundare Temitope , Oladunjoye Adeolu Funsho , Nasef Kindha Elleissy , Lipscombe Christina , Akinbote John Akinshola , Bezold Maureen
Published: October 2023

Background

Suicide is a significant cause of mortality in the United States, accounting for 14.5 deaths/100,000. Although there are data on gender disparity in suicide/self-inflicted injury rates in the United States, few studies have examined the factors associated with suicide/self-inflicted injury in females.

Objective

To determine factors associated with suicide/self-inflicted injuries among women aged 18–65 years in the United States.

Methods

Hospitalizations for suicide or self-inflicted injuries were identified using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2003–2015 using sample weights to generate national estimates. Independent predictors of suicide/self-inflicted injuries were identified using multivariable regression models. Interaction term analysis to identify the interaction between race/ethnicity and income were conducted.

Results

There were 1,031,693 adult women hospitalizations in the U.S. with a primary diagnosis of suicide/self-inflicted injury in the study period. The highest suicide/self-inflicted injury risk was among women aged 31-45years (OR = 1.23, CI = 1.19–1.27, p < 0.05). Blacks in the highest income strata had a 20% increase in the odds of suicide/self-inflicted injury compared to Whites in the lowest socioeconomic strata (OR = 1.20, CI = 1.05–1.37, p <0.05). Intimate partner violence increased suicide/self-inflicted injury risk 6-fold (OR = 5.77, CI = 5.01–6.65, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Suicide risk is among women aged 31–45 years, higher earning Black women, intimate partner violence victims, uninsured, and current smokers. Interventions and policies that reduce smoking, prevents intimate partner violence, addresses racial discrimination and bias, and provides universal health coverage are needed to prevent excess mortality from suicide deaths.
Extracellular ATP release predominantly mediates Ca2+ communication locally in highly organised, stellate-Like patterned networks of adult human astrocytes
Authors: Li Si , Graham E. Scott , Unsworth Charles P.
Published: October 2023

The ‘Astrocyte Network’ and the understanding of its communication has been posed as a new grand challenge to be investigated by contemporary science. However, communication studies in astrocyte networks have investigated traditional petri-dishin vitroculture models where cells are closely packed and can deviate from the stellate form observed in the brain. Using novel cell patterning approaches, highly organised, regular grid networks of astrocytes on chip, to single-cell fidelity are constructed, permitting a stellate-likein vitronetwork model to be realised. By stimulating the central cell with a single UV nanosecond laser pulse, the initiation/propagation pathways of stellate-like networks are re-explored. The authors investigate the mechanisms of intercellular Ca2+communication and discover that stellate-like networks of adult human astrocytesin vitroactually exploit extracellular ATP release as their dominant propagation pathway to cells in the network locally; being observed even down to the nearest neighbour and next nearest neighbouring cells—contrary to the reported gap junction. This discovery has significant ramifications to many neurological conditions such as epilepsy, stroke and aggressive astrocytomas where gap junctions can be targeted. In cases where such gap junction targeting has failed, this new finding suggests that these conditions should be re-visited and the ATP transmission pathway targeted instead.
Identifying potential measures of stress and disturbance during a captive to wild African elephant reintegration
Authors: Pretorius Yolanda , Eggeling Tamara , Ganswindt Andre
Published: October 2023

There is increasing evidence of compromised welfare for elephants managed in captivity. Should such facilities eventually close, more elephants will need to be rehabilitated and reintegrated into the wild. The goal of such reintegration would be to restore any physical or psychological aspects of the elephant that may have been compromised in captivity, followed by introduction into a free-roaming system where they can interact with other elephants. However, to achieve this goal, the reintegration methods implemented need to be assessed to ensure that welfare remains the priority. The objective of this study was to test whether parameters generally associated with stress and disturbance in African elephants, respond to changes in potentially stressful environmental conditions, assessed at multiple temporal scales ranging from minutes to months. The main changes in environmental conditions that were investigated included the different phases of reintegration of a group of elephants from captivity into the wild. Stress and disturbance related parameters used for comparisons included physiological responses, namely the extent of temporal gland secretions (eTGS) and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) levels as well as behavioural responses, namely the display of stereotype and stress-related behaviours. Results showed that eTGS significantly increased during the initial release of the elephants compared to when in captivity. Stereotypic behaviours were only recorded during the captive phase and immediately ceased after release. Faecal GCM levels spiked in the first year after release before decreasing back to pre-reintegration levels during the third year. These findings indicate that fGCM levels, the eTGS and disturbance related behaviours all proved effective in explaining the changes in stress and disturbance experienced by elephants during the initial years after being reintegrated from captivity into the wild.
Knowledge heterogeneity and corporate innovation performance: The mediating influence of task conflict and relationship conflict
Authors: Gan Rui , Chen Xiaoheng , Wang Zhiyan , Zhang Xing
Published: October 2023

Innovation has emerged as a crucial factor in the sustenance and growth of enterprises. Nonetheless, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) confront numerous challenges in their pursuit of innovation, owing to constraints in capital, expertise, and knowledge resources. Drawing on the resource-based theory and the input-process-output (IPO) model, this study devises a mechanism model to assess the impact of knowledge heterogeneity and innovation performance on small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in Guizhou Province, China. The objective is to offer recommendations for the advancement and innovation of enterprises with relative knowledge resource deficiencies. A total of 324 valid questionnaires were gathered, and the acquired data were analyzed employing SPSS 23.0 and Amos 26.0. The findings reveal that knowledge heterogeneity exerts a significantly positive influence on innovation performance. Task conflict and relationship conflict serve as partial mediators in the effects of knowledge heterogeneity on innovation performance. By capitalizing on the heterogeneity of internal and external knowledge, enterprises can effectively enhance their innovation outcomes. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that knowledge sharing possesses a moderating effect on the impact of knowledge heterogeneity on task conflict, relationship conflict, and innovation performance. In a conducive sharing environment, the ultimate effect of knowledge heterogeneity on innovation is subject to alteration.
Global and regional quality of care index (QCI) by gender and age in oesophageal cancer: A systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2019
Authors: Iezadi Shabnam , Ebrahimi Narges , Ghamari Seyyed-Hadi , Esfahani Zahra , Rezaei Negar , Ghasemi Erfan , Moghaddam Sahar Saeedi , Azadnajafabad Sina , Abdi Zhaleh , Varniab Zahra Shokri , Golestani Ali , Langroudi Ashkan Pourabhari , Dilmaghani-Marand Arezou , Farzi Yosef , Pourasghari Hamid
Published: October 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the quality of care by age and gender in oesophageal cancer using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database.

Methods

Patients aged 20 and over with oesophageal cancer were included in this longitudinal study using GBD 1990–2019 data. We used the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) to classify the regions. We used Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method to calculate the Quality of Care Index (QCI). The QCI was rescaled into a 0–100 single index, demonstrating that the higher the score, the better the QC.

Results

The age-standardized QCI for oesophageal cancer dramatically increased from 23.5 in 1990 to 41.1 in 2019 for both sexes, globally. The high SDI regions showed higher QCI than the rest of the regions (45.1 in 1990 and 65.7 in 2019) whereas the low SDI regions had the lowest QCI, which showed a 4.5% decrease through the years (from 13.3 in 1990 to 12.7 in 2019). Globally, in 2019, the QCI showed the highest scores for patients aged 80–84, reported 48.2, and the lowest score for patients aged 25–29 reported 31.5, for both sexes. Globally, in 2019, age-standardized Gender Disparity Ratio (GDR) was 1.2, showing higher QCI in females than males.

Conclusion

There were fundamental differences in the QCI both globally and regionally between different age groups as well as between males and females. To achieve the goal of providing high-quality services equally to people in need in all over the world, health systems need to invest in effective diagnostic services, treatments, facilities, and equipment and to plan for screening and surveillance of high-risk individuals.
BIOPROSPECTING OF INDIGENOUS MYXOBACTERIA ISOLATED FROM SOIL AND DECAYING WOOD IN TOBA-SAMOSIR, NORTH SUMATERA AS ANTIMICROBIAL PRODUCER
Authors: Meliah Siti
Published: October 2023

Gram-negative myxobacteria is a member of Deltaproteobacteria with some unique characteristics including move by gliding motility, form fruiting bodies when starving, and prey on other microorganisms. They are known to produce some of the potential and novel antimicrobial compounds. Therefore, in this study we aim to isolate and screen indigenous myxobacteria as an attempt to bioprospect their potential as antimicrobial substances producer. Samples consist of soils, plant rhizospheres, and decaying woods collected from Toba-Samosir, North Sumatera were subjected to isolation procedure using baiting and filter membrane methods. A total of 23 isolates visually displaying myxobacteria features were selected and molecularly identified. Analysis on their 16S rRNA gene sequences resulted in grouping them in the genus Corallococcus, Cystobacter, and Myxococcus. Antimicrobial assay using agar plug diffusion method revealed that they were able to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. Some of the highest inhibition zones were produced by Cystobacter velatus isolates, hence indicating their potential as anti-Candida compound producer.
DIVERSITY OF NEPENTHES SPECIES IN NORTH SUMATRA PROVINCE
Authors: Halik Mansur , Salamah Andi , Mirmanto Edi
Published: October 2023

Sumatra is the second island after Borneo, which has the highest diversity of Nepenthes species, spread from the lowlands to mountain forests. There are 38 species of Nepenthes recorded on Sumatra Island, and 33 of them are endemic. The study was conducted in 2019 and 2022 to know the diversity of Nepenthes in North Sumatra Province. The results showed that 22 species of Nepenthes were recorded in North Sumatra Province, consisting of 12 highland species, 3 midland species and 7 lowland species. N. tobaica is a highland species with a very wide distribution, spread over eight regencies in North Sumatra with a very abundant population, while N. sumatrana, N. rigidifolia, N. jamban, N. lingulata, and N. naga have limited distribution with a very small population and are potentially extinct.
Abraçando a criança abandonada no Atendimento Psicoterápico Online: sob a perspectiva da Análise Bioenergética / Embracing the abandoned child in Online Psychotherapeutic Care: from the perspective of Bioenergetic Analysis
Authors: Alcocer Solange Andrea Díaz
Published: October 2023

Resumo: Sabe-se que os primeiros meses de vida do bebê são fundamentais para cimentar as bases dos relacionamentos saudáveis da criança. Disso vai depender o tipo de vínculo e a forma com que se lida ante as exigências do meio ambiente. Qualquer conflito que aconteça neste período inicial, dará origem a uma tendência oral. O presente trabalho é um estudo de caso que objetivou abraçar a criança abandonada de uma paciente com 28 anos de idade, através do atendimento psicoterápico on-line, ao longo de 5 meses. Os resultados refletem as possibilidades de atuação e intervenções psicoterápicas, a partir da promoção das necessidades básicas que lhe foram negadas, e os diversos recursos que a Análise Bioenergética proporciona para além do consultório presencial. Palavras-chave: caráter oral, criança abandonada, Análise Bioenergética, atendimento psicoterápico on-line. Abstract:It is known that the first few months of a baby's life are essential for laying the foundations for a child's healthy relationships. This will depend on the type of bond and the way in which the demands of the environment are dealt with. Any conflict that happens in this initial period will give rise to an oral tendency. The present work is a case study that aimed to hug the abandoned child of a 28-year-old patient, through online psychotherapeutic care, over 5 months. The results reflect the possibilities of psychotherapeutic action and interventions, based on the promotion of the basic needs that were denied, and the various resources that Bioenergetic Analysis provides in addition to the face-to-face consultation.Keywords: oral character, abandoned child, Bioenergetic Analysis, Online Psychotherapeutic care.
Optimizing Timing of Follow-Up Colonoscopy: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Trial of a Knowledge Translation Tool
Authors: Shaffer Seth R. , Lambert Pascal , Unruh Claire , Harland Elizabeth , Helewa Ramzi M. , Decker Kathleen , Singh Harminder
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Endoscopists have low adherence to guideline-recommended colonoscopy surveillance intervals. We performed a cluster-randomized single-blind pilot trial in Winnipeg, Canada, to assess the effectiveness of a newly developed digital application tool that computes guideline-recommended follow-up intervals.

METHODS:

Participant endoscopists were randomized to either receive access to the digital application (intervention group) or not receive access (control group). Pathology reports and final recommendations for colonoscopies performed in the 1–4 months before randomization and 3–7 months postrandomization were extracted. Generalized estimating equation models were used to determine whether the access to the digital application predicted guideline congruence.

RESULTS:

We included 15 endoscopists in the intervention group and 14 in the control group (of 42 eligible endoscopists in the city), with 343 patients undergoing colonoscopy before randomization and 311 postrandomization. Endoscopists who received the application made guideline-congruent recommendations 67.6% of the time before randomization and 76.1% of the time after randomization. Endoscopists in the control group made guideline-congruent recommendations 72.4% and 72.9% of the time before and after randomization, respectively. Endoscopists in the intervention group trended to have an increase in guideline adherence comparing postintervention with preintervention (odds ratio [OR]: 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82–2.74). By contrast, the control group had no change in guideline adherence (OR: 1.07, 95% CI 0.50–2.29). Endoscopists in the intervention group with less than median guideline congruence prerandomization had a significant increase in guideline-congruent recommendations postrandomization.

DISCUSSION:

An application that provides colonoscopy surveillance intervals may help endoscopists with guideline congruence, especially those with a lower preintervention congruence with guideline recommendations (ClincialTrials.gov number, NCT04889352).
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation Is Effective for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Shi Xin , Zhao Lina , Luo Hui , Deng Hui , Wang Xiangping , Ren Gui , Zhang Linhui , Tao Qin , Liang Shuhui , Liu Na , Huang Xiaojun , Zhang Xiaoyin , Yang Xuejuan , Sun Jinbo , Qin Wei , Kang Xiaoyu , Han Ying , Pan Yanglin , Fan Daiming
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) can be used to modulate gastrointestinal motility, inflammation, and nociception. However, it remains unclear whether VNS is effective in adult patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). We investigated the effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) in patients with FD.

METHODS:

Consecutive patients with FD meeting Rome IV criteria with modified FD Symptom Diary score ≥10 were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated to 10-Hz taVNS (V10 group), 25-Hz taVNS (V25 group), or sham group, with 30 minutes of treatment twice a day for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the response rate at week 4, defined as the proportion of patients whose modified FD Symptom Diary score was reduced ≥5 when compared with the baseline. Secondary outcomes included adequate relief rate and adverse events.

RESULTS:

A total of 300 patients were randomized to V10 (n = 101), V25 (n = 99), and sham groups (n = 100). After 4 weeks of treatment, V10 and V25 groups had a higher response rate (81.2% vs 75.9% vs 47%, bothP< 0.001) and adequate relief rate (85.1% vs 80.8% vs 67%, bothP< 0.05) compared with the sham group. There was no significant difference between V10 and V25 in response rate and adequate relief rate (bothP> 0.05). The efficacy of taVNS (both 10 and 25 Hz) lasted at week 8 and week 12 during follow-up period. Adverse events were all mild and comparable among the 3 groups (1%–3%).

DISCUSSION:

Our study firstly showed that 4-week taVNS (both 10 and 25 Hz) was effective and safe for the treatment of adult FD (clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT04668534).
Adalimumab vs Infliximab in Luminal Pediatric Crohn's Disease: Comparable Outcomes in a Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: deBruyn Jennifer C. , Huynh Hien Q. , Griffiths Anne M. , Jacobson Kevan , Mack David , Deslandres Colette , El-Matary Wael , Otley Anthony R. , Church Peter C. , Lawrence Sally , Wine Eytan , Sherlock Mary , Critch Jeffrey , Benchimol Eric I. , Jantchou Prévost , Rashid Mohsin , Carroll Matthew W. , Bax Kevin , Ricciuto Amanda , Carman Nicholas , Walters Thomas D. ,   and the Canadian Children IBD Network
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION:

This study compared real-world effectiveness between adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX) in children with Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS:

Children enrolled into the prospective Canadian Children Inflammatory Bowel Disease Network National Inception Cohort between 2014 and 2020 who commenced ADA or IFX as first antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agent for luminal CD were included. Multivariate logistic regression modeled the propensity of commencing ADA; propensity score matching was used to match IFX-treated children to ADA-treated children. The primary outcome at 1 year was steroid-free clinical remission (SFCR). Secondary outcomes at 1 year were (i) combined SFCR and C-reactive protein remission, (ii) treatment intensification, and (iii) anti-TNF durability. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratio adjusted for concomitant immunomodulator use with 95% confidence interval (CI) are reported.

RESULTS:

In the propensity score-matched cohort of 147 ADA-treated and 147 IFX-treated children, 92 (63%) ADA-treated and 87 (59%) IFX-treated children achieved SFCR at 1 year (adjusted OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.9–2.4); 75 of 140 (54%) ADA-treated and 85 of 144 (59%) IFX-treated children achieved combined SFCR and C-reactive protein remission (adjusted OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.6–1.6). ADA-treated children less frequently underwent treatment intensification (21 [14%]) compared with IFX-treated children (69 [47%]) (P < 0.0001). Discontinuation of anti-TNF occurred in 18 (12%) ADA-treated and 15 (10%) IFX-treated children (adjusted hazard ratio 1.2, 95% CI 0.6–2.2).

DISCUSSION:

Children with CD achieved favorable outcomes at 1 year with either ADA or IFX as first anti-TNF agents. Those receiving IFX did not have significantly superior outcomes compared with clinically similar children receiving ADA.
Potensi Karbon Biru Pesisir Kalimantan Barat
Authors: Putri Ayunda Annisa , Akbar Aji Ali , Romiyanto Romiyanto , Jati Dian Rahayu , Saziati Ochih
Published: October 2023

Potensi karbon biru (blue carbon) di pesisir Kalimantan Barat terdapat pada ekosistem mangrove, padang lamun, dan terumbu karang. Ketiga ekosistem ini tersebar di Kabupaten Sambas, Bengkayang, Mempawah, Kubu Raya, Ketapang dan Kota Singkawang. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui luas dan keanekaragaman jenis ekosistem pesisir terkait dengan potensi karbon biru. Metode non-destruktif digunakan untuk mengkaji kemampuan ekosistem pesisir dalam menyerap karbon. Mangrove didominasi jenis didominasi oleh Rhizophora spp., Avicennia spp. Bruguiera spp., Sonneratia alba, Excoeacaria agallocha, dan Nypa fruticans. Padang lamun didominasi jenis Thalassia hemprichii dan Enhalus acoroides, sementara terumbu karang didominasi jenis Porites spp. dan Montipora spp. Estimasi serapan karbon terbesar berada di Kubu Raya sebesar 0,026 PgC (0,095 PgCO2e) dan yang terkecil berada di Kota Singkawang sebesar 0,000032 PgC (0,00012 PgCO2e). Penelitian ini mengungkap bahwa kemampuan serapan karbon berbanding lurus dengan luas ekosistem pesisir. Ekosistem mangrove merupakan ekosistem yang memiliki kemampuan dalam menyerap karbon, daripada ekosistem lamun dan terumbu karang. Upaya antropegenik memperparah degradasi ekosistem di pesisir Kalimantan Barat. The potency of blue carbon in the West Kalimantan is found in mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs ecosystem. Sambas, Bengkayang, Mempawah, Kubu Raya, Ketapang, and Singkawang regencies coastal had a big potential blue carbon. This study aims to estimate the potential of blue carbon on coastal ecosystems diversity. This research was applying a non-destructive method to quantify the carbon sequestration of the ecosystems. Rhizophora spp., Avicennia spp, dominates mangrove, in Kalimantan Barat. Bruguiera spp., Sonneratia alba, Excoeacaria agallocha, dan Nypa fruticans, for mangroves, Thalassia hemprichii and Enhalus acoroides for seagrass and Porites spp. and Montipora spp, for coral reefs.  The most extensive estimated carbon sequestration is in Kubu Raya regency with 0.026 PgC (0.095 PgCO2e), and the smallest one is in the  Singkawang regency with 0.000032 PgC/ha (0.00012 PgCO2e/ha). Based on this research, it is observed that the ability of carbon sequestration is directly influenced by the coverage area of the coastal ecosystem, especially the mangrove forest which are dynamic due to anthropogenic activities.
Interés por las artes escénicas desde el capital cultural y la educación: el caso español, 2019
Authors: Díaz León Blas , Martínez Fernández Ignacio , Palma Martos Luis
Published: October 2023

Los estudios de participación cultural tienden a concentrar su enfoque en el análisis de las variables socioeconómicas o la disponibilidad de infraestructuras, dejando en un segundo plano variables de carácter idiosincrático como el interés manifestado o la predisposición a participar. Empleando los datos de la Encuesta de Hábitos y Prácticas Culturales de España 2018-2019, y mediante la modelización con mínimos cuadrados ordinarios (MCO), se busca estudiar los pesos de las variables socioeconómicas clásicas, así como las diferentes variables que componen el capital cultural dado su carácter aditivo en el desarrollo del interés. Los principales resultados obtenidos presentan al capital cultural como el componente más determinante en la formación del interés, siendo la lectura en la infancia la que presenta el mayor impacto. Destaca también la posible existencia de transferencia intergeneracional del interés, al presentar un mayor peso entre las variables la participación de los padres que la del propio sujeto durante la infancia.
Pandemic and Cultural Industries in a Regional Context
Authors: Bérubé Julie
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly shaken the cultural industries. Researchers report significant financial and job losses worldwide for these industries. Much of the research on the pandemic and the cultural industries has focused on large cities. The objective of this research is to understand the impact of the pandemic on regional cultural industries. We studied the Outaouais region in Canada by conducting focus groups and semi-structured interviews with artists and cultural workers. Our results report on the problems caused by the pandemic, the spin-offs it has generated, the initiatives that have emerged and the role of cultural organizations during the pandemic. This research  contributes to the advancement of knowledge by describing the situation of cultural industries in a regional context during the pandemic. The results of this research encourage the maintenance of certain activities in virtual or hybrid mode, the development of grant programs to  attract artists to the region, and the development of events or platforms to promote networking between artists andcultural organizations.
ErbB4 promotes M2 activation of macrophages in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Jiang Yu , Shi Jialin , Zhou Junhao , He Chunxiao , Gu Ruinan
Published: October 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common and fatal diffuse fibrotic lung disease accompanied by macrophage M2 activation. ErbB4 is involved in and affects the process of inflammation. In this study, we determined that the mRNA level and protein expression of ErbB4 and M2 cytokine members were increased in the serum of IPF patients. In mouse alveolar macrophage MH-S cells, after knocking down ErbB4 by siRNA, the mRNA level and protein expression of M2 activator induced by interleukin (IL)-4 were decreased compared with the control group. Activating by ErbB4 agonist neuromodulatory protein (NRG)-1, IL-4-induced M2 program was promoted. Mechanistically, treated with NRG-1 in MH-S cells, the phosphorylation level of Akt did not change, while the phosphorylation level of ERK increased. Using SCH772984 to inhibit ERK pathway, the increasing IL-4-induced M2 activation by NRG-1 was inhibited, and the high level of M2 activator protein expression and mRNA expression was restored. Collectively, our data support that ErbB4 and M2 programs are implicated in IPF, and ErbB4 participates in the regulation of M2 activation induced by IL-4 through the ERK pathway.
Establishment of reference intervals for free light chains and immunoglobulins in Saudi population
Authors: Borai Anwar , Ichihara Kiyoshi , Tamimi Waleed , Masaud Abdulaziz , Sobki Samia
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Testing of serum-free light chains kappa (κ) and lambda (λ), along with ratio (FLCR) is essential for the diagnosis and management of monoclonal gammopathies. Accurate clinical diagnosis depends upon appropriate local population reference intervals (RIs). This study examined the Saudi population for serum-free light chains and other immunoglobulins to establish RIs and to explore variations in the test results by using the International Federation for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine’s global protocol for harmonized implementation of RI study.

Methods

A total of 180 healthy Saudi adults were recruited. All serum samples were assayed using the Freelite reagents from the Binding Site. The variation in reference values attributable to sex, age, BMI, and region was calculated by ANOVA as a standard deviation ratio (SDR). The RIs for the FLCR were derived by the parametric method and validated by using samples from patients with hypo- and hypergammaglobulinemia.

Results

The new RIs for free κ and FLCR were shifted to a higher side from the manufacturer-adapted RIs. Based on the SDR cutoff value (>0.4), between-sex partition RIs were not required for all analytes except IgM. Validation using patients with hypo- or hypergammaglobulinemia and without multiple myeloma, was all within the new RI. BMI, smoking, and exercise were not relevant sources of variation for any analyte.

Conclusions

Locally derived RIs for free light chains and immunoglobulins analytes specific for Saudis were established after careful consideration of various factors. These RIs were more reliable than those provided as guidance by the manufacturer, or from other countries, for appropriate classification and prediction of disease progression for Saudi patients.
On the Iwasawa invariants of BDP Selmer groups and BDPp-adicL-functions
Authors: Lei Antonio , Müller Katharina , Xia Jiacheng
Published: October 2023

Letpbe an odd prime. Letf1{f_{1}}andf2{f_{2}}be weight 2 cuspidal Hecke eigenforms with isomorphic residual Galois representations atp. Greenberg–Vatsal and Emerton–Pollack–Weston showed that ifpis a good ordinary prime for the two forms, the Iwasawa invariants of theirp-primary Selmer groups andp-adicL-functions over the cyclotomicℤp{\mathbb{Z}_{p}}-extension ofℚ{\mathbb{Q}}are closely related. The goal of this article is to generalize these results to the anticyclotomic setting. More precisely, letKbe an imaginary quadratic field wherepsplits. Suppose that the generalized Heegner hypothesis holds with respect to both(f1,K){(f_{1},K)}and(f2,K){(f_{2},K)}. We study relations between the Iwasawa invariants of the BDP Selmer groups and the BDPp-adicL-functions off1{f_{1}}andf2{f_{2}}.
Double lacunary statistical convergence of Δ-measurable functions on product time scales
Authors: Dutta Hemen , Bhattarai Pallav
Published: October 2023

We first present a notion of a double lacunary sequence on product time scales. Using this notion, we define the notions of the double lacunary statistical convergence and double lacunary strongly p-Cesàro summability of 2-multiple functions on product time scales and we study some fundamental properties of both notions. We also present a theorem that connects the above-mentioned two concepts. Furthermore, we define a refinement of a double lacunary sequence on product time scales and provide some fundamental properties as well as inclusion theorems for a refined and a non-refined double lacunary sequence on product time scales.
The commuting conjugacy class graphs of finite groups with a given property
Authors: Rezaei Mehdi , Foruzanfar Zeinab
Published: October 2023

Let G be a finite non-abelian group. The commuting conjugacy class graph

Γ
⁢

(
G
)

{\Gamma(G)}

is defined as a graph whose vertices are non-central conjugacy classes of G and two distinct vertices X and Y in

Γ
⁢

(
G
)

{\Gamma(G)}

are connected by an edge if there exist elements

x
∈
X

{x\in X}

and

y
∈
Y

{y\in Y}

such that

x
⁢
y

=

y
⁢
x

{xy=yx}

. In this paper, the structure of the commuting conjugacy class graph of group G with the property that

G

Z
⁢

(
G
)

{\frac{G}{Z(G)}}

is isomorphic to a Frobenius group of order pq or

p
2

⁢
q

{p^{2}q}

, is determined.
New analytical technique to solve fractional-order Sharma–Tasso–Olver differential equation using Caputo and Atangana–Baleanu derivative operators
Authors: Chauhan Jignesh P. , Khirsariya Sagar R. , Hathiwala Gautam S. , Biswas Hathiwala Minakshi
Published: October 2023

The present work introduces a novel approach, the Adomian Decomposition Formable Transform Method (ADFTM), and its application to solve the fractional order Sharma-Tasso-Olver problem. The method’s distinctive outcomes are highlighted through a comparative analysis with established non-local Caputo fractional derivatives and the non-singular Atangana–Baleanu (ABC) fractional derivatives. To provide a comprehensive understanding, the proposed ADFTM’s approximate solution is compared with the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) and residual power series method (RPSM). Further, numerical and graphical results demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of the ADFTM approach. The novel outcomes presented in this work emphasize its capability to address complex engineering problems effectively. By demonstrating its efficacy in solving the fractional order problems, the new ADFTM proves to be a valuable tool in solving scientific problems.
On theX-ray transform of planar symmetric tensors
Authors: Omogbhe David , Sadiq Kamran
Published: October 2023

In this article we characterize the range of the attenuated and non-attenuatedX-ray transform of compactly supported symmetric tensor fields in the Euclidean plane. The characterization is in terms of a Hilbert-transform associated withA-analytic maps in the sense of Bukhgeim.
Mitochondrial DNA and karyotype data reveal new records of Alouatta sara Elliot, 1910 (Atelidae, Alouattinae) in the Western Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Povill Cintia , Ribeiro Maria Clara Santos , do Carmo Elaine Christina Oliveira , D’Andrea Paulo Sérgio , Bonvicino Cibele Rodrigues
Published: October 2023

Alouatta is composed of groups of species of which the Amazonian Alouatta seniculus group is part. The number of species in this group is not consensus, some authors considered as species some taxa previously considered as subspecies of A. seniculus: A. seniculus, Alouatta sara, Alouatta s. puruensis, Alouatta s. juara, and Alouatta arctoidea. In order to investigate the genetic diversity of Alouatta in the Purus River basin, we examined the karyotypes of individuals from this region and conducted analyses using Cytochrome b sequences, which yielded valuable information on species diversity and revealed the presence of A. sara in western Brazil, expanding its known distribution range.
Mean ergodic theorems for a sequence of nonexpansive mappings in complete CAT(0) spaces and its applications
Authors: Termkaew Sakan , Chaipunya Parin , Kohsaka Fumiaki
Published: October 2023

In this article, we prove ergodic convergence for a sequence of nonexpansive mappings in Hadamard (complete

CAT

(

0

)

{\rm{CAT}}\left(0)

) spaces. Our result extends the nonlinear ergodic theorem by Baillon for nonexpansive mappings from Hilbert spaces to Hadamard spaces. We further establish the standard nonlinear ergodic theorem and apply our results to the problem of finding a common fixed point of a countable family of nonexpansive mappings. Finally, we propose some applications of our results to solve convex optimization problems in Hadamard spaces.
Some identities of degenerate harmonic and degenerate hyperharmonic numbers arising from umbral calculus
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San , Kim Hye Kyung
Published: October 2023

Hyperharmonic numbers were introduced by Conway and Guy (The Book of Numbers, Copernicus, New York, 1996), whereas harmonic numbers have been studied since antiquity. Recently, the degenerate hyperharmonic and degenerate harmonic numbers were introduced as their respective degenerate versions. The aim of this article is to further investigate some properties and identities involving the degenerate hyperharmonic numbers and degenerate harmonic numbers. Especially, we derive some identities by making use of the transfer formula for associated sequences from umbral calculus.
Randomized vector iterative linear solvers of high precision for large dense system
Authors: Sabelfeld Karl K. , Kireeva Anastasiya
Published: October 2023

In this paper we suggest randomized linear solvers with a focus on refinement issue to achieve a high precision while maintaining all the advantages of the Monte Carlo method for solving systems of large dimension with dense matrices. It is shown that each iterative refinement step reduces the error by one order of magnitude. The crucial point of the suggested method is, in contrast to the standard Monte Carlo method, that the randomized vector algorithm computes the entire solution column at once, rather than a single component. This makes it possible to efficiently construct the iterative refinement method. We apply the developed method for solving a system of elasticity equations.
Multi-faceted plasmonic nanocavities
Authors: Bedingfield Kalun , Elliott Eoin , Gisdakis Arsenios , Kongsuwan Nuttawut , Baumberg Jeremy J. , Demetriadou Angela
Published: October 2023

Plasmonic nanocavities form very robust sub-nanometer gaps between nanometallic structures and confine light within deep subwavelength volumes to enable unprecedented control of light–matter interactions. However, spherical nanoparticles acquire various polyhedral shapes during their synthesis, which has a significant impact in controlling many light–matter interactions, such as photocatalytic reactions. Here, we focus on nanoparticle-on-mirror nanocavities built from three polyhedral nanoparticles (cuboctahedron, rhombicuboctahedron, decahedron) that commonly occur during the synthesis. Their photonic modes have a very intricate and rich optical behaviour, both in the near- and far-field. Through a recombination technique, we obtain the total far-field produced by a molecule placed within these nanocavities, to reveal how energy couples in and out of the system. This work paves the way towards understanding and controlling light–matter interactions, such as photocatalytic reactions and non-linear vibrational pumping, in such extreme environments.
Vector vortex beams sorting of 120 modes in visible spectrum
Authors: Jia Qi , Zhang Yanxia , Shi Bojian , Li Hang , Li Xiaoxin , Feng Rui , Sun Fangkui , Cao Yongyin , Wang Jian , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Ding Weiqiang
Published: October 2023

Polarization (P), angular index (l), and radius index (p) are three independent degrees of freedom (DoFs) of vector vortex beams, which have found extensive applications in various domains. While efficient sorting of a single DoF has been achieved successfully, simultaneous sorting of all these DoFs in a compact and efficient manner remains a challenge. In this study, we propose a beam sorter that simultaneously handles all the three DoFs using a diffractive deep neural network (D2NN), and demonstrate the robust sorting of 120 Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) modes experimentally in the visible spectrum. Our proposed beam sorter underscores the considerable potential of D2NN in optical field manipulation and promises to enhance the diverse applications of vector vortex beams.
Transparent Internal Communication from Below and Above as a Part of the Total Quality Management Philosophy in Czech Organisations
Authors: Pavla Vrabcová , Urbancová Hana , Pacáková Zuzana
Published: October 2023

The authors examine organisations' approach to internal communication from below and above as part of the philosophical approach of total quality management (TQM). The main objective of the research is to evaluate the implementation of selected forms of communication from below and above as a part of the TQM philosophy in the context of selected identifying variables of Czech organizations. To meet the main objective, a questionnaire survey of Czech organizations (n = 183) was conducted. The data were evaluated using statistical methods (chi-square test, Fisher-Freeman-Halton Exact Test) at the 0.05 significance level. The results show that the use of most of the examined forms of communication from below and above depends on the size of the organisation, and the most frequent combination of used forms of communication is personal meetings and oral communication with employees. Setting up effective communication within each organisation fulfils the principles of total quality management.
Human Resource Sustainability and Digital Transformation: Exploring the Role of Key Actors
Authors: Eger Ludvík , Egerová Dana
Published: October 2023

Digital transformation changes economy and society, makes significant changes in people’s life and can have both positive and negative consequences for individuals, organisations and society. To the success of digital transformation, the human factor is more important than the technology itself. This research survey focuses on the human perception of support needed from different actors for their adaptation towards digital transformation. The quantitative research in the form of a questionnaire survey was carried out using an online panel. The respondents for the questionnaire survey were adult people living in the Czech Republic (n = 1000 from generations Baby Boomers, X and Y). The questionnaire design was inspired by the OECD Risks That Matter Survey 2020. The research focuses on what role different actors play in addressing negative impacts of digital transformation. The findings show that the highest level of responsibility was given to the Czech government, followed by firms and public administration. Conversely, lower levels of accountability were attributed to nonprofit organisations and trade unions, but surprisingly also at the individual level. The findings further found no significant effect on the perception of responsibility of government, firms and public administration, nonprofit organisations and trade unions for gender, education, nature of work and type of generation. However, we identified differences among groups in their assessment of responsibility on an individual level. Findings are important for decision-makers that should be responsible for peoples’ transformation in the context of digital transformation.
Fairtrade Town Certification in the Czech Republic
Authors: Hommerová Dita , Krylová Marie
Published: October 2023

This article presents the topic of Fairtrade Town certification, the conditions associated with obtaining it and the potential for its holders. Quantitative research was carried out on the example of a selected Czech town in order to determine the awareness of the town and its surrounding area about the Fairtrade label as such and the potential willingness and interest to support the town's application for Fairtrade Town certification. Furthermore, a benchmarking analysis of existing Czech Fairtrade towns was prepared. The results of the research were then used for suggestions that can help the selected town to become a successful applicant for Fairtrade Town certification and for other Czech towns as a possibility to steer their future, taking into account the implementation of sustainable development goals, where the Fairtrade issue clearly belongs. The results of the research have shown that the residents of the town, and in their perception the town as such, are not yet ready for the process of Fairtrade Town certification and its active implementation. However, due to the growing interest in this topic and the marketing and communication activities of various stakeholders, it can be expected that in the short or medium term the selected town will be able to apply for Fairtrade Town certification.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment in the Slovak Digital Information Communication Technology Sector
Authors: Šášky Michael
Published: October 2023

In the following article we focus on one of the most up-to-date topics in the digital world as artificial intelligence affects employment in the digital information communication technology sector focused on the Slovak Republic. This revolutionary technology brings great changes and the impact on the working environment is inherent. In this article, we provide profound views of how artificial intelligence changes jobs and what opportunities and challenges come with it. The article points to significant data obtained from verified and relevant sources that are significant to clarify the ICT environment in Slovakia and at the same time the impact of artificial intelligence on various jobs as well as the whole industry. It is imperative to point out particular areas in which artificial intelligence is crucial and used the most. These areas are supported by artificial intelligence technology, whether as primary or secondary technology with regard to sight and support of the human factor.
Determinants of Development of Municipal Economic Activity Zones in Poland
Authors: Kurowska-Pysz Joanna , Pierzyna Janusz
Published: October 2023

The research aims to identify the factors that can significantly affect the creation and development of economic activity zones set up in recent years in many Polish communes as an alternative to special investment zones centrally created by the state. The research was conducted in 2020–2022 in an interpretational mode with the application of a qualitative approach, i.e., with the use of quality detailed research (CATI and CAWI structured interviews). The research sample included 15 representatives of local self-governments who run such zones and 45 entrepreneurs investing in these zones. Apart from that, there were 5 individual in-depth interviews with representatives of self-governments. The study identified social and economic challenges that led to the development of municipal economic activity zones and related factors. The key objectives and circumstances concerning the establishment of the zones have been identified.
Challenges and Opportunities in Knowledge Management in the Concept of Industry 5.0
Authors: Michalová Tereza , Sieber Jakub
Published: October 2023

We live in a fast-paced world with companies needing to adopt new technologies as fast as possible to stay competitive. Digital technologies are central to people's lives and could play a key role in enabling more sustainable business models and a regenerative vision for European industry. Organisations need to be able to adopt, embrace, optimise and integrate modern technologies into their organisational culture. This paper aims to present a literature review of advances in Knowledge Management (KM) in the concept of Industry 5.0 to enhance organisational practices and increase the efficiency of KM. Industry 5.0 has three core elements: human-centricity, sustainability and resilience, and artificial intelligence (AI) plays an important role in this framework, as it can analyse data, identify patterns and optimise production processes. The review is conducted via the systematic review method PRISMA 2020, which was used to screen 63 publications from Web of Science and Scopus databases from 2010 to 2023 to analyse chosen articles on digitisation, human resources and knowledge management under the concept of Industry 5.0. The systematic review provides a valuable overview of the challenges and potential advantages of interactions between AI and humans and the merits of implementing AI-powered methods for managing knowledge.