bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Determinants of China’s Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth of Rwanda
Authors: ABADATA Clemence , Ze Tian
Published: August 2023

This study aims to explore predictors of the foreign investment from China coming into Rwanda. One of the components of Rwanda’s economy is the investment it receives from other countries. In order to achieve these objectives, the study gathers econometric secondary data from 2007 to 2020 quarterly which were availably provided by National Statistics of China, World Bank, UNCTAD, National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, and the National bank of Rwanda. From literature and based on the availability of data, market size, trade openness, infrastructure, and human capital were measured as predictors of Chinese FDI. The data is analyzed using linear regression in Stata. The finding of the study showed that variables have a positive effect on FDI from China, and it found that though FDI had an effect on overall economy of Rwanda, the effect was not statistically significant. The study suggested that Rwanda’s policy on foreign investment should aim to attract and encourage Chinese investment to increase the economy of Rwanda. To encourage more FDI, the Rwandan government can offer Chinese investors greater ownership, locational, and internalization benefits. It also should continue to strengthen economic policy transparency since it lowers transaction costs and hence improves incentives for foreign investment.
An Overview of Microbial Fuel Cell Technology for Sustainable Electricity Production
Authors: Apollon Wilgince
Published: August 2023

The overexploitation of fossil fuels and their negative environmental impact has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide to propose alternatives to produce bioenergy. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) systems are sustainable biotechnologies that use bacterial activity to break down organic matter while generating bioelectricity. MFCs have bioelectricity from domestic wastewater (DWW), municipal wastewater (MWW), and potato and fruit waste, reducing environmental contamination and decreasing energy consumption and treatment cost. This review focuses on the recent advancements regarding the designs and configurations, the operation mode of MFCs, and their capacity to produce bioelectricity (e.g., 2203 mW/m2) and fuels (i.e., H2: 438.7 mL/g and CH4: 358.7 mL/g, respectively). Besides, this review highlights practical applications, challenges, techno-economic, and life cycle assessments (LCA) of MFCs. Despite MFC's promising biotechnology, great efforts should be made to implement it in real-time and commercialization.
Socio-Economic and Demographic Factors That Determine Urban Youth Unemployment in Somali Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Abdulahi Abduselam
Published: August 2023

Youth is the essential entrepreneurial force for every country's social, political, and economic development. Urban youth make up about 34.27 percent of the population in Ethiopia. The youth unemployment crisis is one of the serious challenges that Ethiopia is facing nowadays, and it should be mentioned in the nation's public discourse. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to specify the socioeconomic and demographic factors that influence urban youth unemployment in the Somali Regional State, specifically in Jigjiga, Degahbour, Kebridahar, Gode, and Dollo Ado towns. Both primary and secondary data sources were employed. A multi-stage sampling technique has been used to select 385 sample respondents from the total population of the study. This study found that almost 63% of youth in the study area were unemployed, and a large number of unemployed youths live in Jigjiga and Dollo Ado Towns as compared to other city administrations. The econometric model's findings indicate that factors like gender, education level, work experience, access to credit, access to information, time applied for job vacancy, active job seeker, social network (network with clan elders, government officials, businessmen, and other friends), and residence in Jigjiga and Gode town have a significant association with the likelihood of youth unemployment in the Somali regional state. Therefore, this study recommends that the regional government and local city administration should develop effective policies and strategies to address the underlying causes of gender inequality, improving access and quality of education, supporting freshman graduates to find jobs, providing access to credit and job vacancies, ensuring fair and free job competition, and managing youth migration for job seeking.
Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Gait Characteristics in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aout Thomas , Begon Mickael , Jegou Baptiste , Peyrot Nicolas , Caderby Teddy
Published: August 2023

Background: This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) on gait characteristics in healthy individuals. Methods: Six electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Epistemonikos, PEDro, COCHRANE Library, Scopus) were searched for studies evaluating the effects of FES on spatiotemporal, kinematic and kinetic gait parameters in healthy individuals. Two examiners evaluated the eligibility and quality of included studies using the PEDro scale. Results: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings from the literature reveal that FES can be used to modify lower-limb joint kinematics, i.e., to increase or reduce the range of motion of hip, knee and ankle joints. In addition, FES can be used to alter kinetics parameters, including ground reaction forces, center of pressure trajectory, or knee joint reaction force. As a consequence of these kinetics and kinematics changes, FES can lead to changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters, such as gait speed, step cadence, and stance duration. Conclusion: The findings of this review improve our understanding of the effects of FES on gait biomechanics in healthy individuals, and highlight the potential of this technology as a training or assistive solution for improving gait performance in this population.
A Cell-Adapted Live-Attenuated Vaccine Protects Pigs against the Contemporary Pandemic African Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Truong Quang Lam , Wang Lihua , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Nguyen Hoa Thi , Tran Son Danh , Vu Anh Thi , Le Anh Dao , Nguyen Van-Giap , Hoang Phuong Thi , Nguyen Yen Thi , Le Thi-Luyen , Van Thang Nguyen , Huynh Thi-My-Le , Lai Huong T.L. , Madera Rachel , Li Yuzhen , Shi Jishu , Nguyen Lan Thi
Published: August 2023

African swine fever (ASF) is a lethal and highly contagious transboundary animal disease with the potential for rapid international spread. Currently, there is no ASF vaccine commercially available. All infected animals must be isolated and culled immediately upon confirmation of the presence of the virus. Works leading to the rational development of protective ASF vaccines are urgently needed. Here, we generated a safe and efficacious live-attenuated vaccine (LAV) VNUA-ASFV-LAVL2 by serial passaging of a field isolate (VNUA-ASFV-05L1, genotype II) in porcine alveolar macrophage (PAMs, 65 passages) and an immortalized porcine alveolar macrophage cell line (3D4/21, 55 passages). VNUA-ASFV-LAVL2 can efficiently replicate in both PAMs and 3D4/21 cells. It provides 100% protection, even with the low dose of 10^2 HAD50, for the vaccinated pigs against the challenge of contemporary pandemic ASFV field isolate. Pigs vaccinated with this LAV at a dose range of 10^2 to 10^5 HAD50 remained clinically healthy during both the 28-day observation period of immunization and the 28-day observation period of challenge. VNUA-ASFV-LAVL2 was completely eliminated from blood by 28 days post inoculation (DPI), and from feces or oral fluids by 17 DPI. It remained a safe, stable, and attenuated phenotype after five passages in pigs. Consistently high levels of ASFV-specific IgG antibodies and significant cellular immunity were detected in vaccinated pigs before the ASFV challenge. These results indicate that the VNUA-ASFV-LAVL2 strain is a safe and efficacious LAV against the genotype II ASFV strain responsible for current ASF outbreaks in Asia.
Autophagy-Associated Markers LC3-II, ULK2 and microRNAs miR-21, miR-126 and miR-374 as a Potential Prognostic Indicator for Glioma Patients
Authors: Amin Wajiha , Enam Syed Ather , Sufiyan Sufiyan , Naeem Sana , Laghari Altaf Ali , Bajwa Mohammad Hamza , Ghias Kulsoom , Abidi Syed Hani , Mughal Nouman
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Autophagy has a dual role in gliomagenesis in a microRNA-modulated environment. We investigated the potential relevance of autophagy in glioma development and survival by exploring the association of autophagy-associated genes and microRNAs in low- and high-grade gliomas. Real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to determine the expression of genes and microRNAs in 50 fresh glioma tissues while Formalin-fixed paraf-fin-embedded tissues of the same patients were used for immunohistochemistry. The Mann-Whitney U-test test, Spearman correlation test, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed to evaluate the expression, association, and overall survival in patients respectively. The expression of LC3, AKT, and miR-21 was increased in high-grade glioma compared to low-grade glioma while ULK2 expression was decreased in high-grade glioma. A strong positive correlation was observed for ULK2 with UVRAG, PTEN, miR-7, and miR-100, while the moderate correlation with mTOR, Beclin1, miR-30, miR-204, miR-374, miR-21 and miR-126 in low-grade glioma, while a moderate positive correlation between ULK2 and PI3K, PTEN, ULK1, VPS34, mTOR, Beclin1, UVRAG, AKT and miR-374, and between AKT and ULK1, VPS34, UVRAG, and miR-7 in high-grade gliomas. The low ULK2 and LC3 expression group was significantly associated with better overall survival in gliomas while miR-21 overexpression showed a poor prognosis in glioma patients. Therefore, miR-21, ULK2, and LC3 may serve as prognostic biomarkers for survival outcomes in glioblastoma.
Integrated Management of Industrial Wastewater in Food Sector
Authors: Abdel-Fatah Mona A.
Published: August 2023

The physicochemical treatment/recovery techniques, including precipitation, membrane technology, solvent extraction, foam fractionation, adsorption, and aqueous two-phase systems, will be reviewed. The bio-treatment processes, based on microorganisms and/or enzymes consuming nutrients available in food-processing wastewater as low-cost substrates to produce valuable products, will be discussed in detail, including the production of microalga biomass in wastewater treatment systems. Finally, future research direction will be proposed to integrate the circular economy and develop integrated food processing wastewater management systems.
DEVELOPMENT OF GIS-BASED LEARNING MULTIMEDIA TO IMPROVE SPATIAL THINKING ABILITY OF SOCIAL STUDENTS IN HIGH SCHOOL
Authors: Azzahra Rahma , Muryani Chatarina , Tjahjono Gentur Adi
Published: August 2023

Distance learning that occurred during the Covid-19 period caused problems. Learning geography, which should provide a good quality of spatial thinking, finally gets a problem. Multimedia learning is a representation tool needed in online learning. These conditions improve students' spatial thinking skills by applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The development of the learning multimedia uses a 4-D (Four-D) product development model consisting of the phases: define, design, development, and dissemination. Assessment parameter evaluation improves students' spatial thinking skills, considering comparing values between the experimental and control classes using the Independent Sample T-test = 0.05. The results of this study are that GIS-based learning multimedia is feasible to use with the validity test and trial being a score of 4 or is effectively used to improve students' spatial thinking skills with the result = 5,850 > T-table (2,035).

 
Pembelajaran Daring Berbasis Konten pada Program Kursus Bahasa Asing
Authors: Dewi Novia Chyntia
Published: August 2023

Artikel ini membahas tentang pembelajaran bahasa asing (B2) berbasis konten pada program kursus bahasa yang dilakukan secara daring. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan penerapan, evaluasi, kelebihan serta kekurangan pendekatan berbasis konten dalam pembelajaran daring kursus bahasa asing. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data studi pustaka yang merujuk pada teori atau artikel-artikel terkait proses kegiatan belajar mengajar daring berbasis konten. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa implementasi pendekatan berbasis konten dalam pembelajaran daring bahasa asing terdiri dari tiga tahapan kegiatan, yaitu pendahuluan, inti, dan penutup yang seluruhnya berfokus pada pembelajaran dengan konteks tema tertentu. Evaluasi pembelajaran berbasis konten dapat dilakukan guru dengan memberikan serangkaian pertanyaan tes yang berkaitan dengan tema atau topik yang dipelajari baik melalui tanya jawab menggunakan aplikasi tatap maya seperti Zoom ataupun meminta siswa mengerjakan soal-soal menggunakan aplikasi lain seperti Quizizz, Kahoot atau Google Classroom. Kelebihan pendekatan berbasis konten adalah cukup mudah diterapkan dalam pembelajaran daring sehingga pembelajaran lebih efektif, menarik, dan memotivasi siswa. Kekurangannya adalah fokus pembelajaran hanya pada pemahaman siswa terkait materi pelajaran bukan pada penguasaan kompetensi serta kurang mengasah penerapan konsep bahasa dalam konteks kehidupan nyata.
Ideologi Pada Novel Ayat-Ayat Cinta: Analisis Wacana Kritis Model Van Dijk
Authors: Rosdiana Rina
Published: August 2023

The ideology contained in the novel is a central concept in critical discourse analysis. One of the novelists who has a view of the surrounding existence through an ideology is Habiburarahman El Shirazy. The purpose of this research is to find out the form of ideology that underlies the novel Ayat-Ayat Cinta by Habiburahman El Shirazy and to describe the context that triggers the ideology contained in the novel. This research uses Van Dijk's Critical Discourse Analysis theory. This type of research is included in qualitative descriptive research with content analysis techniques. The data in this study are sentences and paragraphs. Based on the research results, it is known that the ideology underlying the novel Ayat-ayat Cinta by Habiburarahman El Shirazy is Islamic ideology. The context that triggers this ideology is how Habiburrahman El Shirazy views perceptions of Muslim and western society towards Islam, views on how to date in Islam, and is based on Habiburrahman El Shirazy's biography. Overall, the novel Ayat-Ayat Cinta is a novel that reminds readers that at least they can change their mindset by reading and understanding the Koran well and implementing Islamic concepts in everyday life.
Strategi Pengembangan Pembelajaran dan Pengajaran Bahasa Berbasis Higher Order Thinking di Era Revolusi Industri 4.0
Authors: Nisa Lia Khairun
Published: August 2023

Thinking skill is complex ability. Higher-order thinking skills need to be improved by keeping up with the times, especially in the industrial era 4.0. The use of diverse and interesting applications is the choice of learning and teaching development media. Educators as student companions can produce quality students in high-level thinking and can collaborate in the industrial era 4.0. The purpose of this study is to describe how strategies in developing language learning and teaching based on higher-order thinking are in accordance with today's developments. The method in this study uses a literature review design. The type of approach used in this research is a descriptive qualitative approach. The results of this study in the form of higher-order thinking skills are closely related to thinking skills in accordance with the domains of (1) cognitive, (2) effective, and (3) psychomotor.
Representasi Feminisme dalam Cerpen “Perempuan Itu Pernah Cantik” Karya Mashdar Zainal
Authors: Nurhuda Pradicta
Published: August 2023

The issue of feminism can be seen from several stories in literary works, one of which is short stories. This research was conducted with the aim of looking at the forms of injustice experienced by women based on marginalization, subordination, stereotypes, workload, and violence experienced by the main character in the short story "Perempuan Itu Pernah Cantik" by Mashdar Zainal. The research method used is descriptive qualitative method. The results of the study show that (1) female characters experience marginalization as a wife before the wife must submit to her husband regardless of the conditions experienced in her family; (2) female characters experience subordination in their families in the form of a lower position than their husbands so that the husband has the right to order his wife; (3) female characters experience stereotypes in the form of a wife having to serve her husband as well as possible even though she is already tired of doing a lot of housework; (4) female figures get a very tiring workload every day because all housework is done by the wife herself, while the husband never helps with household chores because of busy work; and (5) the main character does not experience physical violence, but experiences tremendous psychological stress because she used to be a beautiful model now just a housewife who never finishes with housework.
Development Of Halal Value Chain As A Manifestation For Economy Recovery In Post Covid-19
Authors: Sari Suniyyah Puspita , Regita Cahyani Muis Afni , Amatillah Maswati , Thyra Janitra Nabila
Published: August 2023

The Covid-19 phenomenon that significantly affects the economic sector has forced all countries in the world to rise up and make recovery efforts. One of the efforts that is currently attracting attention is strengthening the halal industrial sector, which during the Covid-19 pandemic has been recognized for its success in maintaining economic stability. Halal Value Chain is a strategy used by the halal industry in an effort to recover the economy, the significance of the application of halal value chain in economic activities can give birth to a business model that can be an example for the halal industry and become a competitive advantage. This study aims to provide a comprehensive presentation on the dynamics of halal industry acceleration and halal value chain principles in the recovery of the economic sector after the Covid-19 pandemic. This research uses qualitative methods using a literature review approach from several studies. Based on research that has been carried out, it was found that the solutions offered by the halal industry through the halal value chain have proven to be one of the success factors in economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, halal value chain is not just a concept that has been universally applied but is a need for the world community, because the application of the halal value chain ecosystem in the industrial sector is not only profit-oriented, however, the use of halal products and services aims to provide comfort, safety and certainty for the community.

Keyword: Halal Value Chain, Halal Industry, Economy Recovery.
Optimization of Wireless Power Transfer Based on Improved Marine Predators Algorithm
Authors: Chen Xiaokai , Chen Feng , Liang Ruyu , Bai Yingchun
Published: August 2023

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) has a promising application with the rapid development of electric vehicles (EV). However, the optimization of WPT is still a challenging problem due to its large number of sub-systems. The magnetic coupling mechanism (MCM) is the key energy transmission component for WPT. In order to improve the overall performance of the WPT, an improved Marine Predators Algorithm is proposed and applied to optimize the MCM. In this paper, the detailed analysis model of the MCM using Double D coils is established, and the evaluation indexes of the WPT system are deduced. The improved Marine Predators Algorithm (TQMPA) is proposed based on the Tent map and Quasi-oppositional solutions evaluation. Verified by 20 standard test functions, the TQMPA has significantly improved the ability to escape from the local optimal solution and the convergence speed, especially for the low-dimensional unimodal problem. Then, a multidisciplinary design optimization model of a real-world MCM optimization problem based on collaborative optimization is established, which takes the transmission capability, electromagnetic safety, and miniaturization as sub-systems, respectively. The simulation results further prove that the TQMPA has a stronger optimization ability than the Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA). Under the premise of ensuring electromagnetic safety and a certain anti-offset capability, the power density of MCM is slightly reduced, and the transfer efficiency index and ferrite size have been significantly improved.
Nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody Tanezumab alleviates Kashin-Beck Disease Rat pain by impacting DRG signal transduction
Authors: Haifan Wang , Yigeng Hui , Weiming Yang , Qinfeng Zhang , Sen Luo , Xu Gao , Weizhuo Wang
Published: August 2023

Objective
This study aimed to determine NGF monoclonal antibody’s effectiveness for KBD.
Method
After the establishment of KBD models in SD rats, the rats were injected with the NGF monoclonal antibody Tanezumab(Tnz) at doses of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg every week subcutaneously for 4 weeks. Paw withdraw mechanical threshold(PWT) was measured with Von Frey hairs, and Thermal paw withdraw latency(PWL) was valued by radiant heat. Serum TNF-α and IL-1β were also tested by ELISA during the whole process. After 4 weeks of treatment, rats were sacrificed to gather the dorsal root ganglion, in which protein levels of NGF/Trka signaling were detected by immunofluorescence and western blotting.
Result
The KBD model was established successfully, during which the PWT and PWL of KBD inducing rats decreased gradually, and TNF-α and IL-1β increased significantly. After 4 weeks of Tnz treatment, both the PWL and PWT of KBD rats significantly increased, and TNF-α and IL-1β also decreased, on which 5.0mg/kg of TNZ was better than 2.5mg/kg. Western blotting told that Tnz could reduce the level of the Trka pathway in DRG of KBD rats, and 5.0mg/kg TNZ could induce further reduction than 2.5mg/kg. Immunofluorescence showed that the levels of BDNF and CGRP in the DRG of KBD rats increased, and 5.0mg/kg of Tnz could significantly rescue them.
Conclusion
Tnz can alleviate the pain of KBD rats by inhibiting activated Trka levels, and 5.0mg/kg is more effective than 2.5mg/kg. TNZ is a potential analgesic for KBD, but clinical trials are essential before clinic application.
Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from mainstream cigarettes smoke and vaping E-cigarettes product brands marketed in Saudi Arabia and its risk assessment
Authors: Alshutairi Adel M. , Alzahrani Ahmed H. , Almontshry Abdulaziz M.
Published: August 2023

Background
PAHs are a class of chemicals that occur naturally, and these contaminants may cause cancer and other harmful effects in human beings. The mainstream cigarettes smoke and vaping E-cigarettes contain many PAHs.
Method
In terms of linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy (%), and precision (%), the two in-house lab setups for 7PAHs extraction from mainstream cigarettes smoke and vaping E-cigarette were validated using high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection.
Results
The concentration of Σ7PAHs for mainstream cigarettes smoke and vaping E-cigarettes ranged from 6.23 ± 0.04 ng/cig to 75.61 ± 0.02 ng/cig, and ND to 3.56 ± 2.71 ng/puff. The PAHs recovery in mainstream cigarettes smoke and vaping E-cigarettes ranged from 92.74-110.45%, and 97.20-111.74%. The toxicity of equivalent (TEQs) of carcinogens revealed that mainstream cigarettes smoke brands have higher TEQs than vaping E-cigarettes.
Conclusion
This study highlights the detection of 7PAHs levels in product brands for mainstream cigarettes smoke and vaping E-cigarettes marketed in Saudi Arabia.
Influence of Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) on Thermal and Mechanical Performance of Cementitious Rendering Mortars
Authors: Batista Isla Licely Rodrigues , Cabral Kleber Cavalcanti , de Souza Wendell Rossine Medeiros , Martinelli Antonio Eduardo , Fontes Adna Érica Melo de Souza
Published: August 2023

The application of insulating materials in the construction industry is an intelligent strategy that promotes energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption through enhanced thermal retention in indoor spaces, resulting in improved comfort and resource savings. The focus on enhancing thermal performance has led to the utilization of techniques involving cementitious materials and additives to impart insulation properties. In this study, we investigate the influence of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) on the thermal and mechanical properties of rendering mortars. Four different concentrations of HPMC (0.015%, 0.030%, 0.045%, and 0.060%) were analyzed and compared with a reference mixture. Various tests were conducted to determine the fresh and hardened state properties of the mortars, including consistency index, bulk density, water loss through evaporation, compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, adhesive flexural strength, water absorption by immersion, and modulus of elasticity. The thermal performance was evaluated using a prototype that simulated heat incidence on a cementitious panel. The results indicate that the incorporation of HPMC allows for the production of lighter materials with a weight reduction of 11.76% due to the high porosity induced by the additive. This high void content contributes to thermal insulation by reducing the material's conductivity by up to 30% while maintaining a fixed heat flux of approximately 49 W when subjected to the same heat flux. The resistance to heat transfer through the panel varies with the addition of HPMC, with the highest incorporation of the additive resulting in a 32.6% increase in thermal resistance compared to the reference mixture. These findings highlight the potential of HPMC as an effective additive for improving the thermal and mechanical performance of rendering mortars, thereby contributing to enhanced energy efficiency in building construction. The results have implications for the development of sustainable building materials that optimize thermal insulation and reduce energy consumption, thereby promoting environmentally friendly practices in the construction industry.
Evolutionary formation of a human de novo open reading frame from a mouse non-coding DNA sequence via biased random mutations
Authors: Delihas Nicholas
Published: August 2023

Two open reading frames (ORFs) of evolutionary interest stem from the human gene SMIM45. An investigation shows that one consists of an ultra-conserved 68 amino acid (aa) sequence that dates back to the amphibians, ~350 MYA. In contrast, the other, an 107 aa ORF develops slowly during primate evolution. An early embryonic stage of development has been detected in the mouse genome that consists of a small sequence homologous to a segment of the human 107 aa ORF, the oligopeptide SGLE-VTVYGGGVQKGKT. This sequence appears to be the first recognizable segment of the ORF to appear evolutionarily. As the partial sequence is already present in the mouse, the evolutionary root of the human 107 aa is likely to be in a close ancestor of the mouse. The analysis presented shows that development of the 107 aa ORF proceeds via the biased selection of base pairs that are fixed during primate evolution. Random mutations also occur during development; proposed is the correction by purifying selection. The delineation of mutations occurring during development of the 107 aa ORF can provide a model for the evolutionary formation of protein genes.
Presence of microplastic in personal care and cosmetic products from markets in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Sial Nuzhat , Nawaz Zarqa , Naeem Muhammad , Habib Rana Zeeshan , Thiemann Thies
Published: August 2023

In order to assess microplastic content in personal care products in Pakistan, 103 body scrubs and face washes were randomly selected in August-October 2021 from different markets in Jhang, Multan, and Bahawalpur in Punjab, Pakistan. It was found that 47 (45.6%) products incorporated plastic microbeads, including 44 (42.7%) products that exhibited polythene microbeads. Overall, a higher proportion of imported products exhibited plastic microbead content than locally manufactured products.
Development of a novel lipid metabolism-related model predicting the prognosis of gastric cancer and exploration the role of NPR3 in gastric cancer metastasis
Authors: Wang Xuan , Zhou Quan , Li Hongzhen , Wang Pin , Guo Huiming , Zhang Wei , Zou Xiaoping
Published: August 2023

Aim
To establish a novel lipid metabolism-related (LMR) prognostic model for gastric cancer (GC) and explore the potential mechanism of natriuretic peptide receptor-3 (NPR3) in the process of GC metastasis.
Method
LMR genes were identified from the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and mRNA expression profile were download from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We used the R package “limma” to obtain the LMR differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between GC and adjacent tissues. Consensus clustering was then performed based on the expression of LMR DEGs using the R package “ConsensusClusterPlus”. We adopted the weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to obtain the best module related to metabolic subtypes. A prognostic model based on 6 LMR genes (FBLN7, NPY1R, VTN, NPR3, EPHB3 and AUH) was established through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized Cox regression analysis based on progression-free interval (PFI). In addition, we verified the NPR3 expression in several GC cell lines by quantitative Real-time PCR and Western Blotting, and explored the effect of NPR3 on GC cell migration using the wound healing assay and transwell test. We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC), H&E and collagen staining on 42 GC tissues to clarify the clinical significance of NPR3 in gastric cancer.
Results
2 LMR subtypes (C1 and C2) were confirmed using consensus clustering of 153 LMR-DEGs. Compared with C1, C2 was associated with a worse prognosis, especially in terms of PFI (HR: 1.64, 95%CI: 1.15–2.33, P < 0.001). Using WGCNA and univariate cox regression, 558 genes were screened out to build and optimize the model. Finally, a novel predictive formula system based on 6 genes (FBLN7, NPY1R, VTN, NPR3, EPHB3 and AUH) were constructed and the time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (time-ROC, 1/3/5 years) was 0.79/0.77/0.71 and 0.73/0.68/0.64 in the training set (N = 214) and validation set (N = 141), respectively. In addition, we found that NPR3 over-expression could promote the migration of GC cells. And its expression was higher in tumor tissues than in paracancerous tissues and patients with high expression of NPR3 were more likely have the vascular invasion (OR: 5.056, 95%CI: 1.159–22.060, p = 0.031) and higher stage (OR: 5.100, 95%CI: 1.336–19.470, p = 0.017).
Conclusion
We established a novel LMR prognostic model predicting the prognosis of gastric cancer, and found that NPR3 can promote the tumor migration and vascular invasion of gastric cancer.
The colonization of endophytic Bacillus velezensis BHZ-29 in cotton enhances defence enzyme activities against cotton Verticillium wilt
Authors: shi yingwu , Yang HongMei , Chu Min , Niu XinXiang , Wang Ning , Lin Qing , Bao HuiFang , Zhan FaQiang , Yang Rong , Long XuanQi , Lou Kai
Published: August 2023

In order to clarify the colonization characteristics and induced disease resistance of endophytic bacteria against Verticillium dahliae, the colonization ability in cotton and the defence enzyme activities of cotton were determined by using the antibiotic labeling method and the greenhouse pot culture method, respectively. The results showed that there was no significant difference in morphological characteristics, antagonistic ability and disease prevention effect between RIF-resistant strains and original strains. The colonization experiment showed that BHZ-29 could be effectively colonized in the roots, stems and leaves of the three varieties of cotton, and the colonization ability was ranked as root > stem > leaf. The colonization dynamics of B. velezensis BHZ-29 in different resistant varieties of cotton showed that the maximum colonization amount of root was 9.13 × 105 CFU/g for Xinluzao 61T, 1.82 × 105 CFU/g for 9T, and 1.30 × 105 CFU/g for Xinluzao 36S. The activities of defense enzymes among three varieties of cotton showed an initial increasing trend after which it decreased, ranked in the following order: BHZ-29 + VD > BHZ-29 > CK > VD. The highest Vc content of Xinluzao 36S inoculated with BHZ-29 + VD was 2281.12 µg/g ·FW, Xinluzao 61T inoculated with BHZ-29 was 2278.30 µg/g·FW, 9T inoculated with BHZ-29 + VD was 2268.43 µg/g FW. The order of MDA content in the three varieties was VD > CK > BHZ-29 > BHZ-29 + VD.
Practices Improvement of Building Information Modeling in the Egyptian Construction Projects
Authors: Nabil Yasmin , Ibrahim Ahmed H. , Hosny Suad
Published: August 2023

Reduced Reinforced Concrete Material Waste (RRCMW) in building projects is regarded as a critical issue that must be managed. The main purpose of the research is to illustrate the importance of BIM in construction. Two questionnaires survey are conducted. The first questionnaire is to measure the improvement of using BIM during the last 7 years and it is discovered that there is a massive improvement in using BIM in this period. The second questionnaire is to determine the adopting value of BIM in Egyptian projects. Based on the questionnaire analysis, it is discovered that about 94% of consultants actually practicing BIM in 3D while about 72% of contractors agree with practicing BIM in 3D. Also it is found that about 86% and 78% of consultants actually practicing BIM in 4D and 5D while only about 43% and 40% of contractors agree with practicing BIM 4D and 5D model respectively. Only about 61% and 58% considered that BIM is important in 6D and 7D respectively because it isn’t widely used in Egypt and engineers use BIM up to 5D. As a result, the findings reveal that the number of consultant’s site engineer’s respondents are more than contractors because the usage of BIM is effective in the field of design and consultancy more than using in site and while BIM isn't extensively utilized in Egypt, engineers should be familiar with it because it will be a useful tool in the future.
Automated Hippocampus Segmentation and Volume Estimation Using a Transformer-based Deep Learning Architecture
Authors: Aghili Maryamossadat , Shojae Mehdi , Cabrerizo Mercedes , Rishe Naphtali , Curiel Rosie Cid , Vaillancourt David , DeKosky Steven , Loewenstein David , Duara Ranjan , Adjouadi Malek
Published: August 2023

Hippocampus segmentation in brain MRI is a critical task for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning of several neurological disorders. However, automated hippocampus segmentation methods have some limitations. More precisely, hippocampus is hard to visualize through MRI due to the low contrast of the surrounding tissue, also it is a relatively small region with highly variable shape. In this study, we propose a two-stage architecture to first locate the hippocampus and then segment it. We combine a transformer design with CNN based architecture and a customized loss function to segment the hippocampus via an end-to-end pipeline. In the encoding path, the image is passed through a CNN model to generate a feature map. This feature map is then divided into small patches which are passed to a transformer for extracting global contexts. The encoder used here is identical to that of the Vision Transformer image classification model. In the decoding path, the transformer outputs are combined with their corresponding feature maps to enable a precise segmentation of the hippocampus. The proposed architecture was trained and tested on a dataset containing 195 brain MRI from the Decathlon Challenge. The proposed network achieved a Dice value of 0.90±0.200, and 89% mean Jaccard value in this segmentation task. The mean volume difference between generated mask and ground truth is 5% with a standard deviation of 3%. Deploying the proposed method over our in-house data, consisting of 326 MRIs, showed a mean volume difference of 4.4 % with a standard deviation of 3.24%.
Quantifying how biodiversity affects ecosystem functioning across space and time in natural marine ecosystems
Authors: Hagan James , Gamfeldt Lars , Schrofner-Brunner Benedikt
Published: August 2023

It is well understood that biodiversity is often important for ecosystem functioning but most of the empirical work has taken place on small spatial and temporal scales. Therefore, we need to improve our understanding at larger spatial and temporal scales if we want biodiversity-ecosystem functioning science to be relevant for policy and management. We built a methodological pipeline around a rigorously derived statistical partition that allowed us to distinguish the various ways in which biodiversity can affect functioning in two natural marine ecosystems (intertidal rockpool macroalgae and marine fouling communities). This partitioning considers both local species interactions and species' asynchronous responses to varying environments over space and time. We found evidence that a combination of local-scale species interactions, local-scale dominance by high functioning species and spatial niche partitioning contributed to a positive effect of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning in these ecosystems. Moreover, the effect of spatial niche partitioning tended to strengthen with increasing spatial environmental heterogeneity. Our approach allowed us to directly quantify the complex ways in which biodiversity can affect ecosystem functioning and highlights the importance of taking a multi-scale perspective in biodiversity-ecosystem functioning research.
Deep-Learning-Based Survival Prediction of Patients with lower limb melanoma
Authors: Zhang Jinrong , Yu Hai , Zheng Xinkai , Ming Wai-kit , YAU SUN LAK , Kong Ching Tom , Lee Alice , Huang Hui , Chen Wenhui , Lyu Jun , Deng Liehua
Published: August 2023

Background
For the purpose to examine lower limb melanoma (LLM) and its long-term survival rate, we used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. To estimate the prognosis of LLM patients and assess its efficacy, we used a powerful deep learning and neural network approach called DeepSurv.
Methods:
We gathered data on those who had an LLM diagnosis between 2000 and 2019 from the SEER database. We divided the people into training and testing cohorts at a 7:3 ratio using a random selection technique. To assess the likelihood that LLM patients would survive, we compared the results of the DeepSurv model with those of the Cox proportional-hazards (CoxPH) model. Calibration curves, the time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and the concordance index (C-index) were all used to assess how accurate the predictions were.
Results:
In this study, a total of 26,243 LLM patients were enrolled, with 7,873 serving as the testing cohort and 18,370 as the training cohort. Significant correlations with age, gender, AJCC stage, chemotherapy status, surgery status, regional lymph node removal and the survival outcomes of LLM patients were found by the CoxPH model. The CoxPH model's C-index was 0.766, which signifies a good degree of predicted accuracy. Additionally, we created the DeepSurv model using the training cohort data, which had a higher C-index of 0.852. In addition to calculating the 3-, 5-, and 8-year AUC values, the predictive performance of both models was evaluated. The equivalent AUC values for the CoxPH model were 0.795, 0.767, and 0.847, respectively. The DeepSurv model, in comparison, had better AUC values of 0.872, 0.858, and 0.847. In comparison to the CoxPH model, the DeepSurv model demonstrated greater prediction performance for LLM patients, as shown by the AUC values and the calibration curve.
Conclusion:
We created the DeepSurv model using LLM patient data from the SEER database, which performed better than the CoxPH model in predicting the survival time of LLM patients.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity Studies of two Co(II) Complexes with 2-[(E)-(3-acetyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl]-4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)thiophene-3-carboxylic acid as a Ligand
Authors: Fondjo Emmanuel Sopbué , Feuze Sorelle Songmi , Tamokou Jean-de-Dieu , Tsopmo Apollinaire , Doungmo Giscard , W. Peter Simon F. , Tsamo Donald Léonel Feugap , Ndjakou Bruno Lenta , Kuiate Jules Roger
Published: August 2023

Two new Cobalt(II) complexes 5 and 6 with 2-[(E)-(3-acetyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)diazenyl]-4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)thiophene-3-carboxylic acid 4 as a novel ligand have been synthesized. These three new compounds were characterized on the basis of their powder X-Ray Diffraction, UV-Vis, IR, NMR, elemental analysis and MS spectral data. DFT/B3LYP mode of calculations were carried out to determine some theorical parameters of the molecular structure of the ligand. The purity of the ligand and the metal complexes were ascertained by TLC and melting points. The analysis of the IR spectra of the polyfunctionalized azo compound 4 and its metal complexes 5 and 6, reveals that the coordination patterns of the ligand are hexadentate and tetradentate respectively. Based on the UV-Vis electronic spectral data, octahedral and square-planar geometries were respectively assigned to the cobalt(II) complexes. The ligand 4 displayed moderate antibacterial activity (MIC = 32–128 µg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli ATCC25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae 22. The octahedral Cobalt(II) complex 5 showeds moderate activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 128 µg/mL) and Klebsiella pneumoniae 22 (MIC = 64 µg/mL) and none against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC25922, whereas the square-planar complex 6 displayed moderate activity only on Klebsiella pneumoniae 22 (MIC = 64 µg/mL).
Natural History of the Pelvic Binder or “Sheet-wrap” in the Early Treatment of Patients with Life-threatening Pelvic Ring Injuries at a Busy Level One Regional Trauma Center. A Retrospective Study.
Authors: Rodriguez-Buitrago Andres , Collinge Cory , Guillamondegui Oscar , Dennis Bradley , Bream Peter , Mitchell Phillip M.
Published: August 2023

Objective:Pelvic binders and “sheet-wraps” (PB/SW) are critical tools in splinting the injured pelvis of severely injured trauma patients. Our study reviews the management, logistics, and documentation of PB/SW use in a busy academic Level 1 Trauma Center.
Methods: Adults patients with pelvic ring injury from high energy trauma presenting with shock between July 1, 2015 and June 31, 2017 requiring the use of a PB/SW were included in the study, a retrospective review of the medical records was performed evaluating when, how, and by whom PB/SW’s were applied, removed, or manipulated during early hospitalization.
Results:Documentation and management of PB/SW’s werewell below standard benchmarks of other procedures, tools, and interventions used in acutely ill patients. No information was documented about PB/SW application in 44% of the 36 cases when the PB/SW was applied at our center. Alterations to the PB/SW were ineffectually communicated and coordinated between members of the treatment team with all PB/SW removed from 21 of patients treated with an emergency procedure in interventional radiology (15) or the operating room (6).
Conclusions:Our use and documentation of PB/SW’s in the early treatment of trauma patients with pelvic injuries in shock appear lacking. Immediate action will be taken to improve on these benchmarks through process improvement with caregiver education, improved communication, and creation of measurable benchmarks.
Level of Evidence: Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete descriptionof levels of evidence.
Inflammatory biomarkers may be associated with poor outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Wang Hong , Tian Xiaobing , Liao Zhangyuan , Yue Xuanye , Sun Libin , Li Xingrong , Zou Ming , Ding Jiayue
Published: August 2023

Background:Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the mainstay of treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in recent years. This case-control study aimed to identify the pivotal role of inflammation in the prognosis of AIS patients after MT.Methods:Altogether, 70 AIS patients who underwent MT were retrospectively recruited for this study. ROC analysis was performed to demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of the inflammatory variables for predicting prognosis. A meta-analysis was further performed to pool the published results together. Stata software was used for analysis in this study.Results:A total of 70 patients were enrolled in this study. There was no differences in pre-MT inflammatory biomarkers between patients who survived and those who died, as well as patients with mRS 0–2 and mRS ≥ 3. In contrast, post-MT CRP levels might be a potential parameter to predict death after thrombectomy (AUC, 95%CI, 0.737, 0.587-0.887; p=0.005; optimal cutoff value=4.565). Moreover, post-MT monocyte count might be an appropriate parameter to predict poor long-term prognosis after thrombectomy (AUC, 95%CI, 0.704, 0.575-0.833; p=0.017; optimal cutoff value=0.345). A meta-analysis revealed that the pre-MT inflammatory indices, including WBC count (WMD, 95%CI, 1.32, 1.01—1.63), neutrophil count (1.23, 0.95—1.51), monocyte count (0.05, 0.02—0.09), NLR (2.42, 1.98—2.87) and PLR (24.65, 7.99—41.32), were higher in patients with 3-month mRS ≥ 3, and the lymphocyte count (-0.28, -0.40—-0.16) was lower in this cohort.Conclusions:Inflammatory indices were significantly associated with the prognosis of patients undergoing MT, especially post-MT CRP and monocyte count, which can predict long-term outcomes.
The impact of the length of proximal margin on the prognosis of adenocarcinoma of gastroesophageal junction and coping strategies: A real-world study
Authors: Pang Tao , Qin Ying Yi , Nie MingMing , Fan Lei , Wang Jia Yang , Liu Zhao Rui , Yin Kai
Published: August 2023

Background: The optimal proximal margin (PM) length for SiewertII/III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEJ) remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the optimal PM length using an abdominal approach to guide surgical decision-making.
Methods: A prospective study analyzed 304 consecutive patients diagnosed with SiewertII/III AEJ between January 2019 and December 2021. Total gastrectomy was performed via the abdominal approach, and PM length was measured on fixed gross specimens. X-Tile software determined the optimal PM cut-point based on progression-free survival (PFS). Univariate analyses compared baseline characteristics across PM groups, while survival analyses utilized Kaplan-Meier estimation and Cox proportional hazards regression for assessing the impact of margin length on survival. Multivariable analyses were conducted to adjust for confounding variables.
Results: The study included 264 AEJ cases classified as Siewert II (71.97%) or III (28.03%). The median gross PM length was 1.0 cm (IQR: 0.5 cm-1.5 cm, range: 0 cm-6 cm). PM length ≥1.2 cm was associated with a lower risk of disease progression compared to PM length 0.4 cm on PFS (HR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.20-0.84, P = 0.015). Moreover, PM ≥1.2 cm improved prognosis in subgroups of T4 or N3, tumor size <4 cm, Siewert II, and Lauren classification.
Conclusions: For Siewert type II/III AEJ, a proximal margin length ≥1.2 cm (1.65 cm in situ) is associated with improved outcomes. These findings offer valuable insights into the association between PM length and outcomes in SiewertII/III AEJ, providing guidance for surgical approaches and aiding clinical decision-making to enhance patient outcomes.