bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-electrode gas sensors based on the composition of indium oxide, aluminum oxide and platinum
Authors: Haiduk Yulyan , Gulayeva Natalya , Podbolotov Kirill , Usenka Alexandra , Pankov Vladimir
Published: November 2024

In2O3/Pt and In2O3/Al2O3/Pt single-electrode gas sensors were manufactured (aluminum oxide was taken in an amount of 8.0 %wt., platinum was taken in an amount of 0.8 %wt and 1.3 %wt. The addition of platinum led to an increase in the response to methane, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. The addition of aluminum oxide allows you to adjust the resistance of the sensors, it also increases the short-term stability of the sensors. The structure of the composition was studied using powder diffractometry (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additions of aluminum oxide and platinum reduce the size of indium oxide crystallites and increase its specific surface area. Compared to In2O3/Pt sensors, In2O3/Al2O3/Pt sensors have higher selectivity to methane due to reduced sensitivity to carbon monoxide. The In2O3/Al2O3/Pt composite structure and the composition of its properties allow one to apply it for the creation of highly effective sensing elements for semiconductor gas sensors.
Impact of Sodium Chloride Stress on Mung Bean Cultivars in Winter and Summer Seasons: Mitigation Strategies Employing Bacillus Pseudomycoides Inoculum
Authors: Bilal Bushra , Siddiq Zafar , Iftikhar Tehreema , Hayyat Muhammad Umar Umar , Ghaffar Rabia
Published: November 2024

Salt stress poses a significant threat to global agriculture, affecting crop growth and productivity. This study investigated the impact of sodium chloride stress on different mung bean (Vigna radiata) cultivars in both winter and summer seasons and explored potential mitigation strategies employing Bacillus pseudomycoides inoculum. The experiment was conducted in controlled environments during winter and summer seasons, exposing different mung bean cultivars to varying NaCl concentrations (3–15 dSm− 1). Plant growth, yield, physiological attributes, ion uptake and nutrient (protein, carbohydrate, soluble sugar) contents in different plant parts were assessed. Bacillus pseudomycoides inoculum proved highly significant in mitigating the negative effects of salt stress. Results indicated a notable reduction in growth, yield, physiological parameters, chlorophyll content, ion uptake (less Na+ and more K+ ion) and nutrient contents in mung bean plants exposed to elevated NaCl concentrations, with winter crops exhibiting more sensitivity compared to their summer counterparts. However, the introduction of B. pseudomycoides imposed a significant mitigation effect, as reflected in improved plant growth, yield attributes, physiological parameters, ion uptake and nutrient contents. The findings underlined the differential responses of winter and summer crops of mung bean to NaCl stress and emphasized the potential of salt-tolerant bacteria as a sustainable solution for reducing salinity-induced damages. This research contributes valuable insights into developing resilient agricultural practices capable of mitigating the adverse effects of salt stress on mung bean crops in different seasons, thereby enhancing food security in regions susceptible to soil salinization.
A Comprehensive Study of Z-DNA Density and Its Evolutionary Implications in Birds
Authors: Wang Yu-Ren , Chang Shao-Ming , Chen Hsiao-Chien , Lee Lo-Tung , Tsai Dien-Yu , Lee Shih-Da , Lan Chung-Yu , Chang Chuang-Rung , Chen Chih-Feng , Ng Chen Siang
Published: November 2024

Background
Z-DNA, a left-handed helical form of DNA, plays a significant role in genomic stability and gene regulation. Its formation, associated with high GC content and repetitive sequences, is linked to genomic instability, potentially leading to large-scale deletions and contributing to phenotypic diversity and evolutionary adaptation.
Results
In this study, we analyzed the density of Z-DNA-prone motifs in the promoter regions of 154 avian genomes using the non-B DNA Motif Search Tool (nBMST). Our findings indicate a higher prevalence of Z-DNA motifs in promoter regions across all avian species compared to other genomic regions. A negative correlation was observed between Z-DNA density and developmental time in birds, suggesting that species with shorter developmental periods tend to have higher Z-DNA densities. This relationship implies that Z-DNA may influence the timing and regulation of development in avian species. Furthermore, Z-DNA density showed associations with traits such as body mass, egg mass, and genome size, highlighting the complex interactions between genome architecture and phenotypic characteristics. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that Z-DNA motifs are enriched in genes involved in nucleic acid binding, kinase activity, and translation regulation, suggesting a role in fine-tuning gene expression essential for cellular functions and responses to environmental changes. Additionally, the potential of Z-DNA to drive genomic instability and facilitate adaptive evolution underscores its importance in shaping phenotypic diversity.
Conclusions
This study emphasizes the role of Z-DNA as a dynamic genomic element contributing to gene regulation, genomic stability, and phenotypic diversity in avian species. Future research should experimentally validate these associations and explore the molecular mechanisms by which Z-DNA influences avian biology.
Changes in mitochondrial thymidine metabolism and mtDNA copy number during induced pluripotency
Authors: Lee Man Ryul , Kim Hyun Kyu , Song Yena , Kye Minji , Yu Byeongho , Choi Hyung Kyu , Moon Sung-Hwan
Published: November 2024

Reprogramming somatic cells into human induced pluripotent stem cells entails profound intracellular changes, including modifications in mitochondrial metabolism and a decrease in the mitochondrial DNA copy number. However, the mechanisms underlying this decline in mitochondrial DNA copy number during reprogramming remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate these underlying mechanisms. Through meta-analysis of numerous RNA sequencing datasets, we identified the genes responsible for the reduction in mitochondrial DNA. We investigated the functions of these identified genes and examined their regulatory mechanisms. Particularly, the thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) gene, required for mitochondrial DNA synthesis and found in the mitochondria, exhibits diminished expression in human pluripotent stem cells compared with that in somatic cells. TK2 was substantially downregulated during reprogramming and markedly upregulated during differentiation. Collectively, the reduction in TK2 levels influences a decrease in mitochondrial DNA copy number and participates in shaping the metabolic characteristics of human pluripotent stem cells. However, contrary to our expectations, treatment with a TK2 inhibitor impaired somatic cell reprogramming. These results suggest that reduced TK2 expression may result from metabolic conversion during somatic cell reprogramming.
Body Maps of Sound Pitch and relevant individual differences in Alexithymic trait and Depressive state
Authors: Daikoku Tatsuya , Horii Takato , Yamawaki Shigeto
Published: November 2024

Sound perception extends beyond the boundaries of auditory sensation, encompassing an engagement with the human body. In this study, we examined the relationship between our perception of sound pitch and our bodily sensations, while also exploring the role of emotions in shaping this intriguing cross-modal correspondence. We also compared the topography of pitch-triggered body sensations between depressive and non-depressive groups, and between alexithymic, and non-alexithymic groups. Further, we examined their associations with anxiety. Our findings reveal that individuals with alexithymic trait and depressive state experience a less localized body sensations in response to sound pitch, accompanied by heightened feelings of anxiety and negative emotions. These findings imply that diffuse bodily sensations in response to sound may trigger negative emotions such as anxiety and indicate that monitoring pitch-triggered body sensations could serve as a valuable biomarker for emotional disorders. Our study sheds light on the importance of bodily sensation in response to sounds, a phenomenon that may be mediated by interoception. This research enhances our understanding of the intricate relationship between sound, emotions, and the human body, offering insights for potential interventions in emotional disorders.
Biocarbon nanoadsorbents derived from walnut shell and their excellent adsorption of trinitrotoluene from wastewater
Authors: Shi Xiaofeng , Si Chao , Liu Zhenguo , Dong Yu , Sun Jiaji
Published: November 2024

A new reusable biomass derived adsorbent biocarbon material was prepared by charring ball-milled walnut shell powders under an inert gas atmosphere and treating with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution (the formed biochar is named as WS). WS was able to achieve a rapid adsorption of trinitrotoluene (TNT) from waste streams, reaching an equilibrium within 30 min. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 107.0 mg·g-1. The TNT adsorption from waste streams by WS followed the Langmuir isotherm model and the proposed second order kinetic model. The WS prepared in this study was able to achieve an efficient removal of TNT waste streams through the synergistic effect of electrostatic attraction and chemisorption.
Homogeneous and Bioluminescent Biochemical and Cellular Assay for Monitoring cGAMP and Enzymes that Generate and Degrade cGAMP
Authors: Hsiao Kevin , Murray Nathan H. , Mikheil Dareen , Larsen Matthew A. , Wang Hui , Ugo Tim , Goueli Said A.
Published: November 2024

The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of the interferon gene (cGAS-STING) signaling pathway is considered an essential pattern recognition and effector pathway in the natural immune system and is mainly responsible for recognizing DNA molecules present in the cytoplasm and activating downstream signaling pathways to generate type I interferons (IFN-I) and other inflammatory factors. STING, a crucial junction protein in the innate immune system, exerts an essential role in host resistance to external pathogen invasion. The DNA introduced by pathogens or tumors is recognized by the cytoplasmic nucleic acid receptor cGAS, and a second messenger, cGAMP, is generated using intracellular guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Furthermore, cellular and extracellular cGAMP concentrations are also controlled by ENPP1, an enzyme that breaks down cGAMP to AMP and GMP. Therefore, the role of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway has generated great interest in inflammatory and cancer research. To advance our understanding of innate immune system and in particular the STING pathway, we have developed a homogeneous, bioluminescent cGAMP detection assay that is very sensitive and highly selective against other nucleotides, cyclic nucleotides, and dicyclic nucleotides. The assay can be also used to monitor the activity of cGAS and ENPP1 to enable the development of inhibitors of both enzymes which might be used for therapeutic applications.
Global Patterns of Belonging: A Cross-National Study of 22 Countries
Authors: Counted Victor , Allen Kelly-Ann , Johnson Byron R. , VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: November 2024

Belonging is the human need to form and maintain lasting, positive, and significant connections. However, as our societies grow more diverse and complex, understanding the factors associated with a sense of belonging has become increasingly challenging, particularly because these experiences can vary widely across different cultures and countries. Studying belonging across multiple countries is needed to capture this variability and understand how individuals connect with their communities. This study investigates patterns of belonging across 22 countries using data from 202,898 individuals, examining how demographic factors such as age, gender, marital status, employment, religious service attendance, education, immigration status, religious affiliation, and race/ethnicity are associated with belonging. The meta-analysis reveals general trends: older individuals and those employed tend to report higher belonging compared to younger participants and the unemployed. Frequent religious service attendance is also linked to higher belonging, even in more secular countries. However, these patterns vary across countries. For instance, belonging decreases with age in India, but shows a mixed pattern in Nigeria, and in Japan after remaining stable across ages 18–49, increases substantially from age 50 onwards, with the highest levels observed among those 80 or older. Similarly, while men generally report lower belonging than women, some countries, like Sweden and Germany, show lower belonging among individuals of other gender. Unemployed individuals generally report lower belonging, though the gap is smaller in countries like Mexico, while migrants also tend to report lower belonging, with varying differences across countries such as Egypt and Indonesia, where native-born individuals reported lower belonging than migrants. These insights offer global benchmarks and suggest that public health strategies and community interventions might benefit from being tailored to address the specific needs of subpopulations with lower belonging levels, varying by demographic and country context.
Boosting VFAs production during the anaerobic digestion of corn stover waste in Northeast China: Freeze-thaw pretreatment and effect of initial pH
Authors: Qi Nan , Zhao Yinuo , Zhang Chaoxing , Xu Ying , Wei Zixi , Bao Hongxu , Wang Jian
Published: November 2024

The low temperature in Northeastern China is a prospective and exploitable advantage in low energy consumption pretreatment for lignocellulose. The effects of freeze-thaw pretreatment on the microstructure of corn stover hydrolysis characteristics and fermentation acid production were investigated using corn stover as the raw material. The experimental results demonstrated that the reducing sugar release and SCOD values of corn stover following freeze-thaw pretreatment exhibited increases of 15.77–66.96% and 13.89–68.94%, respectively, compared to those of the control group. Freeze-thaw pretreatment effectively alters the microstructure of stover, disrupting the hydrogen bonds between cellulose and hemicellulose in the amorphous zone of treated corn stover and removing lignin. The acid yield of the treated corn stover under optimal pretreatment conditions is enhanced by up to 77.94% compared with the control group. The initial pH pronouncedly influenced the acid yield of anaerobic fermentation of corn stover, with the highest acid yield of 3.78 g/L observed at pH values between 7.5 and 8. This study provides theoretical guidance for the industrial development of low-cost and low-energy consumption pretreatment method in lignocellulose wastes.
Ecotoxicological data of selected antiviral drugs acting against SARS-CoV-2: Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition, Daphnia magna immobilization, and comparison with in silico predictions
Authors: Bartels Indra , Nahar Nazmun , Smollich Esther , Zimmermann Sonja , Schmidt Torsten , Jaeger Martin , Sures Bernd
Published: November 2024

Micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals that are released into the environment after wastewater treatment may have a severe impact on organisms in the aquatic environment. Especially ecotoxicological effects of antiviral drugs have been insufficiently investigated up to date. As a result of SARSCoV-2, favipiravir, remdesivir and molnupiravir, as well as their metabolites GS-441524 and EIDD-1931, have become the focus of treatment options against the COVID-19 virus. Thus, this study investigated potential ecotoxicological effects of these substances to the aquatic organisms Aliivibrio fischeri (DIN EN ISO 11348-1:2008) and Daphnia magna (OECD No. 202). The concentrations of the test substances in the exposure media were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry. During the bioluminescence inhibition test using A. fischeri, effective concentration values indicating 10% efficacy were found for favipiravir and molnupiravir, i.e. 9.3 mg∙L− 1 and 95.5 mg∙L− 1. For EIDD-1931, ecotoxicological data were obtained and could fill the gap in available databases. As the effective concentrations indicating 50% efficacy on the test organisms were determined to exceed 1400 and 1500 mg∙L− 1, no ecotoxicological hazards during exposure of EIDD-1931 on both A. fischeri and D. magna are expected. Ecotoxicity values were further predicted using quantitative structure-activity relationship regarding the test organisms green algae and D. magna. Predicted values did not correlate with the findings of the acute immobilization tests with D. magna, suggesting predictions should be considered with caution. In general, the ecotoxicological findings as well as the calculation of the risk quotients indicated no or low ecotoxicological risks emerging from the five substances tested.
Synthesis, physical properties, and root canal sealing of experimental MTA- and salicylate-based root canal sealers
Authors: Vitti Rafael , Cardoso Flávia , Pereira Flávia , Piva Evandro , Zanchi Cesar , Abuna Gabriel , Lima Carolina , Silva Emmanuel , Aguiar Flávio , Sinhoreti Mário Alexandre
Published: November 2024

Objectives: To develop and evaluate the physical properties and sealing ability within the root canal of three experimental sealers based on MTA and a salicylate resin.
Materials and Methods: The experimental sealers were composed of two pastes. The base paste was prepared using 1,3-butyleneglycol disalicylate and bismuth oxide. Three different catalytic pastes were formulated, creating three groups: [MTA] n,n,dihydroxyethyl-p-toluidine (DPT), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA); [MTA-HA] DPT + TiO2 + MTA + hydroxyapatite (HA); and [MTA-DCPD] DPT + TiO2 + MTA + dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD). MTA Fillapex (Angelus) was used as the commercial reference (control). The sealers were manipulated at a 1:1 ratio (base paste:catalyst). Tests for working time and setting time, flow, and film thickness were conducted following ISO 6876:2012 standards. Single-rooted human teeth root canals were utilized for evaluating root canal filling using micro-computed tomography, push-out bond strength testing, and sealer penetration into dentinal tubules using confocal microscopy. Failure patterns in the push-out test were classified as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed. Sealer micromorphology was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed statistically (α=0.05).
Results: MTA Fillapex showed the longest working and setting times, highest flow, the lowest film thickness, and better penetration into dentinal tubules. There was no difference in void among evaluated sealers. Overall, MTA-DCPD sealer showed the lowest bond strength values for cervical and apical thirds. Micromorphological analysis revealed similar crystallographic properties among all sealers.
Conclusions: The sealers tested showed reduced working and setting times, with flow and film thickness according to ISO 6876:2012. Their void volume and bond strength were similar to MTA Fillapex, except for MTA-DCPD. Clinical Relevance: The experimental root canal sealers demonstrated suitable physical properties and good adaptation within the root canal.
Influence of COVID-19 infection prevention measures on face-to-face psychotherapy
Authors: Ono Satoshi , Fukui Hatuna , Aoki Sanae
Published: November 2024

While knowledge of telepsychotherapy increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about face-to-face psychotherapy conducted under infection prevention measures. This study examined this model, assuming that infection prevention measures had the effect of increasing difficulties in face-to-face psychotherapy and psychologists' concerns, and that supportive devices were made to resolve these difficulties. An online survey of 471 Japanese psychologists was conducted.The results showed that an acrylic board separating client and therapist inhibited mutual information exchange and the maintenance of stable support. In addition, limiting the number of sessions, such as decreasing the time and frequency of support, caused the greatest variety of problems, including difficulty in communication and stability of support. When psychologists felt difficulties in stable support and communication difficulties in support, they were encouraged to clarify communication by overacting and confirming, both directly and through a sense of crisis in their identity as psychologists, to complement face-to-face psychotherapy stabilization.
The effect of climate changes on soil fertility and temperature stress in rice cultivation
Authors: Mahdavi Seyed Mohamad , Mohammadian Mohammad , Mashaki Keyvan Mahdavi , Abadian Hoda , Nabipour Alireza , Moghaddam Rahman Erfani
Published: November 2024

In order to ensure food security for the future, finding optimal agricultural management in the shadow of significant impact of climate changes on crops is needed. This research related to nutritional problems under effect of future climate changes on rice, at four levels of nitrogen application treatments (0, 60, 90 and 120 Kg/ha) and three planting densities (20cm × 20cm, 30cm × 16cm, 30cm × 14cm) and two CO2 concentration scenario (RCP2.6 and RCP6.0) at 2044 and 2064, was conducted in northern part of Iran, using Aquacrop model. The introduced polynomial equation increased the accuracy of the relationship between leaf area index and canopy cover with an average error of 16%. With the increase in fertilizer level and planting density, crop production increased, with observed maximum and minimum yields of 7and 3.7 ton/ha for N3D1 and N0D2 treatments, respectively. It was observed that the soil fertility stress led to up to 55% reduction in biomass. By increasing temperature and CO2 concentration, the fertility stress was also increased with the highest value of 45.5% for RCP6.0 scenario in 2064.There is a possibility of temperature stress in future years which causes stomata closure and early senescence, so in our work a maximum of 2% temperature stress was observed in 2064, which led to a 5% decrease in the yield. The water requirement of the crop increased from 305 mm in the base year to 322 mm in 2064.Both WP* and WUE were increased with increasing temperature and CO2, with the highest values of 26 g/cm2 and 2.56 Kg/m3, respectively, for RCP6.0 in 2064.
Draft genome of pin nematode Paratylenchus projectus recovered from rhizosphere of blueberry
Authors: Liu Liang-Qin , Fu Wei-Qi , Ma Yuan-Yuan , Liu Zhi-Yin , Ge Chun-feng , Yang Yi-Ru , Qing Xue , Zeng Qi-Long
Published: November 2024

Background
The pin nematode, belonging to the genus Paratylenchus, parasitizes higher plants, often causing reduced or arrested root tip development.
Methods
Pin nematodes were isolated from the roots and rhizosphere of blueberry plants and subsequently identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular barcoding. The draft genome was sequenced using the Illumina platform.
Results
Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S, 28S, and ITS rRNA placed this species in highly supported clades alongside other P. projectus specimens. The draft genome of P. projectus was sequenced and assembled, representing the first genomic data for both the genus Paratylenchus and the family Tylenchulidae. The assembled genome, though fragmented, had a total length of 191.36 Mbp in 84,313 contigs. Protein-coding genes were predicted using four different databases, with particular focus on carbohydrate-active enzymes from the GH5 and GH18 families. The recovered GH5 genes were distributed among three distinct clades: one forming a basal group relative to other nematodes, one as a sister clade to the fungivorous nematode Aphelenchus avenae, and one nested within a fungal clade. The GH18 chitinase genes were grouped into two clades: one closely related to sedentary plant-parasitic nematodes of the genera Heterodera and Globodera, and the other closely related to the fungivorous nematode Ditylenchus.
Conclusions
The draft genome of Paratylenchus projectus was sequenced and assembled, representing the first genomic data for both the genus Paratylenchus and the family Tylenchulidae.
Naturally occurring antibodies against ASC decrease during aging
Authors: Zhu Xiaopeng , Gao Xia , Liu He , Long Yan , Deng Juan
Published: November 2024

Background: This study aims to investigate the variations of the naturally occurring antibodies against ASC (NAbs-ASC) among a healthy Chinese population and analyze their correlation with age.
Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 97 young, 99 middle-aged, and 108 elderly subjects from the Health Management Department of Daping Hospital, Army Medical University. The study compared the levels of the NAbs-ASC in different age groups and analyzed the correlation between NAbs-ASC and age using Spearman's correlation. Additionally, the study involved plotting NAbs-ASC to evaluate the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for aging.
Results: NAbs-ASC were widely present in humans.NAbs-ASC levels were significantly lower in the elderly group compared with the young (2421.15ng/L vs. 2849.26 ng/L, p<0.001) and middle-aged groups (2421.15 ng/L vs. 2878.44 ng/L, p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in NAbs-ASC levels between the young and middle-aged groups (2849.26 vs. 2878.44, p=0.576). Spearman's correlation analysis indicated a negative correlation between age and NAbs-ASC levels (r=-0.324, p<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for NAbs-ASC was 0.699 (95% CI: 0.628-0.771, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The NAbs-ASC levels were reduced in elderly individuals and are negatively correlated with age. NAbs-ASC may serve as a potential biomarker of aging and aging-related diseases.
Effect of fluoride on the expression of Th17-related cytokines profiles in Hepa1-6 cells
Authors: Guo Hong-wei , Wang Xiao-pan , Zhao Wen-peng , Zhao Jing , Li Hua-wei , Zheng Ming
Published: November 2024

Excessive fluorine (F) ion has strong cytotoxicity and can cause inflammatory reaction. However, little is understood about associations between the secretion of T helper-17 (Th17)-related inflammatory factor and the risk of F ion-induced disorders in Hepa1-6 cells. In this study, Hepa1-6 cells were exposed to culture medium containing 0, 1 and 2 mmol/L F ion for 48 h, then the culture supernatant was subjected to detect the Th17-related inflammatory cytokines (macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3α, interleukin (IL)-13, IL-21, transforming growth factor type beta 1 (TGF-β1), IL-17F, IL-5, IL-28A, IL-23, IL-22, IL-17A, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-1β, Interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-6, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α). The results showed that TGF-β1 as the only differential expression protein (DEP) was down-regulated in the 1 mmol/L F ion group when compared with the control group. However, 7 DEPs were detected in the 2 mmol/L F ion group, with 2 DEPs (IL-6 and IL-17F) were up-regulated and 5 DEPs (IL-5, IL-10, TGF-β1, IL-1β and IL-2) were down-regulated. Besides, the expressions of up-regulated IL-6 and down-regulated IL-5 in the 2 mmol/L F ion group were significant difference when compared with the 1 mmol/L F ion group. Additionally, the Gene ontology (GO) database and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database were used to analyze the biological processes, cellular component and signaling pathways that DEPs are potentially involved in. Collectively, these data indicate that Th17-related cytokines expression pattern plays an important role in fluoride-induced cytotoxicity.
Assessment of binocular vision and accommodation in myopic children wearing Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) Lenses for 24 Months
Authors: Yahaya Nur Adibah , Norazman Fatin Nur Najwa , Mohd-Ali Bariah , Shahimin Mizhanim Mohamad , Fadzil Norliza Mohamad
Published: November 2024

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the changes in binocular vision (BV) and accommodation in myopic children following long-term wear of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses for 24 months.
Methods: Twenty-three Malay myopic children aged 7–12 years were enrolled in this prospective, self-controlled study. DIMS spectacle lenses were prescribed, and assessments were conducted at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Assessments included visual acuity (VA), cycloplegic refraction, axial length (AL), and a range of BV measures including stereopsis, near point of convergence (NPC), phoria, positive/negative fusional vergence (PFV/NFV), amplitude of accommodation (AA), accommodative lag, positive/negative relative accommodation (PRA/NRA), and accommodative convergence to accommodation (AC/A) ratio.
Results: Statistically significant changes were observed after 24 months, including AL elongation and myopia progression (P<0.001), receded NPC (p<0.001), reduced AA (p=0.002), increased distance PFV (p=0.026), and improvements in accommodative lag (p=0.002), NRA (p=0.004), stereopsis (p<0.001), and the AC/A ratio (p<0.001). Additionally, there were statistically significant improvements in distance and near VA (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Wearing DIMS spectacle lenses for 24 months significantly altered the BV and accommodation of myopic children, particularly by improving the accommodation-convergence interaction. Regular monitoring of NPC, as well as distance and near PFV and NFV, is recommended to optimize the effectiveness of DIMS lenses in controlling myopia progression and maintaining BV stability.
Visual impairments simulation in virtual reality as an empathy booster
Authors: Zwoliński Grzegorz , Kamińska Dorota , Pinto-Coelho Luis , Haamer Rain Eric , Raposo Rui , Vairinhos M´ario
Published: November 2024

The World Health Organization estimates that 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the world's population, currently live with a significant disability. This number is growing due to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases and longer life expectancy. It is estimated that most people will experience a temporary disability at least once in their lifetime. Despite recent progress, persons with disabilities continue to face challenges in social and labor market inclusion, often due to a widespread lack of awareness of their daily struggles. In response to this critical issue, this paper seeks to promote awareness by inviting the user into a world of visual impairments through an innovative simulation of these conditions within a virtual environment. Within this immersive experience, users engage in a series of tests that challenge them to perform seemingly simple tasks while navigating the complexities of 18 different visual impairments. This research, validated by the participation of 60 users, relies on objective metrics such as reaction time and accuracy to quantify the profound impact of these impairments on task performance. Beyond the quantitative measurements, an online pre- and post-test questionnaire reveals a remarkable transformation in participants - an increase in empathy. The results of the study not only underscore the fact that a true understanding of the challenges faced by people with visual impairments often requires first-hand experience, but also illuminate the power of such experiences in fostering empathy and raising awareness. As a result, the proposed application contributes to a broader understanding of the challenges posed by visual impairments and the importance of promoting universal design approaches and initiatives.
Deletion of a Distal IRF4 Element Prevents Inflammation-induced Reprogramming of Human Regulatory T-cell Fate
Authors: Tang Qizhi , Ho Patrick , Rosenthal Wendy , Bluestone Jeffrey
Published: November 2024

Adoptive regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy is an emergent treatment paradigm for restoring immune tolerance in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. While preclinical models have demonstrated the remarkable efficacy of Treg cell therapy, lineage-tracing studies have also revealed that murine Tregs can lose lineage identity and adopt a proinflammatory state. Whether human Tregs exhibit a similar susceptibility to inflammatory cytokine-mediated lineage decommitment remains inconclusive. Here, we present an in vitro model of human Treg destabilization characterized by silencing of the Treg lineage-defining transcription factor, FOXP3, loss of suppressive activity, and gain of proinflammatory functions. Analysis of single-cell ATAC and transcriptomic profiles of Tregs during destabilization revealed a switch in chromatin accessibility between two elements at the IRF4 locus. Excision of the distal IRF4 element enabled Tregs to resist inflammatory cytokine-induced reprogramming, presenting a cell-engineering strategy to design more effective Treg therapies.
High-capacity data transmission for optical I/O driven by efficient microcomb and microring modulator
Authors: Lu Liangjun , Zhang Hongyi , Ran Shihuan , Liu Yuanbin , Wang Shuxiao , Cai Yan , Guo Yuyao , Li Yu , Chen Jianping , Zhou Linjie
Published: November 2024

The escalating demand for high-speed, low-power data transmission between processing units (XPUs) has underscored the limitations of traditional electrical input/output (I/O) technologies. Silicon photonics emerges as a promising solution for chip-level optical I/O by integrating Kerr microcombs, microring-based modulators, and photodetectors. In this study, we demonstrate a record-breaking error-free optical I/O transmission achieving 2.3 Tbit/s per fiber port. This feat is enabled by dark soliton microcombs generated in a 400-nm-thick Si3N4 microring, exhibiting a high conversion efficiency of 49% and an on-chip spectral bandwidth of 28 nm at -5 dBm, achieved through precise coupling and dispersion engineering. Utilizing a silicon microring modulator with an electro-optic bandwidth of 61.7 GHz, 36 comb lines are encoded with PCIe6.0-compatible 64 Gbit/s on-off keying (OOK) signals. Additionally, these comb lines support 100 Gbit/s OOK per channel with a bit error rate (BER) of 10− 10. The successful integration of these foundry-compatible platforms confirms the viability of microcomb-based optical I/O, paving the way for the next generation of high-speed, energy-efficient data communication systems.
The Effects of Customer Relationship Management on Customer retention in Tanzania Airline industry
Authors: Mtamike Siraji
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the effect of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) on customer retention in the Tanzanian airline industry, focusing on the influence customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. The study adopted a theoretical framework based on Relationship Marketing Theory to understand the relationship between CRM and customer retention. A cross-sectional research design was employed, collecting data from a diverse sample of Tanzanian airline passengers using a combination of simple random and purposive sampling techniques. A total of 251 airline passengers and 10 supervisors from airline companies and the Tanzania Airport Authority participated in the study. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires and interview for qualitative data. The data was analyzed using Descriptive Statistics and Linear Regression Analysis in IBM SPSS Statistics 27, along with Thematic Analysis for qualitative data. The study's findings indicated that customer loyalty (Beta = 0.588, p < 0.001), and customer satisfaction (Beta = 0.229, p = 0.001) significantly influence customer retention. The findings suggest that while customers perceive CRM efforts positively, improvements are needed in trust, commitment, and pricing strategies. The study provides valuable insights for Tanzanian airlines to enhance service delivery and retain customers, contributing to the body of knowledge on CRM and customer retention in the airline industry.
The experiences of young people with lived or living experience of suicide of being involved as collaborators or participants in suicide research
Authors: Webb Marianne , Kenny Bridget , Dalton Alex , Simmons Magenta , Bendall Sarah , Robinson Jo
Published: November 2024

Objective: Conducting youth suicide research comes with inherent challenges related to topic and age sensitivities. Despite this, there is a paucity of knowledge about how young people experience their research involvement. This study aimed to explore the experiences of young people with lived or living experience of suicide of being involved as collaborators or participants in suicide research.
Method: In this qualitative study, 13 semi-structured interviews were conducted via video software between 11th August and 19th November 2021. Participants included those aged 18-29 years, who had lived or living experiences of suicide, had been involved in suicide research, and were living in United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Eight participants had previously been involved in co-production and five as participants. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and reflexive thematic analysis was used to generate themes.
Results: Three themes were generated: 1. Young people want – but don’t always receive - support that is individualised, multi-faceted and actionable; 2. The relationship with the researcher drives the experience; and 3. Using traumatic experiences to create positive and meaningful change.
Conclusion: For young people with lived and living experience of suicide to be safely and effectively in suicide research, individual support that is nuanced, dynamic, and tailored is required, regardless of the type of research involvement.
Lean in Healthcare Sector in organizations with limited resources: Tools and Success Factors – A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Barbosa Sofia Nair , Maldonado Isabel , Lima Antonieta , Silva Amélia
Published: November 2024

Lean methodology influences organizational culture, necessitating protocol and procedure modifications and fostering inter-staff cooperation. Thus, this study aims to analyze international publications ranking with high scientific metrics (Q1 and Q2) on the lean methodology in healthcare, during the years.
The study employs a systematic literature review, utilizing scientific databases to gather relevant articles and applying bibliometric analysis to assess scientific performance, collaborations, research specialties, and themes in the field of Lean in healthcare. The final sample comprises 103 articles after applying exclusion criteria. Quantitative bibliometric analysis is conducted using R-Studio.
The findings suggest that, despite the challenges, Lean offers a viable pathway to improving operational efficiency and service quality in healthcare institutions with limited resources. The review emphasizes that successful Lean implementation in healthcare requires not only adopting specific tools and techniques but also cultivating an organizational culture supportive of continuous improvement. Organizational commitment, effective leadership, and integration of technology are critical for sustaining improvements. Moreover, the research advocates for future studies focusing on adapting Lean methodology to specific healthcare sub-sectors, evaluating long-term sustainability, and examining the role of cultural adaptation in diverse healthcare settings.
The study contributes valuable insights into Lean's potential to enhance healthcare services and offers recommendations for successful adoption. Theoretical implications enrich the understanding of lean management in healthcare by providing practical suggestions for modification and application.
Non-unitary quantum many-body dynamics using the Faber polynomial method
Authors: Diogo Soares Rafael , Schirò Marco
Published: November 2024

Efficient numerical methods are still lacking to probe the unconventional dynamics of quantum many-body systems under non-unitary evolution. In this work, we use Faber polynomials to numerically simulate both the dynamics of non-Hermitian systems and the quantum jumps unravelling of the Lindblad dynamics. We apply the method to the non-interacting and interacting Hatano-Nelson models evolving from two different setups: i) a Néel state, and ii) a domain wall. In the first case, we study how interactions preserve the initial magnetic order against the skin effect. In the second example, we present numerical evidence of the existence of an effective hydrodynamic description for the domain-wall melting problem in the non-interacting limit. Additionally, we investigate both the conditional and unconditional dynamics of the quantum jump unravelling in two quantum spin chains, which exhibit either the non-Hermitian or the Liouvillian skin effect. This numerical method inherently generalises the well-established method based on Chebyshev polynomials to accommodate non-Hermitian scenarios.
When do tourists prefer to continue using online travel agencies? An empirical study from Vietnam
Authors: The Nguyen Man
Published: November 2024

Online travel agencies have profoundly influenced the travel industry by offering numerous essential advantages to both consumers and service providers. This paper aims to examine the factors that influence the intention to continue using online travel agencies in Vietnam, while also assessing the moderating effect of e-loyalty on the relationship between perceived usefulness and continuance intention. An integrated research framework was constructed using the Technology Acceptance Model as its foundational basis. The study utilized the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling approach to analyze the data. The survey data were obtained through an online survey administered to a valid sample of 301 Facebook users with prior experience using online travel agencies. Compared to conventional approaches such as telephone or mail surveys, utilizing Facebook for data collection offers a more cost-efficient alternative. This platform also enables researchers to reach a broad and diverse population of potential respondents, representing a wide range of demographics, geographic locations, and backgrounds. The results reveal that perceived compatibility, perceived ease of use, innovativeness, electronic word-of-mouth, and subjective norms all positively influenced perceived usefulness. Additionally, perceived usefulness is found to have a significant impact on the intention to continue using online travel agencies, while e-loyalty positively moderates the relationship between perceived usefulness and continuance intention to use online travel agencies. These findings extend the Technology Acceptance Model within the context of online travel agencies and provide practical insights for enhancing strategies among online travel agencies in Vietnam.
AcknowledgmentThe author would like to thank the International University, Vietnam National University (VNU), HCMC, for providing research assistance.
Total quality management (TQM) for sustainable growth performance in the private healthcare sector
Authors: Ramasamy Ganesh , Avadaiyar Poovarasan
Published: November 2024

This study explores the influence of total quality management (TQM) on the sustainable growth performance of companies in the private healthcare sector. A quantitative research method and a purposive sampling method were used. A questionnaire comprising 25 items was spread among 282 administrative employees in private hospitals and healthcare centers in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Structural equation modeling (SEM) via Smart PLS revealed that, except for leadership, all TQM variables exhibit positive and direct interrelationships within the sector. Key findings indicate that customer focus, continuous improvement, and employee involvement positively correlate with company performance, while leadership has a negative direct impact. Collectively, these exploratory TQM factors explain 73% of the variance in healthcare company performance (R² Adj = 0.732, P < 0.01), with employee involvement identified as the most critical component for enhancing performance. These results highlight the importance of prioritizing employee engagement in hospital management to achieve optimal performance outcomes. Additionally, the study suggests a need to reevaluate traditional leadership approaches, as they may hinder performance. This investigation advances the understanding of TQM in healthcare, advocating for a strategic emphasis on employee involvement and a reassessment of leadership practices to drive organizational success.
Acknowledgment This study received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The questionnaire was validated based on studies involving human participants that were reviewed and approved by the social sciences, arts, and humanities ECDA University of Hertfordshire (UK).
Indonesians and Americans Bilingual Request Strategies in Indonesian and English
Authors: Husein Imelda Wahyuni , Syaifullah Aceng Ruhendi , Kurniawan Eri
Published: November 2024

The research aimed to investigate the changes in the request strategies of Indonesians and Americans when they spoke English and Indonesian. In cross-cultural communication, several things needed to be considered to avoid misunderstanding, such as the addressee’s knowledge, experience, culture, and value. Different kinds of request strategies in intercultural communication between Indonesians and Americans could lead to misunderstanding. The research applied a qualitative research involving five Indonesian and American speakers who speak English and Indonesian fluently. The data were collected through multiple resources such as the Discourse Completion Test (DCT) with certain situations, which was distributed to the participants, and observation and interview during the meeting with the participants. The findings show that Indonesians tend to be more direct when they make requests in Indonesian, while they change into indirect request strategies when making requests in English, while American participants tend to be indirect when making requests in English even though some of them are direct and changing into direct strategies when making a request in Indonesian. It also reveals that Indonesians tend to be more direct than Americans when they use their native language. It contradicts other studies that say Indonesians tend to use indirect requests, which also influences Americans in how they make requests in Indonesia. Therefore, it is suggested that intercultural knowledge is important in language learning to avoid misunderstanding due to the differences in norms, values, and beliefs.
Potential Cardiovascular Disease Treatment by Natural Drugs Targeting the HIF-1α Factor and its Pathway
Authors: Gao Weihan , Wang Danyang , Shi Yanmei , Sun Yu , Deng Jinlan , Song Xiayinan , Li Jie , Zhang Min
Published: November 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a key contributor to global morbidity and
mortality. Being a vital regulator of hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a crucial
player in CVD treatment. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the effect of natural
drugs on CVDs. According to some studies, HIF-1α is a potential target for CVD treatment in
traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we describe the mechanism underlying the regulatory
role of HIF-1α in CVDs and summarize 30 natural drugs and 3 formulations for CVD treatment
through HIF-1α and its signaling pathway. The study provides new ideas for CVD prevention
and treatment.