bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Determinants of Project Performance: Evidence from Social Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Ajid Ur , Hussain Shahzad , Ahmad Tanveer , Abbas Nasir , Waheed Abdul
Published: September 2023

The current case study examines the determinants of a health project CMAM-Kohistan performance, funded by UNICEF. The study considered the key project characteristics. The results reveal that participative management, the role of project manager, monitoring system, team member competency and external environment are the key determinants of project performance. On the contrary, the characteristics of the project inadequately contribute to shape the project performance.
Exploring the Strategic Approach of Higher Education Institutes for Using Social Media in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Asif , Khan Muhammad Naeem , Kashif Dr. Sadaf
Published: September 2023

This study aims to explore management’s perspective for the use of social media in Pakistani universities through in-depth data analysis. Through the lens of qualitative research method, Grounded Theory (Glaserian Approach) has been applied to explore and interpret the management’s perspective on the use of social media networks in Pakistani universities. Method Triangulation technique was used to collect data in two different parts; through semi-structured face to face as well as telephonic interviews and by e-mail to ensure the rigor, validity and maximum representation of higher education sector. The data obtained through email were ordered and analyzed using the latest version of NVivo. Major findings highlight that majority of Pakistani universities & HEIs are proactive using social media for marketing purposes and admission campaigns to target the potential students from all parts of the country, promotions of the academic achievements, information dissemination on latest conferences & innovations, image building through showing strong commitment to community service, and to bridge industrial-academia liaison. However, approved policies and guidelines by academic authorities and statutory bodies are not available. Findings also highlight the dire need of well-crafted social media marketing strategy, guidelines, rules and regulations for monitoring and evaluation. The study pragmatically helps universities management for developing a framework, set of suggestions, guidelines and social media policies in higher education sector in order to achieve its optimal benefits. Moreover, results display deeper insight for future researchers into the managerial and strategic issues being faced by Pakistani universities for using social media networks
Portraying the multifaceted interplay between sexual harassment, job stress, social support and employee’s turnover intension amid COVID-19: A Multilevel Moderating Mode
Authors: Aqeel Muhammad , Abbas Jaffar , Raza Saqlain , Aman Jaffar
Published: September 2023

The education industry plays a vital role in social development. However, employees’ job turnover is challenging as it involves massive human and institutional financial costs. This research paper innovates by exploring the linkage between social support, sexual harassment, job stress, and job turnover intention amid COVID-19 crisis. The study examines how social support moderates the relationship between job stress, sexual harassment, and job turnover intention among educators teaching faculty members. The investigators applied the technique based on convenient sampling with a cross-sectional design for desired data collection. The study received 200 respondents' feedback from 10 January 2021 to 31 August 2021. (Male teachers, n= 100; female teachers, n=100) and their ages range from 25 to 59 years. The score was M=25.25, and the standard deviation score was SD=10.24. The data reports on the teachers' responses received from various public and private universities in Rawalpindi and the Federal city of Islamabad, Pakistan. The study's results indicate that sexual harassment statistically correlates positively with employees' work stress and job intention turnover. However, it correlates negatively among teachers with social support. The results exhibit that employees' job stress predicts job turnover intention positively and significantly. The study shows that social support moderates the association between sexual harassment, job stress, and teachers' job turnover intention. This research will help raise awareness of severe problems in the workplace. The educational environment would also help address this severe problem in Pakistan's academic and other industries
The Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility on Corporate Alliance Brand Value: A Study on Bancassurance Services in Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Dr. Muhammad Nawaz
Published: September 2023

Existing theories on corporate values in Pakistan rarely discuss the factors influencing brand value under corporate alliances. This research will identify the factors influencing corporate social responsibility on corporate alliance brand values. The rationale of this research is to drive implications for corporate alliance brand values in Bancassurance services. The study has been conducted on Bancassurance services sector of Pakistan, including banking and Insurance professionals as interviewees. A qualitative methodology has been adopted for this research. Ten interviews have been conducted through the purposive sampling technique, and the interviewees are from the banking and insurance domains of Pakistan. Thematic analysis has been applied as a tool for conducting this research using Nvivo QSR version 10 software. The themes obtained from the transcribed data are that corporate alliance brand value is boosted by implementing CSR towards Bancassurance relevant stake holders, corporate alliance brand value is boosted by implementing CSR towards Bancassurance customers, and corporate alliance brand value is boosted by implementing CSR towards Bancassurance employees. In order to increase their brand value through corporate alliances, the results recommend that the Banca-CSR alliance model can be used by Bancassurance service providers to develop and implement CSR-related policies and initiatives.
Qualitative Study of Individuals' Behavioral Biases toward Buying Decision of Financial Products: Evidence from Pakistani Stock Market
Authors: Hamid Zeeshan , Zaman Khansa , Raza Hassan
Published: September 2023

Due to increased complexity of financial instruments, the role of investors' bias in investment decision making has enhanced. To study this role, the present study aims identify the causes of behavioral biases which affect investment decision making. The main parameters of the study are home bias, disposition effect, herding bias, conformation bias and anchoring bias. The research design is exploratory in nature which will help to investigate the causes of behavioral biases that affect the investment decision making of individuals. The qualitative design was employed to get insights by conducting sixteen in-depth semi-structured interviews from individual investors. First and second order codes assigned to data mainly came from literature review. Researchers found that home bias, disposition effect, herding effect was quite evident in Pakistani Investor. However, anchoring bias has been found in half of the participants and confirmation bias not evident in Pakistani investors. The study has various implications for investors and academicians which will help to expand the scope of the future studies and generalizability by addressing the limitation of the current study.
IMPACT OF HUMAN CAPITAL ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN D-8 COUNTRIES: GMM ESTIMATION OF PANEL DATA MODELS
Authors: Akbar Muhammad , Gardezi Muhammad Ali , Iqbal Zahid
Published: September 2023

This study has been conducted to explore the role of health capital and education capital as compared to physical capital in economic growth of eight developing countries (D-8). The model is specified on the basis of Solow Growth extended model for economic growth. Data is covering twenty-one years from 1995 to 2015. GMM is used to estimate panel data models as causality test proves endogeneity problem in the specified model. This study provides empirical evidence that human capital (i.e. education capital and health capital) and physical capital positively affect economic growth of D-8 economies. However, human capital as compared to physical capital seems to be the engine of economic growth in these developing countries. Policy makers should consider investing in initiatives that improve human capital, such as providing better education opportunities, improving public health initiatives, and providing better access to healthcare. They should also seek to ensure that initiatives to increase physical capital, such as infrastructure and technological advancements, are implemented in a way that benefits communities with the greatest need. Additionally, policy makers should consider initiatives that incentivize businesses to invest in their employees, such as providing tax credits for businesses that invest in employee training and development. Finally, policy makers should make sure that any initiatives to increase human and physical capital are equitable and accessible to all citizens, regardless of their social, economic, or racial backgrounds.
Crude Oil Price Shocks and Industrial Returns in Pakistan: An Examination through GARCH Based Dynamic Models
Authors: Javed Hassan , Bashir Uzma , Hassan Shoaib
Published: September 2023

This paper attempts to examine the link between crude oil prices and industrial returns in Pakistan using daily data for the period of June-2008 to Jan-2021. Mean and volatility spillover is examined by using ARMA (1,1) GARCH (1,1)-M model. In addition, the timevarying nature of conditional correlation is determined by using DCC-GARCH models. Further, study has also investigated the impact of Covid-19 on the relationship between COP and INDR. Findings of the study provide strong evidence of volatility spillover from crude oil prices to Automobile Assemblers, Oil & Gas, Power Generation & Distribution and Refinery but only scarce evidence is found regarding mean spillover. DCC-GARCH model reveals the time-varying nature of conditional correlation between crude oil prices and all other industries. Moreover, the results also provide some evidence about asymmetric behavior in correlation among crude oil prices to Cement and Refinery.
Progress in Redundant Electromechanical Actuators for Aerospace Applications
Authors: Annaz Fawaz Yahya , Kaluarachchi Malaka Miyuranga
Published: September 2023

The power to move aircraft control surfaces has advanced from being manually generated (by the pilot and transmitted via rods and links) to electrically transmitted (via wires) to operate control surface actuators. Various hydraulic, electromagnetic, and electromechanical architectures have been developed to provide the necessary power and to maintain the expected redundancy. Numerous aircraft actuator system designs have been proposed in the past decades, but a comprehensive review has yet to be undertaken. This review paper aims to fill this gap by providing a critical review of the actuation system designs developed for a variety of aircraft. The review focuses on aircraft actuator system designs, namely: electrohydraulic actuator systems, electromechanical actuator systems, and the force-fighting effect in redundant actuation systems. The significance and operational principle of each actuator system are critically analysed and discussed in the review. The paper also evaluates the solution proposed to address force-fight equalization (or force-fight cancelation) in force or torqued-summed architectures. Future trends in redundant actuation system development with reduced force-fighting effect in aircraft actuator systems are also addressed.
Radiological Diagnosis and Imaging of Femoral Shaft Fractures
Authors: Miao Kathleen H. , Miao Julia H.
Published: September 2023

Femoral shaft fractures (FSFs) are common orthopedic injuries, often resulting from high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle collisions, low-energy trauma, osteoporosis, or pathological conditions. They account for a significant portion of long bone fractures. Radiologic imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of these fractures, providing crucial information about fracture characteristics, associated injuries, and successful treatment and management planning. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the anatomy, pathophysiology, and classification systems of FSFs. Diagnostic imaging modalities, including radiograph, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and their essential roles are highlighted, driving treatment and management as well as prognosis for FSFs and illuminating the anatomical considerations that influence the choice of approach and fixation techniques. Radiological diagnosis and imaging of FSFs are vital for orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, and healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with these injuries and optimizing patient outcomes.
The miR-214-5p/Lactoferrin/miR-224-5p/ADAM17 Axis Is Involved in Goat Mammary Epithelial Cells’ Immune Regulation
Authors: Pang Shilong , Shao Yuexin , Yu Yan , Sha Kela , Jiang Yanting , Zhang Xian , Zhong Yuling , Shi Huaiping , Li Weijuan
Published: September 2023

Lactoferrin (LF) is believed to be an important active protein in goat milk, which plays an anti-inflammatory role. Although LF has been reported to be associated with body health, its exact underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of this anti-inflammatory effect of LF in vitro. We first identified that miR-214-5p inhibited the expression of LF mRNA and protein in cells through the 3′UTR of LF mRNA. We next identified the alterations in miRNA following LF overexpression in goat mammary epithelial cells (GEMCs). Overexpression of LF significantly increased (p < 0.05) miR-224-5p expression. We further revealed that transcriptional activation of ADAM17, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was efficiently decreased (p < 0.05) in GMECs treated by miR-224-5p mimic. Conversely, knockdown of miR-224-5p increased (p < 0.05) ADAM17, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression. Additionally, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression levels were dramatically decreased in GMECs after administration of siADAM17. Herein, we indicate that the miR-214-5p/LF/miR-224-5p/ADAM17 axis is involved in the immune regulation of GEMCs.
Comparison of Growth Performance and Biochemical Components between Low-Salinity-Tolerant Hybrid and Normal Variety of Pacific White Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)
Authors: Ye Yucong , Zhu Bihong , Zhang Junya , Yang Ying , Tian Jiangtao , Xu Wenyue , Du Xinglin , Huang Yizhou , Li Yiming , Zhao Yunlong
Published: September 2023

Penaeus vannamei, a high-yield economical shrimp, is confronting germplasm degradation in the culture environments found in China, which results in a sharp drop in production. Genetic improvement by hybridization is an effective way to solve this problem. In this study, we selected the hybrid species adapted to low-salinity culture obtained by intraspecific crossing as the experimental group. The control group consisted of normal variety from the Hainan Lutai Company. The two groups of shrimps were cultured for three months under salinities of 1 PSU, 5 PSU, and 15 PSU. Growth-performance-related indicators, biochemical composition, and molting-related gene expression were examined. The results showed that at salinities of 1 PSU and 5 PSU, the survival rate and growth performance of the low-salt breeding group were better than those of the normal variety population. The digestive enzyme activity in the low-salt breeding group was higher, which was consistent with its better growth performance, and was also associated with higher triglyceride, total cholesterol, and glycogen content. Lower levels of lactic acid indicated less anaerobic metabolism and better adaptability to the environment. The amino acid and fatty acids analysis showed that levels of essential amino acids and high unsaturated fatty acids were both higher in the low-salt breeding group than in the normal variety shrimp cultured in a low-salinity environment. The expression levels of genes associated with molting (CHS, CaMKI, RXR, EcR, HSP60, and HSP70) were also higher in the low-salt breeding group than in the control group. The results indicated that the hybrid shrimp showed better growth performance and nutritional advantages compared with the normal shrimp under salinities of 1 PSU and 5 PSU. This research provides a valuable reference for subsequent genetic breeding and shrimp culture.
Characterizing Foot and Leg Scores for Montana’s Registered Angus Cattle
Authors: Sitz Taylre , DelCurto-Wyffels Hannah , Van Emon Megan , Wyffels Sam , Peterson Jeremiah , Hamilton Thomas , Retallick Kelli , Tarpoff Esther , Garcia Andre , Kangas Kurt , DelCurto Tim
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study was to characterize foot angle and claw set scores of Montana’s (USA) registered Angus cattle using a total of 4723 cattle scored: 1475 yearling bulls, 992 yearling heifers, 1044 2- and 3-year-old cows, and 1212 cows ≥ 4 years old. Yearling bulls had a 0.12 and 0.20 greater mean foot angle and claw set score, respectively, compared to yearling heifers (p < 0.01). Foot angle and claw set scores increased (p < 0.01) with advancing cow age. The combined worst foot changed quadratically with age (p < 0.01) with the majority of problem feet in cows aged 2 to 3 years and older being hind feet issues. The proportion of foot angle and claw set scores not equal to 5 increased quadratically with age (p < 0.01), with heifers having the lowest proportion of scores not equal to 5 (15.8 and 31.7%, respectively) compared to cows aged 4 years and older. Sire lines had an effect on progeny claw set (p < 0.05) and foot angle scores (p < 0.05), as well as variation of progeny foot scores. These data could potentially be used to refine expected progeny difference models.
A Diagnosability-Integrated Design Approach Based on Graph Theory
Authors: Lv Jiapeng , Shi Xianjun
Published: September 2023

In order to take into account the influence of both system structure and diagnosis algorithm in the diagnosability design of the system, a diagnosability-integrated design method based on graph theory was proposed in this paper. Firstly, based on the diagnosability evaluation results, the difficulty of fault diagnosis was qualitatively analyzed using the K-means method, and the diagnosis plot of measurement point was drawn based on the analysis results. Secondly, the Bron–Kerbosch algorithm was used to extract the maximal cliques from the diagnosis plot of measurement point and determine the set of maximal cliques that can diagnose faults in the system based on the hypergraph edge coverage theorem. Finally, a cascade classifier was set on the maximal clique set to classify and identify faults in the system, and the performance of the diagnosis scheme was evaluated using the posterior probabilities of the classifier outputs combined with the Shannon entropy. At the same time, the method incorporated a measurement point update mechanism, which can decide whether to add additional measurement point according to the evaluation results of Shannon entropy to ensure better diagnosis effect. The results of simulation experiments showed that the fault diagnosis scheme designed by the method of this paper improved the correct rate of diagnosis results by 3.25 percentage points compared with other diagnosis schemes due to the simultaneous consideration of the structure of the system and the diagnosis method, and the diagnosis results of this paper were relatively stable in repeated experiments, which proved the practicality and effectiveness of the method of this paper.
In Search of Context, In Search of Home
Authors: Goel Sujata
Published: September 2023

In this text, the author outlines her personal narrative as a dancer and choreographer over twenty years. She traces her path of migration between the USA, India and Europe in search of artistic context and belonging. Her account addresses larger issues such as Orientalism and Eurocentrism in the global, contemporary dance sphere.
Comparison of the Performance of the GRASP and MERRA2 Models in Reproducing Tropospheric Aerosol Layers
Authors: Fernandes Alnilam , Szkop Artur , Pietruczuk Aleksander
Published: September 2023

Two approaches, based on Generalized Retrieval of Aerosol and Surface Properties (GRASP) and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications version 2 (MERRA-2) models, are investigated for reproducing aerosol layers in the troposphere. The GRASP algorithm is supplied with synergistic LIDAR and sunphotometer measurements to obtain aerosol extinction profiles. MERRA-2 is an atmospheric reanalysis coupling model that includes an external mixture of sea salt, dust, organic carbon, black carbon, and sulfate aerosols. A data set from Racibórz observatory, obtained with LIDAR and a sunphotometer in the 2017–2020 period, is analysed with GRASP along with the closest grid point data given by MERRA-2. The models demonstrate satisfactory agreement, yet some discrepancies were observed, indicating the presence of biases. For vertically integrated profiles, the correlation coefficient (R) between aerosol optical thickness was calculated to be 0.84, indicating a strong linear relationship. The Pearson correlation coefficient calculated between profiles for the selected altitude sectors varies between 0.428 and 0.824, indicating moderate to good agreement at all altitudes. GRASP shows denser aerosol layers in the mid-troposphere, while MERRA-2 gives higher aerosol extinctions throughout the high troposphere to low stratosphere region. Moreover, GRASP does not provide vertical variability in the extinction profile near the ground, due to a lack of data in the LIDAR’s incomplete overlap range. Lastly, the aerosol layer identification and type recognition are validated with statistical analysis of air mass backward trajectories with endpoints spatially and temporally collocated with individual identified layers. These reveal potential source regions that are located within areas known to be significant sources for the different identified aerosol types.
All-Day Cloud Classification via a Random Forest Algorithm Based on Satellite Data from CloudSat and Himawari-8
Authors: Wang Yuanmou , Hu Chunmei , Ding Zhi , Wang Zhiyi , Tang Xuguang
Published: September 2023

It remains challenging to accurately classify complicated clouds owing to the various types of clouds and their distribution on multiple layers. In this paper, multi-band radiation information from the geostationary satellite Himawari-8 and the cloud classification product of the polar orbit satellite CloudSat from June to September 2018 are investigated. Based on sample sets matched by two types of satellite data, a random forest (RF) algorithm was applied to train a model, and a retrieval method was developed for cloud classification. With the use of this method, the sample sets were inverted and classified as clear sky, low clouds, middle clouds, thin cirrus, thick cirrus, multi-layer clouds and deep convection (cumulonimbus) clouds. The results indicate that the average accuracy for all cloud types during the day is 88.4%, and misclassifications mainly occur between low and middle clouds, thick cirrus clouds and cumulonimbus clouds. The average accuracy is 79.1% at night, with more misclassifications occurring between middle clouds, multi-layer clouds and cumulonimbus clouds. Moreover, Typhoon Muifa from 2022 was selected as a sample case, and the cloud type (CLT) product of an FY-4A satellite was used to examine the classification method. In the cloud system of Typhoon Muifa, a cumulonimbus area classified using the method corresponded well with a mesoscale convective system (MCS). Compared to the FY-4A CLT product, the classifications of ice-type (thick cirrus) and multi-layer clouds are effective, and the location, shape and size of these two varieties of cloud are similar.
Surface Mesonet and Upper Air Analysis of the 21 August 2017 Total Solar Eclipse
Authors: Pasken Robert , Halverson Jeffrey , Braunschweig Peter
Published: September 2023

The total solar eclipse of 21 August 2017 was unique in that the path of totality swept across the high spatial and temporal resolution QuantumWeather® mesonet and was very near the city of St. Louis Missouri. Thus, the meteorological response to the eclipse was complicated by the St. Louis urban heat island. Temperature changes of up 4 °C were observed across the network. Composite meteograms for rural, suburban, and urban stations displayed significant differences in the observed temperature and pressure response to the eclipse with a peak amplitude at the time of the eclipse. The differing response suggests that the urban heat island and changes in land surface characteristics alter the temperature and pressure response by the passage of the eclipse shadow. Oscillations in the composite meteograms appear to be the consequence of the passage of an outflow boundary across the network. As the outflow boundary moves north to south, the outflow boundary manifests its presence in the pressure field as a damped oscillation. Sounding data were collected along the center line of eclipse and along the southern edge of the eclipse before and during the eclipse. The soundings show that the eclipse altered the boundary layer height, the lowest layer of the atmosphere, in an unexpected way.
Connexin 37, 40, 43 and Pannexin 1 Expression in the Gastric Mucosa of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Pavic Berna , Ogorevc Marin , Boric Katarina , Vukovic Dubravka , Saraga-Babic Mirna , Mardesic Snjezana
Published: September 2023

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Although its pathogenesis is not fully understood, connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panx) could be involved in the process of fibrosis. We analyzed the protein expression of Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Panx1 in the gastric mucosa of patients with SSc and healthy volunteers, using immunofluorescence staining. Protein levels of Cx37 were slightly increased, while the levels of Cx40 were significantly decreased in the lamina propria of the gastric mucosa of SSc patients compared to the controls. The changes were proportional to SSc severity, with the most prominent changes found in patients with severe diffuse cutaneous SSc. No differences in Cx43 or Panx1 levels were found between the analyzed groups of samples. The lack of changes in Cx43 expression, which has been previously associated with fibrosis, could be due to the weak expression of Cx43 in the gastric mucosa in general. Further studies on full-thickness gastric biopsies containing muscle layers and animal SSc models are needed to fully elucidate the role of Cxs and Panxs in SSc-associated fibrosis.
Glymphatic-System Function Is Associated with Addiction and Relapse in Heroin Dependents Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Wang Lei , Qin Yue , Li Xiaoshi , Li Xin , Liu Yuwei , Li Wei , Wang Yarong
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the impact of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) on the brain glymphatic system (GS) in opioid addiction in China. A total of 51 male MMT patients, 48 demographically matched healthy controls (HCs), and 20 heroin dependents (HDs) were recruited for this study. The GS functioning was assessed using diffusion-tensor-imaging analysis along perivascular spaces (DTI-ALPS index) and the bilateral ALPS divergency (DivALPS). Group differences were analyzed utilizing ANOVA and two-sample t-tests. The relationship between DivALPS and relapse rate was explored using regression analysis. The DTI-ALPS index was significantly higher for the left-side brain than the right side in all three groups. There was a significant difference for the right side (p = 0.0098) between the groups. The MMT and HD groups showed significantly higher DTI-ALPS than the HC group (p = 0.018 and 0.016, respectively). The DivALPS varied significantly among the three groups (p = 0.04), with the HD group showing the lowest and the HC group the highest values. Significant negative relationships were found between relapse count, DivALPS (p < 0.0001, Exp(B) = 0.6047), and age (p < 0.0001, Exp(B) = 0.9142). The findings suggest that MMT may contribute to promoting brain GS recovery in heroin addicts, and modulation of the GS may serve as a potential biomarker for relapse risk, providing insights into novel therapeutic strategies.
Post-Occupancy Evaluation of Brownfield Reuse Based on Sustainable Development: The Case of Beijing Shougang Park
Authors: Wang Shaojie , Duan Wei , Zheng Xiaodong
Published: September 2023

Industrial heritage parks, an effective form of urban brownfield reuse, effectively mitigate pollution, improve the human living environment, and achieve sustainable development; industrial heritage parks, which add blue and green space to a city, also play an important role in presenting urban history and culture, promoting regional economic growth, and achieving human well-being. Exploring the user behavior use of industrial heritage parks and conducting post-occupancy evaluation of projects based on subjective human perceptions from the users’ perspective can contribute to improve the sustainable management, maintenance, and design of projects in the future. However, previous studies on post-occupancy evaluation have not been sufficiently studied for urban industrial heritage parks. This study takes Beijing Shougang Park, a representative industrial heritage park in China, as the research object, and distributes and collects nearly 150 questionnaires about user behavior and four significant evaluation items after the preliminary field research, analyzes the importance and satisfaction evaluation of the park design elements (place characteristics, natural environment characteristics, usability characteristics, and management characteristics), and uses a frequency analysis, an IPA analysis, an independent t-test, an analysis of variance, and a multiple regression analysis, and other methods are used, to quantitatively analyze the content of the questionnaire. The results of the study include the following: (1) The park is mainly used by people in their twenties to thirties and forties, and the usage rate of the sports plaza, which is the main facility, is the highest, while the usage rate of the renovation facility, the machine room, is the lowest. (2) While Shougang Park users were more satisfied with the natural environment features, Shougang Park users were found to be relatively less satisfied with the place and usability features. (3) The natural environment characteristics of Shougang Park had a positive effect on both overall satisfaction and recommendation intention. Finally, based on the questions and suggestions from users, a park renewal optimization strategy is proposed, hoping to provide suggestions for the renovation and design of similar industrial heritage parks in Chinese cities.
Thioredoxin Reductase and Organometallic Complexes: A Pivotal System to Tackle Multidrug Resistant Tumors?
Authors: Salmain Michèle , Gaschard Marie , Baroud Milad , Lepeltier Elise , Jaouen Gérard , Passirani Catherine , Vessières Anne
Published: September 2023

Cancers classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) are a family of diseases with poor prognosis despite access to increasingly sophisticated treatments. Several mechanisms explain these resistances involving both tumor cells and their microenvironment. It is now recognized that a multi-targeting approach offers a promising strategy to treat these MDR tumors. Inhibition of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), a key enzyme in maintaining redox balance in cells, is a well-identified target for this approach. Auranofin was the first inorganic gold complex to be described as a powerful inhibitor of TrxR. In this review, we will first recall the main results obtained with this metallodrug. Then, we will focus on organometallic complexes reported as TrxR inhibitors. These include gold(I), gold(III) complexes and metallocifens, i.e., organometallic complexes of Fe and Os derived from tamoxifen. In these families of complexes, similarities and differences in the molecular mechanisms of TrxR inhibition will be highlighted. Finally, the possible relationship between TrxR inhibition and cytotoxicity will be discussed and put into perspective with their mode of action.
Clinicopathological Factors Associated with Oncotype DX Risk Group in Patients with ER+/HER2- Breast Cancer
Authors: Song Ran , Lee Dong-Eun , Lee Eun-Gyeong , Lee Seeyoun , Kang Han-Sung , Han Jai Hong , Lee Keun Seok , Sim Sung Hoon , Chae Heejung , Kwon Youngmee , Woo Jaeyeon , Jung So-Youn
Published: September 2023

Oncotype DX (ODX), a 21-gene assay, predicts the recurrence risk in early breast cancer; however, it has high costs and long testing times. We aimed to identify clinicopathological factors that can predict the ODX risk group and serve as alternatives to the ODX test. This retrospective study included 547 estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, and lymph node-negative breast cancer patients who underwent ODX testing. Based on the recurrence scores, three ODX risk categories (low: 0–15, intermediate: 16–25, and high: 26–100) were established in patients aged ≤50 years (n = 379), whereas two ODX risk categories (low: 0–25 and high: 26–100) were established in patients aged >50 years (n = 168). Factors selected for analysis included body mass index, menopausal status, type of surgery, and pathological and immunohistochemical features. The ODX risk groups showed significant association with histologic grade (p = 0.0002), progesterone receptor expression (p < 0.0001), Ki-67 (p < 0.0001), and p53 expression (p = 0.023) in patients aged ≤50 years. In patients aged >50 years, tumor size (p = 0.022), Ki-67 (p = 0.001), and p53 expression (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with the risk group. Certain clinicopathological factors can predict the ODX risk group and enable decision-making on adjuvant chemotherapy; these factors differ according to age.
Molecular Classifiers in Skin Cancers: Challenges and Promises
Authors: Azimi Ali , Fernandez-Peñas Pablo
Published: September 2023

Skin cancers are common and heterogenous malignancies affecting up to two in three Australians before age 70. Despite recent developments in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies, the mortality rate and costs associated with managing patients with skin cancers remain high. The lack of well-defined clinical and histopathological features makes their diagnosis and classification difficult in some cases and the prognostication difficult in most skin cancers. Recent advancements in large-scale “omics” studies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and imaging-omics, have provided invaluable information about the molecular and visual landscape of skin cancers. On many occasions, it has refined tumor classification and has improved prognostication and therapeutic stratification, leading to improved patient outcomes. Therefore, this paper reviews the recent advancements in omics approaches and appraises their limitations and potential for better classification and stratification of skin cancers.
Assessment of the Performance of Obesity Measures in the Screening of Hypertension in a South African Adolescent Population
Authors: Engwa Godwill Azeh , Anye Paul Chungag , Goswami Nandu , Nkeh-Chungag Benedicta Ngwenchi
Published: September 2023

Obesity is known to be one of the most significant risk factors for essential hypertension in childhood. However, whether obesity cut-offs may predict hypertension screening in adolescents remains controversial. This study investigated the performance of obesity cut-off values for the screening of hypertension in a South African adolescent population. In this cross-sectional study, 1144 adolescents aged between 11 and 17 years were recruited from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Anthropometric and blood pressure (BP) parameters including diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured. Assessment of the sensitivity and specific of obesity cut-off values in predicting hypertension was performed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Obesity was positively associated (p < 0.01) with hypertension. Obese individuals, based on the predicted obesity using BMI percentile cut-off (pBMI85.2%), were more likely to develop hypertension (odds ratio: 2.070; p < 0.001) than their counterparts based on the observed obesity cut-off (pBMI95%) (Odd ratio: 1.748 p = 0.004). The area under the curve (AUC) of BMI percentile and WHtR for screening SBP percentile, and DBP percentile and HR as per ROC analysis, was low (<0.65). Equally, the sensitivity and specificity were low (<0.6) for all BP measures (SBP, DBP, and HR). Furthermore, the cut-off values for blood pressure measures, as established by ROC analysis using anthropometric measures, were far below the recommended cut-off values for hypertension screening. The obesity cut-offs for BMI percentile and WHtR established in this populations showed poor performance in diagnosing hypertension even though they were strong predictors of hypertension.
Lipid Profile Variations in Pregnancies with and without Cardiovascular Risk: Consequences for Both Mother and Newborn
Authors: Abu-Awwad Simona-Alina , Craina Marius , Boscu Lioara , Bernad Elena , Ciordas Paula Diana , Marian Catalin , Iurciuc Mircea , Abu-Awwad Ahmed , Iurciuc Stela , Bernad Brenda , Anastasiu Popov Diana Maria , Maghiari Anca Laura
Published: September 2023

Background: Maternal cardiovascular risk and its implications can have significant repercussions for both the mother and the child. This study compares the lipid profiles of two distinct groups of pregnant women, those with and without cardiovascular risk, to shed light on its effects on maternal and outcomes for newborns. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 86 pregnant women, dividing them into two groups: Group 1 (n = 46, healthy pregnancies) and Group 2 (n = 40, pregnancies with cardiovascular risk factors). The data collected included maternal demographics, smoking history, pre-existing pathologies, and a range of laboratory measures. Neonatal outcomes were also recorded. Results: Group 2 showed a significant increase in the percentage of newborns with abnormal APGAR scores (p-value < 0.0001), congenital abnormalities (p-value < 0.0001), severe prematurity (p-value < 0.0001), and neonatal mortality rates (p-value < 0.0001), as well as differences in birth weight (p-value = 0.0392) and therapy usage (surfactant: p-value < 0.001, steroids p-value = 0.004, and antibiotics p-value < 0.001). Regarding laboratory measures, Group 2 exhibited significantly elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C (p-value < 0.0001), ApoB (p-value < 0.0001), Lp(A) (p-value = 0.0486), triglycerides (p-value < 0.0001), and hs-CRP (p-value = 0.0300). Discussion: These results underscore the elevated risk associated with pregnancies complicated by cardiovascular risk factors. Group 2 demonstrated a more concerning clinical profile, with a higher prevalence of detrimental neonatal outcomes and different lipid and inflammatory profiles, signifying a potential pathophysiological link. Conclusions: The differential lipid profiles and adverse neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with cardiovascular risks highlight the urgency of effective risk stratification and management strategies in this population.
Magnetic and Terahertz–Infrared Properties of Nanodispersed Hexaferrite SrxBa(1−x)Fe12O19 Solid Solutions
Authors: Kovalev Andrey , Vinnik Denis , Gudkova Svetlana , Zherebtsov Dmitry , Zhivulin Vladimir , Taskaev Sergey , Zhukova Elena , Ahmed Asmaa , Abramov Pavel , Talanov Mikhail
Published: September 2023

Hexagonal ferrites with the formula SrxBa(1−x)Fe12O19 (x = 0; 0.3; 0.5; 0.7; and 1) were prepared using the citrate method. The main feature of this synthesis is a relatively low calcination temperature of 700 °C. An X-ray diffraction study revealed a single-phase material. According to SEM, the particles were 50−70 nm in diameter. The Curie temperature of the samples that were determined using the DSC method varied in a very narrow range of 455−459 °C. Analysis of the magnetic hysteresis loops obtained at 300 K and 50 K indicated all samples as magnetically hard materials in a single-domain state. The maximal magnetic characteristics encompass strontium hexaferrite. The terahertz spectra of complex dielectric permittivity and the spectra of infrared reflectivity were measured at room temperature in the range of 6–7000 cm−1. The obtained broad-band spectra of the real and imaginary parts of permittivity reveal significant changes associated with structural distortions of the (Sr,Ba)O12 anti-cuboctahedron caused by the substitution of Ba2+ with Sr2+ in the same crystallographic positions.
Polychaete Diversity and Functional Trait Composition in Subtropical Mangrove Ecosystems
Authors: Miri Mohadeseh , Seyfabadi Jafar , Ghodrati Shojaei Mehdi , Rahimian Hassan , Valipour Mohammad
Published: September 2023

Polychaetes play a vital role in the structure and functioning of benthic communities in mangrove ecosystems. Nevertheless, our understanding of the diversity and functional structure of polychaete assemblages across different habitats in the mangrove ecosystems along the coast of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman is limited. In this study, we investigated the species and trait composition of polychaetes and environmental variables, in vegetated and mudflat habitats of three subtropical mangroves. The results showed that Neanthes glandicincta was widely distributed across all regions and habitats. The three-factor ANOVA showed that the abundance and taxonomic diversity of polychaetes differed significantly between two habitats and three mangrove ecosystems. The abundance of polychaetes was observed to be higher in mud habitats than in vegetated habitats. There was a significant difference in species and trait composition between different regions and habitats. Vegetated habitats had higher proportions of crawler predatory species that are longer lived (3–5 years), with larger body size (80–100 mm), and are upward conveyors, whereas mudflat habitats had higher proportions of mobile (burrower) omnivore species that are moderately lived (1–3 years), with larger body size (>100 mm), and are biodiffusers. The three-factor ANOVA showed a significant difference in the community weighted mean (CWM) index between two habitats and three mangrove ecosystems. Thus, the species and trait composition of polychaetes depend on the structural complexity of their respective habitats. The DistLM analysis showed that total organic carbon content of the sediment was the main predictor variable influencing species composition, while silt/clay content and salinity were the main predictor variables influencing the traits’ composition. The results showed how the composition of traits and the structure of polychaete communities change in mangrove ecosystems, which can be used for future studies on conservation strategies for mangrove ecosystems throughout the world.
A Review of Flywheel Energy Storage System Technologies
Authors: Xu Kai , Guo Youguang , Lei Gang , Zhu Jianguo
Published: September 2023

The operation of the electricity network has grown more complex due to the increased adoption of renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar power. Using energy storage technology can improve the stability and quality of the power grid. One such technology is flywheel energy storage systems (FESSs). Compared with other energy storage systems, FESSs offer numerous advantages, including a long lifespan, exceptional efficiency, high power density, and minimal environmental impact. This article comprehensively reviews the key components of FESSs, including flywheel rotors, motor types, bearing support technologies, and power electronic converter technologies. It also presents the diverse applications of FESSs in different scenarios. The progress of state-of-the-art research is discussed, emphasizing the use of artificial intelligence methods such as machine learning, digital twins, and data-driven techniques for system simulation, fault prediction, and life-assessment research. The article also addresses the challenges related to current research and the application of FESSs. It concludes by summarizing future directions and trends in FESS research, offering valuable information for further advancement and improvement in this field.
Design and Optimization of Power Transformer Diagnostics
Authors: Nadolny Zbigniew
Published: September 2023

From year to year, humanity’s dependence on electricity supplies is growing, which affects virtually all areas that improve the comfort of people’s lives [...]
Economic Viability Investigation of Mixed-Biomass Briquettes Made from Agricultural Residues for Household Cooking Use
Authors: Bot Bill Vaneck , Axaopoulos Petros J. , Sakellariou Evangelos I. , Sosso Olivier Thierry , Tamba Jean Gaston
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a theoretical evaluation of the prices of mixed briquettes produced from coconut shells (CCS), banana peels (BNP), rattan waste (RWT), and sugarcane bagasse (SGC) and, on the other hand, an analysis of the economic viability of their use as a replacement for conventional household fuels (liquefied petroleum gas, fuelwood, and wood charcoal) in households in Cameroon. The investigation was carried out using the life cycle cost method on a typical household over a ten-year period with annual cooking energy requirements of 950 kWhth. The SGC–CCS and SGC–RWT mixed briquettes with ratios higher than 7.75% and 11.1%, respectively, have prices lower than EUR 0.063/kWhth. The Present Value of the Net Benefit is positive for the use of SGC–CCS and SGC–RWT mixed briquettes. The results show that by making the right mixes of residues, it is possible to obtain biomass briquettes that are less expensive than conventional fuels.
Tight and Shale Oil Exploration: A Review of the Global Experience and a Case of West Siberia
Authors: Dorhjie Desmond Batsa , Mukhina Elena , Kasyanenko Anton , Cheremisin Alexey
Published: September 2023

Shale and tight oil reservoirs, with horizontal wells and hydraulic fractures, typically have a recovery ratio of around 10%. The exploration of tight oil and shale in North America has proven economically viable, thanks to advancements, such as horizontal wells, hydraulic fracturing, and other enhanced oil recovery techniques. Taking inspiration from the global experience (the North American shale experience), the exploration and development of the West Siberian tight and shale reserves was more focused on the reported best practices of the exploration of North American shale. In this study, the advance in the specific areas of shale and tight oil exploration was considered, with more emphasis placed on the progress in the exploration of West Siberian shales. According to the review literature, thermal enhanced recovery methods capable of converting organic matter into hydrocarbons were studied more than other methods of enhanced oil recovery. Aligned with global trends, there has been a growing focus on research aiming to integrate data-driven approaches and pore-scale simulations to enhance recovery from tight and shale formations. Multiple pilot studies have showcased promising prospects for implementing multistage hydraulic fracturing. Nevertheless, there are limited pilot studies dedicated to enhanced oil recovery methods for West Siberian shale.