bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A psychometric study of an executive function assessment instrument (TDI-FE)
Authors: Kato Sérgio Kakuta , Machado Flávia Amaral , Paganella Machline Paim , Gurgel Leia Gonçalves , Kaiser Vanessa , Diaz Gabriela Bertoletti , Serafini Adriana Jung , Filho Nelson Hauck , Reppold Caroline Tozzi
Published: October 2023

Background

This study aims to present and discuss the psychometric properties of executive functions, which were measured using the TDI-FE instrument. The analysis encompasses its internal structure, potential sensitivity to fatigue factors, relationships with external criteria, and diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

The study sample comprised 382 students from Brazil, aged 6–8 years. Child development variables were screened using the TDI-FE and gold standard tests (Cancellation Attention and Trail Making Tests). The proposed scale comprised four activities: a test with fruit images with three tasks, and one memory game.

Results

The one-factor model of EF of the TDI-FE failed to fit to the data. However, fit substantially improved once a latent fatigue factor was controlled in the model. The latent factor of EF assessed by the TDI-FE tasks was coherently associated with a series of external variables, including two popular collateral measures of EF. The diagnostic accuracy was reasonable, and a cut-off of 37 points produced 70% of sensitivity and 60% of specificity.

Conclusion

Results indicated that the TDI-FE demonstrated sound psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy, then consisting of an efficient alternative for the assessment of EFs in early childhood education. The study also proved the need to control for response biases such as fatigue in the latent variable models of EF. The TDI-FE is notable because of its low cost and easy application, and it might fulfill a need for instruments for individuals from different contexts at this stage of development in Brazil.
Association between oropharyngeal ph-monitoring, pepsin saliva concentration and degree of apnea–hypopnea index of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Bobin Francois , Lechien Jérôme R.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) through oropharyngeal pH-monitoring and pepsin saliva measurements.

Design

Prospective uncontrolled study.

Methods

Patients with sleep disturbances and reflux symptoms underwent polysomnography, 24-h oropharyngeal pH-monitoring and saliva pepsin collections. The prevalence of LPR was investigated in OSA patients according to oropharyngeal pH-monitoring and pepsin measurements. A correlation analysis was performed between pH-monitoring findings, pepsin saliva levels, reflux symptom score-12 (RSS-12), reflux sign assessment (RSA), Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pichot and arousal findings.

Results

Thirty-seven patients completed the evaluations. LPR was detected in 34/37 (92%) and 29/34 (85%) patients at the oropharyngeal-pH monitoring and pepsin test, respectively. OSA was detected in 30 patients (81%). Among them, LPR was detected in 28/30 (93%) cases. Pharyngeal reflux events mainly occurred nighttime/supine in OSA patients. Both Ryan score and supine reflux time at pH < 6.5 were significantly associated with BMI and the RSA sub- and total scores ( p < 0.02). Tongue-base hypertrophy score was positively associated with the number of micro-arousals ( p = 0.027); the supine percent of pH < 6.5 ( p = 0.030); morning ( p = 0.030) and bedtime pepsin saliva measurements ( p = 0.037). The bedtime pepsin saliva level was significantly associated with Ryan Score ( p = 0.047); AHI ( p = 0.017) and the sleep saturation < 90% time ( p = 0.040). The saliva level of the morning pepsin was associated with a shortest paradoxical sleep phase ( p = 0.013).

Conclusion

OSA patients may have high prevalence of pharyngeal reflux events at the oropharyngeal pH-monitoring and high pepsin saliva measurements. Oropharyngeal pH-monitoring should be useful for the correlation between reflux and sleep findings in OSA patients. Future large cohort controlled studies are needed to determine the prevalence of LPR in OSA and healthy individuals.
To die for: attractiveness, fashion, and health risks
Authors: Lennon Sharron J. , Kim Minjeong
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this research was to investigate perceptions of risks and benefits associated with popular risky fashion practices (tanning and wearing stilettos) among young adult women. Objectives were to (a) determine if fashion interest predicted benefit perceptions among young women, (b) determine the role of antecedents (fashion interest, risk perceptions, benefit perceptions, consumption emotions) in predicting the behavioral frequency of risky fashion practices, and (c) explore the extent to which tanning and wearing stilettos are similar/different in underlying mechanisms. Undergraduate women were emailed a link to a Qualtrics online survey and a total of 671 provided usable responses; 328 were tanners and 343 wore stilettos. Benefits tapped the attractiveness and fashionability that is expected from engaging in tanning and wearing stilettos, while risks focused on health risks such as melanoma or joint damage associated with tanning or wearing stilettos. Path analyses and decomposition of effects found that fashion interest was positively related to frequency of wearing stilettos, but was not related directly to tanning frequency. Fashion interest was a significant driver of perceived benefits for both risky behaviors. Benefit perceptions increased positive emotion and risk perceptions increased negative emotion; only positive emotion influenced the frequency of risky fashion practices. For both tanning and wearing stilettos, perceived benefits increased risky fashion practice frequency both directly and indirectly through positive emotion. However, perceived risks decreased fashion practice frequency only directly. Thus, perceived benefits outweigh perceived risks among women who engage in these risky fashion practices.
Successional action of Bacteroidota and Firmicutes in decomposing straw polymers in a paddy soil
Authors: Huang Junjie , Gao Kailin , Yang Lu , Lu Yahai
Published: October 2023

Background

Decomposition of plant biomass is vital for carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. In waterlogged soils including paddy fields and natural wetlands, plant biomass degradation generates the largest natural source of global methane emission. However, the intricate process of plant biomass degradation by diverse soil microorganisms remains poorly characterized. Here we report a chemical and metagenomic investigation into the mechanism of straw decomposition in a paddy soil.

Results

The chemical analysis of 16-day soil microcosm incubation revealed that straw decomposition could be divided into two stages based on the dynamics of methane, short chain fatty acids, dissolved organic carbon and monosaccharides. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the relative abundance of glucoside hydrolase (GH) encoding genes for cellulose decomposition increased rapidly during the initial stage (3–7 days), while genes involved in hemicellulose decomposition increased in the later stage (7–16 days). The increase of cellulose GH genes in initial stage was derived mainly from Firmicutes while Bacteroidota contributed mostly to the later stage increase of hemicellulose GH genes. Flagella assembly genes were prevalent in Firmicutes but scarce in Bacteroidota. Wood–Ljungdahl pathway (WLP) was present in Firmicutes but not detected in Bacteroidota. Overall, Bacteroidota contained the largest proportion of total GHs and the highest number of carbohydrate active enzymes gene clusters in our paddy soil metagenomes. The strong capacity of the Bacteroidota phylum to degrade straw polymers was specifically attributed to Bacteroidales and Chitinophagales orders, the latter has not been previously recognized.

Conclusions

This study revealed a collaborating sequential contribution of microbial taxa and functional genes in the decomposition of straw residues in a paddy soil. Firmicutes with the property of mobility, WLP and cellulose decomposition could be mostly involved in the initial breakdown of straw polymers, while Bacteroidota became abundant and possibly responsible for the decomposition of hemicellulosic polymers during the later stage.
Molecular profiling of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in Turkish patients with early-onset breast cancer
Authors: Karakaya Taner , Kocaaga Ayca
Published: October 2023

Background

Early-onset breast cancer (EOBC) is a specific condition that affects women under the age of 45. BRCA pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variants have been demonstrated to be harbored in a subgroup of EOBC individuals, and BRCA-positive genetic result offers an option to ensure more specified therapeutic implications. Establishing comprehensive BRCA1/2 genetic testing, including both the detection of small-scale mutations and large genomic rearrangements (LGRs), is needed for risk assessment and clinical management. In this study, we described a Turkish EOBC cohort along with their clinico-pathological characteristics and BRCA1/2 mutational profiles. A total of 67 unrelated patients were enrolled. Both next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based gene panel and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) were performed for BRCA1/2 variant identification. Patients' family medical history and hormone receptor status of the tumors were also recorded.

Results

14 (20.90%) patients were found to carry BRCA P/LP germline variants. (Nine were BRCA2-positive, and five were BRCA1-positive.) Two novel BRCA2 variants were detected. No significant differences were found between BRCA-positive vs. BRCA-negative or BRCA1-positive vs. BRCA2-positive for hormonal status and family history.

Conclusions

BRCA1/2 genes represent a predominant part of the genetic landscape of EOBC. Our results expand the spectrum of BRCA1/2 variants and provide knowledge of the BRCA1/2 variant prevalence in our cohort.
Tuning effects of a thin layer with triclinic anisotropy
Authors: Jin Song , Hu Xiangyun , Li Xuelei , Stovas Alexey
Published: October 2023

Tuning effects, induced by the interference between scattering waves at the top and bottom interfaces, characterize the dependence of thin-layer seismic responses on wave frequencies, thin-layer thicknesses, and medium elastic properties. The characteristics of tuning effects are frequently used to infer thin-layer properties. We analyze the tuning effects of a thin triclinic layer between two varying triclinic half-spaces. Exact thin-layer reflection and transmission (R/T) coefficients are developed to characterize the prestack thin-layer tuning effects of P, S1, and S2 waves. The thin-layer R/T coefficient approximations are developed to build concise relationships between tuning effect characteristics and medium parameters. The relationships give insights when estimating thin-layer properties from interpreting tuning effect characteristics. As inferred from the approximations, the tuning effect of a thin triclinic layer is composed of two fundamental tuning effects that make sense for two particular thin-layer models wherein one has identical enclosing half-spaces and the other has identical elastic parameter discontinuities at the bottom and top interfaces. The combined influence of wave frequencies, thin-layer thicknesses, and incidence angles on the two fundamental tuning effects can be assessed by a unique factor for each wave mode. For a general thin triclinic layer, this factor characterizes the periodic variations of reflection amplitudes versus wave frequencies. The maximum and minimum thin-layer reflection amplitudes are determined by the reflectivities at the top and bottom interfaces. With wave frequencies or thin-layer thicknesses increasing from zero, thin-layer reflections have smaller or larger amplitudes when the two single-interface reflectivities have equal or opposite polarities, respectively. We develop a method to evaluate the sensitivity of thin-layer reflection amplitudes to thin-layer elastic parameters. The sensitivity is higher when the two single-interface reflectivities have opposite polarities compared with the equal-polarity case. Numerical tests are used to demonstrate our approximation accuracy and the characteristics of tuning effects.
Three-dimensional resistivity structure in Toya caldera region, Southwest Hokkaido, Japan — Constraints on magmatic and geothermal activities
Authors: Komori Shogo , Takakura Shinichi , Mitsuhata Yuji , Yokota Toshiyuki , Uchida Toshihiro , Makino Masahiko , Kato Yosuke , Yamamoto Kazuya
Published: October 2023

Southwestern Hokkaido, Japan, is characterized by numerous Quaternary volcanoes and geothermal areas. At the same time, the region hosts various critical infrastructures, and there is a need to assess the impact of volcanic hazards on them. Geophysics could provide scientific clues for the hazard assessment by elucidating the abundance of subsurface magma. To clarify the resistivity structure from the crust to uppermost mantle of the Toya caldera, a representative Quaternary volcanic area, a wideband magnetotellurics survey of 117 points over land, sea, and lake areas, as well as 3D inversion, has been conducted. In combination with petrological and seismological findings, quantitative interpretation of the inverted model has found that conductive bodies in the uppermost mantle (14–68 [Formula: see text]) suggest the presence of melts (0.25 vol%–3.4 vol%) or fluids (0.068 vol%–0.45 vol%). An extremely conductive body (<10 [Formula: see text]) at a depth of approximately 3–14 km in the eastern geothermal area could be interpreted as a hydrothermal reservoir; below this body, the conductive column (1.8–15 [Formula: see text]), rising from the uppermost mantle, suggests fluid upwelling. In contrast, high resistivity (>100 [Formula: see text]) beneath Usu Volcano, the center of active volcanism, suggests that no mobile magma was present. A columnar-shaped region of slightly low resistivity (44 [Formula: see text] at minimum) is observed below the Toya caldera, which was inferred as cooling magma or an altered or heated upper crust attributed to past magma intrusion. A resistivity structure observed below the volcanic edifice is considered to reflect the steady state of the dormant volcanic system in this area, and there is likely no large amount of melt that would be deemed imminent for a caldera-forming eruption. This information could be a valuable scientific contribution to the volcanic hazard risk assessments currently being conducted in Japan.
Determining the location of the Bayan Obo rare earth elements mineralization body by the transfer learning method
Authors: Xue Guoqiang , Lv Pengfei , Chen Weiying , Li Xiaochun , Xu Ya , Wu XinWu , Wang Jian , Zhao Yonggang , Li Xianhua
Published: October 2023

Bayan Obo is the largest rare earth element (REE) deposit in the world. The occurrence of REE is closely related to the dolomite in this area. Dolomite serves as the mother rock of REE mineralization and the ore body. How to accurately locate and characterize dolomite is the key to determining the distribution of REE and estimating its reserves. A large amount of geophysical work has been conducted in this area, including a dense seismic array, various electromagnetic methods, gravity and aeromagnetic surveys, as well as numerous petrophysical property measurements. To fully leverage the results obtained by these geophysical methods and develop an understanding of the physical property structure, a multisource geophysical data fusion technology is developed. First, various physical property profiles obtained from inversion on the same profile are converted into images with identical resolution and dimension. Then, an image adaptive feature extraction technique based on transfer learning is used to extract features of different scales from multisource images. Subsequently, the fusion image is reconstructed based on the local nearest neighbor weighted average feature fusion rule to obtain the final fusion result. This aids in identifying the spatial appearance pattern of the target for detection. Given the physical characteristics of the mineralized dolomite, which has high density, high resistivity, and high magnetic susceptibility, its location and shape can be defined in the fusion image. The results indicate that the occurrence depth of dolomite can extend up to 1500 m and the dolomite has a southward tilt as one of its primary structural characteristics. The predicted range of dolomite distribution is consistent with the formation range revealed by drilling, making it a reliable basis for predicting the distribution of rare earth ore bodies.
Riordan Groups in Higher Dimensions
Authors: O'Farrell Anthony G.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: The classical Riordan groups associated to a given commutative ring are groups of infinite matrices (called Riordan arrays) associated to pairs of formal power series in one variable. The Fundamental Theorem of Riordan Arrays relates matrix multiplication to two group actions on such series, namely formal (convolution) multiplication and formal composition. We define the analogous Riordan groups involving formal power series in several variables, and establish the analogue of the Fundamental Theorem in that context. We discuss related groups of Laurent series and pose some questions.
Fabricant, It's What's for Dinner: Tracing Industrialized Slaughter through Upton Sinclair's The Jungle , Tillie Olsen's Yonnondio: From the Thirties , and David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas
Authors: Lance Stephanie
Published: October 2023

Abstract: In the contemporary epic novel Cloud Atlas (2004), David Mitchell creates fictive worlds spanning hundreds of years to reveal the consequences of industrial capitalism on a global scale. The dystopic near-future section of the novel, where most of the earth's natural resources have been obliterated due to mass nuclear explosions, explores a consumer class society fueled by late-stage capitalism that fabricates nature to survive—even if that means recycling the human body. Sonmi-451, an Asian female clone, narrates the story of a nightmarish fantastical world where present-day factory farming practices manufacture human bodies instead of animals. In this paper, I draw parallels from Upton Sinclair's The Jungle (1906) and Tillie Olsen's Yonnondio: From the Thirties (1974) to trace how slaughter has been perceived in relation to dystopian imaginings of meat production.
Bleeding All over the Shelves and Tracking It Out into the World: Theorizing Horror in the Indigenous North American Novels The Only Good Indians and Empire of Wild
Authors: Schaak Hogan D.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: In this article, I theorize horror in the Indigenous North American novels The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones and Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline. There have been multiple article-length explorations of the emergence of a possible Indigenous gothic due to the gothic's scholarly reception as "highbrow," but the recent proliferation of so-called "lowbrow" horror literature written by Indigenous North American authors has seen little scholarly attention. Examining the history of the gothic in horror in North America and its relation to White North American subjectivity and regenerative violence, I begin to theorize why and how Indigenous authors are engaging with horror to posit multiple Indigenous North American subjectivities. I argue that both novels examined here reject White North American subjectivity and regenerative violence through metatextuality, closed cycles of justice, and generative violence while differing in important ways that are grounded in the concept of transmotion.
Do Trust based Social Recommendation Algorithms Work as Intended?
Authors: Kasaraneni Chaitanya Krishna , Suresh Mahima Agumbe
Published: October 2023

Recommender systems are powerful tools that filter and recommend content/information relevant to a given user. Collaborative filtering is the most popular technique used in building recommender systems and it has been successfully incorporated in many applications. These conventional recommendation systems require a minimum number of users, items, and ratings in order to provide effective recommendations. This results in the infamous cold-start problem where the system is not able to produce effective recommendations for new users. Recently, there has been an escalation in the popularity and usage of social networks, which persuades people to share their experiences in the form of reviews and ratings on social media. The components of social media such as the influence of friends, interests, and enjoyment create the opportunities to develop solutions for sparsity and cold start problems of recommendation systems. This paper aims to observe these patterns and analyze three of the existing social recommendation systems, SocialMF, SocialFD, and GraphRec. SocialMF and SocialFD algorithms are based on matrix factorization and distance metric learning respectively whereas GraphRec is an attention based deep learning model. Through extensive experimentation with the datasets that these algorithms were tested on and one new dataset, we compared the results based on evaluation metrics including Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). To investigate how trust impacts the performance of these models, we evaluated them by modifying the trust and social component. Experimental results show that there is no conclusive evidence that trust propagation plays a major part in these models. Moreover, these models show a slightly improved performance in the absence of trust statements.
Visual Modeling: “Unlocking Ideas and Enhancing Understanding: The Power of Visual Modeling”
Authors: Saloni Kumari
Published: October 2023

To make ideas, concepts, or systems easier to comprehend and explain, visual modelling is the act of putting them into visual form. A range of methods and tools, including mind maps, flowcharts, diagrams, and wireframes, can be used to do this. In a range of settings, including business, education, and software development, visual models can be used to organize and clarify information, uncover links and patterns, and improve communication and teamwork.
This paper discusses the SWOT analysis, the concept of use cases, the organization chart and its tiers, the stakeholder map, the scoring matrix, process flowcharts, and user stories.
Data integration: “Seamless data harmony: The art and science of effective data integration”
Authors: Saloni Kumari
Published: October 2023

The idea of data integration has evolved as a key strategy in today's data-driven environment, as data is supplied from various and heterogeneous sources. This article explores the relevance, methodology, difficulties, and transformative possibilities of data integration, delving into its multidimensional world. Data integration serves as the cornerstone for well-informed decision-making by connecting heterogeneous datasets and fostering unified insights. This article gives readers a sneak preview of the in-depth investigation into data integration, illuminating its technical complexities and strategic ramifications for companies and organizations looking to maximize the value of their data as-sets.
Optimization of sowing dates in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) to combat yield losses caused by high temperature at reproductive stage
Authors: Pandey Bharati , Yadav Rashmi , Ramawat Naleeni , Vishwakarma Harinder , Pandey Sangeeta
Published: October 2023

A field experiment was undertaken during the Rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2021-22 at organic farm of Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, for the optimization of the sowing time period to reduce the effect of heat stress on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) for increasing productivity. 32 Indian mustard germplasms were sown at three different time periods viz., the last week of September, the last fortnight of October, and the second week of November. Our results revealed that the mustard crop showed a substantial increase in yield supporting characters such as the number of siliqua and seeds per siliqua when sown at last week of September as compared to the second week of October, whereas the late sown crop resulted in less yield due to the heat stress faced by crop during the anthesis stage as compared to early and optimum sowing. The mean seed yield per plant showed a positive correlation with mean test weight. We established the positive effect of early sowing over optimal and late sowing in Indian mustard; further, we found a few mustard accessions were able to resist different climatic conditions. The mustard germplasm accessions IC296688, IC296703, IC296732, IC305130, IC401575, IC426385, and IC589669 were high yielding among all the accessions and can be considered as heat stress tolerant.
Past and Recent In-Migrations Accelerated by High Population Growth Rate Culminating in Socio-Economic and Environmental Changes in Greater Kamwenge, Western Uganda
Authors: Tumwine Fredrick Ruguma , Kizito Geofrey
Published: October 2023

Greater Kamwenge, composed of Kamwenge and Kitagwenda districts has one of the highest population growth rates in the country (3.91%) during the period 2002 to 2014 compared to the national average of 3.03% (UBOS, 2014). The increasing population has resulted in an increase in population density from 82.69, 114.7, and 172.8 persons per square km in 1991, 2002, and 2014 respectively (UBOS, 2016). This paper was guided by three objectives: To examine the positive and negative implications of the continued increase of population in greater Kamwenge by both natural growth and in-migration. To analyze the positive and negative contributions of the in-migrants into the area. Suggest measures for improving the livelihoods of the inhabitants of the area. The paper utilised data from key informants and literature review. Land use land cover maps of the area of study were classified (maximum likelihood classification) using ArcGIS 10.8 software and the changes in land cover over the years were compared. The data was obtained from satellite images from 2000 to 2020. The authors observe that a number of benefits such as a variety of crops were introduced by the in-migrants at different times. Areas that were formerly infested with tsetse flies were made habitable by the in-migrants and animal rearing extended into areas that were not formally used for economic activity. On the other hand, the increase in population has led to encroachment on areas that were not formerly settled and cultivated leading to soil creep, erosion, destruction of wetlands, forests, and woodlands.  The authors recommend strengthening the benefits of the immigrants in order to reduce poverty in the area. In addition, the authors recommend vigorous campaigns for modern family planning methods to reduce the high population growth, emphasize education and mindset change.
The Inauguration Ceremony of Ahmad Shawqi as Prince of Arab Poets in Cairo, 1927
Authors: Al-Rifai Nada Yousuf
Published: October 2023

Ahmad Shawqi became a member of the Senate in 1924 and was named the ‘Prince of Poets’ in 1927. This was the year that the second edition of his poetry collection, Al-Shawqiyyat, was published. The first edition was published in 1898, and on the occasion of the issuance of the second edition, a number of ceremonies honouring the poet were held in his behalf. This pledge of allegiance constituted a national event par excellence. The ceremony was attended by King Fu'ad, Prime Minister Sa'ad Zaghloul, and a large group of Arab visitors. Bahrain participated by sending a small golden palm tree, which was donated by its emir to the Prince of Poets. The ‘Princedom of Arab Poetry’, began with the pledge of allegiance to Ahmad Shawqi, during a special ceremony on 29 April 1927 in the presence of a group of Arab poets. This group was led by Hafeth Ibrahim, Shawqi’s competitor, to confirm that Shawqi was undoubtedly the highest poet among his peers at the time, and he has remained distinguished in the Arab consciousness to the present day, despite the rise of other good poets and many poetic movements.
Ehrhart theory of paving and panhandle matroids
Authors: Hanely Derek , Martin Jeremy L. , McGinnis Daniel , Miyata Dane , Nasr George D. , Vindas-Meléndez Andrés R. , Yin Mei
Published: October 2023

We show that the base polytope P

M
of any paving matroid M can be systematically obtained from a hypersimplex by slicing off certain subpolytopes, namely base polytopes of lattice path matroids corresponding to panhandle-shaped Ferrers diagrams. We calculate the Ehrhart polynomials of these matroids and consequently write down the Ehrhart polynomial of P

M
, starting with Katzman’s formula for the Ehrhart polynomial of a hypersimplex. The method builds on and generalizes Ferroni’s work on sparse paving matroids. Combinatorially, our construction corresponds to constructing a uniform matroid from a paving matroid by iterating the operation of stressed-hyperplane relaxation introduced by Ferroni, Nasr and Vecchi, which generalizes the standard matroid-theoretic notion of circuit-hyperplane relaxation. We present evidence that panhandle matroids are Ehrhart positive and describe a conjectured combinatorial formula involving chain forests and Eulerian numbers from which Ehrhart positivity of panhandle matroids will follow. As an application of the main result, we calculate the Ehrhart polynomials of matroids associated with Steiner systems and finite projective planes, and show that they depend only on their design-theoretic parameters: for example, while projective planes of the same order need not have isomorphic matroids, their base polytopes must be Ehrhart equivalent.
Effects of different light conditions on transient expression and biomass in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves
Authors: Zhang Yuejing , Ru Yi , Shi Zhenzhen , Wang Hanqi , Zhang Ji , Wu Jianping , Pang Hailong , Feng Hanqing
Published: October 2023

In the process of the production of recombinant proteins by using an Agrobacterium-mediated transient gene expression system, the effectiveness of the control of light conditions pre- and post-agroinfiltration on efficiency of transient expression is worth being evaluated. In this study, Nicotiana benthamiana plants were used as a bioreactor to investigate the effects of different light conditions pre- and post-agroinfiltration on the transient expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP). The results showed that the plants grown under light condition for 5 weeks had the highest level of transient expression among those grown for 4–8 weeks. In the pre-agroinfiltration, the level of transient expression of GFP was obviously decreased by the increase in light intensity or by the shortening of the photoperiod. Although the shortening of the photoperiod post-agroinfiltration also decreased the level of transient expression, moderate light intensity post-agroinfiltration was needed for higher level of transient expression efficiency. However, there was no strong correlation between the transient expression efficiency and plant growth. The results suggested that light condition was an important factor affecting the level of transient expression in plants. Hence, light conditions should be optimized to obtain higher productivity of recombinant protein from transient expression systems.
IL-17 in osteoarthritis: A narrative review
Authors: Xiao Juan , Zhang Ping , Cai Fang-Lan , Luo Cheng-Gen , Pu Tao , Pan Xiao-Li , Tian Mei
Published: October 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful joint disease that is common among the middle-aged and elderly populations, with an increasing prevalence. Therapeutic options for OA are limited, and the pathogenic mechanism of OA remains unclear. The roles of cytokines and signaling pathways in the development of OA is a current research hot spot. Interleukin (IL)-17 is a pleiotropic inflammatory cytokine produced mainly by T helper 17 cells that has established roles in host defense, tissue repair, lymphoid tissue metabolism, tumor progression, and pathological processes of immune diseases, and studies in recent years have identified an important role for IL-17 in the progression of OA. This narrative review focuses on the mechanisms by which IL-17 contributes to articular cartilage degeneration and synovial inflammation in OA and discusses how IL-17 and the IL-17 signaling pathway affect the pathological process of OA. Additionally, therapeutic targets that have been proposed in recent years based on IL-17 and its pathway in OA are summarized as well as recent advances in the study of IL-17 pathway inhibitors and the potential challenges of their use for OA treatment.
Diagnostic sample transport via pneumatic tube systems: data logger and their algorithms are sensitive to transport effects
Authors: Ninnemann Jana , Zylla Stephanie , Streichert Thomas , Otto Benjamin , Haenel Mattis , Nauck Matthias , Petersmann Astrid
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Many hospitals use pneumatic tube systems (PTS) for transport of diagnostic samples. Continuous monitoring of PTS and evaluation prior to clinical use is recommended. Data loggers with specifically developed algorithms have been suggested as an additional tool in PTS evaluation. We compared two different data loggers.

Methods

Transport types – courier, conventional (cPTS) and innovative PTS (iPTS) – were monitored using two data loggers (MSR145® logger, CiK Solutions GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany, and a prototype developed at the University Medicine Greifswald). Data loggers differ in algorithm, recording frequencies and limit of acceleration detection. Samples from apparently healthy volunteers were split among the transport types and results for 37 laboratory measurands were compared.

Results

For each logger specific arbitrary units were calculated. Area-under-the-curve (AUC)-values (MSR145®) were lowest for courier and highest for iPTS and increased with increasing recording frequencies. Stress (St)-values (prototype logger) were obtained in kmsu (1,000*mechanical stress unit) and were highest for iPTS as well. Statistical differences between laboratory measurement results of transport types were observed for three measurands sensitive for hemolysis.

Conclusions

The statistical, but not clinical, differences in the results for hemolysis sensitive measurands may be regarded as an early sign of preanalytical impairment. Both data loggers record this important interval of beginning mechanical stress with a high resolution indicating their potential to facilitate early detection of preanalytical impairment. Further studies should identify suitable recording frequencies. Currently, evaluation and monitoring of diagnostic sample transport should not only rely on data loggers but also include diagnostic samples.
Tranexamic acid and pre-hospital trauma setting: Is everything clear by now?
Authors: Frontera Regina , Barone Mirko
Published: October 2023

An early use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in polytrauma patients has long been emphasized, although several conflicting evidence make its applicability still controversial and claims debate. Several multicenter trials have been conducted and the latter appear to collide with recent evidence published in the literature. In particular, the putative effects of early prognostic and hospitalization are still far from a common recommendation. We believe conflicting evidence derives from an unproper standardization of the pre-hospital setting, where non-diversified demographic factors, such as sociodemographic ones and accessibility to resources, still play a significant and detrimental role in patients’ outcomes. Moreover, evaluation and investigation of the real benefits of TXA administration in the trauma patient according to the different settings or scenarios are required, as the availability of resources could represent a non-negligible bias that could lead to evidence too far from universal applicability and accessibility.
Child Mental Health During the First and Second Wave By COVID-19 According to Sociodemographic Indicators in Peru
Authors: Meléndez-Jara Carmen Magali , Ramírez-Sáenz Natalia Luisa , Soto-Mateo Jorge Luis , Sernaque-Fernandez Jackelyn Nayeli , Delgado-Fabián Jhoanna Gabriela , Pareja-Arroyo Alexandra Celeste , Tafur-Mendoza Arnold Alejandro
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the study is to analyze the state of children's mental health in the context of the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru. This involves describing prevalent behavioral and emotional functioning and comparing clinical and adaptive indicators according to sociodemographic variables such as gender and family type. The study was designed as a descriptive comparative cross-sectional cohort study. The sample was intentionally and non-probabilistically selected and included 485 Peruvian children aged 3 to 13 years (M = 7.52, SD = 2.37). For the analysis of children's mental health symptomatology, the sample was divided into three groups based on their school level, resulting in the following distribution: Sample 1 (P1): Included 134 children in early education, where 50.75% were female (n=68) and 58.21% came from nuclear families. Sample 2 (P2): Comprised 146 children in 1st and 2nd grade of primary school, where 54.79% were male (n=80) and 60.96% came from nuclear families. Sample 3 (S2, self-report): Consisted of 205 children in 3rd to 6th grade of primary school, where 54.63% were female (n=112) and 53.66% came from nuclear families. For the evaluation of children's mental health, the Behavioural Assessment System for Children and Adolescents (BASC) and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used. During the pandemic, a higher prevalence of adaptive indicators in children was found, including social skills, adaptability, and positive relationships with parents and peers. Clinical indicators such as attention problems and anxiety were also observed. When considering sociodemographic variables, males exhibited higher clinical indicators. Regarding family type, nuclear families showed greater adaptive indicators, while extended families exhibited more clinical indicators. In conclusion, Peruvian children aged 3 to 13 years presented higher adaptive indicators than clinical indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to consider that children's mental health may vary according to sociodemographic factors, such as sex and type of family. However, it is crucial to recognize that these results are specific to the studied sample and context, and that children's mental health is influenced by various cultural and context-specific factors.
Examining Collateral Prerequisites for Small and Medium-Sized Business Loans
Authors: Jrad Majida
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the factors that affect loan collateral specifically for SMEs in Lebanon, which is a country with a small, open emerging market economy. Collateral should secure the bank loan, but in practice it is adjusted according to other socio-economic criteria of the firms. This is especially true for SMEs and even more so for emerging countries. We propose in this research to illustrate the signals mobilized by banks when granting secured loans. The data on these variables come from the Lebanese Central Bank and the World Bank. They contain observations for two samples - 532 firms for 2019 and 561 firms for 2013. A set of factors influence the level of collateral required: those related to firm characteristics (relevant variables: age, size, audit of financial statements, provision of training to workers, private shareholder ownership, quality recognition, experiencing at least one bribe request, female manager), manufacturing (reflects economic sector), interest rate (reveals loan characteristics), and location in the capital (reveals loan market characteristics). The logistic regression estimates suggest that collateral required by older firms is higher even that SMEs have financial statement revised annually by external auditors. Size and interest rate contribute to lower collateral requirements. The consistency of results in the combined panel, 2013, and 2019 shows the reliability of the Lebanese Banking Sector norms and policies
Como inserir mais sociobiodiversidade na alimentação escolar na Amazônia brasileira?
Authors: Tregidgo Daniel , Da Silva Maia Juliana Kelly , Barros da Silva Elenilma , Cardoso Lopes Jessica , Larrosa Oler Juliana Rodrigues , De Freitas Viana Fernanda Maria , Rigo Neide , Valsecchi João , Lemos Lopes Valdinei , De Menezes Neto Elias Jacob , Medeiros Jacob Michelle Cristine
Published: October 2023

Apesar da riqueza da sociobiodiversidade, a Amazônia enfrenta grandes desafios em relação à segurança alimentar. O Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) no Brasil surge como uma oportunidade estratégica para abordar o problema da insegurança alimentar e para atuar de forma sinérgica na conservação da biodiversidade e fortalecimento do desenvolvimento econômico local. Embora o PNAE incentive a presença de alimentos regionais e da sociobiodiversidade nas refeições escolares, a inclusão efetiva desses alimentos na alimentação escolar ainda é um desafio. Nesta nota técnica resumimos em seis linhas de ação as recomendações para promover a inclusão efetiva da sociobiodiversidade na alimentação escolar. Acreditamos que os atores diretamente envolvidos na tomada de decisão do PNAE, incluindo os agentes públicos responsáveis por garantir o direito humano à alimentação adequada, bem como as instituições que regulamentam as atividades dos nutricionistas que são responsáveis técnicos pelo programa, podem se beneficiar dessas recomendações.
Engineering performance of lightweight geomaterial influenced by EPS density and mix ratio
Authors: Pande Anupam Yogendra , Padade Amit Harihar
Published: October 2023

This paper highlights the engineering behavior of an expanded-polystyrene (EPS)-bead-based fly ash geomaterial (FAGM). The proposed geomaterial was prepared by blending EPS beads of different densities and fly ash contents with cement as a binding agent. The effects of three different EPS bead densities (25, 30 and 35 kg/m3), four EPS mix ratios (0.5–2.0%) and two cement contents (15 and 20%) on density, compressive strength at three different curing periods, 7, 28 and 90 days; and elasticity modulus were studied. It was concluded that the behavior of FAGM prepared with low-density and low-content EPS is analogous to that of FAGM prepared with high-density and high-content EPS. To evaluate the performance of FAGM as a lightweight and strong material, an empirical ratio of strength to density is defined. FAGM with low-density and high-content EPS can be used as an efficient lightweight filling material, whereas FAGM with high-density and low-content EPS can be used as a strong filling material. Moreover, the geomaterial, which is mainly formed from a freely available industrial byproduct, can be strongly used as a replacement for EPS geofoam blocks.
Yonga levhanın mekanik, fiziksel ve formaldehit emisyon özellikleri üzerine sıcak pres hızının etkisi
Authors: ÇAMLIBEL Osman , AYATA Ümit
Published: October 2023

Bu çalışmada, sıcak pres hızındaki değişimin yonga levha (PB)’nın fiziksel, mekanik ve formaldehit emisyon değerleri üzerindeki etkisi araştırılmıştır. PB üretiminde, odun hammaddesi olarak %40 meşe (Quercus petraea L), %50 sarıçam (Pinus sylvestris L) ve %10 akkavak (Populus alba) planya talaşı kullanılmıştır. Tutkal olarak %65 konsantrasyonda üre formaldehit (UF) (1/1:35 mol), sertleştirici olarak %20 konsantrasyonda amonyum sülfat (AS) ve su itici kimyasal olarak %60 konsantrasyonda sıvı parafin (LW) kullanılmıştır. PB deney örnekleri hazırlanırken üretim reçete değerleri sabit bırakılmış ve yalnızca üretim hızı değiştirilmiştir. Pres hızları 240 mm/sn (PH240), 245 mm/sn (PH245) ve 258 mm/sn (PH258) olacak şekilde ayarlanmıştır. PB numunelerinin fiziksel, mekanik ve emisyon karakterizasyonu ilgili TSE standartlarına göre yapılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlar istatistiksel olarak analiz edilmiştir. Sonuçlar arasında önemli farklılıklar bulunmuştur. Bu farklılıkların sıcak pres hızından kaynaklandığı görülmüştür. Pres hızının artması, PB’nin mekanik özelliklerini ve direnç testlerini olumlu yönde etkilemiştir. Pres hızındaki artış levhanın mekanik direncini düşürmüştür.
Assessment of the toxic effect of hexavalent chromium on the hematological indices in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Ghosh Debkanta , Samir Kumar Saha
Published: October 2023

The presence of heavy metals, which are typically released into water bodies as a result of fast industrialization, causes the aquatic environment to become extremely contaminated. Chromium is one of the most common heavy metal in the environment and is used in several types of industries. The effect of sublethal toxicity of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) on hematological indices of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus has been analyzed following exposure of concentration 9.349 mg/L and 18.698 mg/L (10% & 20% of LC50 value ) of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) as hexavalent chromium for 7, 15, 30 days. Hematological parameters are the most important indicators of fish health status. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Cr(VI) toxicity on hematological parameters in O. niloticus. The results show that hemoglobin percentage (Hb%), red blood cell (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and platelet count level were significantly (P > 0.05) decreased and the total count of white blood cell (WBC) was significantly (P > 0.05) increased with increasing time of exposure at a concentration of 9.349 mg/L of K2Cr2O7 in the test groups compared to the control group. At the concentration of 18.69 mg/L, Hb%, RBC, MCV, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet count level were significantly (P > 0.05) decreased and the total count of WBC and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) value were significantly (P > 0.05) increased with the increasing time of exposure in the test groups compared to the control group. To study the R2 value of the linear regression equation, we found that the trend of the chronic toxic effect of hexavalent chromium at 60 and 90 days of both the sublethal concentrations 9.349 mg/L and 18.69 mg/L of K2Cr2O7, where the value of Hb, RBC, packed volume cell (PCV), MCV are found to drastically decreased and the value ESR and WBC are found to drastically increased in the experimental groups compared to the control group. The investigation recommended that the presence of hexavalent chromium in the aquatic medium has a strong impact on the hematological indices in O. niloticus.
Farmers Behavior in Rice Farming Risk Mitigation
Authors: Malebbi We Ati Mega Daeng , Mahyuddin Mahyuddin , Kadir Syahriadi
Published: October 2023

The rice farming sub-sector is an important source of income for rural communities, however rice farming contains many risks which result in a decrease in production that cannot be controlled, therefore farmer behavior is an important factor in preventing and controlling farming risks that may occur. In this regard, this research will focus on knowing the behavior of farmers in mitigating the risk of rice farming. The research method used is a qualitative method with data collection in the form of interviews with predetermined sources. The results showed that the behavior of farmers who were assessed based on knowledge, attitudes and skills in risk mitigation had been carried out well starting from production, environmental and price risks and the role of institutions consisting of the Food Crops, Horticulture, Plantation and Food Security Services, extension workers and farmer groups which The TPHPKP Office also participates in risk mitigation where in terms of monitoring post-harvest price fluctuations and pest control supervision is going well, but the problem is the occurrence of practices that are detrimental to farmers and unpredictable weather changes resulting in the risk of crop failure.