bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophage-derived MMP-9/MMP-2 are closely related to the rupture of the fibrous capsule of hepatocellular carcinoma leading to tumor invasion
Authors: Cui Quanwei , Wang Xuben , Zhang Yongwei , Shen Yiqing , Qian Yeben
Published: December 2022

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor with a poor clinical prognosis. Rupture of the fibrous capsule (FC) is a very important clinical phenomenon in the invasion and metastasis of HCC. FC is mainly composed of type I collagen (COL1A1). However, it is not clear what caused the FC rupture. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the rupture of FC in HCC patients was related to macrophage-derived MMP-9/MMP-2, and their clinical diagnostic value for FC rupture.
Results
By performing immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining of ruptured FC and intact FC, the results showed that the ruptured area of FC aggregated a large number of macrophages with MMP-9/MMP-2. Western blot analysis and Quantitative real-time PCR were used to assess the expression of MMP-9/MMP-2 in the ruptured and relatively intact area of FC in ruptured FC patients, and the results revealed a significantly different expression of MMP-9/MMP-2. ELISA experiments show that we could discriminate effectively between ruptured FC and intact FC by MMP-9/MMP-2.
Conclusions
Taken together, macrophage-derived MMP-9/MMP-2 were closely related to the rupture of the FC of HCC and subsequently led to the migration and invasion of the tumor cells into the ruptured area of FC to the para cancer. it is suggested that when performing surgical resection, it is necessary to expand the range of tumor resection for patients with ruptured FC and hence reduce the possibility of recurrence and metastasis in HCC patients.
A study on the spatiotemporal differentiation of typical ecosystem services and influencing factors in the Dongjiang River Basin from 2000 to 2019
Authors: Liu Jie , Chen Dequan , Wu Hui , Liang Xiaojin , Chen XiaoHui , Wang Yingying
Published: December 2022

Monitoring changes in watershed ecosystem services is an important aspect of watershed ecological security assessment and the anchor point for research on watershed ecological protection and economic development. Current research has focused on the assessment of typical ecosystem service functions in watersheds, with relatively little research on influencing factors and their spatio-temporal change impact mechanisms. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the spatio-temporal variation mechanisms of ecosystem services and influencing factors in the Dongjiang River Basin(DRB) in China from 2000 to 2019. The results show that the land use structure of DRB has been stable and typical ecosystem services such as water retention, soil and water conservation, and carbon storage are slightly reduced in the past 20 years. The typical ecosystem services of the study area are influenced by topographic factors, climatic factors, and natural socio-economic factors, and are significantly related to precipitation, temperature, elevation, slope, GDP, population, and NDVI. From 2000 to 2019, the influence factors have obvious spatial and temporal heterogeneity, with the largest positive influence factor of NDVI and slope showing a diffusion enhancement trend, and the largest negative influence factor of population density showing the same trend. The overall ecosystem service function has remained stable, and the coordination between economic development and ecological protection has been good. Future regional development needs to further implement the ecological protection development strategy, focus on and implement measures to improve the ecological service function of key areas, and reduce the negative impact of population.
Effect of spray cryotherapy on respiratory function in canine models of chronic bronchitis
Authors: Liang Long , Duan Hongxia , Li Xuan , Wang Changhui , Xie Shuanshuan
Published: December 2022

Objective: Our aim was to explore whether SCT is effective in improving respiratory function in a canine model of chronic bronchitis and to further elucidate the associated biological mechanisms.
Methods: A total of ten experimental dogs were recruited for this study, eight of which were exposed to sulfur dioxide (SO2) for 6 months as a model group and the other two as healthy controls. We analyzed and compared the differences of respiratory function, airway morphology and inflammatory cell infiltration at 1-, 3- and 6-month intervals after SCT treatment and further explored the intrinsic correlations.
Results: Respiratory function was significantly reduced after six months of SO2 exposure compared to healthy controls. PIF and PEF significantly decreased by 30.64% and 18.35%, respectively. Other respiratory function indicators such as TV, tI, tE, MV, EIP, EF25%, EF50%, EF75%, IF25%, IF50%, IF75%, FIaV, FEaV and CI also showed a significant downward trend (P<0.05). Respiratory function and airway morphometry were significantly improved at 1-, 3-, and 6- month intervals after SCT compared to chronic bronchitis group. The number of infiltrated neutrophils and macrophages per unit area of airway epithelium was negatively correlated with respiratory function, implying that decreased respiratory function was accompanied by more infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages.
Conclusions: SCT significantly improved respiratory function, airway morphometry and infiltrated inflammatory cell count in a canine model of chronic bronchitis for at least six months. Our study identifies the relevant biological mechanisms by which infiltrating neutrophil and macrophage counts can have a critical impact on respiratory function.
ChemR23 activation attenuates cognitive impairment in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-induced neuronal pyroptosis
Authors: Zhang Yaxuan , Zhang Jiawei , Zhao Yao , Zhang Yueqi , Liu Lan , Xu Xiaofeng , Wang Xiuzhe , Fu Jianliang
Published: December 2022

BackgroundNeuroinflammation plays critical roles in vascular dementia (VaD), the second leading cause of dementia which can be induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis, the inflammatory programmed cell death has been reported to contribute to the development of VaD [1]. ChemR23 is a G protein coupled receptor that has emerging roles in regulating inflammation. However, the role of ChemR23 signaling in NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis in CCH remains elusive.MethodsPermanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) surgery was performed in rats to establish the CCH model. Eight weeks after the surgery, the rats were intraperitoneally injected with Resolvin E1 (RvE1) or chemerin-9 (C-9) every other day for 4 weeks. Besides, SH-SY5Y cells with hypoglycemic and hypoxic stimulation were adopted to mimic CCH injury in vitro. Behavioral test was applied to access cognitive impairment. Histological and immunofluorescent staining, RNA sequencing analysis, western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, transmission electron microscope, LDH activity assay, flow cytometry and scanning electron microscope were conducted to evaluate neuronal damage and explore the possible mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.Results:Here, we found that the levels of ChemR23 expression were decreased from the 8th week after BCCAO, accompanied by significant cognitive impairment. Further analysis revealed that CCH induced neuronal damage, synaptic injury and NLRP3-related pyroptosis activation in hippocampal neurons. However, pharmacologic activation of ChemR23 with RvE1 or C-9 counteracted these changes. Moreover, In vitro experiments showed that manipulating ChemR23 expression markedly regulated NLRP3 inflammasome-induced neuronal pyroptosis through PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling in SH-SY5Y cells under hypoglycemic and hypoxic condition.ConclusionsOur data demonstrated that ChemR23 activation inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome-induced neuronal pyroptosis and improves the cognitive function via PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway in CCH models. ChemR23 may serve as a potential novel therapeutic target to treat CCH-induced cognitive impairment.
Dataset on infant mortality rates in Brazil
Authors: Souto Gabriel , Miloski Matheus , Cardoso Carlos Leonardo Souza , Kreischer Vinicius , Paixão Balthazar , Ribeiro Victor de Paula Dornellas , Gritz Raquel , Carraro Lucas , Cruz Sérgio Ricardo de Borba , Bonifácio Carmen Lúcia Corrêa , Saldanha Raphael de Freitas , Zirondi Leandro , Alencar Gizelton Pereira , Alves Ariane Camilo Pinheiro , Neto Nelson Niero , Salles Rebecca , Lima Jefferson da Costa , Pedroso Marcel
Published: December 2022

Objectives: Surveillance of infant and fetal deaths is of paramount importance inthinking about government strategies to reduce these rates, provide greatervisibility of these mortality figures in the country, enable the adoption ofprevention measures, as well as contribute to a better record of deaths.
Data description: The dataset comprises fetal, neonatal, early neonatal, lateneonatal, and perinatal Mortality Rates of Brazilian municipalities with theirrespective information, between 2010 to 2020, aggregated by epidemiologicalweek.
Genetic etiology and clinical outcomes of fetuses with duodenal obstruction detected using chromosomal microarray analysis
Authors: Wang You , Fu Fang , Zhou Hang , Ma Chunling , Cheng Ken , Huang Ruibin , Liao Can
Published: December 2022

Objective:
To assess the value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in fetuses with duodenal obstruction (DO) and to evaluate the associated prenatal findings and pregnancy outcomes.
Methods:
The study included 428 fetuses with duodenal obstruction (DO) identified in prenatal diagnostic centers between January 2015 and May 2022, of which 103 fetuses underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis. The fetuses were classified into non-isolated and isolated groups based on prenatal ultrasound DO with or without other structural abnormalities. Quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) and chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) were applied as first-line techniques for detection and analysis, pregnancy outcome was recorded in all cases, and newborns were followed up to 2.5 years of age.
Results:
Among 103 fetuses, Overall, the CMA identified clinically significant copy number variations (CNVs) in 9/103 (8.74%) fetuses and variants of unknown significance (VOUS) in 7/103 (6.80%). 9 cases of pathogenic CNVs were 1 case of 15q25.2 deletion, 2 cases of 17q12 microduplication syndrome, 2 cases of 13q21.2q31.1 deletion, 1 case of 13q21.33q31.1 deletion, 1 case of 7q11.23 microdeletion, 1 case of 1q41q44 duplication and 1 case of 16q23.3q24.1 deletion. The EDNRB gene in the 13q region and the HNF1B gene in the 17q12 region are candidate genes for the pathogenicity of fetal duodenal obstruction. The difference in the detection rate of pathogenic CNVs between the isolated group and the non-isolated group is statistically significant (5.75%, 5/87, and 25.00%, 4/16, p=0.031). Among 103 fetuses, 77 were live births, 2 were stillborn, 2 died after birth, and 22 cases of induced labor.
Conclusions:
This study highlights the value of CMA of variants in unbalanced genomes of DO fetuses, especially non-isolated DO fetuses. Adverse pregnancy outcomes in DO fetuses are influenced by several factors, including maternal age (MA), gestational age (GA), and Polyhydramnios.
Geometry-Inference based Clustering-Heuristic: An empirical method for kmeans optimal clusters determination
Authors: Khattabi Mohammed Zakariae El , Jai Mostapha El , Akhrif Iatimad , Lahmadi Youssef , Oughdir Lahcen
Published: December 2022

Kmeans is one of the most algorithms that are utilized in data clustering. Number of metrics is coupled with kmeans in order cluster data targeting the enhancement of both locally clusters compactness and the globally clusters separation. Then, before the ultimate data assignment to their corresponding clusters, the selection of the optimal number of clusters should constitute a crucial step in the clustering process. The present work aims to build up a new clustering metric/heuristic that takes into account both space dispersion and inferential characteristics of the data to be clustered. Hence, in this paper, a Geometry-Inference based Clustering (GIC) heuristic is proposed for selecting the optimal numbers of clusters. The conceptual approach proposes the “Initial speed rate” as the main geometric parameter to be inferentially studied. After, the corresponding histograms are fitted by means of classical distributions. A clear linear behaviour regarding the distributions’ parameters was detected according to the number of optimal clusters k* for each of the 14 datasets adopted in this work. Finally, for each dataset, the optimal k* is observed to match with the change-points assigned as the intersection of two clearly salient lines. All fittings are tested using Khi2 tests showing excellent fitting in terms of p-values, and R² also for linear fittings. Then, a change-point algorithm is launched to select k*. To sum up, the GIC heuristic shows a full quantitative aspect, and is fully automated; no qualitative index or graphical techniques are used herein.
Hydrochemical characteristics, water quality assessment and driving forces of coal base in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Yan Zixuan , Li zhanbin , Li Peng , Zhao chenxu , Xu yaotao , Cui zhiwei , Sun hu
Published: December 2022

Explore the hydrochemical characteristics of surface water (SW) and groundwater (GW) under coal mining activities and controlling factors is essential to ensure water security. This research concentrates on the Changhe River Basin (CRB). Water samples were collected from 27 sites within the CRB in May, July and December 2022. A qualitative analysis of hydrochemical characteristics and major ion sources was conducted based on Piper plots, Gibbs plots, Pearson correlation analysis and ion ratio methods. The PCA ~ RSR model was used to assess the current status of SW and GW quality in the CRB. We found that the hydrochemical type of SW and GW is HCO3- Ca, with HCO3− accounting for 62.2% ~ 87.9% of the total anions and Ca2+ accounting for 27.4% ~ 31.3% of the total cations. Rock weathering is the main factor affecting the hydrochemical of CRB. SW is affected by the weathering and dissolution of both silicate and carbonate rocks, while GW is mainly affected by the weathering and dissolution of silicate. The cation exchange also has influence on GW. The cations in the water are mainly derived from rock weathering dissolution and exchange reactions, while the SO42− in anions is mainly imported from outside. The results of the water quality assessment showed that water quality in the midstream of the study area is poor and coal mining has seriously affected water safety issues. The study reveals the impact of coal mining on hydrochemical. It provides a scientific basis for the protection and management of water resources under coal mining activities in arid and semi-arid regions.
Performance analysis and optimization of a UAV relay-assisted FSO communication systems
Authors: Hayal Mohammed R. , Elsayed Ebrahim E. , Kakati Dhiman , Singh Mehtab , Alfikky Abdelrahman A. , Boghdady Ayman I. , Grover Amit , Mehta Shilpa
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates and optimizes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) relay-assisted free-space optics (FSO) communication systems under the effects of pointing errors (PEs) and atmospheric turbulences. The incorporation of UAVs as buffer-aided moving relays in the conventional FSO (CFSO) relay-assisted systems is proposed for enhancing the performance of PEs through AT. Using M-PSK (phase shift keying) and M-QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), the impact of PEs on transmission quality is evaluated in this work. We evaluate and enhance the symbol error rate, outage probability (OP), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the UAV-to-ground station-based FSO communications systems. The spatial diversity-based relay-assisted CFSO systems can enhance the performance of the UAV-UAV FSO links. Numerical results show that to achieve a bit-error-rate (BER) of \(\le {\text{10}}^{\text{-5}}\), the required SNR is ≥ 23 dB when the wind variance of the UAVs \({\sigma }_{\alpha }^{2}\) increases from 0 to 7 mrad with FSO link distance L = 2000 m. The required SNR is ≥ 25 dB when the wind variance \({\sigma }_{\alpha }^{2}\) is 1 mrad at a OP of \({\text{10}}^{\text{-}\text{6}}\). To obtain an average BER of \({10}^{-6}\), the SNR should be 16.23 dB, 17.64 dB, and 21.45 dB when \({\sigma }_{\alpha }^{2}\) is 0 mrad, 1 mrad, and 2 mrad, respectively. Using 8-PSK modulation without PEs requires 23.5 dB at BER of \({\text{10}}^{\text{-8}}\) while 16-QAM without PEs requires 26.5 dB to maintain the same BER of \({\text{10}}^{\text{-8}}\). Compared with 16-QAM without PEs, the SNR gain of 8-PSK without PEs is 3 dB.
The RNF213 rs112735431 polymorphism might influence predisposition to moyamoya disease and exhibit different clinical features in Asian population
Authors: zhang Juhua , Cao Yinyin , He Aijie , Zou Peng
Published: December 2022

Many studies suggested that the RNF213 rs112735431 polymorphism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of moyamoya disease. We performed a statistical meta-analysis based on the collected information of 18 studies comprising of 3044 cases and 6317 controls. We also assessed the correlation between the rs112735431 polymorphism and clinical features. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were used to estimate the strength of associations. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were used. Result of this meta-analysis found that the rs112735431 polymorphism is significantly associated with predisposition to moyamoya disease in Asians in all genetic models (homozygote model: OR = 35.19, 95%CI = 16.07–77.08; heterozygote model: OR = 88.72, 95%CI = 52.55-149.78; dominant model: OR = 89.77, 95%CI = 54.00-149.24; recessive model: OR = 16.52, 95%CI = 7.63–35.77). The moyamoya disease patients carrying GA + AA genotype of RNF213 gene preferred to ischemia than that of wild-type subjects (OR = 2.15, 95%CI = 1.03–4.48). Our results suggested that the rs112735431 polymorphism is associated with moyamoya disease risk and may be an efficient biomarker to classify ischemia/hemorrhage phenotypes of the moyamoya disease. Well-designed large-scale multicenter epidemiological studies will be required to validate our findings.
Searching for informal work using administrative data *
Authors: Tirozzi Annalisa
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates informality driven by the intense use of temporary and part- time contracts by firms. In the first part, using administrative data released by the Italian Social Security Institute combined with data of firms’ financial statements, I construct an indicator of irregular job implementing LASSO technique. Irregu- lar temporary and part-time contracts are highly correlated with known measures of undeclared work provided, with a stronger incidence in Southern Regions, in Services and Commerce and of female part-time workers. In the second part, I investigate if irregular contracts are effectively used to hide work that otherwise would be completely undeclared. First, I show with an event study analysis that lower EPL induce firms to fire irregular workers more easily, part-time contracts in sectors of Services and Commerce. Second, I investigate how less financial devel- opment positively impact the number of irregular part-time workers, especially if they are female workers again in Services and Commerce.
JEL Classification Numbers: H26, H29.
In optical fibers; accurate hybrid analytical and numerical analysis for the phase shift of the ultra–short pulses
Authors: Khater Mostafa M.
Published: December 2022

This paper examines the soliton phase shift using a simplified third–order generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation (3–order GNLSE). In this investigation, we employ a new direct algebraic (NDA) technique to solve these models. All evaluated solutions are put to the test using two modern numerical (trigono-metric quantic and cubic B–spline) schemes. The necessary criteria for implementing numerical systems are derived from the computational solutions. As the model captures the dynamical behavior of ultra–short pulses in optical fiber and quantum fields, this research is crucial. As a wave model, the 3–order GNLSE equation may be used to illustrate the wave nature of matter. It is regarded as a quantum–mechanical state function since it may represent the dynamical and physical behavior of atoms and transistors. The exactness of the answers is shown through two-, three–dimensional, and contour charts (matching between analytical and numerical solutions). The answers presented in the research are innovative in comparison to earlier findings.
AMS classification: 35C08; 37K40; 35C07; 37K40.
Neighborhood Mutual Remainder:Self-Stabilizing Distributed Implementationand Applications
Authors: Dolev Shlomi , Kamei Sayaka , Katayama Yoshiaki , Ooshita Fukuhito , Wada Koichi
Published: December 2022

This paper considers a situation where each process has a set of operations Op and executes each operation in Op infinitely often in distributed systems. Then, let Oe ⊂ Op be a subset of operations, which cannot be executed by a process while its closed neighborhood execute operations in Op∖ Oe. For such a situation, this new concept of Neighborhood Mutual Remainder (NMR) is defined. A distributed algorithm that satisfies the NMR requirement should satisfy the following two properties:(1) Liveness is satisfied if a process executes each operation in Op infinitely often, and (2) safety is satisfied if, when each process executes operations in Oe, no process in its closed neighborhood executes operations in Op∖ Oe. We formalize the concept of NMR and give a simple self-stabilizing algorithm to demonstrate the design paradigm to achieve NMR. We present an application of NMR to a LOOK-COMPUTE-MOVE (LCM) robot system for implementing a move-atomic property, where robots possess an independent clock that is advanced at the same speed. It is the first self-stabilizing implementations of the LCM synchronization for environments where each robot can have limited visibility and lights.
Allele-specific Effects of Three-dimensional Genome Architecture in Hybrid Pigs
Authors: Lin Yu , Li Jing , Gu Yiren , Jin Long , Bai Jingyi , Zhang Jiaman , Wang Yujie , Liu Pengliang , Long Keren , He Mengnan , Li Diyan , Liu Can , Han Ziyin , Zhang Yu , Li Xiaokai , Zeng Bo , Lu Lu , Kong Fanli , Sun Ying , Fan Yongliang , Wang Xun , Wang Tao , Jiang An’an , Ma Jideng , Shen linyuan , Zhu Li , Jiang Yanzhi , Tang Guoqing , Liu Qingyou , Li Hua , Wang Jinyong , Ge Liangpeng , Li Xuewei , Tang Qianzi , Li Mingzhou
Published: December 2022

In diploid mammals, allele-specific three-dimensional (3D) genome architecture may lead to imbalanced gene expression. Through ultradeepin situHi-C sequencing of three representative somatic tissues (liver, skeletal muscle, and brain) from hybrid pigs generated by reciprocal crosses of phenotypically and physiologically divergent Berkshire and Tibetan pigs, we uncover extensive chromatin reorganization between homologous chromosomes across multiple scales. Haplotype-based interrogation of multi-omics data revealed the tissue-dependence of 3D chromatin conformation, suggesting that parent-of-origin-specific conformation may drive gene imprinting. We quantify the effects of genetic variations and histone modifications on allelic rewiring of long-range promoter-enhancer contacts, which likely contribute to the dramatic phenotypic differences between the parental pig breeds. This study also provides definitive evidence of structured homolog pairing in the pig genome which could facilitate regulatory interactions between homologous chromosomes. This work illustrates how allele-specific chromatin architecture facilitates concomitant shifts in allele-biased gene expression, and consequently phenotypic changes in mammals.
Eco-friendly cold-pressed self-forming high-strength polyurethane/wood-fiber composite with flame retardance
Authors: Wang Xuanye , Wang Beibei , Sun Jingmeng , Yu Lei , Yang Guochao , Guo Hongwu
Published: December 2022

Wood-plastic composites (WPCs), which are widely used in construction and furniture, need to be treated with fire protection. In this work, polyurethane (PU) was applied to derive simultaneously flame-retardancy-improved and mechanically strengthened wood-polyurethane composites (WPUCs). It was constructed with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and PU by an eco-friendly way of pressing at ambient temperature. The combination of APP and PU improves the flame retardancy and smoke suppression of WPCs. The results indicated that the flame retardancy of WPUCs is the best when the mass of APP is 18% of PU, making LOI reach 31.2%. In the combustion test, the peak of heat release rate and total smoke production for WPUCs were respectively decreased by 42.1% and 89.7% in the presence of the above ratio of APP and PU. In addition, the results of the functional group test show that PU contains highly reactive -NCO which is bonded to the -OH and moisture in the wood fiber, resulting in improvement of physical and mechanical properties. The mechanism for the excellent flame retardancy of WPUCs revealed that polyphosphoric acid produced by APP pyrolysis catalyzed PU into the char, and PU was arched by the resulting gases such as NH3to form the tiny spherical structure. Meanwhile, the spherical structure increased the height and density of the carbon layer, which worked in blocking heat and the exchange of substances. This work provides a simple and economic strategy for the preparation of flame-retardant WPCs.
Prevalence of malaria parasite among pregnant women attending to Saudi Kassala Teaching hospital in Kassala state, Eastern Sudan
Authors: Nour Alnaeem Abdalla Idris , Karrar Tafawl Ibrahim , Kebayer Mohamed Hassan Ahmed , Elwahiad Nada Ali Abd , Zarroug Khadega Suleiman Mohammed , Mohammedahmed Hajrhma Ismael Hajrhma
Published: December 2022

Background:
Malaria during pregnancy is a priority area for malaria research and control as pregnant women represent a high risk group for severe malaria and the presentation of malaria during pregnancy varies according to the level of transmission in the area; so the aim of this study is to determine the Prevalence rates of malaria parasite among pregnant women attending to Saudi Kassala Teaching hospital in Kassala state, 2022
Methods:
A cross sectional study was carried out in Saudi Kassala Teaching hospital in Kassala State, this study involved one hundred and eighty five blood samples collected from pregnant women which was then examined by using Blood films and ICT for malaria and the data was collected by a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Results:
The prevalence of malaria among pregnant women was 2.2 %.There was no significant difference among the different age groups with respect to the prevalence of Malaria (p. value =.483). The prevalence of Malaria in rural residency was 2.2 %, this was significantly more common than the urban residency (P. value = 0.021). When compared across the gestational trimesters, there was no significant difference between them (P. Value=0.518). The number of Gravidity is not related to Malaria infection (P. value=0.737).The presence of symptom compliant of malaria during pregnancy does not suggest the presence of Malaria (P.value=0.152).
No difference was found between the different educational levels with respect to the prevalence of Malaria (P. value=.362).The result showed that there was 1 (0.5%) negative result in ICT which was positive in BFFM and there were 3 (1.6%) positive malaria parasite by both method in all 185 samples with statistically insignificant differences (p=0.703).
Conclusion:
Plasmodium falciparum was only species detected in this study.
Malaria among pregnant women was more prevalent in rural areas. However, other factors such as age, gestational age, gravidity, and educational level do not affect the prevalence of malaria in pregnant women.
The presence of symptomatic compliant of malaria during pregnancy does not suggest the presence of Malaria.
The use of ICT or BFFM has similar diagnostic outcome for malaria in pregnancy
'A spade was called a spade...it was not called a gardening tool...': Youth and intervention implementers' perceptions of a resilience-based HIV prevention intervention for reducing risky sexual behaviors among youth in South Africa
Authors: Mbengo Fungai , Adama Esther , Towell-Barnard Amanda , Zgambo Maggie
Published: December 2022

Background: Youth (15-24 years) in South Africa remain at high risk of HIV infection despite interventional efforts to control the disease. Programs directed at promoting resilience or protective factors in youth have been recommended as a multifaceted approach to mitigate risky sexual behaviors associated with HIV infection among youth. However, limited research exists on how relevant stakeholders, such as youth and intervention implementers perceive resilience-based HIV prevention interventions targeting youth. This study explored youth and intervention implementers’ perceptions of a resilience-based HIV prevention intervention (You Only Live Once) aimed at reducing risky sexual behaviors among youth in South Africa.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 youth who participated in the intervention and four intervention implementers at a not-for-profit organization in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, South Africa. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Three main themes emerged from the data: (1) Acceptability and impact of the intervention– the intervention was perceived as important and helpful in fostering positive behavior change among youth and enhancing their sexual health and social skills knowledge; self-confidence; and relationships with parents and peers. (2) Factors influencing intervention implementation – participants reported several multi-level factors which impeded or promoted the implementation of the intervention. (3) Recommendations to improve intervention implementation – participants made suggestions on how intervention implementation could be enhanced.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that resilience-based HIV prevention interventions are acceptable to young people in South Africa and have potential to mitigate their vulnerability to HIV. Implementation of resilience-based HIV prevention interventions targeting youth is linked to several multi-level factors that need to be considered for successful implementation.
Insights for precision healthcare from the 100,000 Genomes Cancer Programme
Authors: Murugaesu Nirupa , Sosinsky Alona , Ambrose John , Cross William , Turnbull Clare , Henderson Shirley , Jones J , Hamblin Angela , Arumugam Prabhu , Chan Georgia , Chubb Daniel , Noyvert Boris , Mitchell Jonathan , Walker Susan , Bowman Katy , Pasko Dorota , Pereira Marianna , Volkova Nadezda , Rueda-Martin Antonio , Gil Daniel Perez , Lopez Javier , Pullinger John , Siddiq Afshan , Zainy Tala , Choudhury Tasnim , Rendon Augusto , Fowler Tom , Hing Sandra , Deans Zandra , Consortium Genomics England Research Consortium Genomics England Resear , Hill Sue , Caulfield Mark
Published: December 2022

The Cancer Programme of the 100,000 Genomes Project was a transformational UK government initiative that aimed to bring whole genome sequencing (WGS) to cancer patients and evaluate the opportunities for precision cancer care. Genomics England, in partnership with NHS England, generated whole genome analyses for 13,880 solid tumours across 33 different cancer types, and genomic data were linked with real-world health data within a secure national research environment. Here, we report the overall findings of the programme, focusing on clinical actionability and potential wider clinical significance. We found variation between cancer types in the incidence of somatic mutations of different types in genes currently recommended for standard-of-care testing. For example, 94% of glioblastoma multiforme cases had small variants and 54% had copy number aberrations (CNAs) in at least one gene recommended for clinical testing, whereas sarcoma was found to have the highest proportion of actionable structural variants (13%). We confirmed the importance of utilising pan- genomic markers, such as mutational signatures, with 51% of high grade serous ovarian cancer cases showing homologous recombination deficiency, 13% of which were associated with pathogenic germline variants, indicating the value of combined somatic and germline analyses. We also observed a significant co-occurrence of somatic small variants and CNAs in several known oncogenes including EGFR, GNAS, BRAF, and KRAS. Our findings demonstrate the value of combining genomic testing with real world clinical and treatment data to inform clinical recommendations for genomic testing in cancer, to enable survival analysis and improve understanding of the long-term effects of clinical cancer genomics on patient outcomes.
Neural Control of Instantaneous Kinematics of Eye-Head Gaze
Shifts in Monkey Superior Colliculus
Authors: Opstal A. John Van
Published: December 2022

The midbrain superior colliculus (SC) is a crucial sensorimotor stage for programming and execution of saccadic eye-head gaze shifts. Although it is well established that cells in the SC encode a neural command that specifies the coordinates of the upcoming gaze-shift vector, there is controversy about the role of the firing rate dynamics of SC neurons in generating saccades. In our earlier work, we proposed a simple quantitative model that explains how the recruited SC population specifies the detailed kinematics (trajectories and velocity profiles) of head-restrained saccadic eye movements. We here show that the same principles may apply to a wide range of saccadic eye-head gaze shifts with strongly varying kinematics. This is quite surprising, given the substantial nonlinearities and redundancy in programming and execute goal-directed eye-head gaze shifts to peripheral targets. We hypothesize that our findings provide additional evidence for an important role of the SC in the optimal control of saccades.
X-ray absorption spectroscopic study of Pd2+ on Ni site in pentlandite
Authors: Brovchenko Valeriya , Merkulova Margarita , Sittner Jonathan , Shilovskih Vladimir , Borca Camelia , Huthwelker Thomas , Sluzhenikin Sergey F. , Cnudde Veerle
Published: December 2022

Norilsk sulfide ores are one of the largest known sources of Pd on Earth. Palladium in these ores is presented in platinum-group minerals (PGM) and base metal sulfides (BMS), especially in pentlandite [(Fe,Ni)9S8]. Although several studies demonstrated high concentrations along with heterogeneous distribution of Pd in pentlandites from Norilsk, the form of Pd in pentlandite has not been established. Here, we provide the first evidence for Pd incorporation in the structure of pentlandite from Norilsk ores using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). We present the first ever measured XANES spectra of Pd in pentlandite and atokite [(Pd,Pt)3Sn] as well as in other common Pd minerals. Divalent Pd in pentlandite was detected by XANES. The Pd spectra in pentlandite show no similarities with Pd spectra in PGM, metallic Pd, PdS, PdCl2, and PdSO4 which signifies that Pd incorporates into the lattice of pentlandite. Substitution of Ni by Pd in the lattice of pentlandite is supported by negative correlations shown by μXRF and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and complies with the previous studies. The additional EBSD study demonstrates a resemblance in cell parameters of the Pd-rich and Pd-poor parts of the pentlandite grains and reflects that Pd incorporation into the pentlandite structure does not imply any notable structure distortion. The combination of analytical techniques used in the present study demonstrates the great potential of these methods for understanding the mechanisms of noble metal incorporation into ore minerals.
A Comperative Adaptation of the Crick Learning for Resilient Agency (CLARA) with Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Hasan Fehmi , KUTLU Ömer , HUANG Shaofu , CRICK Ruth
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study is to adapt the Crick Learning for Resilient Agency (CLARA) to Turkish culture, and to examine the psychometric features of the Inventory according to both Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT). In this respect, it is a descriptive level survey design research. Two different study groups were formed in accordance with the purpose of the study. Lingual equivalence applications were performed on two separate groups, one of which consisted of English Language and Literature Department students and the other consisted of English Language instructors. 1054 students participated in the validity and reliability studies from 101 different undergraduate programs at Ankara University. Before testing the research questions, it was examined whether the assumptions of CTT and IRT were met. With the application data; the predicted item discrimination indices, ability levels, students’ scores forming their learning power profiles, and reliability coefficient values were found to be similar in both theories. It can be said that with CLARA-Tr, obtained by adapting CLARA, a valid and reliable tool has been provided to the Turkish literature to be used in future studies.
Financial literacy exchange and its challenges in Post-Soviet Georgia
Authors: Surmanidze Natia , Tabagari Khatuna , Mushkudiani Zurab , Akhvlediani Maia
Published: December 2022

Financial literacy is becoming an urgent challenge in many countries. This situation is more acute in a developing country with a Soviet experience. The affected population, who are in advanced positions in the international financial machinations of the current period, is unmistakable proof of the low level of financial awareness in Georgia. The present study aims to determine the impact of student financial literacy on consumer behavior in Georgia as a Post-Soviet country. The study uses statistical methods, both probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling. The paper reviews foreign experience and is a similar study conducted in Asia and Europe. The number of interviewed respondents was 295 students from the Imereti region (there are two universities in the region), which is 35% of the total number of students. The questionnaire consisted of 21 questions. The respondents were interviewed from October to mid-December 2021. The study has shown that financial awareness is relatively low; students do not perceive that they need to raise their financial education and skills, which makes the current situation even more dramatic. Among the positive trends was that 81% of students were ready to raise their level of financial education. The reason is that the Georgian educational system needs to be reformed to raise financial awareness by studying the essence of elementary money and the simplest budget planning models. The study results showed that in conditions of low financial awareness, students cannot plan the budget, control, and use financial services effectively and efficiently.
Continuance of organizational commitment among flight attendants as an intervening variable to job performance
Authors: Firdaus Muhamad , Eliyana Anis , Setia Pratama Andika , Cahyani Aila , Liyana Mohd Kamil Nurul
Published: December 2022

The low-cost business model has thrived in the last decade, creating a more competitive atmosphere in some industries. The airline industry is the sector that has grown significantly with this business model. To maintain sustainability amidst the challenge, human resources can be an investment in the organization’s material resources. Hence, this study aims to determine the effect of job satisfaction and continuance of organizational commitment moderated by the tenure of employment on job performance. This study surveyed 41 flight attendants of a low-cost airline in Indonesia. The respondents were selected through convenience sampling. The data were then analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS), which is part of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The analysis results show that job satisfaction and continuance of organizational commitment have a significant effect on flight attendants’ performance. In contrast, the tenure of employment has a positive yet insignificant effect in moderating the relationship between job satisfaction and continuance of organizational commitment. The findings of this study can be a reference for airlines to manage the individual performance of flight attendants in the competitive aviation business world.
GENERAL NİKOLAY NİKOLAYEVİÇ YUDENİÇ HAKKINDA BİYOGRAFİK BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: KÖKSAL Ahmet , YAVUZ Atilla Ekrem
Published: December 2022

Nikolay Nikolayeviç Yudeniç 1862 yılında dünyaya geldi. Askerî eğitiminin ardından çeşitli kurmay ve cephe görevlerinde bulundu. Onu kariyerinde ön plana çıkaran görevlerden biri Rus-Japon Savaşı oldu. I. Dünya Savaşı'nın patlak vermesinden kısa bir süre önce Kafkasya Askerî Bölgesi Genelkurmay Başkanlığı'na atandı. Aralık 1914’te Türk III. Ordunun mağlubiyeti ile sonuçlanan Sarıkamış Harekâtı'nda önemli etkisi oldu. 1916 yılı sonundan Şubat 1917’ye dek süren Erzurum Harekâtı’nda taarruz planını hazırladı. Önce Erzurum’un Ruslar tarafından alınmasında, daha sonra da Trabzon Harekâtı’nda askerî yeteneklerini sergiledi. Bu tarihler itibariyle Çarlık Rusya’sında kahraman bir asker olarak ünü ve saygınlığı arttı. Yudeniç açısından hayatında yeni bir devreyi başlatan hadise Şubat Devrimi oldu. Bu süreçte Kafkas Cephesi Komutanlığına atanan Yudeniç orduyu Türklere karşı taarruzlara devam ettirdi. Ancak devrimin getirdiği atmosfer içerisinde ordudaki problemler birliklerin durdurulması ve geri çekilmesini doğurdu. Çok geçmeden Geçici Hükûmetin taarruzu sürdürme emrini yerine getirmeyi kabul etmediği için cephe komutanlığından alındı. Yudeniç 1918 yılının Kasım ayında Finlandiya'ya geçerek burada Bolşeviklere karşı mücadeleye katıldı. Yudeniç'e Rusya'nın kuzey batısındaki Bolşevik karşıtı harekete liderlik etme görevi verildi. Liderliğindeki askerî birlikler 1919 yılının Mayıs-Haziran ve Eylül-Ekim aylarında iki defa Petrograd'a ilerledi. Ancak Bolşeviklerin sıkı direnişi ve ardından karşı taarruzu Yudeniç ordularının yenilgisiyle sonuçlandı. Ocak 1920’ye gelindiğinde Yudeniç, Kuzey-Batı Ordusunun dağıldığını duyurdu. Fransa'da Nice şehrine yerleşen Yudeniç, 5 Ekim 1933'te Cannes'da öldü.
BULGAR KOMİTECİ MİHAİL GERCİKOV’UN EDİRNE VİLAYETİNDE ASAYİŞİ BOZMA GİRİŞİMLERİ (1903-1908)
Authors: ERÇİN Abdülkadir
Published: December 2022

19. yüzyılda milliyetçilik akımlarının etkisiyle Balkanlarda etnik ayaklanmalar baş gösterdi ve 1830 yılında Yunanistan bağımsızlığını kazandı. Sırplar başta olmak üzere diğer Balkan ulusları Osmanlı Devleti’nden ayrılmak için çeteler meydana getirerek bağımsızlıkları için mücadeleye giriştiler. 1877-78 Osmanlı Rus Savaşı sonucunda imzalanan Ayastefanos Anlaşması ile önce Trakya’nın ve Makedonya’nın bir kısmını içine alan Büyük Bulgaristan kuruldu. Ancak Avrupalı devletlerin duruma müdahalesi ile Ayastefanos yerine bu kez Berlin Anlaşması imzalandı. Bu anlaşma ile Bulgaristan’ın sınırları daraltıldı ve Bulgaristan özerk bir prenslik olarak Osmanlı Devleti’ne bağlandı. Berlin Anlaşması’ndan memnun olmayan Bulgarlar büyük komite ve çeteler meydana getirerek yeniden Büyük Bulgaristan’ı kurmak için harekete geçtiler. Birçok komite kuruldu. Özellikle Makedonya İç Örgütü ve Bulgaristan’daki Yüksek Komite bünyesinde barındırdığı komiteciler ile diğerlerinden ayrıldı. Komiteciler isyan bölgelerine taksim edildi. Edirne vilayeti sorumluluğu Mihail Gercikov’a verildi. 1877 yılında Filibe’de dünyaya gelen Mihail Gercikov genç yaşlarından itibaren komitecilik deneyimi yaşamış biriydi. Cenevre’de okuduğu dönemlerde Rus etkisi ile arkadaşlarıyla beraber anarşist bir cemiyet bile kurmuştu. Cemiyet kısa ömürlü olmasına rağmen başarısı Bulgar komiteciler arasında yayılmış ve kendisi Makedonya İç Örgütüne katılmıştı. Örgütün kendine verdiği talimat gereği 1901-1903 yılları arasında Edirne vilayetinde gizli keşifler yapan Gercikov 1903 yılında İlinden İsyanı’nın devamı olarak Edirne vilayetinde çıkarılan Preobrajen İsyanı’nın baş aktörlerinden biri oldu. İsyan sırasında kurduğu çeteler ile özellikle vilayete bağlı Kırkkilise (Kırklareli) ve Tırnova’da Osmanlı Devleti’ne büyük kayıplar yaşattı. İsyandan sonra vilayette faaliyetlerine devam eden Gercikov Bulgaristan Komiserliği vasıtasıyla Osmanlı Devleti tarafından yakın takibe alındı. Yakalanması için uzun uğraşlar verildi. Fakat Gercikov sürekli kılık değiştirerek Edirne vilayetine sızma girişimlerini sürdürdü. Vilayetin asayişini bozmak için irili ufaklı çeteler kurarak saldırı faaliyetlerinde bulundu. Gercikov’un Edirne vilayetindeki faaliyetleri 1908 yılında II. Meşrutiyet ilan edilene kadar sürdü. II. Meşrutiyet’in getirdiği kısa süreli sükûnet ortamı ile Mihail Gercikov Edirne’ye yönelik saldırılarına son verdi.
ORTA ÇAĞ MACAR KRALLIĞI’NDA SEKELLERİN ASKERÎ FAALİYETİ ve OSMANLI-MACAR MÜCALESİNDEKİ KONUMU
Authors: YİĞİT TÜRKER Pınar
Published: December 2022

Türk soylu kavimler arasında adı geçen Sekeller, Orta Çağ Macar Krallığı’nda Macar ordusunun hafif süvari tabakasını oluşturmuştur. Sekeller, Orta Çağ boyunca Macar ordusunda daha çok savaşçı özellikleriyle ön plana çıkmıştır. Türk bozkır savaş geleneğinde sonradan katılan halkların savaş öncesi ordunun keşif seferlerini yerine getirme, gözcülük faaliyetleri ve ordunun önünden gitme, savaş sonrası ise ordunun arkasını kollama görevi Macar ordusunda Sekeller tarafından sağlanmıştır. Ayrıca dönemin kaynakları onların genel olarak doğu sınır bölgelerinde kaldığından ve sınır koruma rollerinden bahseder. Günümüz Romanya toprakları dahilinde bulunan Transilvanya’da (Osmanlı’da Erdel) yaşayan Sekeller, barış zamanı içeride, savaş zamanı ise orduda ön muhafız ve sınır koruma vazifelerini uzun zaman sürdürmüşlerdir. Bu vazifeleriyle ayrıcalıklı statünün sahibi olmuşlardır. Ayrıca batılı vakanüvislerin dikkatinden kaçmamışlar, usta savaşçılar olarak nitelendirilmişler ve Avrupa’da okçuluktaki yetenekleriyle bilinmişlerdir. Osmanlı Devleti’nin Balkanlara girmesinden sonra kaderleri onları Macar kralının yanında olmaya zorlamıştır. Ordudaki askeri başarıları sayesinde Macar krallarının özgür, müttefik ve sevilen bir halkı olmuşlardır.
A Theoretical Study of Structural, Electronic, and Vibration Properties of Acetylcholine Chloride and Bromide
Authors: Gordienko Kirill , Gordienko Aleksei , Zhuravlev Yurii
Published: December 2022

The ever-growing capabilities of computing systems and algorithms make the first-principle methods extremely important in such research fields as biologically active compounds and complex biological systems. They also facilitate the target search and prediction of new forms. The purpose of the study was to define the structural parameters and basic electronic and vibration characteristics of crystal acetylcholine halides (ACh-Hal).

The study featured acetylcholine chloride and bromide (ACh-Hal). The theoretical analysis was based on the density functional theory (DFT) with gradient Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof exchange-correlation functional (PBE) and a semi-empirical scheme for dispersion-accounting density functional (DFT+D3).

The calculations made it possible to define the optimized parameters of the crystal lattice: a = 9.765 Å, b = 15.217 Å, c = 6.274 Å for orthorhombic acetylcholine chloride (ACh-Cl); a = 10.883 Å, b = 13.304 Å, c = 7.077 Å, 109.21° for monoclinic bromide (ACh-Br). The calculations also revealed atomic coordinates, bond lengths, valence, and torsion angles. As for the electronic structure, ACh-Hal proved to be dielectrics with a band gap of 4.734 and 4.405 eV. The effective charges of carbon atoms were highly anisotropic. The calculated vibration spectra confirmed the experimental data in the entire interval, while the dependence on the mass of the anion was especially prominent in the region of lattice vibrations.

The first-principle DFT+D3 scheme made it possible to obtain reliable data on the basic properties of complex organic and biologically active systems.