bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Market system strategies: Antecedents to financial uptake among women-owned MSMEs in informal settlements in Kenya
Authors: Kagiri Regina , Muathe Stephen
Published: October 2023

Despite the effort to increase financial inclusion, women-owned Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) continue to face challenges in the uptake of financial services. Low financial uptake is strongly associated with business failure leading to low income and living standards among women entrepreneurs in marginalized areas. Market system strategies are crucial in determining businesses' level of financial uptake. The study investigated the effect of market system strategies on the financial uptake of women-owned MSMEs in the informal settlement of Nyeri County. Specifically, it investigated the effect of business readiness, financial literacy, investor relationships, and investment impact on financial uptake among women-owned MSMEs. The study variables were anchored on Ricky Griffin's model, Theory of Change, and Refinancing theory. The study used a descriptive research design, specifically a cross-sectional design. The target population was 890 women-owned MSMEs in the informal settlements of Nyeri county. Proportionate stratified and random sampling were used to obtain a sample of 275 businesses representing approximately 30% of the study population. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. A pilot test was conducted using ten individuals to test and improve the study questionnaire Reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha, where an alpha of 0.7 was the acceptable threshold. Regression analyses indicated that the market system strategies, business readiness, financial literacy, impact investment, and investor relationship positively and significantly affected financial uptake, with p-values lower than 0.05 alpha. The study found that businesses with better market system strategies have a higher financial uptake. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that policies and interventions aimed at improving financial uptake among women-owned MSMEs should focus on enhancing business readiness and financial literacy and building strong impact investment and investor relationships. The county government, NGOs, and others interested stakeholders should encourage women entrepreneurs in informal settlements of Nyeri county to seek training and support to develop their business skills and increase their understanding of financial uptake. Furthermore, the county and national governments should connect women-owned MSMEs with impact investors and establish relationships to provide funding, support, and mentorship. Finally, policymakers and stakeholders in the financial sector should consider creating an enabling environment that supports and incentivizes impact investment in MSMEs, especially those owned by women, to increase their financial uptake.
The effect of perceived influence on brand loyalty mediated by brand trust among automotive consumers in YouTube
Authors: Arzaqi Zam , Sumiati  , Surachman
Published: October 2023

This study examines the impact of perceived influence on word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions, with brand trust as a moderator. This is an explanatory study using a quantitative approach. The study population consisted of Indonesians who had purchased a Yamaha brand motorcycle and followed automotive influencers on YouTube social media. Purposive sampling was utilized for the study. There were 206 samples in the study sample. This study collected data through surveys and documentation, and the instrument was tested using Likert scales. The data were analyzed using structural equation model partial least squares (SEM-PLS) modeling. The results of this study showed that Perceived Influence can increase attitude loyalty and behavioral loyalty of Yamaha motorcycle consumers. In Addition, Brand trust can increase behavioral loyalty and consumer attitudes influenced by automotive influencers on YouTube and social media. Brand Trust plays a partial mediating role in the influence of Perceived Influence on attitude and behavioral loyalty. The findings of this study suggest that Yamaha must pay attention to building attitudinal and behavioral consumer loyalty.
Disturbed Cytokine Profile in Adjuvant Arthritis – A Target of the Therapeutic Potential of Dendritic Cells Derived From Cryopreserved Precursors
Authors: Kisielova Hanna , Dubrava Tetiana , Goltsev Anatoliy
Published: October 2023

Background. One of the primary causes of rheumatoid arthritis development is the disruption of the immune system's natural tolerance to its own antigens, leading to an imbalance in the body's cytokine profile. A promising method of correcting such a condition is restoring antigen-specific tolerance, in the formation of which tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs) take part.
Objective. Experimental substantiation of the possibility of correcting the cytokine profile of animals with adjuvant arthritis (AA) by using tolDCs from cryopreserved bone marrow precursors.
Methods. The study was carried out on the CBA/H mice. The development of AA was assessed using a clinical indicator – the arthritis index. The levels of pro- (TNF-a, IL-6, IFN-g) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10, IL-4) cytokines in the blood serum of AA-afflicted animals were measured before and after administration of tolDCs. These tolDCs were obtained from native (NatDCs) or cryopreserved (CryoDCs) using different methods bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNCs). On the 14th day after inducing AA, the animals received intravenous injections of tolDCs (5´105/mouse). One week later, the cytokine levels in the animals' blood serum and the arthritis index were assessed.
Results. Throughout the development of AA, a unidirectional increase in TNF-α and IL-6 levels and a reduction in the content of anti-inflammatory cytokines were observed, which was accompanied by joint swelling in the animals. CryoDCs exhibited a more pronounced corrective effect on both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines compared to NatDCs, as evidenced by a decrease in the arthritis index, a clinical manifestation of the pathology.
Conclusions. The possibility of correcting the disturbed cytokine profile and the clinical state of animals during the development of AA through the use of tolDCs derived from cryopreserved MNCs has been proven. Specific cryopreservation conditions for MNCs have been developed, which facilitate the generation of tolDCs from them with a greater capacity, compared to derivatives of native MNCs, to correct the cytokine profile and clinical status of animals with AA.
INTERACTION OF IRREGULARITIES IN THE STANDARD OF SURVEYING AND CARTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION WITH RAIL TRANSPORT PROBLEMS: A CASE STUDY
Authors: KAMPCZYK Arkadiusz , ROMBALSKA Katarzyna
Published: October 2023

Surveying (geodesy) and cartographic documentation, their types, and their flow (circulation) are the basis for the uniformity of the work carried out in the pre-design, design, and execution of construction works, ultimately having a representation in the operational (exploitation) and maintenance of railway infrastructure. The type and circulation of surveying and cartographic documentation constitute an important element for the transport sector. The aim of the present scientific research work was to define the state of irregularity of the standard of uniform surveying-cartographic documentation, their type, and their circulation (Ig-1) in interaction with rail transport problems. A case study method was used corresponding to a factual description, which aimed to analyze and evaluate the existing standard. This is important from a theoretical and, above all, a practical point of view. The results show an extensive space of irregularities occurring, violating legal regulations and professional ethics. At the same time, good practice solutions have been implemented to optimize the negative impact when interacting with rail transport problems. The authors’ position on the irregularities was forwarded to an infrastructure manager. The irregularities that occur significantly contribute to the limitations of surveying and cartographic documentation harmonization, and these have an impact on fully functional rail transport.
Adopsi Nilai dan Prinsip Hukum Pidana Islam tentang Delik Kesusilaan Zina dalam Kitab Undang-undang Hukum Pidana Nasional
Authors: Ali Mahrus , Kholiq Muhammad Abdul
Published: October 2023

This research focuses on the fundamental justification for the policy of inserting Islamic criminal law values into the National Criminal Code, especially regarding the policy of criminalizing the moral offense of adultery and the form of adoption of the said values and principles of Islamic criminal law in the National Criminal Code, particularly on the policy of criminalizing the moral offense of adultery. This is a normative legal research with statutory, philosophical and policy approaches. This research concludes that theoretically (socio-historically based) and juridically (based on the values of the Pancasila philosophy, mainly the first principle and the 1945 Constitution, specifically article 29), the absorption of Islamic criminal law values in the preparation of the Criminal Code is a historical and constitutional right. Values and the principles of Islamic criminal law regarding the moral offense of adultery have not been fully absorbed in the National Criminal Code. Some forms of adoption that have reflected the values and principles of Islamic criminal law are the expansion of the scope of acts criminalized as adultery, the philosophy of prohibiting adultery and the threat of criminal sanctions against adultery. Some Acts that are essentially moral offenses of adultery but are not criminalized as moral offenses of adultery, i.e. rape, prostitution and enjoying pornographic content for oneself.
Unveiling the Dynamics of Expectation, Flow, Enjoyment, and Satisfaction: Drivers of Continued Subscription Intentions Among Netflix Users
Authors:   Universitas Indonesia, Masao Muhammad , Salehudin Imam
Published: October 2023

"Research Aims: This study investigates the determinants impacting the intention of Netflix users to continue using the platform. By leveraging the extended Expectation-Confirmation Model of continued IT usage and hedonic variables, including Confirmation, Flow, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Enjoyment, and Satisfaction, the research aims to discern the most influential factors. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research recruited 271 participants through non-probabilistic purposive sampling, targeting Indonesian Netflix subscribers active within the preceding six months who were at least 17 years old at the time of the study. Covariance-based Structural Equation Modelling was employed to analyse the collected data. Research Findings: User enjoyment and Satisfaction mediate the relationships between Flow and Confirmation with Netflix's continuance intention. Flow emerges as the preeminent determinant of continuance intention among the exogenous variables. While Flow's influence on continuance intention is mediated by Satisfaction and Enjoyment, there is no direct effect between Flow and Satisfaction. Perceived Usefulness exhibits no substantial correlation with continuance intention. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This research underscores the pivotal role of Flow in driving enjoyment and continuance intention within video subscription services like Netflix. Managerial Implications in the South East Asian Context: The study offers insights into the preferences and behaviours of Netflix users in the Southeast Asian context, employing Indonesia as a focal point. This valuable information equips Netflix and other regional SVOD providers to strategically enhance their offerings and services. Research Limitations & Implications: To enhance the robustness of the findings, future research should encompass broader and more diverse populations for comparative purposes. Including new variables, such as digital piracy and perceived ease of use, would contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play. Keywords: Technology Acceptance Model, Expectation Confirmation Model, Flow, Continuance Intention, Netflix"
Pembelajaran Sosiologi Secara Daring Selama Pandemi COVID-19 di SMA N 1 Taebenu Nusa Tenggara Timur
Authors: Syahrul Syahrul , Yusuf Nur Wahida , Yayuk Julyyanti  , Nautu Albert K. , Arifin
Published: October 2023

This study aims to (1) find out about online sociology learning during the COVID-19 pandemic at SMA N 1 Taebenu and (2) find out what obstacles were faced by teachers and students in implementing online learning during the pandemic. This research was qualitative research that was intended to deeply understand the effectiveness of online sociology learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The subjects of this study were students, teachers, and the headmaster. The data collection used observation, interviews, and documentation. Interactive analysis techniques include data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions. The results of research that implementing online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic was not effective because in the learning process students and teachers experienced obstacles by teachers experiencing limitations in the use of learning platforms (technology). Then the obstacles experienced by students were their limitations in facilities such as not having a cellphone, laptop, also not having an internet package, and being constrained by the internet connection.
Kemampuan Komunikasi Keterampilan Dasar Mengajar Calon Guru Profesional Pada Program PPG Prajabatan
Authors: Lukitawati Lukki
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kemampuan komunikasi dalam keterampilan dasar mengajar calon guru profesional melalui program PPG Prajabatan bidang studi pendidikan IPS di Universitas Negeri Semarang. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kuantitatif, analisis data dilakukan dengan cara mereduksi data, menyajikan data, hingga menarik kesimpulan. Data hasil penelitian menunjukkan kemampuan komunikasi peserta PPG Prajabatan pada komponen membuka pelajaran, mengelola kelas dan menutup pelajaran. Pada kemampuan membuka pelajaran masih perlu ditingkatkan lagi karena masih ada peserta yang mendapatkan penilaian cukup. Pada kemampuan mengelola kelas dari semua indikator mulai dari kemampuan bertanya, mendengarkan dengan empati, dan merespon berbagai kebutuhan individu, mengatasi tingkah laku yang kurang tepat, mengadakan variasi dalam pembelajaran, memberikan umpan balik yang membangun sebagian besar sudah mendapatkan penilaian sangat baik dan baik. Pada kemampuan menutup kelas masih ada tujuh peserta yang mendapatkan nilai baik.
Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka Ditinjau Dari Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila ( P5 ) Tema Kebhinekaan Global Dengan Menggunakan Model Project Based Learning ( PjBL ) Di Sekolah Menengah Atas Negeri 6 Malang, ( Studi Deskripsi Di Sekolah Menengah
Authors: Natalia Aristina Dewi  , Ifana Sari Yuli , Ba’diya Kusufa Roni Alim
Published: October 2023

Berdasarkan observasi yang dilakukan penulis di SMA Negeri 6 Malang didapatkan penerapan dan pelaksanaan pembelajaran Proyek Penguatan Profil Siswa Pancasila (P5) Tema Keberagaman Global dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran project based learning untuk kelas X (Sepuluh) siswa dipandang baru, inovatif dan partisipatif. siswa aktif dalam proses pembelajaran. Sehingga penulis tertarik untuk melakukan penelitian. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui implementasi P5 pada tema Keberagaman Global sebagai implementasi Kurikulum Mandiri dan implementasi P5 dengan model pembelajaran berbasis proyek. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode deskriptif dengan alat pengumpulan data berupa dokumen, observasi dan wawancara.Penerapan P5 sebagai penerapan Kurikulum Mandiri di SMA Negeri 6 Malang merupakan struktur kurikulum yang terdiri dari 2/3 kegiatan intrakurikuler atau tatap muka (KBM) dan 1/3 kegiatan kokurikuler atau Proyek P5. Merancang pelaksanaan pembelajaran Proyek Penguatan Profil Siswa Pancasila (P5) bertema Keberagaman Global dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran Project Based Learning. Tahapan dalam pelaksanaannya adalah tahapan sosialisasi, perencanaan, monitoring berupa mengadakan kegiatan aksi, mengadakan perayaan, evaluasi dan refleksi. Setiap tahapan yang dilakukan dalam pelaksanaan pembelajaran Proyek Penguatan Profil Siswa Pancasila (P5) menggunakan sintaksis yang ada pada PjBL. Guru sebagai fasilitator bertugas membantu, mengarahkan dan memberikan masukan dan saran bagi pelaksanaan proyek sehingga diharapkan siswa dapat berkembang sesuai dengan bakat dan minatnya. Kesimpulan dari pelaksanaan P5 mahasiswa diharapkan mampu mengembangkan profil mahasiswa Pancasila dan menjadi agen perubahan sosial yang terlibat aktif dalam menyelesaikan permasalahan sosial yang ada di masyarakat. Sehingga dapat memaksimalkan perannya sebagai bagian penting dalam masyarakat dan negara.
Hospital Spending for Cancers in Hunan, China during 2017 and 2019
Authors: Shen Minxue , Liao Liqiu , Xu Mengyao , Liu Mengjiao
Published: October 2023

Objectives
To describe the hospitalization spending for cancers in Hunan Province, China, and to investigate the hospitalization cost across diverse cancer classifications.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study based on the hospitalization admission data from 2017 to 2019 in Hunan Province. We retrieved information on age, sex, diagnosis, number of comorbidities, level of hospitalization, hospital location, hospital costs, length of stay, and type of payer for eligible participants. Factors for cost (log-transformed) were investigated through multiple linear regression.
Results
A total of 903,377 patients with cancer were hospitalized in Hunan Province during 2017–2019, with a total cost of US$2,546.5 million, and 64% of the cost was covered by medical insurance. The top five cancers in terms of cost were lung ($300.3 million), colorectum ($234.6 million), liver ($126.5 million), lip, oral cavity & pharynx ($102.3 million), and stomach ($99.0 million) cancers in men, were breast ($176.0 million), colorectum ($156.2 million), cervix ($112.3 million), lung ($112.2 million), and thyroid ($56.0 million) cancers in women, respectively. Site of cancer, sex, age, year of hospitalization, number of comorbidities, length of stay, hospital level, and hospital location were significantly associated with the per-capita log-transformed cost.
Conclusion
The economic burden of cancer was heavy in Hunan, and lung, colorectal, breast, liver, and stomach cancers accounted for half of the total cost. Site of cancer, sex, age, comorbidity, level, and location of hospital were factors for the per-capita cost.
Extreme electron-blocking interface for garnet-based solid-state lithium-metal batteries with superior long lifespan
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Chang , Yu Jiameng , lv yj , Zhang Yue , Gao Tianyi , He Yuxi , Chen Xin , Yu Yi
Published: October 2023

Garnet oxide is one of the most promising solid-state electrolytes for solid-state lithium metal batteries. However, the traditional interface modification layers cannot completely block electron migrating from the current collector to the interior of the solid-state electrolyte, which promotes the penetration of lithium dendrites. In this work, a highly electron-blocking interlayer composed of potassium fluorine (KF) is developed to inhibit lithium dendrite growth in garnet oxide Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO). Thanks to the interlayer of stable KF with large band gap, the electronic conductivity of LLZTO reduces by two orders of magnitude. The Li symmetric cells using KF interlayer show an ultralong cycle life ~3000 hours at 0.2 mA cm-2 and over 350 hours at 0.5 mA cm-2 respectively. Moreover, an ionic liquid of LiTFSI in C4mim-TFSI is screened to wet the cathode interfaces. The solvent-free Li|LLZTO|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cells present a high specific capacity, and a long lifespan of 3500 cycles at 2C with an average coulombic efficiency of 99.99%. This work provides a simple and integrated strategy on high-performance solid-state lithium metal batteries.
Rapid assessment of the factors contributing to the increase in maternal and perinatal mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Latin American region
Authors: Chapman Evelina , Ramos Silvina , Romero Mariana , Sciurano Guido , Ricca Jim , Metcalfe Gloria , Contreras Jovita Ortiz , Acevedo Daniel Camilo Aguirre , Cordova Jorge Hermida , Camacho-Hubner Alma Virginia , Dávila Joaquín Gómez
Published: October 2023

Background: COVID-19 infection in pregnant women was known to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean as a consequence of comorbidity and disruption in the supply and use of health services.
Methods: A multi-country qualitative study was carried out in Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador to investigate the factors contributing to maternal mortality in the period March 2020 - July 2021. Four sources were analyzed: health policy documents and interviews with decision-makers, service providers of health and relatives of women who died due to maternal causes during the aforementioned period.
The information collected was coded according to dimensions of the SURE Collaborative model (Supporting the Use of Research Evidence Collaborative) for the analysis of the implementation of health policies; and their implementation was analyzed by applying the Three Delays model. Sixty-two policy documents were analyzed, and 21 interviews with decision makers, 30 interviews with service providers and 28 interviews with relatives of women who died from maternal causes were conducted.
Results: The most relevant findings were the change in the maternal and reproductive health care model with the disruption of primary health care; the prioritization of emergency care for patients affected by COVID-19; and the fear of pregnant women to seek health services. The atomization of health management and the problems of communication/dissemination of the measures aimed at the general population and health teams generally undermined the provision of quality maternal and reproductive health services. Socioeconomic vulnerability was combined with the lack of systematic implementation measures for the policies. An example of this was the implementation of telemedicine and home visits. There were resource and skills gaps both in the system and among users. Likewise, deficits were identified in infrastructure, inputs, human resources, and their protection which mainly affected the third delay.
Conclusion: Various factors affected the availability, use, and quality of maternal, reproductive, and perinatal health services during the COVID 19 pandemic. Access to timely quality maternal health care was severely affected.
Study registration: The study protocol was registered on the OSF storage website (1).
I remember you; Experimental evidence of true acoustic individual recognition in a wild passerine.
Authors: Farrow Lucy , Barati Ahmad , Hamlin Adam , McDonald Paul
Published: October 2023

True individual recognition refers to an animal's ability to recognise at least one unique feature of another individual. Demonstrating this in animals equivocally can be difficult, as it requires confounding variables such as location, kinship or familiarity to be carefully controlled. This is problematic, as a poor understanding of how individual recognition operates limits our understanding of pathways that shape intelligence, sociality, and cooperation in taxa. Noisy miners (Manorina melanocephala) are a highly social bird that exhibits multiple cooperative behaviours accompanied by functionally referential vocal signals, providing an ideal model for studying recognition. We employed an adapted habituation-discrimination paradigm to experimentally demonstrate true individual recognition in miners, as a receiver’s habituation to a calling individual transferred across different social contexts. This was observed in wild birds that were not subject to any additional training, and exhibited even by receivers exposed to novel signallers. These findings have significant implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying avian cooperation and cognition in complex animal societies, and indicate that recognition in this species is likely based on individual vocal characteristics.
­­­­­­Coral Reef research trend in Malaysia from the Web of Science database: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Hai Ping , Safuan Che Din Mohd , Su Suriyanti Nyun Pau , Maulud Khairul Nizam Abdul , Chandru Kuhan , Jaafar Wan Shafrina Wan Mohd , Wee Hin Boo
Published: October 2023

Research on coral reef ecosystems has been receiving great attention due to anthropogenic and climate stressors, causing degradation of the ecosystem. While Malaysia is known for its extensive coral reef coverage, the trajectory of its coral reef research trends remained poorly described. Hence, this paper aims to address the state of Malaysian coral reef research using the Web of Science (WoS; 1971–2021, 10,875 publications) database, via hybrid study of meta-analysis with extended review. This will accompany with comparisons against other major coral reef regions globally (sensu Reimer et al., 2019: Red Sea, Great Barrier Reefs, Caribbean, and Ryukyus Islands), and within four areas in the country (East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah). Research papers compiled indicated that Malaysian-based coral reef publication in WoS database is relatively lacking, especially in coral physiology (reproduction) and reef-associated invertebrates (Sponges, bacteria, etc.) whereas its research pool is dominated by Marine Protected Areas studies. East Coast Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah were the dominant study areas for coral reef. Most of the studies were focused on Cnidaria (including reef-building corals), coral reef environments (water quality), and reef-associated fish (Pisces). Additionally, the results showed that research trends are mostly regional-centric within Malaysia, with substantial contrast of interest and limited comparison among distinct marine ecoregions. Hence, comprehensive and collective efforts are needed to establish an ecological research framework. By addressing this, the information from those research data will enable establishment of effective conservation and management strategies.
Myeloid Neoplasms appearing after Cytotoxic Therapy in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Experience at a Single Institute
Authors: Huang Shih-Yun , Wu Cheng-Han , Jiang Rong-San , Liu Yi-Chun , Wang Chen-Chi , Liang Kai-Li
Published: October 2023

Objectives
Myeloid neoplasms post cytotoxic therapy (MN-pCT) is a specific hematological disease arising after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for a variety of primary unrelated malignancies or autoimmune diseases. MN-pCT after treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is rarely reported. Here, we aimed to determine the prevalence and risks of MN-pCT among individuals who have previously undergone treatment for NPC.
Methods
Data were retrieved from the cancer registry database of the study hospital. History of NPC patients who had undergone CRT during the period of 2006 to 2021 was reviewed. MN-pCT after NPC treatment were identified among them. In addition, a group of patients with de novo myeloid neoplasms matched with the gender and age of MN-pCT subjects were collected for comparison.
Results
A total of 9 patients with MN-pCT related to NPC therapy were identified. Six were myelodysplastic syndrome-post cytotoxic therapy (MDS-pCT) and 3 were acute myeloid leukemia-post cytotoxic therapy (AML-pCT). All had undergone high-dose radiotherapy and alkylating agents. The median time from NPC therapy to the diagnosis of MN-pCT was 7 years. MN-pCT patients presented with anemia, neutropenia, recurrent infection, and fatigue. All NPC related MN-pCT died when this study ended with a median overall survival of only 2 months. There were significant differences in survival between patients with MN-pCT and patients with de novo AML / MDS (P = 0.0001).
Conclusion
Individuals who have undergone intensive treatment for NPC display a propensity to develop MN-pCT. Despite the relatively low incidence of MN-pCT, the associated prognosis was dismal. This study emphasizes the importance of heightened vigilance when managing NPC survivors who have received intensive treatment even beyond the conventional 5-year surveillance period.
Rubella Virus-Associated Cutaneous Granulomas in an Adult With TAP1 Deficiency Case Report
Authors: Wang Qiaohui , Su Huilin , Han Jiande , Lin Naiyu
Published: October 2023

Rubella virus-associated granulomas commonly occur in immunocompromised individuals, exhibiting a diverse range of clinical presentations. These manifestations can vary from predominantly superficial cutaneous plaques or nonulcerative nodules to more severe deep ulcerative lesions, often accompanied by extensive necrosis and significant tissue destruction. TAP1 deficiency, an exceedingly rare primary immunodeficiency disorder, presents with severe chronic sino-pulmonary infection and cutaneous granulomas. This report constitutes the inaugural documentation of rubella virus-associated cutaneous granulomas in a patient with TAP1 deficiency. This novel observation holds potential significance for the field of diagnosis and investigative efforts in the context of immunodeficiency disorders.
Risk factors and predictive nomograms of bedside emergency endoscopic treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients with endotracheal intubation
Authors: Zeng Ajuan , Li Yangjie , Lyu Lingna , Zhang Shibin , Zhang Yuening , Ding Huiguo , Li Lei
Published: October 2023

The data on the clinical practice of emergency endoscopic therapy following endotracheal intubation in remain limited. In this retrospective study, we aimed to explore the efficacy and risk factors of bedside emergency endoscopic treatment following endotracheal intubation in (EGVB) patients. The included EGVB patients were allocated to training and validation sets in a randomly stratified manner. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors to construct nomograms for predict the prognosis related to endoscopic hemostasis failure rate and 6-week mortality. In result, WBC (p = 0.03), CTP score (p= 0.001) and comorbid shock (p= 0.005) were selected as independent clinical predictors of endoscopic hemostasis failure. High CTP score (p = 0.003) and gastric varices (p= 0.009) were related to early rebleeding after emergency endoscopic treatment. Furthermore, the 6-week mortality was significantly associated with MELD scores (p = 0.002), the presence of hepatic encephalopathy (p=0.045) and postoperative rebleeding (p< 0.001). Finally, we developed practical nomograms to discern the risk of the emergency endoscopic hemostasis failure and 6-week mortality for EGVB patients, which may help identify high-risk patients for earlier implementation of aggressive treatments.
Biased Cv Static Correlation Based XGB-SVM Stack Model for Stroke Prediction
Authors: P Rajesh Kanna
Published: October 2023

The earlier a stroke is detected, the better the odds of successful treatment and recovery. Early identification of people at high risk of stroke can lead to the implementation of preventative interventions, lowering the incidence of stroke. Machine learning has emerged as a valuable technique in stroke prediction. It can be used to create risk prediction models, analyse medical pictures, real-time monitor patients, create personalised treatment plans, and anticipate the likely result of a stroke. Machine learning can assist healthcare providers in identifying patients at high risk of stroke, monitoring them in real time, and developing personalised treatment regimens to reduce stroke incidence and improve outcomes. Nave Bayes (NB), Logistic Regression, and other machine learning algorithms are used to predict strokes. Machine learning algorithms such as Nave Bayes (NB), Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), K closest Neighbours (KNN), and Random Forest (RF) are used to predict strokes.According to the observations, the model performs poorly in terms of accuracy and other metrics.The biassed Cramer's V (CV) static correlation with XGB-SVM stack model is proposed to solve the problem. To avoid overfitting, data pre-processing is used first to eliminate null values and oversample the given dataset. Biassed CV static correlation is used in the initial step to minimise the dimensionality of the dataset and choose features based on the important factor of each variable. The XGB-SVM stack model is utilised to predict the stroke efficiently in the second phase. According to the observations, the accuracy of the model is 97.6%, which is exceptionally high when compared to other models. When the Area under Curve (AUC)-Receiver Opportunistic Curve (ROC) is 0.99, it shows that the classification's performance is faultless.
Four-Electron Reduction of Benzene by a Simple Samarium(II)-Alkyl
Authors: Anker Mathew , Richardson Georgia , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Burke Finlay , Cameron Scott , Nicholls Brooke , Harvey Joanne , Keyzers Robert , Butler Tane , Granville Simon , Liu Lujia , Maron Laurent
Published: October 2023

Benzene reduction by molecular complexes remain a significant synthetic challenge, requiring harsh reaction conditions involving group 1 metals. Even under such forcing conditions only the one- or two-electron reduction of benzene has been achieved. The high stability of benzene is attributed to its aromaticity, imparted by the delocalisation of electrons across its six-carbon framework. All reductions of benzene to date result in a loss of aromaticity, although the hypothetical benzene tetra-anion is calculated to be stable and aromatic. The four-electron reduction has yet to be realised due to the lack of a sufficiently potent reductant. Here we present examples of four-electron reductions of benzene and its derivatives by a simple β-diketiminate samarium(II) alkyl reagent under mild conditions and without the need for group 1 metals. Whereas the reactivity of organo-samarium(II) compounds are typically defined by one-electron processes, the compounds reported here feature an unprecedented two-electron process. Density functional theory calculations implicate a transient samarium(I) intermediate involved in the reduction of benzene, which ultimately dimerise to give the inverted sandwich complex where two samarium(III) ions are bridged by a benzene tetra-anion. The remarkably strong reducing power of this samarium(II) alkyl implies a rich reactivity, providing applications as specialised reducing agents. This finding enhances the opportunities for the strategic reduction of aromatic rings in synthetic design, with implications for several scientific fields.
Verification of a New Pathogen Detection Method by PostSonication Next-Generation Sequencing with Quantitative Real-Time PCR for the Diagnosis of Orthopedic Biofilm Infection
Authors: Ueda Narumi , Inoue Jun , Okuda Kazuyuki , Hashiyada Masaki , Iida Hirokazu , Saito Takanori
Published: October 2023

Next-generation sequencing (NGS), are recommended for the unconfirmed diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), but initial assessment using quantitative methods is required to determine whether microorganisms are present, before embarking on sequencing approaches. This study aimed to validate a new diagnostic approach for orthopedic biofilm infections that combines quantitative methods as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with NGS. This study sequenced 16 clinical samples from one patient with PJI and 16 quantitative positive controls. The detection rate of multiple Staphylococcus species with NGS was approximately ten times higher than with culture. The read counts of Staphylococci detected in peri-implant samples were negatively correlated with the qPCR Cq value, while the three most commonly detected contaminant bacteria were positively correlated with the qPCR Cq values. The results were similar to those of the quantitative positive control study. In conclusion, In addition, pathogens and contaminants can also be discriminated by correlation with qPCR Cq values. These results of NGS with qPCR method can be used to determine the cause of clinically problematic infections in NGS that are difficult to confirm because false positive results in diagnosing infection are expected to cause misdiagnosis and misidentification of the causative organism, causing inappropriate therapy.
Inheritance of Aromatic Traits in a Yunnan Aromatic Rice Landrace without fgr allele
Authors: Zhang Jiangli , Guo Junjun , Gao Liang , Pu Shihuang , Zhang Liang , Zhang Chunlong , Yang Mi , Li Juan , Wen Jiancheng
Published: October 2023

The most important aroma component 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline(2-AP) in aromatic rice is accumulated due to the presence of the fgr gene on chromosome 8 in rice. In a previous study, during the detection of the fgr aroma gene in a large number of aromatic rice varieties, a Yunnan local aromatic rice variety Paishaxiangnuo, which does not contain the fgr gene, was found. In this study, the main aroma substances of this fragrant rice variety were found to be basically consistent with the composition of Diantun 502, a fragrant rice variety with the fgr gene, by GCMS, and the content of 2-AP, the main aroma substance, was higher in this variety than that of Diantun 502. It was found that the aroma genes contained in this variety were neither equipotent nor chained to fgr by the allelicity test. Therefore, there may be an undiscovered rice flavour gene in Paishaxiangnuo, a local aromatic rice variety in Yunnan, China, which can significantly increase the content of 2-AP, the main aroma substance of aromatic rice. The investigation and analysis of agronomic traits of the hybrid progeny of Paishaxiangnuo indicated that new aromatic rice varieties bred using Paishaxiangnuo should be focused on increasing the length of panicle as well as increasing the number of full grains and the productive Tiller number.
Example-Driven Trajectory Learner for Robots under Structured Static Environment
Authors: S. Midhun M. , Kamal Suraj , Kurian James
Published: October 2023

With the breakthroughs in machine learning and computing infrastructures that have led to significant performance improvements in cognitive robotics, the challenge of trajectory-continuous task creation persists. Various constraints in the physical capability of robots, environmental changes and long-time reliance on sequential dependencies between inter-joint and intra-joint relationships made the work exceptionally hard. Many robot environments function under structured static work-cell completing extended series of subtasks. The conventional descriptors for robot trajectory rely on symbolic rules with human intelligence, which involves skilled individuals and possesses significant limitations, such as being time-consuming and requiring enhanced adaptability due to the static nature of task descriptions alone.On the other hand, reinforcement learning is an empiricism-based approach that learns through iterative interaction with the environment. However, the resource requirements for achieving convergence and the need for appropriate infrastructure can be substantial, especially in complex environments with a large action space that can pose significant challenges. Artificially inculcating innate prior knowledge is introduced with a dataset to reduce the search space in the symbolic trajectory learner.The suggested technique employs a probabilistic network and data-efficient modelling termed generative adversarial networks, which learns the underlying constraints, probability distributions and arbitrations, along with generating a representation of trajectory instances at each time of sampling. This research also proposes a way to calculate the robot path accuracy in extrinsic generative models. The model assessment was carried out by utilising a custom-built dataset and robot operating system, yielding encouraging results in robot path accuracy and generated samples.
Physiological, molecular, and genetic mechanism of action of the biostimulant QuantisTM for increased thermotolerance of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Jayaweera Dasuni P. , Dambire Charlene , Angelopoulou Dimitra , Munné-Bosch Sergi , Swarup Ranjan , Ray Rumiana V.
Published: October 2023

Background
Raising global temperatures limit crop productivity and new strategies are needed to improve the resilience of thermosensitive crops such as potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Biostimulants are emerging as potential crop protection products against environmental stress, however their mechanism of action remains largely unknown, hindering their wider adoption. We used comprehensive physiological, molecular, and mass spectrometry approaches to develop understanding of the mechanism of plant thermotolerance exerted by the biostimulant, QuantisTM, under heat stress. Using orthologues gene mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana we report heat-defence genes, modified by QuantisTM, which were also investigated for potential overlapping functions in biotic stress defence to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Rhizoctonia solani.
Results
QuantisTM enhanced PSII photochemical efficiency and decreased thermal dissipation of potato grown under heat stress. These effects were associated with upregulation of genes with antioxidant function, including PR10, flavonoid 3′‐hydroxylase and b-glucosidases, and modulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and cytokinin (CK) activity in leaves by QuantisTM. The biostimulant modulated the expression of the heat-defence genes, PEN1, PR4 or MEE59, with functions in leaf photoprotection and root thermal protection, but with no overlapping function in biotic stress defence. Protective root growth under heat stress, following the biostimulant application, was correlated with enhanced CK signalling in roots. Significant upregulation of StFKF1 consistent with tuberization promoting effects and increase in endogenous concentration of ABA and CK in potato leaves modulated by QuantisTM resulted in 8% tuber weight increase and 42% larger tuber size, thus mitigating negative effects of heat stress on tuber growth.
Conclusions
QuantisTM application prior to heat stress effectively primed heat tolerance responses and alleviated temperature stress of S. tuberosum L. and A. thaliana by modulating the expression and function of PR4 and MEE59 and by regulating CK activity above and below ground, indicating that the mechanism of action of the biostimulant is conserved, and will be effective in many plant species. Thus, a biostimulant application targeting the most susceptible crop developmental stages to heat disorders can be effectively integrated within future agronomy practices to mitigate losses in other thermosensitive crops.
Persian version of food preferences questionnaire (Persian - FPQ): a psychometric study among Iranian adolescents
Authors: Heidari Zahra , Feizi Awat , Haghighatdoost Fahimeh
Published: October 2023

Background
The assessment of dietary intakes and habits using reliable and youth-specific measurement tools during adolescence is essential. The aim of the present study was to culturally adapt and investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the food preferences questionnaire (Persian - FPQ) among Iranian adolescents.
Methods
This methodological cross-sectional study was conducted among 452 Persian-speaking adolescents, living in Isfahan, Iran. Translation of the FPQ was performed using forward-backward method. Intra Class Correlation (ICC) and Cronbach’s α were used to assess test-retest reliability and internal consistency, respectively. Construct validity was investigated by using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Divergent validity was determined using correlation analysis with Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10). Known-group validity was assessed based on differences in mean food preference score between boys and girls and different categories of body mass index (BMI).
Results
The internal and external reliabilities for the Persian-FPQ were in the range of good to excellent in all domains (Cronbach’s α: 0.76–0.96 and ICCs: 0.982–0.998). Boys had higher scores of food preferences than girls, indicating good known-group validity. Construct validity evaluated by EFA led to extraction of seven factors (“Vegetables”, “Fruit”, “Dairy”, “Snacks”, “Meat/Fish”, “Starches” and “Miscellaneous foods”), explaining 37.8% of the variance. Divergent validity revealed significant negative correlations between five sub-scales of the Persian-FPQ and psychological distress.
Conclusion
The Persian version of the FPQ is a reliable and valid instrument with applicability in a broad range of the population of Persian-speaking adolescents for assessing food preferences in community-based research projects.
All-Photon Bipolar Reversible Modulation Artificial Synapse for Color Perception and Mitigation of Glare Phenomenon
Authors: Dai Haitao , Fu Yikai , Li Jia , Wang Changlei , Zhao Dewei , Zhang Xiaoli , Liu Changlong , Lv Qieni , Wang Yong , Xiao Yin , Feng Shouzhong
Published: October 2023

The focus of artificial synaptic device researches has gradually shifted towards synaptic devices with specific functionalities. In this work, we report an optically responsive memristor (with a configuration of Ag:AgI/MA0.4FA0.6PbI3/Ag:AgI) that achieves bidirectional switching of resistive states utilizing 450 nm and 650 nm light at an ultra-low readout voltage of 0.001 V. The device presents artificial visual synapses (AVS) features in terms of short-term plasticity (STP)/long-term plasticity (LTP) to pulsed light in the range of 300–700 nm. Under 450 nm blue light, an abrupt shift from low to high resistance can be observed, resembling the effect of glare. Intriguingly, the introduction of 650 nm red light can expedite the recovery following blue light exposure. These attributes underscore potential of the device for tasks encompassing color recognition, memory functions, and adaptation, suggesting promising prospects within artificial visual neural networks for ultraviolet and visible light sensing, transmission, and memory applications.
Geoelectric analysis for groundwater potential assessment and aquifer protection in a part of
Authors: Ejepu JS , Jimoh MO , Absuleiman S , Abdulfatai I.A , Musa ST , George NJ
Published: October 2023

Groundwater plays a crucial role in sustainable development. This study focuses on the challenges of potable water supply faced by the inhabitants of Shango area, northcentral Nigeria. The objective of this research is to identify suitable sites for new wells and boreholes by leveraging the geological and geoelectrical attributes of existing productive boreholes and hand-dug wells in the area. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was employed to assess the groundwater potential, aquifer protective capacity and the corrosivity of the overburden units. The VES results revealed five subsurface geoelectric units, each exhibiting distinct characteristics contributing to the lithological variability of the research area. Hydraulic conductivity ranged from 0.465 to 0.534 m/day, while transmissivity varied from 9.589 m²/day to 26.029 m²/day across different VES points. Zones with thick layers and low resistivity values were indicative of high longitudinal conductivity. Regions with low protective capacity were found to be vulnerable to pollution and contamination from leaks, and waste sites. Conversely, regions with high protective capacity and sealing make groundwater pollution in such areas very difficult. Except for one VES point with low groundwater potential and limited withdrawal capacity for local water supply, the aquifers in the study area generally have intermediate designations. The study revealed that all VES points are in practically non-corrosive zones, making them suitable for burying underground tanks without extremely low deterioration rates. Based on geoelectrical characteristics, the study area was divided into three groundwater potential zones: low, medium, and high. These findings provide valuable insights into the groundwater potential and protective capacity of the Shango area, aiding in the sustainable management of water resources.