bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How AI Developers Can Assure Algorithmic Fairness
Authors: Xivuri Khensani , Twinomurinzi Hossana
Published: April 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become one of the technologies used for competitive advantage. However, there are also growing concerns about bias in AI models as AI developers risk introducing bias both unintentionally and intentionally. This study, using a qualitative approach, investigated how AI developers can contribute to the development of fair AI models. The key findings reveal that the risk of bias is mainly because of the lack of gender and social diversity in AI development teams, and haste from AI managers to deliver much-anticipated results. The integrity of AI developers is also critical as they may conceal bias from management and other AI stakeholders. The testing phase before model deployment risks bias because it is rarely representative of the diverse societal groups that may be affected. The study makes recommendations in four main areas: governance, social, technical, and training and development processes. Responsible organisations need to take deliberate actions to ensure that their AI developers adhere to fair processes when developing AI; AI developers must prioritise ethical considerations and consider the impact their models may have on society; partnerships between AI developers, AI stakeholders, and society that might be impacted by AI models should be established; and AI developers need to prioritise transparency and explainability in their models while ensuring adequate testing for bias and corrective measures before deployment. Emotional intelligence training should also be provided to the AI developers to help them engage in productive conversations with individuals outside the development team.
The effect of carbon nanotubes wrapping conformation on the interfacial properties of carbon fiber
Authors: li shaolong , Bi Lansen , Chang Qiang , Sun Jianqiang , Gao Fanchuan , Wang Yixuan , Zhang Ye , Wu Jingyu
Published: April 2023

In order to realize the goal of mass production of modification technology, CNTs would be dispersed in gas phase rapidly and then be sprayed to the surface of industrial CF that contain sizing agent. This will increase Interface shear strength (IFSS) of CF from 26MPa before processing to 35MPa maximum (increased about 33.9%). Due to the embedding function that sizing agent has on CNTs, three types of CNTs adhering to the surface of CF are formed. They are complete embedding type (σ1), partial embedding type (σ2) and sufficient exposure type (σ3). This paper analyses the relations between three formations and processing time, and the contribution to IFSS of each type. It is found that the low content of σ1 has a positive effect on IFSS which can reach 6MPa and σ2 has an even stronger effect on the improvement of IFSS compared with σ1on the same concentration. While σ3 has a negative effect on IFSS all the time.
Transcriptome uncovers the key role of secondary metabolites in methylglyoxal-induced thermotolerance in maize seedlings
Authors: Li Zhong-Guang , Xiang Rui-Hua
Published: April 2023

Methylglyoxal (MG) could initiate plant heat tolerance (HT) but its molecular mechanism is indistinct. Therefore, this study was to uncover the molecular mechanism underlying MG-initiated HT in maize seedlings by trancriptome analysis. The data showed that 44363 genes were found in maize seedlings, 39756 of which could be referred, but 5686 were not. Further, MG could initiate the different expression of 6899 genes (DEGs) under non-HS conditions. Among DEGs, 3655 were up-regulated, while 3244 were down-regulated. Similarly, MG + HS primed 7781 DEGs, 5684 of which were up-regulated, whereas 2097 were down-regulated. Among MG-initiated DEGs, 303, 166, and 49 GO terms were significantly enriched in biological process (BP), molecular function (MF), and cellular component (CC) by gene ontology enrichment analysis. Analogously, among MG + HS-primed DEGs, 296, 169, and 48 GO terms were significantly enriched in BP, MF, and CC. In addition, pathway enrichment analysis indicated that 6899 DEGs initiated by MG and 7781 DEGs primed by MG + HS were significantly enriched in 27 and 22 pathways. The MG-initiated 27 pathways were secondary metabolites (SMs); diterpenoid biosynthesis; sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis; flavonoid biosynthesis; phenylpropanoid biosynthesis; monoterpenoid biosynthesis; stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid and gingerol biosynthesis; betalain biosynthesis; brassinosteroid biosynthesis; glucosinolate biosynthesis; benzoxazinoid biosynthesis; and anthocyanin biosysnthesis. Similarly, the MG + HS-primed 22 pathways were benzoxazinoid biosynthesis; phenylpropanoid biosynthesis; biosynthesis of secondary metabolites; diterpenoid biosynthesis; stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid and gingerol biosynthesis; sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis; and flavonoid biosynthesis. These results show that SMs play a key role in MG-initiated HT in maize seedlings.
Functional similarity despite taxonomical divergence in the millipede gut microbiota points to a common trophic strategy
Authors: Nweze Julius E. , Šustr Vladimír , Brune Andreas , Angel Roey
Published: April 2023

Background: Many arthropods rely on their gut microbiome to digest plant material, which is often low in nitrogen but high in complex polysaccharides. Detritivores, such as millipedes, live on a particularly poor diet, but the identity and nutritional contribution of their microbiome are largely unknown. In this study, the hindgut microbiota of the tropical millipede Epibolus pulchripes (large, methane emitting) and the temperate millipede Glomeris connexa (small, non-methane emitting), fed on an identical diet, were studied using comparative metagenomics and metatranscriptomics.
Results: The results showed that the microbial load in E. pulchripesis much higher and more diverse than in G. connexa. The bacterial communities of the two species differed significantly, with Bacteroidotadominating in the hindguts of E. pulchripes and Proteobacteria (Pseudomonadota) in G. connexa. Despite equal sequencing effort, de novo assembly and binning recovered 282 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from E. pulchripes and 33 from G. connexa, including 90 novel bacterial taxa (81 in E. pulchripes and 9 in G. connexa). However, despite this taxonomic divergence, most of the functions, including carbohydrate hydrolysis, sulfate reduction, and nitrogen cycling, were common to the two species. Members of the Bacteroidota (Bacteroidetes) were the primary agents of complex carbon degradation in E. pulchripes, while members of Proteobacteriadominated in G. connexa. Members of Desulfobacterota were the potential sulfate-reducing bacteria in E. pulchripes. The capacity for dissimilatory nitrate reduction was found in Actinobacteriota (E. pulchripes) and Proteobacteria(both species), but only Proteobacteriapossessed the capacity for denitrification (both species). In contrast, some functions were only found in E. pulchripes. These include reductive acetogenesis, which was found in members of Desulfobacterota and Firmicutes (Bacillota) in E. pulchripes. Also, diazotrophs were only found in E. pulchripes, with a few members of the Firmicutesand Proteobacteria expressing the nifH gene. Interestingly, fungal-cell-wall-degrading glycoside hydrolases (GHs) were among the most abundant carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) expressed in both millipede species, suggesting that fungal biomass plays an important role in the millipede diet.
Conclusions: Overall, these results provide detailed insights into the genomic capabilities of the microbial community in the hindgut of millipedes and shed light on the ecophysiology of these essential detritivores.
The respective effects of atmospheric vapor pressure and soil moisture on ecosystem productivity in Southwest China
Authors: Sun Xupeng , Xiao Yao , Wang Yinghan , Zhou Miaohang , Ma Mingguo , Han Xujun
Published: April 2023

Drought is considered as a key factor restricting the growth of plants. It is critical to investigate the impact of drought stress on vegetation and understand the respective effects of Soil Moisture (SM) and Vapor Pressure Difference (VPD) on ecosystem production for ecological sustainability. For the Southwest China, the respective impacts of VPD and SM on the productive capacity of regional ecosystems are still unknown. To capture the drought stress over Southwest China, Solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) was selected as a reliable indicator of regional ecosystem production and applied to analyze the impact of SM and VPD using data binning. In this study, PAR and FPAR data were incorporated to calculate SIFyield, eliminating the influence of PAR and FPAR on SM and VPD, which was used to analyze the spatiotemporal correlation between SM, VPD, and SIFyield. And then a data-binned method was applied to compare the implications of low SM and high VPD for each SIFyield quantitatively. Finally, vegetation coverage data was used to conduct a statistical analysis of the correlation of VPD, SM, and SIFyield under different vegetation types and further learn the correlation between these parameters. The results revealed that the impact of high VPD on SIFyield was notably more prominent in regions with 75% vegetation coverage. High correlation between SM and SIFyield was found over forest and shrub, and SM large influence on VPD and SIFyield over grassland types. These new findings will be valuable for future agriculture, forestry breeding, and cultivation over this eco-fragile region.
Calorific and characteristics of seaweed Gracilaria sp. flour-based boba pearls in Indonesia
Authors: Salas Iqbal , Fadhlullah Muhammad , Adi Catur Pramono
Published: April 2023

The tapioca-based boba pearls typically contain high sugar and calorific value that can induce health risks. Seaweed Gracilaria sp. flour is considered an alternative to tapioca flour because it contains gelling polysaccharides with high fiber, low lipid and calorific value, as well as various bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate calorific value and other quality parameters of boba pearls formulated from local Indonesian seaweed Gracilaria sp. flour. The samples were prepared by substituting tapioca flour with 5 (F5), 10 (F10), and 15% w/w (F15) of seaweed flour and then compared to the control and commercial boba pearls. The parameters assessed were calorific value, proximate composition, pH, microbial concentration, and sensory quality. The results showed that the F15 boba pearls had the lowest calorific value of 2.17 kcal g− 1 with 1.75% DW of total protein, 0.39% DW of total lipid, 0.80% DW of ash, 97.06% DW of total carbohydrate and 45.51% FW of moisture content. The pH and microbial concentration of the F15 boba pearls were 5 and 6.9 × 104 CFU mL− 1, respectively, while the overall sensory acceptance rate was 6 (like slightly) from the maximum of 9 (like extremely).
Euler Ideal convergence and its associated sequence spaces
Authors: Idrisi Mohammad Imran , Saini Kavita
Published: April 2023

Present work is an investigation of some new sequence spaces cI0(er), cI(er), ℓI∞(er) and ℓ∞(er) as a domain of triangle Euler matrix via ideal convergence over an admissible ideal of N. Aslo, defining some algebraic, topological properties and inclusion relations on these spaces.
2020 MSC: 46A11, 46A45, 54A20
Tree age and root order affect the adaptation of fine roots to the surrounding environment: a case study of Pinus koraiensis
Authors: Qin Yu , Valverde-Barrantes Oscar J. , Shi Yueyuan , Jin Guangze , Liu Zhili
Published: April 2023

Aims Fine roots adjust their traits during tree growth to adapt to changes in environments, but may vary by root order. We aim to separate the influence of ontogeny and root order on root trait plasticity.Methods We examined six morphological and anatomical traits of the first five order fine roots for 67 Pinus koraiensis individuals aged 16 to 285 years in northeast China, while quantifying soil water and N content.Results As trees aged, the specific root length (SRL) of first- to fifth-order roots increased linearly but root tissue density (RTD) decreased non-linearly; the root diameter (RD) and cortex thickness (CT) of second-order roots and the stele-to-root diameter ratio (SDR) of third- and fourth-orders increased; the difference values in SRL and SDR among root orders increased. CT of first-order roots increased with soil water content but SDR decreased. CT of third-order roots was affected by both soil water and N content. Furthermore, with increasing tree age, there was a trade-off between SRL and RTD of the first five orders and a collaborated increase in RD and stele diameter (SD); RD and CT of first- and second-orders also increased collaboratively.Conclusions Our study not only reflects changes in fine root strategies at different ontogeny stages, but also reveals differences in the plasticity of fine roots to the surrounding environment at different root orders. Moreover, covariation in multiple intraspecific trait syndromes with tree age suggests multiple ongoing strategies to adjust to changing environments, while highlighting the inherent heterogeneity within fine roots.
Optimized detection method of automotive floor solder joints based on digital-analog information
Authors: Mingquan Shi , Chunyuan Li , Shuangming Wang , Lei Liu , Peng Zhang
Published: April 2023

With the deepening of machine vision research and increasingly mature application in the commercial field, researchers have begun to pay attention to the practical applications of various visual methods in the industrial field. In order to improve the real-time performance and low cost of the algorithm, an optimized multi-scale template matching method for detecting automotive floor solder joints is proposed based on traditional image processing and multi template matching algorithms. This article uses digital analog information to optimize distorted images, and uses the coordinates and quantity information of solder joints to obtain image distortion coefficients. In order to improve the accuracy of small object detection, the image is segmented into small blocks and enhanced.By optimizing and iterating multiple times to obtain accurate coordinate transformation relationships, the final detection results are filtered, improving the detection accuracy and effectiveness. This method can be better applied to industrial production, with practicality and feasibility.
Soft-label recover based label-specific features learning
Authors: Ge Wenxin , Wang Yibin , Cheng Yusheng
Published: April 2023

Currently, multi-label learning algorithms address classification more based on positive and negative logical labels with good results. However, logical labels inevitably lead to label misclassification. In addition, missing labels are widespread in the multi-label datasets. Recovering the missing labels and constructing soft labels that reflect the mapping relationship between instances and labels is an absolutely hard mission. Most of the existing algorithms can only solve one of these two problems. Unlike the existing algorithms, this paper proposes a soft-label recover based label-specific features learning (SLR-LSF) to solve above problems simultaneously. Firstly, the label correlation is calculated using the confidence matrix, which is combined with the label density information to obtain the membership degree of the soft label. Secondly, the membership degree and logical labels are combined to construct soft labels, which can help in recovering the missing labels. Finally, in the learning label-specific features process of soft labels, the local smoothness of the labels learned by manifold regularization is complemented by global label correlation. The classification performance and robustness of the algorithm are improved. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, comprehensive experiments are conducted on several data sets.
Knowledge Domain and Global Tendency in Publication Ethics Research: Bibliometric Review and Mapping Analysis
Authors: Zhang Mingyue , Li Yanming , Xu Caihua , Liu Ming , Xu Jianguo , Zheng Qingyong , Zhao Liang , Zhang Jun , Fu Hui , Wu Songlin , Qi Wen’an , Zhang Junhua , Tian Jinhui
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to gain a deeper understanding of research status and future prospects in the field of publication ethics.MethodsA bibliometric analysis was performed to identify published researches about publication ethics. Searching from the Web of Science database and publication ethics guidelines website. The VOSviewer 1.6.18, CiteSpace 6.1.R3, R-bibliometric, HistCite 12.03.17 and Excel 2021 softwares were used to visually analyze information.ResultsIn total, 659 articles of publication ethics were identified, and the first indicated literature appeared in 1972. A total of 762 institutions from 67 countries participated in this field research, and the United States of America contributed the largest publication output. The most productive institution was Sideview, and Wager Elizabeth who had posted the most articles. TheSci Eng Ethics(29 articles) was the most prolific and highest citation journal. Related topics of the research on publication ethics of biomedical journals is a hot and high maturity research topic. Misconduct in scientific publishing is a hot theme and development trend in the future.ConclusionThis study summarized the publication information of publication ethics from 1972–2022, including countries, institutions, authors, journals and references. The research hot topics were pointed out, and the collaboration between countries, authors and institutions need to be further strengthened in the future. In order to improve the quality and efficiency of research output, the integration of scientific research and resources, as well as scientific collaboration are needed.
Repositioning Dislocated One-Piece IOLs by Modified Scleral Suture Fixation
Authors: Lin Binwu , Huang Weilan , Ou Yang
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraocular lens (IOL) repositioning by modified scleral suturing of 1-piece IOLs.
Methods: ​The surgical database of 1 surgeon was reviewed for consecutive cases of IOLs dislocated into the vitreous from April 2019 to January 2022, where a modified scleral suture-fixation technique was used with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Preoperative and postoperative ophthalmic evaluation included the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and detailed slit-lamp examinations.
Results: The eyes of 11 consecutive patients with in-bag dislocated IOLs were included. The etiological distribution of the 11 study subjects was as follows: 3 eyes undergoing prior vitrectomy, 3 high-myopia eyes, 2 eyes implanted with a capsular tension ring (CTR), 1 eye with trauma and 2 eyes with unknown etiologies. The interval between the original cataract surgery and the dislocation ranged from 3 to 120 months (48.09±44.48 months). The mean follow-up time was 14.55±5.34 months. At the most recent follow-up visit, all IOLs were stable with no significant lens tilt, and the mean BCVA of all patients improved significantly from 0.49±0.26 to 0.29±0.17 (logMAR, p<0.05, t =2.204). Surgical complications in this research included elevated lOP (2 eyes) and CME (1 eye), which all could be resolved by topical use of eyedrops.
Conclusion: Repositioning 1-piece IOLs in this modified manner is a simple, effective, and safe method that may also be suitable for other types of IOLs with similar structures.
Significance of Prolific Specified Expectant Mothers’ Acceptance of New Pregnancies
Authors: Yamaguchi Natsuki , Nakagomi Satoko
Published: April 2023

Background The study aims to describe the experience of grand multiparas in Japan who have been identified as specified expectant mothers to accept unexpected new pregnancies and decide to give birth and raise their newborns. The results of this study show potential implications for improvements in childbirth as a happy experience, safe and inclusive abortion care, a support for resolving health issues from financial difficulties to promote a financially stable life, or improvements in the quality of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Japan.Methods Specified expectant mothers visiting X hospital underwent a series of semi-structured interviews during their pregnancy. The interview entailed the living conditions of expectant mothers, the circumstances of their current pregnancy and the process of its acceptance, and their decisions or feelings regarding giving birth and raising their newborns. A phenomenological approach was employed as the analysis method.Results Participants included seven grand multiparas in their early 30s to early 40s, all of whom were expecting at least their fourth child. Three lived with their partners, and four were separated. Regarding their financial status, two of them received welfare support, and five of them were either employed or suspended/retired temporarily from their jobs. Three themes were identified as follows in the results of this study investigating the responses on unexpected pregnancies of grand multiparas identified as specified expectant mothers; 1) actual pregnancy under unintended circumstances with possibilities of pregnancy; 2) encouragement for delivery; and 3) live in relationship with someone irreplaceable.Conclusions The seven grand multiparas identified as specified expectant mothers had certain issues, including unmarried pregnancy, receiving public assistance, and financial difficulties from non-regular employment while raising three or more children. Despite these, they decided to give birth and raise the newly conceived newborns owing to the positive welcome from their partners or other children who appreciated their motherhood.
Three-dimensional electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to study regional ventilation/perfusion (V/Q̇ ) ratios in anesthetized pigs
Authors: Larrabee Shannon , Nugen Sarah , Bruhn Alejandro , Stowe Symon , Adler Andy , Martin-Flores Manuel , Araos Joaquin
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to develop a 3D method for assessing V/Q̇ ratios in a pig model of hemodynamic perturbations using electrical impedance tomography (EIT). In order to evaluate whether the physiological coherence of changes in EIT-derived V/Q̇ ratios, global EIT-derived V/Q̇ mismatch were compared with global gold-standards. The study found regional heterogeneity in the distribution of V/Q̇ ratios in both the ventrodorsal and craniocaudal directions. Although global EIT-derived indices of V/Q̇ mismatch consistently underestimated both low and high V/Q̇ mismatch compared to global gold standards, the direction of the change was similar. We have made the software available at no cost for other researchers to use. Future studies should compare regional V/Q̇ ratios determined by our method against other regional, high-resolution methods such as SPECT or PET scan.
Tele-robotic distal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection on a cadaver
Authors: Ebihara Yuma , Hirano Satoshi , Kurashima Yo , Takano Hironobu , Murakami Soichi , Shichinohe Toshiaki , Morohashi Hajime , Oki Eiji , Hakamada Kenichi , Ikeda Norihiko , Mori Masaki
Published: April 2023

Purpose Robotic telesurgery is growing in popularity; however, it has not yet been validated for gastrointestinal cancer surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of tele-robotic distal gastrectomy (tele-RDG) with lymph node dissection (LND) using a novel Japanese-made surgical robot hinotori™ (Medicaroid, Kobe, Japan) in a cadaver with a presumptive gastric cancer.Methods The Cadaveric Anatomy and Surgical Training laboratory (CAST-Lab.) at Hokkaido University and Kushiro City General Hospital (KCGH) are connected by a guaranteed type line (1 Gbps), and the distance between the two facilities is 250 km. The communication system was conducted over a commercial general line and used hinotori™. A patient cart was installed at CAST-Lab, and a surgeon cockpit was installed at KCGH. Tele-RDG with D2 LND was performed on an adult human cadavers. The evaluation methods included round-trip time (RTT), operation time, Robot Usability Score (RUS), system usability scale (SUS), Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS), and System and Piper Fatigue Scale-12 (PFS-12).Results In all surgical processes, the communication environment was stable without image degradation, and the mean RTT was 40 ms (36.5–55 ms). For tele-RDG with D2 LND, the operation time was 199 min. without any organ injury or technical problems, and the technical evaluation scores (GEARS:28, GOALS:23), usability scores (RUS:34, SUS:82.5), and surgeon fatigue scores (PFS-12:26) were acceptable.Conclusion Tele-RDG with LND using hinotori ™ was feasible and similar to local robotic RDG.
Arthroscopic scapholunate ligament repair and dorsal capsulodesis with suture anchor in acute scapholunate dissociation
Authors: Lee YuCheng , Shih Juitien
Published: April 2023

Purpose
The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of arthroscopic scapholunate repair and dorsal capsulodesis with suture anchor as a treatment option for patients experiencing symptomatic acute scapholunate instability in the absence of wrist advanced degenerative changes.
Methods
From Jan. 2017 to Jan 2020, 19 wrists with acute tears of the SL ligament with symptomatic instability, were treated with arthroscopic SL repair and dorsal capsulodesis with suture anchor and scapholunate joint fixation with K-wires. All patients underwent wrist MRI and arthroscopy to confirm the diagnosis and exclude arthritis. The study included 16 men and 3 women with an average age of 24.5 years (range, 19 to 27 years). The average time from injury to operation was 8.8 weeks (range, 4 to 11 weeks). All patients underwent follow-up at our clinic regularly for an average of 26.5 months (range, 24 to 32 months).
Results
All 19 patients had rupture and dissociation of the SL ligament in the radiocarpal joint. Modified Mayo wrist scores revealed the following functionality: the total arc of wrist motion in the flexion-extension plane loss averaged 5.1° (P > .01). Grip force improved significantly, with 14.7% improvement of that on the normal side (P < .01). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the results: the postoperative scores were significantly better than the preoperative scores (P < .01). Sixteen patients (84.2%) were fully satisfied with the results and returned to their preinjury activity. Only one patient (5.3%) had mild laxity of the scapholunate ligament joint.
Conclusions
At a minimum of two years' follow-up, patients with acute symptomatic dissociation of scapholunate ligament instability who underwent arthroscopic scapholunate ligament repair and dorsal capsulodesis with suture anchor treatment had satisfactory results.
Level of Evidence
Level IV, case series.
Complementing or competing with public transit? Evaluating the parameter sensitivity of potential Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)urban users in Germany, the Czech Republic,Poland, and the United Kingdom with a mixed choice model
Authors: Matowicki Michal , Pecherkova Pavla , Amorim Marco , Kern Mira , Nagy Ivan , Motzer Nicolaj , Pribyl Ondrej
Published: April 2023

In this study we conduct a large survey (n=6,405) on urban daily commuters in four European countries (Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, and the Czech Republic), we add richness to our understanding of who will use Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) options and what relationship MaaS has with public transit in terms of choosing how to travel. We explored how sensitive participants were to changes in pricing and travel times, and also examined how likely different kinds of participants, grouped into segments (user groups) with similar characterizes, were to public transportation, MaaS, or private cars. We concluded that the basic mobility factors such as price and travel time can increase the likelihood of using a certain option, as we notably observed in the “Unspecified Users” group. Our complex approach, combining several mathematical modelling tools, provided insight into the choices people make into choosing among different travel options, and our findings may be leveraged by decision makers to create better, more informed approaches towards promoting sustainable alternatives to car use in urban settings.
Amlodipine besylate solubility in polyethylene glycol 400 + ethanol at different temperatures: Thermodynamic analysis and data modeling
Authors: Sayad Taher , Moradi Milad , Jafari Parisa , Rahimpour Elaheh , Jouyban Abolghasem
Published: April 2023

In the present study, the solubility values of amlodipine besylate (AMB) in the binary mixtures of polyethylene glycol 400 and ethanol were determined using the shake-flask method at 293.2 to 313.2 K under atmospheric pressure (≈ 85 kPa) and correlated to some cosolvency and activity coefficient models. The accuracy of each model was marked by the mean relative deviations (MRD%) of the back-calculated solubility data. Also, the apparent thermodynamic properties of AMB dissolution were computed by the van't Hoff and Gibbs equations.
Clinicopathological features and prognosis of colorectal cancer patients with chronic schistosomiasis
Authors: Ge Heming , Liu Xionglin , Zheng Linyi , Tao Zui , Li Yuqiang , Pei Haiping
Published: April 2023

Background: Schistosomiasis, as the second largest parasitic disease in the world, has infected more than 200 million people. Previous studies have found a correlation between schistosomiasis and the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. However, there is still a lack of large-scale studies reporting whether schistosomiasis affects the prognosis of colorectal cancer and the treatment standards for schistosomiasis-associated colorectal cancer. This study aims to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of colorectal cancer patients with chronic schistosomiasis (CRCS+).Methods: We collected data from 94 CRCS+ patients diagnosed at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019. Using propensity score matching, we selected 94 colorectal cancer patients without chronic schistosomiasis (CRCS−) and retrospectively analyzed the clinical and pathological data of both groups.Results: Compared to CRCS− patients, CRCS+ patients exhibited distinct clinicopathological features such as regional clustering, advanced age, severe liver function impairment, and a lower positive rate of fecal monoclonal blood tests. Calcification was a characteristic feature of CRCS+ patients. Overall survival was worse for colorectal cancer patients with chronic schistosomiasis.Conclusions: Schistosomiasis may be considered an independent risk factor for colorectal cancer.
Insights into the genetic influences of the microbiota on the life span of a host
Authors: Zhang Fang , Wang Liying , Jin Jiayu , Pang Yulu , Shi Hao , Fang Ziyi , Du Yujie , Hu Yufan , Zhang Yingchun , Ding Xiaoyue , Zhu Zuobin , Wang Han
Published: April 2023

Escherichia coli (E. coli) mutant strains have been reported to extend the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). However, the specific mechanisms through which the genes and pathways affect aging are not yet clear. In this study, we fed Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) various E. coli single-gene knockout strains to screen mutant strains with an extended lifespan. The results showed that D. melanogaster fed with E. coli purE had the longest average lifespan, which was verified by C. elegans. We conducted a whole-genome sequencing and analysis of C. elegans fed with E. coli purE (a single-gene knockout mutant) to further explore the underlying molecular mechanism. We used the differential gene analysis (DGA), enrichment analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to screen vital pathways and modules with significant changes in overall expression and two differential genes (cfz-2 and catp-4) associated with known longevity pathways. Our results suggest that E. coli mutant strains may affect the host lifespan by regulating the protein synthesis rate (cfz-2) and ATP level (catp-4). To conclude, our study could provide new insights into the genetic influences of the microbiota on the life span of a host and a basis for developing anti-aging probiotics and drugs.
Stage and location related intratumoral microbiota are associated with patient prognosis and immune infiltration in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhao Mengyu , Zhang Xiang , Wang Fuhao , Hu Xiaoyu , Xue Zhuang , Chen Ming , Yue Jinbo
Published: April 2023

Purpose:The colorectal intratumoral microbiome and its association with immune infiltration remain poorly characterized. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between intratumoral microbiota with immune infiltration, patient prognosis, and potential signal pathways.Methods:We collected biopsy samples of tumor and paracancerous tissue from 92 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), and acquired microbiota profiling using 16S rRNA sequencing. Meanwhile, the immune markers including CD8, FOXP3, CD163, PD-1 and PD-L1 were stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify the immune infiltration in tumors. Furthermore, we used The Cancer Genome Atlas databases to conduct analysis on intratumoral flora and patient survival, tumor gene expression profile and potential downstream pathways.Results:We discovered that the β-diversity of bacterial composition differed considerably by CRC stage (earlyvs.advanced stage,P= 0.049) and location (leftvs.right colon,P= 0.04). Stage-related flora cluster (Porphyromonas, Lachnoclostridium, Bacteroides, Aggregatibacter,andHungatella) were associated with poor prognosis in CRC patients (HR=1.79,P=0.015). By IHC staining, we found that expression of PD-1 and FOXP3 was significantly reduced at low abundance of stage-related bacterial cluster (P<0.05). Besides, tumor-location related flora cluster (BacteroidesandBlautia) were associated with good prognosis in CRC patients (HR=0.52,P=0.011). Expression of CD163 was decreased at high abundance of location-related bacterial cluster (P<0.05). Furthermore, we identified probable pathways connected to three distinct genera (Blautia,Hungatella, andBacteroides).Conclusion:Our study elucidates the relationships among intratumoral microbiota, immune infiltration, patient prognosis, and potential signal pathways, thereby providing new data for future intratumoral microbiota research.
A new perspective into the discovery of diversity of sea cucumbers (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea)
Authors: Martins Luciana , Costa Karen , Toledo Felipe
Published: April 2023

The study of disarticulated ossicles of recent sea cucumbers from Campos Basin, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from various Holocene strata, obtained by micropaleontological methods, resulted in the identification of at least eight holothurian taxa, belonging to the four of the seven orders of Holothuroidea: Apodida (Synaptidae, Chiridotidae), Dendrochirotida (Psolidae and Cucumariidae), Holothuriida (Holothuria) and Molpadiida (Molpadiidae, Eupyrgidae). Our paper endorses the importance of studies of recent fauna based on isolated ossicles for taxonomy, biostratigraphy, and ecology. This study represents the first effort at the study of recent fauna of sea cucumbers based on the analysis of preserved ossicles in marine sediments.
Spuren jüdischen Lebens an der mittleren Oder
Authors: Schulz Hilmar
Published: April 2023

Über viele Jahrhunderte lebten Jüdinnen und Juden im Gebiet der mittleren Oder, einem wirtschaftlich höchst lebendigen Lebensraum – und bereicherten die Kultur dieser Region. Unter der Herrschaft der Nationalsozialisten wurden diese Menschen entrechtet, vertrieben und ermordet, doch ihr kulturelles Erbe ist noch sichtbar. Das vorliegende Buch begibt sich auf eine Entdeckungsreise und folgt den Spuren dieser verschwundenen jüdischen Welt.
Shanghai Stock Exchange’s Science and Technology Innovation Board: A Review
Authors: Liu Kerry
Published: April 2023

This study reviews one of China’s newest stock markets: Shanghai Stock Exchange’s Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR market). China’s STAR market is among its newest stock market, which was officially launched in June 2019, and whose index was released in July 2020. It has attracted extensive attention from market players but almost no coverage from academia. This study fills in this gap by conducting a review of this stock market, including its institutional background, its regulations, and a series of indicators on corporate finance and equity pricing. This study finds that the launch of China’s STAR market has its institutional background, including helping economic transition, building multi-layer capital markets, responding to the deteriorating external environment against the background of the US-China trade and technology war, and deleveraging the Chinese economy. The STAR market has made some important reform initiatives in areas such as listing criteria, pricing mechanisms, and delisting. As a result, the STAR market is distinguished from China’s other stock. These unique features mean that the STAR market does not simply provide a new dataset, but may potentially provide more interesting insights than simple replications of previous studies. Most importantly of all, this study provides an agenda for future research. For practitioners, this study provides some new information on investing in this market.
Impact of Monetary Policy on Credit and Investment in Nigeria (1981 – 2020)
Authors: Adebisi Olonila Aanuoluwapo , Amassoma Ditimi , Olusanya Babatunde Bayode
Published: April 2023

In auspicious macroeconomic setting, monetary policy should increase credit availability, particularly in the real sector, to spur investment; however, this is not the case in the Nigerian economy. In this study, the impact of monetary policy on bank credit and investment in Nigeria from 1981 to 2020 was investigated. The central bank of Nigeria’s statistics bulletin was the source of the data used in this study. Using the data gathered, the study used Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL). The study’s findings indicate that bank loans and investment have a long-term association with monetary policy. In addition, it was observed that while bank loans to the private sector and the liquidity ratio had short-term negative effects on investment, the cash reserve ratio, monetary policy, money supply, and inflation rate had long-term positive effects on investment. According to the study’s findings, monetary policy significantly and favorably affects bank credit and investment in Nigeria. The study suggested that the CBN adjust the monetary policy rate by reducing the cash reserve ratio, which will increase liquidity and allow the banks to discharge their credit capacity with the aim of improving investment in Nigeria. Monetary authorities should view credit as a major channel for implementing monetary policies, and this urgent adjustment should be made.
Generative networks for precision enthusiasts
Authors: Butter Anja , Heimel Theo , Hummerich Sander , Krebs Tobias , Plehn Tilman , Rousselot Armand , Vent Sophia
Published: April 2023

Generative networks are opening new avenues in fast event generation for the LHC. We show how generative flow networks can reach percent-level precision for kinematic distributions, how they can be trained jointly with a discriminator, and how this discriminator improves the generation. Our joint training relies on a novel coupling of the two networks which does not require a Nash equilibrium. We then estimate the generation uncertainties through a Bayesian network setup and through conditional data augmentation, while the discriminator ensures that there are no systematic inconsistencies compared to the training data.
Knowledge management in financial education in Peruvian government programs focused on women: Progress and challenges
Authors: Antonio Machuca-Vílchez Jorge , Jeanett Ramos-Cavero Maria , Cordova-Buiza Franklin
Published: April 2023

In Latin America, the age group made up of women is at a disadvantage compared to men in terms of their economic empowerment, which is reflected in the lack of access to paid employment, their average wages are lower than those of men and their performance in poor quality jobs. In this context, the objective of this study is to analyze what aspects of knowledge are developed by the main government financial education programs focused on Peruvian women belonging to organizations (Comedores Populares Programs) or participants in a state social program (Juntos Program) in order to include them financially. The method used is documentary research that seeks to deepen the financial education proposals that the Peruvian government has provided in the last 10 years. The results show that the implementation of government programs increased the participation of women in financial education actions by 61%, achieving a significant improvement from 31% to 77% in the knowledge obtained by the beneficiaries in financial matters; and that, due to the poverty characteristics of the beneficiaries, there were limitations in access to digital media and the current programs are carried out in person. It was concluded that the knowledge management component of the programs should focus on economic empowerment and attitudes towards money and not only on practical knowledge of financial products and services; and that the State must implement policies to ensure that beneficiaries have access to technological equipment so that training uses digital resources and not only resources for face-to-face training.
Investigation of water environment monitoring and evaluation based on water ecological function zoning
Authors: Liu Yuyong
Published: April 2023

This paper expounds the establishment of the water environment evaluation system and the water environment monitoring (EM) countermeasures and discusses the water environment security evaluation index system. The establishment of a water environment-sensitive monitoring area was proposed, and the establishment of a water EM network system was studied. The construction of water EM and evaluation based on the entropy weight method was carried out, and the analysis of water EM and evaluation elements of ecological function zoning were proposed. The research was carried out from two aspects, namely the problems solved by water EM and evaluation based on water ecological function zoning, and the water environment evaluation system based on water ecological function zoning. According to the experiment and investigation, the entropy weight method was introduced into the framework of the water EM and evaluation system, and a new water EM and evaluation system was constructed, which was 19% more satisfactory than the traditional water EM and evaluation system.
Phthalate esters: occurrence, toxicity, bioremediation, and advanced oxidation processes
Authors: Kumari Madhu , Pulimi Mrudula
Published: April 2023

Phthalic acid esters are emerging pollutants, commonly used as plasticizers that are categorized as hazardous endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). A rise in anthropogenic activities leads to an increase in phthalate concentration in the environment which leads to various adverse environmental effects and health issues in humans and other aquatic organisms. This paper gives an overview of the research related to phthalate ester contamination and degradation methods by conducting a bibliometric analysis with VOS Viewer. Ecotoxicity analysis requires an understanding of the current status of phthalate pollution, health impacts, exposure routes, and their sources. This review covers five toxic phthalates, occurrences in the aquatic environment, toxicity studies, biodegradation studies, and degradation pathways. It highlights the various advanced oxidation processes like photocatalysis, Fenton processes, ozonation, sonolysis, and modified AOPs used for phthalate removal from the environment.
Guest Editors’ Note on Law and Digital Technologies: The Way Forward
Authors: Gromova E. , Ferreira D. B.
Published: April 2023

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Optimizando el uso del Biocarbón en la producción de Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) en Nigeria
Authors: Funke Salami Mercy , Mark Miracle , Ibitomi Olasumbo , Kikelomo Osasona Kehinde , Adeniyi Victor , Salami Shakirat , Sulaiman Hamdalat
Published: April 2023

La fertilidad del suelo ha sido un reto en todo el mundo y el aumento de la productividad de los cultivos es esencial para la seguridad alimentaria. En consecuencia, para mejorar este problema de baja fertilidad del suelo, se utiliza el biocarbón. Sin embargo, los agricultores desconocen la cantidad óptima de dosis de biocarbón de Okra necesaria, especialmente en Nigeria. Este estudio, por lo tanto, analizó la cantidad de biocarbón necesaria para aumentar la producción y examinó el efecto del biocarbón en el crecimiento de okra en un experimento de diseño completamente aleatorizado (DCA). Los tratamientos utilizados fueron biochar en dos niveles diferentes: 50 g·kg-1 y 100 g·kg-1 de suelo (tratamiento 1 y tratamiento 2), - NPK a razón de 0,08929 g·kg-1 de suelo (tratamiento 3) y un control. El resultado mostró que la Okra sembrada en biocarbón creció significativamente en altura, peso y número de frutos en comparación con las tratadas con NPK y Control, siendo el tratamiento 2 el que dio el mejor rendimiento. Concluimos que el biocarbón contribuye significativamente al crecimiento de Okra y que la cantidad óptima requerida es de 50 g·kg-1 de suelo, recomendamos que los agricultores utilicen esta dosis para maximizar el beneficio del biocarbón.
Effect of Bromelain on Chronic Unpredictable Stress-induced Behavioral,
Biochemical, and Monoamine Changes in Wistar Albino Rat Model of
Depression
Authors: Parasuraman Rajeshwari , Jayamurali Dheepthi , Manoharan Nivedita , Govindarajulu Sathya Narayanan
Published: April 2023

Background:

Bromelain is a complex mixture of protease enzyme extract from the fruit or
stem of the pineapple plant and it has a history of folk medicine use. It is known to have a wide range
of biological actions and it is most commonly used as an anti-inflammatory agent, though scientists
have also discovered its potential as an anticancer and antimicrobial agent, it has been reported to have
positive effects on the respiratory, digestive, circulatory systems and potentially on the immune
system.

Objective:

This study was designed to investigate the antidepressant potential of Bromelain in the
chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model of depression.

Methods:

We studied the antioxidant activity, and neuroprotective effect of Bromelain by analyzing
the fear and anxiety behavior, antioxidants, and neurotransmitter levels, and also by analyzing the
histopathological changes. Adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into 5 groups, Control;
Bromelain; CUS; CUS + Bromelain, CUS + fluoxetine. Animals of the CUS group, CUS + Bromelain
group, and CUS + Fluoxetine group were exposed to CUS for 30 days. Animals of the Bromelain
group and CUS + Bromelain group were treated orally with 40 mg/kg Bromelain throughout the
period of CUS whereas, the positive control group was treated with fluoxetine.

Results:

Results showed a significant decrease in oxidative stress marker (lipid peroxidation), and the
stress hormone cortisol, in Bromelain-treated CUS-induced depression. Bromelain treatment in CUS
has also resulted in a significant increase in neurotransmitter levels, which indicates the efficacy of
Bromelain to counteract the monamine neurotransmitter changes in depression by increasing their
synthesis and reducing their metabolism. In addition, the antioxidant activity of Bromelain prevented
oxidative stress in depressed rats. Also, hematoxylin and eosin staining of hippocampus sections has
revealed that Bromelain treatment has protected the degeneration of nerve cells by chronic
unpredictable stress exposure.

Conclusion:

This data provides evidence for the antidepressant-like action of Bromelain by preventing
neurobehavioral, biochemical, and monoamine alterations.