bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CT angiography prior to TAVI procedure: can Artificial Intelligence improve reporting?
Authors: Boninsegna Enrico , Piffer Stefano , Simonini Emilio , Romano Michele , Lettieri Corrado , Colopi Stefano , Barai Giampietro
Published: April 2023

CT angiography prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedure is the standard non-invasive imaging method for pre-procedural evaluation of aortic root dimensions and access sites. A detailed report is crucial to a proper planning. We assessed Artificial Intelligence (AI)-algorithm accuracy to measure vessels diameters at CT prior to TAVI. CT scans of 50 patients were included. Two Radiologists with experience in vascular imaging together manually assessed diameters at nine landmark positions according to the American Heart Association guidelines: 450 values were obtained. Measurements were compared with diameters obtained from AI algorithm. Measurements performed by the radiologists were never significantly different from the values obtained from the AI algorithm (p ≥ 0.249). The more the aortic landmark was distal to the heart, the more accurate was the automatic software analysis (maximum p-value at diaphragmatic aorta, 0.995). P-values were lower close to the heart, with a minimum at sinotubular junction (0.249). The time for automatic evaluation (average 1 min 47 sec) was significantly lower compared with manual measurements (5 min 41 sec) (p < 0.01). In conclusion, our results indicate that AI-algorithms can measure aortic diameters at CT prior to TAVI with high accuracy. AI-assisted reporting promises high efficiency, reduced inter-reader variabilities and time saving. In order to perform optimal procedure planning aortic root analysis could be improved, including annulus dimensions.
The molecular dynamics of core genes mount the relationship between groups of diazotrophs
Authors: Nichio Bruno Thiago de Lima , Pedrosa Fábio Oliveira , Raittz Roberto Tadeu
Published: April 2023

Background: Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) occurs in diazotroph Archaea and Bacteria through the action of the Nitrogenase Enzymatic Complex (NEC) of nitrogenase-dependent molybdenum (Mo-nitrogenase) encoded by the nif genes. Due to several factors, for example, Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) and gene duplications, these genes are distributed in great diversity becoming complex to relate groups and to find in silico potential diazotrophs. Raymond et al. in 2004 and Dos Santos et al. in 2012 proposed the Mo-nitrogenase classification and established the minimum Nif set in NifH, NifD, NifK, NifE, NifN and NifB, respectively, directing the field in the classification and prediction of N2-fixing organisms. Here, we proposed to build potential groups of diazotrophs with the minimum cluster (core) of Mo-nitrogenase, evaluating whether the inheritance of Mo-nitrogenase is related to the acquisition, subtraction, or replacement of accessory nif and the impacts of these relationships on the maintenance of NEC.
Results: We obtained 662 diazotrophic genomes which 52 belong to potential diazotroph species within the nif core. We identified genomic duplication of nif core in Aulosira laxa NIES-50, Azoarcus sp KH32C, Calothrix brevissima NIES-22, Nostoc carneum NIES -2107, Tolypothrix tenuis PCC 7101 and Trichormus variabilis ATCC 29413 suggesting the existence of more than one nif cluster in these species probably related with the different acquisition of Mo-nitrogenase clusters. The SWeeP method applied to the vectorial projection of diazotrophic genomes was crucial to make possible the classification of these 662 genomes into 10 consistent groups.
Conclusions: We suggest the classification of Mo-nitrogenase in a context more involved with molecular dynamics in relation to the proposal in Raymond et al. This fact is reinforced because we observed a significant relationship between the groups obtained with molecular composition of nif genes, such as in Azoarcus spp, Azospira spp., gram-positive and some cyanobacteria species. We hope the findings are helpful to understand the molecular BNF evolution.
Presence of microplastic in target species of small scale fisheries and possible social implications on the local communities
Authors: Rivera-Garibay Omar , López María Elena Méndez , Torres-Irineo Edgar , Rivas Miguel , Santillo David , Alvarez-Filip Lorenzo
Published: April 2023

Microplastic ingestion by marine fishes has been of particular interest, as many species are the target of commercial fisheries and, thus, have a strong connection with human health. Consumption of microplastic thru seafood is likely to have harmful effects on people globally but mainly on social groups that highly depend on fisheries for self-consumption. Here we first aim to characterize the presence of microplastics in species targeted by small-scale fishers; and explore if the fish consumption of microplastic particles is associated with biological factors, second, we applied semi-structured interviews to small-scale fishers to approach, from a socio-environmental perspective, the potential social and environmental impacts of contamination by microplastics on the local communities. We found that important commercial fish families were polluted, and the consumption of microplastics by fish caught trough traditional fishing gear depends on traits such as species mobility. Species with a wide home range had a higher load of MPs than fish with a small home range but also seemed to be related to the fishing method. The observed differences in microplastic content on target species are likely to be transferred to the human dimension in a non-random fashion. This work implies that microplastic pollution in commercial fish might represent an environmental and social issue that is not well-conceived by the fishers mainly but also for multiple actors that make use of marine resources.
Digital transformation of the promotion of educational services of Kazakhstani universities
Authors: Zarubina Venera , ZARUBIN Mikhail , YESSENKULOVA Zhaukhar , SALIMBAYEVA Rassima , SATBAEVA Gulbarshyn
Published: April 2023

Digital promotion channels have become modern priority channels for promoting educational services. Integration into the international educational space, a change in the priority of communication channels, digital transformation lead to the need to rethink the digital promotion of educational services of Kazakhstani universities. Particular interest in the promotion of educational services is due to the fact that now representatives of generation Z are becoming consumers of educational services.
The basis of the study was digital promotion channels as the main source of information and value, the needs of generation Z, who become consumers of university services, including Kazakhstani ones. The purpose of the study is to identify growth points, build a model for promoting educational services of Kazakhstani universities based on a comparative analysis of the websites of the leading national universities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the leading world leader - the US University.
Similarweb.com, pagespeed.web.dev, wordstat.yandex.ru, sitechecker.pro resources were used as tools for analysis. A correlation analysis of requests to university websites and the main values of generation Z was carried out. The tightness of the pairwise correlation between the total number of visits and site performance, search engine optimization, recommendations, accessibility was determined.
On the basis of the study, a model for promoting the educational services of the university was structured, highlighting the key components - educational programs, digital technologies, generation Z values.
Examining the factors influencing entrepreneurial intention to initiate new ventures: Focusing on knowledge of entrepreneurial skills, ability to take risk and entrepreneurial innovativeness in open innovation business model
Authors: Martins José Moleiro , Shahzad Muhammad Farrukh , Xu Shuo
Published: April 2023

As worldwide unemployment is an extensive problem by the increasing population every day but opportunities for jobs didn’t increase with the similar ratio. Unemployment is increasing, affecting developing countries’ economies like Pakistan. This attempt to solve this problem is commonly acknowledged by creating new opportunities and starting new business ventures. Considering this aspect, this study purposes to inspect the aspects that create and effect entrepreneurial intention in young entrepreneurs to start entrepreneurial projects. This study explores the effect of self-efficacy, family support, institutional support and peer support towards entrepreneurial intention. These factors are expected to create entrepreneurial intention in young graduates to start their business ventures. All these factors and the mediating role of knowledge of entrepreneurial skills, ability to take risk, and entrepreneurial innovativeness motivate young entrepreneurs to take startups. For results, a survey method with a questionnaire has been utilized for the gathering of data. The collected data were evaluated through descriptive and inferential statistics. SPSS and SMART-PLS 3.3 were used for the analysis of results. 716 respondents participated in the data collection process. Data has been gathered from the master's students who registered in business sector top universities in Pakistan. The results of this study showed that self-efficacy, peers support, institutional support and family support have a positive impact on entrepreneurial intention. Additionally, knowledge of entrepreneurial skills, the ability to take risks, and entrepreneurial innovativeness also significantly affect entrepreneurial intention. In this study, all these results have been discussed. This study also discusses various theoretical and practical factors with substantial policy-making significance.
Spatial analysis to evaluate the effects of soil sand content on the progress of the invasive process of G. triacanthos in riparian forests
Authors: Sosa Beatriz , Romero David , Guerrero José , Rodriguez Federico , Achkar Marcel
Published: April 2023

Riparian systems are highly threatened by alterations in its hydrological regimen and biological invasions. To guide its conservation is important to understand the relationships established between biological invasions and abiotic conditions affected by the hydrological regimen. We analyze the relationship between the distribution pattern of soil sand content and the invasive process of the woody invasive Gleditsia triacanthos in riparian forests of the Esteros de Farrapos and Islands of Uruguay River National Park, zoning the study area according to the type of relationship between both variables. We integrate the use of regression trees and geographic information systems to zone this relationship. This is a novel approach to study the relationships between an invasive species and its environment. Areas with lower sand content were found to be favorable for the development of the invasive species, and areas with higher sand content were found to limit its spread. No relationship was found between the intermediate sand content and the progress of the invasive process. This work highlights the complexity inherent to the definition of causal relationships in highly heterogeneous systems such as riparian ecosystems. Spatial analysis techniques are a useful tool for this approach.
The SFLQ revisited: Estimating Regional Input-Output Tables for South Korean Regions
Authors: Tohmo Timo
Published: April 2023

The present study employs survey-based data on 16 regions in South Korean to analyse the industry-specific Flegg location quotient (SFLQ) formula as a tool for estimating regional input-output tables. Our paper contributes to the work of Kowalewski (2015), who proposed an interesting variant of the Flegg location quotient (FLQ) by letting the value of δ in the FLQ vary between sectors (sector-specific δ). The main aim of our study is to analyse Kowalewski’s SFLQ formula to produce regional input-output tables for South Korea and to test the extent of the accuracy of the estimates it can produce. We estimate Kowalewski’s regression model for all Korean regions, which has not been previously performed. Consequently, we compare the regionalized SFLQ estimates to survey-based regional input-output tables and test the accuracy of the estimations with different statistics.
Specific gut microbiome signature predicts hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients with microvascular invasion
Authors: Peng Yu-Chong , Peng Yu-Chong , Xu Jing-Xuan , Xu Jing-Xuan , You Xue-Mei , You Xue-Mei , Huang Yi-Yue , Huang Yi-Yue , Li Le-Qun , Qi Lu-Nan , Li Le-Qun
Published: April 2023

Background Microvascular Invasion (MVI) is an important factor that affects the prognosis of patients with operable hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to evaluate the differences in intestinal microflora between MVI and non-MVI patients with operable hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) and investigate the potential of the microbiome as a non-invasive biomarker for patients with MVI.Methods The preoperative relationship between the gut microbiomes (GM) of the two groups(MVI Group (n = 46) and non-MVI Group (n = 56)) was assessed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing data. PICRUST2 was used to analyze the metagenomic data in MVI and non-MVI patients. based on operational taxonomic units (OTUs) level, we predict MVI risk using random forest (RF)models, and validate in independent validation cohorts (MVI Group (n = 17) and non-MVI Group (n = 15)).Result β diversity analysis revealed a significant difference between the MVI group and non-MVI group in weighted UniFrac distances using Non-metric multidimensional scaling (stress = 0.105)and Principal Coordinates Analysis ( AMOVA test (p = 0.003)). At the genus level, eight bacterial genera (Prevotella_9, Bacteroides, Subdoligranulum, Fusobacterium, Dialister, Megasphaera, Veillonella, Coprobacter) were significantly enriched in MVI Group, whereas ten genera (Blautia, Faecalibacterium, Agathobacter, Ruminococcus, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, Anaerostipes, [Eubacterium]_hallii_group, Fusicatenibacter, Dorea, Peptoniphilus) were significantly enriched in non-MVI Group. The highly abundant genera participated in numerous amino acid metabolism pathways, pyrimidine and purine metabolism pathways, tetrahydrofolate metabolism pathways, fatty acid related metabolic pathway, glycogen degradation pathway, rhamnose, galactose, peptidoglycan metabolism pathways and lactate relative pathway. A significant correlation was observed between the characteristic intestinal microbial community and its main functions. Nine optimal microbial markers were determined, with an area under the curve of 79.76% between 46 MVI and 56 non-MVI samples and 79.80% in the independent verification group.Conclusion The characteristics of the intestinal microflora of patients with and non-MVI were analyzed for the first time, which may eventually help open up a new approach for the treatment of HBV-HCC with MVI. The successful establishment of a diagnostic model and independent verification of microbial markers in patients with MVI was reported. GM as a preoperative targeted biomarkers may be potential non-invasive tools for patients with HBV-HCC with MVI.
Contribution of budesonide nebulization in bronchoscopy
Authors: Zhang Guoxin , Pei Xiang , Zhang Li , Yu Shuyu , Zhao Xiaoyun
Published: April 2023

Background To investigate the efficacy and safety of budesonide nebulization for pre-examination preparation of bronchoscopy under topical anesthesia.Methods Patients with airway topical anesthesia by bronchoscopy were randomly divided into observation group and control group. Observation group was administrated with nebulization of budesonide combined with lidocaine whereas patients in control group were treated with lidocaine into same volume of sterile water. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (FPS-R) were utilized to assess cough, degree of pain, willingness to accept reinspection, and the satisfactions of operator towards patient cooperation. Additionally, the duration of examination, lidocaine consumption, and type of examination were recorded throughout our study.Results Compared with the controls, observation group showed a lower maximum systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure together with extent of cough and pain whereas higher minimum transcutaneous oxygen saturation and satisfaction to the cooperation. Also, the observation group consumed shorter operation time, less lidocaine dosage, with less budesonide-related adverse reactions. Notably, there was no statistically significance in general condition, willingness to reinspection, type of operation, and diagnostic condition between two groups.Conclusion Taken aforementioned results together, topical anesthesia combined with budesonide suggests to be more optimal for airway preparation before bronchoscopy.Trial registration The trial was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry No ChiCTR2300069170
Single-cell RNA-seq data reveals a critical role of pro-inflammatory macrophage and fibroblast cells in bone marrow environment after bone fracture
Authors: Zhou Min , Jian Chao , Xu Xin , Zhang Hao , Qi Bw
Published: April 2023

Single-cell RNA sequencing ("scRNA-Seq") examines the cell population at the single-cell level. The single cell changes in the osteoimmunological microenvironment in fresh and old fractures have not been studied. We used single cell transcriptomics in this study to uncover differences in the molecular composition and cellular signaling in bone tissue from fresh and old fractures.We first searched for and downloaded single-cell omics data from the GEO database, which included both fresh and old fracture samples from patients. After applying UMI detection, reducing the dimensions, and conducting principal component analysis, we visualized the data with tSNE and UMAP and identified the marker genes of the cell subsets. The differences of the differentially expressed genes and the signalling pathways of the cell-cell interaction between the two groups of samples were compared by means of Findmarkers and cellchat.The microenvironment in fracture tissue was analysed using a cell characterisation map, resulting in the identification of 18 distinct cell subsets, comprising of macrophages, fibroblasts, B cells, T cells, neutrophils and plasma cells. In comparison to fresh fractures, there was a significant increase in the number of macrophages in the old fracture samples. The number of fibroblasts was not significantly changed. The results of differential expression gene analysis showed that fibroblasts in old fractures were mainly enriched in immune, inflammatory and neutrophil degranulation reactions. TXNIP expression was significantly upregulated. Macrophages were mainly enriched in inflammatory response, immune response, antigen presentation response and cell migration signalling pathways. Among them, AREG was significantly upregulated in old fractures. In old fractures, the interaction between macrophages and other cells was significantly increased. Macrophages regulate other cells mainly through the ANXA1-FRP1 signalling pathway, thereby influencing the formation of callus and the healing of the fracture. Our findings uncovered that fibroblasts regulate inflammation and immune response via the TXNIP pathway. Macrophages influence fracture healing by changing their population and interacting with other cells via the ANXA1-FRP1 pathway.
Change in epitope sites of Mumps orthorubulavirus resources of the National Culture Collection for Pathogens in Korea
Authors: Kim Seung Tae , Yun Mi-Ran , Choi Young Sill , Cheong Hyang-Min
Published: April 2023

With the introduction of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the global incidence of mumps has been effectively reduced since the late 1990s. In the last decade, however, mumps incidence has increased in the population of late teens to early 20s, and as a result, studies have been analyzing the cause and developing solutions. To provide the data source for such studies, the gene and amino acid sequence data were compared for the vaccine strain and five recently isolated Korean strains of Mumps orthorubulavirus (MUV) from the available strains at the National Culture Collection for Pathogens (NCCP), a pathogen bank in South Korea. The whole genome sequence (WGS) data on the five Korean MUV strains at the NCCP were built using next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. In the phylogenetic analysis, genotypes H and I were identified by RAxML with multiple sequence alignment (MSA) using the MAFFT program. The sequences of F and HN proteins, the key antigenic sites of the five strains of NCCP MUV, were translated using the EMBOSS package and compared with the sequences of the same proteins of the vaccine strain (Genotype A, Jeryl_Lynn strain; AF338106). Multiple mutations at the B cell epitope, T cell epitope, and glycosylation sites were evident. The HN protein epitope site displayed eight mutations (N121S, R122SN, N123, L336S, E356D, Y442S, I287V, and H464N) shared across all NCCP MUVs. This research is anticipated to contribute to studies to enhance the vaccine strain and develop antiviral agents.
Numerical evaluation of cutting strategies for thin-walled parts
Authors: Lassila Andreas Andersson , Svensson Daniel , Wang Wei , Andersson Tobias
Published: April 2023

Static form errors due to in-process deflections is a major concern in flank milling of thin-walled parts. To increase both productivity and part geometric accuracy, there is a need to predict and control these form errors. In this work, a modelling framework for prediction of the cutting force-induced form errors, or thickness errors, during flank milling of a thin-walled workpiece is proposed. The modelled workpiece geometry is continuously updated to account for material removal and the reduced stiffness matrix is calculated for nodes in the engagement zone. The proposed modelling framework is able to predict the resulting thickness errors for a thin-walled plate which is cut on both sides. Several cutting strategies and cut patterns using constant z-level finishing are studied. The modelling framework is used to investigate the effect of different cut patterns, machining allowance, cutting tools and cutting parameters on the resulting thickness errors. The framework is experimentally validated for various cutting sequences and cutting parameters. The predicted thickness errors closely correspond to the experimental results. It is shown from numerical evaluations that the selection of an appropriate cut pattern is crucial in order to reduce the thickness error. Furthermore, it is shown that an increased machining allowance gives a decreased thickness error for thin-walled plates.
Methane emission rate estimate using airborne measurement at offshore oil platforms in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Authors: Khaleghi Afshan , MacKay Katlyn , Darlington Andrea , James Lesley A. , Risk David
Published: April 2023

Methane (CH4) measurements are needed to better understand emissions from oil and gas sources. While many CH4 measurement studies have been done in Canada, they have not yet targeted offshore production from which low emission intensities are reported by industry. For this study, a Twin Otter aircraft was equipped with a Picarro 2210-i gas analyzer and an Aventech wind measurement system (AIMMs_30) to measure CH4 emissions from three oil production facilities in offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. Each facility was visited three times to account for daily variability. Measured concentrations were used to estimate emission rates and production-weighted intensities using two different methods, Top-down Emission Rate Retrieval Algorithm (TERRA), a mass conservation technique developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada, and a Gaussian Dispersion method (GD). Overall, TERRA mass balance-derived emission rates from our measurements were 2,890 ± 3,027 m3 CH4 day− 1(GD = 7,721 m3 CH4 day− 1), 3,738 ± 7,199 m3 CH4 day− 1 (GD = 13,131 m3 CH4 day− 1) and 7,975 ± 4,453 m3 CH4 day− 1 (GD = 7,242 m3 CH4 day− 1), respectively for SeaRose, Hibernia and Hebron. Based on results from both TERRA and Gaussian dispersion the weighted average was (considering number of samples in each method) 5,000 m3 CH4 day− 1 (3.35 tonnes CH4 day− 1), which is comparable to the federally reported estimate of 8,037 m3 CH4 day− 1 of federal estimates, reported in 2019. Production-weighted methane intensities calculated using measured emission rates and reported oil production show that Canadian offshore production ranges from 0.4–2.2 MJ emitted/MJ produced, making it among the least methane-intensive oil produced in Canada.
The causal relationship between gut microbiome and carpal tunnel syndrome:A two-sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Liu Ye , Zhang Zhen , Li Chun’e , Hui Jingni , Gou Yifan , Zhou Ruixue , Kang Meijuan , Liu Chen , Wang Bingyi , Shi Panxin , Liu Huan , Cheng Bolun , Jia Yumeng , Wen Yan , Zhang Feng
Published: April 2023

Objective There is considerable evidence linking gut microbiome to bone-joint diseases, but no studies explored the causal association between gut microbiome and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).Methods This study utilized large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics to evaluate the causal association between gut microbiome and CTS. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was used to identify the causal microbial taxa for CTS. Comprehensively sensitivity analysis was performed to validate the robustness of results. Reverse-direction MR analysis was performed to rule out the possibility of reverse associations.Results Multiplicative random effect inverse variance weighted (IVW_mre) method suggested that 4 gut microbial taxa had a positive effect on CTS such as Actinobacteria (OR = 1.12, PIVW = 0.05) and Oxalobacter (OR = 1.06, PIVW < 0.01); 11 gut microbial taxa had a negative effect on CTS such as Methanobacteria (OR = 0.95, PIVW = 0.01), Rikenellaceae (OR = 0.92, PIVW = 0.03), Blautia (OR = 0.92, PIVW = 0.02), Butyrivibrio (OR = 0.94, PIVW = 0.01) and Lachnospira (OR = 0.86, PIVW < 0.01). Sensitivity analysis excluded the influence of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. According to the results of reverse-direction MR analysis, no significant causal effect of CTS was found on 15 gut microbial taxa.Conclusions Our study identified the causal relationships between several gut microbiomes and CTS. These findings may give insights into the mechanism of CTS and provide novel therapeutic targets.
First basin scale spatial-temporal characterization of underwater sound in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Picciulin Marta , Petrizzo Antonio , Madricardo Fantina , Barbanti Andrea , Bastianini Mauro , Biagiotti Ilaria , Bosi Sofia , Centurelli Michele , Codarin Antonio , Costantini Ilaria , Dadić Vlado , Falkner Raffaela , Galvez Daphnie , Leonori Iole , Menegon Stefano , Mihanović Hrvoje , Muslim Stipe , Pari Alice , Pari Sauro , Pleslić Grgur , Radulović Marko , Rako-Gospić Nikolina , Sabbatini Davide , Tegowski Jaroslaw , Vukadin Predrag , Ghezzo Michol
Published: April 2023

Anthropogenic underwater noise is an emergent pollutant and several monitoring programs have started worldwide. However, only few data are available so far for the Mediterranean Sea, one of the global biodiversity hotspots. To fill this knowledge gap, this study presents the results of the first continuous acoustic monitoring run at a transnational basin scale in the Mediterranean Sea between March 2020 and June 2021, including the COVID-19 lockdown, at nine stations in the Northern Adriatic Sea. Median yearly sound pressure levels (SPLs) ranged between 64 and 95 as well as 70 and 100 dB re 1µPa for 63 and 125 Hz third octave bands, respectively. Although these values are comparable with those previously found in busy shallow EU basins, higher levels are likely to be found during a business-as-usual period. Higher and more variable SPLs, mainly related to vessel traffic were found in stations close to important harbours, whereas stations inside or close to Natura 2000 sites, experienced lower SPLs, and lower values were recorded during the Covid-19 lockdown in four stations. This represent the first baseline acoustic assessment for a highly impacted and valuable area that needs to be taken into account in a new sustainable blue growth strategy.
Impacts of Anthropogenic Structures in Long- and Short-Term Shoreline Evolution of Santa Marta Bay (Colombian Caribbean)
Authors: Portz Luana , Manzolli Rogério Portantiolo , Villate-Daza Diego , Bolívar-Anillo Hernando José , Fontán-Bouzas Ángela , Alcántara-Carrió Javier
Published: April 2023

Interaction of Anthropic interventions (rigid structures) with coasts is an essential aspect for understanding their geomorphic evolution and incorporating these data into adequate coastal management. This study analyses the short and long-term behavior (1985 to 2019) of shoreline at Santa Marta Bay (Caribbean - Colombia) and their relationship with coastal protection structures. The shoreline variations were analyzed through aerial photographs and satellite images using DSAS tools. The short-term assessment revealed initial intense 1985–1991 erosion, with an average retreat speed of − 1.6 m·y− 1. It changed gradually since 2003, due to the construction of rigid structures and beach nourishment, decreasing shoreline retreat and even a progradation of 0.2 m·y− 1 was observed. The 2009–2019 period, despite recording a positive average value, exhibited a high percentage of erosion profiles. Therefore, in a decadal or long-term analysis (1985–2019), despite engineering works present positive results in the short term, new interventions are required. The coastal erosion is not uniform along the shoreline, because the area is a closed bay with small sediment contribution, the variations in erosion and accretion rates change with human intervention and the installation of new structures. Therefore, quantifying the scale and rate of shoreline changes and correlating them with anthropogenic structures is an essential step in assessing shoreline vulnerability.
Production of Low Emission Briquettes from Faecal Sludge as an Alternative Source of Cooking Energy
Authors: Sanka Paulo Martin , Germain Olivier , Khalifa Leyla , Komakech Hans , Magambo Hezron
Published: April 2023

Background
In Tanzania, firewood, charcoal, and agricultural waste plays a crucial role in daily life as the source of cooking energy, especially in rural areas. Inefficient emissions of harmful substances lead to health problems, environmental degradation, deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. Faecal sludge has shown the potential to be used as an environmentally friendly and more sustainable alternative to traditional sources to meet the increasing demand for cooking energy in Tanzania. The whole process involved sludge characterization, drying, sorting, carbonization, milling, and briquetting.
Results
Faecal sludge from households was assessed for zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb) and the results were within the acceptable limits of the Tanzanian Standards of 5.00 mg/L, 5.00 mg/L, and 30.00 mg/L. Septic tanks and pit latrines sludge had a concentration of 0.5 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L, 0.55 mg/L and 0.6 mg/L, and 10.01 mg/L and 4.87 mg/L, respectively. The carbonization process at 450°C kills all the pathogens present. The addition of 25% sawdust or charcoal dust improves the calorific value of the briquettes (gross and net calorific value in Kcal/Kg) from 2500 and 2426 to 3388 and 3296, and 3915 and 3823, respectively. The emission of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10 in micrograms/m3) was reduced from 30.4 and 35 to 10.3 and 11.8 and 7 and 8, respectively. The emission of CO (ppm) was reduced from 51.2 to 19.7, respectively.
Conclusion
Faecal sludge briquettes demonstrated promising results with the addition of other biomass materials in terms of emission levels, burning time, and compressive strength. Therefore, from this study, faecal sludge briquettes have shown the potential to replace traditional cooking energy sources.
Determinants of Business Productivity Among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Rwanda: A Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Kwizera Seth , Twesige Daniel
Published: April 2023

Purpose:
The study sought to analyse the determinants of business productivity among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Rwanda. The productivity of MSMEs is still a major challenge in Rwanda, where most of the MSMEs do not exceed five years of existence.
Methodology
The study adopted a quantitative approach where primary data was collected using a closed-ended questionnaire administered to 399 business owners/managers. Structural equation modelling was used to test the determinants of MSMEs' productivity in Rwanda.
Findings
Data collected from the survey indicated that there is a significant relationship between physical, human, technological resources and productivity of micro small and medium enterprise. The results further highlighted that stakeholder relationship, reputation, information, marketing skills entrepreneurship practices and business productivity.
Originanlity and Value
The current study contributes to the current literature by highlighting the determinants of both the tangible and intangible resources that enhance the productivity of MSMEs which can help policymakers to design policies to improve the productivity of MSMEs.
JEL: M`13
Multimodal measures of spontaneous brain activity reveal both common and divergent patterns of cortical functional organization
Authors: Vafaii Hadi , Mandino Francesca , Desrosiers-Gregoire Gabriel , O'Connor David , shen xilin , Ge Xinxin , Herman Peter , Hyder Fahmeed , Papademetris Xenophon , Chakravarty M , Crair Michael , Constable R. Todd , Lake Evelyn , Pessoa Luiz
Published: April 2023

Large-scale functional networks have been characterized in both rodent and human brains, typically by analyzing fMRI-BOLD signals. However, the relationship between fMRI-BOLD and underlying neural activity is complex and incompletely understood, which poses challenges to interpreting network organization obtained using this technique. Additionally, most work has assumed a disjoint functional network organization (i.e., brain regions belong to one and only one network). Here, we employed wide-field Ca2+ imaging simultaneously with fMRI-BOLD in mice expressing GCaMP6f in excitatory neurons. We determined cortical networks discovered by each modality using a mixed-membership algorithm to test the hypothesis that functional networks are overlapping rather than disjoint. Our results show that multiple BOLD networks are detected via Ca2+ signals; there is considerable network overlap (both modalities); networks determined by low-frequency Ca2+ signals are only modestly more similar to BOLD networks; and, despite similarities, important differences are detected across modalities (e.g., brain region “network diversity”). In conclusion, Ca2+ imaging uncovered overlapping functional cortical organization in the mouse that reflected several, but not all, properties observed with fMRI-BOLD signals.
Tracing and Tracking Residential Water Consumption in Adama City, Ethiopia: Coupling Geospatial and Socioeconomic Analysis for Water-Sensitive Intervention Decision-Making Support
Authors: Abraha Abraha , Assefa Tibebu , Gebremariyam Ephrem
Published: April 2023

To develop a water-conscious strategy, it is critical to trace and track water from its source to the end users, understand water conservation behaviors and identify the factors that influence water usage. However, in developing countries, comprehensive studies on water consumption are still scarce, and those that are already available are difficult to generalize and do not provide a full picture for decision-making. Hence, the main objective of the study is to trace and track water consumption from its source to end users to generate water consumption information for water-sensitive intervention decision-making. In terms of methodology, both secondary and primary data were gathered using a household survey and a Geospatial technique. The current analysis found that internalization and diverse water harvesting methods are not taken into account and that there is just "one source option" for the supply. The result asserted that the average water consumption per capita per day is 73 L/person/day. This falls short of both the national standard (80 l/person/day) and the WHO standard, the water delivery network only covers 45% of the city master plan, 38% of the demand is unmet and 40% of the city area coverage receiving water no more frequently than once per week. This shows that the city is experiencing a physical and economic water scarcity. The findings also demonstrated that variables like family size, housing quality, closeness to the city center, and reliability have a big impact on water consumption. Based on the findings, it is possible to infer that water crisis will continue at an accelerating rate so long as the ‘business as usual’ water consumption practice remains unchanged.
Trading electricity under different carbon pricing constraints: the French-German case
Authors: Chaton Corinne , Creti Anna
Published: April 2023

There is an ongoing debate regarding possible reforms in the EU ETS (Emissions Trading System) market. One of the measures considered is a price floor that would prevent the price from reaching very low values. This regulation instrument has been implemented for permits, in other markets like California. We contribute to the recent literature on the carbon price floor (CPF) by analysing its effect on the electricity sector in interconnected countries. We characterise electricity trade and carbon market equilibria under symmetric and asymmetric regulations and simulate our results for the French and German electricity markets. The French-German electricity trading case illustrates the likely impact of CPF measures, which may have counterintuitive effects on carbon prices.
Serum Calcium is Associated with Sudden Cardiac Arrest after Stroke: An Observational Multicenter Study of the eICU Database
Authors: Hou Jianfei , Huang Zhenhua , Zeng Wenfei , Wu Zhanxing , Zhang Lingna
Published: April 2023

The aim of our study was to investigate the association of serum calcium with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in patients with stroke. We evaluated the clinical data of 10226 acute stroke patients admitted to the intensive care unit. We assessed the correlation between serum calcium and SCA after acute stroke by multivariate logistic regression. A nonlinear association between platelet count and mortality of HS patients was investigated using a generalized additive model and smooth curve fitting. In this study, we found lower Serum Calcium at admission was associated with SCA of almost two times as high as that for that non-low calcium patients. An increment of per unit in serum calcium was associated with a 49% decrease in SCA. We found that the link between serum calcium at admission and SCA after stroke in the hospital was likewise nonlinear. In addition, we demonstrated that the inflection point of the serum calcium was 8.7 mg/dL. This study demonstrates a nonlinear relationship between serum calcium and the risk of SCA after stroke. Low serum calcium was a risk factor associated with in-hospital SCA after stroke, and elevated serum calcium may be a great intervention for decreasing the incidence of SCA after stroke.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Cognitive Function in Acute and Chronic Male Rats by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Reducing Neuroinflammation
Authors: AKCAY GUVEN , Celik Cagla , Cicek Betul , Yuce Neslihan , Bolat Ismail , Yildirim Serkan , Derin Narin
Published: April 2023

Introduction:
Epilepsy causes physical, psychological, social and economic problems. Epilepsy is a seizure condition that occurs as a result of deterioration of balance of inhibition and excitation between nerve cells in the brain. The aim of study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of DCS over the hippocampuscortex on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in rats with acute and chronic temporal lobe epilepsy model.
Methods:
72 Wistar albino male rats, 3 months old, were divided into 6 groups; Acute control, acute epilepsy, acute epilepsy+tDCS, chronic control, chronic epilepsy and chronic epilepsy+tDCS. The TLE model was created with Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injection. Locomotor activity behavior was evaluated with open field test, and learning behavior was evaluated with novel object recognition and y maze tests. After the behavioral experiments, the subjects were sacrificed and proinflammatory cytokine levels were measured in hippocampus brain tissue.
Results:
tDCS stimulation had a neuroprotective effect on cognitive function, which deteriorates learning and memory after epilepsy. In addition, the increase in GFAP and nNOS expressions after PTZ-induced epilepsy was found to be decreased as a result of tDCS stimulation. However, in acute and chronic epilepsy groups, it was observed that significant decrease in SOD levels increased with tDCS treatment, while the significant increases in MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were decreased with tDCS stimulation.
Conclusion:
These results showed that tDCS administration in acute and chronic epilepsy has a therapeutic and neuroprotective effect on oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and has a reducing effect on neuroinflammation.
Production of Postbiotic Metabolites γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances (BLIS) by Lactobacillus brevis C23 Co-culture in Coconut-Based Medium for Potential Psychobiotics and Food Preservatives
Authors: Chuah Wei Wei , Tan Joo Shun , Oslan Siti Nur Hazwani , Raja Pandian Bothi
Published: April 2023

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) with antioxidant properties and sedative effects when it binds to GABA receptor in human’s brain. LAB can also produce bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS) with antimicrobial capabilities during carbohydrate fermentation. GABA and BLIS are natural compounds with potential health benefits and food preservation properties. Lactobacillus brevis C23 was co-cultured with three different LAB as inducers, which produced the highest GABA content and BLIS activity. They were cultured in various plant-based media to obtain an edible and better-tasting final product over commercially available media like MRS broth. A coconut-based medium with additives was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to increase GABA and BLIS production. The optimized medium for maximum GABA production (3.22 ± 0.01mg/mL) and BLIS activity (84.40 ± 0.44%) was a 5.5% coconut medium containing 0.23% glucose, 1.44% Tween 20, 0.48% L-glutamic acid and 0.02% pyridoxine. Due to the presence of GABA, the cell-free supernatant (CFS) as a postbiotic showed a higher antioxidant activity than other food preservatives like nisin and potassium sorbate. Finally, a microbiological test on food samples showed that the postbiotic was more effective than other preservatives at combating the growth of LAB, molds, and coliform bacteria, making it a possible food preservative.
Hard and soft-tissue symmetry correlations in different facial aesthetic subunits: A retrospective study on Chinese young adults with normal occlusion
Authors: Qiu Tiancheng , Li Qianqian , Yang Rong , Li Zili , Liu Xiaojing
Published: April 2023

Objectives
The aim of this study was to describe facial symmetry based on aesthetic units in normal Chinese young adults. Correlations between symmetries of soft tissue units and underlying bone was also investigated.
Materials and methods
A retrospective study was conducted on 96 data sets which included spiral CT and facial stereophotogrammetry. A landmark independent symmetry measurement based on original-mirror alignment was performed. The full face was divided into 14 facial aesthetic units. The root mean square (RMS) of each soft and bony unit was compared by the Wilcoxon test. The correlation between RMS of soft tissue and its underlying bone was investigated by spearman correlation analysis.
Results
The RMS of the soft tissue units and bony units varied from 0.64 ± 0.37 mm to 1.25 ± 0.76 mm and from 0.76 ± 0.37 mm to 1.75 ± 1.04 mm, respectively. The symmetry correlation coefficient of soft and underlying bony structure varied from 0.216 to 0.684. The highest correlation was in the zygomatic region (0.684), while the lowest in the periocular region (from 0.216 to 0.331).
Conclusions
It was suggested that the normal face is slightly asymmetric, and the symmetry of soft tissue is in correlation with underlying bony structure.
Clinical Relevance
The traditional principle of aesthetics units was applied in this study which make evaluating the facial symmetry more accurately. Meanwhile, the correlation analysis of the symmetry of facial soft and hard tissue provides a reference data for maxillofacial plastic surgery.
The effects of two dietary synbiotics on growth performance, haematological parameters, and non-specific immune responses in Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica)
Authors: Olowe Olumide Samuel , Hamidoghli Ali , Choi Wonsuk , Bae Jinho , Lee Yein , Ewumi Folorunso Azeez , Lee Seunghyung , Bai Sungchul C.
Published: April 2023

Feed additives are essential in improving the growth and immunity of eels, which are often affected by nutritional and disease challenges. This study evaluated the effects of two dietary synbiotics in Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica: Bacillus subtilis with mannooligosaccharide (MOS) and Enterococcus faecium with fructooligosaccharide (FOS). Six diets, including a basal diet (CON), a 4 g kg− 1 oxytetracycline (OTC), and four synbiotic diets - B.subtilis at 1 × 106 and 107 CFU g− 1 plus 5 g kg− 1 MOS (BS6MO and BS7MO) and E. faecium at 1 × 106 and 107 CFU g− 1 plus 5 g kg− 1 FOS (EF6FO and EF7FO) - were prepared and fed to triplicate groups of 20 fish averaging 6.00 ± 0.07g (mean ± SD) for eight weeks. Weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR), and feed efficiency (FE) of fish fed B. subtilis plus MOS (BSMOS) diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed CON and OTC diets (p < 0.05) but not significantly higher than those of fish fed the E. faecium plus FOS (EFFOS) diets. Best protein efficiency was achieved in fish fed the synbiotics diets (p < 0.05). Fish fed OTC diets showed the highest level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) but were not significantly different from synbiotic diets, except for BS6MO. Fish fed the EF7FO diets showed the lowest superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity compared to other synbiotics. Japanese eel fed with the synbiotic and OTC diets showed no significant difference in resistance against Vibrio anguillarum. Since synbiotics are dose dependent, the synergetic efficiency of EFFOS is better at 107 CFU g− 1. These results suggest that BS7MO may be more effective as a synbiotic in Japanese eel diet than EFFOS diets. Our results showed that synbiotic diets could improve growth and immunity and be a sustainable alternative to antibiotics.