bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Korean Grammar Education Research Trends
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Sojeong , Koo Min Ji
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine the grammar education research of Korean pedagogy to explore the direction of Korean grammar education research. In order to this end, we have selected 678 of the domestic journal paper by the study of the papers retrieved by the keyword “Korean Grammar Education”. Referring to the preceding study, the subject was classified as grammar education general, grammar system, grammar elements, grammar use aspects, grammar teaching methods, grammar teaching materials and grammar evaluation areas. The research type was classified as a primary study including three median and a secondary study including four median. The subject side trends of the Korean grammar education study are as follows; studies on the expression in the form of lumps, studies on the function of the speech act and pragmatics, studies on the teaching method based on the actual class, studies on the development of localized grammar textbooks were increased. In terms of research types, Korean grammatical education research tends to be devoted to the secondary study, but only the primary research ratio was significantly higher in the grammar use aspects area. The Korean Education academics must find what research methods suitable for each subject of Korean grammar education research.
Mandatory Marketing Education in Beauty-related Majors and Strategies for Upgrading Educational
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kgng Seryoung
Published: July 2022

This study verified that the fundamental cause of the insufficient growth rate of the domestic beauty industry, starting from the COVID-19 pandemic, when compared to the other industrialized countries was the lack of differentiated marketing strategies and capability, and focused on compulsory education of marketing in the beauty-related departments to suggest strategies regarding educational practice, industry, and policy to maximize the effectiveness of education as a measure to overcome such problem. In terms of educational practice, this study suggested focusing on mutual organicity among different areas, starting with basic subjects such as marketing introduction and marketing strategy, integrating these subjects into existing subjects such as cosmetics science marketing, marketing law, beauty care service marketing, design marketing, and cultural marketing. After the second and third grades, it was suggested that specialized marketers should be fostered through in-depth research of the field according to their chosen major. From an industrial perspective, this study suggested the significance of providing a place to think with practitioners about how theories in each field taught at colleges are realized in real life, what their limitations are, and how to improve them. In addition, this study presented that if various benefits are provided to students who are taking an industry-academic collaboration curriculum and activeness is promoted in learning, synergy can be created between industry and college by increasing job performance. Finally, in terms of policy, this study suggested that the government should establish a macroscopic roadmap for this structure, act as a control tower in the industry- academic collaboration process, support education expenses, certify students who have completed the curriculum, secure their social status, and pose an arbitration strategy to minimize potential conflicts or trouble.
Improvement of Photoelectrochemical Properties of CuO Photoelectrode by Li Doping
Authors: Bae Seongchan , Lee Sunghyeok , Ryu Hyukhyun , Lee Won-Jae
Published: July 2022

We fabricated a Li doped CuO photoelectrode by doping CuO with Li to improve the photoelectrochemical properties of the CuO photoelectrode. The fabricated Li doped CuO photoelectrode was optimized by experimentally investigating Li doping concentration, annealing temperature, and spin coating deposition cycle. It was confirmed that Li doped CuO had increased light absorption, decreased energy band gap, and improved crystallinity. The Li-doped CuO photoelectrode had a porous surface, unlike the bare CuO photoelectrode, and had a low charge transfer resistance as well as a high flat band potential. The Li doping concentration experiment demonstrated that the 2 at% Li doped CuO photoelectrode had a superior photocurrent density value compared with a bare CuO photoelectrode. In the annealing temperature optimization experiment with a 2 at% Li doped CuO photoelectrode, it was found to have the best photocurrent density value at 500 oC. In experiments with various spin coating deposition cycles of the Li-doped CuO photoelectrode, the light absorption, energy bandgap, crystallinity, and electrical properties were affected by changes in the film thickness of the photoelectrode. In particular, we confirmed that a sample deposited with 4 spin coating cycles had the lowest interfacial resistance between the photoelectrode and the electrolyte, and the highest flat-band potential value. Consequently, we were able to obtain an improved photocurrent density of -1.68 mA/cm2 compared to the bare CuO photoelectrode using the Li-doped CuO photoelectrode under the optimized conditions of Li 2 at%, an annealing temperature of 500 oC, and 4 cycles of spin coating depositions.
Prediction and Validation of Stress Triaxiality Assisted by Elasto-Visco-Plastic Polycrystal Model
Authors: Park Jinhwa , Jeong Youngung
Published: July 2022

The ΔEVPSC numerical code based on the elasto-visco-plastic HEM (Homogeneous Effective Medium) provides a multiscale constitutive modeling framework that is suitable for describing a wide range of mechanical behaviors of polycrystalline metals. In this study, an AA6061-T6 aluminum sample was chosen to validate the predictive capability of the ΔEVPSC stand-alone (ΔEVPSC-SA) code on stress triaxiality and its evolution until fracture. The model parameters were calibrated by fitting the uniaxial flow stress-strain curve, and the initial crystallographic orientation distribution (COD) was obtained using X-ray diffraction and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) methods. The statistical representativeness of the COD was further examined by comparing the experimental R-values with model predictions based on a set of CODs obtained via the two mentioned diffraction methods. The results suggest that the X-ray scan does not represent the texture very well, and instead, an entire cross-sectional EBSD scan is required, even though the texture gradient along the through-thickness direction is not very significant. The model-calculated triaxiality based on the ΔEVPSC-SA code was verified by comparison with the experimental results from the uniaxial tension, the notched tension, and the plane strain tests. The results were in good agreement with the ΔEVPSC finite element (FE) simulation results and other similar experimental results reported in the literature.
Metagenomic Predictions: A Review 10 years on
Authors: Ross Elizabeth M , Hayes Ben J
Published: July 2022

Metagenomic predictions use variation in the metagenome (microbiome profile) to predict the unknown phenotype of the associated host. Metagenomic predictions were first developed 10 years ago, where they were used to predict which cattle would produce high or low levels of enteric methane. Since then, the approach has been applied to several traits and species including residual feed intake in cattle, and carcass traits, body mass index and disease state in pigs. Additionally, the method has been extended to include predictions based on other multi-dimensional data such as the metabolome, as well to combine genomic and metagenomic information. While there is still substantial optimisation required, the use of metagenomic predictions is expanding as DNA sequencing costs continue to fall and shows great promise particularly for traits heavily influenced by the microbiome such as feed efficiency and methane emissions.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation After Prior Lung Transplantation for Hereditary Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis: A Case Report
Authors: Beeckmans Hanne , Ambrocio Gene P. L. , Bos Saskia , Vermaut Astrid , Geudens Vincent , Vanstapel Arno , Vanaudenaerde Bart M. , De Baets Frans , Malfait Thomas L. A. , Emonds Marie-Paule , Van Raemdonck Dirk E. , Schoemans Hélène M. , Vos Robin ,   for the Leuven Lung Transplant Group
Published: July 2022

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare, diffuse lung disorder characterized by surfactant accumulation in the small airways due to defective clearance by alveolar macrophages, resulting in impaired gas exchange. Whole lung lavage is the current standard of care treatment for PAP. Lung transplantation is an accepted treatment option when whole lung lavage or other experimental treatment options are ineffective, or in case of extensive pulmonary fibrosis secondary to PAP. A disadvantage of lung transplantation is recurrence of PAP in the transplanted lungs, especially in hereditary PAP. The hereditary form of PAP is an ultra-rare condition caused by genetic mutations in genes encoding for the granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor, and intrinsically affects bone marrow derived-monocytes, which differentiate into macrophages in the lung. Consequently, these macrophages typically display disrupted GM-CSF receptor-signaling, causing defective surfactant clearance. Bone marrow/hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may potentially reverse the lung disease in hereditary PAP. In patients with hereditary PAP undergoing lung transplantation, post-lung transplant recurrence of PAP may theoretically be averted by subsequent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which results in a graft-versus-disease (PAP) effect, and thus could improve long-term outcome. We describe the successful long-term post-transplant outcome of a unique case of end-stage respiratory failure due to hereditary PAP-induced pulmonary fibrosis, successfully treated by bilateral lung transplantation and subsequent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Our report supports treatment with serial lung and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to improve quality of life and prolong survival, without PAP recurrence, in selected patients with end-stage hereditary PAP.
Artefact and Artifice: Evaluation of the Skill of Catch-Only Methods for Classifying Stock Status
Authors: Kell Laurence T. , Sharma Rishi , Winker Henning
Published: July 2022

In data and capacity limited situations, catch-only models are increasingly being used to provide summaries of the state of regional and global fisheries. Due to the lack of information on stock trends, heuristics are required for initial and final depletion priors. The lack of data for calibration means that results are sensitive to the choice of heuristics. We, therefore, evaluate the value of obtaining additional information for classifying stock status. We found that heuristics alone performed nearly as well as the catch-only model. This highlights that catch-only models cannot be used as part of management control, where data updates are used to monitor the effectiveness of interventions. To implement management for data-poor stocks, additional data and knowledge are therefore required. The value of obtaining additional information for reducing risk due to loss of yield through adopting a risk equivalence approach should be evaluated. This will help identify the value-of-information and prioritise the development of scientific management frameworks that protect marine ecosystems and the well-being of people who have a stake in the resources at regional and local levels.
Mangroves Cover Change Trajectories 1984-2020: The Gradual Decrease of Mangroves in Colombia
Authors: Murillo-Sandoval Paulo J. , Fatoyinbo Lola , Simard Marc
Published: July 2022

Awareness of the significant benefits of mangroves to human lives and their role in regulating environmental processes has increased during the recent decades. Yet there remains significant uncertainty about the mangrove change trajectories and the drivers of change at national scales. In Colombia, the absence of historical satellite imagery and persistent cloud cover have impeded the accurate mapping of mangrove extent and change over time. We create a temporally consistent Landsat-derived dataset using the LandTrendr algorithm to track the historical land cover and mangrove conversion from 1984-2020 across Colombia. Over this period, mangrove extent decreased by ~48.000ha (14% of total mangrove area). We find a gradual reduction of mangrove extent along the Pacific coast since 2004, whereas, in the Caribbean, mangrove cover declined around during 1984-1988 and also after 2012. Our time-series analysis matches with drivers of mangrove change at three local sites. For instance, hydroclimatic events, dredging activities, and high sediment loads transported by the rivers have collectively improved mangrove recovery in some sites. In contrast, human activities pressure linked to agricultural expansion and road construction have degraded mangroves. The transition from dense mangrove to other vegetation types is the most significant conversion affecting mangrove cover in Colombia, impacting an area of 38,469 ± 2,829 ha. We anticipate increased mangrove loss, especially along the Pacific coast, resulting from intensified human activity. Prioritization of conservation areas is needed to support local institutions, maintain currently protected areas, and develop strategies (e.g. payment for ecosystem services) to preserve one of the most pristine mangrove regions in the Western Hemisphere.
Mismatches in scale between highly mobile marine megafauna and marine protected areas
Authors: Conners Melinda G. , Sisson Nicholas B. , Agamboue Pierre D. , Atkinson Philip W. , Baylis Alastair M. M. , Benson Scott R. , Block Barbara A. , Bograd Steven J. , Bordino Pablo , Bowen W. D. , Brickle Paul , Bruno Ignacio M. , González Carman Victoria , Champagne Cory D. , Crocker Daniel E. , Costa Daniel P. , Dawson Tiffany M. , Deguchi Tomohiro , Dewar Heidi , Doherty Philip D. , Eguchi Tomo , Formia Angela , Godley Brendan J. , Graham Rachel T. , Gredzens Christian , Hart Kristen M. , Hawkes Lucy A. , Henderson Suzanne , Henry Robert William , Hückstädt Luis A. , Irvine Ladd M. , Kienle Sarah S. , Kuhn Carey E. , Lidgard Damian , Loredo Stephanie A. , Mate Bruce R. , Metcalfe Kristian , Nzegoue Jacob , Kouerey Oliwina Carmen K. , Orben Rachael A. , Ozaki Kiyoaki , Parnell Richard , Pike Elizabeth P. , Robinson Patrick W. , Rosenbaum Howard C. , Sato Fumio , Shaffer Scott A. , Shaver Donna J. , Simmons Samantha E. , Smith Brian J. , Sounguet Guy-Philippe , Suryan Robert M. , Thompson David R. , Tierney Megan , Tilley Dominic , Young Hillary S. , Warwick-Evans Victoria , Weise Michael J. , Wells Randall S. , Wilkinson Bradley P. , Witt Matthew J. , Maxwell Sara M.
Published: July 2022

Marine protected areas (MPAs), particularly large MPAs, are increasing in number and size around the globe in part to facilitate the conservation of marine megafauna under the assumption that large-scale MPAs better align with vagile life histories; however, this alignment is not well established. Using a global tracking dataset from 36 species across five taxa, chosen to reflect the span of home range size in highly mobile marine megafauna, we show most MPAs are too small to encompass complete home ranges of most species. Based on size alone, 40% of existing MPAs could encompass the home ranges of the smallest ranged species, while only < 1% of existing MPAs could encompass those of the largest ranged species. Further, where home ranges and MPAs overlapped in real geographic space, MPAs encompassed < 5% of core areas used by all species. Despite most home ranges of mobile marine megafauna being much larger than existing MPAs, we demonstrate how benefits from MPAs are still likely to accrue by targeting seasonal aggregations and critical life history stages and through other management techniques.
Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing and Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Provide Insights Into the Ovarian Maturation of Exopalaemon carinicauda
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Li Jitao , Ge Qianqian , Li Wenyang , Li Jian
Published: July 2022

The ridgetail white shrimp Exopalaemon carinicauda has the potential to be used as a useful experimental organism in the field of crustacean research due to its transparent body, large egg, and short reproductive cycle. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms of ovarian maturation in E. carinicauda. In this study, we applied PacBio single-molecule long-read sequencing technology to unveil the whole transcriptome landscape of Exopalaemon carinicauda to better understand the molecular mechanisms of ovarian development. A total of 49.05 G polymerase read bases were generated, finally, 15, 151 unigenes were successfully identified with a mean length of 4, 257 bp and an N50 of 4, 884 bp from ovary tissues (five different ovarian developmental stages). A total of 14, 007 unigenes were successfully annotated in at least one public database. In addition, 8, 861 coding sequences, 4, 594 lncRNAs and 895 transcription factors were identified. Furthermore, we performed RNA-Seq analysis combined with Iso-Seq results to investigate ovarian maturation regulation mechanism and validated the results by quantitative real-time PCR. We annotated five vitellogenin isoforms in the full-length transcriptome, meanwhile these five genes and vitellogenin receptor suggested an important role during previtellogenesis of E. carinicauda. Genes were involved in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, retinol metabolism, cell cycle and hedgehog signaling pathway, which showed obvious associations with ovarian maturation of E. carinicauda. We identified 40 DEGs, such as forkhead box protein L2, which may be related to ovarian development in the comparisons. The expression profiles of genes such as ecdysone receptor, ecdysone-induced protein 74EF, ecdysone inducible gene E75 and post-molt protein suggest that they were significantly associated with reproductive molting in the ovarian mature stage. In conclusion, the present study identified important genes and pathways involved in ovarian maturation, which might be useful for studying the reproductive regulation and mechanisms of ovarian maturation in E. carinicauda.
A Transdisciplinary Approach Towards Studying Direct Mortality Among Demersal Fish and Benthic Invertebrates in the Wake of Pulse Trawling
Authors: Schram Edward , Molenaar Pieke , de Koning Susan , Rijnsdorp Adriaan D.
Published: July 2022

Between 2009 and 2020, beam trawlers in the North Sea switched to electrical stimulation to target sole (Solea solea). The transition to pulse trawling raised widespread concern about possible adverse effects of electrical stimulation on marine organisms. Environmental NGO’s and small scale fishers claimed that it would electrocute marine life and create a ‘graveyard’ in the wake of pulse trawlers. This paper uses realistic field experiments to investigate the ‘graveyard’ hypothesis. In cooperation with fishers, a field experiment was designed where we simultaneously sampled marine organisms in the wake of pulse trawlers and in untrawled control areas. The impact was quantified by estimating the direct mortality among three dominant fish species and four dominant invertebrate species. In total, nine experimental tows were conducted in two years. Direct mortality among fish and invertebrates was low (0-10%) and did not differ between the pulse trawl track and the untrawled controls. Equally, no impact of the pulse trawl was found on external damages and vitality scores. The limited effects observed are likely due to the mechanical impact of the pulse and the sampling gear. The results of experiment do not support the claim that pulse trawling results in mass mortality among marine organisms in the trawl track. Throughout the research period, the concerns of small-scale fishers on pulse fishing shifted from being focused on biological effects to political and managerial issues. This can partly be attributed to the engagement in and the results of our research and has increased its credibility and salience. By integrating fishers’ knowledge and examining their perceptions through transdisciplinary research, we were able to show the importance of untangling the intricate relation between perceived knowledge gaps and political or management related concerns.
Oocytes Skipped Spawning Through Atresia Is Regulated by Somatic Cells Revealed by Transcriptome Analysis in Pampus argenteus
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Guohao , Li Yaya , Hu Jiabao , Wang Yajun , Tao Zhen
Published: July 2022

In teleost, follicle atresia is a common degenerative process that can occur at different stages of ovarian development. In this study, we depicted the cellular morphology of silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) follicular atresia in detail and divided it into four different stages from Aα to Aδ stages based on the main cellular characteristics. High-throughput RNA sequencing was used to profile follicle atresia from Aα to Aδ stages, and many stage-specific genes were identified. In early atretic ovary, a great number of genes in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction were obviously downregulated, suggesting that somatic cells might directly induce the follicle atresia by disrupting the normal conservation with germ cells. Meanwhile, the regulatory network of immune cell–related pathways was discovered in the process of atresia. The genes enriched in Th cell differentiation, leukocyte transendothelial migration, cholesterol metabolism, and so on were abundantly expressed, indicating that the immune cells play key roles in the process of in follicle atresia. Moreover, a model was proposed to illustrate how somatic cells mediate the process of follicle atresia. The study provides important insights into the molecular networks underlying follicle atresia in teleost.
A New Insight Into Amicula, a Genus of Tiny Marine Benthic Diatoms With the Description of Two New Tropical Species and the Largest Mitogenome Known for a Stramenopile
Authors: Gastineau Romain , Li Chunlian , Ashworth Matt P. , Witkowski Andrzej , Turmel Monique , Górecka Ewa , Frankovich Thomas A. , Wachnicka Anna , Lobban Christopher S. , Theriot Edward C. , Otis Christian , Dąbek Przemysław , Binczewska Anna , Lemieux Claude
Published: July 2022

The current article focuses on the morphological and molecular characterization of the often inconspicuous genus Amicula. This recently erected genus from brackish and marine sediments was monotypic but here we describe two new tropical species: Amicula micronesica sp. nov. and Amicula vermiculata sp. nov. Once considered an incertae sedis genus regarding its higher rank taxonomy, its position among the family Diploneidaceae is proposed here by molecular phylogenetics. The complete plastid and mitochondrial genomes of Amicula micronesica sp. nov. are also presented here. It appears that the 177614-bp long mitogenome is the biggest yet recorded among stramenopiles, due to its invasion by 57 introns. Moreover, it utilizes the genetic code 4 for translation instead of the code 1 usually found among diatoms.
Intestinal Microbiota in Colorectal Adenoma-Carcinoma Sequence
Authors: Hua Hanju , Sun Yanhong , He Xinjue , Chen Yi , Teng Lisong , Lu Chao
Published: July 2022

Background

Most colorectal cancer (CRC) cases are sporadic and develop along the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Intestinal microbial dysbiosis is involved in the development of colorectal cancer. However, there are still no absolute markers predicting the progression from adenoma to carcinoma. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of intestinal microbiota in patients with colorectal adenoma and carcinoma and its correlations with clinical characteristics.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected from 154 patients with CRC, 20 patients with colorectal adenoma (AD) and 199 healthy controls. To analyze the differences in the intestinal microbiota, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted.

Results

At the genus level, there were four significantly different genera among the three groups, namely Acidaminococcus, Alloprevotella, Mycoplasma, and Sphingobacterium, while Acidaminococcus significantly decreased with the order of Control-AD-CRC (P < 0.05). In addition, Parvimonas, Peptostreptococcus, Prevotella, Butyricimonas, Alistipes, and Odoribacter were the key genera in the network of colorectal adenoma/carcinoma-associated bacteria. The top 10 most important species, including Butyricimonas synergistica, Agrobacterium larrymoorei, Bacteroides plebeius, Lachnospiraceae bacterium feline oral taxon 001, Clostridium scindens, Prevotella heparinolytica, bacterium LD2013, Streptococcus mutans, Lachnospiraceae bacterium 19gly4, and Eubacterium hallii, showed the best performance in distinguishing AD from CRC (AUC = 85.54%, 95% CI: 78.83–92.25%). The clinicopathologic features, including age, gender, tumor location, differentiation degree, and TNM stage, were identified to be closely linked to the intestinal microbiome in CRC.

Conclusion

Several intestinal bacteria changed along the adenoma-carcinoma sequence and might be the potential markers for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal adenoma/carcinoma. Intestinal microbiota characteristics in CRC should account for the host factors.
Advances in UDP-N-Acetylglucosamine Enolpyruvyl Transferase (MurA) Covalent Inhibition
Authors: de Oliveira Maycon Vinicius Damasceno , Furtado Renan Machado , da Costa Kauê S. , Vakal Serhii , Lima Anderson H.
Published: July 2022

Peptidoglycan is a cross-linked polymer responsible for maintaining the bacterial cell wall integrity and morphology in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The peptidoglycan pathway consists of the enzymatic reactions held in three steps: cytoplasmic, membrane-associated, and periplasmic. The Mur enzymes (MurA-MurF) are involved in a cytoplasmic stage. The UDP-N-acetylglucosamine enolpyruvyl transferase (MurA) enzyme is responsible for transferring the enolpyruvate group from phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UNAG) to form UDP-N-acetylglucosamine enolpyruvate (EP-UNAG). Fosfomycin is a natural product analogous to PEP that acts on the MurA target enzyme via binding covalently to the key cysteine residue in the active site. Similar to fosfomycin, other MurA covalent inhibitors have been described with a warhead in their structure that forms a covalent bond with the molecular target. In MurA, the nucleophilic thiolate of Cys115 is pointed as the main group involved in the warhead binding. Thus, in this minireview, we briefly describe the main recent advances in the design of MurA covalent inhibitors.
Modifiable Risk Factors Are Important Predictors of COVID-19-Related Mortality in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Kooman Jeroen Peter , Carioni Paola , Kovarova Vratislava , Arkossy Otto , Winter Anke , Zhang Yan , Bellocchio Francesco , Kotanko Peter , Zhang Hanjie , Usvyat Len , Larkin John , Stuard Stefano , Neri Luca
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Patients with end-stage kidney disease face a higher risk of severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, it is not well known to what extent potentially modifiable risk factors contribute to mortality risk. In this historical cohort study, we investigated the incidence and risk factors for 30-day mortality among hemodialysis patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection treated in the European Fresenius Medical Care NephroCare network using conventional and machine learning techniques.

Methods

We included adult hemodialysis patients with the first documented SARS-CoV-2 infection between February 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, registered in the clinical database. The index date for the analysis was the first SARS-CoV-2 suspicion date. Patients were followed for up to 30 days until April 30, 2021. Demographics, comorbidities, and various modifiable risk factors, expressed as continuous parameters and as key performance indicators (KPIs), were considered to tap multiple dimensions including hemodynamic control, nutritional state, and mineral metabolism in the 6 months before the index date. We used logistic regression (LR) and XGBoost models to assess risk factors for 30-day mortality.

Results

We included 9,211 patients (age 65.4 ± 13.7 years, dialysis vintage 4.2 ± 3.7 years) eligible for the study. The 30-day mortality rate was 20.8%. In LR models, several potentially modifiable factors were associated with higher mortality: body mass index (BMI) 30–40 kg/m2 (OR: 1.28, CI: 1.10–1.50), single-pool Kt/V (OR off-target vs on-target: 1.19, CI: 1.02–1.38), overhydration (OR: 1.15, CI: 1.01–1.32), and both low (<2.5 mg/dl) and high (≥5.5 mg/dl) serum phosphate levels (OR: 1.52, CI: 1.07–2.16 and OR: 1.17, CI: 1.01–1.35). On-line hemodiafiltration was protective in the model using KPIs (OR: 0.86, CI: 0.76–0.97). SHapley Additive exPlanations analysis in XGBoost models shows a high influence on prediction for several modifiable factors as well, including inflammatory parameters, high BMI, and fluid overload. In both LR and XGBoost models, age, gender, and comorbidities were strongly associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Both conventional and machine learning techniques showed that KPIs and modifiable risk factors in different dimensions ascertained 6 months before the COVID-19 suspicion date were associated with 30-day COVID-19-related mortality. Our results suggest that adequate dialysis and achieving KPI targets remain of major importance during the COVID-19 pandemic as well.
Development of a Novel Prognostic Model of Glioblastoma Based on m6A-Associated Immune Genes and Identification of a New Biomarker
Authors: Luo Na , Sun Xizi , Ma Shengling , Li Xiaoyu , Zhu Wenjun , Fu Min , Yang Feng , Chen Ziqi , Li Qianxia , Zhang Yuanyuan , Peng Xiaohong , Hu Guangyuan
Published: July 2022

Background

Accumulating evidence shows that m6A regulates oncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression, thus playing a dual role in cancer. Likewise, there is a close relationship between the immune system and tumor development and progression. However, for glioblastoma, m6A-associated immunological markers remain to be identified.

Methods

We obtained gene expression, mutation, and clinical data on glioblastoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas databases. Next, we performed univariate COX–least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)–multivariate COX regression analyses to establish a prognostic gene signature and develop a corresponding dynamic nomogram application. We then carried out a clustering analysis twice to categorize all samples according to their m6A-regulating and m6A-associated immune gene expression levels (high, medium, and low) and calculated their m6A score. Finally, we performed quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, cell counting kit-8, cell stemness detection, cell migration, and apoptosis detection in vitro assays to determine the biological role of CD81 in glioblastoma cells.

Results

Our glioblastoma risk score model had extremely high prediction efficacy, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve reaching 0.9. The web version of the dynamic nomogram application allows rapid and accurate calculation of patients’ survival odds. Survival curves and Sankey diagrams indicated that the high-m6A score group corresponded to the groups expressing medium and low m6A-regulating gene levels and high m6A-associated prognostic immune gene levels. Moreover, these groups displayed lower survival rates and higher immune infiltration. Based on the gene set enrichment analysis, the pathophysiological mechanism may be related to the activation of the immunosuppressive function and related signaling pathways. Moreover, the risk score model allowed us to perform immunotherapy benefit assessment. Finally, silencing CD81 in vitro significantly suppressed proliferation, stemness, and migration and facilitated apoptosis in glioblastoma cells.

Conclusion

We developed an accurate and efficient prognostic model. Furthermore, the correlation analysis of different stratification methods with tumor microenvironment provided a basis for further pathophysiological mechanism exploration. Finally, CD81 may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in glioblastoma.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Revealing the Potential Mechanism of Low-Temperature Stress in Machilus microcarpa
Authors: He Xinru , Long Fengying , Li Yingjie , Xu Yaowen , Hu Longsheng , Yao Tianshu , Huang Yingying , Hu Die , Yang Yujie , Fei Yongjun
Published: July 2022

Machilus microcarpa is a rare national tree species in China and possesses important ornamental and ecological value. M. microcarpa can be planted in low-temperature areas, depending on whether its seedlings can withstand the harm. To face this problem, the annual seedlings of M. microcarpa were subjected to five temperature treatments, and eight physiological indicators were measured. Furthermore, comparative transcriptome analysis was performed between M. microcarpa leaves treated at 25°C and −2.8°C. A total of 9,385 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in low-temperature stress in M. microcarpa. An upregulated (cobA) and five downregulated (HEM, CHLM, CRD, CLH, and PORA) genes associated with the porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathway may reduce chlorophyll synthesis under low-temperature stress. Upregulation of six DEGs (two GAPDHs, PFK, PGAM, PDC, and PK) involved in the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway provided energy for M. microcarpa under adverse cold conditions. Thirteen upregulated and seven downregulated genes related to antioxidant enzymes were also observed under low-temperature stress. Candidate transcription factors (TFs) played key roles in signal transduction under low-temperature stress in M. microcarpa, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis validated the RNA-seq data. The results provide valuable information for further studies on the cold response mechanisms for low-temperature stress in M. microcarpa.
Language Learners’ Attitudes Toward Online and Face-To-Face Language Environments
Authors: Alhamami Munassir
Published: July 2022

Learners’ attitudes are important for language learning. The attitude toward behavior construct, established in social psychology, was selected to elicit and examine learners’ attitudes toward face-to-face and online language learning. Data were collected using two instruments—questionnaires and interviews with two groups: face-to-face (n = 681) and online language learning (n = 287). The results show that the attitude toward behavior concept is an effective theoretical framework for designing questionnaires to understand the factors that influence the participants’ attitudes and to predict these in different learning environments. I compared the two groups’ results and found a more positive attitude toward language learning in face-to-face environments than in online language learning settings. The mixed-method design enables us to assess learners’ attitudes to the language learning environment. This informs curriculum design, policy, and support for teaching and learning.
Integrated Community Case Management Utilization Status and Associated Factors Among Caretakers of Sick Children Under the Age of 5 Years in West Shewa, Ethiopia
Authors: Debel Lemessa Negeri , Nigusso Fikadu Tadesse
Published: July 2022

Objective

To assess the utilization status and associated factors of integrated community case management (ICCM) of caretakers with <5 years of sick children.

Methods

Community-based cross-sectional study was employed with caretakers whose child was sick in the last 3 months before data collection. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed.

Results

About 624 respondents participated in the study; 325 (52.1%) utilized integrated community case management. Caring for children between the ages 24–36 months old, (AOR = 1.26, 95%CI: 0.23, 0.90); women health development army (WHDA) training, (AOR = 5.76, 95%CI: 3.57, 9.30); certified as model family, (AOR = 3.98, 95%CI: 2.45, 6.46); perceived severity, (AOR = 5.29, 95%CI: 2.64, 10.60); awareness of danger sign, (AOR = 2.76, 95%CI: 1.69, 4.50), and awareness of ICCM, (AOR = 5.42, 95%CI: 1.67, 17.58) were associated with ICCM utilization.

Conclusion

This study revealed that age of the child, caretakers' awareness of ICCM, awareness of danger signs, illness severity, women's health developmental army training, and graduation as a model family were associated with ICCM utilization. Therefore, it is recommended that promote health education using community-level intervention modalities focusing on common childhood illness symptoms, danger signs, severity, and care-seeking behavior.
A practical and economical method for frontal sinus reconstruction after frontal craniotomy: A single-center experience with 140 patients
Authors: Guo Youwei , Fu Xianyong , Yin Wen , Jiang Zhipeng , Kuang Yirui , Wu Zhaoping , Cao Yudong , Tan Jun , Jiang Xing-jun
Published: July 2022

Background

Frontal sinus exposure is a common consequence of frontal craniotomy. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage and infection are the major postoperative complications that may occur as a result of the open frontal sinus. The successful filling of the open frontal sinus provides an approach to prevent significant complications caused by frontal sinus exposure.

Objective

This article describes a new technique to reconstruct the exposed frontal sinus cavity with the combined application of gelatin sponge and a vascularized pericranial flap.

Methods

A total of 140 patients underwent frontal sinus reconstruction using gelfoam and vascularized pericranial flaps from 2016 to 2021. Gelatin sponge was used to fill the frontal sinus, and a vascularized pericranial flap was used to cover the frontal sinus when the bone flap was retracted.

Results

Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and infection did not occur in any patient.

Conclusion

Our results validated the effectiveness of our technique in the prevention of exposed frontal sinus-related postoperative complications.
Factors Associated With HIV Testing Among MSM in Guilin, China: Results From a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhou Jianfang , Yang Lu , Ma Jingyi , Jiang Shenyue , Liu Yuelong , Sun Zhiming
Published: July 2022

Objectives: The objective of this study is to explore factors affecting the HIV testing behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guilin, China from April to June of 2021. Questionnaire data of 300 MSM were analyzed, and binary logistic regression models were used to examine the socio-demographic and sexual behavior characteristics associated with three HIV testing behaviors (self-testing, institutional testing, and regular testing).

Results: The results showed that half of the respondents had the habit of regular HIV testing. Only 30.0% of MSM chose to do HIV testing after high-risk sexual behavior, and self-perceived luck was the main reason for not having HIV testing. Moreover, the influencing factors of three HIV testing behaviors after high-risk sexual behavior differ. Interestingly, income was not related to any of the three HIV testing behaviors among those MSM who participated.

Conclusion: This research indicates insufficient health education on HIV testing behaviors among MSM in China. Health promotion practices targeting the MSM population to improve HIV-related knowledge, thus contributing to the HIV epidemic, are required.
The Dynamics of Governing Enterprise Blockchain Ecosystems
Authors: van Haaren-van Duijn Birgitte , Bonnín Roca Jaime , Chen Annie , Romme A. Georges L. , Weggeman Mathieu
Published: July 2022

The aim of this paper is to analyze how the governance of an enterprise blockchain ecosystem changes as it matures and increases in size. A review of the literature serves to identify five behavioral drivers of governance, which appear to affect the long-term viability of a blockchain ecosystem: access rights, decision rights, incentives, accountability, and conflict resolution. We subsequently report the findings from a comparative case study of how three large blockchain ecosystems implemented various governance mechanisms to exploit and modify the five behavioral drivers over time. Based on twenty-six interviews and approximately 200 h of participant observations, we propose an analytical framework that consists of three distinctive stages in the life cycle of a blockchain ecosystem. Each stage is characterized by an intricate relationship between off-chain and on-chain governance mechanisms. Based on these findings, various recommendations are provided to increase the long-term viability of blockchain ecosystems.
The Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources and Crop Production in an Arid Region
Authors: Shayanmehr Samira , Porhajašová Jana Ivanič , Babošová Mária , Sabouhi Sabouni Mahmood , Mohammadi Hosein , Rastegari Henneberry Shida , Shahnoushi Foroushani Naser
Published: July 2022

Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues of the twenty-first century. This phenomenon has an increasingly severe impact on water resources and crop production. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of climate change on water resources, crop production, and agricultural sustainability in an arid environment in Iran. To this end, the study constructs a new integrated climate-hydrological-economic model to assess the impact of future climate change on water resources and crop production. Furthermore, the agricultural sustainability is evaluated using the multicriteria decision making (MCDM) technique in the context of climate change. The findings regarding the prediction of climate variables show that the minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to increase by about 5.88% and 6.05%, respectively, while precipitation would decrease by approximately 30.68%. The results of the research reveal that water availability will decrease by about 13.79–15.45% under different climate scenarios. Additionally, the findings show that in the majority of cases crop production will reduce in response to climate scenarios so that rainfed wheat will experience the greatest decline (approximately 59.95%). The results of the MCDM model show that climate change can have adverse effects on economic and environmental aspects and, consequently, on the sustainability of the agricultural system of the study area. Our findings can inform policymakers on effective strategies for mitigating the consequences of climate change on water resources and agricultural production in dry regions.
Parameters Optimization and Test of Caterpillar Self-Propelled Tiger Nut Harvester Hoisting Device
Authors: He Xun , Lv Yanliu , Qu Zhe , Wang Wanzhang , Zhou Zheng , He Hao
Published: July 2022

Aiming at the problem of a poor separation of tiger nut, soil and grass during harvest, a hoisting device consisting of a combined-type hoisting sieve, vibrating wheels and soil roller was designed in combination with the requirements of the planting and harvesting of tiger nut. Through a theoretical analysis of the movement of the mixture of tiger nut, sand and grass in the process of hoisting, the basic law that affects the soil filter rate was determined, and the parameters affecting the soil-sieving rate were determined, and the hoisting angle, linear hoist speed and range of related parameters of vibrating wheels were obtained. Based on the DEM-MBD method, a simulation model of an excavating and hoisting device was built. With the hoisting angle, linear hoist speed, vibrating frequency and vibrating amplitudes of vibrating wheels as test factors, and the soil-sieving rate as test index, an orthogonal rotating-center combination test with four factors and three levels was carried out. The results showed that the influence of various factors on soil-sieving rate was as follows: vibrating frequency of vibrating wheels > linear hoist velocity > vibrating amplitudes of vibrating wheels > hoisting angle. When the vibrating frequency of the vibrating wheels was 9 Hz, the linear hoist speed was 0.66 m/s, vibrating amplitude of vibrating wheels was 25 mm and hoisting angle was 26°; the maximum value of the soil-sieving rate was 42.5%. The optimized parameters were applied to field test for verification, and the soil-sieving rate of the field test was 44.7%, which was better than the simulation test. The research results can provide a theoretical reference for design optimization and simulation analysis of tiger nut harvesters.
Assessing Machine Learning-Based Prediction under Different Agricultural Practices for Digital Mapping of Soil Organic Carbon and Available Phosphorus
Authors: Kaya Fuat , Keshavarzi Ali , Francaviglia Rosa , Kaplan Gordana , Başayiğit Levent , Dedeoğlu Mert
Published: July 2022

Predicting soil chemical properties such as soil organic carbon (SOC) and available phosphorus (Ava-P) content is critical in areas where different land uses exist. The distribution of SOC and Ava-P is influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. This study aimed at (1) predicting SOC and Ava-P in a piedmont plain of Northeast Iran using the Random Forests (RF) and Cubist mathematical models and hybrid models (Regression Kriging), (2) comparing the models’ results, and (3) identifying the key variables that influence the spatial dynamics of soil SOC and Ava-P under different agricultural practices. The machine learning models were trained with 201 composite surface soil samples and 24 ancillary data, including climate (C), organism (O), topography- relief (R), parent material (P) and key soil features (S) according to the SCORPAN digital soil mapping framework, which can predictively represent soil formation factors spatially. Clay, one of the most critical soil properties with a well-known relationship to SOC, was the most important predictor of SOC, followed by open-access multispectral satellite images-based vegetation and soil indices. Ava-P had a similar set of effective variables. Hybrid approaches did not improve model accuracy significantly, but they did reduce map uncertainty. In the validation set, Ava-P was calculated using the RF algorithm with a normalized root mean square (NRMSE) of 96.8, while SOC was calculated using the Cubist algorithm with an NRMSE of 94.2. These values did not change when using the hybrid technique for Ava-P; however, they changed just by 1% for SOC. The management of SOC content and the supply of Ava-P in agricultural activities can be guided by SOC and Ava-P digital distribution maps. Produced digital maps in which the soil scientist plays an active role can be used to identify areas where concentrations are high and need to be protected, where uncertainty is high and sampling is required for further monitoring.