bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Situaciones comunicativas no cooperativas e imparcialidad
Authors: Raga Gimeno Francisco
Published: May 2023

En este trabajo se presenta una panorámica de los dilemas relacionados con la imparcialidad a los que se enfrentan las mediadoras interlingüísticas e interculturales que participan en entrevistas profesionales con solicitantes de asilo. Es habitual que, debido a la falta de confianza entre las interlocutoras, estas interacciones se desarrollen de forma poco cooperativa. Los datos de este estudio proceden de entrevistas realizadas a mediadoras y proveedoras de servicios que colaboran con dos ONG y que suelen participar en interacciones de este tipo. A partir de los datos extraídos de las entrevistas y de trabajos dedicados a este campo de estudio se ofrece una descripción de los diferentes tipos de situaciones en los que las intervenciones de las mediadoras pueden ser susceptibles de beneficiar o perjudicar a alguna de las interlocutoras. Desde un punto de vista teórico, se propone una clasificación alternativa de los principios que rigen el comportamiento comunicativo de las mediadoras en este tipo de interacciones. Los datos expuestos en el presente estudio parecen señalar la conveniencia de considerar la imparcialidad no como un principio más de actuación, sino como un factor determinante a la hora de abordar los dilemas que plantea la aplicación de dichos principios.
BANK RESILIENCE AND POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS: DO BANKING BUSINESS MODELS MATTER?
Authors: Azmi Wajahat , Ali Mohsin , Islam ‪Muhammad Umar
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the effect of political institutions on bank stability of dual banking countries.   Applying the two-step GMM approach to a panel sample of Islamic and conventional banks from 2005 to 2020, we arrive at the following results. First, we observe that the quality of political institutions leads to more stable banking system, which is in line with the view that quality political institutions improve the transparency, thereby reducing adverse selection and leading to overall improvement in the banking stability. Second, when we look at components of political institutions, we document the significance of the voice and accountability dimension in enhancing bank stability. Finally, as a side result, we find evidence that competition leads to stability for Islamic banks.  These findings are robust to several robustness tests. The implications of our findings are provided in the paper.
LINKING RELIGIOSITY TO SOCIO-ENTREPRENEURSHIP INTENTION: A CASE OF MUSLIM YOUTH IN INDONESIA
Authors: Khoirunnisa Annes Nisrina , Salsabiil Uma Zalfa , Sodik Fajar , Dewanti Nala Syifa , Yusfiarto Rizaldi
Published: May 2023

Using an integrated entrepreneurial model, this study examines social entrepreneurship intention of Muslim youth in Indonesia. In the study, a total of 206 of Muslim youths and surveyed and the data are analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The findings show that, while religiosity does not have a direct effect on socio-entrepreneurial intention, it increases perceived desirability. We reason that the religiosity of Muslim youth is more on the formation of positive perceptions, which give rise to desires and intentions to be socio-entrepreneurs. Thus, the application of social entrepreneurship among Muslim youth in Indonesia is supported by not only profits but also individual beliefs in creating social value and prospering society.
Multi-Modal Sample Preparation and Imaging Protocol for Nano-to-mesoscopic Mapping of Cellular Inhabitants in Diverse Tissue Compartments, Across Organ Systems
Authors: Ngo Lucy , Tate Melissa L. Knothe
Published: May 2023

This protocol is designed to provide guidelines for preparation of samples that exceed typical sizes
used for standard microscopy protocols, expanding the methodologies and associated opportunities
for multimodal and correlative imaging to enable nano-to-mesoscopic mapping of cellular inhabitants
of diverse tissue compartments, across organ systems and length scales. We optimize and validate
specimen preparation protocols enabling multimodal and correlative imaging, LSM and scanning
electron microscopy (SEM), of large specimens of vertebrate animal origin. This protocol enables a
streamlined yet flexible approach to specimen preparation of large tissue samples (up to 10cm in
diameter). We take a novel approach to materials standard to EM, AFM, and confocal microscopy
specimen preparation, visualizing large fields of view without the need for heavy metal staining. The
protocol provides a platform for study of structure-function relationships across length scales, from
subcellular, cellular, tissue, to organ system. It is ideal for studies involving tissue specimens from
human or vertebrate animal models of human health and disease.
Quantifying how single dose Ad26.COV2.S vaccine efficacy depends on Spike sequence features
Authors: Magaret Craig , Li Li , deCamp Allan , Rolland Morgane , Juraska Michal , Williamson Brian , Ludwig James , Molitor Cindy , Benkeser David , Luedtke Alex , Simpkins Brian , Carpp Lindsay , Bai Hongjun , Dearlove Bethany , Greninger Alexander , Roychoudhury Pavitra , Sadoff Jerald , Gray Glenda , Roels Sanne , Vandebosch An , Stieh Daniel , Gars Mathieu Le , Vingerhoets Johan , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Goepfert Paul , Truyers Carla , Dromme Ilse Van , Swann Edith , Marovich Mary , Follmann Dean , Neuzil Kathleen , Corey Lawrence , Hyrien Ollivier , de Sousa Leonardo Paiva , Casapia Martin , Losso Marcelo , Little Susan , Gaur Aditya , Bekker Linda-Gail , Garrett Nigel , Heng Fei , Sun Yanqing , Gilbert Peter
Published: May 2023

It is of interest to pinpoint SARS-CoV-2 sequence features defining vaccine resistance. In the ENSEMBLE randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial, estimated single-dose Ad26.COV2.S vaccine efficacy (VE) was 56% against moderate to severe–critical COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 Spike sequences were measured from 484 vaccine and 1,067 placebo recipients who acquired COVID-19 during the trial. In Latin America, where Spike diversity was greatest, VE was significantly lower against Lambda than against Reference and against all non-Lambda variants [family-wise error rate (FWER) p < 0.05]. VE also differed by residue match vs. mismatch to the vaccine-strain residue at 16 amino acid positions (4 FWER p < 0.05; 12 q-value ≤ 0.20). VE significantly decreased with physicochemical-weighted Hamming distance to the vaccine-strain sequence for Spike, receptor-binding domain, N-terminal domain, and S1 (FWER p < 0.001); differed (FWER ≤ 0.05) by distance to the vaccine strain measured by 9 different antibody-epitope escape scores and by 4 NTD neutralization-impacting features; and decreased (p = 0.011) with neutralization resistance level to vaccine recipient sera. VE against severe–critical COVID-19 was stable across most sequence features but lower against viruses with greatest distances. These results help map antigenic specificity of in vivo vaccine protection.
Water Allocation in Multi-Purpose and Multi-Year Reservoir using Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Margini Nastasia Festy , Damarnegara Satria , Anwar Nadjadji , Yusop Zulkifli
Published: May 2023

Multi-Year Reservoir Operation Model (MYROM) is developed to optimize water allocation in multi-purpose and multi-year reservoir. It is based on Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) method to solve non-linear optimization with several objectives. It used the water availability in the reservoir and optimize its distribution to minimize the water shortage. A weighted priority for each type of water usage is obtained from the model following the ACO optimization method. The model is tested in the multi-purpose Wonorejo Reservoir in East Java, Indonesia which is used for irrigation, hydropower, domestic and industrial water. The simulation was performed using historical water availability and usage from 2003 to 2021. The simulation results show that the MYROM model is successful in allocating water by minimizing the shortage of required water compared to the existing reservoir operation. Therefore, it can be used as a practical measure to improve reservoir water allocation operation planning. Indeed, the performance of the model for future water allocation planning depends on the prediction of water availability data.
Sequential pembrolizumab cooperates with platinum/5FU to remodel the tumor immune microenvironment in advanced gastric cancer: A phase II chemoimmunotherapy trial
Authors: Klempner Samuel , Lee Jeeyun , Mehta Arnav , An Minae , Min Byung Hoon , Heo You Jeong , Parikh Milan , Bi Lynn , Cristescu Razvan , Lee Hyuk , Kim Taejun , Lee Song-Yi , Moon Jeonghyeon , Park Ryan , Strickland Matthew , Park Woong-Yang , Kang Won Ki , Kim Kyoung-Mee , Kim Seung Tae
Published: May 2023

Adding anti-PD1 antibodies to 5-FU/platinum chemotherapy improves survival in a subset of advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) patients. Beyond PD-L1 expression and mismatch repair status we have limited insight into molecular predictors of response, or the relative contribution of PD-1 blockade. We conducted an investigator sponsored phase II trial (n = 47) sequentially adding pembrolizumab to standard 5-FU/platinum in previously untreated advanced GEA (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04249739). With an overall response rate of 67% the activity paralleled phase III chemoimmunotherapy trials. To understand on-treatment tumor and immune adaptations patients underwent serial biopsy of the primary tumor, including baseline, after one cycle of 5-FU/platinum, and after the addition of pembrolizumab. We leveraged transcriptional profiling from 358,067 cells to identify multicellular networks of malignant, stromal, and immune cells after chemotherapy and concurrent chemoimmunotherapy. The relative usage of pro-tumor and anti-tumor interaction hubs differed between fast and slow progressing patients. Chemotherapy induced early on-treatment formation of hubs centered on tumor-reactive T-cell and M1-oriented macrophage interactions with pro-inflammatory cytokines in slow progressors. Faster progression was characterized by increased MUC5A and MSLN containing programs in tumor cells and M2-oriented macrophages with immunosuppressive stromal interactions. After adding pembrolizumab we observed increased CD8 T-cell infiltration by scRNAseq and multiplex immunofluorescence and development of an immunity hub involving co-variation of the tumor-reactive CXCL13 program and epithelial interferon-stimulated gene programs enriched in slow progressors. Together this data provides prospective evidence of differential early on-treatment evolution of the gastric immune microenvironment and nominates candidate cellular interactions for clinical targeting.
Multifaceted Precarity: Pandemic Experiences of Recent Immigrant Women in the Accommodation and Food Services Sector
Authors: Mũrage Alice , Smith Julia
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected those who face historical and ongoing marginalization. In centering pandemic experience of recent immigrant women in the accommodation and food services sector in Canada, we examine how their precarious work translated to experiences of work precarity and wellbeing. This paper illuminates how pre-existing and ongoing marginalization are reproduced during a health crisis for those at the intersection of gender, race, migration, and labour inequities. Using semi-structured interviews and systematic analysis using the Work Precarity Framework, we found that the pandemic exacerbated pre-existing socio-economic marginalization and resulted in unique experiences of work precarity. The latter was experienced as precarity of work (unpredictable work hours and job or employment insecurity), precarity from work (inadequate incomes), and precarity at work (physical, psychological, and relational unsafety). Work precarity stood out as a social determinant of health in relation to its outcome of degraded mental health and wellbeing. Recognizing the role of policies in producing, reproducing, and distributing precarity, we recommend policy directions to reduce social inequities in pandemic recovery.
Insights into physical activity promotion among Australian chiropractors: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Fernandez Matthew , de Luca Katie , Moore Craig , French Simon D , Ferreira Paulo , Swain Michael
Published: May 2023

Background: Despite the well-known benefits of physical activity, physical inactivity is presently a global health pandemic. Allied healthcare providers such as chiropractors knowingly recognise the importance of physical activity and are prepared to routinely discuss and/or counsel patients on this topic. Little however is known about Australian chiropractors in the physical activity setting. Our aim was to explore and identify factors associated with physical activity promotion among Australian chiropractors, including their knowledge of the physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines and their own levels of physical activity engagement.
Methods: From February to May 2021, a limited sample of Australian chiropractors completed an online survey. Items assessed by Likert scale included: physical activity promotion frequency, with the type, quantity, barriers, perceptions, and feasibility. Familiarity with and knowledge of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines, chiropractors’ own physical activity and whether they met activity guidelines was explored. Survey responses were descriptively reported. Univariable logistic regression models identified factors explaining frequent physical activity promotion.
Results: Of 217 respondents, 64% reported that they frequently (≥70%) recommended a more physically active lifestyle. Only 15% often performed pre-exercise screening, 73% frequently prescribed resistance exercise, 19% reported time as the most frequent barrier, while 37% reported being not at all familiar with the guidelines. Univariable logistic regression models found male chiropractors we more likely to promote physical activity, [odds ratio (OR)=2.33; CI: 1.32-4.12)], while chiropractors who frequently treat children 0-3 years (OR=0.5; CI: 0.28-0.87), children 4-18 years (OR=0.42; CI: 0.21-0.86), and pregnant women (OR=0.5; CI: 0.26-0.94) were least likely. Chiropractors were more likely to promote physical activity if they were familiar with the activity guidelines (OR=2.9; CI: 1.32-6.41), were confident promoting (OR=11.6; CI: 1.37-98.71) and prescribing physical activity programs (OR=4.5; CI: 2.03-9.99).
Conclusion:
One third of chiropractors reporting poor knowledge of the activity guidelines, yet most were confident, regularly integrating physical activity into practice. Identified barriers to promotion and implementing activity guideline knowledge for population groups should be further explored.
Spatially resolved multiomics on the neuronal effects induced by spaceflight
Authors: Masarapu Yuvarani , Cekanaviciute Egle , Andrusivova Zaneta , Westholm Jakub Orzechowski , Björklund Åsa , Fallegger Robin , Badia-i-Mompel Pau , Boyko Valery , Vasisht Shubha , Saravia-Butler Amanda , Gebre Samrawit , Lázár Enikö , Bergmann Olaf , Taylor Deanne , Wallace Douglas , Sylvén Christer , Rodriguez Julio Saez , Galazka Jonathan , Costes Sylvain , Giacomello Stefania
Published: May 2023

Impairment of the central nervous system (CNS) functions in astronauts is a major
health risk for long-duration space missions. Here, for the first time, we combine single-cell multiomics (transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility) and spatial transcriptomics analyses to discover spaceflight-mediated changes in the mouse brain. By comparing ground control and spaceflight animals, we found that the main processes affected by spaceflight include neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and synaptic transmission in cortex, hippocampus, striatum and neuroendocrine structures as well as astrocyte activation and immune dysfunction. At the pathway level, spaceflight resembles neurodegenerative diseases with oxidative stress and protein misfolding components, such as in Parkinson’s disease. Our integrated spatial multiomics approach reveals both widespread and localized brain impairments and suggests key structures and mechanisms to be targeted for countermeasure development. All datasets can be mined through an interactive data portal as well as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) GeneLab repositories.
Diversity analysis, distribution and abundance of mosquito assemblages Diptera: Culicidae at urban sector from southwestern Colombia.
Authors: Bedoya-Rodríguez Francisco Javier , Guevara-Fletcher Carlos Eduardo , Pelegrin-Ramírez Jonathan Steven
Published: May 2023

The Culicidae family (mosquitoes) has great relevance worldwide, due to its involvement in the generation of several diseases. The department of Cauca in Colombia characterize as a region with influence of several vector-borne diseases. The purpose of this study is to analyze the ecological diversity and distribution of mosquitoes with potential transmitters of diseases in a particular urban area of the municipality of Santander de Quilichao. This is one of the first studies of its kind in this municipally. Mosquito collections were carried out during the rainy and dry seasons of 2022, between 17:00 to 19:00. Morphological keys were used for species identification. For the analysis of diversity comparison vs. sampling points, Simpson's index was used, dendrogram, rarefaction curve and non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS). In the statistical analysis of species-abundances, ANOVA were applied to determine if there were significant differences regarding abundance. A total of 1116 culicid specimens were collected. The 59.4% were mosquitoes of the species Aedes aegypti, 18.5% Culex quinquefasciatus, 18.2% Aedes albopictus and 3.9% Psorophora ferox, being the rainy season important for their survival. ANOVA analysis showed that the mean abundance of Aedes aegypti was significantly different from the other species. This study is broadly consistent with other studies in the tropical American context where the abundance of Culicidae is more representative in the rainy season. The results suggest a wide presence of Aedes mosquitoes in natural and artificial habitats, showing the importance of establishing controls and permanent epidemiological surveillance in this region.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates produced by Halomonas gomseomensis, an extreme halophilic bacterium, from different carbon sources
Authors: Cervantes-Uc Jose Manuel , Abreu-Castillo Ocandy , Benitez Jose Efrain Ramirez , Pereira Sara Elena Solis , Herrera Willbert , Bastarrachea Maria , Lizama Nadya , Ku Angela , Rincon Susana , Rivera Gerardo , Magaña Denis , Uc Gabriel Lizama
Published: May 2023

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization was performed on the JCCOL25.2 strain, isolated from hypersaline ponds located at Las Coloradas (Yucatan, Mexico). Accumulation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in response to different carbon sources was evaluated. Characterization was carried out on the JCCOL25.2 strain of Halophilic Microorganism Library obtained from water samples from “Las Coloradas” saline ponds. PHA accumulation was determined by Nile red staining. Sequence analysis of the JCCOL25.2 16S rRNA gene revealed 99.9% identity with Halomonas gomseomensis. This bacterium exhibited PHA accumulation in broths containing sodium acetate, starch, sodium citrate, glucose, fructose, soybean oil, glycerol, or saccharose as a carbon source. Polyhydroxyalkanoates were purified and characterized by FTIR, DSC, and TGA, showing that poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) was obtained in all treatments. Glycerol was the carbon source that gave the highest yield during PHA production in H. gomseomensis. The carbon source did not affect the chemical structure of the polymer biosynthesized by this bacterium. Although H. gomseomensis strains have been isolated from saline water in many countries to our knowledge, there are no reports on the biosynthesis of PHA’s from this species.
Peers in adolescence influence brain architecture, cognition and psychopathology
Authors: Liu Yu , Wu Xinran , Liu Zhaowen , Zhang Kai , Fan Huaxin , Peng Songjun , Gu Xinrui , Lian Zhengxu , Hu Yechen , Yang Senyou , Jiang Xi , Cheng Wei , Feng Jianfeng , Sahakian Barbara , Robbins Trevor , Becker Benjamin , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2023

The influence of peers is particularly strong during adolescence, however, its impacts on the functional and structural organization of the developing brain, cognition and psychopathological symptoms still remain unknown. Here, we capitalized on data from 6,064 pre-adolescents (mean age = 11.93 years) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) database, to determine associations between two distinct peer environments (proportion of prosocial or delinquent friends) and the structural and functional architecture of the brain, cognition, as well as behavioral and emotional dysregulation. A higher proportion of prosocial friends was associated with fewer behavioral problems and larger fronto-cingulo-insular regions characterized by a high density of serotonin receptors. In contrast, a higher proportion of delinquent friends was associated with increased behavioral and mental problems but lower neurocognitive performance and smaller posterior cingulate/precuneus, as well as decreased functional connectivity in default-mode and fronto-striato-limbic circuits characterized by high expression of dopamine receptors. Prosocial friends mediated the association between the volume of certain brain regions (e.g., rACC) and prodromal psychosis / behavioral inhibition, while delinquent friends mediated the relationship between fronto-striato-limbic connectivity and behavioral problems. Prosocial friends also attenuated the development of internalizing problems whereas delinquent friends promoted externalizing symptoms. These results underscore the critical importance of a positive adolescent peer environment to promote mental health and resilience, indicate a direct link between peer environment and adolescent neuro-maturational processes, and suggest a holistic approach to healthy brain development and early interventions during adolescence.
Development and characterization of an active biodegradable Tara gum film incorporated with Lavandula angustifolia essential oil
Authors: Hosseini Ahmad Reza , Zahabi Nafiseh , Pazhouhandeh Fahimeh , Sharif Farzaneh
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to develop Tara gum (TG)-based films incorporated with Lavender essential oil (LEO) at different concentrations (5%-20% (w/w)) to enhance the properties of the films. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate as the major compounds in LEO. SEM micrographs showed the highest homogeneity in the film containing 5% (w/w) LEO, and CLSM images revealed the even distribution of LEO within the films. FTIR spectra demonstrated intermolecular interactions between TG and LEO, as evidenced by a new peak at 1458 cm− 1 in the LEO-loaded films. The addition of LEO resulted in a significant decrease in water content (WC) and water solubility (WS) of the films, while thickness, contact angle (CA), opacity, water vapor permeability (WVP), and oxygen permeability (OP) increased. The TG-LEO films exhibited higher elongation at break (EB) and lower Young’s modulus (YM). Additionally, LEO positively affected the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the films. Overall, the results authenticated the hypothesis of this study and indicated that TG-LEO films have great potential as biodegradable films with promising functionalities for food packaging applications.
Causal relationship between autism spectrum disorder and inflammatory bowel disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization Study
Authors: Li weilin , he xiaoyu , Liu Yuanyuan , Nie Duorui , Zhang Tao , Tan Chao
Published: May 2023

Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often accompanied by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in observational researches. However, the potential causal link between them has received little attention. In this study, we used a 2-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to assess the causal relationship between ASD and IBD and its main subtypes, Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Independent genetic instruments from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for IBD were used to investigate the association with ASD from the PGC and the iPSYCH consortia. The primary analysis was performed using random effects inverse variance weighted (IVW). To verify the robustness of the MR results, we performed a series of sensitivity analyses including Egger intercept test, the Cochran Q test, and leave-one-out analysis. We discovered that a genetic predisposition to total IBD was linked to an increased incidence of ASD. In subtype analyses CD was positively related to ASD, however UC was not. In contrast, ASD was not associated with IBD as a whole as well as both subtypes (P > 0.05). These findings support the clinical need for screening ASD in patients with IBD.
Evaluating different factors affecting nesting patterns of European and Algerian hedgehogs in urban and sub-urban environments
Authors: Gago Héctor Bellido , Drechsler Robby M. , Monrós Juan S.
Published: May 2023

Animals in urban environments are confronted with a high degree of habitat fragmentation. Small more natural or undisturbed areas embedded within the urban matrix serve as important refuges for wildlife. Hedgehogs are known to inhabit such areas, however, many unknowns remain when considering the effect of urbanization on certain biological aspects, like nesting behaviour. Thus, we captured and tracked the movement of 72 male hedgehogs of two coexisting species: the Algerian and the European Hedgehog. The study was carried out in two distinct study sites in the municipality of Valencia (eastern Spain). We recorded every nest the individuals visited, a total of 318. We distinguished six macrohabitat types and five subhabitat types. In each case, we analysed the proportions of macro and subhabitats the nests were found in by calculating a resource selection function and fitting GLMs. We also analysed the distances between nests fitting a GLM. Our results indicate that hedgehog nests clearly tend to concentrate in areas with low human disturbance and that nests are preferably build in hedges or under bush-like vegetation. In general we did not find significant differences between species or other groupings we considered. We also found that, in the more urbanized study area, nests were closer together and distributed around scarcely found suitable habitat patches. Our results suggest that hedgehog conservation in urban environments can be improved by a correct management of forest patches, conserving bush-like vegetation and improving the connectivity between suitable patches with ecological corridors.
Friction and corrosion properties of phytic acid ionic liquid-water mixtures
Authors: Zheng Dongdong , Zhuang Wenchang , Su Tong , Gao Meihua , Zhang Tiansu , Zhao Qin , Liu Zhongguo
Published: May 2023

The study involved the preparation of mixtures of phytic acid ionic liquid and water, which were analyzed for their rheological, frictional, and electrochemical properties. The viscosity and friction characteristics of the mixtures are significantly affected by the water content. Mixtures with low water content (below 30%) result in low friction and negligible wear because of the generation of a close adsorption film and high viscosity. Especially, steel tribo-pairs lubricated with mixtures containing 25% water exhibited friction coefficients lower than 0.06. However, when the water content exceeds 35%, the friction coefficient increases dramatically, and the tribo-surface suffers from severe corrosive wear due to the predominance of the tribo-film in the frictional properties. These results were confirmed through XPS and electrochemical testing.
Dating Ancient Splits in Phylogenetic Trees, with Application to the Human-Neanderthal Split
Authors: Hallak Keren Levinstein , Rosset Saharon
Published: May 2023

Background. We tackle the problem of estimating species divergence times, given a genome sequence from each species and a large known phylogenetic tree with a known structure (typically from one of the species). The number of transitions at each site from the first sequence to the other is assumed to be Poisson distributed, and only the parity of the number of transitions is observed. The detailed phylogenetic tree contains information about the transition rates in each site. We use this formulation to develop and analyze multiple estimators of the divergence between the species. To test our methods, we use mtDNA substitution statistics from the well-established Phylotree as a baseline for data simulation such that the substitution rate per site mimics the real-world observed rates.
Results. We evaluate our methods using simulated data and compare them to the Bayesian optimizing software BEAST2, showing that our proposed estimators are accurate for a wide range of divergence times and significantly outperform BEAST2. We then apply the proposed estimators on Neanderthal, Denisovan, and Chimpanzee mtDNA genomes to better estimate their TMRCA (Time to Most Recent Common Ancestor) with modern humans and find that their TMRCA is substantially later, compared to values cited recently in the literature.
Conclusions. Our methods utilize the transition statistics from the entire known human mtDNA phylogenetic tree (Phylotree), eliminating the requirement to reconstruct a tree encompassing the specific sequences of interest. Moreover, they demonstrate notable improvement in both running speed and accuracy compared to BEAST2, particularly for earlier divergence times like the human-Chimpanzee split. Our results date the human - Neanderthal divergence time to be ~408,000 years ago, considerably later than values cited in other recent studies.
Clinical Features and Visual Outcomes in Coats’ Disease in Mexican Population: a multicenter study
Authors: Carranza-Casas Mario , Astorga-Carballo Aline , Saucedo-Castillo Adriana , Ramirez-Neria Paulina , Juárez-Echenique Juan Carlos , Ramírez-Ortiz Marco A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose
To report clinical findings and final visual acuity outcomes in patients with Coats disease (CD) treated in central Mexico.
Methods
Retrospective case series analysis of CD patients recruited from five referral hospitals. Clinical characteristics that included age and symptoms at diagnosis, the area of retinal affected, treatment modalities and visual outcomes were recorded. Age of presentation and retinal zones involved were evaluated based on final visual outcomes.
Results
67 eyes (66 patients) with diagnosis of CD were identified. Male gender occurred in 81% and the right eye was affected in 55% of the cases. Mean age at diagnosis was 11 years (median 9.8, range 6 months to 65 years). Only 9 patients (13%) had initial visual acuity (VA) better than 1.3 logMAR. Twenty patients received more than one treatment modality and laser photocoagulation was the most widely used. Final VA was classified as blindness in 57 (85%) patients, and it was correlated with worse initial visual acuity (p = 0.005). Number and extension of affected retinal zones were not correlated with age of presentation or gender (p > 0.05). During a mean follow-up of 42 months (SD +/- 37.8), there was slight improvement in visual acuity after treatment in only three cases (4.5%).
Conclusion
Final visual acuity in almost all CD patients was severe visual impairment. Visual prognosis is poor and depends on stage, location of disease and age of presentation. New strategies for early CD diagnosis by novel methods are needed to improve visual outcomes in these patients.
Dissolved organic phosphorus enhances sinking rate of zinc-depleted Thalassiosira weissflogii
Authors: Li Jiandi , Wang Zhaofei , Yang Hang , Wang Zhenfeng , Liu Fengjiao , Cheng Xiaohuang , Huang Xuguang
Published: May 2023

Zinc (Zn) is closely associated with diatom growth and silicification and also affects the utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) by phytoplankton in the ocean. In this study, we investigated the effects of different phosphorus form (DOP, β-GLP; DIP, Na2HPO4 ) and Zn levels (Zn-depleted, 0.3 pmol L− 1; Zn-replete, 38.6 pmol L− 1) on the growth, physiology, cellular silica content and sinking rate of Thalassiosira weissflogi. The results showed that Zn limitation reduced the specific growth rate, Chl a concentration and ALP activity of T. weissflogii in DIP by 21.70%, 12.66% and 24.31%, respectively (p < 0.05). However, Zn limitation increased the cellular silicon, cellular silicon/biovolume (Si/V) and sinking rate of T. weissflogii in DIP by 59.00%, 93.22% and 49.94% respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, DOP significantly reduced the specific growth rate (7.18%, p < 0.05), enhanced ALP activity (62.80%, p < 0.05), and sinking rate (19.72%, p < 0.05) for Zn-depleted T. weissflogii, but had no significant effect on cellular Chl a concentration and cellular silicon. This study demonstrates that the growth rate, cellular silicon, biovolume and sinking rate of the diatom T. weissflogii were affected by both individual and combined changes in P forms and Zn levels. Furthermore, a high proportion of DOP in Zn-restricted oceans may enhance the sinking rate of the diatoms and alter the biochemical cycling of carbon and silica.
Smoke-charged vortex doubles hemispheric aerosol in the middle stratosphere and buffers ozone depletion
Authors: Ma Chaoqun , Su Hang , Lelieveld Jos , Randel William , Yu Pengfei , Andreae Meinrat , Cheng Yafang
Published: May 2023

Australian mega-wildfires in the summer of 2019/20 injected smoke into the stratosphere, causing strong ozone depletion in the lower stratosphere. Here, we model the smoke plume and reproduce its unexpected trajectory toward the middle stratosphere at ~35 km altitude. We show that a smoke-charged vortex (SCV) induced and maintained by absorbing aerosols played a key role in lofting pollutants from the lower stratosphere and nearly doubled the southern hemispheric aerosol burden in the middle stratosphere. The SCV caused a redistribution of stratospheric aerosols, which boosted heterogeneous chemistry in the middle stratosphere and enhanced ozone production, compensating up to 70% of the ozone depletion in the lower stratosphere. As global warming continues, we expect a growing frequency and importance of SCVs in promoting the impacts of wildfires on stratospheric aerosols and chemistry.
A Novel Metaheuristic Strategy for the Elucidation of Gravity Anomalies with Application to Geothermal Energy Investigations and Volcanic Activity Studies: Hunger Games Search (HGS)
Authors: Su Kejia , Ai Hanbing , Qin Zhen , Lyu Chuan , Wei Xin , Alvandi Ahmad , Feng Min , Tu Yong , Zhang Yuehua
Published: May 2023

Recent metaheuristic approaches are extensively and intensively being introduced to the interpretation of gravity anomalies due to their superior advantages. We emphasize the application of Hunger Games Search (HGS), a novel metaheuristic inspired by hunger-driven instincts and behavioral choices of animals, to elucidate gravity data for geothermal energy exploration and volcanic activity study. After analyzing the modal features of the predetermined objective function and tuning the algorithm control parameters involved, HGS has been trial-tested on simulated data sets of different scenarios and finally experienced in two field cases from India and Japan. Notably, a second moving average (SMA) strategy has been successfully integrated into the objective function to eradicate the regional component from observed responses. Post-inversion uncertainty tests have been also implemented to understand the reliability of solutions achieved. The solutions obtained by HGS have been compared in terms of convergence rate, accuracy, stability, and robustness with the solutions of the commonly utilized Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. Based on the results accessed, the theoretical and field cases presented could be recuperated more precisely, more stably, more robustly and more coherently with the available geophysical, geological, and borehole verification, as HGS is able to explore the model space more comprehensively without compromising its capability to approach the global minimum efficiently. This novel metaheuristic thus can be considered as a promising tool in geothermal energy investigations and the study of volcanic activities and further recommended to reconnaissance studies aimed at effectively recognizing subsurface structures from various geophysical anomalies.
THE EFFECTS OF ISLAMIC BRANDING, PRICE AND SERVICE QUALITY ON WORD OF MOUTH THROUGH CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AS INTERVENING VARIABLES
Authors: Munawiroh Nurul Fitriana , Sari Nadia Roosmalita
Published: May 2023

Abstrak: Penelitian ini dilatar belakangi oleh semakin ketatnya persaingan bisnis terutama pada bidang usaha jasa cuci motor. Hal tersebut membuat para pelaku usaha dituntut untuk lebih giat lagi dalam berinovasi guna bersaing pada usaha kompetitor sehingga dapat lebih baik dalam menarik pelanggan. Beberapa upaya yang dapat digunakan diantaranya dengan memperbaiki reputasi islamic branding, kualitas harga, kualitas pelayanan, serta kepuasan pelanggan untuk memperoleh citra yang baik bagi komunitas pelanggan terutama dalam komunikasi word of mouth pada komunitas pelanggan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan jenis kausalitas. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini merupakan data primer yang dikumpulkan pada komunitas pelanggan cuci motor Sumber Bening. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan yaitu Analisis Path yang diolah dengan menggunakan software SPSS 16. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa variabel islamic branding, harga, dan kualitas pelayanan secara langsung memiliki pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan terhadap kepuasan pelanggan. Sedangkan secara tidak langsung variabel islamic branding, harga, dan kualitas pelayanan memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap komunikasi word of mouth melalui variabel mediasi kepuasan pelanggan. Adapaun pengaruh kepuasan pelanggan terhadap word of mouth memiliki pengaruh posiitif dan signifikan.

Kata kunci: Islamic branding, Harga, Kepuasan Pelanggan, Kualitas Pelayanan, Word of Mouth

 

 

Abstract: This research is motivated by the increasingly fierce business competition, especially in the field of motorcycle washing services. This makes business actors required to be even more active in innovating to compete with competitors' businesses so that they can be better at attracting customers. Some of the efforts that can be used include improving islamic branding reputation, price quality, service quality, and customer satisfaction to obtain a good image for the customer community, especially through word-of-mouth communication to the customer community. This study uses a quantitative approach to the type of causality. The data used in this study are primary data collected from the Sumber Bening motorcycle washing customer community. The data analysis technique used is Path Analysis which is processed using SPSS 16 software. The test results show that the variables of islamic branding, price, and service quality directly have a positive and significant influence on customer satisfaction. While indirectly the variables of islamic branding, price, and service quality have a significant influence on word-of-mouth communication through the mediating variable of customer satisfaction. The influence of customer satisfaction on word of mouth has a positive and significant effect mouth has a positive and significant effect.

Keywords: Islamic branding, Customer Satisfaction, Price, Service Quality, Word of Mouth
The impact of supply chain drivers on the performance of Ministry of Health pharmacies in Jordan
Authors: Halassa Omar , Al Saed Rashad
Published: May 2023

For most companies, supply chains have become the most crucial factor in their competition rather than individual competition, enabling any company to gain a competitive advantage against another organization through efficient and effective supply chain management. Supply chain drivers have become one of the most critical potential valuable access to a competitive advantage by enhancing and improving organizational performance. This study aims to explore the impact of the drivers of the supply chain on the performance of pharmacies of the Ministry of Health in Jordan. The study used the descriptive analytical approach and simple random sampling. 300 electronic questionnaires were designed via Google Sheets and sent via email and social media to employees in the Jordanian Ministry of Health pharmacies. The study retrieved 252 questionnaires valid for analysis. SPSS was employed to analyze the data and test the hypotheses. The results showed that the Beta-value is 0.849, T-value is 25.370, at a significance value of 0.000, which means that supply chain drivers affected the Ministry of Health pharmacy’s performance. The estimated regression equation means that any one-unit increase in the level of supply chain drivers will lead to an increase in Ministry of Health pharmacies’ performance by 0.789. Furthermore, the performance of the supply chain drivers was moderate, and the general performance was high. The study recommended that pharmacies focus on employing software and modern technology in inventory control.
Effect of servant leadership on happiness at work of university teachers: The mediating role of emotional salary
Authors: Gonzales-Macedo Viancy , Flores-Lozano Maria , Diaz-Saurin Flor , Joel Cruz-Tarrillo Jose
Published: May 2023

Undeniably, this new normality brought about by COVID-19 represents an extraordinary challenge for universities, from strengthening infrastructure, technology, and quality of services, to achieving happiness in their collaborators. In response, this study aims to examine the effect of servant leadership on happiness at work, with emotional salary as a moderating variable. The paper adopted a quantitative methodological perspective with a non-experimental design whose study sample consisted of 269 collaborators among teachers and support staff of the Peruvian Union University, Peru. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to determine the latent structure of the constructs, presenting an adequate internal consistency (α > 0.7). On the other hand, the confirmatory factor analysis presented an adequate fit. The results showed a significant effect (β = 0.306; p < 0.001) of servant leadership on emotional salary, as well as a significant effect of emotional salary on happiness at work (β = 0.724; p < 0.001). This study provides a valuable perspective for universities seeking to improve the happiness of their employees in the context of the new normal. It emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and emotional salary to achieve this goal. By implementing these strategies, universities can increase employee satisfaction and improve the quality of their services and the student experience.
A multi-criteria multidimensional model for optimal selection of rural water supply systems
Authors: Hamidifar Hossein , Ghorbani M. K. , Bakhshandeh M. A. , Gholami S.
Published: May 2023

Water supply is a crucial concern for planners across all countries, especially in rural communities. This paper proposes a multidimensional approach to examining the effective criteria for water supply projects in rural areas of Iran. The study compares alternative methods of project implementation and employs three multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods: analytical hierarchy process (AHP), Fuzzy-AHP, and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to prioritize criteria, sub-criteria, and alternatives. The results indicate that, among the five options analyzed, diverting water from the river and constructing temporary storage dams are the highest priorities, while pipeline branching to the nearby city or village is given the lowest priority. The study reveals that environmental and economic criteria are more critical than social-security and technical-management criteria, while negative environmental impacts and the possibility of risk-taking by subversive agents are the most important among the 14 sub-criteria studied.
Identification of groundwater potential zones of Idukki district using remote sensing and GIS-based machine-learning approach
Authors: Khan Zohaib Ahmed , Jhamnani Bharat
Published: May 2023

Kerala's Idukki district, which is situated on the Western Ghats of India, is susceptible to flooding and landslides. As a result of the 2018 Kerala floods, this disaster-prone region experienced drought conditions. In order to lessen the effects of future disasters, it is also necessary to identify and evaluate the district's groundwater potential (GWP). This work used three machine-learning (ML) algorithms – Random Forest (RF), Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), and Gradient Boosting (GB) – to model and produce GWP zonation maps for the Idukki district. Fourteen conditioning factors including elevation, slope, curvature, Topographic Roughness Index, lineament density, soil, geology, geomorphology, Topographic Wetness Index, Sediment Transport Index, drainage density, rainfall, land-use/land-cover (LULC), and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index were adopted as input parameters in the modelling. All showed prominence when they were examined for feature importance using the recursive feature elimination (RFE) method. The RF model outperformed the other two ML models in terms of fit, with an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.92, while the GB and AdaBoost models displayed less fit, with AUC values of 0.90 and 0.88, respectively. GWP maps produced by each model were reclassified into five zones – very high to very low – it was discovered that the zones were evenly spread throughout the Idukki region.
Polymorphic Variants of ASS1 Gene Related to Arginine Metabolism and
the Risk of HCC
Authors: Bibi Kulsoom , Fatima Tehseen , Sohrab Saba , Haider Ghulam , Zarina Shamshad , Ilyas Amber
Published: May 2023

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver cancer and 6th most common
cancer globally. Inefficient diagnostic strategies and the limited availability of treatments are the
foremost reasons. Variable factors directly impact the disease burden, among them, molecular
alterations have been found to play a significant role. In liver, argininosuccinate synthase-1 is a center
of arginine metabolism and rate limiting enzyme of urea cycle. It also triggers multiple mechanisms
that lead to HCC pathogenesis.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to analyze the ASS1 gene expression, its polymorphic genotype
and microsatellite instability among HCC patients from our Pakistani population.

Method:

Blood samples were collected from disease and healthy control individuals. Allele-Specific
PCR was performed for SNP analysis. MSI of tri and tetra nucleotide repeats were analyzed by PCR.
The differential expression of ASS1 gene was also investigated. Furthermore, the reactome database
and STRING software were utilized for finding correlations between ASS1 gene with other associated
gene/proteins.

Results:

The GG wild-type genotype was more prevailed in the disease group as compared to the
control. Significant downregulation in ASS1 and NOS2 genes was observed. Bioinformatics analysis
reveals the correlation between ASS1 polymorphism and HCC development appears to be linked with
the EMT pathway and polyamine production. Furthermore, MSI significantly resided in the disease
group. Results were analyzed statistically to calculate the significance of obtained results.

Conclusion:

Study concludes that the insight of HCC mechanism through population-specific genetic
mutations and altered gene expression of ASS1 might be helpful in early diagnostic and therapeutic
purposes.