bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Efficacy Of Nifedipine in the Management of Hypertensive Urgency among Blacks in Oyo Town
Authors: Ojo Iyanuloluwa S. , Alawode Samuelii O. , Oyerinde Adeola , Salami Mubarak A. , Surakat Mujib O. , Adeniyi Ismael
Published: September 2024

Background
Hypertensive crisis are burdensome in sub Saharan Africa than every other part of the world. Few studies have been done to assess the effectiveness of Nifedipine among blacks in sub-Saharan Africa, the region which ironically has the highest burden of hypertensive urgency in the world hence the need for this study.
Results
Out of the 328 hypertensive patients that presented at the health center for the study, 40 were diagnosed with hypertensive urgency. The overall use of nifedipine was moderately efficacious, as nifedipine did not reduce the diastolic pressure by 10 percent or the mean arterial pressure by 25 percent in 23 out of 40 participants(57.5%). However, it was effective by standard in a considerable 17 out of 40patients(42.5%). The oral route of administration was efficacious in only 2 out of 6(33.3%)participants, while the sublingual route was efficacious in 15 out of 34(44.1%). Nifedipine was efficacious in 4 out of 10(40%) of those who waited for 30 minutes before checking their post-administration blood pressure, 1 out of 2(50%) of those who waited for 45 minutes, 10 out of 25(40%) of those who waited for 60 minutes, and 2 out of 3(66.6%) of those who waited for 120 minutes. Nifedipine was efficacious in 17 out of 35(48.6%) of the participants administered 20 mg, while it was not efficacious in those administered 40 mg. However, the proportion of those administered 20 mg was overwhelmingly more than those administered 40 mg.
Conclusion
This study reveals that the efficacy of Nifedipine in the management of hypertensive urgency among blacks in Oyo town is at best average. The sublingual route of administration is more effective than chewing the tablets (the oral route) and the dose of Nifedipine administered does not affect the efficacy of Nifedipine in steadily lowering the blood pressure in hypertensive urgency.
Management history can cause irreversible changes in agroecosystems: an experimental demonstration
Authors: Senthilnathan Athmanathan , Ong Theresa
Published: September 2024

History-dependence plays a significant role in understanding how ecosystems can shift dramatically in response to environmental changes. Hysteresis is a special case where a shift from a desirable state to an undesirable change can only be reversed when an external driver of change (e.g. pollution) is brought down to a much lower level than at the level in which the unfavorable transition first occurred. Here we ask whether hysteresis or a different form of history-dependence can be observed in plant-soil interactions due to changing agricultural management, and determine the ecological causes. We show that history-dependence is more complex in a common garden experiment where we observe Zea Mays growing under different fertilization treatments. Of particular interest is the case where nitrite leaching decreases irreversibly when fertilization is shifted from inorganic to organic sources. We complement the experiment with a simple mathematical model of nutrient cycling, which shows that correlation between nutrient loss rate and recycling rate are sufficient to cause irreversible shifts in the plant-soil system. Overall, our results show that complex history-dependence due to past management occurs in an agricultural context and plant-soil interactions more broadly.
Benefit of Laparoscopic Two-team Transanal Beyond Total Mesorectal Excision for Advanced and Recurrent Rectal Cancer with Invasion: A Retrospective Study Compared with Conventional Laparoscopic Approach
Authors: Shioi Ikuma , Shiraishi Takuya , Shimizu Yutaro , Uehara Kosei , Seki Takahiro , Hosoi Nobuhiro , Tateno Kouhei , Endo Mizuki , Uchida Shintaro , Yamaguchi Arisa , Katayama Chika , Shibasaki Yuta , Komine Chika , Osone Katsuya , Okada Takuhisa , Kimura Akiharu , Sano Akihiko , Sakai Makoto , Shirabe Ken , Saeki Hiroshi
Published: September 2024

Background The optimal surgical approach for advanced or recurrent rectal cancer with invasion of adjacent structures remains controversial. This study aimed to clarify the feasibility of laparoscopic two-team transanal beyond total mesorectal excision in patients with invasive rectal cancer.Methods This single-center retrospective study was conducted in a single educational hospital in Japan from January 2014 to May 2024. Patients with advanced or recurrent rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic or two-team transanal excision beyond total mesorectal excision were included in the analysis. Short-term outcomes were compared between the laparoscopic and transanal approaches. The burden of medical resources was assessed using a new index, Staff Time Consumed (STC = median number of participating staff members × operation time).Results A total of 35 patients were included in the study. More patients underwent preoperative treatment and lateral lymph node dissection using the transanal approach. However, the operative time (539 and 339 min in the laparoscopic and transanal groups, respectively; p < 0.001) and total blood loss (274 and 70 mL, respectively; p = 0.008) were lower in the transanal group. Additionally, the positive resection margin was lower in the transanal group (28% and 0%, p = 0.019), and STC was comparable between the groups. There was no increase in postoperative mortality or morbidity. Surgical complexity did not affect the outcomes of the transanal approach. Patients with surgical difficulties had shorter operative times and comparable STC between the two groups.Conclusions Laparoscopic two-team transanal approach offers better short-term outcomes than the conventional approach in highly selected patients.
Diagnostic accuracy of LiquidArray MTB-XDR VER1.0 for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, fluoroquinolone, amikacin, ethambutol, and linezolid susceptibility
Authors: Auma Erick , Alberts Rencia , Derendinger Brigitta , Venter Rouxjeane , Streicher Elizabeth M , Pillay Samantha , Ghebrekristos Yonas T , Mburu Moses , Ruhwald Morten , Warren Robin , Penn-Nicholson Adam , Grant Theron , de Vos Margaretha
Published: September 2024

Drug susceptibility testing (DST) is essential for effectively starting people on effective tuberculosis (TB) regimens. No accuracy data exists for the new high-throughput LiquidArray MTB-XDR (LA-XDR) test, which detects Mycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC) and susceptibility to the fluoroquinolones, amikacin, ethambutol, and linezolid (the latter two drugs have no rapid molecular DSTs available). We enrolled (n=720) people with presumptive TB who provided two sputa for Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and culture (MTBC reference standard). Phenotypic DST and Sanger sequencing served as a composite reference standard. Manual FluoroLyse and automated GenoXtract-fleXT (fleXT) DNA extraction methods were compared. For MTBC, LA-XDR using fleXT-extracted or FluoroLyse-extracted DNA had similar sensitivities (85-87%; which improved upon eluate retesting) and specificities (99%). Drug susceptibility sensitivities varied: 94% (86, 98) for fluoroquinolones, 64% (45, 80) for amikacin, and 88% (79, 93) for ethambutol (specificities 97-100%). LA-XDR detected 86% (6/7) phenotypically resistant linezolid isolates. LA-XDR with fleXT had indeterminate proportions of 8% (21/251) for fluoroquinolones, 1% (2/251) for ethambutol, 25% (63/251) for amikacin, and 37% (93/251) for linezolid. In a hypothetical population of 100 smear-negative fluoroquinolones-resistant cases, 24% (24/100) could be missed due to an unsuccessful result (1 fleXT error and, for LA-XDR, 2 invalid results, 15 MTBC-negative, 6 fluoroquinolone-indeterminate, 1 false-susceptible). LA-XDR met the minimum WHO target product profile for a next-generation sputum-based moderate complexity DST with high sensitivity for fluoroquinolones and ethambutol resistance, moderate sensitivity for amikacin resistance, and promise for linezolid resistance, for which more data are needed. Improved MTBC detection would reduce missed resistance.
Genome Diversity, Population Structure and MALDI-TOF MS Profiling of Aspergillus oryzae/flavus Strains from Fermentation and Wild Environments
Authors: Kim Dong-Hyun , Kim Dong-Chan , Seo Donggun , Kim Ki-Tae , Lee Sang-Han , Hong Seung-Beom
Published: September 2024

Various strains of Aspergillus oryzae, regarded as a domesticated variant of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus, are utilized in soybean fermentation industry of Korea. This study compared A. oryzae/flavus strains isolated from various environments in Korea, including industrial settings, Meju (brick of dried fermented soybeans), and wild conditions, with globally reported strains using genomic analysis to determine their taxonomic positions and safety. Using population genomics, five distinct groups (A to E) were identified, with all aflatoxigenic Korean strains in Group C and non-aflatoxigenic Korean strains in Groups A, B, and E. Korean strains from Meju and wild conditions are distributed across Groups A and B, and most of the Korean industrial strains form a sub-cluster with Japanese industrial strains in Group A. Comparing secondary metabolite gene cluster mutation pattern, three gene clusters (Aflatoxin, Cyclopiazonic acid and Ditryptophenaline) were revealed as group specific ones. In aflatoxin and cyclopiazonic acid clusters, most of the Group C strains had intact regions compared to other groups strains.Since most of the Group C strains produce aflatoxin and have intact Aflatoxin and Cyclopiazonic acid gene cluster, we considered that this group represent A. flavus. Profiling of MALDI-TOF MS analysis also distinguished Group C from Groups A, B and E by specific proteomic peaks. Among these peaks, those around 12700 to 12900 m/z (Da) are expected to correspond to AflF (nor B), an enzyme involved in Aflatoxin metabolism. These results showed taxonomic positions of Korean strains of A. oryzae/ flavus from various environments and also showed possibility to differentiate between A. oryzae and A. flavus with genome and Maldi-tof analysis.
Association Between Atherogenic Index of Plasma, Body Mass Index, and Sarcopenia: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Elderly Individuals in China
Authors: Lu Bowen , Li Jiacheng , Liang Xuezhen , Wen Mingtao , Luo Di , Jia Haifeng , Zhang Jiahao , Li Gang
Published: September 2024

Objective: To investigate the correlation between the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Body Mass Index (BMI), and sarcopenia in the elderly Chinese population, and to analyze the predictive ability of AIP and BMI for sarcopenia.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 3,709 eligible participants aged 60 and above, based on data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2015. The subjects were divided into a sarcopenia group (n=1449) and a non-sarcopenia group (n=2260). AIP and BMI were grouped by quartiles, and logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between these variables and the risk of sarcopenia. A restricted cubic spline regression model was used to analyze the dose-response relationship between different levels of AIP and BMI with sarcopenia. The predictive value of individual and combined indicators for sarcopenia was assessed using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results: Univariate analysis showed that sarcopenia was associated with age, marital status, education level, place of residence, alcohol consumption, BMI, uric acid (UA), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), AIP index, and the presence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic lung disease, liver disease, and digestive system diseases (p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, logistic regression analysis indicated that the 4th quartile of AIP index and BMI had the lowest risk of sarcopenia compared to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quartiles, with odds ratios of 0.46 (95% CI = 0.37–0.57) and 0.04 (95% CI = 0.03–0.05), respectively. The AIP index showed a clear linear dose-response relationship with sarcopenia, while BMI demonstrated a significant nonlinear dose-response curve, resembling an "L" shape. ROC curve analysis revealed that the combined predictive ability of AIP and BMI was superior to that of individual indicators, with an AUC of 0.7996.
Conclusion: Elevated AIP index and BMI are closely associated with a reduced risk of sarcopenia, and both have certain predictive value for sarcopenia. Considering all factors, the combination of AIP and BMI is the optimal predictive indicator for sarcopenia.
AVR/I/SSAPDB: A Comprehensive & Specialised Knowledgebase of Antimicrobial Peptides to Combat VRSA, VISA, and VSSA
Authors: Mondal Rajat Kumar , Karmakar Debayan , Pal Oshin , Samanta Sintu Kumar
Published: September 2024

The rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, especially strains of Staphylococcus aureus like Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA), Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA), and Vancomycin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (VSSA), poses a severe threat to global health. This situation underscores the urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents to combat these resistant strains effectively. Here, we are introducing the Anti-Vancomycin-Resistant/Intermediate/Susceptible Staphylococcus aureusPeptide Database (AVR/I/SSAPDB), a manually curated comprehensive and specialized knowledgebase dedicated to antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that target VRSA, VISA, and VSSA with clinical and non-clinical significance. Our database sources data from PubMed, cataloging 491 experimentally validated AMPs with detailed annotations on peptides, activity, and cross-references to external databases like PubMed, UniProt, PDB, and DrugBank. AVR/I/SSAPDB offers a user-friendly interface with simple to advanced search capabilities, enabling researchers to explore AMPs against VRSA, VISA, and VSSA. We are hoping that this resource will be helpful to the scientific community in developing targeted peptide-based therapeutics, providing a crucial tool for combating VRSA, VISA, and VSSA, and addressing a major public health concern. AVR/I/SSAPDB is freely accessible via any web-browser at URL: https://bblserver.org.in/avrissa/.
Physical and chemical niche of human growth plate for polarized bone development
Authors: Ouyang Hongwei , Xie Chang , Li Wenyue , Yao Xudong , Wu Boxuan , Fang Jinghua , Mao Renwei , Yan Yiyang , Meng Hongxu , Wu Yan , Zhang Xianzhu , Duan Wangping , Dai Xuesong , Wang Xiaozhao
Published: September 2024

Growth plate (GP), a critical cartilaginous structure in amniotes, underpins longitudinal bone growth, yet the intricate mechanisms behind its polarized mineralization during evolution remain unclear. Herein, employing high-resolution analytical techniques, we reveal that the GP-epiphysis interface displays a sharp transition in tissue modulus, acting as a “protective shell” for the underlying GP, whereas the GP-metaphysis interface exhibits a gradual modulus increase, enabling efficient load redistribution to metaphysis. This mechanical microenvironment drives unique microstructural and compositional transformations from GP to epiphysis and metaphysis. Notably, the GP-epiphysis interface acts as a mineralization inhibition zone while the GP-metaphysis serves as a mineralization promotion zone, orchestrated by a complex network of proteins. Proteins such as SPP1 and AHSG at the GP-epiphysis interface inhibit mineralization, forming a defense line; while ENPP1 and ALPL coexisted with SPP1 and AHSG at the GP-metaphysis promote a sequential nucleation and assembly of CaP minerals, initiating “mineralization waves”. Such polarized mineralization patterns maintain the homeostasis of GPs and promote bone polarized elongation. Replicating this process in vitro, we synthesized stable amorphous calcium phosphate which showed highly controlled transformation to hydroxyapatites. This work provides a more comprehensive view of the structural integrity of human bone in development and offers strategies for controlled biomineralization.
Aneuploidy drives the acquisition of cancer-specific driver genes
Authors: Schramek Daniel , Al-Zahrani Khalid , Langille Ellen , Obersterescu Andreea , Lowden Christopher , Teng Katie , Caldwell Lauren , Cook David , Pérez-Castro Miguel , Chiu Cynthia , Bahcheli Alexander , Tsai Ricky , Berman Jacob , Chan Kin , Zhang Linkang , Bang K.W. Annie , Parsons Michael , Lopes Adele , Nurtanto Jocelyn , Temel E. Idil , Fotiadou Iosifina , Dessapt Julien , Jackson Hartland , Egan Sean , Reimand Juri , Wrana Jeff
Published: September 2024

Chromosome instability is highly prevalent in cancer and drives large scale chromosomal imbalances, known as aneuploidies. However, how aneuploidy contributes to tumorigenesis remains difficult to study due to the vast numbers of genes affected. Here, we develop a CRISPR-Knock Out and Activation Linked Assay (CRISPR-KOALA), enabling high-throughput bidirectional genetic screens in immune-competent mouse models of cancer. We developed a compendium of the ten most frequently altered human chromosome arms in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC), a copy number-driven disease. Using CRISPR-KOALA we screened the mouse orthologs of all 3,752 genes on these arms and identified 90 cancer driver genes, the vast majority of which have hitherto unknown functions in cancer. These genes drive distinct signalling pathways including MAPK, Hippo and WNT, reflecting the high degree of BLBC heterogeneity. Manipulating the identified cancer driver genes overcomes the need for copy number alterations (CNAs) in p53-mutant BLBC mouse models. Mechanistically, we uncover PLGRKT as a potent oncogene that lies adjacent to the immune checkpoint gene CD274/PD-L1 on chr9p and show that its tumor-promoting activity is associated with the creation of highly stress-resistant mitochondria that promote tumor cell survival. Thus, our findings reveal that arm-level CNAs can function to select specific driver genes to promote heterogenous biological processes.
WITHDRAWN: Macroeconomic Factors Underlying External Currency Instability in Developing Countries: Analysis of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 1990 to 2022.
Authors: FATAKI ALEXANDRE DONATIEN
Published: September 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn, as it was submitted in error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck Pain and Low Back Pain Among College Students in Nigeria
Authors: Olawale Samuel , Olajide Tobi , Oyedokun Abigail , Fatola Ayomide , Odimayo Deborah , Okojie Eghonghon , Ogunde Gabriel , Oluwalana Similoluwa , Adeolu Augustine
Published: September 2024

Objective
Neck and back pain are common among healthcare students because they are exposed to prolonged hours of standing, inappropriate body posture while sitting, increased screen time- that is time spent on electronic gadgets, and decreased physical activities, all of which have adverse effects.The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of neck pain and low back pain among the college of medicine students in Ibadan, Nigeria, also assessing the risk factors for the development of these musculoskeletal pains.
Materials and Methods
A minimum number of 420 students, studying Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy, and who were in their clinical level in their respective course of study in the College of Medicine, the University of Ibadan, Ibadan participated in the study. Participants were recruited for the study by Stratified sampling method and data were collected through self-administered standardised online questionnaires.
Data Analysis
The data were subjected to descriptive statistics and the responses were compared across demographic groups. The association between the sociodemographic variables, risk factors, disability scores, and coping mechanisms was assessed. Also, correlation coefficient was performed to test for association between coping strategies, pain score, disability score and depressive symptoms using Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The confidence level was set at 0.05.
Results
Four hundred and twenty students were recruited for the study. The lifetime prevalence of neck and back pain was 74.5% and 76.6%, 12-month prevalence of 60.8% and 66.1%, and point prevalence of 15.1% and 18.7% respectively. The associated risk factors found were: sitting without back support (p= 0.06), prolonged study time (p= 0.43), using the computer (p= 0.08), use of smart phones (p= 0.01), posture assumed during lectures (p= 0.4), posture assumed during practicals (p= 0.36), prolonged sitting (p= 0.49), prolonged standing (p= 0.07), carrying heavy backpacks (p= 0.69), engaging in physical activities (0.9) and waking up to low back pain (0.04).
Conclusion
The prevalence of neck and low back pain among healthcare students is high and affects their everyday life.
Single-turnover kinetic analysis of non-LTR retrotransposition defines
the mechanism and rate constants governing each step
Authors: Johnson Kenneth , Dangerfield Tyler , Zhou Jun , Eickbush Thomas
Published: September 2024

Site specific retrotransposon-mediated gene therapy has the potential to revolutionize medicine by allowing insertion of large gene cargos. Despite decades of effort, the reaction sequence remains to be fully elucidated limiting the ability to engineer improved activity for gene insertion. Here we provide a kinetic/mechanistic framework for R2 non-LTR retrotransposition. Single turnover measurements and global data fitting defined the rate constants for each step in the pathway involving 1st -strand DNA cleavage to provide a DNA primer, reverse transcription to copy the RNA, 2nd -strand DNA cleavage to provide the second primer, and 2nd -strand synthesis to make duplex cDNA. Sequence analysis of the cDNA confirms accurate replication of the 1400 nt RNA used in this study. This represents the only complete analysis of the reaction sequence and first observation of 2nd -strand synthesis in vitro. We provide a kinetic framework to understand non-LTR retrotransposition, which provide a basis to engineer improved activity.
Prediction of global ionospheric TEC data based on deep learning methods
Authors: LIU CHENRAN , ZHOU JINXIANG
Published: September 2024

As the core component of the near-earth space environment, the accurate observation of the TEC (total electron content) is of great significance for understanding its spatial and temporal changes. Therefore, the modeling and prediction of the ionosphere TEC is particularly important. In view of the periodic variation nature of ionosphere TEC, this study used long and short-term memory network (LSTM) and Transformer neural network to predict ionosphere TEC in 2014 and 2017. The prediction results were comprehensively evaluated by RMSE (root mean square error) and MAE (mean absolute error), and the difference of RMSE in different latitudes was analyzed in depth. The results showed that RMSE was generally higher than that in higher latitudes. In addition, by comparing the performance of LSTM and Transformer neural networks in single-step and multi-step prediction, LSTM network is more advantageous in the ionosphere TEC data prediction, especially for single-step prediction.
Molecular dynamic simulation of Cyclophilin A in complex with Sanglifehrin A
Authors: Nabavi Seyed Pooria Tadayon , Askari Fatemeh Sana , Askari Parnia , Mohebbi Alireza
Published: September 2024

Context
Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase involved in various critical cellular processes, including protein folding, trafficking, and immunomodulation. Its role in the pathogenesis of several human diseases, including viral infections, cancer, and inflammatory conditions, makes it a significant target for therapeutic intervention. This study aims to elucidate the structural and dynamic changes in CypA upon binding with its potent inhibitor, SangfA, using molecular dynamic simulations (MDS). The potential impact of these findings on our understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutic strategies is highly anticipated.
Methods
MDS was conducted using GROMACS 5.1.4 to explore the interaction between CypA and SangfA. The crystallographic structure of CypA (PDB ID: 1BCK) was obtained from The Protein Data Bank and prepared using UCSF Chimera 1.10.2. The structures of known CypA inhibitors were sourced from PubChem. Docking studies were performed using Autodock Vina, and the grid box coordinates were set with Autodock Tools 1.5.6. The MDS involved solvating the CypA-SangfA complex in a simple point-charge water box under periodic boundary conditions. The system was neutralized, followed by steepest descent energy minimization and equilibration. A 100 ns MD simulation was conducted to evaluate the system's stability. The built-in tools in GROMACS were utilized to analyze Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF), Radius of Gyration (Rg), hydrogen bonding, and Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA). The Linear Interaction Energy (LIE) method was utilized to estimate binding free energy, and principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to detect significant conformational alterations. All simulations were executed on a Core i7 system with an NVidia GeForce GPU.
Precession driven low-latitude terrestrial precipitation paced by shifting perihelion
Authors: Yang Hu , Shi Xiaoxu , Wang Xulong , Liu Qingsong , Zhong Yi , Liu Xiaodong , Sun Youbin , Cai Yanjun , Liu Fei , Lohmann Gerrit , Werner Martin , Jian Zhimin , Pinho Tain˜a M. L. , Cheng Hai , Lu Lijuan , Liu Jiping , Yang Chao-Yuan , Hu Yongyun , Cheng Xing , Zhang Jingyu ,   Dake Chen1
Published: September 2024

Paleoclimate proxies reveal a significant precessional impact on the low-latitude hydrological cycle. Classical theory suggests that precession modulates the inter-hemisphere summer insolation difference, and hence controls the meridional displacement of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone. Accordingly, the low-latitude precipitation changes are expected to be in-phase (for the Northern Hemisphere) or anti-phase (for the Southern Hemisphere) with the Northern Hemisphere summer insolation. However, increasing number of absolutely dated proxies reveal that variations in land precipitation at different low-latitudes follow distinct precession rhythms that are very often not paced by the hemispheric summer insolation. The mechanism underlying such spatial complexity remains elusive. In this study, we argued that the precession driven low-latitude land precipitation is paced by shifting perihelion, rather than the hemispheric summer insolation. More specifically, precession of the Earth’s rotation axis alters the season and latitude of perihelion. When perihelion occurs, solar radiation reaches its maximum value, thermodynamically moving the tropical convergence zone from ocean to land, contributing to enhancing the precipitation over land. As perihelion occurs towards different latitudes and seasons at different precessional phases, this leads asynchronous land precipitation maxima at different latitudes. Our hypothesis, supported by both model simulations and geologic records, suggests that the insolation in individual seasons is equally important in shaping the orbital scale climate changes at low-latitude. This provides new insight on the Milankovitch theory which highlights the role of summer isolation in driving the astronomical climate change.
Context-Dependent Modulations of Spatial Attention: A Simulated Driving Task
Authors: Britt Noah , Chau Jackie , Sun Hong-jin
Published: September 2024

Human attention can be guided by semantic information of individual objects in the environment (e.g., traffic light). In the current study, we reported a novel phenomenon in which certain behavioural contexts could determine whether guidance of attention occurs. Using a driving simulator, we simulated a real-world driving task representing an over-learned behaviour. A peripheral cue-target paradigm was implemented where a roadside pedestrian avatar (target) appeared following a cylinder cue. Results revealed that, during simulated driving, participants (all with driver’s licenses) showed increased attentional facilitation when pedestrians were oriented toward the road compared to away. This orientation-specific selectivity was not seen if the 3-D context was removed, or the same visual scene was presented but participants’ viewpoint remained stationary, or an inanimate object served as a target during simulated driving. This context-specific attention modulation likely reflects drivers’ expertise in automaticallyattending to behaviourally relevant information in a context-dependent manner.
Perceptions and Attitudes of College Students on Proposed Divorce Legislation in the Philippines
Authors: Ingles Antonio Levy S.
Published: September 2024

This study examines college students' perceptions of the proposed civil divorce legislation in the Philippines. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data from Likert scale surveys and CSAT questionnaires. Out of 148 distributed questionnaires, 72 were analyzed, capturing student attitudes from four sections of the 'Marriage and Family Life' course at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde during the third term of 2023–2024. Results show a generally positive perception of the legislation, with support for its alignment with societal expectations (OGM: 3.67; CSAT: 63.2%) and effectiveness in addressing issues like marital distress (OGM: 3.67; CSAT: 56.9%). However, moderate satisfaction and neutrality were noted regarding the legislative process and support systems. Recommendations include improving transparency, stakeholder engagement, and support services to enhance overall acceptance.
A new method for calculating the food self-sufficiency ratio: Supply-side food self-sufficiency ratio
Authors: Takahashi Goro
Published: September 2024

Background
The conventional formula for calculating food self-sufficiency cannot cover all the food we eat on a daily basis and cannot calculate the food self-sufficiency ratios (FSSR) of each country. The conventional food self-sufficiency ratio (CFSSR) can only calculate the FSSRs of each country for grains. To determine the actual state of food insecurity worldwide as accurately as possible, a method for calculating the FSSR of each country for all the food we eat on a daily basis is needed. To address this situation, this study proposes the supply-side food self-sufficiency ratio (SSFSSR), which can systematically calculate the self-sufficiency ratio of all foods in all countries/regions.
Results
We compared the results of both calculations under the same conditions and used the same data to determine whether the CFSSR or the SSFSSR is a more suitable method for obtaining basic information and formulating measures of global food security. The results showed that the SSFSSR has advantages and practicality over the CFSSR. The SSFSSR can calculate self-sufficiency ratios for all foods in all countries/regions of the world, and the figures for various statistical tests are better. The food that is the subject of the calculation in the SSFSSR formula is the entire supply from production, distribution, storage, and consumption, excluding duplication in the calculation, and includes primary products required to produce secondary products, such as livestock products and edible oils. The study also highlighted the value of reducing the amount of primary products used to produce secondary products such as livestock and edible oils, thereby lowering the primary product conversion rate (PPCR).
Conclusion
This study used actual data to estimate the SSFSSR for each country/region to demonstrate the applicability of this method and that lowering the PPCR would lead to an increase in food self-sufficiency ratio. To further refine this methodology, we find that the most important tasks for the future are to collect more reliable data on calories per weight for a large number of foods, expand the number of types covered by more reliable PPCRs, and analyze those data.
Investing in Green: Foreign Direct Investment Fingerprint on Nigeria's Renewable Energy and Carbon Footprint
Authors: Adebayo Temitope
Published: September 2024

This study examines the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on green growth in Nigeria, focusing on renewable energy usage and carbon footprint. Using annual data from 1990 to 2022, the research employs a Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model to analyze the relationship between FDI and various indicators of green growth. The results indicate that FDI has a positive impact on green growth in Nigeria, both in the short and long term. Environmental policy stringency also shows a positive relationship with green growth, while carbon dioxide emissions demonstrate a negative correlation. The study finds that the relationship between FDI and green growth is non-linear, highlighting the importance of considering both the magnitude and direction of FDI inflows. The findings support the Porter Hypothesis, suggesting that well-designed environmental policies can stimulate innovation and competitiveness. Based on these results, the study recommends prioritizing policies to attract FDI in green sectors, enhancing environmental regulations, improving regulatory quality, implementing carbon pricing systems, and developing green finance initiatives. These strategies aim to maximize the positive impacts of FDI on green growth while mitigating potential negative environmental effects, positioning Nigeria as a leader in sustainable economic development in Africa.
Experimental Investigation of condensation heat transfer co-efficient by surface modification on a monolithic Aluminium heat sink
Authors: N Lohith , B Bhaskar H , S Manu , S Yogendrakumar
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the enhancement of condensation heat transfer (CHT) through surface modifications applied to a monolithic aluminum heat sink. Condensation heat transfer plays a crucial role in various industries, including power generation, refrigeration, and HVAC systems, with its efficiency heavily influenced by the surface properties of heat exchanger materials. In this research, different surface modification techniques such as surface roughening, coating, and texturing were applied to an aluminum heat sink with the goal of increasing the condensation heat transfer coefficient. The modifications aimed to improve the surface wettability and promote dropwise condensation, which is notably more efficient than filmwise condensation. The experiments were performed under controlled conditions with the heat sink exposed to a saturated vapor environment. Precise thermal sensors and data acquisition systems were used to measure the condensation heat transfer coefficient, and the results were compared to those of an unmodified aluminum surface. The findings revealed a substantial improvement in the condensation heat transfer coefficient for the modified surfaces, with some treatments achieving up to a 40% increase over the unmodified baseline. These results indicate that surface modifications on aluminum heat sinks can significantly enhance the performance of heat exchangers in condensation-based systems. This study advances the understanding of how surface properties influence condensation heat transfer and provides valuable insights for the development of more efficient thermal management systems. Future work is suggested to further optimize these surface modification techniques and assess their effectiveness on other materials and in different industrial contexts.
Production of African Swine Fever Virus p54 ectodomain and p30 in an E. coli system and their potential application in immunodetection
Authors: Meksiriporn Bunyarit , Ounjai Puey , Kaeoket Kampon , Phakham Tanapati , Saelao Pijitra , Wongtangprasert Tossapon , Pisitkun Trairak , Ngamwongsatit Natharin
Published: September 2024

African swine fever (ASF) is a lethally infectious viral disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), leading to a high mortality of almost 100% in domestic pigs worldwide. ASFV has significantly impacted the global swine industry and food security. Highly effective vaccines are in high demand; however, no current vaccines provide effective immunity against ASFV. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop reliable immunodetection assays to prevent the spread of ASFV. Traditionally, ASFV antigens are produced using mammalian expression systems, which are labor-intensive, costly, time-consuming, and challenging to scale up. In this study, two ASFV structural proteins associated with viral infection, p30 and the p54 ectodomain from genotype II ASFV, were recombinantly expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3). The results demonstrated that recombinant p54 ectodomain and p30 were highly expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) using the pET28a system. Both recombinant p54 ectodomain and p30 were then validated for their ability to serve as antigens to detect anti-ASFV antibodies in an indirect ELISA platform. The p54 ectodomain/p30-based indirect ELISA was validated using serum from ASFV-infected pigs and serum from ASFV-uninfected pigs. Both p54 ectodomain and p30 demonstrated binding ability in the serum from ASFV-infected pigs, while no binding was observed in the serum from ASFV-uninfected pigs. Collectively, our recombinant p30 and p54 ectodomain were successfully expressed in E. coli and can be used as antigens to develop an indirect ELISA-based detection assay for anti-ASFV antibodies.
Effects of Pasture-burning Management on Anuran Communities in Subtropical Brazilian Grasslands
Authors: Cansan Guilherme , Moser Camila Fernanda , de Oliveira Juliano Morales , Tozetti Alexandro Marques
Published: September 2024

Anthropogenic fire is a worldwide event that affects many ecosystems and organisms. In Southern Brazil, grassland management with fire has been highly employed since the mid-18th century. Although the practice is regulated by federal law (prescribed fire), there is no detailed information about the impacts of this practice on the small, non-volant fauna. We evaluated the effect of fire management on anuran species richness and community composition in Brazilian grassland areas that have adopted this practice for more than 15 years. Our results show that burning practices lead to a reduction of anuran richness. About 37% of the species occur exclusively in sites free of fire. Sites with fire management have low densities of taller grass and shrubs, which could reduce habitat availability for some anuran species. Nestedness and turnover components of beta diversity did not differ within and between treatments, but there was a tendency for a nestedness organization of the community in burned sites, suggesting that sites with fire management are a subsample of sites where fire is absent. Our results pointed out that prescribed fire practices have potentially negative effects on the anuran diversity. These results suggest that the changes in vegetation, in particular percentages of shrub cover, affect habitat suitability for some species. As a consequence, anuran communities tend to become less diverse and lack arboreal species where fire occurs.
Drawing on Student Voices to Enhance (Online) Teaching in Academic Continuing Education
Authors: Geppert Corinna , Lessky Franziska , Keser Aschenberger Filiz
Published: September 2024

This study explores how students in academic continuing education (ACE) experienced online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there has been extensive research on how the pandemic affected teaching and learning of ‘traditional students’, the perspective of this particular student group has been neglected so far. Results, which are based on a mixed-methods design, including a survey (N=184) and four focus-group discussions (N=15) at one university in Austria, revealed a great variety of experiences and preferences towards (online) teaching in line with the heterogeneity of this student cohort. However, findings also reveal that characteristics, such as gender, caring responsibilities, and field of study are closely linked to the barriers and difficulties perceived while studying during the pandemic. Results emphasize the important role of educators in shaping online learning experiences and highlight the need of professionalization to meet the needs of ACE students and to enhance (online) teaching in ACE in a post-COVID-19 era.
„Angekommen und glücklich“ – Außerakademische Employability von Promovierten und universitärer Support
Authors: Overberg Jasmin , Hug Valerie , Röbken Heinke
Published: September 2024

Obgleich ein Großteil der Promovierten in Deutschland erfolgreich einen Karriereweg außerhalb der Wissenschaft wählt, stößt diese Entscheidung auf ambivalente Reaktionen seitens Universität und Arbeitsmarkt. Für die oftmals kritische Übergangsphase zwischen Promotion und außerakademischer Berufstätigkeit können hochschulische Supportstrukturen eine zentrale Rolle spielen. Die vorliegende Studie liefert – anknüpfend an aktuelle öffentliche Diskussionen – neben Einblicken zur Employability von Promovierten diverse Implikationen für die Identifikation von universitären Unterstützungsbedarfen, die den Abbau von strukturellen und persönlichen Hürden befördern.
„Führerschein für Digitalkompetenzen“: Vorstellung und Evaluation eines interdisziplinären Virtual Collaborative Learnings
Authors: Jantos Anne , Kilz Lydia , Krohn Maike
Published: September 2024

Dieser Entwicklungsbeitrag beschreibt das Konzept, die Durchführung und Evaluation des Kurses „Führerschein für Digitalkompetenzen“ an der Technischen Universität Dresden, der Studierende auf die digitalisierte Arbeitswelt vorbereitet. Der Kurs fördert digitale Kompetenzen nach dem EU-DigComp 2.2 sowie interdisziplinäre Teamarbeit durch Virtual Collaborative Learning (VCL), das problembasiertes und lernendenzentriertes Lernen ermöglicht und auf einer speziell entwickelten Fallstudie basiert. Die Evaluationsergebnisse zeigen positive Veränderungen in den allgemeinen und digitalen Kompetenzen der Studierenden und werden im Kontext der Hochschulentwicklung interpretiert.
WEB BASED E-COMMERCE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT ON XYZ STORE
Authors:   Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Satya Negara Indonesia., Panjaitan Bosar , Bahat Nauli Sukarno ,   Jalan ArteriPondok Indah No. 11 Kebayoran Lama, Jakarta Selatan 12240, Indonesia.
Published: September 2024

This study aims to design a web based e-commerce system development on xyz store. This type of research is action research.Technological developments in the information sector encourage every agency or company to keep abreast of developments, especially with regard to developments in information technology that are related to the companys activities. In this research, an E-Commerce system at Store XYZ was successfully designed to solve the problem of inaccurate transactions and as an alternative promotional media. In the future, XYZ Store E-commerce development is expected to be able to accept payments by credit card.
EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SPONSORSHIP DISCLOSURE ON CONSUMER PURCHASE INTENTIONS IN SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Authors: Dercy Charlotte , Raposo Santos Zelia
Published: September 2024

Influencer marketing has blurred the lines between organic and editorial content, making it challenging for users to identify persuasive efforts in endorsements. The disclosure dilemma extends beyond ethical considerations, impacting strategies, performance, and the purchase intention index for brands and influencers seeking more effective endorsements. Understanding consumer behavior and attitudes toward advertising is pivotal for crafting marketing strategies and driving sales. This study seeks insights into the factors influencing purchase intention, including sponsored content presentation, advertising recognition, consumer attitudes, and the role of the product-influencer match-up. Employing a quantitative approach through an online questionnaire, the study explored data from active followers of social media influencers on Instagram and TikTok. The findings reveal that a standardized disclosure enhances ad recognition, and consequently influence consumers positive attitudes towards the ad. The congruence between the product and influencer contributes to improved attitudes towards the ad and indirect purchase intention.
CLINICAL, FUNCTIONAL AND RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF PROXIMAL FEMUR NAIL (PFN) IN COMPARISON WITH PROXIMAL FEMUR NAIL ANTIROTATION FOR ASIANS (PFNA2) IN THE TREATMENT OF INTERTROCHANTERIC FEMUR FRACTURE
Authors:   Post Graduate, Department of Orthopaedics, Basaveshwara Teaching and General Hospital, Attached Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Kalaburagi., G. Pradeepa , B. Patil Vinay ,   M.S.Orthopaedics, Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Basaveshwara Teaching and General Hospital, Attached Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Kalaburagi., Masgal Eshwar ,   M.S.Orthopaedics, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Basaveshwara Teaching and General Hospital, Attached Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Kalaburagi.
Published: September 2024

Introduction:Intertrochanteric fractures management in elderly pose a serious challenge. The implants have evolved from extramedullary implants like dynamic hip screw to the intramedullary types of PFNA2 nail. Intramedullary implants have proven advantage over their counterpart in terms of stable anatomical fixation and better functional outcome.The main goal of fixation is early mobilization of patient in order to prevent complications of prolonged bed ridden status. Material And Methods:A prospective, randomized, interventional, comparative study of 40 patients (PFN-20, PFN A2-20) who presented to us between 27 July 2022 to 27 January 2024 after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria.The details of the patients including gender, age, side of fracture, type of fracture, blood loss, time of union, operating time and complications were recorded. Patients were assessed clinically, functionally and radiographically at 6, 12, 24 weeks,1 year postoperatively.Harris Hip Score was used to assess functional outcome. Results:In this study, the mean ages of the PFN- 46.95 years , PFN A2 -53.45 years. Mean operative time for PFN was 111 minutes & PFNA2 had 76.75 minutes. The mean amount of blood loss for PFN is 112 ml & for PFNA2 is 98.75 ml. Mean radiological union time was 19.50 weeks for PFN & 17.05 weeks for PFNA2. Mean Harris hip score is 84 in PFN & 88 in PFNA2. The complications In the PFN A2 group were 1 experienced abduction lurch, 1 The complications In the PFN A2 group were 1 (5.0%) abduction lurch, 1 (5.0%) knee stiffness, 1 (5.0%) non-union, and 2 (10.0%) superficial infection. In the PFN group 2 (10.0%) abduction lurch, 2 (10.0%) knee stiffness, 2 (10.0%) non-union, 3 (15.0%) superficial infection, and 1 (5.0%) the Z effect. Concussion:From the study we concluded that the PFNA2 reduces the surgery time, blood loss and time of union as compared to PFN. As the union rate is more with PFNA2, the functional outcome is significantly better with Improved Harris hip score in PFNA2 than PFN. Implant related late complication is more with PFN which was markedly reduced with PFNA2.