bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on intelligent identification of third-party damage of oil and gas pipelines based on improved YOLOv5 algorithm
Authors: Dai Xiaojun , Xiao Jianghong , Huang Weiyi , Liu Jianjun , li bin
Published: January 2024

In pipeline integrity management, third-party damage is an important cause of oil and gas pipeline failure and leakage. Among them, the safety threat to long-distance buried pipelines caused by excavators and other engineering vehicles is more prominent. For this reason, this paper proposes an automatic identification method of YOLOv5 engineering vehicles for video monitoring in high consequence areas. Firstly, for the variability of sunlight conditions and construction environment under actual working conditions, Mosaic9 data enhancement is used to create a more complex background and improve the robustness of the model. Second, the coordinate attention mechanism is introduced in the prediction layer to enhance the feature extraction capability of the model, thus solving the problem of complex background information and inconspicuous features of detection. Finally, the EIOU loss function is used to replace the CIOU function to improve the accuracy of the predicted border regression, which solves the problem of calculating the difference value of width and height instead of the aspect ratio. A dataset consisting of construction site photos obtained from surveillance cameras in the high consequence area of a section of pipeline in Guangdong Province is used to recognize four types of common construction vehicles, namely, excavators, loaders, rollers and heavy trucks, and the model is trained and tested on the actual engineering dataset. The experimental results show that the overall average detection accuracy mean value of the improved YOLOv5 algorithm is 81.3%, which is 3.6% higher than the original algorithm. Compared with other algorithms, the average mean precision is improved by 3.6%, the accuracy is improved by 0.5%, and the recall is improved by 3.0%, which obviously solves the problem of leakage detection that occurs in the recognition, and provides an effective solution for practical engineering applications.
Survival and causes of death in infants admitted in NICU in Tehran (a retrospective cohort study 2016-2022)
Authors: Dalili Hosein , Shariat Mamak , Sahebi Leyla
Published: January 2024

Neonatal mortality remains a global public concern. The aims of the study were the evaluation of survival in all admitted infants in the NICU, as well as predictors of neonatal mortality from 2016 to 2022. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 7255 neonates admitted to the NICU in Valiasr Hospital (in the capital of Iran). Mortality proportion in preterm neonates was 9.1%, and 6.6% in all neonates. In most morbidites, the reduction of mortality was significant from 2016 to 2022.The most notable of them were respiratory disorders, prematurity, and sepsis. In the adjusted Cox regression, gestational age, birth weight, one and fifth-minute APGAR scores, congenital defects(HR = 2.02), sepsis (HR = 1.63), and respiratory disorders (HR = 1.40) were as predictor variables of death. Although the probability of survival seems to be increasing over the past years in Iran, it is far away from the target for 2030. The most common causes of neonatal mortality were congenital defects, sepsis, and respiratory disorders.
Recurrence relation approach for expansion and connection coefficients in series of q-Laguerre polynomials
Authors: Tcheutia Daniel Duviol , Mboutngam Salifou , Foupouagnigni Mama
Published: January 2024

In this manuscript, we expand some functions of a q-discrete variable as linear combination of the q-Laguerre polynomials. The recurrence relations satisfied by the expansion coefficients are derived and in many cases, explicit solutions of these recurrence relations are computed. We show how our results can be used to solve some q-difference equations and to illustrate this, we solve the connection problem between classical q-orthogonal polynomials and the q-Laguerre polynomials.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 33D45, 42C10, 65Q30.
A Phase II Trial of Flouro-Gem as a First Line Treatment of Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas (GEFLUPAN trial)
Authors: Sohaib Ahmed , Abdelaziz Reham , Younis Faten , Hegazy Amira
Published: January 2024

Background
Gemcitabine and 5 FU + folinic acid both have proven activity in treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
Methods
This prospective phase II study included 42 patients of metastatic cancer pancreas who met the inclusion criteria (chemotherapy naïve, adult patients aged between 18 and 70 years, with histopathological evidence of adenocarcinoma, with radiological proof of metastatic disease, ECOG performance status (PS) ≤ 2, with adequate hematologic parameters and normal liver and kidney functions). Patients with end stage renal disease who are under regular dialysis, other histologies of pancreatic cancer, non-metastatic irresectable patients were excluded. The included patients received gemcitabine- flourouracil every 2 weeks, evaluated for response, assesed for quality of life and survival.
Results
The median age at diagnosis was 55 years. Males were more common (59.5%) than females. The most common site of metastasis was the liver (57.1%). Toxicity profile showed that neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were the most common forms of toxicity being high grade in 11.9% of patients. Other forms of toxicity were minimal not exceeding 5%. The ORR was 33.3% with no reported complete responses. There was a significant correlation between the change of tumor markers levels (CEA, and CA 19.9) and both response and quality of life. The changes of CEA and CA19.9 levels were found to be independent predictors of PFS. One year OS rate was 49%. The median OS was 11.3 months, while the median PFS was 8.8 months. Response was also found to be a surrogate marker for survival.
Conclusions
Gemcitabine- 5 FU combination is a good alternative option for treating metastatic pancreatic cancer, it had good efficacy and safety profile.
Association of the predicted free blood concentration of teicoplanin with the development of renal dysfunction
Authors: Sugiyama Kyohei , Hirai Keita , Suyama Yukako , Furuya Kento , Ito Kenta
Published: January 2024

Purpose: In clinical practice, teicoplanin (TEIC) is typically administered at a trough concentration of 15–40 μg/mL. TEIC has a protein binding rate of approximately 90%, and its concentration rarely exceeds 40 μg/ml. Nevertheless, an increase in the free blood trough concentration of TEIC may result in renal dysfunction. However, the relationship between the free blood trough concentration and occurrence of renal dysfunction remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effect of predicted free blood concentrations on the development of renal dysfunction.
Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent TEIC treatment and at least one trough concentration measurement. The association between the frequency of renal dysfunction and the predicted free blood concentration was evaluated using the following equation: free TEIC concentration = total TEIC concentration/(1+1.78×serum albumin level).
Results: Of the 170 patients included in this study, 18% (31/170) developed renal dysfunction. The predicted free trough concentration was significantly higher in the renal dysfunction onset group than that in the non-onset group. However, the total trough concentration was not significantly associated with the development of renal dysfunction. The odds ratio for developing renal dysfunction was 4.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.71–10.4, P=0.002) when the predicted free trough concentration was >4.0 μg/mL.
Conclusion: Elevated free trough concentrations of TEIC are associated with an increased risk of renal dysfunction. Controlling the increase in the predicted free blood concentration of TEIC may effectively prevent the development of renal dysfunction.
Compact 18 mJ 100 Hz Nanosecond Yb:YAG Laser Oscillation at Room Temperature
Authors: Zhou Yi-Nan , Yang Jing , Wang Hao , Liu Wei-Hao , Zhang Zong-Zhe , Yang Tian-Li , Li Xue-Peng , Wang Yun-Ping , Zhang Shen-Jin , Wang Xiao-Jun
Published: January 2024

A compact High energy end-pumped Yb:YAG rod laser oscillator with nanosecond (ns) pulse was demonstrated. By combining the quasi three-level characteristics of Yb: YAG and the steps method simulation, the crystal parameters were optimized. By using a 2.0 at.% doped Yb:YAG rod with 10 mm length, a 1030 nm laser output energy of 18 mJ with 100 Hz, and ~ 30 ns was achieved through direct oscillator. The beam quality M2 factor was 1.13. The setup of the whole system had a compact footprint of 300 × 400 mm2. Hopefully, the end-pumped Yb:YAG with a moderate doped concentration provides an alternative solution for a compact seed source for high energy 100 Hz ns laser.
Synergetic treatment of dihydroartemisinin and perillyl alcohol by liposomal nanoplatform for enhanced therapy of cerebral malaria and neurological injury alleviation in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Ren Guolian , Wang Geng , Jin Qiuyue , Niu Xiaomin , Wang Rongrong , Ping Canqi , Qiang Jihong , Li Qingxia , Han Jingjing , Wang Ruili , Zhang Guoshun , Zhang Shuqiu
Published: January 2024

To improve the efficacy of artemisinins against cerebral malaria (CM) in murine, dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and perillyl alcohol (POH) co-loaded liposomes (DP@Tyr-Lips) were designed and prepared, in which POH was expected to exert neuroprotective effects and synergistic therapeutic effects with DHA against CM. Furtherly, tyrosine (Tyr)acted as a substrate of LAT1 transporter could target the brain tissue, was used to modify Lips for improving the accumulation of drugs in the brain via BBB amino acid transporters. DP@Tyr-Lips were prepared with uniform particle size of 91.99 ± 2.67 nm, excellent physical and serum stability, and property of anti-phagocyte phagocytosis. The cumulative release percentages of DHA and POH from DP@Tyr-Lips at 24 h were 66.91 % ± 1.56 % and 58.77 % ± 0.31%, respectively, showing a certain sustained release behavior. Importantly, the inhibition rate of plasmodium of DP@Tyr-Lips was higher than that of DHA-sol. Furthermore, DP@Tyr-Lips could obviously accumulate in the brain and effectively inhibit the occurrence and development of CM, and prolong the survival time of CM mice due to its better biological safety. These findings illustrated that the combination DHA with POH in Tyr modified Lips could achieve the synergistic therapeutic effect and exhibit a significantly enhanced inhibitory effect on the growth of plasmodium, and also improve the neurological injury in a mouse model of CM.
Low-frequency alternating magnetic field improved the conformational, rheological and gel properties of low-salt myofibrillar protein
Authors: Zhao Shengming , Chen Xiang , Liu Yu , Li Shuai , Zhao Yanyan , Zhu Mingming , Wang Hui , Ma Hanjun
Published: January 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Assessment of Longevity of COVID-19 Vaccination Among Hematology Healthcare Workers
Authors: Khoshnaw Najmaddin S.H. , Sdiq Karzan R. , Ghafoor Dlzar D. , Kamil Rafal M. , Mansur Lara A. , Abdulla Shayan J.
Published: January 2024

Background
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak caused pneumonia and respiratory distress worldwide in December 2019. It was later recognized as the COVID-19 pandemic, so COVID-19 specific vaccines were soon developed and used for immunization of global communities. The primary objective of this study is to measure the concentration and persistence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2in healthcare employees of Hiwa Hospital for Cancer in Sulaimani City, Iraq.
Patients and Methods
: Blood samples were collected from 49 healthcare employees in Hiwa Hospital who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The participants were recruited through a questionnaire containing information about age, gender, number of vaccination doses, and frequency of previous COVID-19 infections. The anti- COVID-19 antibodies in the blood samples were analyzed using the ELISA technique.
Results
The age of the participants ranged from 30 to 39 years old (mean 38.9 ± 10.29), with 31 (63.5%) being males and 18 (36.7%) being females. The anti COVID-19 specific IgG titers were 12.5, 13.45, and 13.8 mg/dL after 6, 12 and 18 months of vaccination, respectively. Besides, 10.2% of the participants have received three doses of the vaccines, 85.7% have received two doses, and only (4.1%) received a single dose. Moreover, a faction (22.4%) of the participants had a very low positive titer of anti COVID-19 specific IgM without obvious signs and symptoms of the disease.
Conclusion
The Immunoglobulin G antibody titer against COVID-19 remains at a protective level for at least eighteen months.
Prevalence of Malaria among underfives in Chiengi and Puta Districts of Luapula Province, Zambia.
Authors: Chisompola Wila , Chisompola David , Maleti Alex , Luwaya Emmanuel , Liteta Mushokela , Ntalasha Modern
Published: January 2024

Background
Malaria is the predominant driver of morbidity and mortality in Zambia, particularly among children under the age of 5. This disease ranks first in both outpatient and inpatient records, highlighting its prevalent impact on public health. Malaria has such an adverse socioeconomic impact that it significantly exacerbates poverty and underdevelopment. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of malaria and related factors in children under five years of age in the Chiengi and Puta Districts.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Chiengi and Puta districts, which are malaria endemic areas. Using a pretested structured questionnaire, every head of a randomly selected household male or female present from July 1, 2022 – July 30, 2022 was interviewed about ownership of an insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN), actual usage, coverage of indoor residual spraying, sociodemographic factors, and the presence of malaria parasites in the underfive population, which was determined using a malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT).
Results
A total of 318 participants were recruited from the Puta Rural Health Centre and Chiengi District Hospital. The children’s overall mean standard deviation (SD) age was 2.35 (1.53) years, 50.3% were female (160/318), and 49.7% were male (158/318). The prevalence of malaria was 59.1% (188/318), with the Puta Rural Health Centre accounting for 61.3% and the Chiengi District Hospital accounting for 48.1%. Among the 56% of households that recorded possession and usage of the ITN, the prevalence of malaria was 4.3%.
Conclusions
The use of insecticide-treated nets was found to be the most dominant risk factor for malaria infection. Enhancing accessibility to comprehensive malaria interventions is essential for disrupting transmission at the community level, particularly when targeting at-risk age groups. Thus, it is crucial to raise awareness within the community regarding the proper utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs).
Machine learning for in-hospital mortality prediction in critically ill patients with acute heart failure: A retrospective analysis based on MIMIC -Ⅳ databases
Authors: Li Jun , Sun Yiwu , Ren Jie , Wu Yifan , He Zhaoyi
Published: January 2024

Background
The incidence rate, mortality rate and readmission rate of acute heart failure (AHF) are high, and the in-hospital mortality of AHF patients in ICU is higher. However, there is no method to accurately predict the mortality of AHF patients at present.
Methods
The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Ⅳ (MIMIC-Ⅳ) database was used to perform a retrospective study. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria were identified from the MIMIC-Ⅳ database and randomly divided into training set (n = 3580, 70%) and validation set (n = 1534, 30%). The variates we collected include demographic data, vital signs, comorbidities, laboratory test results and treatment information within 24 hours of ICU admission. By using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression model in the training set, we screened variates that affect the in-hospital mortality of AHF patients. Subsequently, in the training set, five common machine learning (ML) algorithms were applied to construct models using variates selected by LASSO to predict the in-hospital mortality of AHF patients. We evaluated the predictive ability of the models by sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC), and clinical net benefit in the validation set. In order to obtain a model with the best predictive ability, we compared the predictive ability of common scoring systems with the best ML model.
Results
Among the 5114 patients, in-hospital mortality was 12.5%. By comparing AUC, the XGBoost model had the best predictive ability among all ML models, and the XGBoost model was chosen as our final model for its higher net benefit. Meanwhile, its predictive ability is superior to common scoring systems.
Conclusions
The XGBoost model can effectively predict the in-hospital mortality of AHF patients admitted to the ICU, which may assist clinicians in precise management and early intervention of patients with AHF to reduce mortality.
The Effect of Transparency on Unsolvable Task Engagement in Domestic Cats (Felis catus) using Citizen Science
Authors: Forman Jemma , Leavens David
Published: January 2024

Multiple species of animal are known to display different behaviours and have varying degrees of problem-solving task success when faced with transparent, semi-transparent or opaque versions of the same task. As such, transparency can affect how researchers interpret the limits of a species’ cognitive abilities or success on a task. We assessed how transparency may affect task engagement and social behaviours using the unsolvable task paradigm in domestic cats and their owners. We carried out a citizen science study that required cats to push over a non-magnetised (solvable) and magnetised (unsolvable) cup to reach an obscured food treat. All cats saw a transparent and opaque version of this cup. We assessed the effects of transparency and solvability on owner-directed and apparatus-directed behaviour displayed by the cat. We found significant differences in owner- and apparatus-directed gazing, as well as apparatus-directed touches, between transparent and opaque conditions. We also found an interaction effect between transparency and solvability for proximity with the owner, with cats being in proximity for longer durations with the owner in solvable, transparent conditions. No main effects of solvability were found on any recorded owner- or apparatus-directed behaviour. We discuss the implications of transparency on unsolvable task engagement, as well as the implementation of citizen science methods, particularly in cat research.
Cryptocurrency Price Forecasting Implementing Sentiment Analysis during the Russian-Ukrainian War
Authors: Rateb Muhammad Nabil , Alansary Prof. Sameh , Elzouka Prof. Marwa Khamis , Galal Mohamad
Published: January 2024

Sentiment analysis is a powerful tool for extracting valuable insights from social media data. In this paper, more than one million tweets spanning three months (March, June, and December 2022) regarding three cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Binance Coin (BNB) during the Russian-Ukrainian War are considered. Two models, a convolutional neural network with long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM) and a support vector machine (SVM) with GloVe and TF-IDF features, are trained on a labeled dataset of more than fifty thousand tweets about Bitcoin labeled as (positive, negative, and neutral). A pretrained model (Pysentimento) for sentiment analysis is also employed to compare the performances of the three models. The models are tested on the labeled dataset and then evaluated on the unlabeled tweets, revealing that Pysentimento's level of accuracy outperforms the other two models. Google Trends, along with the opening and closing prices, and the volume of the three cryptocurrencies, in addition to the results of Pysentimento sentiment classification, are employed to apply the Pearson correlation coefficient and conduct price prediction analysis using the SARIMA model. It is found that Bitcoin may appeal to those seeking stability and a known record of accomplishment, while Binance Coin and Ethereum may attract investors looking for more diverse opportunities. Sentiment analysis using machine learning is found to provide invaluable information for cryptocurrency price forecasting and trading strategies, especially in the context of geopolitical events and market volatility.
Bibliometrics of Two Centuries of Velvet Worm Research: Web of Science Compared With Human-collected Data
Authors: Monge-Nájera Julián , Casado José Guerrero
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Scientific literature plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge and informing research in various fields. However, a significant problem arises when valuable literature remains uncited due to its omission from widely used databases such as the Web of Science. This issue is particularly pertinent in the context of velvet worms (phylum Onychophora), in which much literature is published in old and in non-indexed journals, but exactly how much information is being lost is unknown.
Objective: To measure the extent of the problem of missed literature, we quantitatively compared the hand-collected Ghiselin's Onychophora Bibliography (1826-1999) with the Web of Science.
Results: We identified 49 years in which the Onychophora Bibliography was more complete; 30 years where the Web of Science was more complete, and 21 years in which both had the same number of articles. Researchers relying solely on these databases miss critical studies, data, and insights from non-indexed journals.
Conclusion: Recognizing the importance of non-indexed publications and actively seeking their contributions would enhance scientific knowledge of the phylum Onychophora, foster interdisciplinary collaborations and support velvet worm conservation.
Exploring boron neutron capture therapy as a promising treatment for spinal cord gliomas: in vivo efficacy in rat models
Authors: Kawabata Shinji , Kayama Ryo , Tsujino Kohei , Fujikawa Yoshiki , Kashiwagi Hideki , Fukuo Yusuke , Hiramatsu Ryo , Takata Takushi , Tanaka Hiroki , Suzuki Minoru , Hu Naonori , Miyatake Shin-Ichi , Takami Toshihiro , Wanibuchi Masahiko
Published: January 2024

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a type of targeted particle radiation therapy with potential applications at the cellular level. Spinal cord gliomas (SCGs) present a substantial challenge owing to their poor prognosis and the lack of effective postoperative treatments. This study evaluated the efficacy of BNCT in a rat SCGs model employing the Basso, Bresnahan, and Beattie (BBB) scale to assess postoperative locomotor activity. We confirmed the presence of adequate in vitro boron concentrations in F98 and 9L cells exposed to boronophenylalanine (BPA) and in vivo tumor boron concentration 2.5 h after intravenous BPA administration. In vivo neutron irradiation significantly enhanced survival in the BNCT group when compared with that in the untreatedgroup, with a minimal BBB scale reduction in all sham-operated groups. These findings highlight the potential of BNCTas a promising treatment option for SCGs.
A Study on the Generation of Hydrogen Nanobubble Water and the Increase in Solubility Using Friction Method
Authors: Yoo Taekeun , Yoo Young-Ho , Byun Suk-Joo , You A-Ram , Park Chang-Hee , Choi Dae-Hyun , Jun Eun-Hee , Kim Gi-Han
Published: January 2024

Hydrogen is the lightest gas and possesses low solubility and strong diffusivity. The water that contains a significant amount of dissolved hydrogen molecules (H2) in this molecular state is referred to as hydrogen-rich water. Research utilizing hydrogen gas and hydrogen-rich water has been extensively conducted in the fields of agriculture, medicine, and industry. When hydrogen-rich water was administered to actual experimental mice, it was shown to inhibit vascular aging and alleviate cardiovascular diseases and to suppress oxidative stress and renal fibrosis . Furthermore, clinical trial results have revealed that hydrogen-rich water reduces inflammatory responses in healthy adults and prevents cell death in peripheral blood cells. In this study, molecular hydrogen was injected into a system that generates nanobubbles using a friction method to produce 2.5ppm high-concentration hydrogen-rich water at a pressure of 1 atmosphere. Then, changes in concentration, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) of hydrogen nanobubble water over time were observed. Furthermore, a device capable of generating a large amount of hydrogen-rich water in real-time and with low power consumption was set up, and an efficient method for increasing hydrogen solubility was investigated.
ROCK1 regulates glycolysis in pancreatic cancer via the c-MYC/PFKFB3 pathway
Authors: PANG SHUYANG , SHEN YUTING , WANG YANAN , CHU XUANNING , MA LINGMAN , ZHOU YIRAN
Published: January 2024

Background: Dysregulation of Rho-associated coiled coil-containing protein kinases (ROCKs) is involved in the metastasis and progression of various malignant tumors. However, how one of the isomers, ROCK1, regulates glycolysis in tumor cells is incompletely understood. Here, we attempted to elucidate how ROCK1 influences pancreatic cancer (PC) progression by regulating glycolytic activity.
Methods: The biological function of ROCK1 was analyzed in vitro by establishing a silenced cell model. The coimmunoprecipitation assay confirmed the direct binding between ROCK1 and c-MYC, and the luciferase reporter assay clarified the binding between c-MYC and the promoter of the PFKFB3-encoding gene. These results were verified in animal experiments.
Results: ROCK1 was highly expressed in PC tissues and enriched in the cytoplasm, and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis. Silencing ROCK1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of PC cells and promoted their apoptosis. Mechanistically, ROCK1 directly interacted with c-MYC, promoted its phosphorylation (Ser 62) and suppressed its degradation, thereby increasing the transcription of the key glycolysis regulatory factor PFKFB3, enhancing glycolytic activity and promoting PC growth. Silencing ROCK1 increased Gemcitabine (GEM) sensitivity in vivo and in vitro.
Conclusion: ROCK1 promotes glycolytic activity in PC cells and PC tumor growth through the c-MYC/PFKFB3 signaling pathway. ROCK1 knockdown can inhibit PC tumor growth in vivo and increase the GEM sensitivity of PC tumors, providing a crucial clinical therapeutic strategy for PC.
Firms’ Financing Conditions Before and After the Covid-19 pandemic: a survey–based analysis
Authors: Ferrando Annalisa , Rariga Judit
Published: January 2024

In the paper we analyze how the economic situation and financing conditions of euro area firms have changed along different crises that hit the euro area in the 10 years with a focus on the changes before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. We use the responses of a large sample of euro area firms to a qualitative business survey run on behalf of the European Central Bank / European Commission (Survey on the access to finance of enterprises - SAFE) since 2009. Thus, all the analysis centers around firms’ reported perceptions. We describe how during the Covid-19 crisis, and despite generally accommodative financing conditions and state aid measures, turnover and profits of firms decreased sharply, having a dampening impact on firms’ employment and investment. As a result, firms’ financial vulnerability peaked during the Covid-19 crisis which consequences for the subsequent periods. From the financing side, around the Covid-19 period, firms were signaling some deterioration in their access to finance as it is the case more recently due to the pass-through of increasing policy rates to the overall corporate financing conditions. We document that a deterioration in financing conditions does have an impact on both firm-specific and aggregate growth. Based on firms’ perceptions only, we find a link between real decisions of firms (in terms of investment and employment), macroeconomic developments and some key survey-based indicators of financing conditions.
Evaluating the effect of a mixture of Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum on the management of periodontitis stage III grade C molar-incisor pattern in Egyptian patients
( Randomize control trial)
Authors: Ibrahim Ibrahim Hammad , Edrees Mohamed Fouad , EL-Mokhtar Mohamed Ahmed , Hammad Heba Ali , kotb Shimaa Hussein
Published: January 2024

Periodontitis is a common disease that represents a public health problem. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. a ) especially the JP2 genotype plays a major role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of topically applied probiotics on the management of periodontitis stage III grade C molar-incisor pattern. Methods: Sixty-five patients having periodontitis stage III grade C molar-incisor pattern. Screening for A. actinomycetemcomians (A.a) and the JP2 genotype was done using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients positive for (A. a) were randomly divided into two groups. Group I: received conventional periodontal treatment combined with topically applied probiotic, while Group II: received conventional periodontal treatment only. Both groups were evaluated microbiologically and clinically. Quantitative assessment of A. a levels was done by real time PCR (qPCR) at baseline as well as one week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment. Clinical parameters were assessed before treatment as well as 3,6 and 9 months after treatment. Results: Both treatment groups showed reduction in the levels of A.a as well as clinical parameters at different intervals. Although the use of probiotics plus SRP had a better effect in reducing the levels of A.a and clinical parameters at different intervals than SRP only, the difference between both groups was statistically non-significant. Conclusion: The low prevalence of A. a among patients with periodontitis stage III grade C molar-incisor pattern makes the role of A. a questionable as an important risk factor. Thus, additional studies are needed with large sample size. Probiotics as an adjuvant therapy might have a promising effect, as an alternative to antibiotics, in the management of periodontitis in the future.
High disease activity influences the presence of vertebral fractures in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sakane Hideo , Okamura Koichi , Iizuka Yoichi , Honda Akira , Takasawa Eiji , Mieda Tokue , Yonemoto Yukio , Suto Takahito , Kaneko Tetsuya , Chikuda Hirotaka
Published: January 2024

Introduction: It is important to assess the risk of vertebral fractures (VFs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as RA is associated with a high risk of VFs. However, the epidemiology and risk of VFs in patients with RA remain inconclusive. The present study therefore clarified the prevalence and associated factors of VFs in patients with RA.
Methods: We included 107 patients (19 men and 88 women) and retrospectively investigated the number and location of VFs, bone mineral density (BMD), RA disease activity score for 28 joints based on C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), and history of medication for RA and osteoporosis. Based on the investigated items, we assessed the prevalence of VFs in patients with RA and the association between the clinical parameters of RA patients and VFs.
Results: The average age, disease duration, and DAS28-CRP were 67.9 years old, 14.9 years, and 2.2, respectively. We found that the prevalence of VFs in patients with RA was 30.8%, and 84.8% of patients with VFs and 62.2% of those without VFs had been treated for osteoporosis. We further found that the prevalence of VFs in patients with RA with a history of anti-osteoporotic agent use was 37.8%. In univariate analyses, patients with RA with VFs had significantly higher DAS28-CRP values, a higher rate of corticosteroid use, and lower BMD (p = 0.018, p = 0.004, and p < 0.001, respectively) than those without VFs. A logistic regression analysis and ordinal logistic analysis revealed that the DAS28-CRP and BMD were independent factors associated with the presence (p = 0.042 and p = 0.011, respectively) and number (p = 0.036 and p = 0.048, respectively) of VFs.
Conclusions: The prevalence of VFs was relatively high in patients with RA, regardless of the use of anti-osteoporotic agents. A high disease activity score and low BMD are associated with the presence and number of VFs in patients with RA. Based on these findings, to reduce VFs in RA patients, it is important to tightly control the disease activity of RA and aggressively treat osteoporosis.
Urbane Ordnungen der (Post-)Migration : Staatsrassismus in der (neoliberalen) 'Stadt der Vielfalt'
Authors: Rodatz Mathias
Published: January 2024

In Städten ist die (post)migrantische Gesellschaft verortet. Obwohl Menschen mit (familiären) Migrationsgeschichten große Teile der Stadtbevölkerung stellen – bei Kindern längst in der Mehrheit –, birgt diese Vielfalt keine gleichen Rechte: Gesellschaft und Ökonomie sind von rassistischen Ordnungen geprägt und der Staat ignoriert dies oder trägt dazu bei. Mathias Rodatz zeigt am Beispiel der Stadt Frankfurt am Main, wie aktuelle städtische Vielfaltspolitiken eine andere, gleichberechtigte Stadt versprechen – und unter neoliberalen Umständen doch ins Leere laufen. Er theoretisiert sie als Politiken transnationaler Stadtbürgerschaft, deren Potenzial zu einer tatsächlichen Herausforderung des Staatsrassismus in der Stadt es noch zu realisieren gilt.
Characterization of antiviral effects of emricasan and SARS-CoV-2 isolates in vitro
Authors:   , Pfeiffer Annika Eby
Published: January 2024

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic called for rapid responses in face of unprecedented challenges. In this context, earning more about the causative agent SARS-CoV-2 becomes imperative. Therefore, clinical virus isolates were studied with focus on infectivity, replication kinetic, and caspase activity. Firstly, clinical specimens collected from patients were tested for infectivity in cell culture. Combined with polymerase chain reaction results, a formula predicting infectivity in cell culture based on abundance of viral RNA was developed. Additionally, analysis of different specimen types, sources, and material, elucidate the question of infectivity. Here, infectivity was demonstrated in specimens derived from different parts of the respiratory tract, including specimens collected from deceased persons. A protocol for virus isolation on human airway epithelium in air-liquid interface culture was established. Secondly, replication kinetics of 20 clinical isolates were compared, including a subset of seven sequenced isolates. All isolates replicated in the colon epithelial cell culture model. Within the subset, differences between isolates carrying the D614G amino acid exchange and with original spike protein were observed. Lastly, elevated caspase activity was demonstrated in two cell culture models including human airway epithelium in air-liquid interface culture. Subsequently, caspase inhibition by small-molecule compound Emricasan and its effects on the cytopathic effect observed in cell culture were studied. Here, increased cell survival in a colon epithelial cell line was shown with unimpaired virus replication. Elevated caspase activity was identified as early marker of infection and validated by testing across 20 clinical virus isolates. This study offers information on infectivity that can help shape the understanding of transmission risk. As such, parts of the data collected here were used for validation of rapid antigen tests. The insights gained by studying caspase activity contributed in part to the development of a drug screening method by Bojkova et al.,41 thus aiding routine laboratory workflow. It was demonstrated that Emricasan exhibits no antiviral effect, while the finding of increased cell survival in cell culture could give rise to further research on prevention of tissue damage.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation and an Entrepreneurial Spirit at the University of Arizona
Authors: Cantwell Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

From climate change and disease prevention to planetary defense and artifical intelligence, today's most pressing and complex global challenges demand inventive solutions. As a public R1 university and the designated land-grant university in the state, the University of Arizona (UArizona)
is an enduring knowledge creation and preservation institution, translating research and innovation into societal impact at scale. Importantly, to be truly innovative in a rapidly changing research landscape, a strong culture of entrepreneurial thinking must be developed and nurtured. In this
article, UArizona's programmatic strength in innovation and entrepreneurship is set forth as a model for other public R1 universities focused on meaningfully addressing societal challenges.
Öncülleri ve Sonuçlarıyla Turist Rehberlerinin Duygusal Çelişkisi (The Emotional Dissonance of Tourist Guides with its Antecedents and Consequences)
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Rıza , ARSLAN AYAZLAR Reyhan
Published: January 2024

Duygusal çelişki, işgörenler tarafından gerçekte hissedilen duygularla, işverenlerin gösterilmesini istedikleri duygular arasındaki farklılık olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada duygusal çelişki kavramı teorik olarak incelenmiş olup Muğla Turist Rehberleri Odasına kayıtlı 206 turist rehberi üzerinde bir araştırma gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmada turist rehberlerinin olumsuz duygulanım ve içsel motivasyon özelliklerinin duygusal çelişki üzerindeki etkileri ile duygusal çelişkinin iş performansına, iş tatminine ve işten ayrılma niyetine etkileri belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, olumsuz duygulanımın duygusal çelişki üzerinde pozitif ve anlamlı etkisi olduğu, içsel motivasyonun ise herhangi bir etkisinin bulunmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca turist rehberlerinin çalışma hayatında yaşamış oldukları duygusal çelişki onların iş performansları ve iş tatminlerine negatif yönde etki ederken, işten ayrılma niyetlerine ise pozitif yönde ve anlamlı bir etkisi olduğu sonucu ortaya çıkmıştır.
Eko-Etiketleme Girişimi İklim Değişikliği ve Sürdürülebilir Turizm için Çözüm Olabilir Mi Nitel Bir Araştırma (Can Eco-Labelıng Initıatives Be The Solution for Climate Change and Sustainable Tourism A Qualitatıve Research)
Authors: MEYDAN UYGUR Selma , KAYA Büşra , BAYAR Sinan Baran
Published: January 2024

Eko etiketleme, iklim değişikliği ile mücadelede ve sürdürülebilir turizmin teşvik edilmesinde kritik bir rol oynamaktadır. Bu etiketler, turizm işletmelerinin çevresel etkilerini ölçerek ve azaltarak iklim değişikliği ile mücadeleye katkıda bulunmalarını teşvik etmekte, böylece sürdürülebilir turizmin yaygınlaşmasına yardımcı olmaktadır. Araştırmada; Türkiye’de turizm sektöründeki sürdürülebilirlik, eko-sertifika ve eko-etiketleme uygulamalarına yönelik yapılan çalışmalar incelenerek etkili ve verimli bir eko-etiketlemenin nasıl gerçekleştirileceğini açıklamak amaçlanmaktadır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda araştırmada nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanılarak literatürden derlenen ikincil veriler doküman analizi ile incelenmiştir. İkincil veriler için akademik arama motoru, Scopus veri tabanı taranmıştır. Veriler 2023 yılının Haziran ayında elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgularda, eko-etiketlerin Türkiye’de ve Dünya’daki kullanım alanları belirlenmiştir. Analiz sonucu belirenen temalar; turist davranışı, havacılık sektörü, yeşil yıkama, sürdürülebilirlik, politika ve stratejiler, karbon ayak izi, gastronomi ve gıda sektörü, pazarlama, sorumlu üretim ve tüketim, eğitim ve farkındalık, biyoçeşitlilik, mimari ve yapılaşma, yönetim, akıllı turizm ve dijitalleşme olmuştur. Bunun yanı sıra eko-etiketleme uygulamalarının iklim değişikliğine nasıl etki ettiği de tartışılmaktadır. Ayrıca Türkiye turizm sektöründe kullanılan eko-etiket uygulama örnekleri listelenmiştir. Literatürde bu konuya ilişkin bir kaynağa rastlanmadığından araştırma bu yönüyle özgün bir değer taşımaktadır.
Kültürel Kimlik Bağlamında Eskişehir Yöresel Mutfağının İncelenmesi (Analyzing the Local Cuisine of Eskisehir in the Context of Cultural Identity)
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Gül Seray , ASLAN Zeynep
Published: January 2024

Günümüzde önemi giderek artan yöresel mutfak kavramı, bir bölgenin yerel halkı tarafından bölgeye özgü pişirme yöntemleri ile hazırlanan yiyecek ve içecekleri ifade etmektedir. Somut olmayan kültürel mirasın bir parçası olan yöresel mutfak ürünleri, aynı zamanda bulunduğu bölgenin kültürel kimliğini de yansıtmaktadır. Destinasyonlar, sahip oldukları yöresel yemekleri ön plana çıkararak destinasyona çekicilik kazandırmakta ve bölgenin kültürünü deneyimlemek isteyen turistler de bu doğrultuda yöresel lezzetleri tatmaktadır. Eskişehir, sahip olduğu göçmen nüfusun etkisi ile zengin bir yöresel mutfağı bünyesinde barındırmaktadır. Bu araştırmanın amacı, Eskişehir ilinde faaliyet gösteren yiyecek içecek işletmelerinde yöresel mutfak ürünlerinin varlığının ve bu ürünlerin kullanım düzeyinin belirlenmesidir. Araştırmanın anakütlesini, Eskişehir’de faaliyet gösteren 1. sınıf restoranlar oluşturmaktadır. Çalışmada nitel araştırma yönteminden yararlanılmış ve Eskişehir ilinde bulunan toplamda 12 tane 1. sınıf restoran ile yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, 9 restoranın hiçbirinde yöresel yemeklere yer verilmediği, bununla birlikte 3 restoranın menülerinde yöresel yiyecek ve içeceklere sınırlı düzeyde yer verildiği tespit edilmiştir. Çalışmanın sonunda sektöre ve akademiye yönelik önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Sinop ta Yöresel Yı̇yecek İçecek Hizmeti Sunan Restoranlara İlişkin Müşteri Şikayetlerinin Değerlendirilmesi: Tripadvisor Örneği (An Evaluation of Customer Complaints Regarding Local Food and Beverage Services in Sinop: Tripadvisor Example)
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Sibel
Published: January 2024

Bu araştırmanın amacı, bir turizm destinasyonu olan Sinop'taki yöresel yiyecek içecek işletmelerine yönelik çevrimiçi şikâyetlerin değerlendirilmesidir. Bu bağlamda, Sinop'taki yöresel yiyecek içecek işletmelerini ziyaret eden misafirlerin olumsuz deneyimlerinden kaynaklanan şikâyet unsurları tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışmanın örneklemi toplam 1700 yorumdan oluşmakta olup, bu yorumların 430'u şikâyet unsuru içermektedir. Sinop'taki yöresel yiyecek içecek işletmelerine yöneltilen şikâyetler altı ana kategoriye ayrılmıştır: Bunlar; personel ile ilgili şikâyetler, fiyat ile ilgili şikâyetler, hizmet ortamı ile ilgili şikâyetler, servis ile ilgili şikâyetler ve menü ile ilgili şikâyetlerdir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, en fazla şikâyet konuları sırasıyla yiyecek- içecekle ilgili şikâyetler, fiyat ve çalışan personel ile ilgili şikayetlerdir. Çalışmanın sonucunda Sinop’ ta ki yöresel yiyecek içecek işletmelerine yapılan şikâyet nedenleri ve şikâyet davranışları belirlenmiş ve sektördeki uygulayıcılara iç görü sağlamak için önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Sokak Lezzetlerine Yönelik Tutumun Kuşaklara Göre İncelenmesi: İstanbul Örneği (Investıgatıon of Attitude to Street Flavors According to Generations: The Case of Istanbul)
Authors: İBİŞ Salim , ÇOŞAN Dilek , DOĞDUBAY Murat
Published: January 2024

Sokak lezzetlerinin çeşitliliği, kolay erişilebilirliği, uygun fiyatı, hızlı olması gibi pek çok nedenlerle toplumda her kesim tarafından çokça tercih edildiği bilinmektedir. Bu araştırmanın amacı, sokak lezzetlerine yönelik tutumun X, Y ve Z kuşakları açısından farklılık gösterip göstermediğini incelemek, tercih edilen sokak lezzetlerini belirlemek ve ne tür sokak lezzetlerinin hangi kuşaklar tarafından ne derece tercih edildiğini ortaya koymaktır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda veriler hazırlanan ölçek aracılığı ile kolayda örnekleme tekniği kullanılarak elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen verilere frekans analizi, faktör analizi, t-testi ile ANOVA testleri uygulanmıştır. Yapılan faktör analizine göre; hijyen, haz alma, parasal değer, hizmet kalitesi, kolaylık ve sosyalleşme olmak üzere toplam altı boyut belirlenmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre hijyen boyutunda kuşaklara göre anlamlı bir farklılık bulunmaz iken, haz alma, parasal değer, hizmet kalitesi, kolaylık ve sosyalleşme boyutlarında kuşaklara göre anlamlı farklılıkların olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Buna göre hizmet kalitesini, parasal değeri ve kolaylığı Z kuşağının X kuşağına göre daha fazla önemsediği söylenebilir.
Glamping İşletmelerinde Sınıflandırma Sistemlerinin İncelenmesi ve Türkiye için Öneriler (Examination of Classification Systems in Glamping Establishments and Recommendations for Turkey)
Authors: CEYLAN Yasemin , ÖZALTAŞ SERÇEK Gülseren
Published: January 2024

Son yılların yeni trendi olarak görülen, doğada lüks ve konforu bir arada sunarak hem modern hem pastoral bir tatil deneyimi sunan glamping turizmi, tüm dünyada ve Türkiye’de hızla yaygınlaşmaya ve popüler hale gelmeye başlamıştır. Türkiye’de temel hizmetler sunan glamping işletmelerinden ultra lüks hizmetler sunan işletmelere kadar geniş bir aralıkta hizmet veren ve dolayısıyla geniş bir fiyat aralığında olan glamping işletmeleri için herhangi bir kalite standardı ve sınıflandırma sistemi bulunmamaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Türkiye için glamping işletmeleri özelinde bir kalite güvence standardı ve bir sınıflandırma sistemi oluşturulmasına ilişkin öneriler sunulması amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla Birleşik Krallık’taki glamping dernek/birliklerinin glamping ile ilgili oluşturdukları kalite güvence standartları ve sınıflandırma sistemleri derinlemesine incelenerek Türkiye için bir süreç tablosu oluşturulmuş ve öneriler sunulmuştur.
Exploring Iconic Foods of Hatay Cuisine as a Cultural Identity
Authors: İFLAZOĞLU Nurhayat , AKSOY Mustafa
Published: January 2024

Since food is important to define and embody the gastronomic characteristics of a place, it is considered as part of the cultural capital that represents the expression of a country, society and history. Therefore, the symbolic foods of the region form the basis of the culinary culture. Iconic foods culturally encompass historical depth, skills, knowledge, eating habits, and other traditions. Although it varies from culture to culture, foods that reflect the values of the countries or regions are seen as a symbol of cultural identity. In this context the main purpose of the current research is to determine what is the iconic foods in Hatay cuisine, where the variety of food is very high. For this purpose study is an exploratory research. The data related to the research were collected between April 30 - May 15 2023 by means of a questionnaire. In total, 412 questionnaires were obtained from public of Hatay. The results of the this study shows the potential of 55 the iconic dishes in Hatay cuisine. Origins of these foods and their cultural values shows that the of iconic dishes in Hatay cuisine is a symbol of cultural identity.
Akıllı Turizmin ChatGPT Tarafından Değerlendirilmesi (Evaluation of Smart Tourism by ChatGPT)
Authors: ERDEM Ahmet
Published: January 2024

Araştırmanın amacı, bir yapay zekâ sohbet robotu olan ChatGPT uygulamasının akıllı turizme yönelik cevaplarının analiz edilmesidir. ChatGPT, doğal dil girdilerini anlamak ve bunlara yanıt vermek için Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) dil modelini kullanan, OpenAI tarafından geliştirilmiş bir tür sohbet robotudur. Bu kapsamda uygulamaya açık uçlu 5 soru sorulmuştur. Yapay zekâ destekli ChatGPT uygulamasının akıllı turizm konusunda yaptığı genel değerlendirme sonrasında deneyim, verimlilik, yönetim ve sürdürülebilirlik temaları ortaya çıkmıştır. Turizm çekiciliklerinde teknoloji altyapısı, veri analitiği ve yapay zekâ, kişiselleştirme ve müşteri deneyimi, mobil uygulamalar ve interaktif araçlar, sürdürülebilirlik ve çevre duyarlılığı ile güvenlik ve veri gizliliğine yönelik teknolojiler bulunması gereken unsurlar olarak belirlenmiştir. Akıllı turizm teknolojileri turistler açısından ele alındığında kolaylık, deneyim zenginleştirme, yeni teknoloji kullanımı ve bilgiye hızlı erişim gibi avantajlar sağladığı tespit edilmiştir. Aynı zamanda insan etkileşiminin azalması, veri güvenliği endişeleri ve teknolojiye bağımlılık çözülmesi gereken problemlerdir. Son olarak akıllı turizm teknolojileri çalışanlar ve yöneticiler açısından verimlilik artışı, karar destek hizmetleri sunması, iş süreçlerinde kolaylık, müşteri hizmeti gelişimi, veri analizi ve iyileştirme ile yenilikçilik ve yetenek gelişimi konularında fırsatlar sunmaktadır.