bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DOES TALENT MANAGEMENT AFFECT ORGANIZATION PERFORMANCE IN ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING BATAM?
Authors: Manurung Windy Octaviana , Fatyandri Adi Neka
Published: July 2024

The research focuses on the influence of talent management on organizational performance, mediated organizational commitment and moderation of transformational leadership. This study is a quantitative study that distributes questionnaires to employees of electronics manufacturing companies in Batam City of 352 respondents, analyzed using the SmartPLS method. The results of the research show that talent management has a significant influence on organizational performance through direct influence tests and its influence becomes insignificant and not mediated by organizational commitment. Organizational commitments, consisting of the dimensions of affective commitment, continuance commitment and normative commitment also have a significant impact on organizational performance, suggesting that employees who are committed to the organization tend to make a better contribution to the company's performance. Transformational leadership has a significant influence on organizational performance directly, when tested as a moderation variable its influence becomes insignificant. This research gives some recommendations; the importance of employee development through training and talent development to improve company performance.
FACTORS AFFECTING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN BANK EMPLOYEES BATAM CITY
Authors: Razak Indra Miftahul , Priscilla Yuddy Giovanna
Published: July 2024

The study examines the influence of Talent Management, knowledge management, career development, motivation, and competence on employee performance. The object of this research is an employee at a bank in Batam City. The data used was primary data and using Google Forms and collected as many as 233 respondents through the dissemination of questionnaires. The application of SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) is used as a test tool and the results of research show that talent management and knowledge management have significant and acceptable bets, while on motivation, career development, and competence have insignificant or unacceptable results after the test. This research recommends that this study be developed with the added variables and is expected to support the improvement of employee performance in order to create more potential human resources to create corporate competitiveness.
DETERMINANTS OF INDONESIA’S TRADE BALANCE : A VECM MODEL APPROACH
Authors: Indrasari Dhea Rahmanda , Soelistyo Aries , Anjaningrum Widiya Dewi
Published: July 2024

Trade Balance is the main indicator in external competitiveness. The condition of the trade balance in Indonesia tends to experience unbalanced conditions every year, so this study aims to see the relationship between the variables of Exchange Rate, FDI and GDP to the Trade Balance in Indonesia. The data used is a time series for 43 years (1980-2022) using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) method to analyze the relationship and response between variables in the term short and long term. Short-term results show that the Exchange Rate, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) do not affect the surplus or deficit of Indonesia's Trade Balance. While in the long run, Exchange Rate appreciation has a negative effect on the Trade Balance, the amount of FDI has a positive impact on the Trade Balance, and the amount of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) affects the deficit in the Trade Balance. The use of monetary policy can help stab ilize exchange rates, increase exports through increased foreign investment, maintain the value of exports, and reduce trade deficits. Rephrase
EASE TRANSACTIONS AND PRIVACY SECURITY ON THE DECISION TO REUSE QRIS AS A TOOL OF PAYMENT THROUGH USER EXPERIENCE IN MADIUN CITY
Authors: Setiawan Hendra , Novitasari Neza
Published: July 2024

This research aims to analyze the use of e-wallets by involving 384 sample respondents. Quantitative methods were used in this research with purposive sampling techniques. Analysis uses Structural Equation Model (SEM) via SmartPLS software version 4.0.0. The research results show that ease of transactions and partial privacy security have a positive and significant influence on user experience. Furthermore, user experience has a strong, positive, and significant influence on reuse decisions. In addition, ease of transaction and privacy security also have a positive and significant influence on reuse decisions through user experience as an intervening variable. This research provides important insight into the factors that influence the decision to reuse the QRIS Mobile Banking feature in Madiun City, as well as observing the importance of user experience in mediating the relationship between ease of transaction and privacy security with the decision to reuse e-wallets.
N-Order Solutions to the Gardner Equation in terms of Wronskians
Authors: Gaillard Pierre
Published: July 2024

$N$-order solutions to the Gardner equation (G) are given in terms of Wronskians of order $N$ depending on $2N$ real parameters. We get solutions expressed with trigonometric or hyperbolic functions.

When one of the parameters goes to $0$, we succeed to get for each positive integer $N$, rational solutions as a quotient of polynomials in $x$ and $t$ depending on $2N$ real parameters. We construct explicit expressions of these rational solutions for the first orders.
Pelatihan Permodelan Kapal Menggunakan Maxsurf Modeller di SMK Perkapalan Hang Tuah Tanjung Uban
Authors: Baihaque Muhd Ridho , Nusyirwan Deny , Yunianto Anton Hekso , Prayetno Eko , Putra Risandi Dwirama , Akbar Fahreza Nur
Published: July 2024

Globalization, demographic changes, and technological advances are the main driving forces of development in the 21st Century and shape the changes that will occur in the future. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (collectively abbreviated as STEM) education has developed as a curriculum aiming to improve students' skills by presenting a cohesive learning platform primarily based on real-world applications. With this background, the shipping engineering study program with schools helps students develop 21st-century skills and competencies through the Engineering Design Process method in virtual ship prototype modeling training using Maxsurf modeler software. The training aims to build a strong foundation of 21st-century competency character with the hope of helping students in the Riau Islands Province to develop inside and outside school by considering parameters regarding interacting with various cultural backgrounds, being open-minded, the ability to innovate, and setting goals. At the end of the assessment, students' ability to work effectively with diverse teams has increased.ABSTRAKGlobalisasi, perubahan demografi, dan kemajuan teknologi adalah kekuatan pendorong utama perkembangan di Abad 21 dan membentuk perubahan-perubahan yang akan terjadi di masa depan. Pendidikan Sains, Teknologi, Rekayasa, dan Matematika (secara kolektif disingkat STEM) di telah berkembang sebagai kurikulum yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keterampilan siswa dengan menghadirkan platform pembelajaran kohesif yang sebagian besar didasarkan pada aplikasi dunia nyata. Dengan latar belakang tersebut, maka program studi teknik perkapalan bersama sekolah membantu siswa mengembangkan kompetensi Sofskill Abad 21 melalui metode Engineering Design Process pada pelatihan permodelan prototipe kapal virtual dengan menggunakan perangkat lunak maxsurf modeler. Tujuan pelatihan adalah membangun landasan karakter kompetensi abad 21 yang kuat dengan harapan membantu siswa di Provinsi Kepulauan Riau untuk berkembang di dalam dan di luar sekolah Dengan mempertimbangkan parameter mengenai berinteraksi dengan berbagai latar belakang budaya, berpikiran terbuka, kemampuan berinovasi dan menetapkan tujuan. Pada ahir penilaian menunjukkan peningkatan kemampuan siswa dalam bekerja efektif dengan tim beragam mengalami peningkatan.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Not A Writing Gods, So Why Do Post-Graduate Students Believe It?
Authors: Ikrawansyah Ikrawansyah , Romadhon M Galuh Elga
Published: July 2024

This study was aimed at understanding graduate students' preferences in applying AI when dealing with their class papers and projects in Indonesia. It also sought to understand how students who have used AI in previous writing feel about such experience. This study adopted a phenomenological research method in order to elicit in-depth insights into the concerns of the students. The participants included graduate students from four universities in Indonesia. These data were gathered using semi-structured interviews of 30 students who had experience using AI for their academic writing. Guided by understanding the decision-making process, perceived benefits, and drawbacks of AI, and overall experiences, interview questions were prepared. One-way thematic analysis was conducted with the interview data. Students seemed to view AI applications as only helping with formatting and editing tasks, as most of them would like to have the opportunity to do the major work by themselves for better learning. Another underlying strong theme emerging here is related to AI overdependency and unequal access to it. The results offer insights into the respective areas that can be used by educators and institutions to provide a balance between the rising AI in use and support for independent learning within academics.
Initial Factors Associated with Resistance to Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
Authors: Moon Dayoung , Lee Minsub , Chung Hyewon , Lee Hyungwoo
Published: July 2024

Purpose: To identify initial factors contributing to the resistance against intravitreal aflibercept treatment in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) patients.Methods: This study included PCV patients initially treated with aflibercept. Resistance was defined when treatment did not reduce subretinal fluid (SRF) or intraretinal fluid (IRF) by 100 μm or more after three consecutive 4-week intervals, and the treatment interval could not be extended beyond 8 weeks. To identify initial factors associated with resistance to aflibercept treatment, we examined visual acuity and central choroidal thickness before initial treatment and after three treatments. Choroidal thickness was divided into the thickness of the large choroidal vessel layer and the layer that includes choriocapillaris and medium choroidal vessel thickness (termed medium choroidal vessel/choriocapillaris layer thickness, MCCT). Additionally, the volume of SRF, IRF, subretinal hyperreflective material, and pigment epithelial detachment in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images was investigated. The statistical significance of each factor was assessed through logistic regression analysis.Results: The study included 39 eyes showing no resistance to aflibercept and 37 eyes that exhibited resistance. Multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age and sex, indicated that a lower initial ratio of MCCT to choroidal thickness at the fovea was associated with resistance to aflibercept.Conclusions: In patients with PCV treated with aflibercept, early OCT anatomical structures, such as the initial MCCT-choroidal thickness ratio at the fovea, may predict response to treatment injections.
Clinical Characteristics and Visual Prognosis of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in Korea: A Single-center Experience
Authors: Park Hansol , Park Kyung Ah
Published: July 2024

Purpose: To examine the clinical characteristics, demographic features, and visual prognosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in Korean patients.Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with IIH who visited the Neuro-ophthalmology Clinic at Samsung Medical Center from September 2011 to January 2023. This analysis focused on demographic characteristics at onset, clinical manifestations, and visual outcomes at the last follow-up.Results: Out of 34 patients, 20 met the modified Dandy criteria and 14 were presumed to have IIH. The mean age at onset was 32.97 ± 9.6 years with females comprising 85.3% (n = 29) of the sample. The average body mass index (BMI) was 29.15 ± 6.43, with 47.0% of patients (n = 16) classified as obese. The most frequent symptom was headache, reported by 85.3% (n = 29) of patients, followed by pulsatile tinnitus (64.7%, n = 22) and transient visual obscuration (TVO; 32.4%, n = 11). Treatment included observation for 3 patients (8.8%), acetazolamide therapy for 26 patients (76.5%), and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (V-P shunt) for 2 patients (5.9%). Out of 23 patients with follow-up > 6 months, 87.0%, 8.7%, and 4.3% showed good, fair, and poor visual outcomes, respectively; optic nerve atrophy was observed in 19.6% (9 eyes). The initial peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness measured by OCT was 143.56 ± 62.41 μm in the right eye and 139.3 ± 76.38 μm in the left which decreased to 97.39 ± 25.72 and 94.91 ± 19.32 μm, respectively by the last examination.Conclusions: While the proportion of obese patients in this Korean cohort and the average BMI were lower than in western countries, both have increased relative to previous reports from Korea. Most patients experienced a benign course.
A Case of Atypical Cytomegalovirus Corneal Endotheliitis after Intravitreal Triamcinolone Injection
Authors: Kim Tae Rim , Kang Min Seok , Son Bo Kwon
Published: July 2024

Purpose: We present an atypical case of cytomegalovirus corneal endotheliitis after intravitreal triamcinolone injection.Case summary: A 61-year-old man presented with decreased visual acuity after intravitreal triamcinolone (Maqaid®, Wakamoto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) injection for cystoid macular edema following cataract surgery. Ocular examination revealed elevated intraocular pressure, diffuse keratic precipitates with corneal edema, and anterior chamber inflammation. These findings were suggestive of viral corneal endotheliitis. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the anterior chamber aqueous humor detected cytomegalovirus DNA. Consequently, the patient was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus corneal endotheliitis. He was treated with oral valganciclovir (Valcyte®, Roche, Basel, Switzerland) at a dose of 1,800 mg/day for 3 weeks as an induction phase, followed by 900 mg/day for 3 weeks as a remission phase. This treatment regimen led to significant improvement in corneal edema and anterior chamber inflammation with complete restoration of visual acuity.Conclusions: It is important to note that cytomegalovirus endotheliitis can occur after intravitreal triamcinolone injection and can present in an atypical rather than a typical form.
THE IMPACT OF PERSONALITY TRAITS ON COMPULSIVE BUYING BEHAVIOR OF CONSUMERS
Authors: TOMÁŠOVÁ MÁRIA , BAČÍK RADOVAN , MIŠKO DÁVID
Published: July 2024

The contribution addresses a highly researched topic that will always remain relevant. The trend towards online shopping is growing, and personality characteristics are important factors in shopping and consumer behavior. The aim of the contribution is to examine personality traits and their influence on compulsive online shopping. The analysis is conducted using SmartPLS from a sample of 203 Slovak consumers. These findings have important implications for the field of marketing and consumer behavior, where they can be utilized to formulate targeted strategies and interventions aimed at managing and reducing compulsive shopping. The results may also contribute to guiding further research efforts.
GINA-2024: Key Modifications and Strategic Implementations for Targeted Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Sulaimanov Sh. , Asheraliev M. , Muratova Zh. , Avtandilov A. , Sulaimanova A.
Published: July 2024

This article provides a succinct overview of the revisions and augmentations incorporated into the 2024 edition of GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma). A comparative analysis is conducted between the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms for bronchial asthma (BA) in children outlined in the updated GINA guidelines and those delineated in the Kyrgyz clinical protocol on BA issued in 2023. Leveraging the latest iteration of GINA, a series of organizational, scientific, clinical, and diagnostic initiatives are slated for implementation in Kyrgyz Republic. Notably, on the basis of the department of allergology and clinical immunology of the National center for maternity and childhood care under the Ministry of health of the Kyrgyz Republic, a research laboratory on allergology, including a room for genetically engineered biological therapy, will be created.
To Hedge or Not to Hedge: A Pragmatic Study of Hedging in Jordanian Arabic
Authors: Almahameed Yazan Shaker , Farghal Tariq Mohammad
Published: July 2024

This study aims to explore the frequency of use and types of hedging devices produced by Jordanian Arabic speakers. The study also seeks to ascertain the pragmatic functions of hedging in Jordanian Arabic. Two types of instruments are employed; a survey instructing the participants to provide some instances from their daily use of language, representing hedging as a linguistic device in Jordanian Arabic and notes of daily observations that take place between friends, colleagues, and family members. A total of 763 hedgers of all types are piled from the daily observations and the survey comprising 86 participants. The data are analyzed and transformed into numerical values in the form of percentages. The findings of the study depict that hedging is a common linguistic device, characterizing Jordanian Arabic and the commonest type is compound hedgers with 50% of the total instances. The findings also reveal that hedging performs various functions in Jordanian Arabic: interpersonal politeness, subjectivity markers, vagueness, fuzziness, and depersonalization. The study presents a novel syntactic categorization of hedging in Jordanian Arabic that differs from Modern Standard Arabic and English.
Implementation of Wakalah bi al-Ujrah Contract in COD Transactions on Shopee: A Review Based on MUI Fatwa
Authors: Lahuri Setiawan Bin , Handayani Agung Lia
Published: July 2024

This research aims to analyze the contract used for Cash on Delivery (COD) payments on the Shopee Online Shop platform, with a focus on integration with the principles of the wakalah bi al-ujrah contract explained in DSN-MUI Fatwa No. 113/DSN-MUI/IX/2017. The research method used is data collection and literature study with a description approach. The analysis results show that the COD practice on Shopee follows the pattern of buying and selling transactions between sellers and buyers using expedition services as intermediaries, using the basic concept of at-tackle fil. This research concludes that the general provisions of the COD payment method on Shopee are the general provisions of the wakalah bi al-ujrah contract because they fulfill the elements regulated in the DSN MUI Fatwa Number 113/DSN-MUI/IX/2017. The implication of this research is to strengthen understanding of e-commerce platforms' compliance with Sharia principles in COD payment systems, which can provide users more confidence and trust in online transactions.
Exploring TRIM proteins’ role in antiviral defense against influenza A virus and respiratory coronaviruses
Authors: Wei Ying , Song Junzhu , Zhang Jingyu , Chen Songbiao , Yu Zuhua , He Lei , Chen Jian
Published: July 2024

Numerous tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins, identified as E3 ubiquitin ligases, participate in various viral infections through ubiquitylation, ISGylation, and SUMOylation processes. Respiratory viruses, particularly influenza A virus (IAV) and respiratory coronaviruses (CoVs), have severely threatened public health with high morbidity and mortality, causing incalculable losses. Research on the regulation of TRIM proteins in respiratory virus infections is crucial for disease prevention and control. This review introduces TRIM proteins, summarizes recent discoveries regarding their roles and molecular mechanisms in IAV and CoVs infections, discusses current research gaps, and explores potential future trends in this rapidly developing field. It aims to enhance understanding of virus–host interactions and inform the development of new molecularly targeted therapies.
Empirical relationships between Arias Intensity and peak ground acceleration for western China
Authors: Liu Jia Mei , Zhang Bin , Zhao Xu Dong
Published: July 2024

There is little available attenuation relationship for Arias Intensity (AI) in China. Empirical relationships between AI and peak ground acceleration (PGA) provide another option for predicting AI. We establish empirical relationships for AI and PGA for western China, utilizing 3,169 horizontal and 979 vertical strong motion records with PGA ≥0.01 g from 274 earthquakes (MS 4.0–8.0), originating in eight provinces in southwest (Yunnan, Sichuan) and northwest China (Gansu, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang). The influences of MS epicenter distance, and site conditions indicators VS30, generic site classes (i.e., rock and soil) are explored. The results show that the logarithm of AI increases linearly with the increase of the logarithm of PGA and MS, and decreases with the logarithm of VS30. However, the influence of site conditions on AI-PAG relationships can't be recognized by the simple generic rock and soil site classes. The epicenter distance has little effect on the AI-PAG relationships. Empirical relationships are developed to estimate horizontal or vertical AI as a function of PGA (basic model), PGA and MS (model 2) for southwest, northwest, and western China, using all the records. Empirical relationships for AI as a function of PGA, MS, and VS30 (model 1) are established using the 2,248 horizontal (70.9% of the total) and 670 vertical (68.4% of the total) records with VS30 between 148 and 841m/s. The notable disparity between model 1 of the southwest and northwest regions is chiefly attributed to local site conditions, indicating that the AI-PGA correlation is region-dependent. These findings enable one way of estimating AI for western China and will contribute to a better understanding of AI attenuation.
Enhancing endothelial colony-forming cells for treating diabetic vascular complications: challenges and clinical prospects
Authors: Liu Yaqiong , Lyons Caomhán J. , Ayu Christine , O’Brien Timothy
Published: July 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, leading to various vascular complications. Accumulating evidence indicates that endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) have attractive prospects for repairing and restoring blood vessels. Thus, ECFCs may be a novel therapeutic option for diabetic patients with vascular complications who require revascularization therapy. However, it has been reported that the function of ECFCs is impaired in DM, which poses challenges for the autologous transplantation of ECFCs. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms that may be responsible for ECFC dysfunction and discuss potential strategies for improving the therapeutic efficacy of ECFCs derived from patients with DM. Finally, we discuss barriers to the use of ECFCs in human studies in light of the fact that there are no published reports using these cells in humans.
Environmental liability insurance, green innovation, and mediation effect study
Authors: Chen Yu , Xie Yuantao
Published: July 2024

This paper begins by establishing a three-party game model involving three key players: the insurer, the firm, and the government. This model is used to analyze the utility of each party in various scenarios, one of which encourages green innovation within the firm. According to this model, when the insurer rejects insurance coverage and the government maintains a neutral stance on environmental liability insurance, the firm may opt to engage in green innovation. Green innovation fundamentally serves as a mechanism to mitigate environmental pollution risks stemming from the firm’s operational processes. In cases where the insurer declines underwriting, it becomes rational for the firm to enhance its risk management through green innovation, which can be viewed as a mitigating factor in the context of environmental liability insurance. To comprehensively examine the overall impact of environmental liability insurance on the green innovation endeavors of firms, we use a mediation effect model utilizing firm-level data from heavily polluting industries. This paper delves into the intricate relationship between environmental liability insurance and the capacity of heavily polluting firms to engage in green innovation, along with the mediating influence of financing constraints between these two factors. The findings of this analysis suggest that the acquisition of environmental liability insurance enhances the green innovation capabilities of firms operating in heavily polluting industries by alleviating financing constraints, serving as a mediating factor in this regard.
Will the miniaturization of household size promote household carbon emissions in China? Analysis based on CFPS data
Authors: Shao Hongmei , Yu Meifeng , Xia Mengjie , Yu Dan , Gao Fuyang
Published: July 2024

As the proportion of household carbon emissions to global carbon emissions continues to increase, reducing carbon emissions from household consumption has become an important way to achieve the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. How the trend of miniaturization of household size will affect household carbon emissions is a matter of concern. This paper uses a sample of 9,090 households from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) database in 2018 to empirically study the impact of changes in household size on household carbon emissions, from the perspective of household consumption structure and urban-rural areas. The research results indicate that the miniaturization of household size will increase household carbon emissions, the impact of household size on indirect HCEs is greater than on direct HCEs. The impact of household size on indirect HCEs is heterogeneous in consumption structure and the impact of household size on indirect HCEs from housing, transportation is greater than that of other consumption items. The impact of household size on urban household carbon emissions is greater than that in rural areas. The upgrading of household consumption structure and the miniaturization of household size promote the increase of HCEs jointly. Therefore, this paper proposes that under the trend of household miniaturization, energy-saving and emission reduction policies should focus on reducing indirect households carbon emissions, optimizing household structure and household consumption structure, enhancing environmental awareness among family members, establishing and improving the green consumption system, and building environment-friendly households.
Coupling coordination and interactive relationship between population urbanization and land urbanization from the perspective of shrinking cities: a case study of Jiangsu province, China
Authors: Chen Shao-Jun , Dai Qi , Liu Xiao-Yan
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Urban contraction brings about certain impacts on the advancement of urbanization.

Methods: This paper explores the coupling coordination (CCD) and geographical distribution of land urbanization (LU) and population urbanization (PU) in Jiangsu Province through a CCD model and a spatial autocorrelation model from the perspective of shrinking cities. The Panel Vector Autoregression (PVAR) model is constructed to deeply investigate the complex interaction between the PU-LU in 13 cities, 2007-2020.

Results: The study found that the PU-LU CCD in each of the above-mentioned cities shows a synergistic incremental evolution during the study period in terms of time series. In addition, in terms of spatial characteristics, the CCD of PU and LU shows significant positive global spatial autocorrelation, and the CCD of cities with high population size growth is much larger than that of cities with continuous population size. Last, there is an interactive response relationship between PU and LU. PU influences LU, however, PU itself is influenced by its own system’s internal structure. The impact of PU on LU shows a positive cumulative effect of the “inverted U shape.”

Discussion: Furthermore, this paper proposes that policies be created to ensure the coordinated growth of PU-LU based on the differences in resource endowments of cities with 3 types of urban shrinkage. The link between floating population and construction land for cities should be established through enhancing the extent of intensive land use and reforming household registration.
Assessment of green sustainable development in plateau lakeside cities
Authors: Peng Changqing , Yang Kun , Jia Tingfang , Shang Chunxue , Li Anling , Pei Xingfang , Wang Qingqing , Chen Rixiang , Li Dingpu , Luo Yi
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Green sustainable development is an important part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and China’s ecological civilization construction.

Methods

This paper combines the characteristics of the development of lakeside cities, gives full play to the advantages of modern remote sensing technology to collect the indicators related to the green sustainable development of lakeside cities, adopts the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the CRiteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation (CRITIC) subjective and objective weighting methods and the difference coefficient method to determine the weights of the indicators, evaluates the green sustainable development of a typical lakeside city of Kunming for more than 30 years, and analyzes the influencing factors using the gray degree of correlation.

Results

The results show the following: (1) From 1990 to 2021, the level of green sustainable development in the urban area around Dianchi Lake fluctuated in stages, with an overall upward trend, and the green development index increased from 0.25 in 1990 to 0.5 in 2021. (2) The coefficient of variance determined by the optimization model can be a better compromise between the objective and subjective weights of the indicators, and the massive occupation of wetlands and arable land around the lake in the urban expansion has become a major factor in the development of the city, with a combined weight of 10.30% and 8.79%, respectively. (3) The urban population and economic scale are currently the main drivers of the green and sustainable development of a lakeside city, with a correlation of 0.843 and 0.769, respectively.

Discussion

The growth of urban population and economic scale plays a pivotal role in driving the green and sustainable development of lakeside cities, while the potential impact of tourism development should also be considered.
Developing a machine learning-based prognosis and immunotherapeutic response signature in colorectal cancer: insights from ferroptosis, fatty acid dynamics, and the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Zhu Junchang , Zhang Jinyuan , Lou Yunwei , Zheng Yijie , Zheng Xuzhi , Cen Wei , Ye Lechi , Zhang Qiongying
Published: July 2024

Instruction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a challenge to public health and is characterized by a high incidence rate. This study explored the relationship between ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of patients with CRC to identify how these interactions impact the prognosis and effectiveness of immunotherapy, focusing on patient outcomes and the potential for predicting treatment response.

Methods

Using datasets from multiple cohorts, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), we conducted an in-depth multi-omics study to uncover the relationship between ferroptosis regulators and fatty acid metabolism in CRC. Through unsupervised clustering, we discovered unique patterns that link ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism, and further investigated them in the context of immune cell infiltration and pathway analysis. We developed the FeFAMscore, a prognostic model created using a combination of machine learning algorithms, and assessed its predictive power for patient outcomes and responsiveness to treatment. The FeFAMscore signature expression level was confirmed using RT-PCR, and ACAA2 progression in cancer was further verified.

Results

This study revealed significant correlations between ferroptosis regulators and fatty acid metabolism-related genes with respect to tumor progression. Three distinct patient clusters with varied prognoses and immune cell infiltration were identified. The FeFAMscore demonstrated superior prognostic accuracy over existing models, with a C-index of 0.689 in the training cohort and values ranging from 0.648 to 0.720 in four independent validation cohorts. It also responses to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, indicating a sensitive response of special therapies (e.g., anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA4, osimertinib) in high FeFAMscore patients.

Conclusion

Ferroptosis regulators and fatty acid metabolism-related genes not only enhance immune activation, but also contribute to immune escape. Thus, the FeFAMscore, a novel prognostic tool, is promising for predicting both the prognosis and efficacy of immunotherapeutic strategies in patients with CRC.
Implications of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis on immune cells and response to COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Orrù Valeria , Serra Valentina , Marongiu Michele , Lai Sandra , Lodde Valeria , Zoledziewska Magdalena , Steri Maristella , Loizedda Annalisa , Lobina Monia , Piras Maria Grazia , Virdis Francesca , Delogu Giuseppe , Marini Maria Giuseppina , Mingoia Maura , Floris Matteo , Masala Marco , Castelli M. Paola , Mostallino Rafaela , Frau Jessica , Lorefice Lorena , Farina Gabriele , Fronza Marzia , Carmagnini Daniele , Carta Elisa , Pilotto Silvy , Chessa Paola , Devoto Marcella , Castiglia Paolo , Solla Paolo , Zarbo Roberto Ignazio , Idda Maria Laura , Pitzalis Maristella , Cocco Eleonora , Fiorillo Edoardo , Cucca Francesco
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have been shown to improve disease outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. They may also impair the immune response to vaccines, including the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. However, available data on both the intrinsic immune effects of DMTs and their influence on cellular response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine are still incomplete.

Methods

Here, we evaluated the immune cell effects of 3 DMTs on the response to mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination by comparing MS patients treated with one specific therapy (fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, or natalizumab) with both healthy controls and untreated patients. We profiled 23 B-cell traits, 57 T-cell traits, and 10 cytokines, both at basal level and after stimulation with a pool of SARS-CoV-2 spike peptides, in 79 MS patients, treated with DMTs or untreated, and 32 healthy controls. Measurements were made before vaccination and at three time points after immunization.

Results and Discussion

MS patients treated with fingolimod showed the strongest immune cell dysregulation characterized by a reduction in all measured lymphocyte cell classes; the patients also had increased immune cell activation at baseline, accompanied by reduced specific immune cell response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Also, anti-spike specific B cells progressively increased over the three time points after vaccination, even when antibodies measured from the same samples instead showed a decline. Our findings demonstrate that repeated booster vaccinations in MS patients are crucial to overcoming the immune cell impairment caused by DMTs and achieving an immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine comparable to that of healthy controls.
NLRP3, NLRP6, and NLRP12 are inflammasomes with distinct expression patterns
Authors: Wei Bo , Billman Zachary P. , Nozaki Kengo , Goodridge Helen S. , Miao Edward A.
Published: July 2024

Inflammasomes are sensors that detect cytosolic microbial molecules or cellular damage, and in response they initiate a form of lytic regulated cell death called pyroptosis. Inflammasomes signal via homotypic protein-protein interactions where CARD or PYD domains are crucial for recruiting downstream partners. Here, we screened these domains from NLR family proteins, and found that the PYD domain of NLRP6 and NLRP12 could activate caspase-1 to induce cleavage of IL-1β and GSDMD. Inflammasome reconstitution verified that full length NLRP6 and NLRP12 formed inflammasomes in vitro, and NLRP6 was more prone to auto-activation. NLRP6 was highly expressed in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), but not in immune cells. Molecular phylogeny analysis found that NLRP12 was closely related to NLRP3, but the activation mechanisms are different. NLRP3 was highly expressed in monocytes and macrophages, and was modestly but appreciably expressed in neutrophils. In contrast, NLRP12 was specifically expressed in neutrophils and eosinophils, but was not detectable in macrophages. NLRP12 mutations cause a periodic fever syndrome called NLRP12 autoinflammatory disease. We found that several of these patient mutations caused spontaneous activation of caspase-1 in vitro, which likely causes their autoinflammatory disease. Different cell types have unique cellular physiology and structures which could be perturbed by a pathogen, necessitating expression of distinct inflammasome sensors to monitor for signs of infection.
Integrated analyses of single-cell transcriptome and Mendelian randomization reveal the protective role of FCRL3 in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yu Kefu , Jiang Ruiqi , Li Ziming , Ren Xiaohui , Jiang Haihui , Zhao Zhigang
Published: July 2024

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) represents a multifaceted autoimmune ailment, prompting the development and widespread utilization of numerous therapeutic interventions. However, extant medications for MS have proven inadequate in mitigating relapses and halting disease progression. Innovative drug targets for preventing multiple sclerosis are still required. The objective of this study is to discover novel therapeutic targets for MS by integrating single-cell transcriptomics and Mendelian randomization analysis.

Methods

The study integrated MS genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, single-cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq), expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), and protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) data for analysis and utilized two-sample Mendelian randomization study to comprehend the causal relationship between proteins and MS. Sequential analyses involving colocalization and Phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) were conducted to validate the causal role of candidate genes.

Results

Following stringent quality control preprocessing of scRNA-seq data, 1,123 expression changes across seven peripheral cell types were identified. Among the seven most prevalent cell types, 97 genes exhibiting at least one eQTL were discerned. Examination of MR associations between 28 proteins with available index pQTL signals and the risk of MS outcomes was conducted. Co-localization analyses and PheWAS indicated that FCRL3 may exert influence on MS.

Conclusion

The integration of scRNA-seq and MR analysis facilitated the identification of potential therapeutic targets for MS. Notably, FCRL3, implicated in immune function, emerged as a significant drug target in the deCODE databases. This research underscores the importance of FCRL3 in MS therapy and advocates for further investigation and clinical trials targeting FCRL3.
Dynamic monitoring of viral gene expression reveals rapid antiviral effects of CD8 T cells recognizing the HCMV-pp65 antigen
Authors: Khan Fawad , Müller Thomas R. , Kasmapour Bahram , Ynga-Durand Mario Alberto , Eiz-Vesper Britta , von Einem Jens , Busch Dirk H. , Cicin-Sain Luka
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a betaherpesvirus that causes severe disease in immunocompromised transplant recipients. Immunotherapy with CD8 T cells specific for HCMV antigens presented on HLA class-I molecules is explored as strategy for long-term relief to such patients, but the antiviral effectiveness of T cell preparations cannot be efficiently predicted by available methods.

Methods

We developed an Assay for Rapid Measurement of Antiviral T-cell Activity (ARMATA) by real-time automated fluorescent microscopy and used it to study the ability of CD8 T cells to neutralize HCMV and control its spread. As a proof of principle, we used TCR-transgenic T cells specific for the immunodominant HLA-A02-restricted tegumental phosphoprotein pp65. pp65 expression follows an early/late kinetic, but it is not clear at which stage of the virus cycle it acts as an antigen. We measured control of HCMV infection by T cells as early as 6 hours post infection (hpi).

Results

The timing of the antigen recognition indicated that it occurred before the late phase of the virus cycle, but also that virion-associated pp65 was not recognized during virus entry into cells. Monitoring of pp65 gene expression dynamics by reporter fluorescent genes revealed that pp65 was detectable as early as 6 hpi, and that a second and much larger bout of expression occurs in the late phase of the virus cycle by 48 hpi. Since transgenic (Tg)-pp65 specific CD8 T cells were activated even when DNA replication was blocked, our data argue that pp65 acts as an early virus gene for immunological purposes.

Discussion

ARMATA does not only allow same day identification of antiviral T-cell activity, but also provides a method to define the timing of antigen recognition in the context of HCMV infection.
Applications of Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponent in detecting Lagrangian Coherent Structures for coastal ocean processes: a review
Authors: Peng Yue , Xu Xin , Shao Qi , Weng Haiyong , Niu Haibo , Li Zhiyu , Zhang Chen , Li Pu , Zhong Xiaomei , Yang Jie
Published: July 2024

Addressing the threats of climate change, pollution, and overfishing to marine ecosystems necessitates a deeper understanding of coastal and oceanic fluid dynamics. Within this context, Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS) emerge as essential tools for elucidating the complexities of marine fluid dynamics. Methods used to detect LCS include geometric, probabilistic, cluster-based and braid-based approaches. Advancements have been made to employ Finite-time Lyapunov Exponents (FTLE) to detect LCS due to its high efficacy, reliability and simplicity. It has been proven that the FTLE approach has provided invaluable insights into complex oceanic phenomena like shear, confluence, eddy formations, and oceanic fronts, which also enhanced the understanding of tidal-/wind-driven processes. Additionally, FTLE-based LCS were crucial in identifying barriers to contaminant dispersion and assessing pollutant distribution, aiding environmental protection and marine pollution management. FTLE-based LCS has also contributed significantly to understanding ecological interactions and biodiversity in response to environmental issues. This review identifies pressing challenges and future directions of FTLE-based LCS. Among these are the influences of external factors such as river discharges, ice formations, and human activities on ocean currents, which complicate the analysis of ocean fluid dynamics. While 2D FTLE methods have proven effective, their limitations in capturing the full scope of oceanic phenomena, especially in 3D environments, are evident. The advent of 3D LCS analysis has marked progress, yet computational demands and data quality requirements pose significant hurdles. Moreover, LCS extracted from FTLE fields involves establishing an empirical threshold that introduces considerable variability due to human judgement. Future efforts should focus on enhancing computational techniques for 3D analyses, integrating FTLE and LCS into broader environmental models, and leveraging machine learning to standardize LCS detection.
Shear properties and dynamic responses of greases in a micrometer-order gap
Authors: Chun Hanul , Hirayama Tomoko , Yamashita Naoki , Hatano Naoya , Tatsumi Kazuya , Kuriyama Reiko
Published: July 2024

Grease is used as a lubricant in a wide range of fields, including bearings, because it reduces friction, prevents harmful wear of components, protects against rust and corrosion, and acts as a seal to prevent the invasion of dirt and water. Although most of the research on grease has focused on the environment inside the bearing, there has been little research on the fundamental lubrication mechanism of grease. It is known that thickeners, which keep a complex three-dimensional structure in the grease, have a significant effect on the shear characteristics of grease, and it is assumed that this is due to the orientation of the thickener structure in the shear direction. In this study, the apparent viscosity of grease in a micro-order gap was measured using our original viscometer and compared with the apparent viscosity measured with a submillimeter-order gap rheometer because grease may show different rheological properties compared to conventional measurements. In addition, the dynamic response of viscous resistance that appeared when each grease was subjected to a change in the shear force was quantitatively evaluated using relaxation time. As a result, the apparent viscosity remarkably decreased in a micro-order gap compared to a submillimeter gap, and two types of shear thinning mechanisms were proposed based on the orientation of the thickener: one caused by the narrow gap and the other by the shear force. In addition, the behavior of viscous resistance due to changes in the shear force depended on the type of thickener. It was also confirmed that the relaxation time of each grease correlates with its oil film-forming ability and the entanglement level of the thickener’s structure. Furthermore, the mechanism of the dynamic response was proposed based on the reorientation of thickeners.
The impact of the donors’ COVID-19 status on the outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a multi-center retrospective study
Authors: Huang Yifei , Fan Zhiping , Hu Yingying , Feng Sizhou , Wang Shunqing , Zhang Shanyu , Huang Fen , Xuan Li , Xu Na , Liu Hui , Wang Zhixiang , Sun Jing , Liu Qifa , Lin Ren
Published: July 2024

Introduction

To explore the impact of donors’ COVID-19 status on allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), we compared the transplant outcomes of 74 participants.

Methods

This multi-center retrospective study included nine participants receiving grafts from COVID-19 positive donors (CPD), 45 from COVID-19 experienced donors (CED), and 20 from COVID-19 naive donors (CND). We evaluated engraftment, complications, and survival rates among the three groups.

Results

All apheresis procedures were successful with no significant differences in CD34+ cells or lymphocytes in grafts among the three groups. All patients achieved engraftment by day 30 post-HSCT. The incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) was 55.6%, 20%, and 10% in the CPD, CED, and CND groups, respectively (p = 0.024). Multivariate analysis indicated that COVID-19 positivity in donors at the time of apheresis was an independent risk factor for II-IV aGVHD (p = 0.020, OR = 12.159, 95% CI 1.783 -135.760). No differences were observed among the groups in terms of chronic GVHD, viral infection, or sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. The 6-month overall survival and disease-free survival rates were also similar among the three groups.

Discussion

Our results suggest that the COVID-19-positive status of donors might not impact graft collection, engraftment, or short-term survival of allo-HSCT recipients but might increase the risk of aGVHD. Further research is needed to explore the influence of donors’ COVID-19 status on long-term complications and survival in allo-HSCT recipients.