bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Time-Resolution Fluorescence Immunochromatography of Aflatoxin B1 in Yellow Rice Wine
Authors: Zhu Mengjie , Wang Dun , Wang Du , Wang Xue , Zhang Qi , Dong Jing , Feng Peng
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: There is a risk of Aflatoxin B1(AFB1) pollution in yellow rice wine[1],threatening human life and health, the risk is a major focus of government attention and social concern.The current detection technology cannot meet the needs of large-scale testing due to the disadvantages of high false positive, cumbersome operating procedures or high cost.Therefore, it is urgent to study and establish a high-sensitivity and high-fast detection method for AFB1 to provide technical support for yellow rice wine quality supervision and risk assessment.; (2) Methods: In this study, three-factor and three-level orthogonal experiments were carried out for oscillation time, reaction temperature and tomography time to determine the best reaction conditions for pretreatment.AFB1 detection was carried out by aflatoxin time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatography technology，Through the ratio of the T signal value of the detection line to the C signal value of the quality control line and the natural logarithmic value of the standard solution concentration[2], a rapid detection technology of time-resolution fluorescence immunochromatography is established.The technology was methodically assessed, the actual yellow rice wine samples were tested, and the results were compared with the HPLC method; (3) Results: The results show that the optimal reaction conditions for pretreatment are: the sample oscillation time is 20min, the sample reaction temperature is 37°C, and the sample chromatography time is 6min. In the actual sample detection of yellow rice wine, The time-resolved fluorescence immunochromatography detection technology established in this study detects AFB1. The detection limit is 0.3 μg·kg-1,The linear range is 0.8-12.0μg·kg-1,The linear equation of the corresponding standard curve y=-0.1913x+0.5206 (R2=0.9948),The standard deviation is 0.029.The results of the in-batch accuracy and precision of this method show that the addition and recovery rate is 77.9% - 105.7%,The coefficient of variation is in 4.5% - 10.3%; Inter-batch accuracy and precision test results show that the addition recovery rate is75.9% - 85.8%,the coefficient of variation is in 8.1% - 13.9%,explain that the detection technology has good accuracy and precision.Compared with HPLC, the relative error is less than 10%,It shows that aflatoxin time-resolution fluorescence immunochromatography technology is in good agreement with the test results of national standard methods; (4) Conclusions:he rapid detection technology of time-resolution fluorescence immunochromatography of AFB1 in yellow rice wine is easy to operate with fast detection speed, high sensitivity, good repeatability and stability, and has broad application prospects.
Evaluation of Lemon Peel Juice Fermentation Methods and its Impact on Hyperlipidemia and Health Management
Authors: Hsu Chang-Lu , Tsai Chin-Fa , Chen Pei-Chun , Chen Tzu-Chun , Cho Tsai-Yi , Hung Jeng-Fung , Chen Yi-Jinn Lillian
Published: January 2024

Excessive body fat is a major contributor to obesity, which is related to high blood, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Lemons (Citrus limon) are renowned for their antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties. First, Sugar-free fermentation demonstrated better results lower sugar content and was identified as the preferred fermentation method. Next, the effect of two doses of sugar-free fermented lemon peel juice (SF-FLPJ) on obesity was investigated. Sprague Dawley (male rats) were randomly divided into 4 groups and fed a standard feed or high-fat diet (HFD) to induce fatness for eight weeks. The two groups of rats fed an HFD were administered SF-FLPJ at 0.45 or 0.9 g/kg body weight daily for eight weeks. The obese rats administered 0.9 g/kg (body weight/day) of SF-FLPJ exhibited significant reductions in body fat mass and percentage; they also had lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels than the other groups. Additionally, the rats displayed diminished liver fat accumulation. The results suggest that SF-FLPJ can be a supplement in managing body fat, contributing positively to addressing obesity within the context of health management, and reduce obesity-associated issues.
Wounds of Companion Animals as Habitat of Potentially Harmful to Humans Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria – Phenotypic, Proteomic and Molecular Detection
Authors: Lenart-Boroń Anna , Stankiewicz Klaudia , Czernecka Natalia , Ratajewicz Anna , Bulanda Klaudia , Heliasz Miłosz , Sosińska Daria , Dworak Kinga , Ciesielska Dominika , Siemińska Izabela , Tischner Marek
Published: January 2024

Skin wounds and their infections by antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB)are very common in small animals, posing the risk of acquiring ARB by pet owners or antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) transfer to the owners’ microbiota. The aim of this study was to identify the most common pathogens infecting wounds of companion animals, assess their antibiotic resistance and determine the ARGs using culture-based, molecular and proteomic methods. A total of 136 bacterial strains were isolated from wound swabs. Their species was identified using chromogenic media, followed by MALDI-TOF spectrometry. Disk diffusion was used to test the antibiotic resistance and twelve ARGs were detected using PCRs. The dominant species included Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (9.56%), E. coli and E. faecalis (both n=11, 8.09%). Enterobacterales were mostly resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (68.3% strains), all Pseudomonas were resistant to ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, imipenem and tylosin, Acinetobacter was mostly resistant to tylosin (55.5%), all Enterococcus were resistant to imipenem, 39.2% of Staphylococci were resistant to clindamycin. Among ARGs, strA (streptomycin resistance), sul3 (sulfonamide resistance) and blaTEM, an ESBL determinant, were the most frequent. The risk of ARB and ARD transfer between animals and humans causes the need to search for new antimicrobial therapies in the future veterinary medicine.
ATF4 Signaling in HIV Infection: Viral Subversion of a Stress Response Transcription Factor
Authors: Corne Adrien , Adolphe Florine , Estaquier Jérôme , Gaumer Sébastien , Corsi Jean-Marc
Published: January 2024

Cellular Integrated Stress Response (ISR), the mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (UP-Rmt) and the IFN signaling are associated with viral infections. The Activating transcription fac-tor 4 (ATF4) plays a pivotal role in these pathways and controls the expression of many genes involved in redox processes, amino acid metabolism, protein misfolding, autophagy and apop-tosis. The precise role of ATF4 during viral infection is unclear and depends on cell hosts, viral agents and models. Furthermore, ATF4 signaling can be hijacked by pathogens to favor viral in-fection and replication. In this review, we summarize the ATF4-mediated signaling pathways in response to viral infections, focusing on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We examine the consequences of ATF4 activation for HIV replication and reactivation. The role of ATF4 in au-tophagy and apoptosis is explored as in the context of HIV infection programmed cell deaths contribute to the depletion of CD4 T cells. Furthermore, ATF4 can also participate in the estab-lishment of innate and adaptive immunity that are essential for the host to control viral infec-tions. We finally discuss the putative role of the ATF4 paralogue, named ATF5, in HIV infection. This review underlines the role of ATF4 at the crossroads of multiple processes reflecting host-pathogen interactions.
A Cyclic Permutation Approach to Removing Spatial Dependency between Clustered Gene Ontology Terms
Authors: Rapoport Rachel , Greenberg Avraham , Yakhini Zohar , Simon Itamar
Published: January 2024

Traditional gene set enrichment analysis falters when applied to large genomic domains, where neighboring genes often share functions. This spatial dependency creates misleading enrichments, mistaking mere physical proximity for genuine biological connections. Here we present Spatial Adjusted Gene Ontology (SAGO), a novel cyclic permutation-based approach, to tackle this challenge. SAGO separates enrichments due to spatial proximity from genuine biological links by incorporating the genes' spatial arrangement into the analysis. We applied SAGO to various datasets in which the identified genomic intervals are large, including replication timing domains, H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 large domains, HiC compartments and lamina associated domains (LADs). Intriguingly, applying SAGO to prostate cancer samples with large copy number alteration (CNAs) domains eliminated most of the enriched GO terms, thus helping to accurately identify biologically relevant gene sets linked to oncogenic processes, free from spatial bias.
An Overview of Artificial Intelligence Application for Optimal Control of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Process
Authors: Tang Jian , Wang Tianzheng , Xia Heng , Cui Canlin
Published: January 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has found extensive applications in the sustainability domain. The municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) process can achieve waste-to-energy (WTE) goals through the assistance of automation and information technologies. In theory, AI can facilitate the intelligent operation of the MSWI process, simultaneously achieving low pollution emissions and high production efficiency. This study provides an overview of AI applications in the MSWI process. Addressing fundamental challenges, the optimal control of the MSWI process is categorized into four aspects: modeling, control, optimization, and maintenance. Subsequently, this study conducts a detailed analysis and discussion of AI applications in each of these technological domains. In conclusion, this paper outlines the future research directions and provides an outlook on the fundamental issues pertaining to AI applications in the optimal control of the MSWI process.
Temporal Considerations in Brain Metastases Radiation Therapy: The Intersection of Chronobiology and Patient Profiles
Authors: Nelson Nicolas Gregory , Burke Sara E. , Cappelli Louis , Matlack Lauren E. , Smith Alexandria P. , Francois Noelle , Lombardo Joseph F. , Shah Yash B. , Wen Kuang-Yi , Shafi Ayesha A. , Simone Nicole L.
Published: January 2024

Background: The circadian system, a vital temporal regulator influencing physiological processes, has implications for cancer development and treatment response. Our study assesses circadian timing's impact on whole-brain radiotherapy outcomes in brain metastases for personalized cancer therapy insights.
Aim: Evaluate circadian influence on radiation treatment timing and its correlation with clinical outcomes. Identify patient populations benefiting from interventions synchronizing circadian rhythms, considering subgroup differences and potential disparities related to social determinants of health (SDoH).
Design: IRB-approved retrospective analysis of 237 patients undergoing whole-brain radiotherapy for brain metastases (2017–2021), receiving over 80% of treatments in the morning or afternoon. Survival analyses utilized Kaplan–Meier curves.
Setting/Participants: Single-institution study involving patients receiving whole-brain radiotherapy. Collected demographic, disease, and socioeconomic parameters from electronic medical records.
Results: Morning treatment (n=158) showed a trend towards improved overall survival vs. afternoon (n=79), median survival 158 vs. 79 days (p=0.20, HR=0.84, CI95% 0.84–0.91). Subgroup benefits for morning treatment in females (p=0.04) and trends in controlled primary disease (p=0.11) and breast cancer metastases (p=0.08). SDoH-based disparities observed, with Black and lower-income patients exhibiting diminished circadian influence.
Conclusions: Emphasizes chronobiological factors' relevance in brain metastases radiation therapy. Morning treatment correlates with improved survival, particularly in specific subgroups. Identifies potential circadian influence disparities based on SDoH, laying a foundation for personalized cancer therapy and interventions synchronizing circadian rhythms for enhanced treatment efficacy.
Hydrophobic Surface Array Structure Based on Laser-Induced Graphene for Deicing and Anti-icing Applications
Authors: Zhong Mian , Li Shichen , Zou Yao , Fan Hongyun , Jiang Yong , Qiu Chao , Luo Jinling , Yang Liang
Published: January 2024

The exceptional performance of graphene has driven the advancement of its preparation technique and application. Laser-induced graphene (LIG), as a novel graphene preparation technique, has been applied in various fields. Graphene periodic structures created by LIG technique exhibit superhydrophobic characteristics and can be used for deicing and anti-icing applications, which are significantly influenced by the laser parameters. The laser surface treatment process was simulated by a finite element software analysis (COMSOL Multiphysics) to optimize the scanning parameter range, and the linear array surface structure were subsequently fabricated by the LIG technique. The generation of graphene was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The periodic linear array structure were observed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser imaging (CLSM). In addition, CLSM testings, contact angle measurements, and delayed icing experiments were systematically performed to investigate the effect of scanning speed on surface hydrophobicity. The results show that the high quality and uniform graphene can be achieved using the laser scanning speed of 125 mm/s. The periodic linear array structures can obviously increase the contact angle and suppress delayed icing. Furthermore, these structures have the enhanced ability of the electric heating deicing, which can reach 100°C and 240°C within 15 s and within 60 s under the DC voltage power supply ranging from 3 to 7 V, respectively. These results indicate that the LIG technique can be developed to provide an efficient, economical, and convenient approach for preparing graphene and the hydrophobic surface array structure based on LIG has considerable potential for deicing and anti-icing applications.
Methanol Oxidation Reaction in Alkaline Media using Gold Nanoparticles Recovered from Electronic Waste
Authors: Baruch-Soto Mariana , Magallón-Cacho Lorena , Aparicio-Ramírez Jeannete , Ortega-Guzmán Jesús , Borja-Arco Edgar
Published: January 2024

Electronic waste (e-waste), characterized by the widespread disposal of electronic devices, shows a growing environmental challenge. In this study, we explore the electrocatalytic potential of gold nanoparticles supported on Vulcan obtained from e-waste for their application as electrocatalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction in alkaline media. Gold nanoparticles are synthesized from gold coatings recovered from Intel Pentium 4 processor pins, highlighting their sustainability as electrocatalyst precursors. Comprehensive characterization, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray dif-fraction, is performed to assess the electrocatalyst's structural properties. Electrochemical evalu-ation is carried out in 0.5 M KOH electrolyte employing the rotating disk electrode technique, us-ing cyclic voltammetry for the study of methanol oxidation. Remarkably, the gold nanoparticles show electrocatalytic activity on par with commercially synthesized counterparts, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach for sustainable electrocatalyst production. Thus, this research opens new routes for utilizing e-waste as a source of valuable catalyst materials, addressing en-vironmental and technological challenges in the field of alkaline fuel cells.
A Hardware Implementation of the PID Algorithm Using Floating-Point Arithmetic
Authors: Kulisz Józef , Jokiel Filip
Published: January 2024

The paper proposes a new implementation of the PID algorithm in digital hardware. The proposed circuit implements an advanced PID formula, containing a non ideal derivative component, and weighting coefficients, which enable reducing influence of setpoint changes in the proportional and derivative components. The implementation operates on standard single precision (32 bit) floating-point numbers. The proposed circuit structure is optimized for cost. It uses just one arithmetic block, performing the multiply-and-add operation. The calculations are carried out in a sequential manner. The circuit was implemented in a Cyclone V FPGA device from Intel, using the Quartus Prime software. Proper operation of the circuit was verified by simulation. The proposed solution is comparable in terms of speed with other hardware implementations of the PID algorithm operating on standard single precision floating-point numbers, while being significantly cheaper. However, it outperforms by several orders of magnitude the speed of any software-based implementation, including solutions using PLCs, and CPU/MCUs. The proposed circuit structure, together with the overall regulator device concept, suit well the SoC (System on Chip), or SoPC (System on Programmable Chip) idea, i. e. a device, that contains a CPU core immersed in “FPGA fabric” - logic resources characteristic for FPGA devices.
The Regulation of Integrity Zone and the Corruption-Free Zone in Indonesia and Rusia
Authors: Widyawati Anis , Latifiani Dian , Arifin Ridwan , Ompoy Genjie , Zaki Nurul Natasha Binti Muhammad
Published: January 2024

This research aims to identify and analyze the integrity zone as an innovative strategy to combat corruption. The research methodology uses normative juridical analysis, which is legal research that examines law from an internal perspective, with the object of its study being the legal norm, which involves literature analysis, qualitative approach, and comparative approach on the implementation of the integrity zone and the administrative law policy through the Corruption-Free Zone (WBK) in Indonesian governmental institutions. The results of the study indicate that the integrity zone approach involves mapping corruption-prone areas and proactively implementing preventive measures in these zones. This strategy includes increasing awareness, enforcing regulations, and strengthening supervision. Furthermore, this paper also discusses the challenges and opportunities in implementing the integrity zone and the WBK in Indonesia, along with providing policy recommendations to maximize the effectiveness of this approach in minimizing corruption and enhancing integrity within the scope of the Indonesian government administration. Implementing the integrity zone concept is expected to bring about positive changes in the efforts to eradicate corruption and build more transparent and integrity-driven governance in Indonesia.
The Development of Hallwachs Miracle Novel as a Media Science Literacy in Learning Photoelectric Topic
Authors: Purwahida Rahmah , Yanez Maria Angelica , Nabilah Norma
Published: January 2024

This study aims to develop a novel entitled "The Miracle of Hallwachs" as a medium for enhancing scientific literacy, particularly focusing on the physics concept of the photoelectric effect for third-grade high school students. The research employs the Research and Development (R&D) approach, utilizing the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) development model. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and questionnaires, and both qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted. Product testing involved assessments by material experts, media experts, and 31 students. The study's outcomes resulted in the creation of learning media in the form of audiobooks accessible through various devices. The media's feasibility was evaluated by experts in the field, including material experts, media experts, and Indonesian language teachers, as well as through a field trial with 31 students. Expert validation indicated a high level of appropriateness, with a 97% approval rate for material validation and a 94.29% approval rate for learning media validation. Based on this comprehensive assessment, it can be concluded that the novel under development is well-suited as a medium for enhancing media literacy in science, specifically in teaching physics with a focus on the photoelectric effect.
Profile of students’ Physics Problem Solving Skills and Implementation PBL Model Assisted by 3D Digital Module to Improve Problem Solving Skills
Authors: Kinasih Rachmadaniz Audrey , Prahani Binar Kurnia , Wibowo Firmanul Catur , Costu Bayram
Published: January 2024

The aim of this research is to analyze high school students' ability to solve physics problems as a consideration for implementing the PBL learning model assisted by Android-based 3D digital modules. The research method uses descriptive qualitative analysis techniques to find out information about a problem the facts face. The research was conducted at SMA Nahdlatul Ulama 1 Gresik with 160 students as respondents. Data obtained from research respondents were categorized into three groups, namely low (score 0-40), medium (score 41-70) and high (score 71-100). From the research results, there were 154 students in the low category, while there were 5 students in the medium category and 1 person in the high category. The conclusion is that students' ability to solve physics problems is still low and needs to be improved, so it is necessary to provide innovative learning models and media, one of which can be done by implementing PBL models and media in the form of Android-based 3D digital modules which will make students more interested in learning so that helps hone physics problem solving skills.
Reasons for Students Interest in Learning Physics Subjects in Senior High School
Authors: Kurniawan Affandi Faisal , Ristanto Sigit , Khoiri Nur
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to identify the reasons of students' interest in learning physics in Senior High School. This type of research is descriptive qualitative. The data collection method used includes a questionnaire. The questionnaire is in the form of closed questions with a Likert scale from 1-5 addressed to students. This research was conducted in  local schools in the city of Semarang that were selected in accordance with the direction and objectives of this research.  School A represents superior schools, school B represents mediocre schools, and school C represents non-excellent schools.The results showed that 1) the highest percentage of interest in learning physics was at School A which was 78.72%. Meanwhile, the lowest percentage of interest in learning physics is 46.83% (School C). The percentages are 67.59%, 56.76%, and 55.56%, respectively.
Research Trend of Dynamic Fluid in Learning: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Misbah Misbah , Hamidah Ida , Sriyati Siti , Samsudin Achmad
Published: January 2024

This article provides an extensive bibliometric literature review on dynamic fluid in learning. This study aims to analyze research trends related to dynamic fluid in learning topics in 2019-2023 through bibliometric analysis with the Scopus database. Based on the criteria obtained, 327 articles were obtained from 1598 documents. The articles have already been analyzed from the journal and conference proceedings indexed in Scopus. Dynamic fluid research trends in learning are also reviewed based on the number of articles published each year, sources of publication (both journals and proceedings), the most productive countries, the most productive authors based on the number of documents, and co-occurrences using VOSviewer. The results show that the dynamics of learning are increasing every year. JPCS has published the most dynamic fluid articles in learning. The United States, as the most productive country, researches this topic. In addition, most of the prolific authors come from the US. A visualization of dynamic fluid research trends in learning using VOSviewer software obtained five clusters. The results of this study provide direction for further research on fluid dynamics in learning.
Mengoptimalkan Potensi di Era Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Indahyanti Uce
Published: January 2024

Rasa syukur selalu tercurah kepada Allah SWT yang senantiasa melimpahkan rahmat, hidayah serta kesehatan, sehingga kami dapat melaksanakan program Kuliah Kerja Nyata Tangguh (KKN-Tangguh) Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo tahun 2020. Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) adalah program yang ditempuh mahasiswa Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo merupakan perwujudan dari salah satu Catur Dharma Perguruan Tinggi, yaitu bermaksud memberikan pengalaman secara langsung baik fisik maupun mental kepada calon sarjana dengan terjun bersama masyarakat dengan menerapkan ilmu jurusan masing-masing.
Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion with the Space-D Access System
Authors: Nordmann Nathan J. , Weber Matthew W. , Nie Jeffrey Z. , Graves Christopher M.
Published: January 2024

The Space-D Access System is a new, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) retractor system that allows spine surgeons to perform transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with intraoperative navigation. Unlike other retractors, this system allows distraction/compression and lateral retraction. This is the first description of the technical aspects of the Space-D Access System for MIS TLIF since its public debut in May 2021. This study introduces the components and applicability of the Space-D Access System and provides step-by-step instructions with visuals to perform a MIS TLIF using this novel device. The Space-D Access System, StealthStation, CD Horizon Solera Voyager, and an anatomic lumbar spine model were used to demonstrate the steps to successfully perform MIS TLIF. The components and applicability of the Space-D Access System are discussed. Detailed written instructions and visuals are provided in a stepwise fashion to complete MIS TLIF effectively and efficiently. The Space-D Access System is the only multifunctional device that allows tissue retraction and pedicle-to-pedicle distraction/compression while performing MIS TLIF. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to describe the device and its use for MIS TLIF with written instructions and visuals using an anatomic model.
Primary Pulmonary Paraganglioma, Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bardhi Ledi , Vannucchi Margherita , Corzani Roberto , Galgano Angela , Nicola Libero Antonio , Paladini Piero , Bellan Cristiana
Published: January 2024

Primary pulmonary paraganglioma (PPPG) is an extremely rare neuroendocrine tumor, counting less than 1% of all paragangliomas (PGs). The incidence of PGs ranges between 2–8 per million in a year. Generally, pulmonary PGs are nonfunctional. The majority of the patients develop respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, chest pain, or dyspnea, as in our case. The average size of the neoplasm is about 7 cm. There seems to be no difference in incidence between the right and left lungs; however, the lower lobe appears to be the most affected.
On gross examination, the neoplasm was well-demarcated with a white-brown cut surface and solid consistency. The tumor cells appear in a typical nested pattern supported by a thin vascular framework producing the classic ‘zellballen’ or the basket pattern. Immunohistochemical staining showed positive for CgA, Syn, and S100.
PPPGs are rare entities, and their differential diagnosis with carcinoid tumors, more typical for this site, is not always easy and lies in subtle morphological and immunophenotypic differences. A correct diagnosis is decisive since mutations in tumor susceptibility genes have been reported in 50% of the patients. Thus genetic testing and counseling should be considered.
Gender issues in myopia: a changing paradigm in generations
Authors: Enthoven Clair , Haarman Annechien , Swierkowska Joanna , Tideman J. Willem L. , Polling Jan Roelof , Raat Hein , Verhoeven Virginie , Labrecque Jeremy , Klaver Caroline
Published: January 2024

Myopia is becoming an important cause of visual impairment. Determining risk profiles will help to develop targeted prevention strategies. This study aims to explore the difference in myopia development between genders in two cohorts representing different generations, and to assess whether hypothetical interventions targeting education or lifestyle factors would reduce a gender gap. This study included two Dutch population-based cohorts; 11,109 adults aged ≥ 45 years from the Rotterdam Study I-III born between 1887 and 1960, and 7229 children from the birth cohort Generation R study born between 2002 and 2006 at age 9–13 years. Sequential G-estimation was used to estimate changes in gender-specific myopia prevalence, incidence and spherical equivalent if hypothetical interventions such as education and lifestyle changes would have been implemented. Myopia prevalence was 32.3% in men and 29.3% in women in the generation born between 1887 and 1960 (0.23 dioptre difference in spherical equivalent; p < 0.001); while this prevalence was 20.2% in boys and 24.7% in girls born between 2002 and 2006 at age 13 (0.15 dioptre difference in spherical equivalent; p = 0.02). In the older generation, hypothetically intervening to lower education reduced the difference between genders by -52.4% (-108.0%; -13.2%) for spherical equivalent and − 53.0% (-112.0%; -11.6%) for myopia. In children, hypothetically intervening on reducing reading time (-50.0%, 95%CI=-267.5%; 33.8% for spherical equivalent) and number of books read/week (-76.8%, 95% CI=-349.9%; 20.2% for spherical equivalent) was most prominent, but not statistically significant. The results show that men had a higher prevalence of myopia in our study of older generations; while girls had a higher prevalence in the young generation. Our hypothetical interventions suggest that these generation-specific gender preponderances were largely due to education and, possibly, lifestyle factors in youth.
Does Digital Financial Development Promote Tax to GDP Ratio in the South Asian Region? The Moderating Role of Governance
Authors: Hasan Mohammed Kamrul , Rahman Md Mufizur , alom khairul , Khan Ashik Imran , Ahmed Wayes
Published: January 2024

This paper sheds light on digital financial development and its impact on the Tax-to-GDP ratio for the five South Asian countries. The panel pooled mean group, mean group, augmented mean group, and Dumitrescu Hurlin causality models applied to investigate long-run and short run relationship among the variables from 1990 to 2021. The results reveal that digital financial development significantly and robustly impacts the Tax-to-GDP ratio of the South Asian Countries in the long run. However, traditional financial development has failed to impact the region's Tax-to-GDP ratio significantly. The causality test results confirmed that digital financial development has a bi-directional causal link with the tax-to-GDP ratio in the short run. The governance indicator, rule of law also played a decisive moderating role in digital financial development to improve the Tax-to-GDP ratio for South Asian countries. The findings of GMM and DOLS are also constituent that digital financial development has a substantial and positive impact on Tax-to-GDP ratio. Thus, policymakers should be concerned about digitalizing financial sector activities to improve the tax-to-GDP ratio in the region through monitoring and tracking transactions.
Harvesting Nature's Bounty: Leveraging Flood Water Diversion for Sustainable Agriculture and Pisciculture in Wetlands
Authors: Saha Asish , Bora Pradip Kumar , Kurbah Shanbor , Das Ranjit , Chyne Bajitborlang L , Aggarwal Shiv P
Published: January 2024

Lakhimpur district extensive river system has been prone to flash floods, causing devastation every year. In the district, wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate, covering a large part of the land surface. To achieve a reduction in flood magnitude, it is important to investigate the feasibility of diverting flood water to existing wetlands. As a result, the study investigated flood mitigation measures, such as the diversion of floodwater into existing wetlands. LiDAR-DEM was used to determine the capacity of suitable wetlands. An embankment along their edges was constructed to increase their capacity and prevent them from overtopping. To divert flood water, LiDAR-DEM was used to identify suitable routes, and canal sections were designed along those routes using Lacey’s Regime theory. Estimating peak flood discharge in rivers was done using HEC-HMS hydrological modeling software. In-situ Sediment load calculation was carried-out. AHP model was used to identify the suitable sites for Check-dam construction as a controlling measure. Crops that can be grown during non-monsoon seasons were recommended for use of wetland water. Using the Crop Water Requirement for the respective crops, the water availability in the wetland was evaluated. The findings demonstrate that the peak river discharge exceeds the capacity of wetlands, and it is additionally evident that the flow of silt will quickly fill wetlands. Flood water diversion into existing wetlands will not be feasible since it would be unsustainable and expensive. However, economic analysis shows that utilizing wetlands water for irrigation and pisciculture may lead to positive economic growth.
Discovery of antimicrobial peptides targeting Acinetobacter baumannii via a pre-trained and fine-tuned few-shot learning-based pipeline
Authors: Ji Jian , Huang Junjie , Zhang Wentao , Wang Aowen , Lai Yuxian , Xu yanchao , Wang Cong , Zhao Junbo , Zhang Peng
Published: January 2024

Acinetobacter baumannii, a robust Gram-negative bacterium known for inducing nosocomial infections and displaying multidrug resistance, remains a formidable challenge to combat. The limited arsenal of antimicrobial peptides targeting this pathogen underscores the need for innovative strategies. Here, we report a pioneering few-shot learning-based pipeline designed to identify potent antimicrobial peptides targeting A. baumannii. This pipeline effectively scans through the entire libraries of hexapeptides, heptapeptides and octapeptides, encompassing tens of billions of candidates, despite the extreme scarcity of available training data (148 sequences). Comprising classification, ranking, and regression modules as an integration, each module is trained using a few-shot learning strategy involving pre-training and multiple fine-tuning steps while incorporating both similar and true data fine-tuning. This methodology mitigates the potential overfitting concerns, due to the small size of the training samples, then enhances the predictive capability of the pipeline. The leading peptides predicted showcase robust activity against multiple A. baumannii strains, while demonstrating low off-target toxicity and negligible susceptibility to drug resistance. Additionally, the EME7(7) exhibits efficacy in controlling A. baumannii infections within a mouse pneumonia model, notably without inducing kidney injury—a contrast to the observed effects of polymyxin B. This work provides a paradigm for addressing the challenges posed by limited data availability.
The nutritional effect of aqueous extracts of coconut and pomegranate fruits in silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) with the toxic impact of green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Elyamani Enas Moustafa , Abd-Elmonem Hend Mohamed , EL-Shafey Nouran Mohamed , El-Haleem Salwa Abdel-Aziz Ezzat Abdel
Published: January 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Quantitative risk assessment of flash floods based on investigation and evaluation of flash flood disaster in Chongqing
Authors: Qin Jing , Wang Lu , Niu jie , Zhao Lingyun , Zhu Ming , Yi yaning , Yao Ruihu , Niu WE
Published: January 2024

Quantitative risk assessment of flash flood is crucial for the development of disaster prevention and mitigation strategies. Based on investigation and evaluation of flash flood disaster and the natural geographic conditions, a flash flood risk assessment framework was constructed considering hazard, vulnerability and resilience. Chongqing, known as the mountain city, was selected as a case study. Results indicate that the risk value of flash flood in Chongqing is between 0.25 and 0.66. The areas of extremely high-risk zone, high-risk zone, medium-risk zone and low-risk zone in Chongqing are 1,707,200, 2,773,800, 2,570,100 and 1,183,700 square kilometers, respectively, which the percentage of area in high risk and above areas is as high as 54.41%. Extremely high-risk areas are mainly concentrated in Wuxi in the northeast of Chongqing, Youyang in the southeast of Chongqing, and Nanan, Rongchang and Hechuan districts in the main urban metropolitan area, while high-risk areas are mainly located in Chengkou in the northeast of Chongqing, Pengshui and Shizhu in the southeast of Chongqing, and Jiangbei and Tongnan districts in the main urban metropolitan area. It is worth noting that extremely high-risk zones are distributed more than 50% in Dadukou, Hechuan, Nanan, Rongchang, Shapingba, Wuxi and Youyang districts, and high-risk zones are distributed more than 50% in Chengkou, Jiangbei, Nanchuan, Pengshui, Shizhu, Tongnan and Yunyang districts, suggesting that these districts should be given more attention in flash flood disaster defense.
Exploring Economic Networks: The Social Accounting Matrix and Its Role in Economic Analysis
Authors: Morales Jeffrey
Published: January 2024

This study addresses the importance and applications of the SAM in various economic contexts. The SAM for Chile 2017 has been constructed based on the Household Budget Survey and data provided by the Central Bank of Chile. This has been meticulously disaggregated to allow for in-depth analysis. The relevance of the SAM in evaluating two fundamental economic approaches is highlighted: Multipliers and Computable General Equilibrium models. While models based on multipliers estimate the impact that a change in income in a specific sector has on the economy, CGE models offer a more holistic view, considering intersectoral adaptations and thus providing a more accurate scenario. Subsequently, various applications in areas such as environmental economics, public policy, and income distribution are evidence. This paper not only presents a methodology for the development of a SAM but also demonstrates its utility in the field of economic and its ability to outline economic interconnections.
Discovery of a transient megaelectronvolt emission line in the GRB 221023A.
Authors: Jiang Lu-Yao , Wei Daming , Wang Yun , Li Xiang , He Haoning , Ren Jia , Wei Yu-Jia , Jin Zhi-Ping
Published: January 2024

The detection of spectral line in gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is rare and valuable. Up to now, only the narrow emission line feature of about 10 MeV discovered in GRB~221009A has exhibited a significance exceeding $ 5 \sigma$, while the significance of other spectral lines remains controversial. Here, we present a spectral analysis of the broad-band prompt emission data from GRB~221023A. We discovered a narrow emission feature at around 2.1~MeV with a local significance of $ 5.73\sigma$ during the time interval around the main pulse peak ($ 8-30 \ \rm s$). Taking into account the look-elsewhere effect the global significance of the observed excess is $5.44\sigma$. By modelling its profile with a Gaussian function, we find that the central energy $E_{\rm gauss} \sim 2.1 \ \rm MeV$ remains constant over time, while the width $\sigma_{\rm gauss}$ exhibits a decreasing trend as time progresses ($\sim 280 \ \rm keV$ to $\sim 140 \ \rm keV$). The flux of the narrow emission is approximately around $10^{-6} \ \rm erg \ cm^{-2} \ s^{-1}$. We consider one of the potential explanations for this emission line is a MeV nuclear de-excitation line. If it arises from the 4.44 MeV line of $^{12} \rm C$, the redshift for GRB~221023A would be $z\sim 1.1$ with an isotropic bolometric emission energy $E_{\gamma, \rm iso} \sim 1.9\times10^{54} \rm \ erg$. If the narrow emission feature arises from the 6.13 MeV line of $^{16} \rm O$, its redshift should be $z\sim 1.9$ with $E_{\gamma, \rm iso} \sim 4.9\times10^{54} \rm \ erg$. A detailed understanding of the conditions that can give rise to such a feature could provide essential clues to the emission process of GRBs.
Exploration of Clinical Ethics Consultation in Uganda: A case study of Uganda Cancer Institute
Authors: Nanyonga Mayi Mayega , Kutyabami Paul , Kituuka Olivia , Sewankambo Nelson K
Published: January 2024

Introduction Globally, healthcare providers (HCPs), hospital administrators, patients and their caretakers are increasingly confronted with complex moral, social, cultural, ethical, and legal dilemmas during clinical care. In high-income countries (HICs), formal and informal clinical ethics support services (CESS) have been used to resolve bioethical conflicts among HCPs, patients, and their families. There is limited evidence of mechanisms used to resolve these issues as well as experiences and perspectives of the stakeholders that utilize them in most African countries including Uganda.Methodology This qualitative study utilized in-depth-interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect data from Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) staff, patients, and caretakers, who were purposively selected. Data was analyzed deductively and inductively yielding themes and sub-themes that were used to develop a codebook.Results There was no formal committee nor mechanism utilized to resolve ethical dilemmas at the UCI. The study uncovered six fora where ethical dilemmas were addressed: individual consultations, tumor board meetings, morbidity and mortality meetings, core management meetings, rewards and sanctions committee meetings, and clinical departmental meetings. Participants expressed apprehension regarding the efficacy of these fora due to their non-ethics related agendas as well as members lacking training in medical ethics and the necessary experience to effectively resolve ethical dilemmas.Conclusion The fora employed at the UCI to address ethical dilemmas were implicit, involving decisions made through various structures without the guidance of personnel well-versed in medical or clinical ethics. There was a strong recommendation from participants to establish a multidisciplinary clinical ethics committee comprising members who are trained, skilled, and experienced in medical and clinical ethics.
Prevalence of trochlea dysplasia in a large cohort
Authors: Vella-Baldacchino Martinique , Cipolla Alessandra , Guy Sylvain , Liarno Sally , Faizan Ahmad , Argenson Jean-Noel , Ollivier Matthieu
Published: January 2024

Hypothesis/Purpose:
The prevalence of trochlea dysplasia is common in different populations.
Background
The true prevalence of trochlea dysplasia in the general population categorised on gender, race, age and body mass index has been sparse. The purpose of this study was to define the prevalence of trochlea dysplasia based on the latter categories.
Study Design:
Cohort retrospective study.
Methods
1165 skeletal mature healthy femora were obtained from a CT-scan-based modelling system (SOMA). Trochlea dysplasia was measured using Pfirmann’s method. Patient demographics such as age, race and gender were recorded.
Results
There is an overall prevalence of 4.5% and is commoner in Asian female patients.
Conclusion
Although there is a lack of consensus with regards to classification of trochlea dysplasia there is an ongoing focus on treatment of trochlea dysplasia. If more funding is to be directed towards these treatment strategies knowing the overall prevalence and burden on patients is essential for funding bodies.
Oculomotor function captured via an electronic tablet informs on cognition and disease severity in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Koch Nils A. , Voss Patrice , Cisneros-Franco J. Miguel , Drouin-Picaro Alexandre , Tounkara Fama , Ducharme Simon , Guitton Daniel , Villers-Sidani Étienne
Published: January 2024

Studying the oculomotor system provides a unique opportunity and window to assess brain health and function in various clinical populations. Although the use of detailed oculomotor parameters in clinical research has been limited due to the scalability of the required equipment, the development of novel tablet-based eye-tracking technologies has created opportunities for reliable and accurate eye tracking measures. Oculomotor measures captured via a mobile tablet-based technology have previously been shown to reliably discriminate between Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients and healthy controls. Here we further the use of oculomotor measures from tablet-based eye-tracking to inform on various cognitive abilities and disease severity in PD patients. When combined using partial least square regression, the extracted oculomotor parameters can explain up to 71% of the variance in cognitive test scores (e.g. Trail Making Test). Moreover, using a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis we show that eye-tracking parameters can be used in a support vector classifier to discriminate between individuals with mild PD from those with moderate PD (based on UPDRS cut-off scores) with an accuracy of 89%.
Mild atopic dermatitis is characterized by increase in non-staphylococcus pathobionts and loss of specific species
Authors: Delanghe Lize , De Boeck Ilke , Malderen Joke Van , Allonsius Camille Nina , Rillaer Tim Van , Bron Peter A. , Claes Ingmar , Hagendorens Margo , Lebeer Sarah , Leysen Julie
Published: January 2024

Atopic dermatitis is the most common inflammatory skin condition with a severe negative impact on patients’ quality of life. The etiology of AD is complex, with roles for age, genetics, the immune system, environmental factors, and the skin microbiome, with a key role for pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus in the development of severe AD. However, the composition of the skin microbiome in mild AD is understudied. Here, using metagenomic shallow shotgun sequencing, we showed that mild AD lesions did not show a significant difference in the diversity of the skin microbiome compared to samples from non-AD patients and that the relative abundance of S. aureus did not differ in these mild AD lesions. However, when we assessed other taxa, Mycobacterium ostraviense, Pedobacter panaciterrae_A and four Streptomyces species were identified with higher abundances in mild AD lesions and species of 15 genera were decreased in abundance. The highest fold decreases were observed for Paracoccus marcusii, Microbacterium lacticum, Micrococcus luteus, and Moraxella sp002478835. These microbiome compositional insights are a first step towards novel microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics for early intervention at the stage of mild AD and provide a path forward for the functional study of species involved in this often-overlooked patient population.
Structure-Functional Activity of Pyrone Derivatives for Inhibition of Barnacle Settlement and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Khan Mo Aqib Raza , Wang Bo-Wei , Lin Hsiu-Chin , Yang Yu-Liang , Liaw Chih-Chuang
Published: January 2024

Naturally occurring 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one and its synthetic analogues greatly inhibit the settlement of Amphibalanus amphitrite cyprids and the growth and biofilm formation of marine bacteria. To optimize the antifouling activities of pyrone derivatives, this study designed pyrone analogues by modifying functional groups, such as the benzyl group, cyclopentane, and halides, substituted on both sides of a pyrone. The antifouling effects of the synthesized pyrone derivatives were then evaluated. Substituting nonpolar parts—such as the aliphatic, cyclopentyl, or phenyl moieties on C-5 or the furan moieties on C-3—not only increased antibacterial activity and inhibited biofilm formation but also inhibited barnacle cyprid settlement.