bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANÁLISE DA INFLUÊNCIA DA LIDERANÇA NOS SERVIÇOS PRESTADOS PELOS FUNCIONÁRIOS DO SERVIÇO DISTRITAL DE SAÚDE, DA MULHER E AÇÃO SOCIAL DE CHÓKWÈ
Authors: Antonio Diogo Burailo
Published: February 2024

O presente estudo objetiva analisar a influência da liderança nos serviços prestados pelos funcionários do Serviço Distrital de Saúde da Mulher e Ação Social de Chókwè. Como procedimentos metodológicos recorreu-se a um estudo de caso, os dados foram recolhidos por via de questionário e processados pelo SPSS. Com os dados recolhidos, verificou-se que a liderança do Serviço Distrital de Saúde da Mulher e Ação Social de Chókwè adotou durante o período em referência um conjunto de comportamentos ou ações que se refletiram na qualidade de serviços prestados pelos funcionários, associado a uma liderança autocratica benevolente, isto é, houve fraco envolvimento dos funcionários em todos os aspectos inerentes a organização e as atividades diárias. Contudo, a liderança do Serviço Distrital de Saúde da Mulher e Ação Social de Chókwè deve pautar por um modelo de gestão participativa. Outrossim, deve também, criar mecanismos que estimulam os funcionários a participar e a organizar atividades, utilizando ideias construtivas dos funcionários sobre questões relativas as suas atividades e a missão da organização.
Palavras-Chave: Liderança. Qualidade de serviços. Organização.
 
Abstract: The present study aims to analyze the influence of leadership on the services provided by employees of the Chókwè District Women's Health and Social Action Service. As methodological procedures, a case study was used, data were collected via questionnaire and processed by SPSS. With the data collected, it was found that the leadership of the Chókwè District Women's Health and Social Action Service adopted, during the period in question, a set of behaviors or actions that were reflected in the quality of services provided by employees, associated with leadership benevolent autocratic, that is, there was weak involvement of employees in all aspects inherent to the organization and daily activities. However, the leadership of the Chókwè District Women's Health and Social Action Service must be guided by a participatory management model. Furthermore, it must also create mechanisms that encourage employees to participate and organize activities, using constructive ideas from employees on issues relating to their activities and the organization's mission.
Keywords: Leadership. Quality of services. Organization.
Workshop Manajemen Organisasi dan Penyusunan Modul Dolanan Anak Bagi Forum Taman Baca Masyarakat (FTBM) di Kabupaten Jepara
Authors: Sadiyah Khalimatus , Farida Yushinta Eka , Saefudin Ahmad , Hana May Maulidia , Mahfud Adam
Published: February 2024

This community service aims to enhance knowledge and expertise in organizational management and children's play module preparation for the Forum Taman Baca Masyarakat (FTBM) in Jepara Regency. The service used the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method, with the participants being representatives of TBM managers who are members of FTBM. A questionnaire was used as the instrument for evaluating the activity, and the results of which were analyzed descriptively. The service results indicate a significant increase in workshop participants' understanding. A total of 9 participants (30%) who were initially in the low understanding category succeeded in increasing to the high category, including 18 participants (60%). The workshop activity on preparing children's play modules also made a positive contribution to the participants, particularly in terms of module preparation. There was a significant increase in understanding, where 10 participants (33.33%) who were initially in the low understanding category succeeded in increasing to the high category, involving 20 participants (66.67%). This activity was successful in achieving positive results and supporting the development of participants’ skills and understanding of organizational management and module preparation.
Pelatihan MIT App Inventor sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Logis Siswa SMAN 4 Parepare
Authors: Maharani Putri Ayu , Gunadin Indar Chaerah , Intizhami Naili Suri , Nuranti Eka Qadri , Rafrin Mardhiyyah , Agus Muh. , Iskandar M. Fauzan , Yunus Sitti Rahma , Al-Fauzi S. Muhammad Faruq , Tunru Muh. Abubakar
Published: February 2024

This community service activity aims to improve the logical thinking abilities of SMAN 4 Parepare students by teaching the application of mathematical logic in compiling computer instructions based on MIT App Inventor. The method for implementing this service was problem-based learning training by taking the example of the traditional game of rock-paper-scissors as a learning case. Next, create a rock-paper-scissors game program using MIT App Inventor as a student learning experience in applying mathematical logic concepts. The evaluation instrument employed was a questionnaire to collect pre-test and post-test results, which were then analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests. The results of this service showed an increase in the average participant score on the post-test results, where the average pre-test score was 7.24 out of 15, while the average post-test score was 9.17 out of 15.
Observations of reproductive behaviors in the Critically Endangered bowmouth guitarfish Rhina ancylostoma
Authors: Hanna J , Hazeres J , Wilson R , Snyder Koch S
Published: February 2024

Wedgefishes, family Rhinidae, are collectively identified as one of the most threatened groups of chondrichthyan fishes globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Within the family Rhinidae, bowmouth guitarfish Rhina ancylostoma have been designated by the IUCN as Critically Endangered since 2018. Bowmouth guitarfish were first introduced to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 2005 when the Newport Aquarium, Newport, KY, USA, acquired a single female. In 2007, a male bowmouth guitarfish was added into the collection with the goal of establishing an institutional breeding program and to generate foundational knowledge for future breeding programs. This study presents an ethogram of mating behaviors exhibited by a mixed sex group of bowmouth guitarfish using behavioral observations from December 2017 through August 2022. The observed interactions between male and female bowmouth guitarfish led to the identification of 5 male reproductive behaviors: hovering, chasing, wrapping up, flipping/rolling, and copulation. These 5 behaviors were directly linked with successful reproduction, e.g. active breeding and live parturition, in the imperiled species R. ancylostoma. The breeding behavioral knowledge presented within this study provides the first step to a viable breeding program, a critical tool for conserving wild populations.
Acoustic occurrence of beaked whales off eastern Canada, 2015-2017
Authors: Delarue JJY , Moors-Murphy HB , Kowarski KA , Maxner EE , Davis GE , Stanistreet JE , Martin SB
Published: February 2024

Several beaked whale species occur off eastern Canada. However, except for the northern bottlenose whale (NBW; Hyperoodon ampullatus), their distribution and annual occurrence remain largely unknown, which complicates management efforts to assess the status of poorly known species and effectively protect those species considered at risk. The main objective of this paper is to provide a year-round and pluriannual description of the minimum acoustic occurrence of the NBW, Sowerby’s (SBW; Mesoplodon bidens), Cuvier’s (CBW; Ziphius cavirostris), True’s (TBW; M. mirus) and Gervais’ (GBW; M. europaeus) beaked whales. Twenty-five acoustic recorders were deployed off eastern Canada between May 2015 and November 2017. Beaked whale echolocation clicks were detected using a combination of automated detectors and manual validation at 12 of these stations. Detections were generally restricted to deep continental slope waters. All detected species occurred in the southern part of the study area (off the Scotian Shelf and southern Grand Banks), while only NBWs were detected at the northern edge, off southern Labrador. Clicks identified as TBW or GBW were restricted to, but occurred annually in, the southern areas. All other species were present, at least seasonally, east and north of the Grand Banks. NBWs occurred every day in the Gully Canyon, where SBWs also occurred regularly. While these results should be interpreted as minimum species presence and considered with regards to detector performance, they provide important information regarding beaked whales’ use of areas off eastern Canada where these species have generally received no or very limited monitoring effort.
Long-term migratory alterations to whooping crane arrival and departure on the wintering and staging grounds
Authors: Butler MJ , Bidwell MT
Published: February 2024

Climate change can result in alterations to avian behavior, particularly in migratory species. We assessed long-term changes in the endangered whooping crane Grus americana migration phenology in response to temperature, precipitation, and other determinants of migratory behavior. We modeled timing of abundance peaks on the Texas wintering grounds as a function of date and year. During spring and fall migration in central Saskatchewan, we modeled timing of earliest and latest observations, and period of occurrence between them, as a function of year, weather, and wheat production. During winters 1950-2010, the peak abundance period (≥90% of population) shortened. In winter 1950-1951, the peak was 28 November-12 March, but by winter 2010-2011, it was 18 December-20 February. We predict it will shrink to 2 January-6 February by winter 2035-2036. During fall migration 1972-2021, the period cranes occurred in central Saskatchewan lengthened by 20.3 d. In 1971, cranes arrived by 16 September and departed by 17 October, but by 2021 they arrived 12 d earlier (4 September) and departed 17 d later (3 November). We predict a lengthened period of occurrence of 63.8 d by fall 2035 (arrival by 1 September, departure by 8 November). During spring migration 1979-2021, there were no trends in migration phenology (mean period of occurrence was 32 d). Alterations in migration phenology may require modified conservation approaches and consideration of new conservation opportunities. For example, these changes may reduce time cranes spend on the wintering grounds, requiring greater investment in stopover areas.
Short-term NO synthase inhibition and the ATP-affinity of cardiac Na,K-ATPase
Authors: Vrbjar N , Strnisková M , Pecháňová O , Gerová M
Published: February 2024

It was previously shown that 4 hours´ lasting inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis by administration of an L-arginine analogue, the NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) changed the affinity of the Na-binding site of Na,K-ATPase thus resulting in elevation of enzyme activity especially at higher concentrations of sodium. Using the same experimental model, we focused our attention in the present study to the question of binding of ATP to the enzyme molecule in the left ventricle (LV), ventricular septum (S) and the right ventricle (RV) of the dog heart. Activation of the enzyme by increasing concentrations of ATP revealed a significant increase of the Vmax only in septum (by 38 %). The KM increased significantly in septum (by 40 %) and in left ventricle (by 56 %) indicating an altered sensitivity of the ATP-binding site of Na,K-ATPase in the hearts of NO-deficient animals. The alterations of Na,K-ATPase in its ability to bind and hydrolyze ATP are localized to the tissue surrounding the cavity of the left ventricle.
Advanced glycation end-products and advanced oxidation protein products in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kalousová M , Škrha J , Zima T
Published: February 2024

Accelerated glycoxidation takes part in the development of diabetic complications. We determined advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in the sera of 52 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) - 18 with DM Type 1 and 34 with DM Type 2 and examined their relationship to the compensation of the disease. AGEs were estimated spectrofluorimetrically (350 nm/440 nm) whereas AOPP were determined spectro-photometrically (340 nm). AGEs were elevated only in DM Type 2 (DM2 5.11±1.15x103 AU/g vs controls 4.08±0.71x103 AU/g, p<0.001, vs DM1 4.14±0.86x103 AU/g, p<0.005, DM1 vs controls were not significant). AOPP were elevated significantly in both types of DM with higher levels in DM Type 2 (DM2 157.50±75.15 mmol/l vs healthy subjects 79.80±23.72 mmol/l, p<0.001, vs DM1 97.50±30.91 mmol/l, p<0.005, DM1 vs controls p<0.05). There was a tight correlation between AGEs and AOPP in both types of DM (DM1 r=0.75, DM2 r=0.47 (p<0.05)) and both AGEs and AOPP correlated with triglycerides. In DM Type 1 only, AGEs correlated with HbA1c r=0.47 (p<0.05) and with blood glucose. Slight but not significant differences in AGEs and AOPP levels were observed in patients with or without diabetic complications. Oxidative stress is increased in both types of DM, more in Type 2 where it contributes to the formation of glycoxidation products.
Detection of anti-endothelial cell antibodies in patients with connective tissue diseases by flow cytometry and their relation to endothelial cell activation.
Authors: Horváthová M , Jahnová E , Nyulassy Š
Published: February 2024

Antiendothelial cell antibodies (AECA) have been detected by flow cytometry analysis in 23 out of 80 patients with connective tissue diseases. Ten out of 19 serum samples from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were positive. These antibodies were not detectable in healthy donors. We examined the capacity of serum samples to induce endothelial cell activation by modulating cell adhesion molecule expression on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We found that sera from both AECA-positive and AECA-negative patient groups induced a significantly higher expression of E-selectin compared to healthy controls (P<0.05). There were no differences in the ICAM-1 on VCAM-1 expression. Our data suggest that increased E-selectin expression in activated endothelium in patients with various connective tissue disorders is not related to the production of AECA.
(In)visible Actions – Disruptive Practices: Art and Philosophy in the ČSSR 1950–1980
Authors: Gründler Hana
Published: February 2024

It is not well known that in the context of the unofficial artistic and philosophical scene of the ČSSR there was an aesthetically refined and theoretically differentiated reflection on the different degrees and limits of visibility as well as a rethinking of participation – be it aesthetic, epistemic or political. In this paper I first investigate the relation between history and (in)visibility in its broadest sense: questions such as ‘whose history is present’ and ‘what visual memory building strategies are used’ were highly controversial and deeply politicised. For many artists and philosophers such as Zorka Ságlová or Jan Patočka the very act of remembering and the active, critical engagement with (visual) culture and history thus became an act of resistance. I then explore how artists subtly intervened in and transformed the monitored public space, and often tried to undermine given regimes of visibility. I demonstrate that these manifold ‘dissident’ practices engendered new aesthetic experiences and fostered powerful counter-narratives that deconstructed the official propaganda discourse of the communist regime.
PENGARUH EFEKTIVITAS PENGENDALIAN INTERNAL, KESESUAIAN KOMPENSASI DAN BUDAYA ORGANISASI TERHADAP KECURANGAN DALAM PELAPORAN KEUANGAN
Authors: Hendrayanti Silvia , Ernawati Fidyah Yuli , Fauziyanti Wachidah
Published: February 2024

This research aims to determine the influence of the effectiveness of internal control, suitability of compensation, organizational culture on fraud in financial reporting at the BRI Dukuhseti Unit, Pati Regency.The population in this study was 30 employees at the Bank Rakyat Indonesia Dukuhseti Unit, Pati Regency. Data was collected using a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. The data analysis technique used in this research is multiple regression with the help of calculations via the SPSS application. The results of the calculations that have been carried out, the t value for the effectiveness of internal control is -0.471 < t-table 2.055, indicating that it has no positive effect on fraud in financial reporting, then the calculated t value for suitability of compensation is 0.501 < t-table 2 shows that it has no negative effect on fraud in financial reporting and the calculated t value of organizational culture is 3.152 > t-table 2.055 shows a positive effect on fraud in financial reporting. The coefficient of determination (Adjusted R Square) of 0.471 means that the variables of internal control effectiveness, suitability of compensation, organizational culture have a role of 47.1% together in explaining the on fraud in financial reporting variable. It would be best for BRI to continue to monitor and evaluate as well as supervise both accounting records and employee behavior and codes of ethics, as well as analyzing the risk impact of possible violations, then BRI continues to maintain a sense of security by providing insurance and employee welfare.
The Effects of the Number of Voters on Voter Turnout in the Prewar General Elections in Japan Held by Restricted Suffrage
Authors: Annaka Susumu , Omata Kyoka
Published: February 2024

While there are studies on elections in prewar Japan, only a few have analyzed the relationship between voter turnout and electoral district attributes, such as the number of voters. In contrast, this paper examines the effects of the number of voters and other factors on voter turnout in the first through the fifteenth House of Representatives elections. The results revealed that the number of voters is negatively correlated with voter turnout in the first through the fifteenth elections, as expected. Closeness is robustly positively correlated with it. The other factors included, such as the number of candidates and parties, are not robustly associated with it.
Efficient data-driven machine learning models for scour depth predictions at sloping sea defences
Authors: Habib M. A. , Abolfathi S. , O’Sullivan John. J. , Salauddin M.
Published: February 2024

Seawalls are critical defence infrastructures in coastal zones that protect hinterland areas from storm surges, wave overtopping and soil erosion hazards. Scouring at the toe of sea defences, caused by wave-induced accretion and erosion of bed material imposes a significant threat to the structural integrity of coastal infrastructures. Accurate prediction of scour depths is essential for appropriate and efficient design and maintenance of coastal structures, which serve to mitigate risks of structural failure through toe scouring. However, limited guidance and predictive tools are available for estimating toe scouring at sloping structures. In recent years, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms have gained interest, and although they underpin robust predictive models for many coastal engineering applications, such models have yet to be applied to scour prediction. Here we develop and present ML-based models for predicting toe scour depths at sloping seawall. Four ML algorithms, namely, Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosted Decision Trees (GBDT), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), and Support Vector Machine Regression (SVMR) are utilised. Comprehensive physical modelling measurement data is utilised to develop and validate the predictive models. A Novel framework for feature selection, feature importance, and hyperparameter tuning algorithms are adopted for pre- and post-processing steps of ML-based models. In-depth statistical analyses are proposed to evaluate the predictive performance of the proposed models. The results indicate a minimum of 80% prediction accuracy across all the algorithms tested in this study and overall, the SVMR produced the most accurate predictions with a Coefficient of Determination (r2) of 0.74 and a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) value of 0.17. The SVMR algorithm also offered most computationally efficient performance among the algorithms tested. The methodological framework proposed in this study can be applied to scouring datasets for rapid assessment of scour at coastal defence structures, facilitating model-informed decision-making.
Fluoride releasing in polymer blends of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Wang Tianxiao , Li Menghong , Gu Ziyan , Qu Chengjuan , Segervald Jonas , Salh Roushdey , Wågberg Thomas , Wang Jia , Kou Wen
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Polymethyl methacrylate is a polymer commonly used in clinical dentistry, including denture bases, occlusal splints and orthodontic retainers.

Methods: To augment the polymethyl methacrylate-based dental appliances in counteracting dental caries, we designed a polymer blend film composed of polymethyl methacrylate and polyethylene oxide by solution casting and added sodium fluoride.

Results: Polyethylene oxide facilitated the dispersion of sodium fluoride, decreased the surface average roughness, and positively influenced the hydrophilicity of the films. The blend film made of polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene oxide and NaF with a mass ratio of 10: 1: 0.3 showed sustained release of fluoride ions and acceptable cytotoxicity. Antibacterial activity of all the films to Streptococcus mutans was negligible.

Discussion: This study demonstrated that the polymer blends of polyethylene oxide and polymethyl methacrylate could realize the relatively steady release of fluoride ions with high biocompatibility. This strategy has promising potential to endow dental appliances with anti-cariogenicity.
Catalytic divergencies in the mechanism of L-arginine hydroxylating nonheme iron enzymes
Authors: Ali Hafiz Saqib , de Visser Sam P.
Published: February 2024

Many enzymes in nature utilize a free arginine (L-Arg) amino acid to initiate the biosynthesis of natural products. Examples include nitric oxide synthases, which generate NO from L-Arg for blood pressure control, and various arginine hydroxylases involved in antibiotic biosynthesis. Among the groups of arginine hydroxylases, several enzymes utilize a nonheme iron(II) active site and let L-Arg react with dioxygen and α-ketoglutarate to perform either C3-hydroxylation, C4-hydroxylation, C5-hydroxylation, or C4−C5-desaturation. How these seemingly similar enzymes can react with high specificity and selectivity to form different products remains unknown. Over the past few years, our groups have investigated the mechanisms of L-Arg-activating nonheme iron dioxygenases, including the viomycin biosynthesis enzyme VioC, the naphthyridinomycin biosynthesis enzyme NapI, and the streptothricin biosynthesis enzyme OrfP, using computational approaches and applied molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics on cluster models, and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) approaches. These studies not only highlight the differences in substrate and oxidant binding and positioning but also emphasize on electronic and electrostatic differences in the substrate-binding pockets of the enzymes. In particular, due to charge differences in the active site structures, there are changes in the local electric field and electric dipole moment orientations that either strengthen or weaken specific substrate C−H bonds. The local field effects, therefore, influence and guide reaction selectivity and specificity and give the enzymes their unique reactivity patterns. Computational work using either QM/MM or density functional theory (DFT) on cluster models can provide valuable insights into catalytic reaction mechanisms and produce accurate and reliable data that can be used to engineer proteins and synthetic catalysts to perform novel reaction pathways.
Meteoric water effect of diagenesis processes in deep carbonate reservoirs
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Yiqiong , Wang Xueke , Lin Yaping , Jiang Li , Zhang Xiaozhen
Published: February 2024

As the world’s main oil and gas resource, the deep carbonate reservoir has great exploration-development potential. However, it is difficult to make development and exploration due to its complex diagenesis processes. During the formation of carbonate reservoirs, the effect of meteoric water forms karst holes for oil and gas reservoirs, but the complex internal mechanism severely restricts the exploration and development of carbonate reservoirs. This paper takes the deep carbonate reservoirs in the Tarim Basin as the research object, studies the diagenesis processes in deep carbonate reservoirs through geological survey, analyzes the effect of meteoric water on porosity and mineral changes in carbonate reservoirs at different diagenetic stages by using laboratory test, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation research methods. The numerical simulation method is used to simulate the porosity changes and mineral evolution of reservoirs in different diagenetic stages, and the conclusion is drawn that meteoric water has an impact on reservoir minerals and porosity. The results show that the carbonate reservoirs in the Tarim Basin have high porosity and good permeability, and the reservoirs have experienced deposition, compaction, dissolution, and hydrothermal stages, and have experienced meteoric water effects for a long time, resulting in rock dissolution, regenerative precipitation and chemical reaction; Quartz and feldspar minerals are the most in the sample through laboratory tests, the content of quartz decreased first, then increased and decreased, and the content of chlorite and mica changed little during the whole diagenesis processes. With the injection of organic acid, the porosity of the reservoir increases, with the continuous increase of temperature and pressure, the porosity decreases. After the second injection of organic acid, the porosity increases continuously, and finally, the porosity decreases. TOUGHREACT is used to simulate the static reaction of water and rock, simulating six diagenetic stages. With the injection of organic acid, the porosity increases continuously and then reaches equilibrium. The sudden increase in temperature and pressure leads to an increase in porosity, and the porosity of the reservoir changes little during the second injection of organic acid, and the porosity decreases in the final stage. The research results provide theoretical data support for guiding oil and gas exploration in deep carbonate reservoirs.
The use of ChatGPT in teaching and learning: a systematic review through SWOT analysis approach
Authors: Mai Duong Thi Thuy , Da Can Van , Hanh Nguyen Van
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The integration of ChatGPT, an advanced AI-powered chatbot, into educational settings, has caused mixed reactions among educators. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to explore the strengths and weaknesses of using ChatGPT and discuss the opportunities and threats of using ChatGPT in teaching and learning.

Methods

Following the PRISMA flowchart guidelines, 51 articles were selected among 819 studies collected from Scopus, ERIC and Google Scholar databases in the period from 2022-2023.

Results

The synthesis of data extracted from the 51 included articles revealed 32 topics including 13 strengths, 10 weaknesses, 5 opportunities and 4 threats of using ChatGPT in teaching and learning. We used Biggs’s Presage-Process-Product (3P) model of teaching and learning to categorize topics into three components of the 3P model.

Discussion

In the Presage stage, we analyzed how ChatGPT interacts with student characteristics and teaching contexts to ensure that the technology adapts effectively to diverse needs and backgrounds. In the Process stage, we analyzed how ChatGPT impacted teaching and learning activities to determine its ability to provide personalized, adaptive, and effective instructional support. Finally, in the Product stage, we evaluated how ChatGPT contributed to student learning outcomes. By carefully considering its application in each stage of teaching and learning, educators can make informed decisions, leveraging the strengths and addressing the weaknesses of ChatGPT to optimize its integration into teaching and learning processes.
Association between urinary organophosphate ester metabolite exposure and thyroid disease risk among US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014
Authors: Lin Yuxin , Lin Ruipeng , Wang Weikang , Xie Manling , Li Yun , Zhang Qian
Published: February 2024

Background

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) may interfere with thyroid function, but the relationship between OPEs and thyroid disease remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between OPEs exposure and thyroid disease risk in the general population in the United States.

Method

Data were obtained from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycle. All participants were tested for seven OPE metabolites in their urine and answered questions about whether they had thyroid disease through questionnaires. Logistic regression was employed to analyze the association between exposure to individual OPE metabolites and thyroid disease. Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression modeling was utilized to assess exposure to mixed OPE metabolites and risk of thyroid disease. Bayesian kernel machine regression(BKMR) models to analyze the overall mixed effect of OPE metabolites.

Result

A total of 2,449 participants were included in the study, 228 of whom had a history of thyroid disease. Bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phos (BDCPP), Diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) and Bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP) were the top three metabolites with the highest detection rates of 91.75%, 90.77% and 86.57%, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression models, after adjustment for confounding variables, individuals with the highest tertile level of BCEP were significantly and positively associated with increased risk of thyroid disease (OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.04-2.36), using the lowest tertile level as reference. In the positive WQS regression model, after correcting for confounding variables, mixed exposure to OPE metabolites was significantly positively associated with increased risk of thyroid disease (OR=1.03, 95% CI=1.01-1.06), with BCEP and DPHP having high weights. In the BKMR model, the overall effect of mixed exposure to OPE metabolites was not statistically significant, but univariate exposure response trends showed that the risk of thyroid disease decreased and then increased as BCEP exposure levels increased.

Conclusion

The study revealed a significant association between exposure to OPE metabolites and an increased risk of thyroid disease, with BCEP emerging as the primary contributor. The risk of thyroid disease exhibits a J-shaped pattern, whereby the risk initially decreases and subsequently increases with rising levels of BCEP exposure. Additional studies are required to validate the association between OPEs and thyroid diseases.
Association between circulating immune cells and the risk of prostate cancer: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Hao Xuexue , Ren Congzhe , Zhou Hang , Li Muwei , Zhang Hao , Liu Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2024

Background

There is still limited research on the association between immune cells and the risk of prostate cancer. Further investigations are warranted to comprehend the intricate associations at play.

Methods

We used a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationship between immune cell phenotypes and prostate cancer. The summary data for immune cell phenotypes was derived from a study cohort, including 3,757 individuals from Sardinia with data on 731 immune cell phenotypes. The summary data for prostate cancer were obtained from the UK Biobank database. Sensitivity analyses were conducted, and the combination of MR-Egger and MR-Presso was used to assess horizontal pleiotropy. Cochran’s Q test was employed to evaluate heterogeneity, and the results were subjected to FDR correction.

Results

Our study identified two immune cell phenotypes significantly associated with the risk of prostate cancer, namely CD25 on naive-mature B cells (OR = 0.998, 95% CI, 0.997-0.999, P = 2.33E-05, FDR = 0.017) and HLA DR on CD14- CD16- cells (OR = 1.001, 95% CI, 1.000-1.002, P = 8.01E-05, FDR = 0.03). When adjusting FDR to 0.2, we additionally found six immune cell phenotypes influencing the incidence of prostate cancer. These include FSC-A on B cells (OR = 1.002, 95% CI, 1.001-1.002, P = 7.77E-04, FDR = 0.133), HLA DR on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (OR = 1.001, 95% CI, 1.000-1.001, P = 0.001, FDR = 0.133), CD14+ CD16- monocyte % monocytes (OR = 1.002, 95% CI, 1.001-1.003, P = 0.001, FDR = 0.133), and HVEM on effector memory CD4+ T cells (OR = 1.001, 95% CI, 1.000-1.002, P = 0.002, FDR = 0.169), which are positively correlated with the risk of prostate cancer. Conversely, CD25 on IgD+ B cells (OR = 0.998, 95% CI, 0.997-0.999, P = 0.002, FDR = 0.169) and Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells AC (OR = 0.999, 95% CI, 0.999-1.000, P = 0.002, FDR = 0.17) are negatively correlated with the risk of prostate cancer.

Conclusion

This study has revealed causal relationships between immune cell phenotypes and prostate cancer, supplying novel insights that might aid in identifying potential therapeutic targets of prostate cancer.
A novel optimization method of carbon reduction strategies implementation for industrial parks
Authors: Zhao Ping , Zhang Wei , Chen Junshi , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhan Ziyi , Lai Chun Sing , Peng Shen-En
Published: February 2024

The effects of various energy conservation and carbon reduction (ECCR) strategies can differ significantly despite equal investment. Given limited amount of capital expenditure, managers and planners of industrial parks must carefully select from different ECCR strategies and implementation technologies to maximize investment returns. This study establishes mathematical models for four ECCR strategies: forestry carbon sequestration (FCS), carbon capture and utilization (CCU), waste heat recovery (WHR), and photovoltaic (PV). A universal ECCR planning optimization model is constructed to maximize annual economic benefits or carbon emission reduction. Using an industrial park in southern China as a case study, genetic algorithms are utilized to solve the model and validate its feasibility. The study analyzes three key parameters: capital expenditure caps, carbon trading price in the Emission Trading Scheme, and transportation distance of captured CO2 products for sensitivity. The results demonstrate considerable economic benefits of the CCU strategy when demand matches appropriately. However, in cases with limited capital expenditure, implementing small-scale FCS strategies in industrial parks is not advisable from both an economic and environmental perspective.
Coordinated operation and optimal sizing strategy of P2G—CNG trucks scheme on wind farm for participating in retail gas market
Authors: Salimu Athuman , Zhang Feng , Zhang Gang , Yang Libin
Published: February 2024

The increase in wind penetration and the stochastic nature of wind can cause some wind power to be curtailed, leading to a loss of revenue. Wind farm owners can invest in power to gas (P2G)—compressed natural gas (CNG) truck systems to utilize the curtailed wind power that would otherwise have been wasted. This paper proposes a coordinated operation and optimal sizing strategy of P2G and CNG trucks. P2G derives its power from curtailed wind power and also purchases electricity at low prices to facilitate methane (natural gas) production. The methane is directly stored in CNG trucks, which are used as temporary storage and as a means of transporting the gas, thereby reducing costs by eliminating storage tank. Firstly, a coordinated operation strategy for P2G and CNG trucks considering curtailed wind power and electricity purchased from the grid is presented. Secondly, an optimal sizing optimization model to determine the capacity of P2G and the number of CNG trucks using particle swarm optimization is presented, considering the coordinated operation strategy and operation constraints to maximize profit when the proposed system participates in the retail gas market. Finally, case studies were conducted to verify the viability of the proposed strategy using curtailed wind power data, electricity price data, and gas price data. Result show that optimal capacity of the P2G plant is 9.9 MW, and the optimal number of CNG trucks is 2. There is a 19.8% cost reduction with a payback period of 5.728 years compared to the conventional strategy with a payback period of 8.52 years. 89.74% of curtailed wind power is utilized, while only 10.26% of curtailed wind power is unutilized. Higher utilization of curtailed wind power that would otherwise have been wasted is achieved. The system earns a profit by selling the produced natural gas to a retail gas market.
Regional disparities in antenatal care utilization among pregnant women and its determinants in Ethiopia
Authors: Awoke Nefsu , Ababulgu Sabit Abazinab , Hanfore Lolemo Kelbiso , Gebeyehu Eyasu Gambura , Wake Senahara Korsa
Published: February 2024

Background

Antenatal care primarily focuses on health care checkups, the provision of advice on healthy behaviors, and the delivery of psychological, social, and emotional support for women with pregnancy. The national target set by the Ethiopian government is to achieve 95% of at least four ANC visits. Nevertheless, 43.11% of women had four or more checkups, according to the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. Despite this achievement, antenatal care visits differ significantly between Ethiopian regions. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to assess regional disparities in pregnant women's utilization of antenatal care and its determinants in Ethiopia.

Methods

We have used 2019 intermediate Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data for analysis. The analysis comprised a total of 3,917 weighted women age 15–49 who had a live birth in the 5 years preceding the survey. Poisson regression analysis was done using SAS software version 9.4. To show the strength and direction of the association, an incidence rate ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used. Variables with a p-value <0.05 were declared as significant factors associated with the number of ANC visits.

Results

In Ethiopia, the number of ANC visits differs between regions. With a mean of 4.74 (95% CI: 4.49, 4.99), Addis Ababa reported the highest percentage of ANC visits (82.7%), while the Somali Region reported the lowest percentage (11.3%) with a mean of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.88). Maternal age, educational level, religion, household wealth index, place of delivery, and household size show significant associations with the number of antenatal care visits.

Conclusions

In Ethiopia, there is the highest regional disparity in the number of ANC visits. The number of ANC visits was influenced by the mother's age, education, religion, household wealth index, place of delivery, and household size. Regarding the ANC visits, there should be initiatives that address the demands of pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities to increase ANC utilization. As with many other health outcomes, education and low socio-economic status were associated with low ANC visit but these are tied to the overall social development of a country and are not immediately amenable to public health interventions
An exosome-derived lncRNA signature identified by machine learning associated with prognosis and biomarkers for immunotherapy in ovarian cancer
Authors: Cui Yongjia , Zhang Weixuan , Lu Wenping , Feng Yaogong , Wu Xiaoqing , Zhuo Zhili , Zhang Dongni , Zhang Yichi
Published: February 2024

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) has the highest mortality rate among gynecological malignancies. Current treatment options are limited and ineffective, prompting the discovery of reliable biomarkers. Exosome lncRNAs, carrying genetic information, are promising new markers. Previous studies only focused on exosome-related genes and employed the Lasso algorithm to construct prediction models, which are not robust.

Methods

420 OC patients from the TCGA datasets were divided into training and validation datasets. The GSE102037 dataset was used for external validation. LncRNAs associated with exosome-related genes were selected using Pearson analysis. Univariate COX regression analysis was used to filter prognosis-related lncRNAs. The overlapping lncRNAs were identified as candidate lncRNAs for machine learning. Based on 10 machine learning algorithms and 117 algorithm combinations, the optimal predictor combinations were selected according to the C index. The exosome-related LncRNA Signature (ERLS) model was constructed using multivariate COX regression. Based on the median risk score of the training datasets, the patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the time-dependent ROC, immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy response, and immune checkpoints were analyzed.

Results

64 lncRNAs were subjected to a machine-learning process. Based on the stepCox (forward) combined Ridge algorithm, 20 lncRNA were selected to construct the ERLS model. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the high-risk group had a lower survival rate. The area under the curve (AUC) in predicting OS at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.758, 0.816, and 0.827 in the entire TCGA cohort. xCell and ssGSEA analysis showed that the low-risk group had higher immune cell infiltration, which may contribute to the activation of cytolytic activity, inflammation promotion, and T-cell co-stimulation pathways. The low-risk group had higher expression levels of PDL1, CTLA4, and higher TMB. The ERLS model can predict response to anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 therapy. Patients with low expression of PDL1 or high expression of CTLA4 and low ERLS exhibited significantly better survival prospects, whereas patients with high ERLS and low levels of PDL1 or CTLA4 exhibited the poorest outcomes.

Conclusion

Our study constructed an ERLS model that can predict prognostic risk and immunotherapy response, optimizing clinical management for OC patients.
MGMT unmethylation and high levels of CD47 and TIGIT indicate a poor prognosis in adult diffuse gliomas
Authors: Ma Lingbo , Shi Yi , Li Chang , Deng Bin , Jiang Jinfang , Cao Yuwen , Wang Lianghai , Li Hongyan
Published: February 2024

Introduction

In 2021, the World Health Organization published a new classification system for central nervous system tumors. This study reclassified the adult diffuse glioma (ADG) into astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and glioblastoma (GBM) according to the new tumor classification.

Methods

The association of TERT promoter (pTERT) mutation, MGMT methylation, and CD47/TIGIT expression with patient prognosis was investigated.

Results

Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression levels of CD47 and TIGIT in tumor tissues were significantly higher than those in normal brain tissues. CD47 levels were higher in GBM and grade 4 astrocytoma tissues. TIGIT expression was also higher in patients with GBM. The high expressions of CD47, TIGIT, and CD47/TIGIT were positively correlated with MGMT unmethylation but not pTERT mutation. Moreover, MGMT unmethylation was associated with poor overall survival in astrocytoma. High CD47, TIGIT, and CD47/TIGIT levels were associated with significantly reduced survival in ADG and GBM. GBM, MGMT unmethylation, and high CD47 expression were independent prognostic factors for overall survival in ADG.

Discussion

Collectively, these results showed that the MGMT unmethylation and high levels of CD47 and TIGIT are associated with a poor prognosis in ADG. Patients with high CD47 and TIGIT expression may benefit from anti-CD47 and TIGIT immunotherapy.
TNFα: TNFR1 signaling inhibits maturation and maintains the pro-inflammatory programming of monocyte-derived macrophages in murine chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Gibbings Sophie L. , Haist Kelsey C. , Redente Elizabeth F. , Henson Peter M. , Bratton Donna L.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Loss of NADPH oxidase activity results in proinflammatory macrophages that contribute to hyperinflammation in Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD). Previously, it was shown in a zymosan-induced peritonitis model that gp91phox-/- (CGD) monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMacs) fail to phenotypically mature into pro-resolving MoMacs characteristic of wild type (WT) but retain the ability to do so when placed in the WT milieu. Accordingly, it was hypothesized that soluble factor(s) in the CGD milieu thwart appropriate programming.

Methods

We sought to identify key constituents using ex vivo culture of peritoneal inflammatory leukocytes and their conditioned media. MoMac phenotyping was performed via flow cytometry, measurement of efferocytic capacity and multiplex analysis of secreted cytokines. Addition of exogenous TNFα, TNFα neutralizing antibody and TNFR1-/- MoMacs were used to study the role of TNFα: TNFR1 signaling in MoMac maturation.

Results

More extensive phenotyping defined normal MoMac maturation and demonstrated failure of maturation of CGD MoMacs both ex vivo and in vivo. Protein components, and specifically TNFα, produced and released by CGD neutrophils and MoMacs into conditioned media was identified as critical to preventing maturation. Exogenous addition of TNFα inhibited WT MoMac maturation, and its neutralization allowed maturation of cultured CGD MoMacs. TNFα neutralization also reduced production of IL-1β, IL-6 and CXCL1 by CGD cells though these cytokines played no role in MoMac programming. MoMacs lacking TNFR1 matured more normally in the CGD milieu both ex vivo and following adoptive transfer in vivo.

Discussion

These data lend mechanistic insights into the utility of TNFα blockade in CGD and to other diseases where such therapy has been shown to be beneficial.
Study on the interpretation and application of the concept of “effective control” by the ISA
Authors: Zhou Jiang , Lin Ping
Published: February 2024

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) include the term of “effective control” in its sponsorship provisions but do not clarify its meaning. To arrive at a consensus on its connotation, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) began discussions on the concept of “effective control” that have been ongoing since 2014 but have still not yielded any definite conclusion. The interpretation and application of this concept tend to be construed as a regulatory standard in current discussion documents and practices of the ISA, where this allow contractors from developed countries to easily use the method of “sponsoring states of convenience” to apply for and obtain contracts to reserved areas. This is inimical to the goals of effective marine environmental protection and the implementation of preferential treatment for developing countries. The international community should pay attention to this issue and correct the unreasonable tendencies of the ISA in this regard.
Accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls in the ovaries of deep-sea chemosynthetic clam Phreagena okutanii
Authors: Ikuta Tetsuro , Nomaki Hidetaka , Nakajima Ryota
Published: February 2024

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) persistently pollute marine ecosystems even though their production has been discontinued decades ago. Deep-sea organisms have been shown to accumulate PCBs and other persistent organic compounds; however, the extent of contamination and its effects remain poorly understood. Here, we measured PCB concentrations in separated organs of non-feeding bivalve clams belonging to Phreagena, a taxon representative of deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems. The highest concentrations of PCBs were detected in the ovaries. We also examined surface sediments of the clam habitat and observed concentrations comparable to those in the sediments of the seas around Japan, including shallow waters. The results showed that PCBs from the environment penetrate Phreagena clams through the body surface and accumulate in the female reproductive system. This raises concerns about a potentially severe direct impact on the survival of vulnerable and highly endemic deep-sea chemosynthetic bivalves.