bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grey relational analysis for online and offline blended teaching effectiveness evaluation of college English based on triangular fuzzy neutrosophic MADM
Authors: Wang Xueliang
Published: September 2023

The traditional offline classroom is no longer suitable for the current situation of college English classrooms. The application of the “hybrid” teaching model in online and offline college English teaching is the trend and the focus of local higher education reform. Nowadays, many universities at home and abroad have successively established online platforms and launched online courses, striving for seamless connection between online and offline classrooms. It can be seen that exploring the “blended” teaching mode of online and offline in local higher education institutions is a trend of the times and the current situation of English language classrooms in universities. The online and offline blended teaching effectiveness evaluation of college English courses is regarded as multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM). In this paper, the triangular fuzzy neutrosophic numbers grey relational analysis (TFNN-GRA) method is designed for MADM based on the classical point GRA and triangular fuzzy neutrosophic sets (TFNSs). Finally, a numerical example for online and offline blended teaching effectiveness evaluation of college English courses is given and some comparisons are done to show the advantages of TFNN-GRA method.
Modified cross-entropy method for multiple-attribute decision making with type-2 neutrosophic number and applications to risk assessment of internet supply chain finance
Authors: Li Xuanlin
Published: September 2023

Supply chain finance has solved the problem of financing difficulties for small and medium-sized enterprises in the upstream and downstream of China’s supply chain. However, with the development of the economy, traditional supply chain finance is gradually unable to meet the financing needs of enterprises. Enterprise financing pursues simplified processing time and process, simple operation methods and procedures. At the same time, the rapid development of information technology and the emergence and prosperity of new technologies such as e-commerce, big data, cloud computing also continue to promote the breeding of new models. Based on this background, a new type of supply chain finance has emerged – Internet supply chain finance. The risk assessment of internet supply chain finance is a classical multiple-attributed decision making (MADM) problems. In this paper, the cross-entropy method under type-2 neutrosophic numbers (T2NNs) is built based on the traditional cross-entropy method. Firstly, the T2NN is introduced. Then, combine the traditional fuzzy cross-entropy method with T2NNs information, the type-2 neutrosophic number cross-entropy (T2NN-CE) method is established for MADM under T2NNs. Finally, a numerical example for risk assessment of internet supply chain finance has been given and some comparisons is used to illustrate advantages of T2NN-CE method with T2NNs.
A novel treatment of clavicular nonunion: Combination with PRP, autologous bone grafting, and internal plate fixation
Authors: Jiang Ye , Ju Weina , Gai Ning , Qi Baochang
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND: Nonunion is a major concern for orthopedic surgeons, particularly nonunion of the clavicle, which can cause severe pain, loss of full range of motion, poor sleep quality, and loss of strength in the affected individuals. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an important biological agent, is widely used in orthopedics. OBJECTIVE: We used a combination of three techniques – the PRP technique, autologous bone grafting technique, and internal plate fixation technique – to ensure adequate internal fixation and enable a bone growth-supportive environment at the fracture site. METHODS: The surgical approach was applied to a patient with clavicle nonunion. RESULTS: Based on postoperative follow-up findings and intraoperative findings at the time of re-removal of the patient’s implant, the prognosis at the fracture site was considered satisfactory. CONCLUSION: We observed that the patient treated with this method had favorable clinical outcomes, and we recommend that this technique be used in patients with long-bone nonunion.
Manual de Classificação e Codificação de Neoplasmas Segundo Tipo e Localização Anatômica
Authors: Fialho Francisco , Mello Éder Jansen de
Published: September 2023

Para seus estudos e pesquisas, a Seção de Epidemiologia do Serviço Nacional de Câncer organizou, sob a orientação do Dr. Éder Jansen de Mello, antigo diretor do Serviço Federal de Bioestatística e professor de Estatística Sanitária do Curso de Saúde Pública do Departamento Nacional de Saúde, um sistema de classificação e codificação de neoplasmas segundo tipo e localização anatômica, no qual uma lista numérica de tipos de neoplasia é usada em conjunto com a lista numérica de localizações dada pela Classificação Internacional, estritamente obedecida. A lista de tipos de neoplasma foi composta pelo Prof. Francisco Fialho, sob cuja direção se encontra a Seção de Anatomia Patológica do Instituto Nacional de Câncer e em cujo trabalho foi seguida a nomenclatura empregada no Instituto.
Câncer de Mama: Considerações Gerais e Orientação do Tratamento Paliativo
Authors: Silva M. Santos
Published: September 2023

Resume a situação atual do tratamento do câncer de mama com especial ênfase dada ao tratamento paliativo. São dadas as indicações para Raio X, terapia hormonal supressiva, quimioterapia e as indicações para estrogênios e androgênios.
Newcomer Food Security and Safety
Authors: Koc Mustafa , Soo Kristen , Liu Willa Lichun
Published: September 2023

Food is not only an essential of human health but it also is a crucial component of culture. What we eat, how we eat, and when and with whom we eat is shaped by wide range of social and cultural arrangements. To maintain their sustenance, humans enter into complex relations with each other and with nature. Food enters into our lives as nutrient, an important part of our culture, a commodity, and an identity badge. Most human interactions involve producing, preparing, and consuming food. From birth to death, almost all human rituals involve food. Food is an important element that unites family members around the table. It denotes ethnic, regional, and national identity. It helps us to develop friendships and provide hospitality, and serves as a gift. It is an important part of holidays, celebrations, and special occasions. It carries an important role in many religious rituals and taboos. It can be used as a marker of status (Koc, Sumner, and Winson 2012). 
Food Security as a Neoliberal Discourse
Authors: Koc Mustafa
Published: September 2023

As an essential for human life, food has also been one of the key commodities in capitalist economies. Food has played a very important role during the primitive accumulation process in earlier phases of capitalism; it has been a key instrument of “development” in nation building phases of many emerging states; it has been fundamental in the transfer of rural surplus labour to the dominant domestic and international ruling classes; and it has been vital for the reproduction of labour. For all these reasons, food provisioning has been one of the key concerns of the state in capitalist societies. Increasing segments of the population became alienated from the means of production and lost skills to provide for their own subsistence they became dependent on availability and accessibility of food through market and non-market mechanisms. This made food provisioning a key function of the state. This function included maintenance of the proper conditions of the accumulation process, legitimation of modern market practices of access to food and se- curing political stability. 
Critical Perspectives in Food Studies, Third Edition
Authors: Koc Mustafa , Sumner Jennifer , Winson Anthony
Published: September 2023

The market-leading interdisciplinary exploration of food and its essential place in our society by Canadian and international scholars.

Critical Perspectives in Food Studies is a compelling examination of the shifting interpretations, perspectives, challenges, governance issues, and future visions that shape the study of food and food issues in Canada and around the world. With new chapters on a diverse range of current food-related issues, this third edition continues to bring students original contributions by Canadian scholars that will inspire readers to consider the varied and complex means by which we bring food to the table. 
For Hunger-proof Cities: Sustainable Urban Food Systems
Authors: Koc Mustafa , MacRae Rod , Mougeot Luc J.A. , Welsh Jennifer
Published: September 2023

The 20th century has witnessed a massive growth in urban populations. In 1990, one-third of the world's people lived in cities of one million or more. As well, hunger and malnutrition are on the increase worldwide, as the global food system fails to satisfy the growing demand of the urban consumer.

For Hunger-proof Cities is the first book to fully examine food security from an urban perspective. It examines existing local food systems and ways to improve the availability and accessibility of food for city dwellers. It looks at methods to improve community-supported agriculture and cooperation between urban and rural populations. It explores what existing marketing and distribution structures can do to improve accessibility and what the emerging forms of food-distribution systems are, and how they can contribute to alleviating hunger in the cities. Finally, the book discusses the underlying structures that create poverty and inequality and examines the role of emergency food systems, such as food banks.

For Hunger-proof Cities includes contributions from farmers and professors, young activists and experienced business leaders, students and policymakers, and community organizers and practitioners. It will interest academics and students in sociology, politics, economics, environmental studies, social work, nutrition and dietetics, urban planning, and health sciences; practitioners in dietetics, nutrition, public health, and social services; community organizations and NGOs working in food systems; and governmental and international organizations working in food policy and food security.
Food, Identity and Immigrant Experience
Authors: Koc Mustafa , Welsh Jennifer
Published: September 2023

This paper examines the dynamic relationships among food, social identity and the immigrant experience. As a culturally and spatially transitional stage, the immigration process introduces possibilities for change, as well as resistance to new habits, new behaviours and new cultural experiences. These changes in turn affect our physical and mental health, our perceptions of self and our relations with others. Drawing from the literature on food and identity it is possible to offer some insights into this cultural transition and its impact on identity. Recommendations for further research in this field emerging from the identity seminar held in Halifax in November 2001 will be considered.
Two Crises or One? Persistence and Disappearance of Simple Commodity Production in Tobacco in Turkey and Canada
Authors: Koc Mustafa
Published: September 2023

Through a comparison of the conditions of tobacco production in Turkey and in Canada, this study aims to bring an understanding to the conditions of persistence and disappearence of simple commodity production in agriculture. It is argued that the variations in the scale of production and in labor - and capital - intensity between these two cases reflect two different tendencies in the decomposition and transformation of simple commodity production.
To Build on Hope: Overcoming the Challenges Facing Newcomer Youth at Risk in Ontario
Authors: Kilbride Kenise Murphy , Anisef Paul , Bacic Jadranka , Baichman-Anisef Etta , Koc Mustafa , Lam Lawrence , Nunes Fernando , Saloojee Anver , Siemiatycki Myer , Waalen Judith
Published: September 2023

This study examines the challenges discussed by five different types of immigrant youth (aged 16 to 29) from ten different sending countries and regions, now residing in Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa, who are at some risk of not succeeding in their settlement and integration. It includes an analysis of the observations made by those who work in serving them in these cities, and answers the following question:

• What do existing research and information have to tell us about newcomer youth at risk?

• How are they coping in meeting the challenges they encounter?

• What resources exist for them, to help them meet their settlement needs?

• What gaps in information could be remedied for them to link them with existing resources?

• What else is needed to help them overcome the challenges they face?

The report concludes with recommendations, principally to the federal government, as to ways to assist the youth in achieving success in Canada.
Trait-Based Segmentation for Mobile Personalization and Privacy Concerns: A Cluster Analysis Based on Need for Cognitive Closure
Authors: Quach Xuan
Published: September 2023

This research explores the connection between consumers’ characteristics and their perceptions of personalized preferences and privacy concerns. From a sample of 285 participants and using a cluster analysis technique, I segment consumers based on their need for cognitive closure. Need for cognitive closure contains five dimensions (preference for order, preference for predictability, discomfort with ambiguity, close-mindedness, and decisiveness) that characterizes one’s desire for firm answers and predictability. Three cluster groups, “Equivocal Users”, “Structured Users”, and “Eclectic Users” were identified and supplementary analyses revealed differences in their mobile personalization and preference for information privacy. The findings provide key insights and recommendation for marketers and retail managers to implement appropriate personalization strategies for these distinct target groups 
Did the STOCK Act Impact the Performance, Risk, and Flow of Hedge Funds?
Authors: Shah Meet
Published: September 2023

This research examines hedge funds’ performance, risk, and flow before and after the implementation of the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act. This study finds significant differences before and after the implementation of the STOCK Act. The results for the entire sample period indicate that hedge funds suffered lower-alpha, standard deviation, and idiosyncratic risk after the implementation of the STOCK Act. Consistent with other studies, the findings suggest that private, confidential information was likely passed down from congress members to the hedge fund managers through intermediary agents. Furthermore, the results indicate mixed evidence of the STOCK Act’s impact on hedge funds’ flow for most investment categories, which points to the direction that top-level hedge funds received more significant capital inflows. 
Gıda Krizi, Gıda Politikaları Ve Yönetişim Mekanizmaları
Authors: Koc Mustafa
Published: September 2023

Yirmibirinci yüzyılın ikinci on yılını tamamladığımız bu günlerde modern gıda sisteminin ve küresel kapitalizmin sürdürülebilirliğini test eden bir ikiz krizle karşı karşıyayız. Bir yanda halk sağlığını tehdit eden bir salgın hastalık, bir yanda da milyarlarca insanın geçimini tehdit eden bir küresel ekonomik kriz. Bu konuşmamda bu ikiz krizin gıda sistemi için oluşturduğu tehditlere ve gıda egemenliği, gıda güvencesi ve güvenliği için önerilen politika ve yönetişim mekanizmalarına değineceğim.
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows into China
Authors: Zhao Yunlong
Published: September 2023

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has shown itself to be a strong catalyst in economic development. This paper attempts to research what factors affect the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to China from 2002 to 2018, making China a great success in economic development. This paper presents a multiple linear regression model methodology using monthly data spans from 2002 to 2018 to evaluate and analyze. This process will include gathering data from various secondary sources and a set of quantitative research methods. The multiple linear regression model hypothesizes there is a relationship between Foreign Direct Investment and explanatory factors: Consumer Price Index Growth, Producer Price Index Growth, Economic Climate coincident Indicator, Official Exchange Rate to USD, Net Exports, and Economic Policy Uncertainty. The result indicates that the CPI growth rate, Net Exports and Economic Policy Uncertainty have significant positive relationships with China’s FDI inflows. Whereas the PPI growth rate and ECI negatively correlate with the response variable.  
Blended amphoteric PAMs: High performance as retention aids
Authors: MORI YOSHIO
Published: September 2023

A recent rise in pulp fineness and inorganic salt ratios has reduced the efficiency of currently used retention aids. Moreover, high-speed paper production processes require high performance retention aids that do not degrade paper formation. In this study, we synthesized anionic- and cationic-unit rich amphoteric polyacrylamides (PAMs) and evaluated a blend of the two as a retention aid. Analyses of stress changes in the floc generation process and the water solution characteristics of each PAM and blend suggest that this blend system has effectively assisted proper floc generation and resulted in enhanced performance. We also propose a possible flocculation mechanism that supports the analyses and discuss the mechanistic aspects of the present system.
Flame length in lime kilns with a separate noncondensible gas burner
Authors: ALOQAILY ARAFAT , KUHN DAVID C.S. , SULLIVAN PIERRE , TRAN HONGHI
Published: September 2023

Using an acid-alkali visualization technique, we studied the flame length in a lime kiln with a separate noncondensible gas (NCG) burner, as a function of the combined Craya-Curtet number (combined Ct) and excess air. The combined Ct and excess air are the dominant parameters affecting the flame length, shape, and temperature. The flame length increases with an increase in the combined Ct and a decrease in excess air. We developed an empirical equation for calculating the flame length. The NCG effect is accounted for in this equation.
The Circular Economy's Performance and the Impact of Digitalization
Authors: Khong Isaac
Published: September 2023

The acceleration of economic transition towards a more sustainable circular production system is a pressing global concern. This study addresses the scarcity of empirical research on the impact of digitization on circular economy efficiency. It investigates the influence of digitization on the effectiveness of circular economy practices through an empirical analysis of quantitative data obtained from 200 participants within the financial sector of Kozani, Greece. The results, derived from regression analysis, reveal a significant and positive association between digital business practices and circular economy performance. Notably, industrial firms that prioritize digitalization exhibit a notably higher adoption rate of new business innovations for resource efficiency. These findings underscore the strong connection between digitalization and circular economy performance, highlighting the potential for digitalization to catalyze the development of circular business models. This research contributes to our understanding of the pivotal role that digitization plays in advancing sustainable circular economies
Analisis Komprehensif Terhadap Isu-Isu Dakwaan Sebagai Sahabat Nabi Saw Bermula Dari Kurun Ke 5 Hingga Ke 7 Hijrah
Authors: Bin Hassan Mohammad Taha , Bin Mohd Othman Fadlan , Nazri Mohd Arif
Published: September 2023

During the early 5th until the 7th Hijrah, the Crusades on Muslim land began in 492 H until the eruption of the Siege of Acre in 690 H resulted in a decline of intellectual achievements and stagnation in knowledge among the Muslims. Besides that, there were also conflicts and ongoing political turmoils, which led to the Muslim’s further deterioration with the sack of Baghdad in the hands of Tatar in 656 H till 702 H. Amid chaos around that century, there emerged several individuals who regarded themselves as the companions of the Prophet. These individuals purportedly claimed that they lived a long life and narrated hadiths from Rasulullah SAW that were categorized as Mujāzafah or excessive in nature. Hence, this research analyzes the claim of these individuals, their identity, and the hadiths they reported to establish their existence throughout these 3 centuries. The methodology adopted for this study is based on the collection of data using library research and documentation methods whilst the data collected is analyzed using both, an inductive and deductive approach. From the study, it was discovered that these individuals had self-proclaimed themselves to be the Companions of the Prophet thus making their assertion to be completely baseless. In addition, it was also found that there were also efforts by a group of irresponsible fanatics who fabricated the existence of these narrators solely to achieve fame and a higher-ranking Sanad.
Panduan Asas Kaedah Kenal Pasti Status Hadis: Kajian Diskriptif Penggunaan Ensiklopedia Hadis 9 Imam
Authors: Rosdi Ahmad Zubir , Syed Hassan Syed Najihuddin , Muhamad Nurul Asiah Fasehah , Mohamad Zainuzi Nurul Izzatul Huda , Mahfuz Mohammad Shiham
Published: September 2023

The development of Islamic applications has greatly helped in the learning process, especially in the study of hadith. The process of identifying the status of hadith becomes easier, but it requires proper discipline. However, beginner users still struggle to use the applications, as there is no guidance on how to use them. Therefore, this study aims to demonstrate the basic methods for identifying the status of hadith by exploring the Encyclopedia of the 9 Imams application. The methodology used is a qualitative approach to collecting hadith data provided in the application. As a result, this article will introduce five basic guidelines for identifying the status of hadith using technological tools. Firstly, identify the sources of hadith references. Secondly, identify the search for hadith. Thirdly, determine the keywords of the hadith. Fourthly, analyze the hadith from the perspective of its content and chain of narration (sanad). Lastly, seek confirmation from experts regarding whether the discovered status of the hadith is accepted or not. All of these guidelines serve as a foundation for beginners in the study of hadith.
Detailed Events During The Ascension Of Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ: Ḥadīth Retracement And Analysis
Authors: Mohamad Rusli Abdul Rasydan , Azmi Ahmad Sanusi , Abdul Halim Amran
Published: September 2023

The night journey and the ascendant (isrā` mi’rāj) of Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ to the sky is indeed one of the prominent events in Islam. However, some of the stories reported by the Ḥadīth narrators have an unclear status on their authenticity. Thus, this study aims to retrace and analyse the status of ḥadīths related to the group of people seen by the prophet ﷺ during his night journey. The research also will analyse the amount authentic, good, weak and fabricated ḥadīths related to the matter. In this research, a qualitative library research approach in which textual analysis is applied to analyse the status of transmitters who narrated the ḥadīths. Consequently, majority of the ḥadīths are reported as weak. Only a few detail events are reported authentic. Thus, this research may enlighten the preachers and the publics on the ḥadīths status to ensure the dignity of Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ is maintained.
Socratic Questioning Sebagai Solusi Masalah Waswas: Pendekatan Hadis Terpilih
Authors: Abdul Rahman Mohd Zahir , Razali Zul Azlin , Mohamed Najid Mohamad Hafizuddin
Published: September 2023

Several hadiths reported by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ contain several questions and answers about a topic. It discusses a lot about all the issues that occur, as well as answers to the issues that are provided. However, questions and answers from hadiths on mental issues have long been employed as one of the therapies used by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists today, known as Socratic inquiry. This technique is significant in the process of mental health therapy, particularly for waswas or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as for other mental disorders such as anxiety disorder. Based on a knowledge of Hadith jurisprudence, the purpose of this research is to compile those hadiths linked to waswas that contain features of Socratic inquiry. A total of four hadiths have been recognised as being associated with misgiving and the use of Socratic inquiry as a problem-solving technique. As a result, three forms of Socratic inquiry have been developed based on four hadiths linked to misgiving, namely Questions of Clarification, Questions About the Question, and Questions that Probe Assumptions. This study is anticipated to emphasise the chosen hadith method as one component of treatment in mental health, specifically the waswas issue.
Use of Modern Irrigation Machines and Units
Authors:   Rosinformagrotech, E.E. Podolskaya
Published: September 2023

The significance of irrigation measures is considered, a classification of types of irrigation and watering is presented, analysis of the main performance indicators of domestic irrigation machines and units, agrotechnical requirements for them is carried out. A study of regulatory documents used in the testing of these units was carried out.
Theoretical Approaches to Optimization of Topinambur Harvesting Under Uncertainty
Authors:   A.G. Lorkh Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution of Potatoes, V.I. Starovoitov
Published: September 2023

A mathematical model is presented for solving the problem of constructing an optimal schedule for the Jerusalem artichoke harvesting process in the case when all the parameters of the mathematical model are known exactly. An algorithm for constructing an optimal graph is proposed. Various strategies of the harvesting process are considered under the uncertainty of some model parameters. The results of computational experiments are presented, which make it possible to evaluate various strategies for the process of harvesting Jerusalem artichoke from the point of view of increasing the finished product at the end of the processing of raw materials.
Bir Muamma ve Lugaz Çözümleme Denemesi: Nezim Berati’nin Türkçe Divanı’ndaki Muammalar ve Lugazlar Özelinde
Authors: ELMACI ÇETİN Betül
Published: September 2023

Muamma bilmeceli bir şiir türüdür, daha ziyade manzum olmakla beraber mensur muammalar da vardır. Muammada genellikle başlıkta veya der-kenarda ipucu niteliğinde bir isim verilir ve çoğunlukla tek beyitle yazılan muammadan hareketle o isme nasıl ulaşıldığının bulunması beklenir. Lugaz bilmeceli anlatımın olduğu bir diğer türdür; bir varlığın özellikleri anlatılarak gizlenmiş kelime bulunmaya çalışılır. Türkçe Divanı içinde bu her iki türde de şiir inşa eden bir şair vardır ki Türkçe ve Farsça Divanı'nın yanı sıra günümüze ulaşan Arnavutça ilk divan sahibi Nezim Berati’dir. Hayatının büyük bir kısmını Berat’ta geçiren şair; 1760 yılında, İstanbul’da, bilmediğimiz bir sebepten mahpusken vefat etmiştir. Nezim Berati, tarihte ve Arap harfli Arnavut edebiyatında önemli bir yere sahiptir. Türkçe Divanı incelendiğinde şairin dört muamması ve altı lugazı olduğu görülür. Bu şiirlerin transkripsiyonlu metni, nesre çevirisi ve çözümleri verilerek bu çalışmayla bahsi geçen şiirlerin gün yüzüne çıkarılması amaçlanmıştır.
Health Belief Model Pencegahan Malaria Pada Ibu Hamil
Authors: Lestari Muji , Amal Fachry , Mulyana A. Saputri
Published: September 2023

Malaria in pregnant women can infect the fetus. Pregnant women are the most vulnerable population because of the greater risk of contracting malaria. This finding is consistent with the findings obtained by the Eijkman team who found that the immunity level of women who were pregnant for the first time was lower than that of women in the second, third, and so on, thus making the group of women with first pregnancies more susceptible to malaria infection. Malaria cases in pregnant women in 2019, were the highest in Papua Province, which was around 1,769 cases. It is necessary to take preventive measures so that no more pregnant women are affected by malaria. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the components of the Health Belief Model which included perceptions of vulnerability, perceptions of the severity of poor health, perceived barriers to taking action, perceived benefits of behavior change and self-efficacy with malaria prevention measures in pregnant women at the Arso Public Health Center, Keerom Papua Province. This research uses a cross-sectional design. The results of the multiple linear regression test showed that perception of severity had the greatest influence value (0.238). The results of each t-test showed that only perception of severity had a positive effect on preventive action, while perceptions of vulnerability, perceived barriers and self-efficacy had no effect. The results of the simultaneous f-test of the five components of the Health Belief Model have no effect on malaria prevention measures in pregnant women. The perception of severity has a positive effect on malaria prevention measures in pregnant women, while the perceived benefits have a negative effect. The other three components of the Health Belief Model have no effect. Simultaneously, the five components of the Health Belief Model do not affect preventive measures.
Seines and baited remote underwater video document consistent spatiotemporal patterns in nekton communities of subtropical coastal habitats
Authors: Flaherty-Walia KE , Gervasi CL , Davis JP , Trabelsi S , Fratto Z , Santos RO , Stevens PW , Matheson RE , Rehage JS
Published: September 2023

Monitoring nekton using multiple types of gear over a range of estuarine habitats is necessary for assessing changes in ecosystems, the effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and management related to habitat restoration and protection. To assess the utility of 2 types of gear (seines and baited remote underwater videos [BRUVs]) used in many monitoring programs, nekton community metrics were compared across 3 adjacent, hydrologically distinct coastal basins in Florida Bay (Florida, USA) across seasons (wet vs. dry) and 3 water-years (2016-2019). In these basins, projects are underway to restore freshwater inflow. Spatiotemporal patterns in catch per unit effort and species richness were consistent among types of gear, and nekton assemblages differed significantly among basins. Although similar in size and spatial area, the 3 study basins were notably different in habitat (hydrology, water depth, substrate, submerged aquatic vegetation), and 1 basin exhibited distinct basin-specific trends in nekton community structure and lower nekton abundance and species richness across types of gear. Temporal differences in nekton assemblages reflected seasonal shifts and were strongly affected by the passage of Hurricane Irma in 2017. Although seines and BRUVs revealed similar patterns, seine surveys captured more overall species diversity and prey species, while BRUVs could be used in a greater variety of habitats and documented more predators. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of complementary types of gear in tracking variation in estuarine communities and highlight the importance of a sampling design that successfully monitors species throughout the food web and estuarine seascape.
Neither larval duration nor dispersal distance predict spatial genetic diversity in planktonic dispersing species
Authors: Esser EA , Pringle JM , Byers JE
Published: September 2023

The increase in genetic distance between marine individuals or populations with increasing distance has often been assumed to be influenced by dispersal distance. In turn, dispersal distance has often been assumed to correlate strongly with pelagic larval duration (PLD). We examined the consistency of these assumptions in species with long planktonic durations. Reviewing multiple marine species, Selkoe & Toonen (2011; Mar Ecol Prog Ser 436:291-305) demonstrated significant fit of a species’ PLD with metrics of genetic distance between sampling sites. However, for long dispersers (PLD >10 d) whose dispersal is more influenced by ocean currents, the fit of PLD and genetic connectivity metrics was not significant. We tested if using realistic ocean currents to determine simulated dispersal distances would produce an improved proxy for larval dispersal that correlates more strongly with genetic connectivity metrics. We estimated the dispersal distance of propagules for locations in the genetic studies compiled by Selkoe and Toonen with a global ocean model (Mercator, 1/12° resolution). The model-derived estimates of dispersal distance did not correlate better than PLD against the genetic diversity metrics global FST km-1 and isolation-by-distance (IBD) slope. We explored 2 explanations: (1) our ocean circulation-based dispersal distance estimates are too simple to produce biologically meaningful improvement over PLD, and (2) IBD slope is not a powerful predictor of variation in dispersal distance between species with long PLD. Exploring these explanations suggests directions for future research which will enable better quantitative understanding of genetic diversity and its spatial distribution in coastal marine organisms.
Marine protected areas are linked to higher predation rates by fish in shallow urbanised reefs, but only in no-take reserves
Authors: Della Marta IR , Vergés A , Powell S , Smith SM , Poore AGB
Published: September 2023

Marine protected areas (MPAs) in which fishing is limited are a widespread management strategy to protect marine ecosystems. While many studies show clear effects of MPAs on fish biomass, much less is known about how protection influences the strength of ecological processes such as herbivory and predation. We characterised fish assemblages and used feeding assays to contrast rates of herbivory and predation by fish in MPAs (no-take and those with partial protection) and in fished sites in Sydney, Australia’s largest city. In no-take MPAs, large fish were more abundant, species richness was greater, and the biomass of predatory, herbivorous and all fish combined was higher. In contrast, sites with partial protection were indistinguishable from fished sites. Predation was higher in no-take MPAs than in partially protected MPAs, while herbivory was less influenced by protection status. These results show that protection from fishing within urbanised reefs can facilitate energy flow to higher trophic levels via increases in predation.
Generalizability of Randomized Controlled Trials in Heart Failure
Authors:   , Lim Yvonne Mei Fong
Published: September 2023

In the first part of this thesis, we explored the differences between trial participants and registry cohorts to explain the mismatch between heart failure trial participants and patient registry populations to identify actionable opportunities toward achieving generalizable trials in the future. From the findings, we confirm that underrepresentation of females, older people and people with multiple background conditions remain in recent trials. On disease outcomes, heart failure trial populations had higher risk of heart-related deaths compared to the routine care population and this is likely because trials seek patient types which gives the highest likelihood of detecting benefit from heart treatment. Interestingly, we found differences between males and females in trials, such that there is lower-than-expected heart-related deaths in trial females compared to registry females, suggesting that they may be less representative of the registry patients compared to males. This signals a need to advocate for future trials to be sufficiently balanced in numbers by both sexes, while overcoming possible psychosocial and logistical barriers to trial participation, particularly among females. Next, we investigate the incidence of heart failure hospitalization and its 10- year trends by age, sex and ethnicity in a multiracial population in Malaysia and found variations in heart failure outcomes between ethnicities. In relation to trial enrolment, insufficient information capture on race/ethnic and geographical subgroups in existing trials prevent assessment of trial generalizability in this respect, particularly for global trials. Lastly, we compared eligibility for trials between Asian and European heart failure patients and found that eligibility based on trial entry criteria did not differ between the two distinct populations.
Interpretation of IS/IEC and IEEE Standards for Dielectric Type Testing of Instrument Transformers
Authors: Urukundu K. , Sandhya K. , Govardhanachri K. , Ramesh G.
Published: September 2023

The requirements of Instrument Transformers are given in standards IS16227-1, IEC 61869-1 and IEEE Std. C57.13.5. Indian Standard IS 16227-1 is in line with IEC 61869-1. Most of the utilities in India are the following IS: 16227-1/IEC 61869- 1. Many failures of the high voltage instrument transformers are being reported by the utilities. In this connection, a review of the requirements/test procedure and acceptance criteria specified by IEC 61869-1 and IEEE Std C57-13.5 for dielectric-type tests are reviewed in this paper which may help decision-making for adopting a particular standard for dielectric-type tests on instrument transformers considering Indian climatic conditions.
Trade Follows the Flag or Business as Usual? Economic Impact of South China Sea Dispute in China-Philippines Relations from 2012 to 2016
Authors: Huang Leike , Yang Dianyi
Published: September 2023

Mainstream scholarship exploring the relationship between political conflict and bilateral trade has often been cast into a dichotomy between the realist and liberal schools of thought. We investigate the trade-conflict nexus in the context of the South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines, focusing on the changes in Filipino exports to China after the Scarborough Shoal standoff from April 2012 to June 2016. This paper uses trade data from the China Customs Database and the Synthetic Difference-in-Differences (SDiD) estimator to quantitatively assess the negative treatment effect on Filipino exports to China from 2012 to 2016. Contrary to previous studies, we found no significant negative treatment effect in both the immediate aftermath of the conflict and the long run. This supports the predictions of liberal IR scholars that territorial dispute does not exert a significant disruptive effect on bilateral trade even as the conflict persists.
The Relationship of Trunk Control with Lower Extremity Sense, Balance, and Walking in Individuals with Stroke
Authors: EKMEKÇİOĞLU Zehra , KATIRCI KIRMACI Zekiye İpek , ERGUN Nevin
Published: September 2023

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between trunk control and lower extremity sense, balance and gait in stroke individuals.

Methods: Thirty subacute and chronic stroke patients were included in the study (mean age 52. 2 14.4 years). Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Turkish version of Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS-T) was used for evaluating the body control, and Tinetti Balance Test (TBT) was used for evaluating balance. Tinetti Gait Test (TGT) and Ten Meter Walking Test (TMWT) were applied for evaluating walking. The light touch sense and proprioception, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Sensorimotor Function (FMASF) for lower extremity were used. Furthermore, neglect, plantar pressure sense and stereognosis for lower extremity were evaluated.

Results: There was a significant positively strong correlation between TIS and TBT, TGT and FMSMFT, and negatively strong correlation between TIS and TMWT (p
Hyaluronic Acid-Curcumin Complex Triggers Apoptotic Pathway in Breast Cancer Cells via CD44 Receptors
Authors: MOKHBERİOSKOUEİ Ziba , BİÇİM Gökhan , YİLMAZ Ayse , YALÇIN A. Suha
Published: September 2023

Objective: Curcumin (CUR) was modified with hyaluronic acid (HA) to increase its water solubility and bioavailability. Our aim was to increase the uptake of CUR into the cells that express CD44 receptors and to compare the cellular effects in two different human breast carcinoma cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231.

Methods: Hyaluronic acid-curcumin complex (HA-CUR) was synthesized and characterized.

MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were grown under appropriate conditions and the effect of CUR and HA-CUR on cell viability was determined. Apoptosis levels of cells after treatment with CUR and HA-CUR were also measured. CD44 receptor levels of both cells were compared and then apoptosis levels were measured in MDA-MB-231 cells after saturation of CD 44 receptors with HA. In both cells expression of caspase-9 and PARP was analyzed to confirm apoptosis.

Results: In MCF-7 cells, the percentage apoptosis level of the CUR group was slightly lower than the HA-CUR group. In MDA-MB-231 cells, no statistically significant difference was found in the CUR group compared to the control group, but the apoptosis level of the HA-CUR group was higher than the control group. CD44 receptor levels were higher in MDA-MB-231 cells compared to MCF-7 cells. Blocking the CD44 receptors reversed the apoptotic effect of HA-CUR in MDA-MB-231 cells. Both CUR and HA-CUR had apoptotic effects in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells.

Conclusion: Conjugation of CUR with HA, which is specific for CD44 receptors aids, in its entry to target cells making it a powerful agent for targeted cancer therapy.
The Effect of Mental Health on Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents
Authors: AK Tuba , İLHAN Nesrin
Published: September 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mental health on health-related quality of life in adolescents.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1188 students studying in a public high school in Istanbul, Turkey. Data were collected using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Turkish Generic Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for adolescents (Kiddo-KINDL). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used in the analysis.

Results: The mean age of the adolescents was 16.61±1.17; 56.6% were female. This study shows that mental health was a negatively significantly related to all subscales of health-related quality of life (physical wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, family, friends, school) of adolescents (p
Determining the Image of Nursing Profession in the Society During Covid-19 Pandemia Process
Authors: YILMAZ GÜVEN Durdane , ŞENER Şenay
Published: September 2023

Objective: This study aimed to descriptively determine the image of the nursing profession in the society during the Covid-19 pandemic process.

Methods: The study was carried out in a district between November 2020 and February 2021. The sample of the study consisted of 1285 individuals. While collecting the data, a “Questionnaire Form” containing personal characteristics and “Image Scale for Nursing Profession” were used. Data were collected by snowball sampling method. The data were collected through an online survey.

Results: The mean score of the participants’ Image Scale for Nursing Profession was found to be 150.68 ± 9.75. It was determined that the subdimensions of the scale, the professional qualification sub-dimension, had the highest mean score of 45.80 ± 4.45, and the other appearance sub-dimension had the lowest mean score of 11.10 ± 2.73. A significant difference was determined between the Image Scale for Nursing Profession and gender, profession, and the status of having the received care from nurses before (p
АНТРОПОЛОГИЯ ФАЮМСКОГО ПОРТРЕТА
Authors: Просикова Екатерина , Дзини Стефания , Хохлов Никита
Published: September 2023

Изображения лиц на Фаюмских погребальных портретах отражают
реальные прижизненные черты лица мумифицированных индивидов,
следовательно Фаюмский портрет можно рассматривать как источник
антропологической информации. Ранее портреты рассматривались только
в контексте описательных признаков, в текущем исследовании авторы
подходят к вопросу в фокусе статистического анализа.
Nano selenium-doped TiO2 nanotube arrays on orthopedic implants for suppressing osteosarcoma growth
Authors: Hu Xiaodong , Ke Chunhai , Zhong Jiaqi , Chen Yujiong , Dong Jieyang , Hao Mingming , Chen Qi , Ni Jiahua , Peng Zhaoxiang
Published: September 2023

Osteosarcoma, the most common primary malignant bone tumor, is characterized by malignant cells producing osteoid or immature bone tissue. Most osteosarcoma patients require reconstructive surgery to restore the functional and structural integrity of the injured bone. Metal orthopedic implants are commonly used to restore the limb integrity in postoperative patients. However, conventional metal implants with a bioinert surface cannot inhibit the growth of any remaining cancer cells, resulting in a higher risk of cancer recurrence. Herein, we fabricate a selenium-doped TiO2 nanotube array (Se-doped TNA) film to modify the surface of medical pure titanium substrate, and evaluate the anti-tumor effect and biocompatibility of Se-doped TNA film. Moreover, we further explore the anti-tumor potential mechanism of Se-doped TNA film by studying the behaviors of human osteosarcoma cells in vitro. We provide a new pathway for achieving the anti-tumor function of orthopedic implants while keeping the biocompatibility, aiming to suppress the recurrence of osteosarcoma.
The instantly blocking-based fluorescent immunochromatographic assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody
Authors: Li Yizhe , He Jinyong , Zhang Ying , Liang Dan , Zhang Jiaqi , Ji Ruili , Wu Yue , Su Zejie , Ke Changwen , Xu Ning , Tang Yong , Xu Jianhua
Published: September 2023

Introduction

At present, there is an urgent need for the rapid and accurate detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) to evaluate the ability of the human body to resist coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after infection or vaccination. The current gold standard for neutralizing antibody detection is the conventional virus neutralization test (cVNT), which requires live pathogens and biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) laboratories, making it difficult for this method to meet the requirements of large-scale routine detection. Therefore, this study established a time-resolved fluorescence-blocking lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (TRF-BLFIA) that enables accurate, rapid quantification of NAbs in subjects.

Methods

This assay utilizes the characteristic that SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody can specifically block the binding of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to rapidly detect the content of neutralizing antibody in COVID-19-infected patients and vaccine recipients.

Results

When 356 samples of vaccine recipients were measured, the coincidence rate between this method and cVNT was 88.76%, which was higher than the coincidence rate of 76.97% between cVNT and a conventional chemiluminescence immunoassay detecting overall binding anti-Spike-IgG. More importantly, this assay does not need to be carried out in BSL-2 or 3 laboratories.

Discussion

Therefore, this product can detect NAbs in COVID-19 patients and provide a reference for the prognosis and outcome of patients. Simultaneously, it can also be applied to large-scale detection to better meet the needs of neutralizing antibody detection after vaccination, making it an effective tool to evaluate the immunoprotective effect of COVID-19 vaccines.