bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Administrative Practices in Achieving Organizational Excellence in Iraqi Universities
Authors: Hussein Zinah 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The main purpose of the present research was to review key literature regarding theoretical constructs of administrative performance and organizational Platt and then measure the administrative practices in the Iraqi universities to attain the organizational excellence in the universities. Additionally. An exploratory-research qualitative method was used where the purpose was to describe and analyze the current administrative practices at the Iraqi universities. The data collection process involved distributing a self-administered questionnaire to a sample of employees from the selected Iraqi universities irrespective of their job title and their total number was one hundred and forty participants. However, reporting the results derived from the field study of the present research enabled the identification of the current organizational state of the Iraqi universities with respect to their administrative functions and strategies. In light of the above findings, the study concluded that planning was the most conspicuous administrative practice pursued to attain institutional efficacy in these universities, implementation came in the second place while the third was evaluation. According to the results of the study, the following All recommendable mechanisms were suggested to boost the administrative performance and organizational development in the Iraqi universities. As for the solutions to the issues identified, the study concluded that planning should be regarded as a way to implement the administrative system within universities as a high-priority approach.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency in a Hypothetical Building through Analysis of Orientation, wwr, Shading, window shape, and Illuminance Intensity
Authors: Dagiyan Maryam Mirashk , Molaei Mobina , Fallah Rastin , Sangin Hamed , chobari Kiana Haghighatnejad 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The assessment of a building's orientation, incorporating elements such as the dimensions and layout of openings, as well as shading mechanisms, has perennially been pivotal in scrutinizing energy consumption. This study introduces the importance of achieving a specified illuminance level as a critical factor in ensuring optimal comfort conditions. Utilizing Grasshopper software, a theoretical building in Tehran is simulated, and the analysis is executed through the "Honeybee and Ladybug" plugins, enabling a parametric evaluation of various components. Variables under consideration encompass building orientation (7 scenarios), window-to-wall ratio (3 scenarios), shading depth (3 scenarios), and window form (3 scenarios), all while maintaining a consistent illuminance intensity of 300 lux for comfort assurance. A comparative analysis is performed between baseline energy consumption and all proposed scenarios. In the optimal scenario—characterized by a 30% window-to-wall ratio, a 30-degree rotation angle, a 20 cm shading depth, and Vertical windows—energy consumption exhibits a noteworthy 3.52% reduction compared to the baseline model. Under the most challenging conditions, featuring a 50% window-to-wall ratio, a 35-degree southwest rotation angle, a 60 cm shading depth, and Vertical windows, the optimal results showcase an 11.38% decrease in energy consumption compared to the critical scenario. The hierarchy of impact on energy consumption optimization is identified as follows: window-to-wall ratio, rotation angle, shading depth, and window form. Shading depth and window form exhibit a relatively smaller impact on energy consumption compared to other parameters.
Model selection for the sound speed perturbation of the GNSS-A using the widely applicable Bayesian Information Criterion (WBIC)
Authors: Watanabe Shun-ichi , Ishikawa Tadashi , Nakamura Yuto , Yokota Yusuke 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Analysis methods for the GNSS-A seafloor geodetic observation are sophisticated in the recent years. Bayesian statistical approach with the Markov-Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method enables the observers to flexibly estimate the seafloor positions simultaneously with the perturbation of the sound speed in the ocean under several spatiotemporal patterns. To select the perturbation model appropriately and quantitatively, we introduced the widely applicable Bayesian Information Criterion (WBIC) in our software. The WBIC value is an approximation of the Bayes free energy that indicates the statistical appropriateness of the given model, which is available after running an MCMC sequence with a certain inverse temperature. Applying the WBIC-based model selection method to the actual data obtained at the seafloor GNSS-A sites along the Japanese archipelago by the Japan Coast Guard, we found that the simpler model where the perturbation field is characterized by a uniformly inclined layer is more preferable than the models with larger degree of freedom, especially in the regions with strong Kuroshio current. For the sites in the area where the cold and warm currents tend to cause multi-scale eddies, the model with larger degree of freedom was occasionally selected.
HOXB8 mediates resistance to cetuximab in colorectal cancer cells through activation of the STAT3 pathway
Authors: Liang Yunan , Lin Han , Jiang Zongsheng , Zhao Qi , Li Shaotang , Cui Ri 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Homeobox B8 (HOXB8) is a member of the HOX family and plays an important role in colorectal cancer development. Cetuximab is one of the most widely used monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of patients with RAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but cetuximab resistance frequently occurs during targeted therapy. Currently, the role of HOXB8 in cetuximab-resistant mCRC remains unclear. By comparing cetuximab-sensitive cell lines (SW48) with drug-resistant cell lines (HCT116, CACO2), we found that HOXB8 was highly expressed in cetuximab-resistant cell lines, and furthermore, HOXB8 knockdown enhanced the cytotoxicity of cetuximab in drug-resistant cell lines (HCT116, CACO2) by inhibiting signal transducer and activatorof transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. Conversely, HOXB8 overexpression attenuated cetuximab-induced growth inhibition in SW48 cells through activation of STAT3 signaling. In conclusion, our findings reveal an important role for HOXB8 in cetuximab-resistant mCRC and suggest that targeting HOXB8 may be an effective therapeutic strategy for certain cetuximab-resistant mCRC patients.
Robustness Assessment of Coastal Highway Network (CHN) in Muscat (Sultanate of Oman) under Multi-Hazard Scenarios: Insights into Structural Integrity and Adaptation Measures
Authors: Ansari Abdullah , El-Hussain Issa , Shijbi Yousuf Al , Mandhaniya Pranjal , Alluqmani Ayed E. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study critically examines the reliability and resilience of the Muscat Coastal Highway Network (CHN) under the compounded effects of earthquakes and floods, representing interacting multi-hazard scenarios. The analysis utilized fragility functions for both earthquake-induced and flood-induced landslides, integrating these with traffic data for selected highway links to estimate bridge damage and assess CHN functionality in post-hazard conditions. Economic sensitivity analysis revealed a significant increase in costs due to flood-induced landslides, emphasizing the impact of dominant intensity measures on network costs and traffic flow. The analysis categorized Muscat areas into low, moderate, and high resilience based on hazard susceptibility and infrastructure quality, revealing that over 50% of highway links require retrofitting, highlighting the need for enhanced flood management and infrastructure improvements. The resilience assessment highlighted the necessity for targeted retrofitting to mitigate damage and reduce economic losses, particularly for highway links with bridges of high failure probabilities that face prolonged recovery times. The results offer valuable insights for designers, consultants, policymakers, and decision-makers in developing effective post-hazard mitigation strategies for Muscat and similar coastal cities.
The Impact of Expected Waiting Time on Pediatric Outpatient Satisfaction: A Behavioral Experiment Study
Authors: Zhang Hui , Tian Junhua , Shi Yu , Qian Yuping , Gao Xuan , Zhai Xiaowen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Outpatient departments in tertiary children's hospitals in China are often overcrowded, with parents frequently voicing concerns about prolonged waiting times. While substantial efforts have been directed towards reducing actual waiting times (AWT), managing the expectations of parents has received limited attention. This study employs a behavioral experiment to investigate the relationship between expectations and satisfaction levels.
Method: The experiment consisted of two groups: a control group and an experimental group. Initially, the baseline expected waiting times (EWT) for subjects in both groups were obtained, along with demographic information including age, education level, gender, and medical experience. Unlike the control group, subjects in the experimental group received reminders about waiting times and subsequently adjusted their EWT accordingly. This study employed non-parametric tests and variance tests to analyze the differences in satisfaction levels between the two groups of subjects. Ethical approval for this project was obtained from the hospital ethics committee.
Result: Significant differences in satisfaction levels were observed between the control group and the experimental group when the AWT exceeded the EWT (P=0.042, Z=-2.035). However, when the AWT was equal to or shorter than the EWT, no significant disparity in satisfaction levels emerged between the two groups (P=0.230, Z=-1.200; Z=-1.416, P=0.157).
Within the experimental group, a significant difference in satisfaction was noted during peak hours between subjects effectively regulated by EWT and those not effectively regulated (x2=24.865, P=0.000). Conversely, during off-peak hours, there was no significant distinction in satisfaction between those effectively regulated by EWT and those not effectively regulated (x2=0.535, P =0.765).
Conclusion: When the AWT exceeds the EWT, providing advance notice of long waiting time can extend patients EWT and significantly enhance their satisfaction. However, when the AWT is equal to or less than the EWT, the impact of advance notice of long waiting time on patient satisfaction is not statistically significant. During peak visiting hours, when alerts about longer waiting times are issued, patients who effectively adjust their EWT exhibit significantly higher satisfaction levels compared to those who do not make effective adjustments to their EWT. Conversely, during non-peak visiting hours, there is no significant difference in satisfaction levels between subjects who effectively regulate their EWT and those who do not.
Healthcare institutions can adjust patients' EWT by informing them in advance about potential waiting times according to the temporal patterns of outpatient visitation numbers during peak hours. This approach mitigates negative emotions associated with prolonged waiting times and represents one of the effective methods to enhance the quality of medical services.
Development and Standardization of Omega-3 Enriched Snacks Incorporating Flaxseeds: A Sensory Evaluation Study
Authors: Bakhetia P. , Bains K. , Sharma S. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study focuses on the development and standardization of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) enriched snack products, including Snack Mix, Nachos, and Rusk, through the incorporation of flaxseeds at varying levels (10–50%) alongside cereals and pulses. These innovative food products aim to deliver enhanced nutritional benefits to consumers. The developed snacks were evaluated for their sensory attributes, nutritional quality, and fatty acid profiles. The Omega-3 PUFA content, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in the standardized Snack Mix formulations (23.19 to 42.84 mg/100g), Nachos (22.66 mg/100g), and Rusks (42.17 mg/100g) compared to the traditional Alsi Pinni (5.80 mg/100g). Additionally, these products were found to be better sources of protein and fiber. All products demonstrated a shelf life of two months at ambient temperature. Promoting awareness and consumption of these flaxseed-enriched snacks could substantially improve the Omega-3 PUFA intake among the Punjabi population. The technology for producing these high Omega-3 snacks offers significant potential benefits for both consumers and food product manufacturers.
Study of repulsive permanent magnetic levitation mechanism and its dynamic characteristics
Authors: Zhou Fazhu , Yang Jie , Hu Hailin , Gao Tao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Permanent magnet magnetic levitation (PMFL) system has the characteristics of zero-power levitation, strong load-carrying capacity and self-stabilization, so it has obvious advantages in the application of rail transportation and heavy-duty transmission and other fields. However, due to the lack of active control of electromagnetism and the existence of multi-point coupling, it is easily affected by external factors, and its dynamic characteristics and its complexity. This paper aims to reveal the levitation mechanism of permanent magnet magnetic levitation system and the coupling motion law of bogie by combining theoretical analysis and experimental verification. Firstly, the proportional and exponential correction coefficients for the magnetic induction strength are introduced to establish an analytical model for the levitation force. Secondly, the three-dimensional dynamic characteristic model of the bogie is established by analyzing the running attitude and external disturbing factors, revealing the four-point levitation coupling mechanism, and judging its stability by using the motion control theory. On this basis, input and output decoupling is realized by the method of coordinate transformation. Finally, through simulation analysis and physical experiments, the bogie motion law under various complex working conditions is explored, and the validity and reliability of the research is proved.
Availability of phenotypic simulation for fruit-related traits in F1 progenies of chili peppers (Capsicum annuum) using genomic prediction based solely on parental information
Authors: Kondo Fumiya , Kumanomido Yui , Palombo Valentino , Ahmed Nahed , Futatsuyama Shino , Nemoto Kazuhiro , D'Andrea Mariasilvia , Matsushima Kenichi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Chili pepper (Capsicum spp.) fruits are used as vegetables, spices, and ornamental plants, necessitating various fruit characteristics. However, their genetic improvement is challenging through conventional cross-breeding due to the quantitative traits, which makes it difficult to predict phenotypes in the progeny. As a breakthrough, we focused on phenotypic simulation via genomic prediction (GP) and aimed to clarify its utility for fruit-related traits in chili peppers. The present study used 291 C. annuum accessions, including two populations: inbred lines and F1 accessions derived from 20 inbred parents. We collected data of fruit length, width, shape index (length/width), weight, and pericarp thickness, and obtained single nucleotide polymorphism data via multiplexed inter-simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing. We simulated the fruit-related traits in the F1 accessions by inputting their estimated genotypes (based on their parents) into the GP model using the GBLUP-GAUSS model, which was shown to be the most accurate regardless of population or trait differences in the present study. As a result, we observed strong positive correlations (r = 0.833 - 0.908) between the simulated and observed phenotypic values across all traits, suggesting that accurate ranking of F1 progenies based on fruit-related traits can be achieved using parental information. This is the first report demonstrating the utility of phenotypic simulation via GP in chili pepper breeding, offering valuable insights for its application in this field.
Constricted range and limited genetic variation in Reig's Grass Mouse Akodon reigi (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) in the Southern Campos
Authors: Quintela Fernando Marques , Pereira Jéssica Bandeira , Gonzalez Enrique , Valiati Victor Hugo , Freitas Thales R. O. , Gonçalves Gislene Lopes 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We present an updated distribution of Akodon reigi, a sigmodontine endemic to Campos in southern South America, and explore its habitat of occurrence and genetic diversity. Our findings reveal new occurrences of A. reigi extending approximately 110 km northwest and 120 km northeast beyond previously known limits. Contrary to previous assumptions of close association with forest formations, recent sightings suggest a degree of habitat plasticity within the species, with specimens found in shrubby/herbaceous phytophysiognomies. Fifty-three individuals sequenced for Cytochrome b (cyt b; 806 bp) and the first exon of Interphotoreceptor Retinoid Binding Protein (IRBP; 408 bp) showed low variability. Eleven distinct cyt b haplotypes were identified. The largest haplotype richness was observed in a locality in the Sul-Riograndense Shield, a region that could represent a center of the species' genetic diversification. No nucleotide variation was observed for IRBP. No significant indications of population expansion or contraction were detected. The relatively small range, the low genetic diversity, and the current condition of habitat stress due to floods related to global climate change draw attention to the species’ conservation.
Inflammatory Signatures of Microglia in the
Mouse Model of Corticosterone-Induced Depression
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhao Yanxiang , Huang Yingying , Cao Ying 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Microglia-mediated inflammation has been recognized as a key feature of major depressive disorder. Although hypercortisolemia commonly occurs in depressed patients and can be predictive of treatment response, how chronic exposure to this stress hormone influences microglia is incompletely characterized. Here, we exploited a standard mouse model of depressive-like behaviors induced by peripheral administration of corticosterone. Microglia in the prefrontal cortex of mice were profiled by bulk RNA sequencing, which exhibited the up-regulation of inflammatory markers. In addition, single-cell RNA sequencing identified distinct molecular patterns of microglial responses. Moreover, we revealed the elevation of Pu.1 and Irf8, the two central transcription factors governing microglia-mediated inflammation, in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of corticosterone-treated mice, which was similarly observed in the single-nucleus RNA sequencing dataset of depressed patients' microglia. These results have established inflammatory signatures of microglia in the mouse model recapitulating hypercortisolemia-related depression, providing new insights into diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Effect of haplo-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation timing on patients with severe aplastic anemia without histocompatible matched sibling donor
Authors: Fan Dan , Xiao Fang , Zhao Jia Yi , Yan Xue Qian , Liu Qiang , Liu Li , Wang Wen Qing , Qin Wei Wei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To evaluate the impact of transplantation timing, specifically frontline versus salvage haplo-HSCT, on the outcomes of patients with SAA. We conducted this retrospective study of 82 SAA patients who underwent haplo-HSCT following the "Beijing protocol". Patients were categorized into the frontline HSCT group (n = 40, 48.8%) and the salvage HSCT group (n = 42, 51.2%) based on transplantation timing. All 82 patients received grafts from related haploidentical donors. Multivariate analysis identified salvage HSCT (HR: 5.344, 95% CI: 1.904–14.995), ferritin levels > 1000 (HR: 5.588, 95% CI: 1.696–18.414), and CMV infection (HR: 11.909, 95% CI: 2.335–60.725) as independent risk factors for graft failure. The overall survival rate was significantly higher in the front HSCT group (90%, 36/40) compared to the salvage HSCT group (71.4%, 30/42) with mortality rates of 10.0% (4/40) and 28.6% (12/42), respectively (p = 0.029). The expected 5-year OS was significantly higher in the frontline HSCT group compared to the salvage group. Salvage HSCT, ECOG score ≥ 1, and ferritin levels > 1000 were identified as independent risk factors for prognosis. For young patients with primary SAA who lack a MSD, frontline haplo-HSCT demonstrates superior efficacy and safety, making it an effective treatment option deserving further clinical promotion.
Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in tomato juice by combined treatment of ethanolic clove extract and mild heat
Authors: Kusalaruk Waraporn , Shimamoto Tadashi , Quan Nguyen , Nakano Hiroyuki , Caigoy Jant Cres 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Combination of plant extracts with mild heat treatment is a promising strategy to provide a microbiologically and chemically safe food product. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic clove extract against Escherichia coli O157:H7 in nutrient broth, buffer, and tomato juice. E. coli O157:H7 was most sensitive to ethanolic clove extract in nutrient-deficient media, while demonstrating relative resistance in nutrient-rich media and tomato juice. Moreover, we evaluated the potential of clove extract as a preservative in tomato juice stored at cold-storage temperatures of 4°C and 15°C. The clove extract exhibited stronger inhibitory effects against the pathogen in tomato juice stored at 15°C compared to 4°C. Additionally, we assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of clove extract in combination with mild heat treatment against E. coli O157:H7 in tomato juice. The combined treatment of 0.05% clove extract with mild heat at 60°C for 30 minutes achieved a 5-log reduction to the E. coli population. Our findings present a potential hurdle technology against E. coli O157:H7 in tomato juice processing, employing a combination of naturally sourced antimicrobials from clove and mild heat treatment. This approach can be effectively adopted by large-scale industries to small-scale local juice vendors to ensure the safety of tomato juice products.