bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Regional Economic Disparities Promote Regional Value Chains? A Case Study of East Africa Community Member States
Authors: Kainga Erastus 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Regional economic disparities in developing countries impact growth of regional value chains to compete in the global markets. Regional economic disparities are the difference in economic capabilities between states in a region. The objective of this paper is to explore the impact of regional economic disparities (RED) on growth of food and beverage regional value chains (RVCs) in the East Africa Community (EAC) manufacturing sector. The paper employs the New Economic Geography (NEG) model in investigating the dynamics of promotion of regional value chains in EAC’s manufacturing sector. By making use of secondary data from five member states, the author surveys labor in the manufacturing sector, total income of laborers and executives, taxes, intra-regional and extra-regional trade in foods and beverages, and gross value added as the regional value chain determinant. To answer the research questions, regression analysis was used to shed light on (i) the effect of regional economic disparities on promotion of regional value chains in EAC and (ii) the effect of prices on regional value chains. The findings show disparities having a positive and significant effect on promotion of RVCs, price, intra and extra-regional trade, and executive salaries while laborers’ salaries and taxation have a negative and significant effect on the promotion of RVCs. The significance of this research lies in the potential to enable EAC member states to realize and leverage their protection, industrialization, export performance and economic development strategies. Future research work may look into Climate Changes, Export Controls and Politics as promoters of regional value chains as well as infrastructure, and technology. The results show need for laborers to acquire more skills necessary to remain relevant in the ever transforming manufacturing sector. Further, that technology absorption is crucial among producers and regional tax agreements are necessary in industry location decisions. Finally, that wages determine production and the nations paying their workers more tend to enjoy more intraregional trade. According to these findings, EAC member states need to increase intra-regional trade, apply some protectionist policies as well encourage increased budgets for education and building of institutions while also attracting foreign direct investments with tax reliefs.
Keywords: Trade diversion, regional value chains, regional economic disparities, global value chains, intra-regional trade, competitive advantage and price volatility,
Terazosin, a repurposed GPR119 agonist, ameliorates mitophagy and β-cell function in NAFPD by inhibiting MST1-Foxo3a signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhang Chenglei , Li Jiarui , Wang Lijuan , Ma Jie , Li Xin , Wu Yuanyuan , Ren Yanru , Yang Yanhui , Song Hui , Li Jianning 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) agonists are being developed to safeguard the function of pancreatic β-cells, especially in the context of non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD), closely associated with β-cell dysfunction arising from excessive fat accumulation in the pancreas. Drug repurposing technology, abandoning the drawbacks of traditional lengthy, costly, and low-market-probability development methods, has emerged as a new direction in drug development. Here, we employed a drug repurposing technology to screen GPR119 agonists and explore their potential molecular mechanisms for enhancing β-cell function in the context of NAFPD. Employing Schrodinger Suites drug design software, we found that 3622 drugs, including the α-1 adrenergic receptor blocker Terazosin, can bind to GPR119. Terazosin was was further validated to selectively activate GPR119, leading to increased cAMP and ATP synthesis, consequently enhancing insulin secretion. Terazosin administration improved high blood glucose, obesity, and impaired pancreatic β-cell function in NAFPD mice. It inhibited the upregulation of MST1-Foxo3a expression in pancreatic tissue and enhancing damaged mitophagy clearance, restoring autophagic flux, improving mitochondrial quantity and structure in β-cells. Notably, GPR119 deficiency negated the positive impact of Terazosin on pancreatic β-cell function in NAFPD mice, and abolished its inhibitory effect on the MST1-Foxo3a pathway. In conclusions, drug repurposing technology is applicable to the development of GPR119 agonists. Terazosin enhances mitophagy and alleviating β-cell dysfunction in the context of NAFPD by suppressing the MST1-Foxo3a signaling pathway. Terazosin could be considered a priority treatment for patients with concomitant NAFPD and hypertension.
An analysis of minimum potential visibility and forecasting of fog for Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (India)
Authors: Kotal S. D. , Mohapatra M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The range of visibility largely depends upon the meteorological parameters. A visibility parameter, termed as visibility potential parameter (VPP) is proposed to estimate minimum potential visibility (MPV) during foggy morning. The parameter is defined as the product of two variables, namely temperature, and the inverse of relative humidity. The whole VPP range (0.5-8.5) is divided into sixteen groups from lowest group (0.5-1.0) to highest group (8.1-8.5). The analysis of VPP for the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi (India) shows that all the very dense (visibility: <50 m) fog cases and 98.8% of dense fog (visibility: 50-199 m) cases occurred in the lowest two groups of VPP (0.5-1.0) and (1.1-1.5). The entire moderate (visibility: 200-499 m) fog cases and 93.5% of shallow (visibility: 500-999 m) fog cases occurred in the lowest three VPP groups. The probabilities of occurrence of fog for the lowest three VPP groups are 61%, 43.5%, and 25.9% respectively. The empirical relationship between VPP and MPV is found to be linear. Rapid update of initial error in statistical post-processing (RUPP) forecast is also proposed for improvement of visibility forecasts. The improvement of error ranged from 20% to 87.7% for forecast update period from 1200 UTC to 0000 UTC. Results of this study show that the MPV could provide useful guidance to forecasters about the possible lowest visibility, and use of recent trend than mean trend of past visibility with respect to VPP and successive removal of error structure in the forecast trajectory can improve the forecasts.
Antegrade nailing using elastic stable intramedullary nail for fifth metacarpal neck fractures in adolescents: ultrasound versus fluoroscopy
Authors: Liu Shuai , Wu Yiheng , Wang Shuo , rai Saroj , Hong Pan , Xin Tianyou 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck (FMNF) represent a common hand injury, often amenable to conservative management. However, in adolescents with significant displacement or rotational deformity, surgical intervention may be warranted to achieve optimal functional recovery. This study aims to juxtapose the clinical outcomes of percutaneous pinning using Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing (ESIN) under fluoroscopic versus ultrasound guidance.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis encompassing 42 patients aged 10 to 16 diagnosed with FMNF. Patients were stratified into cohorts based on the modality employed for procedural guidance, distinguishing between those guided by ultrasound and fluoroscopy. Comprehensive demographic and clinical parameters were meticulously documented for both cohorts. Furthermore, the pre- and post-operative alterations in Horizontal Metacarpal Phalangeal Angle (HSA) and Metacarpal Phalangeal Joint Range of Motion (MPJ ROM) were meticulously scrutinized to ascertain surgical efficacy.
Results: Notably, parameters such as Pre-operative HSA, Post-operative HSA, and MPJ ROM exhibited no statistically discernible disparities between the ultrasound-guided cohort and their fluoroscopy-guided counterparts (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Evidently, closed reduction coupled with percutaneous pinning under ultrasound guidance emerges as a viable therapeutic modality for adolescent FMNF cases. Importantly, it yields clinical outcomes commensurate with those achieved through percutaneous pinning conducted under fluoroscopy.
The Contribution of Community Transmission to the Burden of Hospital-associated Pathogens: A Systematic Scoping Review of Epidemiological Models
Authors: Lin Gary , Poleon Suprena , Hamilton Alisa , Salvekar Nalini , Jara Manuel , Lanzas Cristina , Hazel Ashley , Blumberg Seth , Lenhart Suzanne , Lloyd Alun L. , Vullikanti Anil , Klein Eili , Haghpanah Fardad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI), particularly those involving multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO), pose a significant public health threat. Understanding the transmission of these pathogens in short-term acute care hospitals (STACH) is crucial for effective control. Mathematical and computational models play a key role in studying transmission but often overlook the influence of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and the broader community on transmission. In a systematic scoping review of 8,811 studies from 2016 to 2022, we explored the modeling landscape of the hospital-community interface in HAI-causing pathogen transmission. Among the 29 eligible studies, 27% (n=8) exclusively modeled LTCFs, 45% (n=13) focused on non-healthcare-related community settings, and 31% (n=9) considered both settings. Studies emphasizing screening and contact precautions were more likely to include LTCFs but tended to neglect the wider community. This review emphasizes the crucial need for comprehensive modeling that incorporates the community's impact on both clinical and public health outcomes.
Finding Group Gene Biomarkers by improved LRP algoirthm and Intersection Selection Idea
Authors: Zheng Fang , Qing Jianbo , Yuan Zihang , Li Yafeng , Li Yaheng , Geng Yan , Zhao Juanjuan , Qiang Yan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Gene Biomarkers is valuable to the medical mechanism and drug targets. But it is very hard to find the accurate biomarkers. The traditional bioinfomatical methods and machine learning both focus on binary classified methods. However, it is also important to find precised biomarkers for one disease consisting of many subtypes. Deep learning can deal well with multi-classification. But, finding gene biomarker is short of good related methods. LRP is one of interpretable methods in deep learning. It is more valid for MLP-likelihood networks. Since LRP method just finds the features for one sample not for a group composed of many samples with the common features. In this paper,we propose an improved LRP to represent features for a group, not for a single sample. In addition, to make up the inaccuracy of the method, we propose to use the feature intersection of genes from two MLP-likehood models as the biomarkers. To find the two MLP-likelihood models, we construct a two-way MLP-likelihood network ConvAttMLPA, inspired by NFM network. Then, select any two models from MLP, NFM and ConvAttnMLPA, to compute feature genes based on improved LRP. To validate this method, we propose an evaluation method and based on it, find the best genes as biomarkers.
Ginsenoside Rb prevent the metastasis of hepatocarcinoma by blocking the platelet-tumor cells interaction
Authors: miao Longxing , Yang Yijun , Cheng Mengtao , Chen Lijing , Han Chunchao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The interaction between platelets and tumor cells is a crucial step in the progression of tumor metastasis. Blocking platelet-tumor cells interaction is a potential target against metastasis. Ginsenoside Rb (G-Rb) exhibits potential anti-tumor pharmacological properties and may offer a therapeutic option for cancer.
Purpose
This study aimed to investigated anti-metastatic effects of G-Rb through regulating the crosstalk of platelets with tumor cells.
Methods
In order to explore anti-metastatic effects of G-Rb in vitro, HepG2 cell and platelets were co-cultured to mimic the interaction of platelets with tumor cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to assess the effect of G-Rb on cell migration and invasion. The expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related markers was determined by RT-qPCR and western blot assays. The aggregation and activation of platelets were detected by flow cytometry. Moreover, a lung metastasis model of mice was established to evaluate inhibitory effects of G-Rb in vivo. Metastatic nodules on the lung surface were counted and Sections of lung tissues were stained by H&E.
Results
G-Rb effectively suppressed tumor metastasis in the co-culture of platelets with HepG2 cell. First, G-Rb treatment significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells induced by platelets. Second, the expressions of EMT-related markers, including N-cadherin, Snail and MMP9, were decreased by the treatment of G-Rb in the presence of platelets. Meanwhile, G-Rb also suppressed platelets hyperactivity by regulating the adhesion to tumor cells, activation, TCIPA and TGF-β1 secretion of platelets in vitro. In addition, the results of in vivo experiments proved G-Rb administration not only significantly decreased lung metastasis but also attenuated platelets aberrant aggregation and activation in vivo.
Conclusion
Our findings showed that G-Rb inhibited tumor metastasis and platelet activation through mediating platelets-tumor cells interaction, indicating the potential values of G-Rb in tumor metastasis therapy.
The Forecasting of Surface Displacement for Tunnel Slopes Utilizing the WD-IPSO-GRU Model
Authors: MA Guoqing , Zang Xiaopeng , Chen Shitong , Zhi Momo , Huang Xiaoming 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Continuous displacement prediction of tunnel slope deformation can serve as a basis for evaluating slope stability. For this purpose, a fusion optimized prediction model based on wavelet decomposition (WD), particle swarm optimization with genetic algorithm enhancement (IPSO), and gated recurrent unit (GRU) termed WD-IPSO-GRU is proposed. Initially, WD preprocesses noise and features in field displacement monitoring data; subsequently, IPSO dynamically sets learning factors and weights, optimizing the number of neurons and iteration times in GRU hidden layers L1 and L2, and introduces Dropout technique to prevent overfitting, enhancing GRU model performance in long-term sequence prediction tasks. Finally, leveraging the optimal solution enables prediction of GNSS displacement of tunnel slope surfaces. Results indicate that compared to GRU, recurrent neural network (RNN), and long short-term memory (LSTM) models, the WD-IPSO-GRU model demonstrates higher prediction accuracy. The root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and coefficient of determination (R²) for site 02 are 0.16, 0.18%, and 0.95 respectively, providing a new approach for tunnel slope displacement prediction.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals prognostic molecular subtype and candidate risk model for pseudouridylation- related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lan Chenlu , Wei Yongguang , Huang Huasheng , Qin Haifei , Huang Ketuan , Zhou Xin , Yang Chengkun , Liao Xiwen , Zhu Guangzhi , Peng Tao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Growing studies have shown pseudouridylation can regulate translation and gene expression, but the molecular characteristics of pseudouridylation remain unknown in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Based on public databases, we identified pseudouridylation-related molecular cluster and risk score model to evaluate the prognosis, clinical characteristic, molecular mechanisms, immune landscape of HCC. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was adopted to verify the expression of RDM1, CDCA3 and FLVCR1. We found that pseudouridylation-related genes (PRGs) mainly participate in regulation of transcription and translation. The prognostic PRGs can divide HCC sample into two subtypes, the cluster1 characterized with high AFP, poor differentiation, advanced tumor stage, large tumor size, frequent TP53 mutation, up-regulation of cell cycle and mitosis, and poor prognosis, which was similar to the proliferation type of HCC. On the contrary, the cluster2 presented good prognosis and increased infiltration of immune cells, which was partly similar to the non-proliferation HCC and may benefit from immunotherapy. Furthermore, the risk score model, constructed by RDM1, CDCA3 and FLVCR1, was demonstrated to be significantly related to prognosis, and be an independent prognostic factor. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) of high-risk group were worse than the low-risk. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed the model had a better predictive performance for 1- and 3- year survival with the maximum AUC reached 0.806. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that gene sets of cell cycle-, mitotic division-related biological processes and cell signaling pathways were upregulated in high-risk group, such as PLK1 pathway, FOXM1 pathway, P53 regulation pathway and so on. PCR experiment discovered the expression of RDM1, CDCA3 and FLVCR1 were obviously overexpressed in HCC tissues, which was consistent with public data. In conclusion, the prognostic PRGs related-molecular subtype and risk model may effectively forecast the prognosis and immune landscape of HCC.
Modulation Signal Recognition Based on Endpoint Detection and Cepstral Parameters
Authors: Xiuquan Li , Zhen Wang , Yeyin Jin , Jing Chen , Zhenfei Li 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Digital signal modulation recognition technology serves as the foundation and basis for signal demodulation, playing a crucial role in communication signal reconnaissance and holding significant research significance. This paper conducts research on digital signal modulation recognition technology from the perspectives of signal preprocessing and feature extraction. Seven modulation signals, namely 2ASK, 4ASK, 2FSK, 4FSK, 2PSK, 4PSK, and OFDM, are selected as recognition targets. The paper compares the effects of four different endpoint detection algorithms on modulation signal recognition. The results indicate that, for these seven modulation signals, the short-time energy entropy ratio algorithm performs the best, achieving a correct endpoint detection rate of over 93% in a Gaussian channel with a signal-to-noise(SNR) ratio of 0dB. Based on this, three different denoising algorithms are introduced to further enhance the performance of the short-time energy entropy ratio algorithm. The results show that the wavelet denoising algorithm achieves the greatest improvement in the performance of the short-time energy entropy ratio algorithm, with a short processing time. In a Gaussian channel with a SNR ratio greater than − 10dB, the endpoint detection accuracy of this algorithm can be maintained at over 95%. Finally, for the accurate identification and differentiation of 2FSK and 4FSK, this paper optimized the relevant algorithm in the cyclic spectrum. The kurtosis coefficient value Kur of the cyclic spectrum parameter matrix at the cyclic frequency \(\alpha =0\) is utilized to distinguish between these two signals. The results show that, at a SNR ratio of 4dB, the modulation recognition algorithm proposed in this paper can effectively distinguish between these two signals, achieving a recognition accuracy of over 99%.
Impact of temperature and water source on drinking water bulk and biofilm microbiome during distribution in a pilot-scale study
Authors: Boon Nico , Waegenaar Fien , Pluym Thomas , García-Timermans Cristina , Coene Laura , Schelfhout Jozefien , De Gusseme Bart 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study utilized a pilot-scale distribution network to examine the impact of temperature increases (16°C, 20°C, 24°C) and source variations (treated ground- and surface water) on bulk and biofilm communities over 137 days. Microbial characterization employed flow cytometry and 16S sequencing to elucidate bulk-biofilm interactions. Bacterial bulk cell densities increased with higher temperatures, while water source variations significantly influenced bulk cell densities as well as the community composition. Additionally, growth curves were fitted on the flow cytometry results, and growth rates and carrying capacities were higher with treated groundwater at elevated temperatures. Conversely, biofilm cell densities remained unaffected by temperature. A mature biofilm was observed from day 70 onwards and a core biofilm microbiome, resilient to temperature and water source changes, was identified. These findings emphasize the importance of water source quality for maintaining biological stability in drinking water systems, particularly in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Effects of novel anthropometric parameters on uric acid levels and hyperuricemia in adults and their predictive value: a cross-sectional study in Su-Wuxi-Chang area, Jiangsu, China
Authors: Li Hongwei , Shen Zhenhai , Wei Jiang , Jia Bing , Li Shaolei , Zhang Ping , Wang Liuyu , Yuan Peng , Yun Lu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Novel anthropometric indices are more closely related to metabolic abnormalities than traditional anthropometric indices. Fewer studies have been conducted based on the relationship between novel anthropometric indicators and hyperuricemia. This study was to analyze the uric acid levels of adults and the relationship between hyperuricemia and these new indicators in Su-Wuxi-Chang area of China, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the management of uric acid levels in patients with hyperuricemia. A total of 14834 adults were enrolled. The information of height, weight, waist circumference, lifestyle, fasting plasma glucose, lipids, and SUA were collected. The traditional obesity indices and novel anthropometric indices were calculated by formulas. Lipid accumulation product (LAP), triglyceride glucose (TyG) and body roundness index (BRI) are independent risk factors for hyperuricemia in both men and women (P<0.01). In males, the predictive ability of LAP, TyG and BMI to the incidence of hyperuricemia were 0.694, 0.661 and 0.642 in AUC area, respectively (P<0.01) and which were 0.767，0.746 and 0.728 respectively in females (P<0.01). In both men and women, the LAP and TyG indices were more predictive of hyperuricemia than the other indices (P< 0.01). Among the novel anthropometric parameters, LAP, TyG and BRI were independent influencing factors for hyperuricemia. The capacity of LAP and TyG indexes were better than other traditional anthropometric indexes in predicting hyperuricemia in this population. The predicted hyperuricemia ablity of LAP in both male and female better than other traditional and new anthropometric indicators.