bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermo-ring basis for heat unfolding-induced inactivation in TRPV1
Authors: Wang Guangyu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) is a capsaicin receptor and employs the use-dependent desensitization to protect mammals from noxious heat damage in response to repeated or constant heat stimuli. However, the underlying structural factor or motif has not been resolved precisely. In this computational study, the graph theory-based grid thermodynamic model was used to reveal how the temperature-dependent noncovalent interactions as identified in the 3D structures of rat TRPV1 could develop a well-organized fluidic grid-like mesh network, featuring various topological grids constrained as the thermo-rings that range in size from the biggest to the smallest to govern distinct structural and functional traits of the channel in response to varying temperature degrees. Following the findings that the heat unfolding of three specific biggest grids, one in the closed state and two in the open state, was respectively responsible for the reversible activation at 43 °C and thermal inactivation from 56 °C to 61 °C, a random smaller grid was further identified for the irreversible inactivation and the relevant use-dependent desensitization from the pre-open closed state between 43 °C and 61 °C. Thus, these two distinct inactivation pathways of TRPV1 may be involved in protecting mammals against noxious heat damages.
Quasi-two-dimensional self-assembled fluorinated MOF to construct organic/inorganic hybrid double layer with burst Li+ transmission channels
Authors: Feng Wei , Kong Lingchen , Li Yu , Peng Cong , Zhao Ziyue , Xiao Junwei , Zhao Yimin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The development of disordered lithium dendrite and the adverse reaction between Li and electrolyte impede the practical use of lithium metal batteries (LMB). Herein, we proposed quasi-two-dimensional fluorinated metal-organic frameworks microporous carbon (q2D-FcMOF) were utilized to construct an artificial solid electrolyte interface (ASEI) to achieve a robust and stable interfacial protective double-layer. The outer layer with quasi-two-dimensional hollow organic structure contains multistage pores, offering ample space for lithium deposition, whereas the inner layer composed of inorganic LiF, effectively conducts Li+ and prevents electron transport. Meanwhile, abundant metal ion clusters within the hybrid layer are uniformly dispersed in the matrix, and subsequent Li+ tends to be distributed, encouraging Li+ to cluster around metal active sites that are thermodynamically compatible with lithium. This guides the nucleation of lithium and ensures the growth of dendrite-free lithium during cycling. Consequently, q2D-FcZ8@Li symmetrical batteries demonstrated an ultralong cycle life of over 3600 h, outperforming bare Li and other q2D-FcMOF@Li batteries. When used with commercial cathodes (LiFePO4 or LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2), the full cells exhibited significantly improved cyclability under conditions of high cathode loading, lean electrolyte, and exposure to air for some time. This research suggests an effective method for fabricating ASEI using 2D quasi-ordered superstructure MOF NPs, which is expected to greatly advance the development of LMB.
How Populism Harms Prosperity: Unified Populist Rule Reduces Investment, Innovation, and Productivity
Authors: Magistro Beatrice , Menaldo Victor 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The economic cost of populism is high. This paper finds that when a populist executive rules alongside a populist majority in the legislature, this reduces a country’s growth rate of real per capita income considerably for over a decade, before returning to the pre-populist equilibrium. We also outline the mechanics behind these numbers and provide systematic evidence for our argument. Unified populist governments engage in protectionism, inefficient redistribution and financial repression that undermines productivity by increasing the size of government without parallel investments in infrastructure, basic science, and education. Their policies also reduce private investment, R&D spending, researchers per capita, and patents per capita. This is true for populists from either the left or right, in rich or poor countries, in nations open to trade or less open, and across both liberal democracies and authoritarian regimes. We arrive at these findings by estimating ARDL dynamic panel models via System GMM, which increases our confidence that these long run effects run from populism to economic underdevelopment. This paper also introduces a new conceptualization of populism that identifies if populists are in control of both the executive and legislative branches.
Stereo-microscopic study of the anatomy of Papaya mealy bug Paracoccus marginatus (Williams and Granara de Willink)
Authors: Prakash Harshitha , Veershetty Channabasava , shukla pawan , Subrahmanyam Gangavarapu , Moorthy S. Manthira 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus (Williams and Granara de Willink) is an economical pest of mulberry causing significant crop loss by damaging the leaves. This study was undertaken to investigate the internal structure of papaya mealybug was morphologically examined through a stereo-zoom microscope which includes digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, excretory system, pseudovitellus and muscular system. The internal anatomy of papaya mealybug revealed that the digestive system is associated with fore-gut (pharynx and oesophagus), mid-gut (stomach /dilated sac), filter chamber and hind-gut (ileum and rectum). The filter chamber is enclosed with posterior extremity of oesophagus, anterior mid-gut, posterior mid-gut, anterior extremity of ileum and rectum. Either side of the oesophageal tube has a pair of fully formed salivary glands. Two malpighian tubules approximate of its body length were seen adjacent to the hind-gut. Nervous system is mainly composed of supra-oesophageal ganglion (Brain) with a small lobe called sympathetic ganglion, sub-oesophageal ganglion and thoracico-abdomial ganglion. Tracheal trunks emerge from four spiracles, which were encircled by wax glands at its base. Reproductive system consists of three globular genital glands with a single globular structured spermatheca, a pair of ovaries present in Y shape with numerous ovarioles. The ventral longitudinal muscles protrude from diamond shaped thoracic furca and dorsal longitudinal muscles present beneath the dorsal region extends throughout the body. Oval shaped pseudo-vitellus composed of bacterio-cysts in the centre of the ventral region. The purpose of this study is to highlight some of the important internal anatomical features of adult female papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus (Williams and Granara de Willink).
Retrospective, Evaluator-Blinded, Pilot and Pivotal Clinical Trials: Assessing the mirCaP Kit (hsv2-miR-H9/has-miR-3659) as a Diagnostic Marker for Prostate Cancer in Patients with PSA Gray Zone Levels
Authors: Kim Won Tae , Kim Kyeong , Kang Ho Won , Byun Young Joon , Piao Xuan-Mei , Kim Yong-June , Lee Sang Cheol , Yun Seok Joong , Ha Yun-Sok , Kim Jiyeon , Kim Isaac Yi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

PSA remains a key biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer (PCa). The positive predictive value (PPV) of PSA for PCa detection via biopsy is estimated to be between 30-42% for patients within the PSA gray zone. We conducted a single-center, retrospective, evaluator-blinded, pilot, and pivotal clinical trial to assess the clinical performance of the mirCaP kit (hsv2-miR-H9/has-miR-3659) in aiding physicians’ decision-making for PCa assessments in patients within this gray zone. In the initial clinical trial group, among patients in the PSA gray zone, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 94.29%, 77.50%, 85.33%, 78.57%, and 93.94%, respectively. In the pivotal clinical trial, these values were 94.50%, 82.73%, 87.90%, 81.10%, and 95.04%, respectively. These results suggest that the mirCaP kit may serve as an effective non-invasive diagnostic marker for PCa in patients within the PSA gray zone. The mirCaP kit appears to be a promising tool for guiding decisions regarding prostate biopsy in these patients. Notably, the negative predictive value was over 90%, indicating that in the PSA gray zone, the mirCaP kit could reduce the need for more than 90% of unnecessary prostate biopsies.
Design Principles Supporting Data-driven Decisions Platforms
Authors: Elragal Ahmed , Elgendy Nada 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The digital transformation of organizations and societies and the increasing availability of big data and analytics make decision-making more complex and dynamic. This challenge is likely to continue and accelerate. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new scientific approach to facilitate decision-making based on evidence from data. Quite recently, organizations have begun relying on machines to make decisions. So, this leaves us astray about designing data-driven decision platforms to enable humans and machines to collaborate toward organizational decision-making. Incorporating data and algorithms into decision-making addresses existing challenges and brings new ones. Therefore, to enable data-driven decisions, data-driven platforms are needed. However, existing platforms need the principles that ought to exist to foster insight-driven choices in organizations. We argue that a consolidated normative theory must be required for designing data-driven decision platforms. This is problematic because it hinders the ability of organizations to become data-driven concerning how they make decisions. Accordingly, we have posited and evaluated a set of design principles to support data-driven decision platforms, following design science research methodology. Our overarching purpose is to present the posited design principles and the preliminary results from their qualitative evaluation and to contribute to developing design principles, enabling researchers and practitioners to augment them into instantiations of various data-driven decision platforms.
Experimental Investigations of Light Weight Cellular Concrete fabricated using Sodium Lauryl Sulphate based Foam/Aerosol with Flyash as a stabilizer for structural applications
Authors: Theenathayalan R. , Venkatesan P. Vincent , Jeyasubramanian K. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Light Weight Cellular Concrete (LWCC) was prepared in this work using Portland Pozzolana cement and river sand as fine aggregate with air voids induced using Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) as foaming agents along with foam stabilizers. The sustainability of foam in the base mix was attained by dispersing 4 g of foam stabilizers such as Fly ash (FA), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and Silica Fume (SF) in the surfactant solution. The optimum foam concentration was evaluated by varying the concentration of surfactant as 0.25 M, 0.5 M, 0.75 M and 1 M. Various characteristics of foam such as Surfactant Liquid Density (SLD), Foam Expansion Ratio (FER), Initial Foam Density (IFD) and Foam Stability (FS) with and without foam stabilizers were assessed using foam drainage test as per the ASTM standard 869 − 91. Taking into account the results obtained, the foam generated using SLS in 1 M concentration sustains the foam while being dispersed in the concrete manufacturing process. Furthermore, the optimization of foam characteristics was also performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS Ver. 26.0). After setting the foam concrete followed by curing under water, the density of foam/aerosol concrete and their compressive strength were measured. The SLS foam-based LWCC produced using FA as stabilizer showed the maximum compressive strength of 6.56 MPa with its corresponding density of 1705.28 kg/m3. In contrast, the LWCC produced using SLS-based aerosol with same concentration of 1 M showed a remarkable compressive strength of 16.8 MPa and density of 1742.94 kg/m3. The aerosol-based LWCC paved the way for a novel method of producing LWCC to build structural elements in construction industry.
Societal Sustainability Consciousness and Its Influence on Corporate Responsibility Uptake in Jordan's Business Sector
Authors: Mansour Ahmad , Al-Ma'aitah Mohammad , Deek Anan , Alshaketheep Khaled , Shajrawi Ahmad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The involvement of the private sector in fostering sustainable development is propelled by significant advancements in commercial and industrial spheres. However, despite these advancements, there is a noticeable decline in corporate social responsibility, attributed to various factors such as scepticism among owners or board members regarding sustainability concepts and the perceived high costs associated with adopting sustainable technologies. This paper endeavours to investigate the relationship between community responsiveness and the extent of businesses' commitment to sustainability in the context of Jordan. Utilizing a mixed methods approach comprising interviews and a comprehensive questionnaire, data was collected from a sample of two hundred and ten (210) members of the Jordan community through an online platform. The collected data underwent rigorous analysis including descriptive and regression analyses as well as relevant correlations. Encouragingly, the findings of this study reveal a robust association between individuals' social consciousness and their support for businesses and organizations operating within the Jordan community. Future research endeavours could further explore additional influential factors. The conclusions drawn from this research hold potential significance as they may provide valuable insights for incentivizing businesses to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency in cultivating a genuine societal commitment to sustainability, thereby contributing to scholarly discourse on the subject.
JEL Classification: M14, M21
Impact of integrated pest management strategies on major pests of kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco) and fruit yield in Haryana, India
Authors: MEENA PRABHU NARAYAN , Raghavendra Devaramane , Singh Satyendra , Kumar Narendra , Khokhar Mukesh Kumar , Chander Subhash 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco) is one of the valuable fruit crops that mostly grown in North Indian states of India due to its high-quality juice content and resistant to decline. Pests psylla, whitefly, sooty mold and dieback damage new flush and fruits of mandarin are the most important biotic constraints affecting yield to the tune of 70 per cent. To manage these menace, farmers often resort to cocktail of pesticides without achieving the desired result. Hence, area wide implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in kinnow mandarin was implemented during 2021, 2022 and 2023 covering 5 villagesat Hisar, Haryana. The lowest average mean population of psylla and whitefly was recorded in IPM plots (4.82±4.69 no.of nymph and adult/10cm shoot and 2.80±1.56 no.of nymph and adult/leaf) compared to FP (6.67±3.15 no.of nymph and adult/10cm shoot and 3.89±1.51 no.of nymph and adult/leaf) and control (7.71±5.98 no.of nymph and adult/10cm shoot and 4.90±2.05 no.of nymph and adult/leaf) plots respectively. Similarly, minimum average mean disease severity of sooty mold and dieback was noticed in IPM plots (7.41±2.18 and 10.01±2.34%) compared to FP (9.31±2.97 and 12.11±2.65%) and untreated control (11.28±4.67 and 13.91±2.79%) plots. Likewise, low rate of Area Under Diseases Progress Curve (AUDPC) of sooty mold and dieback was observed in IPM followed by FP and in control plots. The Pearson correlation matrix reveals intricate relationships among the pests. The highest average fruit yield (t/ha) and B:C ratio was also recorded in IPM (22.46 & 4.34) compared to FP (18.88 & 3.16) and control (7.42 & 1.73). Besides, the IPM strategy has increased economic yield, the net profit by preventing pest resurgence, pesticide resistance, maintaining natural enemy diversity.
A study on the genetic and phenotypic factors affecting specific ewe productivity traits in Sangsari sheep
Authors: Ehsaninia Jamshid 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The study's objectives were to assess the genetic parameters of reproductive characteristics in Sangsari sheep. A data set of reproductive information with pedigree details from 1995 to 2016 was used. Studied traits were litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter mean weight per lamb born (LMWLB), litter mean weight per lamb weaned (LMWLW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB) and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW). Test significance of the environmental factors to be included in the model was conducted using the general linear model procedure of the SAS program. All traits were significantly affected by the year of lambing and ewe age at lambing (P < 0.01). The AI-REML procedure of the Wombat program was used to evaluate genetic parameters. A series of bivariate animal models were employed to calculate genetic (rg) and phenotypic (rp) correlations between traits. The total least square means ± standard error of LSB, LSW, LMWLB, LMWLW, TLWB, and TLWW were 1.04 ± 0.05, 0.96 ± 0.03, 3.12 ± 0.08, 15.40 ± 0.13, 3.28 ± 0.04, and 19.31 ± 0.16, respectively. The estimates of h2 were relatively low and ranged from 0.063 ± 0.028 for LSW to 0.181 ± 0.063 for TLWW. Repeatability estimates varied from 0.101 for LSW to 0.241 for TLWW. The sire service effects for LMWLB, TLWB, and TLWW were 0.012 ± 0.004, 0.023 ± 0.006, and 0.039 ± 0.009, respectively. The traits studied showed a greater magnitude of genetic correlation than phenotypic correlation, with values ranging from − 0.59 (LSB-LMWLB) to 0.87 (LMWLB-TLWB). It appears that focusing on TLWW for selection could result in more significant improvements in the reproductive performance of Sangsari ewes.
Evaluation of Ketone Bodies in Blood during Vomiting Episodes for Diagnosing Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Saito Yuya , Osawa Yukiko , Obonai Toshimasa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a very common emergency pediatric condition but can be challenging to diagnose due to the need to ascertain a history of recurrent vomiting episodes. The present study aimed to evaluate the utility of the blood ketone (beta-hydroxybutyric acid) level in diagnosing CVS by investigating ketone bodies in pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department with vomiting symptoms. The study included 395 patients who underwent rapid beta-hydroxybutyric acid testing for vomiting episodes between August 24, 2021 and September 30, 2023. Of these, 21 (5.3%) were diagnosed with CVS while 374 (94.7%) were classified as non-CVS. Additionally, 21 patients with CVS were compared with 63 controls matched for age and fasting duration. The beta-hydroxybutyric acid level was higher (3.6 mmol/L vs. 1.7 mmol/L, P < 0.001) in the CVS group than in the control subjects. The diagnostic probability model for CVS based on age (≥ 8 years) and beta-hydroxybutyric acid level (≥ 2.9 mmol/L) in the present study demonstrated a specificity of 97.1%, sensitivity of 42.9%, and positive likelihood ratio of 14.3.
Conclusion: The blood ketone level was higher in pediatric patients with CVS presenting to the emergency department with vomiting symptoms than in matched control subjects. Age and the blood ketone level may have the potential to aid the early diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Comprehensive Radiomics Analysis for Predicting Benign and Malignant Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs) of the Pancreas: Integrating Clinical and Imaging Data
Authors: Lou Fengxiang , Li Mingyang , Chu Tongjia , Duan Haoyu , Liu Huan , Zhang Jian , Duan Kehang , Liu Han , Wei Feng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose:The primary aim of this investigation was to leverage radiomics derived from contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans to devise a predictive model adept at discerning the benign and malignant of IPMNs. Material and Methods: Radiomic signatures were meticulously crafted to delineate benign from malignant IPMNs by extracting pertinent features from contrast-enhanced CT images within a designated training cohort (n = 84). Subsequent validation was conducted on an independent test cohort (n = 37). The efficacy of the model's discriminative capability was quantitatively evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, with an integration of carefully selected clinical features to enhance comparative analysis. Results:The arterial phase images were utilized to construct a model comprising 8 features for distinguishing between benign and malignant cases. The model achieved an accuracy of 0.891 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.816–0.996] in the cross-validation set and 0.553 (95% CI, 0.360-0.745) in the test set. Conversely, employing 9 features from the venous phase resulted in a model with a cross-validation accuracy of 0.862 (95%CI, 0.777-0.946) and a test set accuracy of 0.801 (95% CI, 0.653-0.950).Integrating the identified clinical features with image features yielded a model with a cross-validation accuracy of 0.934 (95% CI, 0.879-0.990) and a test set accuracy of 0.904 (95% CI, 0.808-0.999), thereby further enhancing its discriminatory capability. Conclusion:Our findings distinctly illustrate that venous phase radiomics eclipses arterial phase radiomics in terms of predictive accuracy regarding the nature of IPMN. Furthermore, the synthesis and meticulous screening of clinical features with radiomic data significantly amplify the diagnostic efficacy of our model, underscoring the pivotal importance of a comprehensive and integrated approach for accurate risk stratification in IPMN management.
Health related quality of life and cost of illness in hemodialysis patients attending teaching hospitals: evidence from a developing country
Authors: Ghoddoosi-Nejad Djavad , Ebrahimi Vajiheh , SharifZadeh Gholamreza , arian anahita , zozani morteza arab 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney diseases and treatment protocols and procedures including hemodialysis affect one’s life style, health status and nevertheless socio-economic status of the patients. We aimed to assess the health related quality of life and cost of illness in hemodialysis patients.
Methods and materials: This study conducted in a two phases. First we assessed the quality of life of the patients undergo hemodialysis and then Cost of Illness (COI) was estimated. Researchers used census method for sampling and all patients attended teaching hospitals were included in the study. KDQOL-SF used for assessing quality of life of the patients and COI checklist was used for estimating costs of them during the study.
Results: 38 (76%) of the participants were male and other were female (12, 2%). Also 76% of the patients were married. Mean score of quality of life was 221.2 ± 17.31. Direct medical costs of every patient with hemodialysis was calculated 268.71$ and total cost for every patients was estimated for 2,050.09$ per year for receiving hemodialysis care on average. Significant relationship found between the quality of life and gender and employment status. Also, there was a significant relationship between the total costs of the studied hemodialysis patients and the variables of employment status and job type. (α≤0.05)
Conclusion: Although the quality of life score of hemodialysis patients was assessed relatively high, due to the fact that most of the treatment costs included overhead and indirect costs from the patient's out of pocket payments, it is recommended to the health authorities to take decisions such as setting up more dialysis centers to reduce these costs, and developing supportive subsidiary plans for these type of patients.