bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tax Revenue Instability in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does Institutional Quality Matter?
Authors: ZORE Mahamoudou , NIKIEMA Roukiatou 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Sub-Saharan African countries (SSA) face a dual fiscal challenge: the need to increase tax revenue mobilisation and the issue of revenue instability. This paper contributes to those concerns by investigating the causal effect of institutional quality on tax revenue stability in Sub-Saharan Africa over the period 2000-2020. We exploit the UNU-WIDER data on government revenues and apply the Generalized Method Model (GMM) estimation technique to address endogeneity issues. The study shows that tax revenue instability is reduced by institutional quality. Notably, this stabilizing effect is more pronounced for revenues derived from indirect taxes as compared to those from direct taxes. This result is robust to changes in the measure of tax revenue instability, the quality of institutions, the sample and the time horizon. The analysis of heterogeneity indicates that the effect is more significant in resource-rich countries and in countries experiencing economic growth. The article's results are relevant to tax policy, specifically the necessary adjustments to improve tax revenue stability through institutional quality.
JEL Classification: H21; O17; E02; O55; C23
Evaluation of ground disturbance behavior during articulated shield tunneling on small radius curved routes in clays
Authors: Zhang Zhiguo , Chen Yinji , Zhang Mengxi , Li Jiaxuan , Han Kaihang , Wei Gang , Chen Jie , Pan Yutao , Sun Miaomiao , Niu Rui , Wang Anyuan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Current theoretical works on excavation-induced ground settlement in clays for small radius curve tunnels typically treat the shield as a continuous entity, neglecting the influence of the articulation device. Consequently, the accurate assessment of over-excavation effects resulting from changes in the small curvature shield excavation route is impossible. As regards the articulation and geometric relationship between the shield machine and tunnel excavation route, this paper develops formulae for calculating soil over-excavation amount and articulation angle at different positions during tunnel excavation. The clay soil settlement affected by multiple factors during the construction of an articulated shield is resolved via the mirror image method and Mindlin's solution, which takes into account articulation impacts. Additionally, the on-site monitoring data is utilized for comparison and verification with the proposed theoretical solution. It is demonstrated that the solution for small curvature excavation settlement involving the articulation effect achieves good conformance in predicting soil deformation. Finally, the parametric analyses are conducted to estimate the impact of the articulation device on the predicted ground settlement values in clay soil.
Empowerment among breast cancer survivors using an online peer support community
Authors: Ruiz-Romeo Marina , Ciria-Suarez Laura , Medina Joan C. , Serra-Blasco Maria , Souto-Sampera Arnau , Flix-Valle Aida , Arizu-Onassis Alejandra , Villanueva-Bueno Cristina , Escudero-Vilaplana Vicente , Juan-Linares Eva , Ochoa-Arnedo Cristian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) impacts the patient’s quality of life. Peer support can provide emotional understanding as well as enhance information access, social support, and coping strategies, aligning with empowerment. Comunitats is an online peer support community addressed to BC survivors, involving healthcare professionals. This study aims to explore how participation in Comunitats promotes empowerment, and which variables are related to it.
Methods: 121 women diagnosed with BC were included in Comunitats. Emotional distress, post-traumatic growth and empowerment were assessed at inclusion and three months later. Correlations were used to guide linear regression analysis to identify which variables are able to predict greater empowerment outcomes.
Results: Empowerment assessment indicated that participants felt empowered by their involvement in Comunitats. The empowerment outcomes more commonly experienced were 'being better informed' and 'improved acceptance of the illness'. 'Exchanging information' and 'finding recognition' were the strongest experienced empowerment processes. Conclusion: Involvement in Comunitatsenhances empowerment in BC survivors. Empowering processes within the community partially predict overall empowerment outcomes.
Practical Implications: Empowerment positively impacts self-care autonomy, self-efficacy, and treatment adherence, promoting healthier lifestyles and enhanced treatment outcomes.
Dexamethasone reduces cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by inducing cisplatin resistance through metallothionein-2
Authors: Ujiie Haruki , Nishiya Naoyuki , Yamamoto Ami , Takada Takeru , Onodera Megumi , Sasaki Ayana , Oikawa Takuya 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Ototoxicity is a common side effect caused by the anticancer drug cisplatin (CDDP), which reduces patient quality of life. One CDDP-resistance mechanism that occurs in recurrent cancers is heavy metal detoxification by metallothionein-2 (mt2). Here, we show that in zebrafish larvae, dexamethasone (DEX) reduces CDDP-induced ototoxicity.
Methods
Transgenic zebrafish (cldn: gfp; atoh1: rfp) that express green and red fluorescent protein neuromasts and hair cells were used. The zebrafish were pretreated with mt2 inducers at 52 h post-fertilization (hpf) for 8 h, followed by CDDP treatment for 12 h. The lateral line hair cells of CDDP-treated zebrafish at 72 hpf were observed by fluorescence microscopy.
Results
The Reporting Odds ratio (ROR) decreased after the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) first guideline recommended DEX as an antiemetic treatment for cancer chemotherapy in 1999. Pretreatment with DEX protected 72 hpf zebrafish hair cells from CDDP-induced toxicity. The expression of mt2 mRNA was significantly increased by the combination of 10 µM DEX with CDDP. mt2 gene editing reversed the protective effect of DEX against CDDP-induced damage in hair cells.
Conclusion
DEX prevents hair cells from CDDP-induced ototoxicity mediated by increased mt2 expression, which is a resistance mechanism for platinum-based anticancer drugs.
Integrating Quantum CI with Generative AI for Taiwanese/English Co-Learning: TAIDE-based Knowledge Graph Construction and Multimodal Data Transformation
Authors: Lee Chang-Shing , Wang Mei-Hui , Chen Chih-Yu , Yang Sheng-Chi , Reformat Marek , Kubota Naoyuki , Pourabdollah Amir 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes a Quantum Computational Intelligence (QCI) model integrated with Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) for Taiwanese/English language co-learning applications within human-machine interactions. The QCI model comprises two main phases: human-machine interaction and data processing for quantum circuit generation and real-world applications. During the human-machine interaction phase, a synergy between Human Intelligence (HI) and Machine Intelligence (MI) enables young students to gain familiarity with CI that converges with QCI. The second phase involves data processing, which encompasses stages of data preprocessing, analysis, and evaluation. The methodology is applied to two distinct applications: 1) Application 1 focuses on constructing a knowledge graph using the Ollama platform and the TAIDE model—a Trustworthy AI Dialogue Engine developed by the Taiwanese government based on the LLaMa 2 model. 2) Application 2 addresses the GAI images to text/voice, and text/voice to GAI images, depending on the type of Taiwanese/English data collected. Subsequently, the QCI model is refined through Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Genetic Algorithm Neural Networks (GANN). Moreover, a Quantum Fuzzy Inference Mechanism (QFIM) is integrated to enhance the QCI model’s capability in creating a quantum circuit. The experimental results suggest that the QCI model significantly enhances human-machine collaboration. Looking forward, we plan to extend the QCI model to reach more young learners.
Examining the relationship between health literacy and pesticide protective behaviors among farmers in Thailand
Authors: Rachutorn Thiwakorn , Aeksanti Thawatchai , Pall Chamroen , Tanamool Varavut , Srisu Anake , Mok Somany , Dewey Rebecca S , Sim Samphors , Kong Malika , Vong Pisey 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background The use of chemical pesticides without proper health literacy (HL) and necessary pesticide protective behaviors (PPB) can result in adverse effects on human health. Methods This study aims to determine if there is a correlation between HL and PPB among farmers in the Nakhon Ratchasima province, using a random sample of 464 farmers. Structured interviews consisted of three parts: 1. General information, 2. Health literacy (including knowledge, understanding, and other sub-aspects), and 3. Protective behaviors against chemical exposure. Each part of the questionnaire had a reliability index of 0.60 or higher. The reliability of the 2nd and 3rd parts of the questionnaire were as follows: sub-sections of part 2 had a Kuder-Richardson (KR-20) coefficient of 0.79 and Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficient of 0.85–0.86, while part 3 had an α of 0.88. Risk of chemical exposure was assessed using a Cholinesterase Reactive Paper test administered by a finger-prick blood test. Data was analyzed using the Spearman correlation and binary logistic regression. The study was reviewed by the Human Research Ethics Committee with the approval date: August 9, 2021 and expiry date: August 9, 2022. Results Most participants had moderate levels of overall HL (48.8%) and PPB (44.6%). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between HL and PPB (rs(478) = 0.70, p < .005). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that HL had a statistically significant positive association with PPB (p < .001, OR = 6.57, 95% CI 3.95, 10.94) and was associated with blood cholinesterase levels. Conclusion These findings highlight the need for increased health literacy among farmers in Thailand to ensure correct protective behaviors against chemical exposure and reduce the adverse effects of pesticide exposure on human health.
Exploitation of heterosis and combining ability potential for improvement in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
Authors: Ranga Aman Deep , Vikram Amit , Kumar Ramesh , Dogra Rajesh K , Sharma Rajnish , Sharma Hem Raj 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The experiment was conducted from 2021 to 2022 at Experimental Farm and Quality Analysis Laboratory, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India to estimate heterosis and combining ability in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). Okra is an often cross-pollinated crop; therefore, exploiting heterosis is advantageous. The experimental material consisted of an F1 population of 30 crosses obtained from of 10 parental lines crossed with three testers in a Line × Tester mating design, plus a standard check (Punjab-8). Estimates of heterosis (heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis) of the cross combinations UHFO-6 × Pusa Bhindi-5, UHFO-6 × Arka Anamika and UHFO-9 × Arka Anamika were high for majority of the horticultural traits. Significant combining ability effects (GCA and SCA) were resulted from UHFO-6 and UHFO-9 among the parents and UHFO-2 × Pusa Bhindi-5, UHFO-10 × Hisar Unnat and UHFO-2 × Arka Anamika among cross combination. In future, after multi-location trials, these parents and crosses can be released to replace existing okra cultivars (hybrids/varieties).
New approach to domestic grey water footprinting: country-scale accounting using statistical methods in Türkiye
Authors: Boyacioglu Hayal , Boyacioglu Hulya 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to develop an approach for country-scale domestic grey water footprint (GWFdomestic) accounting and examine spatio-temporal differences using statistical methods. In this scope, the GWFdomestic was calculated as the amount of water required to reduce the total nitrogen concentrations of domestic wastewater released into receiving media from 81 cities in Türkiye. GWFdomestic values were estimated based on the data on wastewater amount and applied wastewater treatment process. GWFdomestic was calculated by dividing the pollutant load of discharged water by the critical concentration in the surface water. The empirical results showed that (a) the produced wastewater amount increased up to 125 m3/year in some cities. (b) GWFdomestic values showed a difference between 330 and 1,900 depending on the level of treatment, and the average value was about 750 m3/ca.year. (c) A total of 81 cities were grouped under four categories, and applied water treatment technology was the main characteristic of this classification. (f) GWFdomestic has not statistically significantly changed over time in a large part of the country. It can be concluded that country-scale GWFdomestic accounting can assist water managers in developing prevention measures by analyzing spatio-temporal differences in the water footprint of domestic discharges.
LncRNA XIST: A Breakthrough in Inflammation-related Diseases
Authors: Wang Hailin , Wang Lijun , Luo Yiyang , Gui Yibei , Wu Wei , Zhao Jiale , Li Xueqing , Xiong Ruisi , He Yumin , Yuan Ding , Yuan Chengfu 
Published: March 2024

Background::
Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) is a type of non-coding
RNA that plays an important role in the body and accounts for the majority of RNA, and
this non-coding RNA can regulate disease onset and progression with its wide range of
functions. LncRNA Xist, also known as the long non-coding RNA X inactive specific
transcript, is a member of them. It can regulate the development of organismal diseases
by acting downstream on specific target genes. In addition to this, it can also influence
disease onset and progression by acting on apoptosis, migration, invasion, and other processes.
It has been shown that XIST plays an important role in the development of inflammation.

Objective::
To explore the role played by XIST in inflammation-related diseases and to
explore its mechanism of action.

Methods::
This paper summarizes and analyzes the role played by XIST in inflammation-
related diseases by conducting a search in PubMed.

Conclusion::
In this paper, we summarize the mechanism of action of XIST in different
types of inflammation-related diseases and propose new protocols for the future clinical
treatment of these diseases.
A Review on Novel Therapeutic Modalities and Evidence-based Drug
Treatments against Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Kumar Bhupendra , Deshmukh Rohitas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract:
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated atopic disease that occurs due to inhaled antigens in the
immediate phase. Misdiagnosis, insufficient treatment, or no treatment at all are frequent problems associated
with the widespread condition known as chronic allergic rhinitis. AR symptoms include runny, itchy, stuffy,
and sneezing noses. Asthma and nasal polyps, for example, sometimes occur simultaneously in patients. In order
for people living with AR to be as comfortable and productive as possible, treatment should center on reducing
their symptoms. The online sources and literature, such as Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Medline, were
reviewed to gather information regarding therapeutic modalities of AR and evidence-based treatments for the
disease as the objectives of the present study. An increasing number of people are suffering from AR, resulting
in a heavy financial and medical burden on healthcare systems around the world. Undertreating AR frequently
results in a decline in quality of life. Treatment compliance is a critical challenge in the administration of AR.
Innovative therapies are needed for RA to provide patients with symptom alleviation that is less expensive,
more effective, and longer duration of action. Evidence-based guidelines are helpful for managing AR illness.
Treating AR according to evidence-based standards can help in disease management. AR treatment includes allergen
avoidance, drug therapy, immunotherapy, patient education, and follow-up. However, AR treatment
with intranasal corticosteroids is more popular. Hence, in this review article, treatment options for AR are discussed
in depth. We also discussed the incidence, causes, and new treatments for this clinical condition.
Studies in Solid Solution Formation between Acetaminophen and Povidone and
Mouth-dissolving Strip Formulation
Authors: Shahiwala Aliasgar 
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
This invention reports the solubilization of Acetaminophen (ACM) within the Povidone
(PVP K30) in the solid state for the first time.

Methods::
First-generation solid dispersions (SDs) were attempted with a different ratio of PVP K:30:ACM.
SDs prepared were transparent, suggesting a solid solution (SS) formation, which was a serendipitous discovery.
A minimum ratio of 1.25:1 PVP K30: ACM was required to form stable SS, suggesting discontinuous SS.
A computational complex prediction tool, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the SS formation.

Results:
The oral strip formulation was developed from the PVP K30: ACM SS using Polyvinyl alcohol as a
film-former found to be optimum concerning physicochemical properties, offering rapid drug dissolution and
taste masking.

Conclusion:
The designed strip is suitable for delivering a child's dose (100-150 mg). However, the developed
SS can be formulated as tablets, capsules, or oral dissolving tablets to deliver adult doses with improved therapeutic
benefits and patient compliance.
Targeted Drug Delivery to ACE2+ Cells Using Engineered Extracellular Vesicles: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Yao , Song Sheng-Jiao , He Jin , Zhao Zhuo-Hua , Zhang Ke , Zhang Yuan , Li Xing 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as potential drug carriers in
the fight against COVID-19. This study investigates the ability of EVs as drug carriers to target
SARS-CoV-2-infected cells.

Methods:
EVs were modified using Xstamp technology to carry the virus’s RBD, enhancing
targeting ability to hACE2+ cells and improving drug delivery efficiency. Characterization confirmed
EVs’ suitability as drug carriers. For in vitro tests, A549, Caco-2, and 4T1 cells were
used to assess the targeting specificity of EVRs (EVs with membrane-surface enriched RBD).
Moreover, we utilized an ex vivo lung tissue model overexpressing hACE2 as an ex vivo model
to confirm the targeting capability of EVRs toward lung tissue. The study also evaluated drug
loading efficiency and assessed the potential of the anti-inflammatory activity on A549 lung
cancer cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide.

Results:
The results demonstrate the successful construction of RBD-fused EVRs on the membrane-
surface. In both in vitro and ex vivo models, EVRs significantly enhance their targeting
ability towards hACE2+ cells, rendering them a safe and efficient drug carrier. Furthermore,
ultrasound loading efficiently incorporates IL-10 into EVRs, establishing an effective drug delivery
system that ameliorates the pro-inflammatory response induced by LPS-stimulated A549
cells.

Conclusion:
These findings indicate promising opportunities for engineered EVs as a novel
nanomedicine carrier, offering valuable insights for therapeutic strategies against COVID-19 and
other diseases.
Polymer Conjugate as the New Promising Drug Delivery System for
Combination Therapy against Cancer
Authors: Hu Qiang , Zhang Yuannian , Mukerabigwi Jean Felix , Wang Haili , Cao Yu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract:
This review highlights the advantages of combination therapy using polymer conjugates
as drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. In this review, the specific structures and materials
of polymer conjugates, as well as the different types of combination chemotherapy strategies,
are discussed. Specific targeting strategies, such as monoclonal antibody therapy and small
molecule ligands, are also explored. Additionally, self-assembled polymer micelles and overcoming
multidrug resistance are described as potential strategies for combination therapy. The assessment
of combinational therapeutic efficacy and the challenges associated with polymer conjugates
are also addressed. The future outlook aims to overcome these challenges and improve the effectiveness
of drug delivery systems for combination therapy. The conclusion emphasizes the potential
of polymer conjugates in combination therapy while acknowledging the need for further research
and development in this field.
A New Advanced Approach: Design and Screening of Affinity Peptide
Ligands Using Computer Simulation Techniques
Authors: Wei Zheng , Chen Meilun , Lu Xiaoling , Liu Yijie , Peng Guangnan , Yang Jie , Tang Chunhua , Yu Peng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract:
Peptides acquire target affinity based on the combination of residues in their sequences
and the conformation formed by their flexible folding, an ability that makes them very attractive
biomaterials in therapeutic, diagnostic, and assay fields. With the development of computer technology,
computer-aided design and screening of affinity peptides has become a more efficient and
faster method. This review summarizes successful cases of computer-aided design and screening
of affinity peptide ligands in recent years and lists the computer programs and online servers used
in the process. In particular, the characteristics of different design and screening methods are summarized
and categorized to help researchers choose between different methods. In addition, experimentally
validated sequences are listed, and their applications are described, providing directions
for the future development and application of computational peptide screening and design.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Heterocycles Utilizing 4,6-Dimethyl-1-
((4-methylthiazol-2-yl)amino)-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile
Authors: Borik Rita M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract:
Novel hydrazones 4, 5, and oxime 6 were produced from the reaction of ketone 3 with hydrazine,
phenylhydrazine, and hydroxylamine HCl, respectively. One pot multicomponent reaction of
chalcones 7a-c, 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-oxopropanenitrile 8, and ammonium acetate in MeOH at reflux
temperature gave 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-nicotinonitrile derivatives 10-12. Additionally, a one-pot reaction
of chalcone 7a, malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate, and ammonium acetate in AcOH at reflux temperature
afforded 6-aminopyridine derivatives 13 and 14, respectively.
Electron Properties of Baicalein and its Derivatives via Quantum Chemistry
Calculation: The Effect of Hydroxyl-substitution at A and C Rings
Authors: Li Xiong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract:
The electron properties of baicalein-family are of great importance in influencing its properties
and corresponding bioactivities. In this work, we conducted comprehensive quantum chemistry
calculations on pristine baicalein, and its two hydroxyl-substituted derivatives where the hydroxylsubstitution
respectively occur at A and C rings. By contrasting with each other, the effects of the
hydroxyl-substitution on the electron properties were studied from the aspects of the density of states,
molecular orbital, electronic excitation, electrostatic potential, and electron delocalization. According
to our computation, the hydroxyl-substitution results in variations in geometry and the consequent
electron properties among the discussed molecules. Certainly, this research can contribute to the development
of the research on the electron involved properties and the structure-property-activity relationship
for the baicalein-family.