bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role and significance of SIRT1 in regulating the LPS-activated pyroptosis pathway in children with congenital hydronephrosis
Authors: Wang Zhan , Weizhong Gu , Zhou Juan , Tang Daxing 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics and mechanism of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated pyroptosis in the renal tissue of children with congenital hydronephrosis (CHn).MethodsWe detected the expression characteristics and clinical significance of SIRT1 and pyroptosis pathway proteins in CHn renal tissues by immunohistochemistry. The degree of renal fibrosis was detected by Masson staining. The human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) was cultured in vitro and treated with LPS (1 µg/mL), the SIRT1-specific agonist SRT1720 (2.5 µmol/L) and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-SIRT1 for 48 hours. After 48 hours, Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect the changes in cell proliferation ability, and ELISA was used to detect the changes in the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in the cell supernatant. Real-time PCR (quantitative RT-PCR) and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of SIRT1, caspase-1, caspase-4, NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3), and cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD) in each group.ResultsSerum inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in 13 children with CHn with urinary tract infection, mainly caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Severe renal fibrosis occurred in children with CHn. Compared with the control group, the expression of SIRT1 in CHn kidney tissues was decreased, and the expression of caspase-4 and GSDMD was increased. LPS inhibited the expression of SIRT1 in HK-2 cells, promoted the expression of caspase-1, caspase-4, NLRP3, cleaved GSDMD, promoted the expression of IL-1β and IL-18 in the supernatant, and promoted pyroptosis in HK-2 cells. SRT1720 can inhibit LPS-activated pyroptosis by promoting SIRT1 expression, while siRNA-SIRT1 can further aggravate LPS-activated pyroptosis after inhibiting SIRT1 expression.ConclusionsLPS can promote the inflammatory response in children with CHn by activating non-canonical pyroptosis and inhibiting SIRT1 expression. Promoting SIRT1 expression can inhibit pyroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, reduce the release of IL-18 and IL-1β, and alleviate the progression of renal fibrosis in children with CHn.
How might climate change impact water safety and boil water advisories in Canada?
Authors: Moghaddam-Ghadimi Sara , Tam Audrey , Khan Usman T. , Gora Stephanie L. 
Published: July 2023

A boil water advisory (BWA) informs the public that there is an increased level of risk associated with their water and that they should boil it before consuming. Studies show that small communities in Canada are particularly likely to experience repeat and long-term BWAs. Climate change has led to changes in precipitation and temperature patterns, leading to region-specific impacts such as increased frequency, severity, or variance in floods, forest fires, droughts, freezing rain, and sea water intrusion. Academic and non-academic “grey” literature was reviewed to establish the most likely impacts of climate change on water treatment and infrastructure. Anonymized data from public drinking water systems in Canada was analyzed to determine the most common causes of BWAs between 2005 and 2020. Most BWAs reported were related to breakdowns/malfunctions along the distribution, though inadequate disinfection residual and turbidity or coliforms in the treated water were also common. Furthermore, statistical analysis of the data showed seasonal trends in some of these parameters. The results of this study suggest that increased precipitation, flooding, permafrost degradation, and forest fires are likely to have significant impacts on water safety in Canada.Highlights:Climate change effects are expected to worsen many current water challenges. Climate change will disproportionately impact small, rural, and remote water utilities. Water distribution systems are the main source of water safety risk in Canada. Groundwater-supplied systems experience a disproportionate number of BWAs. Seasonal trends in BWA reasons provide opportunities for targeted mitigation.
A study based on boundary layer and entropy generation in MHD flow of micropolar fluid with variable viscosity and thermal conductivity: A non-Darcy model approach
Authors: Kumar Dhirendra , Mishra Pankaj , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy 
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to analyze the problem with the study of thermal and momentum transport with entropy generation in view of the second law of thermodynamics in Magneto hydrodynamics (MHD) micropolar fluid through porous medium under the consideration of the non-Darcy model, temperature-dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity. In practical situations at higher temperatures and high speed fluid flow, it becomes reasonable to consider variable fluid flow parameters. The governing boundary layer flow equations are first converted into a coupled system of the ordinary differential equations (ODE) under the assumption of differing plate temperatures by applying appropriate similarity transformations. A shooting method has been applied to solve ordinary differential equations numerically. The last effect of microrotation, magnetic field, variable viscosity coefficient, variable thermal conductivity, etc. on momentum and thermal transport has been depicted through various graphs. The table for skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number for ideal cases has been shown to validate the model by previous findings. It is seen that K and m enhance the velocity profile on their increment opposite to this M, [Formula: see text], F and Da have been found to reduce the velocity profile. Table 3 is constructed for numerical values of skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number for different values of parameters where it can be concluded that magnetic parameter M has a tendency to enhance the skin friction and heat transfer, while variable viscosity parameters have a tendency to decline the skin friction and heat transfer.
The Relationship Between Use of Gadgets and Sleep Quality on Nursing Students
Authors: Andri Nugraha  , Santi Santi Rinjani , Aceng Ali  , Erwin Pardiansyah  
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The proliferation of information and communication technology, particularly handheld electronic devices, has resulted in a significant portion of the population becoming ensnared in a perpetual reliance on smartphones. The prevalence of technological devices has led to a significant dependency among students. Approximately 30 million individuals, constituting approximately 80% of the user population in Indonesia, are students. This behaviour frequently leads individuals to lose track of time during late hours, as they habitually resort to incessantly monitoring their electronic devices as a means of evading social interactions on online platforms. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between gadget usage and sleep quality. Methods: The present study employed a quantitative approach utilizing a cross-sectional design. This study employed comparative statistical analysis to examine the correlation between gadget usage and the sleep quality of students at STIKes Karsa Husada Garut. Results:: The data analysis using the Chi-square test yielded a p-value of less than 0.05, suggesting a significant association between the utilization of Gadgets and the quality of sleep among nursing students at STIKes Karsa Husada Garut. Conclusion: the utilization of electronic devices had a notable impact on the sleep quality of final-year students at STIKes Karsa Husada Garut. A negative correlation can be interpreted as indicating an inverse relationship between the use of gadgets and sleep quality, such that an increase in gadget usage is associated with a decrease in sleep quality and vice versa.
Student Readiness on the Blended Learning Modalities of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy: An Assessment
Authors: Tripolca Carolina O. 
Published: July 2023

This mixed-method research aimed to assess student readiness on the use of blended learning modalities at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy. It examined the level of readiness towards self-directed learning, online student engagement, and the level of student satisfaction among the midshipmen to assess the effectiveness of these lesson delivery blends.
1CL, 3CL, and 4CL midshipmen officially enrolled in the 1st Semester of the School Year 2022-2023 were surveyed online to establish their demographic profile, their level of readiness in terms of self-directed learning and online student engagement readiness, and their level of student satisfaction. A semi-formal interview asked the faculty about their preferred blend or combination of modalities. The SPSS was utilized to analyze the results.
When grouped according to year level, 4CL Midshipmen demonstrated lower Self-Directed Learning Readiness and Online Student Engagement than the senior cadets. When grouped according to program, BS Marine Transportation midshipmen were more self-directed and satisfied than the BS Marine Engineering midshipmen. Faculty favored the face-to-face and online asynchronous blend.
Gleaning on the results of the study, an assessment tool (PMMA Blended Modalities Readiness Survey for Incoming 4CL Midshipmen) was proposed to address the identified challenges. The recommendations also included the incorporation of the proposed assessment tool into the Quality Operations Manual to serve as guidelines in the implementation of blended learning modalities. A competence assessment between colleges, strengthened collaboration between the IT department and the colleges, midshipmen digital literacy training, and faculty training on digital tools for online learning facilitation were also recommended.
Understanding Financial Resiliency: A Qualitative Inquiry into the Experiences and Strategies of The Employees in an Engineering and Consultancy Firm
Authors: Siman Bennegreg P. , Orencia Abrian Joy B. 
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to conduct an in-depth analysis of the potential of Forex Trading and investing in developing financial resiliency among the employees of an Engineering and Consultancy Firm in the Philippines. This is a qualitative single case study of 10 employees of the company that were interviewed regarding the potential of investing in forex trading as a means to attain financial resiliency. Qualitative data for this study were gathered through one-session, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, documents, journaling, and observations. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s method for analysing qualitative data was used in understanding the qualitative data. Results have shown that participants have identified several challenges that seem to slow them down in earning money for them to obtain their aspiration of becoming financially resilient. It was also shown that participants thought that venturing in new business, stock market and forex investments, and sideline jobs were the most frequent responses recorded that may serve as solutions to the challenges. It is important to note that most of the participants were affirmative upon being asked if they would try foreign exchange investments as a potential means of achieving financial resiliency. Among others, the most significant manner of addressing financial challenges lamented by the participants was having a well-conditioned mind so that a well-planned long-term goal will be established. It is recommended to explore more related literature that tackles financial education in the Philippines and note the statistical number of those who are financially literate as this could be a contributing factor why the participants of this study lack concrete saving plans. Moreover, further exploration on the trend of foreign exchange investment is also suggested including the use of digital platforms for information dissemination regarding finance.
Topographical Association Between Left Ventricular Strain and Brain Lesions in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Normal Cardiac Function
Authors: Chung Darda , Hong Suk‐Woo , Lee Jieun , Chung Jong‐Won , Bang Oh Young , Kim Gyeong‐Moon , Seo Woo‐Keun , Park Sung‐Ji 
Published: July 2023

Background
Although it is well known that the disordered brain provokes cardiac autonomic dysfunction, the detailed location of brain lesions related to cardiac function warrants further investigation. We aimed to elucidate the brain lesions topographically associated with left ventricular (LV) systolic function measured by myocardial strain in patients with acute ischemic stroke without preexisting primary cardiac dysfunction by using support vector regression lesion‐symptom mapping.

Methods and Results
Subjects were those with LV ejection fraction of 50% or more among patients with acute ischemic stroke registered in the Samsung Medical Center stroke registry between 2016 and 2017. To evaluate LV systolic performance and contractility, we measured LV ejection fraction and LV global and regional longitudinal strain using 2‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography. The association between stroke lesion location and cardiac strain was assessed using support vector regression lesion‐symptom mapping. Of a total of 776 patients, 286 subjects (mean age of 67.0 years, 65.4% men) were finally enrolled in this study. The mean global longitudinal strain was −17.0±3.4%, and the mean LV ejection fraction was 64.7±5.7%. The support vector regression lesion‐symptom mapping analysis revealed that the right insula and peri‐insular regions and left parietal cortex were associated with impaired LV global longitudinal strain in patients with acute ischemic stroke. In addition, impaired regional longitudinal strain showed topographical associations with these regions.

Conclusions
This study suggests that brain lesions in the right insula and peri‐insular regions and left parietal cortex are topographically associated with impaired LV strain in patients with acute ischemic stroke without preexisting cardiac dysfunction.
Estimating Endogenous Effects on Ordinal Outcomes
Authors: Chesher Andrew , Rosen Adam M. , Siddique Zahra 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We examine the use of instrumental variable (IV) methods to measure the effect of a ceteris paribus change in an endogenous variable on an ordered outcome. Specifically, we use these methods to investigate the effect of neighborhood characteristics on subjective well-being (SWB) among participants in the Moving to Opportunity (MTO) housing voucher experiment. We find that the estimated positive effect of a decrease in neighborhood poverty on SWB is sensitive to the specification of the first stage auxiliary equation for endogenous neighborhood poverty. Our results highlight the influential role of control function restrictions in complete triangular models.
Are Consumers (Approximately) Rational? Shifting the Burden of Proof
Authors: Cherchye Laurens , Demuynck Thomas , De Rock Bram , Lanier Joshua 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We present a statistical test for the hypothesis of (approximate) utility maximization on the basis of nonparametric revealed preference conditions. We take as null hypothesis that the consumer behaves randomly, and we reject this hypothesis only if the data provides sufficient evidence to support the alternative hypothesis of approximate utility maximization. Our statistical test uses a permutation method to operationalize the principle of random consumption behavior. We show that our test (i) is valid for any sample size under the null and (ii) has an asymptotic power of one. We also provide simulated power results and two empirical applications.
An extended mtDNA phylogeography for the alpine newt illuminates the provenance of introduced populations
Authors: Robbemont Jody , van Veldhuijzen Sam , Allain Steven J.R. , Ambu Johanna , Boyle Ryan , Canestrelli Daniele , Cathasaigh Éinne Ó , Cathrine Chris , Chiocchio Andrea , Cogalniceanu Dan , Cvijanović Milena , Dufresnes Christophe , Ennis Collie , Gandola Rob , Jablonski Daniel , Julian Angela , Kranželić Daria , Lukanov Simeon , Martínez-Solano Iñigo , Montgomery Ryan , Naumov Borislav , O’Neill Matthew , North Alexandra , Pabijan Maciej , Pushendorf Robert , Salvi Daniele , Schmidt Bruno , Sotiropoulos Konstantinos , Stanescu Florina , Stanković David , Stapleton Sarah , Šunje Emina , Szabolcs Márton , Vacheva Emiliya , Willis David , Zimić Adnan , France James , Meilink Willem R.M. , Stark Tariq , Struijk Richard P.J.H. , Theodoropoulos Anagnostis , de Visser Manon C. , Wielstra Ben 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Many herpetofauna species have been introduced outside of their native range. MtDNA barcoding is regularly used to determine the provenance of such populations. The alpine newt has been introduced across the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, geographical mtDNA structure across the natural range of the alpine newt is still incompletely understood and certain regions are severely undersampled. We collect mtDNA sequence data of over seven hundred individuals, from both the native and the introduced range. The main new insights from our extended mtDNA phylogeography are that 1) haplotypes from Spain do not form a reciprocally monophyletic clade, but are nested inside the mtDNA clade that covers western and eastern Europe; and 2) haplotypes from the northwest Balkans form a monophyletic clade together with those from the Southern Carpathians and Apuseni Mountains. We also home in on the regions where the distinct mtDNA clades meet in nature. We show that four out of the seven distinct mtDNA clades that comprise the alpine newt are implicated in the introductions in the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Ireland. In several introduced localities, two distinct mtDNA clades co-occur. As these mtDNA clades presumably represent cryptic species, we urge that the extent of genetic admixture between them is assessed from genome-wide nuclear DNA markers. We mobilized a large number of citizen scientists in this project to support the collection of DNA samples by skin swabbing and underscore the effectiveness of this sampling technique for mtDNA barcoding.
Influence of sodium-montmorillonite nanoclay on flammability, thermal stability, morphology, and mechanical properties of rigid water-blown palm oil-based polyurethane foam
Authors: Dzulkifli Mohd Haziq , Majid Rohah A , Yahya Mohd Yazid 
Published: July 2023

This paper presents the experimental works on rigid palm oil-based polyurethane (PU) foam reinforced with sodium-montmorillonite (Na-MMT). Filler loading was varied between 1 and 10 wt %., and the obtained foam was characterized for its combustibility, morphology, thermal stability, and mechanical response. Exfoliated clay microstructure was exhibited at lower Na-MMT loadings. Addition of nanoclay into the PU foam failed to impart any discernable improvement with regards to its flammability, believed due to stronger influence of low-functionality palm oil polyol used. Apparent improvement in thermal stability was observed at low clay amounts. Foam with finer cell size was obtained in the presence of Na-MMT, however only until a certain loading limit. Compressive strength generally increases with increasing clay content, but after 3 wt % the property deteriorated. Peculiarly, compressive strength rose again at 5 wt % and 6 wt % – postulated due to additional load-bearing effect of ‘integral skin’ – before plummeting back again beyond this value.
The relationship between pes planus and venous insufficiency
Authors: Karaca Şahika Burcu , Ağır Hatice 
Published: July 2023

Introduction The presence of pes planus may be responsible for the disorder of venous return during ambulation. Our aim in this study is to reveal that the risk of venous insufficiency may be increased in patients with pes planus. Methods A total of 59 patients with 29 bilateral pes planus and 30 normal arches included in the study. Djian Annonier angle measurement, bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasonography (USG), foot function index (AFI), Comprehensive Classification System for Chronic Venous Disorders (CEAP) clinical scoring and Short Form-36 (SF-36) was evaluated. Results There was a statistically significant difference in AFI total, AFI pain, AFI disability and AFI activity limitation scores, bilateral lower extremity doppler USG and CEAP clinical scores in the patient group compared to the control group. Conclusion These findings suggest that there may be a relationship between pes planus and venous insufficiency. However, large-scale studies with more patient involvement are needed.
The impact of sport on the physical, psychological and social wellbeing of people with chronic breathlessness: A mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Bradford Callum , Martin Denis , J Loughran Kirsti , Robertson Noelle , Carne Alexandra , Skidmore Nathan , L Harrison Samantha 
Published: July 2023

Objective Sport participation may have quality-of-life benefits for people with chronic breathlessness; however, its feasibility and impact on health are unknown. We aimed to synthesise the scientific literature concerning the impact of sport for people with chronic breathlessness. Data sources Searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar were conducted (May 2023). Review methods Studies were included if they assessed the impact of sport with participants who were likely to suffer from chronic breathlessness due to an underlying condition (e.g. severe asthma, heart failure). A convergent-segregated approach to synthesis in accordance with the JBI methodology for mixed-methods reviews was utilised, including meta-analytic and meta-aggregation analyses. Results A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies sampled 1017 participants from 13 different countries, with sample sizes ranging from 5 to 185. Causes of breathlessness consisted of chronic respiratory diseases (9 studies) and coronary heart disease (13 studies). Design-wise, 18 reported quantitative methods, 3 qualitative, and 1 mixed-methods. Conclusions Sports were well-adhered to with only minor/unrelated adverse events reported. Improvements in exercise capacity were observed although there was no impact on health-related quality of life. Other quantitative outcomes extracted varied widely across studies, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Participation in sports was reliably recorded at intensity consistent with moderate-to-vigorous activity despite being self-paced. Qualitative themes emphasised the positive elements of sport participation, namely, social cohesion, the capacity to incorporate culture, and the idea that participation is enjoyable rather than a necessary chore to maintain one’s health.