bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presumptive Tax Regime to Shine Light on the Shadow Economy: A Scoping Study of Policy Design, Action, and Implications
Authors: Taufiq Muchamad Abdullah 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The study examines the utilisation of presumptive taxation, a popular policy to address the shadow economy. Theoretically, presumptive taxation benefits both small businesses and tax authorities because it reduces compliance and administration costs. Using a scoping review from journals published in 1975-2022, the study found 27 journals of global experiences of the presumptive tax regime and its implications. These journals are then synthesised and analysed to study the policy design and implementation of the presumptive tax in the observed countries. Three main insights are inferred from the scoping study. Firstly, while presumptive tax regime may or may not induce formalisation; it potentially entails unintended consequences as a result of introducing a separate tax system for small businesses. Secondly, designing the presumptive tax regime can be a difficult task to balance simplicity, equity and efficiency, and also the presumptive tax regime likely becomes unstable and costly. Thirdly, the presumptive tax regime might even require more resources in its implementation. Therefore, the study suggests that those findings could inform policymakers about the costs and benefits of the presumptive tax regime in weighing policy options to address the problem of the shadow economy.
Remote sensing estimation of chlorophyll content in rape leaves in Weibei dryland region of China
Authors: Xia Liheng , Zhang Panpan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
To explore the Hyperspectral Estimation Method for estimating the chlorophyll content of rape leaves, so as to provide a scientific basis for rapid and nondestructive monitoring of the chlorophyll content of rape crops in Northwest China.Taking the rapeseed crops in the northwest region as the research object, through the correlation analysis of the SPAD value and the spectral parameters of the rape leaves, the spectral parameters sensitive to SPAD were screened, and the single factor model,the partial least square regression model (PLSR) and BP neural network model optimized by genetic algorithm based on multiple linear stepwise regression based on the spectral parameters were constructed respectively and were compared.The results showed that: 1) The general trend of the spectral curve of rape leaves was the same, and the spectral reflectance decreased with the increase of chlorophyll content; 2) The correlation of seven spectral parameters involved in the modeling was above 0.770, all of which reached significant correlation at 0.01 level; 3) In each growth period, the BP neural network model optimized by genetic algorithm based on multiple linear stepwise regression is the optimal model. The modeling R2 is above 0.77, and the maximum can reach 0.91. It is verified that R2 is above 0.73, the maximum can reach 0.92, RMSE is between 1.32–3.22, RE is between 2.50% − 4.49%. BP neural network model optimized by genetic algorithm based on multiple linear stepwise regression is an inversion method which can estimate the SPAD value of rape leaves accurately and quickly.
In silico investigation of a novel anti EGFR Scfv –IL 24 fusion protein induces apoptosis in malignant cells
Authors: Zaroon . , yousaf Numan , Aslam Shakira , Qureshi Shahnila , Bashir Hamid 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a member of HER receptor family is over expressed in various cancer cells. Using tumor-specific antibodies to deliver cytotoxic agents directly to the tumor cells is an effective treatment strategy. Targeted therapy by fusing anti-EGFR scfv with tumor specific cytokines promises the emergence of new era. We designed a novel immuno-apoptotic fusion protein, anti EGFR Scfv-IL-24, consisting of a specific cancer cell targeting antibody and recombinant cytokine IL-24 to explore its anti-cancerous potential. Amino acid sequences of both anti EGFR scfv and IL-24 were fused using specific rigid linker. In silico characterization of the designed fusion protein like to predict the primary, secondary, physiochemical properties, quality and structural validation using online bioinformatic tools. Newly designed fusion protein consists of 402 amino acids that showed good quality with predicted value of 76.7% having 81.5% residues in most favored region as predicted by ERRAT2 and Ramachandran plot analysis. Docking and simulation studies were performed using HDOCK and Desmond module of Schrodinger. All the parameters of quality, validity, interaction analysis and stability suggested that the fused molecule is fully operational and functional. The results of the study supports that the anti EGFR Scfv-IL-24 fused protein could be proved as a novel candidate to combat cancer.
Numerical and experimental investigations on residual stress evolution of multiple sequential cuts in turning
Authors: Weng Jian , Zhou Shengqiang , Zhang Yuhua , Liu Yang , Zhuang Kejia 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Residual stress is of great importance on the fatigue life of components, nevertheless, most of the simulations of turning operation focus on the first cut and ignore the evolution of residual stress in sequential cutting. The present study aims to explore the surface residual stress profile along the feed direction during longitudinal turning, to understand the impact of sequential cuts on turning-induced residual stress. A Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL)-based three-dimensional (3D) numerical model is employed to stably predict the evolution of residual stress of multiple sequential cuts in turning integrated with complete material removal process of each cut. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed model are verified though the good agreement between simulated and measured results. The results show that the surface residual stress gradually decreases with increasing cutting sequence under the condition of different tool nose radius and feed rates. It is also found that the main reason of this phenomenon is the initial stress state generated by the former tool path. For a single case, the drop of tensile residual stress from the first cut to the third cut can be more significant when a larger feed rate is employed.
Antimalarial Activity of Methyl Gallate and Palmatine Combination in the Presence of Piperine
Authors: Adegunloye A. P. , Adebayo J. O. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Artemisinin combination therapies have been recommended as first-line antimalarials in malaria endemic countries. However, treatment failures are already being reported in some countries. This has necessitated the search for novel compounds for combination therapy. Methyl gallate and palmatine have been reported to exhibit antiplasmodial activities but the antimalarial activity of their combination has not been evaluated. Therefore, the evaluation of the combination of methyl gallate and palmatine for antimalarial activity in vitro and in vivo in the presence of piperine was carried out. The inhibitory potential of methyl gallate and palmatine combination on β-hematin formation was studied in vitro. Also, the antimalarial activity of methyl gallate and palmatine combination with/without a bioenhancer (piperine) was evaluated in Plasmodium berghei NK65 infected mice. The results of β-hematin formation inhibition revealed that methyl gallate and palmatine in the ratio 3:2 had the highest inhibitory effect (IC50 = 0.73 µg/mL), the compounds acting synergistically. The 3:2 combination of methyl gallate and palmatine exhibited no antimalarial activity in the absence of piperine but caused reduction in parasitemia that exceeded 30% in the presence of piperine at the dose of 25 mg/kg body weight on day 4 post-inoculation. These suggest that 3:2 combination of methyl gallate and palmatine in the presence of piperine exhibited antimalarial activity, with the compounds synergistically inhibiting β-hematin formation.
Solid Dispersions as a Tool to Enhance Solubility of Chlorzoxazone
Authors: Agarwal Nikunj , Gulam Mohd. , Mukerjee Alok , Tripathi Amitabh , Jain Aviral 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Chlorzoxazone belongs to BCS class II with prominent diminished solubility. The drug owing to low solubility has a marked poor bioavailaibility as maximum of it is rendered to the metabolism byCYP2E1 enzyme in the liver. The main purpose of the work is to enhance the solubility of the drug through the formulation of solid dispersions. Various methods like Co-grinding, Co-precipitation, Fusion method, and Closed melting method were used to formulate the Solid Dispersions. The Solid Dispersions were characterized for in-vitro drug release for F1(Fusion 1),F2 (Fusion 2) C1 (Closed Melting 1),C2 (Closed Melting 2),Co-P (Co-precipitation),Co-G (Co-grinding). Based on drug release profile and solubility studies the formulation made by the F2(Fusion method) with the drug, polymer ratio (0.5:1.0) was obtained with bestresu;ts among all. The results showed that the dispersions has a negligible interation in transformation from crystalline to amorphous state.
Physical activity and exercise behavior of Japanese breast cancer survivors: A nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Shimizu Yoichi , Tsuji Katsunori , Narisawa Tomomi , Kuchiba Aya , Shimazu Taichi , Ochi Eisuke , Sakurai Naomi , Iwata Hiroji , Arai Hirokazu , Matsuoka Yutaka J. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Physical activity after breast cancer diagnosis has been associated with lower mortality rates. However, the physical activity levels of breast cancer survivors in Japan remain unclear.
Methods
A population-based sampling method was used to select 52 facilities throughout Japan. Thereafter, self-reported questionnaires were distributed to 30 consecutive breast cancer survivors without recurrence or metastasis at each facility. We then determined their background information, physical activity levels using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and potential factors affecting physical activity.
Results
We ultimately analyzed 791 (77.5%) patients from 34 (65.4%) facilities. Among them, 50.5% satisfied the physical activity recommendations by the American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Cancer Society guidelines, whereas 61.8% were not physically active at all during their leisure time. Moreover, 37.7% engaged in regular exercise, among whom 68.0% satisfied the recommended activity level. Factors associated with satisfying guideline recommendations were higher self-efficacy [odds ratio (OR) per 1 standard deviation (SD) increase, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.29–1.94], stronger perceived social support (OR per 1SD increase, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.26–1.89), lower household annual income (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.07–2.33), experience of any cancer-related symptom relief through physical activity (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.13–2.94), and urban location (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.03–2.20).
Conclusions
Physical activity levels of breast cancer survivors can be certainly be improved. There is need to encourage physical activity and disseminate appropriate information and support regarding the same throughout Japan, focusing particularly on self-efficacy and social support.
High speed mapping of surface charge dynamics via Spiral Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
Authors: Checa Martí , Kelley Kyle , Sun Changhyo , Vasudevan Rama , Ziatdinov Maxim , Ivanov Ilia , Yun Seok Joon , Xiao Kai , SEHIRLIOGLU Alp , Kim Yunseok , Sharma Pankaj , Domingo Neus , Jesse Stephen , Collins Liam 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Understanding local dynamic charge processes is essential for developing advanced materials and devices, from batteries and microelectronics to medicine and biology. Continued progress relies on the ability to map electronic and ionic transport phenomena across different time and length scales, encompassing the intrinsic heterogeneities of the material itself (e.g., grain boundaries, domain walls, etc.). To address this challenge, we introduce high-speed Spiral-Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (SS-KPFM), which combines sparse spiral scanning and image reconstruction via Gaussian process optimization. SS-KPFM enables functional sub-second imaging rates (≈ 3 fps), which represents a significant improvement over current state-of-the-art and several orders of magnitude over traditional KPFM methods. We apply it to study the spatiotemporal charge dynamics at a LaAlO3/SrTiO3 planar device and charge injection and diffusion dynamics in polycrystalline TiO2 thin films, providing full 2D Contact Potential Difference (CPD) maps of the surface charge dynamics in a fast and automated fashion.
Degradation of PET microplastic particles to monomers in human serum by designer enzymes
Authors: Lopez-Lorenzo Ximena , Hueting David , Bosshard Eliott , Syrén Per-Olof 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Due to prolonged exposure, microplastic particles are found in human blood and other bodily fluids. Despite a lack of toxicity studies regarding microplastics, harmful effects for humans seem plausible and cannot be excluded. As small plastic particles readily translocate from the gut to body fluids, enzyme-based treatment of serum could constitute a promising avenue to clear synthetic polymers and their responding oligomers by degradation into monomers. Still, the activity of plastic degrading enzymes in serum remains unknown. Here we report how engineered PETases can depolymerize microplastic-like particles of the commodity polymer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into its non-toxic monomer terephthalic acid (TPA) in human serum at 37°C. By developing an efficient method to depolymerize microplastics in vitro, our work takes a step closer to find a solution to the problem that microplastics in the bloodstream may pose in the future.
Exploiting Machine Learning Technologies to Study the Compound Effects of Serum Creatinine and Electrolytes on the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Liu Hsin-Hung , Wang Yu-Tseng , Yang Meng-Han , Lin Wei-Shu Kevin , Oyang Yen-Jen 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Assessing the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) has been a challenging issue for clinicians in an intensive care unit (ICU) as AKI could lead to many complications and even fatality. However, several early signs of AKI are non-specific and the current clinical practice monitors only the level of serum creatinine and the volume of urine output. Therefore, it is of great medical merit to identify all possible risk factors of AKI. In recent years, a number of studies have reported the associations between several serum electrolytes and AKI. Nevertheless, the compound effects of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and clinically relevant serum electrolytes have not been comprehensively investigated. Accordingly, we initiated this study aiming to develop machine learning models that not only illustrate how these factors interact with each other but also provide new insights for developing new clinical practices to assess AKI risk. Our analyses reveal that among the factors investigated the levels of serum creatinine, chloride, and magnesium are the major risk factors associated with the development of AKI in ICUs.
Activation of PKC affects the ventricular restitution properties and arrhythmogenesis through L-type Ca+ current
Authors: Zhang Feng , Lei Fuhua , Fan Jianing , Liu Tao , Qin Mu , Cheng Wenbo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in action potential duration (APD) restitution and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VA).
Methods and results
Rabbits hearts were isolated and prepared for Langendorff perfusion technique. The S1-S2 method and dynamic S1 pacing protocol were performed to construct APD restitution and to induce APD alternans or VA, respectively, at 10 sites throughout the ventricular chamber. Administration of PMA (100 nM) (n = 15) greatly steepened the restitution curves (Smax>1) (P < 0.01) at each site compared to the control group (n = 15). Furthermore, treatment with PMA also induced larger spatial dispersions of Smax (P < 0.05) and decreased the thresholds of the VA and APD alternans (P < 0.01). However, perfused with the PKC inhibitor, BIM (500 nM) (n = 10), reversibly flattened the APD restitution curves at each site (Smax< 1), decreased the spatial dispersions of Smax, and increased the thresholds of APD alternans and VA. According to the results of patch-clamp, peak amplitude of L-type Ca2+ current was significantly increased by addition of PMA compared with CTL group (P < 0.05). Antagonize this current with verapamil (n = 10) can fully inhibited the PMA induced increasing of Smax and inducibility of VA and alternans.
Conclusion
PKC activation increased the dispersion of APD restitution and thus led to occurrence of VA, which possibly related to the increased Ca2+ influx.
Health related quality of life and psychological parameters in Chinese women first diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Yan , zheng Jinxia , Dong Yueyan , Wang Ke , Bai Jie , Chen Miaoxin , Zheng Dehu , Jiang Hui 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is associated with high level of psychological implications and detriments to patients’ Quality of Life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, and anxiety in Chinese women first diagnosed with PCOS.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 165 patients who were first diagnosed with PCOS. They were asked to fill out two questionnaires—the Modified Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire (MPCOSQ) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Descriptive statistics was used to report basic personal information of the participants. Inferential statistics was used to report the differentiation, association, and correlation of the variables.
Results: The total score of MPCOSQ (155.08; 95% CI 130.42-179.68), and the mean score of all the 30 items in MPCOSQ (5.17,95% CI 4.35-5.99) were obtained from this study. The HRQoL dimensions from low score to high are infertility, irregular menstruation, hirsutism, weight etc. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that BMI, occupation, the total score of HADS were the main contributing factors of HRQoL in women first diagnosed with PCOS (P<0.05). The total score of the HADS is (6.67; 95% CI 2.87-10.47); 25 participants’ scores are equal to or above 11, and the incidence of depression and anxiety is 15.2%. Significant differences were observed among the total score of HADS, the scores of the subscales and the total score of MPCOSQ.
Conclusion: The level of anxiety and depression in patients first diagnosed with PCOS is higher than that of the normal population, and the level of HRQoL needs to be improved, especially in the dimensions of infertility and irregular menstruation. There are negative correlations between the total score of HADS with the scores of its subscales and the total score of MPCOSQ, so the patients’ QoL can be improved by reducing the anxiety and depression level.
First-Principles investigation of the thermal properties of the XO (X = Be, Mg and Sr) nanosheet
Authors: Abdullah Botan Jawdat 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The electronic structures and thermal characteristics of hexagonal XO nanosheets (where X = Be, Mg, and Sr) are investigated using the density functional theory. The electronic structures, including band structure and partial density of states are investigated, and it is found that BeO is an insulator, whereas MgO and SrO are semiconductors, according to the energy gap range of these three nanosheets. Thermal properties including as entropy, enthalpy, free energy, and heat capacity for XO nanosheets are identified and investigated in this study. Due to differences in the electronegativity and bonding nature of XO nanosheets, the thermodynamic parameters change dramatically with a similar trend as function of temperature. Enthalpy and entropy increase with temperature whereas free energy falls, owing to a change in the binary oxide internal energy of the system and the electron density distribution. Thermal energy is absorbed by lattices at low temperatures, and they grow until the point at which all of the lattices are enhanced and the system starts to produce lattice unharmonicity of the linear dependence. Varied ranges for the XO nanosheets’ parameters can be advantageous for thermoelectric nanodevices.
Semi-automated Extraction of Road Networks From Remotely Sensed Images Using Morphology Based Approach
Authors: A. Rishikeshan C. , S. Venkatraman , V. Maria Anu , P. Kuppusamy , M. Monica K. , M. Mohan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Road networks are one of the major features that influence urban planning and development. Thus, road maps of urban areas have to be updated periodically. With advances in remote sensing technology and platforms more and more high quality and fine spatial resolution satellite images are available. Manual method of feature extraction from remote sensing imagery is a tedious and time-consuming process. Automated feature and road network extraction can drastically minimize the time and cost of data acquisition and database update. Thus, automated and replicable techniques play vital role in updating road network to evaluate the spatial and temporal evolution of urban sprawl especially for vastly growing urban areas. This research work presents a mathematical morphology (MM) based approach which is effective and useful for the extraction of road networks from satellite and aerial imageries with better accuracy and minimal turnaround time. Maintenance of actual size and shape of the road networks, runtime control over structuring elements, automation, faster processing and single band adaptability are features of this work. Accuracy of developed methodology has been assessed with ground truths of the area of interest.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for elderly patients with colorectal cancer: a single-center observational study in Japan
Authors: Okamoto Kazuaki , Nozawa Hiroaki , Emoto Shigenobu , Murono Koji , Sasaki Kazuhito , Ishihara Soichiro 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Purpose: Adjuvant chemotherapy improves the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) following radical resection. The aim of the present study is to review appropriate chemotherapeutic regimens for elderly patients.
Methods: We examined 1243 Japanese patients who received adjuvant therapy for high-risk stage II, III, or IV CRC between July 2010 and June 2021 at our hospital. Patients were divided according to an age of 70 years. The efficacy of adjuvant therapy was analyzed in association with age and adjuvant chemotherapeutic regimens.
Results: A total of 544 patients (44%) were ≥70 years old. They were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (p<0.001) or palliative chemotherapy after recurrence (p<0.001) than patients aged <70 years. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) in stage III CRC patients was longer in the <70 years group than in the ≥70 years group (p=0.006); however, CSS by regimens did not significantly differ between these groups. Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with the longer relapse-free survival of stage III CRC patients in the <70 years group (p=0.005). CSS in these patients was prolonged in both the <70 years group (p=0.019) and ≥70 years group (p=0.009) who received adjuvant chemotherapy..
Conclusions: Although adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a favorable prognosis regardless of age, the implementation rate of adjuvant chemotherapy for elderly CRC patients was low, which may explain shorter CSS in stage III CRC patients the ≥70 years group than in the <70 years group. Further studies are needed to establish an optimal adjuvant regimen for elderly patients.