bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellular electrical impedance to profile SARS-CoV-2 fusion inhibitors and to assess the fusogenic potential of spike mutants
Authors: Vanhulle Emiel , Doijen Jordi , Stroobants Joren , Provinciael Becky , Noppen Sam , Schols Dominique , Stevaert Annelies , Vermeire Kurt 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDespite the vaccination campaigns for COVID-19, we still cannot control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, as evidenced by the ongoing circulation of the Omicron variants of concern. This highlights the need for broad-spectrum antivirals to further combat COVID-19 and to be prepared for a new pandemic with a (re-)emerging coronavirus. An interesting target for antiviral drug development is the fusion of the viral envelope with host cell membranes, a crucial early step in the replication cycle of enveloped viruses. In this study, we explored the use of cellular electrical impedance (CEI) to quantitatively monitor morphological changes in real time, resulting from cell-cell fusion elicited by SARS-CoV-2 spike. The impedance signal in CEI-quantified cell-cell fusion correlated with the expression level of SARS-CoV-2 spike in transfected HEK293T cells. For antiviral assessment, we validated the CEI assay with the fusion inhibitor EK1 and measured a concentration-dependent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 spike mediated cell-cell fusion (IC50value of 0.13 μM). In addition, CEI was used to confirm the fusion inhibitory activity of the carbohydrate-binding plant lectin UDA against SARS-CoV-2 (IC50value of 0.55 μM), which complements prior in-house profiling activities. Finally, we explored the utility of CEI in quantifying the fusogenic potential of mutant spike proteins and in comparing the fusion efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. In summary, we demonstrate that CEI is a powerful and sensitive technology that can be applied to studying the fusion process of SARS-CoV-2 and to screening and characterizing fusion inhibitors in a label-free and non-invasive manner.ImportanceDespite the success of the vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, new variants of the virus are still emerging and spreading, underlining the need for additional effective antiviral countermeasures. An interesting antiviral target for enveloped viruses is the fusion of the viral envelope with host cell membranes, a crucial early step in the life cycle of coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2. Here, we present a sensitive impedance-based method to monitor in real-time cell-cell fusion elicited by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. With this technique we can profile entry inhibitors and determine the inhibitory potential of fusion inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2. In addition, with cellular electrical impedance we can evaluate the fusogenic properties of new emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Overall, the impedance technology adds valuable information on the fusion process of circulating coronaviruses and helps unravel the mode of action of new antivirals, opening new avenues for the development of next generation fusion inhibitors with improved antiviral activity.
Difference in presentation, outcomes, and hospital epidemiologic trend of COVID-19 among first, second, and third waves in Dhaka Medical College
Authors: Mahmud Reaz , Islam Md. Ashikul , Haque Md. Emdadul , Azmal Hussain Md. Dewan , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Monayem Farhana Binte , Kamal Mostofa , Sina Hashmi , Islam Mohammad Fakhrul , Datta Ponkaj Kanti , Sayeed S.K. Jakaria Been , Dhali Sabbir Ahmed , Islam Khairul , Ratul Rifat Hossain , Hossain SK Md. Rubaed , Prince Habib Naziat , Chowdhury Ahmed Hossain , Ahmed Kazi Gias Uddin , Miah Md.Titu , Rahman Md. Mujibur 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to examine the differences in epidemiologic and disease aspects among patients with COVID-19MethodsWe reviewed the hospital records between April 2020 and September 2021 and followed up on the patients for post-COVID complications.FindingsOlder adult patients were predominantly affected during the first and second waves, followed by middle-aged patients. Men were predominantly admitted, considering the three waves; although more women were admitted in the second wave. Cough was more common in the second and third waves than in the first wave 522 (59.7%). Respiratory distress was the most common in the third wave, 251(67.1%), and least common in the first wave 403 (46.1%). Anosmia was more common in the third wave 116 (31.2%). In the third wave, patients presenting in a critical state 23 (6.2%) and severe disease 152 (40.8%) were more common. The hospital admission median (IQR) was longer in the first wave, 12 (8–20), than in other waves. More patients were admitted in the first wave (52%) than in the other waves, and patients received more oxygen in the third wave (75%) than in the other waves. Death occurred more commonly in the first wave (51%) than in the other waves. Patients were investigated more commonly in the first and third waves than in the second wave. The positivity rate was high in the third wave (22.8%) than in other waves. In the third wave, the positivity rate was higher in women (24.3%) than in men. Post-covid cough increased in the second wave and fatigue was higher in the third wave than in other waves. Tiredness and memory loss was greater during the second wave than in other waves.ConclusionThis study revealed that the presenting symptoms, outcomes, and epidemiologic trends differed during the COVID-19 waves.
Centrifugal filtration of serum for FTIR spectroscopy does not improve stratification of brain tumours
Authors: Theakstone Ashton G. , Brennan Paul M. , Jenkinson Michael D. , Goodacre Royston , Baker Matthew J. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDiscrimination of brain cancerversusnon-cancer patients using serum-based attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy diagnostics was first developed by Handset al. Cameronet al. then went on to stratifying between specific brain tumour types: glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) vs. primary cerebral lymphoma. Expanding on these studies, 30 GBM, 30 lymphoma and 30 non-cancer patients were selected to investigate the influence on test performance by focusing on specific molecular weight regions of the patient serum. Membrane filters with molecular weight cut offs of 100 kDa, 50 kDa, 30 kDa, 10 kDa and 3 kDa were purchased in order to remove the most abundant high molecular weight components. Three groups were classified using both partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) and random forest (RF) machine learning algorithms; GBMversusnon-cancer, lymphomaversusnon-cancer and GBMversuslymphoma. For all groups, once the serum was filtered the sensitivity, specificity and overall balanced accuracies decreased. This illustrates that the high molecular weight components are required for discrimination between cancer and non-cancer as well as between tumour types. From a clinical application point of view, this is preferable as less sample preparation is required.
How do skilled workers find jobs in India?: an assessment study of employment exchanges in India
Authors: Gupta Rajesh , Bagga Navya 
Published: December 2022

PurposeEmployment exchanges have been playing a significant role in the worldwide labor market for more than a hundred years now. In India, since 1946, millions of aspiring Indian youths have registered themselves with the government-run employment exchanges to find a job. About four million job seekers got registered at 1,000 employment exchanges in India, it is important to analyze the placement statistics of these exchanges. In recent years, new methods of job search have evolved. This study examines whether employment exchanges are effective in the changed scenario?Design/methodology/approachUsing state-level employment exchange data for the period 2010–2011 to 2019–2020, this study analyzes the determinants of job placement at employment exchanges in India. A critical analysis of the functioning of employment exchanges along with recommendations to improve the job search ecosystem in India is also presented in the study.FindingsThis study found that increased share of service sector in the state economy negatively impacts placement at employment exchanges.Research limitations/implicationsThe absence of focus on the service sector requires policy intervention if Indian employment exchanges are to remain relavant.Practical implicationsThe government administration should rethink that ignoring service sector employment potential is unaffordable for an emerging economy and employment exchanges should be aligned accordingly.Social implicationsAbout 30 million people are unemployed in India. If employment exchanges are transformed, it can have far-reaching socio-economic advantages.Originality/valueThis study is the first sub-country level study on the institution of employment exchanges. This study comprehensively maps the landscape of career services in India. Empirically establishing the impact of sectoral structure of economy on efficacy of employment exchanges, and makes the case for policy intervention that is needed to keep the employment exchanges relevant in India.
Design of humanitarian supply chain system by applying the general two-stage network DEA model
Authors: Hong Jae-Dong 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThe recent COVID-19 outbreak and severe natural disasters make the design of the humanitarian supply chain network (HSCN) a crucial strategic issue in a pre-disaster scenario. The HSCN design problem deals with the location/allocation of emergency response facilities (ERFs). This paper aims to propose and demonstrate how to design an efficient HSCN configuration under the risk of ERF disruptions.Design/methodology/approachThis paper considers four performance measures simultaneously for the HSCN design by formulating a weighted goal programming (WGP) model. Solving the WGP model with different weight values assigned to each performance measure generates various HSCN configurations. This paper transforms a single-stage network into a general two-stage network, treating each HSCN configuration as a decision-making unit with two inputs and two outputs. Then a two-stage network data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach is applied to evaluate the HSCN schemes for consistently identifying the most efficient network configurations.FindingsAmong various network configurations generated by the WGP, the single-stage DEA model does not consistently identify the top-ranked HSCN schemes. In contrast, the proposed transformation approach identifies efficient HSCN configurations more consistently than the single-stage DEA model. A case study demonstrates that the proposed transformation method could provide a more robust and consistent evaluation for designing efficient HSCN systems. The proposed approach can be an essential tool for federal and local disaster response officials to plan a strategic design of HSCN.Originality/valueThis study presents how to transform a single-stage process into a two-stage network process to apply the general two-stage network DEA model for evaluating various HSCN configurations. The proposed transformation procedure could be extended for designing some supply chain systems with conflicting performance metrics more effectively and efficiently.
An analysis of the current status of metaverse research based on bibliometrics
Authors: Feng Xin , Wang Xu , Su Ying 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThe rise of the metaverse has brought profound changes to the economic and social operation models and injected new vitality into academic research. Although a large number of studies have emerged, there are few quantitative analyses of development frontiers and trends.Design/methodology/approachFrom a bibliometric perspective, this paper selects 183 pieces of metaverse-related literature in the WoS core database since 2000 as the object of analysis. This paper sums up the characteristics of the literature using the methods of descriptive statistical analysis, keywords analysis, thematic evolution analysis and summarizes the core themes and the laws of metaverse development in each stage.FindingsThe digital economy vision brought by the metaverse has led to an increasing number of researchers and achievements in this field. But the depth and breadth of research are still insufficient and unevenly distributed in the region, and the cross-fertilization fields need to be expanded. From the industry's point of view, VR games represented by Second Life and My World have contributed to the popularity of the metaverse. As technology progresses, the research hotspots in the field of metaverse gradually develop from conceptual research to artificial intelligence, blockchain, NFT and other technical applications. However, academic research has not yet caught up with the industry's pace and stays more in the concept discussion and preliminary application stage.Originality/valueA systematic overview of the current status, knowledge structure and hot issues of metaverse research is shown, which provides a thematic axis for this field, enriches and improves the quantitative analysis of its literature and provides a clear picture for researchers to continuously promote the development of this field. At the same time, it is necessary to warn that technological development is a double-edged sword. The process of metaverse development should return to rationality, respect the laws of its development and guarantee the healthy development of the metaverse by strengthening legal regulation and the ethical review of science and technology.
Trade values in environmental commodities and environment performance: insights from global database
Authors: Ha Le Thanh 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThe article is the first attempt to investigate the association between the size of trade values in environmental commodities (TVEC) and environmental quality (EQ).Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ two dimensions, including human health’s and ecosystem’s protection, to capture the environmental performance. The six-digit level of the 2007 version of the Harmonized System was used to extract data on commerce in the Combined List of Environmental Goods (CLEG) goods from the UN Comtrade database (HS 2007). The authors apply the formal empirical estimation procedure to a global sample of 28 low-income and lower-middle-income (LI&LMICs) and 19 upper-middle-income (UMICs) and 31 high-income (HICs) during the 2000–2019 period.FindingsThe estimates indicate that the size of TVEC has a favorable impact on QE. The authors find robust results by utilizing various econometric techniques and various measures of TVEC. To shed light on the TVEC-QE nexus, the authors demonstrate the short-run and long-run effects of TVEC on QE and compare the influence of TVEC on QE in the subsamples based on a country’s income level. The results suggest that the TVEC-QE linkage is more likely to exist either in the long-run or high-income economies. Notably, the authors find that the influences of TVEC become more pronounced in a country characterized by a well-developed institutional system.Practical implicationsGovernments should develop a more efficient policy framework to improve the relationship between trading activities and environmental performance. There has been a substantial increase in the global demands and requirements for environmental commodities, and the authors also realize the world economy has become greener and fairer. Therefore, it is vital for both developing and developed countries to catch this trend and satisfy the global demands and requirements to survive in foreign markets.Originality/valueThe article is the first attempt to investigate the association between trade values of environmental goods and environmental innovation.
Re(dis)covering the recent: Surveying settlements and society in central Oman from the 17th to the 20th centuries
Authors: Biezeveld Irini 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMudbrick settlements are a common sight in central Oman and are often attributed to the Yaʿariba and al‐Busaydī periods. They have been the subject of study of different projects in the past, providing a good basis for understanding the settlements. This paper will review how the mudbrick settlements have been studied since the beginning of this century and discuss approaches for future research. A specific focus of this study is the interpretation and analysis of the material culture of the mudbrick settlements. Previous ceramic studies are analysed and this paper aims to refine the ceramic chronology of the Late Islamic period in central Oman. This outcome provides a first comprehensive study on the ceramics of this time period and region. In doing so, one of the goals is to establish a baseline for future studies on this period so that it can provide a reference for other archaeologists who find similar material and settlements, to re(dis)cover subrecent times in Oman.
Carbon of Chaillu forests based on a phytosociological analysis in Republic of Congo, more than meets the eye?
Authors: van Rooyen Margaretha W. , Miabangana Edmond Sylvestre , Nsongola Gilbert , van Rooyen Noel , Orban Ben , Thomas Alain , Drescher Karsten , Vasicek Gaugris Caroline , Gaugris Jérôme Y. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe objectives were to quantify aboveground, belowground and dead wood carbon pools near Mayoko in the Chaillu massif of Republic of Congo and explore relationships between carbon storage and plant diversity of all growth forms. A total of 190 plots (25 m by 25 m) were sampled (5072 stems, 211 species) and data analysed using recommended central‐African forest allometric equations. Mean stem diameter at breast height was 33.6 cm, mean basal area 47.7 m2 ha−1and mean density of individuals 407 ha−1. Mean aboveground carbon (AGC) ranged from 13.93–412.66 Mg C ha−1, belowground carbon from 2.86–96.97 Mg C ha−1and dead wood from 0.00–7.59 Mg C ha−1. The maximum AGC value recorded in a plot was 916 Mg C ha−1. The analysis performed using phytosociological association as basis rather than broad vegetation type is unique. AGC values for undisturbedterra firmeforest sites featured among the highest recorded for African tropical forests. Considering only tree diversity, a weak, yet significant, relationship existed between AGC and species richness, Shannon‐Wiener index of diversity and Fisher's alpha. However, if diversity of all plant growth forms is considered, no relationship between carbon and plant diversity existed.
Let's talk about sexuality – A web‐based survey of self‐reported competence in sexual problems among obstetrician‐gynecologists in Finland
Authors: Aromaa Anna , Kero Katja , Grönlund Jarna , Manninen Sanna‐Mari , Riskumäki Markus , Vahlberg Tero , Polo‐Kantola Päivi 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIntroductionSexual health is an important aspect of quality of life, yet both healthcare professionals and patients might hesitate to bring up the topic during appointments. Our study investigated obstetrician‐gynecologists' (OB/GYNs') self‐reported competences in discussing and treating sexual problems, as well as the barriers to bringing up the subject. An additional aim was to evaluate the need for continuing education in sexual medicine.Material and methodsA web‐based questionnaire was sent to the members of The Finnish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (n = 1212). The survey was completed by 328 respondents (275 specialists and 53 OB/GYN residents). Their background information (gender, age, education, occupational status, daily number of patients, and daily number of patients with sexual health issues) was assessed. The questionnaire included four fields: (A) self‐reported competence in discussing and treating patients with sexual problems (three questions), (B) the barriers to bringing up sexual problems with patients (nine questions), (C) the source of education in sexual medicine (two questions), and (D) the need for education in sexual medicine (two questions).ResultsMost of the OB/GYNs self‐reported their competence to be good in discussing sexual problems, but poor in treating patients' sexual problems. The male OB/GYNs reported better competence than did the females. Several barriers were identified—most frequently, “shortness of the appointment time” (76%), “lack of knowledge about sexual medicine” (75%), and “lack of experience with sexual medicine” (74%). Older OB/GYNs and male OB/GYNs reported fewer barriers. The majority of the respondents considered their previous education in sexual medicine to be insufficient, especially in medical school (95%), but also in residency (83%), and they reported a need for additional education.ConclusionsOur study indicated several barriers that hindered OB/GYNs from assessing sexual problems during appointments. Although OB/GYNs reported a good competence in discussing sexual problems, they reported a poor competence in treating them. Their previous education in sexual medicine was rated as insufficient, and continuing education was desired. The information provided by our study can be used for improving and organizing education in sexual medicine, which is crucial for diminishing the barriers to discussing and treating sexual problems.
Prevalence and prognostic significance of vitamin C deficiency in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hui Samuel , Lim Andy , Koh Elaine , Abasszade Joshua , Morgan Aparna , Tan Pei Y. , Lemoh Christopher , Robertson Marcus 
Published: December 2022

SummaryBackgroundVitamin C is an essential dietary nutrient important for collagen synthesis, including within the gastrointestinal tract.AimWe aimed to document the prevalence of Vitamin C deficiency (VCD) in patients who present with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) and its association with clinical outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of patients presenting with UGIB. Fasting Vitamin C levels were collected at admission. Primary outcomes were the prevalence of VCD (Vitamin C level <23 μmol/L, severe VCD < 12 μmol/L) and a composite outcome of adverse events, stratified by VCD status. Secondary outcomes were prolonged hospitalisation and the need for ICU admission.ResultsA total of 227 patients were included (mean age 64.5 years, males 63.9%). VCD was identified in 74 (32.6%) and severe deficiency in 32 (14.1%) patients. VCD was associated with a higher composite endpoint of AE (45.9% vs 24.8%, p < 0.01), higher in‐hospital mortality (9.5% vs 1.3%, p < 0.01), increased prolonged admissions (62.2% versus 47.1%, p = 0.03) and increased rebleeding (17.6% vs 7.8%, p = 0.03), compared with patients with normal Vitamin C levels. Multivariate logistic regression models showed that VCD was independently associated with the composite endpoint of AE.ConclusionVCD is highly prevalent in patients with UGIB and associated with poorer outcomes, including higher mortality, rebleeding and length of stay. Interventional studies are required to determine the impact of early Vitamin C supplementation on clinical outcomes.
The ethical obligations of institutional investors: Managing moral complexity
Authors: Skirry Jason , Pattit Katherina , Van Buren Harry J. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractInstitutional investors control almost 60% of all assets under management worldwide and encompass a wide variety of organizations. Despite this reach, however, institutional investors have not received the normative scrutiny they merit beyond general discussions around their legally grounded fiduciary obligations to their beneficiaries. This paper offers a discussion of institutional investor ethical obligations in light of their specific attributes. We propose that the different characteristics of institutional investors and the diverse roles they play in the marketplace inform the scope of their activities, and, in turn, the different ways in which their basic ethical obligations can be fulfilled.