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How geopolitical risk affect firms’ internationalization performance: Evidence from China Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-22 Jiachen Guo
Geopolitical risks (GPR) arising from wars, terrorist acts and bilateral tensions. It has aroused global attention recently, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has further disrupted normal bilateral trade exchanges. However, this argument is still too general to capture the micro impact of geopolitical risks on internationalization in developing countries. This study examines the impact of
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Error-controlled algorithm for the cumulative distribution function of doubly non-central F distribution Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-22 Linxuan Fang, Han Li, Yinhua Tian
The doubly non-central F distribution is a widely applied probability distribution. The cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the doubly non-central F distribution can be expressed using the infinite doubly series. In this paper, a CDF calculation method that allows for controlled precision is derived through the study of the infinite doubly series. By setting parameters, this method can provide
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Is online shopping addiction still a depressive illness? —— the induced consumption and traffic trap in live E-commerce Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-21 Chengyu Li, Zuhui Xia, Yiqing Liu, Shuyan Li, Shuchang Ren, Hongjun Zhao
While immersive shopping has injected new vitality into China's e-commerce, it has also resulted in consumers' over-reliance on online shopping. Psychological studies have linked online shopping addiction with depression, but business practices challenge this conclusion. This study, grounded in addiction theory, developed a theoretical model, and conducted an online survey with 214 live-streaming shoppers
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Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of novel cinnamic acid derivatives: cinnamoyl-metronidazole ester and cinnamoyl-memantine amide Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-21 Mohammad Moatz Shollar, Joumaa Merza, Maher Darwish, Mohammad Keshe
In this study, two derivatives, namely the ester derivative cinnamoyl metronidazole and the amide derivative cinnamoyl memantine, were synthesized from cinnamic acid and respective drugs for the purpose of exploring their potential as novel and efficient antimicrobial agents in the quest of prevailing the global antimicrobial resistance challenge.
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Numerical analysis of blood flow through stenosed microvessels using a multi-phase model Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-21 Yuhong Zhao, Jue Xie
Blood flow in arterioles have attracted considerable research attention due to their clinical implications. However, the fluid structure interaction between red blood cells and plasma in the blood poses formidable difficulty to the computational efforts. In this contribution, we seek to represent the red blood cells in the blood as a continuous non-Newtonian phase and construct a multi-phase model
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The potential of construction robotics to reduce airborne virus transmission in the construction industry in the UK and China Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-21 Lutong Li, Pu Yuan, Yuan Tang, Glen Cooper, Simon Thurlbeck, Clara Man Cheung, Patrick Manu, Akilu Yunusa-Kaltungo, Andrew Weightman
This paper aims to identify construction robotics' potential to reduce airborne virus transmission, review factors limiting the technology's adoption and highlight how similar barriers have been addressed in other industries. Construction robotics were identified and classified into 8 themes with 25 categories through a critical literature review. We undertook interviews with 4 construction contractors
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Improvement of digital Gabor holographic microscopy using a lens in plankton studies Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-21 Yaumel C. Arias-Sosa, Gelaysi Moreno-Vega, Rubens M. Lopes, José-Luis Valin-Rivera, Meylí Valin-Fernández, Edison Gonçalves, Jorge O. Ricardo-Pérez
This work utilizes a Gabor Holographic Optical Scheme integrated with a microscope objective and a thin convex plane lens. This bi-telecentric lens system corrects spherical aberration from the objective, maintains consistent magnification across various reconstruction distances, and ensures a plane incidence on CMOS. Depending on the focal lengths of the objective and lens, the final image can be
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Effect of cassava pulp treated with Lactobacillus casei TH14, urea, and molasses on gas kinetics, rumen fermentation, and degradability using the in vitro gas technique Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-21 Sunisa Pongsub, Chaichana Suriyapha, Waewaree Boontiam, Anusorn Cherdthong
This study focused on examining the gas dynamics, rumen fermentation, and digestibility of ensiled cassava pulp (CSVP) using TH14, urea, and molasses in the context of a laboratory experiment. All data in this study were analyzed using treatments arranged in 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangements using a completely randomized design. The TH14 additive (L) was factor A. Factor B was the molasses additive
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The first Japanese case with familial combined hypolipidemia without any complications caused by loss-of function variants in ANGPTL3: Case report Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-21 Hayato Tada, Nobuko Kojima, Masa-aki Kawashiri, Masayuki Takamura
Familial combined hypolipidemia, previously known as Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia 2 (FHBL2) is considered as an extremely rare recessive disease. Here, we present the case of familial combined hypolipidemia with homozygous loss-of function (LOF) variants in angiopoietin-like protein 3 () ((NM_014495.4) c.439_442del (p.Thr146_Asn147insTer)) using panel sequencing (46 yr male whose LDL cholesterol = 34
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English as a foreign language students’ acceptance of Google Classroom in writing classes: A case study in Vietnam Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-21 Anh Tuan Pham, Toan Bao Nguyen
Google Classroom is a virtual education platform created by Google that allows both instructors and learners to actively participate in educational environments inside and outside of the classroom in an innovative way. This research aims to determine how university students perceived the adoption of Google Classroom in writing classes. This research was a convergent parallel mix-methods approach in
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Evaluating economic efficiency of the national high-tech industrial development districts in the Yangtze River Delta by stochastic frontier analysis Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Chao Yang
The High-tech Industrial Development Districts (HIDDs) are technological engines for the regional economy in China. The Chinese government implemented the Torch Initiative to accelerate industrial agglomeration and innovation development by administratively upgrading the local HIDDs into a national list since 1989. The policy intervention emphasizes the labor and capital inputs on science and technology
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A qualitative investigation to understand the challenges and representation of women in the media industry of Bangladesh Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Noshin Yeasmin, Morsheda Akter Heme, Maherun Nahar Mumu, Taufiq-E-Ahmed Shovo, Rina Aktar, Hamalna Nizam, Md. Tanvir Hossain, Tunvir Ahamed Shohel
This study explores the representation of women in the media in Bangladesh and the social perception regarding their media engagement. Both Dhaka and Khulna cities were purposively selected as the study area for fulfilling the research objective. A qualitative research method has been used to conduct the study and primary data were collected by using an in-depth interviews (IDIs) and two focus group
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Xue Ping Tablets treat abnormal uterine bleeding via VEGF-ERK1/2 pathway Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Suqin Zhong, Lichao Qian, Yong Tan
To investigate the protective effects against abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and possible mechanisms of Xue Ping tablets (XPT) using a rat model. A total of 58 unmated female and 25 male SPF SD rats aged 8–9 weeks were selected. Eight unmated female rats were selected as the blank control group according to the complete random method. The other 50 rats were mated in a female/male ratio of 2:1. In
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Digitization of myth: The HimmapanVR Project's role in cultural preservation Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Suepphong Chernbumroong, Perasuk Worragin, Natchaya Wongwan, Kannikar Intawong, Pipitton Homla, Kitti Puritat
This study investigates the visitor experience at the '3D HimmapanVR' virtual museum, which focuses on the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage related to Thai mythical entities, specifically the Himmapan animals. Despite their cultural significance, information about these creatures is limited and fragmented. The HimmapanVR initiative aims to mitigate this issue by establishing a virtual
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SNS citizenship behavior based on D&M information system success model and social capital theory: Mediating role of subjective well-being Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Nusrat Jahan, Saiful Hoque, Md Alamgir Hossain, Jeong Se Hoon, Md Muslim Uddin Ahmed Pipul
Social media has become integral to contemporary society, with online behaviors impacting individual experiences and the wider community. In Bangladesh, a developing country, SNS have played a pivotal role in the nation's digitalization efforts. This study explores the relationship between social capital theory, D&M Information System Model, subjective well-being, and SNS Citizenship Behavior (SCB)
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A novel seasonal grey prediction model with fractional order accumulation for energy forecasting Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Huiping Wang, Yiyang Li
To accurately predict sequence data with seasonal characteristics, we combine data restart technology and fractional order accumulation into a novel seasonal grey model (FSGM (1,1, )). The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to solve the fractional order and background value coefficients of the model, and the effectiveness of FSGM (1,1, ) is verified using three cases. Finally, we use
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A three-phase algorithm for the pollution traveling Salesman problem Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Karen García-Vasquez, Rodrigo Linfati, John Willmer Escobar
This paper studies a variant of the Pollution Traveling Salesman Problem (PTSP) focused on fuel consumption and pollution emissions (PTSPC). The PTSPC generalizes the well-known Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), classified as NP-Hard. In the PTSPC, a vehicle must deliver a load to each customer through a Hamiltonian cycle, minimizing an objective function that considers the speed of each edge, the
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A meta-analysis of the causal interpretation of enterprise green innovation: A structural theoretical model Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Fanbo Li, Hongfeng Zhang, Linlu Weng, Haoqun Yan
The escalating environmental challenges have compelled corporations to embark on green innovation initiatives, establishing this as a pivotal strategy for attaining economic sustainability. Yet, there remains a lack of consensus within the scholarly community regarding the precursors and outcomes of green innovation. This research leverages Giddens' structuration theory and employs meta-analytical
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Effects of chronic aerobic exercise on attentional bias among women with methamphetamine addiction Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Qi Zhao, Jianing Liu, Chenglin Zhou, Tianze Liu
To explore the effects of chronic exercise on attentional bias toward drug-related stimuli and on brain electrophysiological characteristics among women with methamphetamine addiction. In total, 63 women with methamphetamine addiction were randomized to participate in a dance (n = 21; mean age, 32.16 ± 2.07 years), bicycle (n = 21; mean age, 32.59 ± 2.12 years), or control (maintained regular activities
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa and related antibiotic resistance genes as indicators for wastewater treatment Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Alariqi Reem, Siham Almansoob, Ahmed M. Senan, Aditya Kumar Raj, Rajesh Shah, Mukesh Kumar Shrewastwa, Jay Prakash Prasad Kumal
This review aims to examine the existence of . nd their antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic settings and the alternative treatment ways. in a various aquatic environment have been identified as contaminants with impacts on human health and the environment. resistance to multiple antibiotics, such as sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, quinolone, trimethoprim, tetracycline, vancomycin, as well
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Synthesis, molecular docking evaluation for LOX and COX-2 inhibition and determination of in-vivo analgesic potentials of aurone derivatives Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Muhammad Ikram, Ismail Shah, Haya Hussain, Ehsan Ullah Mughal, Nafeesa Naeem, Amina Sadiq, Yasir Nazir, Syed Wadood Ali Shah, Muhammad Zahoor, Riaz Ullah, Essam A. Ali, Muhammad Naveed Umar
In the current study, seven (7) aurone derivatives (ADs) were synthesized and employed to LOX and COX-2 assays, models of acetic acid-induced mice writhing, formalin-induced mice paw licking and tail immersion test to evaluate their analgesic potential at the doses of 10 mg and 20 mg/kg body weight. Molecular docking was performed to know the active binding site at both LOX and COX-2 as compared to
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Integrating p53-associated genes and infiltrating immune cell characterization as a prognostic biomarker in multiple myeloma Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Jun-Ting Lv, Yu-Tian Jiao, Xin-Le Han, Yang-Jia Cao, Xu-Kun Lv, Jun Du, Jian Hou
Tumor genetic anomalies and immune dysregulation are pivotal in the progression of multiple myeloma (MM). Accurate patient stratification is essential for effective MM management, yet current models fail to comprehensively incorporate both molecular and immune profiles. We examined 776 samples from the MMRF CoMMpass database, employing univariate regression with LASSO and CIBERSORT algorithms to identify
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Synthesis of layered double hydroxides: Investigating the impact of stirring conditions and reactor design parameters Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Rafaela Gabriel, Pollyanna Vanessa dos Santos Lins, Felipe de Alcântara Moura Vilela, Sandra Helena Vieira de Carvalho, Rodolfo Junqueira Brandão, João Inácio Soletti, Lucas Meili
The synthesis by coprecipitation of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) is governed by the stages of nucleation and crystal growth associated with the efficiency of the mixing and dispersion process of the reagents. Mixing efficiency is related to process variables, such as agitation speed, type of impeller and baffles presence, among others. In this context, this work proposes an analysis of these variables
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Hymenaea courbaril resin-mediated gold nanoparticles as catalysts in organic dyes degradation and sensors in pharmaceutical pollutants Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Naeem Khan, Palwasha Durrani, Nargis Jamila, Umar Nishan, Muhammad Ishtiaq Jan, Riaz Ullah, Ahmed Bari, Ji Yeon Choi
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Alcohol's impact on fine motor skills: Insights from minimally invasive surgical simulation Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Daan J. Verhoeven, Bas H. Verhoeven, Sanne MBI. Botden, Ivo de Blaauw, Maja Joosten
Alcohol misuse among medical professionals poses a significant concern, and there is a lack of clarity in (inter)national guidelines regarding alcohol use during work. Moreover, there exists an insufficient body of research on the specific impact of alcohol on fine motor skills within the medical sector, specifically surgery. This study aims to investigate the impact of alcohol on fine motor skills
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Identification of shared molecular mechanisms and diagnostic biomarkers between heart failure and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Peng Zhang, Lou Geng, Kandi Zhang, Dongsheng Liu, Meng Wei, Zheyi Jiang, Yihua Lu, Tiantian Zhang, Jie Chen, Junfeng Zhang
Heart failure (HF) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are global public health concerns. The relationship between HF and IPF is widely acknowledged. However, the interaction mechanisms between these two diseases remain unclear, and early diagnosis is particularly difficult. Through the integration of bioinformatics and machine learning, our work aims to investigate common gene features, putative
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Novel artemisinin derivative P31 inhibits VEGF-induced corneal neovascularization through AKT and ERK1/2 pathways Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Wen Ding, Yingxue Su, Jianshan Mo, Danyuan Sun, Chen Cao, Xiaolei Zhang, Yandong Wang
Corneal neovascularization (CoNV)is a major cause of blindness in many ocular diseases. Substantial evidence indicates that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of corneal neovascularization. Previous evidence showed that artemisinin may inhibit angiogenesis through down regulation of the VEGF receptors. We designed and synthesized artemisinin derivatives
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Corporate social responsibility, political connections, and barrier industry diversification: Evidence from China Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Zheng Zhang, Wenxue Wang, Shouxun Wen
In this paper, using the data of private sector enterprises listed in China from 2009 to 2014, we study the relationships between corporate social responsibility, political connections, and barrier industry diversification among Chinese public-listed private-sector enterprises. The empirical test results reveal that establishing political connections can contribute to diversification of these firms
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Cover crop inclusion and residue retention improves soybean production and physiology in drought conditions Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Craig W. Whippo, Nicanor Z. Saliendra, Mark A. Liebig
Soybean ( max (L.) Merr.) planting has increased in central and western North Dakota despite frequent drought occurrences that limit productivity. Soybean plants need high photosynthetic and transpiration rates to be productive, but they also need high water use efficiency when water is limited. Crop residues and cover crops in crop rotations may improve soybean drought tolerance in northern Great
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The effect of human resource development practice on employee performance with the mediating role of job satisfaction among Mizan Tepi University's academic staff in Southwestern Ethiopia Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Tamirat Tafese Keltu
This study examined the effect of human resource development practices on employee performance, with job satisfaction as a mediating variable among academic staff at Mizan Tepi University. A standardized Likert-scale questionnaire was administered to academic staff members selected through stratified random sampling from eight colleges at Mizan Tepi University. Descriptive and inferential statistics
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Synergistic effects of coal waste derived humic substances and inorganic fertilizer as soil amendments for barley in sandy soil Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Yihan Zhao, M. Anne Naeth
Increasing pressures on land resources requires increased land use efficiency. Over 900 million ha of sandy soils throughout the world are extensively used for agricultural crop production, most requiring nutrient inputs. Although use of humic substances together with inorganic fertilizer as soil amendments has been introduced, their synergistic effects on plant growth in sandy soils are not well addressed
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Clinical outcomes and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough cases following vaccination with BNT162b2, CoronaVac, or ChAdOx1-S: A retrospective cohort study in Malaysia Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Hessa Tamim, Rosnani Hashim, Nurdiana Jamil, Li Yin Chong, Zainol Johari
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic drove global vaccination. However, breakthrough infections raised concerns about vaccine performance, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to recommend investigations thereof. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes (time to breakthrough infection, intensive care unit [ICU] admission, and in-hospital mortality) of hospitalised patients with SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough
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Blood microbial signatures associated with mortality in patients with sepsis: A pilot study Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Huarong Chen, Weixin Liu, Olabisi Oluwabukola Coker, Na Qin, Hongyan Chen, Yifei Wang, Xiaodong Liu, Lin Zhang, Gordon Y.S. Choi, Wai Tat Wong, Czarina C.H. Leung, Lowell Ling, Mamie Hui, Tony Gin, Sunny Hei Wong, Matthew Tak Vai Chan, William Ka Kei Wu
Sepsis is a life-threatening illness caused by the dysregulated host response to infection. Nevertheless, our current knowledge of the microbial landscape in the blood of septic patients is still limited. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a sensitive method to quantitatively characterize microbiomes at various sites of the human body. In this study, we analyzed the blood microbial DNA of 22 adult
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A new 1D Mn(II) coordination polymer: Synthesis, crystal structure, hirshfeld surface analysis and molecular docking studies Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Atash V. Gurbanov, Fateme Firoozbakht, Nafiseh Pourshirband, Paria Sharafi-Badr, Payam Hayati, Bagher Souri, Fazlolah Eshghi, Werner Kaminsky, Ghodrat Mahmoudi, Francis Verpoort, Zohreh Mehrabadi
The synthesis of novel metal-organic coordination polymers (MOCP) with the chemical formula [MnL (SCN)(OH)]·CHOH [L = 1,5-bis(pyridine-4-ylmethylene) carbonohydrazide] {} was accomplished using two different techniques: solvothermal and sonochemical ultrasonic-assisted. An investigation was carried out to examine the impact of various factors such as reaction time, sonication power, temperature, and
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Quantitative microbial risk assessment of gastrointestinal illness due to recreational exposure to E. coli and enterococci on the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-19 Hadi Niknejad, Somayeh Hoseinvandtabar, Maryam Panahandeh, Fathollah Gholami-Borujeni, Reihaneh Janipoor, Roghayeh Abedi Sarvestani, Reza Saeedi, Mohsen Hesami Arani, Mehrnoosh Abtahi, Mohammad Rafiee
Gastrointestinal illness refers to a broad range of diseases that affect the digestive system, including infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) is a powerful tool used to evaluate the risks associated with microbial pathogens in various environments. The main objective of this study was to conduct a quantitative assessment of gastrointestinal
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Role of ribosomal pathways and comorbidity in COVID-19: Insight from SARS-CoV-2 proteins and host proteins interaction network analysis Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-19 Wajihul Hasan Khan, Razi Ahmad, Ragib Alam, Nida Khan, Irfan A. Rather, Mohmmad Younus Wani, R.K. Brojen Singh, Aijaz Ahmad
The COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant global issue in terms of public health. While it is largely associated with respiratory complications, recent reports indicate that patients also experience neurological symptoms and other health issues. The objective of this study is to examine the network of protein-protein interactions (PPI) between SARS-CoV-2 proteins and human host proteins, pinpoint
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Encapsulation of Apium graveolens essential oil into chitosan nanobiopolymer for protection of stored rice against Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisins contamination Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-19 Somenath Das, Anand Kumar Chaudhari
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Performance characteristics of INDICAID antigen rapid diagnostic test on SARS-CoV-2 samples during the omicron wave in Cameroon Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-19 Joseph Fokam, Désiré Takou, Ezechiel Ngoufack Jagni Semengue, Evariste Molimbou, Collins Chenwi Ambe, Alex Durand Nka, Sandrine Djupsa Ndjeyep, Grace Angong Beloumou, Christelle Aude Ka'e, Davy-Hyacinthe Gouissi Anguechia, Audrey Rachel Mundo Nayang, Larissa Gaëlle Moko Fotso, Aurelie Minelle Kengni Ngueko, Naomi-Karell Etame, Pamela Patricia Tueguem, Carlos Michel Tommo Tchouaket, Nadine Fainguem
WHO recommends the use of COVID-19 antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDT) with at least 80 % sensitivity and 97 % specificity. In the era of Omicron variants, we sought to ascertain the performance of the INDICAID™ Ag-RDT compared to real-time PCR (RT-PCR) as the gold standard. A laboratory-based study was conducted among consenting individuals tested for COVID-19 at the virology laboratory of the
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An empirical approach for life expectancy estimation based on survival analysis among a post-acute myocardial infarction population Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-19 Batya Betesh-Abay, Arthur Shiyovich, Harel Gilutz, Ygal Plakht
Practical communication of prognosis is pertinent in the clinical setting. Survival analysis techniques are standardly used in cohort studies; however, their results are not straightforward for interpretation as compared to the graspable notion of life expectancy (LE). The present study empirically examines the relationship between Cox regression coefficients (HRs), which reflect the relative risk
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Siting of fuel stations within residential areas in Ghanaian cities: Perceptions of residents in Wa on fire disaster risks Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-19 Ibrahim Abu Abdulai, Mohammed Awal Abubakari, Dramani Juah M-Buu File
This paper responds to the limited literature on perceptions of fire disaster risks associated with the siting of fuel stations in dense residential areas in African cities. We address three interrelated research objectives regarding fire disaster risk and safety behaviours. First, we explore residents' perception of the reasons for the siting of fuel stations in residential areas. Second, we examine
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Evaluation of stress tolerance and design of alternative culture media for the production of fermentation starter cultures in cacao Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-19 Maria Pilar Constante Catuto, Joel Tigrero-Vaca, Mirian Villavicencio-Vasquez, Diana Coello Montoya, Juan Manuel Cevallos, Jonathan Coronel-León
Ecuador is one of the world's leading producers of cacao beans, and Nacional x Trinitario cacao represents one of the most distinctive varieties due to its flavor and aroma characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the starter culture isolated from microbial diversity during the spontaneous fermentation of Nacional x Trinitario cacao. A total of 249 microbial isolates were obtained
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Numerical solutions for the new Coronavirus (COVID 19) mathematical model by the operational matrix using the clique polynomials method Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-19 Zahra Eidinejad, Reza Saadati, Javad Vahidi, Donal O'Regan
In this paper, we consider a differential equation system and present a new method based on Clique polynomials (CP-M) to obtain numerical solutions of this system. The system of differential equations is a mathematical model of a new virus called Corona, which causes an infectious disease called COVID-19. By solving this system of equations, we check the transmissibility of the Coronavirus by the CPs
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Olfactory dysfunction and the role of stem cells in the regeneration of olfactory neurons Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Pengju Yu, Weiguan Chen, Ling Jiang, Yufeng Jia, Xiaoyan Xu, Weiye Shen, Ni Jin, Hongjie Du
The prevalence of COVID-19 has drawn increasing attention to olfactory dysfunction among researchers. Olfactory dysfunction manifests in various clinical types, influenced by numerous pathogenic factors. Despite this diversity, the underlying pathogenesis remains largely elusive, contributing to a lack of standardized treatment approaches. However, the potential regeneration of olfactory neurons within
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CPE correlates with poor prognosis in gastric cancer by promoting tumourigenesis Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Jiarui Lin, Chengzhi Huang, Wenfei Diao, Haoming Liu, Hesong Lu, Shengchao Huang, Junjiang Wang
To investigate the potential functions and mechanisms of tumourigenesis in carboxypeptidase E (CPE) and its prognostic value in gastric cancer, and to develop a predictive model for prognosis based on CPE. Transcriptome level variation and the prognostic value of CPE in different types of cancers were investigated using bioinformatics analyses. The association between CPE and clinicopathological characteristics
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Protective effects of the bioactive peptide from maggots against skin flap ischemia‒reperfusion injury in rats Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Hao Chen, Tianqi Zhang, Su Yan, Shan Zhang, Qiuyue Fu, Chuchu Xiong, Lina Zhou, Xiao Ma, Rong Wang, Gang Chen
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Preservative effects of Osmanthus fragrans flower flavonoids on fresh-cut Yuluxiang pear Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Dixin Chen, Qian Wang, Yingjun Yang, Yang Zhang, Peijie Zuo, Yujie Guo, Zhiguo Shen
flower flavonoids (OFFF) possess superior antioxidant and antibacterial activities. However, scant information exists on the efficacy of these secondary metabolites as preservatives for fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Here, OFFF were tested as a natural preservative for the first time in fresh-cut Yuluxiang pear ( Rehd.) to assess effects on fruit quality. OFFF-treated samples showed significant retention
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Study on the matching degree of major groups and industrial groups in higher vocational colleges Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Xueqing Zhao
Major groups matching industrial groups in higher vocational colleges is the requirement of integration of industry and education. It is a talent cultivation mode based on the demand of regional advantageous industrial groups for talent quality. It is significant to improve the rationality of professional settings in colleges and promote the development of the economy. This study takes the Yi-Jing-Jing
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Exploring immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 variants using a pseudotyped system Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Haixiao Duan, Ershuai Zhang, Ge Ren, Yining Cheng, Binfeng Yang, Lirong Liu, Normand Jolicoeur, Han Hu, Yan Xu, Binlei Liu
In the United States, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases have consistently been linked to the prevailing variant XBB.1.5 of SARS-CoV-2 since late 2022. A system has been developed for producing and infecting cells with a pseudovirus (PsV) of SARS-CoV-2 to investigate the infection in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory. This system utilizes a lentiviral vector carrying ZsGreen1 and Firefly
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The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on accrual-based earnings management: Evidence from four most affected European countries Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Alpaslan Yaşar, Neriman Yalçın
This study aims to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on accrual-based earnings management (EM) based upon a sampling of 938 listed firms from four selected European countries (United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Türkiye) during 2016–2020. We find that firms engage more in accrual-based EM through income-increasing and income-decreasing accruals in the year of the COVID-19 pandemic relative
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The occurrence and human health risk assessment of microcystins in diverse food matrixes during production Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Mulalo I. Mutoti, Afam I.O. Jideani, Ntakadzeni E. Madala, Jabulani R. Gumbo
Globally, the presence of cyanotoxins in water supplies and food has been widely investigated for over a decade. Cyanotoxins are harmful metabolites produced by toxic cyanobacterial genera. These metabolites belong to diverse chemical classes, with a variety of physicochemical properties, chemical structures, and toxic activities. The present study seeks to investigate the occurrence of cyanotoxins
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Rural revitalization in China: Measurement indicators, regional differences and dynamic evolution Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Zhongbo Xiong, Yanzhong Huang, Liyan Yang
It is crucial to scientifically assess China's rural revitalization and grasp its evolution laws. This paper constructs an indicator system to measure the level of rural revitalization in China from 2011 to 2021 using the entropy weight method. Then, we explore the spatial and temporal divergence and dynamic evolutionary characteristics of rural revitalization using the Dagum Gini coefficient and Kernel
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Review and assessment of the potential restoration of ecosystem services through the implementation of the biodiversity management plans for SDG-15 localization Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Hishmi Jamil Husain, Xiuqing Wang, Saied Pirasteh, Davood Mafi-Gholami, Bhavesh Chouhan, Mohammed Latif Khan, Mehdi Gheisari
Effective restoration strategies play a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of mining and colliery activities while promoting ecological resilience and rejuvenating ecosystem services. However, many organizations find it challenging to understand and balance their efforts in restoring degraded lands. For example, their restoration plans lack clarity and overlook relevant ecosystem services
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Bifunctional folic acid targeted biopolymer Ag@NMOF nanocomposite [{Zn2 (1,4-bdc) 2 (DABCO)} n] as a novel theranostic agent for molecular imaging of colon cancer by SERS Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Fatemeh Mahboubi, Javad Mohammadnejad, Sepideh Khaleghi
Without a doubt, cancer and its negative impact on human health have created many hurdles for people across the world since conventional approaches have not offered a reliable ability in the eradication of cancer. As a result, finding novel approaches, like using bimodal nanoparticles as a potential nanocarrier in molecular imaging and cancer therapy, is remarkably required these days. In the present
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Effect of Al and Mn substitutions on hydrogen activation performances of La–Ni–Al–Mn alloy Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Guoliang Liu, Cen Hao
To interpret the effect of Al and Mn substitutions on activation performances of La–Ni–Al–Mn alloy, the initial activation curve has been measured, which shows that the incubation time of activation is prolonged with the increase of Al content in alloy, while shortened duo to Mn substitution. Further, the first-principles calculations are employed. We find that (1) (100)/(010) surface of LaNi is the
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Measuring disease burden of dominant variants of COVID-19 in Taiwan Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Hsin-Chieh Tsai, Ying-Fei Yang, Cheng-Chieh Hsieh, Si-Yu Chen, Szu-Chieh Chen
The disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of COVID-19 have been applied as a time-based measurement to estimate years of life lost due to premature mortality or healthy life lost in different countries. Limited information was found for DALYs among different variants of concern (VOC). Disease severities based on categories of asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, and critical cases were explored among
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Investigating G-quadruplex structures in RPGR gene: Implications for understanding X-linked retinal degeneration Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Luigi Donato, Concetta Scimone, Simona Alibrandi, Domenico Mordà, Ivan Anchesi, Sergio Zaccaria Scalinci, Carmela Rinaldi, Rosalia D'Angelo, Antonina Sidoti
This pilot study investigates the potential pathogenic role of G-quadruplex (G4) structures in -associated retinal degeneration, starting from a case of suspected X-linked form affected family. We hypothesize that the stabilization of these structures might alter DNA replication and transcription, inducing genetic instability and influencing gene expression. We conducted whole genome amplification
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Homestays in China: Mediator effects of brand perception upon host-guest interaction and Tourist behavior intention Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Hui Chen, Shuai Fu, Bei Lyu
As for homestays in China, the embedded distinctiveness is enriched by China's uniqueness in geographical conditions and cultural connotations. Consequently, for the sake of enhanced influences on the homestay market, an ascending number of peculiar homestay brands are forged and developed to raise their identification, recognition, and attraction. This paper probes into the relevance involving host-guest
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Chronically socially isolated mice exhibit depressive-like behavior regulated by the gut microbiota Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Linwei Ding, Jiaqi Liu, Yunjia Yang, Zeying Cui, Guankui Du
Chronic loneliness is a widespread issue, and the gut-brain axis is known to be crucial in facilitating communication between the gut and brain. However, the precise mechanism by which chronic loneliness affects the gut-brain axis remains uncertain. Fourteen 55-week-old Balb/c mice were used in the experiment, with seven mice being randomly assigned to the chronic social isolation (CSI) group. The
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Organic geochemistry of the middle Paleozoic Ora Formation in Iraq: Implications for source rock assessment and hydrocarbon potentiality Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Al-Auqadi Rahma S, Mohamed W. Alkhafaji, Ali I. Al-Juboury, Alex Zumberge, Nasir Alarifi, Dan Jarvie, Giovanni Zanoni, Harry Rowe
The Ora Formation (late Devonian–early Carboniferous) is thought to be a potential source rocks for the Paleozoic petroleum system of Iraq. The source potential from the Ora Formation is evaluated for the first time ever in this study from western and northern Iraq which integrates data from organic geochemistry including Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis, HAWK pyrolysis, gas chromatography (GC)
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Magnetic resonance imaging findings in central nervous system tuberculosis: A pictorial review Heliyon (IF 4.0) Pub Date : 2024-04-18 Prajwal Dahal, Sabina Parajuli
Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis is a post-primary form of tuberculosis. It has high mortality and morbidity rates despite early diagnosis and treatment. CNS tuberculosis can manifest as subacute/chronic meningitis, parenchymal tuberculous lesions, and spinal tuberculosis. Hematogenous spread of tuberculous bacilli to the brain results in the development of so called “rich foci” on the pial