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Comparative proteomics of vesicles essential for the egress of Plasmodium falciparum...
Gabriele Pradel
Juliane Sassmannshausen

Gabriele Pradel

and 9 more

January 31, 2023
Figure 6
Expression data of FOS and JUN genes and FTIR spectra provide diagnosis of thyroid ca...
Renata de Azevedo Canevari
João Paulo da Silva Queiroz

Renata de Azevedo Canevari

and 6 more

January 31, 2023
We explore the feasibility of using FOS and JUN gene expression and ATR-FTIR † for diagnosis of thyroid cancer. For the study, 38 samples (6 non-neoplastic (NN), 10 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), 7 follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), and 15 benign tumors (BT) were subjected to RNA extraction followed by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) and 30 samples (5 NN, 9 PTC, 5 FTC, and 11 benign) were used for Attenuated Total Reflectance – Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) followed by multivariate analysis. We found FOS and JUN expression in malignant tumor samples to be significantly lower than NN and benign. ATR-FTIR after multivariate analysis could identify the difficult to diagnose PTC § with 93% efficiency. Overall, results suggest the diagnostic potential of molecular biology techniques combined with ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in differentiated thyroid carcinomas (PTC and FTC) and benign tumors.
A adaptive parameter selection strategy based on maximizing the probability of data f...
Hongbo Guo
Jintao Li

Hongbo Guo

and 9 more

January 31, 2023
To alleviate the ill-posed of the inverse problem in Fluorescent molecular tomography (FMT), many regularization methods based on L 2 or L 1 norm have been proposed. Whereas, the quality of regularization parameters affect the performance of the reconstruction algorithm. Some classical parameter selection strategies usually need initialization of parameter range and high computing costs, which is not universal in the practical application of FMT. In this paper, an universally applicable adaptive parameter selection method based on maximizing the probability of data (MPD) strategy was proposed. This strategy used maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation and maximum likelihood (ML) estimation to establish a regularization parameters model. The stable optimal regularization parameters can be determined by multiple iterative estimates. Numerical simulations and in vivo experiments show that MPD strategy can obtain stable regularization parameters for both regularization algorithms based on L 2 or L 1 norm and achieve good reconstruction performance.
Applications of microbial lipids isolated from oleaginous microorganisms: a comparati...
MANSURA MOKBUL
Priyanka Parhi

MANSURA MOKBUL

and 2 more

January 31, 2023
Microorganisms, such as yeasts, fungi, algae, and bacteria, have the ability to produce and accumulate a variety of different lipids under different cultivation conditions. These microbial lipids contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) comprising of omega-3 and omega-6 classes, which are vital for numerous bodily functions, growth and development. The human body is unable to synthesize these essential fatty acids, therefore, they must be obtained from the diet. Seafood and fish are the common and classical sources of PUFAs; however, microbial lipids also represent a promising source. These valuable compounds have applications in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. This paper reviews the critical factors associated with the use of various oleaginous microorganisms for lipid production and their application in industrial pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical products. In addition, the review provides a comparative description of the fatty acid profiles of various beneficial microorganisms, and their production processes. This review will be beneficial for further research, as well as for manufacturers and industries to select and work with various oleaginous microorganisms to obtain desired products based on lipid profiles and production processes.
Two-layer modeling of IEEE 802.11x channel occupancy
Jae-Seok Bang
Jin-Seok Han

Jae-Seok Bang

and 2 more

January 31, 2023
Low power IoT communication signals (e.g., Bluetooth and ZigBee) may seriously suffer from the presence of high-power co-channel interference like wireless local area network (WLAN) signal. They may effectively avoid WLAN interference by exploiting dynamic characteristics of WLAN traffic. Representing the arrival/departure of WLAN users using an M/M/m/m queueing structure, we consider the characterization of large-scale dynamics of WLAN channel occupancy. We also consider the characterization of small-scale dynamics of WLAN channel occupancy by generating WLAN signal using a two-state semi-Markovian process. Simulation results show that the proposed model generates WLAN signal having similar statistical characteristics to those of real WLAN signal.
Decoupling of nitrogen and phosphorus release from fine and coarse roots during seven...
Jun Pan
Rui Wang

Jun Pan

and 9 more

January 31, 2023
Belowground litter decomposition represents an important source of the limiting nutrients nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to forest soils. However, the rates and drivers of nutrient immobilization and release from root litter remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we conducted a seven-year field decomposition experiment using roots from three species, across five diameter classes (up to 20 mm) in a temperate forest. All roots released P to the surrounding soil within the first year of decomposition but immobilized N for much longer, particularly coarse roots. Long-term N release was mainly related to initial nutrient stoichiometry of the substrate, whereas P release was better predicted by substrate carbon (C) quality and decomposition rate. Initial root nutrients well predicted the difference between long-term N versus P release. Our results highlight the fact that N and P dynamics should be considered separately when modeling nutrient release during root decomposition.
Microbial redox cycling enhances ecosystem thermodynamic efficiency and productivity
Mayumi Seto
Michio Kondoh

Mayumi Seto

and 1 more

January 31, 2023
Microbial life in an ecosystem with low energy supply has been considered to employ two energy utilization strategies. The first is energy conservation at an individual level, while the second is energy use optimization in response to the availability of energy resources. Here, using an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction network model where microbial metabolic pathways are established through multiple species-level competition and cooperation within a redox reaction network, we hypothesize that microbial ecosystems can move forward to increase energy use efficiency, namely an energy efficiency strategy at the community level. This strategy is supported by microbial functional diversity that enables species to interact with others in various ways of metabolic handoffs. Moreover, the high energy use efficiency is attributable to the mutualistic division of labor that increases the complexity of metabolic pathways, which actively drives material cycling to exploit more energy.
Druggable site near the upper vestibule determines the high affinity and P2X3 selecti...
Dong-Ping Wang
Meng Zhang

Dong-Ping Wang

and 9 more

January 31, 2023
Background and Purpose: The ionotropic purinergic trimeric receptor P2X3 is a new drug target other than the opioid receptor for the treatment of refractory chronic cough (RCC). However, the only marketed P2X3 antagonist, Gefapixant/AF-219, has a side effect of taste disorders due to simultaneous action on the human P2X2/3 (hP2X2/3) heterotrimer. Therefore, selective molecules with high affinity for the hP2X3 homotrimer and low affinity for the hP2X2/3 heterotrimer have potential in iteration 2.0 RCC drug development, such as Sivopixant/S-600918, a clinical phase II RCC candidate with lower taste disturbance than Gefapixant. S-600918 and its analogue (3-(4-((3-chloro-4-isopropoxyphenyl)amino)-3-(4-methylbenzyl)-2,6-dioxo-3,6-dihydro-1,3,5-triazin-1(2H)-yl)propanoic acid (DDTPA) exhibit both high affinity and high selectivity for hP2X3 homotrimers compared to hP2X2/3 heterotrimer. The mechanism of its druggable site and this high selectivity is not clear. Experimental Approach: Here, we reveal a novel allosteric mechanism that distinguishes this drug candidate from other P2X3 inhibitors through chimera construction, site covalent occupation, metadynamics, mutagenesis, and electrophysiology. Key Results: We suggest that the tri-symmetric site adjacent to the upper vestibule determines the high affinity and selectivity of S-600918/DDTPA for hP2X3. Only four amino acids of the hP2X2 upper body domain swapped with hP2X3, allow the hP2X2/3 heterotrimer to gain comparable affinity for S-600918/DDTPA as the hP2X3 homotrimer. Conclusion and Implications: Thus, we have revealed the molecular basis for the cough suppressive effects and reduced side effects of new RCC clinical candidates from the perspective of receptor-ligand recognition, which may provide information critical for the development of new drugs targeting P2X3 for indications such as RCC, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and primary hypertension.
Effective deprescribing in primary care without deterioration of health-related outco...
Anne Estrup Olesen
Tanja Væver

Anne Estrup Olesen

and 4 more

January 31, 2023
Medication reviews focusing on deprescribing can reduce potentially inappropriate medication; however, evidence regarding the effects on health-related outcomes is scares. In a real-life, quality improvement project, we aimed to investigate how a general practitioner-led medication review intervention with focus on deprescribing affected health-related outcomes. We performed a before-after intervention study including care home residents and community-dwelling patients affiliated with a large Danish general practice. The primary outcomes were changes in self-reported health status, general condition, and functional level from baseline to 3-4 months follow-up. Of 105 included patients, 87 completed follow-up. From baseline to follow-up, 255 medication changes were made, of which 83% were deprescribing. Mean self-reported health status increased from 7.3 to 7.9 (0.6 [95% CI: 0.2 to 0.9]); the proportion of patients with general condition rated as “average or above” was stable (74.7% to 80.5% (5.7% [95% CI: -3.4 to 14.9]); and the proportion of patients with functional level “without any disability” was stable (58.6% to 54.0% (-4.6% [95% CI: -10.1 to 1.0]). In conclusion, this general practitioner-led medication review intervention led to deprescribing and increased self-reported health status without deterioration of general condition or functional level in real-life primary care patients.
SEMG Approach For Speech Recognition
Siddesh Shisode
Bhavesh Mahtre

Siddesh Shisode

and 6 more

January 31, 2023
Speech is the most familiar and habitual way of communication used by most of us. Due to speech disabilities, many people find it difficult to properly voice their views and thus are at a disadvantage. The re- search tackles the issue of lack of speech from a speech impaired user by recognizing it with the use of ML models such as Gaussian Mixture Model - GMM and Convolutional Neural Network - CNN. With properly recorded and cleaned muscle activity from the facial muscles it is possi- ble to predict the words being uttered/whispered with a certain accuracy. The intended system will additionally also have a visual aid system which can provide better accuracy when used together with the facial muscle activity-based system. Neuromuscular signals from the speech articulat- ing muscles are recorded using Surface ElectroMyoGraphy (SEMG) sen- sors, which will be used to train the machine learning models. In this paper we have demonstrated various signals synthesized through the ElectroMyography system and how they can be classified using machine learning models such as Gaussian Mixture Model and Convolutional Neu- ral Network for the visual-based lip-reading system.
Cholera outbreak in Malawi: Empirical assessment and lessons learnt
Abubakar Nazir
Sanobar Shariff

Abubakar Nazir

and 5 more

January 31, 2023
Malawi’s deadliest cholera outbreak in two decades has killed over 643 people as the illness spread across the country’s entire southeastern region. According to estimates, roughly one-third of Malawi’s safe water sources are inoperable. According to reports, all shallow wells in Malawi, particularly those near oceans that frequently rain, are tainted with feces. Cholera detection relies mainly on the clinical identification of cases presenting with watery diarrhea with a confirmed positive culture test or a positive polymerase chain reaction. There are three oral cholera vaccines as follows; Dukoral ®, Shanchol TM, and Euvichol-Plus ® which are administered in two doses.
Mechanotransduction in the urothelium
Xu Li
Junwei Hu

Xu Li

and 5 more

January 31, 2023
The urothelium, which covers the inner surface of the bladder, is continuously exposed to a complex physical environment where it is stimulated by and responds to a wide range of mechanical cues. Mechanically activated ion channels allow the urothelium to convert mechanical stimuli into biochemical events that influence its surface area and the suburothelial tissues, including afferent nerve fibres, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and detrusor smooth muscle cells. This process ensures normal urinary function during the cycles of filling and voiding. However, under prolonged and abnormal pathological conditions, improper mechanotransduction may contribute to bladder dysfunction, such as overactive bladder. In this review, we summarize developments in the understanding of urothelial mechanotransduction. First, we describe the adaptation of the urothelium to variations in bladder volume during the micturition cycle via mechanotransduction processes. Then, we review the effect of urothelial mechanotransduction on suburothelial tissues. Finally, we focus on mechanically activated ion channels present in the urothelium, primarily transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and mechanosensitive Piezo channels, and the potential pathophysiological role of these channels in the bladder. A more thorough understanding of the urothelial mechanotransduction function may inspire the creation of new therapies for lower urinary tract diseases.
Stomatal closure prevents xylem transport of green leaf volatiles and impairs their s...
Arash MALEKI
Irmgard Seidl-Adams

Feizollah A. Maleki

and 4 more

February 01, 2023
Plants perceive environmental stresses as whole organisms via distant signals conveying danger messages through their vasculature. In parallel to vascular transport, airborne plant volatile compounds, including green leaf volatiles (GLVs), can bypass the lack of vascular connection. However, some small volatile compounds move through the vasculature; such vascular transport is little known about GLVs. Here we illustrate GLV alcohols as solutes move within xylem vessels in Zea mays. We describe GLV alcohols, including Z-3-hexenol and its isomer E-3-hexenol, which is not synthesized in maize, is mobilized through the transpiration stream via xylem vessels. Since transpiration is mediated by stomatal aperture, closing stomata by two independent methods diminishes the transport of GLV alcohol and its isomer. In addition, lower transport of GLV alcohols impairs their function in inducing terpenoid biosynthesis suggesting xylem transport of GLV alcohols plays a significant role in their systemic function. Our study not only shows that GLV alcohols can be transported in the xylem but points to stomatal regulation as a mechanism that climatic factors such as drought, heat, flooding, and high CO 2 levels affect systemic signaling functions of GLVs.
A Robust Nonlinear Tracking MPC using qLPV Embedding and Zonotopic Uncertainty Propag...
Marcelo Menezes Morato
Victor Cunha

Marcelo Menezes Morato

and 4 more

January 31, 2023
In this paper, we propose a novel Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) framework for tracking for piece-wise constant reference signals. The main novelty is the use quasi-Linear Parameter Varying (qLPV) embeddings in order to describe the nonlinear dynamics. Furthermore, these embeddings are exploited by an extrapo- lation mechanism, which provides the future behaviour of the scheduling parameters with bounded estimation error. Therefore, the resulting NMPC becomes compu- tationally efficient (comparable to a Quadratic Programming algorithm), since, at each sampling period, the predictions are linear. Benefiting from artificial target variables, the method is also able to avoid feasibility losses due to large set-point variations. Robust constraint satisfaction, closed-loop stability, and recursive fea- sibility certificates are provided, thanks to uncertainty propagation zonotopes and parameter-dependent terminal ingredients. A benchmark example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the method, which is compared to state-of-the-art techniques.
Highly exothermic process characteristics of catalytic reactors with integral heat ex...
Junjie Chen

Junjie Chen

February 01, 2023
In modern industrial practice, a variety of highly exothermic reactions are promoted by contacting of the reaction mixture in the gaseous or vapor phase with a heterogeneous catalyst. A need exists for improved catalytic structures employing integral heat exchange which will substantially widen the window or range of operating conditions under which such catalytic structures can be employed in highly exothermic processes like catalytic combustion or partial combustion. The highly exothermic process characteristics of catalytic reactors are investigated with integral heat exchange structures. Ethane mole fraction and gas-phase reaction rate profiles in catalytic reactors are presented, and ethane mole fraction, flow velocity, gas-phase reaction rate, and temperature contour plots are illustrated for catalytically supported thermal combustion systems. The present study aims to provide an improved reaction system and process for combustion of a fuel wherein catalytic combustion using a catalyst structure employing integral heat exchange affords a partially-combusted, gaseous product which is passed to a homogeneous combustion zone where complete combustion is promoted by means of a flame holder. Particular emphasis is placed upon the catalytic reactor configuration that allows the oxidation catalyst to be backside cooled by any fluid passing through the cooling conduits. The results indicate that the percentage of reaction completed in the exothermic catalytic reaction channel depends both upon the flow rate of the fuel-oxidant mixture through the exothermic catalytic reaction channel and upon the physical characteristics of the catalytic reactor. The tortuosity of the catalytic channels is increased by changing their cross-sectional area at a multiplicity of points along their longitudinal axes. The gas flow velocity entering the exothermic catalytic reaction channel should exceed the minimum required to prevent flashback into the fuel-oxidant stream upstream of the reactor if the fuel-oxidant mixture entering the exothermic catalytic reaction channel is within the limits of flammability. Catalytically-supported thermal combustion in the catalytic reactor is achieved by contacting at least a portion of the carbonaceous fuel intimately admixed with air with a solid oxidation catalyst having an operating temperature substantially above the instantaneous auto-ignition temperature of the fuel-air admixture. The film heat transfer coefficient provides useful means of characterizing the different flow geometries provided by the various flow channel configurations which distinguish the catalyst-coated channels from the catalyst-free channels of the catalyst structure. The total residence time in the combustion system should be sufficient to provide essentially complete combustion of the fuel, but not so long as to result in the formation of oxides of nitrogen.Keywords: Catalytic reactors; Physical characteristics; Exothermic reactions; Heterogeneous catalysts; High temperatures; Thermal combustion
A novel radiographic projection for the detection of a scapula body fracture in a Tho...
Virginio  Santalucia
Robert Hunt

Virginio Santalucia

and 2 more

January 31, 2023
This case report describes the clinical and diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and outcome of a three-month-old Thoroughbred foal referred for the evaluation of severe left forelimb lameness and presents the acquisition of a novel radiographic projection of the scapula used to achieve the diagnosis. No abnormalities were found with the standard radiographic examination of the left shoulder. Ultrasound and a dorsal 45° lateral‐ventral lateral oblique radiographic view were performed to evaluate the body of the left scapula. A longitudinal, minimally displaced fracture of the infraspinous fossa was diagnosed with this projection that was not detected in the routine projections. Ultrasound was used in conjunction to confirm the diagnosis, assess the displacement of the fracture in the frontal plane, and evaluate soft tissue damage. The foal was treated conservatively with anti-inflammatory drugs and stall rest. A radiographic follow-up and clinical reassessment were performed, and the horse appeared sound, no atrophy of the region was appreciated, and no radiographic abnormalities were found.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of cytisine for the treatment of smoking cessation: a...
Omar De Santi
Vanina Greco

Omar De Santi

and 3 more

January 31, 2023
Smoking is a chronic disease that generates 8 million premature deaths annually globally. It is one of the main causes of years of life lost or years lived with disability and is considered worldwide the main cause of preventable death. Objectives: to review the efficacy and safety of cytisine for smoking cessation. An exhaustive search was carried. The methods were established prior to their implementation (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022296780). We identified 12 RCTs that met our inclusion criteria. We pooled the findings of five RCT which contributed to the primary analysis (cytisine versus placebo) covering 2134 patients, 1099 of whom took cytisine, and indicates that cytisine administered at the standard dosage, is an effective smoking cessation treatment increasing the chances of quitting compared to placebo (smoking cessation rate at longest follow-up: RR= 3.75, 95% CI 2.83 to 4.97; participants = 2134; I²= 18%; smoking cessation rate at least six months: RR= 3.80, 95% CI 2.82 to 5.11; participants = 1938; I²= 35%; low-quality evidence). We estimate an NNT of 6. Two trials compared the efficacy of cytisine versus NRT and the combination of both studies yields modest results in favour of cytisine. Three recent trials comparing cytisine versus varenicline. Pooling these data not demonstrated a clear benefit for cytisine compared with varenicline. Meta-analyses of all non-serious AEs in the cytisine group versus placebo groups yielded a RR of 1.24 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.39; participants = 5895; studies = 8; I² = 0%; high-quality evidence).
Mortality Patterns among COVID-19 Patients in Two Saudi Hospitals: Demographics, Etio...
Fatimah AlGhawi
Abdullah Al Asiri

Fatimah AlGhawi

and 2 more

January 31, 2023
Background: Saudi Arabia (SA) reported its first case of COVID-19 on 2 March 2020. Mortality varied nationwide: by 14 April 2020 Medina had 16% of SA’s total COVID-19 cases and 40% of all COVID-19 deaths. A team of epidemiologists investigated to identify factors impacting survival. Methods: We reviewed medical records from two hospitals: Hospital A in Medina and Hospital B in Dammam. All patients with a registered COVID-related death between 1 March -22 April 2020 were included. We collected data on demographics, chronic health conditions, clinical presentation and treatment. We analysed data using SPSS. Results: We identified 76 cases: 38 cases from each hospital. More fatalities were among non-Saudis at Hospital A (89%) versus Hospital B (82%, p<.001). Hypertension prevalence was higher among cases at Hospital A (42%) versus Hospital B (21%) (p<.05). We found statistically significant differences (p<.05) in symptoms at initial presentation among cases at Hospital A versus Hospital B, including: body temperature (38º C vs 37º C), heart rate (104 bpm vs 89 bpm), and regular breathing rhythms (61% vs 55%). Less cases (50%) at Hospital A received heparin versus Hospital B (97%, p-value< 0.001). Conclusion: Patients who died at Hospital A typically presented with more severe illness and were more likely to have underlying health conditions. Migrant workers may be at increased risk due to poorer baseline health and reluctance to seek care. This highlights the importance of cross-cultural outreach to prevent deaths. Health education efforts should be multilingual and accommodate all literacy levels.
The Epidemiological Pattern of Seasonal Influenza in Four Sentinel Sites in Iraq
Ahmed  Radhi
Ziyad Ibrahim

Ahmed Radhi

and 1 more

January 31, 2023
ABSTRACT Introduction: Influenza is an acute viral infection with significant morbidity and mortality. Its occur annually each winter is called seasonal influenza and is preventable through safe vaccine. Aim: To know the epidemiological pattern of patients with seasonal influenza in Iraqi sentinel sites. Methods: A cross- sectional study carried out on records of patients who attended four sentinel sites and registered to have influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), and laboratory investigated. Results: The total number of cases was 1124, 36.2% of them aged 19-39 years; 53.9% were female; 74.9% lived in urban areas; 64.3% diagnosed as ILI and 35.7% as SARI. 15.9% had diabetes, 12.7% had heart disease, 4.8% had asthma, 3% had a chronic lung disease, and 2% had hematological disease. 94.6% did not get influenza vaccine. About COVID-19 vaccine, 69.4% did not vaccinated, 3.5% get only 1 dose, and 27.1% completed 2 doses. Only the SARI cases needed admission, among them 95.7% were cured. 6.5% were diagnosed as influenza- A virus, 26.1% had COVID-19, and 67.5% were negative. Among those with influenza, 97.3% had H3N2 subtype, and 2.7% had H1N1 pdm09. Conclusions: The percentage of influenza virus in Iraq is relatively small. The age, classification of case (ILI or SARI), having diabetes, heart disease, or immunological disease, and taking COVID-19 vaccine have a significant association with influenza. Recommendations: It’s needed for similar sentinel sites in other health directorates and for rising health education about seasonal influenza and its vaccine.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Organisation Restructuring in Orient Insurance in Oman
Fawaz Al Hakmani

Fawaz Al Hakmani

and 5 more

February 01, 2023
Restructuring and organisational change leads managements to organise and re-plan their ability to recharge their firm's batteries to arise against external crisis. Nevertheless, organisation redesign drains financial resources and offset the firm's directions lead to series errors and internal confusion. Addressing the situation during pandemic on orient insurance company as one of many companies in Sultanate of Oman been raid by the serious environmental shifts. The research will take place taking workers opinions from various departments on the restructuring process and their satisfaction inside the firms. The study hand down the company's restructuring attempts. The pandemic pushed managers to work under pressure establishing new restructuring procedures and receive unexpected reactions inside the company. However, the current condition blinds and blur management visions to an illusion state stops identifying other companies experience implementing different restructuring techniques revealed in earlier scholarly researches.
Investigating the Outcomes of Organisational Restructuring: A Case Study of Oman's Pu...
Fawaz Al Hakmani

Fawaz Al Hakmani

February 01, 2023
The Omani authorities started to implement Oman vision 2040 after the new era. The government began reorganising and structuring several ministries as a reflection of the new cost reduction policies and resisting global financial catastrophe. The research shows the outcomes of the Omani organisation restructuring in their departments, the relationship between corporate restructuring and employees satisfaction, and the Omani government workers' perception of the current governmental restricting. The research provides a recent reaction to this restructuring and fills the gap of the absence of data and information on the consequences of the Omani governmental reorganisation. Quantitative data is used to analyse through an online questionnaire as a research instrument with the help of secondary data to show the outcomes of this restructuring. The sample is taken from one of the restructured departments; non-probability sampling is used with the help of the judgmental sampling technique. The research reveals weak Omani media coverage of the plans for the restructuring, the increase in early retirement among The Omani public sector workers, management conflicts inside the merged departments, and the decrease in the number of new employments in the Omani public sector and the remain of the traditional formal management style after the renewal of the government structure
A systematic review and meta-analysis on ecological restoration of mining areas in th...
Xu Hailiang
Xu Fujun

Xu Hailiang

and 11 more

January 31, 2023
The arid region in China with rich mineral resources are belongs to ecological fragile region with inadequate recovering capacity. Hundred years of continues mining of mineral resources for economic purposes, leads to the problem of land degradation caused by the spatial coupling of large-scale mining disturbance and arid fragile ecological environment. The environmental problems created by mining have not been addressed promptly, while at the same time, new problems have emerged. On the basis of our 20 years of practical experience on ecological restoration in mining areas, review and synthesis of selective literature, with interpretation and perspective, the mining situation and its ecological impacts, the factors impeding ecological restoration capability in the arid region in China were examined, the key challenges and promotion strategy were presented. The main findings of this study are as follows: Land degradation is the most prominent problem resulting in mining activities, and mainly reflected by immediate disturbance, long term effects and ecological degradation. The main challenges faced by mining area restoration in arid areas are unclear objectives of ecological restoration, lack of ecological water consumption, unreasonable selection of indigenous plants, serious land degradation and wide restoration area. Our restoration experiments in typical mining areas have proved that the micro-topography reconstruction measures can increase surface roughness, redistribute limited precipitation resources (especially snow), and make soil water and nutrients carried by surface runoff and collected in valleys to regulate soil infiltration and water supply, so as to achieve water-saving and non-irrigated vegetation restoration .The ideal restoration effects are the mitigation of geological hazards, the increase of available land resources, and the improvement of ecosystem services in mining areas. This study would be helpful to carried out related implementation on ecological restoration and could act as a valuable reference for the researchers involved in the ecological restoration.in arid region.
Pyramidal lobe-dominant papillary thyroid carcinoma - a rare entity with important cl...
Henrique Messias
Maria Luisa Sequeira

Henrique Messias

and 5 more

January 31, 2023
Background Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) primarily located in the pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland is extremely rare, so the clinical and pathological features are not well understood. Case The authors describe a case of multifocal PTC with larger pyramidal lobe tumour, in a 77-year-old female patient who underwent en bloc total thyroidectomy with pyramidal lobe, hyoid bone and cervical lymph node excision. Conclusion In line with the present case, current literature reports a greater presence of worse prognostic factors, namely extrathyroidal extension, advanced T stage or presence of cervical lymph node metastasis. Recently, a new classification has been suggested – Upper Neck Papillary Thyroid Cancer (UPTC) – which encompasses these carcinomas, Delphi ganglion metastases and thyroglossal duct cyst carcinomas, with potential clinical and therapeutic implications, particularly the need for orthotopic thyroidectomy. Also, the complete excision of the pyramidal lobe during thyroidectomy may influence the success of radioactive iodine therapy and the patient’s follow-up surveillance.
Historic disturbance events may overrule climatic factors as drivers of ruderal speci...
Dymphna Wiegmans
Keith Larson

Dymphna Wiegmans

and 6 more

January 31, 2023
The contemporary interaction of climate and land use change drives vegetation composition and species distribution shifts, making their respective roles difficult to disentangle. In this study, we investigated long-term ruderal plant species distributions along the ‘Rallarvägen’ trail in Abisko, subarctic Sweden – a trail established for railroad construction in 1903 and paralleled by the E10 Highway (since 1982). Using vegetation and climate data from 1903, 1913, 1983, and 2021, we found that warm-adapted ruderal plant species were already common along the Rallarvägen at its initial creation at the start of the 20th century. Interestingly, however, many of these native and non-native ruderals with relatively high temperature affinity that were present in 1903 and 1913, disappeared since then and did not return, despite the substantial rise in temperature in the region over the last decades. The historical disturbances also had long-lasting effects on the current spatial distribution of the ruderal vegetation. Most ruderals still reside close to the railroad tracks and are progressively filtered out with increasing distance from anthropogenically disturbed introductory points, such as train stations, where they peak in richness – a process we coined Horizontal Directional Ecological Filtering, in parallel to the established concept of Directional Ecological Filtering along elevational gradients. We conclude that it is important to know the disturbance history of a system to get a good understanding of the long-term dynamics in the vegetation community, and thus its possible future in a changing climate.
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