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SPOUT1/CENP-32 encodes a putative SPOUT RNA methyltransferase previously identified as a mitotic chromosome associated protein. SPOUT1/CENP-32 depletion leads to centrosome detachment from the spindle poles and chromosome misalignment. Aided by gene matching platforms, here we identify 28 individuals with neurodevelopmental delays from 21 families with bi-allelic variants in SPOUT1/CENP-32 detected by exome/genome sequencing. Zebrafish spout1/cenp-32 mutants show reduction in larval head size with concomitant apoptosis likely associated with altered cell cycle progression. In vivo complementation assays in zebrafish indicate that SPOUT1/CENP-32 missense variants identified in humans are pathogenic. Crystal structure analysis of SPOUT1/CENP-32 reveals that most disease-associated missense variants are located within the catalytic domain. Additionally, SPOUT1/CENP-32 recurrent missense variants show reduced methyltransferase activity in vitro and compromised centrosome tethering to the spindle poles in human cells. Thus, SPOUT1/CENP-32 pathogenic variants cause an autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder: SpADMiSS (SPOUT1 Associated Development delay Microcephaly Seizures Short stature) underpinned by mitotic spindle organization defects and consequent chromosome segregation errors. The RNA methyltransferase activity of SPOUT1/CENP-32 is crucial for accurate mitotic spindle organization. Here, the authors describe a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by bi-allelic pathogenic SPOUT1 variants with reduced activity and compromised function in spindle organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a sample of Chinese listed A-share firms from 2006 to 2017, we find that firms with more rookie independent directors have less corporate innovation. The result is more pronounced in private firms and firms located in lower intellectual property right protection provinces. We argue that firms with more rookie independent directors have lower corporate governance and tend to hold more cash, thus reducing corporate innovation activities. Our results have important implications from the practice, academic, and public policy perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qiushuwan Cu-Mo deposit, situated in the East Qinling molybdenum belt, is a notable mining site renowned for its considerable quantities of medium-sized molybdenum. The goal of this study is to improve comprehension and identify additional mineral resources by conducting a thorough examination of the mine using the spread spectrum-induced polarization (SSIP) technique. Gathering SSIP data, conducting geological investigations, and examining the electrical characteristics of rock and mineral samples along Profile-80 led to significant discoveries. The investigation identified two significant ore bodies with high conductivity: C2, linked to granite porphyry and molybdenum veins, and C4, associated with a skarn deposit containing a concentrated amount of copper ore. This study used resistivity models created from SSIP data to find out how conductivity changed in different parts of the research area. Additional drill verifications validated these findings, indicating the presence of potential mineral resources. The petrographic analysis of core samples showed that minerals like pyrite, molybdenite, chalcopyrite, epidote, calcite, and garnet were present. Notably, the samples frequently contained both pyrite and molybdenite together. Sample 04-2 contained substantial quantities of molybdenite and pyrite; Sample 05-1 had occasional pyrite; and Sample 07-4 included both pyrite and chalcopyrite. These findings offer useful insights for evaluating the magnitude and economic feasibility of the mineral deposits; however, additional investigation is required to completely comprehend the scope of the resources. The integration of borehole data and the alignment of geological sections with inversion models confirmed the validity of the conclusions. The core samples that were retrieved show a lot of different minerals, including valuable ores and minerals that have been changed. Pyrite and molybdenite are always found together. These findings establish a solid basis for further investigation and the sustainable management of resources. This study contributes to the understanding of the Qiushuwan Cu-Mo deposit and advances exploration techniques using the spread spectrum-induced polarization (SSIP) method. It provides useful information for geologists, mining professionals, and stakeholders involved in resource usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing expansion of the economy and population has resulted in an increased inclination towards the utilization of groundwater resources. Conducting a geophysical survey is a widely employed method for subsurface mapping and the detection of groundwater. A geophysical study was conducted in Nanshan township, Huarong County, located in the Hunan province of the South-Central region of China. The investigation involved the utilization of a 2D electrical resistivity imaging technique employing forward and inverse pole–dipole electrode arrays. A total of six survey lines were established, each with an electrode distance from the nearest measuring point exceeding 800 m. The maximum current electrode separation was utilized in this setup. The spacing between the electrical resistivity sounding points was established at regular intervals. The findings from the exploration indicate the existence of multiple faults within the surveyed region. The study additionally identified two regions of structural failure, which occurred due to the convergence of faults oriented in different directions. This convergence led to the fracturing of rocks, an increase in water content, and a decrease in resistivity. The findings from the exploration were utilized in the formulation of five verification target boreholes. The results of this study offer significant insights that can inform future investigations into groundwater exploration endeavors within the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to analyze the impacts of the magnetic field, activation of energy, thermal radiation, thermophoresis, and Brownian effects on the hybrid nanofluid (HNF) (Ag++silicon oil) flow past a porous spinning disk. The pressure loss due to porosity is constituted by the Darcy-Forchheimer relation. The modified Buongiorno model is considered for simulating the flow field into a mathematical form. The modeled problem is further simplified with the new group of dimensionless variables and further transformed into a first-order system of equations. The reduced system is further analyzed with the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm using a trained artificial neural network (ANN) with a tolerance, step size of 0.001, and 1,000 epochs. The state variables under the impacts of the pertinent parameters are assessed with graphs and tables. It has been observed that when the magnetic parameter increases, the velocity gradient of mono and hybrid nanofluids (NFs) decreases. As the input of the Darcy-Forchheimer parameter increases, the velocity profiles decrease. The result shows that as the thermophoresis parameter increases, temperature and concentration increase as well. When the activation energy parameter increases, the concentration profile becomes higher. For a deep insight into the analysis of the problem, a statistical approach for data fitting in the form of regression lines and error histograms for NF and HNF is presented. The regression lines show that 100% of the data is used in curve fitting, while the error histograms depict the minimal zero error -7.1e6 for the increasing values of Nt. Furthermore, the mean square error and performance validation for each varying parameter are presented. For validation, the present results are compared with the available literature in the form of a table, where the current results show great agreement with the existing one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful geophysical exploration projects in the Gucheng–Yaxi area located in Gaochun District, Jiangsu Province, China, have been limited partly due to the complex geological conditions of the area and high artificial noise in data acquired using electrical and electromagnetic methods. In this study, we deployed the new anti-interference spread-spectrum-induced polarization method (SSIP) and the audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) method to detect a copper–polymetallic deposit in the area. Two-dimensional inversion results in the Gucheng–Yaxi area revealed a high chargeability anomalous zone on the SSIP profile that coincided with a zone of moderate resistivity located between two resistor bodies on the AMT profile. A follow-up 1200 m drill hole was established at this high-chargeability, moderate-resistivity zone which encountered polymetallic (copper, lead, zinc, gold, and silver) mineralization at a depth of ≥400 m. Drill hole data analysis showed that mineralization occurred interspaced in the marble rock mass at varying depths. Furthermore, several low-resistivity, weak-chargeability sections were revealed and attributed to Cretaceous sediments and faults. These faults are thought to have played a critical role in the polymetallic mineralization genesis. In summary, this study demonstrated the successful of application of SSIP and AMT in detecting a metallic deposit in an area with high artificial noise. Hence, the geophysical prospection potential of the Gucheng–Yaxi area is great. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concrete is often sensitive to cracking during the hardening process, and these cracks could be the result of early-age shrinkage. One method to reduce shrinkage is to add different types of fibres to concrete. The aim of this study was to study the effects of different types of fibres on the early-age autogenous shrinkage of concrete. Three different types of fibre materials were used in the research. A “Schleibinger Bending-drain” test setup was used to record early-age autogenous shrinkage of fresh concrete immediately after mixing. The results show that, a fibre dosage of 0.38% by volume was found to be effective in reducing the effects of early-age autogenous shrinkage of concrete.

The primary objective of the study was to explore the leadership style that best enhances workplace performance among employees, and concurrently, assess the influence of leadership styles such as Transformational and Transactional leadership on employee performance. Effectively managing an organization necessitates adept leadership, with various leadership styles associated with distinct outcomes. This investigation delved into the presence of leadership styles, their correlation with employee performance, and the effects of transformational and transactional leadership on concepts like organizational commitment, organizational behavior, and job satisfaction. The City Schools of Peshawar served as the case study. Initially, a questionnaire was distributed to teaching staff to gauge the impact of independent variables on the dependent variable. In theoretical framework, we placed transformational leadership and transactional leadership as repressors and a employee performance as regressends. The sample size comprised 140 respondents, with 104 questionnaires selected using the "Yamani" formula. Primary data was collected through a structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. Analysis, conducted using SPSS, involved correlation matrix, multicollinearity (VIF) analysis, heteroscedasticity analysis, and regression. The findings affirmed a positive impact of the tested leadership styles on employee performance. The research concluded by recommending that managers emphasize the use of transformational leadership to cultivate higher levels of organizational commitment, organizational behavior, and job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research addresses groundwater management challenges in southeastern Punjab Province, Pakistan, focusing on over-exploitation, contamination, and climate change impacts. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, it integrates hydro geology, ecology, economics, and policy studies. The study emphasizes particularly on vertical electrical sounding (VES) enhanced with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and other advanced electrical geophysical techniques. This innovative method improves VES data inversion, vital for understanding aquifer characteristics and identifying salinity-free zones, supporting sustainable groundwater strategies. Covering 200 square kilometers in the Indus Plain, an area with alluvial deposits from the Ravi and Beas rivers, the research offers insight into complex groundwater dynamics. PSO's efficiency in generating accurate resistivity models is key for locating new wells, ensuring water availability and sustainable agriculture. The methodology includes aquifer parameters, borehole logs, and analysis of aquifer properties and salinity distribution, mapping crucial aquifer features to assess groundwater potential and contamination risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geothermal resources are a sustainable and valuable source of energy that offers considerable economic and social advantages. The present investigation centers on the accessibility of geothermal reservoirs in Reshi Town, Taoyuan County, Changde City, located in the Hunan Province of China. Geophysical exploration techniques are of paramount importance in the identification and exploration of geothermal resources. The present investigation utilized an integrated geophysical approach that incorporates induced polarization (IP), magnetotelluric (MT), and joint profile techniques. The primary objective of this study was to examine the distribution of formation lithology, subsurface electrical structures, karst fracture development zones, and the location and occurrence of deep and large thermal reservoirs in Reshi Town, Changde City. The research encompassed a comprehensive process that included the collection of data, its subsequent interpretation, inversion, and validation through drilling. The joint profile approach provided comprehensive data on fault structures within the study region. Using magnetotelluric sounding, areas with lower electrical resistance were found along lines L2, L3, and L4. This showed that thermal water reservoirs were underground. The induced polarization sounding method exhibited a distinct response to geothermal water, including minerals, suggesting the presence of a high-temperature geothermal reservoir, along line 1. Drilling operations carried out at two different locations, ZK01 on line L3 and ZK02 on line L4, confirmed the existence of underground hot water. The drilling findings have verified the existence of faults F3 and F4, which act as important channels for geothermal fluids. The present research offers a dependable geophysical foundation for the forthcoming development of geothermal resources in Reshi Town, and areas with similar geological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine frequency and distribution of co-morbidities by type, age groups and gender in PEM children. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Pediatric (Nutrition Unit) and Community Medicine, GMC. Period: 15-8-2022, to 30-12-2022. Material & Methods: Data for diagnosed PEM cases was retrieved from Nutrition Unit DHQ Hospital DI Khan for which non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used. Research variable was type of comorbidities while demographics variables were age groups and gender. Association of gender and age groups with the presence or absence of co-morbidities in PEM children were found using Chi Square test. Results: Out of 400 participants, most frequent co-morbidity was gastroenteritis (GE) in 157(39.3%) patients in which females were 87(55.41%) and males 70(44.58%). 101(64.33%) were in 1-5-year age group and 56(35.66%) in under 1 year. Second to GE was pneumonia with 84(21%) patients in which females were 45(53.57%) and males 39(46.42%). Pneumonia in 1-5 year affected 61(72.61%) and 23(27.38%) patients were less than 1 year. Anemia affected 74(18.5%) patients in which females were 45(60.81%) and males 29(39.18%). 58(78.37%) patients were in 1-5 years and 16(21.62%) in less than 1 year. Other co-morbidities were seen in small number of patients. Difference in age groups were statistically significant at p-value of 0.005006 (<0.05) while there was no association of gender with comorbidities at p-value of 0.459344 (>0.05). Conclusion: Most common comorbidities were GE, pneumonia and anemia and their prevalence was higher in females and 1-5-year age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]