bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived Influence of Child Labour on Learning Performance of Junior Secondary School Students in Rivers State for Sustainable Educational Development in Nigeria
Authors: Nwisagbo Ayodele Ebunolu
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the influence of child labour on the Learning performance of junior secondary school students for sustainable educational development Rivers State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was used with a population of fourteen thousand, one hundred and sixty-seven students. The Taro Yamene formula yielded a sample size of 389. The researcher employed simple random sampling methods. The study was conducted with two research questions seeking answers to know how child labour influence junior secondary school attendance and how it influence the learning performance of these students in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt Rivers State, with two formulated hypotheses. The data was gathered using the “Influence of child labour on students’ learning performance Questionnaire”. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, with the mean range determining the acceptability level as 2.50 to 3.49 and above, and the T-test statistic was used to test the hypotheses formulated at the 0.05 level of significance. It was discovered that Child labour demands that these students work long hours, leaving them with little or no time and energy to attend school, causing educational disruption with long-term effects on the child’s learning performance, Child labour was also discovered to cause physical and mental fatigue, which impairs the child’s ability to focus and concentrate on their academics. As a result, it was recommended that all children involved in child labour activities should have equal access to education while communities and individuals should be educated on the influence of child labour, Nigeria government should also eliminate poverty by creating employment opportunities for its population, which is seen as a leading cause of child labour, among others. This work will be a handy tool to educational administrators, counselors, parents, policy makers and other researchers.
Preservice Teacher Perceptions of School Field Introduction Program for Achieving Sustainability in Education: A Survey at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan
Authors: Ningsih Fitria , Hidayat Panji , Maharani Ega Asnatasia , Satrianawati Satrianawati
Published: December 2024

School field introduction program is intended to solidify academic and educational field competencies through various activities in schools. The aim of this research is to analyze the various responses of students in the Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan towards the School Field Introduction Program (PLP) II, and to identify internal and external factors that can act as supports or obstacles for students in the implementation of the PLP II program in partner schools or laboratory schools for achieving sustainability in education. This research is quantitative with a descriptive approach and utilizes a survey method. The population of this research includes active odd-semester students in the Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, class of 2016, totaling 324 students. The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula with a 5% margin of error, resulting in a sample size of 179 student respondents. Data collection was conducted online using a questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed descriptively and presented in percentages using SPSS. The results of this study show that the responses of students in the Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan towards the PLP II program are categorized as very high, with a percentage of 42.5%. The research findings on internal and external factors are also categorized as very high, with percentages of 58.9% and 62.0%, respectively, indicating that internal and external factors can serve as support for the PLP II program. Thus, this research can serve as a benchmark for the success of students in implementing the PLP II program for achieving sustainability in education.
STEM Knowledge Awareness among Higher Secondary School Students
Authors: Selvan P. Tamil , Kalaiyarasan G.
Published: December 2024

Educators in the twenty-first century need to think of innovative ways to engage and prepare students for current and future challenges while cultivating an interest among students in STEM disciplines. This study sought to investigate students’ STEM knowledge awareness and the level of STEM knowledge awareness among higher secondary school students. Only higher secondary level students which engaged in imparting higher secondary school education in the class of twelfth included. The study focused on the higher secondary level education with Tamil Nadu state board education. This study main objectives were to find out the level of STEM knowledge awareness among higher secondary school students, to find out whether there is any significant difference in STEM knowledge awareness of higher secondary school students owing to differences in Parents’ Educational status and to find out whether there is any significant difference in STEM knowledge awareness of higher secondary school students owing to differences in Type of school. This study employed a survey measure design and a simple random sampling technique. An instrument such as standardized tool STEM knowledge awareness was used for data collection from the sample of 204 higher secondary school students around Karaikudi in Sivaganga. Data were taken using Questioner. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The tool comprises 2 sections such as the demographic profile, and STEM knowledge awareness (16 statements). Raw data from the questionnaires was digitised, manually coding them using SPSS statistical analysis software. The statements under the usage of the Internet were measured using a 5-point Likert scale consisting of 5 Strongly Agree, 4 Agree, 3 Neutral, 2 Disagree, and 1 Strongly Disagree. The study’s findings reveal no significant difference and a favourable level of awareness of STEM knowledge among higher secondary school students.
Fostering Global Citizenship through ESD in Higher Education: A Study of International Student Mobility and Sustainability Awareness
Authors: Chasokela Doris
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the intricate relationship between international student mobility and sustainability awareness within the context of higher education, emphasizing the role of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in fostering global citizenship. By employing a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 300 international students from 20 different countries and conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 faculty members across 10 universities. Our findings indicate that international student mobility can significantly enhance sustainability awareness but primarily when ESD principles are effectively integrated into academic curricula. Specifically, students who engaged in programs infused with ESD reported a deeper understanding of sustainability issues and a stronger commitment to global citizenship. The study further reveals that faculty development plays a crucial role in promoting ESD within higher education settings, as instructors equipped with enhanced knowledge and skills in sustainability education are better positioned to transform curricula in meaningful ways. Additionally, institutional policies and frameworks are essential to creating an environment conducive to ESD, ensuring that programs prioritize global citizenship alongside academic performance. By drawing connections between mobility, sustainability awareness, and educational practices, this research underscores the necessity for universities to adopt strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts aimed at embedding sustainability into higher education curricula. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and institutions, highlighting the imperative to strengthen ESD practices to cultivate a generation of informed global citizens. The implications of our findings aim to inspire actionable steps toward integrating sustainability within higher education, ultimately promoting a more equitable and sustainable future.
Inclusivity and Sustainable Development: A Case for Zimbabwe Higher Education Towards the Universal Design University
Authors: Manokore Kudakwashe , Sibanda Zibulo , Gwebu Ntandoyenkosi
Published: December 2024

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) aims to transform society toward peace and sustainability by reorienting educational practices and learning experiences. The United Nations 2030 Agenda underscores the importance of quality education and ESD as vital components for driving the transformation of the global economy, as highlighted in its goals. In this framework, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development (MHTEISTD) is actively implementing Education 5.0 in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” To explore the integration of inclusivity and sustainable development principles within the context of Universal Design in Higher Education, a longitudinal cohort study was conducted. This research employed structured interviews with lecturers and students, alongside observations and facility reviews, to gather diverse perspectives on the current state of inclusivity in Zimbabwean higher education. The findings indicated that while all participants demonstrated some understanding of the concept of inclusive education, the actual inclusion of students with special needs was found to vary between inadequate and acceptable levels since the implementation of Education 5.0. Based on these findings, the study strongly recommends the formal enactment of the 2019 Inclusive Education Policy draft. This policy is crucial for establishing a clear implementation framework and action plan, which are necessary for enhancing the inclusivity of higher education. By doing so, it ensures that all students, regardless of their individual needs, have equitable access to educational opportunities, thereby fostering a more inclusive and sustainable academic environment in Zimbabwe.
RESENHA
Authors: Mata Kamila Almeida Soares da
Published: December 2024

A resenha analisa o livro A Interação dos Estudantes com o Contexto Cultural do Entorno da Escola: O Projeto de Intervenção Pedagógica Aplicado no Estágio Supervisionado em Geografia, de Rodrigo Marciel Soares Dutra, que apresenta uma proposta pedagógica inovadora para o ensino de Geografia. A obra relata a experiência do Projeto de Intervenção Pedagógica (PIP) realizado no Colégio Estadual Professor José Carlos de Almeida, em Goiânia, e destaca a importância de conectar os estudantes ao contexto cultural local. O autor explora conceitos como lugar e cultura, bem como, o uso de Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) como ferramentas educativas. A partir de um estudo detalhado do patrimônio cultural do Setor Central de Goiânia, especialmente o estilo arquitetônico Art Déco, Dutra propõe estratégias para ampliar o engajamento dos estudantes em atividades culturais e artísticas. A resenha ressalta as contribuições da obra para a formação docente e a construção de uma Geografia Escolar contextualizada e transformadora, ao mesmo tempo em que aponta suas limitações e sugere reflexões sobre a replicabilidade do modelo em diferentes contextos.
FREQUENCY AND SURGICAL CAUSES OF PATIENTS WITH BLEEDING PER RECTUM AT OUTPATIENTS DEPARTMENT OF SHAIKH ZAYED HOSPITAL LAHORE
Authors: Ghaffar Haseeb , Anwar M Imran , Sadia Haleema , Iqbal Usman , Afsar Bilal
Published: December 2024

Background: Bleeding per rectum is a prevalent clinical symptom with diverse surgical and non-surgical causes, ranging from benign anorectal conditions to life-threatening malignancies. Accurate identification of its etiology is critical for timely diagnosis and effective management. The symptom is particularly alarming to patients due to visible blood, often leading them to seek immediate medical care. This study was conducted to explore the frequency and surgical causes of bleeding per rectum in a tertiary care setting, providing insights for region-specific healthcare strategies.
Objective: To determine the frequency and surgical causes of bleeding per rectum among patients presenting to the outpatient department of Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, from February 2024 to July 2024. A total of 220 patients presenting with bleeding per rectum were included using non-probability consecutive sampling. Inclusion criteria were all patients aged 12 years or older with rectal bleeding, while those with non-surgical causes, prior surgical interventions, or unwilling to participate were excluded. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, residence, symptom duration, type of bleeding, bowel habits, and associated pain, were recorded. Diagnostic evaluations, including digital rectal examination, proctoscopy, colonoscopy, and histopathology when indicated, were conducted. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied.
Results: Out of 220 patients, 65.0% were male, and 35.0% were female, with a mean age of 36.75 ± 15.54 years. The largest age group was 21-30 years (31.4%). Urban residents comprised 58.2% of the cohort, while 41.8% were from rural areas. Hemorrhoids were the most common surgical cause (54.1%), followed by fissure-in-ano (26.8%) and colorectal carcinoma (7.7%). Other causes included ileocecal tuberculosis (2.7%), rectal prolapse (2.7%), colorectal polyps (2.3%), solitary rectal ulcer (1.4%), ulcerative colitis (1.4%), and diverticular disease (0.9%).
Conclusion: Hemorrhoids and fissure-in-ano were identified as the leading causes of rectal bleeding, with colorectal carcinoma being a significant but less common etiology. These findings highlight the need for focused diagnostic and management strategies in this region to address prevalent causes effectively.
Peer Feedback to Improve Message and Format of Writing Formal Letters in International Baccalaureate (IB) Students
Authors: Pineda Guzmán Tatiana Gabriela , Pineda Guzmán Cinthia Carolina , Jimenez Rojas Jenniffer Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

This study was carried out in an International Baccalaureate (IB) class of a public school from the coastal region of Ecuador. It aimed at improving format and message of formal letters using peer feedback facilitated by blogs. The IB program demands writing documents in several formats, one of those is letters. However, students were not writing formal letters successfully. The present action research used quantitative methods. It was conducted for six weeks and there were 17 participants. The quantitative instruments were a checklist, a pre- and post-test, a rubric, and a survey. At the end of the innovation, there was an improvement in the mean in the post-test compared to the pre-test. This determined a large effect size of 0.75. This innovation had a positive impact on students’ formal letters writing. Participants also improved the organization of ideas, addressed the prompt, content, spelling, and capitalization. The proper application of the writing process for educational purposes was evident. Awareness of the importance of peer feedback in a collaborative environment was also raised. This study is addressed to people involved in education such as authorities, teachers, and researchers who want to improve writing in their classes.
Aquaculture in the structure of the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation: the current state of legal regulation
Authors: Semenova Irina  Vladimirovna
Published: December 2024

The author describe the features of the legal regulation of aquaculture (fish farming). For the Russian Federation, fish farming is mainly at the stage of formation. The author analyzes the basic concepts used in the field under consideration and draws a parallel with similar terms used in the field of fishing. The author considers the configuration of the current legal regulation of aquaculture, as well as the prospects for its development. Special attention is paid to modern legislative gaps and topical issues that need to be addressed by the legislator, and the main directions for improving legislation in this area are outlined. In addition, the main environmental risks of aquaculture in case of non-compliance with legal requirements are identified. The methodological basis of the work is: general scientific dialectical, as well as private scientific methods of cognition - formal legal and comparative legal methods. It is noted that currently aquaculture in the Russian Federation is at the stage of evaluating and comprehending previously adopted legislative acts and measures of state support. The author formulated the main issues in the field of legal regulation of aquaculture, which require special attention for the development of this area of the fisheries complex. So, in particular, they include certain aspects of regulating the turnover of fish farms, measures taken to provide Russian fisheries with high-quality feed and planting material, the need to take new measures in the field of agricultural insurance for aquaculture, and others. The paper identifies the main problems hindering the stable and effective development of domestic aquaculture, as well as provides proposals and innovative technologies that contribute to their resolution.
Criminal law protection of soil and the means of production in agriculture
Authors: Kudelkin Nikolai
Published: December 2024

The subject of the study are the norms of criminal and administrative law, providing for the liability for damage to land (soils). The purpose of the research is to formulate conclusions and proposals on improving legal regulation in this area based on the analysis of federal legislation. The relevance of the research topic is evidenced by the fact that, on the one hand, agriculture is of great importance for ensuring food security in Russia, and on the other hand, this type of anthropogenic activity is one of the significant pollutants of the environment, while such an important component of the natural environment as soil (land) is experiencing a huge burden from agriculture. Thus, the protection of the natural environment as a whole and its individual components in agriculture is an important task. Accordingly, the improvement of legal regulation in this area will contribute not only to improving the level of nature protection, but also to ensuring the country's food security. The paper draws a number of conclusions and proposals aimed at improving the effectiveness of criminal liability. Thus, in order to significantly expand the scope of Article 254 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, as well as increase its environmental potential, it is proposed to use the following wording of Part 1 of the article 254: "Soil pollution or damage as a result of economic or other activities that have caused harm to human health or the environment." The use of the term "pollution" will make it possible to include in criminal acts not only pollution with dangerous substances, but also other types of it, for example, energy pollution, the term "spoilage", in turn, will imply some other negative impact on the soil, for example, the destruction of its fertile layer.
Numerical simulation of state parameter distributions and extreme ultraviolet radiation in laser-produced tin plasma
Authors: MIN Qi , WANG Guodong , HE Chaowei , HE Siqi , LU Haidong , LIU Xingbang , WU Yanhong , SU Maogen , DONG Chenzhong ,   Key Laboratory of Atomic and Molecular Physics & Functional Material of Gansu Province, College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China,   School of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Lanzhou Institute of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China
Published: December 2024

The laser-produced Sn plasma light source is a critical component in advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. The power and stability of EUV radiation within a 2% bandwidth centered at 13.5 nm are key indicators that determine success of the entire lithography process .The plasma state parameter distributions and the EUV radiation spectrum for a laser-produced Sn plasma light source are numerically simulated in this work. The radiative opacity of Sn plasma within the 12–16 nm range is calculated using a detailed-level-accounting model in the local thermodynamic equilibrium approximation. Next, the temperature distribution and the electron density distribution of plasma generated by nanosecond laser pulses interacting with both a Sn planar solid target and a liquid droplet target are simulated using the radiation hydrodynamics code for laser-produced plasma, RHDLPP. By combining the radiative opacity data with the plasma state data, the spectral simulation subroutine SpeIma3D is employed to model the spatially resolved EUV spectra for the planar target plasma and the angle-resolved EUV spectra for the droplet target plasma at a 60-degree observation angle. The variation of in-band radiation intensity at 13.5 nm within the 2% bandwidth as a function of observation angle is also analyzed for the droplet-target plasma. The simulated plasma state parameter distributions and EUV spectral results closely match existing experimental data, demonstrating the ability of RHDLPP code to model laser-produced Sn plasma EUV light sources. These findings provide valuable support for the development of EUV lithography and EUV light sources.
Simulation of terahertz tunable seven-band perfect absorber based on high frequency detection function of Dirac semi-metallic nanowires
Authors: LU Wenqiang , YI Yingting , SONG Qianju , ZHOU Zigang , YI Yougen , ZENG Qingdong , YI Zao ,   School of Mathematics and Science, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China,   College of Physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China,   School of Physics and Electronic-information Engineering, Hubei Engineering University, Xiaogan 432000, China,   School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China
Published: December 2024

In this work, a tunable perfect absorber in the terahertz range is designed based on Dirac semimetal nanowires, featuring high sensitivity, quality factor, and dual functionality. The absorber achieves perfect absorptions across seven bands in a range of 0–14.5 THz: f1 = 5.032 THz (84.43%), f2 = 5.859 THz (96.23%), f3 = 7.674 THz (91.36%), f4 = 9.654 THz (99.02%), f5 = 11.656 THz (93.84%), f6 = 12.514 THz (98.47%), and f7 = 14.01 THz (97.32%). To ensure structural stability during design, the periodicity of the wire array structure is carefully considered. Verification of the absorber’s performance is conducted through the calculation of impedance matching. The analyses of the surface electric field and magnetic field at resonance frequency elucidate the underlying physical mechanisms governing the absorber’s characteristics. The values of quality factor (Q) for the seven resonance points are computed, with a maximum Q of 219.41. Further investigations by changing the external refractive index show that the maximum sensitivity value and the figure of merit (FOM) value are 5421.43 GHz/RIU and 35.204 RIU–1, respectively. Then, by discussing the influence of key parameters on the device, we conclude that the device can achieve the choice of dual fixed performance. Dynamic modulation capabilities are demonstrated by changing the Dirac semimetal’s Fermi energy. Additionally, by changing the incident angle of the external electromagnetic wave, it is found that the device has good stability in the medium frequency band and low frequency band, but it is greatly affected by the external incident angle in the high frequency band, thus necessitating careful consideration in practical applications. In conclusion, the proposed absorber holds significant promise for imaging, sensing, and detection applications, providing the valuable insights for designing optoelectronic devices.
Differential destinations, dynamics, and functions of high- and low-order features in the feedback signal during object processing
Authors: Hou Wenhao , He Sheng , Zhang Jiedong
Published: December 2024

Brain is a hierarchical information processing system, in which the feedback signals from high-level to low-level regions are critical. The feedback signals may convey complex high-order features (e.g., category, identity) and simple low-order features (e.g., orientation, spatial frequency) to sensory cortex to interact with the feedforward information, but how these types of feedback information are represented and how they differ in facilitating visual processing is unclear. The current study used the peripheral object discrimination task, 7T fMRI, and MEG to isolate feedback from feedforward signals in human early visual cortex. The results showed that feedback signals conveyed both low-order features natively encoded in early visual cortex and high-order features generated in high-level regions, but with different spatial and temporal properties. The high-order feedback information targeted both superficial and deep layers, whereas the low-order feedback information reached only deep layers in V1. In addition, MEG results revealed that the feedback information from occipito-temporal to early visual cortex emerged around 200 ms after stimulus onset, and only the representational strength of high-order feedback information was significantly correlated with behavioral performance. These results indicate that the complex and simple components of feedback information play different roles in predictive processing mechanisms to facilitate sensory processing.
Identification of the whole genome of alternative splicing and RNA-binding proteins involved in nintedanib-induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Dong Xiaohua , Liu Zhilong , Yu Miao , Yang Xiaojun , Cai Hui
Published: December 2024

Background

It has been demonstrated that nintedanib can inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, but the specific mechanism of action is unclear.

Objective

Investigating the changes of key factors involved in gene transcription and post-transcriptional regulation during the process of treating gastric cancer with nintedanib.

Methods

In this study, we performed transcriptome sequencing on gastric cancer cell groups treated with nintedanib and control groups. The SUVA (Splice sites Usage Variation Analysis) software was used to identify differential alternative splicing (AS) events between the nintedanib-treated group and the control group. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted to assess the functional differences and pathways associated with these events. Finally, a co-expression regulatory network of differentially expressed RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and differentially spliced genes was established. Results: A total of 915 differential AS events were identified between the two groups, and these differential genes were closely related to the apoptosis pathway. Further analysis revealed that differential RBPs (TAGLN2, TAGLN, SRSF6, PKM, SRSF2, NOC2L, IPO4, C1QBP, DHX9) may affect the anti-proliferative effect of nintedanib on gastric cancer cells by regulating downstream genes involved in cell proliferation and angiogenesis (NR4A1, BBC3, IFI27) through alternative splicing.

Conclusion

This study systematically identified important changes in alternative splicing and RNA-binding proteins during the process of nintedanib-induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. It innovatively revealed the mechanisms of action of nintedanib in gastric cancer cells and expanded the selection of new targets for gastric cancer treatment.
Malignant solid tumor-related spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Liang Shuolin , Liu Liuyu , Qin Bin , Chen Shengri , Liang Zhijian
Published: December 2024

Background

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is a severe event with high mortality. Recently, evidence has emerged suggesting that malignant solid tumors may increase the risk of sICH through unique cancer-related factors. However, the specific risk factors and clinical characteristics of sICH in patients with malignant solid tumor remain poorly understood.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of and identify the risk factors associated with sICH in individuals with malignant solid tumors.

Methods

This retrospective study was carried out in patients with active malignant solid tumors and sICH at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University between January 2010 and December 2020. Patients were separated into control and malignant solid tumor-related spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (MST-sICH) groups. The control group consisted of patients presenting with malignant solid tumors alone who were matched to the MST-sICH group using a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) approach. Patient clinical data, laboratory findings, and imaging results were collected. Univariate analysis was carried out to determine the risk factors associated with MST-sICH. In addition, a receiver operator characteristic analysis was performed to identify potential predictors for poor prognosis.

Results

Decreased hemoglobin (HGB) levels, together with increased lymphocyte counts (LYCs), and an increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were found in the MST-sICH group compared to the control group. The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated a HGB levels (OR: 0.959, 95% CI [0.928–0.992]), an increased in LYCs (OR: 0.095, 95% CI [0.023–0.392]). Furthermore, there was an increased in NLR levels (OR: 2.137, 95% CI [1.427–3.200]). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) with HGB, LYCs, and NLR as joint predictors was 0.955 (95% CI [0.901–1.000]), with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 82.6%, and a Youden Index of 0.826.

Conclusion

Decreased HGB levels, elevated LYCs, and a higher NLR were identified as independent risk factors for sICH in patients with active solid malignancies. These markers could assist clinicians in stratifying high-risk patients, facilitating closer monitoring and informing targeted preventive strategies to mitigate the incidence of sICH in this at-risk population.
Implications of the SNHG10/miR-665/RASSF5/NF-κB pathway in dihydromyricetin-mediated ischemic stroke protection
Authors: Zeng Qi , Xiao Yan , Zeng Xueliang , Xiao Hai
Published: December 2024

Ischemic stroke (IS) remains a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, and inflammation and oxidative stress play significant roles in its pathogenesis. This study investigates the effects of dihydromyricetin (DHM) on IS using RT-qPCR and western blot with SH-SY5Y cells, focusing on its effects on the small nucleolar RNA host gene 10 (SNHG10)/microRNA (miR)-665/Ras association domain family member 5 (RASSF5) axis and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. In addition, the effects of the SNHG10/miR-665/RASSF5 axis on SH-SY5Y cell activity, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers were analyzed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Our results showed that, in response to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R), DHM treatment improved cell viability, reduced apoptosis, and attenuated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Interestingly, lncRNA SNHG10 was overexpressed during OGD/R and suppressed by DHM. Through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we identified miR-665 as a direct target of SNHG10 and RASSF5 as a direct target of miR-665. The protective effect of DHM against OGD/R injury was partially reversed by SNHG10 overexpression and further enhanced by co-transfection with the miR-665 mimic and si-RASSF5 (p < 0.05). This study identifies a novel mechanism of DHM against IS, which may act via modulation of the SNHG10/miR-665/RASSF5 axis and inactivation of NF-κB signaling, and offers a promising therapeutic target for IS.
Die rechtsmissbräuchliche Sonderprüfung und ihre Folgen
Authors: Lieder Jan
Published: December 2024

Die Sonderprüfung nach §§ 142 ff. AktG eröffnet den Aktionären die Möglichkeit, das Vorstandshandeln einer Kontrolle zu unterziehen, wenn eine Unternehmensüberwachung durch den Aufsichtsrat an Grenzen stößt. Wie bei anderen Gesellschafterrechten besteht allerdings auch bei der Sonderprüfung die Gefahr des Missbrauchs und der treuwidrigen Ausübung. Der Beitrag spürt den Erscheinungsformen der rechtsmissbräuchlichen Sonderprüfung nach und misst ihre Rechtsfolgen aus. Dabei stehen die Zwangseinziehung der Aktien des Initiators sowie Schadensersatzansprüche der AG gegen diesen Aktionär im Mittelpunkt.
Bifacial Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Thin Film Solar Cell Based on Molecular Ink and Rapid Thermal Processing
Authors: Khan Saqib Nawaz , Ge Sijie , Gu Ening , Karunakaran Santhosh Kumar , Yang Wentao , Hong Ruijiang , Mai Yaohua , Lin Xianzhong , Yang Guowei
Published: August 2021

The use of transparent conducting oxides (TCO) as a back contact for Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin film solar cell enables light absorption from both front and rear sides and allows for the fabrication of semi‐transparent photovoltaic devices. However, the CZTSSe solar cell based on TCO substrate suffers from high parasitic losses owing to the long post‐annealing time at elevated temperature required for high‐quality absorber. This work aims to overcome this issue by carefully tailoring the annealing conditions to obtain high‐performance solar cell. Rapid thermal processing is used to instantaneously generate high Se vapor pressure at target temperature and shorten the annealing time. The crystalline quality, morphology, and particularly the photovoltaic performance of the resulting CZTSSe thin film are systematically investigated. It is found that the increase of annealing temperature and time improves the crystalline quality but unfortunately deteriorates the device performance owing to increasing parasitic losses. Increasing the amount of Se allows to get highly crystalline absorber within 7 min of annealing, yielding a total area 5.56% efficient CZTSSe solar cell with front illumination resulting from reducing parasitic losses. This work provides a simple approach to preserve the back contact without using a complex interfacial layer.
Victor Almon McKusick: In the footsteps of Mendel and Osler
Authors: Francomano Clair A.
Published: August 2021

Victor Almon McKusick (VAM) is widely recognized as the father of the field of medical genetics. He established one of the first medical genetics clinics in the United States at Johns Hopkins in 1957 and developed a robust training program with the tripartite mission of education, research, and clinical care. Thousands of clinicians and scientists were educated over the years through the Short Course in Medical and Molecular Genetics, which VAM founded with Dr. Thomas Roderick in 1960. His Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders, serves as the authoritative reference for geneticists around the globe. Throughout his career he was an advocate for mapping the human genome. He collaborated with Dr. Frank Ruddle in founding the International Human Gene Mapping Workshops in the early 70's and was an avid proponent of the Human Genome Project. He was the founding President of the Human Genome Organization and a founding editor of the journal Genomics. His prodigious contributions to the field of medical genetics were recognized by multiple honors, culminating with the Japan Prize in 2008.
Effect of carbon black on properties of acrylonitrile‐chloroprenerubber
Authors: De Sarkar Mousumi , Sunada Takashi , Tomizawa Seiya , Kondo Atsunori
Published: August 2021

Impacts of different grades of carbon black (CB) on the properties of the newly developed copolymer of chloroprene and acrylonitrile are discussed here. Seven commercial grades of CB, from three generic categories based on their manufacturing: furnace black, thermal black, and acetylene black, encompassing a large range of surface areas, structures, and surface activities, are considered in this comprehensive study. The impacts exerted by the different CB on viscosity, cure characteristics, mechanical properties, and some functional features, such as resistance to abrasion, heat build‐up, heat aging resistance, and solvent‐resistance of the poly(acrylonitrile‐chloroprene) rubber (NCR) vulcanizates are investigated. Mooney viscosity, cross‐link density, and most of the physical properties are strongly influenced by the filler morphologies such as surface area and the structure of CB.
Selective arterial embolization of renal angiomyolipomas: A 10‐year experience
Authors: Nozadze Guram , Larsen Signe Benzon , Heerwagen Søren , Juhl Jensen Ruben , Lönn Lars , Røder Martin Andreas
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To study safety and efficacy of selective endovascular trans‐arterial embolization (TAE) of renal angiomyolipoma (AML) in a 10‐year period at a regional tertiary referral center in Denmark.

Patients and methods

All 56 patients who underwent TAE of renal AML at Departments of Urology and Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Denmark, from 2009 to 2020 were included. Seven without preoperative and postoperative imaging were excluded, leaving 49 patients for analysis. From national electronic medical records, we retrieved patient characteristics, surgical data, and follow‐up data. Tumor size at the time of embolization and during follow‐up was compared using Student's paired t test. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) pre‐ and post‐embolization were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results

We included 49 patients of whom 4 had two tumors treated in the same TAE procedure. Median age was 50 years (interquartile range [IQR]: [29–67 years]), and the median follow‐up time was 4.6 years [IQR: 3.0–6.7 years]. Post‐embolization syndrome (PES) was experienced in 27 patients, and non‐PES in 5 patients. Median length of hospital stay was 0 days [IQR, 0–1]. Postoperative Everolimus immunosuppressive treatment was offered to seven patients. Median tumor size was 6.0 cm [IQR: 4.6–7.9 cm] and was significantly reduced to 3.7 cm [IQR: 2.5–5.2 cm] after treatment (p < 0.001). Kidney function was not affected by TAE. Three deaths, not related to AML, were noted during follow‐up.

Conclusion

Embolization of AML was in this cohort effective to significantly reduce tumor size without serious adverse events and loss of renal function. TAE is a safe and efficacious treatment and the preferred minimally invasive treatment option of AML.
Facing the mirror: Partnering to support struggling college writers
Authors: Parisi Hope , Fogelman Faith
Published: August 2021

Fostering a sense of belonging for community college students is a shared responsibility among all institutional areas, including academics, student services, and student life. This article presents a collaborative tutorial initiated and sustained by academics and support services that addressed the needs of students cycling through writing remediation. Institutional collaborative efforts like this one speak to the institutional responsibility for creating culturally responsive environments as part of student support.
Does industry experience increase the teaching of “soft” skills in community college classrooms?
Authors: Hora Matthew T. , Lee Changhee
Published: August 2021

Industry experience is widely viewed as an important requirement for community college teachers, as it may provide instructors with insights on how to teach important workplace “soft” skills. In this chapter, we discuss a study exploring this issue and why industry experience alone is insufficient preparation for effective skills‐focused teaching.
Committing to instructional improvement in an era of community college reform
Authors: Brown Amy E. , Bickerstaff Susan
Published: August 2021

This article argues that by tying instructional improvement efforts to ongoing reforms, colleges may be able to take advantage of structures and mechanisms employed by the reform to make teaching an institutional priority.
Outcomes of 10,312 patients treated with everolimus‐eluting bioresorbable scaffolds during daily clinical practice – results from the European Absorb Consortium
Authors: Wiebe Jens , Hofmann Felix J. , West Nick , Baumbach Andreas , Carrie Didier , Bermudez Eduardo Pinar , Cayla Guillaume , Hernandez Felipe Hernandez , de la Torre Hernandez Jose M. , Koning René , Loi Bruno , Moscarella Elisabetta , Tarantini Giuseppe , Zaman Azfar , Lober Christiane , Riemer Thomas , Achenbach Stephan , Hamm Christian W. , Nef Holger M. ,   the European ABSORB Consortium (EAC) investigators
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To asses mid‐term clinical outcomes of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) for the treatment of coronary artery disease in a large‐scale all‐comers population.

Background

Several clinical settings are underrepresented in randomized studies investigating BVS against drug‐eluting stents. Whether their results can be translated into the heterogeny patient population seen during daily routine requires further investigation.

Methods

The European ABSORB Consortium comprises the following European registries: GABI‐R, ABSORB UK Registry, ABSORB France, BVS RAI Registry, and REPARA BVS Registry, which all prospectively collected patient‐level data regarding outcomes following unrestricted BVS implantation. The primary endpoint of target lesion failure (TLF) includes cardiac death, target‐vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI) and target‐lesion revascularisation (TLR) at 12 months. The incidence of scaffold thrombosis (ST) according to ARC criteria was also assessed. Multivariable analysis was used to adjust for differences in patient and lesion characteristics.

Results

A total of 10,312 patients (mean age 58.4 ± 11.4 y) underwent BVS implantation during routine practice. The 12‐month follow‐up was complete in 95.5% of patients. At 12 months, the primary endpoint of TLF occurred in 3.6%; its components cardiac death, TVMI and TLR were documented in 1.2%, 1.8%, and 2.6%, respectively. The definite/probable ST rate was 1.7%. Absence of predilatation, discontinuation of DAPT and scaffold diameter below 3 mm were independent predictors of ST.

Conclusions

The EAC demonstrates reasonable real‐world clinical outcome data after BVS implantation. However, the rate of scaffold thrombosis remains high.
Genotypical glioblastoma of the frontal lobe mimicking ganglioglioma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kraus Theo F. J. , Pöppe Johannes , Machegger Lukas , Zellinger Barbara , Dovjak Eva , Schlicker Hans U. , Schwartz Christoph , Ladisich Barbara , Spendel Mathias , Al‐Schameri Abdul R. , Winkler Peter A. , Sotlar Karl
Published: August 2021

This case of severe phenotype‐genotype mismatch brain tumor morphologically mimicking benign ganglioglioma emphasizes the urgent need for advanced molecular profiling in brain tumor diagnosis in the era of sophisticated molecular profiling.
Diagnosis and management of oral cavity lipoblastoma and lipoblastomatosis in an 8‐month‐old boy
Authors: Matous Allison L. , Baker Michael L. , Khan Rihan , Pastel David A. , Chen Eunice Y.
Published: August 2021

Lipoblastoma/lipoblastomatosis presents some unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges when encountered in the oral cavity. In these rare cases, diagnostic confirmation with molecular testing and a conservative surgical resection can contribute to successful management.
Surgical removal of an exceedingly rare papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic wall causing unstable angina
Authors: Masiello Paolo , Catalano Angelo , Mastrogiovanni Generoso , Eusebio Geppina , De Roberto Anna Maria , Chivasso Pierpaolo , Ciancia Giuseppe , Iesu Ivana , Triggiani Donato , Iesu Severino
Published: August 2021

Difficult diagnosis is due to rarity of the case. TT or TE echocardiography is sufficient to make a correct diagnosis. The risk of embolism or coronary ostia occlusion should guide the decision for surgery.
When COVID‐19 delays the management of an urgent heart condition: A rare case of a spontaneous dissection of two coronary arteries
Authors: Endamena Gislain Beyina , Temgoua Mazou Ngou , Chanseaume Sylvain , Hilic Enver , Camus Lise , Chanseaume Alexandra , Mischie Alexandru , Kane Karamoko , Diallo Nouhoun , Assi Sami , Eschalier Romain
Published: August 2021

Some severe life‐threatening conditions could be misdiagnosed during the current COVID‐19 pandemic.
Wieacker‐Wolff syndrome, a distinctive phenotype of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita caused by a “de novo”ZC4H2gene partial deletion
Authors: Deneufbourg Charlotte , Duquenne Armelle , Biard Jean‐Marc , Sznajer Yves
Published: August 2021

Unusual fetal arthrogryposis on ultrasound should draw attention to look for additional lower limb anomalies. Precise genetic counseling may be obtained from deletion on Xq11.2 as forZC4H2 gene sequencing diagnostic for Wieacker‐Wolff syndrome.
Hypertension as a manifestation of COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Bekbossynova Makhabbat , Ainur Tauekelova
Published: August 2021

Several factors such as hypertension, bile duct disease, and age can affect the duration of COVID, which can lead to long COVID. Any course of coronavirus infection could have a diverse nature of clinical forms and should have a personalized approach.
Bilateral pulmonary emboli in an amateur kick boxer: A case report and literature review
Authors: Abdelmahmuod Elabbass A. , Alzibdeh Aseel , Rahil Ali
Published: August 2021

Increased knowledge of unusual pulmonary embolism presentations in athletes will prevent delays in the diagnosis and management.
First case of coloboma, lens neovascularization, traumatic cataract, and retinal detachment in a young Asian female
Authors: Gurnani Bharat , Kaur Kirandeep , Sekaran Subhashini
Published: August 2021

Lens neovascularization is a very rare entity to be encountered in the clinical practice. It is possibly a result of chronic ocular inflammation due to injury and subsequent uveitis. Early diagnosis and meticulous management can salvage visual acuity in such cases.
Substituent Effects in Six(Anilido)‐Five(Thiazole) Membered Ring Boron Difluoride Dyes
Authors: Tseng Sheng‐Ming , Chao Chi‐Min , Chang Kai‐Hsin , Wen Chi‐Sheng , Chou Tai‐Che , Tsai Tsung‐Lun , Wu Ting‐Wen , Haung Xiao‐Ci , Liu Jun‐Qi , Hung Cheng‐Hsien , Liu Kuan‐Miao , Chou Pi‐Tai
Published: August 2021

A series of new six (anilido)‐five (thiazole) membered ring boron difluoride dyes, namely BFs, have been synthesized from the corresponding para‐ and meta‐substituted 2‐(2’‐methylaminophenyl) benzothiazoles through complexation with boron trifluoride. Depending on the substituent effect, the derivatives can switch the emission properties from fluorescence with 100 % emission yield to slim fluorescence but >90 % triplet state population and peak wavelength tuning from 490 nm to 610 nm. Compared with non‐complexed precursors, the rigid, highly planar structure and significantly red‐shifted absorption and emission for BFs indicate that the boron center facilitates the formation of a bridge leading to increased rigidity, and is also involved in π‐conjugation, increasing the transition dipole and suppressing the non‐radiative internal conversion. Together with optical ∼100 % transparent window around 325–375 nm, BFs may find unique applications, among which the fluorescence up‐conversion via triplet‐triplet annihilation is demonstrated.