bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence assessment of the potential of tocilizumab along with corticosteroids therapy for the management of COVID-19 evoked acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Segú-Vergés Cristina , Artigas Laura , Coma Mireia , Peck Richard W.
Published: February 2023

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), associated with high mortality rate, affects up to 67% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Early evidence indicated that the pathogenesis of COVID-19 evoked ARDS is, at least partially, mediated by hyperinflammatory cytokine storm in which interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays an essential role. The corticosteroid dexamethasone is an effective treatment for severe COVID-19 related ARDS. However, trials of other immunomodulatory therapies, including anti-IL6 agents such as tocilizumab and sarilumab, have shown limited evidence of benefit as monotherapy. But recently published large trials have reported added benefit of tocilizumab in combination with dexamethasone in severe COVID-19 related ARDS. In silico tools can be useful to shed light on the mechanisms evoked by SARS-CoV-2 infection and of the potential therapeutic approaches. Therapeutic performance mapping system (TPMS), based on systems biology and artificial intelligence, integrate available biological, pharmacological and medical knowledge to create mathematical models of the disease. This technology was used to identify the pharmacological mechanism of dexamethasone, with or without tocilizumab, in the management of COVID-19 evoked ARDS. The results showed that while dexamethasone would be addressing a wider range of pathological processes with low intensity, tocilizumab might provide a more direct and intense effect upon the cytokine storm. Based on this in silico study, we conclude that the use of tocilizumab alongside dexamethasone is predicted to induce a synergistic effect in dampening inflammation and subsequent pathological processes, supporting the beneficial effect of the combined therapy in critically ill patients. Future research will allow identifying the ideal subpopulation of patients that would benefit better from this combined treatment.
Predation history has no effect on lateralized behavior in Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora
Authors: Callaway Maren G. , Johnson Erik S. , Johnson Jerald B.
Published: February 2023

Evolutionary biologists have grown increasingly interested in laterality, a phenomenon where bilaterally symmetrical organisms show a side bias in some trait. Lateralized behavior is particularly interesting because it is not necessarily tied to morphological asymmetry. What causes lateralized behavior remains largely unknown, although previous research in fishes suggest that fish might favor one eye over another to view potential food sources, mates, and to assess predation risk. Here we test the hypothesis that a history of predation risk predicts lateralized behavior in the livebearing fish Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora. To do this, we used a detour assay to test for eye bias when a focal fish approached various stimuli (predator, potential mate, novel object, and empty tank control). Contrary to our predictions, we found no differences in lateralized behavior between fish from populations that co-occurred with fish predators relative to those that do not co-occur with predators. In fact, we found no evidence for behavioral lateralization at all in response to any of the stimuli. We explore several possible explanations for why lateralized behavior is absent in this species, especially considering a large body of work in other livebearing fishes that shows that lateralized behavior does occur.
Experiences and attitudes of Danish men who were sperm donors more than 10 years ago; a qualitative interview study
Authors: Lou Stina , Bollerup Stina , Terkildsen Morten Deleuran , Adrian Stine Willum , Pacey Allan , Pennings Guido , Vogel Ida , Skytte Anne-Bine
Published: February 2023

Background

More knowledge about the long-term impact of sperm donation is essential as the donor’s attitude towards donation may change over time. Personal and social developments may prompt a rethinking of previous actions and decisions, or even regret. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the experiences and attitudes of men who were sperm donors more than 10 years ago.

Methods

From May to September 2021, semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with 23 former donors (> 10 years since last donation) from Cryos International sperm bank. Two participants were non-anonymous donors and 21 were anonymous. The interviews were conducted by phone or via video (mean 24 minutes). All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and rendered anonymous. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis showed that most men had been donors for monetary and altruistic purposes, and now considered sperm donation as a closed chapter that was ’unproblematic and in the past’. Most men valued anonymity and emphasized the non-relatedness between donor and donor conceived offspring. Knowledge about recipients and donor offspring was seen as ’damaging’ as it could create unwanted feelings of relatedness and responsibility towards them. All men acknowledged donor conceived persons’ potential interests in knowing about their genetic heritage in order to understand appearance and personal traits, but also emphasized the donors’ rights to anonymity. Potential breach of anonymity was generally considered ’highly problematic’ as it was expected to disturb their families and force a relationship on them.

Conclusion

This study reports on former donors who might not have volunteered for research due to lack of interest or protection of privacy. The majority of men valued anonymity and clearly demarcated a line between sperm donation and fatherhood, which was enforced by not knowing about the donor offspring or recipients.
Mathematical modeling of pneumococcal transmission dynamics in response to PCV13 infant vaccination in Germany predicts increasing IPD burden due to serotypes included in next-generation PCVs
Authors: Horn Matthias , Theilacker Christian , Sprenger Ralf , von Eiff Christof , Mahar Ernestine , Schiffner-Rohe Julia , Pletz Mathias W. , van der Linden Mark , Scholz Markus
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Two next-generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), a 15- and a 20-valent PCV (PCV15 and PCV20), have recently been licensed for use in adults, and PCV15 has also been licensed in children. We developed a dynamic transmission model specific for Germany, with the aim to predict carriage prevalence and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) burden for serotypes included in these vaccines.

Methods

The model allows to follow serotype distributions longitudinally both in the absence and presence of PCV vaccinations. We considered eight age cohorts and seven serotype groups according to the composition of different pneumococcal vaccines. This comprises the additional serotypes contained in PCV15 and PCV20 but not in PCV13.

Results

The model predicted that by continuing the current vaccine policy (standard vaccination with PCV13 in children and with PPSV23 in adults) until 2031, IPD case counts due to any serotype in children <2 years of age will remain unchanged. There will be a continuous decrease of IPD cases in adults aged 16-59y, but a 20% increase in adults ≥60y. Furthermore, there will be a steady decrease of the proportion of carriage and IPD due to serotypes included in PCV7 and PCV13 over the model horizon and a steady rise of non-PCV13 serotypes in carriage and IPD. The highest increase for both pneumococcal carriage and absolute IPD case counts was predicted for serotypes 22F and 33F (included in both PCV15 and PCV20) and serotypes 8, 10A, 11A, 12F, and 15B (included in PCV20 only), particularly in older adults. Between 2022 and 2031, serotypes included in PCV20 only are expected to cause 19.7–25.3% of IPD cases in adults ≥60y.

Conclusions

We conclude that introduction of next-generation PCVs for adults may prevent a substantial and increasing proportion of adult IPDs, with PCV20 having the potential to provide the broadest protection against pneumococcal disease.
Features extracted using tensor decomposition reflect the biological features of the temporal patterns of human blood multimodal metabolome
Authors: Fujita Suguru , Karasawa Yasuaki , Hironaka Ken-ichi , Taguchi Y.-h. , Kuroda Shinya
Published: February 2023

High-throughput omics technologies have enabled the profiling of entire biological systems. For the biological interpretation of such omics data, two analyses, hypothesis- and data-driven analyses including tensor decomposition, have been used. Both analyses have their own advantages and disadvantages and are mutually complementary; however, a direct comparison of these two analyses for omics data is poorly examined.We applied tensor decomposition (TD) to a dataset representing changes in the concentrations of 562 blood molecules at 14 time points in 20 healthy human subjects after ingestion of 75 g oral glucose. We characterized each molecule by individual dependence (constant or variable) and time dependence (later peak or early peak). Three of the four features extracted by TD were characterized by our previous hypothesis-driven study, indicating that TD can extract some of the same features obtained by hypothesis-driven analysis in a non-biased manner. In contrast to the years taken for our previous hypothesis-driven analysis, the data-driven analysis in this study took days, indicating that TD can extract biological features in a non-biased manner without the time-consuming process of hypothesis generation.
Multivalued neutrosophic power partitioned Hamy mean operators and their application in MAGDM
Authors: Wang Muwen , Li Tonghui , Tian Yuan , Zhang Kecheng
Published: February 2023

The novel multivalued neutrosophic aggregation operators are proposed in this paper to handle the complicated decision-making situations with correlation between specific information and partitioned parameters at the same time, which are based on weighted power partitioned Hamy mean (WMNPPHAM) operators for multivalued neutrosophic sets (MNS) proposed by combining the Power Average and Hamy operators. Firstly, the power partitioned Hamy mean (PPHAM) is capable of capture the correlation between aggregation parameters and the relationship among attributes dividing several parts, where the attributes are dependent definitely within the interchangeable fragment, other attributes in divergent sections are irrelevant. Secondly, because MNS can effectively represent imprecise, insufficient, and uncertain information, we proposed the multivalued neutrosophic PMHAM (WMNPHAM) operator for MNS and its partitioned variant (WMNPPHAM) with the characteristics and examples. Finally, this multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) technique is proven to be feasible by comparing with the existing methods to confirm this method’s usefulness and validity.
Targeted proteomics using stable isotope labeled protein fragments enables precise and robust determination of total apolipoprotein(a) in human plasma
Authors: Hober Andreas , Rekanovic Mirela , Forsström Björn , Hansson Sara , Kotol David , Percy Andrew J. , Uhlén Mathias , Oscarsson Jan , Edfors Fredrik , Miliotis Tasso
Published: February 2023

Lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a), is an LDL-like particle composed of apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) bound covalently to apolipoprotein B100. Plasma concentrations of Lp(a) are highly heritable and vary widely between individuals. Elevated plasma concentration of Lp(a) is considered as an independent, causal risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Targeted mass spectrometry (LC-SRM/MS) combined with stable isotope-labeled recombinant proteins provides robust and precise quantification of proteins in the blood, making LC-SRM/MS assays appealing for monitoring plasma proteins for clinical implications. This study presents a novel quantitative approach, based on proteotypic peptides, to determine the absolute concentration of apo(a) from two microliters of plasma and qualified according to guideline requirements for targeted proteomics assays. After optimization, assay parameters such as linearity, lower limits of quantification (LLOQ), intra-assay variability (CV: 4.7%) and inter-assay repeatability (CV: 7.8%) were determined and the LC-SRM/MS results were benchmarked against a commercially available immunoassay. In summary, the measurements of an apo(a) single copy specific peptide and a kringle 4 specific peptide allow for the determination of molar concentration and relative size of apo(a) in individuals.
A qualitative examination of injury prevention strategy and education in Ladies Gaelic football: Understanding the preferences of players and coaches
Authors: Corrigan John , O’Keeffe Sinéad , Whyte Enda , O’Connor Siobhán
Published: February 2023

The high rates of injury in Ladies Gaelic football impact the wellbeing of players and are a major financial burden for the Ladies Gaelic Football Association. Effective injury prevention programmes have been developed for Gaelic games, but these are not currently widely adopted. The aim of this study was to qualitatively investigate adult Ladies Gaelic football players and coaches’ preferences for injury prevention strategies and injury prevention education using a constructivist grounded-theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 currently active Ladies Gaelic football coaches and adult players. The core strategy preferences discussed by participants were the properties of an injury prevention programme, the role of stakeholders, strategy logistics and the need for guidance and support. If the uptake and long-term adoption of an injury prevention programme is to be maximised, the preferences of the players and coaches who will ultimately utilise the programme must be understood and integrated into a wider implementation strategy developed around their needs. For education preferences, the core categories identified were the focus of education, who needs education, the format, educator, roll-out strategy, and time required. Future educational strategies must incorporate the preferences of stakeholders into their design if they are to be successful in spreading injury prevention knowledge and achieving change. To give injury prevention strategies, programmes, and education the best chances at successful adoption, it is crucial that the preferences of end-users are addressed and implemented.
Impact of foreign direct investment on income inequality: Evidence from selected Asian economies
Authors: Yuldashev Maksudjan , Khalikov Ulugbek , Nasriddinov Fazliddin , Ismailova Nilufar , Kuldasheva Zebo , Ahmad Maaz
Published: February 2023

The United Nations lists 17 Sustainable Development Goals for Agenda 2030, one of which is SDG-10, which focuses on eradicating inequality and addressing critical regional and global challenges. The fight against income inequality is heavily dependent on foreign direct investment all over the world. In this connection, the present study aimed to investigate the individual and interactive impact of foreign direct investment, human capital, and economic growth on income inequality by employing the interactive model. Based on the panel data set covering ten counties spanning each region of Asia from 1990 to 2020. In light of the slope homogeneity, cross-sectional dependency tests, and Westerlund co-integration test, we discover that all of the variables are cointegrated over the long run. A cross-sectional IPS (CIPS) unit root test is employed to check stationarity. Additionally, the study used the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) approach to produce accurate results in estimation. The results confirm that FDI affects inequality negatively. However, the impact of FDI is more effective in the presence of human capital. It means that human capital deepens the effect of FDI on inequality; the country will be more effective in reducing inequality by having a higher level of human capital and consider it a more powerful tool to bring equality. To reduce inequality, it is suggested that a policy mix of FDI and HC could be made.
The Portuguese Rainbow: LGBTQI+ Rights and Experiences
Authors: Saleiro Sandra Palma
Published: February 2023

Portugal has made a remarkable progress in promoting the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI+) people since the turn of the century. However, the knowledge produced in social science on the experiences of LGBTQI+ people in Portugal demonstrate the shortcomings and challenges of the transition from legal rights to lived experience. This issue is built around the rights as they relate to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sexual characteristics and to the experiences of LGBTQI+ people in Portugal, contextualized at the European and international level. The issue includes articles that, taken as a whole, provide domestic and international reader’s critical knowledge about the LGBTQI+ community and lives in Portugal by the hand of some of the country’s leading scholars in this area.
LGBTQI+ in democratic Portugal: An overview essay
Authors: Vale de Almeida Miguel
Published: February 2023

Written in a reflexive, autoethnographic and essayistic mode, this article aims to provide an overview of the developments of LGBTQI+ rights in democratic Portugal and to identify the main frictions that affected and continue to affect them, while also providing glimpses of possible routes – in broad strokes – for making effective the changes in the life politics of LGBTQI+ people that are guaranteed in law.
Gender (trans)formations in Europe and beyond: Trans lives and politics from a transnational perspective
Authors: Aboim Sofia , Vasconcelos Pedro
Published: February 2023

Focusing on trans and gender-diverse people in five European countries (Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Sweden), the Transrights research addressed one of the most challenging transformations of the institutional order of gender that thus far still reproduces the normative opposition between male and female. Rather than proposing a descriptive monograph, our angle of analysis emphasized the workings of gender through the ‘voices’ of trans people (within and beyond Europe) and their complex forms of self-identification vis-à-vis the institutional apparatus (whether legal, medical, political or even social-scientific). Drawing on an extensive empirical research that combined document analysis of legal and medical developments, multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth interviews, we investigated the doings of gender and gender politics. Three major findings are highlighted and summarized through a comparative strategy: trans/gender identifications, creative agency and embodiments; institutional and legal recognition vis-à-vis the medical apparatus and the “marketization” of trans-related healthcare; and discrimination, oppression and violence.
Ectopic Opening of the Bile Duct Into the Duodenal Bulb: Complications of Biliary Drainage
Authors: Yang James , Agrawal Rohit , Melitas Constantine , Boulay Brian , Herren Josi , Gaba Ronald , Villa Edward
Published: February 2023

Ectopic opening of the common bile duct is a rare anatomic variant that is associated with increased risk of complications such as cholangitis, peptic ulcer disease, and even cholangiocarcinoma. Ectopic opening of the common bile duct into the duodenal bulb is a rare form of ectopic opening of the common bile duct accounting for 0.1%–2.7% of cases of anomalous biliary drainage. Identification of such pathology is important because of its varied presentation and considerable operative and procedural implications. We report a rare case of duodenal bulb opening of the common bile duct in a patient who presented with cholangitis.
Gastric Volvulus: A Delayed Surgical Complication After Debulking and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ghattas Souad , Maalouf Hani , Hadeer Ribal Aby , Elias Fawzi , Abou Zeid Hadi Khaled , Kahy Anthony , Wakim Raja
Published: February 2023

Gastric volvulus in conjunction with diaphragmatic hernia is an uncommon but life-threatening presentation that is generally in association with hiatal hernia or diaphragmatic injuries. Diaphragmatic hernia with gastric volvulus can occur many years after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy despite initial diaphragm intactness, and should be suspected in this patient population when they present with upper gastrointestinal obstruction. An acute episode of gastric volvulus can have a mortality of 30% to 50%, hence the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Surgical management remains the treatment of choice and can be an emergency in obstructive cases. We report the case of a 68-year-old woman presenting with signs and symptoms of acute upper gastrointestinal obstruction. Three years ago, the patient had undergone debulking surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis secondary to advanced ovarian cancer. A diagnosis of gastric volvulus was established. The pylorus was seen near the cardia on gastroscopy, and barium swallow showed stomach upside down and with a mirror image of normal anatomy suggestive of gastric volvulus. We opted for urgent laparotomy that revealed the presence of a rotated stomach adherent to the spleen and left diaphragm. After reduction, a diaphragmatic defect that was missed on the computed tomography scan was discovered and repaired, and the patient recovered uneventfully.
Making land available. Cultural legal comparison of the German Building Land Mobilisation Act and the partial revision of the Swiss Spatial Planning Act
Authors: Hengstermann Andreas , Skala Nadja
Published: February 2023

Planning practice is confronted with seemingly contradictory challenges, such as the qualitative and quantitative provision of housing paired with reducing land consumption. To address this apparent dilemma, legislators are increasingly relying on densification. However, a fundamental prerequisite (and often a significant challenge) for this is the availability of the land required. Recent planning law reforms in Germany and Switzerland aim to increase the effectiveness and speed at which land is made available for inner development, thus meeting the seemingly conflicting planning policy goals. This paper compares recent legislative efforts in Germany and Switzerland using the comparative law method. The German Building Land Mobilization Act includes amendments to the Building Code (Baugesetzbuch) and the Building Use Ordinance (Baunutzungsverordnung), intended to enable faster activation of building land and the creation of more affordable housing. To this end, the amendment expands existing instruments for the activation of building land and introduces simplifications to the planning law. In Switzerland, the Spatial Planning Act has been partially revised to achieve inner urban development through precise regulations on the expansion of building zones and instruments to ensure the implementation of zoning plans.
Optimization of The Durian Peel Waste Adsorbent in The Purification of Used Cooking Oil
Authors: Yatmani Sri , Kuntolaksono Satrio , Sivtiani Indri , Novitasari Windi , Luthfiyani Ulfah Khairiyyah
Published: February 2023

Durian peel waste (Durio zibethinus Murray) is not effectively exploited and even left to become rubbish, which pollutes the environment. The cellulose from durian peel can be used to generate absorbent activated carbon. This study improves the durian peel adsorbent for the purification of used cooking oil. Carbon activation expands the pores of activated carbon, increasing its surface area and adsorption capacities for purifying spent cooking oil. The best conditions for producing adsorbents from durian peel were identified by adjusting the carbonization period between 300, 400, and 500 °C, activating the 1.25 m mesh size with HCl and KOH activators at concentrations of 3 M and 4 M, and soaking the material for 24 hours. Using 4 M HCl activator, 24 hours at 400 °C, and SNI 06-3730- 1995 criteria, the ideal conditions for activating durian peel activated carbon in the purification of wasted cooking oil were achieved. SEM at 1000-fold magnification (1.357 mm) confirmed an even surface and successful absorption. Durian peel adsorption in the purification of wasted cooking oil reduced peroxides (30.26%), free fatty acids (57.14%), and water content (45%), clarifying the color of leftover cooking oil.
A Mini Review on The Biomass Energy Implementation from Economic Perspective in Indonesia
Authors: Tun Zin Min , Christwardana Marcelinus , Adiguna Rocky , Hadiyanto H. , Windarta Jaka
Published: February 2023

The economically feasible study has become an important factor in today's societies due to achieve the well-being of people. The study analyzed the economic perspective of biomass energy from several secondary data locally and globally. The main target of this study aims to explore the economic perspective of biomass energy in Indonesia. The purpose of this study evaluates from many several economic advantages of the utilization of biomass energy such as economic sustainability, and job creation, and the last one is achieving sustainable development goals. Intensive exposure to several analysis factors of the advantages of modern biomass energy that is leading to economically feasible sustainability for the environment and local people in Indonesia. Moreover, it was found that the relationship between biomass energy and sustainable development significantly related to and supported the achievement of United Nation – Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Based on analyzing the biomass energy and economic strong effect on social development. After this, found significant benefits of biomass energy by creating local income, health care, school, and transportation as well as agriculture. These conclusions are discussed from many literature predictions about the future perspective of the relationship between biomass energy and economics. Recommendations encourage to government, investors, and stakeholders to involve biomass energy which is aim to achieve renewable energy targets. This research will provide more understanding of the several benefits of biomass energy and also to policymakers and investors to the intention of economic growth of biomass energy.
Potential of Neem Leaves on Preservation of Selected Elemental Compositions in Two Tomato Cultivars from Sokoto, Nigeria
Authors: Hamza Abdulrahman , Gumi Abubakar Mohammad , Aliero Adamu Aliyu , Imam Aminu Umar , Sarkingobir Yusuf , Tambari Umar
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of neem leaves in preserving the mineral elements content of two tomato types from Sokoto state, Nigeria. Healthy, ripe and firm tomato fruits brought from Sokoto City, were selected, cleaned for this study. 5%, 10% and 25% by were prepared by dissolving respective 5g, 10g and 25g neem extracts in 9.5, 9.0 and 7.5 liters of distilled water respectively to preserve tomatoes. The experiment was laid in a completely randomized design. And elements, Na, K, Ca, Mg, and P were determined in the tomatoes after the experiment using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The levels of Na, K, Ca, and P in Daneka after preservation ranges are: 1.1-1.3(ppm), 2.1-2.3 (ppm), 1.0-1.3 (ppm), 0.30-0.34 (ppm), and 0.3200-0.3330 (ppm) respectively. The levels of Na, K, Ca, and P in UTC after preservation ranges are: 1.6-1.10 (ppm), 1.6-1.10 (ppm), 0.10-1.16 (ppm), 0.30-0.35 (ppm), and 0.9997-1.0998 (ppm) respectively; revealing an increasing trend of elemental contents of all the tomato cultivars with an increasing neem concentration. Thus, the neem leaves indicate the capacity to preserve a typical quality parameter of tomatoes, that is concentration of Na, K, Ca, and P elements at p < 0.05 significant level.
The Potential of Selected Central Asian States to Provide Security in Crises
Authors: Pachucki-Włosek Krystian
Published: February 2023

This article aims to introduce the activities of selected Central Asian countries – having a direct border with Afghanistan, i.e. Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan – to ensure security after the change of power in Kabul. Familiarisation with the subject matter made it possible to pose the following research questions: 1) Do the selected Central Asian states show predestination to pursue an independent policy towards the Afghan problem? 2) Has the Taliban’s seizure of control of the country been reflected in the strengthening of the position of China, the United States and Russia in the region? 3) ) Has the Taliban’s seizure of control of the country been reflected in the strengthening of the position of China, the United States and Russia in the region?? The collected materials in the form of official government communiqués and press releases provided the key to analyzing the selected actions of state bodies in the situation of increasing threat, tracing the attempts to expand cooperation with subjects of international law understood as states and international organizations. While highlighting the issues of maintaining internal order, it was impossible to omit the issue of the military potential of the state, influencing the security strategy planning process. The main research methods used while creating the article were: synthesis through causal association, analogy, induction and deduction.
The Politicization of Intellectual Property Rights in the Context of Karabakh
Authors: Muradov Adalat , Hajiyeva Nargiz
Published: February 2023

Until recently, intellectual property law has been kept away from the political realm, as it was merely linked to economic and legal factors. However, in light of recent geopolitical processes and politically charged conflicts, political science has taken dominance in terms of intellectual property (IP) development and proclivities. In contemporary international politics, it is critical to explain and perceive IP tendencies and systems from the perspectives of political science and political economy, to consider appropriate retorts to processes arising from IPR conflicts in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan during the occupation. Azerbaijan had been confronted with limitations of its control over its territory due to the nearly three decades of the Karabakh conflict. In this regard, the article will answer questions related to the violation of intellectual property rights, the exploitation of goods and services, as well as the other IPR problems encountered by Azerbaijan during the occupation of Karabakh.
Realism – Forgotten Theory for Peacebuilding
Authors: Baihuzhakava Alina
Published: February 2023

The article brings attention to the gap in the research on peacebuilding from the perspective of realist theories. Started by Johan Galtung, the peacebuilding field has been largely influenced by his understanding of peace and violence, as well as by the peace studies discipline itself. An Agenda for Peace turned the theoretical concept into international practice, and the liberal spirit accompanying it imprinted on the research approaches that guide peacebuilding activities. Executed in the form of democratic transformation and statebuilding, peacebuilding operations often did not bring the expected results and called on a lot of criticism. Besides, throughout the decades dominating approaches (liberalism complemented by institutional and critical IR theories) have not been able to explain the continuous unattainability of sustainable peace and exacerbation of violence. A little attention has been given to peacebuilding by the realist theory, which has limited interest in local conflicts. In this aspect, the article aims to discuss how the realist theories have been addressing the topic of peacebuilding so far, analyse what are the main assumptions related to peacebuilding from a realist perspective; and assess if the realist theories can be helpful in resolving the problem of peacebuilding ineffectiveness. The article opens further discussion on whether the realist perspective and its focus on states’ interests, rather than (democratic and liberal) values and institutions, can be used for analysing the problems of the peacebuilding process and can help to better understand situations, where it is ineffective.
Terrorism and Jihadism in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Czulda Robert
Published: February 2023

Although from the very beginning of its existence the Islamic Republic of Iran has been regularly accused of supporting international terrorism, including Sunni organizations, this phenomenon is also a significant and growing threat for Tehran itself. In recent years Iran has become a target for the Sunni jihadists, who have even announced that in the near future the Shi’ite regime in Tehran would collapse and the Islamic State would take over. At the same time Iran has to cope with more traditional threats, posed by ethnic separatists – mainly Arabs, Kurds and the Baloch people – as well as by the MEK (People’s Mujahedin of Iran).

This paper analyzes main terrorism-related threats to contemporary Iran and to present both their causes and dynamics. The main argument of the paper is that although these challenges are mainly local (provincial), they have a potential to trigger a snowball effects and can weaken already a vulnerable stability of the Islamic Republic even further. Moreover, it is argued that decision-makers in Iran do not solve structural problems, but react with a further securitization. A risk is even higher now, when an increasing number of Iranians have become highly dissatisfied with their living conditions.
Immigration and Perceived Social Position. Insights from an Unintended Survey Experiment
Authors: Fazio Andrea , Florio Erminia
Published: February 2023

Using data from an involuntary survey experiment in Germany, we investigate whether priming people on immigration affects their self-perceived social standing. Our findings suggest that individuals who are administered a module concerning attitudes toward immigration perceive themselves as in a higher social position than would otherwise. Consistently with previous literature, we find that this effect is driven by right-wing-leaning individuals.
Optimal Imprisonment with General Enforcement of Law
Authors: D’Antoni Massimo , Friehe Tim , Tabbach Avraham
Published: February 2023

We study the optimal use of imprisonment when enforcement efforts are general (i.e. when the probability of detection is common for a range of acts). In contrast to the conventional wisdom that optimal imprisonment rises with the act’s harmfulness and is equal to the maximum level only for the most harmful acts, we show that – when the distribution of criminal benefits exhibits a standard monotone hazard rate – optimal imprisonment can only be zero or maximal. Thus, having general as opposed to specific enforcement effort does not alter the fact that only extreme sanction levels should optimally be employed.
Uniqueness of solutions for aψ-Hilfer fractional integral boundary value problem with thep-Laplacian operator
Authors: Alsaedi Ahmed , Alghanmi Madeaha , Ahmad Bashir , Alharbi Boshra
Published: February 2023

In this article, we discuss the existence of a unique solution to aψ\psi-Hilfer fractional differential equation involving thepp-Laplacian operator subject to nonlocalψ\psi-Riemann-Liouville fractional integral boundary conditions. Banach’s fixed point theorem is the main tool of our study. Examples are given for illustrating the obtained results.
The impact of textual enhancement on the acquisition of third person possessive pronouns by child EFL learners
Authors: Luquin María , García Mayo María del Pilar
Published: February 2023

A key concern in L2 research and pedagogy is how learner attention can be directed to linguistic forms. Research has shown that textual enhancement (TE) facilitates the noticing of targeted L2 features, leading to cognitive processes beneficial for L2 learning. However, very few studies on TE have had children as participants. This longitudinal study investigated the extent to which TE in model texts could have an effect on the development of third person possessive pronouns (his/her) among young EFL learners. The participants, 30 dyads of 11- to 12-year-old Spanish children from three EFL classes, were randomly assigned to a control group (CG), a treatment group (TG) and a long-term treatment group (LTG). The groups were engaged in two four-stage collaborative writing cycles of 3 weeks each separated by four months. The CG, which self-corrected their own texts, was not exposed to TE, the TG was only exposed to it during the two cycles and the LTG benefitted from this technique during the two writing cycles and the period in-between. The findings revealed statistically significant differences between the LTG and the other two groups after a sustained exposure to TE, which seems to be a useful pedagogical tool to facilitate the children’s noticing of third person possessives.
BETAMETHASONE cream to treat diapers rash causing Cushing syndrome
Authors: Ali Tooba , Habib Ashna , Zohair Muhammad , Aman Lubna
Published: February 2023

Objective

Betamethasone causing iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome (CS) in infants are rarely reported.

Case Presentation

∗ In this case report, there were severe signs of CS, such as considerable weight acceleration and concurrent height deceleration, hirsutism and ecchymosis of the face, and buffalo pad, which are often found in adults. ∗ Clobetasol propionate, diflucortolone valerate, and dexamethasone nasal sprays were used in the majority of previously reported cases of corticosteroid abuse, whereas this is the first case of CS in an infant as a result of the use of betamethasone cream, also known as betnesol, which is frequently used by mothers in developing countries as a treatment for rashes. ∗ In this instance, a severe medication interaction caused by systemic betamethasone cream buildup led to the creation of CS. For the professionals, these patients are a challenge because of drug use without prescription.

Conclusion

Topical corticosteroid usage puts infants at risk for CS. Because of excessive betamethasone treatment in this child with diaper dermatitis, he acquired CS. It is said to draw attention to the risks of self-medication in developing nations.
Association of osteoporosis and skeletal muscle loss with serum type I collagen carboxyl-terminal peptide β glypeptide: A cross-sectional study in elder Chinese population
Authors: Chen Lingyan , Wu Jiayu , Ren Weiying , Li Xi , Luo Man , Hu Yu
Published: February 2023

Type I collagen carboxyl-terminal peptide β (β-CTX) increases in osteoporosis. The study aimed to explore the relationship between serum β-CTX and the risk of osteoporosis as well as sarcopenia in Chinese elderly inpatients. Around 228 patients whose age >65 years were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Dual-energy X-ray scanning was used to access skeletal muscle and bone mass. Serum concentration of β-CTX as well as the prevalence of osteoporosis were significantly higher in low skeletal muscle index (SMI) group than that in the normal SMI group (P < 0.05). Serum β-CTX levels negatively correlated with SMI and bone mass (P < 0.05). Total muscle mass, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, SMI, total bone mass, and bone mass at various sites including the limbs, spine, and pelvis decreased significantly, and the prevalence of low SMI increased with the increase of the quartiles of β-CTX. Higher serum β-CTX had an increased risk of low SMI and osteoporosis (P < 0.05). Summarily, with increasing serum β-CTX levels, both muscle and bone mass decreased in Chinese elderly inpatients. Serum β-CTX was positively associated with the risk of not only osteoporosis but also skeletal muscle loss.
The crystal structure of the cocrystal di-μ
2-chlorido-tetramethyl-tetraphenyl-di-μ
3-oxido-dichloridotetratin(IV) – diphenyl-methyl-chloridotin(IV)(1/2), C54H58Cl6O2Sn6
Authors: Xiao Beibei , Xiang Niping , Yu Jiangxi , Wang Chengyong , Liu Bang
Published: February 2023

C54H58Cl6O2Sn6, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.5793(13) Å, b = 26.161(4) Å, c = 13.1326(18) Å, β = 109.124(2)°, V = 3109.5(7) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0337, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0763, T = 296 (2) K.
Exploring alkali metal cation⋯hydrogen interaction in the formation half sandwich complexes with cycloalkanes: a DFT approach
Authors: Saha Bapan , Bhattacharyya Pradip Kumar
Published: February 2023

Gas and solvent phase stability of half sandwich complexes between cycloalkanes viz. cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane and adamantane with alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+ and K+) are analysed using density functional theory (DFT). M06-2X/6-31++G(d,p) level is primarily used for the study. The studied half sandwich complexes are stable in gas phase (stabilization energy upto 26.55 kcal mol−1). Presence of solvent phase irrespective of its dielectric, imparts negative impact on the stability of the chosen complexes. The formation of the complexes is exothermic in nature. The process of complexation is both enthalpy (ΔH) and free energy (ΔG) driven. Variation in HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) energy also indicates towards the chemical stability of complexes. The interaction is non-covalent with primary contribution from induction component. NBO analysis indicates that C–H bond is the donor and antibonding metal orbital is the acceptor site in the process of complexation. Stability of the complexes depends on the size of the interacting monomers.
Assessment of the United Nations Good Offices for Conflict Resolution in Yemen
Authors: Al-Tamimi Adeb Abdulelah Abdulwahid , Venkatesha Uddagatti
Published: February 2023

The current study examines the United Nations Good Offices and their ability to enhance stability and peace in Yemen where political and socioeconomic strife is existing. It highlights the constant efforts done by the United Nations for achieving peace since the outbreak of the Youth Revolution (Arabic spring) in 2011 and how these efforts attempt to stop the war and fulfill peace in the context of the Yemeni conflict. This study adopts both exploratory and empirical methods to shed light on the roles of the good offices of the UN for conflict resolution in Yemen, testing the multiple regressions between the good offices and resolving conflict in Yemen, as well as, analyzing why these efforts have failed to overcome this chaos. The study shows the positive impact of the good offices on stopping war and controlling conflict in Yemen through the UNSC resolutions which have a high influence among other efforts. Therefore, it is discovered in this article that the UN Good Offices have failed to accomplish their primary objectives of attaining peace and ending the continuous war because of some obstruction within the UN itself.
Electrochemical extraction of the fission element samarium from tin electrodes and its kinetic analysis in an electrolytic refining process in LiCl-KCl molten salts
Authors: Shen Yubo , Wang Zhaoyang , Liu Yuhui , Dong Zhimin , Yu Fengtao , Quan Meiyang , Zhang Zhibin , Liu Yunhai , Wang Yingcai
Published: February 2023

The key fragment element samarium (Sm) has a large neutron absorption cross section, which can hinder the absorption of neutrons by uranium and negatively affect the nuclear reaction. In order to realize the nuclear fuel cycle, the extraction of Sm was studied on the basis of electrolytic refining after the dry process. The electrochemical properties of SmCl3 and SnCl2 in LiCl-KCl molten system were systematically investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and open circuit potential (OCP). The diffusion coefficients of the Sn(II) and Sm(III) electrode processes were calculated to be 3.55–5.93 × 10−5 and 2.33–3.97 × 10−5 cm2 s−1, respectively. The co-reduction of Sm(III) and Sn(II) ions was studied. Sm was recycled by constant current electrolysis on the liquid Sn electrode, and the average extraction rate was about 94.23%. The samples were characterized and analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM), and the results showed that Sm extraction from liquid tin is feasible.
Degradation Mechanism of Ultra High-Performance Concrete under Coupling Erosion of Salt and Frost
Authors: Lu Zhe , Feng Zhen-gang , Yao Dongdong , Li Yingyong , Xu Jun , Li Xinjun
Published: February 2023

With the use of ultra high-performance concrete (UHPC) in frozen areas, UHPC structures suffer from severe erosion under the interaction of salt ions and frost, resulting in significant performance degradation of UHPC structures. However, the performance degradation mechanism of different compositions and structures of UHPC under the coupling erosion of salt and frost is still unclear at present. In order to study the degraded behavior and mechanism of UHPC under the coupling erosion of salt and frost, various UHPCs were prepared and exposed to freeze–thaw (F-T) cycles and salt–freeze–thaw (S-F-T) cycles. The mass and compressive strength of the UHPCs before and after the F-T and S-F-T tests were compared to evaluate the performance degradation of UHPCs. The SPSS software correlation method, scanning electron microscope, and mercury intrusion porosimetry tests were used to analyze the mechanism of the coupling erosion of salt and frost on the UHPCs. Results indicate that UHPC with a lower water–binder ratio (WBR) and higher superplasticizer content exhibits better resistance to the coupling erosion of salt and frost. The resistance of UHPC to the coupling erosion of salt and frost will decline with the rise of WBR, and the WBR is the most significant factor affecting the coupling erosion of salt and frost for UHPC. The coupling of salt and frost decreases the compressive strength and leads to cracking of UHPC, which can be ascribed to the larger average pore size and higher cumulative pore volume caused by the salt ions. The hygroscopicity of salt ions increases the moisture in pores, and salt crystallization generates pressure in the pores, further aggravating the damage of UHPC.
Challenges for CAR-T cell therapy in multiple myeloma: overcoming the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Cui Jian , An Gang , Qiu Lugui
Published: February 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has shown promising efficacy in multiple myeloma (MM) patients, leading to FDA approval of two B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-specific CAR-T cell therapies (ide-cel and cilta-cel). Despite the remarkable response rates and response depth of MM patients to CAR-T cell therapy, patients inevitably relapse. A growing body of evidence suggests that the activity of CAR-T cells is affected by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review we have summarized the main challenges that CAR-T cells face in the TME, including various immunosuppressive cells, structural components, hypoxia, nutrient starvation, and metabolism. Moreover, we also discussed some candidate strategies for CAR-T cell therapy to overcome immunosuppressive TME and improve the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in the treatment of MM.
Conhecimento e motivações das mulheres acerca do exame de Papanicolaou: subsídios para a prática de enfermagem
Authors: Moura Ana Débora Assis , da Silva Synara Maria Gomes , Farias Leilane Martins , Feitoza Aline Rodrigues
Published: February 2023

Este estudo objetiva caracterizar o perfil sociodemográfico das mulheres atendidas numa unidade de saúde; e investigar o conhecimento e a motivação que as levaram a se submeterem ao exame de Papanicolau. Trata-se de um estudo do tipo exploratório-descritivo, de natureza qualitativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada em um Centro de Saúde de Atenção Primária, na cidade de Paracuru – Ceará, através de entrevista semi-estruturada, com 15 mulheres. Os dados foram agrupados em quatro categorias: o conhecimento; a motivação; o significado; e o sentimento. As análises mostraram que as mulheres entendiam-no como preventivo de DST/aids; a principal motivação que as levou à realização do exame foi a presença de sinais e sintomas; o exame despertou sentimentos de medo e vergonha. Considera-se urgente um trabalho para uma prática de Educação em Saúde que desvele os sentidos e significados do exame para as usuárias do serviço.