bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Journal of Forest Business Research to support sustainable forest investments for economic, social, and environmental benefits
Authors: Chudy Rafal , Cubbage Frederick , Mei Bin , Siry Jacek
Published: May 2023

The forest sector plays an important role in sustainable development for market and nonmarket goods and services. Investors and policy makers are increasingly seeking to rely on forests to provide both commercial forest products and nature-based solutions that will meet consumer demands and contribute to bioenergy, climate change amelioration, and biodiversity. To meet the expectations of climate and energy policies, forecasts estimate that more than US$70 billion of investments are needed annually by 2050. To achieve this level of investments, these increasing demands for investments in forests must be based on scientific research, reliable data, and credible business applications. In the era of information overload, access to peer-reviewed open-access journals has never been more critical than it is now. We summarize the role of our new Journal of Forest Business Research in providing improved applied research for practitioners seeking to achieve better outcomes relative to investment, finance, and economic goals for sustainable development.
Library books: Aging and preservation
Authors: Huo Haiyan
Published: May 2023

This opinion piece focuses on the topic of preserving library books that are facing the problem of aging, and it delves into the importance of preserving such books and the challenges faced in doing so. The strategies adopted for preservation are discussed, and some questions are posed that need to be answered in the area of preservation of library books. This work may serve as a useful guide for librarians and others concerned with the preservation of books, providing insights into the best practices, challenges, and strategies for maintaining library books for posterity. Indeed, the preservation of library books is crucial for ensuring the continued accessibility and availability of knowledge and information for future generations.
The role of religion in the explanation of the “Russian marriage paradox”: the relational competence hypothesis using the example of spouses who identify themselves as orthodox
Authors: Pavlyutkin Ivan , Goleva Mariia
Published: May 2023

The article represents a hypothesis about the interrelation between religion and the "Russian marriage paradox", which consists of simultaneously high levels of marriage and divorce rates as well as a significant proportion of marriages with a short duration. In contrast to the arguments about the "value shifts" and "weak institutions" used today in sociology and demography to explain the transformation of attitudes towards marriage, we propose a hypothesis about the significance of religious ethics - a source of competencies that contribute to the sustainability of married life. Our assumption is that due to the so-called “forced secularization” and detraditionalization of family life in post-Soviet Russia a radical disengagement took place between the normative side of marriage, and the relational side of marriage, which is responsible for manifestations of reciprocity and community in family life. One of the manifestations of this relational ethics, formulated in the social sciences, is associated with the importance of detachment from “Self” in marriage in favor of the “We”, which reflects the Christian ideas of humility, forgiveness, self-sacrifice in the family and promotes marital reciprocity. Studies of recent decades show that the relationship between individual measures of religiosity and family well-being is not linear, but is mediated by the manifestation of virtues in marriage. Based on data from a survey of married Russians who identify themselves as Orthodox (N = 583), we test the assumption that the importance of detachment from “I” in marriage will increase with the rise in the frequency of attendance of religious services and the marriage duration. The theoretical arguments of the hypothesis indicate the significant role of relational competencies responsible for the interconnection between the value of marriage and marriage sustainability. On the one hand, we show that the higher is the duration of marriage and the frequency of attending religious services, the higher is the value of detachment from the “Self”. On the other hand, the relationship between these measures is rather weak. As the conclusion, the explanation for the "Russian marriage paradox" could be related to the "relational poverty" of young people entering into marriage.
Evaluation of the Company‘s Capital Structure Determining Internal and External Factors in Baltic States during an Economic Shock
Authors: Pileckaitė Odeta , Subačienė Rasa
Published: May 2023

Capital structure’s formation and management decisions are one of the most important instruments to corporate financial management, enabling relevant business perspectives. The challenges of recent years and the increasing uncertainty in the economy make it necessary to assess how changes in capital structure are influenced by external and internal factors. Consequently, the purpose of the research is to evaluate the fluctuation trends in the capital structure of listed companies in the Baltic States and the correlation between the capital structure and internal and external factors. The object of the research is the financial data and correlation between the capital structure of listed companies in the Baltic States and external and internal factors. In order to achieve the research objective comparative, synthesis, regression, correlation and expert evaluation methods are applied. Furthermore, external financing of company investments generally decreased during the economic shock. Results of correlation analysis show that the capital structure of Baltic listed companies changes depending on the analysed period and the strongest impact on changes makes such internal factor as net profitability. On the basis of regression analysis it was determined that the leverage ratio was most affected by tax burden during the economic shock. This partly indicates that during the economic shock, the capital structure of Baltic listed companies was more influenced by external factors.
Role of Triple Test in Evaluating Breast Lumps
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Tabassum Saima , Khan Zahid
Published: May 2023

Breast tissue undergoes constant physiological changes in a woman’s life because of influence of endocrine hormones during and after reproductive life. These changes may present as pain, lumpiness or both in the breast. Breast lumps are feared for cancer. Thus, it is important for women with a breast lump to receive appropriate evaluation. Clinical breast examination is first step in evaluation of breast lump. The diagnostic sensitivity of clinical breast examination is high (98%) whereas its specificity is low, averaging 48%. Ultrasound is preferred in evaluation of radiologically dense breasts and in the study of breasts with augmentation mammoplasties. Micro-calcifications on mammography are considered to be important signs of breast cancer. X-ray mammography detects microcalcifications in 30–50% of breast cancers. FNAC is a cheap, cost effective and readily available routine diagnostic with a sensitivity ranging between 89% to 98% and specificity between 98% to 100% for palpable breast lumps.

When combined together triple test achieves a higher sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy than any of the investigations taken alone. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate breast masses by clinical assessment, imaging and pathological examination. Results were compared with histopathology. We concluded that triple assessment in breast lumps gives superior results than any of its modalities taken alone.
Internal Hernia Through Foramen of Winslow a Rare Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report
Authors: Nair Vipin Venugopal , Parmjit Malik , Sharma Pawan , Raja Sarali Santhosh , Aprajita Atreya
Published: May 2023

Internal hernia through foramen of Winslow (FoW) is rare condition as there are only 200 cases reported so far in the literature. Our patient a 78 years man presented with a clinical picture suggestive of small bowel obstruction for 5 days. Patient underwent emergency laparotomy following suspicion of internal hernia on imaging. On exploratory laparotomy there was grossly dilated bowel loops and a small segment of terminal ileum and omentum was found herniating through FoW in to the lesser sac. The bowel segment was reduced with gentle traction and herniated segment of omentum was excised due to questionable viability. Opening of FoW was unusually large and to prevent hernia recurrence it was closed partially. Postoperative period was uneventful. This unusual case presented to us diagnostic confusion and management challenge considering the previous history, multiple comorbidities and geriatric profile.
Vallecular Cholesterol Granuloma: Case Report
Authors: Vertelytė Jūratė , Morozas Arnoldas
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Cholesterol granuloma is a rare benign cystic neoplasm characterised by a fibrous capsule, and a cystic fluid containing cholesterol crystals, multinucleated giant cells, erythrocytes and haemosiderin. Cholesterol granulomas are usually found in diverse parts of the temporal bone, most commonly – petrous apex. Very few cases of cholesterol granulomas in other organs have been reported, to our knowledge none are reported in the larynx. The main purpose of this case report is to highlight this extremely rare laryngeal lesion and its unique macroscopic appearance. Case report. A 55-year-old man is referred to the Ear, Nose and Throat Centre because of persistent hoarseness, globus sensation and complicated intubation due to a mass in the larynx. Videolaryngoscopy showed a large cyst-like mass in the vallecula, epiglottis was displaced towards the posterior pharyngeal wall and erythema of interarytenoid notch and arytenoid tubercle was present. A computerized tomography scan confirmed a cystic mass on the lingual surface of the epiglottis. On the basis of the examination and clinical symptoms, a diagnosis of chronic laryngitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux and an unspecified benign tumour of the respiratory system was made, surgical treatment was planned. The patient underwent microlaryngoscopy and surgical extirpation of the cyst using a CO2 laser, as the cyst was opened a yellowish, shiny, viscous fluid was observed. Two days later, laryngoscopy revealed fibrin plaque at the site of the cyst. Final diagnosis of cholesterol granuloma was formed based on histological examination of the mass. Conclusions. Cholesterol granulomas and masses in vallecula are extremly rare, but this case shows that cholesterol granuloma can be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic neoplasms of the larynx.
Prediction of the residual lifetime of oil and gas pipeline pipes, taking into account the operating conditions and degradation of their materials
Authors:   Karpenko Physico-mechanical Institute of National academy of sciences of Ukraine, Andreykiv Oleksandr , Dolinska Iryna ,   Karpenko Physico-mechanical Institute of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: May 2023

The monograph considers the issue of forecasting the lifetime (residual lifetime) of oil and gas pipeline pipes, taking into account the conditions of operation and degradation of their materials. The condition of operated oil and gas pipelines was analyzed. The conditions and modes of operation are described, as well as their influence on the damage and defects of main oil and gas pipelines. Approaches to the approximate determination of deformation, force and fatigue parameters in oil and gas pipelines are presented. The methods of diagnosing the state of materials of oil and gas pipelines and their welded joints have been developed. In particular, methods of non-destructive testing for determining the size of cracks in structural elements, parameters of the stress-strain state, residual stresses in welded joints. Based on the energy approach and the deformation approach, mathematical models (differential equations with initial and final conditions) for study the kinetics of propagation of surface defects such as cracks in oil and gas pipelines and their welded joints have been built. Methods have been developed for estimating the residual life of oil and gas pipelines under different modes of force loading (static, cyclic, maneuvering (repeated hydraulic shocks, closing-opening of shutters, oil flow turbulence etc)), the action of physical and chemical factors (soil corrosion, hydrogen-containing environment) and the degradation of their materials during operation. The application of the methods is demonstrated on specific examples of calculating the residual lifetime of problematic sections of pipes of oil and gas pipelines of Ukraine. A general approach for determining the lifetime of oil and gas pipeline pipes is formulated, taking into account periods of local chemical corrosion (formation of corrosion caverns and pitting), initiation of corrosion-mechanical cracks near corrosion caverns and pitting, subcritical growth of corrosion-mechanical cracks. For a wide range of specialists – mechanics, material scientists, research engineers working in the field of predicting the lifetime of structural elements, in particular oil and gas pipelines, as well as students and postgraduates who specialize in this field.
Monitoring of Geomagnetic Field Fluctuations with Luminescent Bacteria Photobacterium phosphoreum
Authors: Hretskyi І.O. , Drobot H.Y. , Pet’ko B. , Gromozova O.M. , Kisten O.G. , Gorgo Y.P.
Published: May 2023

In recent years, one of the important goals is to develop information systems for continuously monitoring the biological impact of the variable geomagnetic field. This problem is of importance from the viewpoint of forecasting such global processes as climate changes as well. Objective. This study is focused on monitoring the intensity of the luminescence of Photobacterium phosphoreum depending on the geomagnetic field fluctuations in an automated registration mode. Pilot studies were performed using the proposed automated system for recording changes in the bioluminescence of P. phosphoreum. Methods. P. phosphoreum UCM B-7071 bacteria were cultured in a liquid nutrient medium. The study of the influence of the geomagnetic field requires simultaneous automated long-term calculations in real time. For this, a complex for continuous cultivation of P. phosphoreum B-7071 bacteria was created. A program for information processing of bacterial luminescence datasets was developed. The data on geomagnetic field fluctuations from the Subbotin Institute of Geophysics NAS of Ukraine (the Subbotin IGPH) were synchronized with the period of registration of bioluminescence changes. Then the two datasets of the variables selected for chosen time intervals were processed. To evaluate the dependence of changes in the bacteria’s luminescence intensity on geomagnetic field fluctuations, the correlation coefficients of the obtained arrays of experimental data were calculated. Results. The results obtained show the sensitivity of the Photobacterium phosphoreum luminescence to fluctuations in the geomagnetic field. The used data sampling method made it possible to average the luminescence intensity values not only with 1-min resolution, but also with 1-hour, 3-hour, and other chosen resolutions. Conclusions. The analysis of changes in the luminescence intensity of P. phosphoreum bacteria due to geomagnetic field fluctuations, with input data being synchronized in time, revealed a positive correlation. Additional analysis is needed to obtain more essential evidence for the bioresponse to the impact of illustrative indicators of geomagnetic field stormy fluctuations. Actually, further analysis of luminescence intensity changes during large natural geomagnetic disturbances or via modeling of their action in the laboratory conditions is needed.
Microbiología de zanahoria, tomate y repollo de agricultura orgánica y convencional en Costa Rica
Authors: Castro-Urbina Fiorella , Wittmann-Vega Viviana , Davidovich-Young Gabriela , Wong-González Eric
Published: May 2023

Introducción. El interés de la población por el consumo de productos frescos como las hortalizas ha ido en aumento a través de los años. Existen diferentes métodos de cultivo para producir hortalizas como zanahoria, tomate y repollo. Los sistemas de cultivo convencional y orgánico son los más comunes. Objetivo. Comparar la microbiología de zanahoria, tomate y repollo, provenientes de fincas con sistemas productivos de agricultura orgánica o convencional en Costa Rica. Materiales y métodos. El trabajo se realizó en Cartago, Heredia y Alajuela, Costa Rica, de setiembre 2020 a noviembre 2021, durante la época lluviosa en todos los casos. Se muestrearon hortalizas de fincas modelo de producción de zanahoria, tomate y repollo, una de producción orgánica y tres de producción convencional. Se determinaron recuentos totales de aerobios mesófilos, coliformes totales, Escherichia coli, mohos y levaduras, y la ausencia/presencia de Listeria monocytogenes. Resultados. Los recuentos totales aerobios, de mohos y levaduras y de coliformes totales de la zanahoria, el repollo y el tomate de cultivo convencional y orgánico no difirieron entre sí. En las hortalizas estudiadas los recuentos de E. coli fueron de <1 log UFC/g y hubo ausencia de Listeria monocytogenes. Se encontró presencia de Listeria sp. en las muestras de zanahoria de cultivo convencional, en contraste con su ausencia en la zanahoria de cultivo orgánico. Conclusiones. L. monocytogenes estuvo ausente en las hortalizas estudiadas, que en general, tuvieron cargas microbianas aceptables según la normativa y similares a estudios reportados a nivel mundial. Bajo condiciones controladas, si se comparan con aquellas obtenidas de sistemas de producción convencional, es posible obtener hortalizas con la técnica de cultivo orgánico sin detrimento en su calidad microbiológica y con los beneficios derivados para la salud del consumidor y el ambiente.
prática docente e a repercussão no processo identitário
Authors: Arruda Gabriela Diel de , Afonso Mariângela da Rosa , Ribeiro José Antônio Bicca , Arruda Juliana Diel de
Published: May 2023

O processo identitário da prática docente vem ganhando protagonismo nos estudos educacionais. Assim, objetivamos compreender como ocorre o processo desta construção identitária em professores do ensino básico que atuam nos componentes curriculares da Área de Linguagens. Trata-se de um estudo de caso de cunho qualitativo, no qual foram entrevistadas quatro professoras de diferentes formações iniciais de uma escola pública de grande porte. A partir da análise de conteúdo identificamos duas categorias. Na primeira, “Construção da identidade profissional: a descoberta pela docência”, constatamos que um dos pontos relevantes no desenvolvimento da docência são as influências durante a vida escolar ou acadêmica, trazendo para esse debate os saberes experienciais. A segunda categoria, “Processo identitário e a repercussão na prática docente” sinaliza que os saberes docentes fazem parte da construção da carreira, são atravessados pelas subjetividades relacionadas à identidade, construídas a partir das suas experiências de vida e profissionais. O principal achado do estudo é a semelhança entre as construções das identidades profissionais, mesmo que os componentes curriculares sejam de diferentes vertentes na formação inicial.
Investigation of in vitro efficacy of meropenem/polymyxin B and meropenem/fosfomycin combinations against carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains
Authors: Adaleti Rıza , Nakipoğlu Yaşar , Çalık Şeyma , Arıcı Neslihan , Kansak Nilgün , Şenbayrak Seniha , Aksaray Sebahat
Published: May 2023

The incidence of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is increasing worldwide, and very limited number of effective antibiotics are available for therapy. In our study, the in vitro efficacy of meropenem/polymyxin B and meropenem/fosfomycin combinations against CRKP strains was investigated. The efficiency of meropenem/polymyxin B and meropenem/fosfomycin combinations was tested by checkerboard microdilution and checkerboard agar dilution methods, respectively, against 21 CRKP strains containing major carbapenem resistant genes (7 blaKPC, 7 blaOXA-48 gene, and 7 blaOXA-48+ blaNDM), and seven additional CRKP strains without carbapenemase genes.

Among the 28 CRKP strains, the meropenem/polymyxin B combination was synergistic in ten (35.7%), partially synergistic in 12 (42.8%), and indifferent in six (21.4%) isolates. The meropenem/fosfomycin combination was found to be synergistic in three isolates (10.7%), partially synergistic in 20 (71.4%), and indifferent in five (17.8%). In 21 strains containing carbapenem resistance genes, meropenem/polymyxin B and meropenem/fosfomycin combinations exhibited synergistic/partial synergistic effects in 15 (71.4%) and 16 (76.2%) strains, respectively, compared to 100% synergistic/partial synergistic efficiency in both combinations in seven strains free of carbapenemase genes. No antagonistic effect was detected in either combination.

Regardless of presence or absence of carbapenem resistance genes, meropenem/polymyxin B and meropenem/fosfomycin combinations both demonstrated high synergistic and partial synergistic activity against 78.4% and 82.1% of CRKP strains, respectively. Also, they have no antagonistic effects and can be used successfully to prevent therapeutic failure with monotherapy, according to our in vitro studies.
Az emlőrák sebészi kezelése, az elvárható hazai és nemzetközi standardok
Authors: Lázár György
Published: May 2023

Bevezetés

Az emlőrák folyamatosan emelkedő incidenciája és magas halálozása miatt továbbra is népegészségügyi probléma. Az elmúlt évtizedekben számos kedvező változás történt a kórkép ellátásában, mint az emlőrákszűrés, hatásosabb onkológiai és sebészeti kezelési módszerek bevezetése. A jövőben az emlősebészet minőségi és módszertani fejlődése, a centralizáció és a minőségbiztosítási elvek mindennapos használata együttesen fontos szerepet fog játszani az emlőrák-halálozás csökkentésében.
Colorectalis polypok és korai rákok sebészete – Elvárható standardok
Authors: Bánky Balázs , Lakatos Lóránd , Rozman Petra , Szijártó Attila
Published: May 2023

Összefoglalás

A jóindulatú colorectalis polypok, valamint korai malignus elváltozások hagyományosan a gastroenterologia, azaz az endoscopos eltávolítás hatáskörébe tartoznak. Annak ellenére, hogy mind az endoscopos képalkotás minősége, mind pedig az egyéb diagnosztikus modalitások nagy fejlődésen mentek keresztül az elmúlt évtizedben, a nagy, sessilis és lateralisan terjedő colon és rectum polypok magukban hordozzák a malignitás, sőt, az eltávolítás pillanatáig fel nem ismert malignitás lehetőségét. Mindez nagy körültekintésre, óvatosságra, a sebésznek akár a diagnosztikus fázisba való bevonására készteti a gastroenterologust. Összefoglaló közleményünkben a colon és a rectum jóindulatú és korai rosszindulatú daganatainak jelenleg elfogadott optimális diagnosztikus és kezelési elveit foglaljuk össze. Végül ajánlást fogalmazunk meg a minőségi colorectalis polyp sebészet legfontosabb sarokpontjaira vonatkozóan.
Experiências, percepções e expectativas de estudantes na escola gerencialista da rede estadual paulista
Authors: Ramos Rubia de Araujo , Goulart Débora Cristina , Jacomini Márcia Aparecida
Published: May 2023

Resumo Neste artigo, analisamos a experiência dos estudantes nas ocupações de escolas no ano de 2015 e suas percepções e opiniões sobre a política educacional do estado de São Paulo no período de 1995 a 2018. Realizamos estudo documental e bibliográfico sobre a política educacional paulista e entrevistas com ex-estudantes da rede estadual de ensino, que participaram das ocupações de escola. Adotamos como referenciais para nossas análises o conceito de experiência na compreensão do material empírico e a influência da Nova Gestão Pública (NGP) sob o neoliberalismo para compreender a política educacional. Verificamos que em suas vivências, os(as) estudantes formularam críticas e expectativas a respeito dos programas e projetos da Secretaria Estadual da Educação de São Paulo (SEE-SP), contrapondo-se ao gerencialismo e à NGP ao defender uma escola universal, plural e democrática.
Percepciones del programa aceleración del aprendizaje en el marco del COVID-19 en profesores de zona rural en Colombia
Authors: Melo Greys Castro , Colorado Yuli Paola Suarez , Constante Kisi Padilla , Prieto Grith Vanessa Mozo
Published: May 2023

Objetivo: El presente artículo presenta los resultados de un estudio que abordó la percepción de un grupo de profesores frente al Programa de Aceleración del Aprendizaje -en el marco de la pandemia- en una escuela rural de la zona norte de Colombia. Metodología: mediante una metodología cualitativa, a través de un diseño fenomenológico, en el que se analizaron 17 entrevistas. Resultados: los resultados permitieron establecer que los participantes tienen conocimiento sobre él programa, no obstante, evidencian particulares que indican dificultades en su desarrollo. Pese a que los participantes reconocen los criterios a tener en cuenta para llevar a cabo el programa, se determinó como un aspecto relevante la necesidad capacitación. Se evidenció que los participantes a lo largo de la pandemia no recibieron el seguimiento de los organismos gubernamentales. Las brechas digitales, que evidencian los estudiantes adheridos al programa, jugaron un papel importante en este desequilibrio.
Financeirização do ensino superior: uma análise das implicações sobre o trabalho docente
Authors: Lucena Maria Ângela Cláuver de , Magalhães Marina Quirino , Dias Ana Valéria Carneiro
Published: May 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir como as demandas e as lógicas próprias ao mercado financeiro refletem-se na atividade laboral de professores que atuam no ensino superior privado e financeirizado no Brasil, indetificando elementos que contribuam com o debate acerca das implicações cotidianas da financeirização na atividade de professores. A partir de pesquisa exploratória com professoras e professores inseridos no contexto da financeirização do ensino superior e da posterior análise de conteúdo das respostas obtidas, mostrou-se que a financeirização aprofunda o processo de transformação do trabalho docente iniciado pela mercantilização da educação. Para além da precarização e da intensificação do trabalho, reflexos de elementos da financeirização tais como a preferência pela liquidez e pela rentabilidade a curto prazo, a financeirização reconfigura o trabalho docente e de gestão da educação, aumentando a padronização, ampliando a distância entre a gestão e o trabalho docente e introduzindo novos papéis relacionados à gestão das aparências dentro dessas organizações e à consequente auto-comercialização e auto-promoção dos professores.
Diretivas antecipadas na perspectiva da população idosa
Authors: Vanzella Gustavo Scherer , Souza Isadora Carolina Duarte de , Ferreira Juliano Cezar , Beltrame Vilma , Cetolin Sirlei Favero , Bonamigo Elcio Luiz
Published: May 2023

Objetivo: Analisar o conhecimento e a aceitação da pessoa idosa acerca da elaboração das Diretivas Antecipadas de Vontade, a sua preferência em relação aos modelos de preenchimento e a escolha do representante que irá substitui-la na tomada de decisão. Metodologia: Estudo transversal realizado por meio da disponibilização aos participantes de dois modelos de Diretivas Antecipadas de Vontade para preenchimento e aplicação de um questionário sobre conhecimento, aceitação e avaliação do dispositivo. Resultados: A grande maioria dos participantes (85,63%) desconhecia as Diretivas Antecipadas de Vontade; 98,13% desconheciam os modelos do documento; 100% consideraram bom ou aceitável o modelo 1, mais completo; e 66,88% indicaram um filho como o seu representante legal. Quando questionados sobre a importância da elaboração, disponibilização à população e aprovação de lei que regulamente esse direito, as respostas foram afirmativas, respectivamente, para 91,88%, 91,25% e 91,25% dos participantes. Conclusão: Embora o desconhecimento fosse geral entre os participantes, após esclarecimento houve elevado índice de avaliação e aceitação das Diretivas Antecipadas de Vontade, bem como recomendação para sua legalização e disponibilização à população como um dispositivo que contribui para a garantia da autonomia e dignidade humana, sobretudo durante a assistência à saúde no final da vida.
The challenges of applying cycling design guidance
Authors: Hancock Liam , Parkin John
Published: May 2023

Cycle infrastructure provides a means for everyday travel by a mode that is efficient, benign to the environment and confers health benefits on the user. The UK Department for Transport has a funding stream dedicated to providing grants to English highway authorities to construct cycle infrastructure in accordance with guidance in Local Transport Note 1/20 Cycle Infrastructure Design. This guidance was published in 2020 and is beginning to be widely used. The challenges of applying the guidance are investigated in this paper. For this study, 13 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with politicians, managers, engineers and cycle users. The interview results revealed that, although there is ambition to deliver appropriate schemes and there is an inspectorate (Active Travel England) to assist in ensuring schemes comply with the guidance, there are constraints. These include the limitations of short-term and medium-scale funding preventing larger-scale outcomes, a lack of understanding of the extent to which a designer can adopt relaxations from the guidance and skills shortages. It was, however, encouraging to find that the participants were aware of the fundamental need to separate cycle traffic from both motor traffic and pedestrians.
Like the Brother: Flann O’Brien and John Millington Synge
Authors: Brooker Joseph
Published: May 2023

This article explores Brian O’Nolan’s (Flann O’Brien’s, Myles na gCopaleen’s) relation to John Millington Synge. Synge (1871–1909) was the premier dramatist of the Irish Revival, and O’Nolan’s response to Synge is metonymic of his response to that pre-revolutionary cultural formation. The article provides a mainly chronological factual account of O’Nolan’s references to Synge, with particular focus on a significant Cruiskeen Lawn column from 1942. It interprets and contextualises each of these textual occasions to draw out their cultural significance. Standing back from these particular textual instances, the article then aims to characterise O’Nolan’s relation to Synge as a whole, and to consider what this tells us about O’Nolan’s relation to the Revival.
Alleviating the problem of cracking of masonry buildings on expansive clay by building flexibility into the masonry
Authors: Stott P R , Smith Z , Theron E
Published: May 2023

Damage caused by soils subject to change in volume beneath light structures, particularly low-cost housing units of masonry construction, is unacceptably frequent. It has led to the demolition of many such units within a small fraction of their design lifespan. Perhaps the most spectacular such failure is Lerato Park in Kimberley, where the development was demolished within four years. The reason for this failure is examined in Stott and Theron (2016). The normal ways of attempting to reduce heave damage have involved increasing the strength and stiffness of foundations, together with reducing masonry panel size through movement joints and increasing the strength of the panels. While these measures have improved the situation somewhat, they are expensive and have proved to be only partially successful. This investigation examines the possibility of increasing the ability of masonry panels themselves to accommodate significant distortion without sustaining unacceptably serious cracking. The existing specifications in SANS 10164 (SANS 10164 2000) are shown to allow considerably greater inherent flexibility than current practice allows. This is dependent on the specified quality of sand (frequently ignored) and water demand requirements, as specified in South African standards, being adhered to.
The effect of petrographically determined parameters on reductant reactivity in the production of high-carbon ferromanganese
Authors: Soqinase S. , Steenkamp J.D , den Hoed P. , Wagner N.
Published: May 2023

In pyrometallurgical processes, metal oxides are reduced from molten slag through carbothermic reduction. It is of interest to evaluate the reactivity of the carbonaceous materials towards substances such as slag. Characterization techniques such as coal petrography can provide insight into the influence of feed coal properties and how they potentially dictate reductant performance. This study aimed to compare the petrographically determined organic composition of coal to reductant reactivity. Two South African medium-rank C bituminous coals and one anthracite sample were investigated together with high-carbon ferromanganese industrial slag. The reductant reactivity tests were conducted at 1500°C in a muffle furnace to assess the potential of carbonaceous reductant in reacting with the main slag components. SEM-EDS was applied to understand the extent of MnO (and to a lesser extent, SiO2) reduction from the slag. Coal 2, consisting of a greater proportion of vitrinite (59.5 vol% on a mineral matter-free basis and 54.7 vol% including mineral matter) was the most reactive reductant. The anthracite sample, with the highest inert maceral proportions (71.8 vol% including mineral matter and 76.8 vol% on a mineral matter-free basis), was the least reactive reductant.
LED ile ısı uygulamasının geleneksel yapıştırıcı cam iyonomer simanların mekanik özellikleri üzerine etkisi
Authors: UYSAL UZUNOĞLU Buşra , BALLI AKGÖL Beyza , BAYRAM Merve , TUZUNER Tamer
Published: May 2023

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, çocuk diş hekimliğinde yer tutucu apareylerin bantlarını simante etmek için kullanılan geleneksel yapıştırıcı cam iyonomer simanlara sertleşme esnasında LED ile ısı uygulamasının mekanik özellikleri üzerine etkisini in vitro olarak değerlendirmektir.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmada Ketac Cem radyoopak, Meron ve Kavitan Cem marka geleneksel yapıştırıcı cam iyonomer simanlar, ısı kaynağı olarak 1200mW/cm2 ışık yoğunluğuna sahip Elipar S10 LED ışık cihazı kullanıldı. Basma dayanımı testi için 6 mm yüksekliğe 4 mm genişliğe sahip teflon kalıp, çapsal çekme dayanım testi için ise 3 mm yüksekliğe 6 mm genişliğe sahip metal kalıp hazırlandı. Materyaller ısı uygulanmayan kontrol grubu, 60 saniye ve 90 saniye LED ile ısı uygulanan çalışma grupları olmak üzere üç alt gruba ayrıldı (n=10; her bir grup için). Isı uygulaması, “yönlendirilmiş sertleşme” gerçekleşmesi için kalıba yerleştirilen simanların sertleşmesi esnasında uygulandı. Mekanik dayanıklılık testleri geleneksel cam iyonomer simanların sertleşme süresi bitiminden 24 saat sonra yapıldı. Elde edilen verilerin değerlendirilmesinde İki-Yönlü ANOVA testi kullanıldı. Devam testleri olarak Tek Yönlü ANOVA testi ve post hoc değerlendirmelerinde Tukey HSD test ve/veya Tamhane’s T2 test kullanıldı. Anlamlılık p<0.05 düzeyinde değerlendirildi.
Bulgular: Çalışmada her üç materyalde çapsal çekme dayanıklılığı açısından kontrol grupları ve ısı uygulanan gruplar arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık görülmedi. Isı uygulanan Meron (p<0.01) ve Kavitan Cem (p<0.01) siman örneklerinde basma dayanıklılığı artarken, Ketac Cem’de (p<0.05) belirgin bir etkisi olduğu görülmedi.
Sonuç: Çalışmamızda ısı uygulamasının geleneksel cam iyonomer simanların mekanik özelliklerini olumlu yönde etkilediği saptandı.
Yeni Bir Dolgu Maddesi Olan Cention N'in Radyoopasitesinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: ÖZMEN Bilal , KAYA Zeynep
Published: May 2023

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, Cention N isimli dolgu maddesinin radyoopasitesinin farklı restoratif materyaller ile karşılaştırılmalı olarak değerlendirilmesidir.
Gereç ve yöntem: Çalışmada, 9 farklı restoratif materyal, 1 mm kalınlıkta mine ve dentin içeren süt dişi kesiti kullanıldı. Geleneksel cam iyonomer (Kavitan Plus, Spofa Dental, Czech Republic), rezin modifiye cam iyonomer (Riva Light Cure, SDI, LC/Southern Dental Industries), hibrit cam iyonomer (Equia Forte Fil, GC, Tokyo, Japan), posterior kompozit (Gradia Direct, GC, Japan), universal kompozit (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, ABD), anterior kompozit (Estelite Asteria, Tokuyama, Japan), kompomer (Glasiosite, Voco, Germany), kapsül amalgam (Rubycap, İncidental, Türkiye), Cention N (Ivoclar, Vivadent) (otopolimerizasyon) ve Cention N (Ivoclar, Vivadent) (fotopolimerizasyon) olmak üzere 10 örnek grubu oluşturuldu. Her bir restoratif materyal örneği 10 mm çapında ve 2 mm kalınlığında silindir şeklinde hazırlandı. Örneklerin ve alüminyum penetrometrenin dijital radyografileri fosfor plak kullanılarak elde edildi. Materyallerin radyografik densitesi Photoshop (Adobe, 2020) yazılımı ile ölçüldü. Örneklerin eşdeğer alüminyum kalınlığını bulmak için Curve Expert Pro 2.0.3 yazılımı kullanıldı. Verilerin analizinde One-way ANOVA ve Tukey testleri kullanıldı.
Bulgular: Grupların opasite ölçümleri arasındaki fark anlamlı bulundu (p<0,001). En yüksek ölçüm değeri amalgam grubunda, en düşük ölçüm değeri ise dentin grubunda gözlendi. Cention N materyalinin otopolimerizasyon grubu, fotopolimerizasyon grubundan daha opak bulundu (p<0,001).
Sonuç: Tüm restoratif materyaller dentin dokusundan daha opak yapıdadır. Yeni geliştirilen Cention N materyalinin opasitesi oldukça yüksektir. Polimerizasyon şekli Cention N' in opasitesini etkilemektedir.
Identification of new biomarkers and immune infiltration characteristics of sepsis in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Luo Yujia , Jiang Zhou , Gu Rei , Zhang Xuandong , Wei Li , Zhou Yuanyuan , Zhang Songying
Published: May 2023

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition, especially in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Effective biomarkers need to be found to diagnose and treat the disease at an early stage. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was screened and analyzed for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in VLBW infants with sepsis. DEGs were then analyzed for functional enrichment. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WCGNA) was performed to identify the key modules and genes. The optimal feature genes (OFGs) were created using three machine learning algorithms. The single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) scored the degree of immune cell enrichment between septic and control patients, and the correlation between OFGs and immune cells was evaluated. A total of 101 DEGs were identified between the sepsis and control samples. DEGs were mainly associated with immune responses and inflammatory signaling pathways in the enrichment analysis. In the WGCNA analysis, the MEturquoise module was significantly correlated with sepsis in VLBW infants (cor = 0.57, P < 0.001). By intersecting OFGs derived from three machine learning algorithms, two biomarkers were identified: glycogenin 1 (GYG1) and resistin (RETN). The area under the curves of GYG1 and RETN was greater than 0.97 in the testing set. The ssGSEA indicated immune cells infiltration in septic VLBW infants, and GYG1 and RETN revealed close correlations with immune cells. New biomarkers offer promising insights into the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in VLBW infants.
Politerapia e target terapeutici: dalla prevenzione cardiovascolare nel soggetto ad alto rischio agli obiettivi di salute
Authors: Uguccioni Massimo , Zito Giovanni Battista
Published: May 2023

Negli ultimi tre decenni una consistente mole di trial clinici cardiovascolari ha dimostrato che gli interventi farmacologici sono in grado di ridurre significativamente morbilità e mortalità cardiovascolare. Ciò nonostante, numerose survey, italiane ed internazionali, hanno dimostrato un largo sottoutilizzo dei trattamenti farmacologici raccomandati dalle linee guida. Tale sottoutilizzo deriva da numerosi fattori che vanno dalla scarsa aderenza da parte dei pazienti, all’inerzia terapeutica del medico, agli ostacoli organizzativi del sistema sanitario nel suo insieme. Ne consegue una sotto prescrizione e/o un sotto dosaggio dei trattamenti raccomandati, non in linea con le accomandazioni scientifiche ed il conseguente mancato raggiungimento degli obiettivi terapeutici. Con queste premesse, è naturale che in epoca di medicina basata sull’evidenza molti programmi per il miglioramento della qualità delle cure siano volti da un lato ad incrementare una appropriata prescrizione dei farmaci raccomandati dalle linee guida, dall’altro a ridurre le barriere culturali ed organizzative per una accettabile aderenza terapeutica. L’implementazione di terapie farmacologiche efficaci, a basso costo ed accessibili per la grande maggioranza dei pazienti deve essere considerata un indicatore di buona qualità complessiva dell’assistenza sanitaria.
Ipercolesterolemia familiare omozigote. Esperienza clinica di un Centro di riferimento
Authors: Suppressa Patrizia
Published: May 2023

L’ipercolesterolemia familiare omozigote (HoFH) è una rara patologia genetica del metabolismo lipidico, caratterizzata dalla presenza fin dalla nascita di elevati livelli ematici di colesterolo LDL, in genere superiori a 500 mg/dl, e di un’aterosclerosi precoce e accelerata, che porta al verificarsi di eventi cardiovascolari maggiori già nella prima decade di vita. È una patologia trasmessa con modalità autosomica codominante; le varianti patogenetiche riguardano principalmente i geni che codificano per LDL-R, APOB, PCSK9. I principali obiettivi nella gestione dell’ipercolesterolemia familiare omozigote sono la prevenzione della malattia aterosclerotica, attraverso un immediato e completocontrollo della ipercolesterolemia, e la diagnosi precoce delle complicanze, con particolare attenzione all’occlusione ostiale coronarica e alla stenosi aortica. Tra le strategie terapeutiche attualmente disponibili l’interesse è rivolto principalmente verso quei farmaci la cui attività è indipendente dall’attività residua del recettore per l’LDL: lomitapide ed evinacumab, ad esempio hanno mostrato una capacità di riduzione del C-LDL maggiore del 50% anche nei pazienti con mutazioni nulle (dove gli inibitori di PCSK9 non sono efficaci) e rappresentano un grande speranza per la prognosi di questi pazienti. È necessario aumentare la sensibilità nei confronti di questa patologia, ancora troppo spesso non diagnosticata o diagnosticata tardivamente, perché soltanto la diagnosi precoce e il trattamento tempestivo si possono ridurre le complicanze cardiovascolari e l’elevata morbilità e mortalità che caratterizzano ancora oggi questa malattia.
Mechanical prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis during dabigatran treatment
Authors: Zanini Gregoriana , Rodella Luca , Triggiani Marco , Bellandi Francesca , De Cicco Giuseppe , Pasini Gian Franco
Published: May 2023

Dabigatran has been approved for prevention of thromboembolic complications in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. We present a case of a mechanical prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis during anticoagulation with dabigatran, switched in the last three months after 10 years treatment with warfarin. The patient presented with acute respiratory failure and decompensated heart failure. She was initially treated with unfractioned heparin and then was sent for emergency surgery for cardiogenic shock. As emerging from contemporary evidence and as recommended by guidelines, dabigatran, as well as the other direct oral anticoagulants, should be avoided in patients with mechanical valve prosthesis. Echocardiography is indicated if dyspnoea develops in such patients.
Analysis of Speech Act Between SA and AH Chinese L2 Speakers of English—With Regard to Request Refusal, and Apology Strategies
Authors: Xiao Feiya
Published: May 2023

This research examines the effect of study abroad experience on L2 English learners’ pragmatic competence in terms of strategies used in the speech act of request, refusal and apology. The Discourse Completion Task was administrated among 16 Chinese graduate students who were divided into two groups, including the study-abroad (SA) group and at-home (AH) group. The results do not reveal any evident improvements in the pragmatic competence of learners who have study-abroad experience compared to those who study English at home in China, but some of their strategies of using speech acts do have differences. In terms of requests, the conventionally indirect level strategy is the most frequently used request strategy among both groups of learners, and SA learners are more direct in making requests than AH learners. In terms of refusal strategies, both AH and SA learners prefer indirect refusal strategies. There is no obvious difference in apologies between SA learners and AH learners, and their apologies tend to be more direct. Based on these findings, it is suggested that more emphasis and importance should be placed on the pragmatic knowledge, which should be explicitly taught in the classroom because of the limited chance to enhance pragmatic competence outside the classroom.
The Effectiveness of Writing Circles Strategy in Developing Academic Writing Skills in EFL Classrooms
Authors: Alhazmi Albatool Ahmad , Elamin Marwa Ibrahim
Published: May 2023

This is an experimental study aiming to explore the effect of applying ‘Writing Circles’ strategy (WCs) in writing classrooms. WCs strategy is a type of collaborative methodology that relies heavily on peer- based collaborative learning. The study aimed to give a group of not less than 20 students from the college of languages and translation, Najran University, a chance to apply writing circles to explore how it affects their progress in writing. It also aimed to explore the role of WCs in scaffolding students’ communicative performance. Both quantitative and qualitative data analyses were employed in this research. Quantitative analysis of the study data was related to students’ performance, while qualitative data concerned students’ perceptions about their experiences in writing study and WCs application. Pre- and post-tests were given to the participants in order to check their progress after the application of the strategy. This parallel data, tests and reflection sheets, led to compatible results that proved WCs’s positive contribution to writing classrooms. It has a remarkable role in reinforcing writing skills, promoting interaction, and developing students’ communicative skills. Furthermore, the data showed students enjoyed working collaboratively in WCs which reflects positive and active atmosphere for language classrooms.
Non-Prototypical Uses of Personal Pronouns and Their Grammaticalization in Chinese
Authors: Hu Tunan , Li Moying
Published: May 2023

With an interesting typological study on the non-prototypical uses of personal pronouns, Helmbrecht (2015) demonstrates that the form-meaning mismatch with regards to personal pronouns is essentially based on discourse. It is claimed that the referents of personal pronouns dynamically keep changing with a particular context, and some kind of additional pragmatic meaning tends to be encoded into them. Based on his study, Helmbrecht proposes two hypotheses about how the phenomena at issue could be grammaticalized: (i) Plural pronouns may shift to singular ones; (ii) third-person pronouns may shift to second- or first-person ones, but not vice versa. Drawing on a more comprehensive typological perspective, this article presents various patterns in Mandarin Chinese that supplement Helmbrecht’s generalization and adjust his hypotheses concerning the grammaticalization of personal pronouns (Hu, 2018).