bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticles in Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Silicone for Maxillofacial Rehabilitation - A Review
Authors: Shahad Fadhil Bunyan  , Fatanah Mohamad Suhaimi  , Faraedon Mohidden Mostafa Zardawi  , Siti Noor Fazliah Mohd Noor  , Muhammad Azrul Zabidi
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Facial prostheses are made to restore a missing part of the face, so they must be made from a material that mimics the surrounding soft tissues and skin in properties. The studies nowadays show that the maxillofacial silicone elastomer is widely used for this purpose because of its biocompatibility, can be easily colored by intrinsic or extrinsic coloration, and good elasticity. The drop points of the pure silicone elastomers are the mechanical properties such as the tear strength and the tensile strength, which need to be improved to be clinically applicable. This improvement may be done by the addition of some types of Nano-oxide fillers. The objective of the study was to review the results of previous studies that evaluated the effect of adding different types of nanoparticles on improving the silicone maxillofacial rehabilitation material mechanical properties.

METHODS

Search Methods: An electronic search in PubMed/Medline was used to find applicable papers that were published in English before September 2022.

Selection Criteria: By examining the title, abstract, and full text of the articles to ensure that they fit the inclusion criteria, the relevance of the articles was confirmed. The term was chosen based on the following: silicone elastomer as the population, nanoparticles as the intervention, and silicone elastomer with and without nanoparticle reinforcement as the comparison (mechanical properties).

Data Collection: Data regarding the published articles on the effect of adding nanoparticles to silicone material to enhance its mechanical properties has been collected.

RESULTS

Out of 27 articles, 18 articles met the requirements for data extraction for review of the results of studies that evaluated the effect of different nanoparticle addition on improving the mechanical properties of the silicone elastomer. Among the essential properties to be considered was that the silicone’s mechanical characteristics were enhanced by the incorporation of various nanoparticles at concentrations ranging from 1% to 3%.

CONCLUSIONS

An ideal maxillofacial silicone that exhibits perfect mechanical properties in a variety of human and environmental aging situations hasn't yet been found.
Cuidadania e a Análise Bioenergética / Caring and Bioenergetic Analysis
Authors: Soares Lorene Gonçalves
Published: October 2023

Resumo: Este artigo se propõe a introduzir o conceito de “Cuidadania”, palavra que surgiu inicialmente no idioma espanhol, mas que fica muito bem na língua portuguesa escrita da mesma forma, uma vez que tem a ver com cuidados. Pouco se escreveu a respeito mencionando este conceito. A partir dessa introdução desenvolvemos o tema no processo terapêutico da Análise Bioenergética, nossa prática de cuidados em psicoterapia corporal.Palavra-chave: Cuidadania. Ecologia do cuidado. Saúde emocional.Abstract: This article proposes to introduce the concept of “Cuidadania”, a word that initially appeared in the Spanish language, but which is very well written in the Portuguese language in the same way, since it has to do with care. Little has been written about mentioning this concept. Based on this introduction, we developed the theme in the therapeutic process of Bioenergetic Analysis, our care practice in body psychotherapy.Keywords: Care. Ecology of care. Emotional health.
Optimizing Endoscopy Education in Gastroenterology Fellowship
Authors: Chalikonda Divya M. , Henry Christopher H.
Published: October 2023

Education in endoscopy encompasses a wide breadth of topics and skills. Despite a shared interest in improving training in endoscopy, there is wide variation among programs, largely because of broad requirements put forth by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education. Historically, efforts to improve education in endoscopy were focused on numerics as a surrogate for competence. However, there is a role for “milestone” development goals to ensure trainees are on the right track to developing procedural competence. These milestones should encompass aspects of preprocedural assessment, intraprocedural technique, and postprocedural management and interpretation. Two important aspects of intraprocedural technique that are not universally emphasized among training programs but would be immensely beneficial to fellow education are (i) mucosal examination and (ii) device education. In this article, we will discuss the importance of developing the aforementioned skills and how we can approach a competency-based assessment of endoscopic skills during fellowship.
Increased Liver Enzymes: An Under-Recognized Finding in Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young Type 5 (MODY 5)
Authors: Veerareddy Sudiksha , Reddy Saigopala , Barreto Mauricio , Vedherey Niharika , Gopalareddy Vani V.
Published: October 2023

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 5 (MODY 5) is characterized by a single gene mutation in the HNF1B gene. This frequently leads to insulin resistance and presents as young-onset diabetes. Other manifestations can occur in organs expressing hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 beta. This case report highlights family members with MODY 5 presenting with increased liver enzymes with no etiology. The siblings and their mother had a point mutation p.Arg235Trp in HNF1B gene located at 17q12. This variant is associated with autosomal dominant MODY 5 with renal cysts also known as renal cysts and diabetes syndrome.
Calcifying Nested Stromal-Epithelial Tumor: An Extremely Rare Hepatic Tumor
Authors: Khan Bilal Ahmed , Syed Imran Ali , Ulhaq Ihsan , Rashid Sohail , Khan Muhammad Yasir , Khalid Abdullah , Shafi Urfa , Aujla Usman Iqbal , Dar Faisal Saud
Published: October 2023

Calcifying nested stromal-epithelial tumor is a rare hepatic malignancy with approximately 50 cases reported in the literature. Its clinical presentation is nonspecific, and the diagnosis is mainly based on histology which shows nests of spindle and epithelioid cells along with a desmoplastic myofibroblastic stroma containing variable calcification and ossification. In this report, we present a case of a 24-year-old woman with a history of abdominal pain, distension, and dyspepsia. She had a palpable liver with normal liver function test results. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were within normal range, and serologies for hepatitis B and C virus remained negative. Radiological investigations (magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography) showed a large, right hepatic lobe mass with tumor invasion into the right posterior portal vein, but the 2 modalities could not characterize the lesion. Finally, an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the liver lesion provided the diagnosis of calcifying nested stromal-epithelial tumor. The tumor was resected successfully.
Preoperative Nasobiliary Drainage as a Predictor of Response Before Surgical Fistula Creation in Joubert Syndrome With Refractory Cholestatic Pruritis
Authors: Biermann Maya , Sundar Preeyanka Rubiana , Veeramachaneni Hima , Willingham Field
Published: October 2023

Cholestatic pruritus is a debilitating symptom associated with many liver diseases and is often refractory to medical management. Nasobiliary drainage is a relatively safe and effective method for treating intractable cholestatic pruritus. It should be considered for patients with refractory cholestatic pruritus who have failed or have contraindications to medical therapy as a predictor of response before surgical fistula creation.
Development and Validation of Serum Markers as Noninvasive Diagnostic Methods for Achalasia
Authors: Jia Xingyu , Chen Songfeng , Hou Xun , Zhuang Qianjun , Tan Niandi , Zhang Mengyu , Wang Jinhui , Xing Xiangbin , Xiao Yinglian
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Currently, the diagnosis of achalasia mainly relies on invasive or radioactive examinations. This study aimed to develop a noninvasive diagnostic method for achalasia based on specific serum markers.

METHODS:

Serum levels of profilin-1, galectin-10, immunoglobulin heavy variable 3–9, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, and transgelin-2 were measured in patients with achalasia and controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The diagnostic values and thresholds were determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Then, patients with dysphagia were prospectively enrolled to validate the ability of these molecules for achalasia diagnosing.

RESULTS:

A total of 142 patients with achalasia and 50 nonachalasia controls (healthy volunteers and patients with reflux esophagitis) were retrospectively included. The serum levels of profilin-1, galectin-10, and transgelin-2 in patients with achalasia were significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers and patients with reflux esophagitis (P all < 0.001). Profilin-1, galectin-10, and transgelin-2 were of good performance in diagnosing achalasia, with optimal thresholds of 2,171.2, 33.9, and 1,630.6 pg/mL, respectively. Second, 40 patients with dysphagia were prospectively enrolled to the validation of achalasia. For profilin-1, the positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity were 100.0%, 64.5%, 45.0%, and 100.0%, respectively. The figures for transgelin-2 were 65.5%, 90.9%, 95.0%, and 50.0%. When both increased, the positive predictive value reached to 100.0%. When both indexes were normal, the negative predictive value was 100.0%.

DISCUSSION:

Profilin-1 and transgelin-2 were promising biomarkers for achalasia diagnosis and performed better in combination. Further multicenter studies are necessary to verify their application as preliminary screening tools for achalasia.
Natural Resources in Economic Development: Evolution of Theoretical Approaches
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Dyomina Olga
Published: October 2023

This paper considers the evolution of the main theoretical approaches considering the role of natural resources in economic development in the XVIII-XXI centuries. The study revels three main functions of natural resources in the economy: a factor of production, a traded commodity and natural capital as a component of national wealth (along with real and human capital). It is shown that at the present stage globalization processes have determined the dominant function of natural resources as a tradable commodity. It is determined that if until the end of the XX century the presence of rich and diverse natural resources ensured economic growth, then in the subsequent period natural resources had a multidirectional impact on economic dynamics. The author performs a comparative analysis of three theories that take natural resources into account: neoclassical theory of economic growth, neoclassical theory of international trade and institutional theory. In the neoclassical theory of economic growth natural resources are considered as a factor of production, which act as determinants of economic growth. This theory formulates the Dasgupta – Heal – Solow – Stiglitz model, which defines the conditions for sustainable economic growth in an economy with non-renewable natural resources. In the neoclassical theory of international trade, natural resources are primarily considered as a tradable commodity, and the possibilities of development of the economy dominated by natural capital by increasing foreign trade rent are analyzed. Within the framework of this theory, three concepts explaining different channels of natural capital impact on the economy through the connection with foreign markets are formulated: the trap of raw material specialization, the Prebisch – Singer hypothesis and the Dutch disease. The macroeconomic causes of the resource curse are identified. Institutional theory studies the role of institutional conditions in the economic development of countries dominated by natural capital. Within the framework of this theory, it is shown that the quality of institutions determines the nature of the impact of natural resource surplus on the rate of economic growth; the resource curse is defined as a violation of incentives to accumulate different forms of capital; rent-seeking is one of the main channels of negative impact in conditions of weak institutions. All the theories considered allow us to conclude that the development of the economy based on the exploitation of natural resources is possible in the long term, provided that compensatory mechanisms are formed to ensure the transformation of natural capital into other forms of capital
Smart City Ecosystem: Assessment of the Sustainability
Authors:   Institute of Economics Ural Branch of RAS, Popov Evgeny
Published: October 2023

This paper is concerned with studying the problems of smart city ecosystem functioning. The work considers the influence on ecosystem sustainability of external and internal influences on infrastructural, network, digital, institutional, resource elements of a smart city. The author proposes the principles of assessing the sustainability of a smart city ecosystem (infrastructural saturation, the level of development of network connections and digital technologies, the absence of failures of the institutional environment, minimization of transaction costs), implemented through the indicators of the number of stakeholders, the use of network and digital potential of the municipality, the level of institutional saturation, determined by the method of building an institutional atlas, the level of comparative transaction costs, determined by the construction of transaction functions. The author also proposes possible directions of further research in terms of expanding the theoretical and instrumental base of research
Kerapatan Lamun dan Hubungan dengan Parameter Lingkungan di Perairan Pesisir Teluk Lampung
Authors: Isnaini Isnaini , Aryawati Riris
Published: October 2023

Ekosistem lamun memiliki peranan sangat penting di wilayah pesisir. Seiring waktu wilayah pesisir menghadapi ancaman yang cukup besar akibat dari meningkatnya dan berkembangnya kegiatan pembangunan, seperti disebagian besar yang terjadi di ekosistem laut di Teluk Lampung. Penelitian ini bertujuan menentukan parameter lingkungan perairan yang mempengaruhi kerapatan lamun. Penelitian ini terdiri dari delapan stasiun yang ditentukan secara purposive sampling. Pengukuran parameter lingkungan perairan dilakukan secara insitu dan pengambilan contoh air. Pengambilan data kerapatan lamun menggunakan metode transek kuadrat. Analasis hubungan kerapatan lamun dengan parameter lingkungan perairan dianalisis menggunakan Analisis Komponen Utama (Principal Component Analysis/PCA). Hasil penelitian ditemukan sebanyak enam jenis lamun, yaitu Oceana serrulata, Enhalus acoroides Thalassia hemprichii, Halodule ovalis, Halodule pinifolia dan Halodule uninervis. Hubungan kerapatan lamun dengan parameter lingkungan perairan menunjukkan di kolom air kerapatan lamun dipengaruhi oleh nitrat (NO3), fosfat (PO4) dan salinitas, sedangkan untuk sedimen tempat tumbuh lamun, kerapatan lamun lebih dipengaruhi oleh kandungan C-organik dan tekstur sedimen lanau.    Seagrass ecosystems have a very important role in coastal areas, but over time face considerable threats as a result of the increase and development of development activities in coastal areas, such as most of the marine ecosystem areas in Lampung Bay. This study aims to determine the parameters of the aquatic environment that affect the density of seagrass. This study consisted of eight stations determined by purposive sampling. Measurement of aquatic environmental parameters was carried out in situ and water samples were taken. Seagrass density data retrieval using the quadratic transect method. Analysis of the relationship between seagrass density and aquatic environmental parameters was analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results of the study found as many as six types of seagrass, namely Oceana serrulata, Enhalus acoroides Thalassia hemprichii, Halodule ovalis, Halodule pinifolia and Halodule uninervis. The relationship between seagrass density and aquatic environmental parameters shows that in the water column the density of seagrass is influenced by nitrate (NO3), phosphate (PO4) and salinity, while in sediments the density of seagrass is more influenced by organic C content and silt sediment texture.
Populasi Mangrove Rhizophora stylosa Griff. di Desa Kuala Langsa Kota Langsa: Distribusi Geografi, Struktur Demografi, Morfometrik Organ dan Karakteristik Penciri Morfometriknya
Authors: Safira Nur , Erniati Erniati , Syahrial Syahrial , Hadinata Fitra Wira , Anggraini Rika , Ikhsan Nur , Utami Risnita Tri , Ayhuan Hendrik V. , Ezraneti Riri
Published: October 2023

Kajian terhadap populasi mangrove Rhizophora stylosa di Desa Kuala Langsa Kota Langsa dilakukan pada bulan November 2021 dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui distribusi geografi, struktur demografi, morfometrik organ dan karakteristik penciri morfometriknya. Data dikumpulkan dengan menarik transek kuadran berukuran 10 x 10 m yang tegak lurus garis pantai, dimana penentuan stasiun pengamatannnya berdasarkan purposive sampling. Organ daun, buah dan bunga diambil pada 5 tegakan pohon di masing-masing plot, kemudian diukur morfometriknya. Untuk struktur demografi, pengelompokkan umurnya dianalisis menurut metode Bhattacharya dan untuk penciri morfometriknya dianalisis berdasarkan statistik Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Hasil kajian memperlihatkan bahwa distribusi geografinya tergolong berlimpah (frekuensi relatif di atas 80%) dan pengelompokkan umurnya hanya terdiri dari satu kelompak dengan kisaran nilai tengah diameter batangnya antara 2,30–12,44 cm. Morfometrik diameter buah yang dominan ditemukan adalah 1,05–1,11 cm, panjang buah 26,46–27,77 cm, lebar kelopak bunga 0,38–0,41 cm, panjang kelopak bunga 0,98–1,04 cm, lebar daun 5,50–5,77 cm, panjang daun 11,60–12,11 cm dan diameter batang 5,41–7,00 cm. Selain itu, panjang buah, panjang kelopak bunga dan diameter batang merupakan morfometrik pencirinya dengan keragaman data 82,73%. In November 2021, a study was conducted on the Rhizophora stylosa mangrove population in Kuala Langsa Village, Langsa City, with the objective of determining the population's geographical distribution, demographic structure, morphometric organs, and morphometric characteristics. The data were collected by pulling a 10 x 10 m quadrant transect parallel to the shoreline, with the observation station determined through purposive sampling. Leaf, fruit, and flower organs were collected from five tree stands in each plot and then measured morphometrically. Battachraya method was used for the demograpic structure and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to determine the morphological characteristics. The study's findings revealed a widespread geographic distribution (relative frequency greater than 80%) and a single age grouping with median stem diameters ranging from 2.30-12.44 cm. The dominant fruit diameter morphometrics were 1.05–1.11 cm, fruit length 26.46–27.77 cm, petal width 0.38–0.41 cm, petal length 0.98–1.04 cm, leaf width 5.50–5.77 cm, leaf length 11.60–12.11 cm, and diameter stem 5.41–7.00 cm. Furthermore, fruit length, flower petal length, and stem diameter are all morphometric characteristics with an 82.73% data diversity.
Artemia with Synbiotics Enrichment Improves Resistance Against Vibrio parahaemolyticus AHPND of Litopenaeus vannamei Larvae
Authors: Yudiati Ervia , Arifin Zaenal , Santoso Adi , Hidayati Jelita Rahma , Alghazeer Rabia , Azhar Nuril
Published: October 2023

Shrimp, a high-protein food commodity, is one of the world's fastest-growing food-producing sectors. The present research aimed to find out the survival and growth of Litopenaues vannamei Post Larva (PL) and the resistance against VpAHND and stress salinity. 1500 PL were reared to two sets of experiments at the density of 50 PL. L-1. The first set is purposed to determine the PL growth, resistance to Vibrio paramaemolyticus AHPND challenge and stress salinity. The second set is purposed to determine the survival rate. A Completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and three replications was conducted. The treatments are Artemia enrichment with different Alginate doses and probiotics (400, 600, 800 ppm Alg+pro), probiotics (Pro), and control without any synbiotics addition. PL was reared in 14 days. The survival rate, and weight gain were calculated. At the end of the experiment, 10 PL was challenged against VpAHPND at 1 x 107 CFU mL-1by immersion methods. Twenty PL was exposed to stress salinity and shocked from 25 ppt to 0 ppt. The best survival rate ((78±2%), and tolerance to osmotic stress was reached at PL fed on a combination of alginate and FNCC-002 Lactobacillus bulgaricus probiotics (p<0.05). PL fed on Artemia enriched probiotics reached the highest resistance to severe VpAHNPD. The weight gain among treatments is similar. It can be concluded that synbiotics of alginate as prebiotics and FNCC-004 probiotics work synergically and this might be interrelated with immune response.
COVID-19, an Accelerator of Management Control Trends in Spanish Companies
Authors: Caviedes Conde Angela Andrea , Yanguas Morte Luis Ramon
Published: October 2023

Management control evolves over time in Spanish companies due to changes in the environment in which they interact. For this reason, digital tools are incorporated with the aim of improving their efficiency. The objective of this article is to analyze the evolution and current trends of management control in the transformation of Spanish enterprises. This research uses a qualitative method through the Technique of Content Analysis. In order to do this, the results of the Management Control & Financial Strategy Survey are used, as well as reports published by KPMG organization on management control. The study reveals the transformation of management control in Spanish enterprises, which faces the need for greater speed in the information gathering process and the interpretation of data to identify changes in a shorter period of time in order to adapt to them in less time.
La industria cultural taurina española en tiempos de crisis (2007-2013): fase del ciclo de vida de la industria
Authors: García-Parejo Antonia , Caro González Francisco Javier , Chavarría Ortiz Carlos
Published: October 2023

Esta investigación tiene por objeto identificar la fase del ciclo de vida en la que se ubica la industria cultural taurina y comprobar la validez del modelo del ciclo de vida en industrias singulares. Los estudios científicos previos sobre el sector taurino son escasos. La industria cultural taurina, es un sector que abarca 103 actividades económicas directas e indirectas, de ahí su interés. A partir de este estudio basado en un análisis de datos secundarios, para un periodo de crisis (2007-2013), y utilizando el modelo del Ciclo de Vida de la Industria de Peltoniemi (2011) y variables del modelo de Van de Ven y Poole (1995), se puede conocer la situación del sector y afirmar que estamos ante una industria en fase de madurez y con un alto grado de concentración empresarial.
Electrophysiology‐aided DBS targeting the ventral intermediate nucleus in an essential tremor patient with MRI‐incompatible lead: A case report
Authors: Glowinsky Stefanie , Bergman Hagai , Zarchi Omer , Fireman Shlomo , Reiner Johnathan , Tamir Idit
Published: October 2023

Essential tremor (ET) is a common disease in the elderly population. Severe, medication‐refractory ET may require surgical intervention via ablation or deep brain stimulation (DBS). Thalamic Vim (Ventral intermediate nucleus), targeted indirectly using atlas‐based coordinates, is the classical target in these procedures. We present a case of an ET patient with a non‐MR‐compatible cardiac orphaned leads who was a candidate for DBS surgery. Due to the lead constraints of MR use, we used a head computed tomography (CT) with contrast media as the reference exam to define the AC, PC, and midline, and to register and indirectly target the Vim. For target validation, we used intraoperative electrophysiological recordings and intraoperative CT. We implanted bilateral directional leads at the target location. We used the‐essential‐tremor‐rating‐assessment‐scale (TETRAS) pre and postoperatively to clinically evaluate tremor. Intraoperative micro‐electrode recordings (MERs) showed individual tremor cells and a robust increase in normalized root mean square (NRMS) indicating entry to the Vim. Postoperative visualization using lead‐DBS along with dramatic clinical improvements show that we were able to accurately target the Vim. Our results show that CT‐only registration and planning for thalamic Vim DBS is feasible, and that MERs and intraoperative CT are useful adjuncts for Vim target validation.
Impact of leptin deficiency on male tibia and vertebral body 3D bone architecture independent of changes in body weight
Authors: Williamson Alexander , da Silva Alexandre , do Carmo Jussara M. , Le Maitre Christine L. , Hall John E. , Aberdein Nicola
Published: October 2023

Leptin an adipokine with potent effects on energy balance and body weight plays an important role in defining bone architecture in growing mammals. However, major changes in body weight can also influence morphology of trabecular and cortical bone. Therefore, we examined the impact of leptin deficiency on tibia and vertebral body 3D bone architecture independent of changes in body weight. Furthermore, advances in computational 3D image analysis suggest that average morphological values may mask regional specific differences in trabecular bone thickness. The study utilized leptin‐deficient Ob/Ob mice (n = 8) weight‐paired to C57BL/6 (C57) control mice (n = 8) which were split into either lean or obese groups for 24 ± 2 weeks. Whole tibias and L3 vertebrae were fixed before high resolution microcomputed tomography (μCT) scanning was performed. Leptin deficiency independent of body weight reduced tibia cortical bone volume, trabecular bone volume/tissue volume, number, and mineral density. Mean tibia trabecular thickness showed no significant differences between all groups; however, significant changes in trabecular thickness were found when analyzed by region. This study demonstrates that leptin deficiency significantly impacts tibia and vertebral body trabecular and cortical bone 3D architecture independent of changes in body weight.
Short-time existence of a quasi-stationary fluid–structure interaction problem for plaque growth
Authors: Abels Helmut , Liu Yadong
Published: October 2023

We address a quasi-stationary fluid–structure interaction problem coupled with cell reactions and growth, which comes from the plaque formation during the stage of the atherosclerotic lesion in human arteries. The blood is modeled by the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation, while the motion of vessels is captured by a quasi-stationary equation of nonlinear elasticity. The growth happens when both cells in fluid and solid react, diffuse and transport across the interface, resulting in the accumulation of foam cells, which are exactly seen as the plaques. Via a fixed-point argument, we derive the local well-posedness of the nonlinear system, which is sustained by the analysis of decoupled linear systems.
Analytical and clinical evaluations of SNIBE Maglumi chemiluminescent immunoassay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen in salivary samples
Authors: Padoan Andrea , Talli Ilaria , Cosma Chiara , Moz Stefania , Furlan Giulia , Navaglia Filippo , Marchioro Lucio , Zaninotto Martina , Basso Daniela , Plebani Mario
Published: October 2023

Objectives

In this study, we describe the analytical and clinical performances of the SNIBE Maglumi SARS-CoV-2 antigen fully-automated chemiluminescent immunoassay (MAG-CLIA) on salivary samples.

Methods

Limit of detection (LOD), linearity and precision were tested for values close to or below the declared LOD. Clinical performance of MAG-CLIA was evaluated on leftover salivary samples from the healthcare workers (HCW) surveillance program, at the University-Hospital of Padova. Salivary samples were analyzed by Lumipulse G SARS-CoV-2 Ag, and in case where the values exceeded 0.41 ng/L, further testing was conducted using TaqPathTM COVID-19 RT-PCR (Applied Biosystems, Thermo Fisher Scientific).

Results

The estimated MAG-CLIA LOD was 3 ng/L, with repeatability of 7.5 %. Good linearity was demonstrated by diluting two samples at 52.7 ng/L and 211.4 ng/L. Of the 228 HCW samples, 59/228 (25.9 %) were positive, 169/228 (74.1 %) were negative. MAG-CLIA SARS-CoV-2 sAg median level (and interquartile range [IQR]) was 5.03 ng/L (<0.001–35.8 ng/L) for positive and <0.001 ng/L (<0.001 ng/L) for negative samples. MAG-CLIA AUC was 0.795 (95 % CI: 0.720–0.871). Using the best cut-off, 3.5 ng/L, sensitivity and specificity were 57.1 % (95 % CI: 42.2–71.2 %) and 97.0 % (95 % CI: 93.2–99.0 %), respectively. The agreement with the molecular assay was 88.1 % (Cohen’s kappa 0.606 [SE=0.066, p<0.001]).

Conclusions

The analytical performances of MAG-CLIA are satisfactory, also when values below LOD were tested. In saliva samples, although specificity was elevated, clinical performance was not comparable with that on nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS).
A coupled hygro-elastic 3D model for steady-state analysis of functionally graded plates and shells
Authors: Brischetto Salvatore , Cesare Domenico
Published: October 2023

This 3D coupled hygro-elastic model proposes the three-dimensional (3D) equilibrium equations associated with the 3D Fick diffusion equation for spherical shells. The primary unknowns of the problem are the displacements and the moisture content. This coupled 3D exact shell model allows to understand the effects of the moisture field in relation with the elastic field on stresses and deformations in different plates and shells. This model is specifically developed for configurations including functionally graded material (FGM) layers. Four different geometries are analyzed using an orthogonal mixed curvilinear reference system. The main advantage of this reference system for spherical shells is the degeneration of the equations to those for simpler geometries. The solving method is the exponential matrix method in the thickness direction. The closed-form solution is possible because of simply supported sides and harmonic forms for displacements and moisture content. The moisture content amplitudes are directly applied at the top and bottom outer faces through steady-state hypotheses. The final system is based on a set of coupled homogeneous second-order differential equations. The moisture field effects are evaluated for the static analysis in terms of displacement, strain, and stress components. After preliminary validations, used to better understand how to properly define the calculation of the curvature-related terms and FGM properties, four new benchmarks are proposed for several thickness ratios, geometrical data, FGM configurations, and moisture values imposed at the external surfaces. From the results, it is clear the accordance between the uncoupled hygro-elastic model and this new coupled hygro-elastic model when the 3D Fick diffusion law is employed. Both effects connected with the thickness layer and the embedded material are included in the 3D hygro-elastic analyses proposed. The 3D coupled hygro-elastic model is simpler than the uncoupled one because the 3D Fick diffusion law does not have to be separately solved.
Measuring One-Sided Process Capability Index for Autocorrelated Data in the Presence of Random Measurement Errors
Authors: Bera Kuntal , Anis M. Z.
Published: October 2023

Many quality characteristics in manufacturing industry are of one sided specifications. The well-known process capability indices

C

P
⁢
U

C_{PU}

and

C

P
⁢
L

C_{PL}

are often used to measure the performance of such type of production process. It is usually assumed that process observations are independent and measurement system is free of errors. But actually in many industry it has been proven that auto-correlation is an inherent nature of the production process, especially for chemical processes. Moreover, even with the use of highly sophisticated advanced measuring instruments some amount of measurement error is always present in the observed data. Hence gauge measurement error also needs to be considered. In this paper we discuss some inferential properties of one-sided process capability indices for a stationary Gaussian process in the presence of measurement errors. As a particular case of a stationary Gaussian process, we discuss the case of a stationary

AR
⁡

(
1
)

\operatorname{AR}(1)

process where measurement error follows an independent Gaussian distribution.
A class of quaternionic Fourier orthonormal bases
Authors: Li Yun-Zhang , Zhang Xiao-Li
Published: October 2023

Due to its applications in signal analysis and image processing, the quaternionic Fourier analysis has received increasing attention. In particular, quaternionic Gabor frames (QGFs) attracted some mathematicians’ interest. From the literatures, some results on QGFs are based on quaternionic Fourier orthonormal bases. But those used so-called quaternionic Fourier orthonormal bases have a gap that they are all incomplete. In this paper, we present a class of quaternionic Fourier orthonormal bases, and using them derive the corresponding Gabor orthonormal bases.
Finality, Res Judicata, and Counter-Epistemic Values in Civil Proceedings
Authors: Ezurmendia Jesus
Published: October 2023

This article proposes a perspective on res judicata whereby it can be approached as an epistemic barrier to the fact-finding process in subsequent civil proceedings. Being a well-recognized principle, it is enshrined as a strong and respected legal doctrine, recognized in every contemporary modern justice system, allowing courts to apply it confidently and commonly. Res judicata impedes the reiteration of litigation among the same parties on the same topic, and, in so doing, it will not allow further discussion on the issues adjudicated, notwithstanding the fact that new and better evidence might come to be available, and consequently result in a more accurate judgment. Thus, the private and public rationale for res judicata and its preclusive effects can be defined as a non-epistemic value of the public policy that diverts from the truth-seeking purpose of the judicial process toward finality and conclusiveness.
Quasi-invariant measures on topological groups and ω-powers
Authors: Kharazishvili Alexander
Published: October 2023

Under GCH, there are described the cardinalities of all
Hausdorff topological groups G such that there is a nonzero Borel measure
on G having the

card
⁢

(
G
)

{{\rm card}(G)}

-Suslin property and quasi-invariant with respect
to an everywhere dense subgroup of G. Some connections are pointed out with
the method of Kodaira and Kakutani (1950) for constructing a nonseparable translation
invariant extension of the standard Lebesgue (Haar) measure on the circle group

𝐒
1

{{\bf S}_{1}}

.
The generalized Drazin inverse of an operator matrix with commuting entries
Authors: Chen Huanyin , Sheibani Abdolyousefi Marjan
Published: October 2023

We present new results for the generalized Drazin inverse of

2
×
2

{2\times 2}

anti-triangular matrices with commuting entries over a Banach algebra. As an application, the g-Drazin invertibility of block-operator matrices is obtained under new wider conditions.
A uniqueness result for the inverse problem of identifying boundaries from weighted Radon transform
Authors: Anikonov Dmitrii Sergeevich , Kazantsev Sergey G. , Konovalova Dina S.
Published: October 2023

We study the problem of the integral geometry, in which
the functions are integrated over hyperplanes in the n-dimensional Euclidean
space,

n
=

2
⁢
m

+
1

{n=2m+1}

. The integrand is the product of a function of n variables called the density and
weight function depending on

2
⁢
n

{2n}

variables. Such an integration is called here the weighted Radon transform,
which coincides with the classical one if the weight function is equal to one. It is proved the uniqueness for the problem of determination of the surface on which the integrand is
discontinuous.
A prospective comparison study of subcutaneous and intramuscular testosterone injections in transgender male adolescents
Authors: Baines Hayley K. , Connelly Kara J.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This prospective study compares testosterone injection type and effects on biochemical changes, clinical effects, and quality of life amongst transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents assigned female at birth (AFAB) over the first 6 months of subcutaneous (SQ) vs. intramuscular (IM) testosterone injections as part of their gender affirming care.

Methods

Subjects were testosterone-naïve transgender adolescents, AFAB, ages 14–18 years old. Subjects were either randomized to injection type or selected a preferred injection type. At enrollment, subjects completed baseline labs and PedsQL™ quality of life questionnaire. At 3 month and 6 month follow up, subjects completed peak and trough testosterone levels, PedsQL™, masculinizing effects, and medication experience questionnaires.

Results

Twenty-six subjects participated with a median age 15.5 years. By 6-month follow up, trough testosterone levels were comparable between the two groups. Peak testosterone levels were higher in the IM group at 3-month follow up. Mild adverse effects were rare (12 %, all in SQ subjects) and limited to skin reaction only. Self-reported masculinization effects and quality of life were not statistically different between injection groups. A total of 92 % of participants was self-injecting by 3-month follow up.

Conclusions

In this prospective study, clinical and biochemical effects are similar between SQ and IM testosterone injections for transgender adolescents. Subjects expressed preference for both injection types. Both SQ and IM injection modalities are safe and effective for TGD youth initiating testosterone and both options should be offered to patients.
Stage I duodenal adenocarcinoma cured by a short treatment cycle of pembrolizumab: a case report
Authors: Qiu Yuting , Qiao Xinwei , Xu Rui , Li Peng , Wu Jing , Zhang Shutian
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The use of Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy (pembrolizumab) in duodenal cancer is rarely reported, and ICI therapy are mostly used in advanced-stage cancer according to its current indication. The case report aimed to demonstrate the special role of ICI therapy in early-stage duodenal cancer and discuss the possibility of modifying and broadening the indication of ICI therapy.

Case presentation

A female in her 70s were diagnosed early-stage tubular adenocarcinoma with immunohistochemistry showing deficiency in DNA mismatch repair (dMMR)/high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). Pembrolizumab was selected and the patient was treated regularly for 2 standard cycles. 5 months after the second cycle, the lesion showed no significant change, while 31 months after, the original lesion achieved almost complete remission.

Conclusions

ICI therapy may have unexpected effect on early-stage duodenal cancer and more specific indication of ICI treatment may be established.
China in Africa: A World-System Analysis
Authors: Profant Tomáš Imrich
Published: October 2023

As China rises so does its involvement abroad, in particular in various African countries. The aim of this paper is to use the world-system theory advanced by Immanuel Wallerstein and apply it on the case of Chinese economic and geopolitical activities on the African continent. The analysis is thus based on the division of the world into core, semiperiphery and periphrey. These areas are divided on the basis of the sophistication of their production, which results in the creation of monopolies and quasi-monopolies. The paper shows the nature of trade between China and Africa, which confirms the basic pattern of relations in the hierarchy of international economic relations. Whereas China moved in the hierarchy from the periphery to the semiperiphery, Africa remains a periferal world region. The paper also shows Sudan and Taiwan as special cases that offer a different understanding of the Chinese foreign policy. The question with these two cases becomes whether China practices a single foreign policy and how human rights and their normative power influence Chienese policy. The conclusion normatively assess the consequences of Chinese policy for Africa. Overall the paper is written from a political-economic perspective and emphasizes the economic element in international relations bordering the subfield of geo-economics.
Critical Reflection on Selected Issues Connected with Economic Terminology
Authors: Kraft Jiří
Published: October 2023

Clear and unambiguous categories and concepts defined in accordance with generally accepted epistemological principles are some of the cornerstones of each scientific discipline. The objective of this paper is to critically highlight selected problems related to the creation and use of categories and concepts and their symbols in economics. The paper describes in examples the inconsistent use of symbols (the income example), the unsystematic use of concepts (the labour force example) and, in particular, the creation and use of ambiguously defined categories or concepts in a situation where economic science already has an established concept for the reality concerned (the rent example). Adequate methods are chosen for an article of this type. The initial method is desk research, followed by analysis, deduction, induction and exploration. In addition to the actual critical description of the problems, an appropriate solution is proposed to the problem presented in each example. However, the paper also makes references to links with other economic disciplines and the current socio-economic reality. The purpose of the presented critical reflection on selected issues related to economic terminology is, on the one hand, to achieve greater understanding in scientific communication and, on the other hand, to facilitate educational impact, but also to find a common ground between academics and practitioners to the extent that social practice is intertwined with economic theory.
Inventory Control of Products at the End of their Lifecycle Based on Nonparametric Methods
Authors: Huskova Katerina , Dyntar Jakub
Published: October 2023

In this article, we verify that the use of the past stock movement simulation with all combination search, where both control variables are fully discretized, compared to traditional parametric methods, which are often used in management of inventory with sporadic demand, brings economic savings in area of holding and ordering costs. We use sporadic demand data coming from a small size e-commerce company to compare the best achieved holding and ordering costs in continuous review fixed order quantity inventory control policy where the reorder point calculation is based on moving average and linear regression. At the same time, we examine how the results are affected by the required fill rate of service level, which we test for four levels in the interval 25 % - 95 %. The results of our experiments show that AC outperforms traditional parametric methods in achieving the best holding and ordering costs. Moreover, as the level of required service level decreases, the success of AC in achieving the best costs increases. Simultaneously, we see that the success of the simulation increases with increasing variability of demand, i.e. in the case when the differences in quantity between individual non-zero demands increase.
The Turów Crisis: Economy vs Sustainability
Authors: Boháš Artur , Böhm Hynek
Published: October 2023

The text focus on a sensitive topic within the EU, the crisis around the operation of the Turów coal mine in Poland. The mine is located in the Turószow Spur on the borders of Czechia and Germany. The whole Three-border Region belongs to the economic periphery or semiperiphery, although the particular states have visible economic differences. The mine's operation violates many ecological norms, and its location brings adverse cross-border environmental effects. Polish authorities insist on the mine operation despite foreign complaints and international criticism. They are pretty successful with their diplomacy mixed with ignorance. Polish officials promote economy and energy; meanwhile, the neighboring states and the EU prefer ecologically sustainable development and fair neighbor relations. As human geographers, the authors use various methods: desk research of economic, geographical, political, and ecological sources connected to the Turów Mine and Tree-border Region, analyzing available statistical data, media analysis, survey, and expert interviews. The main focus is on Czech-Polish affairs, but some overlaps are inevitable. The study reveals differences in priorities between Poland and its neigbors, leading to conflicting narratives. Together with economic and developmental asymmetries, they determine the status quo mostly regardless of the environment and related pressure from the EU, promoting the struggle against climate change.
Pitfalls of Strategy Creation and Selection after COVID-19
Authors: Fitala Patrik , Savov Radovan , Waldhauserová Gabriela
Published: October 2023

We see a possibility for researching the issue of strategic processes as a whole in companies, as there are publications on individual strategic processes, but from the point of view of the complete picture in company, the view of the intervention of foreign capital is absent. We want to point out significant differences in individual management strategic processes, while pointing out the difference in the functioning of companies with and without the participation of foreign capital. The method of data collection was carried out on the basis of a questionnaire survey, which consisted of 5 parts of the strategic process, namely: Vision, mission, goals; Analysis of the external environment; Analysis of the internal environment; Choosing and creating a strategy; Strategy implementation and control. The factor Participation of foreign capital was selected for the purposes of the work. The participation of foreign capital in companies has a fundamental impact on strategic processes and companies’ sustainability and efficiency, as our results suggest. In our conclusion, investigating the issue of foreign capital participation has a fundamental impact on understanding the business environment. For the sustainability of a high-quality business, we consider updating and understanding the issue to be an important point for efficiency and sustainability.