bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The multiple faces of cGAS-STING in antitumor immunity: prospects and challenges
Authors: Zhou Zheqi , Huang Sanling , Fan Fangying , Xu Yan , Moore Casey , Li Sirui , Han Chuanhui
Published: April 2024

As a key sensor of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) detects cytosolic dsDNA and initiates the synthesis of 2′3′ cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) that activates the stimulator of interferon genes (STING). This finally promotes the production of type I interferons (IFN-I) that is crucial for bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Recent evidence show that several antitumor therapies, including radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapies, activate the cGAS-STING pathway to provoke the antitumor immunity. In the last decade, the development of STING agonists has been a major focus in both basic research and the pharmaceutical industry. However, up to now, none of STING agonists have been approved for clinical use. Considering the broad expression of STING in whole body and the direct lethal effect of STING agonists on immune cells in the draining lymph node (dLN), research on the optimal way to activate STING in tumor microenvironment (TME) appears to be a promising direction. Moreover, besides enhancing IFN-I signaling, the cGAS-STING pathway also plays roles in senescence, autophagy, apoptosis, mitotic arrest, and DNA repair, contributing to tumor development and metastasis. In this review, we summarize the recent advances on cGAS-STING pathway’s response to antitumor therapies and the strategies involving this pathway for tumor treatment.
Nonlocal effects in plasmon-emitter interactions
Authors: Eriksen Mikkel Have , Tserkezis Christos , Mortensen N. Asger , Cox Joel D.
Published: April 2024

Nonlocal and quantum mechanical phenomena in noble metal nanostructures become increasingly crucial when the relevant length scales in hybrid nanostructures reach the few-nanometer regime. In practice, such mesoscopic effects at metal–dielectric interfaces can be described using exemplary surface-response functions (SRFs) embodied by the Feibelman d-parameters. Here we show that SRFs dramatically influence quantum electrodynamic phenomena – such as the Purcell enhancement and Lamb shift – for quantum light emitters close to a diverse range of noble metal nanostructures interfacing different homogeneous media. Dielectric environments with higher permittivities are shown to increase the magnitude of SRFs calculated within the specular-reflection model. In parallel, the role of SRFs is enhanced in noble metal nanostructures characterized by large surface-to-volume ratios, such as thin planar metallic films or shells of core–shell nanoparticles, for which the spill-in of electron wave functions enhances plasmon hybridization. By investigating emitter quantum dynamics close to such plasmonic architectures, we show that decreasing the width of the metal region, or increasing the permittivity of the interfacing dielectric, leads to a significant change in the Purcell enhancement, Lamb shift, and visible far-field spontaneous emission spectrum, as an immediate consequence of SRFs. We anticipate that fitting the theoretically modelled spectra to experiments could allow for experimental determination of the d-parameters.
Focusing of mid-infrared polaritons through patterned graphene on van der Waals crystals
Authors: Liu Ruey-Tarng , Wu Yan-Ze , Huang Chia-Chien
Published: April 2024

Manipulating the propagation of mid-infrared (mid-IR) light is crucial for optical imaging, biosensing, photocatalysis, and guiding photonic circuits. Artificially engineered metamaterials were introduced to comprehensively control optical waves. However, fabrication challenges and optical losses have impeded the progress. Fortunately, two-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) materials are alternatives because of their inherent optical properties, such as hyperbolic behavior, high confinement, low loss, and atomic-scale thickness. In this research, we conducted theoretical and numerical investigations on the α-phase molybdenum trioxide, a biaxial vdW material, with patterned graphene to assess the potential of the tunable focusing of mid-IR light. Our proposed method directly alters the path of excited light to focus mid-IR light by negative refraction. Further, the patterned graphene in our design offers enhanced focusing characteristics, featuring a significantly reduced waist diameter with 1/92 of the free-space wavelength, an enhanced beam quality without pronounced field ripples, and a fivefold increase in field intensity. Moreover, our approach significantly preserves the waist diameter of the focused beam while facilitating directional steering. Thus, the focused beam can propagate in a canalized manner toward the desired direction. These advancements lay the foundation for promising applications in planar photonics.
Metallic photoluminescence of plasmonic nanoparticles in both weak and strong excitation regimes
Authors: Fang Xiaoguo , Wang Jiyong , Qiu Min
Published: April 2024

The luminescent nature of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) has been intensively investigated in recent years. Plasmon-enhanced electronic Raman scattering and the radiation channels of metallic photoluminescence (PL) involving conventional carrier recombinations and emergent particle plasmons are proposed in the past few decades but largely limited to weak excitation regimes. Here, we systematically examine the PL evolution of plasmonic NPs under different excitation power levels. The spectral resonances and chromaticity of PL are investigated within and beyond the scope of geometry conservation. Results indicate the nature of PL in plasmonic NPs could be a process of graybody radiation, including one factor of plasmonic emissivity in the weak excitation regime and the other factor of blackbody radiation in the strong excitation regime. This comprehensive analysis provides a fundamental understanding of the luminescent nature of plasmonic NPs and highlights their potential applications in transient temperature detection at the nanometer scale.
Engineering topological interface states in metal-wire waveguides for broadband terahertz signal processing
Authors: Ghazialsharif Mohammad , Dong Junliang , Bongiovanni Domenico , Vorobiov Anton , Wang Ziteng , Chen Zhigang , Kip Detlef , Morandotti Roberto
Published: April 2024

Innovative terahertz waveguides are in high demand to serve as a versatile platform for transporting and manipulating terahertz signals for the full deployment of future six-generation (6G) communication systems. Metal-wire waveguides have emerged as promising candidates, offering the crucial advantage of sustaining low-loss and low-dispersion propagation of broadband terahertz pulses. Recent advances have opened up new avenues for implementing signal-processing functionalities within metal-wire waveguides by directly engraving grooves along the wire surfaces. However, the challenge remains to design novel groove structures to unlock unprecedented signal-processing functionalities. In this study, we report a plasmonic signal processor by engineering topological interface states within a terahertz two-wire waveguide. We construct the interface by connecting two multiscale groove structures with distinct topological invariants, i.e., featuring a π-shift difference in the Zak phases. The existence of this topological interface within the waveguide is experimentally validated by investigating the transmission spectrum, revealing a prominent transmission peak in the center of the topological bandgap. Remarkably, we show that this resonance is highly robust against structural disorders, and its quality factor can be flexibly controlled. This unique feature not only facilitates essential functions such as band filtering and isolating but also promises to serve as a linear differential equation solver. Our approach paves the way for the development of new-generation all-optical analog signal processors tailored for future terahertz networks, featuring remarkable structural simplicity, ultrafast processing speeds, as well as highly reliable performance.
Toward “super-scintillation” with nanomaterials and nanophotonics
Authors: Carr Delgado Hamish , Moradifar Parivash , Chinn Garry , Levin Craig S. , Dionne Jennifer A.
Published: April 2024

Following the discovery of X-rays, scintillators are commonly used as high-energy radiation sensors in diagnostic medical imaging, high-energy physics, astrophysics, environmental radiation monitoring, and security inspections. Conventional scintillators face intrinsic limitations including a low extraction efficiency of scintillated light and a low emission rate, leading to efficiencies that are less than 10 % for commercial scintillators. Overcoming these limitations will require new materials including scintillating nanomaterials (“nanoscintillators”), as well as new photonic approaches that increase the efficiency of the scintillation process, increase the emission rate of materials, and control the directivity of the scintillated light. In this perspective, we describe emerging nanoscintillating materials and three nanophotonic platforms: (i) plasmonic nanoresonators, (ii) photonic crystals, and (iii) high-Q metasurfaces that could enable high performance scintillators. We further discuss how a combination of nanoscintillators and photonic structures can yield a “super scintillator” enabling ultimate spatio-temporal resolution while enabling a significant boost in the extracted scintillation emission.
From weak to strong coupling: quasi-BIC metasurfaces for mid-infrared light–matter interactions
Authors: Biswas Shovasis Kumar , Adi Wihan , Beisenova Aidana , Rosas Samir , Arvelo Eduardo Romero , Yesilkoy Filiz
Published: April 2024

Thanks to their giant, yet tunable, Q-factor resonances, all-dielectric metasurfaces supporting the quasi-bound states in the continuum (q-BIC) resonances are well-suited to provide a promising platform for quantum-coherent light–matter interactions. Yet, the strong coupling regime, characterized by the hybrid light–matter states – polaritons, has not yet been fully explored in the mid-infrared regime. This paper investigates the parameter space of vibrational strong coupling (VSC) between material and metasurface cavities supporting q-BIC resonances in the mid-infrared spectral range. We outline the effects of transition dipole strength, damping rate, and the number of molecules coupled to a single cavity, as well as the cavity damping rates, to understand their respective impacts on VSC. By tuning the Q-factor of the metasurface and material parameters, a new transition light–matter coupling zone is introduced, bridging the gap between weak and strong coupling, where polaritons form but their linewidths prohibit their spectral identification. The study further identifies the effects of cavity linewidth on polariton peak separability in strongly coupled systems, highlighting that the cavities with smaller nonradiative losses and narrower linewidths facilitate better polariton separability. Moreover, we found that matching cavity and material loss, satisfying the critical strong coupling condition, enhances the coupling strength between cavity and material. Overall, these findings can guide the design of photonic cavities suited for VSC experiments, contributing to the burgeoning fields of polaritonic chemistry, light-mediated modulation of chemical reactivity, and highly sensitive molecular spectroscopy.
Extracting accurate light–matter couplings from disordered polaritons
Authors: Schwennicke Kai , Giebink Noel C. , Yuen-Zhou Joel
Published: April 2024

The vacuum Rabi splitting (VRS) in molecular polaritons stands as a fundamental measure of collective light–matter coupling. Despite its significance, the impact of molecular disorder on VRS is not fully understood yet. This study delves into the complexities of VRS amidst various distributions and degrees of disorder. Our analysis provides precise analytical expressions for linear absorption, transmission, and reflection spectra, along with a “sum” rule, offering a straightforward protocol for extracting accurate collective light–matter coupling values from experimental data. Importantly, our study cautions against directly translating large VRS to the onset of ultrastrong coupling regime. Furthermore, for rectangular disorder, we witness the emergence of narrow side bands alongside a broad central peak, indicating an extended coherence lifetime even in the presence of substantial disorder. These findings not only enhance our understanding of VRS in disordered molecular systems but also open avenues for achieving prolonged coherence lifetimes between the cavity and molecules via the interplay of collective coupling and disorder.
The crystal structure of 2,8-diethyl-1,3,7,9-tetramethyl-4λ4,5λ4-spiro[dipyrrolo[1,2-c:2′,1′-f][1,3,2]diazaborinine-5,2′-naphtho[1,8-de][1,3,2]dioxaborinine], C25H29BN2O2
Authors: Al-Hazmi Ghaferah H. , Refat Moamen S. , Usman Rabia , Khan Arshad
Published: April 2024

C25H29BN2O2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 13.1591(3) Å, b = 13.9362(3) Å, c = 13.0463(3) Å, β = 112.066(3)°, V = 2217.29(10) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0419, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1068, T = 150 K.
Synthesis and crystal structure of trans-tetraaqua-bis((1-((7-hydroxy-3-(4-methoxy-3-sulfonatophenyl)-4-oxo-4H-chromen-8-yl)methyl)piperidin-1-ium-4-carbonyl)oxy-κO)zinc(II)hexahydrate, C46H64N2O28S2Zn
Authors: Chen Hai-Lin , Luo Ze-Ping , Chen Ming-Huan , Pan Li-Wei , Lan Jian-Jing , Yao Dong-Mei
Published: April 2024

C46H64N2O28S2Zn, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 18.155(2) Å, b = 9.0872(11) Å, c = 16.373(2) Å, β = 108.095(13)°, V = 2567.6(6) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0712, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1295, T = 296.15 K.
Qualität des Posteditierens von maschinell erstellten Übersetzungen technischer Texte aus dem Slowakischen ins Deutsche durch erstsprachig slowakische Posteditoren
Authors: Hudecová Elena , Stahl Jaroslav , Benkova Lucia , Munkova Dasa
Published: April 2024

While the rule of thumb that translators translate into their first language (L1) is often desirable, the demand for translations from lesser used into widely used languages often forces translators into this practice because it outstrips supply. The aim of this study is to show readers how the quality of the reference human translation (REF) produced by translators with Slovak as their L1 can influence the assessment of the quality of machine translation output (MT output), using the example of the light post-edited machine translation output (MTPE output) of technical documentation (TD) from Slovak into German by post-editors (PE) with Slovak as their L1. We therefore use the percentage difference between the TER and HTER scores to compare those segments of the studied TD that the machine translated differently than the human, whereby the PE nonetheless adopted such MT output or only partially changed it. We have divided the results into 6 categories of segments based on the differences between TER and HTER, where the difference between TER and HTER was below 50 %. We found that inappropriate REF and different, but not always wrong, solutions adopted by the PE compared to the REF translator can also result in poor evaluation of the MTPE output.
Effects of Different Recovery Periods Following a Very Intense Interval Training Session on Strength and Explosive Performance in Elite Female Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Petré Henrik , Tinmark Fredrik , Rosdahl Hans , Psilander Niklas
Published: April 2024

Petré, H, Tinmark, F, Rosdahl, H, and Psilander, N. Effects of different recovery periods following a very intense interval training session on strength and explosive performance in elite female ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): e383–e390, 2024—This study investigates how different recovery periods after high-intensity interval training (HIIT) affects strength and explosive performance during a power training (PT) session. Fifteen female elite ice hockey players (22.5 ± 5.2 years) performed PT, including 6 sets of 2 repetitions (reps) of isometric leg press (ILP) and 6 sets of 3 reps of countermovement jump (CMJ), following a rested state and 10 minutes, 6 hours, or 24 hours after HIIT (3 sets of 8 × 20 seconds at 115% of power output at maximal oxygen consumption on a cycle ergometer). Peak force (PF) and peak rate of force development (pRFD) were measured during the ILP. Peak jump height (PJH), concentric phase duration (ConDur), eccentric phase duration, total duration, peak power (PP), velocity at peak power (V@PP), and force at peak power were measured during CMJ. The following variables were significantly reduced when only a 10-minute recovery period was allowed between HIIT and PT: PF was reduced by 7% (p < 0.001), pRFD by 17% (p < 0.001), PJH by 4% (p < 0.001), ConDur by 4% (p = 0.018), PP by 2% (p = 0.016), and V@PP by 2% (p = 0.007). None of the measured variables were reduced when PT was performed 6 and 24 hours after HIIT. We conclude that strength and explosive performance of elite female ice hockey players is reduced 10 minutes after HIIT but not negatively affected if a rest period of at least 6 hours is provided between HIIT and PT.
Designing medical devices for non-invasive diagnostics using microwave radiometry
Authors: Gaevskyi V. S. , Glushechenko E. M. , Labunskyi V. V. , Tuz O. D.
Published: April 2024

Temperature is often used among the information required to diagnose the state of a person’s internal organs, as pathological processes occurring in the human body are usually accompanied by thermal deviations not only on the surface but also inside the body. Modern medicine needs to improve non-invasive methods of measuring temperature deep in the human body for the purpose of early diagnosis and monitoring of various pathological processes. Medical radiothermography, in particular, allows non-invasive determination of the integral deep temperatures of internal organs.
The development of modern radiometric equipment involves solving such complex problems as ensuring high sensitivity of devices, matching the antenna to the biological object, ensuring the required penetration depth, and measuring absolute temperature with an error of at least 0.1°C. Given the importance of this problem, this paper demonstrates the approaches to the development of modern radiothermographs that the authors used in the process of creating a device for diagnosing breast temperature abnormalities.
The study considers the principles and schemes of construction of radiothermographic devices, requirements to the equipment as a whole, as well as to its main components. The authors conclude that it is optimal to use a modulation-compensation scheme of a radiometer for medical radiothermometry based on the measurement of two parameters: the integrated temperature and the integrated coefficient of reflection of electromagnetic waves from a biological object. A schematic diagram of a prototype radiothermograph, as well as its composition and design, is presented.
The approaches to the creation of modern radiothermographs presented in this work should be useful for developers of medical equipment for surgery, otorhinolaryngology, orthopedics, pediatrics, gynecology, etc., where measuring the distribution of patient body temperatures is of diagnostic value.
ZNF146 regulates cell cycle progression via TFDP1 and DEPDC1B in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Zhao Ruixue , Song Nana , Ning Xin , Chen Xihai , Ma Rong
Published: April 2024

In brief

Aberration in cell cycle progression is one of the essential mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, making regulators of cell cycle reasonable anti-cancer therapeutic targets. Here, we dissected the regulatory mechanism involving the novel axis ZNF146/TFDP1/DEPDC1B in the cell cycle in ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the third most common kind of gynecological tumor, in addition to being the most lethal. Transcription factor Dp-1 (TFDP1) functions as a binding partner for E2F transcription factors, and its target genes include those involved in DNA synthesis, cell cycle, and apoptosis. However, the regulatory role of TFDP1 in OC remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of TFDP1 in OC. TFDP1 was highly expressed in the ovarian epithelial tissues of OC patients, and the expression of TFDP1 in OC cells was higher than that in normal ovarian epithelial cells. Silencing of TFDP1 inhibited the biological activity of OC cells and hindered cell cycle entry. Zinc finger protein 146 (ZNF146) knockdown induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and tumor growth by blocking TFDP1 transcription, which was overturned by ectopic expression of TFDP1. TFDP1 stimulated DEP domain-containing protein 1B (DEPDC1B) expression through transcriptional activation. DEPDC1B increased the proportion of OC cells in the G2/M phase and potentiated tumor malignant progression in nude mice inhibited by sh-ZNF146. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that ZNF146 participates in TFDP1/DEPDC1B activation and plays a vital role in the cell cycle in OC.
Desafíos del ejercicio de la docencia en la educación general básica costarricense
Authors: Jiménez Asenjo Wendy , Chavarría Arias Doris
Published: April 2024

The challenges in the initial and continuing training of teachers at the general basic education level were analyzed from a socio-critical and qualitative perspective, according to the student profile outlined in the Costa Rican educational policy. For this, the findings of the research published by the Ministry of Public Education (MEP in Spanish) in 2022 were analyzed, pointing out that initial teacher training presents a theoretical and practical disarticulation that has negative implications in professional practice; likewise, the curricula of some universities are outdated. It is evident that minister, as the main public employer, must define the characteristics of the teaching staff that need to be hired according to the educational policy student´s profile. Lastly, teacher evaluation needs to be reformed to improve professional training processes.
La educación somática y su relación con la enseñanza del ballet para bailarines de danza contemporánea: principios psicopedagógicos para la autorregulación del aprendizaje en la expresión artística
Authors: Alfaro Herrera Mariana , Sánchez Chacón Giovanni
Published: April 2024

In this article, the principles of somatic education and their relationship with ballet instruction for contemporary dance dancers are elucidated. Simultaneously, psychopedagogical guidelines are proposed to foster self-regulation and learning autonomy in artistic expression. The article concludes with the development of a didactic sequence model aimed at ballet instruction for contemporary dance dancers, progressively promoting self-regulation and learning autonomy within this discipline.
The The Importance of Considering the Different Learning Styles in Students of English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Zúñiga Hernández María Patricia , Alvarado Cruz Jessica Paola
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to consider the importance of implementing different learning styles with learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). In addition, information is provided on the existence of these learning styles as well as the importance of teachers’ implementation of them. Various academic articles were reviewed and compared to highlight the transcendence of the use of learning styles to favor the EFL teaching and learning process. In addition, some examples of activities that can be developed to promote them are suggested.
“Gafas violetas” para reducir las desigualdades a través de la pedagogía: propuesta para incorporar la teoría de género en los cursos del componente pedagógico de las carreras compartidas de la División de Educología en la Universidad Nacional
Authors: Morales Méndez Andrea Patricia
Published: April 2024

This essay intends to provide specific recommendations aiming at the crystallization of the transversality of gender theory amongst the pedagogical courses of the common majors of the Department of Educology of Universidad Nacional (UNA). To achieve that, the axes and thematic contents of the following courses are revised: Teacher Development and Professional Career Scenarios, Costa Rican Development and Educational Models, Human Development and Learning Theories, Seminar on Pedagogical Education: Pedagogy and Educational Processes, Introduction to Educational Processes, and Pedagogical Mediation for Inclusive Education. A series of recommendations are suggested to modify the syllabi of those courses, achieving that those students enrolled in Education with Specialization on Secondary Education are given a teaching process which enables them to analyze their educational practice from gender and intersectionality. It was opted for micro-breaks where the teaching staff does not need to have extensive training in gender to understand and apply the suggested elements, but only social sensitivity and a desire to transform the environment for a more just and egalitarian one. As the next thematic axis, it is urged to continue proposing recommendations such as these in other academic units in order to broaden the mainstreaming of this theory throughout the academic offerings of UNA.
Effect of climate and wood type on elastic modulus of heat-treated wood and its optimization by the Taguchi method
Authors: Gunes Mehmet , Ersin Cagatay , Altunok Mustafa
Published: April 2024

Wood, as the oldest building material, provides some of the basic needs of human beings, including shelter and protection. Wood is used in exterior cladding, carrier systems, joinery, ceiling-floor coverings, windows, doors, and furniture production. When wooden material is exposed to external weather conditions, due to its hygroscopic structure, its physical and mechanical properties deteriorate from exposure to moisture, temperature, and biological organisms. The bending modulus of elasticity of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), oak (Quercus petraea L.), and chestnut (Castanea sativa M.) wood that was tannin-impregnated and heat-treated at 160 °C, was investigated using Taguchi L9 (33). The sequence was optimized. After heat treatment, the carrier elements were subjected to artificial climate conditions. In the optimization of the data obtained, it was understood that the highest impact factor was the tree type. In contrast, the climate on the elastic modulus was the lowest impact factor. In Taguchi analysis, a mathematical prediction model was created using actual and predicted data using the S/N ratio’s biggest-best equation. The R2 of the model can be predicted with an accuracy rate of 98.6%.
Study of mothers support groups in Colombo district, Sri Lanka – a case study
Authors: Abeysekara Chandana
Published: April 2024

Sri Lanka has achieved significant progress in maternal and child health indicators over the years. However, nutritional indicators have remained stagnant due to various reasons, contributing to both under and over-nutrition and impacting the country's economic and social landscape. Mothers' Support Groups (MSGs) have emerged as a powerful community initiative to address health and nutritional challenges. These groups, established in 2002, aim to promote good health practices through community mobilization and empowerment. Despite their proven effectiveness, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises have impacted MSG activities. This case study examines the establishment, development, and challenges of MSGs in the Colombo district, offering recommendations for improvement.
Near-earth asteroids classification using NGBoost classifier
Authors: Al Mamun Al Mahmud , Iqbal Md Ashik , Hossain Md Rasel , Sharmin Mst Mahfuza , Haque Md Ziaul
Published: April 2024

Near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) are celestial bodies that orbit within close to Earth, offering valuable insights into the early solar system's formation and posing potential hazards due to impact events. This work presents a comprehensive overview of NEAs, encompassing their historical significance, characteristics, impact hazards, and prospects. The study outlines the NASA Asteroids Classification Dataset and discusses its importance for research on asteroid classification and risk assessment. Furthermore, the methodology section delineates the utilization of the NGBoost classifier for predictive modeling tasks, detailing data collection, preprocessing, model training, evaluation, and result interpretation. Results from the NGBoost classifier demonstrate high accuracy and performance metrics in classifying asteroids, underscoring its efficacy in advancing asteroid classification efforts and informing planetary defense strategies. NEAs pose a potential threat to our planet, and their classification is essential for understanding their properties and predicting their trajectories accurately. In this research, we explore the application of NGBoost, a powerful gradient-boosting framework, for classifying NEAs based on their orbital and physical characteristics. We present a dataset comprising features extracted from known NEAs and non-NEAs and demonstrate the efficacy of NGBoost in accurately distinguishing between these classes. Our results indicate promising performance metrics with 99.22% accuracy, suggesting that NGBoost holds potential as a valuable tool in asteroid classification.
Knowledge and attitudes of caregivers, promoting the importance of hand washing for the prevention of diarrhea in children under five years of age
Authors: Alfaro C Muñiz de
Published: April 2024

The purpose of the study was to establish a prevention program aimed at modifying the knowledge and attitudes of caregivers, promoting the importance of handwashing for the prevention of diarrhea in children under five years of age in the township of Belisario Porras, District of San Miguelito, and thus validate a prevention program aimed at modifying the knowledge and attitudes of caregivers promoting the importance of handwashing. It is a quantitative correlational descriptive research with a quasi-experimental research design, field type. As for the population, it consisted of 30 families in the "Asentamiento La Victoria", district of Belisario Porras, District of San Miguelito, and the sample corresponded to the number of 16 caregivers belonging to 10 families living in the mentioned place, therefore, the type of sample is non-probabilistic and intentional. The data collection technique was through a survey, with the instrumental support of a questionnaire. Based on this premise, it was concluded that diarrheal disease is one of the main causes of malnutrition in children under five years of age. In addition to mentioning that it is the second cause of death in this age group, where unfortunately, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the causal factor is mainly due to the lack of hygiene in food handling; in this sense, part of the respondents are aware of the prevention measures in cases of diarrhea; However, this is unfounded, because in practice, hand washing hygiene is not carried out in a responsible and adequate manner, and this is the main cause of food contamination and of causing diarrhea in children under five years of age.
ІМПЛІЦИТНІ ТЕОРІЇ ІНТЕЛЕКТУ ТА ОСОБИСТОСТІ ЯК ПРЕДИКТОРИ ПСИХОЛОГІЧНОГО БЛАГОПОЛУЧЧЯ І ОПТИМІЗМУ
Authors: Аршава І. Ф. , Салюк М. А.
Published: April 2024

Проаналізовано поняття імпліцитних теорій особистості та інтелекту як важливих факторів активної оптимістичної життєвої позиції людини та її психологічного благополуччя. Викладено результати емпіричного дослідження характеру взаємозв’язків особливостей імпліцитних уявлень людини про інтелект та особистість із показниками її психологічного благополуччя, оптимізму, самоефективності. Для прогнозування рівня психологічного благополуччя особистості на основі імпліцитних уявлень індивіда про особистість та інтелект побудовано кореляційно-регресійну модель.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ ІДЕНТИЧНОСТІ ПРАЦІВНИКІВ ПРАВООХОРОННИХ ОРГАНІВ З РІЗНИМИ ОСОБИСТІСНИМИ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКАМИ
Authors: Ткаченко Н.В.
Published: April 2024

Розглянуто основні напрями дослідження феномену професійної ідентичності як психологічного конструкту у вітчизняній та психологічній літературі. Представлено результати емпіричного дослідження особливостей професійної ідентичності працівників правоохоронних органів з різними особистісними характеристиками. Встановлено, що працівники правоохоронних органів мають високі показники за такою шкалою ціннісних орієнтацій як «Стабільність місця роботи» та високі показники екстернального локус контролю. Виявлено такі статуси професійної ідентичності як «Досягнута», «Псевдоідентичність», «Передчасна», «Мораторій» «Дифузна».
Слід біорізноманіття продукту: теорія і методологія розрахунку
Authors: Pelyukh Oksana , Soloviy Ihor , Kiyko Orest , Ilkiv Mykhailo , Chelepis Taras , Lavnyy Vasyl
Published: April 2024

Досліджено теоретичні положення та сутність поняття «слід біорізноманіття», встановлено ключові аспекти методології його розрахунку. Зокрема, розглянуто визначення терміну «слід біорізноманіття» у вітчизняній та зарубіжній науковій літературі. Запропоновано визначати слід біорізноманіття як вплив товару, компанії, людини чи спільноти на глобальне біорізноманіття, виміряний у термінах зміни біологічного різноманіття в результаті виробництва та споживання певних товарів і послуг. Виокремлено та проаналізовано основні підходи  та інструменти розрахунку сліду біорізноманіття. Розглянуто шість основних груп інструментів розрахунку сліду біорізноманіття і встановлено ключові відмінності між ними. Загалом розрахунки сліду біорізноманіття із використанням вищевказаних інструментів базуються на інформації компанії чи підприємства (фінансових даних або/і даних ланцюжка створення вартості), враховуючи географічний, екосистемний контексти або узагальнені (проксі) зв’язки та дотримуються трьохетапної послідовності. Доцільним є застосування сліду біорізноманіття як індикатора для різних секторів і рівнів управління, їх видів діяльності чи ланцюгів постачання, а також для окремого продукту чи споживача. Слід біорізноманіття, як індикатор, може допомогти бізнесу в обґрунтуванні стратегічних підходів, управлінських і технологічних рішень у контексті забезпечення належної екологічної та соціальної відповідальності. Розрахунок сліду біорізноманіття є важливим інструментом збереження екосистем і природних ландшафтів, забезпечення сталого використання ресурсів внаслідок прийняття екологічно відповідальних рішень.
Identification and structural characterization of potential degradation products of baricitinib using liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Kakouri Eleni , Gkountanas Konstantinos , Kanakis Charalabos , Tarantilis Petros A. , Dotsikas Yannis
Published: April 2024

Baricitinib (BRT) is a drug substance with potent anti-inflammatory activity indicated in rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, severe alopecia areata and recently for the treatment of Covid-19. Process impurities of the drug during its formulation are quite known, however studies regarding its degradation products (DPs) under stress conditions are limited. In this study, the drug was subjected to forced degradation under various degradation conditions, including acidic hydrolysis, alkaline hydrolysis, oxidative and thermal, to determine its inherent stability. To this purpose, a novel HPLC method was developed for the determination of degradation impurities of BRT. Alkaline hydrolysis test showed a selectivity towards breaking C–C bonds. This resulted to five DPs formed by chain scission reactions occurred at the pyrrolo-pyrimidine group between C6–C10 and C8–C9. Also, the ethylsulfonyl-azetidin-ylidene group was subjected to C–C bond cleavage at C12–C15 and C16–C18. Degradation products were further characterized with the use of liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS).
The concept of freedom in the thought of St. Augustine
Authors: Warchał Robert Artur
Published: April 2024

The article discusses St. Augustine’s arguments for the existence of free will and its theological contexts in relation to human nature. The bishop of Hippo refers to the philosophical works of Plato and Plotinus as well as texts from the New Testament, and in justifying the existence of free will points to the direct consciousness of man. Augustine was deeply convinced that this intrinsic action is necessary for valuation and therefore for moral judgment resulting from the choice between good and evil. Without free will, man would not be himself, it is the condition of humanity and the foundation of responsibility. In his writings, the author distinguished between the freedom from autonomy and self-determination; independent acts of will that are an ontological feature of human being. He believed that the ultimate source of man’s inner freedom is God. Augustine was also aware that human freedom is imperfect, which manifests itself in ethical dilemmas related to decision-making. The human freedom is never absolute, as a result of man’s fallen nature, which God has bestowed with the grace of goodness in the form of the gift of free will. Among other things, this accounted for Augustine’s rejection of the concept of grace proposed by Pelagius, who denied its supernatural character claiming that it is given according to merit. Many scholars have attempted to interpret the issue of how grace affects the human will. Their statements seem to support the conclusion in light of which freedom of the will is not abrogated due to the action of grace.
An attempt at an evaluation of Philippa Foot’s conception of naturalistic virtue ethics
Authors: Zuziak Władysław
Published: April 2024

In this article I present subsequent stages of the evolution of Ph. Foot’s conception. I point out that her concepts of morality, virtue and justice are detached from earlier visions of the world (ancient harmony, Christian divine order). At each stage of the evolution of her project, she is forced either to make arbitrary decisions or to make metaphysical assumptions. I emphasize that biological references in justifying the need for morality may be legitimate as long as we understand ethics as a practical science that aims to achieve practical goals (including the protection of the human species).
Ethical perfectiorism as one of the solutions to prevent anti-civilization activities: an analysis based on the case study of Joseph Beuys
Authors: Barcentewicz Jan , Oko Dariusz , Petryszak Karol
Published: April 2024

The article uses case studies of Joseph Beuys to show that the ethical perfectiorism developed by Karol Wojtyła is an adequate response to anti-civilizational actions, and that Beuys' actions as a lecturer at the Academy of Fine Arts in Düsseldorf were precisely anti-civilizational in nature. In addition, the influence of the concept of “marching through institutions” was pointed out, which strongly influences civilizational struggles in societies – especially democratic ones. On this basis, it was shown that perfectiorism is one of the key concepts that can play a key role in civilization struggles on the ground of institutions.
Nursing care for people with Chagas disease: a scoping review
Authors:   Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Brasil., da Silva Júnior José Antonio , Duarte Fonseca Álvaro Micael ,   Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Brasil., Fernandes de Andrade Micássio ,   Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Brasil., de Mesquita Andrade Cléber ,   Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Brasil., dos Santos Ísis Kelly ,   Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Brasil., Cosme do Nascimento Ellany Gurgel ,   Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Brasil.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Chagas disease is an infectious disease caused by the parasitism process of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Given its potential for chronicity, nursing care in the health care of patients with Chagas disease will provide an improvement in quality of life and the prognosis of the disease. Objective: Review scientific knowledge about nursing care for individuals with Chagas disease. Material and Methods: descriptive and exploratory research, carried out with two independent reviewers using high sensitivity criteria in databases and gray literature sources between June and July 2022. Results: The review identified 12 relevant publications that emphasized health care, education, relationships, disease prevention and health promotion. The most frequent and diverse nursing diagnoses were related to the Activity/Rest, Health Promotion and Coping/Stress domains. Discussion: To meet the care needs of Chagas disease, it is essential to ensure nursing care that recognizes individualities, highlighting the importance of creating tools that facilitate the nursing process. The main points highlighted were related to the health education process, longitudinal monitoring, healthy lifestyle habits, general nursing care during hospitalization and the use of nursing diagnoses. Conclusion: the need for comprehensive nursing care that meets the main needs of individuals with Chagas disease is emphasized, considering their unique circumstances. Developing tools to support the nursing process is essential to improve the results of care for this population.
The Effects of Pantoprazole on Kidney Outcomes
Authors: Pyne Lonnie , Smyth Andrew , Molnar Amber O. , Moayyedi Paul , Muehlhofer Eva , Yusuf Salim , Eikelboom John , Bosch Jacqueline , Walsh Michael
Published: April 2024

Key Points

In this post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial, the proton pump inhibitor pantoprazole led to a faster rate of eGFR decline as compared with placebo.

Additional studies are needed to determine the effect of proton pump inhibitors on those at higher risk of adverse kidney outcomes.

Background

Observational studies have found an association between proton pump inhibitor use and worsening kidney function. It is unclear whether these associations are causal. We conducted post hoc analyses to determine the effect of pantoprazole on kidney function using data from the Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategies (COMPASS) trial, a 17,598-participant randomized trial comparing pantoprazole (8791) with placebo (8807).

Methods

The primary outcome was the rate of eGFR change. Rate of eGFR change was based on the two eGFR measures available: the eGFR at randomization and at the open-label extension study that enrolled at trial conclusion. Secondary outcomes included incident CKD (defined by eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 at open-label extension or case report forms) as well as AKI, acute nephritis, and nephrotic syndrome.

Results

Eight thousand nine hundred ninety-one of the 17,598 participants randomized to pantoprazole/placebo (51%) had eGFR recorded at baseline and open-label extension enrollment and were included in the rate of eGFR change population (mean age 67 [SD 8] years, 22% female, mean baseline eGFR 75 [SD 17.5] ml/min per 1.73 m2). The mean duration between randomization and open-label extension eGFR was 3.3 (SD 0.8) years. The placebo rate of eGFR change was −1.41 (SD 4.45) ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year. The pantoprazole rate of eGFR change was −1.64 (SD 4.47) ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year. In adjusted analyses, pantoprazole had a 0.27 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year greater decline in eGFR (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11 to 0.43). The odds ratio for the effect of pantoprazole on incident CKD was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.98 to 1.25) and on AKI was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.65 to 1.21). There were five nephrotic syndrome outcomes recorded and one event of acute nephritis.

Conclusions

In this post hoc analysis of the COMPASS trial, pantoprazole resulted in a statistically significant greater rate of eGFR decline as compared with placebo.

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number:

Rivaroxaban for the Prevention of Major Cardiovascular Events in Coronary or Peripheral Artery Disease (COMPASS), NCT01776424.
THE LEGAL DILEMMA OF MANAGING AND REGULATING PRIVATE CONSUMPTION OF CANNABIS IN RELATION TO THE WORKPLACE
Authors: S’celo Walter Sibiya
Published: April 2024

In South Africa, consumption of cannabis was a criminal offence in past decades. However, in September 2018, the Constitutional Court judgment in the Prince case decriminalised the private consumption of cannabis. Although the judgment was welcomed by many South Africans, including employees, its interpretation and implementation has been marred by legal ambiguity. The Constitutional Court did not prescribe how employers should manage and regulate the private consumption of cannabis in relation to the workplace. In order to maintain workplace safety, a majority of employers have adopted and enforced a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol, drugs and substance abuse. A majority of employers have relied on urinalysis testing to detect cannabis in the workplace. Some employees, after testing positive for cannabis, have been dismissed for contravening their employer’s zero-tolerance policy, without conclusive evidence of impairment. This thorny issue is explored in this article. First, it seeks to examine whether merely testing positive for cannabis is sufficient to prove intoxication that may result in an employee’s impairment. Secondly, the question is whether urinalysis testing precisely determines whether an employee cannot function and perform their duties normally.
PROMOTING ADMINISTRATIVE JUSTICE FOR PRESIDENTIAL PARDONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Phorego Molefhi
Published: April 2024

The President’s power to grant pardons, remit fines, penalties or forfeitures and the nature of the accountability for the exercise of such power remains unclear. The question of accountability relates to whether the President has a constitutional obligation to disclose the reasons for his decision. The nature of the power is broadly formulated and should undergo reform to enhance the attendant accountability. Over the years, there were debates on whether the granting of pardons constitutes administrative action in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA). Because it is a power that potentially has an adverse effect on rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights, it is submitted that it should be construed in terms of PAJA. Similarly, the role of Parliament in exercising oversight over the process is unclear and inadequate. The article submits that the President should exercise the power together with the relevant Cabinet Minister, and subject to legislative endorsement.
THE REVOLUTION OF OUR UNDERSTANDING OF DOMESTIC WORK: THE CONSTITUTIONAL CASE OF Mahlangu v Minister of Labour [2020] ZACC 24
Authors: Zulu Thuli
Published: April 2024

This case note studies the effects of the case of Mahlangu v Minister of Labour ([2020] ZACC 24) (Mahlangu) on domestic work. It argues that the historical and colonial understanding of domestic work is premised on slavery and servitude, and so the understanding of domestic work is one that for centuries has rendered Black women who perform this work invisible. This case note shows how the Mahlangu judgment has revolutionised our understanding of domestic work. It further argues that the exclusion of domestic work from the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (130 of 1993) (COIDA) overlooked domestic work as a type of employment worthy of compensation. The Mahlangu judgment has effected changes to COIDA, allowing for the definition of “employee” to include domestic workers. Lastly, the case note shows that this inclusion is a step forward in regulating domestic work effectively as a form of legitimate employment and further humanising women who make up the large majority of those that do this work.