bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE RELATIONSHIP OF NEUTROPHIL LYMPHOCYTE RATIO WITH PROGNOSIS AND DISEASE ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: KORKMAZ Gülten , ÖZMEN Mustafa , CAN Gerçek , TARHAN Emine
Published: December 2022

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease associated with systemic inflammation. Laboratory parameters such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and various disease evaluation indexes (such as DAS 28; HAQ, SF-36) are used as indicators of the severity of inflammatory activity. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR); It has attracted attention in recent years as a non-specific inflammatory marker. In our study, it was aimed to investigate the possible role of peripheral blood NLR, which is easy and inexpensive to measure, in demonstrating disease activity and prognosis in patients with RA.

Materials and Methods: Forty-three patients who were diagnosed with RA according to the criteria of the American Rheumatology Association and who had not received prior specific treatment for RA were included in the study. Laboratory parameters such as ESR, CRP, and disease assessment indices (DAS 28; HAQ) were compared with the NLR at the time of diagnosis and at the time of enrollment after treatment.

Results: There were no significant correlation found between the mean NLR and DAS 28, HAQ which provide information about the prognosis of the disease. When the relationship between NLR and ESR and CRP was examined in order to evaluate the relatonship between the disease activity and inflamation during the diagnosis instead of a composite index such as DAS 28, moderately weak relationship between NLR and CRP level was found (p=0.033, r=0,343) while the tendency between NLR and the average ESR was found to be also moderately weak (p=0.056, r=0.301).

Conclusions: Moderate to weak correlation between mean NLR and mean CRP levels (p=0.033, r=0.343); between the mean ESR level, a moderate-weak correlation was found (p=0.056, r=0.301). The association with baseline CRP and the trend towards association with ESR suggest that NLR may be associated with inflammation. It was thought that the loss of this relationship during the study, that is, after the treatment, may be due to the fact that other factors such as medication affect this rate.
Comparison and Evaluation of CTGF and P2/MS as Noninvasive Markers in Fibrosis Evaluation in Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: ÇİFTEL Serpil , ATASEVEN Hilmi , ÇİFTEL Sedat , ALTUN Ahmet
Published: December 2022

Background/Aims: To compare CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) and P2/MS [platelet count (109 / L)] 2 / [monocyte fraction (%) x segment neutrophil fraction (%)] ratio as non-invasive tests with liver biopsy in the detection of liver fibrosis. Thus, to determine whether CTGF and P2/MS index results can be used as a noninvasive marker, in the diagnosis of chronic liver disease

Materials and Methods: A total of 52 chronic hepatitis patients with concurrent liver biopsy (27 female, 25 male) were included in the study group. The subjects' ages ranged between 18 and 70, and none of the subjects had undergone liver disease-related treatment. The control group was made up of a total of 31 healthy individuals without liver disease (18 female, 13 male) from similar age groups. Liver biopsy results of patients were reported at 7 stages according to Modified Knodell Scoring (ISHAK).

Results: CTGF levels were higher in patients with chronic hepatitis (1.06±0.70 ng/ml) than the control group (0,72±0,32 ng/ml) (P
No es arte, pero me produce la misma sensación: la colección, herramienta de aprendizaje
Authors: Font-Company Enric
Published: December 2022

El presente artículo explora, argumenta y reflexiona sobre el uso de la colección como una herramienta didáctica para la formación del futuro profesorado. Parte de la consideración de que existe una dificultad para hacer llegar al alumnado contenidos que les hagan comprender las prácticas artísticas más allá de las disciplinas convencionales y establecer conexiones con procesos contemporáneos. A menudo limitan el contenido de la educación artística en particular y de la educación visual y plástica en general con actividades tradicionales basadas en la realización manual como el dibujo, la pintura o el modelado. Valoramos la importancia de realizar actividades que les faciliten trabajar, desde la práctica, con procesos artísticos y que les generen nuevos intereses ofreciendo aproximaciones diversas a aquello que consideramos arte. Dentro del abanico de posibilidades, el presente artículo argumenta y reflexiona sobre el uso de la colección y sus posibles variantes. Se argumenta el porqué de su utilización, detallando sus fundamentos, su desarrollo y los centros de interés. Desde un análisis de referentes, establece puentes que permiten conectar obras y artistas con los procesos surgidos durante la realización de la actividad. Analizando aspectos extraídos de los resultados de una práctica real, muestra diferentes reflexiones proporcionadas por el propio alumnado, evidenciando la utilidad práctica del proceso y abriendo diferentes vías que sugieren la continuidad de la propuesta.
La performance, instrumento transversal de enseñanza y aprendizaje. Narración de una experiencia transformadora con alumnado de 4º de Educación Primaria
Authors: Valero Eloisa Cristina , Rodríguez Laura
Published: December 2022

La performance es un instrumento de primer orden para la educación ya que pone en juego el cuerpo y la experiencia de vida para crear situaciones de enseñanza y aprendizaje significativo. Es una herramienta transversal que moviliza las artes plásticas, escénicas, musicales y literarias para el autoconocimiento, el descubrimiento del mundo y de los demás. Sirve también para posicionarnos ante cuestiones sociales, implicarnos activamente e imaginar y proponer alternativas de mejora utilizando la especificidad de los distintos lenguajes artísticos. Narramos una experiencia de performance en el aula universitaria con los futuros enseñantes de Educación Primaria, la contextualización de la propuesta, secuenciación didáctica y conclusiones, citando en primera persona las voces del alumnado implicado para evidenciar su experiencia transformadora. A su vez, otorgamos voz y relevancia a artistas clave del Arte de Acción y de la Performance junto a personalidades de la pedagogía y la investigación que apuestan por la innovación educativa en el marco de la praxis docente.
Un informe de lectura de Jaume Riera i Sans sobre un procés medieval inquisitorial de l’any 1405, conservat a l’Arxiu Diocesà de Barcelona
Authors: Vila Medinya Pep
Published: December 2022

Resum:  A la primavera de l’any 2014 vaig demanar a l’amic Jaume Riera i Sans, arxiver i historiador, si podia donar una ullada crítica a un procés inquisitorial de l’Arxiu Diocesà de Barcelona. Heus aqui el seu informe de lectura detallat, carregat de digressions i de sàvies consideracions. Donada la seva significació, tenia la convicció que, més aviat que tard, aquest text s’acabaria transcrivint, acompanyat d’un un bon estudi. Ell no va tenir temps de posar-s’hi.Paraules clau: Jaume Riera i Sans, procés de l’Arxiu Diocesà de Barcelona, Bernat de Puig, any 1405, ms. núm 80.Abstract: In the spring of 2014, I asked my friend Jaume Riera i Sans, archivist and historian, if he could take a critical look at an inquisitorial process from the Diocesan Archive of Barcelona. Here we offer his detailed reading report, full of digressions and wise considerations. Given the significance of the text, I was convinced that, sooner than later, this text would end up being transcribed, accompanied by a good study. He didn’t have the time to do it.Keywords: Jaume Riera i Sans, process from the Diocesan Archive of Barcelona, Bernat de Puig, year 1405, manuscript number 80.
Pedro de Cartagena y otros poetas en el cancionero SA10b: variantes, variaciones y testimonios únicos
Authors: Rodado Ruiz Ana Maria
Published: December 2022

Resumen: Este trabajo aborda el estudio de las variantes textuales detectables en las obras de varios poetas, recogidas en el cancionero SA10b. Mi objetivo es situar el foco de atención en las lecciones singulares de este manuscrito –a menudo, lecciones equipolentes y merecedoras de análisis– a pesar de que suelan ser descartadas en la edición crítica de muchas obras, al situarse SA10b, generalmente, en las ramas altas de la tradición textual. En este trabajo, me detendré en el estudio de los poemas de Pedro de Cartagena, de quien se recoge un corpus amplio, y de otros autores con escasa presencia en SA10b. La peculiar configuración de esta colectánea y la selección de obras que contiene confirman la pertinencia de un análisis detenido de variantes textuales, que contribuirá a arrojar luz sobre el proceso de transmisión de los poemas y sobre la génesis de este cancionero.Palabras clave: cancioneros medievales, crítica textual, variantes textuales, Pedro de Cartagena, SA10b.Abstract: This paper deals with the study of the textual variants detectable in the works of several poets, collected in the songbook SA10b. My aim is to focus on the singular lessons of this manuscript -often equipollent lessons worthy of analysis- despite the fact that they tend to be discarded in the critical edition of many works, as SA10b is generally situated in the higher branches of the textual tradition. In this paper, I will focus on the study of the poems of Pedro de Cartagena, from whom a large corpus is collected, and of other authors with a scarce presence in SA10b. The peculiar configuration of this collection and the selection of works it contains confirm the relevance of a detailed analysis of textual variants, which will contribute to shed light on the process of transmission of the poems and on the genesis of this songbook.Keywords: Medieval songbooks, textual criticism, textual variants, Pedro de Cartagena, SA10b.
La sàbia Sibilla in Sardegna tra cultura dotta e popolare
Authors: Strinna Giovanni
Published: December 2022

Riassunto: Il mito della Sibilla ebbe una grande risonanza nella cultura occidentale, dall’antichità fino all’età moderna, e si riverberò nelle tradizioni letterarie, liturgico-musicali e artistiche, prestandosi a finalità ideologiche differenti, sia didattiche e religiose che propagandistiche. Anche il Regno di Sardegna, che tra la fine del Medioevo e l’età moderna era parte della Corona d’Aragona e poi del regno degli Austria, recepì alcune di queste tradizioni, e il presente contributo ne individua le tracce su diversi livelli, in particolare quello artistico e folklorico.Parole chiave: Sibilla, Natale, iconografia, folklore, regno di Sardegna.Abstract: The myth of the Sibyl had a great resonance in Western culture, from Antiquity to the Modern Age, and reverberated through the literary, liturgical-musical and artistic traditions, being used for different ideological purposes, sometimes for didactic and religious, at other times for propaganda. Even the Kingdom of Sardinia, which between the end of the Middle Ages and the Modern Age was part of the Crown of Aragon and then the Kingdom of Spain, incorporated some of these traditions, and this contribution identifies their traces on some levels, in particular those of folklore and art.Keywords: Sibyl, Christmas, iconography, folklore, Kingdom of Sardinia.
Fatores determinantes para consumo de gasolina no estado de São Paulo: o estudo da elasticidade preço da gasolina
Authors: Matos Luiz Fernando da Cunha , Dos Santos Daiane Rodrigues
Published: December 2022

Na contemporaneidade a gasolina é o combustível mais utilizado no Brasil e em especial no estado de São Paulo, estado que mais consome gasolina no país, além de possuir a maior concentração de postos de combustíveis (ANP, 2021) e a maior frota de veículos (Ministério de Infraestrutura, 2021). O presente trabalho objetivou estudar a demanda de gasolina e determinação de quais fatores influenciam a dinâmica do seu consumo no Estado de São Paulo, considerando o período entre janeiro/2012 e dezembro/2020. Através de uma abordagem econométrica este trabalho avaliou os impactos no consumo de gasolina em função de algumas variáveis como preço da gasolina, preço do etanol, renda, desemprego, taxa de câmbio, PIB, número de veículos e número de condutores. Conclui-se que a gasolina pode ser considerado um bem elástico e apesar do crescimento cada vez maior do mercado de etanol e, consequentemente, a ampliação das possibilidades de fontes de energia alternativa, a gasolina ainda é um bem de grande relevância no Estado de São Paulo. Verifica-se também que o etanol é um produto substituto e que a gasolina é um bem normal de forma que quando a renda dos indivíduos aumenta, o seu consumo aumenta também.
Битцевский лес — уникальный геологический памятник, "Природа"
Authors: Комаров В.Н. , Дуткина Т.Е. , Горячев И.А.
Published: December 2022

Приведены общие сведения о геологии природно"исторического парка «Битцевский лес», а также данные о горных породах, минералах и ископаемых остатках, обнаруженных в русловых отложениях протекающей здесь р.Чертановки.
Как изменилось судоходство в Арктике в ХХI веке, "Природа"
Authors: Добродеев А.А. , Сазонов К.Е.
Published: December 2022

Судоходство в Арктике — одна из важнейших составляющих экономической устойчивости реализуемых в этой зоне крупных национальных проектов. Наличие на главной транспортной артерии Арктики — трассе Северного морского пути — ледяного покрова создает существенные препятствия для эффективной эксплуатации даже современных судов, обладающих повышенной мощностью и ледокольной формой корпуса. В статье описаны традиционные подходы к организации ледового плавания судов с помощью ледоколов и современные технологии повышения их ледовых качеств. Обсуждаются проблемы ледокольного обеспечения активно строящихся в последнее десятилетие для эксплуатации в Арктике крупнотоннажных судов, связанные с необходимостью разработки новых тактических приемов их взаимодействия с ледоколами. Результаты проводимых исследований показывают, что изучение особенностей движения крупнотоннажных судов в узких ледовых каналах под проводкой ледокола и при самостоятельной эксплуатации кормой вперед создает предпосылки для усовершенствования морской транспортной системы в Арктике. Определены перспективы развития арктического судоходства, основанные на повышении скорости движения судов в ледовых условиях.
Получение новых знаний о Солнечной системе методами небесной механики, "Природа"
Authors: Емельянов Н.В.
Published: December 2022

Статья представляет собой обзор методов современной небесной механики и отражает авторскую концепцию процесса практического изучения природы.
ТЕНИ ЧЕРНЫХ ДЫР: ПОИСК ЧЕРНОЙ КОШКИ В ТЕМНОМ КОСМОСЕ, "Земля и Вселенная"
Authors: Цупко О.Ю.
Published: December 2022

Черные дыры являются одними из безусловных лидеров по популярности среди космических объектов. Они важны не только для ученых-специалистов, но интересны и самым широким кругам, включая школьников, любителей астрономии и просто искателей неизведанного. Будучи невидимыми в обыденном понимании этого слова, черные дыры выдают свое присутствие активнейшим воздействием на окружение. В результате ученые обладают рядом убедительных, хотя и косвенных свидетельств существования черных дыр. Однако в 2019 году в этой области произошло по-настоящему знаковое событие, привлекшее широкое общественное внимание: впервые было представлено изображение сверхмассивной черной дыры. Такое изображение называется «тень черной дыры» и является прямым и самым убедительным доказательством существования этого объекта. Тень черной дыры и есть ключ к пониманию того, как увидеть невидимое. В этой статье дается понятие тени и объясняется, каким образом и какую информацию о черной дыре можно получить по этим наблюдениям.
РОССИЙСКАЯ КАРТИНА СРЕДНЕВЕКОВЬЯ В КОНТЕКСТЕ СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ ИСТОРИИ ИСТОРИЧЕСКОГО ЗНАНИЯ, "Средние века"
Authors: Зарецкий Ю.П.
Published: December 2022

В статье рассматриваются рождение и трансформации картины Средневековья как эпохи всемирной истории в российской учебной и справочной литературе с конца XVII в. по настоящее время. Как выглядела периодизация истории человечества в России до появления в ней Средних веков Когда и при каких условиях они появились Как первоначально определялись содержание эпохи и ее временные границы Как соотносили российские авторы XIX в. понятия «Средние века» и «феодализм» Какое влияние на их представления о Средневековье оказывала западноевропейская историческая литература Какие изменения образа Средних веков произошли в учебных и справочных изданиях советского времени Что нового привнесло в них постсоветское время Как представлены Средние века в сегодняшних вузовских учебниках Поиск ответов на эти вопросы основывается на подходах, разработанных социальной историей знания. Знания выступают в ней как продукт, который производится, распространяется и потребляется в обществе подобно продуктам материальным. В полной мере это относится и к историческому знанию, которое особенно подвержено влиянию властных отношений и государственной политики. Эта его особенность позволяет уделить в статье специальное внимание трансформациям картины Средних веков в учебно-справочной литературе советского и постсоветского времени. В статье также предпринята попытка сравнения сегодняшних представлений о Средневековье в России с новыми тенденциями в осмыслении этого периода в других странах.
INFLUENCE OF THE STRUCTURAL AND PROCESS PARAMETERS OF A LOW-DOPED CHANNEL JUNCTIONLESS MOSFET ON THE DEVICE CHANNEL DEPLETION, "Электронная техника. Серия 3. Микроэлектроника"
Authors: Korolev M.A. , Krasukov A.Yu. , Chaplygin Yu.A.
Published: December 2022

An analysis of the development of MOS transistors with a built-in channel is presented and the prospects for devices with a lightly doped working area are shown. Using TCAD tools, it is shown that the electric field of the drain n+-n-junction, depending on its location relative to the edge of the channel of a junctionless MOS transistor with a lightly doped working area and the junction depth, significantly affects the distribution of potential and electrons in the channel of the device.
Students’ and Teachers’ Perception of Cyberbullying and Its Influence on the Academic Grit of Senior Secondary School Students in Onitsha South LGA, Anambra State
Authors: Ugochukwu Ezeonwumelu Victor , Ijeoma A. Okenwa-Fadele, , Nneka Nwikpo, Mary , Ifeoma Oparaugo, Ursula , Christopher Okoro, Cornelius
Published: December 2022

Aims: This study examined the perception of students and teachers on cyber-bullying and the influence of cyber bullying on students’ academic grit.

Design: A mixed method research design was adopted for the study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. The research was conducted between 2021 and early 2022.

Methodology: A sample of 280 senior secondary school students and 120 teachers from secondary schools students were selected using purposive and simple random sampling respectively. Three instruments titled; Students Cyberbullying Awareness Questionnaire (SCAQ); Teachers’ Perception of Cyberbullying Questionnaire (TPCQ); School Cyberbullying Eradication Questionnaire (SCEQ), were developed by the researchers to elicit responses from the respondents (students and teachers), while the School Grit Scale developed by Duckworth and Quinn (2009) was also adapted to measure students’ academic grit. Reliability of the instrument was computed using the Cronbach Alpha technique. Questionnaires were distributed to 50 students and 30 teachers outside the study area. Reliability coefficient scores of 0.81, 0.79, 0.78, and 0.83 were realized for the SCAQ, TPCQ, SCEQ and the adapted version of the Short Grit Scale, respectively. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, and dependent t-test statistics.

Results: It was found among others that students and teachers are aware of the incidence of cyberbullying in our schools. Also, the researchers found that cyberbullying had significant influence on academic grit of students.
The Role of Ascending Ventral‐Tegmental Fibers for Recovery after Stroke
Authors: Hosp Jonas A. , Dressing Andrea , Engesser Anika , Glauche Volkmar , Kümmerer Dorothee , Vaidelyte Ema B. , Musso Mariachristina , Rijntjes Michel , Weiller Cornelius
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The integrity of cortical motor networks and their descending effector pathway (the corticospinal tract [CST]) is a major determinant motor recovery after stroke. However, this view neglects the importance of ascending tracts and their modulatory effects on cortical physiology. Here, we explore the role of such a tract that connects dopaminergic ventral tegmental midbrain nuclei to the motor cortex (the VTMC tract) for post‐stroke recovery.

Methods

Lesion data and diffusivity parameters (fractional anisotropy) of the ipsi‐ and contralesional VTMC tract and CST were obtained from 133 patients (63.9 ± 13.4 years, 45 women) during the acute and chronic stage after the first ever ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory. Degeneration of VTMC tract and CST was quantified and related to clinical outcome parameters (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale with motor and cortical symptom subscores; modified Fugl‐Meyer upper extremity score; modified Ranking Scale [mRS]).

Results

A significant post‐stroke degeneration occurred in both tracts, but only VTMC degeneration was associated with lesion size. Using multiple regression models, we dissected the impact of particular tracts on recovery: Changes in VTMC tract integrity were stronger associated with independence in daily activities (mRS), upper limb motor impairment (modified Fugl‐Meyer upper extremity score) and cortical symptoms (aphasia, neglect) captured by National Institute of Health Stroke Scale compared to CST. Changes in CST integrity merely were associated with the degree of hemiparesis (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale motor subscale).

Interpretation

Post‐stroke outcome is influenced by ascending (VTMC) and descending (CST) fiber tracts. Favorable outcome regarding independence (modified Ranking Scale), upper limb motor function (modified Fugl‐Meyer upper extremity score), and cortical symptoms (aphasia, neglect) was more strongly related to the ascending than descending tract. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:922–933
Transition‐Metal‐Free Multicomponent Approach to the Regioselective Synthesis of Highly Substituted N‐Alkylpyrazoles
Authors: Ali Kasim , Panda Gautam
Published: December 2022

An efficient transition‐metal‐free multicomponent approach to the regioselective synthesis of highly substituted N‐alkylpyrazoles through 1,6‐addition of pyrazole (in situ generated from α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde and hydrazide) to para‐Quinone Methides has been developed. The N‐alkylpyrazole containing triarylmethanes having several heteroaryl rings (quinoline, pyridine, thiophene) at the central methine carbon atom was developed. This chemical process may be used for large‐scale synthesis and provides a novel way to produce triarylmethanes with diverse functional groups.
Spatiotemporal characteristics of precipitation extremes based on reanalysis precipitation data during 1950–2020 over the Ganjiang River Basin and its surroundings, China
Authors: Li Hongyi , Zou Ameng , Kong Daqi , Ma Ziqiang
Published: December 2022

Accurate knowledge on spatiotemporal characteristics of historical precipitation extremes could provide great potential guidance for preventing hydrological‐related disasters caused by precipitation extremes in the future. On the basis of the fifth generation of atmospheric reanalysis precipitation data by the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ERA5, 0.25°, 1 hourly, 1950–2020) with high spatiotemporal resolutions, continuity and quality, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal characteristics of precipitation extremes over the Ganjiang River Basin and its surroundings during 1950–2020. The main conclusions include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) In general, precipitation extremes present increasing trends over most areas of the basin and its surroundings. For instance, areas showing upward trends of R10, SDII and PRCPTOT account for ~93.45%, ~66.36%, and ~88.18%, respectively. (2) The spatiotemporal variations of precipitation extremes over the Ganjiang River Basin and its surroundings show obvious northwest–southeast differences. For instance, precipitation extremes are increasing in the southeastern parts, but they are decreasing in the northwestern parts. (3) High‐value clusters are also identified in the southeast (e.g., R10, SDII, R95P and PRCPTOT, accounting for ~20.71%, ~20.72%, ~25.88%, and ~22.56%, respectively) and low‐value clusters in the northwest (e.g., Rx5day, SDII and R95P, accounting for ~18.05%, ~27.03%, and ~21.18%, respectively). (4) The spatiotemporal variations of precipitation extremes in both the southeast and northwest are quite stable. For example, regions with less than five abrupt change points of R10, SDII, and PRCPTOT account for 77.49%, 54.84%, and 81.74%, respectively.
The improvement of guava (Psidium guajava) juice quality using crude multi‐enzymatic extracts obtained from yeasts
Authors: Santana Mona Liza , Tavares Iasnaia Maria de Carvalho , Costa Floriatan Santos , Teshima Elisa , de Sena Amanda Reges , Franco Marcelo , de Assis Sandra Aparecida
Published: December 2022

Guava juice is cloudy and viscous, which hinders filtration, decreases yield, and causes the loss of quality after its processing and during storage. This study aimed to evaluate enzymatic treatment effects using crude multi‐enzymatic extracts (CME) obtained from Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhodotorula orizycola, and Pseudozyma sp. produced by submerse fermentation in the extraction of juice guava. Mixtures of 100 ml of guava pulp and multi‐enzymatic extracts proposed by Doehlert planning were incubated under constant agitation at 150 rpm and 50°C, and a Doehlert design was applied as a multivariate optimization strategy. The optimal conditions using the multi‐enzymatic extract were: 0.4% (v/v) of CME for 131 min for the multi‐enzymatic treatment using Pseudozyma sp.; 3.0% (v/v) of CME for 154 min using the R. mucilaginosa CME; and 5.0% (v/v) of CME for 90 min using R. oryzicola. The maximum viscosity reduction values for the juices treated with the CME of yeasts were 10.33%, 86.38%, and 13.33% for the juices treated with the CME of Pseudozyma sp., R. mucilaginosa, and R. orizycola, respectively. The physical–chemical properties were improved after treatment with CMEs, yielding a reduction of clarity, increase of total soluble solids and reducing sugars, and decreasing the acidity (pH) for all treatments with enzymatic extracts of all strains. The yeasts studied showed a potential for CME production to be applied to juice, improving the quality of the juice, and R. mucilaginosa was the most prominent yeast due to most significant reduction of viscosity in guava juice.
Comparability of multi‐temporal DTMs derived from different LiDAR platforms: Error sources and uncertainties in the application of geomorphic impact studies
Authors: Kamp Nicole , Krenn Paul , Avian Michael , Sass Oliver
Published: December 2022

Multi‐temporal digital terrain models (DTMs) derived from airborne or uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV)‐borne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) platforms are frequently used tools in geomorphic impact studies. Accurate estimation of mobilized sediments from multi‐temporal DTMs is indispensable for hazard assessment. To study volumetric changes in alpine environments it is crucial to identify and discuss different kind of error sources in multi‐temporal data. We subdivided errors into those caused by data acquisition, data processing, and spatial properties of the terrain. In terms of the quantification of surface changes, the propagation of errors can lead to high uncertainties.

Three alpine catchments with different LiDAR point clouds of different origins (airborne laser scanning [ALS], UAV‐borne laser scanning [ULS]), varying point densities, accuracies and qualities were analysed, and used as basis for interpolating DTMs. The workflow was developed in the Schöttlbach area in Styria and later applied to further catchments in Austria. The main aim of the presented work is a comprehensive DTM uncertainty analysis specially designed for geomorphic impact studies, with a resulting uncertainty analysis serving as input for a change detection tool. Our findings reveal that geomorphic impact studies need the careful distinction between actual surface changes and different data uncertainties. ULS combines the benefits of terrestrial laser scanning with all the benefits of ALS. However, the use of ULS data does not necessarily improve the results of the analysis since the high level of detail is not always helpful in geomorphic impact studies. In order to make the different point clouds and DTMs comparable the quality of the ULS point cloud had to be reduced to fit the accuracy of the reference data (older ALS point clouds). Using a point cloud with a high point density with a regular planimetric point spacing and less data gaps, in the best case collected during leaf‐off conditions (e.g., cross‐flight strategy) turned out to be sufficient for our geomorphic research purposes.
Evidence‐based prescription of corticosteroids for COVID‐19 patients: A comparison between general medicine and other specialty in Japan
Authors: Sakaguchi Kota , Watari Takashi , Tokuda Yasuharu
Published: December 2022

Background

The difference of evidence‐based prescription for COVID‐19 patients between general medicine and other specialty in Japan is unclear.

Methods

A retrospective observational study using a hospital‐based administrative database was conducted for the differences between departments for prescriptions of glucocorticoids in COVID‐19 patients.

Results

Of 65,156 patients, 23,348 met indication for glucocorticoids. General medicine physicians in Japan were more likely to prescribe corticosteroids for COVID‐19 patients than other departments after its evidence was published (adjusted odds ratio, 1.32; p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.56).

Conclusions

General medicine physicians were more likely to practice evidence‐based care for COVID‐19 patients.
Antimicrobial‐impregnated bone cement use in Australian hospitals: scoping pharmacist awareness and involvement in management
Authors: Teoh Alice Pei Kheng , Hillock Nadine
Published: December 2022

Background

Antibiotic‐impregnated bone cement (AIBC) is frequently used in arthroplasty surgery to minimise the risk of infection in the prosthetic knee or hip joint.

Aim

To gain greater insight into the use, documentation, and stock‐management of AIBC in Australian hospitals.

Method

A mixed‐methods study was conducted. Antimicrobial surveillance data were analysed to identify Australian hospitals including AIBC in their monthly pharmacy data submissions. An online survey was distributed to pharmacists registered with the National Antimicrobial Utilisation Surveillance Program to investigate knowledge of the use, documentation, and stock‐management of bone cement.

Results

Surveillance data from January to June 2021 showed 13% (n = 28) of the 222 participating hospitals included bone cement in their antimicrobial usage data. All reported AIBC usage data contained an aminoglycoside antibiotic. Fifty‐two pharmacists responded (17% response rate) to the online survey. When asked about inventory, 35% of participants stated that their hospital pharmacies manage bone cements. Of 82 responses, 6% (n = 5) had knowledge of additional antibiotics or antifungals loaded into bone cements intraoperatively. More than half of the respondents reported that documentation of AIBC use was unclear, while others knew to search for it in prosthesis or theatre notes.

Conclusion

This study has illustrated a gap in pharmacists' knowledge in the perioperative setting regarding the use and documentation of bone cement, and highlights a possible focus for future education to assist with antimicrobial stewardship in this setting. Consistency in the management and documentation of AIBC would assist in surveillance of usage, help identify variations in practice and provide opportunities for quality improvement.
More reliable graphs are not always stronger
Authors: Graves Christina
Published: December 2022

A graph is stronger than a graph if has at least as many connected spanning subgraphs of size as for any positive integer . Counting the number of connected spanning subgraphs of fixed size allows us to compute the reliability of a graph. Formally, the reliability polynomial of a graph is the probability that the graph is connected when each edge is deleted independently with the same fixed probability. A graph is uniformly more reliable than if its reliability polynomial is greater than or equal to the reliability polynomial of for all probabilities. As a direct consequence of the definition, a sufficient condition for to be uniformly more reliable than is for to be stronger than . In this paper, we show that the sufficient condition is not necessary by providing an example of two infinite families of graphs, and , such that is uniformly more reliable than but is not stronger than .
Interrogating sub‐Saharan Africa's high economic growth rate and low poverty reduction rate: A poverty paradox?
Authors: Olaoye Olumide O.
Published: December 2022

Sub‐Saharan Africa's (SSA) high economic growth coincides with an increase in the level of poverty. In a panel of 40 SSA countries over a 30‐year period, while accounting for the potential spillover effect of poverty in the region. The study found that economic growth recorded over the years has not translated to poverty reduction, particularly, in resource‐rich economies of SSA. The result also shows that income inequality worsens the effect of economic growth on poverty and that the poverty‐reducing effectiveness of growth varies considerably across sectors, across space, and over time. The research findings suggest that governments across the region, particularly, in oil‐exporting countries in SSA must diversify the economy away from oil (toward the service sector) to reduce poverty in the region.
A Tolerance‐Enhanced Spontaneous Parametric Downconversion Source of Bright Entangled Photons
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Kumar Vimlesh , Ghosh Anirban , Forbes Andrew , Samanta G. K.
Published: December 2022

Spontaneous parametric down‐conversion (SPDC), a primary resource of photonic quantum entangled states, strongly depends on the intrinsic phase matching condition. This makes it susceptible to changes in factors such as the pump wavelength, crystal temperature, and crystal axes orientation. Such intolerance to changing environmental factors prohibits  deployment of SPDC‐based sources in non‐ideal environments outside controlled laboratories. Here, a novel system architecture based on a hybrid linear and non‐linear solution that is shown to make the source tolerance‐enhanced without sacrificing brightness. This linear solution is a lens‐axicon pair, judiciously placed, which is tested together with two common non‐linear crystals, quasi‐phase‐matched periodically‐poled KTiOPO4, and birefringent‐phase‐matched BiB3O6. This approach has the benefit of simultaneous tolerance to the environment and high brightness, which is demonstrated by using the proposed architecture as a stable entangled photon source and a spectral brightness as high as 22.58 ± 0.15 kHz mW−1 with a state fidelity of 0.95 , yet requiring a crystal temperature stability of only ±0.8 °C, a 5 × enhanced tolerance as compared to the conventional high brightness SPDC configurations is reported. This solution offers a new approach to deployable high‐brightness quantum sources that are robust to their environment, for instance, in satellite‐based quantum applications.
A trust‐based resilient consensus algorithm for distributed optimization considering node and edge attacks
Authors: Xu Chentao , Liu Qingshan
Published: December 2022

Distributed optimization algorithms have various advantages and wide applications, while the distributed nature also makes them flimsy in the face of external attacks. In this paper two Byzantine attack models are designed, in which the edge attack model is seldom considered before. A resilient distributed consensus algorithm based on the trusted nodes and edges is proposed to defend against the two attack models. The agreement and optimality of the proposed consensus algorithm are guaranteed with theoretical analysis. The simulation results and comparison experiments verify the proposed algorithm to be more effective than the compared one. In the perspective of attackers, which attack model is more recommended is also analysed based on the experiments.
Versatile Janus Architecture for Electrocatalytic Applications
Authors: Sui Nicole L. D. , Lee Jong‐Min
Published: December 2022

Janus architectures have garnered great research efforts in recent years, leading to outstanding advances in electrocatalysis. Benefiting from the synergistic combination of their anisotropy which endows the manifestation of various co‐existing electrochemical properties, and their compartmentalized structure that enables each functional domain to retain its inherent activity, with little to no interference from other domains, Janus architectures show great potential as exceptionally versatile electrocatalysts to complement a plethora of electrocatalytic processes. Thus, coupled with the growing interest in Janus architectures for electrocatalysis, it is imperative to investigate and reconsider their design strategies and future directions.
Measurement of the cross-section ratio σψ(2S)/σJ/ψ(1S) in exclusive photoproduction at HERA
Authors:   The ZEUS collaboration, Abt I. , Adamus M. , Aggarwal R. , Aushev V. , Behnke O. , Bertolin A. , Bloch I. , Brock I. , Brook N. H. , Brugnera R. , Bruni A. , Bussey P. J. , Caldwell A. , Catterall C. D. , Chwastowski J. , Ciborowski J. , Ciesielski R. , Cooper-Sarkar A. M. , Corradi M. , Dementiev R. K. , Dusini S. , Ferrando J. , Foster B. , Gallo E. , Gangadharan D. , Garfagnini A. , Geiser A. , Grzelak G. , Gwenlan C. , Hochman D. , Jomhari N. Z. , Kadenko I. , Karshon U. , Kaur P. , Klanner R. , Klein U. , Korzhavina I. A. , Kovalchuk N. , Kuze M. , Levchenko B. B. , Levy A. , Löhr B. , Lohrmann E. , Longhin A. , Lorkowski F. , Makarenko I. , Malka J. , Masciocchi S. , Nagano K. , Nam J. D. , Onishchuk Yu. , Paul E. , Pidhurskyi I. , Polini A. , Przybycień M. , Quintero A. , Rubinsky I. , Ruspa M. , Schneekloth U. , Schörner-Sadenius T. , Selyuzhenkov I. , Shchedrolosiev M. , Shcheglova L. M. , Skillicorn I. O. , Słomiński W. , Solano A. , Stanco L. , Stefaniuk N. , Surrow B. , Tokushuku K. , Tomaszewska J. , Trofymov A. , Turkot O. , Tymieniecka T. , Verbytskyi A. , Wan Abdullah W. A. T. , Wichmann K. , Wing M. , Yamada S. , Yamazaki Y. , Żarnecki A. F. , Zenaiev O.
Published: December 2022

Abstract

The exclusive photoproduction reactions γp → J/ψ(1S)p and γp → ψ(2S)p have been measured at an ep centre-of-mass energy of 318 GeV with the ZEUS detector at HERA using an integrated luminosity of 373 pb−1. The measurement was made in the kinematic range 30 < W < 180 GeV, Q2< 1 GeV2 and |t| < 1 GeV2, where W is the photon-proton centre-of-mass energy, Q2 is the photon virtuality and t is the squared four-momentum transfer at the proton vertex. The decay channels used were J/ψ(1S) → μ+μ−, ψ(2S) → μ+μ− and ψ(2S) → J/ψ(1S)π+π− with subsequent decay J/ψ(1S) → μ+μ−. The ratio of the production cross sections, R = σψ(2S)/σJ/ψ(1S), has been measured as a function of W and |t| and compared to previous data in photoproduction and deep inelastic scattering and with predictions of QCD-inspired models of exclusive vector-meson production, which are in reasonable agreement with the data.
The impact of vacuum pressure on the effectiveness of SiO2 impregnation of spruce wood
Authors: Lemaire-Paul Mathieu , Beuthe Callisto Ariadne , Riahinezhad Marzieh , Reza Foruzanmehr M.
Published: December 2022

Wood is a widely used construction material that has many advantageous properties. However, it suffers from weaknesses such as low-dimensional stability and low durability in humid environments. These issues are associated with the porous vascular structure of wood that leads to a high water uptake capacity. This research aims to reduce the water uptake capacity of spruce wood by dip-coating samples in an aqueous colloid of silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles. SiO2 is a dense ceramic material with good chemical stability. It is readily available and affordable, making it an excellent candidate for this application. This study investigates the effect of SiO2 impregnation on the physico-mechanical properties of spruce wood. Density measurements, water uptake tests, microscopy examination, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis were conducted on non-treated and SiO2-treated spruce wood samples. Quantitative and qualitative analyses demonstrated that SiO2 impregnation performed under higher vacuum pressure was more effective compared to the atmospheric condition and exhibited a greater presence of SiO2 in the wood’s vascular system. SiO2 impregnation under vacuum pressure demonstrated an effective increase in the density of the wood. It also reduced the porosity, which led to a significant reduction in the water uptake of the spruce wood. The analysis of the wood viscoelastic properties revealed that SiO2 impregnation under atmospheric and vacuum conditions triggered two different reinforcing mechanisms. The results showed that a significant improvement of the spruce wood storage and loss moduli could be achieved when impregnation was performed at the highest vacuum pressure of − 90 kPa.
Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis of mRNA Expression Profiles of Mice to Explore the Key Genes Involved in Crim1 Mutation-Induced Congenital Cataracts
Authors: Zhang Ziran , Meng Fanke , Zhou Jing , Zhang Zhihan , Liang Xiaotian , Meng Meijun , Yi Guoguo , Fu Min
Published: December 2022

Crim1 has been implicated in cataracts in mice and is of great importance in the development of the eye in both humans and mice. Therefore, we aimed to clarify how Crim1 mutations affect lens development and the molecular mechanism of cataracts in mice through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. The microarray chip was downloaded from the GEO database to obtain the gene expression profile data set. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the limma package. GO and KEGG analyses of DEGs were performed using the DAVID database. Then, we established the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network in Cytoscape. Next, we used MCODE to analyze the data. We obtained 750 DEGs in total, including 407 upregulated DEGs and 343 downregulated DEGs. GO analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly related to biological processes, such as apoptosis, cell translation and the immune system. KEGG analysis showed that the enriched functions and pathways were related to the processing and presentation of ribosomes, lysosomes, and antigens. We identified 18 HUB genes, among which four core genes, C1qa, C1qb, C1qc, and Cd74, were closely related to congenital cataracts induced by Crim1 mutation. This study reveals the molecular pathogenesis of congenital cataracts induced by Crim1, and this information is expected to facilitate clinical genetic testing, molecular diagnosis, prognosis, and individualized chemotherapy for congenital cataracts (CC).
The association of trastuzumab with atrial fibrillation and heart failure in breast cancer patients in routine clinical practice: a population-based propensity score matching and competing risk model analysis
Authors: Wu Wen-Chi , Huang Chi-Cheng , Tsai Yi-Fang , Lin Yen-Shu , Feng Chin-Jung , Chen Yen-Jen , Lai Jiun-I. , Chao Ta-Chung , Liu Chun-Yu , Tseng Ling-Ming
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Trastuzumab, a potent anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) monoclonal antibody, is conditionally reimbursed by the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) for HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). Trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity studies have well characterized heart failure (HF) but fewer addressed arrhythmia, particularly the association of potential life threatening atrial fibrillation (Af) is poorly characterized. We aimed to study the trastuzumab-related risk of Af and HF using the claimed data of Taiwan NHI.

Methods

A nationwide retrospective cohort of patients with BC from the Taiwan NHI reimbursement database from January 2007 to December 2016 was analyzed. Propensity score matching and competing risk model analysis were used for adjusting confounding concurrent medication or comorbidities and competing events. The HF study was used to validate the method used.

Results

For Af, 12,472 trastuzumab users were matched with 12,472 non-trastuzumab users. For HF, 12,241 trastuzumab users and 12,241 non-users were enrolled. We found that trastuzumab users had significantly worse HF-free survival but not Af-free survival than non-trastuzumab users. In the competing risk analysis, the use of trastuzumab did not increase the risk of Af (hazard ratio [HR] 0.76,P = 0.0006) but was associated with HF (HR 1.19,P = 0.0052). The risk trends among stratifications by comorbidities and concurrent medication remained in similar directions for both Af and HF.

Conclusion

Trastuzumab in real-world practice was associated with an increased risk of HF, but was not associated with an increased risk of Af in BC patients. Trastuzumab-induced arrhythmogenic effects may be masked by concurrent heart-protecting measures, more prominent roles of comorbidities or concurrent medications under real-world settings. Further studies are required.
Decision Theory and De Minimis Risk
Authors: Smith Martin
Published: December 2022

A de minimis risk is defined as a risk that is so small that it may be legitimately ignored when making a decision. While ignoring small risks is common in our day-to-day decision making, attempts to introduce the notion of a de minimis risk into the framework of decision theory have run up against a series of well-known difficulties. In this paper, I will develop an enriched decision theoretic framework that is capable of overcoming two major obstacles to the modelling of de minimis risk. The key move is to introduce, into decision theory, a non-probabilistic conception of risk known as normic risk.
Expressive voting versus information avoidance: experimental evidence in the context of climate change mitigation
Authors: Momsen Katharina , Ohndorf Markus
Published: December 2022

We theoretically and experimentally investigate the effect of self-serving information avoidance on moral bias in democratic and individual decisions in the context of climate change mitigation. Subjects choose between two allocations that differ in payoffs and contributions to climate change mitigation. We vary the observability of the environmental contribution, as well as the decision context associated with different levels of pivotality. If the contribution is directly observable, we find evidence for lower pivotality leading to higher levels of “green” decisions, as predicted by the low-cost theory of voting. This effect disappears if subjects can avoid information on the contribution. Instead, we find evidence for the exploitation of moral wiggle room via information avoidance in larger democracies as well as in the consumption context. Our results indicate that information avoidance substitutes expressive voting as an instrument to manage cognitive dissonance on the part of the voter. Hence, moral biases in elections might be less likely than previously thought.