bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Клиентоцентричный подход при создании и продвижении библиотечно-информационных продуктов и услуг ВПТБ ФИПС
Authors:   Всероссийская патентно-техническая библиотека Федерального института промышленной собственности, Токарева Анастасия А.
Published: April 2024

В статье рассмотрены формы создания и продвижения библиотечно-информационных продуктов и услуг Всероссийской патентно-технической библиотеки Федерального института промышленной собственности (ВПТБ ФИПС). Сегодня библиотеки сталкиваются с новыми вызовами: трансформацией внешней среды, демократизацией доступности информации, изменением социального портрета членов общества, – всё это создаёт запрос на пересмотр подходов к взаимодействию с пользователем. Современные тенденции информационно-библиотечной деятельности приобретают клиентоцентричный вектор, в парадигме которого пользователь библиотеки является не объектом, на которого направлены услуги, а субъектом деятельности учреждения. В статье акцентируется внимание на клиентоцентричности, рассмотренной в качестве приоритета работы сотрудников ВПТБ ФИПС по раскрытию Государственного патентного фонда (ГПФ). В исследовании представлены особенности и доминанты создания и продвижения библиотечно-информационного продукта, учитывающие сущность целевой аудитории, а также техническую направленность содержания документов и литературы в ГПФ. В качестве практического аспекта приведены примеры авторского творчества сотрудников, формы взаимодействия с библиотечным сообществом, а также индивидуального подхода к информационным потребностям пользователя. В заключении сделаны выводы о том, что подходы, основанные на клиентоцентричности, позволяют библиотечно-информационной деятельности обеспечивать цикличность функционирования интеллектуальной сферы.
The role of ILL and EDD services in the development of Russia’s research and sci-tech libraries
Authors:   Russian National Public Library for Science and Technology, Sereda Olga A.
Published: April 2024

The author characterizes the periods of development of Interlibrary Loan and Electronic Document Delivery, organizational structure and key elements of these services within the traditional and digital environments. The role of ILL and EDD services in efficient user services is substantiated. The author concludes on the need for further promotion of cooperation between partner libraries and revival of the system of research and sci-tech libraries of the country for sharing library resources, quality and operativeness of access via ILL and EDD services.
Information Infrastructure of Russia at the Present Stage: Experience and Development Trends
Authors:   Library for Natural Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tsvetkova Valentina A. , Shrayberg Yakov L. ,   Russian National Public Library for Science and Technology, Rodionov Ivan I. ,   All-Russian Institute for Scientific and Technical Information of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to show the main stages of the formation of the stages of the formation of Russia’s information service infrastructure, the current vectors of its development. The authors discuss the background and stages of the life cycle of the State System of Scientific and Technical Information (GSNTI) of the USSR, later of the Russian Federation. The authors argue that GSNTI has been gradually eroding since the beginning of the 21st century due to the loss of unified management and unified principles. The need for and priority of the national information system in modern Russia, its own information resources, and the competence to focus on foreign information resources have become more acute in the context of the sanctions announced against Russia. The authors specify the problems of Russia's information infrastructure, e.g. departmental disunity, lack of the single methodological center and involvement in the international information space. However, the country has retained a significant part of its own information resources that, however, cannot be developed efficiently without due government support. The authors substantiate the need for the state program of information infrastructure development in Russia, based on the experience of the State System of Sci-tech Information, which is seen as the first step toward the maintenance and development of the country’s information infrastructure.
Один з підходів викладання курсу «Реактивне програмування»
Authors: Полупан Ю.В. , Родіонов П.Ю.
Published: April 2024

Сучасному бізнесу необхідні програмні системи нового типу, здатні залишатися чутливими при будь-яких навантаженнях. Цю потребу можна задовольнити, використовуючі прийоми реактивного програмування; однак розробка таких систем – складне завдання, яке потребує глибокого розуміння предметної галузі. Тому для бажаючих стати класичними програмістами-кодерами, вивчення основ використання реактивного підходу при створенні високонавантажених додатків є наразі актуальною задачею.

Дисципліна «Реактивне програмування» входить у комплекс наскрізної безперервної підготовки спеціалістів за освітньою програмою «Інженерія програмного забезпечення інформаційних систем» спеціальності 121 «Інженерія програмного забезпечення». У структурно-логічній схемі навчання дисципліна вивчається на етапі підготовки фахівців освітньо-кваліфікаційного рівня «бакалавр». Вивчення дисципліни базується на знаннях, навичках та уміннях, отриманих під час вивчення студентами дисциплін «Основи програмування», «Основи комп’ютерних систем і мереж», «Технології паралельних обчислень», «Функціональне програмування».

Однак існує багато підходів до вивчення реактивного програмування. Можна вивчати більш теоретичну базу, включаючи поведінкові патерни, такі як Observer та Iterator, які лежить в основі реактивності, а можна розглядати реактивність в практичній площині, вивчаючі готові інструментарії (реактивні розширення та фреймворки), завдяки яким створюються незалежні та високопродуктивні реактивні додатки.

В статті обгрунтовується один із підходів викладання дисципліни «Реактивне програмування» у вищих навчальних закладах, та наводиться інструментарій для більш ефективного розуміння слухачами основ реактивності. При вивченні дисципліни пропонується більш практичний підхід з використанням веб-фреймворка Angular, в основі якого лежить бібліотека RxJS з її можливістю створювати реактивний код. При цьому студенти навчаться обробляти асинхронні виклики за допомогою безлічі подій та створювати веб-додатки, використовуючі популярний фреймворк Angular від компанії Google.

Популярність фреймворку обумовлена декількома важливими аспектами, головним серед яких можна назвати зручність для розробника. Програми на Angular пишуться порівняно швидко, код має зрозумілу структуру. Angular підходить для написання додатків під різні платформи, має величезну навчальну базу та чималу спільноту, до нього можна підключати сторонні інструменти та модулі, розширюючи і без того великий функціонал.
Потенціал утилізації бетонних відходів на деокупованих територіях: екологічні та економічні аспекти
Authors: Маслош О.В. , Подкуйко В.М.
Published: April 2024

дій отримала найбільш зруйновану інфраструктуру, оскільки в цю зону потрапили  населені пункти з потужними промисловими об’єктами, багатоквартирними будинками, соціальною інфраструктурою та мостами. Мільйони кубічних метрів бетонних відходів, що утворилися в процесі такої руйнації, містять різні хімічні елементи та забруднення від вибухових речовин, такі як важкі метали, вуглеводні, ароматичні сполуки,  нітрати, нітрити, хлориди.

Для прискорення нейтралізації забруднень у післявоєнному відновлені, суспільство може вживати заходи з утилізації та вторинного використання бетонних відходів для запобігання їхньому нагромадженню  в навколишньому середовищі. Утилізація та використання бетонних відходів у післявоєнному відновлені повинні стати стратегічною метою, спрямованою на поліпшення управління відходами, зменшення впливу на навколишнє середовище та створення стійкого будівельного сектору.

В роботі показано,  що потенціальними перевагами вторинного використання бетонних відходів будуть зменшення відходів, викидів CO2,підвищенняенергоефективності виробництва первинного бетону, мінімізація викидів забруднень. Своєю чергою це сприятиме впровадженню засад кругової економіки, на підставі яких повинно відбуватися післявоєнне відновлення, та стимулюванню залучення  інноваційних технологій переробки бетонних відходів.

Утилізація бетонних відходів може відбуватися через різні стратегії, такі як сортування та рециклінг, використання вторинного бетону в конструкціях, виробництво вторинного бетону з домішками та співпраця з іншими галузями.

В роботі показано недоліки та переваги кожної стратегії, надано порівняльні характеристики видів рециклінгу, що дає уявлення про доцільність використання кожної стратегії в різних умовах.

Ефективна утилізація бетонних відходів повинна не тільки допомагати зберігати природні ресурси та зменшувати негативний вплив на довкілля, але і мати вагомі економічні переваги, тому в роботі виділено критерії екологічних та економічних факторів, які можуть бути використані при визначенні доцільності тієї чи іншої стратегії утилізації бетонних відходів.
Cистема соціальної безпеки міста в умовах цифрової трансформації
Authors: Птащенко О.В.
Published: April 2024

В представленій статті розглянуті основні особливості сучасної системи соціальної безпеки міста, представлено основні характеристики соціальної безпеки та запропоновані шляхи розвитку соціальної безпеки міста за умов цифрової трансформації. Цифрова трансформація систем соціальної безпеки в містах дозволяє створити більш гнучкі та ефективні механізми підтримки громадян. Застосування інноваційних технологій сприяє покращенню якості послуг та реагуванню на зміни у соціальному середовищі, забезпечуючи більшу соціальну справедливість та сталість в розвитку міст. Основною метою статті є визначення напрямів формування системи соціальної безпеки міста в умовах цифрової трансформації, визначення основних її складових та аналіз можливих шляхів її покращення.Цифрова трансформація може відігравати ключову роль у вдосконаленні систем соціальної безпеки міст та забезпеченні ефективного підтримки мешканців. Для покращення системи соціальної безпеки розглядається можливість впровадження електронних платформ для реєстрації та подання заяв на отримання соціальних послуг, що спростить процес та зменшить бюрократію. Також оптимізується доступ до онлайн-систем для мешканців та соціальних працівників для моніторингу та оновлення статусу заяв та виплат. Також важливо врахування використання аналітики та штучного інтелекту для аналізу даних про соціальні групи та визначення їхніх потреб; забезпечення персоналізованої соціальної підтримки на основі аналізу індивідуальних потреб та обставин; запровадження безготівкових транзакцій для виплат соціальних допомог та пільг, що забезпечить швидке та безпечне отримання коштів; використання систем для моніторингу залишків соціальних ресурсів та ефективності витрат для покращення управління бюджетом. Цифрова трансформація соціальної безпеки може покращити доступність та якість соціальних послуг, зменшити бюрократичні бар'єри та сприяти більш ефективному використанню ресурсів для поліпшення якості життя мешканців міст. Усе це сприяє створенню більш сучасного та гнучкого підходу до соціальної підтримки.
FEATURES OF ASSESSMENT OF PERSONNEL BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT AND FORMATION OF ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE IN HOTEL AND RESTAURANT ENTERPRISES: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS
Authors: Nikolaichuk О. А. , Badega А. S.
Published: April 2024

Objective. The objective of the present article is analysis of the theoretical and practical principles of evaluating the management of personnel behavior and the formation of the organizational culture of a hotel and restaurant enterprise.

Methods. The following research methods and techniques were used in the research process: analysis, synthesis, generalization, induction, deduction, abstract-logical method, graphical and tabular methods (for a visual representation of the analyzed material).

The results. For the development of hotel and restaurant establishments, the management of staff behavior and the formation of organizational culture are quite important. The analysis of scientific opinions on the methods of evaluating the management of personnel behavior and the formation of organizational culture was carried out. It is established that the study of organizational culture and management of personnel behavior includes the use of various methods and tools for data collection and analysis.

To evaluate the management of personnel behavior and the formation of organizational culture in a hotel and restaurant establishment, a methodology was proposed, which includes 8 stages, is based on empirical data, and allows to fully assess the state of management of personnel behavior and the formation of organizational culture of a hotel and restaurant establishment.

Approbation of this technique was carried out on the basis of the Raziotel Kryvyi Rih hotel. obation of this methodology was conducted by us on the basis of the Raziotel Kryvyi Rih hotel. Based on the results of the conducted research on the management of personnel behavior and the formation of organizational culture at the hotel "Raziotel Kryvyi Rih", we systematized the problems, as well as proposed options for solving them. The proposed measures include solutions for improving staff motivation, reducing conflict, improving social interaction of staff, promoting the hotel on the Internet, etc.
Indirecte toetsing door de bestuursrechter van algemeen verbindende voorschriften aan evenredigheid
Authors:   , van Zanten Melanie
Published: April 2024

The administration increasingly uses acts of general application instead of individual decisions to determine the legal position of citizens. Unlike individual decisions, acts of general application cannot be appealed directly before administrative courts. However, administrative courts are allowed to assess these acts in an indirect way in proceedings against decisions that implement or enforce those acts. During these proceedings, administrative courts can also review whether acts of general application comply with general principles of law, such as the principle of proportionality.

After a long period of judicial restraint, administrative courts have, in recent years, strengthened the legal protection against acts of general application. The principle of proportionality plays a leading role in this development. Administrative courts increasingly examine whether the consequences of acts of general application are proportionate to the objectives that the administration aims to achieve with those acts. This proportionality test is still in full development.

This dissertation examines what further steps Dutch administrative courts can take in the development of proportionality review of acts of general application. In order to answer the research question, a comparative legal study has been conducted, encompassing the legal systems of the European Union, the European Convention on Human Rights, France and Germany. The dissertation is structured around five themes: the structure and content of the proportionality test, the intensity of proportionality review, modalities of proportionality review, the consequences of successful indirect review and the relationship between direct and indirect review.

The dissertation first provides an analysis of the state of the art in the Netherlands. It is concluded that Dutch administrative courts have taken the necessary steps when it comes to the indirect review of acts of general application in the light of the proportionality principle and that they are moving in a direction that can be positively appreciated in itself. The steps already taken align with the constitutional framework that was formulated in the dissertation. Those steps also go well with the Dutch system of administrative legal protection as well as more general developments in judicial review in Dutch administrative law and the overarching shift from autonomous administrative law to responsive administrative law. However, it was also concluded that further steps can still be taken. These further steps are presented as concrete recommendations, structured around the five themes, for Dutch administrative court for the further development of the proportionality review of acts of general application. A common thread in these recommendations is that administrative courts should focus less on the consequences of acts of general application for individual cases and more on how those acts affect (other) citizens in a general way.
Menej známe filozofické tlače z prostredia historickej Trnavskej univerzity (1635 – 1777)
Authors:   University of Trnava, Karabová Katarína
Published: April 2024

Príspevok sa zaoberá menej známymi filozofickými publikáciami z Trnavy, ktoré zaujali pozornosť autora popri dielach významných trnavských filozofov zo 17. a 18. storočia. Autorka vychádza z dlhodobého výskumu filozofických spisov. Historická Trnavská univerzita (1635–1777) vydala významný počet publikácií venovaných filozofii. Mnohé z nich nepredstavujú rozsiahle traktáty, ale skôr menšie publikácie. Poznanie týchto publikácií prispieva k celkovému pochopeniu filozofického myslenia v Trnave počas existencie univerzity. Súčasťou štúdie je aj chronologický zoznam všetkých filozofických tlačí vydaných v Trnave počas pôsobenia historickej Trnavskej univerzity.
Postava obetavej panny – prieniky antickej tragédie a stredovekej náboženskej hry
Authors:   Vysoká škola múzických umení, Bratislava, Rychtarčíková Alexandra
Published: April 2024

Je všeobecne známe, že Hrotsvitha z Gandersheimu vychádzala vo svojich dramatických textoch z Terentiových komédií. Okrem toho však v jej diele nájdeme aj ďalšie motívy, ktoré sa nachádzajú aj v starogréckej tragédii – vertikála človek-boh, hranice medzi súkromným a verejným, božská diké, otázka mravnosti a zbožnosti, ľudský údel a hovoriace mená, dedičný hriech (v antike rodová kliatba), atď. Hlavným cieľom príspevku je poukázať na spoločné a odlišné znaky antickej tragédie a stredovekej náboženskej hry s ohľadom na postavu obetavej panny (mučenice), a to na základe textovej analýzy a komparácie Sofoklovej tragédie Antigona, Euripidovej tragédie Ifigénia v Aulide a Hrotsvithiných hier Sapientia (sestry Spes, Fides, Caritas) a Dulcitius (sestry Agapes, Chiona, Irena). Komparácia sa zameriava na mieru reflexie tohto typu postavy vo vybraných hrách troch zvolených autorov a v rôznych žánroch, ako aj na dôvody (vnútorné či vonkajšie, dobrovoľné či vynútené) za aktom (seba)obetovania. Obetovaním sa pre „vyššie dobro“ (vo väčšine prípadov pre vieru, v prípade Ifigénie pre večnú slávu a slobodu Grékov), prekonáva ženská hrdinka svoju feminea fragilitas, zachovávajúc si ale stále svoju virginitas a castitas. Tak sa stáva skutočnou hrdinkou. Mužské postavy chcú odvážne panny všemožne zlomiť – ponúknutým (fiktívnym) sobášom aj vyhrážkami o mučení a smrti – ale ženy odmietajú mužské nariadenia, popierajúce tradíciu a božské zákony. Za vernosť bohovia panny odmenia – čaká ich večný život v priazni bohov alebo predkov v podsvetí (v prípade antickej tragédie) alebo svätá svadba (v prípade stredovekej hry).
A felső végtagok mélyvénás thrombosisának diagnosztikája és akut ellátása
Authors: Kerekes György , Kovács Beáta
Published: April 2024

A felső végtagot érintő mélyvénás thrombosisok a vénás thromboemboliás betegségek szerény hányadát teszik ki, így az orvosi köztudatnak nem képezi szerves részét ezek patofiziológiai alapokon nyugvó speciális kezelése. Az összefoglaló közleményben ismertetésre kerülnek a betegség patofiziológiájának részletei, melyek alapján a kezelés szempontjából fontos szubcsoportok kialakítására van lehetőség. A diagnosztikus lehetőségek bemutatását követően részletesen kitér a közlemény a szubcsoport specifikus ellátási lehetőségeire, algoritmusszerûen kerül bemutatásra a fenti betegcsoportok akut ellátási sémája. Remény szerint ezen információk birtokában javítható a mellkaskimeneti szindrómán alapuló felső végtagi mélyvénás thrombosisban szenvedő betegek ellátásszervezése, mely egyre több megfelelő funkcionális állapotú felső végtagban, akár professzionális sportkarrierek eredményes folytatásában is megnyilvánulhat. Mind a centrális vénás kanülökhöz, mind a pacemaker-elektródákhoz társuló felső végtagi vénás thromboemboliás események is bemutatásra kerülnek az eszközök fenntartási igényének, az antikoaguláció és a vénás keringés szempontjainak is a figyelembevételével.
Exosomes: efficient macrophage-related immunomodulators in chronic lung diseases
Authors: Kang Jianxiong , Hua Peiyan , Wu Xiaojing , Wang Bin
Published: April 2024

Macrophages, the predominant immune cells in the lungs, play a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance of the pulmonary immune microenvironment. However, in chronic inflammatory lung diseases and lung cancer, macrophage phenotypes undergo distinct transitions, with M1-predominant macrophages promoting inflammatory damage and M2-predominant macrophages fostering cancer progression. Exosomes, as critical mediators of intercellular signaling and substance exchange, participate in pathological reshaping of macrophages during development of pulmonary inflammatory diseases and lung cancer. Specifically, in inflammatory lung diseases, exosomes promote the pro-inflammatory phenotype of macrophages, suppress the anti-inflammatory phenotype, and subsequently, exosomes released by reshaped macrophages further exacerbate inflammatory damage. In cancer, exosomes promote pro-tumor tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs); inhibit anti-tumor TAMs; and exosomes released by TAMs further enhance tumor proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Simultaneously, exosomes exhibit a dual role, holding the potential to transmit immune-modulating molecules and load therapeutic agents and offering prospects for restoring immune dysregulation in macrophages during chronic inflammatory lung diseases and lung cancer. In chronic inflammatory lung diseases, this is manifested by exosomes reshaping anti-inflammatory macrophages, inhibiting pro-inflammatory macrophages, and alleviating inflammatory damage post-reshaping. In lung cancer, exosomes reshape anti-tumor macrophages, inhibit pro-tumor macrophages, and reshaped macrophages secrete exosomes that suppress lung cancer development. Looking ahead, efficient and targeted exosome-based therapies may emerge as a promising direction for treatment of pulmonary diseases.
Chronic lead exposure and burden of cardiovascular disease during 1990–2019: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study
Authors: Dang Peizhu , Tang Manyun , Fan Heze , Hao Junjun
Published: April 2024

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Lead exposure is an important risk factor for CVD. In our study, we aimed to estimate spatial and temporal trends in the burden of cardiovascular disease associated with chronic lead exposure.

Methods

The data collected for our study were obtained from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019 and analyzed by age, sex, cause, and location. To assess the temporal trends in burden of CVD attributable to chronic lead exposure over 30 years, we used Joinpoint regression analysis.

Results

In 2019, the number of lead exposure-attributable CVD deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were 0.85 and 17.73 million, 1.7 and 1.4 times more than those observed in 1990, respectively. However, the corresponding age-standardized rates (ASR) of death and DALY gradually decreased from 1990 to 2019, especially from 2013 to 2019. Over the last 30 years, among 21 GBD regions and 204 countries and territories, the High-income Asia Pacific and the Republic of Korea experienced the largest reductions in age-standardized DALY and death rates, while Central Asia and Afghanistan experienced the largest increases. Males and the elderly population suffered higher death rates and DALY burdens than females and the young population. Furthermore, we observed that higher socio-demographic index (SDI) regions demonstrated lower ASR of death and DALY rates. In 2019, the low and low-middle SDI regions, especially South Asia, exhibited the highest burden of CVD attributable to lead exposure.

Conclusion

Our study provides a thorough understanding of the burden of CVD attributable to chronic lead exposure. The findings confirm the significance of implementing lead mitigation strategies and increasing investment in CVD prevention and treatment. These measures are crucial in reducing the burden of CVD and promoting public health on a global scale.
Influence of Eastern, Central and Mix El Niño on the variability of rainfall in southeastern South America
Authors: Goudard Gabriela , Limberger Leila , Carpenedo Camila Bertoletti
Published: April 2024

El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) plays a very important role in modulating rainfall variability in South America. Although the effects of conventional ENSO are well known, there are significant variations in rainfall patterns when sea surface temperature anomalies manifest over the different regions along the equatorial Pacific, namely, Niño 3 (East), Niño 3 and Niño 4 (Mix), and Niño 4 (Central) ENSO. This work aims to analyze the variability of precipitation in southeastern South America associated with different types of El Niño (EN). For this, composite analyzes of precipitation, winds at low and high levels, vertical velocity and geopotential height were carried out. The results indicate that the rainfall pattern associated with Eastern Pacific (EP) El Niño shows the classic features expected from EN described in previous literature, i.e., a stronger and well-defined positive precipitation anomaly over southeast South America, while Central Pacific (CP) El Niño shows weaker and even an opposite sign over the region. Mix (MX) El Niño events present a spatial pattern of precipitation anomalies similar to EP El Niño events, but with lower intensity in the study area. The heterogeneity of EN-related precipitation effects results from a change in large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns: the Walker cell in the tropics, the Rossby waves in the extratropics, and the circulation of low and high-level jet streams. EP El Niño events feature a configuration similar to the South American Low-Level Jet, the strengthening of the subtropical jet, better structured Rossby waves and the Pacific-South America pattern. These characteristics are observed in MX El Niños, but in a weaker way compared to EP El Niños. CP El Niño events, on the other hand, present a weakening and spatial displacement of the aforementioned conditions, which is reflected in negative precipitation anomalies in most seasons. Thus, more significant rainfall variations are noted between the EP El Niños and CP El Niños, with a predominance of positive and negative rainfall anomalies in the study area, respectively.
Cultural considerations for the second language writing anxiety inventory: Saudi Arabian female university students
Authors: Waked Arifi N. , El-Moussa Omar , Pilotti Maura A. E. , Al-Mulhem Huda , El Alaoui Khadija , Ahmed Reem
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This study examines the applicability of the Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory (SLWAI) to a population of 857 native Arabic-speaking Saudi Arabian female university students learning English as a foreign language (EFL).

Methods

Participants were divided into two groups. The first of these consisted of 430 students who participated in the testing portion of the study. The second group consisted of 427 students who participated in the replication portion of this study. The instrument used was the Second Language Writing Anxiety Index (SLWAI). Exploratory factor analysis was first conducted on the testing group to determine which items of this instrument applied to this population. A second factor analysis was then used to confirm the results found with the testing group.

Results

SLWAI is typically used to assess the degree of EFL writing anxiety across three dimensions: somatic anxiety, avoidance behavior, and cognitive anxiety. However, factor analysis of the data collected from both groups revealed that these dimensions are not entirely pertinent to the population studied. The three dimensions that emerged are somatic anxiety and two distinct aspects of cognitive anxiety: proficiency anxiety and appraisal anxiety. No evidence of avoidance behavior was found.

Discussion

These results suggest that the dimensions measured by the SLWAI may not be universal across differing sociocultural populations. This highlights the importance of assessing anxiety in individual populations with consideration to the unique circumstances in which they learn to write in English as a foreign language. By determining unique aspects of writing anxiety in differing populations, EFL instructors may be better able to identify and then target the needs of their students as they work through the process of developing English-language writing skills.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction for elementary school teachers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lensen Johanna H. , Stoltz Sabine E. M. J. , Kleinjan Marloes , Kraiss Jannis T. , Scholte Ron H. J. , Speckens Anne E. M.
Published: April 2024

Educators frequently grapple with elevated levels of job-related stress, heightening the risk of mental health issues. Although Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing stress among the general populace, its implementation among educators, especially in non-United States settings, has received limited exploration. This pre-registered randomized-controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of the standard MBSR in reducing perceived stress among Dutch elementary school teachers. Additionally, it examines the impact of MBSR on mindfulness skills, emotion regulation, and self-compassion as secondary proximal outcomes, along with exploring its influence on teacher self-efficacy, perceived pupil-teacher relationships, and classroom climate quality as secondary distal outcomes. Involving 146 teachers randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 72) or waitlist-control condition (n = 74), assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention or control period, with a 3-month follow-up. Participants in the intervention reported significantly lower perceived stress compared to the control group, demonstrating a substantial effect size at post-treatment (d = −0.84) and a moderate effect at follow-up (d = −0.69). MBSR not only yielded improvements in personal well-being but also positively impacted teacher self-efficacy and classroom climate quality at both post-treatment and follow-up. These positive outcomes aligned with enhancements in mindfulness skills, emotion regulation, and self-compassion. However, no significant effects were observed on the pupil-teacher relationship. Exploratory analyses revealed no moderation effects based on past or present psychological problems, school weight/pupil population, years of experience, or age on perceived stress at post-measurement. Furthermore, the study examined the potential influence of COVID-19 on the results, concluding that the pandemic had no discernible impact. These findings advocate for the widespread adoption of the standard MBSR program as a means of enhancing the well-being of elementary school teachers.
Low-voltage characteristic voltage based fault distance estimation method of distribution network
Authors: Huang Chongbin , He Haipeng , Wang Ying , Miao Rixian , Ke Zhouzhi , Chen Kai
Published: April 2024

The traditional medium-voltage distribution network fault location method uses mainly the voltage and current measurements of the medium-voltage side, which results in problems such as high installation costs at the measuring points and complicated postoperation and maintenance work. Therefore, a fault location idea based on the distributed measurement of low-voltage side voltage is proposed in this paper. First, the characteristic voltage is adaptively selected according to the fault type. Second, the suspected fault section is determined by comparing the characteristic voltage amplitude of each measuring point. Third, the fault section is located using the section unit characteristic voltage drop defined for each suspected fault section. Finally, fault distance estimation is achieved based on the voltage difference matrix and characteristic voltage analysis. This method achieves accurate fault distance identification based on the distribution difference of the characteristic voltage of the low-voltage side under the fault state. This work provides a new economical and practical idea for determining the fault locations of distribution networks. The effectiveness of this method is evaluated by considering a 10 kV distribution network in Guangdong Province built in PSCAD/EMTDC.
Survival of red knots in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Newstead David J. , Dinsmore Stephen J. , Ballard Bart M. , Niles Lawrence J. , Burger Joanna
Published: April 2024

Highly migratory shorebirds are among the fastest declining avian guilds, so determining causes of mortality is critically important for their conservation. Most of these species depend on a specific geographic arrangement of suitable sites that reliably provide resources needed to fuel physiologically demanding life histories. Long-term mark-resight projects allow researchers to investigate specific potential sources of variation in demographic rates between populations. Red Knots (Calidris canutus) occur in three relatively distinct regions across the northern Gulf of Mexico, and two of these areas have been experiencing episodic harmful algal blooms (red tide) with increased frequency in recent decades. Since knots are mostly molluscivorous during the nonbreeding season in the Gulf, they are potentially exposed to red tide toxins at high concentrations via their filter-feeding prey. We used long-term mark-resight data from Texas, Louisiana, and Florida (USA) to estimate apparent survival, and to assess the effects of red tides on survival of Red Knots. We also assessed effects of tracking devices deployed in conjunction with the projects over the years. While overall apparent annual survival rates were similar across the three locations (0.768 – 0.819), several red tide events were associated with catastrophically low seasonal (fall) survival in Florida (as low as 0.492) and Texas (as low as 0.510). Leg-mounted geolocators, but not temporary glued-on VHF tags, were associated with a reduction in apparent survival (~8%/year). Movement of knots between the three areas was rare and site fidelity is known to be high. Harmful algal blooms are predicted to increase in frequency and severity with climate change and increased anthropogenic degradation of coastal habitats, which may further endanger these as well as other shorebird populations around the world.
Identification of a novel ANK1 gene variant c.1504-9G>A and its mechanism of intron retention in hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Xiong Ting , Xu Zhongjin , Wan Qian , Chen Feng , Ye Yao , Wang Hong , Wu Chongjun
Published: April 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to pinpoint pathogenic genes and assess the mutagenic pathogenicity in two pediatric patients with hereditary spherocytosis.

Methods: We utilized whole-exome sequencing (WES) for individual analysis (case 1) and family-based trio analysis (case 2). The significance of the intronic mutation was validated through a Minigene splicing assay and supported by subsequent in vitro experiments.

Results: Both probands received a diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis. WES identified a novel ANK1 c.1504-9G>A mutation in both patients, causing the retention of seven nucleotides at the 5′ end of intron 13, as substantiated by the Minigene assay. This variant results in a premature stop codon and the production of a truncated protein. In vitro studies indicated a reduced expression of the ANK1 gene.

Conclusion: The novel ANK1 c.1504-9G>A variant is established as the causative factor for hereditary spherocytosis, with the c.1504-9G site functioning as a splicing receptor.
A quality-by-design approach to improve process understanding and optimise the production and quality of CAR-T cells in automated stirred-tank bioreactors
Authors: Hood Tiffany , Slingsby Fern , Sandner Viktor , Geis Winfried , Schmidberger Timo , Bevan Nicola , Vicard Quentin , Hengst Julia , Springuel Pierre , Dianat Noushin , Rafiq Qasim A.
Published: April 2024

Ex vivo genetically-modified cellular immunotherapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapies, have generated significant clinical and commercial outcomes due to their unparalleled response rates against relapsed and refractory blood cancers. However, the development and scalable manufacture of these novel therapies remains challenging and further process understanding and optimisation is required to improve product quality and yield. In this study, we employ a quality-by-design (QbD) approach to systematically investigate the impact of critical process parameters (CPPs) during the expansion step on the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of CAR-T cells. Utilising the design of experiments (DOE) methodology, we investigated the impact of multiple CPPs, such as number of activations, culture seeding density, seed train time, and IL-2 concentration, on CAR-T CQAs including, cell yield, viability, metabolism, immunophenotype, T cell differentiation, exhaustion and CAR expression. Initial studies undertaken in G-Rex® 24 multi-well plates demonstrated that the combination of a single activation step and a shorter, 3-day, seed train resulted in significant CAR-T yield and quality improvements, specifically a 3-fold increase in cell yield, a 30% reduction in exhaustion marker expression and more efficient metabolism when compared to a process involving 2 activation steps and a 7-day seed train. Similar findings were observed when the CPPs identified in the G-Rex® multi-well plates studies were translated to a larger-scale automated, controlled stirred-tank bioreactor (Ambr® 250 High Throughput) process. The single activation step and reduced seed train time resulted in a similar, significant improvement in CAR-T CQAs including cell yield, quality and metabolism in the Ambr® 250 High Throughput bioreactor, thereby validating the findings of the small-scale studies and resulting in significant process understanding and improvements. This study provides a methodology for the systematic investigation of CAR-T CPPs and the findings demonstrate the scope and impact of enhanced process understanding for improved CAR-T production.
Effects of statins beyond lipid-lowering agents in ART-treated HIV infection
Authors: Mehraj Vikram , Chen Jun , Routy Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2024

Antiretroviral therapies (ART) have reduced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection-associated morbidity and mortality improving the life of people with HIV (PWH). However, ART lead to residual HIV production, which in conjunction with microbial translocation and immune dysfunction contributes to chronic inflammation and immune activation. PWH on ART remain at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including myocardial infarction and stroke; which in part is explained by chronic inflammation and immune activation. Lifestyle factors and certain ART are associated with dyslipidemia characterized by an increase of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which further contributes in the increased risk for CVDs. Lipid-lowering agents like statins are emerging as immune modulators in decreasing inflammation in a variety of conditions including HIV. The international randomized clinical trial REPRIEVE has shed light on the reduction of CVDs with statin therapy among PWH. Such reports indicate a more than expected benefit of statins beyond their lipid-lowering effects. Bempedoic acid, a first-in-class non-statin LDL-lowering drug with immune modulatory effects, may further aid PWH in combination with statins. Herein, we critically reviewed studies aimed at lipid-lowering and immune-modulating roles of statins that may benefit aging PWH.
Factor VIII moiety of recombinant Factor VIII Fc fusion protein impacts Fc effector function and CD16+ NK cell activation
Authors: Lagassé H.A. Daniel , Ou Jiayi , Sauna Zuben E. , Golding Basil
Published: April 2024

Recombinant Factor VIII-Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) is an enhanced half-life therapeutic protein product used for the management of hemophilia A. Recent studies have demonstrated that rFVIIIFc interacts with Fc gamma receptors (FcγR) resulting in the activation or inhibition of various FcγR-expressing immune cells. We previously demonstrated that rFVIIIFc, unlike recombinant Factor IX-Fc (rFIXFc), activates natural killer (NK) cells via Fc-mediated interactions with FcγRIIIA (CD16). Additionally, we showed that rFVIIIFc activated CD16+ NK cells to lyse a FVIII-specific B cell clone. Here, we used human NK cell lines and primary NK cells enriched from peripheral blood leukocytes to study the role of the FVIII moiety in rFVIIIFc-mediated NK cell activation. Following overnight incubation of NK cells with rFVIIIFc, cellular activation was assessed by measuring secretion of the inflammatory cytokine IFNγ by ELISA or by cellular degranulation. We show that anti-FVIII, anti-Fc, and anti-CD16 all inhibited indicating that these molecules were involved in rFVIIIFc-mediated NK cell activation. To define which domains of FVIII were involved, we used antibodies that are FVIII domain-specific and demonstrated that blocking FVIII C1 or C2 domain-mediated membrane binding potently inhibited rFVIIIFc-mediated CD16+ NK cell activation, while targeting the FVIII heavy chain domains did not. We also show that rFVIIIFc binds CD16 with about five-fold higher affinity than rFIXFc. Based on our results we propose that FVIII light chain-mediated membrane binding results in tethering of the fusion protein to the cell surface, and this, together with increased binding affinity for CD16, allows for Fc-CD16 interactions to proceed, resulting in NK cellular activation. Our working model may explain our previous results where we observed that rFVIIIFc activated NK cells via CD16, whereas rFIXFc did not despite having identical IgG1 Fc domains.
Diagnosis of female genital schistosomiasis and other genital infections in young South African women: challenges in the syndromic approach
Authors: Søfteland Solrun , Sebitloane Motshedisi , Galappaththi-Arachchige Hashini Nilushika , Kleppa Elisabeth , Holmen Sigve , Pillay Pavitra , Ndhlovu Patrica Doris , Taylor Myra , Vennervald Birgitte Jyding , Naidoo Saloshni , Staff Anne Cathrine , Makua Manala , Gundersen Svein Gunnar , Kjetland Eyrun Floerecke
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Female genital schistosomiasis is a common but neglected disease, which results in symptoms similar to sexually transmitted infections in Schistosoma haematobium-endemic areas of Africa and Middle East. In primary healthcare of low-income countries, healthcare professionals use syndromic management protocols for guidance when treating symptoms of genital infection, due to lack of laboratory resources. These protocols do not include treatment for female genital schistosomiasis, despite the overlap of symptoms. Women are at risk of not receiving the appropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate challenges and missed opportunities when using syndromic management protocols for sexually transmitted infections in female genital schistosomiasis-endemic areas.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of data from a large cross-sectional prevalence study conducted in 2011 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Young women in schistosomiasis-endemic areas were asked about genital symptoms and underwent laboratory testing and gynecological examinations to look for common genital infections including female genital schistosomiasis. We used the current South African syndromic management protocols as the basis and analyzed the associations between the reported genital symptoms and the differential diagnoses with logistic regression.

Results

By use of the syndromic approach the conditions gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and herpes could be identified. The symptom “lower abdominal pain” was significantly associated with documented female genital schistosomiasis. However, the same association was not found with gonorrhea or chlamydia. We found no significant association between reported vaginal discharge syndrome and female genital schistosomiasis or between genital ulcer syndrome and female genital schistosomiasis.

Discussion

Female genital schistosomiasis frequently co-exists with, and mimics other genital infections in rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. The management protocols in schistosomiasis endemic countries should include advice on how to diagnose and manage this chronic, waterborne genital condition. There is an urgent need to upscale laboratory and diagnostic resources in low-and middle-income countries and specifically schistosomiasis-endemic areas, to diagnose these common genital infections more accurately and to treat affected women accordingly.
The efficacy of nasal administration of esketamine in patients having moderate-to-severe pain after preoperative CT-guided needle localization: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Xu Jiangning , Jian Jin , Zhang Yunyun , Wu Jingxiang , Qiu Yuwei
Published: April 2024

Background

Whether nasal administration of esketamine can provide effective analgesia is unclear in patients with acute pain after preoperative CT-guided needle localization.

Methods

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, patients were assigned to receive either nasal administration of esketamine (0.3 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg) or saline (identical in appearance to esketamine) when they had visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores >3/10 during deep breathing after preoperative CT-guided needle localization. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with satisfactory pain relief, which was defined as VAS pain scores ≤3/10 measured 15 min after intranasal of esketamine or saline. Secondary outcomes included VAS measured following esketamine or saline, the incidence and cumulative dose of rescue hydromorphone use, and related adverse events.

Results

A total of 90 patients were included in the final analysis. Following intranasal treatment, the percentage of patients with satisfactory pain relief was 16.7% (5/30) in the saline group, 56.7% (17/30) in the 0.3 mg/kg esketamine group, and 53.3% (16/30) in the 0.5 mg/kg esketamine group (p = 0.002). The median VAS during deep breathing was less after the intranasal administration of esketamine {median (IQR), 3 (3, 5) in 0.3 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg esketamine compared to the saline group [5 (4, 6)], p = 0.009}. The incidence of rescue hydromorphone use was detected less in the esketamine group compared to the saline group (43.3% in the 0.3 mg/kg esketamine group, 36.7% in the 0.5 mg/kg esketamine group, and 73.3% in the saline group, p = 0.010). The adverse events were similar among the three groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Intranasal administration of esketamine is easier and more effective in alleviating acute pain in patients after preoperative CT-guided needle localization without significant adverse effects.