bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research versus development, external knowledge, and firm innovation
Authors: Lopes‐Bento Cindy , Simeth Markus
Published: December 2023

While the positive influence of external knowledge on firm innovation is widely recognized, our understanding of the interplay between the quest for external knowledge and internally conducted research and development (R&D) remains incomplete. Previous research has identified certain conditions that shape the synergy between internal and external knowledge, such as the institutional origin of the external knowledge and the overall scale of the firm's internal R&D activities. In this study, we focus on an important but not yet considered dimension and analyze whether the returns from external knowledge sourcing are contingent upon a firm's internal involvement in basic or applied research as opposed to development. We argue that engaging in research, while supporting a firm's absorptive capacity, leads overall to lower benefits from seeking external knowledge because of knowledge crowding out and spillover effects. We test our predictions using a representative panel dataset from Spain (Panel de Innovación Tecnológica [PITEC]) and show that the benefits of external knowledge decrease for higher shares of internal research investment. This substitution effect is particularly pronounced in settings where sector‐level appropriability is limited and in nonhigh‐tech sectors. We contribute to the innovation literature by underscoring the important role of the nature of internal R&D efforts in shaping firms' capacity to benefit from external knowledge sources.
A blueprint for fortification planning and programming: Lessons learned from an analytical review of existing fortification frameworks
Authors: Darwar Roopa , Rowe Laura A. , Chadha Manpreet , Sanson‐Rosas Ana M. , Arabi Mandana
Published: December 2023

With multiple food fortification frameworks, countries can find it challenging to determine optimal methods for planning and implementing food fortification programmes to combat vitamin and mineral deficiencies, especially without additional technical support. To address this challenge, this study aimed to review existing frameworks to determine consistencies, differences, strengths, and weaknesses across the frameworks, and based on the review findings, formulate an enhanced and streamlined fortification framework. Nineteen frameworks were ultimately examined following a comprehensive literature review and key informant interviews. Generally, the reviewed frameworks amply describe motives and methods for the determination of fortification need and feasibility, industry engagement/quality assurance and quality control, and impact evaluations/surveillance. However, there was limited inclusion or discussion throughout the reviewed frameworks around harmonization of fortification with existing micronutrient interventions; fortification policy and/or strategy; enforcement, incentives, and penalties to ensure producer compliance with industry standards; and periodic fortification programme review and reassessment. The findings were used to develop a comprehensive Fortification Blueprint that aims to provide structured guidance and a library of tools and resources to fortification programme managers and key stakeholders to ensure optimal and sustainable programme design.
Post COVID‐19 condition and behavioral manifestations in Taiwanese children
Authors: Li Chia‐Jung , Yu Hong‐Ren , Kou Kuang‐Che , Chou Wen‐Jiun , Tsai Ching‐Shu , Wang Liang‐Jen
Published: December 2023

Background

This study investigated the prevalence of post COVID‐19 condition (PCC) in Taiwanese children, explored common symptoms and behavioral manifestations in children with PCC, and examined potential associations with parental stress and family functioning.

Methods

A total of 116 children who had contracted COVID‐19 and their parents participated. At 1 month after the confirmed COVID‐19 infection (baseline), the parents were asked to complete a questionnaire about the post COVID‐19 symptoms, the child behavior checklist (CBCL) based on the child's situation, also the impact event scale of COVID‐19 (IES‐C) and family APGAR based on the parents' own situation. Three months after the confirmed COVID‐19 infection, parents were again asked to complete the same questionnaires as they did at baseline.

Results

Results showed that 44.8% of the children met the criteria for PCC, with the most common symptoms being sputum/nasal congestion, tiredness and decreased concentration. Children without PCC exhibited a significant decrease in CBCL scores during the 2‐month follow‐up, while no such decrease was observed in children with PCC. However, no significant correlations were found between the number of post COVID‐19 symptoms, behavioral manifestations, parental stress levels, and family functioning.

Conclusions

Children with PCC have a less favorable trajectory in improving their behavioral manifestations. Additionally, in the post‐pandemic era, post COVID‐19 symptoms in children are not necessarily correlated with parental stress and family functioning. Further research is needed to better understand the long‐term implications of PCC in children and its impact on their mental well‐being, as well as their families.
Cerebellar injury in preterm infants less than 28 weeks gestational age
Authors: Sasaki Yoshihito , Nemoto Kazuhisa , Goto Shunji , Kato Eiji
Published: December 2023

Background

Cerebellar injury is one of the perinatal complications in preterm infants. Recent studies have highlighted the effect of perinatal complications on neurological morbidity. We investigated the perinatal risk factors and morbidity for cerebellar injury in extremely premature infants.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 285 infants born between April 2009 and December 2020 at gestational age <28 weeks at our institution. The infants were divided into two groups based on magnetic resonance imaging findings: those with and without cerebellar injury. We performed a statistical analysis of the perinatal background and short‐term morbidity of the two groups.

Results

Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the groups with respect to the perinatal background, especially gestational weeks, birthweight, and hemoglobin values at birth. In the short‐term morbidity, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, chronic lung disease, hydrocephalus, severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and cerebellar hemorrhage. Extensive cerebellar lesions, such as cerebellar agenesis or global cerebellar hypoplasia, accounted for 11 of the 22 cases of cerebellar injury; seven of the 11 cases had severe IVH in addition to cerebellar hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Gestational age was significantly lower in the cerebellar injury group. The combination of severe IVH and cerebellar hemorrhage may promote cerebellar injury.
Risk of stroke the year following a delivery after using assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Magnus Maria C. , Håberg Siri E. , Rönö Kristiina , Romundstad Liv Bente , Bergh Christina , Spangmose Anne Lærke , Pinborg Anja , Gissler Mika , Wennerholm Ulla‐Britt , Opdahl Signe
Published: December 2023

Background

Studies indicate that individuals who deliver after assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent large study from the U.S. showed a higher risk of stroke during the first year after delivery.

Objectives

To compare the risk of stroke during the first year after delivery according to the use of ART in the Nordic countries.

Methods

Registry‐based cohort study using nationwide data from Denmark (1994–2014), Finland (1990–2014), Norway (1984–2015) and Sweden (1985–2015). Data on ART conception were available from ART quality registries and/or Medical Birth Registries (MBRs). National data on stroke were available from hospital and cause‐of‐death registries. The risk of stroke during the first year after delivery was estimated with Cox proportional hazard regression, adjusting for age, calendar year of delivery, multiple births, and country.

Results

A total of 2,659,272 primiparous individuals had a registered delivery in the MBRs during the study period, and 91,466 (4%) of these gave birth after ART. We observed no overall increased risk of stroke during the first year after delivery among individuals conceiving after ART (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.10, 95% CI 0.77, 1.57). Similarly, there was no convincing evidence that the short‐term risk of stroke was higher within 1, 2, 3, or 6 months after delivery, with adjusted HRs ranging between 1.23 and 1.33 and confidence intervals including the null value for all time periods. A secondary analysis also including multiparous individuals (n = 3,335,478) at the start of follow‐up yielded similar findings.

Conclusions

We found no evidence of an increased short‐term risk of stroke among individuals who delivered after using ART.
The evolution and interpretation of seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies among South African blood donors from the Beta to Omicron variant‐driven waves
Authors: Vermeulen Marion , Mhlanga Laurette , Sykes Wendy , Cable Russell , Coleman Charl , Pietersen Nadia , Swanevelder Ronel , Glatt Tanya Nadia , Bingham Jeremy , van den Berg Karin , Grebe Eduard , Welte Alex
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives

Confirmed COVID‐19 diagnoses underestimate the total number of infections. Blood donors can provide representative seroprevalence estimates, which can be leveraged into reasonable estimates of total infection counts and infection fatality rate (IFR).

Materials and Methods

Blood donors who donated after each of three epidemic waves (Beta, Delta and first Omicron waves) were tested for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid antibodies using the Roche Elecsys anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 total immunoglobulin assay. Roche Elecsys anti‐spike antibody testing was done for the post‐Omicron sampling. Prevalence of antibodies was estimated by age, sex, race and province and compared to official case reporting. Province and age group‐specific IFRs were estimated using external excess mortality estimates.

Results

The nationally weighted anti‐nucleocapsid seroprevalence estimates after the Beta, Delta and Omicron waves were 47% (46.2%–48.6%), 71% (68.8%–73.5%) and 87% (85.5%–88.4%), respectively. There was no variation by age and sex, but there were statistically and epidemiologically significant differences by province (except at the latest time point) and race. There was a 13‐fold higher seroprevalence than confirmed case counts at the first time point. Age‐dependent IFR roughly doubled for every 10 years of age increase over 6 decades from 0.014% in children to 6.793% in octogenarians.

Conclusion

Discrepancies were found between seroprevalence and confirmed case counts. High seroprevalence rates found among Black African donors can be ascribed to historical inequities. Our IFR estimates were useful in refining previous large disagreements about the severity of the epidemic in South Africa. Blood donor‐based serosurveys provided a valuable and efficient way to provide near real‐time monitoring of the ongoing SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak.
A recombinant signalling‐selective activated protein C that lacks anticoagulant activity is efficacious and safe in cutaneous wound preclinical models
Authors: Zhao Ruilong , Xue Meilang , Lin Haiyan , Smith Margaret , Liang Helena , Weiler Hartmut , Griffin John H. , Jackson Christopher J.
Published: December 2023

Various preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the robust wound healing capacity of the natural anticoagulant activated protein C (APC). A bioengineered APC variant designated 3K3A‐APC retains APC's cytoprotective cell signalling actions with <10% anticoagulant activity. This study was aimed to provide preclinical evidence that 3K3A‐APC is efficacious and safe as a wound healing agent. 3K3A‐APC, like wild‐type APC, demonstrated positive effects on proliferation of human skin cells (keratinocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts). Similarly it also increased matrix metollaproteinase‐2 activation in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Topical 3K3A‐APC treatment at 10 or 30 μg both accelerated mouse wound healing when culled on Day 11. And at 10 μg, it was superior to APC and had half the dermal wound gape compared to control. Further testing was conducted in excisional porcine wounds due to their congruence to human skin. Here, 3K3A‐APC advanced macroscopic healing in a dose‐dependent manner (100, 250 and 500 μg) when culled on Day 21. This was histologically corroborated by greater collagen maturity, suggesting more advanced remodelling. A non‐interference arm of this study found no evidence that topical 3K3A‐APC caused either any significant systemic side‐effects or any significant leakage into the circulation. However the female pigs exhibited transient and mild local reactions after treatments in week three, which did not impact healing. Overall these preclinical studies support the hypothesis that 3K3A‐APC merits future human wound studies.
CaV2.1 α1 subunit motifs that control presynaptic CaV2.1 subtype abundance are distinct from CaV2.1 preference
Authors: Li Jianing , Veeraraghavan Priyadharishini , Young Samuel M.
Published: December 2023

Presynaptic voltage‐gated Ca2+ channel (CaV) subtype abundance at mammalian synapses regulates synaptic transmission in health and disease. In the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), most presynaptic terminals are CaV2.1 dominant with a developmental reduction in CaV2.2 and CaV2.3 levels, and CaV2 subtype levels are altered in various diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling presynaptic CaV2 subtype levels are largely unsolved. Because the CaV2 α1 subunit cytoplasmic regions contain varying levels of sequence conservation, these regions are proposed to control presynaptic CaV2 subtype preference and abundance. To investigate the potential role of these regions, we expressed chimeric CaV2.1 α1 subunits containing swapped motifs with the CaV2.2 and CaV2.3 α1 subunit on a CaV2.1/CaV2.2 null background at the calyx of Held presynaptic terminals. We found that expression of CaV2.1 α1 subunit chimeras containing the CaV2.3 loop II–III region or cytoplasmic C‐terminus (CT) resulted in a large reduction of presynaptic Ca2+ currents compared to the CaV2.1 α1 subunit. However, the Ca2+ current sensitivity to the CaV2.1 blocker agatoxin‐IVA was the same between the chimeras and the CaV2.1 α1 subunit. Additionally, we found no reduction in presynaptic Ca2+ currents with CaV2.1/2.2 cytoplasmic CT chimeras. We conclude that the motifs in the CaV2.1 loop II–III and CT do not individually regulate CaV2.1 preference, although these motifs control CaV2.1 levels and the CaV2.3 CT contains motifs that negatively regulate presynaptic CaV2.3 levels. We propose that the motifs controlling presynaptic CaV2.1 preference are distinct from those regulating CaV2.1 levels and may act synergistically to impact pathways regulating CaV2.1 preference and abundance.

image

Key points

Presynaptic CaV2 subtype abundance regulates neuronal circuit properties, although the mechanisms regulating presynaptic CaV2 subtype abundance and preference remain enigmatic.

The CaV α1 subunit determines subtype and contains multiple motifs implicated in regulating presynaptic subtype abundance and preference.

The CaV2.1 α1 subunit domain II–III loop and cytoplasmic C‐terminus are positive regulators of presynaptic CaV2.1 abundance but do not regulate preference.

The CaV2.3 α1 subunit cytoplasmic C‐terminus negatively regulates presynaptic CaV2 subtype abundance but not preference, whereas the CaV2.2 α1 subunit cytoplasmic C‐terminus is not a key regulator of presynaptic CaV2 subtype abundance or preference.

The CaV2 α1 subunit motifs determining the presynaptic CaV2 preference are distinct from abundance.
Black-Fe2O3 Polyhedron-Assembled 3D Film Electrode With Enhanced Conductivity and Energy Density for Aqueous Solid-State Energy Storage
Authors: Xing Yi , Sun Xiaoyu , Chen Wentian , Ma Xiaoqing , Huang Zirui , Li Minglian , Guo Wenfeng , Fan Yuqian
Published: December 2023

The construction of advanced Fe2O3 materials with high energy density for energy storage faces challenges due to the defects of conventional widely known red-brown Fe2O3 such as poor electronic conductivity and insufficient physical/chemical stability. Unlike previous works, we successfully synthesized a novel black-Fe2O3 (B-Fe2O3) thin film electrode by adopting a simple hydrothermal strategy. Physical characterizations indicate that the as-made B-Fe2O3 product is composed of polyhedrons (mainly exhibit four to eight sides) with a micrometer grade size range. Besides, the Fe-based thin film electrode with this 3D structure has a stronger affinity and high electronic conductivity. As anode of aqueous solid-state energy storage devices, the as-synthesized B-Fe2O3 film electrode exhibits excellent volume energy density of 14.349 kWh m−3 at a power density of 1609 kW m−3, which is much higher than the best result of previous works (∼8 kWh m−3). This study may provide new insights into the development of the Fe2O3 series on developing high-efficiency Fe-based anode materials for solid-state energy storage.
Critical Review of Hydrogen Production via Seawater Electrolysis and Desalination: Evaluating Current Practices
Authors: Varras Giorgos , Chalaris Michail
Published: December 2023

The pursuit of sustainable and clean energy solutions has led to increased interest in hydrogen as an efficient energy carrier. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of state-of-the-art technologies for hydrogen production through seawater electrolysis and desalination, addressing the critical need for clean energy generation and sustainable water supply. It emphasizes the importance of hydrogen as a versatile and environmentally friendly energy source, as well as the significance of seawater desalination in addressing water scarcity challenges. “The analysis encompasses a comparison of the three existing commercial electrolysis technologies”: solid oxide electrolysis (SOE), alkaline electrolyzers (AE), and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis. Factors such as energy requirements, capital and maintenance costs, and offshore suitability are considered, facilitating an informed evaluation of the most suitable electrolysis method for seawater hydrogen production. Additionally, three desalination technologies with commercial applications are under evaluation: reverse osmosis (RO), thermal desalination, and membrane desalination. The assessment takes into account investment and operation costs, energy demand, and environmental impact, providing insights into the feasibility and sustainability of integrating hydrogen production with seawater desalination. The findings reveal the energy, economic, and environmental aspects of hydrogen production via seawater electrolysis and desalination, shedding light on the synergies and challenges involved. The study concludes by summarizing the main results, identifying research gaps, and outlining future directions for further advancements in the field. This condensed review serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in understanding the complex interplay between hydrogen production, seawater electrolysis, and desalination. It provides a perspective on energy demands, environmental impact, and investment of various technologies, enabling informed decision-making toward a more sustainable and resilient energy–water nexus. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on hydrogen production and seawater desalination, offering insights that can inform strategic planning, policy development, and technological advancements in achieving a greener and more sustainable future.
Investigation of the Mechanical Characteristics of Metal 3D Printing at Different Build Orientation and Directions
Authors: Khanafer Khalil , Park Joon Soo , Eltaggaz Abdelkrem , Aboelkassem Yasser
Published: December 2023

In this paper, metal 3D printing technology was used to investigate the effects of build orientation angles and direction on the mechanical characteristics of 316L stainless steel produced by the Bound Metal Deposition (BMD) process. Several orientation angles (0 deg, 45 deg, and 90 deg) of the test specimens were made for both horizontal and vertical build directions. The tensile testing apparatus was used on metal 3D-printed samples to determine their mechanical characteristics, such as Young's modulus, elongation at break, and ultimate strength. Brinell hardness tester was also used to compare the hardness of 3D-printed samples to the original native material. In addition, the porosity and microstructure of the printed samples were analyzed in this study. The findings of this investigation revealed how, in comparison to the original material, the mechanical properties of the metal 3D-printed material rely on the raster orientation and build type. The experimental results demonstrate that the 3D-printed parts using the BMD process have comparable ultimate tensile strength and elongation at break compared to the original material for 0 deg orientation and horizontal build direction. The elongation at break was found to depend strongly on the build direction for 45 deg and 90 deg printing orientation. Further, Young's modulus was found to be much lower than the original material using the BMD process.
An Aerodynamic Investigation of the Last-Stage Turbine in an Upgraded Gas Turbine
Authors: Liu Yige , Pan Chengxiong , Liu Xiaohua , Yang Jun
Published: December 2023

Due to the lengthy certification process for newly designed turbine blades, product upgrading of industrial gas turbine units is often performed solely on compressor and combustor. Since their inlet conditions are significantly changed, the entire four-stage turbine operates far away from its original design point, leading to decreased efficiency, and increased flutter risk. This investigation first performs numerical simulations to study the flow field change of the last-stage turbine in a gas turbine before and after product upgrading. To reduce the load of the last-stage turbine without reducing the power output of the whole turbine, the enthalpy drops of turbine are reallocated to the front three stages. After modifying the blade profile based on S1 stream surface analysis, a CFD simulation is carried out on the modified three-dimensional blade passage. It is shown that the modified blade design greatly reduces the Mach number at the tip outlet of the last-stage blade, thus possibly reducing flutter risk and improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the turbine. This paper also attempts to redesign the blade geometry by different radial blade stacking of both forward sweep and backward sweep. It is found that the backward-swept blade modification can effectively reduce the endwall flow loss. This work presents the improvements of the aerodynamic efficiency of last-stage through a series of improvement methods and provides a reference for future detailed optimization of this last-stage turbine.
Flow Control Over a Finite Wall-Mounted Square Cylinder by Using Multiple Plasma Actuators
Authors: Yousif Mustafa Z. , Yang Yifang , Zhou Haifeng , Mohammadikarachi Arash , Yu Linqi , Zhang Meng , Lim Hee-Chang
Published: December 2023

The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of plasma actuators in controlling the flow around a finite wall-mounted square cylinder (FWMSC) with a longitudinal aspect ratio of 4. The test is conducted in a small-scale closed return-type wind tunnel. The Reynolds number of the experiments, Red, is 500 based on the width of the bluff body and the freestream velocity. The plasma actuators are installed on the top surface and the rear surface of the square cylinder. The induced flow velocities of the plasma actuators are modulated by adjusting the operating voltage and frequency of the high-voltage generator. In this work, particle image velocimetry (PIV) is used to obtain the velocity fields. Furthermore, force calculations are conducted to investigate the effect of using plasma actuators with different driving voltages on the drag force. Our results show that the plasma actuators can successfully suppress flow separation and reduce the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in the wake. A correlation between the drag coefficient and the operating voltage of the power generator is also revealed, and the mean drag coefficient is found to decrease with increasing imposing voltage. The plasma actuators can enhance the momentum exchange and the interactive behavior between the shear layer and the flow separation region, resulting in flow reattachment at the free end and shrinkage of the recirculation zone in the near-wake region of the bluff body. Overall, the present study demonstrates the practical effectiveness of using plasma actuators for flow control around FWMSC.
Exploring Al2O3 blister evolution through cathodoluminescence and attenuated total reflectance infrared analyses
Authors: Bohórquez Carolina , Vazquez Jorge L. , López Luis E. , Jurado Jorge A. , Domínguez David , Contreras Oscar E. , Tiznado Hugo J.
Published: December 2023

This work focuses on the morphological and optical evolution of Al2O3 thick films grown by atomic layer deposition on Si-SiO2 substrates. Blister formation has been the subject of extensive research in the literature; our work fills a crucial gap in the optical characterization of areas inside and outside blisters. Morphological studies were carried out by scanning electron microscopy; we found a reciprocal relationship between the density of the blisters and their diameter. The thickness and refractive index were studied by ellipsometry, revealing a systematic increase in the refractive index with increasing annealing temperature. In addition, we observed the hydrophobic behavior in all films using the water contact angle technique, which suggests that even with blisters, this material can be used in waterproof coatings. Using Auger spectroscopy, we confirmed that delamination occurs completely once the blisters are broken. In this work, we perform cathodoluminescence measurements outside and inside the ampoules. In the area outside the blisters, we observe emissions attributed to the F centers, and the change from the main peaks of 2.8 and 3.4 eV for the as-deposited film to the dominance of emissions centered at 3.4 and 3.7 eV is clearly observed. Furthermore, we observed a strong increase in the cathodoluminescence signal at higher annealing temperatures. On the other hand, we also observed the evolution of the blisters through the cathodoluminescence spectra; in that area, we observed the radical change in the spectrum once the blister is broken, giving rise to the SiO2 signals. We also observed this rupture through a new absorption band in the attenuated total reflectance IR spectra.
Smooth Subsum Search A Heuristic for Practical Integer Factorization
Authors: Hittmeir Markus
Published: December 2023

The two currently fastest general-purpose integer factorization algorithms are the Quadratic Sieve and the Number Field Sieve. Both techniques are used to find so-called smooth values of certain polynomials, i.e., values that factor completely over a set of small primes (the factor base). As the names of the methods suggest, a sieving procedure is used for the task of quickly identifying smooth values among the candidates in a certain range. While the Number Field Sieve is asymptotically faster, the Quadratic Sieve is still considered the most efficient factorization technique for numbers up to around 100 digits. In this paper, we challenge the Quadratic Sieve by presenting a novel approach based on representing smoothness candidates as sums that are always divisible by several of the primes in the factor base. The resulting values are generally smaller than those considered in the Quadratic Sieve, increasing the likelihood of them being smooth. Using the fastest implementations of the Self-initializing Quadratic Sieve in Python as benchmarks, a Python implementation of our approach runs consistently 5 to 7 times faster for numbers with 45–100 digits, and around 10 times faster for numbers with 30–40 digits. We discuss several avenues for further improvements and applications of the technique.
CASE REPORT: A SUCCESSFUL STRATEGY FOR TREATMENT OF RETAINED FETAL MEMBRANES COMBINED WITH PUERPERAL METRITIS IN A DAIRY COW
Authors: Chuang Albert Chun-Chun , Guo Bing-Cheng , Li Cheng-Yan , Chan Jacky Peng-Wen
Published: December 2023

A Holstein dairy cow on a farm located in central Taiwan gave birth after 281 days of gestation; however fetal membranes were not expelled until 12[Formula: see text]h post-parturition. Preventive antibiotics of ceftiofur (750[Formula: see text]mg) combined with flunixin (750[Formula: see text]mg) were administered intramuscularly for three consecutive days. On day 11 postpartum, expulsion of partial fetal membranes and reddish-brown vaginal discharge with an offensive odor were reported. Intrauterine lavage using 800[Formula: see text]ml of sterile saline and 500[Formula: see text]ml of 0.2% chlorhexidine solution was performed, followed by intrauterine infusion with 300[Formula: see text]ml of 0.5% povidone iodine. On day 21 postpartum, a vaginal discharge score (VDS) of 3 was graded by Metricheck[Formula: see text] and uterine cytology revealed 76.1% polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), all of which suggested endometritis. An additional intrauterine infusion of 0.5% povidone iodine was subsequently prescribed, followed by two low doses of PGF[Formula: see text] to control uterine infection. On day 49 postpartum, a VDS of 0 with a proportion of 3.8% PMNs was revealed, indicating available criteria for breeding. Estrus induction and timed artificial insemination were scheduled and pregnancy was confirmed 33 days after artificial insemination. In summary, we have demonstrated a successful two-step treatment for a Holstein having retained fetal membranes (RFMs) combined with puerperal metritis (PM) to have a favorable result of 65 days open.
Decoding financial choices: Investigating factors influencing the investment dynamics of the working women
Authors: Sushmitha K. , Jayabal A.
Published: December 2023

The landscape of earnings has become commonplace with evolving social, cultural, personal, psychological, and environmental variables empowering women to earn on par with men. In response to the increasing economic factors, it has become imperative for women to invest, safeguarding against present and future uncertainties. This study aims to scrutinize, identify, and evaluate the investment behavior and decision-making processes of women investors. Traditionally, future investment decisions were exclusive to men, but in today’s world, women are gradually assuming this role. Recognizing the distinct financial habits of men and women, this study endeavors to explore the factors influencing the investment behavior of working women from their perspective. Data were gathered from 385 working women in Chennai City using the snowball sampling technique. The data were analyzed through exploratory factor analysis, and the investment behavior of working women was examined across five major dimensions: investment awareness, investment attributes, investment preference, investment decision, and investment satisfaction. The study findings indicate that sub-factors within each dimension significantly influence the investment behavior of working women.
Pyrates: Design and Evaluation of a Serious Game Aimed at Introducing Python Programming and Easing the Transition from Blocks
Authors: Branthôme Matthieu
Published: December 2023

This article reports on a design-based research study centered on the conception and the assessment of the
Pyrates
application. This online serious game aims at introducing Python programming to K–12 students while easing the transition from block-based to text-based languages. After we present the various aspects underlying the block-to-text transition as well as the related existing applications, we describe the design of
Pyrates
. First, we built the levels of the game to deal with the different fundamental concepts of programming in a constructivist approach. Next, we were inspired by advantageous characteristics of block-based programming editors to create the editing environment of
Pyrates
. To assess this conception, we tested the application in eight classrooms with 240 French 14–15 years old students. Students’ activity traces have been collected and were augmented by a qualitative online survey. By analyzing this dataset, we showed that the levels’ design generally allows to apprehend the targeted concepts consistently with the constructivist principles. Regarding the editing environment, we established that it supports the block-to-text transition in several aspects: concept transposition (general models and illustrative examples), reduction of errors (beginners aware syntax analyzer), command catalog (programming memo for discovery and syntax reference), and program composition (copy button that limits keyboarding). Finally,
Pyrates
, which has already been played over 140,000 times, offers practitioners an environment that facilitates the transition from blocks to text, as well as a serious game to master the fundamental concepts of Python programming, and novel avenues to follow for tool designers.
Finite Element Analysis of Corrosion Tubular T-Joint Repaired with Grouted Clamp
Authors: Deng Peng , Guo Jian , Zhu Zhongyi , Liu Yan , Zhu Qiang
Published: December 2023

A finite element (FE) analysis of corroded circular hollow section T-joints repaired using grouted clamps is presented in this study. To ensure an accurate simulation, experiments on a T-joint with uniform corrosion and an intact T-joint with grouted clamp are reproduced separately using an FE model. The experimental and FE modeling results correlate closely, displaying similar failure behaviors and load–displacement responses. Subsequently, a total of 56 FE T-joint models with varying degrees of corrosion on the chord, repaired by grouted clamp, were then analyzed numerically. The corrosion was artificially applied to the chord’s outer surface at depths of 10%, 20%, and 30% of the chord’s thickness. The models also account for variations in joint geometry, dictated by parameters β and γ, which range from 0.565 to 0.678 and from 21 to 28, respectively. Furthermore, grouted clamp’s properties were examined, including sleeve length, thickness, strength, as well as the thickness and strength of the grout, in relation to the complexity of the repair. The grouted clamp demonstrated significant repair capability, increasing the ultimate strength of the corroded joint by up to 2.23 times. Reinforcements that are both thicker and longer substantially enhance the joint’s ultimate strength. However, inappropriate repair construction results in an abrupt termination of the load–displacement curve and a brittle failure phenomenon outside reinforced chord region. Additional weight from the grouted clamp requires reasonable control, and sleeve overlapping ratio should be guaranteed to be greater than 0.7. The joint bearing capacity can be efficiently increased by thicker grouts and sleeves only in ductile failure cases. The confinement effect and mechanism of the grouted clamp in joint deformation were visually analyzed as stress distribution from FE analysis results. Finally, a prediction equation is proposed to estimate the static strength of the repaired joint through regression analysis.
Clinicopathological Pattern of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Kuwait: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Almutairi Rawan , Al-Awadhi Rana , Al-Sabah Humoud
Published: December 2023

Objective: One in every three diagnosed malignancies is skin cancer, making it the most prevalent type of cancer in the world. As skin cancer is not commonly reported in Kuwait, this study was conducted to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC), primarily basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), during the last 13 years in a tertiary dermatology center in Kuwait. Materials and Methods: Data were searched for patients with NMSC, primarily BCC and SCC, from 2010 to 2022. A retrospective review was conducted and descriptive data analysis was performed. Results: Of 7,645 cases, a total of 146 patients had NMSC. The patient’s average age was 64.9 years. 123 cases (84.2%) had BCC, whereas 23 (15.8%) had SCC. Most of the tumors were seen on the face (35.6%), scalp (20.8%), and nose (17.8%), followed by the back (6.2%), trunk (5.5%), and ear (5.5%). Well-differentiated Cutaneous SCCs were detected in 82.6% of cases. Ulceration was observed in (21.9%) of tumors. The nodular BCC subtype was observed in 50.4% of patients. Conclusion: BCC is the most common type of NMSC detected in Kuwait, with the scalp and face being the most common sites of involvement. Any suspicious lesions should be biopsied to rule out skin malignancy.
Mitofusin-2 Regulates Platelet Mitochondria and Function
Authors: Jacob Shancy , Kosaka Yasuhiro , Bhatlekar Seema , Denorme Frederik , Benzon Haley , Moody Alexandra , Moody Victoria , Tugolukova Emilia A. , Hull Grayson , Kishimoto Nina , Manne Bhanu K. , Guo Li , Souvenir Rhonda , Seliger Brayden J. , Eustes Alicia S. , Hoerger Kelly , Tolley Neal D. , Fatahian Amir N. , Boudina Sihem , Christiani David C. , Wei Yongyue , Ju Can , Campbell Robert A. , Rondina Matthew T. , Abel E. Dale , Bray Paul F. , Weyrich Andrew S. , Rowley Jesse W.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms linked with the rs1474868 T allele (
MFN2
[mitofusin-2] T/T) in the human mitochondrial fusion protein
MFN2
gene are associated with reduced platelet
MFN2
RNA expression and platelet counts. This study investigates the impact of MFN2 on megakaryocyte and platelet biology.

METHODS:

Mice with megakaryocyte/platelet deletion of
Mfn2
(
Mfn2
−/−
[
Mfn2
conditional knockout]) were generated using Pf4-Cre crossed with floxed
Mfn2
mice. Human megakaryocytes were generated from cord blood and platelets isolated from healthy subjects genotyped for rs1474868. Ex vivo approaches assessed mitochondrial morphology, function, and platelet activation responses. In vivo measurements included endogenous/transfused platelet life span, tail bleed time, transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, and pulmonary vascular permeability/hemorrhage following lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury.

RESULTS:

Mitochondria was more fragmented in megakaryocytes derived from
Mfn2
−/−
mice and from human cord blood with
MFN2
T/T genotype compared with control megakaryocytes. Human resting platelets of
MFN2
T/T genotype had reduced MFN2 protein, diminished mitochondrial membrane potential, and an increased rate of phosphatidylserine exposure during ex vivo culture. Platelet counts and platelet life span were reduced in
Mfn2
−/−
mice accompanied by an increased rate of phosphatidylserine exposure in resting platelets, especially aged platelets, during ex vivo culture.
Mfn2
−/−
also decreased platelet mitochondrial membrane potential (basal) and activated mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate, reactive oxygen species generation, calcium flux, platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation, and phosphatidylserine exposure following dual agonist activation. Ultimately,
Mfn2
−/−
mice showed prolonged tail bleed times, decreased ischemic stroke infarct size after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, and exacerbated pulmonary inflammatory hemorrhage following lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury. Analysis of
MFN2
SNPs in the iSPAAR study (Identification of SNPs Predisposing to Altered ALI Risk) identified a significant association between
MFN2
and 28-day mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mfn2 preserves mitochondrial phenotypes in megakaryocytes and platelets and influences platelet life span, function, and outcomes of stroke and lung injury.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Icosapent Ethyl in REDUCE‐IT USA: Results From Patients Randomized in the United States
Authors: Weintraub William S. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Zhang Zugui , Dolman Sarahfaye , Boden William E. , Bress Adam P. , Bellows Brandon K. , Derington Catherine G. , Philip Sephy , Steg Gabriel , Miller Michael , Brinton Eliot A. , Jacobson Terry A. , Tardif Jean‐Claude , Ballantyne Christie M. , Kolm Paul
Published: December 2023

Background

In 3146 REDUCE‐IT USA (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With Icosapent Ethyl Intervention Trial USA) participants, icosapent ethyl (IPE) reduced first and total cardiovascular events by 31% and 36%, respectively, over 4.9 years of follow‐up.

Methods and Results

We used participant‐level data from REDUCE‐IT USA, 2021 US costs, and IPE costs ranging from $4.59 to $11.48 per day, allowing us to examine a range of possible medication costs. The in‐trial analysis was participant‐level, whereas the lifetime analysis used a Markov model. Both analyses considered value from a US health sector perspective. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (incremental costs divided by incremental quality‐adjusted life‐years) of IPE compared with standard care (SC) was the primary outcome measure. There was incremental gain in quality‐adjusted life‐years with IPE compared with SC using in‐trial (3.28 versus 3.13) and lifetime (10.36 versus 9.83) horizons. Using an IPE cost of $4.59 per day, health care costs were lower with IPE compared with SC for both in‐trial ($29 420 versus $30 947) and lifetime ($216 243 versus $219 212) analyses. IPE versus SC was a dominant strategy in trial and over the lifetime, with 99.7% lifetime probability of an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio <$50 000 per quality‐adjusted life‐year gained. At a medication cost of $11.48 per day, the cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year gained was $36 208 in trial and $4135 over the lifetime.

Conclusions

In this analysis, at $4.59 per day, IPE offers better outcomes than SC at lower costs in trial and over a lifetime and is cost‐effective at $11.48 per day for conventional willingness‐to‐pay thresholds. Treatment with IPE should be strongly considered in US patients like those enrolled in REDUCE‐IT USA.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01492361.
Criminalization of Childlike Sex Dolls under International and EU Law
Authors: Loibl Elvira , van der Aa Suzan
Published: December 2023

Recent years have witnessed the emergence of a market in childlike sex dolls. Even though there is currently no empirical evidence as to whether or not the use of childlike sex dolls would prevent or encourage sexual abuse of children, more and more countries prohibit or consider prohibiting them. However, it is unclear as to where international and EU law stand in relation to these dolls. This article analyses and discusses international and EU legal instruments that might be relevant for a national ban on childlike sex dolls. First, it deals with the question whether the international and EU legal framework on child pornography and other relevant instruments provide a legal basis for prohibiting these objects. Second, it examines whether a ban on childlike sex dolls is compatible with international and EU trade law, in particular with the 1994 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Climate Breakdown and Book Publishing
Authors: Hodgkin Adam
Published: December 2023

This article notes the ever-increasing urgency of immediate action on climate change across all sectors. The publishing industry is aware of the need for action, measurement, auditing, and detailed reporting. Two of the largest STM (scientific, technical, and medical) publishers, Springer Nature and Elsevier, have started publishing annual reports covering their activity on climate change and sustainability. The article also considers attempts that have been made to measure the carbon impact of individual books. Such studies are inconclusive, and may not be helpful if the physical product is still GHG (greenhouse gas) costly in a time when all sectors need to drastically curtail GHG impact. The paper notes the need for continuing and sustained focus on mitigation and adaptation and suggests that the prospects for highly inventive adaptation through the long-established and growing ‘digital turn’ ongoing in publishing for 60 years are encouraging. A full digital transformation may yet be possible, necessary, and able even, in effect, to subtract the GHG costs of paper publishing from the global balance sheet measuring our climate breakdown.
Colexification of ‘Enough’, ‘Able’ and ‘Until’ in Tok Pisin and Papapana: Independent or Contact-induced Change?
Authors: Smith-Dennis Ellen
Published: December 2023

Considerable research has concerned the influence of Papua New Guinea’s Oceanic languages on the development of the pidgin/creole Tok Pisin, but little research has considered linguistic influence in the opposite direction. This paper adds to both bodies of research by investigating whether the colexification of ‘enough’, ‘able’ and ‘until’ in Papapana (Oceanic) and Tok Pisin results from internal or contact-induced change. Such a colexification is unattested/rare cross-linguistically therefore I argue that language contact is responsible. The Tok Pisin verb inap ‘enough, able’ grammaticalised as the preposition/subordinator ‘until’ because of semantic extensions by Oceanic language speakers whose languages demonstrate overlapping polysemies. The Papapana verb eangoi colexifies ‘enough’ and ‘able’ (common cross-linguistically), but the colexification with the lexicalised adverb eangoiena ‘able’ and grammaticalised preposition/subordinator eangoiena ‘until’ is pattern replication modelled on Tok Pisin. Based on areal data, I propose a tentative semantic map for enough, contributing to research on cross-linguistic colexification.
Quṭb al-Dīn al-Shīrāzī’s Commentary on Ibn Sīnā’s Qānūn in Historical Context: Edition and Translation of the Preface
Authors: Savadi Fateme , Eshera Osama
Published: December 2023

Ibn Sīnā’s al-Qānūn fī l-ṭibb, especially its first book, al-Kulliyyāt, elicited dozens of commentaries from the 6th/12th century through the 8th/14th century. Among them, Quṭb al-Dīn al-Shīrāzī’s commentary, entitled al-Tuḥfa al-saʿdiyya, is distinguished in that in it he analyzed and synthesized almost all commentaries written before his death in 710/1311. This article shows how Shīrāzī bridged some of the political boundaries that divided the Islamic world after the Mongol invasion to gather his predecessors’ commentaries, as well as other sources for composing al-Tuḥfa al-saʿdiyya. Shīrāzī’s extensive travels and proximity to patronage allowed him to acquire, and later disseminate, medical and scientific texts that were otherwise unavailable in Anatolia and the eastern territories of the Islamic world.
Words and their Worlds: A Conversation with Dilip M. Menon
Authors: Al-Zayed Mahmoud
Published: December 2023

In this Philological Conversation, Dilip M. Menon dwells on the questions of how to think concepts and theorize from the Global South and on writing history beyond the Eurocentric, colonial, nationalist, and terrestrial. We discuss the political and epistemic implications and consequences of such urgent tasks. Dilip M. Menon speaks about his affinities with Edward Said, Mikhail Bakhtin, and Walter Benjamin, among others, and refects on the themes of coloniality of knowledge, postcoloniality, decoloniality, oceanic history, and the idea of paracoloniality. He links his earlier works to his recent decolonial intellectual projects and discusses his intellectual formation and his practice as a historian and social theorist. Put together via e-mail exchanges, this conversation is a culmination of several in-person conversations that took place in Beirut, Delhi and Berlin. One only hopes for many more to come.