bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclic workflow to improve implementation of learning points from morbidity and mortality meetings
Authors: Myren B.J. , de Hullu J.A. , Koksma J.J. , Gelderblom M.E. , Hermens R.P.M.G. , Zusterzeel P.L.M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Morbidity and mortality meetings (M&MMs) are organized in most hospital departments with an educational purpose to learn from adverse events (AEs) to improve patient care. M&MMs often lack effectiveness due to unsuccessful systematic follow-up of areas of improvement. This can have an effect on improving patient safety and care. Therefore, a new strategy that focuses on implementing areas of improvement into daily practice is necessary. The study aim is to see if we could improve the implementation of meeting outcomes from the M&MM by using a cyclic workflow, and which factors are important to achieve its implementation.

Methods

This prospective study took place at the department of gynecologic oncology of a university hospital. Research was conducted with a participatory action research (PAR) approach using 10 consecutive M&MMs in 2019 and 2020. The cyclical workflow consisted of an action list based on the PDCA-cycle, a check of the implementation of areas for improvement at the next M&MM and regular monitoring of tasks. Each M&MM was observed and each professional with an assigned task was interviewed and gave their informed consent. Thematic content analysis was performed with the program Atlas.ti 8.4.20.

Results

Out of the 39 tasks that resulted from 10 M&MMs, 37 (94.8%) followed all the steps in the PDCA-cycle and were implemented. In total, 16 interviews were conducted with consultants, nurses, registrars and residents. Five main factors were important to achieve follow-up of areas for improvement: organizational culture, motivation, commitment, communication to mobilize employees and skills. Repetition of the cyclic workflow at the M&MM and an external person who reminded professionals of their assigned task(s) was important to change habits and motivate professionals.

Conclusion

Cyclical tools can support the implementation of areas for improvement to optimize the M&MM. A M&MM with an organizational culture where attendees can discuss openly and freely may motivate attendees to take on tasks successfully. A positive stimulant to reach commitment of professionals is team participation. Integrating new habits of reflection may lead to a deeper level of learning from the PDCA-cycle and of the M&MM. Creating a learning environment outside of the M&MM may support professionals to take on actions and engage in improvement practices. Future research may focus on including a comparative analysis to show a success rate of the implementation of learning points from the M&MM more clearly.
Clinical implications of circulating tumor DNA in predicting the outcome of diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients receiving first-line therapy
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Mi Lan , Wang Chunyang , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhu Jianhua , Qi Fei , Yu Hui , Ye Yingying , Wang Dedao , Cao Jiaowu , Hu Dingyao , Yang Quanyu , Zhao Dandan , Ma Tonghui , Song Yuqin , Zhu Jun
Published: October 2022

Background

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has been proven to be a promising tumor-specific biomarker in solid tumors, but its clinical utility in risk stratification and early prediction of relapse for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has not been well explored.

Methods

Here, using a lymphoma-specific sequencing panel, we assessed the prognostic and predictive utilities of ctDNA measurements before, during, and after first-line therapy in 73 Chinese DLBCL patients.

Results

The pretreatment ctDNA level serving as an independent prognostic factor for both progression-free survival (PFS, adjusted HR 2.47; p = 0.004) and overall survival (OS, adjusted HR 2.49; p = 0.011) was confirmed in our cohort. Furthermore, the patients classified as molecular responders who presented a larger decrease in ctDNA levels after the initial two treatment cycles had more favorable PFS (unreached vs. 6.25 months; HR 5.348; p = 0.0015) and OS (unreached vs. 25.87; HR 4.0; p = 0.028) than non-responders. In addition, interim ctDNA clearance may be an alternative noninvasive method of positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) for predicting better PFS (HR 3.65; p = 0.0033) and OS (HR 3.536; p = 0.016). We also demonstrated that posttreatment ctDNA was a sensitive indicator for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with a high risk of recurrence (HR 6.471; p = 0.014), who were otherwise claimed to achieve radiographic CR (complete remission).

Conclusions

CtDNA is a promising noninvasive tool for prognosis prediction, response assessment, and early relapse prediction of first-line treatment in DLBCL patients.
Immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose fractionation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Bingyi , Huang Xiaotong , Gao Huizhi , Leung Nancy H. , Tsang Tim K. , Cowling Benjamin J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Dose fractionation of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine could effectively accelerate global vaccine coverage, while supporting evidence of efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety are unavailable, especially with emerging variants.

Methods

We systematically reviewed clinical trials that reported dose-finding results and estimated the dose-response relationship of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) of COVID-19 vaccines using a generalized additive model. We predicted the vaccine efficacy against both ancestral and variants, using previously reported correlates of protection and cross-reactivity. We also reviewed and compared seroconversion to nAbs, T cell responses, and safety profiles between fractional and standard dose groups.

Results

We found that dose fractionation of mRNA and protein subunit vaccines could induce SARS-CoV-2-specific nAbs and T cells that confer a reasonable level of protection (i.e., vaccine efficacy > 50%) against ancestral strains and variants up to Omicron. Safety profiles of fractional doses were non-inferior to the standard dose.

Conclusions

Dose fractionation of mRNA and protein subunit vaccines may be safe and effective, which would also vary depending on the characteristics of emerging variants and updated vaccine formulations.
Promoting equity in health emergencies through health systems strengthening: lessons learned from disability inclusion in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pearce Emma , Kamenov Kaloyan , Barrett Darryl , Cieza Alarcos
Published: October 2022

Discriminatory health systems and inequalities in service provision inevitably create barriers for certain populations in a health emergency. Persons with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They commonly experience three increased risks - of contracting the disease, of severe disease or death, and of new or worsening health conditions. These added risks occur due to a range of barriers in the health sector, including physical barriers that prevent access to health facilities and specific interventions; informational barriers that prevent access to health information and/or reduce health literacy; and attitudinal barriers which give rise to stigma and exclusion, all of which add to discrimination and inequality. Furthermore, national health emergency preparedness and planning may fail to consider the needs and priorities of persons with disabilities, in all their diversity, thus leaving them behind in responses. This commentary discusses the importance of inclusive health systems strengthening as a prerequisite for accessible and comprehensive health emergency preparedness and response plans that reach everyone. Lessons learned relating to disability inclusion in the COVID-19 pandemic can inform health systems strengthening in recovery efforts, addressing underlying barriers to access and inclusion, and in turn improving preparedness for future health emergencies.
Efficacy and safety of carbon ion radiotherapy for bone sarcomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dong Meng , Liu Ruifeng , Zhang Qiuning , Luo Hongtao , Wang Dandan , Wang Yuhang , Chen Junru , Ou Yuhong , Wang Xiaohu
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study aimed to systematically evaluate and conduct a meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of carbon ion radiotherapy for bone sarcomas.

Methods

We searched for articles using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science databases from their inception to January 12, 2022. Two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted data based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 14.0.

Results

We searched for 4378 candidate articles, of which 12 studies were included in our study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 897 BSs patients who received carbon ion radiotherapy in the studies, 526 patients had chordoma, 255 patients had chondrosarcoma, 112 patients had osteosarcoma, and 4 patients had other sarcomas. The local control rate at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 years in these studies were 98.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.961–1.009, I2 = 0%), 85.8% (95% CI = 0.687–1.030, I2 = 91%), 86% (95% CI = 0.763–0.957, I2 = 85.3%), 91.1% (95% CI = 0.849–0.974), 74.3% (95% CI = 0.666–0.820, I2 = 85.2%), and 64.7% (95% CI = 0.451–0.843, I2 = 95.3%), respectively. The overall survival rate at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 years in these studies were 99.9% (95% CI = 0.995–1.004, I2 = 0%), 89.6% (95% CI = 0.811–0.980, I2 = 96.6%), 85% (95% CI = 0.750–0.950, I2 = 89.4%), 92.4% (95% CI = 0.866–0.982), 72.7% (95% CI = 0.609–0.844, I2 = 95.3%), and 72.1% (95% CI = 0.661–0.781, I2 = 46.5%), respectively. Across all studies, the incidence of acute and late toxicities was mainly grade 1 to grade 2, and grade 1 to grade 3, respectively.

Conclusion

As an advanced radiotherapy, carbon ion radiotherapy is promising for patients with bone sarcomas that are unresectable or residual after incomplete surgery. The data indicated that carbon ion radiotherapy was safe and effective for bone sarcomas, showing promising results for local control, overall survival, and lower acute and late toxicity.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021258480.
Matrix Gla protein (MGP), GATA3, and TRPS1: a novel diagnostic panel to determine breast origin
Authors: Du Tian , Pan Lu , Zheng Chengyou , Chen Keming , Yang Yuanzhong , Chen Jiewei , Chao Xue , Li Mei , Lu Jiabin , Luo Rongzhen , Zhang Jinhui , Wu Yu , He Jiehua , Jiang Dongping , Sun Peng
Published: October 2022

Background

Metastatic breast carcinoma is commonly considered during differential diagnosis when metastatic disease is detected in females. In addition to the tumor morphology and documented clinical history, sensitive and specific immunohistochemical (IHC) markers such as GCDFP-15, mammaglobin, and GATA3 are helpful for determining breast origin. However, these markers are reported to show lower sensitivity in certain subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Materials and methods

Using bioinformatics analyses, we identified a potential diagnostic panel to determine breast origin: matrix Gla protein (MGP), transcriptional repressor GATA binding 1 (TRPS1), and GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3). We compared MGP, TRPS1, and GATA3 expression in different subtypes of breast carcinoma of (n = 1201) using IHC. As a newly identified marker, MGP expression was also evaluated in solid tumors (n = 2384) and normal tissues (n = 1351) from different organs.

Results

MGP and TRPS1 had comparable positive expression in HER2-positive (91.2% vs. 92.0%, p = 0.79) and TNBC subtypes (87.3% vs. 91.2%, p = 0.18). GATA3 expression was lower than MGP (p < 0.001) or TRPS1 (p < 0.001), especially in HER2-positive (77.0%, p < 0.001) and TNBC (43.3%, p < 0.001) subtypes. TRPS1 had the highest positivity rate (97.9%) in metaplastic TNBCs, followed by MGP (88.6%), while only 47.1% of metaplastic TNBCs were positive for GATA3. When using MGP, GATA3, and TRPS1 as a novel IHC panel, 93.0% of breast carcinomas were positive for at least two markers, and only 9 cases were negative for all three markers. MGP was detected in 36 cases (3.0%) that were negative for both GATA3 and TRPS1. MGP showed mild-to-moderate positive expression in normal hepatocytes, renal tubules, as well as 31.1% (99/318) of hepatocellular carcinomas. Rare cases (0.6–5%) had focal MGP expression in renal, ovarian, lung, urothelial, and cholangiocarcinomas.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that MGP is a newly identified sensitive IHC marker to support breast origin. MGP, TRPS1, and GATA3 could be applied as a reliable diagnostic panel to determine breast origin in clinical practice.
INSERT-seq enables high-resolution mapping of genomically integrated DNA using Nanopore sequencing
Authors: Ivančić Dimitrije , Mir-Pedrol Júlia , Jaraba-Wallace Jessica , Rafel Núria , Sanchez-Mejias Avencia , Güell Marc
Published: October 2022

Comprehensive characterisation of genome engineering technologies is relevant for their development and safe use in human gene therapy. Short-read based methods can overlook insertion events in repetitive regions. We develop INSERT-seq, a method that combines targeted amplification of integrated DNA, UMI-based correction of PCR bias and Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing for robust analysis of DNA integration. The experimental pipeline improves the number of mappable insertions at repetitive regions by 4.8–7.3% and larger repeats are processed with a computational peak calling pipeline. INSERT-seq is a simple, cheap and robust method to quantitatively characterise DNA integration in diverse ex vivo and in vivo samples.
Innate immunity changes in soccer players after whole-body cryotherapy
Authors: Selleri Valentina , Mattioli Marco , Lo Tartaro Domenico , Paolini Annamaria , Zanini Giada , De Gaetano Anna , D’Alisera Roberta , Roli Laura , Melegari Alessandra , Maietta Pasqualino , Tripi Ferdinando , Guerra Emanuele , Chester Johanna , Savino Gustavo , Trenti Tommaso , Cossarizza Andrea , Mattioli Anna Vittoria , Pinti Marcello , Nasi Milena
Published: October 2022

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) consists of short exposure (up to 2–3 min) to dry air at cryogenic temperatures (up to -190 °C) and has recently been applied for muscle recovery after injury to reduce the inflammation process. We aimed to determine the impact of cryotherapy on immunological, hormonal, and metabolic responses in non-professional soccer players (NPSPs). Nine male NPSPs (age: 20 ± 2 years) who trained regularly over 5 consecutive days, immediately before and after each training session, were subjected to WBC treatment (WBC-t). Blood samples were collected for the evaluation of fifty analytes including hematologic parameters, serum chemistry, and hormone profiles. Monocytes phenotyping (Mo) was performed and plasmatic markers, usually increased during inflammation [CCL2, IL-18, free mitochondrial (mt)DNA] or with anti-inflammatory effects (IL2RA, IL1RN), were quantified. After WBC-t, we observed reduced levels of ferritin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean platelet volume, testosterone, and estradiol, which however remain within the normal ranges. The percentage of the total, intermediates and non-classical Mo increased, while classical Mo decreased. CXCR4 expression decreased in each Mo subset. Plasma IL18 and IL2RA levels decreased, while IL1RN only exhibited a tendency to decrease and CCL2 showed a tendency to increase. Circulating mtDNA levels were not altered following WBC-t. The differences observed in monocyte subsets after WBC-t may be attributable to their redistribution into the surrounding tissue. Moreover, the decrease of CXCR4 in Mo subpopulations could be coherent with their differentiation process. Thus, WBC through yet unknown mechanisms could promote their differentiation having a role in tissue repair.
Machine learning algorithms to identify cluster randomized trials from MEDLINE and EMBASE
Authors: Al-Jaishi Ahmed A. , Taljaard Monica , Al-Jaishi Melissa D. , Abdullah Sheikh S. , Thabane Lehana , Devereaux P. J. , Dixon Stephanie N. , Garg Amit X.
Published: October 2022

Background

Cluster randomized trials (CRTs) are becoming an increasingly important design. However, authors of CRTs do not always adhere to requirements to explicitly identify the design as cluster randomized in titles and abstracts, making retrieval from bibliographic databases difficult. Machine learning algorithms may improve their identification and retrieval. Therefore, we aimed to develop machine learning algorithms that accurately determine whether a bibliographic citation is a CRT report.

Methods

We trained, internally validated, and externally validated two convolutional neural networks and one support vector machine (SVM) algorithm to predict whether a citation is a CRT report or not. We exclusively used the information in an article citation, including the title, abstract, keywords, and subject headings. The algorithms’ output was a probability from 0 to 1. We assessed algorithm performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curves. Each algorithm’s performance was evaluated individually and together as an ensemble. We randomly selected 5000 from 87,633 citations to train and internally validate our algorithms. Of the 5000 selected citations, 589 (12%) were confirmed CRT reports. We then externally validated our algorithms on an independent set of 1916 randomized trial citations, with 665 (35%) confirmed CRT reports.

Results

In internal validation, the ensemble algorithm discriminated best for identifying CRT reports with an AUC of 98.6% (95% confidence interval: 97.8%, 99.4%), sensitivity of 97.7% (94.3%, 100%), and specificity of 85.0% (81.8%, 88.1%). In external validation, the ensemble algorithm had an AUC of 97.8% (97.0%, 98.5%), sensitivity of 97.6% (96.4%, 98.6%), and specificity of 78.2% (75.9%, 80.4%)). All three individual algorithms performed well, but less so than the ensemble.

Conclusions

We successfully developed high-performance algorithms that identified whether a citation was a CRT report with high sensitivity and moderately high specificity. We provide open-source software to facilitate the use of our algorithms in practice.
Development and validation of a short-term breast health measure as a supplement to screening mammography
Authors: Daily Anna , Ravishankar Prashanth , Wang Wanyi , Krone Ryan , Harms Steve , Klimberg V. Suzanne
Published: October 2022

Background

There is a growing body of evidence to support tears as a non-traditional biological fluid in clinical laboratory testing. In addition to the simplicity of tear fluid processing, the ability to access key cancer biomarkers in high concentrations quickly and inexpensively is significantly enhanced. Tear fluid is a dynamic environment rich in both proteomic and genomic information, making it an ideal medium for exploring the potential for biological testing modalities.

Methods

All protocols involving human subjects were reviewed and approved by the University of Arkansas IRB committee (13-11-289) prior to sample collection. Study enrollment was open to women ages 18 and over from October 30, 2017-June 19, 2019 at The Breast Center, Fayetteville, AR and Bentonville, AR. Convenience sampling was used and samples were age/sex matched, with enrollment open to individuals at any point of the breast health continuum of care. Tear samples were collected using the Schirmer strip method from 847 women. Concentration of selected tear proteins were evaluated using standard sandwich ELISA techniques and the resulting data, combined with demographic and clinical covariates, was analyzed using logistic regression analysis to build a model for classification of samples.

Results

Logistic regression analysis produced three models, which were then evaluated on cases and controls at two diagnostic thresholds and resulted in sensitivity ranging from 52 to 90% and specificity from 31 to 79%. Sensitivity and specificity variation is dependent on the model being evaluated as well as the selected diagnostic threshold providing avenues for assay optimization.

Conclusions and relevance

The work presented here builds on previous studies focused on biomarker identification in tear samples. Here we show successful early classification of samples using two proteins and minimal clinical covariates.
Bioactive compounds, nutritional profile and health benefits of colostrum: a review
Authors: Poonia Amrita , Shiva
Published: October 2022

Bovine colostrum is defined as first milk by milching animals responsible for providing the innate immunity to the neonatal and possess many immunoglobulins for preventing the calf from diseases. Colostrum consist of many bioactive compounds like proteins, enzymes, growth factors, immunoglobulins and nucleotides that provides several benefits to human health. Numerous clinical and pre-clinical studies have demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of the bovine colostrum. This review focusses on bioactive compounds, their health benefits, potential of colostrum for developing several health foods and prevention of respiratory and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Processing can also be done to extend shelf-life and extraction of bioactive constituents either as encapsulated or as extracts. The products derived from bovine colostrum are high-end supplements possessing high nutraceutical value.

Graphical Abstract

Processing of the BC to extend the shelf -life to obtain bioactive compounds for manufacturing functional foods.
β1-Integrin—A Key Player in Controlling Pancreatic Beta-Cell Insulin Secretion via Interplay With SNARE Proteins
Authors: Barillaro Malina , Schuurman Meg , Wang Rennian
Published: October 2022

Shortcomings in cell-based therapies for patients with diabetes have been revealed to be, in part, a result of an improper extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. In vivo, pancreatic islets are emersed in a diverse ECM that provides physical support and is crucial for healthy function. β1-Integrin receptors have been determined to be responsible for modulation of beneficial interactions with ECM proteins influencing beta-cell development, proliferation, maturation, and function. β1-Integrin signaling has been demonstrated to augment insulin secretion by impacting the actin cytoskeleton via activation of focal adhesion kinase and downstream signaling pathways. In other secretory cells, evidence of a bidirectional relationship between integrins and exocytotic machinery has been demonstrated, and, thus, this relationship could be present in pancreatic beta cells. In this review, we will discuss the role of ECM–β1-integrin interplay with exocytotic proteins in controlling pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion through their dynamic and unique signaling pathway.
Effect of COVID-19 vaccines for the treatment of people with post-COVID-19 condition: a rapid review
Authors: Saif-Ur-Rahman K.M. , Kothari Kavita , Sadlier Corinna , Moriarty Frank , Movsisyan Ani , Whelan Sean , Taneri Petek Eylul , Blair Matthew , Guyatt Gordon , Devane Declan
Published: October 2022

Background: Vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has demonstrated reduced risk of hospitalisation and death against more recent variants of COVID-19. Some studies suggested improvements in patients with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) following vaccination. We systematically explored available evidence on the effect of COVID-19 vaccines for the treatment of people with PCC.

Methods: We conducted a rapid review of the literature following systematic approaches. We searched Medline (OVID), EMBASE (Elsevier), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) for randomised trials, non-randomised trials, controlled before-after studies, and interrupted time-series studies of the effect of COVID-19 vaccines for treating people with PCC. Two independent review authors screened citations. Two review authors  extracted data independently. We had planned to assess the risk of bias and use the GRADE approach (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) to assess the certainty of evidence if there were completed studies.

Results: We identified two ongoing randomised controlled trials. Both trials examine the effectiveness of therapeutic vaccines on PCC. The anticipated completion date of the CIMAvax-EGFA trial is January 2023, and the completion date of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine trial is not stated.

Conclusions: There is currently an absence of high‐quality evidence evaluating the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines for treating people with post-COVID-19 condition. The absence of published studies and only two ongoing trials highlight the need for additional studies on the effectiveness of vaccines for PCC. We recommend that researchers consider PCC as per the definition provided by the World Health Organization and use the available core outcome set for PCC in deciding which outcomes to measure and report in the trials.

PROPSERO registration: CRD42022330821 (20/06/2022)
A neoclassical-realist analysis of Japan’s stance on cross-strait relations
Authors: Zakowski Karol
Published: October 2022

Since 1972, Tokyo has maintained official diplomatic relations with Beijing, while stressing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Based on governmental documents and decision-makers’ political declarations, this article examines Japan’s approach towards cross-strait relations since the 1990s. It applies the perspective of neoclassical realism by analyzing both the international determinants (independent variables) and the domestic factors (intervening variables) behind Tokyo’s approach to ‘One China’ policy. The article tries to answer the question why successive Japanese governments reacted differently to cross-strait frictions and rapprochement. It is argued that the level of Tokyo’s involvement in the Taiwan problem was dependent both on international and domestic factors. Growing concerns about China’s military buildup, coupled with a gradual demise of pro-Beijing faction in the Liberal Democratic Party, pushed Japan towards containing the People’s Republic of China (PRC) while ameliorating relations with Taipei. As Sino-Japanese relations deteriorated, Tokyo became less inclined to lecture Taiwan against provoking Beijing and more willing to support Taipei’s international initiatives. At the same time, Japan started perceiving cross-strait rapprochement not only as a factor stabilizing the regional security system, but also as a potential threat to national security.
Case Report: A case report of multiple co-infections (melioidosis, paragonimiasis, Covid-19 and tuberculosis) in a patient with diabetes mellitus and thalassemia-trait in Myanmar
Authors: Chit Yee December , Aung Htet Ko Ko , Mg Mg Banyar , Htun Win Pa Pa , Janurian Naw , Bancone Germana , Watthanaworawit Wanitda , Proux Stephane , Pyae Phyo Aung , Nosten François
Published: October 2022

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a soil-dwelling aerobic bacterium prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. It is the causal organism of melioidosis, a severe infection that can manifest as chronic debilitating pneumonia resembling pulmonary tuberculosis. Here, we report a case of melioidosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, covid-19, and paragonimus co-infection in a 50-year-old male with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and β-thalassemia trait. The patient recovered with intravenous antibiotics and standard anti-tuberculosis treatment.
On the Field of Application of Sociology of Law to Law-making and Impact Assessment (The Experience of Estonia)
Authors: Kaugia Silvia , Narits Raul
Published: October 2022

Law is valid in many, quite different senses and forms, and the content of validity is far from uniform. Because, above all, it is important to emphasise the distinction between the legal and the social validity of law, the paper spotlights the elements of social validity encompassed by the concept of legal validity. Discourse on the object and meaning of the sociology of law remains relevant in its own right today, and the problematic nature of the interface between the sociology of law and the scientific world is evident far beyond European jurisdictions. To illustrate the sociology of law’s capacity to make a relatively independent jurisprudential contribution to solving the problems facing the law in society, the paper examines the case of Estonia. So as to support the drafting of laws that are in tune with social realities, Estonia has established rules for law-making, set out in the relevant normative documents. The authors examine those foundations: to create a socially valid law that corresponds to the idea of law, it is necessary to start by mapping out the requirements of the ‘pre-project phase’, then legitimise them and adhere to them in practice. The key message is that impact assessment has a meaning that covers more than simply drafting one or another piece of legislation; this is a process of gathering evidence of the merits and drawbacks of decision-makers’ (policy) choices, to inform assessing the potential consequences. Clearly articulating and enforcing policy directions is important for stakeholders and society at large, for ensuring the visibility and openness of legislative policy.
Rebuilding the Court System of Estonia after the Communist Regime
Authors: Luhamaa Katre , Ristikivi Merike
Published: October 2022

A thorough and fundamental reorganisation of the Estonian judicial system and replacement of judges took place in 1987–1993. The judicial system of the Estonian SSR was part of the repressive communist state power, with the courts’ independence being very limited: the courts in Estonia were subject to the control of the USSR’s courts, and the law was applied in close co operation with the executive power. The article shows how the perception of the judiciary and the role of judges changed during the transition period. The main focus is on the stages of judicial reform from the beginning of the transitional period until the implementation of the new Courts Act in 1993. The article analyses how the role of the judiciary in the emerging democratic society was seen in the transition era’s debates, which addressed changes in the professional requirements for judges and the process of becoming a judge.
The European Court of Human Rights and the Principle of Foreseeability (Lex Certa and Stricta): How to Determine Whether an Offence Is Clearly Defined in Criminal Law
Authors: Truu Mario
Published: October 2022

The European Court of Human Rights has applied the principle of foreseeability (lex certa and lex stricta) on many occasions to determine whether a person could have foreseen at the time of the act that the act matches the description of an offence in a criminal-law provision and is therefore punishable. This raises a question that has been decisive for the outcome of many cases: how can one ascertain whether the wording for an offence is sufficiently clear? The article examines the guidelines set forth by the European Court of Human Rights for the use of the principle of foreseeability and whether it is possible to speak of a standard on the basis of the case law for the wording for an offence and the associated interpretation, in aims of ensuring compliance with the principle. Also discussed are the problems that have arisen in connection with the issue and what questions have yet to be answered. Proceeding from the case law, the author offers conclusions as to what could form a basis for determining whether a person should have foreseen liability and punishment incurred via commission of the act in question.
From the Meinongian Point of View
Authors: Sendłak Maciej
Published: October 2022

In this paper, I discuss one of Peter van Inwagen’s charges against the Meinongian thesis, which states that some objects do not exist. The charges aimed to show that the thesis either leads to a contradiction or that it is obscure. Both consequences support the opposite Quinean thesis, which states that every object exists. As opposed to the former, the latter ought to be consistent and clear. I argue why there is no contradiction in the Meinongian thesis and why the Quinean thesis is not clear.
Jubileusz 100-lecia Biblioteki Pedagogicznej w Toruniu (1921-2021)
Authors: Milewska-Warta Izabella , Wiligalska Anna
Published: October 2022

W 2021 r. Biblioteka Pedagogiczna im. gen. bryg. prof. Elżbiety Zawackiej w Toruniu obchodziła jubileusz stulecia swojego istnienia. Rocznica stała się okazją i jednocześnie inspiracją do podjęcia wielu inicjatyw, których odbiorcami byli przede wszystkim nauczyciele, studenci, uczniowie i mieszkańcy regionu. Biblioteka Pedagogiczna w Toruniu posiada długą i interesującą historię, jest ważną placówką na mapie edukacyjnej Torunia i województwa kujawsko-pomorskiego. Swoje usługi realizuje przede wszystkim stacjonarnie, starając się jednocześnie poszerzać ofertę edukacyjną o propozycje zdalne. W roku jubileuszowym Biblioteka Pedagogiczna w Toruniu przygotowała i zrealizowała wiele wydarzeń, zarówno samodzielnie, jak i we współpracy z różnymi instytucjami. W tekście zaprezentowano działania podjęte w roku jubileuszowym, co stało się także tłem do pokazania szerokiego spektrum działania biblioteki w środowisku lokalnym.
EFFECT OF SUB-LAMINATE STACKING SEQUENCE ON THE TRANSVERSE IMPACT AND PERFORATION BEHAVIOR OF MULTI-LAYER SOFT-BALLISTIC ARMOR PACK
Authors: BOGETTI ELI D. , STACK ANDREW J. , FIEGER AARON , DEITZEL JOSEPH M. , GILLESPIE, JR. JOHN W. , HOSSAIN MD. Z. , STANISZEWSKI JEFFERY , YEAGER MICHAEL , HAQUE BAZLE Z. (GAMA)
Published: October 2022

LS-DYNA computational simulations have been carried out to study the effect of sub-laminate stacking sequences on the transverse impact and perforation behavior of multi-layer soft ballistic armor packs (SBAP). A previously validated finite element model has been used to study the effect of transvers impact as a function of stacking sequence on the minimum perforation velocity and deformation cone. In this study, multiple stacking sequences have been assembled for an 8L-SBAP. Denoting the single layer [0/90] soft-ballistic sub-laminate as [β]SBSL (where β is the material angle of [0/90] SBSL with respect to reference material direction 1 or [0]), the stacking sequences considered are (i) Baseline Layup 1 – [0]8 SBSL, (ii) Layup 2 – [0]4 SBSL [45]4 SBSL, (iii) Layup 3 – [0]2 SBSL [45]2 SBSL 2, (iv) Layup 4 –[0]1 SBSL [45]4, SBSL, (v) Layup 5 – [0⁄13⁄26⁄39⁄51⁄64⁄77⁄90]SBSL. Dynamic as the lowest minimum perforation velocity range. At the impact layer, the deformation cone initially has a diamond shape and becomes near circular over time for all stacking sequences. On the other hand, at the rear/back layer, there are 4 spokes for the baseline Layup 1 [[0]8 SBSL, and 8 spokes for the zero-forty five Layups 2, 3, and 4 while the helicoidal Layup 5 has 28 spokes.
INTEGRATED FLOW AND STRESS MODELING FOR INFUSION AND CURING PROCESS IN LIQUID COMPOSITE MOLDING
Authors: SHRESTHA KALYAN , ENOS RYAN , LI XUXIAO , WEI QINGXUAN , ELENCHEZHIAN MUTHU , ZHANG DIANYUN , LUA JIM
Published: October 2022

Liquid composite molding, such as resin transfer molding and vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding, is an economical composite manufacturing technique for largescale parts. Modeling of the flow phenomena during the infusion process and the stress build-up in the subsequent curing process is imperative to improve part quality and reduce the number of trial tests. Despite the abundance of literature in both flow and stress modeling, an integrated model that couples the flow and stress physics is lacking. In this work, we combined the state-of-the-art flow and stress models to establish such an integrated framework. An infusion flow model is developed with the commercial computational fluid dynamics software STAR-CCM+, which incorporates the submodels to account for flow front evolution, compaction, and resin reaction. Several stress-based models are implemented in ABAQUS to account for fabric draping, compaction, and curing-induced thermal and chemical deformation. To demonstrate the importance of modeling the coupled physics, we conducted three case studies to show (1) effects of draping on the flow front evolution, (2) effects of degree of cure advection during infusion on the curing-induced stress build-up, and (3) effects of flowcompaction coupling on the flow front and dry spot formation in vacuum infusion.
REINFORCEMENT OF NATURAL FIBERS VIA SUPERCRITICAL FLUID INFILTRATION OF NANOPARTICLES
Authors: LANGHORST, AMY , HARRISON ELISA , SINGHAL ANSHUL , BANU MIHAELA , TAUB ALAN
Published: October 2022

In recent years, consumer products have been increasingly utilizing sustainable materials to attempt to reduce the product’s carbon footprint. For example, the automotive industry has incorporated a variety of natural fiber polymer composites on vehicles in the last 20 years, including wheat straw in the Ford Flex and flax fibers on the Polestar Precept and the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport. However, natural fibers exhibit lower strength and stiffness in comparison to synthetic reinforcing agents, such as glass fiber. In this work, the authors are developing a technique to improve the mechanical performance of flax fibers for use in structural composites. Supercritical fluids, including supercritical-carbon dioxide (scCO2), have been shown to swell and plasticize amorphous polymers, resulting in increased mass transport and absorption of additives. The weak intercellular region within flax fibers, commonly called the middle lamella, consists mainly of amorphous pectin. In this work, the authors hypothesize that scCO2 could be used to swell amorphous polymers in a fiber’s structure (e.g. pectin) and enable reinforcement with nanoparticles, resulting in fiber performance enhancement. Pectin films were created for proof-of-concept experiments and treated with scCO2 at pressures ranging from 1200-4000psi in the presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2). TiO2 nanoparticles were shown to be able to enter pectin films upon treatment with scCO2 for 24 hours. The same treatment process was used on dew retted, mechanically extracted flax fibers and after treatment for 24 hours, the average tensile strength of the fibers was improved by over 40%. Overall, this method of incorporation of nanoparticles within natural fibers could enable development of low-density, low-carbon footprint polymeric composites for use in structural industrial applications.
HYPER-VELOCITY IMPACT PERFORMANCE OF FOLDCORE SANDWICH COMPOSITES
Authors: HOCH NATHAN , MORTENSEN CHASE , LEE JUHYEONG , HARRISON KHARI , KOTA KALYAN RAJ , LACY THOMAS
Published: October 2022

A foldcore is a novel core made from a flat sheet of any material folded into a desired pattern. A foldcore sandwich composite (FSC) provides highly tailorable structural performance over conventional sandwich composites made with honeycomb or synthetic polymer foam cores. Foldcore design can be optimized to accommodate complex shapes and unit cell geometries suitable for protective shielding structures This work aims to characterize hypervelocity impact (> 2000 m/s, HVI) response and corresponding damage morphologies of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) FSCs. A series of normal (0° impact angle) and oblique (45° impact angle) HVI (~3km/s nominal projectile velocity) impact tests were performed on CFRP FSC targets to understand the effects of projectile impact on redirected debris formation, and variable debris cloud expansion. HVI damage in FSC targets were assessed using visual inspection and high-speed imaging analysis. The results from the present study indicate that debris cloud propagation and expansion are strongly influenced by foldcore impact location/angle and open-channel direction. This work serves as a baseline study to understand HVI response of FSC targets and to identify critical FSC design parameters to optimize HVI mitigation performance.
Konfederacja wiślicka z 1606 roku
Authors: Opaliński Edward
Published: October 2022

The issue addressed in the present article is Wiślica Convention in 1606, an event that has not been widely analyzed so far. The topic was mainly considered as part of various papers on the Zebrzydowski Rebellion. The aim of this work is to present the significance of the confederation, its course and consequences. It is necessary to take into consideration the fact that the establishment of the Wiślica Convention put pressure on the rebels. Not only did it respond to their actions, but defended the royal dignity as well. Another important issue is the convention’s attitude towards the Sejm and the activity of its members towards both groups. The article shows that there were two confederations – one was related to the Rebellion and the source of “confusion” in the Commonwealth, and the other one was supposed to eliminate the consequences of that “confusion.” What is more, the latter confederation accepted the program of the State’s reformation, while defending the prestige of royal authority.