bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is a surgeon protected when treating complications after a previous operation? (a case study of treating patients with injuries and strictures of the extrahepatic bile ducts)
Authors: Belokonev V. I.
Published: January 2025

Objective: to analyze the legal and professional protection of surgeons performing operations to treat complications after primary interventions on the extrahepatic bile ducts, using the example of treating patients with injuries and strictures.

Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the treatment of 123 patients who underwent reconstructive surgery between 2000 and 2024 was conducted. Statistical analysis methods, including χ² tests and Yates's correction, were used to evaluate the results. The study included an examination of surgical techniques, treatment tactics, and legal aspects of medical documentation.

Results. Injuries and strictures of the extrahepatic bile ducts most often occurred during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and gastric resection. The main complications were associated with the anatomical features of the ducts, inflammatory changes, and insufficient qualifications of surgeons. Hepaticoenterostomy with a replaceable transhepatic drain was recognized as the most effective treatment method, with a mortality rate of 9.8%. However, with external drainage, mortality reached 66–80%. Long-term results showed that the frequency of anastomotic strictures was minimal (1.37%) with transhepatic drainage.

Conclusions. The success of treating complications of the extrahepatic bile ducts depends on the level of professionalism of surgeons, the applied treatment methods, and their compliance with modern standards. To reduce legal risks, it is important to correctly describe complications in medical documentation. The authors emphasize the need for regular analysis of medical errors and improvement of the system of training surgeons.
Modern methods of fixation of biological material for educational purposes
Authors: Krupin К. N. , Supil'nikov A. A. , Lopanchuk P. A. , Mishurinskaya E. A. , Frishons Ya.
Published: January 2025

To ensure the safety of the educational process, the world is constantly looking for new ways to fix autopsy material. The purpose of our work was to search for literature data on new preservative solutions used in modern conditions for the fixation of cadaveric biological material for educational purposes. To achieve this goal, a scientific search was conducted on the RSCI and PUBMED database over the past 5 years with additional study of article-by-article links. As a result of the literature review, it has been established that modern methods of fixation of autopsy material have been developed, including solutions both containing formaldehyde and without its use. The current trend is determined by reducing the amount of formaldehyde used in such solutions or removing it from tissues before the educational process. Modern conservation techniques have proven themselves on the good  side, allowing for the realism of biological  tissues,  but they are always more  expensive than the standard fixation technique using an aqueous formaldehyde solution due to the cost of the solution or equipment itself.
On the issue of secular trends in modern anthropology
Authors: Gaivoronsky A. A. , Semenov A. A. , Chrishtop V. V. , Nichiporuk G. I. , Osipov O. A. , Glushakov R. I.
Published: January 2025

Long-term trends are classically represented by the dynamics of body length and weight. However, in order  to  solve  practical  problems associated with the development of a regulatory framework regulating the “man-machine" system, the production of clothing and personal protective equipment, including for military activities, it is necessary to create a holistic picture of the changes.

Purpose: to systematize data on long-term trends in morphofunctional indicators of practically healthy individuals in combination with data from anthropometric studies. The selection of literary sources over the past 20 years was carried out in the E-library, Pubmed and Scopus databases. The exclusion criterion was the age of subjects under 16 years. The main long-term changes are associated with an increase in body mass index due to body weight, against the background of stagnation in its length. Changes in the last two decades include developmental retardation, debrachycephalization and leptoprosopia, changes in body shape, sex inversion, decreased aerobic tolerance, decreased agility, decreased certain blood biochemical parameters, cellularity of body fluids and cognitive abilities, as well as increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Thus, it can be stated that a wide range of organs are involved in secular trends, which requires targeted research from the standpoint of systemic anatomy.
Evaluation of the IgG and IgM Antibodies Specific for Measles Virus among Children Post-Measles Vaccination in Aden-Yemen
Authors: Albaghdadi Mohammed , A.H Amal , A.A. Abdullah , O.A. Abdulraqeb , A.M. Ayat , N.A.R. Aya , A.M. Ezz El-Din , H.M. Fakhra , M.H.  Fatima , F.S Hamza , K.M. Hend , M.S.A. Misk , F.Y. Nada , M.A. Nermen , R.S. Safia , M.F. Samed , A.A Sameera , A.S. Sara , Bin-Ahmed Noor Al-Huda A.
Published: January 2025

Background: Measles is considered a serious problem in underdeveloped nations and can only be eradicated through extensive immunization campaigns. Age at vaccination is the primary known risk factor for primary vaccine failure because it interferes with the effectiveness of the measles immunization due to the persistence of maternal antibodies. In Yemen, measles remains a serious issue even with high vaccination rates.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the level of specific anti-measles virus antibodies (IgM and IgG) in response to measles vaccination among children in Aden governorate, Yemen.
Subjects and Methods: The subjects of the study were children aged 1 up to 10 years, obtained from primary health care centers at Aden-Governorate. The type of study was a cross-sectional study conducted from the 1st of January up to the end of March 2024.This involves quantifying antibody titers at various time points following vaccination to assess the vaccine's ability to induce an immune response.
Results: Out of 125 children participated in the study, the mean age of 4 years & 4 months± 2 years & 6 months of standard deviation (i.e., 4.4±2.6 SD), with the minimum age being 1 year and the maximum age being 10 years. The seroprevalence of infected children with measles virus during this study was 25 out of 125 (20%). Moreover, infected children were higher at ages 1–1.5 and 6–10 years old (46.2%, 20.4%), respectively, without a statistically significant difference (P = 0.7). The male children are more susceptible to measles infection compared to females (21.7% vs. 16.7%), respectively, without a statistically significant difference (P = 0.5). The seroprevalence of measles antibodies among the healthy vaccinated children was 80%; it was lowered than the herd immunity against measles to be achieved (90-95%) after the first & second doses. The seronegative IgG response represented 32.8%, while the seropositivity of IgG was 67.2% after the first & second doses. The seropositive IgG response tends to be high (68.8%) after 1-2 years following the 2nd dose and tends to decrease after ≥7 years old (37.5%). Moreover, the seronegative response of IgG was higher with increasing the time elapse between the 2nd dose and the serodiagnosis (62.5%), but there was no statistically significant association (P = 0.5). The means titers of IgG and IgM post-measles vaccination were different with a highly statistically significant association; t(124)=19.415, P<0.05.
Conclusion: The Measles vaccine is effective to induce protection against measles outbreaks, but there is a decline of post-vaccination measles-specific antibodies (IgG). Moreover, it has not reached the normal threshold of protection in Aden Governorate.
Bilateral Free Trade Agreements in Latin America in the Context of China’s Struggle for Global Leadership
Authors: Prokhorenko I.
Published: January 2025

The study, with the use of organizational theory and spatial approach, considers China’s strategy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), its features and dynamics since 2000s, diplomatic, institutional and political aspects of cooperation on intergovernmеntal, subregional and regional levels, implementation specifics of PRC’s ‘One belt, one road’ global initiative in LAC. The author focuses on a tool of free trade agreements that China has already signed with five countries in the region – Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Peru and Ecuador. While comparing foreign trade, investments and political behaviour of China with those of other main extraregional players – U.S. and EU, the author views this tool as a deeper trade and investment cooperation in the context of China’s struggle for global leadership during globalization processes with a changing China’s role in world order transformation. Economic, political and ideological motivation of all parties are highlighted, China’s appeal as a rising power, an alternative to U.S., is thought over. A conclusion is made that PRC has a differentiated approach to countries as a part of its regional strategy of creating free trade areas (FTA), which is seen in China’s foreign trade priorities and goals in implementation of ‘One belt, one road’ project in LAC. Expert estimations and opinions on positive and negative consequences of bilateral FTA agreements on economic growth and foreign policy positioning of China’s partners are summarized, especially on relations with U.S. and other Western countries. A prognosis is made on what changes can be expected in U.S. strategy for Latin America after Donald Trump’s new administration comes to power in January 2025.
Concept of Reputational Security in the U.S. Public Diplomacy After 2022
Authors: Artamonova U.
Published: January 2025

This article aims to analyze the concept of ‘reputational security’, recently introduced by N. Cull. The author focuses on the application of the concept to the information war that escalated between the U.S. and Russia after 2022. The article considers the theory behind the concept as well as the preconditions for its formulation. The main goal of this research is to test reputational security as a tool for the analysis of the current trends in the U.S. public diplomacy, connected to the changes that occurred in the world system and in American-Russian relations. In order to achieve this goal the author choses the case-study method, focusing on the use of popular culture as an instrument of American public diplomacy. The author studies the ways in which the U.S. public diplomacy has historically used popular culture, particularly motion picture, for its purposes. Several movies and one TV show, which were released after 2022 by American and European studios and are thematically connected to Russia, were analyzed within the framework of the reputational security concept. Article highlights that the ways in which they portray Russia, those audiovisual products demonstrate some important distinctions from the films of the Cold War period, as well as from those released in 2000–2010s. Article concludes that the materials chosen for the case-study demonstrate how the concept of reputational security is being applied to the modern American public diplomacy, in terms of focusing its efforts on undermining the reputation of an adversary. The author, however, pinpoints the risks of the approach chosen by the U.S. to lead an information war with Russia, namely the fact that excessive efforts aimed at undermining the adversary’s reputation might have detrimental effects on the ability of a state to defend its own reputation because of a psychological mechanism known as a ‘stereotype’s flip’.
Closer to Washington, than Brussels? The Comparative Analysis of Grenland’s and Faroe Island’s Paradiplomacy
Authors: Belukhin N.
Published: January 2025

The article presents a comparative analysis of paradiplomatic and Arctic strategies of Denmark’s autonomies – Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Given the growing uncertainty around the Arctic governance’s future and the related institutions, both Tórshavn and Nuuk are facing a new set of external threats and opportunities that differ significantly from the early 2010s, when the autonomies published their first foreign policy documents. While the 2022 Faroese document retained a regional Arctic focus, the 2024 Greenland strategy significantly increased the geographical and thematic range of partners and agendas compared to the 2011 document. Greenland in particular added special sections dedicated to relations with Canada, Iceland and the North-East Asia, while the 2022 Faroese document contains only a general thematic block related to international cooperation. While Greenland, as stipulated in the 2024 strategy, openly talks about the goals of gaining independence, the Faroe Islands chose to leave such ambitions outside the scope of the document. Geographically, the EU and individual member states occupy a larger place in the Faroese strategy, while Greenland, compared to the 2011 document, seeks to significantly expand cooperation with the United States and Canada. Nordic cooperation and belonging to the Norden space are not an end in itself for Greenland, but have value insofar as they generate tangible economic and practical gains for the autonomy’s development. However, Greenland and the Faroe Islands share the common interests regarding regional security, and both autonomous entities rely on de facto membership in NATO and do not seek to receive a special demilitarized or neutral status, despite them wanting to preserve low tension in the Arctic. The Danish autonomous territories’ main ambition is to play a more meaningful role in shaping and implementing national defense policy decisions, especially those concerning the construction of military facilities on their territory, as well as to be more engaged in the discussions and defense planning process at the NATO level. The conclusion is that in the near future the most acute conflicts in Denmark's relations with Greenland and the Faroe Islands will be connected with expanding autonomies’ external powers and paradiplomatic opportunities, while their scope of power and control over domestic politics and questions is already quite extensive and does not lead to significant contradictions. Under these conditions Denmark will face difficulties conducting a common foreign policy and be in command of the relations of the autonomies with the United States and the EU that consider enhancing cooperation with Greenland and the Faroe Islands to be an important element of their Arctic strategies.
Evaluación de la eficiencia energética de edificios con DSF-PCM: un estudio de caso en Valencia, España
Authors: Ziasistani Niloufar , Meana-Fernández Andrés , González-Caballín Sánchez Juan Manuel , Gutierrez-Trashorras Antonio  Jose
Published: January 2025

Las fachadas de doble piel (DSF) y los materiales de cambio de fase (PCM) son formas prometedoras de reducir la demanda energética de los edificios. En este trabajo se han estudiado los efectos del tipo de acristalamiento teniendo en cuenta la orientación del edificio sobre su rendimiento energético. Se ha seleccionado como caso de estudio un edificio de oficinas de cuatro plantas en Valencia, España, y se ha simulado utilizando el software EnergyPlus. Los materiales de la envolvente del edificio para el caso base de estudio se seleccionaron teniendo en cuenta el nuevo código español CTE-DB-HE 2019, que clasifica a Valencia en la zona climática B3. La carga de calefacción fue mínima cuando el DSF estaba orientado al sur, mientras que la carga de refrigeración mínima se produjo cuando el DSF estaba orientado al norte. El consumo anual de energía alcanzó su valor más bajo cuando el DSF estaba orientado al norte. El PCM se aplicó a diferentes capas de la pared, encontrándose que el PCM situado en la capa más interior tenía un mejor comportamiento que en el resto de las capas.
Winegrape similarities and concentrations: implications
Authors: Puga German , Anderson Kym
Published: January 2025

In a previous article in this journal, we described the mixes of winegrape varieties across countries in terms of both similarities and concentrations. We showed that countries are becoming more similar in their mixes of winegrape varieties between them and with respect to the world as a whole, and that they are becoming more concentrated. The aim of this article is to discuss the implications of these recent changes in similarities and concentrations. These insights are based on those of a recent scientific journal article (Puga and Anderson 2023), as well as those from other work – part of which is first published here.
Reconstructing Village Druwe Land Administration to Protect the Communal Land in Bali
Authors: Sukirno Sukirno , Mahfud Muh Afif , Malik Muhammad Fahad
Published: January 2025

The phenomenon of individualization of customary land, which is communal land, occurs in many customary law communities in Bali, such as those in Bangli and Lembang. The reason for this phenomenon is that the land administration in Bali's customary law communities only includes the names of the people who control the customary land. This makes it difficult for indigenous villages in Bali to prove their rights to the land. This research aims to analyze the weaknesses in the administration of customary land in customary law communities in Bali and also to construct an ideal customary land administration to protect the communal rights of customary law communities over their land. This research is a non-doctrinal (socio-legal) research that examines the administration of customary land in reality and the understanding of indigenous peoples regarding this matter. This research is a prescriptive research that uses primary data obtained through in-depth interviews and analyzed qualitatively. This research identifies three primary weaknesses in the administration of customary land in Bali, namely weak legal pluralism, insufficiently participatory land policies, and the existence of land administration that is not detailed. Therefore, the ideal construction of customary land administration in Bali is a change in legal politics to strong legal pluralism including changes in the conversion provisions of the Basic Agrarian Law which convert customary land to property rights, participatory land administration even up to the stage of citizen control and also detailed land administration including land history, land mutation, land boundaries and land stewardship.
Measuring WTO Approaches in Resolving Palm Oil and Biofuel Trade Disputes from Indonesia
Authors: Fahmi Chairul , Stoll Peter-Tobias
Published: January 2025

Indonesia is the world's leading producer of palm oil, with significant exports to European Union member states. However, the EU has recently imposed stricter limitations on palm oil imports, particularly from Indonesia, through policies such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and RED II. This article examines the measures imposed by the WTO to address this trade dispute. Using a doctrinal approach, the study collects data from primary legal sources, such as laws, regulations, and court decisions, as well as secondary sources, including journals and books. The findings reveal that Indonesia's request for negotiations with the EU was rejected, prompting the WTO to establish a panel. However, the panel's decision lacks legal force until the appeal process is concluded. The situation is further complicated by the Appellate Body's inability to function due to the United States’ deliberate refusal to approve new appointments, leaving the dispute unresolved. Consequently, the WTO Dispute Settlement Body's ruling lacks legal certainty, raising the potential for a trade war between Indonesia and the EU. This research underscores the need for effective dispute resolution mechanisms within the WTO to address such critical trade issues.
Unprotected and Unparticipation Mental Health in Regulation Worker
Authors: Wiryawan I Wayan Gde , Nusantara Gede Agung Wirawan , Artajaya I Wayan Eka , Rabbim Rizozoda Tura
Published: January 2025

Unprotected mental health among employees can have a detrimental effect on productivity and the national economy. Nevertheless, Indonesia's present labor regulations do not include any specific provisions to safeguard workers' mental health. This research aims to identify and analyze issues regarding mental health workers that are often ignored, which cause decreased productivity and negative stigma for people experiencing mental health to medical personnel and facilities that are less qualified in protecting workers. This normative research examines legal texts, mainly primary and secondary legal materials. The results of the research show that, first, mental health problems in Indonesia are very complex, starting from the negative stigma that is still embedded in society regarding mental health diagnoses to regulations and law enforcement that do not support workers with mental health to recover from their illnesses. Second, based on Singapore, Singapore has a program and legal framework that supports public health and workers who experience mental health disorders monitoring that has been integrated with the system. Third, to overcome mental health problems for workers, there needs to be a clear regulatory framework that targets improving mental health, an integrated health monitoring system that is expanded to provide training for medical personnel, and health care quality.
Madrid, Débora (2023): Creaciones (in)humanas. Alteraciones y suplantaciones del ser humano en el cine español. Cuenca: Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, Universidad de Cantabria, 206 pp. ISBN: 978-84-9044-536-5
Authors: Martín Hernández Tomás
Published: January 2025

Creaciones (in)humanas es un riguroso estudio de cómo la ficción ha tratado la aplicación de la tecnología al propio ser humano, así como de las consecuencias de tal propósito.
La figura del bandolero y la consolidación de un western hispano en ‘Amanecer en puerta oscura’ (Forqué, 1957)
Authors: Gallardo Durán Antonio
Published: January 2025

Este trabajo es una investigación científica sobre la figura del bandolero en el cine español de posguerra y la mirada franquista relativa al pueblo gitano a través de la cinta Amanecer en Puerta Oscura (José María Forqué, 1957). Obra aclamada de corte histórico y dramático, esta ofrece una representación única tanto de la figura arquetípica del trabajador del campo como del bandido, sirviendo como una alternativa socialmente comprometida al cine de la época y adelantándose levemente al que sería conocido posteriormente como Nuevo Cine Español. Destaca la forma en la que la cinta hace uso del modelo de cine clásico estadounidense junto a la estética y la estructura del género western, adaptándolo a la cultura y la geografía española para dar forma a un prototipo de western hispano, dando aún más indicios del interés presente en los realizadores españoles de la época en dar forma a nuevas propuestas cinematográficas que, contando con los elementos necesarios para superar la censura, pudieran darse a conocer durante la dictadura franquista.
Ictiofauna en la plataforma petrolera MX1, Pacífico Tropical, Perú (4°S), durante la primavera del 2022
Authors:   , Cuba Paez Diego Javier
Published: January 2025

Los recursos marinos, responsables de un tercio de la extracción global de petróleo, han impulsado la creación de plataformas petroleras originando ecosistemas únicos utilizados por peces. Sin embargo, estudios ecológicos asociados a estas estructuras son escasos en Perú. Se registró vídeos en la plataforma petrolera MX-1, Los Órganos (Piura, Perú) durante la primavera austral (octubre) 2022, utilizando equipo SCUBA. Además, se midió parámetros oceanográficos de temperatura y salinidad. Durante 6 días de inmersiones se registró un total de 7969 peces pertenecientes a 27 especies clasificadas en 13 familias. Se identificó 8 especies de interés comercial. Asimismo, se registró especies de las provincias biogeográficas Peruana (n=3) y Panámica (n=20), y a la zona de transición (n=4). Se determinó tendencias en la distribución vertical de los peces; el mayor número de especies (n=19) fue encontrado a 5 m de profundidad, pero la abundancia fue mayor en los estratos más profundos (30–40 m). Los grupos tróficos dominantes fueron carnívoros y planctívoros. Este estudio demuestra que el arrecife artificial MX-1 proveía de hábitat para la agregación de peces. La remoción de este arrecife artificial podría generar pérdida de hábitat, cambios en la distribución de las especies, alteración de la sucesión ecológica, y en general tendría impactos negativos en la pesquería local.
Dinámicas de ocupación del espacio público en las fajas marginales del Río Moquegua, ciudad de Moquegua 2020-2021
Authors:   , Hancco Huanca Marisol , Choquehuanca Tacusi Claudia
Published: January 2025

En nuestro país, las “fajas marginales” de los ríos han sido poco aprovechadas en términos de estrategias de diseño y de desarrollo de infraestructuras, convirtiéndose en áreas abandonadas, relegadas del tejido urbano y sin considerarlas como potenciales generadores de espacios públicos. La problemática que se estudia en la presente investigación es la identificación de las dinámicas de ocupación del espacio público en las fajas marginales del río, en la ciudad de Moquegua.
La metodología empleada en esta investigación es del tipo cuantitativo, el cual emplea métricas y porcentajes como parte del análisis. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron dos; las encuestas, realizadas cera a la zona de estudio con una muestra de 385 personas, que consistieron en preguntas con un sistema de valoración de 1 a 5, y fichas de observación directa, realizadas en los 11 sectores del rio, que consistieron en una Sección-A, con una tabla de valoración por sector, y una sección B, que contenía planos para el conteo de características específicas.
Durante la investigación se encontró que las fajas marginales del rio, son frecuentemente visitadas por jóvenes, y adultos. Asimismo, se encontró que la mayoría de la población encuestada realizan, actividades necesarias como el tránsito, ya sea para ir al colegio, trabajo y realizar compras, y en menor cantidad las actividades opcionales como la recreación, hacer deporte, descanso y contemplación del rio. Sin embargo, se determinó que el estado físico de los mobiliarios, luminarias, accesos (senderos) y baños públicos existentes, se encuentra en estado de abandono, con escasos espacios para las actividades opcionales, vulnerable a la inseguridad y contaminación. El 84 % de la muestra menciona que, un parque lineal con tratamiento paisajístico mejora la imagen y funcionamiento de la zona de estudio...
A constellation of mud volcanoes originated from a buried Arctic mega-slide, Southwestern Barents Sea
Authors: Argentino Claudio , Mattingsdal Rune , Eidvin Tor , Ohm Sverre , Panieri Giuliana
Published: January 2025

Global estimates on the number of submarine mud volcanoes are highly uncertain, as well as their role in the deep-sea biosphere and methane budgets. Here, we report the discovery of ten Arctic mud volcanoes in the Barents Sea (440–480 m depth), where only two had been previously known. The new mud volcanoes form flat-topped mounds on the seafloor and are connected to seismic chimneys rooted within the infilling of a buried Pleistocene mega-slide. We suggest informally naming the area the Polaris Mud Volcano Complex. These structures have been active at least since the Late Weichselian deglaciation (< 20 ka), displaying evidence of ongoing methane-rich mud expulsion, i.e. mud pools and flows and chemosynthetic fauna. Given the widespread occurrence of mega-slides and associated deposits along (paleo)glaciated continental margins, our findings call for a re-evaluation of mud volcanism potential in such regions and their contribution to the global methane cycle.
Costus afer Ker Gawl (Bush cane) extracts modulate glucose uptake, triglyceride accumulation and oxidative stress in human SW 872 liposarcoma and HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells
Authors: ATCHAN Achille Parfait NWAKIBAN , KUIATE Jules-Roger , AGBOR Gabriel AGBOR , Ferriere François , Dell’Agli Mario , Magni Paolo , Tchamgoue Armelle Deutou
Published: January 2025

The current study investigates the biological effects of Costus afer (CAL and CAS extracts), a plant with known antidiabetic properties used in traditional medicine in West and tropical Africa, on pathways involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in human adipocyte (SW 872) and hepatocyte (HepG2) cell models. The cytotoxicity of CAL and CAS extracts was assessed using the MTS assay, while their influence on glucose uptake in HepG2 and SW 872 cells and triglyceride accumulation in oleic acid-differentiated SW 872 cells were studied. The study also examined the in vitro antioxidant activity (expressed in Trolox equivalents), the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by H2O2, and the anti-inflammatory effects, as demonstrated by the inhibition of albumin denaturation. The extracts demonstrated no toxicity at concentrations between 1–50 µg/mL and significantly promoted glucose uptake in SW 872 cells (+ 46.7% and + 69.0%) and HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner (+ 42.6% and + 45.3%). Furthermore, CAL and CAS reduced triglyceride accumulation in differentiated SW 872 cells (CAL: − 34.6%; CAS: -38.4%) and displayed strong antioxidant activity, particularly CAS (11.38 ± 0.7 µM Trolox equivalent/g). Both extracts also reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at 20 µg/mL and exhibited notable anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting albumin denaturation by over 70% at 50 µg/mL and over 90% at 100 µg/mL. Costus afer presents significant therapeutic potential for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. This research underscores the plant's promise as a natural treatment option for addressing metabolic disorders.
Safeguarding climate-resilient mangroves requires a small increase in the global protected area
Authors: Dabalà Alvise , Brown Christopher , Stocken Tom Van der , Buelow Christina A. , Schoeman David , Dunn Daniel , Lovelock Catherine , DAHDOUH-GUEBAS Farid , Flower Jason , Neubert Sandra , Buenafe Kristine , Everett Jason , Esturas Kris Jypson , Richardson Anthony
Published: January 2025

Climate change and anthropogenic activities threaten biodiversity and ecosystem services. Climate-smart conservation plans address these challenges by focusing protection in climate-resilient areas. However, integrating climate change in the design of conservation plans is often deemed too expensive, as it may require larger networks or protecting more costly sites. Using mangroves as a case study, we evaluated the efficiency of protecting mangroves in climate-smart versus climate-naïve reserve networks. We found that climate-smart conservation plans could provide sizable benefits for relatively small increases in protected area. Moreover, transboundary plans, involving cooperation among countries, require less area and protect more climate-resilient mangroves than nation-by-nation plans. Implementing these strategies would improve the current network of protected areas for mangroves, which currently has poor climate resilience. These findings could also be applied in other ecosystems.
Maximizing the protein and fat recovery in black soldier fly larvae: a comparative study of drying methods
Authors: Bellanki Aishwarya , Shivanand Pradeep , Aralimarad Prabhuraj , Deshmukh Sharanabasappa S , Sankrappa Sridhara , Nagaraja Mavinakoppa S
Published: January 2025

The black soldier flies (BSF, Hermetia illucens) have become a novel and sustainable source of micronutrients, lipids, protein, and chitin. Because they are voracious eaters, larvae turn a variety of organic waste into useful resources like protein feed for fish, pigs, and chickens. Larvae of black soldier flies can be composted in addition to being used as animal feed. The purpose of this study was to compare several drying techniques for black soldier fly larvae in order to provide high-quality results. A microwave oven, solar tunnel dryer, tray drier, sun drying, and drum roasting were the five methods used to dry the adult larvae. Different time and temperature interactions are used in each method. According to the results, the drum roasting method recovered more crude protein and crude fat (32.72 and 48.52%, respectively). Following fat extraction, the maximum amount of fat was removed, increasing the crude protein level to 49.17%. Given that the crude protein recovery was lower under both normal and defatted conditions (26.48 ± 0.36% and 42.97 ± 0.74%); the solar tunnel drying method was the least popular of all the drying techniques. Thus, without compromising the nutritional value of BSFL meant for use as animal feed, our study indicates that the drum roasting process is superior to conventional drying techniques.
The Role of UBR2 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Its Implications for Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Authors: Jiang Yanlin , Fu Yi , Song Xinyan , Xie Yongjie , Shang Xiaobin , Liang Xi
Published: January 2025

Objective
UBR2 (also referred to as n-recognin 2, the E3 component of ubiquitin protein ligase) targets proteins with unstable N-terminal residues for polyubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation. It was initially identified as a crucial oncogene during embryonic development. Nevertheless, the function of UBR2 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and its non-ubiquitination role, particularly in suppressing antitumor immune responses, remain elusive.
Methods
Utilizing bulk RNA and single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from the GEO and TCGA databases, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were discerned. Moreover, the relationship between UBR2 and PD-L1 was verified via overexpression viruses, shRNA viruses, and Western blotting. In addition, the correlation between UBR2 and immunotherapy was investigated by means of flow cytometry and immune-infiltration analysis in both in vivo and in vitro experiments.
Results
In the cohort of TNBC patients presenting an immune desert microenvironment, as well as in the group of patients responding poorly to PD-L1/PD-1 therapy, UBR2 exerted a significant impact on the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The inhibition of UBR2 could diminish the expression of PD-L1 in TNBC cell lines. In addition, the expression level of UBR2 could act as a potential indicator for PD-L1 therapy in TNBC patients, where higher UBR2 expression suggests greater responsiveness to PD-L1 therapy. Concurrently, we screened for inhibitors (11-oxo-mogroside V) targeting the functional domain of UBR2, and concurrent inhibition of UBR2 in combination with PD1 therapy can reduce the tumor burden in TNBC.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that the inhibition of UBR2 can augment TIL infiltration by diminishing PD-L1 expression, thereby emerging as an efficacious strategy (the functional inhibitors of UBR2) to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of PD-L1/PD1 blockers, offering a novel perspective for the treatment of TNBC through combined immunotherapy.
Models for Predicting Tree Diameter at Breast Height from Over and Under Bark Diameter of Stump in Eucalyptus camaldulensis Plantations
Authors: Austin Denis U.O. , Yirdaw Eshetu
Published: January 2025

Allometric functions that predict tree diameter at breast height (D) from stump diameter (DS), referred to as DS-D models, are essential for estimating forest metrics like stand volume and belowground carbon (C), especially when D cannot be measured, such as after inadequately recorded clearcutting or illegal logging of threatened species.Many available DS-D models are generic for diverse species and ecological condition, and arelargely based on DS measured over bark (DSoB). Studies show that bark thickness (BT), a factor of DSoB, varies intra-species and across ecosystemsas a response to fire history and other ecological factors. This raises concerns about the reliance on generic, DSoB-based modelsfor inventoryon regenerating clearcut plantation sites.
We hypothesize that local DS-D models calibrated with DS under bark (DSuB) better account for in-situecological variability inBT. To test this, we gathered data through destructive and non-destructive sampling of clonally propagated (CP), post-fire recovery (FR), and coppice-regenerated (CR) stands of monoculture Eucalyptus camaldulensisplantations (ECPs) in East Africa. Using the data, we employed machine learning and traditional statistical methods to calibrate DS-D models, alternately based on DSoB and DSuB as predictor variables. Through error residuals and effect sizes analyses, we compared (1) the performance of previously published, ex-situgeneric DS-D equations versus the study-derived local models, (2) the effectivenessDSoB versus DSuB for DSoBboth as the predictor and the input variables for DS-D models, and (3) assessed the statistical variation of DS-D models between post-fire recovery and non-fire impacted ECP stands.
The results showed that (1) in-situ models outperformed ex-situ equations (2) substituting DSoB with DSuB as regressors improved model accuracy, (3) DSoB substitution with DSuB as input variable did not reduce the performance of DSoB-based models. and (4) modeling of DS-D allometry post-fire recovery stand was complicated by high heterogeneity in tree diameter classes.
These findings show that recalibrating DSoB-based models with DSuB can better capture DS-D allometry due to the circumvention of local environmental effects on BT. The findings further confirm the utility of DS-D models even when the stump's bark layer is missing.
Clinical Nursing Students’ Perception of Their Mentors' Assessment Literacy: Student Competence, Self-Efficacy, and Gender Difference
Authors: Zhu Yazhou , Zhu Jinxin
Published: January 2025

Background: Mentors play a crucial role in clinical nursing education, particularly in assessing student nurses. However, if students cannot perceive their mentors’ assessment-literate practices (referred to as mentors’ assessment-literate practices hereafter), they may not effectively utilize assessment information for learning. Despite its significance, mentors’ assessment-literate practices and its antecedent factors are not well studied. This study aims to explore the mediation role of nursing students’ self-efficacy in the relationship between their competence and their perception of mentors’ assessment-literate practices, while also examining potential gender bias in mentors’ assessment-literate practices.Methods: Participants included 854 final-year nursing students (61 males, 793 females) from 10 colleges/universities in southern China. After eight months of clinical training, students reported on mentors’ assessment-literate practices, self-efficacy, internship grades, and gender. Path analysis was conducted using Mplus 8.10 to test the mediating model, and gender bias was assessed through differential item functioning analysis with Winsteps® (Version 5.6.0.0).Results: The study found a full mediation effect of self-efficacy between competence and students’ perception of their mentors’ assessment-literate practices, with a significant indirect association of .10. The path coefficient between competence and self-efficacy is .12, and between self-efficacy and perceived mentors’ assessment-literate practices is .86. Three items were identified with potential differential item functioning, suggesting mentors should offer male students more practice opportunities and female students more chances to explain.Conclusions: To enhance mentors’ assessment-literate practices, stakeholders should prioritize developing students’ self-efficacy. While improving competence is beneficial, the small indirect effect suggests other strategies are also needed. This study introduces assessment-literate practices as a key concept in nursing education, highlighting its antecedent factors and potential gender biases for better assessment practices.
Diversity Analysis and Comprehensive Evaluation of Agronomic Traits in Perennial Chinese Rice Germplasm for breeding
Authors: Liang Yongshu , Gong Junyi , Yan Yuxin , Peng Tingshen , Lu Jiuyan , Tan Lin , Li Ming , Qin Xiaojian , Nan Wenbin
Published: January 2025

Perennial Chinese rice is a novel type of rice germplasm native to China. This study comprehensively evaluated the variation in the agronomic traits of 20 perennial Chinese rice germplasm across four different planting seasons to explore the genetic diversity of perennial Chinese rice and effectively utilize them. A total of 16 agronomic traits, including heading date, plant height, and thousand-grain weight, were investigated based on the field phenotypic values. The findings revealed significant variations among these traits with a broad range of Shannon–Wiener indices, which ranged from 1.46 to 3.33 in 2021MC, 1.49 to 1.96 in 2021RC, 1.50 to 2.10 in 2022MC, and 1.31 to 2.10 in 2022RC. The coefficients of variation among 16 traits ranged from 4.40–64.34% in 2021 MC, 5.53–74.24% in 2021RC, 3.91–56.90% in 2022MC, and 3.55–92.57% in 2022RC. The 20 germplasm were divided into five distinctive clusters in 2021MC, 2021RC, and 2022MC and six distinctive clusters in 2022RC based on the analysis of hierarchical clustering, but divided into six categories by 13 pairs of SSR primers with good polymorphism. The M-TOPSIS exhaustive evaluation method based on correlation and the principal component analysis (PCA) of 16 traits was applied for the 20 germplasm, and the top one germplasm LN1 that displayed stable field performance on agronomic traits was screened repeatedly across four different planting seasons and adapted to the ecological areas of Chongqing in Southwest China. This study will provide a reference for the screening of potential perennial rice germplasm and the further research on perennial rice genetics and breeding.
A Decision Model for Selecting Serverless Platforms
Authors: Hamza Muhammad , Farshidi Siamak , Akbar Muhammad Azeem , Capilla Rafael , Jansen Slinger , Smolander Kari
Published: January 2025

Serverless computing has revolutionized cloud computing by abstracting the management of underlying infrastructure. This paradigm shift allows developers to concentrate on developing and optimizing application logic rather than managing the complexities of servers. Platforms such as AWS Lambda and OpenWhisk are gaining widespread adoption by enabling organizations to execute code in response to events. However, selecting the right serverless platform becomes challenging for organizations with the increasing number of serverless platforms and their diverse features. Moreover, decision-makers often lack specialized expertise in each platform, compelling them to continuously adapt to the rapidly evolving information and frequent updates. Therefore, this study presents a decision model for the serverless platforms selection problem that systematically captures knowledge and key features required for selecting serverless platforms. The model was evaluated through five real-world case studies at different software development companies. It suggests and prioritizes more than one serverless platform based on the participants' requirements. Participants reported that the model offered valuable insights, significantly simplifying the selection process while reducing the time and costs associated with decision-making. Additionally, the model enables organizations to efficiently evaluate and select serverless platforms that align with their technical requirements and strategic objectives. It also provides a foundation of reusable insights for researchers addressing future challenges in serverless computing.
The Impact of Teachers' Mental Health on Child Personality Development in Kindergarten
Authors: Mansour Soha Badawy , Dawsari Nadia , Al-Mubarak  , Al-Masaad J. , Al-Hajri  , Al-Ashoor Kh. , Al-Zahrani D.
Published: January 2025

This study aims to explore the relationship between the mental health of female kindergarten teachers and its impact on children's personality development. This stage is crucial for children's psychological and social growth, as teachers play a vital role in shaping behaviors and identities. The research utilized a descriptive analytical approach to objectively examine social and psychological phenomena, gathering qualitative and quantitative data through a specialized questionnaire on teachers' mental health, job satisfaction, and available support mechanisms. The sample included 100 teachers from 23 public and private kindergartens, along with interviews from 10 kindergarten directors for deeper insights.
Results indicated a significant relationship between teachers' mental health and children's personality development. Children's social and emotional skills were assessed, revealing an average score of 4.2 (SD = 0.5) for social skills and 4.0 (SD = 0.6) for self-confidence. High average scores and low standard deviations suggest that children receiving positive psychological support exhibit strong social skills, indicating a healthy personality development. Moreover, teachers with high mental health had an average score of 4.5 (SD = 0.4), while those with lower mental health averaged 3.5 (SD = 0.7). The study recommends implementing psychological support programs for teachers and enhancing professional training in stress management and emotional intelligence. Creating positive work environments is essential to improving teacher well-being, ultimately enhancing the educational process and children's personality development.
Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for Chronic Postsurgical Pain in Distal Lower Limb Fracture Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Ying , Sun Yuning , Dang Pei , Zhou Meiyan , Xue Huanjia , Qi Le , Zhang Zhe , Wang Liwei , Zhu Yangzi , Hu Junfeng
Published: January 2025

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is prevalent after distal lower limb fracture. To identify high-risk patients early and provide individualized treatment, we aimed to develop and validate a clinical risk model that can predict CPSP in patients followed for at least 3 months after surgery. In this retrospective cohort study, we identified patients who required open reduction and internal fixation for tibial, fibular, or ankle fractures and followed up for 3 months after surgery. We focused on variables accessible to clinicians during the perioperative period. The prediction model was developed by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate logistic regression. The discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the model were evaluated in the two cohorts.The final cohort included 818 patients: 38.39% of whom experienced CPSP, and 18.15% experienced neuropathic pain. 6 independent variables were associated with CPSP: postoperative analgesic technique, fixation type, preoperative clinical management, and NRS score on the day of the visit and postoperative day 1. The optimism-corrected area under the receiver operating curve for the development cohort and validation cohort were 0.872 and 0.838, respectively. This model demonstrated good calibration and clinical utility. This study established an effective and reliable model to predict CPSP at 3 months after surgery. A better understanding of the perioperative managements of those patients may provide important information on prediction and treatment for CPSP.