bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the drivers for antibiotic use and misuse amongst medical undergraduates–perspectives from a Sri Lankan medical school
Authors: Jayawardhana Yasasuru , Premaratne Avanthi , Kalpani Sudeepa , Jayasundara Sawindya , Jayawardhane Gihan , Jayawarna Chamini , Gamage Sarala , Jayawardhana Kalana , Johnsan Radshana , Jayasundara Chasith , Liyanapathirana Veranja
Published: March 2023

Medical undergraduates are a unique group who gain the theoretical knowledge on prescribing antibiotics but are not authorized to prescribe till full licensure. This unique situation may result in self-medication and unauthorized prescription of antibiotics. This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in 2021 to identify patterns and drivers for antibiotic use and misuse among medical undergraduates. A validated, self-administered Google forms-based online questionnaire was used to gather information on antibiotic use, misuse, and associated factors: demographics, knowledge and perceptions. Two scores; a practice score and a knowledge score were calculated to compare with the associated factors. The study population consisted of 347 medical students with a mean age of 24 (SD1.7) years and 142/347 (40.9%) were male participants. The patterns of misuses identified included; use of antibiotics without a prescription (161/347, 46.4%), keeping left-over antibiotics for future use (111/347, 32.0%), not completing the course of antibiotics (81/347, 23.3%), use of left-over antibiotics (74/347, 21.3%), prescribing to animals (61/347, 17.6%), prescribing antibiotics to family members or friends (51/347, 14.7%), antibiotic self-medication (25/347, 7.2%) and not following the dosage regime prescribed (24/347, 6.9%). The practice score ranged from 33% to 100% (median 87%, IQR 80.0–93.3) and did not differ significantly with either the gender or the year of study. The knowledge score ranged from 4% to 100% (median 87%, IQR: 71.5–95.4) differing significantly according to the year of study. Antibiotic prescription by medical undergraduates was perceived as unacceptable (329/347, 94.8%) by the majority. Individual misuse patterns were associated favourably or unfavourably with gender, year of study, having a health care worker at home and knowledge score. The knowledge score increased with the advancement in training at the medical school while the practice score remained indifferent, highlighting the need to identify the additional drivers of antibiotic misuse among medical undergraduates.
Spatial-temporal evolution and convergence analysis of agricultural green total factor productivity—evidence from the Yangtze River Delta Region of China
Authors: Bao Hongjie , Liu Xiaoqian , Xu Xiaoyong , Shan Ling , Ma Yongteng , Qu Xiaoshuang , He Xiangyu
Published: March 2023

Measuring regional differences in agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) provides a basis for policy guidance on agricultural green development in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region. By constructing a two-period Malmquist–Luenberger index under the carbon emission constraint, we measure the AGTFP of cities in the YRD region from 2001 to 2019. Furthermore, adopting the Moran index method and the hot spot analysis method, this paper analyzes the global spatial correlation and local spatial correlation of AGTFP in this region. Moreover, we investigate its spatial convergence. The results show that the AGTFP of 41 cities in the YRD region is on an increasing trend; the growth of AGTFP in the eastern cities is mainly driven by green technical efficiency, while this growth in the southern cities is mainly stimulated by green technical efficiency and green technological progress. We also find a significant spatial correlation between cities’ AGTFP in the YRD region from 2001 to 2019, but with certain fluctuations, showing a U-shaped trend of "strong-weak-strong". In addition, absolute β convergence of the AGTFP exists in the YRD region, and this convergence speed is accelerated with the addition of spatial factors. This evidence provides support for implementing the regional integration development strategy and optimizing the regional agricultural spatial layout. Our findings offer implications for promoting the transfer of green agricultural technology to the southwest of the YRD region, strengthening the construction of agricultural economic belts and agricultural economic circles, and improving the efficiency of agricultural resource use.
Global, regional, and cryptic population structure in a high gene-flow transatlantic fish
Authors: Jansson Eeva , Faust Ellika , Bekkevold Dorte , Quintela María , Durif Caroline , Halvorsen Kim Tallaksen , Dahle Geir , Pampoulie Christophe , Kennedy James , Whittaker Benjamin , Unneland Laila , Post Søren , André Carl , Glover Kevin A.
Published: March 2023

Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) is a transatlantic marine fish displaying large population sizes and a high potential for dispersal and gene-flow. These features are expected to result in weak population structure. Here, we investigated population genetic structure of lumpfish throughout its natural distribution in the North Atlantic using two approaches: I) 4,393 genome wide SNPs and 95 individuals from 10 locations, and II) 139 discriminatory SNPs and 1,669 individuals from 40 locations. Both approaches identified extensive population genetic structuring with a major split between the East and West Atlantic and a distinct Baltic Sea population, as well as further differentiation of lumpfish from the English Channel, Iceland, and Greenland. The discriminatory loci displayed ~2–5 times higher divergence than the genome wide approach, revealing further evidence of local population substructures. Lumpfish from Isfjorden in Svalbard were highly distinct but resembled most fish from Greenland. The Kattegat area in the Baltic transition zone, formed a previously undescribed distinct genetic group. Also, further subdivision was detected within North America, Iceland, West Greenland, Barents Sea, and Norway. Although lumpfish have considerable potential for dispersal and gene-flow, the observed high levels of population structuring throughout the Atlantic suggests that this species may have a natal homing behavior and local populations with adaptive differences. This fine-scale population structure calls for consideration when defining management units for exploitation of lumpfish stocks and in decisions related to sourcing and moving lumpfish for cleaner fish use in salmonid aquaculture.
Selective whole-genome amplification reveals population genetics of Leishmania braziliensis directly from patient skin biopsies
Authors: Pilling Olivia A. , Reis-Cunha João L. , Grace Cooper A. , Berry Alexander S. F. , Mitchell Matthew W. , Yu Jane A. , Malekshahi Clara R. , Krespan Elise , Go Christina K. , Lombana Cláudia , Song Yun S. , Amorim Camila F. , Lago Alexsandro S. , Carvalho Lucas P. , Carvalho Edgar M. , Brisson Dustin , Scott Phillip , Jeffares Daniel C. , Beiting Daniel P.
Published: March 2023

In Brazil, Leishmania braziliensis is the main causative agent of the neglected tropical disease, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). CL presents on a spectrum of disease severity with a high rate of treatment failure. Yet the parasite factors that contribute to disease presentation and treatment outcome are not well understood, in part because successfully isolating and culturing parasites from patient lesions remains a major technical challenge. Here we describe the development of selective whole genome amplification (SWGA) for Leishmania and show that this method enables culture-independent analysis of parasite genomes obtained directly from primary patient skin samples, allowing us to circumvent artifacts associated with adaptation to culture. We show that SWGA can be applied to multiple Leishmania species residing in different host species, suggesting that this method is broadly useful in both experimental infection models and clinical studies. SWGA carried out directly on skin biopsies collected from patients in Corte de Pedra, Bahia, Brazil, showed extensive genomic diversity. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated that SWGA data can be integrated with published whole genome data from cultured parasite isolates to identify variants unique to specific geographic regions in Brazil where treatment failure rates are known to be high. SWGA provides a relatively simple method to generate Leishmania genomes directly from patient samples, unlocking the potential to link parasite genetics with host clinical phenotypes.
Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum with an Artificially impaired TprK antigenic variation system is attenuated in the Rabbit model of syphilis
Authors: Romeis Emily , Lieberman Nicole A. P. , Molini Barbara , Tantalo Lauren C. , Chung Benjamin , Phung Quynh , Avendaño Carlos , Vorobieva Anastassia , Greninger Alexander L. , Giacani Lorenzo
Published: March 2023

Background

The TprK protein of the syphilis agent, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (T. pallidum), undergoes antigenic variation in seven discrete variable (V) regions via non-reciprocal segmental gene conversion. These recombination events transfer information from a repertoire of 53 silent chromosomal donor cassettes (DCs) into the single tprK expression site to continually generate TprK variants. Several lines of research developed over the last two decades support the theory that this mechanism is central to T. pallidum’s ability for immune avoidance and persistence in the host. Structural and modeling data, for example, identify TprK as an integral outer membrane porin with the V regions exposed on the pathogen’s surface. Furthermore, infection-induced antibodies preferentially target the V regions rather than the predicted β-barrel scaffolding, and sequence variation abrogates the binding of antibodies elicited by antigenically different V regions. Here, we engineered a T. pallidum strain to impair its ability to vary TprK and assessed its virulence in the rabbit model of syphilis.

Principal findings

A suicide vector was transformed into the wild-type (WT) SS14 T. pallidum isolate to eliminate 96% of its tprK DCs. The resulting SS14-DCKO strain exhibited an in vitro growth rate identical to the untransformed strain, supporting that the elimination of the DCs did not affect strain viability in absence of immune pressure. In rabbits injected intradermally with the SS14-DCKO strain, generation of new TprK sequences was impaired, and the animals developed attenuated lesions with a significantly reduced treponemal burden compared to control animals. During infection, clearance of V region variants originally in the inoculum mirrored the generation of antibodies to these variants, although no new variants were generated in the SS14-DCKO strain to overcome immune pressure. Naïve rabbits that received lymph node extracts from animals infected with the SS14-DCKO strain remained uninfected.

Conclusion

These data further support the critical role of TprK in T. pallidum virulence and persistence during infection.
A hazai élelmiszeripari ellátási láncok ellenálló képességének vizsgálata a dinamikus képességek kontextusában
Authors: Jámbor Zsófia , Nagy Judit
Published: March 2023

Az elmúlt időszak eseményeinek következtében megnövekedett az érdeklődés az ellátási láncok működése, a kockázatok kezelése iránt. Jelen tanulmányban az élelmiszeripari ellátási láncokkal és az ezekre ható kockázatok természetével foglalkozunk, valamint hozzákapcsoljuk a dinamikus képességek elméletét is. Vizsgálatunk fókuszában hazai élelmiszeripari ellátási lánc downstream szereplői állnak, és interjúk, illetve egyéb belső vállalati dokumentumok felhasználásával kvalitatív kutatásmódszertant követünk. A tanulmány célja, hogy azonosítsa a vállalatok azon dinamikus adottságait, amelyek az ellenálló képesség támogatásával növelik az ellátási láncok ezen képességét. Feltételezésünk szerint az érzékelési képesség és a rugalmasság, valamint a kommunikációs és menedzsment koordinációs készségek kulcsfontosságúak a különböző típusú és erősségű kockázatok, veszélyek kezelésében. A kutatás eredményeképpen megállapíthatjuk, hogy a vizsgált hazai ellátási láncok esetében az érzékelés, az abszorpció és az integratív dinamikus képesség dimenziók egyes képességei várakozáson felül vannak jelen. Viszont az olyan kapcsolati dinamikus képesség dimenzióba tartozó képességek, mint pl. a megszerzett tudás integrálása egy hálózatba, a kockázatmegosztás, a szövetségek megerősítése vagy a reputációs előnyök használata, további fejlődési lehetőséget jelent az ellátási láncok ellenálló képességének növelésére.
China's Trade Policy Changes: Arguments and Criticisms
Authors: Krajczár Gyula
Published: March 2023

Foreign trade is one of the main drivers of China’s spectacular rise. As it has become a determining factor in world trade, its composition, competitiveness, characteristics, and methods have become important for the whole world. This article provides a political examination of the Chinese foreign trade architecture, considers the criticisms related to it, and the Chinese rationale. It concludes that China – according to its intentions – has tried to fit into the institutional order of world trade, but, at the same time, has brought in its peculiarities that sometimes have stretched this order apart. The main determinant of this is China's state- centredness and bureaucracy.
Assessment of integrated soil nutrient sources on growth and yield parameters on sorghum in the soil of Makurdi, Nigeria
Authors: Ter T. S. , Anjembe B. C. , Maga J. T.
Published: March 2023

Research was carried out at University Commercial Crop Farm, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, to evaluate the effects of different soil nutrient sources on the growth and yield of sorghum in the 2016 and 2017 cropping season under rain-fed condition. The experiment consisted of fourteen treatments; (I) Control, (II) Soybean intercrop, (III) 2.0 t/ha-1 of PM, (IV) 2.0 t/ha-1 of PM + Soybean, (V) 3.5 t/ha-1 of PM, (VI) 3.5 t/ha-1 of PM + Soybean, (VII) 0.2 t/ha-1 of CP, (VIII) 0.2 t/ha-1 of CP + Soybean, (IX) 0.4 t/ha-1 of CP, (X) 0.4 t/ha-1 of CP + Soybean, (XI) 30 kg N/ha-1, (XII) 30 kg N/ha-1 + Soybean, (XIII) 60 kg N/ha-1, and (XIV) 60 kg N/ha-1 + Soybean. The experiment was laid in Randomised Complete Block Design in three (3) replications. Sole applications of compost manure at 0.4 t/ha-1 had significant difference on leaf area. Soybean as nutrient source did not have significant difference on crop parameters. Poultry manure, NPK fertilizer and compost manure significantly affected growth and yield parameters in the two cropping seasons. The highest yield were obtained from application of NPK fertilizer at 60 kg N/ha-1 in plots where sorghum was intercropped with soybeans, this was not however significant when compared with plots where NPK fertilizer was applied without soybean mixture.
Prevalence of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Gairing Simon Johannes , Mangini Chiara , Zarantonello Lisa , Gioia Stefania , Nielsen Elise Jonasson , Danneberg Sven , Gabriel Maria , Ehrenbauer Alena F. , Bloom Patricia P. , Ripoll Cristina , Sultanik Philippe , Galle Peter Robert , Labenz Joachim , Thabut Dominique , Zipprich Alexander , Lok Anna S. , Weissenborn Karin , Marquardt Jens Uwe , Lauridsen Mette Munk , Nardelli Silvia , Montagnese Sara , Labenz Christian
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION:

The prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), in particular in different subgroups, remains unknown. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of MHE in different subgroups to identify patients at high risk and to pave the way for personalized screening approaches.

METHODS:

In this study, data of patients recruited at 10 centers across Europe and the United States were analyzed. Only patients without clinical signs of hepatic encephalopathy were included. MHE was detected using the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES, cut-off < or ≤−4 depending on local norms). Clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients were assessed and analyzed.

RESULTS:

In total, 1,868 patients with cirrhosis with a median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) of 11 were analyzed (Child-Pugh [CP] stages: A 46%, B 42%, and C 12%). In the total cohort, MHE was detected by PHES in 650 patients (35%). After excluding patients with a history of overt hepatic encephalopathy, the prevalence of MHE was 29%. In subgroup analyses, the prevalence of MHE in patients with CP A was low (25%), whereas it was high in CP B or C (42% and 52%). In patients with a MELD score <10, the prevalence of MHE was only 25%, but it was 48% in patients with a MELD score ≥20. Standardized ammonia levels (ammonia level/upper limit of normal of each center) correlated significantly, albeit weakly with PHES (Spearman ρ = −0.16,P< 0.001).

DISCUSSION:

The prevalence of MHE in patients with cirrhosis was high but varied substantially between diseases stages. These data may pave the way for more individualized MHE screening approaches.
Electronic Health Record Burden Among Gastroenterology Providers Associated With Subspecialty and Training
Authors: Bali Aman S. , Hashash Jana G. , Picco Michael F. , Kinnucan Jami A. , Farraye Francis A.
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Use of the electronic health record (EHR) has become increasingly widespread. Higher EHR burden is associated with burnout, but this has not been specifically investigated among gastroenterology (GI) providers.

METHODS:

We retrospectively collected measures of EHR use for outpatient GI providers during a 6-month period. We compared metrics across provider sex, subspecialty, and training (physicians vs nonphysician providers [NPPs]).

RESULTS:

Data collected represented more than 16,000 appointments from 41 providers across the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and hepatology specialists spent more time per appointment in the EHR, clinical review, and outside regular hours compared with other subspecialists. NPPs spent more EHR time than physicians.

DISCUSSION:

IBD and hepatology specialists and NPPs may have disproportionally high EHR burden. More work is needed to understand differences in provider workload to combat burnout.
Past and future freshwater availability scenarios and their impact on the Indian Sundarbans ecosystem and fisheries
Authors: Das Lalu , Bhowmick Sayani , Goswami Purba , Choudhury Ratul Roy , Akhter Javed
Published: March 2023

The Indian Sundarbans are considered one of the zones of highest vulnerability in the world in terms of climate change. About 4.43 million people living in the Indian Sundarbans face a lack of freshwater availability due to the erratic behaviour of monsoon rains, frequent cyclonic storms, intrusion of saline water, and other factors, all of which affect the fisheries and agriculture activities of this area. In this study, estimates of freshwater availability through past and predicted future rainfall and evapotranspiration change scenarios in the Sundarbans are presented. Due to the lack of high-quality in situ data, various sources of gridded rainfall and evapotranspiration data were used. Between 1948 and 2010, half of the 19 administrative blocks showed a decreasing trend of monsoonal rainfall while the rest showed an increasing trend. Freshwater availability showed a decreasing trend during the monsoon season over different blocks of the Sundarbans, which is a matter of great concern for fisheries and agricultural activities. Statistical downscaling was used to generate future rainfall and evapotranspiration scenarios, using coarse resolution Global Climate Models from the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project, Phase Five for a smaller area like the Sundarbans. Downscaled global climate models project an increasing trend in future monsoon rainfall in both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emission scenarios. The increasing rainfall can trigger excessive run-off and flooding, which would in turn affect aquaculture infrastructure and damage lentic aquaculture productions across the Sundarbans. However, increased rainfall may expand the flood plain area and extend the feeding grounds of fish. Hence, the impact of rainfall change is quite unpredictable. Proper adaptation techniques may be required to harness the positive impacts while preventing negative effects.
“Autismo” e “autista”
Authors: Ferreira Aneilza de Carvalho , Maroneze Bruno Oliveira
Published: March 2023

O presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar uma análise da microestrutura dos verbetes “autismo” e “autista” em dicionários da Língua Portuguesa. Para tanto, foram utilizados cinco dicionários disponíveis online. A microestrutura das palavras-entrada “autismo” e “autista” foi analisada de forma descritiva e quantitativa, por meio de quadros comparativos, nos quais distribuímos as informações conforme registro nos dicionários. Pautamo-nos nos pressupostos teóricos de Biderman (2001), Garriga Escribano (2003), Medina Guerra (2003), Porto Dapena (2002), Welker (2004); bem como consideramos as contribuições advindas das produções científicas existentes no tocante ao Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA). Foi possível constatar que os verbetes “autismo” e “autista” em geral não apresentam suas definições conforme os conhecimentos mais recentes sobre o transtorno, bem como nem sempre mencionam a nomenclatura vigente “TEA”.
Design, optimization and economic viability of an industrial low temperature hot water production system in Algeria: A case study
Authors: Kaci Karim , Merzouk Mustapha , Merzouk Nachida Kasbadji , Missoum Mohammed , El Ganaoui Mohammed , Behar Omar , Djedjig Rabah
Published: March 2023

Solar energy has a great potential in many areas of industrial activity in Algeria. This is because most of Algeria has high levels of sustainable solar insulation. Unfortunately, few industries use solar energy for hot water generation, but some industrial processes require hot water at temperatures that can be easily obtained from solar thermal panels. This paper presents a case study to investigate the technical and financial feasibility of a solar-powered industrial agro-processing system in Algiers. Based on  the solar collectors connection type for which the economic feasibility study was carried out, an appropriate design of the system was determined. The latter was actually done by analyzing the levelized cost of energy savings. The design of the thermo-solar process is carried out based on F-chart method with a new approach by integrating the incidence angle modifier and of using real and experimental data requirements to determine realistic achievable performance of the solar process. The results showed that, in comparison to the currently used electrical system, the electrical energy savings achieved by the solar-powered system make it an economically viable option with a solar coverage rate of 80%. The investment depreciation balance shows that the use of such a thermal solar energy system will be more competitive than fossil fuels system if the price of electricity in the country increases from 0.048 to 0.075 €/kWh.
Measuring Communication Quality of Interest Rate Announcements
Authors: Benchimol Jonathan , Caspi Itamar , Kazinnik Sophia
Published: March 2023

We use text-mining techniques to measure the accessibility and quality of information within the texts of interest rate announcements published by the Bank of Israel over the past decade. We find that comprehension of interest rate announcements published by the Bank of Israel requires fewer years of education than interest rate announcements published by the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank. In addition, we show that the sentiment within these announcements is aligned with economic fluctuations. We also find that textual uncertainty is correlated with the volatility of the domestic financial market.
Bombax ceiba Linn. leaf extract rich in phenolic compounds to mitigate non-alcoholic fatty liver-related complications in experimental model
Authors: El-Bana Mona A. , Ashour Magdi N. , Rasheed Wafaa I. , Diab Yasser M. , Medhat Dalia
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Obesity, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance (IR), and hypertriglyceridemia are common features observed in non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). There is a critical medical necessity to find novel therapeutics that can halt the development of NAFLD.

Methods

Bombax ceiba Linn. leaf extract was prepared and its phytochemical profile was determined. Standard and high carbohydrate high-fat diets (HCHF) were prepared. Rats were fed HCHF for 18 weeks to induce a non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) model. Forty male rats were divided into control, B. ceiba Linn. leaf extract, NAFL, prophylactic, and treated groups. Serum fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), intelectin-1 (ITLN1), p38 MAP kinase (MAPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were evaluated.

Results

Data obtained showed that HCHF-induced NAFL resulting in a significant increase in FBS, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, LDL, TG, ALT, AST, and IL-6 and a significant decrease in serum levels of HDL, ITLN1, p38 MAP kinase, and PPAR-α compared to the control group. The analysis of B. ceiba Linn. leaf extract showed high content of phenol compounds which may cause a significant decrease in the levels of FBS, insulin, HOMA-IR values, lipid profile, and levels of IL-6 while a significant increase in serum levels of LDL, ITLN1, p38 MAP kinase, and PPAR-α compared to the NAFL group.

Conclusions

B. ceiba Linn. Leaf extract is a highly protective and promising therapeutic agent against inflammation and oxidative stress in the NAFLD model induced by HCHF.
On limits of betweenness relations
Authors: Bradley-Williams David , Truss John K.
Published: March 2023

We give a flexible method for constructing a wide variety of limits of betweenness relations. This unifies work of Adeleke, who constructed a Jordan group preserving a limit of betweenness relations, and Bhattacharjee and Macpherson who gave an alternative method using a Fraïssé-type construction. A key ingredient in their work is the notion of a tree of 𝐵-sets. We employ this and extend its use to a wider class of examples.
Crystal structure of 5-(adamantan-1-yl)-3-[(4-{[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-methyl}piperazin-1-yl)methyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione, C25H31F3N4OS
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Lamya H. , Abdelbaky Mohammed S. M. , Garcia-Granda Santiago , Tiekink Edward R. T. , El-Emam Ali A.
Published: March 2023

C25H31F3N4OS, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 6.7323(1) Å, b = 15.4999(2) Å, c = 23.7905(4) Å, β = 93.037(2)°, V = 2479.05(6) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0473, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1394, T = 293 K.
Affektivität und Hermeneutik der Macht. Ein Kommentar zum Aphorismus 13 derFröhlichen Wissenschaft
Authors: Simonin David
Published: March 2023

Affectivity and the Hermeneutics of Power: A Commentary on Aphorism 13 ofThe Gay Science.Section 13 ofThe Gay Scienceis devoted to the doctrine of the feeling of power, which recapitulates Nietzsche’s main ideas of the previous years and already presents them in the form of a doctrine that does not yet bear the name “will to power.” Hence, GS 13 is a turning point in the development of Nietzsche’s philosophy of power, which, from the perspective of feeling, points to two essential components of all power: affect and hermeneutics. This article retraces the structure of the section and the main features of the feeling of power with special attention to the progression of the first twelve sections. It provides a better understanding ofThe Gay Scienceand of Nietzsche’s philosophy of power by paying due consideration to a severely underestimated concept, which most commentators have reduced to a mere psychological and draft version of the famous later concept of “will to power.” Although the purpose of this article is not to confront both formulations, some analyses (e. g., on vanity, sacrifice, hedonism, on the continuity and complementarity of strong and weak natures as well as of their moralities) will prove useful to gain a better insight into Nietzsche’s overall conception of power.
Effect of solvent inclusion on the structures and solid-state fluorescence of coordination compounds of naphthalimide derivatives and metal halides
Authors: Beebeejaun-Boodoo B. M. Parveen , Rademeyer Melanie
Published: March 2023

The structural characteristics and solid-state fluorescence of coordination compounds formed between the fluorophore N-((3-pyridyl)methyl)-1,8-naphthalimide (3-pn) and a range of divalent metal halides, were investigated. Six new crystal structures, of the formula ML
2
X
2.solv, were obtained through the combination of the organic ligand L = 3-pn with the divalent metal halides CoX2 (X = Cl− or Br−) or ZnX2 (X = Cl− or Br−) in different solvents. It was found that solvent molecules are incorporated into all the structures, and that the same complex can incorporate different solvent molecules. The conformation of the complex molecule is determined by the solvent molecule incorporated into the structure. The fluorescence intensity is affected by the identity of the metal and halido ligand in the complex molecule, while the identity of the solvent molecule and the metal ion affects the emission wavelength. Thus, the solvent of crystallisation impacts on the solid-state fluorescence of the compounds, hence the same complex can be made to fluoresce at different wavelengths depending on the solvent of crystallisation.
Increasing the Resistance of Archival Cardboards against Thermal Destruction
Authors: Nováková Martina , Ďurovič Michal , Karl Jan
Published: March 2023

Valuable books and archival documents are stored in protective packaging, most frequently made of cardboard, in the depositories of archives, libraries, museums or galleries. As part of preventive conservation, the cardboard could theoretically be treated during production with suitable substances delaying ignition or decelerating flaming combustion. This work describes a study of the short-term and long-term effectiveness of selected inorganic additive flame retardants and their influence on the properties of cardboards. Substances containing silicon, boron or hydroxide anions were tested on Prolux solid cardboard and Klug corrugated cardboard. Parameters such as the linear burning rate, oxygen index, heat release rate, weight loss during heating, pH of an aqueous extract, and total colour difference were evaluated. A mixture of mica and bentonite Cloisite-Na+ in a solution of Tylose MH6000 was found to be most useful for this purpose. This mixture doubled the time to ignition of Klug cardboard; in measurements of the linear burning rate, it caused early flame self-extinction for both kinds of cardboard and, simultaneously, had no observable detrimental effect on the stability of the treated cardboard.
Spontaneous self-affirmation: an adaptive coping strategy for people with chronic pain
Authors: You Dokyoung S. , Hettie Gabrielle , Darnall Beth D. , Ziadni Maisa S.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Self-affirmation may be a promising treatment strategy for improving clinical outcomes. This study examined the association between self-affirmation and self-reported health status among people with chronic pain.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 768 treatment seeking people (female 67.2%, mean age=50.4 years with SD of 17.1, White/Caucasian 59.9%) completed surveys using a learning healthcare system. Measures included spontaneous self-affirmation (SSA) items, PROMIS® outcome measures, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Multiple regressions were conducted to examine if strength-based SSA, value-based SSA, and their interaction would predict perceived health status and pain coping strategy. Sensitivity analysis was done by performing additional regressions with covariates (age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education). Lastly, exploratory analysis examined if average SSA scores would have a linear relationship with perceived health status.

Results

The strength x value-based SSA interaction significantly predicted the PROMIS-depression, anxiety, and social isolation T-scores (ps≤0.007), but not anger T-scores (p=0.067). Specifically, greater tendency to use both SSA styles predicted less symptoms of depression, anxiety and social isolation. This interaction remained significant when controlling for the covariates. The two SSA styles and their interaction did not significantly predict pain interference, sleep disturbance, fatigue, average pain rating and PCS scores (ps≥0.054). Exploratory analysis revealed SSA average scores did not have a significant linear relationship with perceived health status.

Conclusions

The current study showed self-affirmation as being associated with better psychosocial health, but not associated with physical health and pain catastrophizing among patients with chronic pain. Our findings suggested the potential benefit of incorporating strength- and value-based affirmations in pain intervention approaches.
Shapes of the noncentrosymmetric TeO5E groups in tellurite glasses with P2O5 additions
Authors: Hoppe Uwe
Published: March 2023

The noncentrosymmetric shapes of the TeO
n
E units (n = 3, 4, and 5) are important for the nonlinear optical properties of the tellurite glasses (E – lone pair). An earlier diffraction work on the binary (TeO2)1−x
(P2O5)
x
glasses reported Te−O coordination numbers larger than four, which means the rare case of proportions of TeO5E units. The distributions of the Te−O distances in these glasses differ from those known in the related crystal structures. The so far unknown shapes of the TeO5E units are determined by the use of a mechanical analog. Five steel balls can move freely in a spherical bowl. Under the effect of gravity, they take a structure that is equivalent to that of the five oxygen ligands of a TeO5E unit. The average bond lengths of the TeO5E groups obtained for the glasses differ a little from the lengths of this unit. The small differences are attributable to variations based on the uneven tensions caused by the network disorder. The mechanical analog was set up on basis of the present conceptions of the lone pair’s steric effects. The ratio of the ball’s and bowl’s diameters is taken from published analyses of crystal structures.
A quantitative fluorescence‐based approach to study mitochondrial protein import
Authors: Jain Naintara , Gomkale Ridhima , Bernhard Olaf , Rehling Peter , Cruz‐Zaragoza Luis Daniel
Published: March 2023

Mitochondria play central roles in cellular energy production and metabolism. Most proteins required to carry out these functions are synthesized in the cytosol and imported into mitochondria. A growing number of metabolic disorders arising from mitochondrial dysfunction can be traced to errors in mitochondrial protein import. The mechanisms underlying the import of precursor proteins are commonly studied using radioactively labeled precursor proteins imported into purified mitochondria. Here, we establish a fluorescence‐based import assay to analyze protein import into mitochondria. We show that fluorescently labeled precursors enable import analysis with similar sensitivity to those using radioactive precursors, yet they provide the advantage of quantifying import with picomole resolution. We adapted the import assay to a 96‐well plate format allowing for fast analysis in a screening‐compatible format. Moreover, we show that fluorescently labeled precursors can be used to monitor the assembly of the F1F0 ATP synthase in purified mitochondria. Thus, we provide a sensitive fluorescence‐based import assay that enables quantitative and fast import analysis.
Flammability characteristics of thermally modified oak wood treated with a fire retardant
Authors: Gašparík Miroslav , Osvaldová Linda Makovická , Čekovská Hana , Potůček Dalibor
Published: March 2023

Flammability characteristics were determined for oak wood (Quercus robur L.), which was thermally modified at 160, 180, and 210 °C. Subsequently, the thermally modified and unmodified wood was treated with a fire retardant. The effect of the thermal modification (TM) and fire retardant treatment (FRT) on the weight loss (WL), burning rate (BR), maximum burning rate (MBR), and time to reach the maximum burning rate (TRMBR) were evaluated. The FRT had an expected positive effect on all of the flammability characteristics, where the WL, BR, and MBR decreased, and the TRMBR increased. The TM temperature did not have a clear effect. As the TM temperature increased, the WL and BR decreased. The highest differences were found at 160 and 180 °C. As the TM temperature increased for the wood without the FRT, the TRMBR decreased. During the burning of the thermally modified wood with the FRT, the trend was the exact opposite.
Efficient cellulases production by Trichoderma atroviride G79/11 in submerged culture based on soy flour-cellulose-lactose
Authors: Oszust Karolina , Pawlik Anna , Siczek Anna , Janusz Grzegorz , Gryta Agata , Bilińska-Wielgus Nina , Frąc Magdalena
Published: March 2023

The microbiological hydrolysis of lignocellulose waste materials, using enzymatic biopreparations and its anaerobic processing, is a promising strategy for the efficient use of renewable energy sources. This article presents the optimization of microbiological media to improve cellulase production by Trichoderma atroviride G79/11 for further application as a cellulolytic biopreparation. The characterization of T. atroviride phenotypic microarrays was performed using the Biolog® PM plates approach. The optimization investigations were aimed at increasing the efficiency of the cellulolytic enzyme production involved in the solid-state fermentation type medium. This medium was based on dried sugar beet and wheat bran, as well as two liquid media based on mineral and soy flour, cellulose, and lactose (MSCL). The basic components of the MSCL were optimized. The study involved optimization of the content of the carbon and nitrogen source and the detergent additive. In order to increase the cellulase production, proper T. atroviride G79/11 culture conditions were established.
Experiments and modeling of the torrefaction of white wood fuel pellets
Authors: Spîrchez Cosmin , Lunguleasa Aurel , Antonaru Carmen
Published: March 2023

The main purpose of this study was to find the optimal conditions for thermal treatment of white wood pellets. Other goals of this study were to compare torrefied and white pellets and to model the treatment process. Three types of pellets acquired from different manufacturing companies in the pellet market, representing distinct wood species, were torrefied at different temperatures of 160, 180, 200, and 220 °C, for 1, 2, and 3 h. After thermal treatment, the properties of the treated pellets were determined, including their mass loss, calorific value, ash content, and shear strength, and compared with those of the non-torrefied pellets. The calorific value increase was modeled based on the thermal degradation of hemicellulose and cellulose of the pellets and the correlation between the calorific value and mass loss. It was concluded that torrefied pellets have an increase in calorific value up to 22%, because of hemicelluloses degradation.
Glulam wood sleepers manufacturing from recycling discharge sleepers: An engineering recycling project
Authors: Carrasco Edgar V. M. , Passos Leonardo B. , Amorim Silvia T. A. , Ramos Fernando M. G. , Rodrigues Francisco C. , Mantilla Judy N. R.
Published: March 2023

Feasibility was studied for the manufacture of glulam sleepers using wood sleepers that had been discharged or sold at low prices by railway companies. In principle, an engineering recycling project of this nature could contribute to the reduction of non-renewable natural resource extraction. The manufacturing stages of glulam recycled wood sleepers are shown. Ultrasonic tests were used for the classification of the wood sleepers’ parts and wood strength optimization. The results showed that it was possible to obtain one wood sleeper from the recycling of four or five used sleepers.
Use of a resistive moisture meter to estimate the moisture content of untreated and thermally modified Tectona grandis L.f. juvenile wood
Authors: Batista Djeison Cesar , Mendonça Adriano Ribeiro , Regazzi Adair José
Published: March 2023

The effects of the TanWood thermal modification process on the resistive properties of Tectona grandis juvenile wood were verified, and the best setting for the use of a resistive moisture meter was determined for both untreated and thermally modified wood (TMW). Sixteen treatments were assessed for both untreated and TMW according to three factors: moisture meter scale (four levels), electrode length (two levels), and grain direction (two levels). Moisture content was measured in four steps with equilibrium moisture contents of 6.0%, 8.6%, 12.2%, and 15.6%. For statistical analysis, the oven-drying moisture content was used as the standard. Statistical analysis included the statistics bias, mean absolute difference, mean square error, tests of linear correlation, and comparison of means. The TanWood process of thermal modification significantly changed the resistive properties of Tectona grandis juvenile wood once different results were found for untreated and TMW regarding the meter’s scale of use and the reliable ranges of moisture content measuring.
An investigation of the morphological and tensile properties of vacuum resin impregnated sugar palm fibers with various thermosetting resins
Authors: Munawar N. S. Z. , Ishak M. R. , Shahroze R. M. , Jawaid M. , Zuhri M. Y. M.
Published: March 2023

Sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) is a type of natural fiber that belongs to the Palmae family. It is versatile, readily available, and virtually the entire tree can be formed into many different products. This paper discusses the effect of vacuum resin impregnation on a single sugar palm fiber (SPF) using various thermosetting resins such as epoxy, vinyl ester (VE), and polyester (PE). The fibers were vacuum impregnated at a constant pressure of 600 mmHg for 5 min. The excessive resins were wiped off, and the impregnated fibers were cured in an oven for approximately 30 min at a temperature of 140 °C. Following this, the tensile properties of the single SPF impregnated with epoxy, VE, and PE were determined. The results indicated that impregnation of SPF with epoxy resin increased the tensile strength and modulus of SPF 50% and 59%, respectively. Scanning electron microscope images also illustrated that the epoxy resin offered better impregnation on the SPF compared to the other thermosetting resins. A suitable application for the impregnated SPF is as a roofing material.
Properties of biochar derived from spent mushroom substrates
Authors: Zhao Zhuang , Ibrahim Muhammed Mustapha , Wang Xiaodan , Xing Shihe , Heiling Maria , Hood-Nowotny Rebecca , Tong Chenxiao , Mao Yanling
Published: March 2023

Spent mushroom substrates, Tremella fuciformis (Tf), Flammulina velutipes (Fv), and Lentinula edodes (Le), were used to produce biochar at different temperatures (300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C, and 700 °C). Elemental compositions and surface properties of derived biochar were determined. The yield and volatile matter (VM) of the biochars decreased as the pyrolysis temperature increased with Le300 having the highest yield (47.4%). The highest VM was obtained in Tf300 (79.6%). The biochars were alkaline, with Fv700 having the highest pH (11.6). Pyrolysis temperature and feedstock influenced nutrient composition of biochars and highest values were obtained in: Tf300 (N=2.07%), Fv700 (P=12.0 g/kg), Le700 (K=21.9 g/kg), Fv600 (CEC=32.3 cmol/kg), Fv700 (Ash=33.4%) and Le700 (C=58.6%). Heavy metals in the Fv biochar were highest but within their tolerable limits. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed various functional groups on the biochar surfaces with C-O being dominant (except on Le biochar). X-ray diffraction revealed that SiO2 and CaCO3 were present on biochar surfaces. The Fv biochars had the largest surface area with Fv400 having the highest value (210.6 m2g-1) while Le400 had the highest average pore diameter (159.7 Å). These properties render the biochars suitable as soil amendment and in environmental remediation.
Active specific immunotherapy: mechanisms of action and clinical applications in bioregenerative and anti-aging medicine, autoimmune conditions and cancers
Authors: Klokol Dmytro , Chan Mike KS , Wong Michelle BF , Moya Roni , Pan Shing Yi
Published: March 2023

Autologous Active Specific Immunotherapy (AASI) is a type of immunotherapy that targets complementary autoantibodies which suppress the specific immune response using anti-idiotypic antibodies. AASI entails removing immune cells (dendritic cells) from the patient's blood and subjecting them in a lab setting to a particular tumour antigen (proteins detected on the surface of cancer cells). AASI is a personalized treatment approach that has been used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, osteosarcoma and breast cancer. Clinical trials have shown promising results, with some patients experiencing complete remission or long-term disease control. Although AASI has shown potential as a cancer treatment, further research is needed to optimize its effectiveness and safety. AASI is a complex and expensive therapy, and its use is currently limited to specialized cancer treatment centres.
Hospital Access Patterns of Children With Technology Dependence
Authors: Moynihan Katie , França Urbano L. , Casavant David W. , Graham Robert J. , McManus Michael L.
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVES

We studied hospital utilization patterns among children with technology dependence (CTD). We hypothesized that increasing pediatric healthcare concentration requires those caring for CTD to selectively navigate healthcare systems and travel greater distances for care.

METHODS

Using 2017 all-encounter datasets from 6 US states, we identified CTD visits defined by presence of a tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or intraventricular shunt. We calculated pediatric Hospital Capability Indices for hospitals and mapped distances between patient residence, nearest hospital, and encounter facility.

RESULTS

Thirty-five percent of hospitals never saw CTD. Of 37 108 CTD encounters within the remaining 543 hospitals, most emergency visits (70.0%) and inpatient admissions (85.3%) occurred within 34 (6.3%) high capability centers. Only 11.7% of visits were to the closest facility, as CTD traveled almost 4 times further to receive care. When CTD bypassed nearer facilities, they were 10 times more likely to travel to high-capability centers (95% confidence interval: 9.43–10.8), but even those accessing low-capability facilities bypassed less capable, geographically closer hospitals. Transfer was more likely in nearest and low-capability facility encounters. CTD with Medicaid insurance, Black race, or from lower socioeconomic communities had lower odds of encounters at high-capability centers and of bypassing a closer institution than those with white race, private insurance, or from advantaged communities.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with technology dependence routinely bypass closer hospitals to access care in facilities with higher pediatric capability. This access behavior leaves many hospitals unfamiliar with CTD, which results in greater travel but less transfers and may be influenced by sociodemographic factors.
To dance or not to dance?
Authors: Peter Beate
Published: March 2023

This article discusses the body politic of the GDR in the context of leisure and dancing. Two case studies are employed to show how conventional Western methods of describing and defining a musical event fail to capture the social aspect of popular music dancing in East Germany. The embodiment of popular music through dancing is proposed as an aesthetic choice that subverts official body politic and offers a non-verbal form of resistance. Through the focus on the body and the creation of affective communities, this article shows how young people were able to escape state control and regain a level of agency that might not have existed otherwise. By introducing aesthetics as a method of enquiry, a wider examination of the relationship between the body, politics and popular music is enabled.