bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomy of the Palearctic socially parasitic Temnothorax (Myrmoxenus) ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Báthori Ferenc , Seifert Bernhard , Heinze Jürgen , Kiran Kadri , Karaman Celal , Csősz Sándor
Published: October 2024

The ant genus Temnothorax is one of the most diverse in the Palearctic region, comprising several species with different life histories and uncertain taxonomic backgrounds. Socially parasitic Temnothorax ant species were typically described decades ago, primarily based on traditional morphological traits. In some aspects, these species have come back into the spotlight in recent years, necessitating a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the species of the genus. In this paper, we present a quantitative morphology-based taxonomic revision of the Temnothorax corsicus species group (formerly called Myrmoxenus genus) based on the analysis of 20 continuous morphometric traits collected from 394 worker and 19 traits from 473 gyne individuals belonging to 240 samples. Based on morphometric analyses, we propose junior synonymy for Temnothorax tamarae (Arnol’di, 1968) under T. ravouxi (André, 1896), and T. microcellatus (Soudek, 1925) is revived and is considered a senior synonym of T. menozzii (Finzi, 1924). Detailed descriptions, measurements, distribution, and host usage of all ten species are given. Dichotomous keys to workers, known gynes, and photographs of all species are presented.
Trend prediction and influencing factors of the production comparative advantage of China’s main apple-producing provinces
Authors: Ning Wenping , Zhang Fuhong , Zhang Meiling
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The apple industry is an essential industry to assist in rural revitalization. However, in recent years, the urbanization, industrialization, globalization and climate change have brought various challenges to the apple industry in China’s main apple-producing provinces. Given this, effectively identifying, enhancing on apple production comparative advantage (APCA) is imperative to safeguard the long-term sustainable development of China’s apple industry. This study aims to explore the evolutionary trends and influencing factors of APCA, and to provide quantitative support for the formulation of scientific and effective apple production policies.

Methods

In this paper, the APCA of China’s eight main apple-producing provinces from 2013 to 2022 was measured by using a aggregate comparative advantage index. The spatio-temporal dynamic evolution characteristics of APCA were revealed by adopted Arc GIS and kernel density estimation method. Second, the transfer probabilities of different types of APCA were predicted by empolyed traditional and spatial Markov chains. Finally, the driving mechanism of APCA is explored with the panel quantile model.

Results

1) The average value of APCA of the main producing provinces increased from 1.330 in 2013 to 1.419 in 2022. 2) The probabilities of provinces with low, primary and middle level of advantage jumping to the next level are 31.58%, 16.67% and 11.76%, respectively. When the spatial lag type is high-level advantage, the probability of stabilization of the low-level advantage decreases from 68.42% to 0.00%. 3) Nonfarm payrolls have the largest dampening effect at the 40% quantile.

Conclusions

1) Temporally, APCA shows a trend of slow growth, ups and downs. Spatially, APCA shows a distribution pattern of “west high, east low”. 2) APCA mainly shifted sequentially between neighbouring ranks. Besides, the change of APCA had significant spatial spillover effect, and highly advantage provinces featured more prominent proactive spillovers. 3) There is significant heterogeneity among the influencing factors.
The impact of emotion regulation on the establishment of the therapeutic alliance in post-divorce group intervention: A multilevel approach
Authors: Alvarez Irati , Herrero Marta , Martínez-Pampliega Ana
Published: October 2024

Objective

The present study focuses on the impact of emotion regulation on the establishment of the therapeutic alliance in a context of post-divorce group intervention.

Method

The study involved 177 divorced parents and 60 therapists and was developed through multilevel path analysis.

Results

The data showed an association between emotion regulation and therapeutic alliance across the difficulties of adaptation to divorce, although the results were different from the perspective of the participant and of the therapist and between the individual and the group level.

Conclusion

The study highlights the relevant role of emotion regulation in post-divorce adaptation and in the success of the establishment of the therapeutic alliance, while clarifying the formation of the alliance from the viewpoints of the individual and the therapist. The study also highlights the need to understand the alliance at both the individual and the group level, in order to design therapeutic interventions.
BglaTNB6, a tailocin produced by a plant-associated nonpathogenic bacterium, prevents rice seed-borne bacterial diseases
Authors: Kouzai Yusuke , Sagehashi Yoshiyuki , Watanabe Riku , Kajiwara Hideyuki , Suzuki Nobuhiro , Ono Hiroshi , Naito Ken , Akimoto-Tomiyama Chiharu
Published: October 2024

Rice seed-borne diseases caused by the bacterial pathogens Burkholderia glumae and B. plantarii pose a major threat to rice production worldwide. To manage these diseases in a sustainable manner, a biocontrol strategy is crucial. In this study, we showed that B. gladioli NB6 (NB6), a nonpathogenic bacterium, strongly protects rice from infection caused by the above-mentioned pathogens. NB6 was isolated from the indica rice cultivar Nona Bokra seedlings, which possesses genetic resistance to B. glumae. We discovered that cell suspensions of NB6 and its culture filtrate suppressed the disease symptoms caused by B. glumae and B. plantarii in rice seedlings, which indicated that NB6 secretes a plant-protective substance extracellularly. Through purification and mass spectrometry analysis of the culture filtrate, combined with transmission electron microscopy and mutant analysis, the substance was identified as a tailocin and named BglaTNB6. Tailocins are bacteriotoxic multiprotein structures morphologically similar to headless phage tails. BglaTNB6 exhibited antibacterial activity against several Burkholderia species, including B. glumae, B. plantarii, and B. gladioli, suggesting it can prevent pathogen infection. Interestingly, BglaTNB6 greatly contributed only to the biocontrol activity of NB6 cell suspensions against B. plantarii, and not against B. glumae. BglaTNB6 was shown to be encoded by a prophage locus lacking genes for phage head proteins, and a B. gladioli strain with the coded BglaTNB6-like locus equipped with phage head proteins failed to prevent rice seedlings from being infected with B. plantarii. These results suggested that BglaTNB6 may enhance the competitiveness of NB6 against a specific range of bacteria. Our study also highlights the potential of tailocin-producing endophytes for managing crop bacterial diseases.
Unusual Confluence: Exploring the Association of Biliary Atresia, Wilson Disease, and Iron Overload
Authors: Duggal Shivangini , Meza-Rodriguez Samantha , Shahid Saqib , Zuckerman Marc , Borges Jorge Chiquie
Published: October 2024

The case involves a 33-year-old man with biliary atresia, Wilson disease (WD), and iron overload. Biliary atresia, a cholangiodestructive disease, leads to cirrhosis if untreated. WD, caused by ATP7B gene mutations, results in copper accumulation affecting the liver and brain. Iron overload can be seen in cases of WD and with hereditary hemochromatosis gene mutations. The patient's concurrent presentation of these conditions poses a unique clinical challenge. Elevated iron levels may worsen WD outcomes. A detailed history and physical examination, genetic testing, and close follow-up are crucial. The case highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilant monitoring of patients with overlapping liver diseases.
Inarticulate Voice and Story
Authors: Spill Frédérique
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores the communicative components of Faulkner’s “idiots.” Do Faulknerian idiots actually suffer from deafness and muteness? Is this dual pathology a commonplace that irremediably reduces them to an unfathomable silence, or is it simply an image that depicts the narrow world in which they live? The chapter examines the language used by Benjy Compson and, to a lesser degree, similar characters elsewhere in Faulkner’s works, and analyzes what the language implies about Benjy’s perceptions and what the language communicates to the reader.
Miroslava Hlinčíková – Martina Sekulová: Integrácia ľudí s medzinárodnou ochranou na Slovensku: Hľadanie východísk [Integration of People with International Protection in Slovakia: Seeking Solutions].
Authors: Dumont Anna
Published: October 2024

A review of the book by Miroslava Hlinčíková and Martina Sekulová.
Emerging Immigration Scholars Conference
Authors: Jirka Luděk
Published: October 2024

On February 26th and 27th a conference took place at the University of California in Los Angeles, organized by the University of California Los Angeles Center for the Study of International Migration. While the conference mainly concerned migration, multiculturalism and immigration into the United States, there were also other interesting topics. Many participants were post-doctoral fellows, fresh holders of doctorate degrees, who had finished their fieldwork as well as their dissertation thesis and wanted to publish their thesis. Each session was led by “older local” professors from the University of California Los Angeles, San Diego, Irvine and Berkeley, while the presenters were from all over the United States. There were no presenters from any other countries.
Slavomíra Ferenčuhová: Sociologie města 20. a 21. století
Authors: Nešpor Zdeněk R.
Published: October 2024

A review of the book by Slavomíra Ferenčuhová.
COVID-19 as a Model for PCR Viral Respiratory Disease Diagnostics
Authors: Pohludka Michal , Piherová Lenka
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world and influenced almost all areas of human life. Although each country has approached the situation differently, they had one activity in common – the effort to slow down the spread of the virus to prevent an overload of national health systems. The preferred testing method for medical diagnostics as well as for elimination of the spread within the population is the Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-qPCR).
In this book, we focus in detail on the methodology, good practice, and troubleshooting. The aim of the publication is to provide a practical advanced manual that can be utilized in any diagnostic laboratory using the PCR method.
Good practice in laboratory diagnostics is essential for medical as well as for epidemiological reasons. During an epidemic outbreak, laboratory diagnostics helps physicians to treat patients effectively and the laboratory big data provides information about the spread of the virus in different sociological groups. This is illustrated in the presented experiment studying spread of the virus in a child population at schools.
Quality control analyses of selected honey samples from Serbia based on their mineral and flavonoid profiles, and the invertase activity
Authors: Arsić Biljana , Kostić Danijela , Mrmošanin Jelena , Zlatanović Ivana , Marković Snežana , Petrović Stefan , Stankov-Jovanović Vesna , Janković Sonja , Mišić Ivana Rašić , Mitić Milan , Pavlović Aleksandra , Tošić Snežana , Georgijev Aneta , Stojanović Gordana
Published: October 2024

Nowadays, climate changes induce deviations in the composition of honey varieties characteristic of a specific geographic region. Therefore, according to Codex Alimentarius for honey, the slight variations in values of determined parameters cannot be strictly regarded as a sign of its adulteration. Here, modified methods are presented for preparing honey samples for inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis and the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to use them as fast and reliable methods in the food industry. ICP-OES analysis suggested that all analysed honey samples are natural, and HPLC-DAD (diode-arrray detection) analysis on the flavonoids showed that one sample is probably not natural. Invertase activity showed an overlap with this HPLC-DAD finding but suggested more samples as possibly adulterated, which can be neglected due to possible thermal treatment of those natural samples, causing a decrease in invertase activity. Therefore, results obtained from the analyses of investigated honey samples based on the mineral content, number, and quantity of flavonoids, together with the invertase activity, indicated that the combination of analyses could be a reliable tool for determining the quality of honey samples.
Intraoperative changes in electrophysiological monitoring can be used to predict clinical outcomes in patients with spinal cavernous malformation
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Zhang Hongqi , Ren Jian
Published: October 2024

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of these monitoring parameters in predicting postoperative neurological dysfunction.

Methods

In this study, a total of 85 patients with spinal cavernous malformations (SCMs) treated at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, from November 2012 to August 2017 were included. During the surgical procedures, all patients underwent monitoring of motor evoked potentials (MEP) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP). The criteria for warning included a reduction of ≥80% in MEP amplitude and ≥50% in SEP amplitude.

Results

Among 85 patients, 40 (47.1%) had SCMs located in the thoracic segment, 35 (41.2%) in the cervical segment, 6 (7.1%) in the cervical thoracic segment, and 4 (4.7%) in the lumbar segment. MEP recordings were obtained from 81 patients, and the preoperative McCormick score was 1.53 ± 0.69. The sensitivity of multimodal monitoring combined with the criteria of 80% reduction in MEP amplitude and SEP was 83.9%, with a specificity of 69%, a positive predictive value of 69%, and a negative predictive value of 90.4%.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the crucial role of electrophysiological monitoring, particularly MEP and SEP, during the surgical resection of SCMs. The findings demonstrate that this approach is effective in predicting and preventing postoperative neurological dysfunction, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Thinking from the Home: Emanuele Coccia on Domesticity and Happiness
Authors: Edwards Evan
Published: October 2024

This article traces the idea of domesticity through the work of Emanuele Coccia to explain his conception of happiness. Coccia argues that it is only by taking domestic concerns seriously that philosophy can begin to theorize the possibility of happiness today, claiming that rather than beginning with the polis, “philosophy must think the city from the home, and the home from the kitchen.” The article begins by situating Coccia's work in the tradition of Giorgio Agamben's critical project and then explores the idea of the home from his 2016’s The Life of Plants through 2020’s Metamorphoses to understand the reason for devoting an entire book to the topic in 2021’s Philosophy of the Home. The final sections of this article turn to Philosophy of the Home itself to explain his conception of happiness more concretely, focusing on his conceptions of love and interdependency, as well as the fundamental importance of nourishment and the kitchen.
Phytochemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound healing activities of Thermopsis turcica
Authors: Akdağ Gülçin , Hazman Ömer , Aksoy Laçine , Savrık Mehmet , Büyükben Ahmet , Yılmaz Mustafa Abdullah , Cakir Oguz , Kara Recep
Published: October 2024

The antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, wound healing activities and phenolic substance profile of aqueous extracts prepared using branch, leaf, flower parts and above-ground parts of Thermopsis turcica were determined in the study. The analyses indicate that the total phenolic substance contents and total antioxidant status are higher in the mix, flower, and leaf extracts. The extracts reduced cell viability in HGF cells more than in A549 cells. It shows that the extract has low anticarcinogenic activity in A549 cells. Flower extract had the highest wound closure rate. Quinic acid, cyranoside and luteolin were found in high concentrations in all extracts with LC/ESI-MS/LC analysis. It has been determined that the flower extract of the species is the most critical part showing antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and wound healing properties. While the leaf and mix extracts stand out with their antioxidative and antimicrobial properties, the branch extract is effective in wound healing.
Optimization of silicon solar cell design for use under concentrated solar irradiation
Authors: Korkishko R. M. , Vlasiuk V. M. , Kostylyov V. P. , Chernenko V. V. , Dvernikov B. F.
Published: October 2024

The task of reducing the cost of a unit of photoelectric-generated electricity is still relevant today. One of the most effective ways to do that is to use concentrator photovoltaic energy conversion systems with cheaper, small-area silicon solar cells (SC), because they require significantly less semiconductor material to make. In this study, the authors develop solutions to optimize the design and improve the manufacturing technology of silicon SCs of the combined diffusion-field type. Such SCs are used to concentrate solar irradiation. The authors propose design and technological solutions for the development and manufacture of a concentrator unit based on the Fresnel lens, which is designed to measure the photoelectric characteristics of SCs when concentrating solar irradiation. Next, the photoelectric characteristics of the combined diffusion-field type SCs were investigated under concentrated solar irradiation in natural sun conditions. The degree of concentration varied from 1X to 100X. Measuring the light I –V characteristics allowed determining photoelectric parameters of the cells — shortcircuit current, open-circuit voltage, fill factor and photoconversion efficiency. The obtained experimental results are in good agreement with the results of theoretical modeling. It is shown that due to the minimization of the specific series resistance, the samples of such SCs have high values of operational parameters in the range of natural solar irradiation concentration K=1X–100X.
Noise immunity algorithm for embedding a digital watermark in medical images
Authors: Sadchenko А. V. , Kushnirenko O. A.
Published: October 2024

When storing and transferring printed medical materials, such as tomograms or radiographs, there is a need to protect additional information from unauthorized access. This information includes personal data of the patient and a summary of the medical history, and it can be added to the medical image (container) in the form of a watermark. Existing algorithms for embedding digital watermarks (DWM) in graphic objects distort the initial characteristics of the container image, which in the case of medical images can lead to a misdiagnosis. This study aimed to develop a distortion- and noise-resistant algorithm for embedding the DWM in the spatial domain of a medical image intended for storage on paper (as a printout).
The article initially considered the possibilities of using the method of modifying the least significant bits of image pixel brightness or the LSB algorithm. Mathematical modeling in Matlab showed that the maximum brightness of the DWM guaranteeing its invisibility cannot exceed 2% of the maximum brightness of the container image for monochrome images, and 6% for color images. The maximum value of the white noise dispersion, at which it is possible to single out a DWM with a correlation coefficient of at least 0.9 was 0.0001.
We prorose a new noise immunе algorithm (NIA) for embedding the DWM in the subpixels of the main image, which, after extracting the DWM, are not used to build the container image. In the absence of noise, there are no distortions of the original medical image whatsoever. The essence of the NIA is as follows. The size of the original image in the form of a two-dimensional array is quadrupled by adding a subpixel in each row and column with a brightness equal to the average arithmetic brightness of neighboring pixels. A DWM with the same size as the original image is added to the resulting subpixels. Matlab modeling showed that the DWM would remain invisible at a relative brightness of approximately 5% for monochrome container images and 15% for color images. For the NIA algorithm, the maximum value of the white noise dispersion to obtain a correlation coefficient of 0.9 is 0.005, which means that the noise immunity of the proposed method is significantly higher than that of the LSB-based algorithm.
In situ synthesis of FeNi3/(Fe,Ni)9S8/Ni4S3/C nanorods and enhancement of oxygen evolution reaction properties
Authors:   School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China, Li T. , Ling S. ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China, Zhong S. J. ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China, Chen J. H. ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China, Li M. L. ,   Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China, Sun Y. ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
Published: October 2024

NiFe-based nanomaterials have emerged as highly promising catalysts to replace platinum, ruthenium and iridium for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), in “green hydrogen” production process through water splitting. Using iron (2+) sulfate and nickel acetate as the raw materials, with the molar ratio of Ni acetate to iron (2+) sulfate controlled at 8:5, the concentration of metal-ion was 0.6 mol/L, and precursor fibers rich in Ni2+, Fe2+, and SO4 2− were prepared using electrospinning technology, with polyvinyl alcohol acting as the colloid. Subsequently, composite nanorods rich in the elements of Ni, Fe, S, and C were successfully obtained at a heat treatment temperature of 1000°C in an Ar gas atmosphere. The results demonstrate that the nanorod samples possessed a surface diameter of ~200 nm, and the main phases of the nanorods after heat treatment at 1000°C included FeNi3 alloy, (Fe,Ni)9S8, Ni4S3, and amorphous C. Electrochemical performance tests conducted in a 1.0 mol/L KOH solution exhibited excellent oxygen evolution reaction properties of the catalysts prepared using FeNi3/(Fe,Ni)9S8/Ni4S3/C nanorods as the materials. The overpotential was about 258.6 mV of the catalyst material at 10 mAcm−2.
Synthesis and characterization of Sn-doped TiO2 thin films for biosensor application
Authors:   Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India-600 048, Vanmathi M. , Priya A. ,   Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India-600 048, Tahir M. S. ,   Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India-600 048, Sahir  ,   Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India-600 048, Razakh M. S. ,   Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India-600 048, Senthil Kumar M. ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India-600 127, Indrajit R. ,   Department of Physics, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India-600 048, Elango V. ,   Department of Robotics and Automation, Easwari Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India-600 089, Senguttuvan G. ,   Department of Physics, University College of Engineering, Anna University Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India-621 316, Mangalaraja R V. ,   Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Adolfo Ibanez, Santiago, Chile
Published: October 2024

TiO2 a wide bandgap material has a great potential for use in semiconductor industry due to its better electronic properties combined with low cost, chemical stabilioty and nontoxicity. Further metal doping is found to modify the conductivity, electrical, and optical characteristics. In this research, deposition of Sn-doped TiO2 was carriedout using the spray pyrolysis technique. The electrical properties were obtained by using the Hall effect technique and structural properties of the film were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and EDAX Scanning electron microscopy. The result of X-ray diffraction showed that the thin film deposited by spray pyrolysis is polycrystalline with preferential orientation in the direction of (002) fields. SEM analysis exhibited membrane structure for the thin film deposited by spray pyrolysis. The results of electrical conductivity were obtained by using the Hall effect technique.
Therapeutic Potential of Secretome from Hypoxic-Mesenchymal Stem Cell (SH-MSC) in Regulating PDGF and IL-1β Gene Expression in Fluconazole-Related Alopecia
Authors: Jessika Cleveria , Putra Agung , Sumarawati Titiek
Published: October 2024

Fluconazole long therapy causes severe alopecia by increasing interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and decreasing platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Secretomes from hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells (SH-MSCs) contain anti-inflammatory and growth factors that potentially aid in repairing damaged hair follicles. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effect of SH-MSCs on PDGF and IL-1β gene expression to develop a more effective alopecia therapy with minimal side effects. MSCs were extracted from the rat's umbilical cord and cultured under hypoxic conditions for 24 hours before secretome collection. The experiment used six rats per group for a positive control placebo (K1), a negative control group treated with fluconazole + placebo (K2), and topical gel containing 10% and 20% SH-MSCs for K3 and K4, respectively. The rat's PDGF and IL-1β gene expression was measured after 29 days of treatment and validated using histopathological analysis to evaluate hair follicles. The results showed that SH-MSC application significantly increased PDGF and decreased IL-1β gene expression (LSD test result p < 0.001). The highest expression of PDGF was observed in K4, which is 1.71 ± 0.31 fold change, followed by K3 with 0.806 ± 0.12 fold change. Conversely, IL-1β mRNA expression was significantly decreased in K4, which is a 1.41 ± 0.20 fold change, followed by K3 with a 2.71 ± 0.23 fold change (Mann-Whitney test result p < 0.001). Applying SH-MSC improved hair follicle tissue by increasing anagen cell type than telogen. This study indicates that SH-MSCs have the potential to be developed as a topical gel for the treatment of fluconazole-related alopecia.
Assessing Deadwood Carbon Stock within the National Parks of Indonesia
Authors: Lestari Nurul Silva , Susanti Eka , Kartikasari Galih , Satrio Anton Eko , Sion Androw Mikhov , Hariyen Nori , Sugianur Sugianur , Anita Anita
Published: October 2024

The preservation of national parks has emerged as a significant component of Indonesia’s climate mitigation efforts, primarily due to its substantial carbon stocks. However, little is known about the potential carbon stored in deadwoods within these areas. This study aims to estimate fallen deadwood carbon stocks in four national parks in Indonesia. The results show that the density of deadwood in study areas ranges from 0.26 – 0.79 g cm-3. Deadwood volume varies between 247.37 – 388.50 cm3. Bukit Tigapuluh National Park has the highest fallen deadwood biomass and carbon stock, accounting for 261.35 and 122.83 tons ha-1, respectively, followed by Sebangau National Park (187.41 and 88.08 tons ha-1), Kutai National Park (139.91 and 65.76 tons ha-1) and Lore Lindu National Park (87.90 and 41.32 tons ha-1). This study also found that large deadwood with diameters of >7.5 cm contributes to more than 80% of the total deadwood carbon stock. Understanding the carbon stock stored in deadwood within national park areas is crucial for refining estimates of potential avoided greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the conservation of national park forests.
Confusion in the interpretation of prolactin levels caused by inappropriately low reference intervals
Authors: Sabogal Piñeros Yanaika S , Deckers Martine M L , de Bie Prim , Heijboer Annemieke C , Hillebrand Jacquelien J
Published: October 2024

Objective

Serum prolactin measurements are important in the differential diagnosis of pituitary masses and subfertility. We observed discrepancies in serum prolactin levels in several patients measured with different immunoassays. Despite differences in assay results, the reference intervals (RIs) derived by the manufacturers were similar. In this study, we aimed to investigate prolactin assay differences and to re-establish RIs for different prolactin immunoassays.

Methods

For the assay comparison, serum samples were collected from men and women visiting the Amsterdam UMC hospital. Prolactin levels were measured using the AtellicaTM IM analyzer (Siemens Healthineers) and the Cobas (Roche Diagnostics) immunoassay. RIs for prolactin were re-established for men, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women for both the Atellica and Cobas immunoassay.

Results

Prolactin levels measured using the Cobas immunoassay were 1.75 times higher than those measured using the Atellica immunoassay. The re-established RIs for Atellica and Cobas confirmed these findings and were <0.32 U/L; <0.55 U/L for men; <0.64 U/L; <0.86 U/L for premenopausal women, and <0.31 U/L; <0.59 U/L for postmenopausal women, respectively, for Atellica and Cobas assays. The re-established RIs of the Atellica assay matched the current and manufacturer RIs, whereas those for Cobas differed substantially.

Conclusions

Prolactin levels are assay-dependent, and the re-established RIs are different for the Atellica and Cobas assays. We recommend that laboratory specialists and manufacturers periodically review prolactin assay RIs, as incorrect RIs can lead to misinterpretation of prolactin levels and unnecessary referrals and further laboratory testing, as we have experienced.

Plain language summary

We showed that the results of different prolactin tests disagree by 75%, which hinders correct interpretation. Thus, we established test-specific prolactin normal values. By being aware of test differences and using test-specific normal values, one can ensure correct interpretation and prevent unnecessary referrals and concern.
The Idea of the Second Lithuania in Kazys Pakštas's Works of Independence Period
Authors: Pšibilskis Vygintas Bronius
Published: October 2024

This text describes Kazys Pakštas, a prominent Lithuanian geographer and geopolitician, who became well-known for his visionary ideas and projects, including the concept of a "spare" Lithuania. The article delves into the socio-economic factors that influenced Pakštas' position on Lithuanian emigrants and his idea of concentrated colonization. It highlights his studies on Lithuania's anthropological economy and overpopulation, and the solutions he proposed. Pakštas was among the first to identify key stages of Lithuanian transatlantic emigration and predicted the eventual decline of Lithuanian emigrant communities.
Based on evidence from various countries, Pakštas developed the idea of planned emigration and focused colonization in countries like North and South America, Africa, and Australia. However, despite extensive research, he couldn't pinpoint the ideal location for such a settlement. He firmly believed that creating a well-organized emigrant community in a carefully chosen location would serve as a vital reserve of Lithuanian culture and identity for the small, vulnerable nation.
Wen fand Ghillebert de Lannoy in Trakai oder was bedeutet "Jude von Trakai"
Authors: Šiaučiūnaitė-Verbickienė Jurgita
Published: October 2024

Wegen der ungenügend kritischen Einschätzung der Forscherbehauptungen vom Ende des 19. und Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts bürgerte sich ein einseitiges Verständnis des Begriffes „Jude von Trakai" im Sinne des Karaers (Karaimes) ein, der bis Mitte des 17. Jahrhunderts gebraucht wurde; damit bekommt Trakai den Status einer besonderen Stadt des Litauischen Großfürstentums, in der sich Juden und Karaer wegen der unüberwindbaren religiösen Unterschiede nicht vertragen konnten. So wurde ein in der Historiographie nur in der Form einer schüchternen Annahme aufgetauchter Gedanke verworfen, dass in Trakai auch eine Gemeinde der Juden Rabbinisten funktionierte. Im Artikel wird nämlich diese Annahme geprüft; als Ausgangspunkt dient die Analogie zwischen den Begriffen „Jude von Trakai" und „Jude von Luzk", wobei man weiß, dass in Luzk zwei Gemeinden - eine karäische und eine jüdische - funktionierte, genannt mit einem Begriff. Unter der Hinzuziehung von Akten der Litauischen Metrik und Dokumenten über die Verteilung der Staatlichen Gebühren, die ausschließlich von Juden eingetrieben wurden, wurde es klar, dass neben der Gemeinde von Karäern in Trakai auch eine Gemeinde von „anderen" Juden, d.h. von Rabbinisten, funktionierte, die in allgemeinstaatlichen für Juden gegebenen Privilegien fungierte. Bei der Annahme, dass es in Trakai zwei Gemeinden - eine von Karäern und eine von Juden - gab, finden zwei inhaltlich unvereinbare, für verschiedene nationale Minderheiten gegebene Privilegien leicht ihre wirklichen Adressaten zurück: das Privilegium von Vytautas dem Großen von 1388 für Juden und das Privilegium von Kasimir von 1447 für Karaer von Trakai, obwohl sie bisher als einander ergänzend galten oder man die Authentizität des Privilegiums von Vytautas dem Großen bezweifelte. Nach der Entdeckung der Zweideutigkeit der Termine „Jude von Trakai" und „Jude von Luzk" wird Trakai zu der ersten Stadt des ethnischen Litauen, die die Gemeinden von Juden und Karäern aufgenommen hat.
Rec.: Česlovas Mančinskas. Aukštasis mokslas Lietuvoje 1918-1940 metais. Vilnius, 1996. 244 p.
Authors: Kaubrys Saulius
Published: October 2024

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Paulius Rabikauskas SJ
Authors: Boruta J.
Published: October 2024

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Incidence of Myocarditis among Patients Recovered from COVID-19 Identified using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance: A 1-year Single-centre Retrospective Study
Authors: Tugade Reynald Evan , Palileo Nyssa Elline , Leycano Danica Ann , Correa Mara , Angelo Salvado , David Billy Joseph , Pawhay Christian Michael , San Pedro Joanne Cosare
Published: October 2024

Background: COVID-19 continues to engender significant morbidity and mortality globally and is associated with cardiac injuries, such as myocarditis. This study reports the incidence of myocarditis identified using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients recovered from COVID-19. Methods: This is a single-centre retrospective cohort study conducted among recovered COVID-19 patients who underwent CMR from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021. Results: Most patients with evidence of myocardial oedema on CMR had a mild-type infection (31 of 54 [57%]), with dyspnoea (15 [28%]) and palpitations (12 [22%]) being the most common symptoms. Twenty-nine of 54 (54%) patients had increased T2 signal indicative of myocarditis; eight (28%) of them had evidence of myocardial fibrosis on late gadolinium enhancement primarily located at the lateral walls with sub-epicardial and mid-wall involvement dispersed in the basal to apical segments. Myocardial oedema was noted in nine (31%) patients. Six (20%) of them had an impaired left ventricular ejection fraction of <50% and three patients (10%) had an impaired right ventricular ejection fraction of <50%. There was no significant difference in left ventricular (57% versus 61%; p=0.13) and right ventricular (57% versus 60%; p=0.51) systolic function between the two groups. Conclusion: Myocarditis after COVID-19 can be a lasting consequence, and CMR may serve as a sensitive imaging tool to investigate any suspected cardiac injury after treatment of the infection. The findings of the study may aid in determining the other possible long-term effects in patients who have recovered from COVID-19, particularly those who continue to experience symptoms.
The Use of Dynamic Navigation for the Placement of Zygoma Implants. A Cadaver Study to Compare Accuracy
Authors: Bishbish Omran , Kim Yoon Jeong , Kan Joseph , Lozada Jaime
Published: October 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the angular, platform, and apical deviation of zygoma implants placed with the aid of a dynamic navigation device compared to the implants placed freehand.

Methods:

Eight cadaver heads were used for the study. Pre-operative CBCT scans were made for the heads, and an implant planning software was used to plan zygoma implants bilaterally in each scanned head. A total of 16 zygoma implants were placed using each surgical technique. Post-implant CBCT scans were merged with the pre-operative plan to evaluate and compare the accuracy of the implants using each technique. Angular and linear deviations of the implants were measured and compared. The effect of implant length and position on the deviation was also investigated.

Results:

The results showed a mean angular deviation of 2.44 ± 1.10 degrees for implants placed using DN compared to 6.63 ± 4.81degrees for implants placed freehand. The mean apical deviation for implants placed using DN and for implants placed freehand was 2.14 ± 1.02 mm and 3.80 ± 2.49 mm, respectively. Finally, the mean platform deviation for implants placed using DN and for implants placed freehand was 1.66 ± 0.9 mm and 2.81 ± 2.1 mm, respectively. The analysis showed a significant difference between the two angular and apical deviation techniques. ( p=0.001 and 0.029 respectively).

Conclusion:

Zygoma implants placed with a dynamic navigation device resulted in less apical and angular deviation than implants placed freehand..
A Study on the Effect of Green Process Innovation of Korean Manufacturing Companies on Supply Chain Transaction Fairness and Export Competitiveness
Authors:   Korea Association for International Commerce and Information, Kim Chang-Bong , Oh Yu-Jin
Published: October 2024

The purpose of our paper is to analyze how the innovation of the green process of Korean export manufacturing companies affects the supply chain transaction fairness and export competitiveness, and to analyze the significance of the moderating effects on the ISO certification acquisition period. Our study designed a questionnaire through current research and in-depth expert interviews and distributed it to export manufacturing companies that obtained ISO certification, and used a list of members such as the Carbon Convergence Industry Research Association, the Korea International Trade Association, and professional trading companies to secure the objectivity and reliability of the sample. Based on this, 1,200 copies were distributed through face-to-face, E-mail, and fax methods for two months from May 10 to July 10, 2024, and the number of questionnaires collected was 223 copies (recovery rate: 18.6%), and the empirical analysis was conducted based on the final questionnaire of a total of 208 copies excluding the number of unfaithful responses.
The analysis results of this study are as follows. First, Green process innovation did not have a significant positive (+) effect on export competitiveness. Second, Green process innovation had a significant positive (+) effect on the transaction fairness of the supply chain. Third, the transaction fairness of the supply chain had a significant positive (+) effect on export competitiveness. Fourth, the ISO certification acquisition period showed a significant positive (+) moderating effect between the channels through which Green process innovation affects export competitiveness through transaction fairness of the supply chain.
Nationalism, Capitalism and Hostility Towards Environmental Policies: A Theoretical Study
Authors:   Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz (Poland), Walewicz Piotr
Published: October 2024

The article explores a possible connection between nationalism, capitalism, and nationalist movements’ common hostility towards environmental policies. It draws from materialist assertions about the capitalogenic nature of ecological degradation and modernist theories of nationalism, which explain it as a product or by-product of capitalist modernization. By employing theories of nationalism’s instrumentality in preserving the existing social hierarchies, the article proposes that this approach might be extrapolated onto socioecological hierarchies, which are contested or have their fundamental rules challenged by many environmental policies. Nationalism may then be seen as an instrument of capital – personified by the privileged elites – taking advantage of an ideology that appeals to those ‘left behind’ by modernization and globalization to thwart or delay changes to the socioecological status quo. An identity-based movement is thus utilized to protect the continuing exploitation and appropriation of nature. This proposed connection underscores the need for further empirical research, which is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the topic and its potential impact on environmental policies.
Russkiy Mir (Russian World): An Exemplification of All-Russian Nationalism. The Strategy of Neo-Imperial Expansionism of the Russian Federation in Regional and Global Dimensions
Authors:   University of Szczecin (Poland), Orzechowski Marcin
Published: October 2024

Purpose: The primary aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive and indepth analysis of the Russian world (russkiy mir) as the main doctrine of neo-imperial expansionism. Russia consistently pursues the strategy of regaining influence in the post- Soviet area and, through the internationalization of the Russian world, seeks to achieve a dominant position on the European continent. The research problem is to analyze the extensive scope of influence of Russian ideology and the profound impact of this ideology on political and social processes taking place in other countries in Europe and the world. The impact through political and economic lobbying, propaganda, and informational operations of influence is extended not only to the area of the former USSR but also aimed at political circles and citizens of other European countries. Methods: The research optics adopted by the Author imply the use of the historical method of comparative and critical analysis of source texts. Result of the study: The analysis carried out leads to the conclusion that the ideology of the Russian world is expanding its sphere of influence mainly through propaganda and disinformation influence aimed at nationalist and Eurosceptic circles, including among representatives of the political elite of European countries identifying with such views.
Nationalist Tendencies in the Foreign Policy of Central European States on the Example of Poland and Hungary. Implementation of the Idea of a Sovereign State
Authors:   University of Szczecin (Poland), Wojtaszak Andrzej
Published: October 2024

Central Europe is associated with several cultural, economic, and geopolitical processes undergoing considerable intensification in the 21st century. The emergence of nationalist sentiment in this region of the continent coincides with it. This is particularly evident in countries politically dominated by radical right-wing ruling parties (e.g., Poland, Hungary), aiming to reshape the EU, opposing the system of liberal democracy in favor of social solidarity and a Europe of Homelands, rejecting the concepts of a federal Europe, and supporting the idea of national sovereignty. These concepts are taken up by conservative formations of a populist nature, which explain their activities with Eurorealism. The consequence of this policy is the emergence of new visions of Central Europe and the desire to increase the region’s role in international relations. An essential role in these processes is played by the politics of memory preferred by the ruling regimes.
Legitimacy and Nationalism in the Central Asian States: A Case of Kazakhstan in the Context of the War in Ukraine
Authors:   Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz (Poland), Shukuralieva Nartsiss
Published: October 2024

This paper aims to analyze selected mechanisms accompanying the processes of national revival in the Central Asian republics after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The idea is to investigate the authorities’ actions, which legitimized themselves by appealing to national issues and controlling the processes of building national consciousness. The paper also covers the changes in the nationalist narrative in Kazakhstan in the context of the war in Ukraine, showing the tensions over national identities and loyalties. Some Kazakhs supported Russian aggression against Ukraine, to the great disappointment of national patriots, which has sparked a debate about how the “us” vs. “them” division should be understood in the face of war and a possible threat from Russia. Some participants in the debate question the reliability of equating national identity with loyalty to the state. In doing so, they challenge the government’s primordial narrative, in which nationality legitimizes or naturalizes the current configuration of political power.
A Comparative Analysis of the Logistic Capabilities of Selected Land Intermodal Terminals: The Polish Case Study for States of Emergency
Authors:   WSB Merito University Gdańsk (Poland), Pac Bohdan , Mitkow Szymon ,   Military University of Technology (Poland)
Published: October 2024

The NATO process of civil emergency planning (CEP) is a tool that allows the Allied forces to extend their logistic support capabilities in crisis periods and on a war footing. The civil logistic infrastructure is a “backbone” of national logistic systems. The Allies’ strategic concept has increased reliance on general civil resources and transportation assets to meet military requirements for strategic and operational mobility and sustain operational forces. The following study presents a conceptual model for evaluating the logistic capabilities of land intermodal terminals, discussed in the example of Poland, using methods implemented in management and quality sciences. The results can help configure logistic transport chains and evaluate capabilities to provide logistic services to potential recipients during crises and war. Intermodal transport is a typical service implemented by sea-land transport chains, where land facilities serve as essential elements. Therefore, land intermodal terminals play a crucial role in the state’s logistic system and logistic support when a crisis or a conflict is in progress. It is mainly applied to support national and allied forces in the joint operations area.