bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical stimulation to regain lower extremity muscle perfusion and endurance in patients with post‐acute sequelae of SARS CoV‐2: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zulbaran‐Rojas Alejandro , Lee Myeounggon , Bara Rasha O. , Flores‐Camargo Areli , Spitz Gil , Finco M. G. , Bagheri Amir Behzad , Modi Dipaben , Shaib Fidaa , Najafi Bijan
Published: March 2023

Muscle deconditioning and impaired vascular function in the lower extremities (LE) are among the long‐term symptoms experienced by COVID‐19 patients with a history of severe illness. These symptoms are part of the post‐acute sequelae of Sars‐CoV‐2 (PASC) and currently lack evidence‐based treatment. To investigate the efficacy of lower extremity electrical stimulation (E‐Stim) in addressing PASC‐related muscle deconditioning, we conducted a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial. Eighteen (n = 18) patients with LE muscle deconditioning were randomly assigned to either the intervention (IG) or the control (CG) group, resulting in 36 LE being assessed. Both groups received daily 1 h E‐Stim on both gastrocnemius muscles for 4 weeks, with the device functional in the IG and nonfunctional in the CG. Changes in plantar oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb) and gastrocnemius muscle endurance (GNMe) in response to 4 weeks of daily 1 h E‐Stim were assessed. At each study visit, outcomes were measured at onset (t0), 60 min (t60), and 10 min after E‐Stim therapy (t70) by recording ΔOxyHb with near‐infrared spectroscopy. ΔGNMe was measured with surface electromyography at two time intervals: 0–5 min (Intv1) and: 55–60 min (Intv2). Baseline OxyHb decreased in both groups at t60 (IG: p = 0.046; CG: p = 0.026) and t70 (IG = p = 0.021; CG: p = 0.060) from t0. At 4 weeks, the IG's OxyHb increased from t60 to t70 (p < 0.001), while the CG's decreased (p = 0.003). The IG had higher ΔOxyHb values than the CG at t70 (p = 0.004). Baseline GNMe did not increase in either group from Intv1 to Intv2. At 4 weeks, the IG's GNMe increased (p = 0.031), whereas the CG did not change. There was a significant association between ΔOxyHb and ΔGNMe (r = 0.628, p = 0.003) at 4 weeks in the IG. In conclusion, E‐Stim can improve muscle perfusion and muscle endurance in individuals with PASC experiencing LE muscle deconditioning.
Biosemiotics for postdigital living: the implications of the implications
Authors: Olteanu Alin , Campbell Cary
Published: March 2023

The postdigital condition is discussed from the perspective of Paul Cobley’s biosemiotic approach to culture. While semiotics is often concerned with cultural criticism, there has been no explicit biosemiotic approach to culture, until only recently with Cobley unfurling such a research program. The key to this is the biosemiotic notion ofmodeling, which accounts for co-evolutionary processes encompassing biology and culture. This approach responds to recent calls in the humanities and social sciences to understand culture as constituted through technology, but also as something not strictly human (more-than-human). By undermining both vitalism and reductionism, biosemiotics avoids biologism and culturalism, which is of much importance for theorizing culture and learning in light of evolution. This has consequences for construing cultural pluralism. Mainstream notions of multiculturalism rely on cultural holism and, hence, advocate the separation of communities and languages for the pretense of maintaining diversity. Cobley’s theory avoids this pitfall, offering a view of cultures as intrinsically heterogeneous and open systems. This suggests further implications for how we understand the aims of literacy and state-run education. We present an account of biocultural learning that accommodates contemporary posthumanist and postdigital orientations. Construing learning as ecologically contextual is necessary for addressing ongoing technological transformations.
StarCrete: A starch-based biocomposite for off-world construction
Authors: Roberts Aled D. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: March 2023

Robust and affordable technology capabilities are needed before a sustained human presence on the lunar and Martian surfaces can be established. A key challenge is the production of high-strength structural materials fromin situresources to provide spacious habitats with adequate radiation shielding. Ideally, the production of such materials will be achieved through relatively simple, low-energy processes that support other critical systems. Here, we demonstrate the use of ordinary starch as a binder for simulated extraterrestrial regolith to produce a high-strength biocomposite material, termed StarCrete. With this technique, surplus starch produced as food for inhabitants could be used for construction, integrating two critical systems and significantly simplifying the architecture needed to sustain early extraterrestrial colonies. After optimisation, lunar and Martian StarCrete achieved compressive strengths of 91.7 and 72.0 MPa, respectively, which is well within the domain of high-strength concrete (>42 MPa) and surpasses most other proposed technology solutions despite being a relatively low-energy process. The flexural strength of the lunar and Martian StarCrete, at 2.1 and 8.4 MPa, respectively, was also comparable to ordinary concrete (2.5–4.5 MPa).
Thermal decomposition reaction kinetics and storage life prediction of polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive
Authors: Li Bingjun , Li Yingzi , Tong Zongwen , Yang Hongbin , Du Sensen , Zhang Zhuozhen
Published: March 2023

The thermal decomposition behavior of polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) at heating rates of 4, 6, 8, and 10 K·min−1 was measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The kinetic parameters for thermal decomposition reaction of the polyacrylate adhesive were obtained from TG profile by differential method and integral method (Kissinger, general integral, MacCallum–Tanner, Šatava–Šesták, Agrawal, and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa), the results show that the main decomposition stage of the polyacrylate adhesive starts at 301°C and its activation energy is 142.68 kJ·mol−1, the pre exponential factor is 109.55, the decomposition mechanism obeys Avrami–Erofeev equation and its decomposition kinetic equation can be expressed as: dα/dT = (109.55/β)[(1 − α)/2][−ln(1 − α)]−1exp(−1.7161 × 104/T). The storage life of PSA at 25°C was predicted to be about 19 years by isoconversional method.
Geranium leaf-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their transcriptomic effects on Candida albicans
Authors: Serrano-Díaz Paloma , Williams David W. , Vega-Arreguin Julio , Manisekaran Ravichandran , Twigg Joshua , Morse Daniel , García-Contreras René , Arenas-Arrocena Ma Concepción , Acosta-Torres Laura Susana
Published: March 2023

Candida albicans is the most predominant fungal species isolated from medical devices, including catheters, heart valves, and dental prostheses. In recent years, it has been demonstrated to be resistant to many antifungals; therefore, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been proposed as an alternative. But only a handful of research is contributed to omic-based studies to study the various impacts of AgNPs on Candida species and other microorganisms. Thus, the study aims to biosynthesize AgNPs using Pelargonium-hortorum leaf and test its antifungal, cytotoxicity, and global gene expression on Candida through transcriptomic profiling. The leaf-assisted AgNPs resulted in spherical shapes with a particle size of 38 nm. The anticandidal effect demonstrated that the Minimum inhibitory concentration was 25 μg·mL−1. Later, the cytotoxicity assay reported a moderate impact on the human gingival fibroblast cells. Finally, the transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the differential gene expression of 3,871 upregulated and 3,902 downregulated genes. Thus, proving the anticandidal effect of AgNPs on Candida through RNA-seq experiments and the regulated genes is highly important to cell wall integrity, adherence, and virulence.
Notable electrical and mechanical properties of polyacrylamide (PAM) with graphene oxide (GO) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)
Authors: Awasthi Seema , Yadav Thakur Prasad , Awasthi Kalpana
Published: March 2023

In the present investigation, a polyacrylamide (PAM) – graphene oxide (GO)-single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) composite has been prepared through a cost effective solution cast method and physical properties (electrical and mechanical) measurements have been carried out. The GO sheets contain oxygen functional groups which enhance the interfacial adhesion with the polymer matrix, while the SWNTs act as wires joining the GO together in the composite matrix. This interconnected network creates a conducting path, lowering film resistance and improving PAM films’ electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Raman study demonstrated that carbon nanofiller (SWNTs, GO) and polymer PAM have good interfacial bonding. The electrical conductivity and mechanical characteristics (hardness and elastic modulus) of these composite films were enhanced at a loading of 15 wt% GO and 15 wt% SWNTs in PAM matrix. Electrical conductivity of GO (15 wt%) – SWNTs (15 wt%)-PAM composite film was found to be 2.8 × 10−2 S/cm, which is five orders of magnitude higher than that of the PAM polymer. In comparison to pure PAM polymer, the elastic modulus and hardness are found to be 1.14 and 65 times higher, respectively.
Response to vitamin D replacement therapy in obese children and adolescents with vitamin D deficiency: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Deruyter Sarah , Van Biervliet Stephanie , De Guchtenaere Ann
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Vitamin D deficiency is common in the pediatric group with obesity and is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. Supplementation of vitamin D may require higher dosing than in normal-weight children. The aim of our study was to investigate the response of supplementation on vitamin D levels and the metabolic profile in youths with obesity.

Methods

Children and adolescents with obesity (Body mass index >2.3 SDS, age ≤18 years) and hypovitaminosis D (level <20 μg/L) who entered a residential weight-loss program in Belgium, were included during summer. Subjects were randomized: Group 1 received 6,000 IU vitamin D daily for 12 weeks, whereas Group 2 simultaneously participating in the weight-loss program received no supplementation. Differences in vitamin D levels, weight, insulin resistance, lipid patterns, and blood pressure after 12 weeks were assessed.

Results

A total of 42 subjects (12–18 years) with hypovitaminosis D were included, group 1 (n=22) received supplementation after randomization. After 12 weeks, a median increase in vitamin D levels of 28.2 (24.1–33.0) and 6.7 (4.1–8.4) µg/L was observed in group 1 and group 2, respectively (p-value<0.001), resulting in vitamin D sufficiency in 100 and 60% of subjects. No significant differences in weight loss (p-value 0.695), insulin resistance (p-value 0.078), lipid patterns (p-value 0.438), or blood pressure (p-value 0.511) were observed between both groups after 12 weeks of treatment.

Conclusions

Supplementation with 6,000 IU vitamin D daily during 12 weeks in children and adolescents with obesity and hypovitaminosis D is safe and sufficient to reach vitamin D sufficiency. However, no positive effects on weight loss, insulin resistance, lipid patterns, or blood pressure were observed.
Thermal hydraulic analysis of VVER spent fuels stored in vault dry system under different operating and design conditions
Authors: Elnaggar Sayed A. , Wasfy Samaa A. , Abdel-Latif Salwa H. , Refaey Ahmed M.
Published: March 2023

The spent nuclear fuel discharged from power reactors is a very important problem facing the future of using power reactors in electricity production. This paper focuses on the thermal-hydraulic behaviour of the VVER spent fuel in the vault dry storage system under forced convection mode, which is experimentally and numerically investigated. For this purpose, a test rig is designed and constrained to simulate the cooling loop vault system that contains four spent fuel assemblies discharged from the VVER reactor, which are represented by four electric heaters. A numerical simulation is performed by the ANSYS-CFX fluid dynamics code. The effects of decay heat generation and inlet air velocity are investigated as an operating condition. Also, the effect of the type of the Vault System tube material is being studied. The results show that the increase in the inlet air velocity improves the coolability of the fuel, while the increase in decay heat leads to a decrease in the coolability of the fuel. The used velocity range is (0.1 < V < 0.5 m/s) for inlet coolant air and heater power (20 < P < 100 W). Three tube materials (aluminum, copper, and stainless steel) were evaluated for mechanical properties, including thermal conductivity, to assess the feasibility of their use as tubes in the spent fuel storage.
Crystal structure of trans-diaqua-bis(methyl methylcarbamohydrazonothioato-κ2
N,N′) nickel(II) iodide semihydrate, C6H22N6O2NiS2I2·0.5H2O
Authors: Belošević Svetlana , Leovac Vukadin M. , Radanović Mirjana M. , Bogdanović Milica G. , Radnović Nikola D. , Rodić Marko V.
Published: March 2023

C6H23I2N6NiO2.50S2, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 8.2282(4) Å, b = 21.9200(7) Å, c = 11.4906(4) Å, β = 109.451(4)°, V = 1954.19(14) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0322, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1113, T = 295.
Optimal Blood Pressure Control Target for Older Patients with Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yan Yuling , Han Yue , Liu Bin , Du Jun , Wang Jing , Jing Xiaodong , Liu Yajie , Deng Songbai , Du Jianlin , Li Yingrui , She Qiang
Published: March 2023

Objective: This study evaluated the optimal systolic blood pressure (SBP) target for older patients with hypertension.

Method: A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed by using a modified version of the Cochrane risk of bias. The trial outcomes comprised the following clinical events: major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke.

Results: A total of six trials were included. We reclassified all treatment therapies into three conditions according to the final achieved SBP after intervention (<130 mmHg, 130–139 mmHg and ≥140 mmHg). Our results demonstrated that anti-hypertensive treatment with an SBP target <130 mmHg, compared with treatment with an SBP target ≥140 mmHg, significantly decreased the incidence of MACE (OR 0.43, 95%CI 0.19–0.76), but no statistical difference was found in other comparisons. Although the results showed a trend toward more intensive anti-hypertension therapy having better effects on preventing cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke, no significant differences were found among groups.

Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggested that SBP <130 mmHg might be the optimal BP control target for patients ≥60 years of age; however, further evidence is required to support our findings.
Belarus’ Violation of International Obligations in Connection with Artificial Migration Pressure on the Belarus–European Union Border
Authors: Kużelewska Elżbieta , Piekutowska Agnieszka
Published: March 2023

This paper attempts to assess events related to the huge scale of the influx of migrants in the summer of 2021 at the Belarusian borders with Lithuania, Poland and Latvia. The involvement of the Belarusian government had a key impact on the nature of the events and led to Belarus’ violation of its international obligations. In particular, Belarus has violated the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951), the 1967 additional Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1966 UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime of 2000 and the Protocols Thereto (Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children and Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air). The illegal actions taken by Belarus were described as a hybrid attack aimed at destabilizing Europe. Minsk’s creation of an engineered migration pressure on the border with the EU can be considered part of a hybrid strategy – one of the dominant methods in geopolitical confrontation and the struggle for influence in international relations. The present paper verifies the research hypothesis that Belarus has deliberately violated international law by inducing engineered migration at the border with the EU in order to paralyse the migration situation in the neighbouring EU Member States. The violation of international law has not resulted in any major international consequences.
Were the Lithuanian and Polish Responses to the Refugee Influx Legal or Illegal?
Authors: Perkowska Magdalena , Gutauskas Aurelijus
Published: March 2023

Since the summer of 2021, the Baltic Sea states of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have been facing an influx of refugees from the territory of Belarus. This migration is fully controlled by the Belarusian authorities. Refugees, coming mainly from Middle Eastern countries, are forced to cross the border with neighbouring EU countries. The aim of this article is therefore to present the legal responses of the Lithuanian and Polish authorities to this influx, to compare the solutions adopted and to critically analyse them. Both states decided to use constitutional measures in the form of states of emergency introduced on a part of their territory, and adopted a number of solutions in laws and regulations. Therefore, the article critically analyses the legal basis for the introduction of a state of emergency in both states. It also analyses the solutions adopted at the statutory level, which enable border services to use push-back. The legal regulations introduced are also compared with international and European Union law binding on both Lithuania and Poland. Therefore examples of violations of international law in the field of refugees’ rights to seek international protection are indicated.
Occupation: Petty Smuggler. On the Effectiveness of Carrying Out Selected Non-Custodial Penalties against Smugglers
Authors: Stasiak Krzysztof
Published: March 2023

This article presents the results of a study on the effectiveness of carrying out community service (a penalty for committing a crime or misdemeanour which entails performing work f or social purposes) and social work (where a fine can be converted into such work if the obligated person cannot pay it) by perpetrators of criminal acts related to the smuggling of goods. For the purposes of the current study, punishments consisting of work were defined as effective when they remained unchanged and were carried out as community service. The study found that if punishment in the form of work was applied to them, perpetrators of smuggling-related crimes or offences performed such work far more often than perpetrators of other criminal acts who were subjected to the same punishment (93.8% v. 65.1%). Moreover, it was established that criminal acts related to the smuggling of goods are committed equally often by women and by men (in this category of criminal acts, women comprised 46.2% of perpetrators, with the mean for all criminal acts and petty offences taken into account in the current study being 15%). The article concludes that the present results may suggest that perpetrators of such criminal acts or petty offences treat them as a way to gain additional income. This is evidenced, for example, by the fact that many people had more than one sentence to serve for committing a criminal act related to smuggling.
Influence of metal atom substitution on the electronic and optical properties of solid-state Cd0.75X0.25Te (X= Cu, Ag and Au) solutions
Authors: Kashuba A.I.
Published: March 2023

The solid-state Cd0.75X0.25Te (X= Cu, Ag, and Au) solutions crystallize in the cubic structure and are studied in the framework of density functional theory. The theoretical first-principle calculations of the electronic band structure, density of states, and refractive index of solid-state Cd0.75X0.25Te (X= Cu, Ag, and Au) solutions are estimated by the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). A Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof functional (PBE) was utilized. Formation energy is calculated based on the results of the total energy of the study samples. The effective mass of the electrons and holes was calculated based on the electronic band structure. The influence of atom substitution on electron conductivity and mobility is discussed. To study the optical properties was use a complex dielectric function ε(ħω). The spectral behaviour of the refractive index was calculated based on the dielectric function.
Relaciones socionaturales, antropoceno y obligación moral
Authors: Flantrmsky Cárdenas Oscar , Silva Rojas Alonso , Angarita Velasco Liliana
Published: March 2023

El presente artículo presenta una reflexión acerca del respeto como fundamento de la obligación moral, del cual se desprenden los principios de consideración, responsabilidad y solidaridad, que deben ser reformulados en el marco del antropoceno, fenómeno actual que pone en juego las relaciones justas y solidarias entre los seres humanos, y la supervivencia de todas las especies que habitan el planeta, llevando a cuestionar y redefinir el concepto de obligación, fundamento de la moral, en el marco de las relaciones del ser humano con todo lo existente en el planeta.
El teatro y su relación con la formación ciudadana
Authors: Rodríguez Ortiz Angélica María , González Dávila Lourdes Emilse , Manchego Ochoa María Elena , Hernández Sotelo Olga Lucía
Published: March 2023

En el estudio realizado se tuvo como objetivo identificar el aporte del teatro como estrategia didáctica en la formación ciudadana en los estudiantes del grado segundo. Metodológicamente, esta investigación tuvo un enfoque cualitativo y un alcance descriptivo. El método usado fue la fenomenología en el aula. La unidad de trabajo fueron 52 estudiantes. La unidad de análisis fueron las relaciones que se presentan entre el teatro y la formación ciudadana. Se diseñó, implementó y evaluó la secuencia didáctica «¡Luces, cámara, acción!» con tres fases de intervención. Los resultados alcanzados en un proceso de triangulación de discursos, categorías, teóricos y observaciones directas evidenciaron que los estudiantes potenciaron su formación ciudadana a través de tres elementos del teatro: guiones, diálogos-monólogos y dramatizaciones, evidenciando elementos como: trabajo colaborativo, control de las emociones, reconocimiento del otro, competencias comunicativas, sensibilidad y creatividad.
Band-aid solutions
Authors: Quayyum Fareeha , Bombak Andrea , Robinson Emma , Mann Kelsey , Beck Krista , LaPlante Jeff , Champagne Michael , Tait Myra , Dubois Riel , Riediger Natalie
Published: March 2023

This qualitative study explores perceptions of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxation among small business owners/managers (n=7) in Manitoba, Canada through thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. Most participants believed the tax would be ineffective; they predicted the majority of customers would continue consuming SSB. Main concerns about the tax’s effectiveness were that it fails to address root causes of high sugar consumption and is easy for many consumers to ignore. Participants called for the government to focus on other community issues, citing changes to the healthcare system and financially assisting vulnerable community members as more pressing matters than SSB consumption.
Characterizing the development and dissemination of dietary messaging in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Northwest Territories
Authors: Gyapay Julia , Ostertag Sonja , Wesche Sonia , Laird Brian , Skinner Kelly
Published: March 2023

Public health communication about diet in Inuit communities must balance the benefits and risks associated with both country and store-bought food choices and processes to support Inuit well-being. An understanding of how dietary messages—public health communication addressing the health and safety of country and store-bought food—are developed and disseminated in the Arctic is currently lacking.
As part of the Country Foods for Good Health study, this participatory research sought to characterize dietary messaging in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), Northwest Territories (NWT), from the perspective of territorial, regional and local dietary message disseminators to further improve message communication in the region.  
We conducted an in-person interview (n=1) (February 2020), telephone interviews (n=13) (May-June 2020), and follow-up telephone interviews (n=5) (June 2021) with key informants about their involvement in developing and/or disseminating dietary messages about the health benefits and risks of country foods and/or store-bought foods in/for the ISR. Key informants interviewed included health professionals (n=5), government employees (n=6) and community nutrition or food program coordinators (n=3) located in Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, Paulatuk and Yellowknife, NWT. We conducted a thematic analysis on the 19 interviews.
Our findings indicate that publicly disseminated dietary messages in the ISR are developed at all scales and communicated through a variety of methods. Dietary messages focus predominantly on encouraging healthy store-bought food choices and conveying nutritional advice about store-bought and country foods. As federal and territorial messaging is seldom tailored to the ISR, representation of the Inuvialuit food system and consideration of local food realities is generally lacking. There is a need to evaluate dietary messages and improve collaborations among Inuvialuit country food knowledge holders, researchers, and public health dietary message disseminators at all scales to develop more locally tailored and culturally relevant messaging in the ISR. We recommend utilizing a participatory, collaborative, culture-centered approach to dietary message development and dissemination in northern Indigenous contexts.
A livelihood to feel good about: Enacting values around animals, land, and food outside of the agricultural core
Authors: Finnis Elizabeh
Published: March 2023

This paper presents and reflects on findings from ethnographic research conducted with small-scale farmers in the Parry Sound district, Ontario, Canada. The research highlights understandings of what it means to be a “good farmer” and explores how farmers enact their personal values and morals in efforts to produce “good food” for their communities. Central issues that emerge include notions of how to ethically care for animals and the land, as well as how to navigate tensions that can emerge while engaged in agricultural livelihoods. In their agriculturally peripheral location, participants point to how they imagine and embody possibilities about “good farming” and “good food” that challenge in various ways the larger-scale agricultural approaches that dominate agricultural core areas in southern Ontario.
Activated carbon monolith derived from polymer and fast pyrolytic char: Effect of bio-oil phenol-formaldehyde resin
Authors: Li Lufei , Chang Jianmin , Cai Liping , Shi Sheldon Q.
Published: March 2023

Activated carbon monoliths (ACMs) were fabricated by H2O activation using powdered fast pyrolytic char (PFPC) as a raw material and bio-oil phenol-formaldehyde (BPF) resin as a binder. The effects of the ratio of BPF resin to PFPC on textural and chemical-surface properties of the ACMs were investigated using elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The adsorption capacity and mechanical properties under different conditions were examined by N2 adsorption analysis and compression strength, respectively. The results indicated that the optimal ratio was 20 wt.% BPF resin binder. The compression strength of ACMs with a carbon content of 79.7 wt.% reached 3.74 MPa, while the BET surface area and total pore volume were 731.3 m2/g and 0.589 cm3/g, respectively. ACMs appeared to be mainly mesoporous with low graphitization and contained multiple functional groups such as alkyl, esters, ether, phenol, olefin, etc.
Recycling of colored office paper. Part II: Post-bleaching with formamidine sulfinic acid and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Peşman Emrah , Parlak Mehtap
Published: March 2023

In this study, the optimization of formamidine sulfinic acid (FAS) and hydrogen peroxide (P) bleaching stages of pre-bleached blue, red, yellow, green, and mixed colored office papers was investigated. The FAS was performed as a strong color stripping reagent on blue and green colored samples. However, due to reduced amine compounds FAS was not found to be effective on the red colored samples. In contrast, effective results were obtained with hydrogen peroxide on the red and yellow colored samples. These results showed that the two reagents must be used together in a sequence. Therefore, in this study, FASP and PFAS bleaching sequences were also investigated and the optical properties (absorbance (k/s) spectra, CIE L*a*b* color values, and ISO brightness) of these sequences were compared. The color differences (CIE ΔE) of FASP and PFAS bleaching sequences of the mixed colored samples were calculated as 18.2% and 16.1%, respectively. The FASP bleaching sequence was determined to be more effective than the PFAS sequence for the bleaching of all samples. As a result, this study showed that FAS, a strong reducing agent, and hydrogen peroxide, an effective oxidative decolorizer, can be used together to obtain white writing papers from waste direct dye colored office papers.
V. P. SHESTOPALOV AND HIS SCIENTIFIC SCHOOL: FROM QUASISTATICS TO QUASIOPTICS (to mark V.P.'s birth centenary)
Authors:   O.Ya. Usikov Institute for Radiophysics and Electronics National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Melezhik P. , Kirilenko A. ,   O.Ya. Usikov Institute for Radiophysics and Electronics National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kostenko O. ,   O.Ya. Usikov Institute for Radiophysics and Electronics National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,   Institute of Radio Astronomy, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Masalov S. ,   O.Ya. Usikov Institute for Radiophysics and Electronics National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: March 2023

The paper is dedicated to the memory of V.P. Shestopalov, an outstanding scientist known for his great contributions to radio physics, electronics, theoretical and mathematical physics. While being a holder of many formal academic degrees and titles, like PhD, DSc (Phys.-Math.), Professor, and Fellow Member of the Academy of Sciences, he was particularly honored as the founder of a scientific school vigorously developing diff raction theory and diffractional electronics. Th at school has been associated with the O.Ya. Usikov Institute for Radio Physics and Electronics where Dr. Shestopalov was Director till 1993. Today, we are marking the 100-th anniversary of Victor P. Shestopalov.
desafio amazônico da inclusão de disciplina sobre Educação Escolar Indígena no processo de formação inicial docente não indígena
Authors: Simas Hellen Cristina Picanço , Menezes Reinaldo Oliveira , Jesus Marcineuza Santos de
Published: March 2023

O presente trabalho objetiva discutir a inserção da disciplina de educação escolar indígena no processo de formação inicial de professores não indígenas, visando a promoção do diálogo intercultural no sistema de ensino básico, buscando reconhecer e respeitar as diferenças culturais e o empoderamento dos povos indígenas na contemporaneidade. Para desenvolvimento do respectivo trabalho, optou-se pela abordagem qualitativa, com procedimento de coleta de dados do tipo bibliográfico e documental. Neste sentido, o presente trabalho coletou e analisou os Projetos Pedagógicos de Cursos (PPC) de formação docente não indígena das Instituições de Ensino Superior Públicas e Privadas do Estado do Amazonas. Os resultados apontaram que apenas o curso de Pedagogia das Universidades Públicas (UFAM, UEA e IFAM) apresentam em seus respectivos PPCs a discussão da educação indígena no processo de formação inicial docente não indígena, as demais instituições, sobretudo as privadas, não possuem disciplinas para este debate. Compreende-se que a falta da inclusão da disciplina educação indígena na formação inicial pode implicar na negação da cultura dos povos e dos processos educacionais próprios de cada povo acerca de educação, ocorrendo, por isso, um reforço do ensino homogeneizador no Brasil, quando se espera que o ensino seja intercultural.
Compliance of temozolamide with concurrent radiotherapy as an adjuvant in patients with high grade glioma – a retrospective study
Authors:   Department of Medical Oncology, Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India, Ramanan V. Arun , Jeeva S. ,   Department of Radiation Oncology, Madras Medical College, Chennai, India, Sowmiya KR. ,   Department of Community Medicine, Madha Medical College & Research Institute, Chennai, India
Published: March 2023

Introduction and aim. High grade glioma is the most aggressive form of primary brain tumour with a median survival of one year. Maximal safe resection followed by temozolamide-based concurrent chemoradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard of care. To assess the compliance of temozolamide in patients of high-grade glioma who underwent concurrent chemoradiation followed by adjuvant chemotherapy Material and methods. 30 patients of high grade glioma diagnosed and treated in our Oncology department during the period of March 2016 to March 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Cases included in this study were patients with biopsy proven high grade glioma who underwent maximal safe surgery, temozolamide-based concurrent chemoradiation, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolamide. Data regarding age, gender, histopathology, extent of surgery, performance status, radiotherapy dose, chemotherapy cycles and treatment toxicity profiles were recorded. Results. Treatment was generally well tolerated with most patients experiencing grade 1 and 2 toxicities, which were managed with supportive care. Grade 3 toxicities were noted as follows: anaemia (6.7%, n=2), neutropenia (16.7%, n=5) and thrombocytopenia (16.7%, n=5). Treatment with TMZ was discontinued in 6.7% (n=2) of individuals due to myelosupression. No grade 4 hematological toxicities were observed in the study group. Conclusion. The compliance of temozolamide in high grade gliomas is high with less treatment interruptions and manageable side effect profile.
Immediate Implant and Customized Healing Abutment Promotes Tissues Regeneration: A 5-Year Clinical Report
Authors: Corrado Francesco , Marconcini Simone , Cosola Saverio , Giammarinaro Enrica , Covani Ugo
Published: March 2023

Significant alveolar bone resorption follows tooth extraction. Immediate implant placement alone is not sufficient to prevent this phenomenon. The present study aims at reporting the clinical and radiologic outcome of an immediate implant with a custom healing abutment. In this clinical case, a fractured upper first premolar was replaced by an immediate implant and a customized healing abutment designed on the perimeter of the extractive alveolus. After 3 months, the implant was restored. The facial and interdental soft tissue was maintained with appreciable success after 5 years. The pre-and 5-year post-treatment computerized tomography scans showed bone regeneration of the buccal plate. Use of an interim customized healing abutment helps prevent hard- and soft-tissue collapse and promotes bone regeneration. This technique is straightforward and may represent a smart preservation strategy when there is no indication for adjunctive hard or soft tissue grafting. Given the limited nature of this case report, further studies are needed to confirm the present findings.
Enhanced Lip-Contour During Facial Scan for 3D DSD and Implant Planning: A Blue Screen Approach
Authors: Yang Jing-Wen , Zhu Yu-Jia , Afrashtehfar Kelvin I. , Zhao Yi-Jiao , Wang Yong
Published: March 2023

When obtaining 3-dimensional (3D) facial images for digital smile design (DSD) and dental implant planning, inaccuracies may frequently be introduced by distortion in the region between the lips' vermilion border and the teeth. The present clinical technique aimed to reduce such deformation during face scanning, thereby facilitating 3D DSD. This is also essential to plan bone reduction with precision for implant reconstructions. A custom-made silicone matrix acting as a blue screen provided reliable support for 3D visualization of facial images in a patient requiring a new maxillary screw-retained implant-supported fixed complete denture. Imperceptible volumetric changes were registered in the facial tissues when the silicone matrix was added. The usual deformation of the lip vermilion border originating in face scans was overcome by applying blue-screen technology with a silicone matrix. Reproducing the vermilion border of the lip contour accurately may offer improved communication and visualization for 3D DSD. The silicone matrix was a practical approach that acted as a blue screen to display the transition from lips to teeth with satisfactory precision. Implementing blue-screen technology in reconstructive dentistry might increase predictability by reducing errors when scanning objects with challenging-to-capture surfaces.
Modeling Suitable Habitats of Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in a Highly Urbanized Bay
Authors: Lin Zhilan , Gao Minhao , Yu Xingguang , Zhu Qian , Yu Zhigang , Wang Xianyan
Published: March 2023

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) live in coastal waters that have experienced considerable anthropogenic disturbances. Specifically, along the coasts of highly urbanized regions, available habitats have decreased in both space and scale. This study used Maxent software to simulate the distribution of suitable habitats for S. chinensis during the dry and wet seasons in Xiamen Bay. We also aimed to identify key environmental factors influencing habitat distribution, with the goal of using our results to analyze conservation gaps and propose adjustments. We found that during the dry season, S. chinensis were mainly distributed in the Western Harbor, Jiulong River Estuary, and the mouth of Tongan Bay. During the wet season, they were distributed in the south of Western Harbor, Jiulong River Estuary, and around the Wuyu and Dadeng-Xiaodeng Islands. Nekton density, chlorophyll-a concentration, sea surface temperature, slope, and salinity are the primary factors affecting S. chinensis distribution in Xiamen Bay. To better protect the species, the existing Tongan Bay reserve should be expanded during dry seasons, and suitable habitats in the Jiulong River Estuary should be turned into a seasonal protected region. Similarly, during wet seasons, the original Western Harbor portion of the reserve should increase to include the Jiulong River Estuary, northwest of the Wuyu Islands and south of the Dadeng-Xiaodeng Islands. In addition to this dynamic seasonal management of reserve size, we also recommend developing multiple-use protected areas and establishing a joint protection mechanism between local governments. In conclusion, our model offers important guidance on improving conservation measures of S. chinensis in Xiamen Bay.
Chinese Soft Power
Authors:   University of Łódź, (Poland), Łoś Robert Edmund
Published: March 2023

China’s modern power is based on traditional sources: territory size, demographics, economy, and army. An important factor of power is soft power, which is based on culture, foreign policy (including economics), and values. Chinese soft power resources have an old tradition and the possibility of using them is large, and most importantly, in the current international environment, they can use them to gain and maintain an advantage over competitors. The article presents the elements of China’s soft power that determine its advantage over other countries and the weaknesses that may limit its influence. It largely determines the research methods used: statistics and system analysis. The latter method makes it possible to determine the scale of China’s influence and the chances of using them in the 21st century.
New Perspectives on the Use of Satellite Information in Contemporary Armed Conflicts and Crisis Management
Authors:   Polish Air Force University (Poland), Goniewicz Krzysztof
Published: March 2023

Among current global threats, the risk of developing an emergency requires a comprehensive approach from all entities involved in crisis management. Despite the advanced technologies available to predict each threat, taking appropriate countermeasures is often impossible. Often the best solution is to prepare in advance and act efficiently after the occurrence of a given threat event. It is also crucial to implement the latest methods and solutions that allow for better preparation and response in case of an emergency. This article presents the results of the analysis of the use of modern satellite systems aimed at, among others, improving security in the event of armed conflicts and crises. This perspective is written for two reasons. Foremost is to present the potential of the existing Polish security system, which aims to reduce the risks and minimise the problems of crisis management associated with natural disasters. Secondly, to foster a discussion and create a basis for exchanging information and advances within the countries implementing similar solutions. It is especially crucial in joint actions with neighbouring countries in case of emergencies and disasters in border areas.
The State and Catholics in Vietnam
Authors:   University of Łódź (Poland), Pietrasiak Małgorzata
Published: March 2023

The article falls within the political science of religion, a “transactional” perspective. A critical point at stake here is preserving the political system, which officially draws on socialist ideas, and Hochiminhism, which consists of the deferring of liberal democracy. A historical background of the emergence of Catholicism in Vietnam has been shown, which proves that Catholics operated under the shadow of anti-national and anti-patriotic accusations. This narrative was additionally strengthened during Indochina’s war when the ruling Communist Party required consolidation around nationalist and communist ideas. The change brought by the reform of Doi Moi, which on the first plan put up economic liberalization followed by greater tolerance and openness, but without changing the party system. Catholics enjoy greater freedom; they can also join the Communist Party, which, in return, expects stabilization and support for the political system. New forms of cooperation with religious groups have been developed. However, some of them are still criticized, including limitations related to the registration of religious groups and control by the state apparatus.
Cardiovascular risk factors, clinical manifestations and management of myocardial infarction in elderly and long­living patients depending on geriatric status
Authors: Malchikova S. V. , Trushnikova N. S. , Kazakovtseva M. V. , Maksimchuk-­Kolobova N. S.
Published: March 2023

Aim. To study cardiovascular risk factors, clinical manifestations and management of myocardial infarction (MI) in elderly and long­living patients depending on geriatric status.

Material and methods. Out of 92 patients with MI (mean age, 81,6±4,2), 3 following groups were formed: "frailty" — 35 (38,0%), "prefrailty" — 16 (17,4%), and "no frailty" — 41 (44,6%). The following questionnaires were used: Age Is Not a Hindrance, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, balance test, Gait Speed Test, Timed Up and Go test, grip test, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clock Drawing Test, Geriatric Depression Scale.

Results. Frailty probability in patients is higher in the presence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 ml/min/1,73 m2, a stroke, and heart failure. In the event of clinical manifestations of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), patients without frailty sought medical assistance earlier (in the first 2 hours — 26,8% of patients (χ2=7,8, p=0,005). Most patients with prefrailty and frailty called an ambulance later, but in the first 12 hours — 68,8 and 74,3%, respectively (χ2=15,6, p=0,012). The prevalence of thrombolysis is 23,2%, percutaneous coronary intervention — 30,4% and did not depend on geriatric status. The probability of multivessel disease is higher in patients with or at risk of malnutrition. The main hemodynamic parameters, echocardiography, laboratory parameters in patients with MI did not depend on geriatric status. According to the STOPP/START criteria, frail patients with more often received nonrecommended inhospital medicines.

Conclusion. Frailty in patients with MI was associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, later medical assistance, and more frequent non-recommended treatment.
Repeated valve replacement: approaches and devices (literature review)
Authors: Klyshnikov K. Yu. , Ovcharenko E. A. , Stasev A. N. , Barbarash L. S.
Published: March 2023

Bioprosthetic valve dysfunction represent a serious drawback that limits the wider clinical use of these medical devices for valvular heart disease surgery. Modern studies describe the view of pathophysiologists on this problem as a multifactorial multi-stage process that causes irreversible changes in bioprosthesis components, ultimately leading to its dysfunction. However, in addition to under- standing the causes and manifestations of prosthetic valve dys- function, an applied question arises about the treatment strategies — determining the most attenuated and accessible low-risk method/ device. The aim of this review was to analyze and systematize current literature data on methods and designs used in repeated surgical and transcatheter interventions on heart valves.
Modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in staff of aboveground and underground rail transport in Moscow
Authors: Zhidkova E. A. , Gurevich K. G. , Gutor E. M. , Zhelvis V. V. , Dzhioeva O. N. , Orlova A. A. , Drapkina O. M.
Published: March 2023

Aim. To study modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among rail transport workers, depending on the place of work: Russian Railways and Moscow Metro.

Material and methods. The study involved 2638 workers of locomotive crews: 778 persons worked at Russian Railways, 1860 — Moscow Metro. The workers were offered a questionnaire assessing general data, features of medical activity, and lifestyle. The collection and processing of data was carried out using Microsoft Excel and Statistica programs.

Results. The studied groups were comparable in age structure. Slightly above 40% of respondents in both groups currently smoked, while ~70% did not eat enough vegetables. Workers of Russian Railways were 2 times more likely to drink alcohol ≥2 times a week and 1,2 times more likely to eat at fast food restaurants. Also, ~40% of participants in both groups often or always added salt to food, almost 20% did not engage in athletics. Workers of Russian Railways were less physically active. Moscow Metro workers ate less regularly and did not consume enough fruit. The average body mass index of both groups corresponded to overweight.

Conclusion. The leading behavioral risk factors for CVD in rail transport workers are insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruits, low physical activity, and smoking. The obtained results will allow to improve the guidelines for lifestyle modification of rail transport workers, to develop and refine corporate programs for primary CVD prevention.