bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functionalised Hybrid Collagen-Elastin for Acellular Cutaneous Substitute Applications
Authors: Kamaruzaman Nurkhuzaiah , Fauzi Mh Busra , Tabata Yasuhiko , Yusop Salma Mohamad
Published: April 2023

Wound contracture, which commonly happens after wound healing, may lead to physical distortion, including skin constriction. Therefore, the combination of collagen and elastin as the most abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) skin matrices may provide the best candidate biomaterials for cutaneous wound injury. This study aimed to develop a hybrid scaffold containing green natural resources (ovine tendon collagen type-I and poultry-based elastin) for skin tissue engineering. Briefly, freeze-drying was used to create the hybrid scaffolds, which were then crosslinked with 0.1% (w/v) genipin (GNP). Next, the physical characteristics (pore size, porosity, swelling ratio, biodegradability and mechanical strength) of the microstructure were assessed. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry were used for the chemical analysis. The findings showed a uniform and interconnected porous structure with acceptable porosity (>60%) and high-water uptake capacity (>1200%), with pore sizes ranging between 127 ± 22 and 245 ± 35 µm. The biodegradation rate of the fabricated scaffold containing 5% elastin was lower (<0.043 mg/h) compared to the control scaffold (collagen only; 0.085 mg/h). Further analysis with EDX identified the main elements of the scaffold: it contained carbon (C) 59.06 ± 1.36–70.66 ± 2.89%, nitrogen (N) 6.02 ± 0.20–7.09 ± 0.69% and oxygen (O) 23.79 ± 0.65–32.93 ± 0.98%. FTIR analysis revealed that collagen and elastin remained in the scaffold and exhibited similar functional amides (amide A: 3316 cm−1, amide B: 2932 cm−1, amide I: 1649 cm−1, amide II: 1549 cm−1 and amide III: 1233 cm−1). The combination of elastin and collagen also produced a positive effect via increased Young’s modulus values. No toxic effect was identified, and the hybrid scaffolds significantly supported human skin cell attachment and viability. In conclusion, the fabricated hybrid scaffolds demonstrated optimum physicochemical and mechanical properties and may potentially be used as an acellular skin substitute in wound management.
Structural Rearrangements of Polylactide/Natural Rubber Composites during Hydro- and Biotic Degradation
Authors: Tertyshnaya Yulia V. , Podzorova Maria V. , Khramkova Anastasia V. , Ovchinnikov Vasily A. , Krivandin Aleksey V.
Published: April 2023

In the work, the impact of the biological medium and water on structural rearrangements in pure polylactide and polylactide/natural rubber film composites was studied. Polylactide/natural rubber films with a rubber content of 5, 10, and 15 wt.% were obtained by the solution method. Biotic degradation was carried out according to the Sturm method at a temperature of 22 ± 2 °C. Hydrolytic degradation was studied at the same temperature in distilled water. The structural characteristics were controlled by thermophysical, optical, spectral, and diffraction methods. Optical microscopy revealed the surface erosion of all samples after exposure to microbiota and water. Differential scanning calorimetry showed a decrease in the degree of crystallinity of polylactide by 2–4% after the Sturm test, and a tendency to an increase in the degree of crystallinity after the action of water was noted. Changes in the chemical structure were shown in the spectra recorded by infrared spectroscopy. Due to degradation, significant changes in the intensities of the bands in the regions of 3500–2900 and 1700–1500 cm−1 were shown. The X-ray diffraction method established differences in diffraction patterns in very defective and less damaged regions of polylactide composites. It was determined that pure polylactide hydrolyzed more readily under the action of distilled water than polylactide/natural rubber composites. Film composites were more rapidly subjected to biotic degradation. The degree of biodegradation of polylactide/natural rubber composites increased with the rise in the content of natural rubber in the compositions.
A Three-Phase Relative Permeability Model for Heavy Oil Emulsion System
Authors: Sun Zezheng , Zhou Kang , Di Yuan
Published: April 2023

Chemical flooding is important and effective enhanced oil recovery processes are applied to improve the recovery of heavy oil reservoirs. Emulsification occurs during chemical flooding processes, forming an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion system. In this work, the heavy oil emulsion system is characterized as a three-phase (continuous oil phase, dispersed oil phase, and continuous water phase) system. Based on a capillary tube model, a new relative permeability model is proposed to describe the flow of the emulsion system in porous media quantitatively, considering the physicochemical properties of emulsions and the properties of porous media. A resistance factor is derived in this model to describe the additional resistance to the emulsion flow caused by the interaction between dispersed oil droplets and the pore system. Three dimensionless numbers related to the emulsion porous flow process were proposed and their different effects on the three-phase relative permeability are investigated. To validate the reliability of the proposed model, a one-dimensional O/W emulsion–oil displacement experiment is simulated. The maximum absolute error between the simulated results and experimental data is no more than 10%, and the new model can be used to describe the flow behavior of heavy oil emulsions in porous media.
Analyzing SPIF Product Characteristics Using Full Factorial Design-Integrated PCA Approach
Authors: Ragab Adham E.
Published: April 2023

The process of single-point incremental forming (SPIF) is a relatively new technology that is primarily used in the production of prototypes and small quantities of products. However, the process has several limitations with respect to the quality characteristics of its products. This study examined the effects of four process parameters—namely, tool diameter, feed rate, step size, and sheet thickness—on the characteristics of the final product. A total of 15 product responses were measured and/or calculated during the experiments. The responses fell under three different categories; surface profile accuracy, strain/stress/thinning, and forming forces. In previous published work, responses were studied separately for each category. The aim of this paper was to determine the relationships between responses using a principal component analysis (PCA). PCA is a well-known multivariate analysis technique used to reduce the dimensionality of data. As a result of the PCA, the product’s characteristic dimensions were reduced from 15 while 71% of the total variance of data was preserved. The results showed that only 8 responses were enough to characterize the final product, rather than 15. A relationship was detected between the side wall accuracy and forming forces and between strain, circularity, and surface roughness. These findings could not be detected with single-variable analyses.
A Review on Observer Assistance Systems for Harvested and Protected Fish Species
Authors: Koh Taehoon , Kim Yonghoon
Published: April 2023

Restrictions on competitive fishing activities due to the depletion of living marine resources and the monitoring of fish resources for the purpose of marine ecosystem research are supported by statistics on the protection of fish resources and ecosystem research, which are gathered through existing observer monitoring systems. However, in the case of deep-sea fishing vessels and special-purpose fishing vessels, some matters, such as collusive transactions with shipping companies and shipowners and threats toward the observer, are problematic, as observers are always active on board. Therefore, through the present study we would like to discuss the methodology and directions for research on the independent role of the observer and the methods for improving the reliability of data through systems that automate the monitoring of the acquisition of fish resources, which is expected to be a continuing problem. After an analysis of research trends for each issue related to the electronic monitoring system, future research directions are suggested on the basis of the findings, and for the research currently in progress, this paper presents the results from a prediction server and client and an image collector. In order to use these in the field in the future, as the detection method and reliability of the electronic monitoring system that can automate self-learning should be improved, we describe the image transmission technology, the image recognition technology for studying fish, and the methodology for calculating the yield.
How Do Underwater Cultural Heritage Sites Affect Coral Assemblages?
Authors: Burns John H. R. , Pascoe Kailey H. , Ferreira Sofia B. , Kane Haunani , Kapono Clifford , Carrell Toni L. , Reyes Andres , Fukunaga Atsuko
Published: April 2023

Underwater cultural heritage sites (UCH), such as shipwrecks and sunken aircrafts, can provide physical structures to support coral recruitment and habitats for marine organisms. Conversely, these archaeological artifacts can also be detrimental to live coral and release pollutants into the environment. The military history of Guam has resulted in a high abundance of UCH sites on shallow coral reef habitats, and little is known about how these artifacts may affect the ecology of these natural systems. In this study, we used photogrammetry techniques to survey coral assemblages on both natural and artificial reef substrata. We statistically examined patterns in coral cover, diversity, richness, and 3D habitat complexity. Our results found significant differences in live coral cover and assemblage structure between natural and artificial reef substrata. The results from univariate modeling and multivariate analyses indicate that coral assemblage structure plays an important role in supporting 3D habitat complexity, and the archaeological artifacts themselves can be a significant source of habitat structure. There is still a lack of clarity as to the overall implications of archaeological artifacts on underwater habitats, and the approach described here can be applied elsewhere to better understand the ecological impacts of UCH sites on coral reefs.
Coupling Random Forest, Allometric Scaling, and Cellular Automata to Predict the Evolution of LULC under Various Shared Socioeconomic Pathways
Authors: Liao Jiangfu , Tang Lina , Shao Guofan
Published: April 2023

Accurately estimating land-use demand is essential for urban models to predict the evolution of urban spatial morphology. Due to the uncertainties inherent in socioeconomic development, the accurate forecasting of urban land-use demand remains a daunting challenge. The present study proposes a modeling framework to determine the scaling relationship between the population and urban area and simulates the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC). An allometric scaling (AS) law and a Markov (MK) chain are used to predict variations in LULC. Random forest (RF) and cellular automata (CA) serve to calibrate the transition rules of change in LULC and realize its micro-spatial allocation (MKCARF-AS). Furthermore, this research uses several shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) as scenario storylines. The MKCARF-AS model is used to predict changes in LULC under various SSP scenarios in Jinjiang City, China, from 2020 to 2065. The results show that the figure of merit (FoM) and the urban FoM of the MKCARF-AS model improve by 3.72% and 4.06%, respectively, compared with the MKCAANN model during the 2005–2010 simulation period. For a 6.28% discrepancy between the predicted urban land-use demand and the actual urban land-use demand over the period 2005–2010, the urban FoM degrades by 21.42%. The growth of the permanent urban population and urban area in Jinjiang City follows an allometric scaling law with an exponent of 0.933 for the period 2005–2020, and the relative residual and R2 are 0.0076 and 0.9994, respectively. From 2020 to 2065, the urban land demand estimated by the Markov model is 19.4% greater than the urban area predicted under scenario SSP5. At the township scale, the different SSP scenarios produce significantly different spatial distributions of urban expansion rates. By coupling random forest and allometric scaling, the MKCARF-AS model substantially improves the simulation of urban land use.
Extraction of Forest Structural Parameters by the Comparison of Structure from Motion (SfM) and Backpack Laser Scanning (BLS) Point Clouds
Authors: Xu Zhuangzhi , Shen Xin , Cao Lin
Published: April 2023

Forest structural parameters are key indicators for forest growth assessment, and play a critical role in forest resources monitoring and ecosystem management. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) can obtain three-dimensional (3D) forest structures with ultra-high precision without destruction, whereas some shortcomings such as non-portability and cost-consuming can limit the quick and broad acquisition of forest structure. Structure from motion (SfM) and backpack laser scanning (BLS) technology have the advantages of low-cost and high-portability while obtaining 3D structure information of forests. In this study, the high-overlapped images and the BLS point cloud, combined with the point cloud registration and individual tree segmentation to extract the forest structural parameters and compared with the TLS for assessing the accuracy and efficiency of low-cost SfM and portable BLS point clouds. Three plots with different forest structural complexity (coniferous, broadleaf and mixed plot) in the northern subtropical forests were selected. Firstly, portable photography camera, BLS and TLS were used to acquire 3D SfM and LiDAR point clouds, and spatial co-registration of different-sourced point cloud datasets were carried out based on the understory markers. Secondly, the point clouds of individual tree trunk and crown were segmented by the comparative shortest-path algorithm (CSP), and then the height and position of individual tree were extracted based on the tree crown point cloud. Thirdly, the trunk diameter at different heights were calculated by point cloud slices using the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm, and combined with the stem curve of individual tree which was constructed using four Taper equations to estimate the individual tree volume. Finally, the extraction accuracy of forest structural parameters based on SfM and BLS point clouds were verified and comprehensively compared with field-measured and TLS data. The results showed that: (1) the individual tree segmentation based on SfM and BLS point clouds all performed quite well, among which the segmentation accuracy (F) of SfM point cloud was 0.80 and the BLS point cloud was 0.85; and (2) the accuracy of DBH and tree height extraction based on the SfM and BLS point clouds in comparison with the field-measured data were relatively high. The root mean square error (RMSE) of DBH and tree height extraction based on SfM point cloud were 2.15 cm and 4.08 m, and the RMSE of DBH and tree height extraction based on BLS point cloud were 2.06 cm and 1.63 m. This study shows that with the adopted image capture method, terrestrial SfM photogrammetry can be applied quite well in extracting DBH.
Systematic Review on New Challenges of University Education Today: Innovation in the Educational Response and Teaching Perspective on Students with Disabilities
Authors: Pérez-Esteban María Dolores , Carrión-Martínez Jose Juan , Ortiz Jiménez Luis
Published: April 2023

Offering a suitable educational response to students with disabilities continues to be a challenge for higher education institutions, where the teaching attitude, the educational strategies to deal with diversity and the obstacles or difficulties continue to condition the commitment to inclusive education at universities. This systematic review has been carried out following the indications of the PRISMA method. The main objective is to present critical information about the educational response offered to students with disabilities at higher education institutions. Fourteen articles dealing with teaching attitude, difficulties and strategies used were reviewed. The results show how there is a positive attitude towards students with disabilities in some areas, various inclusive strategies are established in the classroom and there are still obstacles that make it difficult to meet all students’ needs. In conclusion, inclusive education continues to be a pending issue for university institutions, which are moving towards inclusion, yet at a slower pace, in comparison to other education levels.
Resting Blood Pressure in Master Athletes: Immune from Hypertension?
Authors: Climstein Mike , Walsh Joe , DeBeliso Mark , Heazlewood Tim , Sevene Trish , Del Vecchio Luke , Adams Kent
Published: April 2023

Ageing is associated with decreased physical activity, obesity and increased risk of hypertension (HTN). Master athletes (MA) have either pursued a physically active lifestyle throughout their life or initiated exercise or sport later in life. We assessed resting blood pressure (BP) in male and female World Masters Games (WMG) athletes. This was a cross-sectional, observational study which utilized an online survey to assess the blood pressure (BP) and other physiological parameters. Results: a total of 2793 participants were involved in this study. Key findings included differences between genders with males reporting higher resting SBP (+9.4%, p < 0.001), resting DBP (+5.9%, p < 0.001) and mean arterial pressure (+6.2%, p < 0.001). Significant differences (p < 0.001) were also identified when comparing WMG athletes’ resting BP results (genders combined) to the general Australian population with WMG athletes having a lower SBP (p < 0.001, −8.4%) and DBP (p < 0.001, −3.6%). Additionally, 19.9% of males and 49.7% of female WMG participants were normotensive whereas 35.7% of the general Australian population were normotensive. Only 8.1% of the WMG athletes (genders combined) were found to be HTN compared to 17.2% in the general Australian population. These findings reflect a low prevalence of HTN in WMG participants and support our hypothesis of a low prevalence of HTN in an active, but aged cohort of MA.
Sensitivity Analysis and Optimisation of Key Parameters for Railway Rigid Overhead System and Pantograph
Authors: Chen Ke , Song Yang , Lu Xiaobing , Duan Fuchuan
Published: April 2023

This paper aims to enhance the speed of rigid overhead systems by investigating the impact of important parameters of the overhead system and pantograph on the interaction performance, specifically the contact force between the panhead of the pantograph and the contact wire of the overhead system. To accomplish this, this paper first builds a rigid overhead system model based on the finite element method. The pantograph–contact wire interaction simulation is achieved by including a three-stage lumped mass pantograph model. The Sobol sensitivity analysis method is utilised to determine the contribution of different parameters to the contact force standard deviation. Subsequently, an optimisation approach is used to minimise the contact standard deviation at various speeds by adopting five crucial parameters. The sensitivity analysis of 13 variables indicates that the span length, bending stiffness, and linear density of the conductor rail, and the masses of the pantograph head and upper frame are the most relevant variables for the contact force standard deviation. The quantification of each parameter’s contribution reveals that the increase in bending stiffness generally has a positive effect in reducing the contact force fluctuation, while the decreases in other variables are preferred. The optimisation analysis shows that the optimised contact force standard deviation decreases by 39.18%, 66.77%, and 61.02% at speeds of 90 km/h, 120 km/h, and 150 km/h, respectively, compared to the original values.
Effect of Selenium on Growth, Physio-Biochemical and Yield Traits of Lettuce under Limited Water Regimes
Authors: Tufail Bushra , Ashraf Kamran , Abbasi Asim , Ali Hayssam M. , Sultan Khawar , Munir Tehzeem , Khan Muhammad Tajammal , uz Zaman Qamar
Published: April 2023

Climate change has become one of the most complicated challenges of the twenty-first century. Water scarcity is a significant threat to food security, and climate change has adversely affected the likelihood of extreme events such as drought. Selenium (Se) has been reported to mitigate abiotic stress effects, such as drought, on various plant species. The purpose of the current study was to observe the effects of foliar-applied Se to minimize the detrimental effects of water-deficient conditions. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the exogenous application of Se at various levels (0, 3, 6 and 9 mg L−1) on the growth, physio-biochemical attributes and antioxidant defense system of lettuce plants growing under an irrigation water deficit from 85 ± 5% (control) to 35 ± 5% (drought stress). The results revealed that increasing water deficit stress linearly reduced plant growth and biomass by reducing relative water content (19.49%) and chlorophyll contents (23.95%) through increased electrolyte leakage (20.67%). However, foliar-applied Se significantly increased fresh and dry biomass under control and water-stressed conditions. Under drought stress, Se supply increased free proline content and the activities of SOD, POD and CAT in leaf tissues. The exogenous application of Se partly alleviated the effects of drought on lettuce by the upregulation of the antioxidant system and leaf soluble sugars and a simultaneous decrease in electrolyte leakage. This study further suggests that the upregulation of antioxidants and osmoprotectants is positively associated with the drought tolerance of lettuce. In conclusion, the exogenous application of Se (6 mg L−1) has more potential to improve lettuce growth, physiological attributes and modulation of enzymatic antioxidant potential, which can be recommended for use to maximize lettuce productivity and quality in a dry environment. This research provides a promising, technically feasible strategy for mitigating drought stress in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of good health and zero hunger.
Complex Analysis of an Auxetic Structure under Compressive Loads
Authors: Tabacu Stefan , Badea Ana , Sandu Alina
Published: April 2023

Cellular structures subjected to compressive loads provide a reliable solution for improving safety. As a member of cellular material, auxetic metamaterials can enhance performance according to the definition of the negative Poisson ratio. In conjunction with Rapid Prototyping by Additive Manufacturing methods, complex structures can be manufactured using a wide range of materials. This paper debuts the development process of a reliable material model that is useful for the numerical simulation, and further details and investigates the performance indicators of an auxetic structure, namely anti-tetra-chiral. These indicators are related to the force developed during the plateau stage, the length of the plateau stage, and the nominal dimensions of the structure to avoid buckling during compression. Two new indicators discussed in this paper aim to provide a complete set of performance indicators. The first analytical solution provides the displacement of the circular nodes during the compression. The second analytical solution estimates the strain developed in the ligaments. Considering the performance of the processed material, this analysis aims to determine whether the structure can develop the complete plateau stage or whether premature failure will occur.
Use of Maturity Model to Create an Effective Marketing Mix with a Focus on Educational Facilities
Authors: Gonda Dušan , Poór Peter
Published: April 2023

The presented article focuses on the acute topics of process management in educational institutions. A maturity model is here proposed in order to develop an effective marketing mix for educational facilities. It is used to assess the current state of each element of the marketing mix and identify areas for improvement. The main contribution is the detailed description of why it is necessary to create a maturity model when creating a marketing mix in the school sector. To achieve this, individual process information programs are analyzed and specifics for the educational sector are given. The article focuses on educational facilities, such as schools, universities, and training centers. By utilizing a maturity model, educational facilities can identify gaps in their marketing strategies and develop a more effective marketing mix to attract and retain students. Furthermore, up-to-date maturity models were analyzed and, as a result of the research, a new, separate model was created with detailed description. Part of the new model is also an analysis of practical use by employees in selected school establishments. The results of this study can provide insights for educational institutions to enhance their marketing strategies and better meet the needs of their target audience.
Master Production Scheduling with Consideration of Utilization-Dependent Exhaustion and Capacity Load
Authors: Trost Marco , Claus Thorsten , Herrmann Frank
Published: April 2023

A large number of researchers have addressed social aspects in hierarchical production planning. This article responds to research gaps identified in our previous literature review. Accordingly, consideration of social aspects and the economic implications of social improvements are required in a longer term planning approach. For this, we integrate work intensity as employee utilization in a general mixed-integer programming model for master production scheduling. Following existing fatigue functions, we represent the relationship between work intensity and exhaustion through an employee-utilization-dependent exhaustion function. We account for the economic implications through exhaustion-dependent capacity load factors. We solve our model with a CPLEX standard solver and analyze a case study based on a realistic production system and numerical data. We demonstrate that the consideration of economic implications is necessary to evaluate social improvements. Otherwise, monetary disadvantages are overestimated, and social improvements are, thus, negatively affected. Moreover, from a certain level of work-intensity reduction, demand peaks are smoothed more by pre-production, which requires more core employees, while temporary employment is reduced. Further potential may arise from considering and quantifying other interdependencies, such as employee exhaustion and employee days off. In addition, the relationship between social working conditions and employee turnover can be integrated.
Assessment of Livability in Commercial Streets via Placemaking
Authors: Ali Ansam Saleh , Baper Salahaddin Yasin
Published: April 2023

Livability is one of the key characteristics that urban architects strive to achieve. It is even more important for commercial streets, where functional diversity and the constant movement of people require special consideration. In the capital city of Erbil, Iraq, commercial streets suffer from neglect. However, there is huge potential to create an attractive environment for purposes other than shopping. Some countries have developed standards for the design of commercial streets. The basic requirements are the same, but the details vary according to people’s needs. This research study aimed to identify a comprehensive framework (i.e., a checklist) for placemaking as the basis for measuring livability on a main commercial street in Erbil, Iraq. This framework was considered as a basis for assessment and design simultaneously, helping designers to achieve two main goals: to develop the existing streets and to suggest basic principles for future street design. This study adopted a practical framework, a questionnaire, a field survey, and observations as its research methods. We concluded that placemaking dimensions were essential for activating livability, and a balance between the main dimensions was found. As more strategies were applied, the street livability increased. The results varied according to the research methods, whether quantitative or qualitative. The quantitative findings resulted from the questionnaire and one section of the practical framework. Street width, in terms of quantity, had an impact on containment and safety. The same applied to the sidewalks that had to accommodate the continuous and uninterrupted movements of four or more people. The qualitative findings were from two other sections of the practical framework, in addition to the field survey and observations. It was noted that the local elements on the street were maintained, which had a significant impact on increasing the street’s livability.
Factors Influencing Resident Satisfaction with Afforestation in the Plains: Beijing as a Case Study
Authors: Ma Chizhi , Song Weiming , Xu Chang
Published: April 2023

The acceleration of global urbanization has brought the issue of environmental degradation to the forefront. To effectively curtail these issues, cities worldwide are promoting afforestation; however, only a few studies have investigated levels of satisfaction from the perspective of residents, who are the main beneficiaries of these afforestation projects. In this study, we used the Ologit model in conjunction with 1158 survey samples from Beijing to empirically analyze the level of resident satisfaction with the Plain Afforestation Project (PAP). Results showed that (i) landscaping after afforestation, (ii) ecological aspects, and (iii) availability of recreational space significantly improved the overall resident satisfaction with the PAP. Additionally, older people are more likely to be satisfied with the PAP compared to younger residents, and male residents are more likely to be satisfied with the PAP than female residents. Residents with higher education and income levels were less satisfied with the PAP. These results provide a reference for decision-makers to optimize the PAP.
Do White Holes Exist?
Authors: Gaztanaga Enrique
Published: April 2023

In a paper published in 1939, Albert Einstein argued that Black Holes (BHs) did not exist “in the real world”. However, recent astronomical observations indicate otherwise. Does this mean that we should also expect White Holes (WHs) to exist in the real world? In classical General Relativity (GR), a WH refers to the time reversed version of a collapsing BH solution that allows the crossing of the BH event horizon inside out. Such solution has been disputed as not possible because escaping an event horizon violates causality. Despite such objections, the Big Bang model is often understood as a WH (the reverse of a BH collapse). Does this mean that the Big Bang breaks causality? Recent measurements of cosmic acceleration indicate that our Big Bang solution is not really a WH, but a BH. Events decelerate when the expansion accelerates and this prevents the crossing of the event horizon from inside out. We present a general explanation of why this happens; the explanation resolves the above causality puzzle and indicates that such apparent WH solutions have a regular Schwarzschild BH exterior.
Evidence for Benefits of Early Treatment Initiation for Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Lim Young-Suk , Kim W. Ray , Dieterich Douglas , Kao Jia-Horng , Flaherty John F. , Yee Leland J. , Roberts Lewis R. , Razavi Homie , Kennedy Patrick T. F.
Published: April 2023

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Antiviral treatment reduces the risk of HCC and mortality; nonetheless, globally in 2019, only 2.2% of CHB patients received treatment. Current international CHB guidelines recommend antiviral treatment only in subsets of patients with clear evidence of liver damage. This contrasts with hepatitis C or HIV where early treatment is recommended in all infected patients, regardless of end-organ damage. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of data on the early initiation of antiviral treatment and its related potential economic impact. Literature searches were performed using PubMed and abstracts from international liver congresses (2019–2021). Data on risk of disease progression and HCC and the impact of antiviral treatment in currently ineligible patients were summarized. Cost-effectiveness data on early antiviral treatment initiation were also collated. Accumulating molecular, clinical, and economic data suggest that early initiation of antiviral treatment could save many lives through HCC prevention in a highly cost-effective manner. In light of these data, we consider several alternative expanded treatment strategies that might further a simplified ‘treatment as prevention’ approach.
Combination of Recombinant Proteins S1/N and RBD/N as Potential Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Mendoza-Ramírez Noe Juvenal , García-Cordero Julio , Martínez-Frías Sandra Paola , Roa-Velázquez Daniela , Luria-Pérez Rosendo , Bustos-Arriaga José , Hernández-Lopez Jesús , Cabello-Gutiérrez Carlos , Zúñiga-Ramos Joaquín Alejandro , Morales-Ríos Edgar , Pérez-Tapia Sonia Mayra , Espinosa-Cantellano Martha , Cedillo-Barrón Leticia
Published: April 2023

Despite all successful efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, the need to evaluate alternative antigens to produce next-generation vaccines is imperative to target emerging variants. Thus, the second generation of COVID-19 vaccines employ more than one antigen from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to induce an effective and lasting immune response. Here, we analyzed the combination of two SARS-CoV-2 viral antigens that could elicit a more durable immune response in both T- and B-cells. The nucleocapsid (N) protein, Spike protein S1 domain, and receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike surface glycoproteins were expressed and purified in a mammalian expression system, taking into consideration the posttranscriptional modifications and structural characteristics. The immunogenicity of these combined proteins was evaluated in a murine model. Immunization combining S1 or RBD with the N protein induced higher levels of IgG antibodies, increased the percentage of neutralization, and elevated the production of cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2 compared to the administration of a single antigen. Furthermore, sera from immunized mice recognized alpha and beta variants of SARS-CoV-2, which supports ongoing clinical results on partial protection in vaccinated populations, despite mutations. This study identifies potential antigens for second-generation COVID-19 vaccines.
Egg Production Rate of the Copepod Paracalanus parvus s. l. in Busan Harbor, Korea
Authors: Kang Hyung-Ku , Kim Garam
Published: April 2023

We measured the monthly egg production rate (EPR) of Paracalanus parvus s. l. (P. parvus) at a fixed station in Busan Harbor from January 2020 to December 2021 to elucidate the seasonal variation in the EPR and the factors involved. Over the 2 years, the monthly EPR ranged from 0.5 to 47.0 eggs female−1 d−1 (average 13.3 eggs female−1 d−1). The seasonal mean EPR was high in spring (April to June) and summer (July to September) and low in autumn (October to December) in both years. Egg hatching success was high (average 94%). Monthly nauplii production in the P. parvus population ranged from 9 to 37,123 ind. m−3 d−1 (average 4605 ind. m−3 d−1), with a peak in March and May in 2020 and in April in 2021. The monthly EPR of P. parvus was more dependent on chlorophyll-a concentration than on water temperature. Nauplii production was dependent on the abundance of adult females, while the chlorophyll-a concentration had a positive effect on nauplii production. In this study, while there was no clear seasonal variation in the abundance of adult females, the EPR showed a clear pattern of seasonal variation. These results imply that for monitoring potential environmental changes in Busan Harbor, measuring the EPR of copepods may be a better indicator than copepod abundance.
Uso de herramientas digitales para el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico en estudiantes
Authors: Ledesma Quique Carmen Lourdes , Sevairos Pérez Jackeline Karina
Published: April 2023

El desarrollo de estándares intelectuales en los estudiantes es de vital importancia, porque ayudan a que los mismos puedan realizar de forma amplia análisis de información de las actividades. Por ello, el objetivo del presente estudio es establecer la relación existente entre herramientas digitales y el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico de los estudiantes. Para lo cual se desarrolló un estudio básico, descriptivo de corte transversal de análisis correlacional, donde se contó con una muestra de 38 estudiantes a quienes se les aplicó una encuesta usando la escala de medición de Likert compuesta por dos variables. Como resultado se obtuvo que el 55.3% cuenta con nivel medio de uso de herramientas digitales y 71.1% nivel alto de desarrollo del pensamiento crítico. Concluyendo que el uso de herramientas digitales se relaciona con el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico en estudiantes de la Institución Educativa Manuel de Mendiburu de la ciudad de Tacna.
Epilepsy and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a scope review
Authors: Laguna Gabriela Garcia de Carvalho , Fonseca Yago Soares , Mascarenhas Adryane Gomes , Ribeiro Diego Bastos , Maia Michele Cristina , Paulo Karen Kessy de Souto , Borges Grasiely Faccin , Costa Davi Tanajura
Published: April 2023

Introduction. The incidence of sudden death is high in people with chronic epilepsy, especially in the presence of cardiovascular comorbidities, thus, there is a convergence between epilepsy and cardiovascular diseases, however the literature fails on systematic reviews analyzing the interface between epilepsy and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Objective. To verify the association between Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and neurological disorders, especially epilepsy. Method. This is a scope review, based on the PRISMA checklist. An advanced and high-sensitivity search was performed using the descriptors "epilepsy" and "Takotsubo cardiomyopathy" combined with the Boolean operator AND, in PubMED, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Portal Regional Biblioteca in Health, and CAPES Periodicals. Results. A total of 373 articles were identified and after applying the eligibility criteria, 14 works were selected to compose the bibliographic sample of this study. It demonstrates the relationship of people with epilepsy developing Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, especially women with advanced age, with comorbidities such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia, and changes could be evidenced through electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiogram. Conclusion. ST-segment depression in the anterior wall and T-wave inversion on the electrocardiogram may suggest Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in people with epilepsy, and this monitoring is important because of the potential for seizures to lead to cardiac conditions. Transthoracic echocardiography is useful for identifying adverse events in people with the comorbidity. Knowledge about epidemiology and the complementary findings described can facilitate clinical reasoning for the diagnosis and management of the condition.
Social Work Student Perceptions of Racism, Implicit Bias, and Other Forms of Discrimination: A Racial Justice Climate Survey
Authors: Barker Stacey , Allen DeVonne , Moreau Kessy , Soverall Nicolette
Published: April 2023

This article discusses the findings of a racial justice climate survey using a mixed-methods design conducted to learn more about the areas of strength and areas of improvement related to racial justice in one faith-based School of Social Work. The framework for organizing the findings focuses on the three pillars of social work education: the explicit curriculum, the implicit curriculum, and field education. While the overall findings indicate that student experiences in our BSW and MSW programs related to racial justice are primarily positive, some of the data indicate otherwise. Findings suggest that the efforts being made in the explicit curriculum should continue and expand, while several recommendations for improvements should focus on the implicit curriculum. These findings will help our social work programs move towards more racially just pedagogy, policies, and practices, which could serve as a model for other programs within the College and for social work programs in other colleges and universities.
An Opening Word
Authors: Szto Peter
Published: April 2023

N/A
Corpus comparables et culturèmes : une réflexion traductologique
Authors: Cennamo Ilaria
Published: April 2023

L’utilisation de corpus comparables et le traitement des éléments culturels en traduction ont déjà trouvé leur place au sein des études traductologiques. Il resterait toutefois à y intégrer des réflexions pédagogiques centrées sur l’adoption de corpus comparables dans une perspective interculturelle. Afin de déterminer comment des corpus comparables pourraient être utilisés pour l’analyse de traits discursifs porteurs d’informations identitaires et culturelles, nous chercherons à déterminer les éléments du discours intervenant dans l’expression d’une identité culturelle, de même que l’impact qu’un tel repérage pourrait avoir sur les choix traductifs d’un apprenti traducteur/médiateur ainsi que sur sa conception de l’unité de traduction.
Traduction et éducation vertes pour les enfants
Authors: Constantinescu Muguraş
Published: April 2023

L’auteure se propose d’offrir une vue d’ensemble sur le paysage éditorial roumain postcommuniste en prêtant une attention particulière à une philosophie plus récente, à savoir la traduction «verte » , proche d’une approche écocritique. La traduction que l’auteure appelle «verte » , par analogie avec l’éducation et l’école vertes, vise à sensibiliser et à éduquer les enfants afin qu’ils connaissent, aiment et protègent la nature. Elle sera étudiée à partir d’un corpus de textes variés, provenant de plusieurs langues et cultures. Selon l’âge du lecteur, les traductions peuvent permettre à l’enfant de connaître de façon très élémentaire la nature et les quatre saisons dans un livre à toucher, où le texte, essentiel, se limite à quelques commandes-invitations, ensuite à mieux comprendre la vie des arbres, des animaux et des oiseaux, et enfin à l’éveiller à une attitude écologique. Des traductions s’adressant aux adolescents peuvent satisfaire leur désir de découverte et leur curiosité encyclopédique tout en suggérant, en même temps, l’idée plus complexe d’une attitude anthropocentriste nuisible pour la planète, mettant en cause la relation entre l’homme et l’environnement. L’auteure se propose d’identifier dans le paysage éditorial roumain les tendances et les perspectives qui marquent la traduction verte, en signalant à la fois les absences et les carences dans ce domaine en plein épanouissement.
The role of Hepatitis B Core Antibody: Significance and Clinical practice
Authors: Phan Thi Hang Giang , Le Ba Hua , Phan Ngoc Dan Thanh , Nguyen Thi Huyen , Tran Long Anh , Tran Thi Bich Ngoc , Truong Thi Bich Phuong , Nguyen Thi Phuoc , Phan Thi Minh Phuong
Published: April 2023

Hepatitis B infection remains a global health problem, with progression to acute-chronic hepatitis, severe liver failure, and death making hepatitis B one of the most serious infections worldwide. The disease is most widely transmitted from an infected mother to her baby, after exposure to infected blood or body fluids or unsafe sexual contact. Pregnant women, adolescents, and all adults at high risk for chronic infection are recommended to be screened for hepatitis B. Serological tests allow the distinction between acute and chronic hepatitis. Meanwhile, the molecular tests performed provide detection and quantification of viral DNA, genotyping, drug resistance, and pre-core/core mutation analysis to confirm infection and follow monitoring disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Because, the current treatment is only based on nucleotide analogs and pegylated interferons that save lives by decreasing liver cancer death, liver transplant, slowing or reversing the progression of liver disease as well as the virus infectivity. In this review, we clearly light the role of Hepatitis B Core Antibody, therefore clinicians understand the need to screen for hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc), proper interpretation of HBV biomarkers, and that “anti-HBc only” indicates HBV exposure, lifelong persistence of cccDNA with incomplete infection control, and potential risk for reactivation.

Key words: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-HBc/HbcAb).
Cuidados paliativos ao paciente oncológico atendido pela equipe multiprofissional
Authors: Da Cruz Daiana Belize Berté , Pozzebon Bruna Rossarola , Dos Santos Karla Priscilla Paulino , Nunes Amanda da Rosa , Freitas Silvana Caroline Dalmina , Da Silva Francieli Quevedo , Fávero Wágner Mattana , Da Cruz Tarzie Hübner
Published: April 2023

O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar os cuidados paliativos do paciente na oncologia atendido pela equipe multiprofissional. O presente estudo trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura com abordagem qualitativa utilizando as bases de dados: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS); Periódicos Eletrônicos em Psicologia (PEPSIC); Biblioteca Eletrônica Científica Online (SCIELO), no primeiro semestre de 2022. Seguindo os critérios de inclusão e exclusão obteve-se um total de 06 artigos. Resultados apontaram que é necessário conhecer os dilemas éticos vivenciados na prática da equipe de saúde no cuidado da pessoa em tratamento oncológico; verificar a percepção sobre cuidados paliativos, diretivas antecipadas de vontade e ordem de não reanimar de pacientes oncológicos e seus cuidadores, bem como a relação destes com os profissionais de saúde; relatar a metodologia de trabalho utilizada pela equipe do PIDI oncológico; compreender as percepções da equipe interdisciplinar da Unidade de Oncologia Pediátrica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, sobre cuidados paliativos no contexto do câncer infantil; conhecer as percepções, saberes e práticas da equipe multiprofissional na atenção às crianças em cuidados paliativos em unidade de oncologia pediátrica e conhecer a percepção dos acadêmicos de enfermagem sobre cuidados paliativos em oncologia pediátrica. Conclui-se que se torna necessário mais estudos sobre o tema, a importância dos cuidados paliativos ao paciente oncológico e sua família. Ressaltar a importância da equipe multiprofissional em trabalhar no atendimento aos doentes oncológicos, desde as crianças aos idosos, adaptando o processo terapêutico, que é singular a cada fase, à cada situação, em relação aos cuidados paliativos.