bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic and competitive potential of lignin-based thermoplastics using a multicriteria decision-making method
Authors: DIFFO TEGUIA CEDRIC , MEHR NIMA , GLASSER WOLFGANG , STUART PAUL
Published: October 2022

As a result of new lignin extraction plants hatching and increasing volumes of technical lignin becoming available, a variety of lignin derivatives, including phenolic resins and polyurethane (PU) foams, are reaching the marketplace or being used as intermediate products in many industrial applications. In the spectrum of possible lignin derivatives, thermoplastics appear particularly attractive due to a symbiosis of market, policy, and technology drivers.
To assess the preferredness for lignin-based thermoplastics, this paper adapted a risk-oriented methodology formerly applied to assess lignin usage in various applications (phenol-formaldehyde [PF] resins, PU foams, and carbon fiber applications) to the case of lignin-based thermoplastics using hydroxypropylated lignin (HPL) and miscible blends of lignin and polyethylene oxide (PEO). The HPL is considered for garbage bags and agricultural films applications, while lignin-PEO blends are used as replacement for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) in applications such as automotive parts. In the methodology, two phased-implementation strategies were defined for each thermoplastic derivative, considering perspectives for profit maximization (90 metric tons/day integrated units) and revenue growth (350 metric tons/day overall capacity), which were considered for implementation within a softwood kraft pulping mill. A set of six criteria representative of the main economic and market competitiveness issues were employed, and their respective importance weights were obtained in a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) panel.
Early-stage techno-economic estimates were done as a basis for the calculation of decision criteria. Compared to product derivatives previously assessed, capital investment for thermoplastic strategies appeared marginally higher due to the required lignin modification steps (on average 30% higher at similar capacity, and 6% for higher-scale revenue diversification strategies). Higher operating costs were also observed due to increased chemical expenses for all thermoplastic strategies, which are ultimately balanced by revenues associated with targeted thermoplastic products, leading to greater annual margins and cash flow generation over the project lifetime for thermoplastic strategies compared to other product applications (58% to 66% higher on average, at similar scale). Benefits of improved economics were reflected in economic criteria, internal rate of return (IRR), and cash flow on capital employed
(CFCE), as well as in the price competitiveness criterion, CPC. Overall, the combination of relatively high lignin content in the plastic formulation and the less costly modification method contributed to lignin-PEO strategies, gaining the top two rankings. Based on their overall scores, both strategies defined for HPL would also integrate the group of “preferred” strategies, but are outranked by strategies that consider lignin positioning on PU foam applications.
Fiber-based characterization of pulp refining
Authors: KEREKES RICHARD , MACDONALD J. DAVID
Published: October 2022

Fiber development in pulp refining can be characterized by three parameters: number of impacts on pulp, N; energy per impact, I, and bar force on fibers, F. These parameters enable comparisons of radically different refining conditions; determination of intensity for hardwoods and softwoods; assessment of effect of bar width on fiber shortening; and predictions of tensile strength increases.
Over the Wall: A Drone View of the ‘Other’ Side
Authors: Jackson Helen
Published: October 2022

This study intervenes in the presumed remoteness of the visual condition and experience of the aerial image created by the drone apparatus, to create new knowledge about the cultural and societal spaces that these envisioning technologies reveal. Using The Walls that Surround Us, a short drone-film of the Peace Walls in Belfast by local film-maker James Brennan, this study captures the participant’s lived experience of the place that is the film’s subject, and analyses how the system of visual signification captured within the film, operates to intervene, sustain, or subvert his association with this place. This ethnographic framing of the other side of the wall using the drone apparatus, reveals how the human is interconnected with the wider material world, its histories, and events and thus, like the over general labels used to define the different communities in Belfast (Catholic and Protestant), cannot be reduced to dialectical opposition: as a technologically mediated condition there is at once difference and the same.
Narrative Storytelling, Creative Flow and Designing a Methodology in Practice-based Research
Authors: Joiner Rosemary
Published: October 2022

This article focuses on my practice-based research which employs the artefact-exegesis model to write my novel, Kristal and Marg, exploring the impact of volunteering. It addresses approaches to methodology design for practice-based research, and the place for theory, practice and reflective evaluation within. It also focuses on creativity and flow and approaches to directing the creative process in practice-based research. Informed by my own experience in industry and community immersed in volunteering and altruism, my practice-based research looks at capturing the impact of volunteerism through narrative storytelling. This article focuses on what practice-based research allows for that traditional research methods do not, specifically when measuring and exploring the impact of volunteering. The way researchers have measured the impact of volunteerism in the past has varied and the impact of volunteering continues to prove difficult to measure. Attempting to measure the value of volunteering hours in economic terms can be useful, but does it tell the full story? Through practice-based creative research, I have written a novel which attempts to fill the research gaps by telling the real stories of the impact of volunteering.
'Tentacular thinking' in Creative Practice Research as a Radical Intellectual Gesture: A case study of an experimental hybrid film Wash (2022)
Authors: Piotrowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2022

As a filmmaker and scholar I have been involved in the project of creating knowledge through making films, even before I did a PhD and became an academic. It has always been unclear to me why there is the curious divide between the so called 'academic' and 'creative'. All my documentaries for the broadcasters in some way I would argue were 'practice research' without me being quite aware of it. The paper considers the notion of what 'knowledge' might be for a creative research practitioner and how 'high theory' might be of assistance in inspiring ideas and creative strategies. I will share my most recent experience of working across disciplines with the new experimental film Wash (2022). It is a hybrid documentary with element of animation and drama dealing with serious issues of development in Zimbabwe, a country in which I have done much work over the years. The piece of work has been funded by Strategic England Research 2021 and the University of Edinburgh.
In terms of methodology for any creative practice research work, here I suggest that casting a wide net in the search for theoretical and artistic inspirations, using what Donna Haraway would call 'tentacular thinking' is not only not a hindrance in the creative process but could be positively helpful. In this context I discuss here Surrealism, arguably the most influential artistic and theoretical movement, which itself began with a bold drawing from a different praxis and theory, namely psychoanalysis and the work of Sigmund Freud. Surrealism as a creative tool has of course been re-framed, re-thought and re-positioned by various cultures as demonstrated by Venice Bienale and the recent exhibition at Tate Modern in London.) In some way it has also influenced the hybrid film Wash I am presenting here, even as it deals with important issues of understanding a given community before introducing practices that might even be ‘good for them. In the film I have used a patchwork of knowledge, a patchwork of influences, drawing from Surrealism as well as other influences such as postcolonial theories and intangible local knowledge reservoirs.
Questioning Creative Practice Human Research Ethics
Authors: Gough-Brady Catherine
Published: October 2022

One of my first tasks at the creative arts tertiary institution where I work was to examine the existing ethics processes and policy. As a result, I delved into the growing literature on creative practice research ethics to examine the ways in which academic ethics and creative practice research interact. A particular focus of this research became the human research ethics process, with its underlying principle of reduction of harm by the researcher on the individual researched person. This article examines that process and the tensions that arise between the underlying assumptions of university ethics, the realities of creative practice research, and existing industry moral codes. In particular, I explore whether ethics can be discipline specific, the effect of participant anonymity, using a rolling consent process, who the consent is between, and self-care of the researcher. I investigate these topics by reflecting on the experiences of researchers, including my experience. As a result of the discussion, I am led to the point where I challenge existing institutional research practices as pushing researchers into a colonial relationship with the researched.
Collaborative Media Writing: The Making of an Affective Practice
Authors: Febres-Cordero Belen
Published: October 2022

Language in practice-based research is often considered as an insufficient medium to explore and share the complexity of human experience. As a result, the potential of writing as a practice-based method, especially when related to non-fiction genres, has not been widely explored. In this article, I take a different stance. Based on the analysis of the process of writing media content in collaboration with 59 internal migrant women and a local communication NGO and community media outlet in Ecuador, I argue that language is not only cognitive, but also mediates affect and is itself affective. Paying closer attention to this intricate relationship between affect and language can turn writing into an embodied and affective practice-based method. When done collectively, this method can be leveraged by community-engaged projects to open an avenue for communities’ self-representation and meaningful participation in all the stages of the research process. As such, collaborative media writing as a practice-based method can strengthen the efforts and increase the impact of community-engaged initiatives aiming to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and diverse groups.
An Overview of Research-creation in and with Interactive Media
Authors: Dubois Frédéric
Published: October 2022

This essay contributes to and updates scholarship on practice-based research. More concretely, it situates research-creation vis-à-vis practice-based research and discusses the distinction between artistic and mediatic research-creation. The essay insists on affordances of interactive media as they are foundational for drawing accurate research results. The paper contributes to theorizing mediatic research-creation by adding the component of interactivity to it. By introducing interactive documentary (i-doc) as a creative media practice, and by providing a succinct case study of i-doc Field Trip (2019), the text engages with the notion of mediatic research-creation head-on.

 

 

 

Disclaimer: Some passages in this paper are drawn from the author’s doctoral thesis (Dubois, 2021)
Can artistic practices inform an unlearning of normative thought structures? Towards an ethico-onto-epistemological co-constitution with other worlds’ knowledges
Authors: Jaeckel Monika
Published: October 2022

A positionality within the framework of Western Modernity most poignantly is depicted through agency's interpretation as one-sided. It accounts for a belief in control and mastery over a presumably silent or mute 'othered' side, leading to an exclusionary and singular view of the world. Essential for breaching this prevalent approach are questions like how can other knowledges be approached without being appropriated, how can something unknown be made perceptible when generally approved unable as to provide a valuable contribution?

 

Practice-based research emphasises the intertwining of practice and theory rather than juxtaposing reason over the sensual, culture to nature. Focusing on results based on intuition and creativity activates a link between science and the arts. Such intertwining involves the participation across sectors and informs a specific sensitivity to differently defined norms. Creative research's prospect of divergent approaches in these transdisciplinary excursions entails an awareness for critical attitudes and differing possibilities. Its potential to address the normative frameworks surrounding the specific fields derives from these experiences. The text argues that these transversal abilities of creative research are essential for interrogating a worldview based on western modernity towards a co-constitutional attitude. A paradigmatic reference is an engagement with sound/noise in performance practice, as equally on a theoretical level. The intertwined approach allowed to unravel potentialities and also problematics surfacing throughout the project. Response-ability to the resonance of a new tone necessitates an openness to encounter 'new' or other knowledges, which incites an inherent co-constitutional ethics following feminist new materialism.
MENINJAU POLITIK HUKUM KETENAGAKERJAAN INDONESIA DALAM KEADAAN PANDEMI
Authors: Pratama Kristianus Jimy
Published: October 2022

Keadaan pandemi Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) telah menimbulkan dinamika dalam aspek hukum ketenagakerjaan termasuk dalam hal pengaturan regulasi di bidang hukum ketenagakerjaan. Di mana pengaturan regulasi di bidang hukum ketenagakerjaan dalam keadaan pandemi umumnya merujuk pada substansi ketentuan Undang-Undang Nomor 13 Tahun 2003 tentang Ketenagakerjaan dan ketentuan aturan turunan yang didasari oleh Undang-Undang Nomor 6 Tahun 2018 tentang Kekarantinaan Kesehatan. Pengaturan regulasi ketenagakerjaan pada masa pandemi tersebut kemudian menimbulkan berbagai implikasi yang memerlukan kajian lebih lanjut untuk menjelaskan masing-masing dampak pengaturan regulasi terkait dalam sudut pandang hukum ketenagakerjaan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian hukum normatif yang disusun melalui studi kepustakaan. Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini adalah terdapat dua kelompok dinamika hukum ketenagakerjaan yaitu yang disebabkan oleh faktor pandemi dan faktor pembaharuan hukum. Selain itu terkait pembangunan hukum ketenagakerjaan yang dapat dilakukan dalam keadaan pandemi adalah perubahan paradigma pengupahan, rekonseptualisasi pesangon dan penghapusan mekanisme kerja alih daya secara mutlak. Di mana ketiga hal tersebut merupakan konstruksi pembangunan hukum ketenagakerjaan yang bersifat krusial untuk perlindungan hukum pekerja terutama dalam keadaan pandemi.
PENGUATAN REGULASI PERSEROAN TERBATAS PERORANGAN USAHA MIKRO DAN KECIL DALAM MENDUKUNG PEMULIHAN EKONOMI MASA PANDEMI COVID-19
Authors: Pangesti Shinta
Published: October 2022

Salah satu dinamika dan perkembangan hukum pada masa pandemi Covid-19 adalah ditetapkannya UU Cipta Kerja, sebagai salah satu upaya pemerintah dalam mendorong pengembangan usaha mikro dan kecil dengan tujuan untuk meningkatkan perekonomian nasional. Terobosan baru yang terlihat setelah perubahan UU Cipta Kerja terhadap beberapa pasal Undang-Undang Perseroan Terbatas adalah diakui suatu badan hukum perorangan yang memenuhi kriteria untuk usaha mikro dan kecil. Kehadiran perseroan perorangan di satu sisi dapat menjadi stimulus untuk pemulihan ekonomi nasional. Namun tak dapat dipungkiri bahwa masih terdapat kelemahan dalam pengaturannya yang dikhawatirkan dapat dimanfaatkan oleh pihak-pihak yang beritikad buruk. Melalui penelitian hukum normatif serta analisis kualitatif dengan bahan hukum diperoleh melalui studi kepustakaan, penelitian ini membahas pengaturan perseroan kriteria usaha mikro dan kecil berdasarkan UU Cipta Kerja dan peraturan pelaksananya serta celah hukum dan usulan perbaikan pengaturannya. Hasil dari penelitian, pengaturan mengenai perseroan kriteria usaha mikro dan kecil masih memiliki celah hukum, sehingga pemerintah perlu memperkuat pengaturan dasar hukum maupun peraturan pelaksananya pada masa mendatang.
SIMPLIFIKASI TERHADAP PERATURAN- PERATURAN PELAKSANAAN YANG DIBENTUK OLEH PRESIDEN DALAM SISTEM KETATANEGARAAN REPUBLIK INDONESIA
Authors: Ramdhon Syah Alwiyah Sakti
Published: October 2022

Fenomena overregulated yang dialami negara Indonesia bersumber dari jumlah peraturan-peraturan pelaksana yang dibentuk oleh Presiden, sehingga secara alamiah melahirkan kondisi hyper regulation. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis esensi dari peraturan-peraturan pelaksanaan yang dibentuk Presiden dalam sistem ketatanegaraan Indonesia, serta upaya simplifikasi terhadap peraturan-peraturan pelaksanaan yang dibentuk oleh Presiden. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah yuridis normatif, dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa secara alamiah hyper regulation terjadi secara alamiah akibat jenis dan hierarki serta materi muatan peraturan-peraturan pelaksanaan yang dibentuk oleh Presiden, ataupun pembentukan regulasi-regulasi di lingkungan eksekutif. Namun jenis-jenis peraturan pelaksanaan tersebut dapat dilakukan simplikasi karena memiliki materi muatan yang identik.
PENYALAHGUNAAN WEWENANG OLEH PEGAWAI NEGERI SIPIL (Ratio Legis Pasal 36 Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 94 Tahun 2021 Tentang Disiplin Pegawai Negeri Sipil)
Authors: Anggoro Firna Novi
Published: October 2022

PP No. 94 Tahun 2021 tentang Disiplin PNS memuat beberapa ketentuan baru yang belum pernah diatur dalam peraturan Disiplin PNS sebelumnya. Pasal 36 PP No. 94 Tahun 2021 mengatur mekanisme pemeriksaan PNS yang diduga menyalahgunaan wewenang dan berimplikasi terhadap kerugian keuangan negara. Penelitian ini berupaya mengkaji bagaimana ratio legis dari Pasal 36 PP No. 94 Tahun 2021. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian normatif dengan pendekatan peraturan perundang-undangan dan konseptual. Pembacaan terhadap Pasal 36 PP No. 94 Tahun 2021 tidak berdiri sendiri. Diperlukan penafsiran hukum (legal interpretation) sistematis sehingga ketentuan Pasal 36 PP No. 94 Tahun 2021 memiliki keterkaitan erat dengan ketentuan Pasal 20 dan Pasal 21 Undang-Undang No. 30 Tahun 2014 tentang Administrasi Pemerintahan. Ratio Legis Pasal 36 PP No. 94 Tahun 2021 adalah bentuk perlindungan hukum PNS dalam menjalankan tugas dan kewenangannya agar tidak mudah terjadi overcriminalization. Pasal 36 PP No. 94 Tahun 2021 jo. Pasal 20 dan Pasal 21 UUAP memuat pengarusutamaan fungsi hukum administrasi sebagai primum remidium dan hukum pidana sebagai ultimum remidium dalam penyelesaian PNS yang diduga menyalahgunakan wewenang dan berindikasi kerugian keuangan negara. Hal tersebut sejalan dengan asas presumptio iustae causa (vermoeden van rechtmatigheid), prinsip persamaan dihadapan hukum (equality before the law) serta memberikan keadilan yang proporsional bagi PNS. Oleh karena itu, Perlu dilakukan sosialisasi dan internalisasi secara berkelanjutan terkait substansi ketentuan Pasal 36 PP No. 94 Tahun 2021 dan UUAP kepada Pejabat Pembina Kepegawaian, Aparat Pengawas Intern Pemerintah (APIP), Aparat Penegak Hukum dan setiap PNS.
Dacryoendoscopic Findings of Patients with Lacrimal Drainage Obstruction Associated with Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kim Yuri , Lew Helen
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To compare the diagnosis and treatment outcome of lacrimal drainage obstruction of patients who underwent systemic chemotherapy (CTx) or radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) by using dacryoendoscopy and at the same time performing dacryoendoscopy-guided silicone tube insertion (STI) to treat epiphora.Methods: From July 2017 to December 2020, the medical records of 11 patients (16 eyes) were diagnosed with lacrimal drainage obstruction after CTx or RAI and underwent dacryoendoscopy-guided STI were reviewed retrospectively. We tried to count the number of obstructive sites in total patients using slit-lamp examination and dacryoendoscopic findings.Results: A total of 11 patients, 16 eyes, were enrolled in this study. The onset of epiphora in the CTx group (3.0 ± 4.0 months) was significantly shorter than that in the RAI group (52.6 ± 36.5 months, p = 0.001). There were total 32 obstructive sites including 28 obstructive sites of dacryoendoscopic findings and four sites of punctual stenosis in total 16 cases. Using dacryoendoscopy, granulation findings was dominant in RAI patients (p = 0.038) and mucus finding was frequent mostly in lacrimal sac and canaliculus. In the CTx group, mucosal edema finding was dominant (p = 0.038) and fibrotic membrane finding was frequent in all levels of lacrimal drainage system. Regarding the obstructive location, lacrimal sac was the most frequently obstructed site in the two groups (p = 0.038).Conclusions: The onset of epiphora in the CTx group was significantly earlier than in the RAI group. In the CTx group, mucosal edema finding was frequent in all levels of lacrimal drainage system. In the RAI group, granulation finding was frequent mostly in lacrimal sac and canaliculus. Since the clinical outcome was satisfactory, intervention with dacryoendoscopy-guided STI could be a treatment of choice in patients with epiphora after CTx or RAI.
Endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow ecology: actions towards recovery through landscape-scale ecosystem restoration
Authors: Benscoter AM , Romañach SS
Published: October 2022

Understanding the ecology of endangered taxa and the factors affecting their population growth and decline is imperative for their recovery. In the southeastern USA, the Everglades wetland ecosystem supports a high diversity of species and communities, including many endemic and imperiled taxa, such as the federally endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow Ammospiza maritima mirabilis (CSSS). The Everglades, once a completely connected wetland with a slow-moving sheet flow of water, is now compartmentalized into separated wetland units where water distribution is managed year-round. The CSSS is affected by, and at the crux of, many Everglades ecosystem restoration decisions. The CSSS faces conservation challenges, including limited habitat availability, low population numbers, dispersal limitations, and constraints on suitable breeding conditions owing to wetland water levels. Despite these challenges, ecological knowledge of the factors affecting CSSS population numbers in the context of ongoing ecosystem-level restoration can help inform protection of this bird while restoring the Everglades. Existing research shows target hydroperiods between 90 and 210 days, a minimum of 90 consecutive dry days during the breeding season, and non-breeding season fires approximately every 5-10 years may aid in CSSS recovery. There are numerous tools and models to support habitat and water management for the CSSS, and the most recent ecosystem-level water operations plan for the Everglades indicates potential for increased CSSS habitat. Here, we provide a review on the ecology of the CSSS, factors affecting population decline, and ecosystem-level restoration actions that may aid in CSSS recovery.
Novel Insights on Interleukin-10 Functions: A Manipulative Tool for the Deviation of Immune Response and Disease Outcome
Authors: H. Bakiri Alketa , Ç. Mingomata Ervin
Published: October 2022

It is known that IL-10 plays a critical role in the resolution of inflammation or tissue damage and is the most widely studied anti-inflammatory cytokine, as discussed in different reviews. Since its initial discovery, IL-10 production has been observed in an array of leukocytic cell types and some non-immune cells. Considering recent findings, this review discusses the role of IL-10 in different pathological contexts. In this respect, IL-10 may be considered a manipulative tool that suppresses the much more effective T helper 1 profile which is produced upon the influence of infective agents. The increased IL-10 concentration, which persists for a period of days to a few weeks, is associated with influencing various diseases’ outcomes, and its implications are observed in different tissues and processes, including infections, traumas, regeneration, or hyperthermia during physical activity. These findings reinforce the concept that IL-10 should be used in association with co-stimulatory effectors as necessary to exert the appropriate influence during the management of inflammatory or infective pathologies. Hopefully, further findings can open new avenues to study the biology of this cytokine and its therapeutic potential.
У вирі конфліктів: українська діаспора у Франції (1925-1930 рр.)
Authors: Савченко Віктор
Published: October 2022

Після закінчення Першої світової війни почався процес формування української діаспори у Франції, що займала провідні геополітичні позиції у світі. Українські емігранти намагалися скористатися політичними свободами, нормами конституції Франції, браком трудових ресурсів у цій країні.

Українська діаспора у Франції не була єдиною, але переважна більшість її складалася з трудових емігрантів із Західної України, серед політичних емігрантів переважали ветерани українського визвольного руху, які у 1917-1921 рр. боролися із більшовицькою окупацією України. Емігрантів з Галичини та Буковини (у 1920-х рр. ці території були окуповані Польщею та Румунією) рахувалося бл. 30 тис. чол., ще бл. 7 тис. емігрантів складали діячі Центральної Ради та Директорії УНР, вояки з армій УНР і гетьманату. Їх об’єднувало спільне прагнення домогтися своїх прав, протистояти ворожій агітації та діям російської еміграції, радянських дипломатів-шпигунів, польсько-румунській пропаганді, що малювали українців у Франції як «більшовиків» і «германофілів».

Українські урядовці УНР на еміграції спромоглися створити центр політичного життя українців у Франції, але вбивство С. Петлюри та виправдання французькою Фемідою його вбивці нанесли значної шкоди українській діаспорі. Друга половина 1920-х рр. стала часом постійних конфліктів у середовищі українських емігрантів у Франції. Ці внутрішні чвари, що мали як ідеологічне, соціально-культурне, так і фінансове підґрунтя, підсилювалися з допомогою радянських резидентів в емігрантському середовищі, впливу російської еміграції, яка була вороже налаштована щодо українців у Франції. Все це призвело до фрагментації української еміграції та перебування її у соціальному «гетто», до того, що Державний Центр УНР не зміг досягти поставлених завдань у Франції та був вимушений залишити цю країну.
Історія Уманського державного педагогічного університету: класифікація джерел
Authors: Джагунова Олена
Published: October 2022

Стаття є спробою аналізу, висвітлення та систематизації джерельної бази з історії Уманського педагогічного університету імені Павла Тичини. Авторка класифікувала та систематизувала комплекс джерел з історії університету, що дає змогу хронологічно відтворити становище вищої педагогічної освіти у радянський період на прикладі одного університету; процеси реформувань і перетворень системи вищої педагогічної освіти в незалежній Україні; процес організації та діяльності Уманського державного педагогічного університету імені Павла Тичини, його навчальних підрозділів, створення навчально-матеріальної бази інституту, формування викладацького складу та контингенту студентів, організацію навчально-методичної і наукової роботи.
Women’s Practices of Everyday Life in the Conditions of the Ukrainian Village in the First Years of Post-War Reconstruction (1944-1947)
Authors: Starodubets Galyna
Published: October 2022

The purpose of article is to use the example of Zhytomyr Oblast and describe the daily survival practices of women collective farmers in the conditions of the reconstruction of the collective farm system and the famine of 1946-1947 and the peculiarities of their perception of those transformational processes, which they were witnesses and participants of.

Scientific novelty. The topic of everyday life in the Ukrainian village in the period of late Stalinism is considered from the aspect of experience of Ukrainian collective farmers women for the first time in Ukrainian historiography.

Conclusion. The core of the post-war reconstruction of the Ukrainian village was the restoration of the collective farm system. Given the changes in the demographic situation caused by the war and the German occupation of Ukrainian territories, women were the main mobilization resource for replenishing the ranks of collective farm workers. The memories of peasant women/peasants of Zhytomyr region provide grounds for the conclusion that in the period under study, the collective farm system had a distinctly discriminatory nature for women. Labor relations in the structure of the collective farm, which during the famine of 1946-1947 had a repressive character, had a dominant influence on the everyday lifestyle of the rural family.

According to the stories of our respondents, in the period we studied, the responsibility for the survival of the family mostly rested on the woman-mother. In historiography, this status of hers is usually called ‘double burden’. There have been certain changes in the spatial and temporal dimensions of women’s everyday life. The woman had to combine hard work in the collective farm with work in the household and care and upbringing of children. During the famine of 1946-1947, women’s survival practices to some extent depended on her status: either she was a ‘widow’ (the breadwinner of the family) or ‘had a husband’ (responsibility for providing for the family was shared between spouses). In general, it can be confidently asserted that the strategies of everyday behavior of the peasants in the first years of post-war reconstruction had a clear imprint of gender-colored labeling.
Chitosan degradation products promote healing of burn wounds of rat skin
Authors: Zhang Chuwei , Zhang Qingrong , Yang Dongmei , Qiao Yating , Wang Bolin , Yan Jun , Li Zihan , Huang Zhanghao , Zhou Youlang , Hu Kesu , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2022

Burns can impair the barrier function of the skin, and small burns can also cause high mortality. The WHO has described that over 180,000 people die of burns worldwide each year. Thus, the treatment of burn wounds is a major clinical challenge. Chitooligosaccharides (COS) are alkaline amino oligosaccharides with small molecular weights obtained by enzyme or chemical degradation of chitosan. With the characteristics of biocompatibility, water solubility and degradability, it has attracted increasing attention in the fields of biomedicine. In the present study, we used COS to treat deep second-degree burn wounds of rat skin and found that COS was able to promote wound healing. We also revealed that COS could promote fibroblast proliferation. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed on COS-treated fibroblasts to identify the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that COS was able to promote wound healing through regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and growth factor Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF). Our results provide a potential drug for burn wound therapy and the related molecular mechanism.
An in vitro bladder model with physiological dynamics: Vesicoureteral reflux alters stent encrustation pattern
Authors: Zheng Shaokai , Amado Pedro , Obrist Dominik , Burkhard Fiona , Clavica Francesco
Published: October 2022

In vitro models are indispensable to study the physio-mechanical characteristics of the urinary tract and to evaluate ureteral stent performances. Yet previous models mimicking the urinary bladder have been limited to static or complicated systems. In this study, we designed a simple in vitro bladder model to simulate the dynamics of filling and voiding. The physio-mechanical condition of the model was verified using a pressure-flow test with different bladder outlet obstruction levels, and a reflux test was performed to qualitatively demonstrate the stent associated vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Finally, the setup was applied with and without the bladder model to perform encrustation tests with artificial urine on commercially available double-J stents, and the volumes of luminal encrustations were quantified using micro-Computed Tomography and image segmentation. Our results suggest that, VUR is an important factor contributing to the dynamics in the upper urinary tract with indwelling stents, especially in patients with higher bladder outlet obstruction levels. The influence of VUR should be properly addressed in future in vitro studies and clinical analyses.
Magnetic hydrogels with ordered structure for biomedical applications
Authors: Xue Le , Sun Jianfei
Published: October 2022

Magnetic hydrogels composed of hydrogel matrices and magnetic nanomaterials have attracted widespread interests. Thereinto, magnetic hydrogels with ordered structure possessing enhanced functionalities and unique architectures, show tremendous advantages in biomedical fields. The ordered structure brought unique anisotropic properties and excellent physical properties. Furthermore, the anisotropic properties of magnetic ordered hydrogels are more analogous to biological tissues in morphology and mechanical property, showing better biocompatibility and bioinducibility. Thus, we aim to systematically describe the latest advances of magnetic hydrogels with ordered structure. Firstly, this review introduced the synthetic methods of magnetic hydrogels focus on constructing ordered structure. Then, their functionalities and biomedical applications are also summarized. Finally, the current challenges and a compelling perspective outlook of magnetic ordered hydrogel are present.
Diagnosis values of Dectin-1 and IL-17 levels in plasma for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in bronchiectasis
Authors: He Qian , Li Min , Cao Jiaqi , Zhang Ming , Feng Chunlai
Published: October 2022

Background

Among immunocompetent patients, patients with bronchiectasis are considered to be a high-risk group for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis of patients.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of Dectin-1 and IL-17 for diagnosing IPA with bronchiectasis.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data on patients with bronchiectasis who had been hospitalized in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between September 2018 to December 2021. Dectin-1, IL-17 and GM were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

A total of 129 patients were analyzed in the study, of whom 33 had proven or probable IPA with bronchiectasis. The remaining 96 patients served as controls. The plasma Dectin-1 and IL-17 levels in the IPA group were significantly higher than that in the control group (P=0.005; P<0.001). The plasma GM, BALF GM, plasma Dectin-1 and IL-17 assays had sensitivities of 39.4%, 62.5%, 69.7% and 78.8%, respectively, and specificities of 89.2%, 91.5%, 72.9% and 71.9%, respectively. The sensitivity of Dectin-1 and IL-17 in plasma was higher than that in plasma and BALF GM. while the specificity is lower than that of plasma and BALF GM. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of plasma GM combined with IL-17 for IPA in bronchiectasis were greater than 80%. The combination of plasma GM and IL-17 can improve the sensitivity of the GM test, but does not reduce the diagnostic specificity. The plasma Dectin-1 and IL-17 showed positive linear correlations with the bronchiectasis severity Index (BSI) score in linear regression.

Conclusions

Plasma Dectin-1 and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in bronchiectasis patients with IPA. The sensitivity of Dectin-1 and IL-17 was superior to that of GM for the diagnosis of IPA in patients with bronchiectasis. The combination of GM and IL-17 in plasma is helpful for the diagnosis of IPA in bronchiectasis patients who cannot tolerate invasive procedures.
Clinical carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates simultaneously harboring blaNDM-1, blaOXA types and qnrS genes from the Kingdom of Bahrain: Resistance profile and genetic environment
Authors: Shahid Mohammad , Ahmad Nayeem , Saeed Nermin Kamal , Shadab Mohd , Joji Ronni Mol , Al-Mahmeed Ali , Bindayna Khalid M. , Tabbara Khaled Saeed , Dar Fazal K.
Published: October 2022

The prevalence of Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is currently increasing worldwide, prompting WHO to classify it as an urgent public health threat. CRKP is considered a difficult to treat organism owing to limited therapeutic options. In this study, a total of 24 CRKP clinical isolates were randomly collected from Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed, on MALDI-TOF and VITEK-2 compact, respectively. The isolates were screened for carbapenem resistance markers (blaNDM,blaOXA-23,blaOXA-48 and blaOXA-51) and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes (qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS) by monoplex PCR. On the other hand, only colistin-resistant isolates (n=12) were screened for MCR-1, MCR-2 and MCR-3 genes by monoplex PCR. Moreover, the Genetic environment of blaNDM, integrons analysis, and molecular characterization of plasmids was also performed. Antibiotic susceptibility revealed that all the isolates (100%) were resistant to ceftolozane/tazobactam, piperacillin/tazobactam, 96% resistant to ceftazidime, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 92% resistant to meropenem, gentamicin and cefepime, 88% resistant to ciprofloxacin, imipenem, and 37% resistant to amikacin. Ceftazidime/avibactam showed the least resistance (12%). 75% (n=12/16) were resistant to colistin and 44% (n=7/16) showed intermediate susceptibility to tigecycline. The detection of resistant determinants showed that the majority (95.8%) of CRKP harbored blaNDM-1, followed by blaOXA-48 (91.6%) blaOXA-51 (45.8%), and blaOXA-23 (41.6%). Sequencing of the blaNDM amplicons revealed the presence of blaNDM-1. Alarmingly, 100% of isolates showed the presence of qnrS. These predominant genes were distributed in various combinations wherein the majority were blaNDM-1 + blaOXA-51+ qnrS + blaOXA-48 (n =10, 41.7%), blaNDM-1 + blaOXA-23+ qnrS + blaOXA-48 (n=8, 33.3%), among others. In conclusion, the resistance rate to most antibiotics is very high in our region, including colistin and tigecycline, and the genetic environment of CRKP is complex with the carriage of multiple resistance markers. Resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam is uncommon and hence can be used as a valuable option for empirical therapy. Molecular data on resistance markers and the genetic environment of CRKP is lacking from this geographical region; this would be the first report addressing the subject matter. Surveillance and strict infection control strategies should be reinforced in clinical settings to curb the emergence and spread of such isolates.
Rhinolophus sinicus virome revealed multiple novel mosquito-borne zoonotic viruses
Authors: Peng Chengcheng , Zhang Duo , Li Chenghui , Li Yiquan , Zhang He , Li Nan , Xiao Pengpeng
Published: October 2022

To exploit the Rhinolophus sinicus–specific virome, 29 Rhinolophus sinicus were gathered in Lincang, China. Enriched viral sequences of 22 virus families were acquired by metavirome techniques. Hereby, the part of virome in Rhinolophus sinicus, including Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Getah virus, and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) were validated by PCR. Five CHIKV viral sequences were amplified, among which CHIKV-China/B2016C-1 shared the highest homology to CHIKV isolated from Italy in 2007, with the genotype as African ECS. Eight JEV viral sequences were amplified, of which JEV-China/B2016E-1 shared the highest homology with at least 91.3% nt identity with the JEV sequence found in South Korea in 1988 and was classified as genotype III. Notably, JEV was isolated for the first time in Rhinolophus sinicus. The newly isolated JEV-China/B2016-1 could increase infectivity while passaging in Vero cells from BHK-21 cells. Overall, the research sheds insight into the diversity and viral susceptibility dynamics of the virome in Rhinolophus sinicus and reveals new light on the ecology of other important viral hosts.
Humor and poignancy: Exploring narrative pathways to face death and bereavement
Authors: Fitzgerald Kaitlin , Francemone C. Joseph , Grizzard Matthew
Published: October 2022

Themes of death and grief emerge in media entertainment in ways that are both poignant and humorous. In this experimental study, we extend research on eudaimonic narratives about death to consider those that are hedonic. Participants read a story about a woman giving a eulogy for her friend that was manipulated to be either poignant-focused or humor-focused, and answered questions about their responses to the story, feelings of connectedness with others, and death acceptance. The narrative conditions elicited similar levels of narrative engagement and appreciation, but the humor-focused narrative elicited more enjoyment than the poignant-focused narrative. Connectedness did not differ between conditions. However, the humor-focused narrative elicited more death acceptance when controlling for participants' personal loss acceptance and grief severity, and individual differences in the dark tetrad personality traits, trait depression, and religious upbringing. We tested these effects in an integrated path model and found that the model fit the data well and the narrative pathways explained variance in both death acceptance and connectedness. Our findings have implications for how death and grief are depicted in media entertainment: namely, that death is an inherently poignant topic and the addition of humorous elements in bereavement narratives may be especially effective in increasing death acceptance.
Safety of transesophageal echocardiography during transcatheter edge-to-edge tricuspid valve repair: A single-center experience
Authors: Hellhammer Katharina , Schueler Robert , Eißmann Mareike , Schumacher Brigitte , Wolf Alexander , Bruder Oliver , Schmitz Thomas , Lambers Moritz
Published: October 2022

Objectives

We aimed to determine transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) related complications during Transcatheter edge-to-edge tricuspid valve repair (TTVR).

Background

Transesophageal echocardiography is essential to guide structural heart disease (SHD) interventions. TTVR has become an evolving procedure for high-risk patients not suitable for surgery. Whether this complex procedure is associated with TEE related complications is not known so far.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 64 consecutive patients undergoing TTVR between 2019 and 2021 with the TriClip system (Abbott, Chicago, IL, USA) at our center. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia (GA). TEE related complications were classified as major and minor complications.

Results

Transesophageal echocardiography related complications were observed in two patients (3.1%) with one major complication (1.6%) and one minor complication (1.6%). In one patient perforation of the esophageal mucosa requiring red blood cell transfusion was observed, the other patient had hematemesis due to minor esophageal and gastric lesions without the need for blood transfusion. Both patients recovered during hospital stay with no persistent symptoms at discharge.

Conclusions

Transesophageal echocardiography related complications during TTVR are clinically relevant occurring in 3.1% of the patients. Further investigations are needed to identify potential risk factors and patients at high risk to develop a TEE related complication in the course of TTVR.
Five-years’ prognostic analysis for coronary artery ectasia patients with coronary atherosclerosis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Ruifeng , Gao Xiangyu , Liang Siwen , Zhao Huiqiang
Published: October 2022

Background

Most of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) patients have comorbid coronary atherosclerosis. It was lack of prognostic data for CAE patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and for whom with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Objective

To determine the overall prognosis for CAE patients.

Materials and methods

This study was a retrospective cohort study. Fifty-one patients with CAE and comorbid AMI (CAE + AMI) and 108 patients with CAE and comorbid CHD (CAE + CHD) were enrolled and matched to non-CAE subjects at a ratio of 1:3 using a propensity score method, respectively. Controls for CAE + AMI group were 153 AMI patients, controls for CAE group were 324 CHD patients and 329 participants with relatively normal coronary arteries (CON). We followed them up to observe major cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the prognosis in CAE + AMI group was worse than in AMI group (5-year non-MACE rate: 62.70% vs. 79.70%, P = 0.010), the prognosis in CAE group was worse than in CHD and CON groups (5-year non-MACE rate: 74.10% vs. 85.80% and 96.70%, respectively, P = 0.000). The main MACEs in CAE + AMI and CAE groups were AMI reoccurrence (19.61% vs. 4.57%, P = 0.002) and re-hospitalization due to repeated angina pectoris (14.81% vs. 8.33% and 2.74%, P = 0.000), respectively. Additionally, the COX regression analysis revealed that the protective factors for preventing MACE in CAE + AMI group included antiplatelet agents (hazard ratio = 0.234, P = 0.016) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor inhibitor (ACEI/ARB, hazard ratio = 0.317, P = 0.037). Whereas the main factor promoting MACE in CAE group was the degree of coronary stenosis (Gensini score, hazard ratio = 1.011, P = 0.022).

Conclusion

The prognosis of patients with CAE + AMI was worse than that of those with AMI. The overall prognosis of patients with CAE was worse than that of those with CHD. CAE + AMI and CAE groups had different characteristics; the former was prone to AMI reoccurrence, and the latter was prone to repeated angina pectoris. To prevent MACE, medications, including antiplatelets and ACEI/ARBs, are indicated for patients with CAE + AMI, whereas prevention of the progression of atherosclerotic lesions is indicated for patients with CAE.
The characteristics of thoracic aortic dissection in autopsy-diagnosed individuals: An autopsy study
Authors: Zhao Qianhao , Yin Kun , Zhou Nan , Wu Qiuping , Xiao Yuxi , Zheng Jinxiang , Zheng Da , Bi Qiming , Quan Li , Hu Bingjie , Cheng Jianding
Published: October 2022

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death associated with aortic diseases. The age of TAD victims in forensic studies is significantly younger than hospitalized patients with TAD, while only a few studies have been conducted on autopsy-diagnosed TAD deceased. A retrospective study was conducted at the Medicolegal Center of Sun Yat-sen University from 1999 to 2019 to address the characteristics of TAD victims. A total of 200 deceased from spontaneous rupture of TAD were assessed, with 165 (82.5%) males and 175 (87.5%) Stanford type A deceased. Our main results showed that compared with patients with TAD diagnosed during their lifetime, individuals diagnosed with TAD until an autopsy showed an earlier onset (43.80 years old) and less accompanied hypertension (<50%). Sudden death was the initial symptom of 32 decedents. Instead of chest/back pain (40 decedents), abdominal pain (59 decedents) was the most common initial symptom, and 42 decedents presented with no accompanying pain. A higher proportion of abdominal pain and the painless symptom was associated with a higher risk of misdiagnosis. Women showed a more atypical clinical presentation and rapid progression than men. Younger decedents showed more pronounced left heart changes. The present study implicated the TAD individuals diagnosed until an autopsy as a particular entity, indicating the urgent need for further investigation on early diagnosis and pathogenesis of patients with TAD with atypical pain and painless or with younger age to reduce the burden of TAD-related sudden death.