bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Types of intraoperative positioning nerve injuries
Authors: Qaffas Mohammed F. , Alrefaie Ahmad S. , Algadheeb Sultan S. , Aldabbous Fatemah M. , Alkanderi Roaa A. , Alshatti Qanot N. , Altalhi Lina A. , Elabbasy Hamza M. , Alhussain Abdullah A. , Alghamdi Abdullatif M. , Agil Maan H. , Bakhsh Abdulelah W.
Published: October 2023

Intraoperative positioning nerve injuries are a known complication that can occur during surgical procedures when patients are placed in specific positions on the operating table. The causes of intraoperative positioning nerve injuries are multifactorial and are associated with aspects related to how the patient is positioned during the surgical procedure and the duration for which pressure or tension is applied to nerves. This study was conducted to identify and categorize the various types of intraoperative positioning nerve injuries and to establish prognostic classifications for these injuries. The aim was to address the imperative need for strategies to prevent and manage such injuries effectively. The study involved an extensive review of existing literature, encompassing databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Intraoperative positioning nerve injuries can be categorized based on several parameters, including the nature of the injury, the specific nerve or nerve plexus affected, and the severity of the damage incurred. Two major classification systems based on injury extent are Seddon’s and Sunderland’s classifications. Types based on anatomical region can be loosely divided into nerves present in the upper limb, lower limb, head and neck, and thoracic region. The prevention of intraoperative positioning nerve injuries is of paramount importance and hinges on meticulous preoperative planning, the utilization of appropriate positioning techniques, and the diligent monitoring of patients throughout the surgery.
Assessment of district early intervention centres in India
Authors: Gafurjiwala Seemabanu M. , Kumar Yashaswini , Nirupama A. Y.
Published: October 2023

India has the largest number of children between the ages of 0-18 years globally with a child population of over 400 million. Developmental delays affect a minimum 10% of preschool children, preventing them from reaching their full development potential. The studies to estimate the prevalence of disability and its association with socio-demographic and quality of life may provide valuable information for optimizing how health and social welfare organizations deal with morbidities. The paper concludes with a discussion that reflects on the functionary status of district early intervention centre (DEICs) in India and finds out the gaps in the referral system of DEICs combined with a general reflection on the utility of the rapid cycle evaluation model used. There is the scope of the country-level uniformity of reporting of the data of children with delayed development and disabilities. The policymakers should notice that early intervention can reduce the burden of disease and disability‑adjusted life years (DALYs) and improve the quality of life of the next young generation of India.
Masks and the scourge of microplastic pollution
Authors: Menon Anirudh K. , Mohan Manu
Published: October 2023

Personal protective equipment (PPE) has been the cornerstone of prevention of virus transmission during outbreaks like COVID-19.1 The recent pandemic necessitated the widespread use of masks among the public. While safe disposal of masks is satisfactorily achieved in hospital settings, the unsafe disposal of masks used in the households is a growing environmental concern. Also called as the ‘plastic impact of the pandemic’, the burden of face mask litter has grown into a significant pollution problem.
Introduction to NJWLS 2023-3
Authors: Buch Anders
Published: October 2023

This fall issue of Nordic Journal of Working Life Studies brings four research articles from Sweden and Denmark.
Ni dentro ni fuera: en movimiento
Authors: Ariza Parrado Lucas
Published: October 2023

El título que nombra este nuevo número de la revista Dearq, “Fuera del radar”, es sugerente y, al mismo tiempo, tiene algo de paradójico o enigmático. Por un lado, no sabemos si hoy en día, en este mundo raro que habitamos, es posible imaginar algo que pueda reconocerse fuera del radar. ¿Habrá manera de escapar de los mecanismos de control que nos ubican, escuchan, miden y entretienen? ¿Será posible huir de los radares y así quedar por fuera de su alcance? Por otro lado, en estos tiempos de permanentes crisis alarmantes y definitivas, de incertidumbres turbias y catástrofes dramáticas, en los que las disciplinas se ven obligadas a reajustarse y redefinirse con más asiduidad de lo esperado, ¿tiene sentido trazar una línea que permita estar dentro o fuera de alguna de ellas? ¿Quién la determina? ¿Qué contiene esa línea? ¿Acaso tiene fecha de vencimiento? Si así fuera, entre otras cosas, sería necesario entender su durabilidad o, más bien, asimilar que constantemente se redibuja y es trazada de nuevo, sin que eso la haga menos importante.
Pandemia, utopía y proyecto. Futuros urbanos imaginados desde el confinamiento
Authors: Mondragón López Hugo , Wagemann Farfán Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

La pandemia por covid-19, que se sumó a la degradación ambiental, la distribución desigual de la riqueza, los desastres socionaturales y la crisis de la democracia, aumentó la percepción de malestar urbano. Históricamente, esta percepción ha contribuido a la generación de visiones tanto apocalípticas como utópicas, que se han asociado a un espacio construido que las acoge. Este artículo reflexiona sobre la relación entre malestar y utopía urbana mediante un examen crítico de los futuros urbanos imaginados por estudiantes de arquitectura en dos talleres internacionales que se llevaron a cabo en 2020, cuando todos los participantes estaban confinados.
Usos alternativos de materiales cerámicos convencionales. Regionalismo crítico contemporáneo ante el canon moderno y conciencia climática.
Authors: Marcos Carlos L. , Lanzara Emanuela , Capone Mara
Published: October 2023

En las últimas décadas viene observándose un resurgimiento en el uso alternativo de materiales cerámicos en arquitecturas diseñadas con sensibilidad fenomenológica, lo que ha supuesto repensar su materialización y formalización, y un entendimiento del lugar que incorpora sus características climatológicas. El artículo analiza nuevos modos de emplear el ladrillo u otros materiales cerámicos con conciencia climática, para superar los roles asociados con este material y con los sistemas constructivos en su función de cerramiento, transformándose en piel y filtro que permite protegerse del sol dosificando ventilación e iluminación naturales. En su estadio tecnológico más avanzado, siguen una lógica computacional caracterizada por la disrupción digital.
Fuera del radar
Authors: Delgado Orusco Eduardo , Medina Juan Manuel
Published: October 2023

Cuando como editores invitados pensamos en el tema para esta nueva entrega de la revista Dearq, comenzamos inmediatamente un diálogo —de hecho, un diálogo mantenido entre nosotros desde hace muchos años— en el que cada uno aludía a sus obsesiones o a sus intereses más o menos profundos en relación con la arquitectura y sus saberes asociados. Y en lo que inevitablemente coincidíamos, era en la necesidad de superar la condición actual de la disciplina. Una cierta medianía —acaso la más rotunda mediocridad— derivada de la aplicación indiscriminada y poco sensible de los postulados de una modernidad bostezante y ya anciana. De alguna forma, nuestros encuentros dialécticos nos conducían al replanteamiento de unos principios cuyos resultados no nos convencían. Podría hablarse del desbordamiento del statu quo de la arquitectura que, no obstante, alcanzó a muchas otras disciplinas e incluso a la condición humana de este principio —ya no tan principio— del siglo XXI. Pero para superar este disgusto se hacía necesario explorar más allá de los límites de nuestro trabajo. Emprender un camino por campos ignotos, salir de nuestra zona de confort para adentrarnos por territorios apenas hollados, tierras vírgenes para nuestra cultura. Así, la única condición de este viaje consistía en traspasar el (o los) límites(s) de lo conocido. Buscar más allá del radar.
RAKUT SITELU AS A BRAND OF RELIGIOUS MODERATION MEDIA IN NORTH SUMATRA
Authors: Sazali Hasan , Matondang Abdul Rahman , Amal Bakhrul Khair
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this research is to analyze the existing Rakut Sitelu system in the social life of the Karo ethnic group in North Sumatra and to synthesize the values of Rakut Sitelu as a means of religious moderation in North Sumatra. The method used in this research is ethnography and reference tracing, involving data collection from interviews, books, journals, and manuscripts for further analysis. The results of this research conclude that Rakut Sitelu has deep roots in the Karo ethnic kinship, where the three bonds of kalimbubu, senina, and anak beru coexist in daily activities with an attitude of mutual respect, assistance, and cooperation based on their respective structures, without distinguishing religion. Rakut Sitelu also exhibits manifestations of religious moderation values, such as high tolerance, anti-violence, and accommodation of their own culture. This can serve as a reference for implementing moderate values in North Sumatra, especially for the Karo ethnic group.
RETHINKING RELIGIOUS MODERATION THROUGH THE STUDY OF INDONESIAN EXEGESIS: A STUDY OF TAFSIR AL-AZHAR BY HAMKA
Authors: Basri Basri , Muhammad Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Realizing religious moderation has become a medium-term program of the President for the 2020-2024 period. This program has been entrusted to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Through a moderation team, the Ministry of Religion has formulated indicators of religious moderation, one of which is tolerance. According to the Ministry of Religion, tolerance is defined as having an open, broad-minded, voluntary, and gentle attitude towards accepting differences. Tolerance is always accompanied by respect, accepting those who are different as part of ourselves, and thinking positively. This tolerance is further divided into two categories: inter-religious and intra-religious. The hope of inter-religious tolerance is the emergence of an attitude towards followers of other religions that involves willingness to engage in dialogue, cooperation, support for the establishment of places of worship, and interacting with followers of other religions. On the other hand, Hamka is one of the prominent Muslim scholars in Indonesia known for his remarkable exegesis work that is widely studied in Asia, particularly in Indonesia. Hamka, who lived during a period of political upheaval both domestically and internationally, had a significant impact on his thinking concepts, which were later reflected in his works. This article aims to explore Hamka's views on other religions, particularly Judaism, delve deeper into the existence or absence of Jewish/Zionist conspiracies, and analyze Hamka's acceptance of other religions. The research methodology employed is literature review with a descriptive-analytic analysis as a guide in this article. The findings show that Hamka's exegesis contradicts the concept of religious moderation presented by the Ministry of Religion. In Hamka's exegesis, there are many suspicions towards Jews, although discussions on the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, according to observers, are considered conspiracies, fictional, and lack valid evidence. Additionally, Hamka falls into the category of exclusive Islam that does not accept any religion other than Muhammadanism.
Los organismos económicos internacionales en retrospectiva: de la paz perpetua a la integración regional
Authors: Boundi Chraki Fahd
Published: October 2023

El objetivo de este artículo es hacer un breve estudio retrospectivo de los organismos económicos internacionales sobre la paz perpetua, el auge del capital mercantil y la consolidación del sistema monetario, la institucionalización de las relaciones internacionales a través del sistema del patrón oro y el proceso de integración económica tras la Segunda Guerra Mundial. La conclusión principal es que las organizaciones económicas internacionales, además de estar construidas sobre la base de la necesidad de salvaguardar la paz entre los Estados, han sido definidas por las teorías económicas dominantes a lo largo del desarrollo histórico del capitalismo.
El turismo y la transformación del capital social en las comunidades rurales
Authors: Ayala Suarez Yesika Alejandra , Vianchá Sánchez Zulma Hasbleidy , Cruz Vásquez José Luis
Published: October 2023

El turismo es un fenómeno social que produce cambios en los ámbitos territorial y relacional. Su desarrollo depende justamente del contexto, las estructuras, los procesos, las personas locales, los turistas y de quienes participan de la actividad económica en el territorio. Lo anterior hace que se generen diversas relaciones socioculturales estableciendo cierto nivel y tipo de capital social. El objetivo del presente artículo de revisión es identificar procesos de transformación del capital social por influencia del turismo en comunidades rurales, a partir de la revisión de casos en el mundo, publicados en las bases de datos Scopus, Web of Science y Lens; se seleccionaron, analizaron y clasificaron artículos publicados en inglés y español desde el año 2010 a 2022. La investigación permite describir los elementos que han fortalecido o erosionado el capital social.
La economía y el comercio exterior colonial de Venezuela antes de la independencia
Authors: Torres Danilo
Published: October 2023

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar, desde una perspectiva de historia comparada, algunos rasgos del sector exportador venezolano en la colonia, particularmente de la parte final de este periodo, considerando los efectos de esta actividad en la estructura económica, social y política, como preámbulo del proceso independentista. La hipótesis central que se pretende demostrar es que el desarrollo económico y comercial que se dio en la segunda parte del siglo XVIII generó discrepancias entre la élite productiva y la comercial. Estas contradicciones se agudizaron al final del periodo colonial, al incorporarse otros grupos sociales tradicionalmente marginados y al evidenciarse un mayor interés de las autoridades españolas coloniales y de la misma metrópoli por la región. La economía política de este proceso ¾conflicto por la distribución del excedente económico derivado del comercio exterior¾ se constituyó en un ingrediente adicional al proceso independista.
Explotación petrolera y desarrollo humano de Tauramena, Colombia
Authors: Arévalo Montañéz Sebastián , Apolinar Cardenas Ricardo Alexander , Beltran Rueda Lina Patricia
Published: October 2023

Colombia, bajo la influencia de las economías de enclave, se ha encaminado a desarrollar actividades extractivas de materias primas para su exportación como principal fuente de ingreso. Tales actividades, provenientes en la mayoría de los casos de inversión extranjera directa, posteriormente ocasionan, además de grandes bonanzas por regalías, problemas y conflictos de carácter socioeconómico y ambiental en las poblaciones donde se llevan a cabo. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la incidencia de la explotación petrolera en el desarrollo humano de los habitantes del municipio de Tauramena (departamento de Casanare) en el año 2022, a través de una metodología cualicuantitativa que incluye entrevistas semiestructuradas y encuestas, con la estimación de un modelo de análisis de varianza (ANOVA). Los resultados evidencian que la explotación petrolera no es estadísticamente significativa en la percepción del desarrollo humano ni en sus componentes; además, presenta significancia negativa en los servicios públicos, la riqueza natural, las poblaciones foráneas y la seguridad.
Una revisión a la integración latinoamericana: de la ALALC a la ALADI
Authors: Villarreal García Julio Francisco , Portugal Jesus Lua Haylee , Carrion Loyola Andrea Alejandra , Quispe Robles Jhoan Luis
Published: October 2023

El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar las razones del fracaso de la Asociación Latinoamericana de Libre Comercio (ALALC) y, en concreto, las causas de la reorganización para constituirse en la Asociación Latinoamericana de Integración (ALADI). Este artículo no solo tiene una perspectiva económica, pues también indaga en materias político-sociales relativas al carácter y los propósitos de las integraciones regionales. El método empleado para este análisis económico e histórico se basa en la revisión bibliográfica de los mecanismos de integración económica en Latinoamérica. Los resultados muestran que las principales razones del fracaso de ALALC pueden ser explicadas debido a la diversidad de lecturas que sus propios Estados fundadores hicieran en relación con el objetivo de la asociación, la falta de un programa político-económico consolidado por parte de estos y la inviabilidad de las negociaciones de tales Estados en el marco de las así llamadas listas comunes y nacionales. El estudio de tal fracaso, en definitiva, nos permitirá dar cuenta de las consecuencias materiales y comerciales concretas de la celebración de un libre comercio entre Estados con un desarrollo económico disímil, análisis cuya relevancia se conserva en la actualidad.
El Plan Nacional de Desarrollo 2022-2026: Colombia, potencia mundial de la vida
Authors: Vallejo Zamudio Luis Eudoro
Published: October 2023

El presidente de la República, Gustavo Petro Urrego, sancionó e1 pasado 19 de mayo de 2023 la Ley 2294, mediante la cual se expide el Plan Nacional de Desarrollo “Colombia, potencia mundial de la vida”. Este plan, que se ejecutará en el cuatrienio2022-2026, se convierte en la hoja de ruta de las políticas públicas económicas, sociales y ambientales, así como de las inversiones gubernamentales. El plan consta de 372 artículos y prevé inversiones públicas por valor de $1154 billones.La mitad de estos recursos tendrán como fuente de financiación el Presupuesto General de la Nación. Asimismo, el 23 % provendrá del Sistema General de Participaciones, el 13 % de recursos propios de las entidades territoriales, el 9 % de las empresas industriales y comerciales del Estado (nacionales y territoriales), el 4 % del Sistema General de Regalíasy el 1 % de aportes de la cooperación internacional. Simultáneamente, el Plan Plurianual de Inversiones (PPI) del Plan de Desarrollo indica que “adicionalmente, se estima que las inversiones públicas identificadas en el PPI apalanquen inversión privada durante 2022-2026 por valor de $249,7 billones de 2022 y se espera que parte de esos recursos impulsen elcumplimiento de las metas sociales junto con el Gobierno nacional”.
The Structural Adaptations that Mediate Disuse-Induced Atrophy of Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Sayed Ramy K. A. , Hibbert Jamie E. , Jorgenson Kent W. , Hornberger Troy A.
Published: October 2023

The maintenance of skeletal muscle mass plays a fundamental role in health and issues associated with quality of life. Mechanical signals are one of the most potent regulators of muscle mass, with a decrease in mechanical loading leading to a decrease in muscle mass. This concept has been supported by a plethora of of human- and animal-based studies during the last 100 years and has resulted in the commonly used term of “disuse atrophy”. These same studies have also provided a great deal of insight into the structural adaptations that mediate disuse-induced atrophy. For instance, disuse results in radial atrophy of fascicles, and this is driven, at least in part, by radial atrophy of the muscle fibers. However, the ultrastructural adaptations that mediate these changes remain far from defined. Indeed, even the most basic questions, such as whether the radial atrophy of muscle fibers is driven by the radial atrophy of myofibrils and/or myofibril hypoplasia, have yet to be answered. In this review, we thoroughly summarize what is known about the macroscopic, microscopic, and ultrastructural adaptations that mediated disuse-induced atrophy and highlight some of the major gaps in knowledge that need to be filled.
Low Cost and Energy Efficient Hybrid Wireless Positioning System Using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Technologies for Wearable Devices
Authors: Renault Simon , Sheikh-Akbari Akbar , Ofoegbu Edward
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the application of Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) has experienced a significant increase in demand, with the aging of the world’s population and their changing lifestyles. While outdoor positioning systems, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), have significantly advanced over the years, indoor positioning has been restrained by the limitations of the employed technologies. This paper presents a hybrid wireless positioning system able to locate wearables indoor accurately. It is based on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies, by using trilateration to determine the position of Bluetooth low energy (BLE) wearable devices with an accuracy of up to 1.8 meters. A graphical user interface (GUI) was used to illustrate the performance of the proposed systems, by allowing users to visualize the captured data in two dimensions and three- dimensions in real-time.
Patel, Maitri; Oroszi, Terry (2023). Vaping-Associated Lung Injury. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH. USA
Authors: Patel Maitri , Oroszi Terry
Published: October 2023

The electronic cigarette or e-cigarette is the new alternative method to deliver nicotine. In 2007, the United States introduced vaping devices on the market. Due to their attractive taste and lack of adverse effects, these vaping devices have gained popularity among youth and adults. However, there has been increasing evidence that vaping can cause severe lung injury, and these devices release toxic chemicals into the body. E-cigarettes are recognized as a global threat to public health. Nicotine, the most prevalent chemical in vaping devices, is associated with neurological problems and cognitive decline. Long-term use of e-cigarettes can cause adverse health problems, including respiratory illnesses, asthma, bronchitis, and lung inflammation. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially declared vaping-associated illness EVALI (e-cigarette or Vaping Product Associated Lung Injury). The US Surgeon General published an alarm in December 2016 that e-cigarette consumption among adolescents and teens in the US is a "major public health concern" and that more young people are now vaping than smoking traditional cigarettes and cigars. Since its commercial introduction in 2003, modern electronic cigarettes (or E-cigarette s) have become increasingly popular with smokers, non-smokers, and those who used to smoke who have switched to them. With such a rise in consumption, people are becoming more aware of the irritating, harmful, and perhaps cancer-causing effects on the lungs. (Chadi et al., 2019; Dinardo & Rome, 2019; Lyzwinski et al., 2022; Marrocco et al., 2022; O’Callaghan et al., 2022)
Investigation on the Performance of Fire and Smoke Suppressing Asphalt Materials for Tunnels
Authors: Li Jiaquan , Liu Fei , Hu Mingjun , Zhou Changjun , Su Liujingyuan , Cao Peng
Published: October 2023

Variety of harmful gases are produced in asphalt mixture after mixing, paving and rolling process. Effective measures must be tak-en to suppress the asphalt pavement in the tunnel due to fire accidents and other toxic gases and fumes, reducing the human health during the construction process. In this study, a flame retardant and smoke suppressant (compound) with Mg(OH)2 as the main component was developed, the flame retardant asphalt mixture and asphalt mastics were prepared to evaluate the flame retard-ant-smoke suppressant properties and performance effects. Firstly, its low and high temperature performances were investigated with the bending beam rheometer (BBR) and dynamic shear rheological (DSR), respectively. Then, the indoor combustion test and the cone calorimeter test were used to evaluate the fire retardant smoke suppression effect of the asphalt mastic. Thirdly, the flame retardant effect of asphalt mastic mixed with the compound was further analyzed by thermogravimetric (TG) test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pyrolysis temperature, mass loss and microscopic state of asphalt surface were used to verify and explain the flame retardant reaction effect and process of the compound. Finally, the asphalt mixture performance was evaluated, as well as the flame retardant smoke suppression effect was verified by asphalt mixture combustion tests. The results showed that the flame retardant smoke suppression time of the flame retardant asphalt mixture was reduced by 66% and the smoke emission area was reduced by 20%. The flame retardant smoke suppression effect of the asphalt mixture was improved by 44%. The flame-retardant and smoke-suppressing compound and the asphalt mixture with the compound prepared in this study meet the asphalt mixture performance and flame retardant smoke suppression function, providing an option for application of fire retardant and smoke-suppressing asphalt pavement materials in tunnels.
Experimental Programs of Critical Thinking Enhancement. Worked-Based, Blended Learning Higher Education Curriculum for Economics
Authors: Dumitru Daniela , Minciu Mihaela , Mihaila Robert Alexandru , Livinti Raluca , Paduraru Monica Elisabeta
Published: October 2023

In an increasingly changing world, critical thinking is one of the key skills that ensure organisations' competitive advantage. Thus, in higher education institutions there is an accelerating emphasis on developing critical thinking (CT) among students. This paper presents the results of three experimental courses (Pedagogy and didactics of financial accounting, Virtual Learning Environments in Economics, Business Communication), using a blended learning method, aimed at improving students' CT skills. The three courses were delivered by both higher education teachers and trainers from the labour market. After analysing the data from the three experimental courses, it will be possible to assess whether the intervention of labour market trainers contributed to the improvement of students' critical thinking skills, and, in particularly at the level of which components improvements have been identified.
Up-the-Pipe Solutions: A Best Practice Framework to Engage Community to Reduce Chemical Contamination in Waste
Authors: Tremblay Louis Albert , Ataria James , Challenger Ian , Horswell Jacqui , Baker Virginia , Langer Lisa , Leckie Alan , Champeau Olivier , Siggins Alma , Northcott Grant
Published: October 2023

Anthropogenic chemicals are fundamental to our standard of living in modern society. Unfortunately, some chemicals are persistent and can enter waste streams and ultimately the environment. Commonly used household products including pharmaceuticals and personal care products are an important source of contaminants. The aim of this study was to develop an “Up-the-pipe Solutions” framework to raise awareness about the presence and potential risks of chemicals found in household products to reduce their levels in waste streams or substitute them with less harmful alternatives. This approach based on The Natural Step framework and the concept of essentiality recognises the importance of engaging the community to raise awareness around the consequences of our daily activities and behavioural patterns that can lead to the release of persistent contaminants in main waste streams from the kitchen and bathroom and green wastes we generate.
Prolonging Human Lifespan by Consciousness Integration or Brain Integration
Authors: Xie Yaohua
Published: October 2023

Human longevity is an important but difficult goal due to the extreme complication of human body. If people could repeatedly transfer their consciousness from old bodies to new ones, their lifespan might be prolonged extremely. However, there are several difficulties which prevent the achievement of such a technique. In this paper, we propose an approach that can transfer human consciousness indirectly, and avoid or significantly relieve those difficulties. The strategy of our approach is to integrate the consciousnesses of two bodies (old and new) into a unique consciousness. By doing so, the consciousness is extended to the new body. After that, the consciousness shrinks and remains in the new body when the old body dies. This may also apply to integrating more than two bodies of human, or animal, or even across different species. After investigating thousands of literatures, we find quite strong evidence (related discoveries and technologies) that can support the proposed approach and its advantages. Beside prolonging human lifespan, the approach could also have other meaningful applications.
Enhancing Maize Crop through Advanced Techniques: A Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Kumar Singh Vikas , Pundir Saksham , Chaturvedi Deepti , Kaur Arshdeep , Pandey Abhishek , Mandal Shreya , Kumar Rahul , Pal Bhati Harish , Kumar Singh Ramesh , Kole Chittaranjan , Kaushik Prashant
Published: October 2023

Maize (Zea mays L.) stands as one of the most extensively cultivated crops globally, offering significant contributions to food, animal feed, and biofuel production. Maize yield is significantly impacted by diverse climate and soil variables, yet its productivity faces hindrances due to abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and cold conditions. In confronting these hurdles, the field of crop breeding has undergone a transformation thanks to high-throughput sequencing technologies (HSTs). These advancements have streamlined the identification of beneficial quantitative trait loci (QTL), associations between markers and traits (MTAs), as well as genes and alleles that contribute to crop improvement. Presently, well-established omics techniques such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are being amalgamated into maize breeding studies. These approaches have unveiled new biological markers that are being employed to bolster maize's capacity to withstand an array of challenges. In this chapter, we explore the current knowledge regarding the morpho-physiological and molecular mechanisms that underlie the resistance and tolerance of maize to biotic and abiotic stresses. The focus is on utilizing omics techniques to augment maize's ability to withstand these challenges. Moreover, it emphasizes the significant potential of integrating various omics techniques to tackle the challenges presented by biotic and abiotic stress in maize productivity, contrasting with singular approaches.
Hydrodynamic Design and Array System Study of a New Floating Wave Energy Device
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Dongqin
Published: October 2023

This research, which focuses on wave energy generating technology, suggests a brand-new oscillating float-type wave energy conversion system that is appropriate for the offshore wave environment. To accurately model the device, a three-dimensional viscous numerical pool is created based on STAR-CCM+. The array-type power generation device is numerically simulated using theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, and the wave energy power generation device is arranged as double floats in the front and rear rows, representing triangular array type and rectangular array type, respectively. The triangular array type is a superior layout and can make greater use of marine resources, according to this paper's analysis of the hydrodynamic and power generation impacts of the three array types. The findings are meant to serve as a guide for engineering practice.
Exact Similarity Solutions of Unsteady Laminar Boundary Layer Flows
Authors: Sun Bohua
Published: October 2023

The studies of laminar unsteady boundary layer flows is crucial for understanding turbulence origins. However, the task of finding its solutions poses a significant challenge. In this paper, we propose a novel approach by introducing a similar transformation to convert the 2D unsteady laminar boundary layer equations into a single partial differential equation with constant coefficients. By applying this transformation, we are able to obtain the exact solution for the velocity field of the 2D unsteady laminar boundary layer equations, specifically for the case of flat plate boundary flow. Notably, this is the first time that such an exact solution has been obtained.
Effect of Photo Irradiation on Anaerobic Digestion of Waste Sewage Sludge-Reduced Methane and Hydrogen Sulfide Productions
Authors: Toya Shotaro , Iriguchi Shunsuke , Yamaguchi Kohei , Maeda Toshinari
Published: October 2023

Since a large amount of sewage sludge (WSS) has been generated daily, it is necessary to explore effective methods for utilizing WSS. Although a photo-fermentation system sometimes alters the characteristics of microbial functions, there are no attempts to perform the photo-fermentation using WSS which is regularly treated under a dark-fermentation style. In this study, the effect of photo-fermentation (photo-irradiation) on anaerobic digestion using WSS was revealed. Photo-irradiation during the anaerobic digestion of WSS significantly reduced the amount of organic acids and hydrogen sulfide and methane production was also suppressed. However, it was shown that the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria in WSS under the light treatment increased. Photo-irradiation also stimulated the growth of green-sulfur bacteria and induced anoxygenic photosynthesis, by which the fermented samples turned green linking with the consumption of hydrogen sulfide. Finally, a dark/light switching fermentation was able to reduce only hydrogen sulfide while methane production remained the same.
Periodic Flows in a Viscous Stratified Fluid in a Homogeneous Gravitational Field
Authors: Chashechkin Yuli D. , Ochirov Artem A.
Published: October 2023

In natural, laboratory and industrial conditions, the density of a fluid or gas, depending on temperature, pressure, concentration of dissolved substances or suspended particles, changes under the influence of a large number of physical factors. We assume that undisturbed liquid is stratified. The analysis is based on a system of fundamental equations for the transfer of energy, momentum and matter in periodic flows of a viscous compressible fluid. The propagation of periodic flows in viscous uniformly stratified fluids is considered. Taking into account the compatibility condition, dispersion relations are constructed for two-dimensional internal, acoustic and surface linear disturbances with a positive definite frequency and complex wave number in a compressible viscous fluid exponentially stratified by density. The temperature conductivity and diffusion effects are neglected. The obtained regularly perturbed solutions to the equations describe weakly damped waves. Singular solutions characterize the thin ligaments that accompany each type of wave. In limiting cases, the constructed solutions transform into known expressions for a viscous homogeneous and ideal fluid or degenerate.
Current Trends and Future Perspectives in the Remediation of Polluted Water, Soil and Air - A Short Review
Authors: Ugrina Marin , Jurić Antonija
Published: October 2023

The protection of all environmental compartments (water, soil, air) is of great interest for the normal functioning of life on Earth. Namely, the environment is systematically polluted with different concentrations of physical, biological and chemical pollutants. For the purpose of environmental protection, numerous in situ and ex situ biological, chemical and physical remediation techniques have been developed. Most techniques have limitations such as high costs, processing time and environmental feasibility. In general, biological techniques have proven to be the most environmentally friendly compared to chemical and physical techniques. Furthermore, remediation is an extremely complex procedure due to the complexity of the pollutant composition. Therefore, the implementation of individual physical, biological or chemical remediation techniques is often not sufficient for adequate remediation of the polluted environment. Accordingly, for more economical and efficient environmental remediation, it is recommended to use a combination of techniques that should meet the requirements of efficiency and treatment duration. Ultimately, this short review presents a concise overview of the recent application of physical, biological and chemical remediation techniques to all compartments of the polluted environment (water, air, soil). A critical review of existing knowledge on environmental remediation through a search of relevant literature helped to assess the basic challenges and limitations that arise in the issue of environmental remediation, as well as providing recommendations and guidelines for future research.
Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome Presenting with Isolated Thrombocytopenia? A Review of Literature and a Case Report
Authors: Tomasello Riccardo , Cammarata Claudia , Mattana Marta , Ingrascì Manuela Giuseppa , Giordano Giulio , Lucchesi Alessandro , Ghanima Waleed , Siragusa Sergio Mario , Napolitano Mariasanta
Published: October 2023

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia caused by both immune-mediated platelet destruction and impaired platelet production in the bone mar-row, in the absence of any other identifiable cause of low platelets count. ITP in adult patients is a disease that frequently relapses and/or becomes refractory to multiple treatments during its course, with only a small minority of adult patients attaining a sustained complete remission off-therapy. Treatment of refrac-tory ITP can be challenging, due to the unlikeliness of attaining complete response over time. On the other hand, isolated thrombocytopenia may be due to a misdiagnosed clonal myeloid disorder, such as myelodys-plastic syndrome (MDS) or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), thus mimicking ITP. We here per-form a narrative review on the association between ITP and MDS/CMML and the possibility of overlap and misdiagnosis between these conditions, while we report also the case a patient treated for a severe re-fractory thrombocytopenia which bone marrow examination led to suspect an overlap of MDS and ITP. Our clinical case describes ITP which is refractory to glucocorticoids, high-dose immunoglobulins, Rituxi-mab, splenectomy, thrombopoietin receptor agonists and Fostamatinib, that ultimately attained a short-lived response to a hypometylating agent that was initiated due to bone marrow examination that aroused the suspect of MDS.
Comparative Study of Chemical Composition and Cholinesterase Inhibition Potential of Essential Oils Isolated from Artemisia Plants from Croatia
Authors: Politeo Olivera , Cajic Ivana , Simic Anja , Ruscic Mirko , Bektasevic Mejra
Published: October 2023

The essential oil (EO) of Artemisia plants contains a large number of bioactive compounds that are widely used. The aim of this study was to analyse the chemical composition of EOs of six Arte-misia plants collected in Croatia and to test their cholinesterase inhibitory potential. GC-MS analysis of EO of A. absinthium showed that the dominant compounds are cis-sabinyl acetate and cis-epoxy-ocimene; in EO of A. abrotanum it is borneol; in EO of A. annua it is artemisia ketone, camphor, and 1,8-cineole; in EO of A. arborescens it is camphor and chamazulene; in EO of A. verlotiorum it is cis-thujone, 1,8-cineole, and trans-thujone; in EO of A. vulgaris, it is trans-thujone and trans-epoxy-ocimene. EO of the five studied Artemisia species from Croatia is rich in mono-terpenoid compounds (1,8-cineole, artemisia ketone, cis-thujone, trans-thujone, cis-epoxy-ocimene, camphor, borneol, and cis-sabinyl acetate). EO of A. arborescens is also rich in chamazulene. The results also showed that the tested EOs have moderate cholinesterase inhibi-tion potential, especially the EOs of A. annua, A. vulgaris, and A. abrotanum. This is the first anal-ysis of the chemical composition of the EOs of four Artemisia plants and the first analysis of cho-linesterase potential for plants collected in Croatia.
A 2-Year Wencheng Waxy Yam Pesticide Residues Investigation and Quality Evaluation
Authors: Chen Liping , Liu Yuhong , Zheng Weiran , Xu Dalun , Sun Caixia
Published: October 2023

Wencheng waxy yam is famous for its glutinous and resilient taste, similar to waxy rice, but there is currently a lack of systematic research on the quality of this featured product, and little is known about its pesticide residues. We carried out a 2-year investigation of Wencheng waxy yam at seven sites from 2021 to 2022 to determine the oxidase content and phytochemical characteristics, namely amylose, amylopectin, protein, reducing sugar, and mineral contents such as K, Fe, and Zn, , including the status of pesticide residues. The results showed that oxidase content was affected by rainfall, and adequate water reduced the production of oxidase, including polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), during the late growth stage of waxy yam, which was beneficial for reducing browning in yam processing. Radar map analysis showed that, with comprehensive evaluation, standardized production sites 1 and 2 had a relatively higher quality than 3–7 with small farmers. The results of pesticide multi-residue testing showed that no pesticides were detected in 64.29% samples, and the detected residues samples were very low, making the consumption of yam safe for consumers. These findings could be beneficial for the exploitation of the health benefits of waxy yam tubers and the innovation of yam-based functional products.
Amp-TB2 Protocol and Its Application to Amphiboles from Recent, Historical and Pre-historical Eruptions of Bezymianny Volcano, Kamchatka
Authors: Ridolfi Filippo , Almeev Renat , Ozerov Alexey Yu , Holtz Francois
Published: October 2023

This article reports a protocol on the application of Amp-TB2 (single-amphibole ther-mobarometry; [1]) based on detailed electron microprobe analyses performed on homogeneous natural standards and synthetic glasses, and amphibole crystals (mostly phenocrysts) of volcanic products erupted by Bezymianny volcano during its activity through time. The application of this protocol is facilitated by a new version of the model (Amp-TB2.1.xlsx) including an equation to identify heterogeneous domains (disequilibrium; not suitable for thermobarometric constraints) and homogenous (equilibrium) zones within amphibole crystals, which can be used to quantify the physico-chemical parameters (i.e., pressure, P; temperature, T; volatile content in the melt, H2Omelt; oxygen fugacity, fO2) of “steady-state” magmatic crystallization. Application examples of the protocol, showing detailed core-rim microprobe data and physico-chemical parameter variations in representative amphibole phenocrysts of Bezymianny are also reported. The depth (and P) estimated by Amp-TB2.1 for this volcano are compared to seismic tomography results. Amp-TB2.1 results mainly shows (1) that Bezymianny is characterized by a very dynamic feeding system where the magma is stored at shallow crustal levels before recent activity periods characterized by climatic events and (2) that the pre-eruptive depth of magma storage generally increases with the age of the investigated products.
Enhancing the Yield of Lab-on-a-Disk Based Single Image Parasite Quantification Device
Authors: Misko Vyacheslav R , Makasali Ramadhani Juma , Briet Matthieu , Legein Filip , Levecke Bruno , De Malsche Wim
Published: October 2023

A recently proposed single image parasite quantification (SIMPAQ) platform based on a Lab-On-a-Disc (LOD) device has been earlier successfully tested in field conditions demonstrating the efficiency in soil-transmitted helminths (STH) egg detection and analysis. A related study (Micromachines 2021, 12, 1032) revealed the effects that can limit the performance of a SIMPAQ method due to the action of the Euler and Coriolis forces, and the interaction of the moving eggs with the walls of the LOD chamber. Here we propose a new improved design that allows to overcome those limitations and enhance the yield of the SIMPAQ LOD device which is demonstrated in the experiments with synthetic particle model system and real parasite eggs.
Measurements on Micro-Vibration in a Production Workshop with Precision Instruments Induced by Road Traffic
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Li Xiaozhen , Zhang Xun , Xu Guihong , Wu Anjie
Published: October 2023

Road traffic transportation has flourished in the process of urbanization by its advantages, but it also produces harmful environmental vibrations. The vibration problem is especially significant for production workshops with precision instruments. A field measurement was conducted to analyze the source characteristics and propagation laws of traffic-induced vibrations. Off the northern side of an urban highway lies a microelectronics workshop. When a large truck passes by, both the vibration responses on the ground and in the workshop considerably increase. Greater vibration is produced in the vertical direction than in the X and Y axes. The predominant frequency band of the vibration response caused by road traffic vehicles is lower than 20 Hz. The vertical vibration responses of the first and second floors in the workshop greatly exceed the VC-C limit because of the high daily traffic flow. Attribute to the excitation of the operation of the manufacturing equipment on the second floor, the vertical vibration level of the second floor is essentially higher than that of the first floor. Therefore, it is impossible to disregard the micro-vibration in the workplace produced by the manufacturing machinery as well as the ex-citement of the road traffic. The measured data can be used to test potential numerical models for forecasting vibrations caused by traffic on roads as well as to guide vibration assessment work throughout the planning and design stages of roads.
Human Complement Inhibits Myophages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Egido Julia E. , Dekker Simon O. , Toner-Bartelds Catherine , Lood Cédric , Rooijakkers Suzan H.M. , Bardoel Bart W. , Haas Pieter-Jan
Published: October 2023

Therapeutic phages are primarily chosen based on their in vitro bacteriolytic activity. Although anti-phage antibodies are known to inhibit phage infection, the influence of other immune system components is less well known. An important anti-bacterial and anti-viral innate immune system that may interact with phages is the complement system, a cascade of proteases that recognizes and targets invading microorganisms. In this study, we aimed to study the effects of serum components such as complement on the infectivity of different phages targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We used a fluorescence-based assay to monitor the killing of P. aeruginosa by phages of different morphotypes in presence of human serum. Our results reveal that several myophages are inhibited by serum in a concentration-dependent way, while the activity of four podophages and one siphophage tested in this study is not affected by serum. By using specific nanobodies blocking different components of the complement cascade, we show that activation of the classical complement pathway is a driver of phage inhibition. To determine the mechanism of inhibition, we produced bioorthogonally labeled fluorescent phages to study their binding by means of microscopy and flow cytometry. We show that phage adsorption is hampered in presence of active complement. Our results indicate that interactions with complement may affect in vivo activity of therapeutically administered phages. A better understanding of this phenomenon is essential to optimize the design and application of therapeutic phage cocktails.