bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reevaluating the Concept of Aging: Long-Term Stress Adaptation as a Key Factor in Yeast Aging
Authors: Kong Yanzhuo , Adejoro Damola , Winefield Christopher , On Stephen L.W. , Wescombe Philip A. , Subbaraj Arvind , Saunders Andrew , Chelikani Venkata
Published: November 2023

It has been demonstrated that short-term stress can enhance cellular responses and promote longevity, whereas long-term stress shortens lifespan. Understanding the relationship between short-term and long-term stress could offer new insights into comprehending and modulating age-related diseases. In this study, we investigate this relationship using transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses in the yeast model system (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

We employed three metabolic treatments: firstly, treating yeast cells with threshold levels of benzoic acid for 24 hours (Short-term [ST] Stressed Cells); secondly, treating yeast cells with threshold levels of benzoic acid for 500 hours, with sub-culturing every 24 hours (Long-term [LT] Stressed Cells); and thirdly, allowing the long-term stressed cells to grow for 16 hours without any benzoic acid (Recovered Cells).

Here, we propose that aging is an evolutionarily conserved cellular adaptation mechanism in response to long-term stress exposure. Under short-term stressed conditions, prominent lifespan-extending metabolites such as trehalose and metabolites linked to tumor suppression in humans, such as 5’-methylthioadenosine, were overexpressed. In contrast, LT Stressed Cells activated genes such as those responsible for epigenetic regulatory enzymes that govern the aging process, and secondary stress response genes, such as heat shock proteins (HSPs) which are associated with adaptation to cell damage but also often associated with aged cells. Chronological lifespan experiments showed that LT stressed cells lived a shorter lifespan compared to ST Stressed Cells. This suggests that the markers of aging (eg. HSPs, certain epigenetic regulators) are expressed in response to long-term stress to enable cell survival but have the long-term effect of reducing lifespan. In support of this hypothesis, we also show that genes exclusively activated in ST Stressed Cells are conserved solely in eukaryotes, while those significantly expressed in LT Stressed Cells (aging related) exhibit high conservation across all domains of life, with a majority having originated from bacteria hinting at the potential evolutionary benefit of aging.
The feature landscape of visual cortex
Authors: Tong Rudi , da Silva Ronan , Lin Dongyan , Ghosh Arna , Wilsenach James , Cianfarano Erica , Bashivan Pouya , Richards Blake , Trenholm Stuart
Published: November 2023

Understanding computations in the visual system requires a characterization of the distinct feature preferences of neurons in different visual cortical areas. However, we know little about how feature preferences of neurons within a given area relate to that area’s role within the global organization of visual cortex. To address this, we recorded from thousands of neurons across six visual cortical areas in mouse and leveraged generative AI methods combined with closed-loop neuronal recordings to identify each neuron’s visual feature preference. First, we discovered that the mouse’s visual system is globally organized to encode features in a manner invariant to the types of image transformations induced by self-motion. Second, we found differences in the visual feature preferences of each area and that these differences generalized across animals. Finally, we observed that a given area’s collection of preferred stimuli (‘own-stimuli’) drive neurons from the same area more effectively through their dynamic range compared to preferred stimuli from other areas (‘other-stimuli’). As a result, feature preferences of neurons within an area are organized to maximally encode differences among own-stimuli while remaining insensitive to differences among other-stimuli. These results reveal how visual areas work together to efficiently encode information about the external world.
The initiation and early development of the tubulin-containing cytoskeleton in the human parasiteToxoplasma gondii
Authors: Arias Padilla Luisa F. , Murray John M. , Hu Ke
Published: November 2023

The tubulin-containing cytoskeleton of the human parasiteToxoplasma gondiiincludes several distinct structures: the conoid, formed of 14 ribbon-like tubulin polymers, and the array of 22 cortical microtubules (MTs) rooted in the apical polar ring. Here we analyze the structure of developing daughter parasites using both 3D-SIM and expansion microscopy. Cortical MTs and the conoid start to develop almost simultaneously, but from distinct precursors near the centrioles. Cortical MTs are initiated in a fixed sequence, starting around the periphery of a short arc that extends to become a complete circle. The conoid also develops from an open arc into a full circle, with a fixed spatial relationship to the centrioles. The patterning of the MT array starts from a “blueprint” with ∼ 5-fold symmetry, switching to 22-fold rotational symmetry in the final product, revealing a major structural rearrangement during daughter growth. The number of MT is essentially invariant in the wild-type array, but is perturbed by the loss of some structural components of the apical polar ring. This study provides insights into the development of tubulin-containing structures that diverge from conventional models, insights that are critical for understanding the evolutionary paths leading to construction and divergence of cytoskeletal frameworks.
Educational Mobility, the Pace of Biological Aging, and Lifespan in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Graf G.H. , Aiello A.E. , Caspi A. , Kothari M. , Liu H. , Moffitt T.E. , Muennig P. , Ryan C.P. , Sugden K. , Belsky D.W.
Published: November 2023

Importance

People who complete more education live longer lives with better health. New evidence suggests that these benefits operate through a slowed pace of biological aging. If so, measurements of the pace biological aging could offer intermediate endpoints for studies of how interventions to promote education will impact healthy longevity.

Objective

To test the hypothesis that upward educational mobility contributes to a slower pace of biological aging and increased longevity.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

We analyzed data from three generations of participants in the Framingham Heart Study: the Original cohort, enrolled beginning in 1948, the Offspring cohort, enrolled beginning in 1971, and the Gen3 cohort, enrolled beginning in 2002. Follow-up is on-going. Data analysis was conducted during 2022-2023 using data obtained from dbGaP (phs000007.v33).

Participants

We constructed a three-generation database to quantify intergenerational educational mobility. We linked mobility data with blood DNA methylation data collected from the Offspring cohort in (2005-2008) (n=1,652) and the Gen3 cohort in 2009-2011 (n=1,449). These n=3,101 participants formed our analysis sample.

Exposure

We measured educational mobility by comparing participants’ educational outcomes with those of their parents.

Outcomes

We measured the pace of biological aging from whole-blood DNA-methylation data using the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock. For comparison purposes, we repeated analysis using four other epigenetic clocks. Survival follow-up was conducted through 2019.

Results

Participants who were upwardly mobile in educational terms tended to have slower DunedinPACE in later life (r=-0.18, 95% CI [-0.23,-0.13], p<0.001). This pattern of association was similar across generations and held in within-family sibling comparisons. 402 Offspring-cohort participants died over the follow-up period. Upward educational mobility was associated with lower mortality risk (HR=0.89, 95% CI [0.81,0.98] p=0.014). Slower DunedinPACE accounted for roughly half of this association.

Conclusions and Relevance

Our findings support the hypothesis that interventions to promote educational attainment will slow the pace of biological aging and promote longevity. Epigenetic clocks, like DunedinPACE, have potential as near-term outcome measures of intervention effects on healthy aging. Experimental evidence is needed to confirm findings.
Unsupervised subgrouping of chronic low back pain patients treated in a specialty clinic
Authors: Torres-Espin Abel , Keller Anastasia , Ewing Susan , Bishara Andrew , Takegami Naoki , Ferguson Adam R. , Scheffler Aaron , Hue Trisha , Lotz Jeff , Peterson Thomas , Zheng Patricia , O’Neill Conor
Published: November 2023

Background

Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Current treatments have minor or moderate effects, partly because of the idiopathic nature of most cLBP cases, the complexity of its presentation, and heterogeneity in the population. Explaining this complexity and heterogeneity by identifying subgroups of patients is critical for personalized health. Clinical decisions tailoring treatment to patients’ subgroup characteristics and specific treatment responses can improve health outcomes. Current patient stratification tools divide cases into subgroups based on a small subset of characteristics, which may not capture many factors determining patient phenotypes.

Methods and Findings

In this study, we use an unsupervised machine learning framework to identify patient subgroups within a specialized back pain clinic and evaluate their outcomes. Our analysis identified 25 latent factors determining patient phenotypes and found three distinctive clusters of patients. The research suggests that there is heterogeneity in the population of patients treated in a specialty setting and that several factors determine patient phenotypes. Cluster 1 consists of those individuals with characteristics found to be protective of chronic pain: younger age, low pain medication prescription, high function, good insurance access, and low overlapping pain conditions. Individuals in Cluster 3 associate with older age and present with a higher incidence of chronic overlapping pain conditions, comorbidities, and pain medication use. Cluster 2 is an intermediate group.

Conclusions

We quantify cLBP population heterogeneity and demonstrate how ML analytical workflow can be used to explain, in part, this heterogeneity in relation to outcomes. Notably, considering a data-driven approach from multi-domain data produces different subgroups than the STarT back screening tool, and the addition of other functional metrics at baseline such as global physical and mental function, and pain intensity, increases the variance explained in outcomes. Our study provides novel insights into the complex nature of cLBP and the potential for data-driven methods to identify clinically relevant subtypes.
Sphenoid sinus in the Holstein cow: A sectional and 3D reconstructive anatomical study
Authors: Turgut Nimet , Bahar Sadullah , Kılınçer Abidin
Published: November 2023

Cattle disorders affecting the sphenoid sinus are underreported, likely due to difficulties in imaging and lacking topographic knowledge. This study aimed to provide a detailed description of the normal anatomical and morphometric features of the cattle sphenoid sinus. Twelve healthy adult Holstein cow heads were used, and the sinus was examined using CT, anatomical sectioning and 3D modelling. The sinus was bilaterally detected in all animals but exhibited structural asymmetry and significant interindividual differences in morphological characteristics. Three parts of the sinus were defined, namely the rostral, median and alar parts, which conform to the morphological structure of the sphenoid bone. The rostral part was bilateral in shape and located on the orbit wall of the presphenoid bone in all animals. The median part, which pneumatized the body of the sphenoid bone, was observed bilaterally in seven animals, while the alar part, which pneumatized the wing of the sphenoid bone, was formed bilaterally in four animals. The sinus volume and surface area were 11 ± 8 cm3 and 49 ± 30 cm2, respectively. These findings may aid in the diagnosis of cattle sphenoid sinus disorders and contribute to the knowledge of regional anatomy for radiologists and clinicians.
Civil society organisations transforming teacher professional development: Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning in wartime Ukraine
Authors: Elkin Oleksandr , Marushchenko Oleg , Masalitina Olena , Rasskazova Olha , Drozhzhyna Tetiana , Zhurba Kateryna
Published: November 2023

A unique model of government and civil society cooperation has emerged in Ukraine since the Revolution of Dignity in 2014 and grew even more important amid the full‐scale invasion of Russia. Recent reforms and teacher professional development in Ukraine build on this model that promotes addressing national‐level challenges in equitable partnerships between government and civil society organisations (CSOs). This paper considers examples and results of their cooperation and draws on: (1) experiences in teacher education—specifically, from the EdWay national platform and the SEE Learning programme, both implemented by EdCamp Ukraine NGO (EdCamp); (2) national sociological studies—specifically, the 2018 study Teach and Learn, and the 2021 Feasibility Study on Opportunities for Social and Emotional Learning in Ukraine; (3) and data from the 2022 case study SEE Learning in Ukraine Through Teachers' Eyes: Before, During, and After the War. Experiences and study data demonstrate the need to support Ukrainian teachers in developing social and emotional skills both for self‐help and for students. These findings align with the requirements of the current New Ukrainian School reform. The authors discuss the potential education CSOs possess in addressing teacher needs for developing emotional and ethical competence and corresponding soft skills. It may be predicted that government and civil sector collaboration will continue to play an important role in the development of education in Ukraine. These expectations are supported by Ukraine's involvement in the 2023 OECD Survey on Social and Emotional Skills where EdCamp is the designated national research centre in Ukraine.
Influence of ZrB2 on Si3N4 ceramics prepared by Si nitridation and hot‐pressing process
Authors: Liang Zhen‐Quan , Zeng Xian‐Ming , Huang Kun‐Heng , Yu Jun‐Jie , Lin Rui‐Lin , Sun Shi‐Kuan , Guo Wei‐Ming , Lin Hua‐Tay
Published: November 2023

This work investigated the effect of ZrB2 content on phase composition, relative density, microstructure, and mechanical performance of Si3N4 ceramics prepared by Si nitridation and hot‐pressing method. Si3N4 ceramics were fabricated using Si powder by nitridation and hot‐pressing process. Results showed that the addition of ZrB2 enhanced the transformation of α‐Si3N4 into β‐Si3N4 phase during nitridation, resulting in a greater fraction of β‐Si3N4 (above 90 wt.%) phase in Si3N4 ceramics with ZrB2 after hot‐pressing. In contrast, ceramics without ZrB2 had a lower ratio of β‐Si3N4 (40.4 wt.%). The use of 2.5 vol.% ZrB2 yielded a significant bimodal microstructure and increased fracture toughness to 5.0 ± 0.2 MPa·m1/2, but decreased Vickers hardness to 16.4 ± 0.5 GPa. However, increasing the ZrB2 content to 5 vol.% and 10 vol.% led to a massive formation of equiaxed coarse β‐Si3N4 grains and a significant decrease in Vickers hardness and fracture toughness.
Vis-NIR Spectroscopy for Soil Organic Carbon Assessment: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chinilin A. V. , Vindeker G. V. , Savin I. Yu.
Published: November 2023

The research papers assessing the content of soil organic carbon with the help of Vis-NIR spectroscopy approaches are systematically analyzed and subject to meta-analysis. This meta-analysis included 134 studies published in 1986–2022 with a total sample of 709 values of quantitative metrics. The papers have been searched for in databases of scientific periodicals (RSCI, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar) by the key word combination “Vis-NIR spectroscopy AND soil organic carbon”. The meta-analysis using the nonparametric one-sided Kruskal–Wallis variance analysis in conjunction with nonparametric pairwise method shows the presence of a statistically significant difference between the median values of the accepted quantitative metrics of the predictive power of the models, namely, coefficient of determination (R2cv/val), root mean square error (RMSE), and the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD). The best performance of the preprocessing method for spectral curves is demonstrated and the estimates of soil organic carbon content obtained by laboratory and field spectroscopies are compared.
Practice Patterns of Medical Oncologists: A Survey of Advance Care Planning in the Outpatient Setting
Authors: Gotfrit Joanna , Leung Macyn , Marginean Horia , Kobewka Daniel , Fergusson Dean , Goodwin Rachel
Published: November 2023

Introduction. Advance care planning (ACP) is an important part of cancer care. We determined the ACP practice patterns of medical oncologists at our academic cancer centre in Canada. Methods. Medical oncologists were invited to participate in a questionnaire in August 2019. Questions were validated by a local survey expert. Twelve multiple-choice questions were included. Results. Seventeen of the 23 eligible oncologists responded. 64% were male, and 76% were in practice for <16 years. Common tumour sites treated by respondents included breast (53%), lung (24%), gastrointestinal (24%), and genitourinary (24%) cancers. Oncologists responded that components of ACP included designating a substitute decision-maker (100%), determining goals of care (100%), making decisions about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (94%), and disposition of property/finances (88%). They discuss ACP with curable vs. incurable patients 6% vs. 93% of the time. While 88% of oncologists reported it would be desirable to initiate ACP discussions in the first 3 visits, in the incurable setting, only 29% reported doing so. Patient characteristics that prompt oncologists to discuss ACP in the first 3 visits in the curative vs. incurable settings include elderly age (23% vs. 59%), poor performance status (47% vs. 88%), and short prognosis (47% vs. 88%). Oncologists thought the most appropriate time to discuss ACP in the curative setting was at the time the patient initiates it (35%), and during visits 2-3 in the incurable setting (41%). The most common barriers to discussing ACP include insufficient time (71%) and too much information for the patient (71%). Conclusions. While medical oncologists believe that discussing ACP with cancer patients in the first few outpatient visits is important, this seldom occurs due to the presence of several barriers.
Correlation between the Prevalence of Sick-Building Syndrome and Safe Indoor Air Quality Concept in Private Residential Housing in Jordan
Authors: Freihat Ghaida , Al-kurdi Nabeel
Published: November 2023

Indoor air quality (IAQ) and related health problems have witnessed remarkable attention recently. The prevalence of sick-building syndrome (SBS) is considered the most common health issue. This study conducted in the Al-Dahrieh neighborhood in Jordan showed for the first time how indoor air quality (IAQ) factors affect the prevalence of sick-building syndrome among occupants in residential buildings. The study investigated the concentration levels of air pollutants and comfort parameters. Architectural and urban design configurations were collected through site observation. In addition, daily activities for occupants were gathered through an online questionnaire. All statistical and descriptive analyses of the data collected for this study were carried out by Spearman’s rho correlation test (SPSS) and Excel 2016. It was done using two-tailed (2-tailed) tests and a 1% statistical significance level (

p

 < 0.01); interestingly, all expected parameters checked using SPSS are acceptable according to the significant factor of

p

 < 0.05. The research explored low air quality in the selected case studies and suggested simple mitigation strategies to reduce pollutants concentration in the buildings, such as natural ventilation and control of pollution from internal sources. Moreover, architects may take these findings to enhance neighborhood and building design to achieve the goal of constructing healthier buildings.
Luis Vargas Valdivia: El hombre y su relación con la contabilidad y la Facultad de Administración y Economía de la Universidad de Santiago de Chile
Authors: Caiceo Escudero Jaime , Cerda Morales Arturo , Soto Villarroel Gladys
Published: November 2023

Para todas las personas entendidas en contabilidad en Chile, les resulta familiar el nombre de Luis Vargas Valdivia, pues sus obras escritas han sido textos obligatorios de estudio en nuestro país en los diferentes niveles del sistema educacional, especialmente liceos comerciales, centros de formación técnica, institutos profesionales y universidades. Sin embargo, no todos conocen su vida y toda su obra educacional, como por ejemplo, que nació en Perú y fue nacionalizado chileno y que es el fundador de la carrera de Contador Público y Auditor de la Universidad Técnica del Estado y fundador y primer Decano de la Facultad de Administración y Economía de la actual Universidad de Santiago de Chile. En estas páginas se incursiona en su vida, su formación, su semblanza personal, su personalidad, su trayectoria laboral, su vida académica y el reconocimiento a su labor.
Dialectical and formal thinking in the context of understanding emotions by young children
Authors: Veraksa Nikolay E. , Airapetyan Zlata V. , Tarasova Kristina S.
Published: November 2023

Background. Te article presents the results of a longitudinal study of the cognitiveemotional development of children from the standpoint of the structural-dialectical approach. Te authors consider the indicators of the formation of dialectical and formal-logical thinking and their relationship with emotion understanding in the children of preschool and primary school age. Objective of the study was to test the hypothesis about the relationship between the development of dialectical and formal operations and emotion understanding in the children aged 5–9 years. Methods. To assess the formation of mental operations and emotion understanding in 5–9-year-old children, a special toolkit was developed. Te structural-dialectical method of analysis was implemented to study the features of dialectical thinking and emotion understanding in the children of senior preschool and primary school age. Assessment of the formal thinking development was carried out in the context of the operational theory of intelligence developed by J. Piaget. Sample. Te study involved 50 children aged 5–9 years (56% boys and 44% girls), who were tested in the senior and preschool groups of kindergarten and then in the second grade of school. Results. Two forms of dialectical transformations were found to exist: substantive and structural. Te obtained results have shown that already at preschool age there are mechanisms which allow children to apply dialectical thinking operations together with formal-logical operations when solving tasks related to understanding of mixed emotions. Conclusions. Te results obtained confrmed the hypothesis about the existence of correlation of the dialectical and formal thinking with emotion understanding in the children of senior preschool and primary school age. In the course of studying the cognitive-emotional development of children in primary school, a trend was found associated with the transition from dialectical to formal-logical thinking. Tis result needs further investigating.
Crossover design in triage education: the effectiveness of simulated interactive vs. routine training on student nurses’ performance in a disaster situation
Authors: Masoumian Hosseini Mohsen , Masoumian Hosseini Seyedeh Toktam , Qayumi Karim , Hosseinzadeh Shahriar , Ahmady Soleiman
Published: November 2023

Introduction

This study investigates the effectiveness of incorporating simulated interactive guidelines in nursing students’ performance during disaster situations, compared to routine training.

Method

This study was a crossover design with pre-and post-tests for two groups. Each group consisted of 60 students selected using the census method. SIG and routine (Face-to-Face) training sessions were conducted as a crossover design. Triage knowledge questionnaires were used in the pretest to assess triage knowledge. An OSCE test was administered in the posttest to assess student performance, followed by a triage skills questionnaire. Both questionnaires were highly reliable, as indicated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients (0.9 and 0.95, respectively). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 software at a significance level 0.05.

Result

The chi-square test showed that the two groups were homogeneous regarding age. Regarding knowledge level, both groups were homogeneous before the intervention (P = 0.99). Nevertheless, the results of the OSCE test showed that the students in Group A had a higher level of skill than the students in Group B (93% versus 70%). Also, 18% of the students in group B had low skills.

Discussion

The study found that student outcomes improved in both groups receiving SIG, suggesting that interaction and simulation improve learning. However, gamification is an ideal precursor to learning and not a substitute for education. Therefore, gamification should not be used as a stand-alone teaching method.

Conclusions

The crossover study found that simulators and games should not be considered stand-alone teaching methods but can contribute to learning sustainability when used alongside instruction.
Clopidogrel-induced non-diabetic hypoglycemia reported from Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a case report
Authors: Belay Kibret Enyew , Urge Saba Belay , Birhan Yidnekachew Asrat , Efrem Paulos , Alemneh Theodros Aberra
Published: November 2023

Background

Recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia may be caused by several factors, including drugs, critical illnesses, hormonal deficiency, non-islet cell tumor endogenous hyperinsulinism, and accidental, surreptitious, or malicious hypoglycemia. Multiple drugs have been previously reported as causes of hypoglycemia, with moderate and low-quality evidence. However, Clopidogrel as a cause of non-diabetic hypoglycemia is rarely reported. Here we describe a single non-diabetic patient who experienced recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia after initiation of clopidogrel for clinical suspicion of acute coronary syndrome.

Case presentation

The patient, a 33-year-old Ethiopian male with documented hypertension on antihypertensive medication, has started receiving treatment for acute coronary syndrome after experiencing angina symptoms. He experienced hypoglycemia following the start of Clopidogrel, but it subsided once it was stopped. Currently, he has a follow-up at the cardiac clinic with a normal measurement of his serum blood glucose level.

Conclusion

Non-diabetic hypoglycemia is a rare illness characterized by low blood glucose levels in people who do not have diabetes. Patients with severe hypoglycemia may become unconscious or have seizures as a result of low blood sugar. Severe hypoglycemia is fatal and must be treated as soon as possible. Therefore, if non-diabetic hypoglycemia occurs, a thorough evaluation of the causes is essential, particularly any potential drug as a cause of hypoglycemia should be evaluated.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Different Insulation Schemes on Fire Performance of FRP Strengthened Concrete: FIRECOAT and REALROCK
Authors: Altunişik Ahmet Can , Akbulut Yunus Emrahan , Adanur Süleyman , Günaydin Murat , Mostofi Sara , Mosallam Ayman
Published: November 2023

The past two decades have witnessed rapid advances in the use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in different engineering fields. Advantages such as high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and tailority have led to immense interest in the use of FRPs in wide spectrum repair and strengthening of structures. Despite their many advantages, FRPs are highly sensitive to high temperatures, which pose a major concern for fire potential structures such as buildings. Applying proper thermal insulation can enhance the fire performance of FRP and reduce the possible fire damage to the FRP strengthened element. This study set out to experimentally investigate the effectiveness of two insulation systems, “FIRECOAT” and “REALROCK” on fire performance of CFRP and GFRP strengthened concrete specimens. Various configurations and exposure durations were considered to evaluate the effectiveness of insulating materials. To perform the experiments, cylindrical concrete specimens were fabricated and strengthened using CFRP or GFRP. After insulating the specimens, they were exposed to a standard fire curve for two different durations of 30 and 60 min. The results indicate that less than 30 min of fire, both insulation systems can provide the required protection. During long exposure duration of 60 min, only REALROCK can provide the required thermal resistance for FRP-strengthened concrete. Within the tested materials, Fire Set 60 outperformed other insulating materials. It was observed that implementing Fire Set 60 in the innermost layer of thermal insulations has crucial importance in preventing the fire induced reductions in strength of FRP-strengthened concrete elements.
Approach to the Patient: Insulinoma
Authors: Hofland Johannes , Refardt Julie C , Feelders Richard A , Christ Emanuel , de Herder Wouter W
Published: November 2023

Insulinomas are hormone-producing pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms with an estimated incidence of 1 to 4 cases per million per year. Extrapancreatic insulinomas are extremely rare. Most insulinomas present with the Whipple triad: (1) symptoms, signs, or both consistent with hypoglycemia; (2) a low plasma glucose measured at the time of the symptoms and signs; and (3) relief of symptoms and signs when the glucose is raised to normal. Nonmetastatic insulinomas are nowadays referred to as “indolent” and metastatic insulinomas as “aggressive.” The 5-year survival of patients with an indolent insulinoma has been reported to be 94% to 100%; for patients with an aggressive insulinoma, this amounts to 24% to 67%. Five percent to 10% of insulinomas are associated with the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. Localization of the insulinoma and exclusion or confirmation of metastatic disease by computed tomography is followed by endoscopic ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging for indolent, localized insulinomas. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor positron emission tomography/computed tomography or positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging is a highly sensitive localization technique for seemingly occult, indolent, localized insulinomas. Supportive measures and somatostatin receptor ligands can be used for to control hypoglycemia. For single solitary insulinomas, curative surgical excision remains the treatment of choice. In aggressive malignant cases, debulking procedures, somatostatin receptor ligands, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, everolimus, sunitinib, and cytotoxic chemotherapy can be valuable options.
Who Seeks and Shares Fact-Checking Information? Within the Context of COVID-19 in South Korea
Authors: Seo Jungsun , Lee Jee Yeon
Published: November 2023

Fact-checking information (FCI) serves in the fight against the infodemic and as an information service that helps people use their discretion in judging information in a post-truth era. Therefore, we investigated personal factors influencing users’ decisions in using and sharing COVID-19-related FCI in South Korea. The study took three steps to build hypotheses and collect data: a theoretical approach; an empirical approach through in-depth interviews; and an online survey amongst 304 information users who reside in Korea. More strictly, the interview data were analyzed through content analysis, and the online survey data were statistically analyzed using a SPSS 25.0 program. In conclusion, the study revealed that previous political FCI user research ignored health belief variables (health consciousness, perceived severity, and perceived susceptibility), which also influenced FCI usage. Moreover, critical prosuming literacy, a key predictor of sharing and disseminating misinformation, has a strong causal relationship with FCI seeking and sharing. The findings expand the notion of fact-checking from a type of journalism to “information” and “information services” and suggest that fact-checking has the potential to become an expanded information service in which experts in broader areas can participate.
An Appraisal of Christoph Schwöbel’s Trinitarian Theology of Creation in Dialogue with Natural Sciences
Authors: Kim Junghyung
Published: November 2023

In this article I explore Christoph Schwöbel (1955–2021)’s distinctive contributions to the ongoing dialogue between religion and science in the following three perspectives. First, he emphasizes the need of a more consistently trinitarian theology of creation in dialogue with sciences which is expected to rectify widespread one-sided approaches. Second, he advocates for the continued importance of having philosophy as theology’s dialogue partner along with natural sciences. Finally, he places significant emphasis on the ethic of createdness in the face of ecological crisis. After critical as well as appreciative analyses of each of Schwöbel’s contributions, I make constructive proposals for the future discussion, in terms of more direct engagement with natural sciences, fuller explication of the ontology of communicative relations, and extended application of his ethic of createdness to the emerging issues concerning recent technological innovations.
Passado futuro: o cronótopo da formação e sua crise em Os embaixadores, de Henry James
Authors: Larangeira da Silva Mello Luiza
Published: November 2023

Este artigo busca compreender de que modo Os Embaixadores, romance de Henry James publicado em 1903, reconfigura a temporalidade da Bildung e alguns topoi fundamentais do romance de formação. O romance moderno apresenta-se como uma das formas históricas de temporalização do tempo e, entre as suas modalidades, o romance de formação destaca-se por aquilo que Mikhail Bakhtin chama de caráter “cronotópico”, ou seja, a capacidade de articular à temporalidade da formação do protagonista a noção de “tempo histórico”, que, segundo Reinhart Koselleck, emerge entre os séculos XVIII e XIX, como um tempo heterogêneo, acelerado, irreversível, não redutível ao tempo natural ou cronológico. Ao analisar o modo pelo qual Henry James apropria-se do e subverte o ideal alemão da Bildung, introduzido nos círculos letrados norte-americanos, em especial pela influência da obra ensaística de Ralph Waldo Emerson, pretendo argumentar que, ao narrar a Bildung tardia de um norte-americano de cinquenta e cinco anos em sua aventura europeia, Os Embaixadores figura literariamente a crise do tempo histórico e do cronótopo da Bildung na virada do século XIX para o XX. Conclui-se que o romance põe em cena uma Bildung “reversa”, constitui a forma pela qual James converte o “futuro passado”, característico da moderna temporalização do tempo, em “passado futuro”.
Risk Identification Model for Lean Manufacturing Improvement
Authors:   Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, Yin Ruizhe , Ab Rahman Mohd Nizam ,   Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, Arifin Kadir ,   Centre of Risk and Occupational Safety Health (ROSH-UKM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, Bangaan Abdullah Mohd Hafizuddin Syah ,   Centre of Risk and Occupational Safety Health (ROSH-UKM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Published: November 2023

Small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) were confronted with a variety of difficulties due to the increasingly complex market environment, and many of them could not make enough profits to proceed with their manufacturing tasks. The objective of this study was to develop a model of risk management by integrating several risk tools at manufacturing companies. This study was also intended to improve the decision making by providing quantitative analysis at each step of risk management and improve lean practices. Risk quantitative analysis methods such as failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) and multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA) were applied in this study to identify the potential risks. Moreover, the risk assessment was used to categorize risks into different severity levels. The manufacturing data obtained from a case study was utilised to calculate the risk priority number (RPN). The risk mitigation actions were formulated to reduce the original RPN and the final RPN value decreased to a normal standard in the end. Overall, this study optimised the risk management of one case study SME and improved lean manufacturing practices. By establishing the risk identification model and applying common lean manufacturing concepts in reducing wastes at actual manufacturing processes, the manufacturing enterprise could manage to optimize the operations and increase the actual manufacturing productivity. The machining and assembly processes of diesel engines were optimized and improved with the decrease of RPN and the selection of the CK6150 CNC lathe that owns the highest MOORA assessment value.
Showcase: A Data-Driven Dashboard for Federal Criminal Sentencing
Authors: Vo Ace ,   Loyola Marymount University, Plachkinova Miloslava ,   Kennesaw State University
Published: November 2023

The main purpose of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 was to provide more uniformity in sentencing
and reduce interjudge disparity. Subsequently, the act created the federal sentencing guidelines to offer
judges a possible sentencing range for offenses. However, since these recommendations were based on
historical data, the guidelines amplified existing biases and increased inequality and the
disproportionate sentencing of minorities. To address this problem, we developed an artifact called
“ShowCase”—a data-driven dashboard—that is grounded in penal theory, organizational context
theory, social bonds theory, and triangulation notion in design theory. The artifact helps judges make
fairer and more objective decisions by integrating a variety of data points. We used a design science
research methodology and mixed methods to guide the development and evaluation of the proposed
dashboard. Our research inquiry revealed the legal and extralegal factors that contribute to more
equitable judicial decisions. We also found support for integrating data science and more diverse
viewpoints in the sentencing process. Our study shows that a validated data-driven dashboard can be
used to promote fairness, objectivity, and transparency in the criminal justice system.
Innovative Design and Evaluation of a Transmission Lifter
Authors: Job Aser M. , Galve Fermin
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on the design, fabrication, and evaluation of the Transmission Lifter, a specialized device tailored for the convenient, stable, and durable servicing of vehicle transmission assemblies. The research aims to address the prevalent challenges faced by automotive technicians and mechanics during transmission servicing, offering an innovative solution that meets the high-performance requirements of the automotive industry.The study meticulously follows industry standards and leverages expert feedback to ensure the Transmission Lifter's quality, performance, and safety. It goes through comprehensive testing, meticulous analysis, and critical evaluation to gauge the device's effectiveness. The results of the study lead to several key conclusions: The Transmission Lifter successfully meets industry standards and the expectations of automotive experts, ensuring that it aligns with the highest quality requirements. The device exhibits high performance efficiency as affirmed by expert evaluations, highlighting its superior capabilities. It boasts an impressive load capacity, accommodating medium to heavy-duty transmissions with ease. The device is adaptable to the diverse configurations of automobile transmissions. It maintains stability even during extended use and can handle a substantial load. The Transmission Lifter performs exceptionally well, earning an overall "Excellent" rating based on expert evaluations. This study's findings inform a set of valuable recommendations, including patent protection, material enhancements for portability, improved finishing and adherence to industry standards, instructional manuals for users, and a call for continued research in the field. The Transmission Lifter presents a significant advancement in the field of automotive technology, contributing to the safety, efficiency, and quality of transmission servicing. Its innovation serves as a testament to the commitment of the researcher and his desire to support fellow technicians and automotive enthusiasts. By addressing the critical needs of the automotive industry, the Transmission Lifter embodies innovation, safety, and a commitment to excellence, setting a benchmark for future developments in the field.Asw
EL PATRIMONIO DIGITAL Y SU PROTECCIÓN EN EL ORDENAMIENTO JURÍDICO CHILENO
Authors:   Universidad Católica de Temuco- Universidad de las Américas, Martínez Montenegro Isnel , Goic Martinic Pedro
Published: November 2023

The patrimony of the people and the rights to it have broad protection in Chilean legislation, mainly given by the civil code. However, heritage in the 21st century is not only made up of rights and duties of a physical or material nature, but also of digital assets. As regards the latter, some problems of destination arose in the face of the death of the owner. Therefore, the objective of this article is to determine the basis for the configuration of the legal regime of digital assets in Chile and in particular the relationships that these present with the categories of assets, patrimony and their succession in the digital environment. The methods used were doctrinal law, content analysis and doctrinal theoretical study. It is concluded that the current legislation on digital heritage does not meet the requirements, therefore it is necessary to define what is to be understood as a digital asset; specify the content of the digital heritage and expressly distinguish between the aspects of the personality and those of a patrimonial nature with an economic content which derive from the exploitation of certain rights of the personality and which therefore constitute the hereditary heritage.
PERCEPCIONES DE LOS PROFESORES SOBRE LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA EDUCACIÓN CÍVICA Y CIUDADANA EN COLOMBIA Y LAS RELACIONES CON LA CONVIVENCIA ESCOLAR
Authors:   Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios, HUERTAS BUSTOS ADRIANA PATRICIA
Published: November 2023

Civic and citizen education has been a relevant aspect in educational policy in Colombia. For this reason, the country has participated in studies by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) on Civic and Citizenship Education (ICCS). In 2016, the ICCS collected the perceptions of civic and citizenship education from 1,580 teachers. As the IEA databases are open access, the information was analyzed with the objective of describing the perceptions of teachers about the teaching of civic and citizenship education in Colombia, as well as the relationships with school coexistence in the educational institutions. It is concluded that the main coexistence problems reported by teachers in school institutions are: i) student absenteeism, ii) bullying, and iii) drug abuse. Likewise, it was established that students’ behavioral problems are related to poor care of school facilities and equipment, negative attitudes towards school, poor sense of belonging to school communities and conflicts during rest, entry and exit of the institution.
CONTROL DE CONVENCIONALIDAD DIFUSO Y SU DISYUNTIVA DE APLICABILIDAD EN EL ESTADO COLOMBIANO: ABORDAJE A PARTIR DEL CHOQUE ENTRE LA CORTE CONSTITUCIONAL Y EL CONSEJO DE ESTADO
Authors:   Corporación Universitaria Remington, Caballero Palomino Sergio Andrés
Published: November 2023

In this research article, the problem question is raised: What are the criteria to apply the control of diffuse conventionality by the Council of State and the Constitutional Court with respect to the position of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights? From which it is intended to analyze the divergence between the positions adopted by the Council of State and the Constitutional Court regarding the diffuse control of conventionality and its application as a mandatory figure to be applied within the Colombian State in order to comply with the provisions provided by the ACHR. It is concluded that the Constitutional Court still shows an abstentionist position of investing as a conventional judge, considering under a little evolutionary concept that applying the control in question can endanger the Constitution and its role as a constitutional judge. Therefore, the need for the Constitutional Court to adopt the example advocated by the Council of State is proposed, in order to guarantee not only the conventional provisions, but also the Constitution itself.
PRESERVATION OF CRAFT HERITAGE AND ITS POTENTIAL IN YOUTH ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Authors: W. Ariffin W.N. Jazmina , Shahfiq Syed , Ibrahim Asmawi , Mohd Pauzi Hezzrin , Md Rami Ahmad Aizuddin
Published: November 2023

The community's involvement in preserving cultural heritage is very important and greatly impacts it. One of the ways to involve the community in the preservation of cultural heritage, especially in fine arts and crafts, is to combine those efforts with economic benefits for the target group. The strategy will attract the community's interest, especially those looking for a job or wanting to increase their economic resources. Financial problems, job loss, and unemployment are big issues among today's youth. The study focuses on forming a step that can act as a double-edged sword that aims at two objectives; preserve cultural heritage and create new economic resources, especially for the youth. Therefore, this study aims to identify the potential of intangible cultural heritage (fine arts and crafts) in creating new economic resources for youth facing unemployment. This study was carried out using a mixed-methodology approach which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative implemented in Malaysia covering all zones, namely North Zone (Penang), West/Central Zone (Selangor), East Zone (Terengganu) and East Malaysia Zone (Sabah). The questionnaire involved 155 youth groups involved in the traditional craft sector. In-depth interview method with respondents consisting of government bodies such as the National Heritage Department, the Malaysian Handicrafts Development Corporation, and NGOs from other relevant agencies. The results of the study found that intangible cultural heritage (fine arts and crafts) can be preserved by making it a new economic resource among the youth. With the support of the government, help from the aspect of training, and the interest of the youth itself, the craft heritage has the potential to generate income while guaranteeing the sustainability of this cultural heritage. This study is expected to be a backup for the government in designing any cultural heritage preservation program that greatly impacts the community, especially the youth. It becomes a new economic source for them.