bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the performance of a risk assessment score tool to predict HIV acquisition among pregnant and postpartum women in Kenya
Authors: Chhun Nok , Rothschild Claire W. , Penumetsa Monalisa , Matemo Daniel , Kithao Peninah , Richardson Barbra A. , John-Stewart Grace , Kinuthia John , Drake Alison L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Clinical risk score tools require validation in diverse settings and populations before they are widely implemented. We aimed to externally validate an HIV risk assessment tool for predicting HIV acquisition among pregnant and postpartum women. In the context of prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs, risk score tools could be used to prioritize retesting efforts and delivery of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to pregnant and postpartum women most at risk for HIV acquisition while minimizing unnecessary perinatal exposure.

Methods

Data from women enrolled in a cross-sectional study of programmatic HIV retesting and/or receiving maternal and child health care services at five facilities in Western Kenya were used to validate the predictive ability of a simplified risk score previously developed for pregnant/postpartum women. Incident HIV infections were defined as new HIV diagnoses following confirmed negative or unknown status during pregnancy. Predictive performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and Brier score.

Results

Among 1266 women with 35 incident HIV infections, we found an AUC for predicting HIV acquisition of 0.60 (95% CI, 0.51, 0.69), with a Brier score of 0.27. A risk score >6 was associated with a 2.9-fold increase in the odds of HIV acquisition (95% CI, 1.48, 5.70; p = 0.002) vs scores ≤6. Women with risk scores >6 were 27% (346/1266) of the population but accounted for 52% of HIV acquisitions. Syphilis, age at sexual debut, and unknown partner HIV status were significantly associated with increased risk of HIV in this cohort.

Conclusion

The simplified risk score performed moderately at predicting risk of HIV acquisition in this population of pregnant and postpartum women and may be useful to guide PrEP use or counseling.
Reflexiones teóricas sobre las emociones del empoderamiento y la vulnerabilidad organizacional de las mujeres mexicanas
Authors: Díaz Carrión Isis Arlene
Published: July 2024

El turismo es una actividad feminizada que presenta diversas brechas de género; a partir de ellas se promueve la vulnerabilidad de las mujeres. El objetivo es analizar las emociones experimentadas por las mujeres en sus procesos de empoderamiento a través de la participación en el turismo. El propósito es presentar una propuesta conceptual para el estudio de las prácticas que promueven la vulnerabilidad para evitarlas. Para ello se realiza una revisión conceptual y se contrasta con los hallazgos de diversas investigaciones. Se destaca la necesidad de considerar las categorías que interactúan con el género, los impactos de la vulnerabilidad económica en otros tipos de vulnerabilidad. Las implicaciones a nivel conceptual visibilizan la importancia de las emociones, así como la vulnerabilidad epistémica y su posibilidad de reivindicación como constructos importantes para evitar la (re)producción de la vulnerabilidad en las organizaciones turísticas.
Hipocresía climática y actitudes de los turistas de la Unión Europea hacia el medio ambiente
Authors: Álvarez Sousa Antón , Caamaño Franco Iria , Andrade Suárez María
Published: July 2024

El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar los hábitos de viaje que están dispuestos a cambiar los turistas para ser más respetuosos con el medio ambiente (MA) y mitigar su impacto en el cambio climático (CC). Partiendo de la perspectiva de la teoría crítica, en un primer momento analizamos los distintos tipos de acciones para la mitigación que van desde la inhibición de viajar hasta el negacionismo y la negativa a cambiar los hábitos, pasando por distintos tipos de mitigación como son la prevención, minimización, compensación para contrarrestar (ejemplo plantando árboles) e incluso pago por contaminar. Seguidamente exponemos los distintos factores individuales (sociodemográficos, culturales) y contextuales que están influenciando en la disposición a cambiar de hábitos. Tomamos los datos del Eurobarómetro y los analizamos con el programa Stata siguiendo la técnica de las Ecuaciones Estructurales Generalizadas (GSEM). Los resultados demuestran que existe una hipocresía climática y una clara diferencia comportamental entre el consumo turístico y el consumo cotidiano. Los más dispuestos a cambiar son las personas con formación elevada, las mujeres y los jóvenes. La riqueza de los países influye positivamente en la disposición a pagar más para proteger el medio ambiente o beneficiar a la comunidad local, pero influye negativamente en otros hábitos, lo cual demuestra que los habitantes de los países ricos no son necesariamente los más concienciados ni los que tienen unas actitudes más proclives para ser respetuosos con el MA y mitigar el CC.
Effect of a probiotic mixture with lactic acid activity on productive and allometric indicators in broiler chickens
Authors: González Sandra Paola Rodríguez , Sandoval Luis Miguel Borras , Giovanny Torres Vidales
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim: The feeding and sanitary conditions significantly influence the productivity of farm animals. This study aimed to assess the impact of a lactic acid-producing microbial additive on broiler chicken productivity.

Materials and Methods: A 42-day experimental period utilized 120 1-day-old Cobb 500 chicks with an average weight of 46 g. In groups of 30 each, the chicks were randomly assigned to four experimental designs. The following treatments were assessed: T1 without intervention (control), T2 with bacitracin at a concentration of 0.5 g/L, T3 with a 5% probiotic mixture (PM), and T4 with a 7.5% PM. The birds were fed the commercial balanced feed without anticoccidials daily, while vaccines were administered according to the recommended biosecurity plan by the commercial house. Drinking water was treated with PM containing lactobacilli, yeasts, and short-chain organic acids.

Results: In T4, a 7.5% PM resulted in a final weight of 2361.2 g (p < 0.05), a total weight gain of 1412.8 g (p < 0.05), and improved feed efficiency with a feed conversion of 2.00 (p < 0.05), during which feed intake was lower than in the other groups.

Conclusion: Microbial additives with lactic acid activity are a cost-effective and feasible solution for broiler chicken productivity.

Keywords: broilers, lactic acid bacteria, probiotic mixture, productive indicators.
Early Prediction of Alzheimer’s Disease Using OCT Imaging Technique
Authors: C S Sandeep , A Sukesh Kumar , K Mahadevan , P Manoj
Published: July 2024

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one amongst the overwhelming types of dementia that distresses the brain nerve cells leading to a perpetual loss in memory and creating a lot of difficulties for the family members in caretaking. The prediction of the disease at an earlier stage is a common problem. The most prevalent imaging modalities used for diagnosing AD are Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). They can provide valuable information regarding the changes in internal and external brain regions and activities for diagnosing AD. But the relevant studies made on retina reveals that in addition to brain changes there are some variations on the retina layers of the AD patients. Therefore, the retina can be used as a biomarker for diagnosing AD. There are different techniques available for an eye examination. Most noticeable of them are Fundus Imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). In this paper, we have focused on OCT retinal images of AD patients for the early diagnosis of AD.
Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System in Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Alsabbagh Alchirazi Khaled , Bhavsar-Burke Indira , Syed Hareem , Alkhayyat Motasem , Bass Stephanie , Kapoor Aanchal , Lindenmeyer Christina C.
Published: July 2024

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most common cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in the United States. Liver transplantation (LT) is potentially lifesaving for patients with ALF, but its feasibility in clinical practice is limited. Liver assist devices, such as the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS), are used in some centers as a “bridge” to liver transplantation or as a means of liver recovery, but their role in the treatment of ALF is not well-defined. We present the case of a 44-year-old man with APAP-associated ALF who experienced hepatic recovery after treatment with MARS.
Scoping the Virtual World. Identity Reshaping as an Epistemological Prerequisite for Research
Authors: Stoiciu Gabriel
Published: July 2024

Becoming a part of virtual reality offers the opportunity of reconsidering one's own identity and, furthermore, of exploring the various identities of other individuals who are more or less familiar to us in the real world. Each virtual community is a creator and a promoter of its own cyberculture. Once inside this cultural environment, a social scientist has to engage in a phenomenological endeavor over the individual and social impact of the Internet, before tackling the actual fieldwork. Therefore, an additional instrument seems necessary: an 'a priori' intellectual lens capable of helping the social scientist anticipate and manage possible diversions that virtual environment could inflict on the collection and on the validity of data.
Isa Genzkens »Ground Zero«
Authors: Schröder Gerald
Published: July 2024

Die Werkserie »Ground Zero« der Künstlerin Isa Genzken entstand im Jahr der Weltwirtschaftskrise 2008 und gehört zu ihren zentralsten Arbeiten. Wie reflektieren ihre Assemblagen die traumatische Dimension von 9/11? Und wie kann der ironisch-kritische Kommentar einer Bildhauerin auf die Geschichte des Wiederaufbaus des World Trade Centers in New York genauer verstanden werden? Gerald Schröder legt erstmals eine ausführliche Analyse dieser Werkserie mit ihren vielfältigen Bezügen zu Bildender Kunst und Architektur vor, die er vor dem Hintergrund eines zunehmend fragil erscheinenden postfordistischen Wirtschaftssystems interpretiert.
Recht im Exil
Authors: Weydner Sara
Published: July 2024

Die nationalsozialistische Gewaltherrschaft und der Zweite Weltkrieg trieben Millionen in die Flucht, darunter auch zahlreiche Juristen. Europäische Exilanten in England leisteten so einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Entwicklung des internationalen Strafrechts. Sie bereiteten nicht nur Reformen des humanitären Völkerrechts vor, sondern imaginierten eine internationale Rechtsordnung, in der rechtsstaatliche Standards für alle Menschen gelten sollten. Sara Weydner bietet eine neue Perspektive auf größtenteils vergessene Pioniere des internationalen Strafrechts und zeigt, wie sie ihrem Exil Sinn gaben: durch transnationale Kooperation, visionäre Ideen für die Nachkriegswelt und einen unerschütterlichen Glauben an die Ordnungskraft des Rechts.
Subterranean Explorations
Authors: Fonck Martín
Published: July 2024

Geological phenomena have a strong visual presence in the landscape of the Chilean Andes. Volcanoes, thermal springs, earthquakes and geysers arise from an active geology. From the start of the 20th century, engineers and geologists have imagined transforming the heat of groundwater reservoirs into electricity. However, its use as electric power at a national scale remains an unfinished promise. Inspired by the anthropology of energy and infrastructures, Martín Fonck delves into the promises of geothermal energy and their abandonment in the Chilean Andes.
Migration und Recht auf Bildung
Authors: Funck B. Johanna
Published: July 2024

Wie wird der menschenrechtlich gebotene Anspruch auf Bildung für Kinder und Jugendliche umgesetzt, die im Schulalter nach Deutschland migriert sind und aufenthaltsrechtlich unterschiedlich positioniert werden? B. Johanna Funck nimmt den Prozess des Schulzugangs und der Platzierung im Sekundarschulwesen in den Blick. Hierzu befragt sie, ausgehend von den Erfahrungen migrierter Eltern, auch beteiligte Institutionen wie Behörden, Unterkünfte für Geflüchtete und Schulen. Die multiperspektivische Studie im »Follow-the-People«-Design legt Chancen und Barrieren für die Bildungsbeteiligung dar und schlägt eine Brücke zwischen Rechtssoziologie, Migrationsforschung und Erziehungswissenschaft.
how to move public money (fast)
Authors: Haverich Katharina , Kuster Lucas
Published: July 2024

In this contribution Katharina Haverich brings together 12 practical strategies for effectively managing public funding in cultural and academic sectors, specifically addressing payment challenges for - from the perspective of labour law - ineligible individuals. Drawing from interviews at re:publica 2023 in Berlin, seasoned professionals with over 120 years of combined work experience shared their expertise. Tailored advice helps the reader to see loopholes in how marginalized groups like young school leavers, refugees, and people with disabilities can receive fees. Leveraging Virtual Reality technology for anonymity, these insights were first presented in the form of videos at Reeperbahnfestival / re:publica 23 Hamburg.
Empowering women in VR in Zimbabwe - Siza Mukwedini
Authors: Haverich Katharina , Kuster Lucas
Published: July 2024

VR is so much connected in our minds with something "technical" and this "technical" again is so much connected to a man's world. I want to change that. I want women to tell their thoughts, ideas and visions on VR without facing any prejudice or fears simply because they are a women. Everyone is invited to participate - if you feel like you want to contribute something to VR Women, then get in touch via the website: www.vr-women.com
That Glow in the Darkness: Tracing the empathic contours of the VR Metaverse
Authors: Haverich Katharina , Kuster Lucas
Published: July 2024

In this article, Ranjit Menon traces through some of his diverse personal experiences from culture production in the Virtual Reality(VR) metaverse space from 2016 onwards. In the process, he tries to offer a first person perspective regarding the initial ideas and intentions behind these project concepts. It is also a somewhat randomized form-giving attempt to a shapeshifting metaverse by exploring how VR was used in his experience for artistic purposes during a period of hype between 2016 to 2019. In the process, there is an attempt to analyze the hidden sub narratives around the artistic VR case studies, particularly in its ability to mediate empathy while revealing the constellation of circumstances that seem to promote its use. The mentioned projects hopefully add multi-layered insights through the diversity of the documented experiments involved - in the form of political ideas, power structures and participatory aspects for future collaborative proposals as well as new artistic interventions within the metaverse's search for mediating humanistic qualities such as empathy.
Modeling lung endothelial dysfunction in sepsis‐associated ARDS using a microphysiological system
Authors: Liang Nai‐Wen , Wilson Carole , Davis Brooke , Wolf Ian , Qyli Tonela , Moy Joy , Beebe David J. , Schnapp Lynn M. , Kerr Sheena C. , Faust Hilary E.
Published: July 2024

Endothelial dysfunction is a critical feature of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with higher disease severity and worse outcomes. Preclinical in vivo models of sepsis and ARDS have failed to yield useful therapies in humans, perhaps due to interspecies differences in inflammatory responses and heterogeneity of human host responses. Use of microphysiological systems (MPS) to investigate lung endothelial function may shed light on underlying mechanisms and targeted treatments for ARDS. We assessed the response to plasma from critically ill sepsis patients in our lung endothelial MPS through measurement of endothelial permeability, expression of adhesion molecules, and inflammatory cytokine secretion. Sepsis plasma induced areas of endothelial cell (EC) contraction, loss of cellular coverage, and luminal defects. EC barrier function was significantly worse following incubation with sepsis plasma compared to healthy plasma. EC ICAM‐1 expression, IL‐6 and soluble ICAM‐1 secretion increased significantly more after incubation with sepsis plasma compared with healthy plasma. Plasma from sepsis patients who developed ARDS further increased IL‐6 and sICAM‐1 compared to plasma from sepsis patients without ARDS and healthy plasma. Our results demonstrate the proof of concept that lung endothelial MPS can enable interrogation of specific mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction that promote ARDS in sepsis patients.
Investigation of weave influence on flame retardancy of jute fabrics
Authors: Begum Most. Setara , Hummel Michael , Khan Ayub Nabi , Parmar Manjeet Singh , Milašius Rimvydas
Published: July 2024

In the present work, seven different weave-structured jute fabrics were treated using an organophosphorus-based flame-retardant (FR) chemical (ITOFLAM CPN) along with a cross-linking agent (KNITTEX CHN) by the pad–dry–cure method. The flammability properties were determined by vertical and horizontal flammability tests and limiting oxygen index (LOI). The flame-spread and after-glow time in the vertical flammability test were calculated to be zero seconds on the FR-treated fabrics while the untreated fabrics were completely burnt. The burn rate in the horizontal flammability test is also measured at zero seconds on the FR-treated fabrics. The highest LOI (43.33) is found in the Twill-3/1 and 4-ends Irregular Satin fabrics, while other fabrics had similar LOI (40) results after FR treatment. The maximum char length (71 and 74 mm) was determined in the warp and weft directions of the Plain-1/1 fabric, while an average minimum char length was found for Twill-2/2 fabrics. Despite the significant improvement in FR performance, it strongly affects the tensile properties of FR-treated fabrics. A substantial loss of tensile strength loss was measured in all treated fabrics; however, the highest loss (77%) was examined for the Plain-1/1 fabric, and the lowest loss of strength (60%) was in the Basket weave (Matt)-4/4 fabric.
Top Executives’ Overseas Background on Corporate Green Innovation Output: The Mediating Role of Risk Preference
Authors: Cui Luansong , Zhao Jing , Zhao Lijuan , Hu Pan
Published: July 2024

This study employs balanced panel data encompassing Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies in China spanning the period from 2014 to 2021 as a research dataset, employing a mixed OLS regression model and Bootstrap methods, to investigate the influence mechanism of the overseas background and risk preference tendencies of top executives on the corporate green innovation output. The results show that the top executives’ overseas experience has a substantial influence on corporate green innovation, while top executives’ risk preference level plays a mediating role. In addition, the educational background of top executives is identified as a moderating element in this mechanism. Thus, the conclusions of this article extend prior research by identifying a new connection between top executives’ overseas backgrounds and corporate green innovation and by offering a new perspective to advance and improve the green economy.
Nature of serpentinite interactions with low-concentration sulfuric acid solutions
Authors: Yeskibayeva Chaizada , Auyeshov Abdrazak , Arynov Kazhymuhan , Dikanbayeva Aizhan , Satimbekova Asem
Published: July 2024

The nature of serpentinite interaction with low-concentration sulfuric acid solutions is studied. Using IR-Fourier spectroscopy, X-ray, and serpentinite leaching with sulfuric acid solutions containing 10–60% of stoichiometrically required amount (SRA) of H2SO4 (taken relative to the molar magnesium content in serpentinite), it is shown that the appearance and influence of silica on the course of serpentinite dissolution is detected at concentrations of 30–40% of SRA of H2SO4. On the basis of the obtained results, this article points out the technological, economic, and ecological advantages of use of sulfuric acid solutions of low concentrations in the process of acid processing with the aim of producing magnesium salts.
Re-Staging Existence: Revisiting Kierkegaard’s Theory of Life Stages
Authors: Regier Michael
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we re-evaluate Kierkegaard’s theory of life stages (or spheres) and suggest an alternative interpretation. This alternative approach to the stages will serve as a corrective to problems arising from interpretations promoting an ethical-religious stage, or which elide distinctions between stages entirely. To support this interpretation, we will examine the role polarity plays within the stages, the necessity of respecting the boundaries Kierkegaard draws between stages, and advocate for a greater recognition and appreciation of religiousness A within the broader theory. Our hope is to reveal new avenues for understanding Kierkegaard’s ethics, while also contextualizing the pseudonyms in a way that brings greater clarity and consistency between their respective contributions and his broader oeuvre.
“A Satire on What It Is to Be a Human Being”: A Kierkegaardian Critique of Neoliberal Subjectivity
Authors: Höfer Sophie
Published: July 2024

Neoliberalism has come to be understood not only as an economic system, but as a mode of existence that understands the self as primarily the bearer of human capital. This paper contrasts the neoliberal ideal of selfhood with Kierkegaard’s notion of the self as developed in The Sickness unto Death. Using Kierkegaard’s typology of despair as an analytical framework, I argue that the neoliberal subject displays an impoverished grasp of the various elements that, for Kierkegaard, are constitutive of the self, and shows serious deficiencies in its understanding of what it means to live a meaningful life.
Loyalty voting structures: A better dual class?
Authors: Becht Marco
Published: July 2024

Loyalty voting structures (LVS) are designed to provide registered shareholders with multiple voting rights following a specified holding period. In theory this concept strikes a balance between dual-class structures (DCS), which enshrine founder control, and open structures that allow for control challenges. LVS entail a single class of shares, enabling all shareholders to possess multiple votes without incurring additional costs, while also limiting the privilege through a transfer sunset provision. Notably, LVS also preserve a key control advantage of DCS for founders, as they minimize the likelihood of control challenges through contested board elections. However, in practice LVS distinguish between bearer shares that are fully fungible and registered shares that allow the company to verify the holding period. Institutional shareholders often find it impossible to register their shares, thereby being deprived of multiple voting rights. Consequently, LVS effectively function as a mechanism to enhance control akin to dual-class structures. Transforming loyalty voting structures into a better dual class for institutional shareholders would require some legal and significant procedural modifications.
Controlling shareholders and sustainable corporate governance: The role of dual-class shares
Authors: Pacces Alessio M.
Published: July 2024

Low-carbon innovation is necessary to overcome the delay of governments in implementing the Paris agreement. However, large institutional investors only engage in climate risk management. They cannot commit to low-carbon innovation because that is fundamentally uncertain, short-term unprofitable, and their index-tracking strategy is incompatible with screening firm-specific breakthroughs. To pursue sustainable corporate governance, institutional investors should rather tie their hands with controlling shareholders. Controlling shareholders can contribute their entrepreneurial vision to low-carbon innovation while institutional investors allow them to scale this vision.

This article argues that institutional investors catering to the preferences of climate-conscious beneficiaries should finance controlling shareholders through conditional dual-class shares. Dual-class shares allow relaxing the financial conditions for control. To fulfil their mandate from climate-conscious beneficiaries, institutional investors can outcompete short-term profit-seeking investors by offering controlling shareholders a higher wedge between voting rights and economic interest and the possibility to cash in higher idiosyncratic private benefits of control, if successful, conditional on engaging in low-carbon innovation.

Having at stake welfare-increasing private benefits of control, as well as all or most of their wealth, controlling shareholders are incentivized to discover low-carbon breakthroughs or to acknowledge failure to do so. Corporate law should facilitate contracting between controlling shareholders and institutional investors to support this incentive. Target-contingent transfer sunsets should allow cashing in control premiums only if the low-carbon innovation succeeds. Divestment sunsets and other contractual safeguards should prevent controlling shareholders from increasing agency cost, without undermining equity capital raising. Dual-class recapitalizations should be allowed with a majority-of-minority vote.
Can Nanocrystals Help Create Our Dream Cosmetics?
Authors: Zubaidah Ummi
Published: July 2024

Cosmetics have evolved beyond mere skin beautifying agents. Cosmetics are now combined with active ingredients to support skin health. This evolution underpins the emergence of dream cosmetics, where innovation is continuously pursued. Indeed, nanotechnology has responded in force to the notion of dream cosmetics. Nanocrystals are expected to overcome the barriers posed by issues, such as poor solubility of bioactive agents and skin penetration. Moreover, nanocrystals exhibit multiple features, making dream cosmetics achievable. However, the clinical translation of nanocrystals is hampered by concern of negative host responses associated with long-term use. Accordingly, screening by integrated omics is needed because because multiple omics offer comprehensive nanotoxicity evaluation by identifying new molecular pathways and toxicity markers.
Socialist Retrenchment
Authors: Kornreich Yoel
Published: July 2024

Both China and Vietnam went through retrenchment in their rural healthcare systems during the 1980s and 1990s. However, there is a difference between the two in the depth of retrenchment. While China allowed the Cooperative Medical System (CMS) to collapse, Vietnam nationalized the Commune Health Stations (CHS) and established national health programs. Why did the retrenchment paths of these two countries diverge? This article finds that political, economic, and social factors can explain variation across China and Vietnam. Whereas in the 1980s and early 1990s, politics was the dominant factor determining variation, the combination of political and economic factors shaped different outcomes during the mid- and late 1990s. In contrast, social factors were a contributing condition with a limited impact. In both countries, political factors such as succession struggles and institutions played a dominant role in determining the direction of change for rural healthcare policies, whereas economic factors either facilitated or delayed their execution.
Low-invasive somatic oncogenes and lymph node metastasis in pediatric papillary thyroid cancer: implications for prophylactic central neck dissection
Authors: Baran Julia A , Bojarsky Mya , Halada Stephen , Ricarte-Filho Julio C , Isaza Amber , Franco Aime T , Surrey Lea F , Bhatti Tricia , Baloch Zubair , Adzick N Scott , Mostoufi-Moab Sogol , Kazahaya Ken , Bauer Andrew J
Published: July 2024

Objective

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) Pediatric Guidelines recommend selective, prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) based on tumor focality, tumor size, and the surgeon’s experience. With the expansion of pre-surgical somatic oncogene testing and continued controversy over the benefits of pCND, oncogenic alteration data may provide an opportunity to stratify pCND. This study compared lymph node (LN) involvement in pediatric patients with PTC between tumors with low- and high-invasive-associated alterations to explore the potential utility of preoperative oncogenic alterations in the stratification of pCND.

Methods

This is retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients who underwent somatic oncogene testing post thyroidectomy for PTC between July 2003 and July 2022.

Results

Of 192 eligible PTC patients with postoperative somatic oncogene data, 19 tumors harbored somatic alterations associated with low-invasive disease (19/192, 10%), and 128 tumors harbored a BRAFV600E alteration (45/192, 23%) or an oncogenic fusion (83/192, 43%). Tumors with low-invasive alterations were less likely to present malignant preoperative cytology (2/18, 11%) than those with high-invasive alterations (97/124, 78%; P < 0.001). Twelve patients with low-invasive alterations had LNs dissected from the central neck (12/19, 63%) compared to 127 patients (127/128, 99%) with high-invasive alterations. LN metastasis was identified in two patients with low-invasive alterations (2/19, 11%) compared to 107 patients with high-invasive alterations (107/128, 84%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Pediatric patients with low-invasive somatic oncogenic alterations are at low risk for metastasis to central neck LNs. Our findings suggest that preoperative knowledge of somatic oncogene alterations provides objective data to stratify pediatric patients who may not benefit from pCND.
The Role of MicroRNAs in regulating genes related to neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Carvalho Piasentim Joao Vitor , Asseiss Samya Nogueira
Published: July 2024

Neurodegenerative diseases pose significant challenges to public health worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression and are implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders. This review comprehensively explores the current understanding of how miRNAs influence gene networks involved in Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We discuss the mechanisms by which miRNAs modulate disease associated genes, their potential as diagnostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets in neurodegeneration.
Iliotibial band syndrome - demotion of the lateral femoral epicondyle as a surgical alternative
Authors: Mainine, Sergio , Nakamura Toldo Nilo Eiji , Plumacher Diaz Luis Eduardo
Published: July 2024

Objective: Demonstrate an alternative surgery technique for the treatment of Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) refractory to conservative treatment, through the lowering of the lateral femoral epicondyle. Methods: From 2005 and 2017, it was analyzed 9 patients diagnosed with ITBS refractory to conservative treatment. They underwent surgery using the main author's own technique (SM), which consists of lowering the lateral femoral epicondyle (LFE), with a mean follow-up time of 13 years, ranging from 5.5 to 16.6 years. They were assessed pre- and postoperatively for pain and return to sports Results: All 9 patients had immediate relief from the pain caused by ITBS. On average, three months after the surgery they were returning to their daily activities and sport Conclusion: The proposal technique of the demotion of the LFE showed excellent and immediate results in post op and long term related to pain and the return to sports We believe that this technique is a great alternative for chronic and refractory cases of ITBS.
Statistical Tests for Checking Independence of Random Variables, Which Describe Sequences Generation in Cryptoalgorithms
Authors: Kovalchuk L.V. ,   G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Koriakov I.V. , Bespalov O.Yu. ,   2SCIENTIFIC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY – IMPLEMENTATION COMPANY KRYPTON,   G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv
Published: July 2024

When a crypto-primitive, whose functions include the generation of a random/pseudo-random gamma, is admitted to operation, a necessary part of its quality checking is a sta-tistical testing of its output gamma and, often, intermediate gamma(s). Such requirement is applied, for example, to random/pseudo-random number generators (RNG/PRNG), stream ciphers, and block ciphers in different "stream" modes (such as OFB, CBC, etc). There exist widely used and well-known tools for checking the statistical properties of se-quences and generators, which are based on a set of statistical tests, like NIST STS set, Diehard, etc. At the same time, the other and very similar question, about independence of the se-quences (more precisely — independence of the corresponding random variables, that the considered sequences are their realizations) generated in such cryptoalgorithms, usually doesn’t attract enough attention. Nevertheless, it is also of great importance, because the dependence of the sequences can lead to predictability of the output gamma, which makes the cryptoprimitive vulnerable to statistical attacks. Therefore, there are no adequate and suitable tools for checking independence of different sequences, generated in the algo-rithms. In this work we deve¬loped and justified new set of three statistical tests for check-ing independence of random va¬riables, which realizations are internal or output sequences in encryption algorithms or RNG/PRNG. We also calculated reference values for limit sta-tistics for different parameters of sequences and different significance levels of tests. Re-sults of tests applications for independent and dependent random variables are given, which confirm correctness of proposed tests.
Security Assessment and Choice of Messengers Using the Imeca Method
Authors: Podgornyi R. ,   National Aerospace University named after M.E. Zhukovsky «Kharkiv Aviation Institute», Kharchenko V. ,   National Aerospace University named after M.E. Zhukovsky «Kharkiv Aviation Institute»
Published: July 2024

This paper analyzes the potential threats and risks to information security associated with the use of messengers. A comprehensive approach is proposed for assessing messenger security using the IMECA (Intrusion Modes and Effects Criticality Analysis) method. This method enables a well-founded choice of a messenger for secure communication based on a set of supported features that can enhance security and considering personal preferences. The methodology involves expert evaluations to determine the criticality of threats, taking into account their likelihood and the severity of their consequences. Based on the analysis, appropriate countermeasures in the form of messenger features are justified to minimize risks and enhance user security. The practical contribution of the work and the significance of the results obtained for improving cybersecurity are determined.
The norming set of a bilinear form on a certain normed space $\mathbb{R}^2$
Authors: Kim S.G.
Published: July 2024

In this paper we classify the norming set of a bilinear form on the plane with a certain norm whose unit ball has only four extreme points. We obtain the results of [6, 8] as corollary.
Torsion Groups with the Norm of pd-Subgroup of Finite Index
Authors: Lukashova T.D. , Drushlyak M.G. , Pidopryhora A.V.
Published: July 2024

The authors study the relations between the properties of torsion groups and their norms of $pd$-subgroups. The norm $N_G^{pdI}$ of $pd$-subgroups of a group $G$ is the intersection of the normalizers of all its $pd$-subgroups or a group itself, if the set of such subgroups is empty in a group. The structure of the norm of $pd$-subgroups in torsion groups is described and the conditions of Dedekindness of this norm is proved (Dedekind group is a group in which all subgroups are normal). It is proved that a torsion group is a finite extension of its norm of $pd$-subgroups if and only if it is a finite extension of its center. By this fact and the structure of the norm of $pd$-subgroups, we get that any torsion group that is a finite extension of this norm is locally finite.
AASHTO endorses certification by technical institutes (news item)
Authors:   PCI Staff
Published: July 2024

This news item on page 18 of the From PCI Headquarters section announces AASHTO's endorsement of the practice of technical institutes offering certification; explains why they have made this endorsement; and provides the essential requirements for such a program.
Some Remarks About the Translation of Yun Lintang Yinshi Zhidu Ji Published in PPC 60
Authors: Sabban Françoise
Published: July 2024

Readers who enjoyed the translation (in PPC 60) by Teresa Wang and EN Anderson of the culinary work by the 14th century Chinese artist Ni Tsan, and who are glad to have this work on their shelves for subsequent reference, will welcome the additional comments, and proposed corrections, which have been provided by Françoise Sabban, a French professor who has specialized in Chinese food and cuisine. In what follows, words printed in bold type represent the proposed corrections.
Stephen Facciola
Authors: Karp David
Published: July 2024

Readers may remember that we reviewed the first edition of Cornucopia, the comprehensive and up to date catalogue of food plants written and produced by Stephen Facciola, in PPC 39. Ever since then, we have been looking forward to the revised edition which we knew was in gestation. Now we have it, and it's great. In his introduction to the new edition, Alan Davidson wrote: 'Let the new version of his work be acclaimed as the uniquely rich resource and dazzling achievement which it is.' 
David Karp, a world authority on fruits and an enthusiastic user of Facciola's book, had an interview with him recently for the Los Angeles Times, where it was first published. He has kindly allowed us to reprint his piece, which has the merit of telling our readers about the author as well as the great book he has created.
Comparison of the infrapatellar and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsy material as a source of mesenchymal stromal cells for regenerative medicine in traumatology
Authors: Avramenko Yulia , Maslennikov Serhiy , Bondarenko Stanislav , Golovakha Maxim
Published: July 2024

Objective. The use of infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) as the source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), show an age-independent proliferation and differentiation potential. In addition, the pronounced chondrogenic potential of IPFP-ASCs makes them promising candidates for research for use in other methodsof regenerative therapy. Methods. A direct immunohistochemical study was carried out in serial paraffin sections of the biopsy material of Hoffa`s fat pad and subcutaneus fat tissue, using monoclonal antibodies. The minimum criteria established by the International Society for Cell Therapy to ensure the identity of MSCs use CD73 and CD105 as positive markers and CD34, CD31, CD45 as a negative. Results. According to the results of histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric and statistical studies, it was found that in the biopsy of both tissues the relative number of cells with an immunoprofile CD105+, CD73+, CD34–, CD31–, CD45– in the standard field of view (×200) was: 7.25 (5.42; 8.89 ) %, and 11.11 (8.46; 13.45) %, no statistically significant difference was found between comparison groups (р > 0,05). Conclusion. The therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells of subcutaneous adipose tissue has been proven, thus the identification of similar cells in the biopsy material and relatively similar density in the Hoffa body makesit an important source of adipose-derived stem cells that can be used for regenerative engineering tissue.
Cultural-Anthropological Basis of Strong Constructivism in Social Cognition
Authors: Kubalskyi O. N.
Published: July 2024

Purpose. This article is aimed at identifying the cultural-anthropological limits of the applicability of strong constructivism in social cognition. Theoretical basis. The study of epistemic cultures, carried out by the modern German philosopher of science Karin Knorr Cetina, gave reasons to rethink the role of cultural anthropology as a methodological basis of strong constructivism not only for scientific cognition, but also for educational practices, and perhaps also for some other social practices. An important role in identifying less successful versions of strong constructivism was played by the concept of fictionalism of the German philosopher Hans Veihinger, the Chilean biologists Humberto Maturán and Francisco Varela, and the German sociologist and philosopher Niklas Luhmann. Originality. Strong constructivism has broad prospects for use within cultural anthropology as an identification of the cultural foundations of human nature. Local research and educational practices are defined as a model for the formation of those social characteristics of their participants, which they themselves change through self-improvement. Strong constructivists involve the individual empirical experience of researchers, and also correct the inherited rules of scientific research as elements of research procedures and practices, thanks to which they achieve the creation of a common epistemic culture and the elimination of myths about the isolation of scientific cognition from the world. Conclusions. False ways of interpreting strong constructivism as fictionalism and as realism have been revealed. Fictionalism, as a methodology focused on the study of the contents of consciousness, loses the empirical experience of the world. Philosophical realism as positivism in the philosophy of science reduces the significance of scientific discoveries to confirmation of the laws of nature. Karin Knorr Cetina’s proposal to consider constructivism "on its own terms" appears not as a moderate compromise between these extremes, but as the only possible way to adequately reconcile the work of nature and the conscious activity of man. Such coordination takes place primarily in the creation of local epistemic cultures as a collective activity of researchers.
Recreational Space as the Embodiment of the Garden of Eden Archetype
Authors: Merylova I. O. , Sokolova K. V.
Published: July 2024

The purpose of the article is to research the spiritual basis and motivation of human activity in the relationships between humans and the natural environment to create various forms of recreational spaces in the socio-cultural context of the post-industrial era. Theoretical basis. The research is based on the approach of analytical psychology by C. Jung, who identified the archetypes of the collective unconscious. These archetypes help overcome the limitations of the functional and pragmatic approach, which is focused on mere survival. They make sense and provide values in the relationship between humans and nature. Originality. The article evaluates how archetypal images of the collective unconscious, with the help of the Garden of Eden image in the socio-cultural context of European civilization, influence the recreational space in contemporary urban environments. The novelty of the work is also in the interdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from various fields such as philosophy, sociology, cultural studies, analytical psychology, and urban planning, which contributes to the profound understanding of complex socio-cultural processes. This paradigm emphasizes the interconnection and interdependence, adaptability, and co-evolution of society and nature, as well as requires the interdisciplinary methodological approach. Additionally, the article presents a fresh perspective on nature and its elements in terms of their importance both for individuals and society. Conclusions. The article investigates the socio-cultural factors that evoke the interest of man and society in natural factors as a recreational resource and determine the latest theoretical approaches to their use. Various recreational activities to create a renewed space provide a person with a full physical, socio-psychological and cognitive development. The humanization of the natural environment becomes the embodiment of the collective memory and history of mankind. The recreational space symbolizes spiritual values, so it is transformed from physical to socio-cultural and provides theoretical approaches to its implementation in modern urban planning practices.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or a combination of nonselective beta blockers and endoscopic variceal ligation for prophylaxis of bleeding in waitlisted cirrhotic patients
Authors: Korobka R. V. , Gautier S. V. , Khoronko Yu. S. , Pasechnikov V. D. , Sapronova N. G. , Porshennikov I. A. , Malevanny M. V. , Pak E. S. , Pasechnikov D. V.
Published: July 2024

Objective: to substantiate the choice of an optimal method of preventing and reducing the risk of variceal bleeding (VB) and cardia in patients with decompensated cirrhosis who have been enlisted for liver transplantation (LT).

Materials and methods. Patients with diuretic-resistant and diuretic-responsive ascites underwent prophylaxis for recurrent bleeding via transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or a combination of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and nonselective beta-blockers (NSBB).

Results. Leukocyte counts, Na levels, and Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) liver disease class in patients with diuretic-resistant ascites had significant differences when comparing individuals who received EVL + NSBB or underwent TIPS. In diuretic-responsive patients, there were significant differences for blood platelet count, albumin and Na levels, and CTP class when comparing EVL + NSBB and TIPS groups. In diuretic-resistant patients, incidence of grade 2 varices in EVL + NSBB group was significantly higher than in TIPS. Incidence of grade 3 varices was significantly higher in TIPS patients than in EVL + NSBB cohort. In diuretic-responsive patients, incidence of grade 2 and 3 varices had no significant differences when comparing these indicators in both groups. The proportion of patients with CTP class B was significantly higher both in diuretic-resistant and diuretic-responsive patients with various methods of rebleeding prophylaxis. The proportions of CTP class C patients with both forms of ascites were significantly higher in EVL + NSBB group than in TIPS. During the LT wait period within 2 years from the start of bleeding prophylaxis in diuretic-resistant patients, 78.4% of patients who underwent TIPS implantation developed recurrent bleeding, 100% of EVL + NSBB group within the same time frame, developed recurrent bleeding. Using the Kaplan–Meier estimate with the Log-Rank test, we were able to establish that there is a significant difference between the proportions of patients with recurrent VB in EVL + NSBB or TIPS groups with both forms of ascites.