bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cinco escenas transcaribeñas
Authors: Fornet Jorge
Published: June 2023

De Eric Williams a los miembros del grupo Nuevo Mundo, de Andrew Salkey a Aimé Césaire, de C.L.R. James a Stokely Carmichael, las reflexiones producidas desde el Caribe cobraron una dimensión mayor al cruzarse con la Revolución Cubana y con la lucha por los derechos civiles en los Estados Unidos. La propia Cuba –como puede observarse en estas “escenas”– fue un eje clave en el que confluyeron notables intelectuales para potenciar el pensamiento anticolonialista.
Un llamado a la acción: la performance en la poesía de Queen Nzinga Maxwell
Authors: Carini Sara
Published: June 2023

La producción poética afrodescendiente está estrechamente vinculada con el desarrollo de una identidad política dirigida a reivindicar derechos de plena ciudadanía para las comunidades en la diáspora. Dichas reclamaciones pueden concretarse en elementos temáticos, en recursos estilísticos o en el tipo de medio elegido para difundirlos. En el presente estudio me propongo abordar la forma por medio de la cual la poeta afrocostarricense Queen Nzinga Maxwell reivindica el espacio para la voz afrodescendiente a través de su poesía oral. En particular, me interesa destacar la dimensión diaspórica e identitaria que caracteriza su obra y su uso de la performance como espacio de conexión con la comunidad. Al mismo tiempo, me importa subrayar el uso de figuras retóricas relacionadas con la tradición poética afrodescendiente y sus luchas comunitarias.
Diagnostic accuracy of scales for depression screening in patients with heart failure: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cassiani-Miranda Carlos Arturo , Rueda Martin , Anthony Camacho Paul
Published: June 2023

Introduction: despite the existence of recommendations for the screening depressive symptoms in patients with cardiovascular disease and heart failure (HF), there are no comparative data regarding the performance of psychometric scales used in patients with HF. This study compares the psychometric performance of screening scales used for depressive symptoms in such patients. Methods: PRISMA declaration recommendations were used for the systematic review. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, SCOPUS, Lilacs, Australasian Medical Index and the African Index from January 2000 to February 2016 were used for the search. The eligible articles were published in any language and they assessed the psychometric properties of screening scales for depressive symptoms in patients with HF. QUADAS-2 criteria was used for quality assessment, and a meta-analysis developed through a hierarchical model obtained the cluster estimations for sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, predictive values, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: the initial search identified 1238 citations; only three gathered the inclusion criteria for quantitative assessment. The combined sensitivity and specificity was 56% (95% IC: 45-67%; T2=0.05) and 98% (95% IC: 96-99%; T2=0.01) respectively. The area under the curve was 0.92 (95% IC: 0.90-0.94). The variables related with the index test, reference test, Global QUDAS-2 score, and language predicted heterogeneity. Limitations: significant heterogeneity, small number of studies, selective cutoff report, and the lack of a cost-effectiveness analysis. Conclusions: The GDS-15, HADS-D, PHQ-9, CAT-D and PROMIS scales performed similarly with high specificity values.
A Digitális Magyar Vízjel Adatbank (DMVA) a világhálón
Authors: Pelbárt Jenő
Published: June 2023

A vízjelek kor-, eredetiség- és helymeghatározó szerepüknél fogva identifikálják a hordozó papírt. Elárulják, hogy mikor és hol készült, ki készítette, milyen célra szánták. A vízjelek digitalizálása, járulékos adataik rögzítése, motívum alapú vízjel adatbázisba rendezése és világhálóra töltése bárki számára elérhetővé teszi a vízjel azonosítást és meghatározást. A világhálón – a The Memory of Paper – Bernstein portálon – ingyen elérhető a DMVA, a Digitális Magyar Vízjel Adatbank, amely látványhű, azonosításra és meghatározásra alkalmas digitalizált vízjelrajzokat és azok minden járulékos adatát tartalmazza, lehetővé téve az összehasonlító vízjelvizsgálatok elvégzését. A DMVA létrehozásának célja a magyar vízjelkincs megőrzése, dokumentálása és közzététele, a méret- látvány- és adathűség alapelveinek alkalmazásával. Alapvető cél volt a DMVA kereső rendszerének felépítésénél, hogy a keresett, ismeretlen vízjelmotívumhoz tartozó bármely egyetlen ismert adat elemből kiindulva elérhető legyen egy olyan vízjelrajz képe, amelynek alakja és jellegzetességei hasonlítanak vagy megegyeznek a keresett motívummal és alkalmas az azonosítás céljára.
Analysis of a modernized 9K51 Hrad Multiple Rocket Launcher System to determine the performance specifications of the 122-mm unguided rocket projectile in development
Authors: Aksionenko O.V. , Hurskyi O.I. , Klochkov A.S. , Kondratiuk Ye.A. , Shyniberov D.O.
Published: June 2023

The article dwells on the multiple launch rocket systems with high firepower, firing rate and manoeuvrability, which continue to be one of the basic means of destruction of the land forces in the conditions of the modern armed conflicts. Authors observed the importance of reconstruction and upgrading of multiple launch rocket systems of Grad 9К51, Hurricane 9К57 and Tornado 9К58 types and missiles they use by the enterprises of the domestic military-industrial complex. The article dwells on the main areas of upgrading of the multiple launch rocket system Grad 9K51 performed by NPO Splav and co-operating enterprises in 1997‒1998 for a foreign customer. The key factors that allowed improving the performance of the Grad system in the upgrading process are identified in this article. The main characteristics of the unguided missiles 9M217, 9M218, 9M521, 9M522, designed for the foreign customer, had been investigated. The performance characteristics of the Tornado-G multiple launch rocket system which went into service with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in 2014, as well as the family of the upgraded unguided missiles 9M538, 9M539, 9M641, are analyzed. The article identifies the main areas of work for further improvement of the performance characteristics of the 122-mm unguided missile, developed by Yuzhnoe Design Office for the multiple launch rocket system 9K51 Grad. This article can be useful for the specialists in development of new and upgrading outdated systems of rocket weapons. Key words: multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), missile, 9K51 Grad, 9M217, 9M218, 9M521, 9M522, Tornado-G, 9M538, 9M539, 9M541.
Numerical modeling of translational and rotational vibrations of a solid-propellant rocket motor on a test stand during firing tests
Authors: Lysenko M.T. , Rohulin V.V. , Demchenko A.V. , Bezkrovnyi I.B. , Kalnysh R.V.
Published: June 2023

This article dwells on results of firing bench testing of the solid-propellant rocket engine (SPRE), fastened to the thrust-measuring assembly stand. It is shown that when engine enters the steady-state mode of operation, plane (forward and rotation) vibrations of the SPRE can take place in the assembly stand due to the sudden pattern of thrust generation and displacement of the center of mass of the vibrating system from the engine axis. These vibrations distort measured values of engine thrust and pattern of its change versus time. The purpose of this work is to simulate the oscillating processes of the engine atop the assembly stand to single out in the distorted values of the measured thrust the components related to the processes in the engine and components, which are introduced into the thrust measurement by the oscillating processes in the system “assembly stand – engine”. Model of vibrating system is suggested, which consists of two rigidly connected bodies, containing elastic links, enabling forward and rotary motion and limited by the rigidity of the links. Mathematical model of the vibrating system is developed. Internal forces and moments acting in oscillatory system are defined. Method of numerical simulation of plane vibrations within the limits of the developed model is suggested. Plane vibrating motion and elastic force curve (curve based on force sensor readings) were simulated in thrust-measuring system for different cases of thrust curve and values of vibrating system parameters. Resonance condition was simulated and mutual influence of elastic parametrical link between forward and rotary vibrations was established. Impact of thrust-measuring system rigidity on peak values of force sensor readings was found out. Elastic force vibrations in thrust-measuring system with vibrating system parameters were simulated including variant of thrust change versus time, implemented during firing bench tests of one of the SPRE. It is shown that registered simulation results recreate thrust measurement results in pattern and values obtained by the force sensor during the firing bench tests, and owing to this, it was concluded that oscillating process parameters, assumed in the model, meet the actual ones. It is concluded that simulation provides objective interpretation of the thrust curve, reliable and comprehensive analysis of engine run during firing bench tests, more detailed and exact design of the assembly stand. Key words: vibrating system, plane vibrations, forward vibrations, rotary vibrations, resonance, thrust measurement.
Expectativas nuevas en la oncología: Inmunoterapia de células T con receptor de antígeno quimérico en neoplasias hematológicas
Authors: Jiménez Jara Jayleen Stefanny , Cordova Serrano Rosssana Daniela
Published: June 2023

Introducción: El cáncer es una patología muy frecuente a nivel global, entre los tipos más complicados están las neoplasias de origen hematológico. Los tratamientos establecidos para las mismas giran en torno quimioterapia o trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas, sin embargo, se ha demostrado que estas no son eficaces en todos los pacientes, además de que en un alto porcentaje se han presentado recaídas tras su uso. Objetivo: Describir las características de la terapia de células T con receptor de antígeno quimérico como nueva alternativa de tratamiento en neoplasias hematológicas. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica acerca de Inmunoterapia de células T con receptor de antígeno quimérico en neoplasias hematológicas. En bases de datos como PubMed, Scopus y Dialnet. Para la extracción de datos se priorizó artículos que expongan las características, utilidad y nuevos avances de la terapia de células CAR T en neoplasias hematológicas. Resultados: La inmunoterapia de células T con receptor de antígeno quimérico (CAR) se evidencia como una esperanzadora opción en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas, debido a su alto índice de efectividad posicionándose como una nueva elección terapéutica brindando una visión más amplia en el campo hematológico. Ha sido aprobada como tratamiento en la leucemia mieloide aguda o en el linfoma de células B. Conclusión: La combinación de esta terapia juntamente con otros inhibidores de citoquinas sería una buena elección a futuro. A pesar de que se han obtenido resultados efectivos en distintos estudios también se puedo evidenciar que en algunos casos los participantes presentaron efectos adversos ante la inmunoterapia con células CAR T por lo cual se continúan estudiando los mecanismos que intervienen en las complicaciones para así generar estrategias que aumenten la eficacia del tratamiento y disminuyan las complicaciones. Área de estudio general: medicina. Área de estudio específica: hematología.
INTERNET-DIGITALIZATION OF PROVIDING CONSUMER CHOICE IN THE MARKETS OF UKRAINE
Authors: Ivanova N. S. , Lyzhnyk Yu. B. , Shamrin R. V.
Published: June 2023

Objective. The objective of the present article is a theoretical and practical study of factors and directions of influence on the formation and provision of consumer choice from the Internet digitalization processes. In particular, research on what and how modern Internet marketing technologies affect the development of e-commerce in Ukraine and clarify its current state.

Methods. To achieve the goal, the following methods were used: analogies, analysis and synthesis, logical generalization, theoretical generalization, comparative comparison, graphic modeling.

Results. As a result of the conducted research, the main components of Internet digitalization, its advantages and consequences were considered. In particular, the role of e-commerce development and its impact on digital transformations in society is defined. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on e-commerce in the world and in Ukraine was analyzed. The advantages of the development of the Ukrainian Internet and the structure of potential buyers of goods and services through the Internet, depending on their income level, are determined

The impact of the war on conducting electronic business in Ukraine was also analyzed and the dynamics of changes in the volume of orders in online stores during the martial law were analyzed. As a result of the study, it was found that after a rapid failure in the first weeks of the war, the Internet segment of the Ukrainian business recovered quite quickly and by the beginning of summer it had reached 86% of the activity of orders in online stores compared to the pre-war state.

At the end of the study, the main directions of the implementation of the digital economy and increasing the level of Internet digitalization were determined, as well as the main components of the impact of Internet digitalization on the development of business processes and on increasing the level of consumer satisfaction and expanding the means of ensuring consumer choice were formulated.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF UKRAINIAN BUSINESS: CURRENT STATE AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS
Authors: Nikolaychuk O. A. , Pryimak N. S.
Published: June 2023

Objective. The objective of the study is to summarize the experience of corporate social responsibility in the domestic economy and develop recommendations for further use of social responsibility by domestic companies in the postwar period.

Methods. In order to achieve the objectives and goals, the following research methods were used: systematic and comprehensive analysis (to identify trends in social responsibility of domestic business), comparison and grouping, graphical and tabular methods (for visual representation of statistical material), abstract-logical method to formulate proposals and conclusions).

Results. The current state of social responsibility of business in the domestic economy is considered. It is established that in recent years Ukrainian business has become aware of the need to meet the goals of sustainable development and implementation of measures for social responsibility. Analysis of the dynamics of companies participating in the UN Global Compact network by the years of their accession showed their growth in 2019-2021. It was found that a small number of Ukrainian companies implemented corporate social responsibility policies and only some of them had a clear strategy. A study of the dynamics of annual budgets of domestic companies for corporate social responsibility measures in 2019-2020 showed their instability. Most of the measures on corporate social responsibility in 2020-2021 were focused on programs to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, educational programs, projects to reduce gender inequality, and environmental programs were implemented.

The main areas of business assistance during the war are financial assistance, humanitarian support, payment of taxes in advance, participation in information resistance, assistance to employees, IT support. The results of the polls show the importance of assistance to Ukrainians from domestic companies during the war, especially the Armed Forces of Ukraine and defenders. It is established that the key areas of corporate social responsibility in the near future will be: compliance with EU requirements, humanitarian assistance to victims and residents of cities, measures for children's education and adult education, medical assistance, environmental protection and security measures.
TOURISM SERVICES MARKETING TOOLS
Authors: Bohatyryova G. A. , Barabanova V. V.
Published: June 2023

Objective. The objective of the present article is to study the possibilities of marketing tools in terms of digitalization of society and the market of tourist services in Ukraine; to identify opportunities for the implementation of digital marketing methods in the new economy.

Methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is the provisions of modern economic theory, management theory and scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists in the field of marketing tools for tourism services. The methods of comparison, abstraction, analysis and generalization, as well as tabular and graphical modeling, the method of modeling complex systems were used in the research.

Results. The authors identify the features of the marketing tools use for the production, distribution and consumption of tourism products in terms of informatization of society and digitalization of tourism services. The possibilities of digital marketing as an innovative approach to the creation and promotion of creative services in the tourism market are analyzed.

The classification is made and the main advantages of digital marketing in the tourist sphere are defined, features of its technologies of work with the market, methods of application and effective tools are opened. The essence of digital marketing tools is determined, the use of digital information and communication technologies as a component of digital marketing tools of tourist services is substantiated.

The advantages and disadvantages of digital marketing tools and channels of their implementation in the market of tourist services are analyzed. Conclusions are made on the prospects of using digital marketing technologies as a component of tools in the market of tourist services.
STABLECOINS: BENEFITS AND RISKS FOR FINANCIAL STABILITY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Kozhukhova T. V. , Bocharova Yu. H. Yu. H. , Ishchenko O. V.
Published: June 2023

Objective. The objective of the present article is to identify the benefits and risks of stablecoins for the financial stability of sustainable development.

Methods. In the research process, the following general scientific methods and techniques of cognition were used: methods of scientific abstraction, analysis and synthesis (to study the essence of decentralized finance, stablecoins), systematic generalization (to systematize the categorical apparatus of decentralized finance research, to determine the essence of stablecoins and their types, the positive aspects of stablecoins, highlighting the risks of using stablecoins, measures to reduce the risks associated with their use).

Results. Based on the results of the conducted research, the essence and types of stablecoins, the advantages and disadvantages of stablecoins by category were determined; the advantages of stablecoins (reliable, transparent, secure decentralized structure, low volatility, technical and physical security against manipulation, automatic execution of contracts, no need for an element of trust, reduction of the cost of transactions when increasing their speed, protection of capital from market instability, use by traders and investors for hedging risks, protection against high inflation rates, automation and lack of regulation, economic efficiency); the risks of using stablecoins are highlighted (market risks (vulnerability to the volatility of the crypto market), liquidity risks, cyber risks (asset theft, undermining the reputation of platforms, which can lead to withdrawal of funds by depositors), money laundering and terrorist financing risks, legal and legal uncertainties; the issue of regulation is considered stablecoins; measures to reduce the risks associated with the use of stablecoins are defined.
CRYPTOCURRENCY AS A TYPE OF DIGITAL FINANCIAL ASSET
Authors: Khavrova K. S. , Korenitsyna T. V.
Published: June 2023

Objective. Theobjective of the study is to determine the essence of cryptocurrencies and substantiate them as a type of digital financial asset.

Methods. Methods of synthesis and generalization, comparative and stochastic analysis are used to define the basic concepts of cryptocurrencies, their main types and substantiate cryptocurrencies as a type of digital financial asset.

Results. In the process of studying the meaning of the term "cryptocurrency" it is explained as a financial instrument, a global means of payment, circulation and investment, a specific asset, digital (virtual) currency, which exists in electronic form. Cryptocurrency is a special type of digital financial assets, the operation of which is based on a decentralized mechanism of issuance and circulation and is a complex system of information technology procedures based on cryptographic protection methods that regulate the identification of owners and record the change.

The characteristics of the main types of cryptocurrencies are singled out and given, which include: Bitcoin, Lightcoin, Pircoin, Neimcoin, Fezerkoin. It is also determined that the main criteria of target functions, the calculations of which are used in cryptocurrencies, are the following: the inevitability of transactions; opportunity for anyone to check their validity; the complexity of calculations with the predicted speed.

The factors of dependence of the value of cryptocurrencies are considered. They include: network factor (network size, breadth of its use as a measure of price or utility for consumers); demand or utility; attention of investors.

The basis of each of the cryptocurrencies is a blockchain. The sequence of each transaction is determined by complex cryptographic functions: each transaction includes an electronically signed hash of the previous transaction; transactions are collected in blocks, and the hash of all transactions of the block is calculated for the header by constructing a Merkel tree; the block goes through the confirmation procedure with the inclusion of the hash of the previous block.

The principle of operation of the blockchain is determined. It includes decentralization: the absence of a server in the chain; the work of the whole blockchain is supported by each participant; reliability: filtering operations; hash substitution is not possible; universality: the use of blockchain in various fields; theoretical infinity: addition of records to infinity; transparency: the inability to change data because transactions are stored and presented in the public domain.

Thus, cryptocurrency is a high-risk and highly volatile instrument of a financial asset that can reduce risk through diversification, increase profitability and the desire to keep up with the times, based on blockchain technology.
Decadal-scale variation in coral calcification on coral-depleted Caribbean reefs
Authors: Edmunds PJ , Perry CT
Published: June 2023

Over recent decades, many Caribbean reefs have transitioned to states where stony corals are no longer spatially dominant. The community dynamics culminating in this outcome are well known, but its functional implications remain incompletely understood. Here we used annual surveys from 1992 to 2019 to describe coral communities at 6 sites off St. John, US Virgin Islands, and explored how their ecological dynamics interact with their capacity to sustain estimated coral community calcification (G, kg CaCO3 m-2 yr-1). These communities had low coral cover (≤4.4%), but they changed through small and incremental events that summed to a slight decline in coral cover and changes in species assemblages favoring biotic homogenization and weedy species. Estimated coral G remained low, between 0.3 and 1.3 kg CaCO3 m-2 yr-1 (8.2-35.6 mmol CaCO3 m-2 d-1), but it differed among sites and years. The dominant contributors to G were Siderastrea siderea (1 site), Porites astreoides (1 site), and Orbicella spp. (4 sites), but higher G only occurred where Orbicella spp. remained relatively common; G dramatically declined at 1 site when the abundance of this genus decreased. These results suggest that some coral-depleted reefs may maintain low G that could be sufficient to avoid transitions into net negative budget states, provided that biological and physical erosion and dissolution of CaCO3 (not recorded here) are minimal. Further mortalities of the few coral species remaining on these reefs through disturbances like stony coral tissue loss disease would compromise this delicate production-erosion balance, and likely see transitions of such reefs into negative carbonate budget states.
Evaluation of Students' Knowledge and Attention or Concern using Learning Videos on Renewable Energy
Authors: Nugraini Siti Hadiati , Nugroho Yusro Edy
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis research describes the evaluation of students when learning videos on renewable energy to increase students' knowledge and awareness about reducing fossil energy. Learning models, namely learning videos and other features, support student learning processes. Some of the learning videos describe Biodiesel or renewable energy sources derived from vegetable resources, namely used cooking oil, which is one of the current crucial problems regarding reducing fossil energy that must be addressed immediately. Students, as the nation's young generation, are less concerned about this problem, so there is a need for a learning model about renewable energy that can increase student knowledge and concern about the current reduction in fossil energy. One alternative learning model to clarify this subject is through Renewable Energy themed Learning Videos in Audio Visual class. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative method and a quantitative method. Respondents in this study were 60 students from the Audio Visual subject group. The Learning Model fully uses Learning Videos. Evaluation of the impact of this learning model shows that, in fact, with this learning model, the knowledge and attention or concern of students increases after participating in the learning process using learning videos with the theme of renewable energy.  Keywords: evaluation, learning model, learning video, renewable energy AbstrakPenelitian ini mendeskripsikan hasil evaluasi siswa ketika mempelajari video energi terbarukan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan kesadaran siswa tentang pengurangan energi fosil. Model pembelajaran yaitu video pembelajaran dan fitur lainnya mendukung proses belajar siswa. Beberapa video pembelajaran menjelaskan tentang Biodiesel atau sumber energi terbarukan yang berasal dari sumber daya nabati yaitu minyak jelantah yang merupakan salah satu permasalahan krusial saat ini terkait pengurangan energi fosil yang harus segera diatasi. Pelajar sebagai generasi muda bangsa kurang memperhatikan masalah ini, sehingga perlu adanya model pembelajaran tentang energi terbarukan yang dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan dan kepedulian siswa terhadap pengurangan energi fosil saat ini. Salah satu alternatif model pembelajaran untuk memperjelas mata kuliah ini adalah melalui Video Pembelajaran bertema Energi Terbarukan di kelas Audio Visual. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif deskriptif dan metode kuantitatif. Responden dalam penelitian ini adalah 60 siswa dari kelompok mata pelajaran Audio Visual. Model pembelajaran sepenuhnya menggunakan video pembelajaran. Evaluasi dampak model pembelajaran ini menunjukkan bahwa sebenarnya dengan model pembelajaran ini pengetahuan dan perhatian atau kepedulian siswa meningkat setelah mengikuti proses pembelajaran menggunakan video pembelajaran bertema energi terbarukan. Keywords: evaluasi, energi terbarukan, model pembelajaran, video pembelajaran
More Swallows to Follow: Sweeping, Swirling, Wheeling Turns in H.D.’s Asphodel
Authors: Trejling Maria
Published: June 2023

In comparison with other modernist writers, little has been written on the role of animals in H.D.’s works. This article examines the significations – the significances and the signifying – of the peripheral yet reoccurring swallows in her posthumous novel Asphodel, thus exploring their contribution to the meaning of the text. Since most of these swallows signify metaphorically, the widespread skepticism toward metaphor within animal studies is also addressed. Employing a Derridean perspective with a focus on iteration, metaphor, and irreplaceability, the swallows’ significations are analyzed in relation to the themes, style, and imagery of Asphodel, demonstrating how they repeatedly turn the direction of the narrative around, while also providing a pattern for stylistic turns. This not only shows the role of swallows in Asphodel, but also indicates the importance of peripheral animals to modernist literature.
‘The dawn, the dawn, it comes too soon!’: The Medieval Alba in Ford Madox Ford's Parade's End
Authors: Banin Tali
Published: June 2023

This paper argues for the importance of the alba, a medieval genre of courtly love poetry, to Ford Madox Ford's oeuvre and particularly to his tetralogy Parade's End. While the influence of troubadour songs and culture on Ford is widely recognised, no work has yet been devoted to the presence of the alba in his work. Describing a scene in which a knight and lady's adulterous love affair is interrupted by the coming of dawn, the alba invests daybreak with erotic and dramatic potential. Ford co-opts the conventions of this poetic form to illuminate and intensify one of the tetralogy's central themes: the analogy between love and war. In Parade's End daybreak repeatedly spells the interruption of the lovers' bliss and the end of the soldiers' vigil. The alba shows the motif to be key to the work's treatment of the love/war parallelism.
F-ATP Synthase Inhibitory Factor 1 in Regulation of Mitochondria Permeability Transition Pore and Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Guo Lishu
Published: June 2023

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) plays an important role in mitochondrial physiology and cell fate. Emerging studies highlight PTP forms from F-ATP synthase, but whether F-ATP synthase inhibitory factor 1 (IF1) regulates the activity of PTP is basically unknown. We have recently demonstrated that IF1 interacts with p53-CyPD complex and promotes opening of the PTP, and IF1 is necessary for the formation of p53-CyPD complex. IF1, a natural inhibitor of F-ATP synthase, acts as a main driver of metabolic switch to a Warburg phenotype. In this Commentary, we intend to discuss that the PTP may act as an alternative mechanism through which IF1 regulates metabolic reprogramming. The PTP participates in physiological Ca2+/ROS homeostasis and cell fate depending on the open state. The PTP-regulatory role of IF1 provides a clue that IF1 participates in metabolic plasticity probably involving modulation of PTP activity.
IDENTIFICATION OF CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS OF BEST PRACTICES IN PUBLIC POLICY AND SERVICES: SCIENTIFIC PROOF OF PUBLIC SERVICES IN SEVERAL DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Heryani Ani , Nugroho Budi Sulistiyo , Sianturi Novdin M , Iskandar Ade , Tuhuteru Laros
Published: June 2023

This study aims to identify several scientific evidence of the process of concepts and applications of public policymaking and services based on scientific knowledge obtained from various practices in developed and developing countries. We get supporting data from various first publications on public policy and services in Indonesia and several other scientific contexts. We analyze under a phenomenological engagement involving a coding system, so that valid and reliable conclusions are drawn to answer the problem. Based on the analysis and discussion results, we can conclude that several essential components have been obtained whose language is the concept and application of policymaking in public has resulted in a variety of concepts and policies that follow the needs of the field, which are based on instruments and objectives. The best practice that we have been able to conclude includes anti-corruption policies limiting policies in Indonesia and narcotics policies, human rights and democracy, technology and science policies, and system policies that work in Indonesia. These findings will be helpful in the development of similar studies in the future.
Optimizing Parcel Transportation of PostNL
Authors: Hoeksma Ruben , Hojny Christopher , van Ommeren Jan-Kees , Walter Matthias
Published: June 2023

We consider a multi-commodity transportation problem that arises in parcel delivery in the Netherlands. We focus on its deterministic variant and propose a mixed-integer programming model to solve it. We provide an implementation that is based on a multi-stage solution approach in order to overcome computational difficulties. This allows us to solve practical instances to reasonable accuracy.
The impact of financial education on teachers’ financial knowledge
Authors: Schindler Kurt A. , Cardona Rogelio J.
Published: June 2023

This study examines effective financial education teaching skills among a group of elementary school teachers using a specially designed composite financial literacy score. Data were collected via a 31-hour training program. The aggregate score considers financial self-efficacy, subjective financial knowledge, and financial behavior. We find that this score is correlated with net worth, personal finance training and teaching personal finance. In addition, our findings suggest a direct relationship between financial self-efficacy, subjective financial knowledge, and financial satisfaction with higher levels of positive financial behavior. These results contribute to a growing body of literature on financial knowledge since Puerto Rico is usually not included in this type of research in the U.S.
A lifted Bregman formulation for the inversion of deep neural networks
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Benning Martin
Published: June 2023

We propose a novel framework for the regularized inversion of deep neural networks. The framework is based on the authors' recent work on training feed-forward neural networks without the differentiation of activation functions. The framework lifts the parameter space into a higher dimensional space by introducing auxiliary variables, and penalizes these variables with tailored Bregman distances. We propose a family of variational regularizations based on these Bregman distances, present theoretical results and support their practical application with numerical examples. In particular, we present the first convergence result (to the best of our knowledge) for the regularized inversion of a single-layer perceptron that only assumes that the solution of the inverse problem is in the range of the regularization operator, and that shows that the regularized inverse provably converges to the true inverse if measurement errors converge to zero.
Enhanced osteogenesis of human urine-derived stem cells by direct delivery of 30Kc19α–Lin28A protein
Authors: Park Jinhee , Jeong Kiho , Kim Manho , Kim Wijin , Park Ju Hyun
Published: June 2023

Urine-derived stem cells (USCs) are a promising source for regenerative medicine because of their advantages such as easy and non-invasive collection from the human body, stable expansion, and the potential to differentiate into multiple lineages, including osteoblasts. In this study, we propose a strategy to enhance the osteogenic potential of human USCs using Lin28A, a transcription factor that inhibits let-7 miRNA processing. To address concerns regarding the safety of foreign gene integration and potential risk of tumorigenicity, we intracellularly delivered Lin28A as a recombinant protein fused with a cell-penetrating and protein-stabilizing protein, 30Kc19α. 30Kc19α–Lin28A fusion protein exhibited improved thermal stability and was delivered into USCs without significant cytotoxicity. 30Kc19α–Lin28A treatment elevated calcium deposition and upregulated several osteoblast-specific gene expressions in USCs derived from multiple donors. Our results indicate that intracellularly delivered 30Kc19α–Lin28A enhances the osteoblastic differentiation of human USCs by affecting the transcriptional regulatory network involved in metabolic reprogramming and stem cell potency. Therefore, 30Kc19α–Lin28A may provide a technical advancement toward developing clinically feasible strategies for bone regeneration.
Immunomodulatory effects of testosterone and letrozole during Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection
Authors: Nolasco-Pérez Teresita de Jesús , Cervantes-Candelas Luis Antonio , Buendía-González Fidel Orlando , Aguilar-Castro Jesús , Fernández-Rivera Omar , Salazar-Castañón Víctor Hugo , Legorreta-Herrera Martha
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Malaria is one of the leading health problems globally. Plasmodium infection causes pronounced sexual dimorphism, and the lethality and severity are more remarkable in males than in females. To study the role of testosterone in the susceptibility and mortality of males in malaria, it is common to increase its concentration. However, this strategy does not consider the enzyme CYP19A1 aromatase, which can transform it into oestrogens.

Methods

To avoid the interference of oestrogens, we inhibited in vivo CYP19A1 aromatase with letrozole and increased the testosterone level by exogen administration before infection with Plasmodium berghei ANKA. We measured the impact on free testosterone, 17β-oestradiol and dehydroepiandrosterone levels in plasma; additionally, we evaluated parasitaemia, body temperature, body mass, glucose levels and haemoglobin concentration. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of testosterone on the immune response; we quantified the CD3+/CD4+, CD3+/CD8+, CD19+, Mac-3+ and NK cells in the spleen and the plasma concentrations of the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-17A. Finally, we quantified the levels of antibodies.

Results

We found that mice treated with the combination of letrozole and testosterone and infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA had increased concentrations of free testosterone and DHEA but decreased levels of 17β-oestradiol. As a result, parasitaemia increased, leading to severe anaemia. Interestingly, testosterone increased temperature and decreased glucose concentration as a possible testosterone-mediated regulatory mechanism. The severity of symptomatology was related to critical immunomodulatory effects generated by free testosterone; it selectively increased CD3+CD8+ T and CD19+ cells but decreased Mac-3+. Remarkably, it reduced IL-17A concentration and increased IL-4 and TNF-α. Finally, it increased IgG1 levels and the IgG1/IgG2a ratio. In conclusion, free testosterone plays an essential role in pathogenesis in male mice by increasing CD8+ and decreasing Mac3+ cells and mainly reducing IL-17A levels, which is critical in the development of anaemia. Our results are important for understanding the mechanisms that regulate the exacerbated inflammatory response in infectious diseases and would be useful for the future development of alternative therapies to reduce the mortality generated by inflammatory processes.
Head-to-head comparison of CAMPYAIR aerobic culture medium versus standard microaerophilic culture for Campylobacter isolation from clinical samples
Authors: Levican Arturo , Varela Carmen , Porte Lorena , Weitzel Thomas , Briceño Isabel , Guerra Francisco , Mena Benjamín , Hinton Arthur
Published: June 2023

Campylobacter spp. are considered the most frequent cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. However, outside high-income countries, its burden is poorly understood. Limited published data suggest that Campylobacter prevalence in low- and middle-income countries is high, but their reservoirs and age distribution are different. Culturing Campylobacter is expensive due to laboratory equipment and supplies needed to grow the bacterium (e.g., selective culture media, microaerophilic atmosphere, and a 42°C incubator). These requirements limit the diagnostic capacity of clinical laboratories in many resource-poor regions, leading to significant underdiagnosis and underreporting of isolation of the pathogen. CAMPYAIR, a newly developed selective differential medium, permits Campylobacter isolation without the need for microaerophilic incubation. The medium is supplemented with antibiotics to allow Campylobacter isolation in complex matrices such as human feces. The present study aims to evaluate the ability of the medium to recover Campylobacter from routine clinical samples. A total of 191 human stool samples were used to compare the ability of CAMPYAIR (aerobic incubation) and a commercial Campylobacter medium (CASA, microaerophilic incubation) to recover Campylobacter. All Campylobacter isolates were then identified by MALDI-TOF MS. CAMPYAIR showed sensitivity and specificity values of 87.5% (95% CI 47.4%–99.7%) and 100% (95% CI 98%–100%), respectively. The positive predictive value of CAMPYAIR was 100% and its negative predictive value was 99.5% (95% CI 96.7%–99.9%); Kappa Cohen coefficient was 0.93 (95% CI 0.79–1.0). The high diagnostic performance and low technical requirements of the CAMPYAIR medium could permit Campylobacter culture in countries with limited resources.
Metabolic changes of glycerophospholipids during the reparative phase after myocardial infarction injury
Authors: Wang Jin , Yu Xinyi , Wang Tingyu , Cai Wenbin , Hua Tong , Duan Jinjie , Zhang Xu , Zhu Yi , Yao Liu
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a fatal manifestation of coronary heart disease, and its underlying mechanism is still largely unknown. Lipid levels and composition alterations predict the risk of MI complications. Glycerophospholipids (GPLs) are important bioactive lipids and play a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. However, the metabolic changes in the GPLs profile during post-MI injury remain unknown.

Methods

In the current study, we constructed a classic MI model by ligating the left anterior descending branch and assessed the alterations in both plasma and myocardial GPLs profiles during the reparative phase post-MI by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

Results

We found that myocardial GPLs, but not plasma GPLs, were markedly changed after MI injury. Importantly, MI injury is associated with decreased phosphatidylserine (PS) levels. Consistently, the expression of phosphatidylserine synthase 1 (PSS1), which catalyzes the formation of PS from its substrate phosphatidylcholine, was significantly reduced in heart tissues after MI injury. Furthermore, oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) inhibited PSS1 expression and reduced PS levels in primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, while overexpression of PSS1 restored the inhibition of PSS1 and the reduction in PS levels caused by OGD. Moreover, overexpression of PSS1 abrogated, whereas knockdown of PSS1 aggravated, OGD-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that GPLs metabolism was involved in the reparative phase post-MI, and cardiac decreased PS levels, resulting from inhibition of PSS1, are important contributor to the reparative phase post-MI. PSS1 overexpression represents a promising therapeutic strategy to attenuate MI injury.
Mendelian randomization study reveals a causal relationship between serum iron status and coronary heart disease and related cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Liu Fenglan , Liu Yanfei , Xu Shihan , Wang Qing , Xu Fengqin , Liu Yue
Published: June 2023

Background

Growing observational studies have shown that abnormal systemic iron status is associated with Coronary heart disease (CHD). However, these results from observational studies was not entirely consistent.It remains unclear whether this relationship represents causality.It is necessary to explore the causal relationship between iron status and CHD and related cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Objective

We aimed to investigate the potential casual relationship between serum iron status and CHD and related CVD using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Methods

Genetic statistics for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between four iron status parameters were identified in a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted by the Iron Status Genetics organization. Three independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1800562, rs1799945, and rs855791) aligned with four iron status biomarkers were used as instrumental variables. CHD and related CVD genetic statistics We used publicly available summary-level GWAS data. Five different MR methods random effects inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and Wald ratio were used to explore the causal relationship between serum iron status and CHD and related CVD.

Results

In the MR analysis, we found that the causal effect of serum iron (OR = 0.995, 95% CI = 0.992–0.998, p = 0.002) was negatively associated with the odds of coronary atherosclerosis (AS). Transferrin saturation (TS) (OR = 0.885, 95% CI = 0.797–0.982, p = 0.02) was negatively associated with the odds of Myocardial infarction (MI).

Conclusion

This MR analysis provides evidence for a causal relationship between whole-body iron status and CHD development. Our study suggests that a high iron status may be associated with a reduced risk of developing CHD.
Supporting pre-service teachers in developing research competence
Authors: Gussen Lea , Schumacher Fabian , Großmann Nadine , Ferreira González Laura , Schlüter Kirsten , Großschedl Jörg
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Teachers need research competence to reflect on their teaching and to interpret and implement research-based recommendations. However, many pre-service teachers have critical attitudes toward research, little motivation to engage in research, and comparatively low knowledge of research methods and thereby consequently indicating a low research competence. Flexible online modules in university teaching could be a promising approach to address these issues. Online modules can potentially promote self-determined motivation, but should be sufficiently structured to support learners’ need for competence.

Methods

We designed two learning environments with different types of structure: a non-restrictive structured environment and a restrictive structured environment. A total of N = 108 pre-service biology teachers were randomly assigned to the two learning environments.

Results and discussion

Contrary to our assumption, the restrictive type of structure of the learning environment did not lead to a higher perception of competence. This might be a consequence of external pressure, for example, the examination at the end of the course. Regarding pre-service teachers’ research competence, we found a decrease in the affective-motivational domain and an increase in the cognitive domain in both learning environments. These results suggest that fostering pre-service teachers’ research competence should focus on the affective-motivational domain. In order to positively affect this domain, care must be taken to ensure that structuring elements are not experienced as control and that given choices are meaningful to students.