bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El uso de los recursos públicos por parte de las mujeres candidatas en el Ecuador
Authors: Bolaños Moreno Mónica Estefanía
Published: December 2023

El presente trabajo investigativo hace referencia al papel central que ejercen las mujeres en la sociedad; y en particular, se abordará a la mujer candidata. En este contexto, hay que señalar que el Ecuador como cualquier otro país tiene su propia forma de gobernar, derivada de su historia política, económica y cultural. Este trabajo principalmente hace una prospección bibliográfica que da cuenta de las tendencias, fortalezas y desafíos que enfrentan las mujeres candidatas; y, el papel del dinero como elemento clave de la política y las elecciones. La lectura de este trabajo se vuelve enriquecedora para quien quiera acercarse al estudio de la cultura política y participativa de las mujeres, lo cual permitirá a su vez, que este artículo esté mucho más cercano a la realidad ecuatoriana.
La dimensión ética-jurídica de la tecnología disruptiva de edición genética en embriones en el marco del estado social y democrático de derecho
Authors: Huergo González Inés
Published: December 2023

La biotecnología de edición genética pone a disposición de la humanidad la posibilidad de intervenir en la línea germinal. Este trabajo indaga sobre los fines de la intervención, los compromisos y la responsabilidad en su aplicación. Complementaria a la tarea ética precede la jurídica, como expresión de los valores sociales y, por ende, resulta necesaria una revisión teórica sobre las normativas internacionales, comunitarias y nacionales. Por último, se examina la magnitud del potencial efecto que puede tener en la humanidad, en su dimensión colectiva, pero sin olvidar la dimensión individual, es decir, los sujetos directamente afectados en la intervención.
Smile esthetic
Authors: Mezio Martina , Guarnieri Rosanna , Altieri Federica , Padalino Gabriella , Cassetta Michele , Di Giorgio Roberto , Galluccio Gabriella , Barbato Ersilia
Published: December 2023

Most patients require orthodontic treatment to improve the esthetics of their smile. Orthodontists must consider how some parameters of mini-esthetics can influence the patient’s esthetic perception. Methods: A photograph of the smile of a young female was taken and some modifications were made to the buccal corridor, gingival exposure, smile arc and midline position to assess the influence of these variables on smile attractiveness. Two hundred examiners were selected from four groups: orthodontists (O), dental students (DS), orthodontic patients (OP) and surgical-orthodontic patients (SOP). Each examiner was asked to complete the questionnaire with an approval rating from 1 to 10. Significant level was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Only orthodontists considered buccal corridors of 4mm and midline deviation of 1mm as non-esthetic; all other examiners considered gingival exposures ≥3 mm and midline angulation as non-esthetic. All examiners assigned higher satisfaction values to the photo with the concordant smile arc and defined as non-esthetic the covered smile and the reverse smile arc. Patients perceived as non-esthetic only midline deviations of 4mm. The surgical orthodontic patients assigned lower values to the photos and showed greater attention to evaluating the esthetics of the smile than the orthodontic patients. Conclusion: Smile arc, gingival exposure and midline angulation influence smile esthetics; the role of buccal corridors and midline deviation is dependent on the type of examiner.
Los nuevos huicholes
Authors: Yerena Aldo Arias
Published: December 2023

El presente trabajo documenta algunas de las maneras en que diversos sujetos no indígenas se asimilan a las prácticas mágico-religiosas de la tradición wixárika, sobre todo de las que se relacionan con el consumo de peyote. La metodología utilizada para descubrir estas maneras fue la etnografía, que siguió longitudinalmente por más de un año a diversos sujetos y grupos en sus filiaciones con el peyote a través de “el costumbre”. El texto explica el concepto de nuevos huicholes, fenómeno basado en el peyotecentrismo y el ritualismo. Da cuenta de cómo la tradición wixárika se abrió al resto del mundo, de dónde surge el término “nuevos huicholes” y experiencias de algunos mara’akate mestizos en su calidad de chamanes contemporáneos. Al final, se propone como conclusión que el común denominador de los nuevos huicholes es el sincretismo.
Chasing the rainbow
Authors: Ferraz João Carlos
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a methodological framework for assessing the adoption of digital technologies by industrial firms. Given the increasing economic importance of digital technologies, proper assessment methods are required. However, evaluating digital adoption can be quite challenging due to the pervasiveness, intangibility, and fast progress rate of such technologies. The proposed framework is designed to enable three tasks: (i) registering information about current and prospective adoption of digital technologies by industrial firms, (ii) developing indicators to capture the dynamics of digital adoption in time; and (iii) analysing digitalisation determinants, requirements, and outcomes. This paper contributes to building a reference framework to evaluating how digital technologies can strengthen the industrial development of nations, particularly developing countries.
Resenha do livro Knowledge-Based Dynamic Capabilities
Authors: Guglielmi Rodrigo
Published: December 2023

As últimas duas décadas foram marcadas por grandes mudanças e quebras de paradigmas no mundo corporativo: as preocupações com métodos de produção de bens e serviços mais sustentáveis e diversidade são bons exemplos disto. No entanto, talvez a maior mudança tenha sido o surgimento e desenvolvimento das startups, empresas inovadoras que alteraram o mercado através de seus modelos de negócios inovadores e disruptivos.
Arras e consumação prévia de atos de concentração econômica sob a perspectiva do Cade
Authors: Jordão Pinto Dias José Carlos , Da Silva Sant'Anna Leonardo
Published: December 2023

O presente artigo examina se o pagamento de arras, antes da aprovação da operação pelo Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (Cade), configura hipótese de consumação prévia de ato de concentração econômica, também conhecida pela expressão inglesa gun jumping. O método utilizado foi o dedutivo, valendo-se de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. O artigo trata, primeiramente, do controle preventivo dos atos de concentração econômica pelo Cade. Em seguida, apresenta breves considerações sobre os institutos Arras e Gun Jumping, para, adiante, expor casos de consumação prévia julgados pelo Cade. Faz-se ainda breve digressão pelo Guia Para Análise da Consumação Prévia de Atos de Concentração Econômica, publicado pelo Cade, para, então, examinar detidamente o Procedimento Administrativo para Apuração de Ato de Concentração no 08700.005408/2016-68, em que o pagamento de sinal foi especificamente analisado pelo Cade, oportunidade em que foram expostos posicionamentos conflitantes. Ao final, são apresentadas conclusões sobre o trabalho.
Regulação & inovação: desenho regulatório do SNCTI sob a teoria da regulação inteligente
Authors: Cavaleiro de Macêdo Scaff Luma , Da Fonseca Pereira Luiz Felipe
Published: December 2023

O artigo analisa o ambiente do Sistema Nacional de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação – SNCTI e problematiza a interferência no desenho regulatório em razão da eventual adoção dos pressupostos da teoria da regulação inteligente pelo Brasil. O objetivo é verificar se os pressupostos da teoria da regulação inteligente foram recepcionados no desenho regulatório do sistema, para favorecer um ambiente colaborativo. Serão utilizados o método hipotético dedutivo e a pesquisa bibliográfica. O artigo está estruturado em quatro seções: a primeira estuda a evolução dos modelos de inovação; a segunda aborda o SNCTI; a terceira examina a teoria da regulação inteligente com especial enfoque aos seus pressupostos; e a quarta, por fim, examina o SNCTI à luz da teoria da regulação inteligente, para identificar proximidades e distanciamentos entre a teoria em tela e o Sistema Nacional. Conclui-se que a importação dos pressupostos estruturados em três ordens pode gerar incentivos positivos e ambiente colaborativo.
RNA Dünyasından Kliniğe: Madde Kullanım Bozuklukları için RNA Terapötikleri
Authors: ALKAÇ Süheyla Ayfer , MERCAN Selda
Published: December 2023

RNA terapötikleri, hastalıkları tedavi etmeyi veya önlemeyi amaçlayan ve hızla genişleyen bir ilaç kategorisidir. Madde bağımlılığının mekanizması tam olarak aydınlatılamadığından, önlenmesi ve tedavisinde halen büyük zorluklar yaşanmaktadır. Bağımlılık yapan maddelerin uzun süreli alımının gen ekspresyon profilini modüle ettiği, ödül mekanizması ve hafıza ile ilgili beyin bölgelerinde patolojik nöroadaptasyona yol açtığı bilinmektedir. Kodlamayan RNA’ların, kompulsif madde kullanımını yönlendiren uyumsuz nöroadaptasyonları düzenlediği gösterilmiş olsa da madde kullanım bozukluğu üzerindeki etkisi henüz klinik olarak test edilmemiştir. Bu gözden geçirme çalışması, madde kullanım bozukluğunun tedavisine yönelik potansiyel bir yaklaşım olan, kodlamayan RNA bazlı terapötiklere odaklanmayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu perspektifte, madde kullanım bozukluğunda yer alan kodlamayan RNA süreçleri gözden geçirilmiştir. Kodlamayan RNA'ları hedeflemeye yönelik son terapötik yaklaşımlar tartışılarak, madde kullanım bozukluğu için kodlamayan RNA'yı hedefleyen terapötiklerin potansiyel fırsatları ve zorlukları vurgulanmıştır. Sonuç olarak, RNA modülasyonunun çeşitli hastalıkların tedavisindeki etki mekanizmalarının umut verici bir strateji haline gelmesi, kodlamayan RNA'ların madde kullanım bozukluğunun tedavisinde de uygulanabilir terapötik hedefler olarak keşfedilmesi gerektiği kanaati oluşturmaktadır.
MAKSIM KESANTUNAN DALAM KOMUNIKASI FATIS JAWA VIRTUAL: SEBUAH PENDEKATAN SIBERPRAGMATIK
Authors: Widiana Yuli
Published: December 2023

Virtual communication gains popularity along with the rapid development of information technology. In a cultural context, cultural norms are employed in virtual communication. The lack of physical contact in virtual communication makes netizens utilize particular features in digital platforms to replace physical contact in performing politeness. This study explores the strategies of Javanese netizens to perform Javanese politeness maxims in virtual phatic communication. The data were taken from five WhatsApp Groups (WAG) of Javanese aged between 20s to 40s. 142 conversation texts containing phatic talks in WAG were collected by observation method. The conversational texts and virtual icons were transcribed for contextual analysis. The result shows that Javanese netizens utilized the maxims of Kurmat (Respect), Tepa Selira (Tolerance), Andhap Asor (Humility), and Empan Papan (Self-Awareness) as politeness strategies in virtual phatic communication. The tolerance maxim is the most frequently used to support each other. The maxim of humility is the least used. Javanese politeness maxims are camaraderie devices to establish social rapport in cyberpragmatics context. The employment of Javanese maxims is significant strategies to avoid conflict and the Face Threatening Act (FTA). Indeed, Javanese politeness maxims are essential in creating harmony in virtual communication.
ADVANCED DEMOGRAPHIC SITUATIONS BASED ON LAG MODELS
Authors: Ahiezer Olena , Tonitsa Oleg , Gelyarovska Oksana , Serdyuk Irina , Aslandukov Микола
Published: December 2023

Research and forecasting of time series based on models with lags is offered, as well as calculation of a reliable forecast based on data on birth rates in Ukraine. Economic modeling is one of the important modern tools for assessing the impact of technologies on the economic sector in order to obtain an optimal solution. Economic evaluations can be based on several different modeling approaches, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The relevance of the use of economic and mathematical models for the purpose of studying demography is connected with the need to study population and migration processes, as well as for further planning and implementation of the country's economic and social development. In every sphere of the economy, there are phenomena that are interesting and important to study in their development, as they evolve over time. Prices, economic conditions, industrial processes, and demographic data tend to change over time. The set of measurements of this kind of indicators depending on time is a time series. The goals of studying time series can be different. It is possible, for example, to try to predict the future on the basis of knowledge of the past, to control the process that generates the series, to try to find out the mechanism underlying the process, to clear the series of components that obscure its dynamics, or simply to briefly describe the characteristic features of the series. When studying the relationships between indicators or when analyzing their development over time, not only the current value of the variables, but also some previous values in time, as well as time itself, are used as explanatory variables. Models of this type are called dynamic. In economic analysis, dynamic models are used quite widely. This is quite natural, because in many cases the influence of some economic factors on others is not carried out immediately, but with some delay − a lag. The object of research is the mathematical model of the interdependence of the vector time series "Births in Ukraine for January 2005 − July 2012." The data are chosen quite relevantly, because without a preliminary demographic forecast it is impossible to imagine the prospects of industry and consumption of goods and services, housing construction, development of social infrastructure, health care and education, pension system and solutions to geopolitical problems.
Calculation of electric network modes in real-time using the “Rezhym” software suite
Authors: Khomenko Igor , Plakhtii Oleksandr , Iglin Sergii , Shеlеst Dmytrо , Danyleiko Oleh
Published: December 2023

The article presents a software suite for calculating the modes of an electrical network. Theoretical foundations of calculation, general information about the software suite, and recommendations for working with it are provided. It is shown that the theoretical basis of the software suite includes nodal equations and modifications of the Newton's method. Nodal equations are used to model various modes of electrical networks (steady-state, post-fault, heavy load). Nonlinear nodal voltage equations describe the steady-state operation of the electrical system with nonlinear current sources specified. The nodal voltage equations are presented in the form of power balance equations and matrix notation. In solving the equations for steady-state operation, the variables used are the magnitude and phase angles of voltage at nodes (U and δ). The article explains how the nonlinear system of steady-state equations is solved using the Newton's method, where a linearized system of equations is solved at each iteration step, with convergence control based on the vector of mismatches. The computer program's algorithm is implemented through input data module, the basic module, and the results output module. The article discusses the main conditions for running the program, which include a minimum requirement for technical resources such as a personal computer. The system software used by the program should be an operating systems starting from Windows 95 and above. The operator using the program should have practical skills in working with the graphical user interface of the operating system. The article highlights the significance of the basic module, which is the main component consisting of initial data processing procedures and information output as per the user's request. The basic module allows for real-time changes in initial data values and calculations with new values. The software suite enables calculations to be conducted in real-time. The program was developed and modernized at the Department of Electrical Power Transmission of the National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”. The programs have been implemented in the educational process and scientific activities of the department.
Unique laboratory “Currents in the ground”
Authors: Berezka Sergiy , Nizhevsky Viktor , Shevchenko Sergii , Nizhevskiy Ilia
Published: December 2023

A brief description of the scientific laboratory is given, which has become a flagship in the field of electrical energy, which made it possible to obtain unique results on grounding and electrical safety, which were included in state regulatory documents. It is shown that a well-known scientific school has been created in the laboratory for the study of processes in grounding devices of electrical installations. The laboratory was founded in 1971 and has not been described previously. The article shows the main building in the form of a two-story building and a nearby stack-type pulse voltage generator for a voltage of 1,250,000 V. The circuit allows for reconnecting capacitors on floors to obtain different capacitances in the discharge. To connect to the grounding device under study, a portable overhead line with split wires is used. A map of grounding fields on the laboratory territory is provided. This allows you to design almost any design of a grounding device. Fields of vertical and horizontal grounding conductors of various lengths are used; fields of complex mesh grounding conductors; groups of single vertical electrodes of different lengths. The laboratory has several sets of self-powered electronic high-speed oscilloscopes, shielded and isolated from ground to avoid interference. The range of research questions can be significantly expanded by using already installed objects: an experimental overhead line with a voltage of 220 kV on nine reinforced concrete supports; cable line 600m long; a dynamic and thermal test stand, equipped with a circuit for obtaining industrial frequency currents of up to 4 kA at a voltage of 0.4 kV; 120 linear meters of reinforced concrete trays were laid on the field of a complex mesh grounding device for laying communication and control cables in them; two additional pulse voltage generators 1,600,000 V and 1,000,000 V (the latter allows transportation to full-scale test sites outside the laboratory); test transformers IOM-100/100.
Justification of the need to build underground substations and power lines
Authors: Shevchenko Sergii , Danylchenko Dmytro , Dryvetskyi Stanislav , Potryvay Andriy , Hanus Roman
Published: December 2023

This work is aimed at finding the world experience in the creation of underground high-voltage substations, identifying their organisational features and solutions to ensure the most efficient operation modes. The positive and negative aspects of this approach are considered. The article identifies operational characteristics that can have a significant impact on substation operations, complicate the design process, and change the rules for selecting equipment for facilities. The experience of Western and Eastern colleagues in this area is analysed. Much attention is paid to the Xudong underground substation with a rated voltage of 220 kV in the Hubei power system, which is the first underground substation in central China. The same example reveals the peculiarities of organising an underground substation in urban areas. The article considers the peculiarities of organising underground substations near rivers, where groundwater complicates the design. Based on the examples considered, possible measures and changes in the design of typical substations to create new underground configurations are analysed. A comparison of the efficiency of phase convergence is made and the dependencies and conditions under which a significant change in the efficiency of electricity transmission on the territory of substations are established. The effect of using phase convergence on the bandwidth and wave impedance of conductors is determined. The positive impact of underground operating conditions on most elements of the system is established. The analysis of operating conditions and the use of efficient configurations allowed us to find potentially the most promising ways to implement underground substations. A reasonable range of measures to influence individual elements of the underground substation, based on the operating conditions, to ensure the most efficient configuration in terms of capacity and thermal conditions of the equipment is proposed.
CONFLICT MANAGMENT IN THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION
Authors: Novik Iryna
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the fact that conflicts are inevitable in our lives and that conflict management in the international organization is one of the most important areas in the activities of the head because it affects the productivity of employees and it affects the results of the work of the organization as a whole. The article discusses the mechanisms of management as well as the definition of conflict and how to manage stress to avoid conflict situations in the organization. For most companies, the main reason was and remains a conflict of interest of employees, and that would prevent or resolve an existing conflict the article reveals the stages of conflict development and the characteristics of ways to resolve conflicts, as well as methods of behavior of individuals or groups in the conflict, called methods of conflict prevention in the organization, reveals what is conflict forecasting since it plays a not unimportant role in personnel management in the organization. To resolve conflict situations, the leader can turn to methods such as smoothing, cooperation, compromise, etc. The use of these strategies can help resolve conflicts. One of the most effective methods of conflict resolution is a compromise, since most often the conflicting parties use a compromise, since the friendly steps towards which one of the conflicting parties makes, make it possible to achieve an asymmetric (one side can give in more, the other will give in less) or even symmetrical ( parties are trying to make mutual concessions approximately equal to each other) agreement. The main thing to remember is that managing conflicts between employees is a controlled process, and even people with opposite views on the situation can agree. And do not forget about the prevention and forecasting of conflicts in order to prevent the appearance of discontent and tension in the team. Conclusions based on the results of the study are formulated.
FORMATION OF THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES OF THE ENTERPRISE ON THE BASIS OF MARKETING OF VALUES
Authors: Tkachоva Nadezhda
Published: December 2023

The study is devoted to the study of competitiveness in the modern conditions of the dynamically developing market. The relationship between competitiveness and marketing is substantiated. Systematization of existing views and approaches to determining competitiveness has been carried out. The main characteristics that act as a key parameter, a factor that determines the level of competitiveness of the economic system of one or another level are highlighted. The use of the methodology of system analysis allows to overcome the contradictions that have arisen in the analysis of competitive advantages. The task of increasing competitiveness can be successfully solved only with the coordination of purposeful and effective actions of the state and domestic business. The theoretical and methodological provisions of the company's competitiveness have been specified, taking into account the principles of the value approach within the framework of relationship marketing, including: the content of the company's competitiveness has been revealed as a comparative characteristic that reflects its ability to create value together with the consumer based on the integration of the consumer's experience of using the product (service) and key competence organizations; a model of interaction between the company and the consumer has been developed, which ensures an increase in the company's competitiveness due to the development of consumer loyalty in the process of joint value creation. The need and importance of the formation of a value approach to the competitiveness of the enterprise as a comparative characteristic reflecting its ability to create value together with the consumer is substantiated, as well as the development of an interaction model, clarifying the theoretical and methodological provisions of the competitiveness of the enterprise taking into account the principles of the value approach. The results of the theoretical and methodological studies carried out by research and production enterprises and organizations in the development of approaches to ensuring the competitiveness of the company, creating consumer value, and developing relations between the company and the consumer. The process of evolution from understanding value creation in terms of product or service orientation, which is the dominant logic in marketing and strategy, and moving towards considering value co-creation in terms of the receiving experience opens up striking new possibilities for researchers. This new approach also allows us to challenge deeply held beliefs about some marketing issues.
Perspectives of Home-Based Child Care Providers in New Mexico on Barriers and Facilitators to Participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, 2021–2022
Authors: Heinz Hailey , Fiorella Asencio Pimentel Monica , Castillo Darlene , Cordova Yoselin , Fowler Rebecca , Bell Dana , Jimenez Elizabeth Yakes
Published: December 2023

This study examined New Mexico home-based child care provider perspectives (n = 75) on barriers to and facilitators of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) participation. Two thirds of the sample were Spanish speakers. Providers reported that CACFP reimbursement does not cover actual food costs and the time-and-effort costs of obtaining qualifying foods and completing required documentation. They noted that additional reimbursed meals are needed for children in care for extended hours and that linguistically competent CACFP sponsor staff facilitated their participation. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(S3):S215–S219. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307402 )
Opportunities to Improve Access to and Retention in the Child and Adult Care Food Program: Key Recommendations From Early Childcare Providers in Illinois, December 2020–July 2021
Authors: Asada Yuka , Schermbeck Rebecca , Thiede Kendall , Chriqui Jamie F.
Published: December 2023

Objectives. To identify recommendations to improve access to and retention in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) as critical strategies to address health equity for low-income children.

Methods. We conducted a qualitative key informant study of early childcare center and home providers (n = 35) in low-income urban and rural census tracts in Illinois between December 2020 and July 2021. Interviews with providers were organized and analyzed by the study team in MAXQDA Qualitative Data Analysis software. Themes were refined and finalized via member checking with an expert panel of providers and advocates.

Results. Overall, providers spoke positively of the benefits of CACFP participation. Themes that centered around strategies to improve awareness of and access to CACFP included (1) conducting systematic statewide outreach, (2) improving technical assistance for enrollment, and (3) supporting positive sponsor–provider relationships. Themes related to retention included (1) alleviating procurement burdens, (2) extending reimbursement rates, and (3) expanding flexibilities.

Conclusions. Policymakers looking to increase access to and retention in CACFP could consider state-level strategies such as systematic outreach and more targeted technical assistance. (Am J Public Health. 2024;113(S3):S231–S239. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307433 )
An Open Source R Package for Detection of Adverse Events Under-Reporting in Clinical Trials - Implementation and Validation by the IMPALA (Inter coMPany quALity Analytics) Consortium
Authors: Koneswarakantha Björn , Adyanthaya Ronojit , Emerson Jennifer , Collin Frederik , Keller Annett , Mattheus Michaela , Spyroglou Ioannis , Donevska Sandra , Ménard Timothé
Published: December 2023

Accurate and timely reporting of adverse events (AE) in clinical trials is crucial to ensuring data integrity and patient safety. However, AE under-reporting remains a challenge, often highlighted in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) audits and inspections. Traditional detection methods, such as on-site investigator audits via manual source data verification (SDV), have limitations. Addressing this, the open-source R package {simaerep} was developed to facilitate rapid, comprehensive, and near-real-time detection of AE under-reporting at each clinical trial site. This package leverages patient-level AE and visit data for its analyses. To validate its efficacy, three member companies from the Inter-coMPany quALity Analytics (IMPALA) consortium independently assessed the package. Results showed that {simaerep} consistently and effectively identified AE under-reporting across all three companies, particularly when there were significant differences in AE rates between compliant and non-compliant sites. Furthermore, {simaerep}'s detection rates surpassed heuristic methods, and it identified 50% of all detectable sites as early as 25% into the designated study duration. The open-source package can be embedded into audits to enable fast, holistic and repeatable quality oversight of clinical trials.
Characteristics of spatio-temporal distribution and source differences of DOM in urban watersheds of Xi'an during the dry, normal and wet periods
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhao Mingjia , He Yanxin , Zhu Yuqiang , Wang Pingping , Dong Chengxuan , Shu Qilin
Published: December 2023

The spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of the fluorescence components, molecular properties, source of DOM in water bodies of Xi'an during dry, normal and wet period were investigated by using three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy combined with parallel factor analysis, and UV spectroscopy. The results showed that the order of the mean DOC values of water bodies was: normal period > dry period > wet period, and the mean values of UV254 and α355 of DOM were the highest in wet period, with the mean values of 0.137 ± 0.043 cm− 1 and 7.69 ± 2.62 m− 1, respectively, indicating the content of aromatic compounds and the relative content of CDOM were higher. The DOM in wet and dry periods was humus-like dominant, while the proportion of humus-like and protein-like substances in normal period was close. The sources of DOM were mainly dominated by endogenous sources in dry period, and the proportion of exogenous sources in the DOM increased in normal and wet period. COD, IMn, DOC, UV254, α355, fluorescence intensity of peak D and fluorescence intensity of peak E exhibited significantly positive correlations with each other(r = 0.594–0.975, P < 0.01). The humification degree of the Zaohe River DOM increased along the water flow direction, while the humification degree of the Juehe River DOM decreased and its autogenous characteristics enhanced. The Heihe River was the least biologically active during dry and normal period, and more humified than other water bodies in normal and wet period. The composition, molecular properties and sources of DOM show spatio-temporal heterogeneity. In each period, the DOM contained at least two types of humus-like substances with fulvic acid being dominated. UV254, α355, fluorescence intensity of peak D, fluorescence intensity of peak E could indirectly represent the relative content of DOM, and COD, IMn in the water bodies, which could provide basis for the protection and restoration of the water ecology of urban watersheds.
TMS-Evoked Potentials Unveil Occipital Network Involvement in Recently Diagnosed Patients With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Maidan Inbal , Zifman Noa , Levy-Lamdan Ofri , Hiller Tal , Thaler Avner , Dolev Iftach , Mirelman Anat , Fogel Hilla , Hallett Mark
Published: December 2023

Background: Distinguishing clinical Parkinson's disease (PD) subgroups may be achieved by observing how different networks respond to external stimuli. We aimed to compare the Trans Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Evoked-Potential (TEP) measures obtained from stimulation of bilateral primary motor cortex (M1), dorsolateral-prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and primary visual cortex (V1) between healthy-controls and PD subgroups.
Methods: 62 PD patients (age: 69.9±7.5) and 76 healthy-controls (age: 69.25±4.3) underwent a TMS-EEG protocol. First, TEP measures were compared between groups and stimulation sites using two-way ANOVA. Then, PD patients were divided into three subgroups: Tremor Dominant (TD) (n=21, age: 68.5±6.7), Non-Tremor Dominant (NTD) (n=27, age: 69.2±6.9) and Rapid Disease Progression (RDP) (n=14, age: 72.8±9.4) and TEP measures were compared between the subgroups.
Results: PD patients demonstrated lower wide-waveform adherence (wWFA) (F(1,404)=17.11, p<0.0001) and interhemispheric connectivity (IHCCONN (F(1,404)=22.02, p<0.0001) compared to controls in response to all stimulated cortices. Lower occipital IHCCONN was associated with more advanced disease stage (r=-0.37, p=0.0039). Differences between PD subgroups were found in wWFA in response to occipital stimulation. The RDP and NTD subgroups showed lower wWFA compared to TD (p=0.005). Occipital TEP measures identify patients in the RDP group with 85% accuracy (AUC-ROC=0.85, p<0.0001).
Conclusions: These results demonstrate that occipital networks are involved even in the early stages of the disease, not necessarily related to cognitive deficits and hallucinations. Our results show that TEP measures can provide new insights regarding altered networks involvement in different PD subgroups. This understanding may hold implications for enhancing patient management and tailoring personalized treatment approaches.
The long-term effects of blood urea nitrogen levels on cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in diabetes: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Hongfang , Gan Jinghui , Xin Xiaoqin , Huang Jungao
Published: December 2023

Background
The long-term effects of blood urea nitrogen(BUN) in patients with diabetes remain unknown. Current studies reporting the target BUN level in patients with diabetes are also limited. Hence, this prospective study aimed to explore the relationship of BUN with all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities in patients with diabetes.
Methods
In total, 10,507 participants with diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2018) were enrolled. The causes and numbers of deaths were determined based on the National Death Index mortality data from the date of NHANES interview until follow-up (December 31, 2019). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) of mortality.
Results
After 86,601 person-years of follow-up, 2,441 deaths were documented. After adjusting for variables, the HRs of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in the highest BUN level group were 1.52 and 1.35, respectively, compared with those in the lowest BUN level group. With a one-unit increment in BUN levels, the HRs of all-cause and CVD mortality rates were 1.07 and 1.08, respectively. The results remained robust when several sensitivity and stratified analyses were performed. Moreover, BUN showed a nonlinear association with all-cause and CVD mortality. Their curves all showed that the inflection points were close to the BUN level of 5 mmol/L.
Conclusion
BUN had a nonlinear association with all-cause and CVD mortality in diabetes. The inflection point was at 5 mmol/L.
Enduring effects of the ‘Millennium Eruption’ of Changbaishan on mountain vegetation composition
Authors: Du Haibo , Oppenheimer Clive , Büntgen Ulf , Camarero Jesús Julio , Stambaugh Michael , Li Mai-He , Wu Mia , Schengwei Zong , He Hong , Wu Zhengfang
Published: December 2023

Large explosive volcanic eruptions can cover wide areas of land with tephra, profoundly disturbing ecological and societal systems. However, while consequences of tephra fallout and flow deposits have been well studied on annual to decadal timescale, little is known about centennial and longer-term changes in vegetation composition. Here, we reconstruct the pre-eruption vegetation and local climatic conditions on Changbaishan (aka Mt. Paektu) volcano from relict trees recovered from the deposits of its colossal 946 CE ‘Millennium Eruption’. A comparison of forest composition and structure deduced from the subfossil material with today’s forests on the mountain reveals still ongoing impacts more than thousand years after the eruption occurred. Today’s higher abundance of broad-leaved species reflects the long-term vegetation recovery following the eruption rather than the effects of anthropogenic warming that have been suggested previously. Further ecological succession, accelerated by global warming, is likely to reduce or eliminate the alpine tundra now prevalent on the upper slopes of Changbaishan. Our study emphasizes the value of assessing post-volcanic vegetation responses in a long temporal context.
Testing the incremental effectiveness of pay-for-performance to improve implementation of a motivational interviewing brief intervention for substance use disorders in HIV settings: Results of a cluster-randomized type 3 hybrid trial
Authors: Garner Bryan R , Tueller Stephen , Bradshaw Michael , Speck Kathryn , Satre Derek , Rash Carla , Donohoe Tom , Mungo Jackie , Philbrick Sarah , Ruwala Richa , Roosa Mathew , Zehner Mark , II James Ford
Published: December 2023

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) have a serious adverse impact on people living with HIV. Previously, using a 39-site dual-randomized type 2 hybrid trial design, findings from the Substance Abuse Treatment to HIV Care Project supported the Implementation and Sustainment Facilitation (ISF) strategy to improve implementation and effectiveness of a motivational interviewing brief intervention (MIBI) for SUD within HIV service settings across the United States (US). Building on this trial, this cluster-randomized type 3 hybrid trial aimed to test the incremental effectiveness of a pay-for-performance (P4P), a form of the “alter incentive/allowance structures” strategy.
Methods: Twenty-six HIV service organizations, their staff participants (N=87), and their client participants (N=341) were cluster-randomized to one of two implementation conditions. The control condition included staff-focused training, feedback, and consultation (TFC) and team-focused implementation and sustainment (ISF). The experimental condition included TFC+ISF as well as P4P (TFC+ISF+P4P). P4P used financial incentives to reward MIBI implementation (US$10 per MIBI delivered) and MIBI implementation at or above a pre-defined level of quality (US$10 per demonstration). In addition to these outcomes, past 4-week changes/reductions in client participant’s days of primary substance use and anxiety symptoms were examined.
Results: The addition of P4P had a large and significant effect on the number of MIBIs implemented (d=1.30, p<.05) and reduction in anxiety (d=-1.54), but there was no impact on days of substance use. P4P had large effects on MIBI quality (d=1.24) and MIBI implementation effectiveness (d=1.28), but these were not significant (p<.10).
Conclusions: P4P is a form of the “alter incentive/allowance structures” strategy Its function is to reward the implementation of a clinical innovation. Rewarding implementation is consistent with the theory of implementation effectiveness, which suggests implementation climate (i.e., the extent to which implementation is expected, supported, and rewarded) is a key antecedent of implementation effectiveness (i.e., the consistency and quality of implementation). We found that P4P had a significant, positive impact on MIBI implementation in HIV service settings, but client-level outcomes were mixed. Future research should examine the cost-effectiveness of this strategy, as well as to examine the effectiveness of P4P to improve the implementation of other evidence-based innovations.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04687917. Registered 12/18/2020.
Meta-Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease Risk
Authors: Torkamani Ali , Chen Shang-Fu , Lee Sang Eun , Sadaei Hossein , Park Jun-Bean , Khattab Ahmed , Henegar Corneliu , Wineinger Nathan , Muse Evan
Published: December 2023

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Recent advances in large-scale genome-wide association studies have highlighted the potential of genetic risk, captured as polygenic risk scores (PRS), in clinical prevention. However, the current clinical utility of PRS models is limited to identifying high-risk populations based on the top percentiles of genetic susceptibility. While some studies have attempted integrative prediction using genetic and non-genetic factors, many of these studies have been cross-sectional and focused solely on risk stratification. Our primary objective in this study was to integrate unmodifiable (age / genetics) and modifiable (clinical / biometric) risk factors into a prospective prediction framework which also produces actionable and personalized risk estimates for the purpose of CAD prevention in a heterogenous adult population. Thus, we present an integrative, omnigenic, meta-prediction framework that effectively captures CAD risk subgroups, primarily distinguished by degree and nature of genetic risk, with distinct risk reduction profiles predicted from standard clinical interventions. Initial model development considered ~ 2,000 predictive features, including demographic data, lifestyle factors, physical measurements, laboratory tests, medication usage, diagnoses, and genetics. To power our meta-prediction approach, we stratified the UK Biobank into two primary cohorts: 1) a prevalent CAD cohort used to train baseline and prospective predictive models for contributing risk factors and diagnoses, and 2) an incident CAD cohort used to train the final CAD incident risk prediction model. The resultant 10-year incident CAD risk model is composed of 35 derived meta-features from models trained on the prevalent risk cohort, most of which are predicted baseline diagnoses with multiple embedded PRSs. This model achieved an AUC of 0.81 and macro-averaged F1-score of 0.65, outperforming standard clinical scores and prior integrative models. We further demonstrate that individualized risk reduction profiles can be derived from this model, with genetic risk mediating the degree of risk reduction achieved by standard clinical interventions.
Expression and localization of aquaporins in the renal system of the goat (Capra hircus) under tropical climatic conditions
Authors: Shukla Smriti , Deshpande Aditya D. , Ludri Ashutosh , Kumar Anil , De S.
Published: December 2023

A lack of adequate quality and quantity of water impacts goat physiology. Goats may adapt in harsh climatic conditions lacking water by changing their expression of aquaporin (AQP) genes for effective water absorption. The present study aimed to study the seasonal mRNA expression of aquaporins (AQP1, AQP2 and AQP3) in the renal system of goat (Capra hircus) concerning their thermoregulation. Tissue samples of the renal cortex, renal medulla, ureter and urinary bladder of 10 male goats aged two years were collected from the slaughterhouse at Karnal, Haryana each during the summer (hot), spring (thermoneutral) and winter (cold) seasons and analyzed for gene expression by real time-polymerized chain reactions and their immunolocalization. The physiological responses of the animals were recorded before slaughtering of experimental animals. The study confirmed the mRNA expression and immunohistolocalization of AQP1, AQP2 and AQP3 in the renal system of goats. AQP1 was found to be higher in the cortex of the renal system during summer in comparison to winter. The relative expressions of AQP2 and AQP3 were higher in the renal medulla than in the renal cortex during the summer. The seasonal variations in AQP1 mRNA expression was found non-significant in ureter of goats, but significantly (p < 0.05) higher during summer comparison to winter in urinary bladder of goat. The relative expression of AQP2 and AQP3 were found to be upregulated in both ureter and urinary bladder tissue sample during summer. The relative mRNA expression of AQP3 was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in ureter and urinary bladder as compared to AQP1 and AQP2 during summer season. The fluctuations in aquaporins gene expression during water stress and hyperosmotic conditions of renal cells suggest the aquaporins genes’ beneficial participation in preserving the body's water balance.Variations in the serumhormone assay components were observed in the goats during the summer seasons. The significant (p < 0.05) increase in the aldosterone (ALD) andvasopressin/anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) concentrations was high during summer, showing a direct relationship with efficient water balancing mechanisms in the body of goat during different seasons in tropical climatic conditions.
Insight of super-capacitive properties of flexible gel polymer electrolyte containing butyl imidazole ionic liquids with different anions based on PVDF-HFP
Authors: Sun Xiaoze , Liu Hongxia
Published: December 2023

Capacitors based on ionic liquid gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) have received wide attention as an environmentally friendly energy source due to their good specific capacitance, good cycling capacity, and stability. Herein, flexible gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) films were prepared and applied using three butyl imidazole ionic liquids containing different anions as additives based on polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP). The structural and mechanical properties of GPE films have been characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA, stress-strain, and DFT calculations, and their ionic conductivity has been tested by stainless steel methods. The assembled symmetric supercapacitor underwent testing via cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance, and constant current charge-discharge methods. The objective was to assess the impact of various gel electrolytes utilized in the experiment. This work is useful to further verify the influence of the anionic component of ionic liquids on the physical and chemical properties of gel electrolytes and to prepare more excellent solid electrolytes for supercapacitors.