bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Titanium Topography and Chemical Composition on Human Osteoblast Cell
Authors: LUKASZEWSKA-KUSKA M , WIRSTLEIN P , MAJCHROWSKI R , DOROCKA-BOBKOWSKA B
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare titanium surfaces: machined (MA); sintered ceramic-blasted (HAS); sintered ceramic-blasted and acid-etched (HAS DE) and to determine the effects of surface topography, roughness and chemical composition on human osteoblast cell reaction. Titanium surface samples were analyzed with respect to surface chemical composition, topography, and roughness. The effects of material surface characteristics on osteoblasts was examined by analyzing osteoblast morphology, viability and differentiation. Osteoblasts cultured on these materials had attached, spread and proliferated on every sample. The viability of osteoblasts cultured on HAS and HAS DE samples increased more intensively in time comparing to MA sample. The viability of osteoblast cultured on HAS samples increased more intensively in the early phases of culture while for cells cultured on HAS DE the cells viability increased later in time. Alkaline phosphate activity was the highest for the cells cultured on HAS sample and statistically higher than for the MA sample. The least activity occurred on the smooth MA sample along with the rougher HAS DE samples. All the examined samples were found to be biocompatible, as indicated by cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Titanium surfaces modification improved the dynamics of osteoblast viability increase. Osteoblast differentiation was found to be affected by the etching procedure and presence of Ca and P on the surface.
Importancia de las propuestas I+D+i+e en el rescate de los valores ancestrales para gestionar los recursos hídricos
Authors: Lizcano-Chapeta Carlos J.
Published: August 2021

Este artículo fue generado como producto de un estudio doctoral y su propósito consistió en describir la importancia de los proyectos de Investigación-Desarrollo-Innovación-Emprendimiento (I+D+i+e) como mecanismos de investigación y desarrollo para rescatar los valores y tradiciones de los pueblos ancestrales hacia un manejo integral de las fuentes hídricas. Se hizo uso de la investigación documental examinando obras de otros autores y postulados teóricos relacionados con el tema. Así mismo, se realizó un tipo investigación descriptiva. El análisis de contenido y la hermenéutica se constituyeron como procesos para el análisis de los datos e informaciones. Los resultados evidenciaron que existen varios tipos de proyectos innovadores que surgen de ideas para buscar solucionar un problema, mejorar un producto o servicio. Por ello, se destacó el proyecto innovador ecológico que busca desarrollar conocimientos comprometidos con la preservación del patrimonio natural medio ambiental. Se concluyó que con los proyectos I+D+i+e, se quiere desde la institución universitaria, transferir la comprensión del estado actual de las fuentes hídricas para valorar lo que el Estado y las comunidades indígenas pueden realizar en conjunto a través de los proyectos ecológicos, transformando los procedimientos de preservación y cuidado del agua.
El jengibre y su relación con el comercio exterior en la economía peruana 2010 - 2019
Authors: Cisneros-Santos Gregorio , Lavado-Meza Carmencita del Rocío , Estacio-Laguna Roger , Carhuallanqui-Berrocal Edilberto
Published: August 2021

El jengibre (Zingiber officinale), más conocido como kion, convertido en un producto emblemático de la oferta exportable, con ventajas y propiedades funcionales muy apreciadas en el mercado internacional, con cifras oficiales muy destacables en el 2019, ubica al Perú como cuarto país exportador mundial con 23.4 miles de toneladas y 41.5 millones de US$. El objetivo del presente trabajo de investigación fue determinar la influencia de la exportación del jengibre, en comercio exterior en la economía peruana en el período 2010 – 2019; para ello se analizó el desenvolvimiento de las exportaciones del jengibre, así como su tendencia, relacionándolo con el comportamiento del Producto Bruto Interno y del PBI Agropecuario, utilizando fuentes secundarias. El estudio de nivel descriptivo y correlacional evaluó la significativa relación entre indicadores, haciendo uso de métodos deductivo e inductivo. Luego del análisis correspondiente, se logró determinar una alta correlación entre las exportaciones del jengibre y las exportaciones totales (R2 = 0.6794); como también con las exportaciones no tradicionales (R2 = 0.7296); de manera similar, una alta relación con el crecimiento de nuestra economía, que se evidencia en la correlación con el Producto Bruto Interno Nacional (R2 = 0.7971); y, el Producto Bruto Interno Agropecuario (R2 = 0.6885). Se concluye que, la exportación del jengibre constituye un factor importante en el crecimiento del comercio exterior en la economía nacional.
KBRN PERSONEL KORUYUCU ELBİSE SEÇİMİ ÜZERİNE AHP ve VIKOR YÖNTEMLERİYLE BİR UYGULAMA
Authors: İNANIR Mehmet , DESTE Mustafa
Published: July 2021

İnsanoğlu varoluşundan beri farklı problemlerle karşılaşmış, karşılaşılan problemleri mevcut yöntemlere göre çözmeye çalışmıştır. Bilim ve teknolojide meydana gelen hızlı gelişmeyle birlikte, karşılaşılan problemlerin karmaşıklığı artmış; buna paralel olarak problemlerin çözümünde kullanılabilecek birbirinden farklı çok sayıda karar verme yöntemi ortaya çıkmıştır. Kimyasal, Biyolojik, Radyolojik ve Nükleer (KBRN) mühimmatlar günümüzde Milli ve Uluslararası güvenlik için ciddi bir tehdit arz etmektedir. Askeri harekât planlamalarında ise asimetrik ve psikolojik etkileri yüzünden önlem alınması gereken konular arasındadır. KBRN silahlarının küçük çapta bile olsa kullanılması, personel kayıplarına araç ve malzeme hasarlarına sebebiyet vererek Silahlı Kuvvetlerin etkinliğini azaltıcı bir etki yapmaktadır. Bu tür tehdit ortamlarında personelin harekât şartlarına devam edebilmesi için koruyucu elbise tedariki hayati öneme haizdir. Bu çalışmada, KBRN koruyucu elbise seçim problemi ele alınmıştır. Bu amaçla, literatür incelemesi ve odak grup görüşmeleri yapılmıştır. Koruyucu elbise seçerken dikkat edilmesi gereken önemli kriterler olarak; maliyet, yıkanabilirlik, ergonomi, ağırlık, sıvı sızdırmazlık, hava geçirgenliği ve teslim süresi olmak üzere 7 ana kriter belirlenmiştir. Belirlenen kriterler çerçevesinde örnek bir uygulama yapılmıştır. Uygulama kapsamında 4 tedarikçi firma belirlenmiş ve çok kriterli karar verme (ÇKKV) yöntemlerinden Analitik Hiyerarşi Prosesi ve VIKOR yöntemleri kullanılarak, bu firmaların tercih edilme sıraları oluşturulmuştur. Analiz sonucunda 3. firma en iyi alternatif arasında ve uzlaşık sonuç olarak bulunmuştur.
Analisis Hubungan antara Usia Kehamilan, Berat Lahir Bayi, Jenis Persalinan dan Pemberian Asi dengan Kejadian Hiperbilirubinemia
Authors: Khotimah Husnul , Subagio Sri Utami
Published: July 2021

Hiperbilirubinemia merupakan salah satu penyebab kematian bayi yang terbanyak, disebabkan oleh kegawatdaruratan dan penyulit pada neonatus. Banyak faktor yang mempengaruhi Hiperbilirubinemia sebetulnya dapat dicegah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara usia kehamilan, berat lahir bayi, jenis persalinan dan pemberian ASI dengan kejadian hiperbilirubinemia pada bayi di ruang perinatologi Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah dr. Drajat Prawiranegara tahun 2020. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian analitik dengan desain case control. Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh bayi yang dirawat di ruang perinatologi sebanyak 14.937 bayi. Besar sampel dihitung dengan menggunakan rumus uji hipotesis odd ratio, mendapatkan hasil 22. Jumlah sampel kasus sebanyak 22 bayi dan kontrol sebanyak 44 bayi (1:2) sehingga total sampel sebanyak 66 bayi. Analisis data bivariat menggunakan chi square dan multivariat menggunakan regresi logistik berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat hubungan yang bermakna antara usia kehamilan (P: 0,006), berat lahir bayi (P: 0,002), jenis persalinan (P: 0,001) dan pemberian ASI (P: 0,000) dengan kejadian hiperbilirubinemia. Faktor dominan yang berpengaruh terhadap kejadian hiperbilirubinemia adalah pemberian ASI. Inisiasi menyusui dini (IMD) dan memotivasi ibu dengan bayi yang mengalami hiperbilirubinemia untuk tidak panik serta tetap memberikan ASI on demand menjadi upaya yang dapat dilakukan dalam mengurangi hiperbilirubinemia.
ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ЗЛОЧИННОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ЩОДО ЛЕГАЛІЗАЦІЇ (ВІДМИВАННЯ) МАЙНА, ОДЕРЖАНОГО ЗЛОЧИННИМ ШЛЯХОМ (ЗА МАТЕРІАЛАМИ СУДОВОЇ ПРАКТИКИ)
Authors: Лисенко B.B.
Published: August 2021

На підставі аналізу судової практики наведено сучасний зміст злочинної діяльності щодо легалізації (відмивання) майна, одержаного злочинним шляхом. Виокремлено предикатні кримінальні правопорушення та наведено характеристику безпосереднього механізму легалізації (відмивання) такого май-на з використанням банківських установ, суб’єктів господарювання з ознаками фіктивності, можливостей фізичних осіб та фізичних осіб-підприємців. Наведено типові сліди, що свідчать про вчинення кримінального правопорушення, передбаченого ст. 209 КК України. Визначені проблемні сторони призначення кримінального покарання за вчинення таких кримінальних правопорушень.
МІСЦЕВИЙ РІВЕНЬ УПРАВЛІННЯ В УМОВАХ ВИНИКНЕННЯ НАДЗВИЧАЙНИХ ЕКОЛОГІЧНИХ СИТУАЦІЙ (ПРАВОВІ ПИТАННЯ)
Authors: Єрофеєв М. І.
Published: August 2021

У статті здійснено аналіз правового забезпечення участі органів місцевого самоврядування в організації заходів із захисту населення та територій від надзвичайних екологічних ситуацій. Акцентовано увагу на державній системі захисту довкілля від наслідків техногенних аварій, стихійного лиха та на місці й ролі в цій системі органів місцевого самоврядування. Обґрунтовано пропозиції та рекомендації щодо удосконалення правового регулювання відносин, що виникають у зв’язку із організацією заходів щодо запобігання виникненню надзвичайних ситуацій природного походження та ліквідації їх наслідків, узгодження законодавства про цивільний захист України з екологічним законодавством у відповідних питанннях. Зокрема, доводено потребу у встановленні на законодавчому рівні чіткої процедури ініціювання органами місцевого самоврядування питання про оголошення окремої місцевості зоною надзвичайної екологічної ситуації, а також обґрунтовано необхідність наповнення Кодексу цивільного захисту України приписами про надзвичайні екологічні ситуації, узгодження цього Кодексу із відповідними актами екологічного законодавства.
ДЕЦЕНТРАЛІЗАЦІЯ ПУБЛІЧНОЇ ВЛАДИ – НЕВІД’ЄМНА СКЛАДОВА РОЗВИТКУ ГРОМАДЯНСЬКОГО СУСПІЛЬСТВА В УКРАЇНІ: ТЕОРЕТИКО-ПРАВОВИЙ АСПЕКТ
Authors: Магновський I.Й.
Published: August 2021

У статті висвітлено в теоретико-правовому аспекті проведення децентралізації публічної влади як невід’ємної складової розвитку громадянського суспільства в Україні. Означено нагальні проблеми реалізації реформи децентралізації публічної влади в Україні, серед яких: дисбаланс у діяльності між органами публічної влади; елементи авторитаризму; недостатня публічність; обтяжливий формалізм; корупція тощо. Виділено форми децентралізації публічної влади, зокрема: територіальна децентралізація, функціональна децентралізація, предметна децентралізація. Наголошується на концептуальних основах організації публічної влади, а саме: філософія людиноцентризму, належне місцеве врядування, відповідність принципам Європейської хартії місцевого самоврядування. Указано мету реформ децентралізації публічної влади, яка передбачає перенесення низки владних повноважень від державної влади до органів місцевого самоврядування. Підсумовується, що децентралізація публічної влади є об’єктивною потребою на шляху демократизації суспільних процесів в Україні.
ПРОБЛЕМА ГЕНДЕРНО ЗУМОВЛЕНОГО НАСИЛЬСТВА В КОНТЕКСТІ ПЕРЕХІДНОГО ПРАВОСУДДЯ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Прус І. М.
Published: August 2021

У статті здійснений комплексний аналіз соціально-правових аспектів гендерно зумовленого насильства в контексті перехідного правосуддя України; розроблені теоретичні і прикладні основи використання кримінологічних засобів протидії гендерному насильству; підготовлені науково-обґрунтовані пропозиції щодо вдосконалення законодавства, правозастосування та практики. Також наводяться результати комплексного аналітичного наукового дослідження у сфері протидії гендерно зумовленого насильства в контексті перехідного правосуддя України. Автором виявлені типові особливості перехідного правосуддя, гендерно зумовленого насильства, специфічні фактори, що спричиняють злочинне насильство в сім'ї; а також здійснено аналіз законодавства України в зазначеній сфері. Визначено напрями удосконалення системи підготовки кадрів для судової системи в умовах перехідного правосуддя
Presidential Voting and County Composition; A Research Note on the 2020 Election
Authors: Smith Gregg
Published: August 2021

We investigate the 2020 Presidential Election by using the county as the unit of analysis (n= 3,112) and examine the variance in the county percentage of votes cast for Biden and Trump as dependent variables. Our seven independent variables are conceptually related to racial diversity, educational attainment, wellbeing (includes economic, health, and quality-of-life indicators), and rural/urban classification. Using OLS regression, the model explains about 73% (R squared) of the variance in county vote outcome for both the Biden and Trump models. The regression results show that the counties that Trump won tended to be populated with people who are more white, less educated, score lower on a composite wellbeing measure and are located in a more rural setting compared to the counties that Biden won. However, the urban/rural effect is so small that we question whether there is a real effect after controlling for the effects of other variables.
Зброя у поховальному обряді Усть-Альмінського некрополя (південно-західний Крим)
Authors: Medvedev Gennadii
Published: August 2021

У статті розглядаються поховання зі зброєю з Усть-Альмінського некрополя, його типологія, хронологія та статистика, а також місце та роль зброї у поховальному обряді. За кількістю озброєння Усть-Альмінський некрополь виділяється серед пізньоскіфських пам’яток Криму.

Основна роль зброї у поховальному обряді – його функціональне призначення. Аналіз поховальних комплексів Усть-Альмінського некрополя показав, що за кількістю зброї у похованнях, на першому місці була клинкова зброя. Потім зброя дистанційного бою (луки і стріли), і на третьому місці – списи, а ще далі – сокири. У результаті порівняльного аналізу поховального обряду Усть-Альмінського некрополя, ми знаходимо подібні риси в обрядах сарматів у Поволжі, на Дону, Прикубанні, Прикавказзі та Боспорі.
İkili Olmayan Cinsel Kimliklerin Çağdaş Sanat Pratiğinde İfadesi
Authors: Dede Ebru
Published: August 2021

Postfeminist kuramcılar ve sanatçılar, iktidar ve kültürel normlar tarafından birbirlerini tamamlamaları için üretilen eril ve dişil cinsel kimliklerin sınırlarını yapı söküme uğratmayı amaçlar. Çağdaş sanatçıların çalışmaları ve performansları, felsefi, psikanaliz araştırmaları ve kültürel tartışmaları olduğu kadar queer yaşamın gerçeklerini de görselleştirir. Bedenlerinin maskesini indirir ve cinsel farklılıklarının doğal olarak mümkün olabileceğini gösterir. Bu sanatçıların eylemleri, onları politik olarak anormal kabul eden hiyerarşileri altüst etmek ve yeni bir sosyal ortam çağrısında bulunmaktır. Bu çalışmada yer alan çağdaş sanat çalışmaları ve performanslar, postfeminist teoriler, sanatçı konuşmaları ve metinleriyle ilişkilendirilerek yorumlanmıştır. Psikanaliz, Postyapısalcılık ve Çağdaş Sanatta Cinsel Kimlikler bölümünde, Derrida’nın ‘différance’ kavramına, Freud ve Lacan’ın cinsel kimlik araştırmalarına yer verilmiş, ve aynı zamanda çağdaş sanatın cinsel kimlik ayrımlarına sağlayacağı katkı ele alınmıştır. “Performatif Beden: İçselleştirilemeyen Toplumsal Cinsiyet Göstergeleri” bölümünde, Lazlo Pearlman’ın beklenmedik beden performansı, Tai Lin’in izleyicide duygusal bağ kurmayı amaçlayan resmi, Taner Ceylan’ın aynı anda içe ve dış dünyaya bakan iki ruhu anlatan resmi ve eşcinsel çift olan Elmgreen ve Dragset’in eşcinselleri sıradan insanlar gibi gösteren çalışması Judith Butler’ın performatif beden kuramı referans alınarak yorumlanmıştır. Bedene İlişkin Kodların Dönüştürüldüğü Çağdaş Sanat Örnekleri bölümünde, Nina Arsenault’un bir dizi operasyonla erkeklikten kadınlığa bedensel dönüşümü, David LaChapelle’in Venüs’e benzeyen kadına penis eklediği manipülasyonu, Marc Quinn’in cinsiyet değişikliği operasyonundan sonra hamile olmaya karar veren Thomas Beatie heykeli, Foucault’nun bireyin bedenini dönüştürme hakkı bulunduğuna dair görüşü kapsamında tartışılmıştır. Queer Terimi Odaklı Çağdaş Sanat Çalışmaları bölümünde, Butler ve Marinucci’nin bu terim ile ilgili görüşleri ele alınırken, aynı zamanda Nan Goldin, Del LaGrace Volcano, Sergio Zevallos ve Karolina Bregula’nın çalışmaları yorumlanmıştır. Çalışmaları ve performanslarıyla, Nan Goldin üçüncü bir cinsiyet isterken, Del LaGrace Volcano queer bedeni kendi imkânsızlıkları içinde açıklamaya çalışır, Sergio Zevallos queer bedenlerin ıstıraplarını gösterirken, Karolina Bregula insanların queer bedenlere alışmasını arzulamaktadır.
Seeing the Belly Dance as a Feminist Possibility: Gaze, Gender and Public Space in İstanbul
Authors: Eğrikavuk Işık
Published: August 2021

This paper discusses the ancient form of belly dance as an example to speak more in depth about the public spaces of Istanbul, where the female body is constantly under surveillance by the male gaze. Over thousands of years, the ancient dance form of belly dance has been transformed from a collective women’s ritual to a form of entertainment that serves the male gaze. This paper looks for the possibilities tore-define belly dance as a feminist counter strategy to revive its essence. Framed by the Muted Group Theory, this paper also exemplifies various artworks and strategies produced by female artists and analyze them in the light of this theory. It also searches for redefining the belly dance as part of a feminist identity and asks whether these artistic strategies could be pathways in re-defining belly dance as a feminist practice.
WOMEN MANAGERS IN AUDITING SECTOR: A DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH ON TURKEY
Authors: Şengül Çelikay Duygu
Published: August 2021

This study examines the relationship between female managers' presence in audit firms and audit firms' characteristics. In line with the employment rates obtained from POA, it is observed that gender inequality in the audit sector started from employment. In the research part, 90 audit companies' data that published transparency reports in 2018 were used.  It has been determined that there are very few female managers in the sector; in fact, 47 of 90 companies do not have a female partner, board member, or responsible auditor. It is also analyzed that in the older audit firms, the audit firms that earn more revenue and big four firms, the number of female managers is significantly higher than in other firms. The study is essential in revealing that women's employment in the audit sector is a crucial problem and detects the positive relationship between corporate governance and female managers.
Kör Dövüşü Kitap Tanıtımı
Authors: ÇELEBİ Berfu
Published: August 2021

Ayşen Işık'ın "Kör Dövüşü" adlı öykü kitabında kadın - erkek, kadın - kadın ve kadın - toplum arasındaki çatışma alanları kitaptaki on beş öykünün dil bilimsel açıdan  incelenmesi sonucu tespit edilmiştir . Tanıtım yazısında öykülerdeki bu çatışma alanlarına değinilerek kadının varoluşsal mücadelesine değinilmiştir.
Toplumsal Cinsiyet
Authors: Tepe Fatma Fulya
Published: August 2021

Orijinal metinde özet bulunmamaktadır.
Hubungan Perilaku Menjaga Kebersihan Genetalia Eksterna Dengan Penyakit Keputihan
Authors: Dita Ayu , SH Fitri
Published: July 2021

Berdasarkan data penelitian tentang kesehatan reproduksi wanita menunjukkan 75% wanita di dunia pasti menderita keputihan, paling tidak sekali dalam hidupnya. Perawatan genitalia eksterna yang tidak baik akan menjadi pemicu terjadinya  keputihan. Faktanya banyak remaja putri yang belum mengerti dan peduli bagaimana cara merawat organ reproduksinya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan perilaku menjaga kebersihan genetalia eksterna dengan penyakit keputihan pada siswi SMAN 3 Pangkalpinang Tahun 2016. Metode penelitian ini bersifat survey deskriptif analitik dengan desain cross sectional, penelitian ini dilakukan pada tanggal 26-31 mei 2016, populasi penelitian ini adalah 156 siswi dan jumlah sampel 125 siswi kelas X dan XI SMAN 3 Pangkalpinang Tahun 2016. Pengambilan data dilakukan dengan pengisian kuesioner terpimpin yang telah diuji cobakan, Pengambilan sampel dengan mengunakan kuota  sampling dan data analisis secara univariat dan bivariat dengan menggunakan uji chi square dengan derajat kepercayaan 95%. Hasil uji menunjukkan ada hubungan yang bermakna antara perilaku menjaga kebersihan genetalia eksterna dengan penyakit keputihan adalah pengetahuan (p=0,000, POR=6.375), sikap (p=0,000, POR=5.189), tindakan (p=0,001, POR=5.280), hubungan yang paling dominan berhubungan dengan penyakit keputihan adalah pengetahuan (POR: 6,375). Simpulan penelitian adalah ada hubungan yang bermakna antara pegetahuan, sikap dan tindakan menjaga kebersihan genetalia eksterna dengan penyakit keputihan pada siswi SMA Negeri 3 Pangkalpinang. Hubungan yang paling dominan berhubungan yaitu pengetahuan. Diharapkan pihak sekolah saling menjalin kerja sama dengan Instansi Kesehatan dalam mempromosikan pendidikan kesehatan reproduksi dan cara menjaganya.
Comparison of Swine and Human Computational Hemodynamics Models for the Study of Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: De Nisco Giuseppe , Chiastra Claudio , Hartman Eline M. J. , Hoogendoorn Ayla , Daemen Joost , Calò Karol , Gallo Diego , Morbiducci Umberto , Wentzel Jolanda J.
Published: August 2021

Coronary atherosclerosis is a leading cause of illness and death in Western World and its mechanisms are still non completely understood. Several animal models have been used to 1) study coronary atherosclerosis natural history and 2) propose predictive tools for this disease, that is asymptomatic for a long time, aiming for a direct translation of their findings to human coronary arteries. Among them, swine models are largely used due to the observed anatomical and pathophysiological similarities to humans. However, a direct comparison between swine and human models in terms of coronary hemodynamics, known to influence atherosclerotic onset/development, is still lacking. In this context, we performed a detailed comparative analysis between swine- and human-specific computational hemodynamic models of coronary arteries. The analysis involved several near-wall and intravascular flow descriptors, previously emerged as markers of coronary atherosclerosis initiation/progression, as well as anatomical features. To do that, non-culprit coronary arteries (18 right–RCA, 18 left anterior descending–LAD, 13 left circumflex–LCX coronary artery) from patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome were imaged by intravascular ultrasound and coronary computed tomography angiography. Similarly, the three main coronary arteries of ten adult mini-pigs were also imaged (10 RCA, 10 LAD, 10 LCX). The geometries of the imaged coronary arteries were reconstructed (49 human, 30 swine), and computational fluid dynamic simulations were performed by imposing individualized boundary conditions. Overall, no relevant differences in 1) wall shear stress-based quantities, 2) intravascular hemodynamics (in terms of helical flow features), and 3) anatomical features emerged between human- and swine-specific models. The findings of this study strongly support the use of swine-specific computational models to study and characterize the hemodynamic features linked to coronary atherosclerosis, sustaining the reliability of their translation to human vascular disease.
Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment and Diagnosis of Cancer–A Review of the Current Clinical Status
Authors: Gunaydin Gurcan , Gedik M. Emre , Ayan Seylan
Published: August 2021

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used as an anti-tumor treatment method for a long time and photosensitizers (PS) can be used in various types of tumors. Originally, light is an effective tool that has been used in the treatment of diseases for ages. The effects of combination of specific dyes with light illumination was demonstrated at the beginning of 20th century and novel PDT approaches have been developed ever since. Main strategies of current studies are to reduce off-target effects and improve pharmacokinetic properties. Given the high interest and vast literature about the topic, approval of PDT as the first drug/device combination by the FDA should come as no surprise. PDT consists of two stages of treatment, combining light energy with a PS in order to destruct tumor cells after activation by light. In general, PDT has fewer side effects and toxicity than chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. In addition to the purpose of treatment, several types of PSs can be used for diagnostic purposes for tumors. Such approaches are called photodynamic diagnosis (PDD). In this Review, we provide a general overview of the clinical applications of PDT in cancer, including the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Assessment of PDT therapeutic efficacy in the clinic will be discussed, since identifying predictors to determine the response to treatment is crucial. In addition, examples of PDT in various types of tumors will be discussed. Furthermore, combination of PDT with other therapy modalities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy will be emphasized, since such approaches seem to be promising in terms of enhancing effectiveness against tumor. The combination of PDT with other treatments may yield better results than by single treatments. Moreover, the utilization of lower doses in a combination therapy setting may cause less side effects and better results than single therapy. A better understanding of the effectiveness of PDT in a combination setting in the clinic as well as the optimization of such complex multimodal treatments may expand the clinical applications of PDT.
Citizen Science in Ireland
Authors: Roche Joseph , Ni Shuilleabhain Aoibhinn , Mooney Peter , Barber Gillian L. , Bell Laura , Ryan Cliodhna
Published: August 2021

Ireland has a rich history of public engagement with science and the growing number of national citizen science initiatives is in keeping with developments seen in other European countries. This paper explores several aspects of citizen science in Ireland, in order to assess its development and to better understand potential opportunities for the field. An introduction to the roots of citizen science in Ireland’s past, from the first methodical observations of natural phenomena carried out at monastic settlements up to present day projects monitoring environmental change and biodiversity, is presented along with an overview of the current national citizen science projects running in the country. This cataloging of contemporary citizen science will be compared to the awareness of citizen science in the Irish education system at primary, post-primary, and university level. These measures of progress will be considered in the changing context of international citizen science funding and available support, such as the European Citizen Science Association and the EU-Citizen.Science platform. Citizen science in Ireland is at a critical point. If citizen science is embraced as a truly social and participatory innovation, Ireland has the chance to not only dramatically improve its citizen science output, but to also become a model of best practice for countries at similar stages of citizen science development.
Development of an Instrument to Measure Conceptualizations and Competencies About Conversational Agents on the Example of Smart Speakers
Authors: Wienrich Carolin , Carolus Astrid
Published: August 2021

The concept of digital literacy has been introduced as a new cultural technique, which is regarded as essential for successful participation in a (future) digitized world. Regarding the increasing importance of AI, literacy concepts need to be extended to account for AI-related specifics. The easy handling of the systems results in increased usage, contrasting limited conceptualizations (e.g., imagination of future importance) and competencies (e.g., knowledge about functional principles). In reference to voice-based conversational agents as a concrete application of AI, the present paper aims for the development of a measurement to assess the conceptualizations and competencies about conversational agents. In a first step, a theoretical framework of “AI literacy” is transferred to the context of conversational agent literacy. Second, the “conversational agent literacy scale” (short CALS) is developed, constituting the first attempt to measure interindividual differences in the “(il) literate” usage of conversational agents. 29 items were derived, of which 170 participants answered. An explanatory factor analysis identified five factors leading to five subscales to assess CAL: storage and transfer of the smart speaker’s data input; smart speaker’s functional principles; smart speaker’s intelligent functions, learning abilities; smart speaker’s reach and potential; smart speaker’s technological (surrounding) infrastructure. Preliminary insights into construct validity and reliability of CALS showed satisfying results. Third, using the newly developed instrument, a student sample’s CAL was assessed, revealing intermediated values. Remarkably, owning a smart speaker did not lead to higher CAL scores, confirming our basic assumption that usage of systems does not guarantee enlightened conceptualizations and competencies. In sum, the paper contributes to the first insights into the operationalization and understanding of CAL as a specific subdomain of AI-related competencies.
Effects of Intracoronary Pro-urokinase or Tirofiban on Coronary Flow During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Multi-Center, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Huang Dong , Qian Juying , Liu Zongjun , Xu Yawei , Zhao Xianxian , Qiao Zengyong , Fang Weiyi , Jiang Li , Hu Wei , Shen Chengxing , Liang Chun , Zhang Qi , Ge Junbo
Published: August 2021

Background: To determine whether intracoronary pro-urokinase or tirofiban improves myocardial reperfusion during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods: The study included patients with acute STEMI presenting within 12 h of symptoms at 11 hospitals in China between November 2015 and July 2017. Patients were randomized to receive selective intracoronary infusion of recombinant pro-urokinase (20 mg), tirofiban (10 μg/kg), or saline (20 mL) proximal to the infarct-related lesion over a 3-min period before stent implantation during primary PCI. The primary outcome was final corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (CTFC) after PCI.

Results: This study included 345 patients. Initial angiography identified a high-grade thrombus (TIMI 4–5) in 80% of patients. Final CTFC after PCI was significantly lower in the pro-urokinase (P < 0.001) and tirofiban (P < 0.001) groups than in the saline group and similar between the pro-urokinase and tirofiban groups (P > 0.05). The pro-urokinase (P = 0.008) and tirofiban groups (P = 0.022) had more complete ST-segment resolution at 2 h and lower peak creatine kinase-MB levels after PCI than the saline group (P = 0.006 and P = 0.023). The 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events was 4.5% in the pro-urokinase group, 3.4% in the tirofiban group, and 2.6% in the saline group. The incidence of in-hospital TIMI major bleeding events was low and comparable between groups.

Conclusions: Adjunctive intracoronary pro-urokinase or tirofiban given before stent implantation during primary PCI improves myocardial reperfusion without increasing the incidence of major bleeding events.
Robust Stability Control for Electric Vehicles Connected to DC Distribution Systems
Authors: Teng Wei , Wang Yuejiao , Sun Shumin , Cheng Yan , Yu Peng , Wang Shibo
Published: August 2021

DC power distribution systems will play an important role in the future urban power distribution system, while the charging and discharging requirements of electric vehicles have a great impact on the voltage stability of the DC power distribution systems. A robust control method based on H∞ loop shaping method is proposed to suppress the effect of uncertain integration on voltage stability of DC distribution system. The results of frequency domain analysis and time domain simulation show that the proposed robust controller can effectively suppress the DC bus voltage oscillation caused by the uncertain integration of electric vehicle, and the robustness is strong.
Biogeographic Drivers of Evolutionary Radiations
Authors: Tao Ran , Sack Lawren , Rosindell James
Published: August 2021

Some lineages radiate spectacularly when colonizing a region, but others do not. Large radiations are often attributed to species’ adaptation into niches, or to other drivers, such as biogeography including dispersal ability and spatial structure of the landscape. Here we aim to disentangle the factors determining radiation size, by modeling simplified scenarios without the complexity of explicit niches. We build a spatially structured neutral model free from niches and incorporating a form of protracted speciation that accounts for gene flow between populations. We find that a wide range of radiation sizes are possible in this model depending on the combination of geographic isolation and species’ dispersal ability. At extremely low rates of dispersal between patches, each patch maintains its own endemic species. Intermediate dispersal rates foster larger radiations as they allow occasional movement between patches whilst sufficiently restricting gene flow to support further speciation in allopatry. As dispersal rates increase further, a critical point is reached at which demographically identical lineages may vary greatly in radiation size due to rare and stochastic dispersal events. At the critical point in dispersal frequency, some lineages remain a single species for a comparatively long time, whilst others with identical characteristics produce the largest radiations of all via a new mechanism for rapid radiation that we term a ‘radiation cascade’. Given a single species covering many patches connected with gene flow, a radiation cascade is triggered when stochastic dispersal is unusually low for a period, leading to an initial speciation event. This speciation means there are fewer individuals per species and thus further reduced gene flow between conspecifics. Reduced gene flow in turn makes it easier for further speciation to occur. During a radiation cascade, dispersal of individuals between patches continues at the same rate as before, but due to the increasing diversity it primarily introduces novel species that will later speciate, rather than adding to gene flow of existing species. Once a radiation cascade begins, it continues rapidly until it is arrested by a new equilibrium between speciation and extinction. We speculate that such radiation cascades may occur more generally and are not only present in neutral models. This process may help to explain rapid radiation, and the extreme radiation sizes of certain lineages with dispersing ancestors. Whilst niches no doubt play a role in community assembly, our findings lead us to question whether diversification and adaptation into niches is sometimes an effect of speciation and rapid radiation, rather than its cause.
A Time Series Analysis of Forest Cover and Land Surface Temperature Change Over Dudpukuria-Dhopachari Wildlife Sanctuary Using Landsat Imagery
Authors: Hasnat G. N. Tanjina
Published: August 2021

Forest cover change is an important criterion as it affects the environmental balance whereas land surface temperature is a significant parameter within the earth climate system. Spatio-temporal change of forest cover can be detected and land surface temperature can be retrieved by applying remote sensing technology. The present study aimed to capture the impact of forest cover change on land surface temperature in Dudpukuria-Dhopachari Wildlife Sanctuary (DDWS), Bangladesh, using multi-spectral and multi-temporal satellite data. To avoid the biasness in the calculation, leaf flash time was targeted for collecting Landsat images from United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Explorer and, based on availability, images were collected purposively which ones had closer time period:1990 (March 5, 1990), 2000 (February 5, 2000), 2010 (February 24, 2010) and 2020 (March 23, 2020). Unsupervised classification was applied over the images Landsat 4–5 Thematic Mapper (TM), 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), and 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) data for detecting forest cover change. To retrieve the land surface temperature, Mono Window Algorithm (MWA) method was applied over similar images. Maximum forest degradation was observed in 2010 and the change found was 17% as compared to 1990. After 2010, the forest started to flourish. Land surface temperature dramatically changes over the time period. The highest land surface temperature in the forested area was observed in 2020 (32.2°C) and it was changed 7.7°C from that of the 1990 (24.5°C). In every 10 years, almost 2.3°C–3.0°C temperature change was detected. In the first three decades, a reverse relationship was observed between land surface temperature and forest cover; however, in the last decade, land surface temperature was found to increase with the increase of forest cover. Thus, the results of the study revealed that land surface temperature may not be relevant with the local forest cover change directly. It can be estimated from the results that local forest cover change may have limited impact on local temperature rather than global forest cover change, whereas global warming could play a vital role in changing land surface temperature locally as well as globally.
Mechanism-Centric Approaches for Biomarker Detection and Precision Therapeutics in Cancer
Authors: Yu Christina Y. , Mitrofanova Antonina
Published: August 2021

Biomarker discovery is at the heart of personalized treatment planning and cancer precision therapeutics, encompassing disease classification and prognosis, prediction of treatment response, and therapeutic targeting. However, many biomarkers represent passenger rather than driver alterations, limiting their utilization as functional units for therapeutic targeting. We suggest that identification of driver biomarkers through mechanism-centric approaches, which take into account upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms, is fundamental to the discovery of functionally meaningful markers. Here, we examine computational approaches that identify mechanism-centric biomarkers elucidated from gene co-expression networks, regulatory networks (e.g., transcriptional regulation), protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks, and molecular pathways. We discuss their objectives, advantages over gene-centric approaches, and known limitations. Future directions highlight the importance of input and model interpretability, method and data integration, and the role of recently introduced technological advantages, such as single-cell sequencing, which are central for effective biomarker discovery and time-cautious precision therapeutics.
Fast and Efficient Genome Editing of Human FOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Van Zeebroeck Lauren , Arroyo Hornero Rebeca , Côrte-Real Beatriz F. , Hamad Ibrahim , Meissner Torsten B. , Kleinewietfeld Markus
Published: August 2021

FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are central for maintaining peripheral tolerance and immune homeostasis. Because of their immunosuppressive characteristics, Tregs are a potential therapeutic target in various diseases such as autoimmunity, transplantation and infectious diseases like COVID-19. Numerous studies are currently exploring the potential of adoptive Treg therapy in different disease settings and novel genome editing techniques like CRISPR/Cas will likely widen possibilities to strengthen its efficacy. However, robust and expeditious protocols for genome editing of human Tregs are limited. Here, we describe a rapid and effective protocol for reaching high genome editing efficiencies in human Tregs without compromising cell integrity, suitable for potential therapeutic applications. By deletion of IL2RA encoding for IL-2 receptor α-chain (CD25) in Tregs, we demonstrated the applicability of the method for downstream functional assays and highlighted the importance for CD25 for in vitro suppressive function of human Tregs. Moreover, deletion of IL6RA (CD126) in human Tregs elicits cytokine unresponsiveness and thus may prevent IL-6-mediated instability of Tregs, making it an attractive target to potentially boost functionality in settings of adoptive Treg therapies to contain overreaching inflammation or autoimmunity. Thus, our rapid and efficient protocol for genome editing in human Tregs may advance possibilities for Treg-based cellular therapies.
Efficacy of Thymosin Alpha 1 in the Treatment of COVID-19: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Jiao , Shen Yanfei , Wen Zhenliang , Xu Qianghong , Wu Zhixiong , Feng Huibin , Li Zhongyi , Dong Xuan , Huang Sisi , Guo Jun , Zhang Lidi , Chen Yizhu , Li Wenzhe , Zhu Wei , Du Hangxiang , Liu Yongan , Wang Tao , Chen Limin , Teboul Jean-Louis , Annane Djillali , Chen Dechang
Published: August 2021

Background

Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is widely used to treat patients with COVID-19 in China; however, its efficacy remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of Tα1 as a COVID-19 therapy.

Methods

We performed a multicenter cohort study in five tertiary hospitals in the Hubei province of China between December 2019 and March 2020. The patient non-recovery rate was used as the primary outcome.

Results

All crude outcomes, including non-recovery rate (65/306 vs. 290/1,976, p = 0.003), in-hospital mortality rate (62/306 vs. 271/1,976, p = 0.003), intubation rate (31/306 vs. 106/1,976, p = 0.001), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) incidence (104/306 vs. 499/1,976, p = 0.001), acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence (26/306 vs. 66/1,976, p < 0.001), and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (14.9 ± 12.7 vs. 8.7 ± 8.2 days, p < 0.001), were significantly higher in the Tα1 treatment group. After adjusting for confounding factors, Tα1 use was found to be significantly associated with a higher non-recovery rate than non-Tα1 use (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1, p = 0.028). An increased risk of non-recovery rate associated with Tα1 use was observed in the patient subgroups with maximum sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores ≥2 (OR 2.0, 95%CI 1.4–2.9, p = 0.024), a record of ICU admission (OR 5.4, 95%CI 2.1–14.0, p < 0.001), and lower PaO2/FiO2 values (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.1–3.4, p = 0.046). Furthermore, later initiation of Tα1 use was associated with a higher non-recovery rate.

Conclusion

Tα1 use in COVID-19 patients was associated with an increased non-recovery rate, especially in those with greater disease severity.
Vaccination in Children With Autoimmune Disorders and Treated With Various Immunosuppressive Regimens: A Comprehensive Review and Practical Guide
Authors: Blanchard-Rohner Geraldine
Published: August 2021

Children with autoimmune disorders are especially at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases due to their underlying disease and the immunosuppressive treatment often required for a long period. In addition, vaccine coverage remains too low in this vulnerable population. This can be explained by a fear of possible adverse effects of vaccines under immunosuppression, but also a lack of data and clear recommendations, particularly with regard to vaccination with live vaccines. In this review, the latest literature and recommendations on vaccination in immunosuppressed children are discussed in detail, with the aim to provide a set of practical guidelines on vaccination for specialists caring for children suffering from different autoimmune disorders and treated with various immunosuppressive regimens.
Gut Microbiome and Common Variable Immunodeficiency: Few Certainties and Many Outstanding Questions
Authors: Varricchi Gilda , Poto Remo , Ianiro Gianluca , Punziano Alessandra , Marone Gianni , Gasbarrini Antonio , Spadaro Giuseppe
Published: August 2021

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common symptomatic primary antibody immunodeficiency, characterized by reduced serum levels of IgG, IgA, and/or IgM. The vast majority of CVID patients have polygenic inheritance. Immune dysfunction in CVID can frequently involve the gastrointestinal tract and lung. Few studies have started to investigate the gut microbiota profile in CVID patients. Overall, the results suggest that in CVID patients there is a reduction of alpha and beta diversity compared to controls. In addition, these patients can exhibit increased plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and markers (sCD14 and sCD25) of systemic immune cell activation. CVID patients with enteropathy exhibit decreased IgA expression in duodenal tissue. Mouse models for CVID unsatisfactorily recapitulate the polygenic causes of human CVID. The molecular pathways by which gut microbiota contribute to systemic inflammation and possibly tumorigenesis in CVID patients remain poorly understood. Several fundamental questions concerning the relationships between gut microbiota and the development of chronic inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders or cancer in CVID patients remain unanswered. Moreover, it is unknown whether it is possible to modify the microbiome and the outcome of CVID patients through specific therapeutic interventions.
Plastic Pollution and Small Juvenile Marine Turtles: A Potential Evolutionary Trap
Authors: Duncan Emily M. , Broderick Annette C. , Critchell Kay , Galloway Tamara S. , Hamann Mark , Limpus Colin J. , Lindeque Penelope K. , Santillo David , Tucker Anton D. , Whiting Scott , Young Erina J. , Godley Brendan J.
Published: August 2021

The ingestion of plastic by marine turtles is now reported for all species. Small juvenile turtles (including post-hatchling and oceanic juveniles) are thought to be most at risk, due to feeding preferences and overlap with areas of high plastic abundance. Their remote and dispersed life stage, however, results in limited access and assessments. Here, stranded and bycaught specimens from Queensland Australia, Pacific Ocean (PO; n = 65; 1993–2019) and Western Australia, Indian Ocean (IO; n = 56; 2015–2019) provide a unique opportunity to assess the extent of plastic (> 1mm) ingestion in five species [green (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and flatback turtles (Natator depressus)]. In the Pacific Ocean, high incidence of ingestion occurred in green (83%; n = 36), loggerhead (86%; n = 7), flatback (80%; n = 10) and olive ridley turtles (29%; n = 7). There was an overall lower incidence in IO; highest being in the flatback (28%; n = 18), the loggerhead (21%; n = 14) and green (9%; n = 22). No macroplastic debris ingestion was documented for hawksbill turtles in either site although sample sizes were smaller for this species (PO n = 5; IO n = 2). In the Pacific Ocean, the majority of ingested debris was made up of hard fragments (mean of all species 52%; species averages 46–97%), whereas for the Indian Ocean these were filamentous plastics (52%; 43–77%). The most abundant colour for both sites across all species was clear (PO: 36%; IO: 39%), followed by white for PO (36%) then green and blue for IO (16%; 16%). The polymers most commonly ingested by turtles in both oceans were polyethylene (PE; PO-58%; IO-39%) and polypropylene (PP; PO-20.2%; IO-23.5%). We frame the high occurrence of ingested plastic present in this marine turtle life stage as a potential evolutionary trap as they undertake their development in what are now some of the most polluted areas of the global oceans.