bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ozone-Catalytic Treatment of Automotive Exhaust
Authors: Khairulin S.R. , Maksudov D.V. , Kerzhentsev M.A. , Salnikov A.V. , Ismagilov Z.R.
Published: October 2024

In the paper, an original design of an ozone-catalytic device, in which the process of ozone formation occurs directly inside the catalyst monolith of the honeycomb structure, is proposed for solving the problem of exhaust gases purification at the "cold start" of an automobile engine. For the considered device, various regimes of operation were examined, and the equations allowing us to calculate the concentrations of ozone depending on time were obtained. The developed mathematical model shows a significant decrease in ozone concentration after the "cold start" is over and the temperature of the exhaust gases increases, because of changes in the balance of various chemical reactions. Thus, the ozone concentration is maximum during a cold start, precisely when the lower temperatures do not allow other reactions than those of oxidation of toxic gases with ozone, and decreases by the time the catalytic unit warms up, when effective neutralization of toxic impurities becomes possible without the participation of ozone. The results of the mathematical modeling were confirmed by testing this device for purifying exhaust gases of a YaMZ-238M2 engine. The test results show that the use of ozone-catalytic reactions significantly increases the efficiency of neutralizing toxic impurities under cold start conditions, compared to the case when only catalytic reactions with oxygen without the participation of ozone are used.
A Survey on Academic Teachers’ Perceptions About ICT in Education
Authors: Grceva Solza Sopova
Published: October 2024

In this paper we present the analysis, conclusions derived from a universities/faculties survey, concerning the use and perception of ICT in education. It has been conducted during the third year of implementation of the EU project “Integrating ELearning across Teachers Curriculum”. Our objectives were to understand the attitude the current faculty members have towards educational technology, and to determine how it is affecting their teaching practices. Our belief is that this information will be useful for the universities/faculties to build up their future policies.
Devising and Analyzing Expert Based Learning Methodology
Authors: Ebibi Mirlinda
Published: October 2024

The focus of this research is to devise and analyse Expert Based learning Methodology and further compare its impact and benefits with the traditional academic learning. In order to realise this, review and comparative analyses of adaptive learning environments has been done. The intersection and combination of the insights from the reviewed and analysed concepts have been used to Develop Mobile Expert Learning Knowledge Management System. The expected impact is in improving learning knowledge transfer and performance and this system to open the doors for the community, who are interested in self learning and accessibility in real time and without constrains in time of delivery of content. Also contribution of the study is the PMQ (Performance Measurement Questionnaire) that is used for evaluating not only learning but also for developing performance measures.
Two Idea Implementation of Real-Time Systems
Authors: Konczak Piotr , Zabierowski Wojciech
Published: October 2024

Currently Web portals which are providing real time services, required to implement two separate servers. One of them deals contact with the client and the other synchronizes data posted by users. Such solutions require the simultaneous work of two independent machines and write twice more code. A better solution might be a program which updates data when you try to use them.
Lean Startup in Croatia -Does the Croatian Startup Scene Develop Effective Enterprises?
Authors: Lalic Maja , Klacmer Calopa Marina , Horvat Jelena
Published: October 2024

In times of general business uncertainty, when the companies face challenges upon which their further existence depends, one of the reactions of the management board is influencing the processes which lead to a relatively quick decrease of expenses and general rationalization of the company's business. The method, or what many refer to as a management philosophy, which is recommended to be used in crisis periods, is the lean method. Having in mind the extremely volatile business environment, lean startup approach has raised to surface recently since it takes the basic principles from the lean production. Although it was primarily developed for technical domain, the lean startup approach to management is flexible, and can therefore be applied in every industry. It uses the experimental way of approaching the innovation cycle, as well as a continuously evaluated process of learning about the organization with the goal of rigorous and measurable validation of the development hypotheses for the new products and services. The lean startup approach tires to systematically and very precisely lead the entrepreneur in discovering the valuable parts of a business vision, and in rejecting the parts which are not realistically founded. This paper analyses the Croatian startup companies by using a customized questionnaire. Besides an overview of the companies' founding profiles, financing sources, the development phases of startup companies, business areas and metrics used by startup companies, as well as information sources, the research showed that the Croatian startup scene is
familiar with the principles of lean startup methodology and it is successfully implementing it in business.
E-Bibliotherapy System : Book Contents for Improving Quality of Youth's Life
Authors: Phornphatcharaphong Wilawan
Published: October 2024

Youth, the important stage of life, between kids to adults. Youth confronts dangerous things, alcohol, smoking, violence, stress, internet addict. The aim were developing and evaluating e-Bibliotherapy system, innovation for improving quality of youth's life from risk situations. Methodology were applied in four stages 1) survey of reading, 2) develop e-Bibliotherapy system at http://202.29.22.177/aom/bibliotherapy 3) investigate youth’s problem 4) evaluate system. Sampling was 224 youths. The result shown the popular books of youth, Harry Potter, Marketing on Facebook, and Life on the Rock. The system was the stage for sharing content between youth and building friendship network of quality media.
Influence of the low-cost digital contents in improvement of the students' learning experience
Authors: Tusevski Vase , Trajkovik Vladimir
Published: October 2024

In the study process, the students have problems understanding parts or of the whole course curriculum. The most frequent reasons for these problems are: the student absence of one or more successive lectures, or the student lack to understand parts of the course curriculum. Depending on the structure and dependability of the lessons in the course curriculum, the student can have problems with small part or large number of lessons in the course curriculum. These might lead to complete misunderstanding of the course curriculum. In order to solve this problem, development and deployment of additional digital content is usually needed, which is both time and budget consuming. The high development and maintaining price are most common arguments which cause resistance against deployment of such systems in the educational institutions. In this article, we propose a model for broadening of the traditional study process by using low-cost digital content and distance learning. This model is inexpensive for deploying, administering and supporting and is simple to use, while the greatest benefit is increasing the students’ learning experience. In the paper, we will describe the distance education model that was used for content sharing together with the student survey reflecting on the achieved quality of learning experience.
Application for Warehousing and OLAP Analysis of Data about Unique Bulgarian Bells
Authors: Trifonov Tihomir , Georgieva-Trifonova Tsvetanka
Published: October 2024

In this paper, the system bgBell/OLAP for warehousing and online analytical processing data about unique Bulgarian bells is proposed. The implemented system provides possibility for retrieving summarized reports and analyzing different characteristics of the bells with the purpose of extracting the previously unknown and potentially useful information.
Devising new Software Project Risk Management Model: MARUNA
Authors: Fetaji Bekim
Published: October 2024

The focus of this research is the development of a practical risk management technique and its assessment. This study systematically tested the correlation between critical activities and critical paths and risk scenario case management applied in project planning since its early beginning up to end. Risk management is critical to success in complex projects but is seldom applied effectively and its integration within software life cycle is missing. Based on the literature review discovered a high rate of ICT projects failure. What were the causes of these expensive and seemingly uncontrollable failures of ICT projects? Despite the review of considerable published literature on the risk management for ICT software projects and their frequent failure did not discover a satisfactory Risk Management framework and model specific to ICT software projects. In order to investigate these issues a research study was realized and as contribution a MARUNA risk management model was created. Its main contribution is that it integrates all the project planning stages. The results of applying the MARUNA Risk Management Model have been tested and the findings and recommendations are derived from the extensive body of evidence collected, in both written and oral form.
Database Design for the Web Based University Project Management Information System
Authors: Valova Irena
Published: October 2024

Web applications and particularly Web based Information Systems are very popular due to several reasons. The main reason is the ability to update and maintain them without distributing and installing software on thousand of client computers. This paper describes the main stages of the development process and mainly requirement analysis and database design. Such kind of system will provide students with the opportunity to choose among more projects, to work with different specialists in other conditions, in international teams, in different environments and to have more opportunities for their future professional realization.
“Belirsizin Bilimleri: İnsan Bilimleri için Yeni Bir Epistemoloji” Kitap İncelemesi
Authors: Yılmaz Yelda
Published: October 2024

Abraham Moles (1920-1992), geniş bir disiplin yelpazesinde çalışmış, doğa bilimlerinden sosyal bilimlere kadar çeşitli alanlarda katkıda bulunmuş önemli bir bilim insanıdır. “Belirsizin Bilimleri: İnsan Bilimleri İçin Yeni Bir Epistemoloji” kitabı, sosyal bilimler ve insan bilimleri alanlarında belirsizliğin rolünü ve bu bilimlerin epistemolojik temellerini sorgulamaktadır. Moles, bu eserde, sosyal bilimlerin ve insan bilimlerinin doğa bilimleri gibi kesinlik arayışına bağımlı olmalarının, bir ideolojiye dönüşmesini eleştirmektedir. Moles’un kitabı, belirsizliğin, insan bilimlerinin doğasında var olan ve mutlaka incelenmesi gereken bir kavram olduğunu savunmaktadır. Kitap, doğa bilimlerinden farklı olarak sosyal bilimlerin ve insan bilimlerinin belirsizliği nasıl ele alması gerektiğine dair yeni metodolojik yaklaşımlar sunmaktadır. Moles, bilimin kesinlik arayışının, belirsizliğin varlığını göz ardı ettiğini ifade eder ve belirsizliğin bilimin bir parçası olarak kabul edilmesi gerektiğini savunmaktadır.
Perspectives on responsibility in the social projection and quality of the university
Authors: Velásquez Moreno Jairo Rodrigo , Cortés Salcedo Ruth Amanda
Published: October 2024

The article discloses part of the results of the revision and analysis of the concept of university social responsibility assessed within the frame of a doctoral research where trends in recent studies and a reinterpretation elaborated from the philosophical perspective of Hans Jonas and Hannah Arendt are assessed. The method is an exploratory documental revision focused on content analysis. As results it is claimed that it is important to give social projection an approach centered in a future-oriented ethic and in a conception of collective responsibility. As discussion a contrast is made with the message of some de-colonial universities that base their activities in the principles of life, community, pertinent for territory educative offers and pedagogical processes founded on cultural identity.
Total Physical Response—A Method for Acquiring Basic Vocabulary in English
Authors: García Sandoval Pablo Andrés , Angarita López Jhonn Jairo , Guzmán Sierra Andrés Julián
Published: October 2024

This article is the end product of research, which seeks to strengthen the learning of basic vocabulary in English. This was based mainly on the premise of James Asher for teaching foreign language, using the physical response, the movement and imitation. It was initially carried out a diagnosis, taking as supports direct observation, field journal and test, thus identifying the problem; according to this, it is raised to strengthen the learning of the English vocabulary through activities based on the above method, in addition to design a pedagogical proposal: Composed of workshops in different sessions, taking into account the basic standards of competencies and basic rights of learning, setting on the basis of the action-research participation, in a qualitative development, it also took into account the communicative competence which involves the pragmatic, linguistic, and sociolinguistics skills. Finally performed the systematization of information by means of cross-checking, analysis, comparative graphs and descriptive paragraphs. It concludes with compliance to the proposed objective with a high level of effectiveness and great acceptance in the educational community because students strengthened the vocabulary acquisition according to the results obtained.
Notes on Contributors
Authors: Lind Jeremy , Roelen Keetie , Sabates-Wheeler Rachel
Published: October 2024

This is the Notes on Contributors for IDS Bulletin 55.2, Reimagining Social Protection.
Introduction: Social Protection in a Time of Global Uncertainty
Authors: Sabates-Wheeler Rachel , Roelen Keetie , Lind Jeremy , Devereux Stephen
Published: October 2024

Social protection has established itself as a vibrant policy sector across the global South, and as a pillar of international development cooperation. Social protection features in numerous country policies and development agency strategies, as well as in several Sustainable Development Goals. However, the global context today is characterised by a range of emerging and intensifying challenges and uncertainties, including post-Covid-19 pandemic recovery; the cost-of-living crisis; unprecedented climate change; and rising numbers of protracted wars and political instability, leading to mass displacement and migration. What is the role of social protection in this shifting and uncertain global context? This article highlights challenges and opportunities for social protection at this crossroads moment, under the themes of politics, crises, innovation, and inclusion, as a way of introducing and framing the contributions to this IDS Bulletin. We argue that the need for social protection has never been greater, but its future trajectories need urgent reimagining.
The Future Politics of Social Protection in Africa
Authors: Seekings Jeremy
Published: October 2024

International organisations and their local allies continue to press for the further expansion of social protection across Africa, often in the face of resistance. The future politics of social protection in Africa will be shaped by endogenous and exogenous changes. Endogenous changes involve feedback effects from the past and continuing expansion of social protection; these can be either positive or negative in terms of further expansion. Exogenous effects result from the changing structural context, including especially population growth, urbanisation, and climate change. As the Covid-19 pandemic and related lockdowns showed, even those exogenous shocks which reveal gaps in current provision need not prompt enduring expansions of social protection. Neither endogenous nor exogenous changes are likely to shift African countries off their current varied pathways; considerable political obstacles to the further expansion of social protection will persist.
Indigenous Peoples and Social Protection: The Case of the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Correa Aste Norma
Published: October 2024

The persistence of indigenous poverty and exclusion is one of the main challenges for social policy in Latin America. Social protection programmes, in particular conditional cash transfers, have been among the main instruments used by governments over the past two decades to respond to the high incidence of poverty in indigenous contexts. The inclusion of indigenous peoples as social protection beneficiaries remains a largely unexplored topic, despite its relevance to understand social policy trajectories in the global South. This article discusses the expansion of poverty alleviation social programmes in the Peruvian Amazon. Although the expansion of these programmes increased the state’s capacity to deliver welfare services in historically excluded areas, it also revealed the limitations of existing social protection instruments to effectively respond to indigenous poverty and vulnerability. Addressing this challenge constitutes a key opportunity to promote transformative approaches in social protection systems in Latin America.
Cellfare: Delivering Self-Targeted Social Protection Using Mobile Phones
Authors: Berg Erlend , Rajasekhar D. , Manjula R.
Published: October 2024

This article proposes a new form of self-targeted social protection scheme: beneficiaries carry out a series of small tasks on their mobile phones, each linked to a small payment. Key advantages over traditional public works include potentially large reductions in leakage, costs, and delays. The proposed scheme may also be suitable to wider demographics as it does not require physical labour and can be availed from home. A prototype implementation of a ‘cellfare’ scheme was tested in rural India, and 42 participants with experience of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, a large Indian public works programme, favourably compared the proposed scheme to the existing one.
Exploring Synergies Between Community Mobilisation and Cash Transfers in Bangladesh
Authors: Aktar Afrin , Roelen Keetie , Ton Giel
Published: October 2024

This article presents insights from the Child Labour: Action-Research-Innovation in South and South-Eastern Asia (CLARISSA) social protection cash plus intervention in a low‑income neighbourhood in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Adopting a novel methodology, we use community mobilisers’ monthly narrative reports, so-called ‘micronarratives’, to understand synergies between implementation and outcomes of community mobilisation activities (the ‘plus’) and cash transfers. We find that households face many intersecting problems, including health issues, low income, and indebtedness, and community mobilisation lays a foundation for households to be heard and become more resilient in the face of these problems. The introduction of cash transfers facilitated individuals and households to act on the advice and ideas offered by the community mobilisers. Households became more willing to speak with community mobilisers even when they explained that the cash transfer was unconditional on their counselling service. Some households started income-generating activities with their savings.
Glossary – Reimagining Social Protection
Authors: Devereux Stephen , Lind Jeremy , Roelen Keetie , Sabates-Wheeler Rachel
Published: October 2024

This is the Glossary for IDS Bulletin 55.2, Reimagining Social Protection.
Socio-Demographical Variables as Predictors of Academic Self-Directedness
Authors: Botha Jo-Anne , Potgieter Ingrid
Published: October 2024

This study explores whether a range of socio-demographical factors predict adult learner self-directedness in the context of South African open and distance e-learning higher education (ODeLHE). We observe significant differences between socio-demographical groups in the sub-dimensions of the Adult Learner Self-Directedness Scale. The study advances a theory on adult learner self-directedness in ODeLHE contexts. Educators should consider learners’ support practices, particularly in the cases of women, Black Africans, and younger cohorts. ODeLHE practices should also consider learners’ high school grades and proficiency in English, their library access, number of modules they are enrolled in, and who they support financially as factors influencing their level of self-directedness. Such considerations can be used to address the need for the translation of knowledge into policies and activities that improve educational opportunities for students.
Per Arek
Authors: Poso Regina
Published: October 2024

The text is a commemorative essay about Arkadiusz Wojtyla.
3-Heisenberg-Robertson-Schrodinger Uncertainty Principle
Authors: KRISHNA K. MAHESH
Published: October 2024

Let X be a 3-product space. Let A : D(A) ⊆ X → X , B : D(B) ⊆ X → X and C : D(C) ⊆ X → X be possibly unbounded 3-self-adjoint operators. Then for all x ∈ D(ABC) ∩ D(ACB) ∩ D(BAC) ∩ D(BCA) ∩ D(CAB) ∩ D(CBA) with ⟨x, x, x⟩ = 1, we show that (1) ∆x(3, A)∆x(3, B)∆x(3, C) ≥ |⟨(ABC − aBC − bAC − cAB)x, x, x⟩ + 2abc|, where ∆x(3, A) := ∥Ax − ⟨Ax, x, x⟩x∥, a := ⟨Ax, x, x⟩, b := ⟨Bx, x, x⟩, c := ⟨Cx, x, x⟩. We call Inequality (1) as 3-Heisenberg-Robertson-Schrodinger uncertainty principle. Classical HeisenbergRobertson-Schrodinger uncertainty principle (by Schrodinger in 1930) considers two operators whereas Inequality (1) considers three operators.
Second-Order False Belief in People with Williams Syndrome
Authors: Hsu Chingfen , Jiang Shi-yu , Jiang Qian
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Only two studies have examined the second-order false belief mentalizing ability of people with Williams syndrome (WS). The exact age in one study that successfully passed the advanced complex mentalizing ability exceeded nine years in chronological age. Another study reported failure to pass second-order false-belief tasks among people with WS at an averagely of 8.56 years in their mental age. This study aimed to examine the nature of the second-order mentalizing ability of people with WS using computerized animations to investigate the possibility of rehabilitation.
Methods: Advanced technology of three-dimensional (3D) animation clips was used as an experimental tool. People with WS viewed clips in a quiet room without interruption. After watching each clip, people with WS answered the following questions: character recognition, reality, memory, and second-order false beliefs. Responses from people with WS were recorded and analyzed.
Results: The mental passing age of the second-order false-belief task in people with WS in the current study was 7.14 years. People with WS improved their mentalizing ability to the advanced, complex mental states of other people using computerized animation clips. People with WS performed better with 3D animation stimuli than with traditional two-dimensional (2D) stimuli.
Conclusion: With 3D animation clips, people with neurodevelopmental disabilities can induce second-order false belief mentalizing abilities, as shown in people with WS.
Generative and Descriptive Methods: A Comparative Analysis of Creation and Observation Paradigms
Authors: Montgomery Richard Murdoch
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the fundamental distinctions and complementary relationships between generative and descriptive methods in research and analysis. Through a systematic review of their applications across various fields, we explore how descriptive methods excel in capturing and characterizing existing phenomena, while generative methods enable the creation of new instances based on learned patterns. The analysis reveals that while these approaches serve different primary purposes, their integration often leads to more robust and comprehensive research outcomes. Our findings suggest that understanding the strengths and limitations of both methodologies is crucial for researchers and practitioners in choosing appropriate approaches for their specific contexts.
Plan de negocios para la comercialización de galletas elaboradas a partir de harina de grillo en Lima moderna
Authors:   , Franco Moreno De Cruz Doris Sofia , Huayca Sanchez Eliana , Contreras Huancaya Hoover Edgar , Durand Villanueva July
Published: October 2024

Por medio del estudio de mercado se pudo establecer que hay un requerimiento por adquisición de producto saludable, proyecto, el desarrollo se enfoca en aquellos consumidores de galletas a nivel de lima moderna y en aquellos que buscan una alternativa saludable en el consumo diario bajo este contexto buscamos demostrar la factibilidad de crear un producto saludable y rico en proteína y fibras, un modelo de negocios deseable, factible y sobre todo viable para todos los socios. La idea de negocio surgió del requerimiento de ofrecer un producto único en el mercado que busca cumplir con las necesidades nutricionales de nuestros posibles consumidores. En Lima Moderna ya existen productos como galletas integrales. galletas oreo u otras galletas para enfocarnos en lo que podemos ofrecer a un público selecto que demanda calidad y se enfoca en cuidar su salud por ello están dispuestos a probar alternativas de bienes saludables además de amigables con el entorno. La empresa se concentrará en desarrollar un sistema operativo eficaz y eficiente. El departamento de recursos humanos poseerá responsabilidad de dictar normativas que ayuden al apropiado desempeño de colaboradores con vinculación a salarios, beneficios, seguridad y salud en centro de labores creando un clima laboral apropiado que contribuya a la productividad. El valor nutricional de nuestro producto nos permite ofrecer a nuestros posibles consumidores una oportunidad de cambio a través de nuestras galletas enriquecidas con proteína de grillo, avena, chispas de chocolate nuestro producto tendrá propiedades características que contribuyen a un estilo de vida saludable con una dieta baja en colesterol. Nuestro producto buscará una experiencia única que detone incentivar e involucrar pagar por algo saludable, rico que mueven emociones a través de una vivencia al saborear CHOCÓ GRILL. En conclusión, se ha elaborado un plan de negocios que involucra diversos aspectos importantes como estudio…
Estado de conocimiento sobre la legislación de macroalgas en el Perú
Authors:   , Guardia Luzon Katerin Sofia
Published: October 2024

Se recopiló, sistematizó y analizó temáticamente la legislación y normativas asociadas al recurso de macroalgas en el Perú hasta el 2022, con el fin de facilitar el acceso a información actualizada sobre su legislación y brindar recomendaciones aplicables en la gestión productiva del recurso. En total se obtuvieron 71 documentos de bases de datos nacionales, de las cuales 10 decretos supremos, 52 resoluciones ministeriales y 9 ordenanzas regionales. Entre las temáticas predominaron los aspectos legales en relación a licencia y autorización. La mayoría de normativas giraron en torno a las algas pardas (Phaeophyceae). Históricamente, las regulaciones emitidas regionalmente se enfocaron principalmente en Ica y Arequipa. En cuanto al tema de plantas de procesamiento, se calificó esta actividad como industrial y se establecieron plazos de adecuación para que las plantas artesanales cumplan con los requisitos técnicos establecidos. Se identificaron como desafíos para el desarrollo de la normativa, los conflictos sociales, la participación de agentes oportunistas, la falta de desarrollo de normativas para sectores "emergentes", así como los vacíos de información en cuanto a la investigación tecnológica, aplicativa y taxonómica. Asimismo, se identificaron puntos críticos que requieren mayor atención y refuerzo en el futuro, dado que se espera el crecimiento y expansión de esta industria.
Cambios de la posición e inclinación del incisivo superior y del labio superior post-tratamiento de ortodoncia: reporte de casos
Authors:   , Chacon Moreno Alicia
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Determinar los cambios de la posición e inclinación del incisivo superior y del labio superior postratamiento de ortodoncia de una serie de 3 casos clínicos. Materiales y Métodos: Los 3 casos clínicos reportados corresponden a pacientes adultos los cuales fueron tratados con ortodoncia fija y exodoncias de premolares. Se realizaron las mediciones de la posición del incisivo superior (PIS), la inclinación del incisivo superior (IIS), la posición del labio superior (PLS) y la inclinación del labio superior (ILS) en las radiografías cefalométricas del pretratamiento y postratamiento para la evaluación de los cambios. Resultados: En el caso 1 se halló una variación de -1 mm tanto para la PIS y la PLS, así como una variación de la IIS y la ILS, aunque en diferente magnitud. El caso 2 presentó una variación de 2 mm en la IIS con cambios mínimos en el labio superior (∆ PLS = 0 mm y ∆ ILS =-0,5 mm) y en el caso 3 se obtuvo una variación de 2 mm tanto para IIS y la ILS. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos en el presente reporte de casos nos muestran una amplia variabilidad, por lo cual es imposible predecir con precisión los cambios en tejidos blandos como respuesta del movimiento dentario. Significación clínica: La predicción de cambios producto del movimiento dentario en los tejidos blandos es fundamental durante la fase inicial de planificación del tratamiento de ortodoncia.
Determinación de la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra Brucella Melitensis de caprinos en 3 hatos de Lima, Perú - 2018
Authors:   , Rodriguez De Armero Jose Manuel
Published: October 2024

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra Brucella melitensis en caprinos de 3 hatos en la costa de Lima, Perú. Las muestras se analizaron con la prueba de Rosa de Bengala (IDEXX® Pourquier Rose Bengale Ag) como prueba screening/tamiz y las pruebas positivas fueron confirmadas mediante un ELISA competitivo (SVANOVIR® Brucella-Ab C-ELISA). Se analizaron 368 sueros sanguíneos dando una seroprevalencia del 1.9% (7/368). Al encontrar seroprevalencia de brucelosis caprina, aunque esta sea baja, no se debe bajar la guardia ya que el control es muy escaso para el impacto económico y zoonótico que puede generar.
Características del tercio apical en caninos superiores permanentes utilizando tomografía computarizada de haz cónico de un centro radiológico de Lima-Perú
Authors:   , Flor Wong Nelsy Gianira
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Determinar las características del tercio apical en caninos superiores permanentes utilizando tomografías computarizadas de haz cónico (CBCT). Materiales y métodos: Este estudio observacional retrospectivo tuvo una muestra de 150 imágenes de CBCT (58 mujeres y 92 varones) de 14 a 80 años (Media = 47,1 ± 13,7 años) de un centro radiológico privado de Lima (Perú). Los caninos superiores fueron observados en cortes sagitales y coronales para analizar la forma del tercio apical (Kappa=1), la distancia del foramen apical al ápice (Coeficiente de correlación intraclase = 0,998) y la ubicación del foramen apical (Kappa=1). Las comparaciones se analizaron con las pruebas de Chi cuadrado y T de Student a un p<0,05. Resultados: Una mayor frecuencia de ápices radiculares tuvieron forma redondeada (61,3%), con distancias al foramen de 0 mm (37,3%) y ubicación central (36%). Las variables no se asociaron a la edad (p =0,095), pero si al sexo donde hubo más tercios apicales en forma de punta en mujeres y forma redondeada en varones (p =0,02). Conclusión: Los tercios apicales de caninos superiores se caracterizaron por formas redondeadas, equidistantes del foramen al ápice y ubicación central.
Estimación de la fuerza isométrica aplicada por fisioterapeutas en la tracción cervical manual según el método de Reeducación Postural Global en atención privada
Authors:   , Canturin Macha Luigi Paolo , Hernandez Urquizo Victor Manuel
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: El propósito de este trabajo es determinar la estimación de fuerza por parte de fisioterapeutas durante la técnica de tracción cervical manual según el método de Reeducación Postural Global en un consultorio privado donde se practica dicha metodología. Metodología: Se aplicó un diseño observacional, transversal, analítico, realizándose hasta 50 experimentos derivados de los sucesivos intentos por parte de los participantes en la tracción cervical simulada sobre una maqueta construida para dicho fin, considerando dos variantes del agarre del cráneo y de la posición del cuerpo del fisioterapeuta. Se realizaron las mediciones simultáneas de la fuerza de tracción ejercida y la fuerza de tracción percibida, utilizándose la dinamometría y la escala de Borg respectivamente. Resultado: Las fuerzas promedio aplicadas durante la simulación de la tracción cervical manual según la metodología RPG oscilaron entre 75.66 y 105.84 Newtons. Estas fuerzas fueron significativamente más altas que las que ellos mismos indican usando la Escala de Borg (61 % a 99 %). En la técnica 2 (axial occipital mentón), aplican fuerzas entre 84 % y 63 % mayores, de pie y sentados respectivamente. En la técnica 1 (axial posterior), las fuerzas aplicadas son 99 % y 61 % mayores, en pie y sentados respectivamente. Conclusión: Por tanto, se concluye que los fisioterapeutas subestiman su fuerza durante la tracción cervical en la metodología RPG. Con estos valores se puede tener una base para poder encaminar la educación de los fisioterapeutas y prevenir lesiones por fuerzas isométricas repetitivas estandarizar la práctica y mejorar también la seguridad del paciente.
Targeting the FOXA1/BMI1 Axis to Overcome Chemoresistance and Suppress Tumor Progression in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Xiao Shengjun , Qin Yaping , Yang Mingqing , Cao Yunzhu , Fu Yue , Yang Fan , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: October 2024

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly aggressive head and neck cancer characterized by a complex etiology and a propensity for metastasis. The current study explores the intricate relationship between Forkhead Box A1 (FOXA1) and B-cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (BMI1) in the cancer progression and chemoresistance of NPC. Our research identified a significant downregulation of FOXA1 in NPC tissues and cell lines, which correlates with advanced clinical stages and poor differentiation, underscoring its potential role as a tumor suppressor. Functional assays demonstrated that the silencing of FOXA1 significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasive capabilities of NPC cells in vitro. Furthermore, the deficiency of FOXA1 was associated with a diminished sensitivity to cisplatin, as evidenced by increased cell viability, reduced apoptosis, and impaired cell cycle arrest upon drug exposure. Mechanistic studies revealed BMI1 as a critical downstream target of FOXA1. We observed a negative correlation between the expression levels of FOXA1 and BMI1 in NPC tissues. FOXA1 was shown to bind directly to the BMI1 promoter, effectively dampening its transcriptional activity. Rescue experiments indicated that the downregulation of BMI1 could partially reverse the malignant phenotypes induced by FOXA1 silencing, both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, the knockdown of BMI1 significantly increased the chemosensitivity of FOXA1-depleted NPC cells to cisplatin, effectively counteracting the drug resistance associated with FOXA1 suppression. These findings highlight the pivotal role of FOXA1 in NPC development and progression and suggest that its loss leads to the upregulation of BMI1 and the acquisition of cisplatin resistance. Our study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the malignancy and chemoresistance of NPC and proposes that targeting the FOXA1/BMI1 axis could offer a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of this devastating disease.
Genomic and physiological signatures of adaptation in pathogenic fungi
Authors: Guerreiro Marco Alexandre , Yurkov Andrey , Nowrousian Minou , Broders Kirk , Stukenbrock Eva
Published: October 2024

Emerging fungal pathogens have detrimental impacts on crops, animals, and humans. Despite the mounting threat of these emerging fungal pathogens, little is known about their transition from saprotrophic to pathogenic lifestyles. To gain insights into fungal lifestyle transitions, we studied the Trichosporonales order, which includes both saprotrophic species and opportunistic human pathogens, as a system to reveal evolutionary adaptations leading to virulence in fungi. Here we used comparative genome analyses and experimental assays to demonstrate that the transition from saprotroph to opportunistic human pathogen is facilitated by adaptive translation. Codon optimization of metabolic genes grant these fungi the ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Our findings link genomic data with fungal physiology and ecology, highlighting the role of adaptive translation in colonizing different environments and suggesting that gene translation optimization plays a critical role in fungal lifestyle evolution.
STAAR Lipids: A Novel Ionizable Lipid Synthetic Platform for Efficient mRNA Delivery In Vivo with Tunable Lung Targeting
Authors: Giménez-Warren Javier , Peña Álvaro , Heredero Juan , Mata Elena , Blandín Beatriz , de Miguel Diego , Toro Alfonso , Alejo Teresa , Casabona Diego , López Alexandre , Gallego-Lleyda Ana , Pérez-Herrán Esther , Martínez-Oliván Juan
Published: October 2024

Ionizable lipids are an essential component of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for an efficient mRNA delivery. However, optimizing their chemical structures for high protein expression, efficient endosomal escape, and selective organ targeting remains challenging due to complex structure-activity relationships and multistep synthesis. In this study, we introduce a rapid, high-throughput platform for screening ionizable lipids using a two-step, scalable synthesis involving a one-pot 3-component click-like reaction. This method, herein known as the STAAR approach, standing for Sequential Thiolactone Amine Acrylate Reaction, allowed for the combinatorial synthesis and in vivo screening of 91 novel lipids, followed by a structure-activity study. This led to the development of CP-LC-0729, an ionizable lipid that significantly surpasses the benchmark in protein expression while showing no in vivo toxicity. Additionally, the STAAR lipid platform was further validated by incorporating a one-step strategy to yield a permanently cationic lipid which was tested following a fifth-lipid formulation strategy. The in vivo results showed a highly selective lung delivery with a 32-fold increase in protein expression, outperforming current endogenous targeting strategies. All these findings underscore the potential of lipid CP-LC-0729 and the STAAR lipid platform in advancing the efficiency and specificity of mRNA delivery systems, while also advancing the development of new ionizable lipids.
Adverse roles of citric acid and L-histidine in the transition metal-dependent generation of hydroxyl radical at circumneutral pH
Authors: Kurokawa Yoichi , Matsuzawa Atsushi , Ogawa Hirotaka , Hirata Yusuke , Noguchi Takuya , Kawashima Hiroki
Published: October 2024

Through the present work, we have examined the possible role of L-histidine and citrate in the regulation of iron (II) ion-induced generation of hydroxyl radical (OH*), the most detrimental reactive oxygen species (ROS), via Fenton reaction. We observed that the presence of metal chelators (such as EDTA or citric acid) was necessary for the iron ion-dependent generation of OH*, when assessed with 3-coumarin carboxylic acid (3-CCA) as a probe specific for the radical. We also found that citrate acid as well as EDTA promoted the iron ion-dependent generation of the radical on a dose-dependent manner when they repressed the copper ion-dependent generation of the radical. In contrast, L-histidine promoted the copper ion-dependent generation of the radical at less than equimolar to the ion and repressed it at more than equimolar, whereas L-histidine hardly promoted the iron ion-dependent generation of the radical. Finally, we found that EDTA and citric acid promoted the iron and hydrogen peroxide-induced degradation of bovine serum albumin and repressed the copper and hydrogen peroxide-induced degradation of the protein, suggesting that the contrasting roles of EDTA and citric acid in promoting and repressing the generation of hydroxyl radical, depending on iron ion and copper ion, respectively.
RECIP 1.0 + PSA for response assessment in mCRPC patients treated with 225Ac / 177Lu PSMA combination therapy
Authors: Sheikh Gabriel T. , Delker Astrid , Zacherl Mathias J. , Holzgreve Adrien , Fouladgar Sarah L. Takayama , Unterrainer Marcus , Rübenthaler Johannes , Casuscelli Jozefina , Gafita Andrei , Unterrainer Lena M.
Published: October 2024

Background:
Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) with 225Ac has shown promising results in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients pre-treated with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA radioligand therapy (RLT). A combination treatment regimen adding 177Lu to decreased 225Ac activities may improve toxicity profile while maintaining sufficient anti-tumor effect. We therefore evaluated clinical and image-based response parameters in patients treated with 225Ac-/177Lu-PSMA combination therapies (ALCT).
Results:
Complete response (RECIP-CR), partial response (RECIP-PR), stable disease (RECIP-SD), progressive disease (RECIP-PD) according to RECIP 1.0 was observed in 0/25 (0%), 12/25 (48%), 9/25 (36%) and 4/25 (16%) patients, respectively. Response by RECIP+PSA was observed in 14/25 (56%) patients and progression by RECIP+PSA in 8/25 (32%) patients. Interrater reliability for visual RECIP was substantial (κ=0.757, p<0.001), while agreement between visual and quantitative RECIP was almost fully congruent (κ=0.879, p<0.001). OS did not significantly vary among the four different therapy regimens (p>0.05). When grouping patients with declining / stable PSA as responders, these patients showed no significant difference in overall survival compared to patients with progressive PSA after ALCT (p =0.312). Similarly, there was no significant difference in median overall survival between patients without RECIP-progression (RECIP-PR + RECIP-SD) and patients with RECIP-progression (RECIP-PD) (p>0.05), but when applying the composite classification, RECIP+PSA responders survived significantly longer compared to patients with RECIP+PSA progression (p=0.049).
Conclusions: ALCT is a promising therapeutic regimen that may prolong survival in patients who progress during [177Lu]Lu-PSMA RLT. Our results motivate to further investigate the use of RECIP+PSA as tool for response assessment and for overall survival prediction in mCRPC under ALCT.
WITHDRAWN: Bridging Stochastic Gradient Descent and Markov Chains: Constant Step-Size Convergence and Richardson-Romberg Extrapolation
Authors: Li Chris Junchi
Published: October 2024

28 October, 2024. Research Square has withdrawn this preprint due to extensive overlap with the [published work](https://projecteuclid.org/journals/annals-of-statistics/volume-48/issue-3/Bridging-the-gap-between-constant-step-size-stochastic-gradient-descent/10.1214/19-AOS1850.full) of another researcher.
Does massive irrigation reduce the risk of intra-abdominal abscess after laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis?
Authors: Tsuzaka Shoichi , Takezoe Toshiko , Tsutsuno Takashi , Ogawa Shoko , Kondo Yasuhiro , Deie Kyoichi , Naya Itsuki , Mizuta Koichi , Kawashima Hiroshi
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to determine if massive intra-abdominal irrigation reduced the risk of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess (PO-IAA) after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) for perforated appendicitis in pediatric patients.
Methods
A case-control study was conducted at Saitama Prefectural Children’s Medical Center from January 2014 to December 2023. Sixty-nine pediatric patients with perforated appendicitis who underwent LA were included. Patients were divided into PO-IAA and PO-IAA-free groups. We compared the irrigation volume (IV), ratio of IV to body weight (IV/BW), and ratio of IV to body surface area (IV/BSA) between the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences and optimal cutoff values.
Results
The PO-IAA-free group had a significantly higher IV (median 8000 mL vs. 6000 mL, p= 0.014), IV/BW (270.9 mL/kg vs. 159.2 mL/kg, p = 0.009), and IV/BSA (7500.6 mL/m² vs. 4890.6 mL/m², p = 0.008) than the PO-IAA group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified cutoff values of 6000 mL for IV, 234.6 mL/kg for IV/BW, and 6352.2 mL/m² for IV/BSA.
Conclusion
Massive intra-abdominal irrigation during LA for perforated appendicitis in children may be effective in preventing PO-IAA.
Assessment of Apparent diffusion coefficient and perfusion values of the placenta in intrauterine growth restriction by using 3Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in an Indian population: A pilot study
Authors: Sekhar Priyanka Chandra
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is an estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age, often linked to placental insufficiency and abnormal fetoplacental oxygenation. IUGR affects approximately 24% of newborns globally, with a significant incidence in Asia. IUGR is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. While sonography is commonly used, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers a radiation-free alternative that provides detailed morphological and functional insights into the placenta. This study aims to assess the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and perfusion values of the placenta in IUGR cases using 3T MRI. A prospective case-control study was conducted between April 2020 and March 2023, involving 60 pregnant women (30 with IUGR and 30 controls) with gestational ages ranging from 20 to 38 weeks. The study utilised a 3T MRI scanner to obtain T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted images and 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling (pCASL) sequences to measure placental perfusion. ADC and perfusion values were extracted and analysed using statistical methods to compare the IUGR and control groups.Significant differences were observed between the IUGR and control groups. The mean ADC value in IUGR cases was significantly lower (1.83 ± 0.103 × 10⁻³ mm²/s) compared to controls (2.02 ± 0.101 × 10⁻³ mm²/s), with a P-value of 0.001. Similarly, the mean perfusion value in IUGR cases (102.5 ± 18.7 ml/100g/min) was significantly lower than in controls (120.2 ± 23.7 ml/100g/min), with a P-value of 0.002. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed an AUC of 0.919 for ADC and 0.703 for perfusion, indicating the diagnostic potential of these parameters. This pilot study highlights significant reductions in ADC and perfusion values of the placenta in IUGR cases compared to controls, using 3T MRI. The findings suggest that 3T MRI could serve as an effective tool for early detection and management of IUGR, potentially improving perinatal outcomes. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these results.