bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of green micellar HPLC–DAD method for simultaneous determination of some sulbactam combinations used in COVID-19 regimen
Authors: Ragab Gamal H. , Saleh Hanaa M. , Abdulla Nermeen M. , Bahgat Eman A.
Published: August 2023

In a new attempt to separate some sulbactam combinations by green chemical method we came up with this research in which an ecofriendly, green, sustainable and selective method was established for separation of four antibiotics, namely, cefoperazone (CFP), cefixime (CFX), ampicillin (AMP) and sulbactam (SLB). No organic solvents were used in the composition of the mobile phase as it was replaced by mixing two surfactants together, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polyoxyethylene-23-lauryl ether (Brij-35). Effect of varying the concentrations of the two surfactants on chromatographic separation was studied. Optimum separation was maintained using a mobile phase consisting of 0.01 mol/L SDS, 0.03 mol/L Brij-35, 0.4% Tri-ethylamine (TEA) and pH of 2.8 adjusted by using 1 M ortho-phosphoric acid on reversed phase Isère C18 BDS column with temperature of 40 °C at flow rate 1 mL/min, wavelength 215 nm, and the total run time was 6 min. Validation of the proposed method has been made according International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) guidelines at linearity range of 10–200 µg mL−1 for all drugs under study, high accuracy results (recovery range 98.39–100.35%). and the variation coefficient (RSD) of the points on the calibration curve was ranged from (0.1–1.7%) indicating precise method. The LOQ was (6.09 μg mL−1) for CFP, (6.07 μg mL−1) for CFX, (3.85 μg mL−1) for AMP and (7.20 μg mL−1) for SLB. Successful applications were made on marketed dosage forms with recovery range of (100.16–102.25%) and RSD of (0.03–1.88%). The method was verified on the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical Greenness metric approach (AGREE) and it was found to be an excellent green alternative method.
Communication about diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention in the memory clinic: perspectives of European memory clinic professionals
Authors: Hendriksen Heleen M. A. , van Gils Aniek M. , van Harten Argonde C. , Hartmann Tobias , Mangialasche Francesca , Kamondi Anita , Kivipelto Miia , Rhodius-Meester Hanneke F. M. , Smets Ellen M. A. , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Visser Leonie N. C.
Published: August 2023

Background

The paradigm shift towards earlier Alzheimer’s disease (AD) stages and personalized medicine creates new challenges for clinician-patient communication. We conducted a survey among European memory clinic professionals to identify opinions on communication about (etiological) diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention, and inventory needs for augmenting communication skills.

Methods

Memory clinic professionals (N = 160) from 21 European countries completed our online survey (59% female, 14 ± 10 years' experience, 73% working in an academic hospital). We inventoried (1) opinions on communication about (etiological) diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention using 11 statements; (2) current communication practices in response to five hypothetical cases (AD dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), subjective cognitive decline (SCD), with ( +) or without ( −) abnormal AD biomarkers); and (3) needs for communication support regarding ten listed communication skills.

Results

The majority of professionals agreed that communication on diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention should be personalized to the individual patient. In response to the hypothetical patient cases, disease stage influenced the inclination to communicate an etiological AD diagnosis: 97% would explicitly mention the presence of AD to the patient with AD dementia, 68% would do so in MCI + , and 29% in SCD + . Furthermore, 58% would explicitly rule out AD in case of MCI − when talking to patients, and 69% in case of SCD − . Almost all professionals (79–99%) indicated discussing prognosis and prevention with all patients, of which a substantial part (48–86%) would personalize their communication to patients’ diagnostic test results (39–68%) or patients’ anamnestic information (33–82%). The majority of clinicians (79%) would like to use online tools, training, or both to support them in communicating with patients. Topics for which professionals desired support most were: stimulating patients’ understanding of information, and communicating uncertainty, dementia risk, remotely/online, and with patients not (fluently) speaking the language of the country of residence.

Conclusions

In a survey of European memory clinic professionals, we found a strong positive attitude towards communication with patients about (etiological) diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention, and personalization of communication to characteristics and needs of individual patients. In addition, professionals expressed a need for supporting tools and skills training to further improve their communication with patients.
Long-term efficacy of anti-IL-4 receptor antibody in a patient with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease and IgG4-related disease
Authors: Jeon Hyun-Seob , Jang Jae-Hyuk , Lee Youngsoo , Park Hae-Sim
Published: August 2023

Background

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and IgG4-related disease (IgG4RD) share a common pathway of Th2-mediated immune mechanism; there have been several cases of IgG4RD developed in patients with asthma, especially in those comorbid with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). IgG4RD has often been treated with systemic corticosteroids, rituximab, or immune-suppressive agents, but frequently failed with relapse.

Case presentation

Here, we present a case of a 64-year-old male patient with severe AERD with CRS complicated with IgG4RD, who has been successfully treated and maintained with anti-IL-4 receptor antibody, dupilumab after achieving unsatisfactory responses with previous treatments including steroids, rituximab, omalizumab, and reslizumab. The patient’s symptoms (periorbital swelling and asthmatic/nasal symptoms) were remarkably improved; serum levels of IgG4/IgE as well as plasmablast/eosinophil counts progressively decreased without any recurrence sign for over 2 years of dupilumab treatment.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that blocking the IL-4/IL-13 pathway with dupilumab can be an effective treatment with long-term safety in patients with severe AERD with CRS complicated by IgG4RD.
ROMSS: a rational optional multi-secret sharing scheme based on reputation mechanism
Authors: Shi Ruonan , Chen Yuling , Tan Chaoyue , Luo Yun , Li Tao
Published: August 2023

The traditional threshold secret sharing scheme only allows the participants’ sub-secret shares to be used once in the reconstruction process. Several multi-secret sharing schemes have been proposed that are related to cloud computing, aiming to improve reconstruction efficiency. Rational secret sharing is a technique that combines secret sharing with game theory. In traditional rational multi-secret sharing, participants must reconstruct all secrets, resulting in unnecessary overhead. Rational participants will act dishonestly to maximize their own interests, leading to a prisoner’s dilemma and incomplete secret reconstruction. Additionally, when sharing multiple secrets, the Dealer must distribute the sub-secret shares of all secrets to the participants, increasing overhead. In this paper, we propose a rational optional multi-secret sharing scheme based on a reputation mechanism that selectively reconstructs secrets according to participants’ needs in the context of cloud computing. Our scheme introduces a reputation mechanism to evaluate participants’ reputation values to avoid their dishonest behaviors. Furthermore, we adopt a broadcast encryption matrix so that participants only need to receive a single sub-secret share to participate in multi-secret reconstruction. Our security analysis shows that the proposed scheme can effectively constrain the self-interested behavior of rational participants and reduce the overhead in the process, thus multi-secret sharing scheme can provide more efficient and secure solutions for secret sharing in key management and distributive storage for the cloud scenarios.
The effect of FTO gene rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between colorectal cancer and different types of dietary fat intake: a case-control study
Authors: Hajipour Azadeh , Ardekanizadeh Naeemeh Hassanpour , Roumi Zahra , Shekari Soheila , Aminnezhad Kavkani Bahareh , Shalmani Seyedeh Hayedeh Mousavi , Bahar Bojlul , Tajadod Shirin , Ajami Marjan , Tabesh Ghasem Azizi , Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Doaei Saeid
Published: August 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in the world. Some dietary factors such as fat intake have been identified as the risk factors for CRC. This study aimed to investigate the effect of fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between CRC and different types of dietary fats.

Methods

This case-control study was performed on 135 CRC cases and 294 healthy controls in Tehran, Iran. Data on demographic factors, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, the intake of different types of dietary fats, and FTO gene rs9939609 polymorphism was collected from all participants. The association between cancer and dietary fat intake in individuals with different FTO genotypes was assessed using different models of logistic regression.

Results

Oleic acid intake was higher in the case group compared to the control group in both people with TT (7.2±3.46 vs. 5.83±3.06 g/d, P=0.02) and AA/AT genotypes (8.7±6.23 vs. 5.57 ±3.2 g/d, P<0.001). Among carriers of AA/AT genotypes of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism, a positive association was found between CRC and higher intakes of oleic acid (OR=1.12, CI95% 1.03–1.21, P=0.01) and cholesterol (OR=1.01, CI95% 1.00–1.02; P=0.01) after adjusting for age, sex, physical activity, alcohol use, smoking, calorie intake, and body mass index.

Conclusion

Higher intakes of cholesterol and oleic acid were associated with a higher risk of CRC in FTO-risk allele carriers. The association of CRC and dietary fat may be influenced by the FTO genotype. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Salivary microbiome profiles of oral cancer patients analyzed before and after treatment
Authors: Mäkinen Anna I. , Pappalardo Vincent Y. , Buijs Mark J. , Brandt Bernd W. , Mäkitie Antti A. , Meurman Jukka H. , Zaura Egija
Published: August 2023

Background

Treating oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) introduces new ecological environments in the oral cavity. This is expected to cause changes in the oral microbiome. The purpose of this study was to gain new information on the salivary microbiome of OSCC patients in order to improve the aftercare of OSCC patients. The aims of this study were to investigate possible changes in the salivary microbiome profiles of OSCC patients before and after cancer treatment and to compare these changes with the profiles of healthy controls.

Patients and methods

Paraffin-stimulated whole saliva samples were collected, and the salivary flow rate was measured from 99 OSCC patients prior to surgical resection of the tumor and other adjuvant therapy. After treatment, 28 OSCC patients were re-examined with a mean follow-up time of 48 months. In addition, 101 healthy controls were examined and sampled. After DNA extraction and purification, the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. The merged read pairs were denoised using UNOISE3, mapped to zero-radius operational taxonomic units (zOTUs), and the representative zOTU sequences were assigned a taxonomy using HOMD. Descriptive statistics were used to study the differences in the microbial profiles of OSCC patients before and after treatment and in comparison to healthy controls.

Results

At baseline, the OSCC patients showed a higher relative abundance of zOTUs classified as Streptococcus anginosus, Abiotrophia defectiva, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. The microbial profiles differed significantly between OSCC patients and healthy controls (F = 5.9, p < 0.001). Alpha diversity of the salivary microbiome of OSCC patients was decreased at the follow-up, and the microbial profiles differed significantly from the pre-treatment (p < 0.001) and from that of healthy controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

OSCC patients’ salivary microbiome profile had a higher abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria compared to healthy controls. Treatment of the OSCC caused a significant decrease in alpha diversity and increase in variability of the salivary microbiome, which was still evident after several years of follow-up. OSCC patients may benefit from preventive measures, such as the use of pre- or probiotics, salivary substitutes, or dietary counseling.
Arula-7 powder improves diarrhea and intestinal epithelial tight junction function associated with its regulation of intestinal flora in calves infected with pathogenic Escherichia coli O1
Authors: Chen Hao , Jia Zhifeng , He Meiling , Chen Aorigele , Zhang Xin , Xu Jin , Wang Chunjie
Published: August 2023

Background

The effects of Arula-7 powder (ASP) on diarrhea and intestinal barrier function associated with its regulation of intestinal microflora in calves infected with pathogenic Escherichia coli O1 (E. coli O1) were studied.

Method

Twenty Holstein calves were randomly divided into four treatment groups: normal control (NC), model control (MC), 0.5 mg/kg ciprofloxacin (CIP) and 2.50 g/kg ASP groups.

Results

ASP inhibited the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Selenomonadales, and Enterobacteriales, and increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, and Alloprevotella. Moreover, we demonstrated for the first time that the ASP and CIP promoted weight gain, reduced the diarrhea rate (P < 0.05), and enhanced antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05) due to the increase in average daily gain (ADG), total protein (TP), and albumin (ALB). In addition, ASP and CIP increased the expression of Zunola occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1 in the ileum (P < 0.05), and improved immunity due to increase levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum, strengthened CD4+T levels in the ileal mucosa and reducing CD8+T and CD11c+T (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Hence, The intestinal microbiota environment formed by early intervention of ASP powder has a protective effect on the intestinal mucosal function of calves infected with pathogenic E. coli.
Geophysical characteristics of a fault system in the northern Central Range of Taiwan and its applications for geothermal energy exploration
Authors: Chen Bing-Cheng , Perdana Tito , Kuo Li-Wei
Published: August 2023

The northern Central Range of Taiwan is a high-potential geothermal region. Since the formations are mainly tight metasandstone and slate, permeable structures associated with faults are commonly considered as conduits of geothermal fluids. This study determines the characteristics and orientations of the permeable fault zones by analyzing the geophysical logs and microresistivity formation image log (FMI) of the JT-4 well in Jentse, an important geothermal area in the northern Central Range. Between 720 and 1480 m measured depth (MD), the effective porosity of the intact host rock is mostly below 3% calculated by the geophysical log. Zones with porosity greater than 5% are only clustered within a few thin intervals. The FMI interpretations show these porous zones are in the interior of the fractured and faulted intervals. These porous fault zones comprise fault damage zones with a high density of open fracture planes and fault cores with porous fault breccias. There is a highly brecciated fault core in 1334–1339 m MD, which would be the most permeable interval of the well. Additionally, some healed fault zones with sealed fractures are observed. The picked drilling-induced tensile fractures signify that the direction of the present-day maximum horizontal principal stress is N40–50°E, and most of the open fractures also strike parallel to the NE–SW direction. The study results show that the open fractures are concentrated in the four fault zones belonging to one major normal fault system. After integrating the orientations and locations of the fault zones, we propose that the permeable normal fault system is about 200 m wide, trends N50–70°E, and dips 70–80° to the NW. The development of the open fractures and the permeable fault system in the northern Central Range may be controlled by the current rifting of the Okinawa Trough offshore northeastern Taiwan. The study exhibits the characteristics of fractured fluid conduits of the regional geothermal system, which will benefit future geothermal exploration in northeastern Taiwan.
Time series data analysis under indeterminacy
Authors: Aslam Muhammad
Published: August 2023

The existing semi-average method under classical statistics is applied to measure the trend in the time series data. The existing semi-average method cannot be applied when the time series data is in intervals or imprecise. In this paper, we will introduce a semi-average method under neutrosophic statistics to measure the trend in imprecise or interval data. The application of the proposed semi-average method will be given using the wind speed data. The efficiency of the proposed semi-average method under neutrosophic statistics will be given over the semi-average method under classical statistics in terms of information and adequacy.
Limited or complete? Teaching and learning conceptions and instructional environments fostered by STEM teaching versus research faculty
Authors: Rozhenkova Veronika , Snow Lauren , Sato Brian K. , Lo Stanley M. , Buswell Natascha Trellinger
Published: August 2023

Background

An instructor’s conceptions of teaching and learning contribute to the establishment of learning environments that may benefit or hinder student learning. Previous studies have defined the continuum of teaching and learning conceptions, ranging from limited to complete, as well as the instructional practices that they help to inform (instructor-centered to student-centered), and the corresponding learning environments that these conceptions and practices establish, ranging from traditional to student-centered. Using the case of one STEM department at a research-intensive, minority serving institution, we explored faculty’s conceptions of teaching and learning and their resulting instructional practices, as well as uncovered their perspectives on the intradepartmental faculty interactions related to teaching. The study participants were drawn from both teaching-focused (called Professors of Teaching, PoTs) and traditional research (whom we call Research Professors, RPs) tenure-track faculty lines to identify whether differences existed amongst these two populations. We used interviews to explore faculty conceptions and analyzed syllabi to unveil how these conceptions shape instructional environments.

Results

Overall, PoTs exhibited complete conceptions of teaching and learning that emphasized student ownership of learning, whereas RPs possessed intermediate conceptions that focused more on transmitting knowledge and helping students prepare for subsequent courses. While both PoTs and RPs self-reported the use of active learning pedagogies, RPs were more likely to also highlight the importance of traditional lecture. The syllabi analysis revealed that PoTs enacted more student-centered practices in their classrooms compared to RPs. PoTs appeared to be more intentionally available to support students outside of class and encouraged student collaboration, while RPs focused more on the timeliness of assessments and enforcing more instructor-centered approaches in their courses. Finally, the data indicated that RPs recognized PoTs as individuals who were influential on their own teaching conceptions and practices.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that departments should consider leveraging instructional experts who also possess a disciplinary background (PoTs) to improve their educational programs, both due to their student-centered impacts on the classroom environment and positive influence on their colleagues (RPs). This work also highlights the need for higher education institutions to offer appropriate professional development resources to enable faculty to reflect on their teaching and learning conceptions, aid in their pedagogical evolution, and guide the implementation of these conceptions into practice.
Distraction descriptor for brainprint authentication modelling using probability-based Incremental Fuzzy-Rough Nearest Neighbour
Authors: Liew Siaw-Hong , Choo Yun-Huoy , Low Yin Fen , Nor Rashid Fadilla ‘Atyka
Published: August 2023

This paper aims to design distraction descriptor, elicited through the object variation, to refine the granular knowledge incrementally, using the proposed probability-based incremental update strategy in Incremental Fuzzy-Rough Nearest Neighbour (IncFRNN) technique. Most of the brainprint authentication models were tested in well-controlled environments to minimize the influence of ambient disturbance on the EEG signals. These settings significantly contradict the real-world situations. Thus, making use of the distraction is wiser than eliminating it. The proposed probability-based incremental update strategy is benchmarked with the ground truth (actual class) incremental update strategy. Besides, the proposed technique is also benchmarked with First-In-First-Out (FIFO) incremental update strategy in K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN). The experimental results have shown equivalence discriminatory performance in both high distraction and quiet conditions. This has proven that the proposed distraction descriptor is able to utilize the unique EEG response towards ambient distraction to complement person authentication modelling in uncontrolled environment. The proposed probability-based IncFRNN technique has significantly outperformed the KNN technique for both with and without defining the window size threshold. Nevertheless, its performance is slightly worse than the actual class incremental update strategy since the ground truth represents the gold standard. In overall, this study demonstrated a more practical brainprint authentication model with the proposed distraction descriptor and the probability-based incremental update strategy. However, the EEG distraction descriptor may vary due to intersession variability. Future research may focus on the intersession variability to enhance the robustness of the brainprint authentication model.
Factors associated with 10-m walking speed in outpatients undergoing hemodialysis: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Yabe Hiroki , Nakano Haruka , Yamaguchi Tomoya , Takahashi Ren , Kono Kenichi , Moriyama Yoshifumi , Yamada Tetsuya
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Walking ability is an important prognostic factor for patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Since complications such as poor nutrition, anemia, malnutrition, and inflammation in patients undergoing HD may affect walking ability, the factors affected by 10-m walking speed must be investigated. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1205 outpatients undergoing HD and measured their 10-m walking speed.

Methods

Lower extremity muscle strength (LES), grip strength, one-leg standing time (OLST), and short physical performance battery (SPPB) score were measured as physical functions. Age, sex, body mass index, dialysis history, comorbidities, and hematological data were collected.

Results

A multiple regression analysis revealed that the 10-m walking speed was significantly associated with LES, grip strength, OLST, SPPB, and % creatinine production rate, even after adjusting for corresponding variables (R2 = 0.69, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Muscle strength and muscle mass may be essential factors for the 10-m walking speed in patients undergoing HD.
Cannabis use for exercise recovery in trained individuals: a survey study
Authors: Pinzone Anthony G. , Erb Emily K. , Humm Stacie M. , Kearney Sarah G. , Kingsley J. Derek
Published: August 2023

Background

Cannabis use, be it either cannabidiol (CBD) use and/or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use, shows promise to enhance exercise recovery. The present study aimed to determine if individuals are using CBD and/or THC as a means of recovery from aerobic and/or resistance exercise, as well as additional modalities that might be used to aid in recovery.

Methods

Following consent, 111 participants (Mean ± SD: Age: 31 ± 13 years) completed an anonymous survey. All participants were regularly using cannabis (CBD and/or THC) as well as were currently exercising. Questions pertained to level of cannabis use, methods used for consumption of cannabis, exercise habits, exercise recovery strategies, and demographics.

Results

Eighty-five percent of participants reported participating in aerobic training. In addition, 85% of participants also reported regular participation in resistance exercise. Seventy-two percent of participants participated in both aerobic and resistance exercise. Ninety-three percent of participants felt that CBD use assisted them with recovery from exercise, while 87% of participants felt the same regarding THC use.

Conclusions

Individuals who habitually use cannabis, CBD or THC, and regularly engage in exercise do feel that cannabis assists them with exercise recovery. More data are necessary to understand the role of cannabis in exercise recovery as well as perceived ergogenic benefits of cannabis by individuals who both regularly participate in exercise and habitually use cannabis.
Factors that impact the patellofemoral contact stress in the TKA: a review
Authors: Yu Zhenguo , Cai Hong , Liu Zhongjun
Published: August 2023

Abnormal retro patellar stress is believed to contribute to patellofemoral complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but the causal link between TKA and patellofemoral contact stress remains unclear. By reviewing the relevant studies, we found that both TKA implantation and additional patellar resurfacing increase retro patellar pressure. The rotation and size of the femoral component, thickness and position of the patellar component, installation of the tibial component, prosthesis design and soft tissue balance further influence patellofemoral stress. Specific measures can be applied to reduce stress, including the installation of the femoral prosthesis with an appropriate external rotation angle, placing the tibial component at a more posterior position and the patellar button at a more medial position, avoiding over-sized femoral and patellar components, selecting posterior-stabilized design rather than cruciate-retaining design, using gender-specific prosthesis or mobile-bearing TKA system, and releasing the lateral retinaculum or performing partial lateral facetectomy. Despite these measures, the principle of individualization should be followed to optimize the patellofemoral biomechanics.
Performance of Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) score in comparison to other non-invasive markers in the staging of liver fibrosis in chronic HCV patients
Authors: Hashem Mohamed B. , Alem Shereen Abdel , Elsharkawy Aisha , Fouad Rabab , Esmat Gamal , Abdellatif Zeinab
Published: August 2023

Background

The prognostic ability of albumin-bilirubin score (ALBI) to assess the hepatic dysfunction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was previously studied. Its role in the staging of liver fibrosis post chronic hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection needs to be investigated.

Aim

to assess the diagnostic value of the ALBI score compared to other non-invasive fibrosis scores in chronic HCV patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included consecutive chronic HCV patients from January 2015 till December 2018. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) is currently one of the most validated noninvasive methods for liver fibrosis staging and is used in daily practice as a reference for fibrosis assessment. ALBI grade as well as Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), LOK index and Göteborg University Cirrhosis (GUCI) scores were calculated for all of the patients.

Results

A total of 781 chronic HCV patients were included. Around 54% of them had compensated cirrhosis. GUCI score was the most sensitive one to difference between early fibrosis stages, F0 vs. F1. LOK index and ALBI score did not differ significantly between F1 and F2 stages unlike the other study markers. ROC curves revealed good diagnostic capability of FIB-4 (AUROC: 0.85, 0.84), APRI (AUROC: 0.83, 0.83) and GUCI score (AUROC: 0.83, 0.83) for detecting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively. ALBI score had a moderate diagnostic role for diagnosing advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, AUROC of 0.73 and 0.74 respectively. At a cutoff value of -2.95, the sensitivity of ALBI score approached 79%, the specificity was 53% for advanced fibrosis.

Conclusion

ALBI score has a moderate diagnostic power score in the diagnosis of HCV-associated advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis; however, FIB-4, APRI and GUCI scores outperformed the ALBI score.
Application of fuzzy group decision-making selecting green supplier: a case study of the manufacture of natural laurel soap
Authors: Al Mohamed Alaa Alden , Al Mohamed Sobhi
Published: August 2023

The selection of suppliers alone is one of the most important competitive challenges facing organizations today. With today's increasing awareness and facing many significant environmental pressures, the process of selecting the right suppliers for green supply chain management is even more difficult for decision-makers. The process of developing and implementing decision-making tools seek to face these challenges is rapidly evolving, especially in a fuzzy environment whose data are incomplete. The purpose of this article is to investigate prospective green chain suppliers for a laurel soap producing company based on a framework using MCDA fuzzy technologies such as Fuzzy GRA, Fuzzy TOPSIS, and Fuzzy VIKOR. During this paper, a discussion of fuzzy set was discussed with Fuzzy MCDM. Within a realistic case study, where a comparison was made between the tools, and it was noted that the results were consistent between the two tools Fuzzy TOPSIS and Fuzzy GRA, and the arrival of similar results and a slight difference with results was observed in Fuzzy VIKOR interpreted. The most detailed analyses were conducted on distance measurements, linguistic variables, assembly functions, and confusion processing. This study introduces the Fuzzy MCDM method to help researchers choose a more effective approach for green supplier selection and the conclusions and other study directions are offered toward the conclusion of the paper.
Moderating effect of vertical integration on the relationship between sustainability and performance: evidence from oil and gas energy sector
Authors: Ali Muhammad Kashif , Zahoor Muhammad Khurram , Saeed Asif , Nosheen Safia
Published: August 2023

This research study aims to examine the impact of sustainability on firm performance and analyze how vertical integration moderates the connection between performance and sustainability in the oil and gas sector. We analyzed a sample dataset of oil and gas companies from the top ten oil-producing countries spanned over ten years (2011–2020). The pool-fixed regression technique confirms that sustainability and its three components, i.e., social, environmental, and governance, are negatively related to performance. However, vertical integration moderated the connection between sustainability and performance in the case of the oil and gas sector. We have identified firm size, age, and return share price positively related to firm performance in the oil and gas industry. At the same time, the debt ratio negatively impacts the firm’s performance. The findings are significant for the management of oil and gas firms and the policymakers and regulatory authorities of oil-producing and exporting countries.
Entangled Colonialisms between Belgium, Congo and the Amazon: The Perspective of Brazilian Diplomats in Brussels (1895-1911)
Authors: Schreurs Janne
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Mention the period of high imperialism (1885-1914) and historians think of the Scramble for Africa. Yet, at the same time across the Atlantic, another scramble was reaching its pinnacle: the one for the Amazon. The partition of Africa has eclipsed the latter in historiography, thus also obliterating the connections that existed between both. This is not exceptional. Daniel Hedinger and Nadin Heé argue that many transimperial connections remain obscured due to the scholarly tendency of "nationalizing" imperial histories. What often gets lost are marginalized and in-between imperial histories. This article investigates one such case establishing connections between the African and the Amazonian scramble: the Brazilian diplomatic position on the Belgian colonization of Congo in relation to the Belgian colonial-commercial involvement in the Amazon, more specifically, in the Acre Crisis (1899-1903). I argue that Brazilian diplomatic actors in Brussels and Rio de Janeiro entangled different forms of colonialism across the Atlantic. These entanglements are important to analyze in order to understand how they shaped and altered the notion of colonial related terminology.
Rice: The Colonial Origins of Food Crop Research in West Africa
Authors: Zandstra Megan , Byerlee Derek , Lynam John
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Colonial powers in West Africa emphasized agricultural research and development on export crops at the expense of food crops. The major exception was rice where both the British and French prioritized research despite its relatively minor role in the diets of most colonies. This paper analyzes the special status of rice in colonial development programs. It surveys the parallel development of centralized rice research capacity in both British and French colonies but their very different experiences immediately after independence. The final section describes the emerging set of international actors who facilitated the development of a regional approach to rice research shortly after independence.
Narrative Trees: Arboreal Storytelling and What It Means for Reading
Authors: Nitzke Solvejg
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Interest in "new" tree narratives is rising, both in science and beyond. This calls into question what "story" and "narrative" mean in different contexts, whose story is told by whom, and how these stories are related to their material base. By comparing how dendrochronologist Valerie Trouet's Tree Story (2020) and anthropologist Eduardo Kohn's How Forests Think (2013) relate to trees and storytelling respectively, this paper aims to explore the theoretical prerequisites for "the stories trees tell" and the ways in which trees are empowered and instrumentalized by narrative means to tell (not only) their own story.
"Stories are seeds. We need to learn how to sow other stories about plants."
Authors: Myers Natasha , Middelhoff Frederike , Peselmann Arnika
Published: August 2023

Abstract: In this interview, Natasha Myers discusses her understanding of plants and the relational stories they tell. As a scholar, activist, and artist based in Toronto, Canada, Myers proposes ways to detune Western norms and forms of sense-making, to expand our sensorium, and participate with plants in the stories they tell. Calling out the colonial violence, racial injustice, and neo-Darwinism that are lurking within the stories people still tell about plants, Myers invites us to explore ways of sensing plants that can cultivate human-plant kinship, and open us up to an experience of the creativity of plant life.
Calculation of the geometric and kinematic characteristics of the engagement of the arched teeth of a cylindrical gear with errors in the relative position
Authors:   Industrial University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russian Federation, Starikov A.I. , Syzrantsev V.N. ,   Industrial University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russian Federation
Published: August 2023

The use of cylindrical gears with arched teeth in the drives of energy-saturated machines (locomotives, final drives of tractors, top drives of drilling rigs, helicopters) makes it possible to multiply the durability of gears compared to spur and helical gears. To date, a dozen and a half different techniques and methods for designing and manufacturing arched teeth of cylindrical wheels have been proposed. Among them, the most promising is the method of cutting arched teeth on CNC machines with circular cutter heads using the running-in method with a single division. The purpose of the article is to implement the construction of mathematical models for the formation of arched teeth on the basis of the theory of spatial gearing and to study the geometric and kinematic characteristics of their gearing under conditions of non-zero errors in the relative position of the wheel and gear in the transmission. The object of study is a cylindrical gear with arched teeth. In the article, dependencies for radius-vectors and unit vectors of the normals of the surfaces of arched teeth of cylindrical wheels are obtained, a mathematical model is developed for calculating the points of contact of arched teeth in engagement in the presence of a misalignment angle, a non-parallelism angle and wheel displacement. On the example of the final transmission of a locomotive, for the first time, the influence of the density of fit of the surfaces of the teeth in engagement on the displacement of the working lines from the average section of the tooth due to errors in the position of the transmission elements was studied for the first time. By calculating the error of the position function in the transmission, the procedure for quantifying its nonconjugacy is considered. It has been established that the geometry of the arched teeth of the method under study, under conditions of deviation of the positions of the transmission elements from the nominal ones, leads to a mismatch of the engagement, the position error function has a sawtooth shape, as a result of which impacts are inevitable when the teeth enter the engagement. Ways are proposed to achieve, within the framework of the considered method of manufacturing arched teeth, an approximate nature of the engagement of the teeth in the gear
Investigation of the influence of surface quality in the manufacture of combined heat exchange elements of technological reactors by gluing
Authors:   Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Kolenchukov O.A. , Petrovsky E.A. ,   Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation
Published: August 2023

As is known, the problem of durability is directly related to the technological processes of manufacturing reactor elements, including elements in contact with the internal reactor environment – the reaction zone. Based on this, it is important to develop new, as well as modernize old technologies for manufacturing reactor equipment elements in order to improve their technical and operational characteristics. The technology developed by the authors of this manuscript can act as a technology for manufacturing and assembling elements of reactor equipment. This technology consists of several main stages. One of these stages is the process of roughness formation on the contacting surfaces before gluing them. However, it is necessary to understand that different values of roughness indicators lead to a change in the strength characteristics of adhesive joints. In view of this, the purpose of this study is to determine the strength characteristics of the adhesive joint at various Ra values and adhesive temperature. The article presents an analysis of the most popular thermochemical reactors at the present time, as well as an analysis of the main types of malfunctions leading to the failure of reactor equipment. The developed manufacturing technology of the most wear-prone parts of the reactor (heat pipes, shells) is described. A feature of this technology is the possibility of forming a thermal contact surface on the manufactured parts, which acts as an intensifier of heat exchange, increasing the efficiency of the unit. The practice of using high-strength and high-temperature adhesives is analyzed. Studies have been carried out to determine the strength of adhesive compounds under various conditions. Heat–resistant epoxy adhesives of K-800 and CMK-Vt brands were used as adhesive compositions. The influence of the Ra index in the range from 1 to 6 microns and the influence of temperature in the range from 200 to 600°C on the strength of the adhesive seam is shown.
Study of the design parameters of the onboard system for changing the massinertia characteristics of the aircraf
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, Mikhailov E.A. , Fedorov V.B. ,   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
Published: August 2023

The paper presents the results of a study of a new concept of a system for changing the mass-inertial characteristics of nominally axisymmetric rotor structures, in particular, aircraft of an axisymmetric shape. This system can be used for static and dynamic balancing of the product directly during operation and is a balancing weight installed on the movable platform of the mechanism with parallel kinematics of the hexapod type. It can be applied, including for nominally axisymmetric aircraft, to parry disturbances from asymmetries of various kinds by purposefully creating a mass-inertial asymmetry of the structure. The paper analyzes the ways to bring the system to the required state (by linearly changing the lengths of the drive rods, as well as by moving and rotating the balancing weight according to linear laws). The ratios of the mass-inertia characteristics (longitudinal and transverse moment of inertia of the balancing weight) of the “body of the aircraft – balancing weight” system and their influence on the kinematic parameters of the mechanism, in particular on the required displacements and rotation angles of the balancing weight, the magnitude of the change in the lengths of the drive rods were evaluated. Based on the original model as a system of two bodies “body of the aircraft – balancing weight”, an extended model was created taking into account the mass-inertial characteristics of the drive rods. The applicability of the two-body model is analyzed depending on the mass-inertia characteristics of the drive rods, in particular, on the mass of the rods. The influence of the accuracy of changing the lengths of the drive rods on the final mass-inertia characteristics of the system, such as the axial moments of inertia of the system and the residual uncompensated centrifugal moment of inertia, is analyzed.
Critical Evaluation of Failed Maxillary Resin Bonded: A Case Study
Authors:   Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, dr.yhbeh@gmail.com, Hin Beh Yew , Ariffin Azirrawani ,   Prosthodontic Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia; Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia, wani@usm.my
Published: August 2023

Resin bonded bridge (RBB) is a conservative, medium to long-term restoration of missing teeth. A high rate of debonding was the main limitation in a clinically demanding situation. Objective: To highlight the critical evaluation in identifying the contributing factors leading to the failure of RBBs and avoiding as well as controlling such factors optimally prior to providing further rehabilitative treatment. Case report: This case illustrates a young patient who received resin bonded bridges to replace her missing lateral incisors. Unfortunately, she had issues with bridge debonding, in which one of the abutment teeth was extracted due to caries under the retainer. The patient was then treated with multiple cantilever bridges to restore the missing dentition after optimising the risk factors. Conclusion: With an improved understanding and material advancement, RBB survival tends to be longer nowadays. As it was conservative, in the incidence of failure, other treatment options remain open. However, each failed case should undergo a critical evaluation of the failing aetiology and its mechanism to prevent future occurrences.
Effects of Lime (Citrus aur ects of Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) P antifolia Swingle) Peel Extr eel Extract Addition act Addition to Periodontal Dressing on the Number of Blood Vessels in the Gingival Wound Healing Process
Authors:   Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia, meli_fkg@ub.ac.id, Fauzia Malianawati , Pratista Oktaviana Savira ,   Undergraduate Degree in Dental Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia, savirapratista@student.ub.ac.id
Published: August 2023

Background: Periodontal dressings that are currently available can only protect wounds from mechanical trauma, but have no ability to accelerate wound healing. Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) peel extract added to periodontal dressing contains flavonoids which can stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, thus accelerating the healing process. Objective: To determine the effects of adding lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) peel extract to periodontal dressing on the number of blood vessels in the gingival wound healing process. Methods: 32 rabbits with 2 mm wound made on the gingiva were divided into 8 groups. For the control groups of K1(n=4) and K2(n=4) periodontal dressings were applied without the addition of lime peel extract. Meanwhile, the treatment groups P1(n=4) and P4(n=4), P2 (n=4) and P5(n=4), and P3(n=4) and P6(n=4), 5%, 10%, and 15% lime peel extract, respectively, were added to the periodontal dressing. Groups K1, P1, P2, and P3 were scarified after 3 days, whereas groups K2, P4, P5, and P6 were scarified after 5 days. Histological observations of tissue by Hematoxylin Eosin (HE) staining were carried out to count the number of blood vessels. Result: The results of the statistical tests show that group P5 had the highest number of new blood vessels. Conclusion: The addition of lime peel extract to periodontal dressing can increase the number of blood vessels in the gingival wound healing process.
Uncut Enamel for Optimizing Bonded Composite Restoration on Multiple Diastema Closure Cases
Authors:   Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia, citra.kusuma02@ui.ac.id, Kusumasari Citra , Hayashi Meiken ,   Department of Cariology and Operative Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan, meiken.hayashi@gmail.com, Shimada Yasushi ,   Department of Cariology and Operative Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan, shimada.ope@tmd.ac.jp
Published: August 2023

The main advantage of using a minimal invasive strategy concept by uncut enamel technique while doing direct composite restoration is to create a color and translucency close to the natural teeth with long-term bonding durability. Objective: This case report presents an uncut enamel technique for multiple diastema closure cases using direct composite restoration. Case Reports: an 18-year-old male and a 50-year-old female patient complained of diastema in their upper front teeth and requested aesthetic correction. Digital mock-up was made prior to the uncut enamel technique for showing the expected results to the patient and as a guidance for the clinician. Uncut enamel preparation was continued by free-hand restoration technique with a two-step self-etch adhesive system and composite resin application to correct the diastema. The teeth in the first and second cases were followed up after three months and four years, respectively. Conclusion: The uncut enamel preparation, free-hand restoration technique with two-step self-etch adhesive, and digital mock-up are viable options in the multiple diastema closure to re-create natural teeth and optimize bonding durability