bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Features of steroidogenesis and arterial hypertension in men in different types of "physiological" male hyperandrogenism
Authors: Filatova V. A. , Rozhivanov R. V. , Bondarenko I. Z. , Ioutsi V. A. , Andreeva E. N. , Mel’nichenko G. A. , Mokrysheva N. G.
Published: May 2023

AIM. To reveal the peculiarities of steroidogenesis and arterial hypertension in «physiological» hyperandrogenism in men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. One-stage simultaneous study. The groups of men with hyperandrogenism caused by increased total testosterone (n=34) and those with hyperandrogenism caused by increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (n=66) were compared. In determining the type of hyperandrogenism and allocating patients to groups, DHT and total testosterone levels were determined by enhanced chemiluminescence. Subgroups of men with and without arterial hypertension were compared in the group of patients with hyperandrogenism due to an increase in total testosterone. Body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse, and LH, SBHG, estradiol, blood multisteroid levels by isotope dilution liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, glucose, blood lipid spectrum, uric acid, creatinine, renin, potassium, sodium, and blood chloride were assessed in all patients. Patients with arterial hypertension additionally underwent daily BP monitoring, albuminuria assessment, electrocardiography, ocular fundus examination. The baseline threshold level of significance was p<0.05. For multiple comparisons, the p significance level was calculated using the Bonferroni correction.

RESULTS. Statistically significant differences were found in the levels of 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione, which were higher in men with elevated levels of total testosterone. No statistically significant differences in other laboratory parameters were found. No cases of increased blood pressure were detected in the group of men with elevated DHT. In the group of men with elevated total testosterone, 23,5% of men with arterial hypertension without targetorgan lesions were identified, while hyperandrogenism was associated with 17,6% of cases. Arterial hypertension associated with hyperandrogenism was characterized by a rise in blood pressure in the early morning hours. Estradiol levels, while remaining within normal limits, were statistically significantly lower in patients with arterial hypertension compared with men with elevated testosterone but without hypertension.

CONCLUSION. No cases of arterial hypertension were observed in «physiological» hyperandrogenism due to elevated DHT levels, whereas its incidence in «physiological» hyperandrogenism due to elevated total testosterone was 23,5%. The features of steroidogenesis were increased production of 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione in men with testosterone hyperandrogenism and decreased estradiol production in patients with arterial hypertension compared with patients without testosterone hyperandrogenism.
Efficacy of treatment with glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists-1 in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Khamnueva L. Yu. , Andreeva L. S.
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND. The projected 68% increase in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in the upcoming decades and the specific pathophysiological course of the disease are critical factors for the development of optimal disease management tactics in the Asian population. It is now known that β-cell dysfunction is dominant in the pathogenesis of T2D in Asians. In a number of Asian countries, incretin therapy is the leading therapy.

AIM. To review literature on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion and clinical trial results of GLP-1 receptor agonist class (GLP-1RA) drugs as well as to evaluate their effectiveness in Asian population with T2D.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. A review of studies on pathophysiological aspects of GLP-1 secretion and evaluation of the efficacy of therapy with GLP-1RA preparations registered and used in clinical practice in Asian regions.

RESULTS. Several studies in Asian countries have shown that intact GLP-1 levels were significantly lower in both T2D patients and healthy Japanese volunteers; as well as in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. It is suggested that either impaired secretion of GLP-1 in the gut, accelerated processing by dipeptidyl peptidase-4, or a combination of both are responsible for the decrease in GLP-1. The greater efficacy of GLP-1RA treatment in achieving glycemic control in Asian T2D patients was presented by Kim Y.G. et al. in a meta-analysis of 15 randomised controlled trials, the reduction in HbA1c on GLP-1RA treatment averaged -1.16% in Asian-dominated studies and -0.83% in non-Asian-dominated studies. In the PIONEER 9 clinical programme, similar results were obtained, with oral semaglutide having a more pronounced effect on glycaemic control in Japanese patients. Thus, the mean change in HbA 1c was -1.1%, 7 mg -1.5%, and 14 mg -1.7% at the 3 mg dose; whereas in the PIONEER 1 study in the global population, the mean change in HbA1c was -0.6%, -0.9% and -1.1% for 3, 7, 14 mg semaglutide, respectively. The PIONEER 10 study concluded that oral semaglutide was well tolerated by Japanese patients with T2D. Oral semaglutide reduced HbA1c (14 mg dose) and body weight (7 and 14 mg doses) more significantly compared to dulaglutide at 0.75 mg dose. Results of a pooled analysis of long-acting GLP-1RA showed a more significant reduction in cardiovascular event risk in the Asian subpopulation.

CONCLUSION. The presented review describes benefits in glycemic control as well as in the reduction of relative cardiovascular event risks with GLP-1RA treatment in the Asian population, which requires further in-depth research and implies optimal management tactics in patients with T2DM.
Replicative and biochemical ageing features among females with primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Mikheev R. K. , Andreeva E. N. , Grigoryan O. R. , Sheremetyeva E. V. , Absatarova Yu. S. , Loginova E. V.
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND: One of the most dangerous reproductive pathologies is primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Except manifestation in the age <40 years old it leads to demographical losses, decrease of chances for healthy aging. POI can be characterized as summary of secondary amenorrhea, total estrogenic deficiency and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Hence, POI has probably harmful effect on telomere length. Telomere length determining and sex steroid replacement therapy may be promising and effective to prevent decrease of life quality/ longevity among females with POI.

AIM: To evaluate features of replicative (telomere length) and biochemical (metabolic syndrome) markers among females with primary ovarian insufficiency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. Research has been provided in collaboration between Endocrinology Research Centre of the Russian Ministry of Health and Lomonosov Moscow State University Medical Research and Educational Centre in the period since 10.01.2021 until 01.08.2022. Females with non-iatrogenic hypergonadotropic hypogonadism caused by primary ovarian insufficiency (n=33); healthy females of reproductive age (18–49 y.o.; n=24). Patients have undergone laboratory genetic (leucocyte telomere length), biochemical analyses. DNA extraction — with Qiagen DNA blood mini kit (Germany).

Leukocyte telomere length — with real-time polymerase chain reaction PCR (Flow-fish). Soft program IBM SPSS Statistics (version 26,0 for Windows).

RESULTS. Females with POI due to estrogenic deficiency have slightly shorter mean telomere length (10,0 [7,9–10,7] kB, than healthy females of reproductive age (10,8 [10,0–13,1] кБ, р<0,001). Females with POI due to estrogenic deficiency have higher chances for development of carbohydrate metabolism disturbances (prediabetes) (р<0,043), increasement of FSH level (р<0,001). FSH level correlates moderately and negatively (ρ=0,434) with leukocyte telomere length (р<0,001).

CONCLUSIONS. Female with POI and receiving sex steroid replacement therapy have decrease of telomere length and increase of chances for carbohydrate metabolism disturbances in opposite to healthy reproductive females.
Data Search Process Optimization using Brute Force and Genetic Algorithm Hybrid Method
Authors: Riwanto Yudha , Nuruzzaman Muhammad Taufiq , Uyun Shofwatul , Sugiantoro Bambang
Published: May 2023

High accuracy and speed in data search, which are aims at finding the best solution to a problem, are essential. This study examines the brute force method, genetic algorithm, and two proposed algorithms which are the development of the brute force algorithm and genetic algorithm, namely Multiple Crossover Genetic, and Genetics with increments values. Brute force is a method with a direct approach to solving a problem based on the formulation of the problem and the definition of the concepts involved. A genetic algorithm is a search algorithm that uses genetic evolution that occurs in living things as its basis. This research selected the case of determining the pin series by looking for a match between the target and the search result. To test the suitability of the method, 100-time tests were conducted for each algorithm. The results of this study indicated that brute force has the highest average generation rate of 737146.3469 and an average time of 1960.4296, and the latter algorithm gets the best score with an average generation rate of 36.78 and an average time of 0.0642.
Роль поведенческого цикла в экономике
Authors: Масленников Владимир Владимирович , Ларионов Александр Витальевич
Published: May 2023

Исследование раскрывает и эмпирически подтверждает концепцию поведенческого цикла, отражающего изменение доминирующих настроений экономических субъектов. Мониторинг динамики поведенческого цикла позволяет повысить точность определения фаз экономического цикла, отражающего как материальную, так и поведенческую компоненты экономики. Целью исследования является концептуализация поведенческого цикла и оценка его влияния на экономический цикл.
Поведение субъектов рассматривается как результат накопленных ожиданий, анализа параметров внешней среды, накопленного опыта прохождения кризисов, личностной предрасположенности субъектов к активному, адаптивному или реактивному типам поведения и т. д. С помощью фрактального анализа демонстрируется наличие долгосрочных закономерностей в динамике показателей ожиданий субъектов в России. Показатели ожиданий, являющиеся персистентными, применяются для идентификации фаз поведенческого цикла. С учетом подхода, изложенного в работе Д. Хардинга и А. Пейгана, и показателей ожиданий, демонстрирующих наличие долгосрочных закономерностей, проводится идентификация фаз поведенческого цикла, начиная с четвертого квартала 1998 г.
Исследование демонстрирует, что начиная с 1998 г. в России наблюдалось семь поведенческих циклов, ряд пиковых значений по которым совпали с экономическими кризисами. Наложение фаз поведенческого цикла на экономический цикл демонстрирует наличие взаимосвязи, возникающей благодаря тому, что поведенческий цикл наряду с материальными циклическими процессами формирует наблюдаемый экономический цикл.
Связь религиозности и рождаемости в России на фоне других европейских стран: эффект социального контекста
Authors: Пруцкова Елена Викторовна , Павлюткин Иван Владимирович , Борисова Ольга Николаевна
Published: May 2023

На фоне процессов секуляризации и ослабления связи между религиозностью и рождаемостью увеличиваются различия между конфессиями и регионами Европы, и перспективной становится задача поиска факторов, отвечающих за ее усиление или ослабление. В статье на данных трех волн Европейского исследования ценностей (1999, 2008, 2018) в 39 странах анализируется значение социального контекста и религиозной социализации для объяснения специфики связи между религиозностью и количеством детей для России и постсоветских стран с доминированием православного населения на фоне других регионов Европы.
Результаты многоуровневого регрессионного анализа показывают, что уровень первичной религиозной социализации (регулярное посещение религиозных служб в период взросления) и поддерживающий религиозный контекст (средний уровень религиозности в стране) усиливают связь индивидуальной религиозности и количества детей. Полученный результат позволяет объяснить слабую связь между религиозностью и рождаемостью для постсоветских стран с доминированием православного населения. Западноевропейские страны, считающиеся сегодня центром процессов секуляризации, до сих пор имеют значительные «очаги» институционального влияния религии на рождаемость, связанные с семейными и образовательными институтами. Восточноевропейские и постсоветские страны, несмотря на наблюдаемый процесс «религиозного возрождения» в 1990-е и 2000-е годы, не сформировали развитые институты религиозной социализации, которые отвечают за семейный образ жизни и отражаются в демографических моделях связи религиозности и рождаемости.
Благодарность. Исследование выполнено за счет гранта Российского научного фонда № 18-78-10089, https://rscf.ru/project/18-78-10089/. Организация выполнения проекта — Православный Свято-Тихоновский гуманитарный университет. Благодарим анонимных рецензентов за ценные комментарии и советы.
Povolání učitel – ceněné, ale nedoceněné: Změny profese začínajících učitelů v České republice
Authors: Lounek Vítězslav , Kohoutek Jan , Sekerák Marián
Published: May 2023

The article focuses on the drop-out of graduates of teacher-training programmes from their teaching profession as a little-explored phenomenon in the field of higher education research. Using selected data from the Absolvent 2018 (Graduate 2018) survey, a comparison was made between the target group (graduates of teachers’ fields of studies) and all other respondents to the survey. The analysis of latent classes, distinguishing graduates on the basis of their declared personal and work-related reasons for leaving the teacher profession, shows a cumulative effect with the remuneration playing a major role. Using logistic regression, the influence of family origin and the nature of the study on the probability of drop-out is investigated as well. Graduates of the full-time form of study leave the profession less often than graduates of combined and distance teachers’ programmes. It is also shown that graduates of the three traditional research-oriented universities (Charles University, Masaryk University, Palacký University Olomouc) do not leave the profession more often than their counterparts from other higher education institutions. Completion of English language teaching programs, as well as mathematics, physics and ICT with a focus on teaching also reduces the probability of leaving the teacher profession.
Experimental study on coal-fired flue gas HCl removal by injecting adsorbent into flue duct
Authors: Shen Zhen , Shen Ao , Yue Pujie , Liu Xiaoshuo , Ning Xiang , Li Haiyang , Meng Lei , Gu Xiaobing , Duan Yufeng
Published: May 2023

Adsorbent injection into flue ducts is an effective technology for controlling gaseous pollutant in coal-fired power plants. This study proposed a new technique of injecting dechlorinater into flue duct for HCl removal in order to realize the wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) wastewater sequestration and upgrade the gypsum quality, known as the source dechlorination method. Four alkaline-based adsorbents of CaO, Ca(OH)2 + 5 % NaOH, ethanol-modified CaO, and NaHCO3 were developed and investigated in a pilot scale 6 kW coal-fired circulating fluidized bed (CFB) combustion system for capturing flue gas HCl. The physical and chemical properties of the adsorbents were characterized to explore the reaction mechanisms affected by the adsorbent size and its distribution, active component loading, micro-structure, morphology, and crystal structure. The influences of the injection amount, resident time and flue gas temperature on the HCl removal efficiency were carried out, the dechlorination mechanism of the ethanol-modified CaO were discussed. The distribution of flue gas chlorine species across the air pollutant control devices (APCD) were obtained. This study provides basis for developing the technology of injecting dechlorinater into flue gas for HCl removal.
Anger: an underappreciated destructive force in healthcare
Authors: Grünebaum Amos , McLeod-Sordjan Renee , Pollet Susan , Moreno John , Bornstein Eran , Lewis Dawnette , Katz Adi , Warman Ashley , Dudenhausen Joachim , Chervenak Frank
Published: May 2023

Anger is an emotional state that occurs when unexpected things happen to or around oneself and is “an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage.” It is defined as “a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism,” an emotion characterized by tension and hostility arising from frustration, real or imagined injury by another, or perceived injustice. It can manifest itself in behaviors designed to remove the object of the anger (e.g., determined action) or behaviors designed merely to express the emotion. For the Roman philosopher Seneca anger is not an uncontrollable, impulsive, or instinctive reaction. It is, rather, the cognitive assent that such initial reactions to the offending action or words are in fact unjustified. It is, rather, the cognitive assent that such initial reactions to the offending action or words are in fact unjustified. It seems that the year 2022 was a year when many Americans were plainly angry. “Why is everyone so angry?” the New York Times asked in the article “The Year We Lost It.” We believe that Seneca is correct in that anger is unacceptable. Anger is a negative emotion that must be controlled, and Seneca provides us with the tools to avoid and destroy anger. Health care professionals will be more effective, content, and happier if they learn more about Seneca’s writings about anger and implement his wisdom on anger from over 2000 years ago.
A skeptic’s guide to “intercultural communication”—debunking the “intercultural” and rethinking “culture”
Authors: Yu Hongbing
Published: May 2023

Starting with a critique of so-called intercultural communication, the present paper contests and challenges the prevalent and dominant essentialist views of “culture”. It is exposed that these views have a detrimental underlying logic that is both destructive and self-destructive. Instead, the paper proposes a radically new idea of culture, a minimalist approach supported by insights gleaned from contemporary semiotic inquiry. In this approach, culture is defined as a biological instinct to acquire information through modeling, that is, learning by models. This instinct is at work, or is realized, in specific acts of such modeling, resulting in cultural practices and cultural artifacts. In the case of humanity, a cultural practice is anything a humandoesthat can be modeled by another human and a cultural artifact is anyobjectthat humans make andcanmodel. The paper argues it is imperative to keep in mind that when we deal with the “intercultural”, we are only dealing with concrete yet different cultural practices or cultural artifacts. This is an effective way to completely refute essentialism. In a sense, the paper is meant to be a wake-up call, instead of a fighting talk. Its main objective is not to negate or obliterate the field of “intercultural communication”, among others, but rather to save them from themselves—a true and worthy field of “intercultural communication” is a field against essentialism, instead of an accessory to essentialism, whether the commission is “before the fact” or “after the fact”.
Perception of regional and nonnative accents: a comparison of museum laboratory and online data collection
Authors: Bent Tessa , Lind-Combs Holly , Holt Rachael F. , Clopper Cynthia
Published: May 2023

Online testing for behavioral research has become an increasingly used tool. Although more researchers have been using online data collection methods, few studies have assessed the replicability of findings for speech intelligibility tasks. Here we assess intelligibility in quiet and two noise-added conditions for several different accents of English (Midland American, Standard Southern British, Scottish, German-accented, Mandarin-accented, Japanese-accented, and Hindi-English bilingual). Participants were tested in person at a museum-based laboratory and online. Results showed little to no difference between the two settings for the easier noise condition and in quiet, but large performance differences in the most difficult noise condition with an advantage for the participants tested online. Technology-based variables did not appear to drive the setting effect, but experimenter presence may have influenced response strategy for the in-person group and differences in demographics could have provided advantages for the online group. Additional research should continue to investigate how setting, demographic factors, experimenter presence, and motivational factors interact to determine performance in speech perception experiments.
Microscopic characteristics of copper wires with short-circuit molten marks in electrical fire
Authors: Xu Na , Ding Ning , Liu Long , Zaïri Fahmi , Guo Weimin , Li Fuwei , Li Nan , Tian Linan , Li Enxia , Chen Lizong
Published: May 2023

Electrical fire accidents occurred frequently all over the world in recent years, which had caused a large number of casualties and property losses. The main cause of electrical fire is electrical wire short circuit fault. Investigations of the characteristic and influence factors of the molten marks play an important role to determine the cause of fire. In the present work, microscopic characteristics of copper wires with short-circuit molten marks in electrical fire were investigated. Primary and secondary short-circuit molten marks (PMMs and SMMs) of copper wires were prepared by simulation test. The micro-morphology, microstructure and chemical composition of molten marks were observed and compared. Based on the quantitative characterization, effects of different overload currents and heating temperatures on the microstructure of molten marks were analyzed. The results would provide fundamental information for cause identification of the electrical fire.
Interlaminar shear modulus of cardboard obtained by torsional and flexural vibration tests
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi , Yoshinobu Masahiro , Maruta Makoto
Published: May 2023

The interlaminar shear modulus of cardboards was measured using torsional vibration (TV) and flexural vibration (FV) methods. In the TV method, the sample widths were decreased during the tests, and the interlaminar and in-plane shear moduli were determined using the data obtained based on the different widths. By contrast, in the FV method, the resonance frequencies from the first to third FV modes were measured using samples of various lengths, and the interlaminar shear modulus and Young’s modulus in the length direction were calculated using Timoshenko’s vibration theory. In addition to the experiment, modal analyses based on the finite element (FE) method were performed, and the sample configurations used to accurately obtain the interlaminar shear modulus were experimentally and numerically investigated. The TV method did not allow the interlaminar shear modulus to be obtained appropriately because the vibration behavior often deviated from that theoretically derived by the TV equation. By contrast, the FV method allowed the interlaminar shear modulus to be obtained appropriately for a wide range of sample lengths.
Barriers in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) management: perspectives from health practitioners
Authors: Li Arthur Sone-Wai , Wong Aquina Lim Yim , Matthewson Mandy , Van Niekerk Leesa , Garry Michael
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Chronic prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a complex condition which causes a significant burden on the diagnosed individuals. Assessment and management are perplexing, often resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes. Existing research has only focused on patients’ perspectives of pain experiences, but scant evidence is available to understand the barriers that undermine effective pain management. Using an exploratory approach, this study examined these barriers from practitioners’ perspectives.

Methods

Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with practitioners across disciplines who have experience in chronic pelvic pain management in males. Practitioners expressed their views and experiences in supporting men with CP/CPPS and what barriers they perceived when providing treatment for patients. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis supported by NVivo software.

Results

Five broad and interrelated themes were identified: (1) Where to Start, (2) Insufficient Resources, (3) Prioritisation, (4) Training and Confident Practice and (5) Constraints in Help-Seeking.

Conclusions

Practitioners value multimodal management using a biopsychosocial approach; however, practical challenges prevent practitioners from choosing and applying this approach in clinical practice. The findings also identified some unique challenges faced by men with CP/CPPS consistent with previous evidence from patient perspective. Refining terminology, developing specific resources, and increasing psychosocial treatment options are urgently needed.
Image quality improvement through turbid media by using graphene nanoplates
Authors: Carrilero Laura , Castro José Ramón , Pérez Sandra , Belenguer Tomás , Salazar Félix
Published: May 2023

Imaging through turbid media leads to a great loss of information decreasing the image quality. This loss of quality is due to the light interaction with the medium, since part of the light will pass through it, but another part will be scattered generating a blurred image pattern. In this work we try to decrease this problem by adding an absorbent, eliminating part of the scattered radiation responsible for the turbidity. With this aim, we use graphene nanoplates as an absorbent and we also compare the experimental results with black carbon powder.
Die Idee der Jerusalemer Tempelbibliothek
Authors: Oepping Florian
Published: May 2023

Der Artikel analysiert 2 Könige 22,3–11 sowohl synchron als auch diachron. Beide Analysen widerlegen die Existenz einer Tempelbibliothek in vorexilischer Zeit. Mit dem Wegfall einer solchen Bibliothek wird ebenfalls die Frage nach dem Bildungsstand der Priester aufgeworfen. Der Artikel beschreibt den Jerusalemer Tempel als Ort des Kultes; Priester waren primär für die Opfer verantwortlich. Diese Charakterisierung lässt weitere Rückschlüsse und Überlegungen in Bezug auf Religion und Theologie der vorexilischen Zeit zu.
King Zedekiah’s Release of Slaves for the Strategic Harmony of a Besieged Jerusalem (Jer 34)
Authors: Scolnic Benjamin E.
Published: May 2023

King Zedekiah of Judah’s covenant to release Hebrew slaves during the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 588/587 and Jeremiah’s idealistic denunciation of the reclaiming of those slaves in Jer 34 has been the subject of interesting scholarly debate. For all the proposed foreign and intra-Biblical parallels, the policy was purely pragmatic and can be understood as a recognizable strategy from ancient texts that recommend procedures during a siege. Therefore when the siege is temporarily lifted, the policy is reversed.
The controlled fission, fusion and collision behavior of two species Bose–Einstein condensates with an optical potential
Authors: He Zhang-Ming , Zhu Qian-Quan , Zhou Xin
Published: May 2023

By using the Crank–Nicolson method, we investigate numerically the dynamical properties of bright–bright solitons in two species Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) trapped in an optical lattice. We confirm that the soliton splitting behavior occurs at a critical depth of optical potential. The splitting behavior of solitons and the fusion behavior of condensates can be accurately controlled by adjusting the depth and lattice parameter of optical potential, the initial amplitude and position of solitons, and the interspecies interactions. When the lattice parameter is fixed but the interspecies interaction increased exponentially with the time, each soliton splits into two soltions with different amplitude, and partial fusion of two species BECs can be found. While the interspecies interaction remains unchanged but the lattice parameter increases exponentially with the time, interestingly, the bright solitons with zero initial velocity can pass through each other and accomplish a transmission collision. Furthermore, for the case of both the interspecies interaction and lattice parameter increased exponentially with the time, a head-on collision of the bright solitons in two species BECs occurred. After the collision, each soliton splits into two soltions with equal amplitude. Meanwhile, the complete fusion of two species BECs can be observed. The relevant results can provide help for the precise manipulation of BECs experiments.
Temperature dependent volumetric, viscometric and conductance studies of barium chloride in aqueous solution of citric acid: an insight into molecular interactions
Authors: Kumar Manish , Kant Shashi , Kaushal Deepika , Thakur Abhishek , Jaswal Vivek Sheel , Singh Dharmvir , Kumar Sunil , Chauhan Vinay
Published: May 2023

Alkaline earth metal salts and citric acid both play a vital role in our daily life in terms of biological importance, so in this regard, in the present study, we calculated density, speed of sound, conductance and viscosity of barium chloride (BaCl2) in concentration range (0.01–0.12 mol kg−1) in a binary solution of 0.01 mol kg−1 citric acid in water (CA + H2O) at temperatures between 303.15 and 318.15 K with gap of 5 K. The various parameters like apparent molar volume ϕ

v
, limiting apparent molar volume ϕ

v

o
, transfer volume Δ
tr

ϕ

v

o
, and partial molar volume expansibilities

Φ
E
o

${{\Phi }}_{E}^{o}$

were calculated using density data. Viscosity data has been applied to calculate relative viscosity and Jones Dole coefficient A and B. Other parameters like Molar conductance (Λ
m
), Λ
o

m
and Λ
o

m

η

o
have also been calculated using conductance data. All these parameters show strong evidences of various molecular interactions in terms of ion–solvent and solute–solute interactions. The ion–solvent interactions were supported by isobaric thermal expansion coefficient α

o
. Structure maker/breaker behaviour is explained by Hepler’s constant ((d

2

ϕ

v

o
/dT

2
)
p
), temperature coefficient of B (

d
B
/
d
T

$dB/dT$

) and Walden product’s temperature coefficient (d(Λ
o

m

η

o
)/dT). Further these molecular interactions support structure breaking potential of present studied system.
Klassifizierung von Prozesszuständen beim Bohren
Authors: Flehmke Malte , Romanenko Denys , Rosenthal Oliver , Hendrik Dege Jan
Published: May 2023

Etwa ein Drittel aller Nietbohrungen in der Flugzeugstrukturmontage werden unter Einsatz semi-automatischer Bohrmaschinen gefertigt. Diese Maschinen können mit internen Sensoren ausgerüstet werden, um Prozessdaten aufzuzeichnen. In diesem Beitrag werden zuverlässige und effiziente Methoden zur Klassifizierung von Prozesszuständen basierend auf internen Maschinendaten identifiziert. Diese können für die Implementierung einer intelligenten Prozessüberwachung oder zur Anomaliedetektion verwendet werden.
Mit Künstlicher Intelligenz zu mehr Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Koch David , Schuseil Frauke , Lentes Joachim , Waltersmann Lara
Published: May 2023

Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) kann zur Auswertung komplexer und großer Datenmengen eingesetzt werden, um Muster zu erkennen und das Verhalten komplexer Systeme vorauszusagen. Hierdurch kann KI auch als Befähiger zur Reduktion von Umweltbelastungen und Optimierung der Nachhaltigkeit produzierender Unternehmen dienen. Dieser Beitrag zeigt das Potenzial der Kombination von Nachhaltigkeit und KI auf, um die Nachhaltigkeitsziele eines Unternehmens zu erreichen. Es wird ein Handlungsleitfaden vorgestellt, der beim Einsatz von KI zur Optimierung der Nachhaltigkeit unterstützt.
Automatisierte Förderanlagenlayoutoptimierung für modulare Fördersysteme
Authors: Pappe Paolo , Stonis Malte
Published: May 2023

Volatile Märkte sowie zunehmende Produktvarianz führen zu komplexeren innerbetrieblichen Materialflüssen. Um diesen gerecht zu werden, ist eine deutliche Steigerung der Flexibilität und Wandlungsfähigkeit vorherrschender Intralogistiksysteme von Nöten. Zur Flexibilisierung der Intralogistik können (kleinskalige) modulare Fördersysteme eingesetzt werden. Hemmnisse für den Praxiseinsatz stellen die geringe Verbreitung sowie die hohen Investitionskosten dar. Um Vorbehalte als auch Risiken zu reduzieren, wurden in einem Forschungsprojekt eine Evaluierungs- und Optimierungsmethode sowie ein anwendungsnahes Planungstool für modulare Förderanlagenlayouts entwickelt. Es befähigt sowohl Planungsdienstleister als auch Anwender, modulare Fördersysteme zu bewerten und deren Potentiale nutzbar zu machen.
Wertschöpfung in Industrie 4.0
Authors: Cramer Simon , Huber Meike , Knott Anna-Lena , H. Schmitt Robert
Published: May 2023

Um das Potential der Daten aus modernen Fertigungsprozessen zu nutzen, sind Investitionen in Infrastruktur und Mitarbeiterausbildung notwendig. Die virtuelle 100 %-Prüfung zeigt wie die Wertschöpfung durch die intelligente Vernetzung von Maschinen, Prozessen und Menschen gesteigert wird. Datengestützte Qualitätsmodelle bilden den Zusammenhang zwischen Prozessdaten und Qualitätsmerkmalen des Produktes ab. Die minutenschnelle virtuelle 100 %-Prüfung führt zu einer frühzeitigen Identifikation von Ausschuss und Prozessschwankungen. Um das Vertrauen in die Qualitätsmodelle zu stärken, wird eine Vorhersageunsicherheit mittels probabilistischer Algorithmen quantifiziert. So kann die Fähigkeit des virtuellen Prüfprozesses analog zu Normen und Standards der Industrie ermittelt werden. Anhand eines Versuchsstands am Werkzeugmaschinenlabor WZL der RWTH Aachen wird die Wertschöpfungssteigerung durch Digitalisierung an einer zweistufigen Prozesskette demonstriert.
Design of Accelerated Fatigue-Life Tests Based on Finite-Element Simulations and the Theory of Critical Distances
Authors: Klemenc Jernej , Kajbič Jure
Published: May 2023

To reduce experimental effort and costs, accelerated life tests are widely applied in various industries during product development or production-batch control. This paper presents a procedure for designing accelerated fatigue-life tests based on finite-element (FE) simulations and the structure's material data. For the purposes of the accelerated life test's design, a synthetic P-S-N curve for the structure was generated. It is modeled with a conditional Weibull's probability density function of the repeated loading cycles to failure. The Weibull's probability density function has a constant shape parameter and a scale parameter that is linked to the applied loading level by an inverse power-law equation. This means that the synthetic P-S-N curve is described with three parameters: the slope and the intercept in the log(S)-log(N) space and the Weibull's shape parameter. While the shape parameter is taken from the P-S-N curves of the existing material data, the slope and the intercept of the structure's synthetic P-S-N curve are determined using the FE simulations combined with the theory of critical distances. After estimating the component's P-S-N curve, the accelerated life test for the considered structure can be designed using a standard procedure. The presented methodology is validated for the case of a component-like specimen that is made from a PLA polymer using fused-deposition-modeling additive manufacture technology.
Bacteria‐instructed B cells cross‐prime naïve CD8+ T cells triggering effective cytotoxic responses
Authors: García‐Ferreras Raquel , Osuna‐Pérez Jesús , Ramírez‐Santiago Guillermo , Méndez‐Pérez Almudena , Acosta‐Moreno Andrés M , Del Campo Lara , Gómez‐Sánchez María J , Iborra Marta , Herrero‐Fernández Beatriz , González‐Granado José M , Sánchez‐Madrid Francisco , Carrasco Yolanda R , Boya Patricia , Martínez‐Martín Nuria , Veiga Esteban
Published: May 2023

In addition to triggering humoral responses, conventional B cells have been described in vitro to cross‐present exogenous antigens activating naïve CD8+ T cells. Nevertheless, the way B cells capture these exogenous antigens and the physiological roles of B cell‐mediated cross‐presentation remain poorly explored. Here, we show that B cells capture bacteria by trans‐phagocytosis from previously infected dendritic cells (DC) when they are in close contact. Bacterial encounter “instructs” the B cells to acquire antigen cross‐presentation abilities, in a process that involves autophagy. Bacteria‐instructed B cells, henceforth referred to as BacB cells, rapidly degrade phagocytosed bacteria, process bacterial antigens and cross‐prime naïve CD8+ T cells which differentiate into specific cytotoxic cells that efficiently control bacterial infections. Moreover, a proof‐of‐concept experiment shows that BacB cells that have captured bacteria expressing tumor antigens could be useful as novel cellular immunotherapies against cancer.
The Impact of Safety and Health Towards Construction Workforce Productivity
Authors: Wong Queenie , Sapuan Noraina Mazuin , Ali Khan Muhammad Waris
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this research is to study the impact of safety and health towards construction workforce productivity among G3 contractor in Kuantan, Pahang. Previous research found that poor performance of time and budget, wastage in site and low productivity are mainly caused by the safety and health issues happen in construction industry. The lack of safety concern based on insufficient safety compliance and poor attitude towards safety. While poor safety measure on working environment and material storage causes injuries and accident that affect works in site. Lack of health concern base on physical health issue we discuss about respiratory illness and mental health issue about stress and burnout has found affect the most among construction workers. Quantitative research is used to collect data and analyse by using PLS-SEM model. The data has applied to test the hypothesis based on the research objective. This research has collected 152 responses from G3 contractor workers in Kuantan, Pahang. Hence, the result of this survey is slightly limited but it could be used as a reference for future study base on safety and health topic.
Non-thyroidal illness syndrome and the prognosis of heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qi Xiaoyi , Qiu Liangxian , Wang Shijia , Chen Xiongbiao , Huang Qianwen , Zhao Yixuan , Ouyang Kunfu , Chen Yanjun
Published: May 2023

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a complex and multifactorial syndrome caused by impaired heart function. The high morbidity and mortality of HF cause a heavy burden of illness worldwide. Non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) refers to aberrant serum thyroid parameters in patients without past thyroid disease. Observational studies have indicated that NTIS is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in HF. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between NTIS and HF prognosis.

Methods

Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database were searched for any studies reporting an association between NTIS and HF prognosis from inception to 1 July 2022. A meta-analysis was then performed. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The heterogeneity of the results was assessed with I2 and Cochran's Q statistics. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis were also conducted.

Results

A total of 626 studies were retrieved, and 18 studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that NTIS in HF patients was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events (MACE), but not with in-hospital mortality. The stability of the data was validated by the sensitivity analysis. There was no indication of a publication bias in the pooled results for all-cause mortality and MACE.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis showed that NTIS was associated with a worse outcome in HF patients. However, the association between NTIS and in-hospital mortality of HF patients requires further investigation.
Expert Consensus Practice Recommendations of the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society for the management of high grade gastroenteropancreatic and gynecologic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Eads Jennifer R , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R , Asmis Tim , Belizzi Andrew M , Bergsland Emily K , Dasari Arvind , El-Haddad Ghassan , Frumovitz Michael , Meyer Joshua , Mittra Erik , Myrehaug Sten , Nakakura Eric , Raj Nitya , Soares Heloisa P , Untch Brian , Vijayvergia Namrata , Chan Jennifer A
Published: May 2023

High-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms are a rare disease entity and account for approximately 10% of all neuroendocrine neoplasms. Because of their rarity, there is an overall lack of prospectively collected data available to advise practitioners as to how best to manage these patients. As a result, best practices are largely based on expert opinion. Recently, a distinction was made between well-differentiated high-grade (G3) neuroendocrine tumors and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas, and with this, pathologic details, appropriate imaging practices and treatment have become more complex. In an effort to provide practitioners with the best guidance for the management of patients with high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and gynecologic system, the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society convened a panel of experts to develop a set of recommendations and a treatment algorithm that may be used by practitioners for the care of these patients. Here, we provide consensus recommendations from the panel on pathology, imaging practices, management of localized disease, management of metastatic disease and surveillance and draw key distinctions as to the approach that should be utilized in patients with well-differentiated G3 neuroendocrine tumors vs poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas.
Comparing inpatient management of chronic pelvic pain flares before and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kuan Kevin KW , Neilson Aileen R , Horne Andrew W , Whitaker Lucy HR
Published: May 2023

Graphical abstract

Patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) may experience pain exacerbations requiring hospital admissions. Due to the effects of backlogged elective surgeries and outpatient gynaecology appointments resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we hypothesised that there would be an increased number of women admitted with CPP flares. We conducted a retrospective review of all acute gynaecology admissions at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from July to December 2018 (pre-COVID) and 2021 (post-COVID lockdown). We collected information on the proportion of emergency admissions due to CPP, inpatient investigations and subsequent management. Average total indicative hospital inpatient costs for women with CPP were calculated using NHS National Cost Collection data guidance. There was no significant difference in the number of emergency admissions due to pelvic pain before (153/507) and after (160/461) the COVID-19 pandemic. As high as 33 and 31% had a background history of CPP, respectively. Across both timepoints, investigations in women with CPP had low diagnostic yield: <25% had abnormal imaging findings and 0% had positive vaginal swab cultures. Women with CPP received significantly more inpatient morphine, pain team reviews and were more likely to be discharged with strong opioids. Total yearly inpatient costs were £170,104 and £179,156 in 2018 and 2021, respectively. Overall, emergency admission rates for managing CPP flares was similar before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Inpatient resource use for women with CPP remains high, investigations have low diagnostic yield and frequent instigation of opiates on discharge may risk dependence. Improved community care of CPP is needed to reduce emergency gynaecology resource utilisation.

Lay summary

Existing treatments for chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and endometriosis focus on surgery or hormone medication, but these are often ineffective or associated with unacceptable side-effects. As a result, women continue to experience chronic pain and often have ‘flares’ of worsening pain that may lead to hospital admission. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in backlogged gynaecology clinics and surgeries. The aim of this study was to compare the management of emergency pelvic pain admissions for women with CPP before and after COVID-19. We also aimed to better understand their in-hospital management and estimate their hospital length of stay costs. We did not find an increase in CPP patients admitted for pelvic pain flares after the COVID-19 lockdown. Women with CPP often undergo multiple hospital tests and are often prescribed with strong pain medications which can cause long-term problems. Efforts are needed to improve long-term pain management for women with CPP.
Feline toxicology: quick guide for consultation
Authors: Weckx Peña Muñoz Juliana , Martin Nasaré Alex , da Cruz Bruna , de Sousa Jessica , Messanelli Julia , Antonio Baffile Leoni Luis , de Oliveira Thainara , Nascimento Lopes Bruno , Luvisetto do Nascimento Fábia , Teles de Novais Steffany , de Paula Serrano Bárbara , A Faria Waziry Paula , Rinaldi Fukushima André
Published: May 2023

Cats are popular pets worldwide, and many owners are concerned about keeping their cats healthy and happy. However, many cat owners are unaware of the risks associated with using over-the-counter medications, which can lead to pet poisoning. Poisoning can occur when owners give their cats medications that have not been prescribed by a veterinarian or when prescribed medications are not administered correctly. Symptoms of poisoning in cats may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, and even death. To prevent poisoning in cats, it is essential for owners to understand the importance of following veterinarian instructions when administering medications. Additionally, owners should be cautious when administering human medications to their cats, as many human medications are toxic to animals. Cat owners should also be aware of signs of poisoning in their pets and seek immediate medical help if they suspect their cat has ingested an inappropriate medication. Therefore, cat owners should be aware of the risks associated with using over-the-counter medications and take measures to prevent their pets from being poisoned. Medication administration for cats should only be done under the care of a veterinarian, and owners should always monitor their pets for signs of poisoning. In this sense, the objective was to construct a quick and scientific guide for consultation on the main toxic agents known to cause feline poisoning and indicate possible antidotes and treatments. To accomplish this goal, an integrative literature review was carried out, seeking important information for the toxicologist veterinarian in updated articles and books.