bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Where Czech meets math: Implicative-causal relations in mathematical word problems
Authors: Hirschová Milada , Vondrová Naďa
Published: March 2023

The paper deals with the functioning of if-clauses in mathematical word problems and with their equivalents. First, the nature of a word problem as a text type is shown. Further, the difference between complex sentences with proper implicative-causal relation and a lay use of conditional clauses is examined. As its main goal, the paper presents a comparison of various instances of conditional clauses in mathematics word problems. Also, it shows the role of formulaic stereotypy and conventional assumptions in word problem texts as an integral part of both the mathematical and the communicative competence.
Comparative Analysis of Turkey and Russia's Public Diplomacy on the Balkans (Example of the Russian World Foundation and Yunus Emre Institute)
Authors: Ak Mehmet Ali
Published: March 2023

Public diplomacy is a new diplomatic field that emerges as states influence each other socially, culturally and politically by using soft power tools. Russia and Türkiye have used this new tool of diplomacy intensively, especially since the end of the cold war. Both countries have used and continue to use public diplomacy, a new field of diplomacy, by acting with common identity tools in the Balkans, which is an important region of the security corridor in geopolitical terms. In the theories of International Relations, public diplomacy has been evaluated from a realist, liberal and constructivist perspective. In the article, how Russia and Türkiye use public diplomacy tools is analyzed with a comparison through the Russkiyy Mir Foundation and Yunus Emre Institute, which were established at the same time for similar purposes. The states where the Russian World Foundation is most influential are Bulgaria, Serbia and Greece, and their relations with Russia have been studied in more detail. General information was given about the activities of the Russian World Foundation in other Balkan countries. When the content analysis of the fields of activity of Russia was made, it was concluded that Russia applied to public diplomacy with a realistic perspective to restore its global and regional image and obtain strategic area. Türkiye has used public diplomacy in order to act jointly with regional elements in order to preserve and strengthen its historical and cultural unity. Yunus Emre Institute activities as Türkiye's Balkans public diplomacy tool have been examined. Activities through Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Kosovo, which are the regions where Yunus Emre Institute is most influential, were examined in more detail and general activity information about other Balkan countries was given. When the content analysis of Türkiye's fields of activity is done, Türkiye has realized its public diplomacy on a constructivist basis, with a more inclusive purpose, establishing its communication with the region on unity, and prioritizing the construction of a common identity and culture that sees the region as a part of itself.
Learning, Central Bank Conservatism, and Stock Price Dynamics
Authors: André Marine Charlotte , Dai Meixing
Published: March 2023

This paper studies how adaptive learning affects the interactions between monetary policy, stock prices and the optimal degree of Rogoff conservatism in a New Keynesian DSGE model with non-Ricardian agents whose heterogeneous portfolios generate a financial wealth channel of monetary transmission. A positive intergenerational portfolio turnover in the stock market could improve the dual-mandate central bank’s intertemporal trade-off allowed by learning and implies a positive weight on financial stability in the social welfare criterion. For plausible learning gains and turnover rates, a rise in the turnover rate could lead the central bank to reduce the aggressiveness in its policy needed to manage private beliefs if the learning gain is high enough. Both the distortion due to learning and the central bank’s lack of concern for financial stability could lead the government to appoint a liberal central banker, i.e. less conservative than society. A rise in the turnover rate implies a higher (lower) degree of liberalism for low (high) learning gains.
Large-scale patterns of number use in spoken and written English
Authors: Woodin Greg , Winter Bodo , Littlemore Jeannette , Perlman Marcus , Grieve Jack
Published: March 2023

This paper describes patterns of number use in spoken and written English and the main factors that contribute to these patterns. We analysed more than 1.7 million occurrences of numbers between 0 and a billion in the British National Corpus, including conversational speech, presentational speech (e.g., lectures, interviews), imaginative writing (e.g., fiction), and informative writing (e.g., academic books). We find that four main factors affect number frequency: (1) Magnitude – smaller numbers are more frequent than larger numbers; (2) Roundness – round numbers are more frequent than unround numbers of a comparable magnitude, and some round numbers are more frequent than others; (3) Cultural salience – culturally salient numbers (e.g., recent years) are more frequent than non-salient numbers; and (4) Register – more informational texts contain more numbers (in writing), types of numbers, decimals, and larger numbers than less informational texts. In writing, we find that the numbers 1–9 are mostly represented by number words (e.g., ‘three’), 10–999,999 are mostly represented by numerals (e.g., ‘14’), and 1 million–1 billion are mostly represented by a mix of numerals and number words (e.g., ‘8 million’). Altogether, this study builds a detailed profile of number use in spoken and written English.
Linear series with
ρ
<
0
\rho<0
via thrifty Lego building
Authors: Pflueger Nathan
Published: March 2023

The moduli space

G

g
,
d

r

→

M
g

\mathcal{G}^{r}_{g,\smash{d}}\to\mathcal{M}_{g}

parameterizing algebraic curves with a linear series of degree 𝑑 and rank 𝑟 has expected relative dimension

ρ
=

g
−

(

r
+
1

)

⁢

(

g
−
d

+
r

)

\rho=g-(r+1)(g-d+r)

.
Classical Brill–Noether theory concerns the case

ρ
≥
0

\rho\geq 0

; we consider the non-surjective case

ρ
<
0

\rho<0

.
We prove the existence of components of this moduli space with the expected relative dimension when

0
>
ρ
≥

−
g

+
3

0>\rho\geq-g+3

, or

0
>
ρ
≥

−

C
r

⁢
g

+

O
⁢

(

g

5
/
6

)

0>\rho\geq-C_{r}g+\mathcal{O}(g^{5/6})

, where

C
r

C_{r}

is a constant depending on the rank of the linear series such that

C
r

→
3

C_{r}\to 3

as

r
→
∞

r\to\infty

.
These results are proved via a two-marked-point generalization suitable for inductive arguments, and the regeneration theorem for limit linear series.
Analysis of China’s Film Industry in 2022
Authors: Yin Hong , Xu Haoyue
Published: March 2023

In 2022, the COVID-19 epidemic significantly affected the effective supply of films in China, whereby the market fluctuated, and box-office sales decreased. However, China’s resilient film industry continued to persevere with quality products being released. New government policies were launched to help the industry’s enterprises alleviate their difficulties. Due to these policies, film enterprises endured to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and survive the difficult times. While the top-grossing films supported the market, a number of small and medium budget films were successful, with the reputation of young filmmakers growing rapidly. Creating healthy industry ecology, rebuilding the confidence of practitioners, giving full play to the main role of the market, increasing the effective supply of diversified products, and promoting the vertical and horizontal integration of film within other industries are of great significance to the recovery of both the Chinese film industry and its market in the post-epidemic period.
Simulative study of high speed light modulated measured sources for high optical network transmission efficiency
Authors: Prabu Ramachandran Thandaiah , Leon Megalan Leo , Balasubramanian Prasad , Ahammad Shaik Hasane , Hossain Md. Amzad , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki
Published: March 2023

This study reported the performance evaluation and simulation of passive optical networks for high transmission rates up to 10 Gb/s for possible distance up to 50 km. Laser rate equations, directly modulated laser measured and vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) are employed for the measurement of the network performance. Different bit sequences are suggested to show the network performance parameters with various proposed optical sources. Optical and electrical powers are measured for 50 km network reach. In addition to max. Q factor is also measured for various optical sources and bits sequence variations. Laser rate equations are employed in this network to upgrade the Q factor criteria for maximum network reach of 100 km in the downstream direction.
Keep cool! Observed temperature variations at different process stages of the biobanking workflow – examples from the Leipzig medical biobank
Authors: Weikert Juliane , Mehrländer Angelina , Baber Ronny
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Biobanked samples are becoming increasingly important for research outcomes. Most of the biobanking processes (from preparation to storage) are affected by temperature in a time-dependent manner and have a high impact on sample quality. We aimed to validate time and temperature sensitive processes such as sample preparation, transport, sorting, and storage, which have a high impact on sample quality.

Methods

Temperature was measured using internal or external temperature data loggers. We analysed the temperature and present real data from our sample transport on dry ice and with the CryoPod, from our ultra-low temperature freezers (UTFs) of different manufacturers and cryostores. We also tested sample sorting on dry ice and in a cryogenic workbench.

Results

In the UTFs, we identified temperature zones with a temperature difference from 4.7 °C up to 20.8 °C across the whole UTF. For sample transport within approximately 30 min we observed temperatures of −80.2 °C ± 4.0 °C and −173.9 °C ± 16.9 °C for dry ice boxes and the CryoPod, respectively. Sorting on dry ice was best in a polystyrene box half-filled with dry ice pellets, although the temperature increased by 7.5 °C within the first 5 min, whereas the temperature in the cryogenic workbench remained stable below −100 °C for hours.

Conclusions

Time and temperature play a crucial role in the entire biobanking process, with sometimes immense temperature fluctuations in some equipment. We recommend the validation or verification of all equipment and processes used to avoid pre-analytical errors in accordance with DIN EN ISO 20387.
Eine mikrosoziologisch inspirierte empirische Annäherung an die positive Generalprävention
Authors: Hirtenlehner Helmut , Reinecke Jost , Stemmler Mark
Published: March 2023

Positive Generalprävention nimmt an, dass die für alle Rechtsadressaten sichtbare Bestrafung eines Normbruchs in der Rechtsgemeinschaft eine normbekräftigende Wirkung entfaltet, die in weiterer Folge ein rechtskonformes Handeln hervorbringt. Umgelegt auf die Individualebene ergibt sich daraus eine Beziehungskette, der zufolge wahrgenommene Sanktionierungsrisiken die dispositionelle Normbindung beeinflussen und nur letztere dann das Legalverhalten der Rechtsunterworfenen bestimmt. Trotz der Bedeutung der positiven Generalprävention im strafrechtstheoretischen Diskurs sind ihr allerdings kaum empirische Studien gewidmet. Daher werden in der vorliegenden Arbeit für zwei Deliktsformen Panelanalysen zur Überprüfung der skizzierten Wirkungskette durchgeführt. Die Resultate längsschnittlicher Pfadanalysen unter Jugendlichen aus Dortmund und Nürnberg stützen die postulierte Effektsequenz für den Ladendiebstahl (wenn auch nur auf niedrigem Niveau), nicht aber für die Körperverletzung. Mit Blick auf Ladendiebstahlsdelinquenz kann beobachtet werden, dass eine Höherbewertung der einschlägigen Sanktionierungswahrscheinlichkeit in eine etwas stärkere moralische Bindung an das Diebstahlsverbot mündet, welche dann die Häufigkeit rechtswidrigen Handelns reduziert. Zur Argumentationslogik der positiven Generalprävention passt im Übrigen die Hypothese, dass kriminalitätserfahrene Freunde Informationen über die vielfache Straflosigkeit delinquenten Handelns vermitteln und dadurch bei den Rezipienten einen Normanerkennungsschaden verursachen. Längsschnittliche Analysen bestätigen für die Körperverletzung, nicht aber für den Ladendiebstahl, dass Kontakte zu delinquenten Peers die persönliche Akzeptanz materiellrechtlicher Normen untergraben.
Crystal structure of (diaqua-bis(phenanthroline-K
2
N,N′)-tetrakis(m
2-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorophthalato-K
4
O,O:O′:O″;K
2
O:O′)dierbium (III) phenanthroline (1/2), C80H38Er2F16N8O18
Authors: Song Jun-Ya , Zhang Xiao-Yu , Zhang Chun-Li , Zhao Bei-Bei , Huang Shi-Jie , Liu Xinfang
Published: March 2023

C80H38Er2F16N8O18, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 11.4228(4) Å, b = 12.6712(3) Å, c = 13.2663(4) Å, α = 102.660(2)°, β = 98.047(3)°, γ = 105.509(3)°, V = 1764.54(10) Å3, Z = 1, R
gt(F) = 0.0311, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0668, T = 293(2) K.
The link between chronic cocaine use, B cell perturbations, and blunted immune recovery in HIV-infected individuals on suppressive ART
Authors: Cheng Da , Luo Zhenwu , Fitting Sylvia , Stoops William , Heath Sonya L. , Ndhlovu Lishomwa C. , Jiang Wei
Published: March 2023

Background

We recently reveal that anti-CD4 autoantibodies contribute to blunted CD4+ T cell reconstitution in HIV+ individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Cocaine use is common among HIV+ individuals and is associated with accelerated disease progression. However, the mechanisms underlying cocaine-induced immune perturbations remain obscure.

Methods

We evaluated plasma levels of anti-CD4 IgG and markers of microbial translocation, as well as B-cell gene expression profiles and activation in HIV+ chronic cocaine users and non-users on suppressive ART, as well as uninfected controls. Plasma purified anti-CD4 IgGs were assessed for antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC).

Results

HIV+ cocaine users had increased plasma levels of anti-CD4 IgGs, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and soluble CD14 (sCD14) versus non-users. An inverse correlation was observed in cocaine users, but not non-drug users. Anti-CD4 IgGs from HIV+ cocaine users mediated CD4+ T cell death through ADCC in vitro. B cells from HIV+ cocaine users exhibited activation signaling pathways and activation (cycling and TLR4 expression) related to microbial translocation versus non-users.

Conclusions

This study improves our understanding of cocaine associated B cell perturbations and immune failure and the new appreciation for autoreactive B cells as novel therapeutic targets.
Metal ion-assisted supramolecular gelation
Authors: Kimura Shinya , Yamanaka Masamichi
Published: March 2023

Supramolecular gels are generally formed by the self-assembly of organic molecules called low-molecular-weight gelators. However, supramolecular gels can also be formed with the assistance of metal ions. These organic-inorganic hybrids are key for creating highly functional materials. Unique properties and functions that cannot be obtained from organic molecules alone are observed in the metal ion containing supramolecular gels. In this study, several examples of supramolecular gels formed with the assistance of metal ions, cholesterol derivatives, amino acids and peptides, nucleic acid derivatives, oxalic acid, and C
3-symmetric tris-urea derivatives are introduced. This provides an overview of existing supramolecular gels to better understand the scope for possible future research for their practical applications.
Microscopic Characterization of Compound Layers
Authors: Sommer M. , Kahl W.-A. , Fechte-Heinen R. , Hoja S.
Published: March 2023

The properties of the compound layer have a significant influence on the lifetime of nitrided surface layers. In addition to a sufficient thickness, the compound layer characteristics include the phase composition and the porosity. Complex methods such as GD-OES or XRD are already used to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the phase composition of the compound layer. Particularly with regard to the characterization of the pore seam, no method has yet been identified that can be clearly recommended. In this work, the extent to which compound layers can already be characterized with the aid of microscopic examination methods is shown. For this purpose compound layers with varying thickness, phase composition and porosity were formed in the surface area of the material EN31CrMoV9 and EN42CrMo4 by different nitriding processes. It is demonstrated how the phase composition of compound layers can be studied qualitatively by means of special etchants on metallographic cross sections and subsequently quantitatively by image analysis. A more extensive characterization of the pore seam beyond the state of the art could be performed by scanning electron microscopy studies as well as 3D X-ray microscopy.
High Cycle Fatigue Failure of a Turbocharger Wheel
Authors: Neidel A. , Fischer B. , Gädicke T.
Published: March 2023

A metallographic section from the crack area of an exhaust gas turbocharger was supplied by the customer. The shaft made of quenched and tempered low-alloy steel and the charger wheel made of a nickel-based superalloy were joined by laser welding. For design reasons, the root side of the weld contained a geometric notch, at which a high cycle fatigue crack initiated during the test facility operation of the turbocharger. At the time of examination, it went through almost the entire weld root. As a corrective action, it was recommended that the welded joint be replaced by a shrink fit.
Mitigating strategies and politeness in German requests
Authors: Ackermann Tanja
Published: March 2023

This article empirically investigates possible politeness effects of different syntactic, morphosyntactic, and lexical mitigating strategies in German requests. In addition to the explicitness of the requestive utterance, internal and external modifiers as well as vocatives are considered. Based on the assumption that the weight of imposition has an influence on linguistic politeness, experimentally elicited production data for two requestive situations with a differing degree of imposition are compared regarding their formal properties. The data come from an online survey in which 578 native speakers of German (from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria) took part. The participants produced 1,006 requests. These were coded for several mitigating strategies and analyzed with a multifactorial analysis in order to identify the devices that are used in the high-imposition context and thus can be interpreted as conveying extra politeness. An important finding is that increased politeness is realized via devices beyond the head act strategy, namely morpho-syntactic and lexical tentativeness markers as well as multiple external modifiers.
Efficient, continual, and generalized learning in the brain – neural mechanism of Mental Schema 2.0 –
Authors: Ohki Takefumi , Kunii Naoto , Chao Zenas C.
Published: March 2023

There has been tremendous progress in artificial neural networks (ANNs) over the past decade; however, the gap between ANNs and the biological brain as a learning device remains large. With the goal of closing this gap, this paper reviews learning mechanisms in the brain by focusing on three important issues in ANN research: efficiency, continuity, and generalization. We first discuss the method by which the brain utilizes a variety of self-organizing mechanisms to maximize learning efficiency, with a focus on the role of spontaneous activity of the brain in shaping synaptic connections to facilitate spatiotemporal learning and numerical processing. Then, we examined the neuronal mechanisms that enable lifelong continual learning, with a focus on memory replay during sleep and its implementation in brain-inspired ANNs. Finally, we explored the method by which the brain generalizes learned knowledge in new situations, particularly from the mathematical generalization perspective of topology. Besides a systematic comparison in learning mechanisms between the brain and ANNs, we propose “Mental Schema 2.0,” a new computational property underlying the brain’s unique learning ability that can be implemented in ANNs.
Machine Learning Methods in Real-World Studies of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Zhou Jiawei , You Dongfang , Bai Jianling , Chen Xin , Wu Yaqian , Wang Zhongtian , Tang Yingdan , Zhao Yang , Feng Guoshuang
Published: March 2023

Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and answers are urgently needed regarding many aspects, particularly risk identification and prognosis prediction. Real-world studies with large numbers of observations provide an important basis for CVD research but are constrained by high dimensionality, and missing or unstructured data. Machine learning (ML) methods, including a variety of supervised and unsupervised algorithms, are useful for data governance, and are effective for high dimensional data analysis and imputation in real-world studies. This article reviews the theory, strengths and limitations, and applications of several commonly used ML methods in the CVD field, to provide a reference for further application.

Methods: This article introduces the origin, purpose, theory, advantages and limitations, and applications of multiple commonly used ML algorithms, including hierarchical and k-means clustering, principal component analysis, random forest, support vector machine, and neural networks. An example uses a random forest on the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) data to demonstrate the process and main results of ML application in CVD.

Conclusion: ML methods are effective tools for producing real-world evidence to support clinical decisions and meet clinical needs. This review explains the principles of multiple ML methods in plain language, to provide a reference for further application. Future research is warranted to develop accurate ensemble learning methods for wide application in the medical field.
The Impact of Colonial Thinking Legacy on the Production of Knowledge about the Fine Arts in Southeast Asia
Authors: Simanullang Pernandus
Published: March 2023

The experience of art history in Southeast Asia is an unforgettable part of society. Through art before and after thought or art has existed. The arrival of foreigners to Southeast Asia enriched new philosophies for every place that had been influenced by colonial thought. Through the new philosophy, from a perspective, thinking, and doing something, especially in art, has undergone a significant change. This change is a fundamental part but the tradition is still maintained. The impact of change through the influence of colonial thought produces new knowledge in maintaining and preserving the arts, culture, and customs that exist in every country in Southeast Asia. It can be seen that to this day it is the main place for tourists who come to Southeast Asia. Postcolonialism questions and rediscovers modes of cultural perception, and ways of seeing and being seen. In anthropology, postcolonialism studies human relations in colonial countries and subaltern societies exploited by colonial rule. Postcolonialism describes, explains, and illustrates the ideology of neocolonialism by taking the humanities, history, and political science, philosophy and sociology, anthropology, and. So post-colonialism adds or brings a new identity to each country in Southeast Asia but still maintains and preserves traditional arts and culture.
Creativity of the Student Anti-Corruption Movement (Instilling 9 Anti-Corruption Values from an Early Age with Dokoro Elementary School Students)
Authors: Dynalaida Amadela Andra , Febrianti Ayu , Jasmine Jasmine , Napitupulu Michael Timothy , Tahir Mohammad Saleh
Published: March 2023

Anti-corruption education is very important given the increasing number of corruption cases every year. Moreover, the largest number of corruption is in the vortex of government institutions which incidentally are people who have a qualified educational background. Seeing this reality, academics have to start racking their brains to tackle corruption cases from the roots. Thus, this article was compiled using a literature review that refers to the latest articles and journals. This paper is also prepared based on a case study in one of the group assignments, so that it is expected to be able to provide a comprehensive explanation of the importance of Anti-Corruption Education.
Youth and Creativity of the Anti-Corruption Movement
Authors: Setiadi Muhammad Rizky , Narulita Ririn , Nikmah Hana Walidatun , Yunianta Tessalonika Sherly , Riswanda Riyan Riki
Published: March 2023

Corruption is a recurring problem in Indonesia. Weak supervision and the lack of efforts to prevent corruption are the reasons why the eradication of corruption in Indonesia is still not successful. Look at the current conditions. Indonesia as a country with the fourth largest population in the world has the potential for both natural resources and human resources. In order to maximize this potential, the leakage of resources through corrupt practices must be suppressed so that these resources can be utilized as much as possible for the benefit of the general public. The size of Indonesia's young generation also needs to be our common concern in efforts to prevent and eradicate corruption. As a candidate for the nation's next generation, anti-corruption values must be instilled in the younger generation in Indonesia. It is intended that in the future Indonesia will become a country free from corruption through the role of the next generation of the nation actively both from within and outside the implementation of government in Indonesia. In addition, prevention efforts for the younger generation in Indonesia so that they are not entangled in corruption are also needed in achieving the goal of eradicating corruption as a whole in the context of creating shared prosperity in Indonesia.
The Young Generation with Integrity as the Encouragement of Anti-Corruption Character Education
Authors: Fatyhah El Esa Nur , Anantri Fairuz Salma , Astrovanapoe Syahlila Umaya , Putri Arisha Amalia
Published: March 2023

Indonesia and corruption are two things that cannot be separated. Indonesia is very synonymous with the problem of corruption and vice versa, corruption is identical with Indonesia. This is undeniable considering the number of corruption cases in Indonesia that seem to be lost and lost. Nevertheless, the fight against corruption as a common enemy has not been carried out by the entire community. In this article, the author uses a normative research method based on primary and secondary data. The results of the analysis obtained are that character building is very important for the future successors of the Indonesian state because in the future they will be the ones who will lead the direction of the fate of the nation's life. With the participation of technology and modernization in various fields will grow a new hegemony.
Student Edited Law Journals: Strengthening the Creativity of Law Students in a Challenging Era
Authors: Waspiah Waspiah , Arifin Ridwan , Putri Nadiyah Meyliana , Safarin Muhammad Habiby Abil Fida , Putri Dina Desvita Pramesti
Published: March 2023

Harvard Law School (HLS) is one of the world's leading law schools. HLS graduates have had a significant impact on the development of international law. The HLS dialectics and academic climate grew through various student discussion forums, one of which was the student journal forum. At HLS, student edited journals are one of the routine activities of students at all levels, both undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Many student edited journals at HLS are included in the category of reputable international journals (either Scopus or Web of Science). The governance of student journals at HLS can be traced transparently on the HLS official website and it is very possible to be adopted and modified in the governance of law student journals at the State University of Semarang. Nevertheless, there is a big challenge to be faced, namely the quality of human resources. So that this service program aims to develop human resources in the management of student journals by adopting and modifying the management style of student edited journals at Harvard Law School. This program is in collaboration with UKM Lex Scientia, a unit that focuses on research and publication activities for law students. The output of this program is expected to create a proposed model for the management of an ideal law student journal within the State University of Semarang. In addition, through this program, it is hoped that there will be an increase in the quality of human resources in the management of law student journals. This program will have direct implications for improving the quality and quantity of student publications and will directly affect the achievement of the University's IKU and the level of UNNES ranking on an international scale.
Array comparative genomic hybridization analysis of products of conception in recurrent pregnancy loss for specific anomalies detected by USG
Authors: Gajjar Kinjal , Patel Alpesh , Patel B I , Chettiar Shiva , Jhala Devendrasinh
Published: March 2023

To evaluate the proportion of chromosomal abnormalities in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) assisted by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) bright out with higher detection rate, more accuracy, and less sample failure as compared with conventional cytogenetic analysis. In this study, product of conception samples with abnormal ultrasonogram (USG) findings of the fetus and clinical history of RPL were first processed for karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Normal results given by karyotype and FISH samples with major anomalies detected by ultrasound with RPL were divided into six groups and aCGH was performed to detect the gain or loss and copy number variations (CNVs) of a particular gene present in chromosomal segments. Among a total of 300 products of conception samples, 100 abnormal samples were identified either by karyotype (n = 70) or by FISH (n = 30). From the remaining 200 samples, 5 showed the presence of maternal cell contamination excluded. aCGH analysis revealed (n = 195) that 74 (38%) samples with CNVs and 2 samples with variants of unknown clinical significance were clinically associated with the clinical findings and 121(62%) samples showed no change in CNVs. The most frequent CNVs were loss of chromosome regions at 2q33.1, 7q11.21, 15q11.1, 16p11.2, Xp22.33, and Yp11.32. CNVs at arr[GRCh37]7p22.3,p21.2(830852-15124702)×1,7q34q36.3(141464180-158909738)×3, 14.2Mbp deletion of 7p22.3p21.2 (SUN1 gene) and 17.4Mbp duplication of 7q34q36.3 (KCNH2, CNTNAP2, and SHH genes) were found in one sample, and CNVs at arr[GRCh37]8p22.2q22.3(86326349-105509986)×1 and 2.48Mbp deletion of 8p22.2q22.3 (GRHL1 gene) were found in another sample.

Lay summary

Recurrent pregnancy loss is considered as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses. Fetal birth defects are thoroughly associated with chromosomal (thread-like structures containing packaged genetic material) abnormalities, which are the underlying causes of pregnancy loss. The evaluation of chromosomal abnormalities is required to diagnose pregnancy loss to improve the prognosis of future pregnancies. The largest proportion of chromosomal abnormalities was observed in the fetal tissue that remains in the uterus after pregnancy. We analyzed 300 retained fetal tissue samples and implicated different methods to recognize the structural abnormalities in the chromosomes. Moreover, simultaneously detect the expression of thousands of genes from fetal tissue. A clinical indication and their association of chromosomal abnormalities were obtained in 38% of cases with assorted fetal ultrasound defects in multiple pregnancy losses and two samples with a variety of unknown clinical indications. It revealed that chromosomal alteration in fetal birth defects is responsible for multiple pregnancy losses.
Escribir desde o silencio. Percorrido pola obra de Víctor Sunyol
Authors: Perarnau Dolors
Published: March 2023

A partir dunha selección de citas emblemáticas que esbozan toda unha poética, o artigo propón un percorrido pola obra do poeta catalán Víctor Sunyol (Vic, 1955), autor herdeiro da vangarda máis radical e das propostas textualistas, destacado polo afán de reflexionar e experimentar cos límites da linguaxe até chegar a un certo silencio. Sunyol será tomado aquí como exemplo dunha forma poética que, a diferenza da do silencio da modernidade e dalgunhas das así denominadas «poéticas do silencio», escribe desde o silencio, isto é, non concibe o silencio como categoría negativa do discurso, senón que fai do silencio unha práctica discursiva.
Reductive cellulose aerogel as an efficient adsorbent for ClO3- in drinking water
Authors: Yang Guifang , Zhang Yuqing , Liu Yifan , Pei Ruihan , Lv Yuancai , Liu Minghua
Published: March 2023

Cellulose aerogel adsorbent (CAA), a novel, effective, and green adsorbent, which contains tertiary amino groups, was surface modified by poly(N,N-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate) and sol-gel methods. It has both adsorption and reduction functions and can be utilized to remove chlorate (ClO3-) from drinking water. In the static adsorption experiments, the CAA effectively removed ClO3-, even at low initial concentrations. The adsorption kinetics showed that the adsorption equilibrium could be reached within 20 min. Additionally, the experimental data was fitted to several adsorption models, including the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, pseudo-second-order kinetic model, intra-particle reaction diffusion equation, and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms.
Antioxidant activity and the tocopherol and phenol contents of grape residues
Authors: Burčová Zuzana , Kreps František , Schmidt Štefan , Strižincová Petra , Jablonský Michal , Kyselka Jan , Ház Aleš , Šurina Igor
Published: March 2023

The antioxidant activity and the tocopherol and polyphenol contents of organic grapevines residue were analyzed after Soxhlet extraction of grape seeds and skin with ethanol and petroleum ether. The highest antioxidant activity was determined for the ethanol extract of the seeds and was 58.65 μM Trolox/mg, which was four times higher than for the ethanol extract of the skin at 14.24 μM Trolox/mg. It was comparable to that of the alpha-tocopherol (62.28 μM Trolox/mg) and butylated hydroxyanizol (69.55 μM Trolox/mg). A concentration of 29.5 μg/mL ethanol seed extract was needed to decrease the initial DPPH radical concentration by 50%. The high antioxidant activity was because of the high tocopherol (402.28 mg/kg) and total phenols contents (113.7 gallic acid equivalent (g/kg)) in the seeds. The dominant polyphenol in the ethanol seed extract was coumaric acid (10.97 g/kg). The dominant polyphenols in the ethanol skin extracts were rutin (6.79 g/kg), quercetin (3.75 g/kg), and catechin (3.99 g/kg), which can be used in functional foods to reduce risk factors for several human diseases.
Development of pulverized biomass combustion for industrial boiler: A study on bluff body effect
Authors: Suksam Niwat , Charoensuk Jarruwat
Published: March 2023

Experimental and numerical investigations were performed for pure pulverized biomass combustion in a 300 kW laboratory swirl burner with a pre-combustion chamber. This work investigated a bluff body at the burner tip and how that affected the combustion characteristics in comparison with a conventional annular orifice burner. The combustion performances were assessed by measuring the temperature distribution in a pre-combustion chamber and furnace, oxygen concentration, and emissions (CO and NOx). Simulations were carried out and validated, providing insight on flow aerodynamics, particle trajectories, species concentrations, and temperature in a pre-combustion chamber and furnace. It was concluded that the bluff body provided a superior performance in terms of flame attachment and combustion efficiency. However, the emissions were high due to the contribution of thermal NOx.
Removal of ammonium and phosphate from water by Mg-modified biochar: Influence of Mg pretreatment and pyrolysis temperature
Authors: Yin Qianqian , Liu Mengtian , Ren Huaipu
Published: March 2023

Poplar chips before and after a magnesium (Mg) pretreatment were pyrolyzed under different temperatures to obtain pristine and Mg-modified biochar samples (i.e., 300/BC, 450/BC, 600/BC, 300Mg/BC, 450Mg/BC, and 600Mg/BC). The biochars were used to evaluate how pyrolysis temperature and Mg modification influenced their capacity to adsorb ammonium and phosphate from eutrophic waters. An increased temperature caused an increase in carbonization degree, a more developed porous structure, and a decrease in the functional groups on biochar. The Mg modification was helpful for the development of a porous structure and the preservation of functional groups. The optimal ammonium adsorption was obtained by 300Mg/BC. This was attributed to the enriched functional groups. The maximum adsorption capacity was 58.6 mg/g. The 600Mg/BC sample exhibited optimal adsorption for phosphate with a maximum adsorption capacity of 89.0 mg/g, which was ascribed to the large surface area, the positively charged surface, and the metal oxides effect. A pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir–Freundlich isothermal model well described the adsorption of ammonium and phosphate on the modified biochar.
КОНЦЕПЦІЯ СОЦІАЛЬНОГО РИНКОВОГО ГОСПОДАРСТВА В ПОВОЄННОМУ ВІДНОВЛЕННІ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: ЗВЄРЯКОВ Михайло
Published: March 2023

Досліджено концептуальні основи соціального ринкового господарства, яке ґрунтується на неоліберальній течії наукової думки, що була успішно реалізована в процесі повоєнного відродження Німеччини. Визначено, що створені за період реформ економічні, правові й соціальні інститути, які забезпечили успішний повоєнний розвиток ФРН, стали результатом реалізації на практиці концепції соціального ринкового господарства. Систематизовано методологічні й теоретичні основи неоліберального вчення –– теорії конкурентного порядку, а також основних принципів теорії соціального ринкового господарства. Розкрито зміст поняття «господарський порядок», яке включає такі застереження: по-перше, найбільш сприятливі умови підприємницької діяльності не виникають спонтанно, а по-друге, щоб його елементи склалися в систему, потрібні державні зусилля, які б упорядкували правила на ринку. Показано, що концепція соціального ринкового господарства являє собою сукупність взаємопов’язаних принципів. Надано характеристику кожного з них.
Доведено, що теоретичні напрацювання неолібералізму і концепції соціального ринкового господарства можуть бути використані при розробці стратегії повоєнної відбудови української економіки. Показано, що, незважаючи на те, що Україна конституційно закріпила модель соціально орієнтованої економіки, реформи не здійснювалися в інтересах більшості населення, тобто не були практичною формою реалізації концепції соціального ринкового господарства. Успішне повоєнне відновлення української економіки можливе шляхом імплементації концепції соціального ринкового господарства з урахуванням історичних особливостей її розвитку. Зазначено, що тільки науково обґрунтована економічна політика, яка врахує досвід успішних країн, з використанням комплексного підходу до вирішення економічних проблеми і послідовним їх здійсненням на основі соціально спрямованих заходів, може вивести Україну на цивілізований шлях розвитку.
GREEN TREND IN INTERNATIONAL BANKING BUSINESS: OPPORTUNITIES FOR UKRAINE
Authors: ZAPOTICHNA Roksolana
Published: March 2023

The main forces influencing the bank's decision to switch to green banking are systematized, the potential for its growth in Ukraine is identified. Green banking in developing countries is explored, taking into account the growing need for finance to combat climate change in this group of countries. The conceptual and categorical apparatus of green finance research is improved due to the presentation of the author's approach to the interpretation of the "green bank" category, which is understood as a bank that, in both its credit and investment activities, gives priority to environmental protection over profit maximization. Based on the analysis of the latest scientific research, the systematic identification and classification of factors influencing the bank's decision to switch to green banking, which include economic (bank competition) and non-economic (ecological, cultural, moral, political) factors, are improved. It is concluded that the motives and pressure on banks for their switch to green banking have, unlike the factors, more subjective nature and are closely related to the future benefits or losses that each specific bank plans to receive or incur as a result of such switch. The ultimate goal of most motives is to increase the value of the bank, but political and economic motives for expansion and various non-economic goals of some international banks should be factored in, since they can significantly limit the effect of the market mechanism in the banking systems of recipient countries and lead to increased instability. Motives (risk avoidance, cost reduction, reputation improvement, profit maximization) are proposed to be identified as positive incentives for banks to switch to green banking, and pressure (regulatory or governmental; from stakeholders, customers and employees) as negative ones. Opportunities and challenges for international banking business in the process of the switch to green banking are considered. In the context of global trends in the development of international banking business, the development potential of green banking in Ukraine is analyzed.
КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНА МОДЕЛЬ ПЛАТЕЖІВ ЗА ЕКОСИСТЕМНІ БЛАГА: НАУКОВИЙ ПОШУК НОВИХ ІНСТРУМЕНТІВ ЕКОЛОГІЧНОЇ КОМПЕНСАЦІЇ У ПОВОЄННИЙ ПЕРІОД
Authors: ВЕКЛИЧ Оксана
Published: March 2023

Уперше репрезентовано концепт платежів за екосистемні блага як загальнонаукову модель, що відображає процес економічного форматування в грошові еквіваленти цінності продуктів (товарів, ресурсів) і послуг, які генеруються екосистемними активами, утворюючи їх дохідний внесок у людський добробут. Зокрема, послідовно висвітлено теоретико-методологічні засади формування концепту платежів за екосистемні блага; розкрито змістовне наповнення цих платежів як цілісного структурно-функціонального комплексу новітніх монетарних інструментів механізму екологічної компенсації, нині сформованого в зарубіжних практиках фінансування природовідтворювальних заходів. Показано, що основними інструментами (елементами) платежів за екосистемні блага є: прямі платежі (виплати) за надання, споживання, користування екосистемними функціями, продуктами (товарами, ресурсами) і послугами, що генеруються екосистемами; виплати за пріоритетне надання (заміщення) певних видів екосистемних благ; субсидії для підтримання продуктивного стану екосистем їх власниками («продавцями»), у тому числі через спеціально створені накопичувальні фінансові фонди; пільгове оподаткування природоохоронних і природовідновлювальних заходів власників («продавців») благ, що генеруються належними їм територіальними екосистемами; компенсаційні виплати за відшкодування збитків від детеріорації стану, якості екосистем і продукування ними екосистемних благ. Наведено приклад реалізації платежів за надання екосистемних послуг з регулювання клімату типу PES/REDD у рамках пілотного проєкту в Сполучених Штатах Мексики, який переконливо демонструє, що саме в такий спосіб –– через запровадження цих інструментів механізму екологічної компенсації –– досягається узгодження конфліктів інтересів між різними групами стейкхолдерів щодо постачання, споживання і користування екосистемними благами, що сприяє подальшому спрямуванню їх інтересів на попередження втрати послуг екосистем, якісного стану довкілля. Показано еколого-економічну значущість розроблення концептуальної моделі платежів за екосистемні блага; доведено нагальність опрацювання й започаткування організаційних заходів вищого управлінського рівня щодо запровадження цього інструментарію механізму екологічної компенсації в українську інституціонально-регуляторну базу природокористування в повоєнному періоді.
Primary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis With Prolonged Primary Neurologic Presentation
Authors: Gupta Juhi , Jauhari Prashant , Kumar Atin , Gulati Sheffali , Chakrabarty Biswaroop , Gupta Aditya Kumar , Seth Rachna
Published: March 2023

Primary hemophagocytic lympho-histiocytosis (HLH) is a hyperinflammatory syndrome with devastating consequences. Multisystem involvement is a hallmark of HLH; however, HLH may rarely present with signs and symptoms isolated to the central nervous system (CNS). Within the brain, HLH can mimic demyelination, chronic infection, or vasculitis, leading to a diagnostic delay of months to years. We describe here a 7-year-old boy who presented with a history of prolonged fever and multiple focal neurologic deficits, which were being treated as CNS tuberculosis at the referring hospital. In view of the relapsing course with multiple areas of hemorrhagic tumefactive lesions on neuroimaging, the diagnosis was revised to acquired demyelination, and he received multiple cycles of immunotherapy. A brain biopsy was inconclusive. Subsequently, 13 months after disease onset, the child presented with features of systemic HLH in the form of fever, pancytopenia, splenomegaly, elevated ferritin, and triglycerides. Primary HLH was suspected, and genetic testing revealed a likely pathologic compound heterozygous variation in the PRF1 gene confirming the diagnosis. We planned a hematopoietic stem cell transplant as definitive therapy, but the child succumbed to an episode of sepsis and aspiration pneumonia. We infer from this case that primary HLH is a great mimicker. A high index of suspicion is required to establish a timely diagnosis. Primary HLH may stay isolated to CNS for months and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all refractory cases of demyelination.
Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Among Children: 2011–2020
Authors: Hood Nicole , Flannery Brendan , Gaglani Manjusha , Beeram Madhava , Wernli Karen , Jackson Michael L. , Martin Emily T. , Monto Arnold S. , Zimmerman Richard , Raviotta Jonathan , Belongia Edward A. , McLean Huong Q. , Kim Sara , Patel Manish M. , Chung Jessie R.
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

Infants and children are at increased risk of severe influenza virus infection and its complications. Influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) varies by age, influenza season, and influenza virus type/subtype. This study’s objective was to examine the effectiveness of inactivated influenza vaccine against outpatient influenza illness in the pediatric population over 9 influenza seasons after the 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic.

Methods

During the 2011–2012 through the 2019–2020 influenza seasons at outpatient clinics at 5 sites of the US Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network, children aged 6 months to 17 years with an acute respiratory illness were tested for influenza using real-time, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated using a test-negative design.

Results

Among 24 148 enrolled children, 28% overall tested positive for influenza, 3017 tested positive for influenza A(H3N2), 1459 for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, and 2178 for influenza B. Among all enrollees, 39% overall were vaccinated, with 29% of influenza cases and 43% of influenza-negative controls vaccinated. Across all influenza seasons, the pooled VE for any influenza was 46% (95% confidence interval, 43–50). Overall and by type/subtype, VE against influenza illness was highest among children in the 6- to 59-month age group compared with older pediatric age groups. VE was lowest for influenza A(H3N2) virus infection.

Conclusions

Analysis of multiple seasons suggested substantial benefit against outpatient illness. Investigation of host-specific or virus-related mechanisms that may result in differences by age and virus type/subtype may help further efforts to promote increased vaccination coverage and other influenza-related preventative measures.