bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political Ontology of Alain Badiou and Sylvain Lazarus
Authors: Zhurbina Irina ,   Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Published: September 2021

The article reviews the concepts of the French anthropologist and political theorist Sylvain Lazarus and the philosopher Alain Badiou, who suggest a new perspective on the subjective foundations of politics as thought. The focus on the subjective foundations of politics can be explained by the initial ambiguity in the works of the French theorists, who interpret the activities of the intellectual activist in different ways. The paper shows that Sylvain Lazarus is more concerned with the intellectual activity of political activists, whom he categorizes as political activists and politicians by the degree of intellectual activity. It was concluded that, according to Lazarus, politicians occupy a priority position. They are presented as professional lone thinkers with revolutionary consciousness, which allows them to think politics from the perspective of a probable revolution. In this regard, the politics, according to Lazarus, is a politics of revolutionary action. It was found that in Alain Badiou’s theory the semantic emphasis is on the participation of intellectuals in politics. Based on Plato’s thought on the development of a philosopher, Badiou formulates the idea of an exemplary subject of politics. The exemplary subject of politics is a philosopher-mathematician who is good at mathematical logic.
Lålesamling
Authors: Skovgaard Boeck Simon
Published: September 2021

A remark on the proverb collection of Peter Låle in view of the manuscript Uppsala universitetsbibliotek C 22.
Torben Brostrøms Versets Løvemanke
Authors: Skyum-Nielsen Erik
Published: September 2021

Inter resumé
Forecasting Grain Production and Static Capacity of Warehouses Using the Natural Neighbor and Multiquadric Equations
Authors:   Western Paraná State University (UNIOESTE), Cascavel-PR, Brazil, Cima Elizabeth Giron , da Rocha-Junior Weimar Freire ,   Western Paraná State University (UNIOESTE), Cascavel-PR, Brazil, Dalposso Gustavo Henrique ,   Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Toledo-PR, Brazil, Uribe-Opazo Miguel Angel ,   Western Paraná State University (UNIOESTE), Cascavel-PR, Brazil, Becker Willyan Ronaldo ,   Western Paraná State University (UNIOESTE), Cascavel-PR, Brazil
Published: September 2021

The strategic logistics of agricultural production and storage aggregates information related to production and storage. In this sense, time, location, and distance from producer and consumer markets are considered, emphasizing the importance of grain storage and production logistics. The Natural Neighbor and multiquadric equation are spatial interpolation methods used to predict these variables value at non-sampled locations, for asymmetric and categorical data, respectively. This study investigated the spatial prediction of grain production (tons) (soybean, first crop corn, second-crop corn, and wheat) in the 2016/2017 growing season and qualitative data on the static capacity of warehouses in the 2017/2018 growing season. The result obtained through the spatial interpolation using the natural neighbor method was coherent, as it showed the high variability of grain production relative to the different meso-regions. Therefore, the method was appropriate because it allowed predicting the behavior of grain production in the 2016/2017 growing season in the state of Paraná-Brazil, making it possible to identify regions of higher or lower production. The result of the spatial interpolation using the multiquadric equations allowed identifying a higher predominance of storage units with a low static capacity of warehouses, but also enabled the detection of regions with a static capacity of warehouses that varied from the medium to the high category in the state of Paraná, Brazil.
Assessment of Consumers Acceptance of E-Commerce to Purchase Geographical Indication Based Crop Using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
Authors:   School of Information Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India, D’souza Darryl Jeethesh , Joshi Harisha G. ,   School of Management, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India, Prabhu Raghavendra ,   School of Information Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India
Published: September 2021

Diffusion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in every aspect of life has made the applications of e-commerce a fundamental part of marketing. Hence using e-commerce to market Geographical Indication (GI) based crops is quite essential for the survival of the growers associated with such crops. Due to this significance, it is critical to assess consumers acceptance of e-commerce to purchase geographical indication-based crop. The study uses Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to validate consumers’ willingness of using e-commerce to purchase GI crops with specific reference to Udupi jasmine. To analyse the relationships between TAM variables, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique was adopted. The analysis suggests that behavioural intentions of consumers will influence them into actual e-commerce use. Behavioural intention exerts a significant positive influence on the actual e-commerce use suggests that, if provided with an e-commerce application to purchase the product online, consumers are likely to accept and use it.
Possibilities of Using Social Networks as Tools for Integration of Czech Rural Areas - Survey 2021
Authors:   Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic, Kánská Eva , Stočes Michal ,   Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic, Masner Jan ,   Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic, Jarolímek Jan ,   Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic, Šimek Pavel , Vaněk Jiří ,   Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
Published: September 2021

This paper deals with the use of social networks in agricultural enterprises and focuses mainly on their role and share in increasing the competitiveness of agricultural enterprises in the market. Primary data were obtained from an extensive survey of the development of information and communication technologies in agricultural enterprises, which was conducted in the first quarter of 2021 throughout the Czech Republic (“Survey 2021”). The research was primarily focused on capturing current trends in the use of ICT with emphasis on selected key areas (broadband, social networks, communication tools, regional Internet portals, used hardware categories, used software, mobile communications, Internet of Things, data storage and security, social networks, etc.). This survey builds on previous extensive surveys conducted by the Department of Information Technologies, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, CULS in Prague in several phases since 1999, with the last stage being conducted in 2017. Some surveys were conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture of Czech Republic.Compared to recent years, the survey includes new domains, such as the use of the Internet of Things in plant and animal production, data storage and security, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the company's core operations, etc. The survey was prepared, conducted and administered by the Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Life Sciences Prague.
Hear My Cry: Breaking the Code of Silence around Intimate Partner Violence among Black Women in and beyond Midlife
Authors: Waldron Ingrid , MacDougall Eileigh Storey , Weeks Lori E.
Published: September 2021

There is a knowledge gap about how the intersections of gender, race, culture, age, income, social class, and other identities shape Black women’s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV). In this qualitative study, we utilized an intersectional approach to examine how IPV is experienced and managed by racialized women, and in particular, our focus was to explore the IPV experiences of Black Nova Scotian women in and beyond midlife and their experiences of seeking support. Participant recruitment was predictably challenging, but we were able to collect in-depth interview data from a Black woman who identified as being in and beyond midlife and who had experienced IPV in the past and from three people who provided support to Black women in a paid capacity. An interpretive narrative approach was utilized to identify five dominant themes: descriptions of the experiences of IPV for Black women; strategies for coping with IPV; strategies in supporting Black women experiencing IPV; barriers in accessing support; and challenges in the delivery of support. The knowledge gained through this research provides important insights about the experiences, barriers faced, and how to address these challenges for Black women who experience IPV in and beyond midlife.
COVID 19 – Terminanition of Employment Contracts Due to Business Reasons
Authors: Weber Nana
Published: September 2021

The article deals with Slovenian regulation of the termination of employment contracts due to business reasons. According to settled case law, any termination of an employment contract is ultima ratio of the employer. In addition to pre-redundancy alternatives in ZDR-1 and a review of measures from the PKP packages, the options offered to employers by the state to prevent redundancies, at least at the moment do not provide a sufficient basis for the legality of redundancies solely because of an economic crisis due to the pandemic.
Criteria for Assessing the Violation of the Right to a Trial Within a Reasonable Time
Authors: Simović Miodrag , Simović Marina
Published: September 2021

The well-known sentence in English Justice delayed is justice denied confirms historical awareness of the value of a speedy court decision. The right to a fair trial within a reasonable time applies to both civil and criminal proceedings. In a criminal trial, the issue of adjournment may also be regulated under Article 5 paragraph 3 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms when a person is detained. The rationale for the principle, in criminal proceedings, is “based on the need to allow the accused not to remain for too long in a state of uncertainty as to the outcome of criminal charges against him” (Kart v. Turkey, European Court of Human Rights, 2009). Furthermore, the variability of criminal proceedings that take too long - generally damages the reputation of the alleged offender. The European Court of Human Rights explained that “the reason for the verdict in so many lenghty proceedings is that certain contracting parties have not complied with the ‘reasonable time’ requirement under Article 6 paragraph 1 of the European Convention and have not prescribed a domestic remedy for this type of appeal” (Scordino v. Italy (no. 1) [GC], 2006-V).
MAR site suitability mapping for arid–semiarid regions by remote data and combined approach: A case study from Balochistan, Pakistan
Authors: Hayat Sikandar , Szabóa Zsóka , Tóth Ádám , Mádl-Szőnyi Judit
Published: September 2021

Climate change, along with the rapid increase in population and mismanagement of water resources, resulted in a decline in the quality and quantity of groundwater worldwide. Balochistan, the largest and driest province of Pakistan, is located in the south western part of the country. This region is suffering from the declining water table, land subsidence, and intense soil erosion. Rapidly increasing population, sea level rise, increasing temperature, declining average annual precipitation, and short-duration intense rainfalls with reduced percolation rates are further aggravating the situation. Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is considered as a solution to reduce the stress on groundwater resources and achieve resilience to climate change. Creating a MAR suitability map may be one of the steps to be taken to reach sustainable groundwater management. This study produced the first MAR suitability map of the Quetta Valley, the most densely populated city of Balochistan, and Poralai and Hingol coastal basins suffering from seawater intrusion. To construct the MAR suitability map, the online INOWAS platform was first used to narrow down the suitable MAR options. Then, the six influencing factors including geology, slope, land-cover, precipitation, drainage density, and soil were identified, and the raster map of each factor was scored and weighted using GIS tools and the Multi Influencing Factor (MIF) method. All the factors were integrated according to their weight by using the ‘Weighted Overlay Analysis’ tool and the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (GIS-MCDA) in ArcGIS to produce the final MAR suitability map. The suitability map divided the study area into high, moderate, low, and very low suitability classes. The results depict that 80% of Poralai Basin, 10% of Hingol Basin and less than 5% of Quetta Valley falls in the high MAR suitability zone especially for trenches, ditches, furrows, and leaky dams. The first MAR suitability map for the basins of Balochistan can serve as the guidance and screening tool to focus site specific studies for highly suitable areas for MAR implementation. In the following phase of the study, an analysis of source, quality, and final use of water can serve to design and develop the specific MAR structures according to local conditions and needs. The displayed method is applicable to further MAR suitability studies for other arid-semiarid regions.
Quali-quantitative considerations on low-flow well purging and sampling
Authors: Sappa Giuseppe , De Filippi Francesco Maria
Published: September 2021

This article deals with both the main advantages and issues related to groundwater purging and sampling that are usually carried out through the so-called low-flow methodology or with the method based on the purging of 3-5 well volumes, which is still widely used in environmental monitoring. A review of the recent literature concerning the technical characteristics, innovations and modelling related to low-flow sampling is presented. The aim is to provide to the reader a broad overview on this specific field application and offer a new vision, which considers two aspects: 1. The qualitative aspect, relating to the representativeness of the sample taken through a correct purging of the monitoring well and the consequent correct interpretation of hydrochemical data; 2. The quantitative aspect, related to the possibility of using water level data during purging and low-flow sampling operations to estimate the soil horizontal hydraulic conductivity, without further investigations. Low-flow sampling methodology can be very useful especially for alluvial aquifers, providing representative samples of groundwater and hydrodynamic characteristics of the aquifer, with reduced costs and times. These two aspects are both important in the context of an environmental monitoring plan for a potentially contaminated site.
Between Boots and Boats: Indonesia's Stunted Naval Modernization
Authors: Supriyanto Ristian Atriandi
Published: September 2021

Indonesia memiliki latar belakang sejarah maritim yang panjang. Apalagi, bentuk negara kepulauan mendorong Indonesia memiliki kepentingan dan perhatian luas terhadap pemanfaatan laut. Namun, baik sejarah, kepentingan maupun perhatian tersebut belum mampu mendorong Indonesia untuk membangun kekuatan angkatan laut yang tangguh di era modern. Melainkan, perdebatan masih seputar antara "sepatu" atau angkatan darat, dengan "perahu" atau angkatan laut, dalam prioritas pembangunan angkatan bersenjata. Dalam konteks ini, permasalahan utama terletak pada kebijakan pertahanan yang terlalu berpemikiran kontinental dan terlalu terpolitisasi. Kedua masalah ini tidak hanya mencegah Indonesia untuk menjadi kekuatan maritim yang tangguh, tetapi juga secara khusus telah menghambat proses modernisasi angkatan laut sejak masa Orde Lama.
Palavra banto em Minas
Authors: Queiroz Sônia
Published: September 2021

A memória dos africanos de línguas e culturas banto no Brasil, muito pouco difundida entre a população em geral, vem sendo preservada em comunidades negras hoje designadas quilombos, nas quais ainda se podem encontrar falares e cantares com base lexical de origem banto. Nesses falares e cantares, podemos ouvir a palavra dos ancestrais transmitida em línguas rituais resultantes do contato entre africanos e portugueses e preservada como forma de resistência diante da imposição da língua e cultura europeia pelo Estado. Estão reunidas neste livro todas as palavras de provável origem banto encontradas nos vocabulários e glossários elaborados por pesquisadores a partir da observação em comunidades onde se fala essa mescla linguística em território mineiro. Também identificamos os registros dessas palavras emdicionários e glossários brasileiros, na literatura angolana e em dicionários de quicongo, quimbundo e umbundo, as três línguas banto mais faladas no Brasil. A publicação deste glossário em forma de livro é o resultado de uma coleta que buscou realizar uma arqueologia do contato entre línguas africanas do grupo banto e a língua portuguesa no Brasil.
On classical symmetries of ordinary differential equations related to stationary integrable partial differential equations
Authors: Tsyfra Ivan
Published: September 2021

We study the relationship between the solutions of stationary integrable partial and ordinary differential equations and coefficients of the second-order ordinary differential equations invariant with respect to one-parameter Lie group. The classical symmetry method is applied. We prove that if the coefficients of ordinary differential equation satisfy the stationary integrable partial differential equation with two independent variables then the ordinary differential equation is integrable by quadratures. If special solutions of integrable partial differential equations are chosen then the coefficients satisfy the stationary KdV equations. It was shown that the Ermakov equation belong to a class of these equations. In the framework of the approach we obtained the similar results for generalized Riccati equations. By using operator of invariant differentiation we describe a class of higher order ordinary differential equations for which the group-theoretical method enables us to reduce the order of ordinary differential equation.
Pain or gain?
Authors: Kalienkova Valeria
Published: September 2021

The 3D structures of a membrane protein called TMEM120A suggest that it may act as an enzyme in fat metabolism rather than as an ion channel that senses mechanical pain.
Blockchain for genomics and healthcare: a literature review, current status, classification and open issues
Authors: Adanur Dedeturk Beyhan , Soran Ahmet , Bakir-Gungor Burcu
Published: September 2021

The tremendous boost in the next generation sequencing technologies and in the “omics” technologies resulted in the generation of hundreds of gigabytes of data per day. Nowadays, via integrating -omics data with other data types, such as imaging and electronic health record (EHR) data, panomics studies attempt to identify novel and potentially actionable biomarkers for personalized medicine applications. In this respect, for the accurate analysis of -omics data and EHR, there is a need to establish secure and robust pipelines that take the ethical aspects into consideration, regulate privacy and ownership issues, and data sharing. These days, blockchain technology has picked up significant attention in diverse fields, including genomics, since it offers a new solution for these problems from a different perspective. Blockchain is an immutable transaction ledger, which offers secure and distributed system without a central authority. Within the system, each transaction can be expressed with cryptographically signed blocks, and the verification of transactions is performed by the users of the network. In this review, firstly, we aim to highlight the challenges of EHR and genomic data sharing. Secondly, we attempt to answer “Why” or “Why not” the blockchain technology is suitable for genomics and healthcare applications in detail. Thirdly, we elucidate the general blockchain structure based on the Ethereum, which is a more suitable technology for the genomic data sharing platforms. Fourthly, we review current blockchain-based EHR and genomic data sharing platforms, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these applications, and classify these applications using different metrics. Finally, we conclude by discussing the open issues and introducing our suggestion on the topic. In summary, to facilitate the diagnosis, monitoring and therapy of diseases with the effective analysis of -omics data with other available data types, through this review, we put forward the possible implications of the blockchain technology to life sciences and healthcare.
Highly comparable metabarcoding results from MGI-Tech and Illumina sequencing platforms
Authors: Anslan Sten , Mikryukov Vladimir , Armolaitis Kęstutis , Ankuda Jelena , Lazdina Dagnija , Makovskis Kristaps , Vesterdal Lars , Schmidt Inger Kappel , Tedersoo Leho
Published: September 2021

With the developments in DNA nanoball sequencing technologies and the emergence of new platforms, there is an increasing interest in their performance in comparison with the widely used sequencing-by-synthesis methods. Here, we test the consistency of metabarcoding results from DNBSEQ-G400RS (DNA nanoball sequencing platform by MGI-Tech) and NovaSeq 6000 (sequencing-by-synthesis platform by Illumina) platforms using technical replicates of DNA libraries that consist of COI gene amplicons from 120 soil DNA samples. By subjecting raw sequencing data from both platforms to a uniform bioinformatics processing, we found that the proportion of high-quality reads passing through the filtering steps was similar in both datasets. Per-sample operational taxonomic unit (OTU) and amplicon sequence variant (ASV) richness patterns were highly correlated, but sequencing data from DNBSEQ-G400RS harbored a higher number of OTUs. This may be related to the lower dominance of most common OTUs in DNBSEQ data set (thus revealing higher richness by detecting rare taxa) and/or to a lower effective read quality leading to generation of spurious OTUs. However, there was no statistical difference in the ASV and post-clustered ASV richness between platforms, suggesting that additional denoising step in the ASV workflow had effectively removed the ‘noisy’ reads. Both OTU-based and ASV-based composition were strongly correlated between the sequencing platforms, with essentially interchangeable results. Therefore, we conclude that DNBSEQ-G400RS and NovaSeq 6000 are both equally efficient high-throughput sequencing platforms to be utilized in studies aiming to apply the metabarcoding approach, but the main benefit of the former is related to lower sequencing cost.
Wound Healing and Antimicrobial Effects of Azadrachita indica Leaves Extracts on Eschericha coli Infected Diabetic Wounds using Albino Rat Model
Authors: Izundu I. M. , Anyamene C. O. , Okoro N. C. N. , Okafor O. I. , Echeta M. O.
Published: September 2021

The wound healing and antimicrobial effects of Azadirachta indica leaf extracts were evaluated on Eschericha coli infected diabetic wounds using albino rat model. The study was a cross-sectional work done between January and June, 2020. Eschericha coli was isolated and identified from 50 infected diabetic patients using Eosin methylene blue and standard biochemical tests. The crude extracts of A. indica were gotten using ethanol and water by soxhlet method. The phytochemical such as saponins, phenols, tannins, flavonoid and alkaloids were determined quantitatively and qualitatively using standard method. In vitro antimicrobial effect of extracts and their combination were evaluated. The wound healing effects of the extracts were done using six weeks old albino rat model. Out of 50 swab samples of infected diabetic wounds, 30 isolates were obtained which E. coli was 20% of the bacterial isolates from the infected wound. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts showed the presence of saponin, flavonoids, steroid, alkaloids, tannins and phenol. Among the leaf extracts analysed, A. indica ethanol extract has the highest inhibition zone against E. coli (10.67±1.15 mm) at 500 mg/ml and 1000 mg/ml concentration. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 250 mg/ml while the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) was 1000mg/ml. Diabetic and healthy groups of albino rats were treated after 1 week of infection. Comparing the negative control rats witsh those treated with daily topical application of the leaf extracts, showed significant reduction in wound size and rapid healing (P = 0.05). Comparing with positive control, the leaf extracts have almost the same healing effect with the positive control (povidone iodine). The leaf extracts of A. indica possess antimicrobial properties for E. coli especially the ethanol extract which heals faster than aqueous extract and can be used as an alternative for healing infected non diabetic and chronic diabetic wounds.
On Reflexivity of Certain Hyponormal Operators with Double Commutant Property
Authors: Kothiyal Pradeep
Published: September 2021

Sarason did pioneer work on the reflexivity and purpose of this paper is to discuss the reflexivity of different class of contractions. Among contractions it is now known that C11 contractions with finite defect indices, C.o contractions with unequal defect indices and C1. contractions with at least one finite defect indices are reflexive. More over the characterization of reflexive operators among co contractions and completely non unitary weak contractions with finite defect indices has been reduced to that of S (F), the compression of the shift on H2 ⊖ F H2, F is inner. The present work is mainly focused on the reflexivity of contractions whose characteristic function is constant. This class of operator include many other isometries, co-isometries and their direct sum. We shall also discuss the reflexivity of hyponormal contractions, reflexivity of C1. contractions and weak contractions. It is already known that normal operators isometries, quasinormal and sub-normal operators are reflexive. We partially generalize these results by showing that certain hyponormal operators with double commutant property are reflexive. In addition, reflexivity of operators which are direct sum of a unitary operator and C.o contractions with unequal defect indices,is proved Each of this kind of operator is reflexive and satisfies the double commutant property with some restrictions.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-2 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients as a Marker of Lupus Nephritis Disease
Authors: ELRefeai ELgody Zeinab N. , Alghzaly Ghadah Mahmoud , Saad Attia Mohammed Attia , Albedawey Mohammed Mohammed
Published: September 2021

Background: One of the members of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein family is IGFBP-2 that binds to the Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) receptors to regulate IGF biological activities. In nephrotic syndrome IGFBP-2 has also been reported to be increased in children and IGFBP-2 considers as predictor for longitudinal deterioration of kidney function in Type 2 Diabetes. The aim of the work was to assess insulin like growth factor binding protein-2 as a marker for activity of lupus nephritis.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 80 subjects and was divided on: Group1: 60 patients with Systemic lupus erythematosus which were subdivided into: (a) 40 Systemic lupus patients with nephritis. (b) 20 Systemic lupus patients without nephritis. Group 2: 20 healthy persons as control (Healthy controls).

Results: there were statistically significant difference in ILGRFBPs2 P1, P2 while P3 was insignificant, Regarding the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDI) score, there was significant difference between group IA and IB while statistically significant positive correlation between ILGFBPs2 and renal SLEDI score. Regarding ILGFBPs2, Anti-ds DNA Ab titer, renal biopsy classes and activity index, there was a statistically significant positive correlation. Regarding chronicity index and renal SLEDI score, there was insignificant correlation.

Conclusion: Serum IGFBP‐2 is a promising biomarker for lupus nephritis, reflecting disease activity and chronicity changes in renal pathology.
The Prognostic Significance of a Histological Response to Preoperative Chemotherapy in Patients With Synchronous Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Tanaka Hideharu , Imai Hisashi , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Higashi Toshiya , Kiyama Shigeru , Okumura Naoki , Murase Katsutoshi , Takahashi Takao , Saigo Chiemi , Takeuchi Tamotsu , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: September 2021

Objective

Preoperative chemotherapy (PC) for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is widely used to improve prognosis, but its clinical benefit has not been fully established. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of PC for synchronous CRLM and the correlation between the histologic response to PC and survival.

Summary of Background Data

We enrolled 69 patients who underwent initial hepatectomy for synchronous CRLM between 2004 and 2018 at Gifu University Hospital.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic factors and outcomes of 69 patients who underwent hepatectomy after receiving PC (PC group: n = 43) or who underwent upfront hepatectomy (non-PC group: n = 26). In the PC group, the patients were divided into the Grade 1 (n = 27) and Grade 2/3 (n = 16) groups according to their histologic responses to PC.

Results

The median survival and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 80.9 months and 61.5%, respectively, in the PC group and 71.7 months and 61.5%, respectively, in the non-PC group (P = 0.867). Regarding recurrence-free survival (RFS) and remnant liver-RFS, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups (P = 0.087 and 0.291). However, in a subgroup analysis, the median 5-year OS, RFS, and remnant liver-RFS were significantly longer in the Grade 2/3 than Grade 1 group (P = 0.008, P = 0.002, and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Some patients benefit from PC, and the histologic response to PC had prognostic significance for patients with synchronous CRLM.
Exploring Dark Photon Production and Kinetic Mixing Constraints in Heavy‐Ion Collisions
Authors: Jorge Adrian William Romero , Bratkovskaya Elena , Song Taesoo , Sagunski Laura
Published: December 2024

Vector U‐bosons, often referred to as “dark photons,” are potential candidates for mediating dark matter interactions. In this study, we outline a procedure to derive theoretical constraints on the upper bound of the kinetic mixing parameter using dilepton data from heavy‐ion from SIS to RHIC energies. The analysis is based on the microscopic Parton–Hadron–String Dynamics (PHSD) transport model, which successfully reproduces the measured dilepton spectra in , , and collisions. Besides the dilepton channels resulting from interactions and decays of Standard Model particles (such as mesons and baryons), we extend the PHSD approach to include the decay of hypothetical U‐bosons into dileptons, . The production of these U‐bosons occurs via Dalitz decays of pions, η‐mesons, ω‐mesons, Delta resonances, as well as from the decays of vector mesons and mesons. This analysis provides an upper limit on and offers insights into the accuracy required for future experimental searches for dark photons through dilepton experiments.
Investigation of the Potential Material Basis and Mechanism of Astragali Radix Against Adriamycin‐Induced Nephropathy Model Rat by 1H NMR and MS‐Based Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis
Authors: Li Aiping , Li Ben , Cui Ting , Zhang Wangning , Qin Xuemei
Published: December 2024

Astragali Radix (AR) is one of the monarch drugs of Fangji Huangqi decoction and has the effects of inducing diuresis to alleviate edema, tonifying and strengthening the body. However, there is a paucity of research regarding the effective fraction and the underlying metabolic mechanism of AR on nephrotic syndrome (NS). This work aims to elucidate the potential mechanisms of AR treating NS, as well as to identify effective part and components. Firstly, body weight, kidney index, 24‐h urea protein, and biochemical parameters were used to confirm the kidney injury. The most effective part of AR was determined based on the indicators above. Then, 1H NMR, UHPLC‐QTOF/MS, and GC‐MS‐based metabolomic approaches were used to investigate differential metabolites closely associated with the effective part against NS. A “C‐T‐P‐D” network (a network diagram of “TCM prescription–herbs–components–targets–metabolites–pathways–disease”) was constructed by intersecting the targets of differential metabolites with those of AR treating NS. The efficacy indicators determined the n‐butanol part of AR as the best effective part. Multiplatform metabolomics and network pharmacology study indicated that the potential mechanism for treating NS may be related to targets (MIF, SRC, and GBA) and metabolic pathways (citrate cycle, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis).
Pathology discovered in the “first patient” can be the silent teacher of self‐directed learning
Authors: Leupold Mary , Topping Daniel , Cork R. John , McGoey Robin , Rae Guenevere
Published: December 2024

Pathology found during cadaveric dissection has been used to model integrative teaching methods for medical students at several institutions. Recent evidence has shown that pathology found during dissection can be used in the design of self‐directed learning (SDL) activities with standards that are difficult to meet. This study presents a novel method for providing formative feedback, one of the most challenging aspects for LCME accreditation of SDL activities. Three practitioners (two board certified pathologists and one board certified family physician) reviewed and rated pathological findings during routine dissection by first year medical students in the gross anatomy laboratory in New Orleans, Louisiana. The students also rated the findings, and a comparative score was given that provided quick, individualized formative feedback with no additional faculty time burden. The inter‐rater reliability (IRR) among the clinical expert panel (n = 3) was adequate (IRR = 0.85). The students' percentage agreement with the expert panel was just under 57%. There was no significant correlation between the score on the Gift formative feedback instrument (FFI) and the students' performances in their gross anatomy course (p > 0.05). This study describes a FFI that allows for the variety of clinical presentations in cadavers dissected in the gross anatomy laboratory, while protecting faculty time that would otherwise be used for scoring individuals in large cohorts of medical students. This instrument can be used to integrate pathology and gross anatomy and provide a practical way of implementing self‐directed learning.
Protocol: The impact of integrated thematic instruction model on primary and secondary school students compared to standard teaching: A protocol of systematic review
Authors: Barancová Klára , Kantor Jiří , Fasnerová Martina , Svobodová Zuzana , Klugar Miloslav
Published: December 2024

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows. This systematic review will examine the impact of the Integrated Thematic Instruction (ITI) on academic attainment and other possible outcomes of primary and secondary school students compared to standard teaching. We will seek to answer the following research question: What impact does the ITI/HET teaching has on academic attainment and other possible outcomes of primary and secondary school students compared to standard teaching?
Monolithic Interconnection of Thin‐Film Perovskite Photovoltaic Modules Using Aerosol Jet Printing
Authors: Vlnieska Vitor , Siegrist Severin , Ceres Pedro O. Q. , Heier Jakob , Fu Fan , Romanyuk Yaroslav E.
Published: December 2024

Perovskite thin‐film photovoltaic (PV) modules consist of multiple cells connected in series to reduce resistive losses in the transparent electrode. Cell interconnection is typically achieved using techniques involving laser scribing and/or precise alignment during fabrication. For perovskite modules, this interconnection is implemented monolithically by integrating three laser scribing steps into the module fabrication process. Laser scribing provides high‐resolution lines (≈100–200 μm wide), necessitating equally precise or finer techniques for interconnections. Aerosol jet printing emerges as a promising solution, offering resolutions as fine as 10 μm and enabling high‐speed processing. This study demonstrates the fabrication of semi‐transparent monolithic perovskite modules using a combination of laser scribing and aerosol jet printing. Five interconnected cells are successfully produced, with the laser scribing process requiring ≈2 min and aerosol jet printing interconnections completed in about 7 min. The resulting perovskite PV modules with aerosol jet‐printed interconnects show comparable performance to those fabricated using evaporated interconnections. Key performance metrics included an open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 4.91 V, short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 2.41 mA cm−2, fill factor (FF) of 44.56%, power conversion efficiency of 5.26%, and an effective area of 13.46 cm2. These results highlight the potential of aerosol jet printing as an efficient and precise approach for advancing perovskite module fabrication.
Nitrided Ti‐6Al‐4V: A Catalyst for Increase Mineralization and Osteogenic Marker Expression
Authors: Krasaesin Annop , Pinijsuwan Suttiporn , Boonruang Chatdanai , Sriwattanapong Kanokwan , Porntaveetus Thantrira , Osathanon Thanaphum , Watanabe Shuichi , Jongwannasiri Chavin , Manaspon Chawan
Published: December 2024

Plasma nitriding is one of the surface modifications that show more effectiveness than other methods. In this study, the plasma‐based ion implantation (PBII) technique was performed on the surface of titanium alloy (Ti‐6Al‐4V, Ti64) using a mixture of nitrogen (N2) and argon (Ar), resulting in a plasma‐nitrided surface (TiN‐Ti64). The surface composition of the TiN‐Ti64 was verified through X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TiN‐Ti64 demonstrated superior hydrophilicity compared with Ti64. TiN‐Ti64 exhibited higher surface hardness than the original surface. The biological responses of primary human alveolar bone cells (hAVs) were observed on the TiN‐Ti64, revealing greater activation of cell adhesion and spreading compared with Ti64 and the control group (glass coverslip). Moreover, the TiN‐Ti64 significantly promoted cell proliferation compared with Ti64 and tissue culture plates. The mineralization of hAVs on the TiN‐Ti64 showed a significant increase, almost 20% greater than that of Ti64. Furthermore, a significant upregulation of mRNA expression for osteogenic differentiation marker genes, including BMP2, OCN, OPN, and RUNX2, was observed in TiN‐Ti64 compared with other conditions. In addition, the TiN‐Ti64 exhibited antibiofilm activity against Streptococcus aureus. In conclusion, the TiN‐Ti64, modified with the PBII technique utilizing a mixture of N2 and Ar, emerges as a promising alternative for surface modification in dental implant applications.
Pharmacognostic Standardization, Morphometric Analysis, and Multivariate Analysis of Croton lobatus L. and Croton zambesicus Mull. Arg
Authors: Sonibare Mubo Adeola , Ayo‐Ayinde Mercy Abisola , Akinmurele Opeyemi Josephine , Ogunlakin Akingbolabo Daniel
Published: December 2024

Croton lobatus L. and Croton zambesicus Mull. Arg. from the family Euphorbiaceae has been used traditionally in West tropical Africa for the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, malaria, female infertility, and dysentery. This present study was performed to generate data for quality control, standardization, and morphometrics of C. lobatus and C. zambesicus. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were carried out on the plants using standard procedures. Powdered samples of the leaves were used for fluorescence analysis. Chemomicroscopy and phytochemical screening were also done according to standard procedures. The 25 accessions used for morphometrics were obtained from the herbarium specimens of the Forest Herbarium Ibadan (FHI) using 23 morphological characters. The macro‐ and microscopic studies of the plants showed confirmation of the species identity and also showed differences in features such as leaf apex, margin, trichome type, and anticlinal walls, which can be used in differentiating C. lobatus from C. zambesicus. For the physicochemical parameters, the moisture content was above 10.0%, and total ash ranged from 9.6% ± 0.0% to 11.7% ± 0.02%, indicating low contamination of the plant samples. Acid insoluble ash values for the two plants were below 2.0%. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, and cardiac glycoside in both plants. The result of the multivariate analyses (Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis) revealed that six out of the 23 parameters utilized accounted for differences among C. lobatus and C. zambesicus accessions studied. The pharmacognostic features established from the evaluation of the two species of Croton could be used for their identification, thus providing appropriate characters for their standardization.
The Bounce‐Back of Business Travel. An Exploration Through the Lens of Complex Systems Theory
Authors: Oskam Jeroen A.
Published: December 2024

During the Covid‐pandemic, the expectation emerged that the digitalization of business processes would have a permanent character. In particular, business travel would be replaced, to a large extent, by virtual meetings. This article uses complex systems theory to study business travel to Amsterdam before and after the Covid‐pandemic, analyzing a large dataset of hotel check‐ins and check‐outs from 55% of the city's hotels during 2019, 2022, and 2023. The data were explored to detect changes in business traveler behavior and subjected to tests proposed by Baggio and Sainaghi to assess the dynamics of nonlinear complex tourism systems. Despite the pandemic's disruption, our findings suggest that business travel dynamics continue to evolve similarly to pre‐pandemic trends, with notable shifts in markets of origin, longer stays, and a move toward midscale hotels and bleisure stays. The study also highlights a dissonance between actual travel behavior and the desire to reduce business travel for environmental or social reasons. By applying complex systems theory, this research enhances our understanding of the resilience and adaptability of business travel, emphasizing the need for strategic foresight and scenario planning in the hospitality and tourism sectors to navigate post‐pandemic complexities.
Recentering the humeral head does not necessarily improve glenohumeral abduction: A cadaveric biomechanical study
Authors: Hu Qingxiang , Li Chenkai , Wu Di , Gu Zian , Xu Hui , Zhan Shi , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhou Zhekun , He Yaohua
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To explore if recentering the humeral head could improve shoulder abduction in shoulders with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (IMRCTs).

Methods

Nine fresh‐frozen cadaveric shoulders were used to simulate the intact condition and IMRCTs as controls. Four ‘recenter’ interventions were then sequentially applied: subacromial interposition (SI) using 4‐ and 8‐mm spacers and superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) using two‐ and four‐layer fascia lata grafts. Dynamic biomechanical experiments were performed for each condition. The primary outcomes were glenohumeral abduction angle (GAA). The secondary outcomes were acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and subacromial contact pressure.

Results

In the intact condition, the GAA was significantly greater compared to the IMRCT condition at most deltoid force levels (p < 0.05 for all except at 80 N). IMRCT significantly increased maximum contact pressure (MCP) compared to intact (Δ +0.09 MPa, p = 0.029). For recentering interventions, neither SI nor SCR improved GAA (p > 0.05). The 8‐mm spacer and four‐layer SCR condition significantly increased MCP compared to the intact condition (Δ +0.22 MPa, p = 0.048, Δ +0.24 MPa, p = 0.012, respectively).

Conclusion

Both SCR and SI could effectively recenter the humeral head, but neither technique improved shoulder abduction, with both even significantly increasing subacromial contact pressures. These findings suggest that surgical goals focusing solely on recentering humeral head may need re‐evaluation, particularly, for patients with high functional demands on shoulder abduction.

Level of Evidence

N/A.
Submarine groundwater discharge as a major nutrient source in river‐fed vs. tidally dominated estuaries
Authors: Wilson Stephanie J. , Tamborski Joseph J. , Song Bongkeun , Bernhardt Peter , Mulholland Margaret R.
Published: December 2024

The tidal tributaries of the lower Chesapeake Bay experience seasonally recurring harmful algal blooms and the significance of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) as a nutrient vector is largely unknown. Here, we determined seasonal SGD nutrient loads in two tributaries with contrasting hydrodynamic conditions, river‐fed (York River) vs. tidally dominated (Lafayette River). Radon surveys were performed in each river to quantify SGD at the embayment‐scale during spring and fall 2021. Total SGD was determined from a 222Rn mass balance and Monte Carlo simulations. Submarine groundwater discharge rates differed by a factor of two during spring (Lafayette = 11 ± 17 cm d−1; York = 6 ± 10 cm d−1) and a factor of six during fall (Lafayette = 19 ± 27 cm d−1; York = 3 ± 7 cm d−1). Groundwater N concentrations and fluxes varied seasonally in the York (4–7 mmol N m−2 d−1). In the Lafayette River, seasonal N fluxes (22–37 mmol N m−2 d−1) were driven by seasonal water exchange rates, likely due to recurrent saltwater intrusion. Submarine groundwater discharge–derived nutrient fluxes were orders of magnitude greater than riverine inputs and runoff in each system. Additionally, sediment N removal by denitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation would only remove ~ 1–11% of dissolved inorganic nitrogen supplied through SGD. The continued recurrence of harmful algal blooms in the Bay's tidal tributaries may be indicative of an under‐accounting of submarine groundwater‐borne nutrient sources. This study highlights the importance of including SGD in water quality models used to advise restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay region and beyond.