bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of United States Competitiveness Policy Reform on Latin America: An Analysis of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
Authors: Pacheco Carlos Américo
Published: January 2025

This study explores recent endeavors to reshape science and innovation policies within the United States, focusing on reform efforts within the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the potential implications for Latin America. Central to this discussion is the establishment of the new Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP), and the expansion of the NSF budget, alongside the CHIPS and Science Acts provisions. These initiatives are expected to impact global science and innovation policies. While the semiconductor sector in Latin America may see near-term effects, broader changes in research policies are likely to evolve more gradually, akin to past U.S. policy shifts. The reform marks a significant step forward in U.S. science and innovation policy design, albeit falling short of creating an agency dedicated specifically to innovation. The study serves to highlight a broader trend among international science and innovation promotion agencies toward prioritizing innovation and amplifying the impact of research. For Latin American countries, the inquiry revolves around how these reforms will influence national policies, and the strategies of research and innovation support entities. The assimilation of U.S. reforms into Latin American policy frameworks has been a gradual process, with potential to align organizational structures with economic sophistication.
Managing the Systems Approach to Develop Efficient and Effective Virtual Learning Environments
Authors: Bajbouj Khawla Ahmed
Published: January 2025

This research paper aims to discuss two different yet interrelated concepts: the systems approach (SA) and the virtual learning environment (VLE). This paper reflects on the importance of managing a virtual learning environment based on a new alternative modern SA in which technology is integrated within its components. It attempts to explain the impeded functions pertinent to managing the systematic application of the SA and VLE in real-world situations that may lead to an efficient virtual instructional environment (VIE). This scientific endeavor has confirmed the issues projected in the purpose of the study.
Investigating the Relationship between Job Demand and Job Control and the Mediating Role of Desire to Have Children among Employees of the Health Network in Saman City in 2023
Authors: Dashti Usuf Ganjali , Mottaghi Monika
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Work is an aspect of life where job demand and job control are important factors in providing services. And having children can affect the aforementioned variables, so the purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between job demand and job control with the mediating role of desire for having children among employees of health network in Saman city in 2023
methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study. The statistical population was 250 people from the personnel of the mentioned network who were selected through convenience sampling method. In order to collect data, questionnaires of job demand (Karasek), job control (Brief) and desire to have children were used.
Results: The average age of the employees was 37/82 ± 8/79, of whom 42/8% were between 31 and 40 years old, and the average employment history of the employees was 13/03 ± 7/85. 68/8% of the participants were female, 58% had contractual or official employment status. The mean variable of job demand was 26/27 ± 5/699. The mean of occupational control variable was 88/64 ± 12/64. The mean variable of desire to have children was 28/95±5/30. A strong, inverse and significant relationship and a weak, inverse and significant relationship were observed between the job demand variable and job control and also between the job demand variable and the desire to have children. Also, no significant relationship was observed between the job control variable and the desire to have children.
Conclusion: By increasing the job demand variable to a large amount, job control should be reduced, and by increasing the job demand variable to a small amount, the desire to have children should be reduced. Also, by increasing or decreasing the variable of job control, there are no changes in the variable of willingness to have children, so the above results can be used to improve the quality of services and improve the health of society.
The influence of the pre-test instruction content on the result of the six-minute walk test in schoolchildren with congenital heart defects
Authors: Demchenko E. A. , Alferova L. S. , Yakovleva E. V. , Pomeshkina S. A. , Vasichkina E. S.
Published: January 2025

Background. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a widely used instrument for assessing the patient’s functional status and selecting parameters of physical training. The distance covered in 6 minutes is the main result of 6MWT, however, this indicator is influenced by many factors: age, gender, weight, height of the patient, the methodology of the test. Objective. To assess the influence of various pre-test instructions on the distance value covered during the 6MWT by schoolchildren with congenital heart defects. Material and methods. 67 patients with corrected congenital heart defects and congestive heart failure aged 12.8 (7–16) years were included, 59.5 % were boys. Everyone underwent two 6MWT with different instructions for implementation. Test 1: the patient was given the goal to walk the maximum possible distance in 6 minutes (the “Further” test — FT). Test 2: The patient was instructed to walk as fast as possible in order to cover the maximum possible distance in 6 minutes (the “Faster and Further” test — FFT). The sequence of tests was random. Results. The distance covered in FFT was greater than in FT in 79.2 % of the surveyed, amounting to 505 [439; 570] meters and 580 [507; 648] meters (p < 0.0001) or 69 [57; 79] % and 79 [70; 87] % of the required values (p < 0.0001) respectively for FT and FFT tests. The heart rate measured in the first 10 seconds after physical activity in 89.6 % of patients was higher in FFT — 126 [110–139] BPM, in FT — 104 [92–120] BPM (p < 0.0001) or 60.2 [53.2; 67.5] % and 50.3 [44.5; 56.7] % of the maximum calculated heart rate (220-age). The increase in heart rate was 40 [25; 48] BPM and 15 [10; 28] BPM or 31.1 [20.1; 41.7] % and 12.9 % [8.8; 22.8] of the heart rate reserve, respectively, in the FT and FFT groups, p < 0.0001. Conclusion. The instruction to walk “as fast as possible in order to cover as much distance as possible” increases the distance of the 6MWT by increasing the intensity of physical effort without reducing the safety of the study. This increases the informativeness of the test in assessment the patient’s functional status and the formation of a physical rehabilitation program.
Cardiometabolic effects of oxytocin in modeling the diabetic phenotype of chronic heart failure
Authors: Starchenko A. D. , Liskova Yu. V. , Stadnikov A. A. , Myasnikova A. A. , Fedorenko A. A.
Published: January 2025

Background. The combination of heart failure (HF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2T) is considered one of the most common and unfavorable duets. A promising area of modern research is the development of translational models of the diabetic phenotype of HF and new methods of its treatment. The aim. To study the effect of oxytocin (Oх) on structural and functional changes of the myocardium in modeling the diabetic phenotype of HF. Materials and methods. The study was performed on sexually mature rats of both sexes of the Wistar line (n = 36): 12 animals are intact; 24 — the main group with the diabetic phenotype HF, modeled according to the new method of Starchenko AD, et al. (2024). From the 28th to the 42nd day of the experiment, oxytocin was administered daily to 12 animals of the main group at a dose of 0.5 U/kg of body weight intramuscularly, glucose levels, NTproBNP in blood serum, left ventricular ejection fraction (LV) were assessed according to echocardiography. The material (heart, LV myocardium) was taken on the 42nd day after the animals were removed from the experiment, followed by histological examination (microscopy, morphometry). Results. It was found that the administration of Ox led to a decrease in the level of glycemia and NTproBNP in animals of both sexes with the diabetic phenotype of HF. A more significant effect of Ox on the structural reorganization of the LV myocardium in the group of females with DM2T and HF was determined: a decrease in the volume density (VD) of the stroma, an increase in VD capillaries and trophic index. Conclusion. Hypoglycemic and cardioprotective effects of Ox (improvement of trophic and inhibition of myocardial fibrosis) in diabetic phenotype of experimental HF have been demonstrated.
The role of the interaction of osteoblasts and osteocytes in vivo and during the process of osteodifferentiation in vitro in the key of further prospects of application for the purposes of regenerative medicine
Authors: Kovaleva A. A. , Krasnova O. A. , Neganova I. E.
Published: January 2025

Pathologies associated with impaired bone homeostasis, including osteoporosis, are among the leading diseases in terms of mortality. The development and implementation of tissue engineering approaches based on the use of human mesenchymal stem cells promises to become a highly effective method for their therapy. However, the fundamental cellular mechanism, which is associated with the development of bone diseases, require an additional study. Interactions between osteoblasts and osteocytes of bone tissue undoubtedly plays an important role in maintaining a balance between the processes of bone formation and resorption and involved in the pathogenesis of certain diseases. For more in-depth understanding of the various aspects of these interactions, a representative model is needed. In contrast to cell cultures obtained from the tissues of animal models, the employment of human mesenchymal stem cell cultures reflects more accurately the physiological and phenotypical nuances in human bone. The possibility of creating systems for the co-cultivation of osteoblasts and osteocytes derived from human mesenchymal stem cells and their application in the context of translational medicine is in the focus of this review.
Application of artificial intelligence technologies in cardiovascular disease detection and management authors
Authors: Kutelev G. G. , Parfenov S. A. , Sapozhnikov K. V. , Lazarev A. A. , Kuzin A. A. , Glushakov R. I. , Samokhin S. O.
Published: January 2025

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, including in the Russian Federation. Early detection and continuous monitoring are crucial to reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes. This article examines the use of artificial intelligence technologies in the detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing their potential for the development of the field of cardiology. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using, focusing on studies in which artificial intelligence was used to diagnose, treat, and monitor cardiovascular diseases. The review includes an analysis of various artificial intelligence methods, including machine learning and neural networks, and their effectiveness in detecting heart rhythm disorders using wireless sensors and wearable devices. The review highlights promising solutions using artificial intelligence developed both internationally and in the Russian Federation, and provides practical recommendations for their implementation. By addressing existing research gaps and offering directions for the future, the article aims to improve the understanding and application of artificial intelligence in cardiology, which ultimately contributes to improved patient care and treatment outcomes.
Imperium Brytyjskie
Authors: Wiszniowska-Majchrzyk Marta , Miksza Agnieszka , Bednarek Zbigniew , Korporowicz Łukasz Jan , Kalinowska Anna , Zinkiewicz Grzegorz , Sosnowska Monika , Plesiewicz-Świerczyńska Izabela , Łukowska Maria , Deles Przemysław
Published: January 2025

Chociaż po raz pierwszy określenie „imperium, nad którym nigdy nie zachodzi słońce” (the empire on which the sun never sets) zastosował Karol V Habsburg w odniesieniu do początków hiszpańskiej ekspansji kolonialnej, to odżyło ono w XIX wieku, gdy używano go głównie w kontekście brytyjskiego imperium – największego w nowożytnej historii świata. U szczytu swojej potęgi zajmowało ono około 36 milionów kilometrów kwadratowych, czyli mniej więcej jedną czwartą powierzchni naszej planety. Na jego obszarze, obejmującym ziemie leżące na wszystkich kontynentach, żył co piąty mieszkaniec naszego globu. […] Imperium odegrało zasadniczą rolę w ukształtowaniu współczesnego świata, formułując wstępne warunki do określenia zasad demokracji i współpracy międzynarodowej, a nawet zagadnień związanych z wielokulturowością.
Z artykułu Uwag kilka na temat brytyjskiego imperium wczoraj i dziś
prof. zw. dr hab. Krystyny Kujawińskiej Courtney
Uniwersytet Łódzki
 
Publikacja ma charakter naukowy, a interdyscyplinarność jest jej niezaprzeczalną zaletą. Łączenie w książce refleksji literaturoznawców, historyków i kulturoznawców dało w efekcie pracę złożoną, ciekawą, różnorodnie omawiającą badane zjawisko, a przez to atrakcyjną poznawczo dla czytelników reprezentujących odmienne zainteresowania, perspektywy oraz dziedziny akademickie.
Z recenzji prof. nadzw. dr hab. Aleksandry Budrewicz
Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny
im. Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie
Imperium (wciąż) odpisuje
Authors: Wiszniowska-Majchrzyk Marta
Published: January 2025

The title of the paper refers to the work entitled The Empire Writes Back: Theory and Practice in Post-Colonial Literature (1989) by Bill Ashcroft, Gareth Grifiths and Helen Tiffin, perhaps the most influential book on colonial and postcolonial issues and the place of European perspectives in the debate. The present paper discusses three prose writers, Joseph Conrad (1857), V.S. Naipaul (b. 1932) and David Dabydeen (b. 1957), who became English writers, though neither of them was born in Britain and nor was English their native language. However, as cultural outsiders, though British citizens, living in Britain, they offered a highly original picture of both Britain and colonial and postcolonial countries. The authors were / are active in different stages in the history of the Empire, from its triumphant stage to decline. The case of Naipaul and Dabydeen indicates that what has been left from the Empire was education, which allowed them to become internationally recognized by getting acquainted with English language and culture. Conrad features prominently for both writers. The paper also discusses the once famous attack on Conrad by Chinua Achebe, which placed him in the midst of postcolonial debate, between the then living famous Nigerian writer and Conrad’s books. Empires fall but books remain, becoming their most significant cultural achievements, perhaps the only ones.
Na podbój Imperium i świata. Brytyjki jako prekursorki kultury podróży i turyzmu
Authors: Łukowska Maria
Published: January 2025

British women were the first of all other nationalities to travel around the world. Among the reasons were their legal status, customs and manners, as well as economic situation. The women, as the citizens of the country where, after the Industrial Revolution, the costs of living were the highest in Europe, could still afford to cover their expenses, and tried to find the alternative ways to lead their existence. Moreover, the Georgian and Victorian mores forced them into exile. The travels to the successively enlarged British Empire were easier for British women than for their counterparts in other nations. They could always find the help and care partly from the imperial administration in foreign countries. Due to this, they could easily cover the cost of living in these countries. Some of them contributed to the creation of the new profession based on traveling. Describing their adventures within the literary genre of travel writing, they developed the unique kind of women’s travel writing, which is now a part of world’s heritage. The pioneering enterprises in travel undertaken by British women underpin much of the travel and tourism culture, marking in turn the beginning of professional travel offices. Their travelogues expanded the knowledge of the British Empire as well as the world.
Stałość, stabilność, ciągłość. Uwagi terminologiczne
Authors: Janowska Aleksandra
Published: January 2025

Zainteresowanie tym, co stałe (stabilne) w języku, a zatem w ogólnym przekonaniu statyczne w diachronii, przyszło wraz z refleksją nad fenomenem trwałości języka. Zagadnienie to wbrew pozorom sprawia wiele problemów interpretacyjnych. Autorkę interesują przede wszystkim podstawowe zagadnienia dotyczące tego, czym jest owa stałość (stabilność) i czy rzeczywiście jest to zjawisko jednorodne. Zwraca uwagę na pewien zamęt i terminologiczny, i pojęciowy. W opracowaniach lingwistycznych bowiem z jednej strony używa się określeń: stałość, stabilność, ciągłość, trwanie na nazwanie tych samych zjawisk, z drugiej tym samym mianem określa się zjawiska różnorodne.
Hiponimizacja polskich ekwiwalentów greckich leksemów z pola semantycznego DZIECKO w Nowym Testamencie Biblii Jakuba Wujka (1599)
Authors: Lisowski Tomasz
Published: January 2025

W Nowym Testamencie Biblii Jakuba Wujka (1599) nieuzasadnionej kontekstowo hiponimizacji podlegają niektóre ekwiwalenty ambiwalentnych pod względem płci greckich leksemów z pola semantycznego DZIECKO: παιδίον, παίς, τεκνίον, τέκνον. Ich polskimi ekwiwalentami są wskazujące na płeć leksemy: chłopię, pacholę, syn, synaczek, synowski. Taka hiponimizacja prowadzi do maskulinizacji oryginalnego greckiego przekazu biblijnego, odzwierciedlającej ówczesny system wartości i usprawiedliwionej względami filologicznymi (oddziaływanie wzorca łacińskiej Wulgaty). Jej jaskrawym przykładem jest wyrażenie synowie boży, ekwiwalent greckiego wyrażenia τέκνα τοῦ Θεοῦ. Podobny stan rzeczy panuje w Nowym Testamencie Biblii brzeskiej (1563) oraz w większości przypadków w Nowym Testamencie w przekładzie Jakuba Wujka (1593). Natomiast w Nowym Testamencie Biblii gdańskiej (1632) jej tłumacz, Daniel Mikołajewski w większości przypadków wprowadza wyrażenia dziatki boże, dzieci boże, dzieci miłe, naśladowcy boży, które semantycznie są bliższe sensowi oryginału.
O strukturach z czasownikami cogitandi i sentiendi oraz ich funkcjach w powieści Bez dogmatu Henryka Sienkiewicza
Authors: Zatorska Agnieszka
Published: January 2025

Artykuł dotyczy zbioru czasowników cogitandi i sentiendi, wyekscerpowanych z powieści Bez dogmatu H. Sienkiewicza. Analiza obejmuje 500 okurencji 118 leksemów czasownikowych — 46 cogitandi oraz 72 sentiendi. Melodramatyczna fabuła powieści i forma pamiętnika pozwalały spodziewać się wysokiej frekwencji tychże czasowników. Czasowniki cogitandi są częstsze, ale zbiór czasowników uczuć w analizowanych fragmentach powieści jest bogatszy i bardziej zróżnicowany. Analiza językoznawcza pokazała, w jaki sposób pisarz poprzez stylistyczne wybory ukazał wewnętrzny świat (myśli, wspomnień i uczuć) głównego bohatera i pozostałych postaci.
A Quality Improvement Initiative to Improve First-Case On-Time Starts for Elective Surgeries
Authors: Nguelewou Elvira L. , Lawson Robin M.
Published: January 2025

Background:Surgical delays can lead to patient dissatisfaction and negatively affect hospital revenue. Maximizing operating room (OR) efficiencies is a high priority. A common metric for OR efficiency is first-case on-time start (FCOTS).Objective:The aims were to increase FCOTS rates to at least 50% and reduce delay time lost in minutes in the OR by 50%.Methods:A multidisciplinary/multifaceted approach was implemented and consisted of restructuring the preoperative assessment process, modifying the preoperative checklist, conducting a perioperative educational program, revising the anesthesia nurse practitioner (NP) work schedule, and notifying surgeons about losing first-case privileges if they arrived late. A total of 300 (150 retrospective and 150 prospective) charts were reviewed. After 3 months, pre- and postintervention data were analyzed.Results:The FCOTS rate increased from 15.3% to 30.7%, and the OR time lost in minutes decreased from 2,309 to 1,029.Conclusions:Delays in care negatively affect patient satisfaction and the hospital budget. A multidisciplinary/multifaceted approach is effective in reducing FCOTS rates.Implications for Nursing:Evidence-based strategies such as those used in this initiative may be implemented by NPs in institutions providing surgical services to optimize efficiency, decrease costs, and improve patient satisfaction.
Psychometric Properties of a Questionnaire for Assessing the Extent and Severity of the Concerns of People With an Implanted Cardioverter–Defibrillator
Authors: Alturki Rawan , Moser Debra , Rayens Mary Kay
Published: January 2025

Background and Purpose:Considering the numerous concerns patients express about having implantable cardioverter–defibrillators (ICDs) and the potential clinical implications of these concerns, it is essential to develop a valid and reliable measure of ICD-related concerns. The implantable cardioverter–defibrillator concerns (ICDC) questionnaire was initially designed for ICD recipients in England to assess and address these concerns. However, it remains uncertain whether this questionnaire possesses similar measurement properties and is suitable for ICD recipients in the United States. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence of the reliability and validity of the ICDC among ICD recipients in the United States with the aim to evaluate the internal consistency reliability of the ICDC, provide evidence of construct validity using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and test the hypothesis that higher scores on the ICDC would predict higher anxiety levels as measured by the Brief Symptoms Inventory-Anxiety (BSI-6).Methods:Data from a cross-sectional observational study of 240 adult ICD recipients were used to test their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of ICDs. Cronbach’s coefficient α (alpha) was calculated to assess reliability. EFA using principal components analysis was conducted to evaluate validity.Results:Cronbach’s coefficient α (alpha) was .94, indicating high reliability. The results of the EFA suggested that a one-component solution was optimal. The correlation between the BSI-6 measure of anxiety and the ICDC total score was positive and statistically significant.Conclusions:The findings from this study support the reliability and validity of the ICDC questionnaire among ICD recipients in the United States.
Legal Decisions Based on Sex, Sexual Orientation, Race, and Ethnicity: A Systematic Review of Intimate Partner Violence Research
Authors: MacNeil Elizabeth , Cox Jennifer , Stewart Haylie , Russell Brenda
Published: January 2025

As a part of the Partner Abuse State of Knowledge project, this systematic review provides an update on intimate partner violence (IPV) legal decision-making research from the last 10 years. We specifically reviewed how sex/gender, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity influence police, prosecutor, and adjudicator perceptions and decision-making in IPV cases. We systematically reviewed a total of 91 study-eligible articles and ascertained themes within the literature. Most notably, the research is mixed and findings were inconsistent and depended on the research focus and methodology. The most robust trend indicates White, heterosexual female victims are constructed as those most worthy of legal pursuit. This pattern was apparent in decisions to arrest, prosecute, sentence, and grant protective orders. Furthermore, some studies indicate individuals from historically marginalized groups (i.e., people of color and folx in the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community) or female-to-male-perpetrated IPV are disparately ignored by the legal system; others observe more aggressive legal action in these populations. We discuss these seemingly contradictory responses and pose ideas for future research.
Assessing Primary Prevention Programs for Intimate Partner Violence: A Review of Contemporary Approaches
Authors: Cannon Clare E. B. , Leahy Cameron , Buttell Fred , Ferreira Regardt
Published: January 2025

A systematic review of primary prevention programs for intimate partner violence (IPV) was conducted. Inclusion criteria for studies included publication in a peer-reviewed journal, a representative, community, or clinical sample, written in English, and conducted in the United States. A total of 24 articles were included. All studies included some kind of intervention, such as knowledge and/or behavioral, to change outcomes in IPV perpetration and/or victimization. Of the 24 studies, 16 used experimental designs, with the majority focused on adolescent samples (n= 14). The majority of studies used a group modality. Several prevention programs were adapted for specific subgroups (i.e., refugees) with promising outcomes for preventing IPV. While the majority of research reviewed suggests some reduction in IPV, the field still yields mixed results. Research does point toward the importance of adapting or creating prevention programs specifically for marginalized or vulnerable subgroups. Comparisons to a prior review highlight developments in this body of research over the past 10 years. Recommendations for intervention and policy with future directions for IPV research are discussed.
Formation du coût des bois en grumes de départ chantier à FOB pour quelques essences et itinéraires types : (suite et fin)
Authors: Estève Jean
Published: January 2025

Dans la deuxième partie de cet article, la connaissance des différentes composantes du coût total d'évacuation des grumes au Cameroun, en Côte d'Ivoire et au Gabon révèle que les coûts de transport représentent 25 % à 75 % du prix FOB, et que les coûts totaux d'évacuation par mètre cube varient d'un facteur 1 à 4 selon les essences, les pays et les distances de transport (Première partie de l'article dans BFT no 208).
Anisotropie de retrait et structure du bois : Recherche de l'influence des caractères morphologiques transverses des fibres
Authors: Masseran Christophe , Mariaux Alain
Published: January 2025

En utilisant les nouvelles possibilités d'anatomie quantitative d'un analyseur d'images semi-automatique, l'étude microscopique de 26 échantillons de retrait linéaire de Terminalia superba a fourni des données sur les caractéristiques moyennes des sections des fibres et aussi sur la proportion des rayons. Il a été constaté que la variation de l'anisotropie du retrait transversal est principalement liée à la variation du diamètre radial des fibres. Toutefois, un bois dont les fibres sont isodiamétriques peut ne pas présenter un retrait transversal isotrope. L'hypothèse avancée est que la paroi tangentielle est beaucoup plus rétractable dans les deux directions que la paroi radiale.
Pierre Salama, um francês por adoção com coração e mente latino-americanos
Authors: Dedecca Claudio Salvadori
Published: January 2025

Texto em homenagem ao economista Pierre Salama, professor emérito da Universidade Paris 13, falecido em 9 de agosto de 2024. Ele foi um dos mais brilhantes de sua geração na França, um marxista heterodoxo preocupado em compreender como se manifestam historicamente as leis imanentes do capitalismo em realidades nacionais concretas. É destacada sua inspiração em Celso Furtado, sua aproximação com o estruturalismo latino-americano e sua contribuição para o debate sobre os desafios do desenvolvimento econômico e social na América Latina. E é ressaltado seu ativismo político na defesa da democracia.
Clinical Case of a Patient with Acute Tricuspid Valve Infective Endocarditis and A Multiplex Approach to Evaluation of The Complication Risk
Authors: Kotova E. O. , Kobalava Zh. D. , Pisaryuk A. S. , Lokhonina A. V. , Moiseeva A. Y. , Domonova E. A. , Babukhina J. I. , Kakhktsyan P. V. , Fatkhudinov Т. Kh.
Published: January 2025

Infective endocarditis (IE) is characterized by the difficulty of diagnosis, treatment and risk assessment of an unfavorable prognosis. Currently there are no approved scales and calculators for the risk of complications and death that help the practitioner make decisions, especially in patients with isolated right-sided IE. For right-sided IE, the timing of successful surgical treatment remains uncertain. Previously developed risk calculators (Italian Rizzi calculator and French Hubert) are poorly validated in a wide population of patients with IE, especially for right-sided IE. One of the required parameters of calculators is the determination of etiological affiliation. However, with negative results of microbiological studies reaching 56-83 %, this parameter becomes uninformative. Moreover, existing risk assessment tools do not take into account the activity of the disease (including laboratory activity), which intuitively is an important guideline for every doctor in decision-making. At the moment, there is a great need for the introduction of molecular biological methods to improve the quality of etiological diagnosis and in-depth study of possible biomarkers from simple (neutrophil/lymphocytic, platelet/lymphocytic and systemic immuno-inflammatory index) to more complex (neutrophil extracellular traps, cytokine profile). We present a clinical case of a young patient with acute tricuspid valve IE with giant vegetation (28 mm), complicated by severe valvular insufficiency without signs of heart failure, recurrent embolic syndrome in the pulmonary artery system with the formation of pulmonary hypertension, determining indications for cardiac surgical treatment. The etiological affiliation of IE to Staphylococcus aureus was established only by PCR. The urgent timing of intervention was determined based on an increase in new markers — neutrophil/lymphocytic index ≥20.0, systemic immuno-inflammatory index ≥2314.0 and neutrophil extracellular traps ≥14.2, indicating an extremely high risk of death. A fundamental pathohistological study of the tissue material revealed a low content of intact CD86+ proinflammatory macrophages, probably associated with their excessive destruction and uncontrolled release of copious amounts of proinflammatory cytokines, which led to rapid and severe damage to the tricuspid valve. Thus, modern management of patients with IE should be multiplex using current methods of etiological and imaging diagnostics, and aimed at early detection of patients at adverse risk for a timely differentiated approach to conservative or cardiac surgical treatment tactics.
Hyperosmolar Coma: Diagnostic Difficulties on the Clinical Example
Authors: Farkhutdinova L. M.
Published: January 2025

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state is an acute complication of diabetes mellitus, the mortality rate of which reaches 50 %. One of the reasons for the unfavorable outcome is untimely diagnosis, which is often due to insufficient awareness of doctors regarding the features of clinical and laboratory manifestations of this diabetic complication. Hyperosmolar state often develops in older patients with polymorbidity, and neurological symptoms predominate in the clinical picture, which also complicates diagnosis and causes diagnostic errors. The article presents a clinical case of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, the diagnosis of which caused difficulties at all stages, including postmortem pathological examination. Initially, acute cerebrovascular accident was assumed, then the patient’s severe condition was associated with acute myocardial infarction, and based on the results of the pathological examination, a conclusion was made about sepsis and septic shock. Review of the patient’s medical history showed that the most probable diagnosis was hyperosmolar state, which developed as a result of decompensation of diabetes mellitus against the background of the inflammatory process. Severe dehydration of the patient, as the cause of her soporous state, was confirmed by the data of examination and laboratory and instrumental examination: dry skin and mucous membranes, small amount of urine, signs of blood thickening and prerenal acute renal failure. At the same time, the absence of obvious focal neurological disorders, clinically significant changes in the cardiovascular system, fever and hemodynamic disturbances did not allow, in our opinion, to associate the patient’s severe condition with acute cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction or septic shock. Dehydration was complicated by the development of disseminated vascular coagulation syndrome, gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhagic shock with a fatal outcome. This clinical case demonstrates that in differential diagnostics of diseases a more reliable approach is the analysis of the clinical picture from the point of view of the pathogenesis of disorders. Analysis of such clinical situations can serve as an aid for doctors in diagnosing hyperosmolar state.
Comparison of Methods for Isolating Exosomes from Plasma in Subjects with Normal and High-Fat Percentage
Authors: Noboa Jacqueline , León Juan , Castro Jorge , Fletes Ana , Madrigal Perla , Álvarez Iñaki , Navarro Rosa
Published: January 2025

The adipose tissue is responsible for fat storage and is an important producer of extracellular vesicles (EVs). The biological content of exosomes, one kind of EVs, provides information such as immunometabolic alterations. This study aimed to compare three plasma exosome isolation methods and select the best. Plasma from 118 individuals, categorized by normal and high body fat percentage, and developing a 3T3-L1 cell line as an obesogenic model through continuous glucose exposure and a prolonged hypoxic microenvironment, were used. We perform three exo-some isolation methods: commercial kit (CK), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and differ-ential centrifugation (DC), and characterized by DLS, cryo-TEM, TEM, and western blot CD9 and CD81 markers. In the DLS, cryo-TEM, and TEM analysis showed similar quality and mor-phology of exosomes. The CK and DC proved to comply with most of the advantages of an exo-some isolation method. Still, we emphasize the importance of selecting the appropriate method-ology depending on the specific research objectives. At the same time, no differences in exosome morphology, total protein, nor microRNAs concentration were observed between individuals categorized by body fat percentage, so we suggest that exosome cargo is the one that varies in in-dividuals with normal and high-fat percentages.
Adopting Sustainability Competencies in Management Education - A Scoping Review of Progress
Authors: MacNeil Patricia , Khare Anshuman
Published: January 2025

There is growing urgency to address society’s complex issues, many of which are incorporated within the Sustainable Development Goals. Higher education has a special role and a responsibility to support and promote these goals and to prepare students for the complex challenges they will face as future leaders. The SDG framework helps students understand SDGs, but special competencies are necessary to address them effectively. Sustainability competencies (SCs) impart the personal/emotional development missing from current programming, but higher education institutions have been reluctant to introduce them into the curricula. Meanwhile, graduating students are ill-prepared for the complex problems, like sustainability, they will face as new managers and leaders. We employed a Scoping Review (SR) to scope out the relevant literature and determine whether consensus could be found among scholars for a credible model for SCs that could kickstart the integration process. Contrary to a commonly expressed theme in the literature, the results revealed that scholarly opinion had converged around a framework proposed by Wiek et al. [96] and the 2021 update [62]. A thematic analysis identified key barriers preventing integration in HEIs, including the absence of a comprehensive policy to direct the implementation and sustain the change. We discuss these barriers and how they may be addressed. Integrating SCs into ME responds to SDG-4 (quality education) and yields far-reaching impacts. The study serves to increase awareness of the issues and barriers preventing much needed transformation of ME in HEIs and to stimulate discussion and potential action. Further research may involve a systematic review to inform policy and implementation.
Non-Linear Extension of Interval Arithmetic and Exact Resolution of Interval Equations: Pseudo-Complex Numbers
Authors: Fuentes Giovanny
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces a novel extension of interval arithmetic through the formulation of pseudo- complex numbers, a mathematical framework defined over the quotient of polynomials R[h] (h2−h) . By leveraging pseudo-complex numbers, we extend traditional interval arithmetic to enhance the resolution of interval equations in analytical and computational settings. The proposed method systematically addresses the challenges of non-linear interval functions and their singularities, offering new tools for solving equations with guaranteed inclusion of solutions. Key results include the isomorphism between pseudo-complex numbers and diagonal matrices, the completeness of the pseudo-complex space, and the formulation of a generalized resolution theorem for interval equations. Applications and examples illustrate the practicality of this approach in diverse scenarios, including error propagation and constraint satisfaction in interval computations.
Development of a Predictive Model for Runway Water Film Depth
Authors: Lin Peida , Chou Chiapei
Published: January 2025

Water film depth (WFD) on runways is a key factor contributing to aircraft hydroplaning during takeoff and landing. Thus, early measurement or prediction of WFD during raining is critical for reducing aviation occurrences. Most existing WFD prediction models are derived from relevant experiments conducted on road surfaces. However, an accurate prediction of WFD on runways and reduction of hydroplaning risks requires a precise empirical prediction model. This study conducts experiments involving four parameters, rainfall intensity, pavement mean texture depth, drainage length, and transverse slope, to develop a WFD dataset specific to different runway conditions. Multiple linear regression method is employed to establish a model for WFD predictions. The predictability of the proposed National Taiwan University (NTU) model is compared with four existing empirical models using NTU and Gallaway datasets. The results clearly demonstrate the superior accuracy and robustness of the NTU model compared to the other four evaluated models. The NTU model offers a precise and practical predictive formula, making it highly suitable for integration into contaminated runway warning and management systems.
Research on the Factors Associated with Pubertal Development in 6-12-Year-Old Obese Children
Authors: Zhang Jin , Zhang Tian , Wan Naijun
Published: January 2025

Objective To investigate the pubertal development in obese school-age children and explore the associated factors. Method A total of 217 school-aged children, aged 6-12 years, visiting the clinic at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, were enrolled in a study to complete a series of examinations. These assessments included body composition analysis, blood glucose levels, fasting insulin levels, and evaluations of secondary sexual characteristic development. Statistical analysis was conducted using R4.0.3 software. Result There were 152 male students, with 83 (54.6%) in the adolescent undeveloped group and 69 (45.4%) in the adolescent developed group. There were 119 female students, with 30 (25.2%) in the adolescent undeveloped group and 89 (74.8%) in the adolescent developed group. In a comparative analysis of children, those in the adolescent development group exhibited significantly higher values for age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), BMI-z score, body fat, muscle mass, fat-free weight, fat-free body mass index, and waist-hip ratio compared to the adolescent undeveloped group (P < 0.05). Additionally, fasting insulin and insulin resistance index were also higher in the development group, with statistical significance. BMI emerged as an independent factor affecting the adolescent development of obese school-age girls (P < 0.05). Among boys in the adolescent development group, the consumption of sugary drinks and fried food was higher than in the undeveloped group, and moderate-intensity exercise was significantly lower, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). In girls, the adolescent development group reported longer daily sitting times and higher intakes of sugary drinks and fried foods compared to the undeveloped group, with these differences being statistically significant (P < 0.05). The consumption of fried food was positively correlated with adolescent development in obese children and was identified as an independent influencing factor of adolescent development (P < 0.05). Conclusion 6-12-year-old Obese children who have entered puberty exhibit increased body fat, fat-free body mass index, and waist-hip ratio. There is a positive correlation between BMI and the onset of puberty in obese girls, and a high intake of fried food may accelerate the pubertal development in these children.
A Critical Review of Nanobubbles Flotation for Seawater Desalination
Authors: Gobai John Alezander , Joni I Made , Panatarani Camellia , Faizal Ferry
Published: January 2025

The growth in public demand for clean water is increasing due to the development of the population, triggering the decline in clean water resources. Seawater desalination provides an unrestricted and consistent supply of high-quantity water that does not harm the natural ecosystem evaporation. Commonly, salt water and heavy metal ions are dissolved in the water, and suspended solids exist to form as sediment. Furthermore, to produce freshwater using seawater desalination with nanobubbles, it is necessary to modify the nanobubbles' flotation to separate the salt ions and suspended solids from water to get the freshwater. This review investigates an effective and efficient desalination technology for seawater desalination in the Nanobubbles flotation to get pure water. Nanobubbles flotation is a formation of positively buoyant bubble-particle agglomerates mixed with a recycle stream to saturate with air or carbon dioxide at high pressure to generate nanobubbles. The review highlights the mechanism of NBs flotation that can effectively separate the dissolved ion and suspended solids in the flotation column. It reviews some of the flotation, especially nanobubbles flotation. Three mechanisms in the flotation are collisions, attachment, and detachment. This process can enhance the flotation performance in the flotation separation process.
Heat Recovery System for Shaft Powered Aircraft Gas Turbine Engines
Authors: Jagtap Swapnil Sarjerao
Published: January 2025

The heat recovery system for a shaft powered aircraft gas turbine engine, comprise of a heat exchanger, working fluid, conduits for fluid flow, turbo-expander, helical heating coil, condenser, pump, electronic sensors with controllers, and a shaft powered gas turbine engine. The shaft powered aircraft gas turbine engine has a specially designed heat exchanger installed in the annulus of the engine’s exhaust system. The working fluid passing from the tubes of heat exchanger recovers heat from the exhaust gas. The recovered heat vaporizes the working fluid which drives a turbo-expander. The mechanical work developed by the turbo-expander can be used for driving the propulsion system, compressor or an electric generator. The thermal energy available after expansion work can be used to heat the inlet air into the engine to prevent ice ingestion during icing conditions. This system might increase performance and life of the engine, and reduce emissions, heat released to the environment, fuel consumption and fuel cost.
Dynamic Multi-Axis Calibration of MEMS Accelerometers for Sensitivity and Linearity Assessment
Authors: Chiominto Luciano , D’Emilia Giulio , Gaspari Antonella , Natale Emanuela
Published: January 2025

A set of triaxial MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) accelerometer, of commercial type, has been calibrated on a test bench, which is based on a rotating table. The bench has been designed for this specific purpose and it allows to calibrate contemporaneously all accelerometer measuring components, by realizing accurate reference accelerations in the frequency range 0 to 8 Hz. A working model of the calibration set-up and procedure is described to realize a complete and detailed uncertainty budget of the reference and of the sensor accelerations. Experimental uncertainty assessment of all the accelerometers has been carried out, allowing to obtain all the linearity and sensitivity data, accelerometer by accelerometer, axis by axis. Data processing has been carried out and interesting information is get about the level of uncertainty which is achievable, depending on the way the calibration data are evaluated, taking into account or not differences of sensitivity data for each other accelerometer and/or considering differences among measuring components of a single accelerometer.
Evaluation of the Efflux Pump Inhibition Activity of Thiadiazine-Derived Compounds Against the Staphylococcus aureus 1199B Strain
Authors: Roque Paulo Cícera Laura , Alexandre Priscilla Ramos Freitas , Araujo Ana Carolina Ferreira , Almeida Ray Silva , Albuquerque Emílio Sousa , Oliveira-Tintino Cicera Datiane de Morais , Nascimento Igor J. S. , Araújo-Júnior João Xavier , Silva-Júnior Edeildo F. , Aquino Thiago M de , Mendonça-Junior Francisco Jaime Bezerra , Araújo-Neto José B. de , Silva Leandro Maria Karollyna do Nascimento , Menezes Irwin Rose Alencar de , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Rocha Janaina Esmeraldo
Published: January 2025

Substances with antibacterial properties have become crucial in light of the continuous increase in infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this context, thiadiazines have emerged as heterocyclic compounds already known for their pharmacological activities. However, their potential as antibacterial agents and inhibitors of the efflux system found in resistant bacteria remains poorly understood. From this perspective, the present study highlights the synthesis of thiadiazine-derived compounds and evaluates their antibacterial activity and efflux pump inhibition against the Staphylococcus aureus 1199B strain. To this end, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) tests were conducted, along with the analysis of antibacterial activity through the inhibition of the NorA efflux system using 96-well microdilution assays. Additionally, to assess efflux system inhibition, ethidium bromide (EtBr) fluorescence emission tests were performed, alongside in silico molecular docking studies. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that compound IJ28 exhibited direct activity against the tested SA 1199B strains, with an MIC of 512 µg/mL. It also demonstrated antibacterial activity through efflux pump inhibition, resulting in increased fluorescence rates emitted by EtBr. Compound IJ28 showed a more significant reduction in the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of ethidium bromide, decreasing from 26.6 µg/mL to 0.5 µg/mL, compared to the other compounds. Therefore, it is essential to conduct further studies to investigate the mechanism of action and clarify the feasibility and effects of compound IJ28 as a potential antibacterial agent.