bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between adherence to continuous positive airway pressure and nasal resistance measured by rhinomanometry in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Fujito Nobuhiro , Ohshima Yasuyoshi , Hokari Satoshi , Takahashi Atsunori , Nagai Asuka , Suzuki Ryoko , Aoki Nobumasa , Watanabe Satoshi , Koya Toshiyuki , Kikuchi Toshiaki
Published: March 2023

Nasal breathing disorders are associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome and influence the availability of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. However, information is scarce about the impact of nasal resistance assessed by rhinomanometry on CPAP therapy. This study aimed to examine the relationship between CPAP adherence and nasal resistance evaluated by rhinomanometry, and to identify clinical findings that can affect adherence to CPAP therapy for patients with OSA. This study included 260 patients (199 men, 61 women; age 58 [interquartile ranges (IQR) 50–66] years) with a new diagnosis of OSA who underwent rhinomanometry (before, and 1 and 3 months after CPAP introduction) between January 2011 and December 2018. CPAP use was recorded, and the good and poor CPAP adherence groups at the time of patient registration were compared. Furthermore, those with improved and unimproved pre-CPAP high rhinomanometry values were also compared. Their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by polysomnography at diagnosis was 45.6 (IQR 33.7–61.6)/hour, but the residual respiratory event (estimated AHI) at enrollment was 2.5 (IQR 1.4–3.9)/hour and the usage time was 318 (IQR 226–397) minutes, indicating that CPAP was effective and adherence was good. CPAP adherence was negatively correlated with nasal resistance (r = -0.188, p = 0.002). The participants were divided into good (n = 153) and poor (n = 107) CPAP adherence groups. In the poor adherence group, rhinomanometry values before CPAP introduction were worse (inspiration, p = 0.003; expiration, p = 0.006). There was no significant difference in patient background when comparing those with improved (n = 16) and unimproved (n = 12) pre-CPAP high rhinomanometry values. However, CPAP usage time was significantly longer in the improved group 1 month (p = 0.002) and 3 months (p = 0.026) after CPAP introduction. The results suggest that nasal resistance evaluated by rhinomanometry is a useful predictor of CPAP adherence, and that improved rhinomanometry values may contribute to extending the duration of CPAP use.
Differential proteomic analysis and pathogenic effects of outer membrane vesicles derived from Acinetobacter baumannii under normoxia and hypoxia
Authors: Suzuki Sachio , Subsomwong Phawinee , Narita Kouji , Kawai Noriaki , Ishiai Takahito , Teng Wei , Sukchawalit Rojana , Nakane Akio , Tasaka Sadatomo , Asano Krisana
Published: March 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii is a major causative agent of nosocomial infections and its outer membrane vesicles (AbOMVs) have been shown to be involved in pathogenicity by transporting virulence factors and transferring information for communication between pathogens and host cells. Despite the fact that the infected sites of A. baumannii such as lungs and skin soft tissues are hypoxic, most studies on AbOMV virulence have used AbOMVs prepared under aerobic conditions. The present study aims to elucidate the protein profile and pathogenic impact of AbOMVs released under hypoxic condition. AbOMVs were isolated from A. baumannii under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, and their protein profiles were compared. The different effects of both normoxic and hypoxic AbOMVs in cytokine response from mouse macrophages, cytotoxicity to the human lung epithelial cells, and bacterial invasion were then investigated. Our results showed that A. baumannii under hypoxia released larger amounts of OMVs with different protein profiles. Although the cytotoxic effect of AbOMVs from normoxia and hypoxia were comparable, AbOMVs from normoxia induced higher TNF-α production and invasion of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa than those from hypoxia. On the other hand, AbOMVs significantly enhanced A. baumannii invasion into lung epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results clearly demonstrate that AbOMVs released from normoxic and hypoxic have different impacts in pathogenesis. This finding provides new insight into the complex interactions between A. baumannii, coinfecting pathogens and host cells via OMVs, in particular the different pathogenic effects of AbOMVs under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.
Plato’s Lysis and the Erotics of Philia
Authors: Roochnik David
Published: March 2023

This paper argues that the account of friendship (philia) present in Plato's dialogue the Lysis is rife with the disruptive and maddening force of eros. By its end it is no longer clear whether the familiar sorts of personal relationships that we typically count as friendships, and which Aristotle discusses with great sensitivity and appreciation in the Nicomachean Ethics, can be meaningfully sustained. To support this thesis, the paper analyzes each of the seven, relatively self-contained arguments Socrates offers. In addition, it shows how the dramatic context in which these arguments are embedded foreshadows the dialogue's principal objective: to blur the distinction between philia and eros by allowing the latter to infect the former.
Jutjar els actes de pirateria a la Corona d’Aragó baixmedieval. El cas de Ponç Descatllar (1440)
Authors: Burguera i Puigserver Victòria A.
Published: March 2023

Aquest article examina el funcionament de la justícia davant dels actes de pirateria a la Corona d’Aragó baixmedieval. Se centra en l’estudi d’un cas emblemàtic com el del patró mallorquí Ponç Descatllar. A través dels seus temptatius d’escapar de la justícia després de ser acusat d’actuar amb la seva galera contra els súbdits del rei, el seu cas es converteix en representatiu tant dels delictes que podien ser imputats a les persones acusades de cometre atacs il·legítims a les mars, com del recorregut jurisdiccional que podien arribar a tenir aquestes causes. L’article analitza quines corts medievals (reials, eclesiàstiques, marítimes i mercantils) podien arribar a jutjar les persones categoritzades de manera informal com a pirates, així com intervenir en diversos aspectes derivats dels seus actes, com la reparació dels mals o el retorn de béns a les víctimes. Demostra com, davant la inexistència d’un delicte específic de pirateria en època medieval, la delinqüència marítima s’encaixava en altres tipus de crims, com la traïció o la lesa majestat. Igualment, per mitjà dels contactes de l’acusat i dels esforços dels consellers barcelonesos per inculpar-lo, es posen de manifest els variats i contraposats interessos de determinats poders jurisdiccionals, actuant tant a favor com en contra de Ponç, sota la influència dels quals actuava la justícia. El cas esdevé, a la vegada, un reflex de les de cada vegada més evidents diferències entre els dirigents municipals barcelonesos y el monarca, y una manifestació de la intervenció del govern urbà en el procés de criminalització de la pirateria.
Physiological characteristics and virulence gene composition of selected serovars of seafood-borne Salmonella enterica
Authors: Salam Fathima , Lekshmi Manjusha , Prabhakar Parmanand , Kumar Sanath H. , Nayak Binaya Bhusan
Published: March 2023

Background and Aim: All serotypes of Salmonella enterica are considered potentially pathogenic. However, the non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serotypes vary considerably in terms of pathogenicity and the severity of infections. Although diverse serotypes of NTS have been reported from tropical seafood, their sources, physiological characteristics, and virulence potentials are not well understood. This study aimed to compare the physiological characteristics of selected serovars of Salmonella from seafood and investigate possible variations in the distribution of known genes within the pathogenicity islands.

Materials and Methods: A series of biochemical tests, including carbohydrate fermentation and amino acid decarboxylation tests were performed to physiologically compare the isolates. The genetic characterization with respect to putative virulence genes was done by screening for genes associated with Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI) I– V, as well as the toxin- and prophage-associated genes by polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Irrespective of serotypes, all the isolates uniformly harbored the five SPIs screened in this study. However, some virulence genes, such as the avrA, sodC, and gogB were not detected in all Salmonella isolates. The biochemical profiles of Salmonella serotypes were highly conserved except for variations in inositol fermentation and citrate utilization. All the isolates of this study were weak biofilm formers on polystyrene surfaces.

Conclusion: The pathogenicity profiles of environmental NTS isolates observed in this study suggest that they possess the virulence machinery necessary to cause human infections and therefore, urgent measures to contain Salmonella contamination of seafood are required to ensure the safety of consumers.

Keywords: biofilm, invasion, non-typhoidal Salmonella, Salmonella pathogenicity islands, seafood, virulence.
Transarterial chemoembolization combined with apatinib plus PD-1 inhibitor for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Xia Wei-Li , Zhao Xiao-Hui , Guo Yuan , Hu Hong-Tao , Cao Guang-Shao , Li Zhen , Fan Wei-Jun , Xu Shi-Jun , Li Hai-Liang
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

To compare transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with apatinib and PD-1 inhibitor (TACE-AP) with TACE combined with apatinib alone (TACE-A) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal tumor thrombus (PVTT) and to explore the prognostic factors affecting the survival of patients.

Patients and methods:

This retrospective study analyzed data of HCC patients with PVTT who were treated with TACE-AP or TACE-A between January 2018 and June 2021. The primary endpoints of the study were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and adverse events (AEs). Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability weighting (IPTW) analysis were used to reduce patient selection bias, and COX regression analysis was used to analyze prognostic factors affecting patient survival.

Results:

Sixty-nine and 40 patients were included in the TACE-A and TACE-AP group, respectively. After PSM and IPTW analysis, the median PFS and median OS in the TACE-AP group were significantly higher than those in the TACE-A group (PFS: after PSM, 6.9 months vs 4.0 months, P < 0.001, after IPTW, 6.5 months vs 5.1 months, P < 0.001; OS: after PSM,14.6 months vs 8.5 months P < 0.001, after IPTW, 16.1 months vs 10.5 months, P < 0.001). After PSM and IPTW, the tumor ORR in the TACE-AP group was significantly higher than that in the TACE-A group (PSM, 53.6% VS 17.9%, P = 0.005; IPTW, 52.5% vs 28.6%, P = 0.013). All treatment-related adverse reactions (AEs) were observed to be tolerated. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the main prognostic factors affecting the survival of patients were tumor number, PVTT type, AFP, and treatment mode.

Conclusion:

In the treatment of HCC patients with PVTT, TACE-AP significantly improved PFS, OS and ORR, and the AEs were safe and controllable.
A review of research methods for corrosion under insulation
Authors: Wu Jiangshun , Ghosh Sukanta , Gonuguntla Manoj , Liu Fuhai , Jin Ying
Published: March 2023

Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is a crucial issue in the industry. Its importance has been increasingly acknowledged because of the high cost and potential danger of causing severe losses. This review gives essential knowledge of CUI and summarizes the research from several aspects, including lab experiments, field tests, CUI prediction methods and numerical simulation research in porous materials. Insulation material, coating, substrate metallic material of the equipment, operating temperature and surroundings are some critical factors that should be considered in the CUI problem. Experimental research methods of CUI and mass transfer in insulation materials were summarized, as well as the applications of data science in CUI prediction. This review also focuses on simulation researches on heat and moisture transfer in porous insulation materials since numerical simulations are helpful for establishing validated models for CUI by modeling to describe the specific processes and predict environmental conditions of CUI for further corrosion research. Combined experimental and simulation work of CUI would be a practical and effective method for CUI research.
Nanowire dimer optical antenna brightens the surface defects of silicon
Authors: Li Ze , You Qingzhang , Wang Hui , Zhang Lisheng , Zhang Duan , Jia Shangtong , Fang Yan , Wang Peijie
Published: March 2023

Plasmonic hot spots located between metallic dimer nanostructures have been utilized comprehensively to achieve efficient light emission. However, different from the enhancement occurred in the plasmonic hot spot, the investigation of light emission off the hot spot on submicron scale remains challenge. In this work, we have constructed a plasmonic nanowire dimer (NWD) system to brighten the light emission of the surface defects of silicon off the hot spot on the submicron scale. The NWD can trap light through plasmonic gap, then, the excited emitter on the submicron scale can radiate light efficiently by coupling with the dipole gap plasmonic mode. Furthermore, the coupling of dipole plasmonic mode with the emitters can be tuned by changing the gap size, and then photoluminescence emission was drastically enhanced up to 126 folds. Theoretical simulations reveal the photoluminescence enhancement arises from the combination of the NWD’s high radiation efficiency, Purcell enhancement, efficient redirection of the emitted photoluminescence and the excitation enhancement. In this study, the photoluminescence signal can be effectively enhanced by placing nano-antenna patch on the detected low-quantum-efficiency emitters, which may open up a pathway toward controlling plasmonic gap mode enhanced light emission off the hot spot on submicron scale.
Viewing the impact of Brexit on Britain’s financial centre through an historical lens: Can there be a third reinvention of the City of London?
Authors: Dymski Gary , Gavris Maria , Huaccha Gissell
Published: March 2023

This paper considers the question of how Brexit will affect the City of London from a long-term perspective, putting the changes induced by Brexit into the context of the City’s historical evolution over the past century. This perspective permits us to see that the City has continued to thrive because of a series of radical adjustments necessitated by the UK’s loss of its empire and by the emergence of global US financial power. Challenges to the global prominence of the City in Britain’s post-empire period have required two separate ‘reinventions’: the first, in the 1960s, involved localizing the Eurodollar markets; the second, in the 1990s, involved making London the preferred hub for providing sophisticated financial services within the European Union (EU)’s single market. The Great Financial Crisis put in motion several economic and political dynamics that have, however, undercut the City’s special global role. It is unclear whether maintaining the City’s offshore focus via a third reinvention, in a period of prolonged stagnation and increasing inequality in UK regions outside London, will be possible.
Produzierendes Gewerbe auf internationalem Niveau
Authors: Harlacher Markus , Feggeler Nils , Peifer Yannick , Ottersböck Nicole
Published: March 2023

In diesem Beitrag werden Teilergebnisse aus der Studie „Künstliche Intelligenz in produzierenden Unternehmen“ des ifaa – Institut für angewandte Arbeitswissenschaft vorgestellt. Der Fokus liegt auf der Beschreibung geplanter oder bereits eingeführter KI-Anwendungen, ihren Nutzen und Hemmnissen bei der Einführung im Betrieb. Als Basis dienen dabei 332 Studienteilnehmende aus Unternehmen, in denen KI-Anwendungen geplant bzw. eingeführt wurden. Dies entspricht etwa 70 Prozent der Unternehmen der Gesamtstichprobe und ist mit Ergebnissen internationaler Studien vergleichbar.
Development of Cyclic Interface Shear Test Device and Testing Procedure to Measure the Response of Cohesive Soil-Structure Interface
Authors: Abu Qamar Mu’ath I. , Suleiman Muhannad T.
Published: March 2023

Cyclic loading acting on foundations supporting renewable energy systems affects the soil-structure interface properties and shear resistance. The cyclic shear stress and cyclic displacement applied to the cohesive soil-structure interface may cause volume changes and pore pressure build up in the surrounding soil. This article focuses on the development of a new testing device named the cyclic interface shear test (CIST). The CIST is a fully automated device developed to directly measure the response of cohesive soil-structure interface for foundations subjected to long-term cyclic axial loading. This article describes the newly developed testing device, including the design of the shear head and the three-dimensional (3D) printed interface elements, as well as the control system and data acquisition system. Furthermore, the article presents the sample preparation for clayey soil and the recommended testing procedure for conducting static or cyclic interface shear tests, or both. The developed CIST device is capable of applying one-way, two-way, or combined one- and two-way cycles. Furthermore, the CIST is capable of applying different amplitudes, a range of loading frequencies, and a large number of cycles. To demonstrate the capabilities of the CIST device and to finalize the testing procedure, a series of preliminary CISTs and a static baseline test on cohesive soil-3D printed interface were performed.
No Limit on Terms Served?
Authors: Paustyan Ekaterina
Published: March 2023

This article aims to explain the tenure of incumbent governors in Russia studying what conditions have accounted for their reappointment and dismissal in the period of 2008–12. Qualitative comparative analysis of 32 cases reveals that the ability of incumbent governors to deliver high voting results at national elections has not been necessary for their reappointment. In turn, low economic performance of the regions was one of the sufficient conditions accounting for gubernatorial reappointment, while regions’ high economic performance was one of the sufficient conditions leading to their dismissal. These results suggest that instead of prioritizing governors’ political loyalty over regions’ economic performance, President Medvedev replaced incumbents in Russia’s wealthiest regions, regardless of their performance, in order to establish federal control there.
Biobased polyurethane foam insulation from microwave liquefaction of woody underbrush
Authors: Huang Xing-Yan , Qi Jin-Qiu , de Hoop Cornelis F. , Xie Jiu-Long , Chen Yu-Zhu
Published: March 2023

Yaupon holly is one of the most widespread woody underbrush species in the southeastern United States, and it can undermine forest health and safety due to its biofuel-like nature during catastrophic wildfires. Yaupon holly was subjected to microwave liquefaction to produce biobased polyurethane (PU) foam insulation. Liquefaction parameters were optimized and summarized as follows: 1) particle size was controlled in the range of 16- to 40- mesh; 2) both the ratios of glycerol to ethylene glycol and liquid to solid were set at 3:1; 3) the reaction process was conducted at 160 °C for 10 min and catalyzed by 1.5% sulfuric acid. The optimal liquefaction conversion yield was 94.9%. The Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) indicated the successful liquefaction and dissolution of wood essential components, i.e. hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. The optimal liquefaction product with solid residue was used directly to produce biofoams. With an increased isocyanate index, the thermal insulation properties, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of biofoams increased. Therefore, a promising biobased PU foam was obtained at an isocyanate index of 150. The density, thermal conductivity, Young’s modulus, and compressive stress of the promising biofoam were 18.5 kg·m-3, 0.033 W·m-1·K-1, 176.7 kPa, and 15.4 kPa, respectively.
Strategy to utilize the high ash content biomass feedstock for fermentable sugars
Authors: Huang Chen , Huang Caoxing , Lai Chenhuan , Wu Xinxing , Huang Yang , He Juan , Li Xin , Yong Qiang
Published: March 2023

A prewashing step was used to remove ash from straw pulping solid residue (waste wheat straw, WWS) prior to pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. The effects of prewashing on the effectiveness of liquid hot water pretreatment (LHWP) and dilute acid pretreatment (DAP) were investigated. Prewashing effectively removed the ash in raw WWS. However, a certain amount of polysaccharides was also removed. The decreased pH of hydrolyzate after pretreatment suggested that both the prewashing and DAP could destroy the buffering effect of ash and thus improve the pretreatment efficiency. Consequently, the highest enzymatic hydrolysis yields of 79.4% and 76.1% could be obtained for LHWP and DAP, respectively. In addition, the LHWP resulted in the highest sugar recovery of 84.4% at 180 °C, and a sugar recovery of 86.8% was also reached by DAP at 160 °C. LHWP combined with prewashing strongly facilitated the enzymatic digestibility of WWS pretreated at 180 °C. However, for pretreatment at low temperature, DAP was more suitable.
Evaluating the factors influencing the friction behavior of paperboard during the deep drawing process
Authors: Lenske Alexander , Müller Tobias , Penter Lars , Schneider Matti , Hauptmann Marek , Majschak Jens-Peter
Published: March 2023

Deep drawing of paperboard with rigid tools and immediate compression has only a small presence in the market for secondary packaging solutions due to a lack of understanding of the physical relations that occur during the forming process. As with other processes that deal with interactions between two solids in contact, the control of the factors that affect friction is important due to friction’s impact on runnability and process reliability. A new friction measurement device was developed to evaluate the factors influencing the friction behavior of paperboard such as under the specific conditions of the deep drawing process, which differ from the standard friction testing methods. The tribocharging of the contacting surfaces, generated during sliding friction, was determined to be a major influence on the dynamic coefficient of friction between paperboard and metal. The same effect could be examined during the deep drawing process. With increased contact temperature due to the heating of the tools, the coefficient of friction decreased significantly, but it remained constant after reaching a certain charging state after several repetitions. Consequently, to avoid ruptures of the wall during the forming process, tools that are in contact with the paperboard should be heated.
Preparation and characterization of bamboo strips impregnation treated by silver-loaded thermo-sensitive nanogels
Authors: Yu Huilong , Du Chungui , Liu Hongzhi , Wei Jinguang , Zhou Zhongxi , Huang Qiuli , Yao Xiaoling
Published: March 2023

Silver-loaded thermo-sensitive nanogels (STSNGs), having a pH value of 6.8, were used as an anti-fungal agent at ambient temperature. To determine the optimal impregnation process, bamboo strips were infused with STSNG by air- and vacuum-pressurization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction were employed to characterize the properties and morphology of the resulting impregnated bamboo strips. The results showed that the loading dosage of bamboo strips increased with either prolonged impregnation treatment time, increasing hybrid nanogels concentration, or increasing the intensity of vacuum and pressure. Vacuum-pressurized impregnation remarkably improved the dosage of the hybrid nanogels in the bamboo strips. An increase in the loading dosage resulted in an increase in Ag content. The optimum parameters of impregnation treatment were as follows: 90 min impregnation treatment time, 0.90 wt.% concentration, and 0.5 MPa applied pressure. SEM observations revealed that the STSNGs were successfully saturated in bamboo cell cavities or covered on the cell walls. The results of the mildew proof test showed that the STSNGs had a good anti-mildew effect.
Influence of the pyrolytic temperature and feedstock on the characteristics and naphthalene adsorption of crop straw-derived biochars
Authors: Hu Enzhu , Shang Siyao , Wang Nana , Nan Xiangli , Zhong Shengjun , Yuan Zaijian
Published: March 2023

The feedstock type and pyrolytic temperature used in producing biochar influence the characteristics of the obtained product and affect the adsorption behavior of naphthalene. In this study, different biochars were pyrolyzed from wheat straw, soybean straw, and corn straw at four temperatures (400 °C to 700 °C). Analyses of the elemental composition, pH, ash content, and specific surface area, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed. The adsorption variations of the naphthalene for the different biochars were evaluated. The results showed that as the pyrolytic temperature increased, the carbon content, ash content, and pH of the biochars increased, the hydrophilicity, aromaticity, and polarity decreased, and the naphthalene adsorption was enhanced. The pseudo-second-order model fit the naphthalene adsorption kinetics better. Both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models confirmed that naphthalene adsorption by all of the produced biochars were effective. Under moderate pyrolytic temperatures, the soybean straw-derived biochar showed a greater naphthalene adsorption capacity and faster adsorption rate than the wheat straw- and corn straw-derived biochars. This study provides a theoretical basis for selecting crop residues and optimizing the pyrolytic temperature with a high efficiency of naphthalene removal from water.
Acoustic properties assessment of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) wood from trees irrigated with secondarily treated wastewater
Authors: Hassan Khaled T. S. , Tippner Jan
Published: March 2023

The availability of traditional wood species used for musical instrument manufacturing has decreased in recent years. To overcome this problem, there is a need for alternative woods with acoustical properties similar to those traditionally used. This study investigated the acoustical properties of neem wood (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) from trees irrigated with treated wastewater as a substitute for traditional wood and to indicate its suitability for musical instrument manufacturing. The results revealed a strong linear relationship between the dynamic modulus of elasticity (Ed) and shear modulus (G). Moreover, density (ρ) was a good predictor for both Ed and G. The findings showed that this wood has potential use in backs and ribs of stringed musical instruments. Comparison with traditional European wood species used for this purpose showed that this wood can be a successful alternative. Increased demand for water and diminishing availability of water resources have led to the use of treated wastewater in irrigation. Thus, extension of the cultivation of several tree species with close properties to traditional tonewood species under wastewater irrigation can play an important role in the future of the musical instrument industry.
Invasive Detection of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction: How It Began, and Where We Are Now
Authors: Fawaz Samer , Khan Sarosh , Simpson Rupert , Clesham Gerald , Cook Christopher M , Davies John R , Karamasis Grigoris , Keeble Thomas R
Published: March 2023

The landscape of interventional cardiology is ever evolving. Contemporary practice has shifted from a stenosis-centred approach to the total characterisation of both the epicardial and microcirculatory vessels. Microcirculatory dysfunction plays an important role in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic coronary syndromes, and characterisation of the microcirculation has important clinical consequences. Accordingly, the invasive diagnosis of microcirculatory dysfunction is becoming a key feature of the interventional cardiologist’s toolkit. This review focuses on the methodology underpinning the invasive diagnosis of microvascular dysfunction and highlights the indices that have arisen from these methodologies.
ТРИДЦЯТЬ РОКІВ НА ОРБІТІ
Authors: Kuznetsov Е.І.
Published: March 2023

Пленарна доповідь на XXIV Міжнародній молодіжній науково-практичній конференції «Людина и Космос», присвяченій 30-річчю створення Державного космічного агентства України (25-27 травня 2022 р.). 30-річна історія Національного космічного агентства України дозволяє, попри всі негаразди, які були на шляху його становлення і роботи, позитивно оцінити інтегральні вагомі результати діяльності колективу агентства та його значний внесок у збереження високотехнологічних підприємств. В травні 1993 року Постановою Кабінету міністрів України була затверджена Перша космічна програма України. Необхідним і своєчасним для розвитку ракетно-космічної галузі було створення спільно з НАН України Інституту космічних досліджень та Міжнародного центру космічного права. Після формування ракетно-космічної галузі прийнято рішення про надання НКАУ статусу спеціально уповноваженого центрального органу виконавчої влади. Були реалізовані проекти із запуску КА «Січ-1», спільний українсько-американський науковий експеримент з космічної ботаніки, який провів на орбіті перший космонавт незалежної України Леонід Каденюк, унікальні міжнародні проєкти «Морський старт», «Наземний старт», «Дніпро», «ЄгиптСат». Був забезпечений вихід на міжнародний ринок космічних послуг. В липні 2014 році РН «Дніпро» було виведено на орбіту одночасно 33 космічних апарата на замовлення 17 країн. За 30 років підготовлено та реалізовано 5 Державних науково-технічних космічних програм. Кожна з них була розрахована на п’ять років. Сформовано сучасну, наукомістку високотехнологічну ракетно-космічну галузь країни, укладено Угоди про співпрацю в космічній сфері з 28 країнами, утворено Національний центр управління та випробувань космічних засобів, утворено Інститут космічних досліджень (ІКД) та Міжнародний центр космічного права (МЦКП), Національний центр аерокосмічної освіти молоді; виведено на орбіти 29 КА, в т.ч. «Січ-1» вперше під юрисдикцією України, нового класу «Січ-1М», «Січ-2», «Мікрон», «ЄгиптСат-1», «Січ-2-1»; реалізовано космічний проєкт «Дніпро» на базі ракети РС-20, розроблено вітчизняний ракетний комплекс «Циклон-4»; забезпечено пуски з 6 космодромів світу 132 ракет-носіїв української розробки, запущено в космос понад 380 космічних апаратів з них 29 української розробки та виготовлення.
Misja dyplomatyczna marszałka wielkiego litewskiego Marcjana Dominika Wołłowicza do Moskwy w latach 1710–1711
Authors:   Instytut Historii Litwy, Šapoka Mindaugas
Published: March 2023

The diplomatic mission of Marcjan Dominik Wołłowicz to Moscow took place at a crucial moment, marked by the collapse of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the rise of Russia’s power. This article shows how the mission was organized, the difficulties encountered and why it failed.
Zabawki dziecięce polskich producentów na Powszechnej Wystawie Krajowej w Poznaniu w 1929 r. (w świetle doniesień prasowych i materiałów informacyjnych)
Authors:   Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Żołądź-Strzelczyk Dorota
Published: March 2023

The Polish National Exhibition (PWK) in Poznań was organized in 1929 on the tenth anniversary of Poland regaining independence with the intention to show the achievements of the Polish state in all areas and industries. It attracted 1,427 exhibitors, including representatives of the toy industry. However, it was stressed that the PWK showed the achievements of the Polish toy industry and the possibilities of this branch of Polish industry.
Las flores en los códices indígenas de México
Authors:   Universidad de Bielsko-Biała, Szoblik Katarzyna
Published: March 2023

The indigenous tribes inhabiting the area of the present Mexico in the pre-Hispanic times managed to develop various systems of graphic register. Although the usage of phonographic writing was well documented only for two of those cultures, namely the Mayas and the Zapotecs, most of the groups of the region had some kind of graphic representation to code chosen messages. The communication used by the Nahua and the Mixtec tribes could be classified as basically semasiogarphic, that is able to represent the ideas but not the language. The main aim of the proposed work is to focus on the representations of flowers in the codices of the ancient Nahuas and Mixtecs, and analyze their direct and symbolic meaning encoded not only in the form, but also in the context in which given representations are situated. The graphic information will be then compared and contrasted with the other colonial sources such as chronicles, annals, ethnographic descriptions and transcriptions of the indigenous oral tradition. The language used in the last ones will serve as a basis for the reconstruction of the way in which the ancient Nahuas used to conceptualize some aspects of the surrounding reality
Common mental disorders in Primary Health Care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic period: a cross-sectional study in the Northern health macro-region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, 2021
Authors: Oliveira Fabrício Emanuel Soares de , Trezena Samuel , Dias Verônica Oliveira , Martelli Júnior Hercílio , Martelli Daniella Reis Barbosa
Published: March 2023

Abstract Objective: to analyze the prevalence of symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs) in Primary Health Care professionals between August-October/2021. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study conducted with health professionals in the Northern health macro-region of Minas Gerais state; snowball sampling was used; the dependent variable, CMDs, was evaluated using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20); Poisson regression was used to perform the statistical analysis. Results: a total of 702 health professionals took part in the study; the prevalence of CDMs was 43.2%. It was higher in those with previous [prevalence ratios (PR) = 2.42; 95%CI 1.43;4.08] and current (PR = 1.54; 95%CI 1.25;1.89) symptoms of mental disorders, overwork during the pandemic (PR = 1.42; 95%CI 1.16;1.73), previous symptoms of anxiety (PR = 1.27; 95%CI 1.01;1.61), depression (PR = 1.27; 95%CI 1.06;1.52) and other mental disorders (PR = 1.20; 95%CI 1.01;1.43). Conclusion: there was an association between CDMs and presenting previous and current symptoms of mental disorders and work overload during the covid-19 pandemic.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE ACTIVATION FUNCTIONS IN REGRESSION AND CLASSIFICATION? A SURVEY, PERFORMANCE COMPARISON, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Authors: Jagtap Ameya D. , Karniadakis George Em
Published: March 2023

Inspired by biological neurons, the activation functions play an essential part in the learning process of any artificial neural network (ANN) commonly used in many real-world problems. Various activation functions have been proposed in the literature for classification as well as regression tasks. In this work, we survey the activation functions that have been employed in the past as well as the current state-of-the-art. In particular, we present various developments in activation functions over the years and the advantages as well as disadvantages or limitations of these activation functions. We also discuss classical (fixed) activation functions, including rectifier units, and adaptive activation functions. In addition to discussing the taxonomy of activation functions based on characterization, a taxonomy of activation functions based on applications is presented. To this end, the systematic comparison of various fixed and adaptive activation functions is performed for classification datasets such as MNIST, CIFAR-10, and CIFAR-100. In recent years, a physics-informed machine learning framework has emerged for solving problems related to scientific computations. For this purpose, we also discuss various requirements for activation functions that have been used in the physics-informed machine learning framework. Furthermore, various comparisons are made among different fixed and adaptive activation functions using various machine learning libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and JAX. Our findings show that activation functions such as rectified linear unit (ReLU) and its variants, which are currently the state-of-the-art for many classification problems, do not work well in physics-informed machine learning frameworks due to the stringent requirement of the existence of derivatives, whereas other activation functions such as hyperbolic tangent, swish, and sine give better performance, with superior results achieved with adaptive activation functions, especially for multiscale problems.
The small-strain stiffness of a railway ballast
Authors: Altuhafi Fatin N. , Coop Matthew R.
Published: March 2023

The large particle sizes of railway ballast and rock fill have meant that conventional techniques used to measure the small-strain stiffness of finer geomaterials have not been adopted, with the consequence that their stiffnesses are poorly defined. In a series of tests on a UK railway ballast, simple adaptations were made to existing local strain measuring systems to account for the larger particle sizes. The study showed that the small-strain stiffnesses are different in second loading compared to virgin loading, but multiple cycles had little further effect on the stiffness. The large particle size was found rarely to have any detrimental effect on the quality of the strain measurements and the two independent measurements of axial strain taken at diametrically opposite locations were generally as consistent as for finer grained soils. As for other soils, the ‘external’ measurements of strain across the apparatus platens were of little use in determining stiffness. The presence of water did not have a significant effect on the behaviour, and this was confirmed by inter-particle loading tests on single particle contacts. Despite the use of lubricated end platens, there was a significant barrelling of the sample at large shear strains so that the internal measurement of the volumetric change diverged from the external measurement at large strains. The very small volumetric strains that occurred during isotropic loading meant that each sample could only be used to obtain one measurement of the virgin loading stiffness.
Validez y eficacia de los contratos en páginas webs
Authors: Calderón Marenco Eduardo ,   Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, González Rivera Tatiana Vanessa ,   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Iriarte Ángel José Luis ,   Universidad Pública de Navarra, Belintxon Martín Unai ,   Universidad Pública de Navarra, Torres Buelvas Jaime Elías ,   Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Rodríguez Silva Sindy Paola
Published: March 2023

La presente obra colectiva se enmarca en la investigación denominada “Límites a la autonomía de la voluntad en los contratos Wraps”. El estudio parte de la necesidad de analizar en el contexto nacional e internacional la aplicación y las regulaciones de las nuevas formas de contratación a través de los portales digitales: los contratos Wraps. Estas figuras jurídicas se han desarrollado en el Derecho anglosajón, pero su utilidad se ha extendido a todo el globo, gracias al desarrollo de las TIC (específicamente, Internet). Estas nuevas formas contractuales han generado beneficios para el desarrollo económico y la circulación de bienes y servicios y se han consagrado mediante el comercio y la contratación electrónica. Sin embargo, derivado de su aplicación, se han producido diversos debates doctrinarios acerca de los límites que pueden llegar a fijar en relación con la autonomía de la voluntad de los contratantes, toda vez que estos únicamente pueden expresar su consentimiento por medio de mecanismos electrónicos, sin negociación alguna y, en ciertas ocasiones, sin conocer previamente los términos de la contratación. Las legislaciones nacionales no presentan claridad sobre esta temática y la doctrina no ha brindado una respuesta precisa sobre estos fenómenos, que surgen de las nuevas tendencias globalizadas del Derecho. Por tanto, es necesario realizar una investigación que demuestre las inconsistencias legislativas que presenta la normativa colombiana, de forma particular, para hacer una propuesta concreta ante la problemática planteada.
Do External Impacts Cause Differences between Regional and National Business Cycles?: Focusing on the Dongnam Metropolitan Area
Authors:   The Korea International Trade Research Institute, Seo Hye-Seong , Joo Yejin
Published: March 2023

Purpose – This study analyzes large differences and similarities through comparison with national level business fluctuations, including differences between regions within the Dongnam metropolitan area, focusing on the impact of major domestic and international economic shocks. Design/Methodology/Approach – This study conducted econometric analysis using the Markov switching model with the monthly manufacturing production indexes of each region from 2000 to 2020 as data. Findings – The characteristics of Dongnam metropolitan area, distinguished from other regions nationwide, are as follows. First, the regions’s manufacturing focuses on the heavy chemical industry and did not shrink, even during the 7th cyclical recession caused by the global IT bubble bursting. Second, the manufacturing sector in the Dongnam metropolitan area continued a downward trend, even during the 11th cyclical expansion. However, economic impact was found to have varied in size by region. Our analysis results show that Busan was more affected by internal and external impacts than Ulsan and Gyeongnam, showing slower recovery. Ulsan was shown to have much higher manufacturing resilience than other regions, despite several internal and external economic impacts. Finally, Gyeongnam showed several recession phases in 2008 and after 2016, but the duration was found to have been much shorter than in Busan. Research Implications – The impact and characteristics of business cycles caused by external shocks were found to have varied by region. The results imply that regionally specialized industrial support measures are required together with economic stabilization policies at the national level. It was also found that separate measures at the regional level need to be implemented in connection with governmental support measures for regional manufacturing industries.
Study on the Impact of Chatbot Characteristics of Online Shopping Mall on Customer Satisfaction and Reuse Intention in China: Hedonic Motivation and Utilitarian Motivation as Moderating Variables
Authors:   The Korea International Trade Research Institute, Gao Qi , Xing Xiaoyu
Published: March 2023

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of chatbot characteristics on customer satisfaction and reuse intention. Design/Methodology/Approach – The study collected data from 259 customers with experience using chatbots on online shopping malls. Statistical programs SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 26.0 were used for data analysis in this study. The empirical analysis consisted of frequency analysis, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and hypothesis testing, in that respective order. Findings – The results showed that chatbot characteristics (empathy, intimacy, accuracy, ease of use, social presence) and the relationship between customer satisfaction had a positive effect, and customer satisfaction had a positive effect on chatbot reuse intention. In addition, hedonic motivation showed a moderating effect on the relationship between accuracy, ease of use, and customer satisfaction, and utilitarian motivation showed a moderating effect on the relationship between accuracy and customer satisfaction. Research Implications – This paper divided the characteristics of chatbots into empathy, intimacy, accuracy, ease of use, and social presence, which provides a theoretical framework for future research on chatbots, and has certain reference value. The importance of consumer psychological variables is confirmed by analyzing hedonic motivation and utilitarian motivation as moderating variables. In addition, the results of this study are of great significance to the application and improvement of chatbots utilized by online shopping mall companies. In the online shopping mall environment, retailers can use chatbots as a communication supplementary strategy to participate in customer service and improve the efficiency of the customer shopping experience.
A Study on the Effect of Seller Fairness on Customer Empathy and Trust in Online Shopping Focusing on the MZ Generation
Authors:   The Korea International Trade Research Institute, Lee Sun-Ki , Lee Kyung-Jae
Published: March 2023

Purpose – This study examined how service providers effectively respond to consumer complaints in an online shopping environment by applying the fairness theory including distributive, procedural, and interactional fairness. Design/Methodology/Approach – Empirical research was conducted using three independent variables related to a sense of fairness perceived by the customers to test the relationships between the independent variables and customer empathy and trust. University students residing in dormitories in Seoul were surveyed. Findings – After collecting surveys from 200 university students in Seoul, South Korea, it was observed that the perceived sense of distributive, procedural, and interactional fairness positively contributed to customer empathy and trust. Research Implications – In the writing of this paper, this study has significance in indicating that in the case of disputes in an online shopping environment, customer representatives must respond to customer demands in a fair, timely, and professional manner to successfully connect with consumers and have their loyalty retained.