bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontario - Canada : Existe-t-il un lien entre la santé mentale et l’extrémisme violent ? Une revue de la littérature sur la relation entre la santé mentale et la radicalisation
Authors: Pityk Yevhen , Tempier Adrien , Tempier Raymond
Published: April 2024

Contexte : le lien entre maladie mentale et radicalisation n’a pas encore été établi et peu d’études ont examiné ce lien. Certaines études suggèrent que la maladie mentale peut prédisposer les individus à développer des croyances extrémistes et des comportements violents, d’autres études suggèrent le contraire. Cela soulève deux questions fondamentales : 1) Existe-t-il un lien entre santé mentale et extrémisme violent ? 2) Qui commet ce type d’actes violents ? Les auteurs explorent ici les facteurs qui prédisposent les individus à développer des conceptions extrémistes avec un accent particulier sur les combattants islamiques et s’il existe un lien avec la maladie mentale dans ces groupes. Méthode : les auteurs ont procédé à une revue de la littérature sur la relation entre maladie mentale et radicalisation violente pour dégager un consensus sur ce sujet. Ils ont effectué des recherches documentaires sur le site web du Centre national d’information sur la biotechnologie, en utilisant les mots clés « violent extremism » (extrémisme violent) et (santé mentale). Résultat : la recherche électronique a proposé 38 articles, et seulement 12 remplissaient les critères de sélection. Ces articles ont exploré les problèmes de maladie mentale et de radicalisation violente. Ces études ont mis en évidence trois conclusions principales : 1) Il n’y a pas de lien entre maladie mentale et radicalisation violente, une telle radicalisation peut même servir de facteur de protection contre dépression et symptômes d’anxiété ; 2) Le comportement antisocial, la délinquance, une faible estime de soi sont parmi les facteurs contributifs ; 3) Il existe de nombreux parallèles entre les individus qui se livrent à des violences à caractère religieux ou politique et les meurtriers de masse ou « loup solitaire ». Conclusion : il est nécessaire de poursuivre les recherches sur la radicalisation et la maladie mentale pour élaborer des stratégies efficaces de prévention de la menace sécuritaire et empêcher des personnes en difficulté de commettre de tels actes extrémistes ou terroristes violents. Les comportements agressifs et impulsifs, les traits narcissiques et antisociaux, la faible estime de soi et une vision du monde plutôt schizoïde semblent être associés à la radicalisation violente.
Corn fermented protein, an alternative protein to soybean meal to support growth in young turkey poults
Authors: Scholey D. , Alkhtib A. , Williams P. , Burton E.
Published: April 2024

A new distiller’s high protein product (corn fermented protein – CFP) from the dry grind bioethanol process was evaluated as an alternative to soybean meal (SBM) protein in starter and grower diets for turkey poults. One-day- old male BUT6 poults (250) were distributed randomly into 50 pens. Each pen was allocated to one of the following treatments (10 pens each), control (high protein with soybean meal as primary protein source), CFP4% (4% CFP in replacement of SBM); CFP8% (8% CFP in replacement of SBM); HF-CFP4% (4% CFP with lower protein, higher fibre SBM, as primary protein source) and Premium (5% soy protein isolate (SPI) in place of high protein SBM). All diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Growth performance was measured weekly. At day 42, three poults per pen were sampled to obtain the ileal digesta. Apparent amino acid digestibility (AAAD), nitrogen retention (ANR) and apparent metabolisable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) were measured. At day 42 poult weight and day 0–d42 weight gain for birds fed CFP8% were significantly better than the control. From day 0–42 feed intake nor feed conversion ratio were affected by dietary treatment (P > 0.05). Poults receiving CFP 8% had higher AMEn and ANR compared to the control (P < 0.05). The CFP8%-fed poults had significantly higher valine, isoleucine and proline digestibility compared to the control. Feeding the CFP8% diet significantly lowered growth carbon footprint (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CFP8% can increase ANR and growth performance of turkeys. This would decrease the dependency on SBM, reducing both economic and the environmental cost of turkey production.
A portfolio selection using the intuitionistic fuzzy analytic hierarchy process: A case study of the Tehran Stock Exchange
Authors: Senfi Soheila , Sheikh Reza , Sana Shib Sankar
Published: April 2024

In today's economic world, due to the growth of the capital market, the importance for people to invest has increased. The most important concern for investors is choosing the best portfolio for investment. For complex decisions in which the decision maker is ambiguous, such as portfolio selection, using the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) technique to prioritize options and decide on the optimal choice is the best solution. In this research, a generalization of this method utilizing the intuitionistic fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (IFAHP) was discussed. Considering the importance of this topic in today's economy, the purpose of this research was to describe and apply the new integrated technique of IFAHP for ranking the portfolio of companies admitted to the Tehran Stock Exchange. For this purpose, using the statistics published by the Tehran Stock Exchange, six companies including Jabra Ben Hayyan, Kaghazsazi Kaveh, Laabiran, Daro Luqman, Pashme Shishe Iran, and Bourse Kala Iran were examined. These companies were the best options for investment according to the charts and indices of the stock exchange at the time of our research. Finally, using the technique mentioned above, we described the evaluation and ranking of portfolios for confident and efficient decision -making.
Flood prediction with optimized gated recurrent unit-temporal convolutional network and improved KDE error estimation
Authors: Ni Chenmin , Marsani Muhammad Fadhil , Shan Fam Pei , Zou Xiaopeng
Published: April 2024

Flood time series forecasting stands a critical challenge in precise predictive models and reliable error estimation methods. A novel approach utilizing a hybrid deep learning model for both point and interval flood prediction is presented, enhanced by improved kernel density estimation (KDE) for prediction comparison and error simulation. Firstly, an optimized gated recurrent unit-time convolutional network (GRU-TCN) is constructed by tuning the internal structure of the TCN, the activation function, the L2 regularization, and the optimizer. Then, Pearson Correlation is used for feature selection, and the hyperparameters of the improved GRU-TCN are optimized by the subtraction-average-based optimizer (SABO). To further assess the prediction uncertainty, interval predictions are provided via Non-parametric KDE, with an optimized bandwidth setting for accurate error distribution simulation. Experimental comparisons are made on 5-year hydro-meteorological daily data from two stations along the Yangtze River. The proposed model surpasses long short-term memory network (LSTM), TCN, GRU, TCN-LSTM, and GRU-TCN, with a reduction of more than 13% in root mean square error (RMSE) and approximately 15% in mean absolute error (MAE), resulting in better interval estimation and error control. The improved kernel density estimation curves for the errors are closer to the mean value of the confidence intervals, better reflecting the trend of the error distribution. This research enhances the accuracy and reliability of flood predictions and improves the capacity of humans to cope with climate and environmental changes.
Unveiling common markers in COVID-19: ADAMTS2, PCSK9, and OLAH emerged as key differential gene expression profiles in PBMCs across diverse disease conditions
Authors: Singh Mairembam Stelin , Arun PV Parvati Sai , Ansari Mairaj Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Diverse COVID-19 severity levels and a spectrum of clinical manifestations underscore the need to comprehend the underlying genetic mechanisms. Such knowledge is essential for improving disease management and therapeutic approaches. This study aims to explore and uncover pivotal genes and pathways linked to distinct COVID-19 conditions, providing insights into potential therapeutic avenues. Gene expression data from COVID-19 patients across different conditions were analyzed using differential gene expression analysis. Significant genes were subjected to pathway analysis and protein–protein interaction network analysis. Gene ontology was used to identify the functions of these genes. The genes ADAMTS2, PCSK9, and OLAH were upregulated across all disease conditions including SARS-CoV-2 bacterial coinfection, potentially serving as therapeutic targets. The proteins, including RPL and CEACAM, could serve as a potential therapeutic target. The deregulated genes were majorly involved in inflammation, lipid metabolism, and immune regulation. The study's findings reveal significant gene expression differences among COVID-19 disease conditions. These insights guide future research toward targeted therapies and an improved understanding of disease progression and long-term consequences.
Exploring Digital Empathy in Vietnamese Tertiary EFL Education: Perspectives of Teachers across Career Stages
Authors: Hua Hong Hieu , Le Thanh Thao
Published: April 2024

This qualitative study investigates the roles of learners’ digital empathy in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education, focusing on the perspectives of Vietnamese tertiary EFL teachers. Amidst the increasing integration of digital tools in education, understanding the impact of digital empathy—empathetic engagement facilitated by digital platforms—becomes crucial, especially in language learning contexts. The study utilized semi-structured interviews with nine Vietnamese EFL teachers, who represented different career stages (novice, mid-career, and near-end), from two tertiary institutions. Thematic analysis revealed that digital empathy significantly enhances student engagement and the effectiveness of language learning. Teachers at all career stages emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing students’ emotional needs in digital environments. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the integration of digital empathy in EFL teaching, highlighting its importance across various teaching experiences.
Cress, C. M., Stokamer, S. T., Van Cleave, T. J., & Kaufman, J. P. (2022). Faculty Service-learning Guidebook: Enacting Equity-centered Teaching, Partnerships, and Scholarship. Stylus Publishing, LLC
Authors: Snitgen Michelle , Brewer Stephanie , Tremonti Gembel Gina , German Bess , Howard Hunter Roberta , Kent Leanne E. , Martin Taylor Layne , Phelps Jada , Schauert Paul , Sheneman Gretchen
Published: April 2024

N/A
Pourquoi créer et maintenir une faculté de théologie catholique ?
Authors: Messner Francis
Published: April 2024

La création d’une faculté de théologie catholique publique au sein de l’université de Strasbourg en 1902 et son maintien en 1923 suite au retour de l’Alsace Lorraine à la France ne sont pas sans lien avec des politiques publiques visant à intégrer un corps religieux dans une nation. Mais au-delà de cette instrumentalisation liée à des aléas historiques, la théologie universitaire, qui est une science humaine et sociale articulée à des traditions religieuses, joue un rôle important dans la vie en société. Elle est utile à la fois pour l’État et pour l’Église. Pour l’État, elle est garante d’une société apaisée en favorisant le dialogue de responsables religieux informés et ouverts avec les pouvoirs publics et avec les responsables des autres religions. Elle facilite pour l’Église la contextualisation de son discours en le rendant compréhensible pour les contemporains. Mais l’enseignement de la théologie, pour être compatible avec la constitution et la loi en France, ne doit pas porter atteinte à la liberté de recherche et d’enseignement. Elle doit respecter la diversité des opinions et garantir la liberté des enseignants et des chercheurs. Inversement les facultés de théologie catholique sont tenues de respecter un certain nombre de règles fixées par des accords entre l’État et le Saint-Siège en vue de garantir la crédibilité de la formation des cadres religieux. Mais ce cadre normatif ne fait pas obstacle à des projets interdisciplinaires en collaboration avec les sciences humaines et sociales du religieux et à la création de formation dans les domaines de l’interreligieux et des théologies comparées.
The Impact of the Double Reduction Policy on the Educational Anxiety of Parents Under Big Data
Authors: Yang Huiyun
Published: April 2024

In the context of the “double reduction” policy, using big data to carry out precision teaching is an effective way to improve the quality of teaching in schools and reduce the burden on teachers and students and increase efficiency. The formal implementation of the “double reduction” policy has not only reduced students' academic burden, but also increased students' spare time. However, according to relevant data, the current level of anxiety among parents about their children's education is still high, and different parents have different levels of education anxiety. In order to study the impact of the “double reduction” policy on the educational anxiety of parents of primary and secondary school students in the context of big data, this article puts forward some suggestions related to eliminating the educational anxiety of primary school parents based on the existing problems and their causes, so as to create a good educational atmosphere.
SEO vs. UX in Web Design
Authors: Juárez-Varón David , Juárez-Varón Manuel Ángel
Published: April 2024

This work addresses a research gap in digital marketing by attempting to compare the effort in achieving the best organic search engine ranking with the effort in providing the best user experience in web navigation. The objective is to validate companies' efforts in the digital world, and the study is focused on the toy sector in Spain, specifically on the Google search engine, measuring the user experience in web browsing through neuromarketing biometrics. The top 30 results for each Google search were collected for the 638 keywords related to toys in Spain. Subsequently, the three best-positioned websites for the Google search results were determined, and their user experience was measured using neuromarketing biometrics, triangulated with qualitative research. This approach allows for contrasting brand authority in the digital world (visibility in a search) with the user experience in navigation (trust and ease of purchase decision-making). Results indicate that the best-positioned websites do not necessarily correspond to the best web navigation experiences.
Risk based quality management: the way forward to improve quality in medical laboratories
Authors: Wickramaratne K. A. C.
Published: April 2024

Risk based quality management: the way forward to improve quality in medical laboratories Risk based quality management is not new. Many different standards including CLSI standard EP23-A, ISO 14971, ISO 31000, and ISO 22367 address risk management in laboratories. Risk and safety are addressed in quality management systems, introduced to provide accreditation and recog-nition of health care institutions. Laboratory quality is different from other quality targets as quality of a test report begins and ends with the same indi-vidual; the patient. Therefore, it is a closed loop having direct repercussions to the patient. In addition, medical laboratories are unique in safety as there are biohazards and chemical hazards. When managing laboratories, we should ensure patient safety as the top priority while ensuring safety of the employees and the environment. The latest version of ISO15189:2022 standard emphasises more on safety and risks. The pro-bability of hazards occurring should be under-stood, and the repercussions of a risk should be given consideration. Combining probability of occurrence and repercussions of risks will enable laboratories to prioritise and plan actions. This
Answers for the CME: CMML
Authors: Somaratne I.
Published: April 2024

No abstract available
Resveratrol mediates mitochondrial function through the sirtuin 3 pathway to improve abnormal metabolic remodeling in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Cao Yuejuan , Cui Li , Tuo Shaoyong , Liu Hongze , Cui Shaonan
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the impact of resveratrol on abnormal metabolic remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF) and explored potential molecular mechanisms. An AF cell model was established by high-frequency electrical stimulation of HL-1 atrial muscle cells. Resveratrol concentrations were optimized using CCK-8 and flow cytometry. AF-induced increases in ROS and mitochondrial calcium, along with decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial membrane potential, were observed. Resveratrol mitigated these changes and maintained normal mitochondrial morphology. Moreover, resveratrol acted through the SIRT3-dependent pathway, as evidenced by its ability to suppress AF-induced acetylation of key metabolic enzymes. SIRT3 overexpression controls acetylation modifications, suggesting its regulatory role. In conclusion, resveratrol's SIRT3-dependent pathway intervenes in AF-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, presenting a potential therapeutic avenue for AF-related metabolic disorders. This study sheds light on the role of resveratrol in mitigating AF-induced mitochondrial remodeling and highlights its potential as a novel treatment for AF.
Comparison of Ultrasound-guided Bilateral Anterior Quadratus Lumborum Block at the Lateral Supra-arcuate Ligament with Conventional Epidural Block in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Lin Liangqing , Yu Yaohua , Ke Pinhui , Liu Lili , Wu Qinghua , Lin Qingshui
Published: April 2024

Background:

To test the novel ultrasound (US)-guided bilateral anterior quadratus lumborum block (QLBA) at the lateral supra-arcuate ligament (supra-LAL) technique combined with postoperative intravenous analgesia was a viable alternative approach of conventional thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) for laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (LRG).

Methods:

Three hundred and four patients scheduled for LRG were randomized 1:1 into QLBA group: receiving a novel pathway of US-guided bilateral QLBA at the supra-LAL before general anesthesia (GA) and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after surgery, and TEA group: receiving TEA before GA and patient-controlled epidural analgesia following surgery. The difference in procedure time between the treatment groups was set as the primary endpoint.

Results:

Compared to TEA, procedure time was significantly shorter in the QLBA group (13.19 ± 0.78 vs. 15.65 ± 3.49, P = 0.001). At 5–10 min after block, QLBA group achieved more dermatomes coverage of cold sensory block with both P < 0.001 and less influence on mean artery pressure. Intraoperative consumption of propofol and remifentanil were comparable between the two groups (1116.21 ± 199.76 vs. 1166.45 ± 125.31 ug, P = 0.245 and remifentanil 1.83 ± 0.41 vs. 1.81 ± 0.37 ng, P = 0.988). However, the QLBA group was associated with less intraoperative consumption of norepinephrine and atropine, shorter time to urinary catheter removal, and out-of-bed activity. No significant difference in extubation time, pain scores at rest and exercising across all time points postoperation was observed between two groups.

Conclusion:

Compared with conventional TEA, the novel technique combined with PCIA was an equivalent effective multimodal analgesic protocol for LRG. There were some advantages of technical simplicity with shorter procedure time, wider anesthetized dermatomes, less influence on intraoperative hemodynamic variables, fewer postoperative adverse events, and improved several sensible parameters of postoperative recovery.

Trial Registration:

The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on November 02, 2022 (ChiCTR2200065325).
Existence and symmetry breaking results for positive solutions of elliptic Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Moameni Abbas , Wong Kok Lin
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we are interested in positive solutions of

$$ \begin{align*}\left\{ \begin{array}{@{}ll} -\Delta u = a(x)v^{p-1}, \quad &\text{ in } \Omega,\\ -\Delta v = b(x)u^{q-1}, \quad &\text{ in } \Omega,\\ u,v>0, \quad &\text{ in } \Omega,\\ u=v=0, \quad &\text{ on } \partial\Omega, \end{array} \right. \end{align*} $$

where

$\Omega $

is a bounded annular domain (not necessarily an annulus) in

${\mathbb {R}}^N (N \ge 3)$

and

$ a(x), b(x)$

are positive continuous functions. We show the existence of a positive solution for a range of supercritical values of p and q when the problem enjoys certain mild symmetry and monotonicity conditions. We shall also address the symmetry breaking phenomena where the system is fully symmetric. Indeed, as a consequence of our results, we shall show that problem (1) has

$\Bigl \lfloor \frac {N}{2} \Bigr \rfloor $

(the floor of

$\frac {N}{2}$

) positive non-radial solutions when

$ a(x)=b(x)=1$

and

$\Omega $

is an annulus with certain assumptions on the radii. In general, for the radial case where the domain is an annulus, we prove the existence of a non-radial solution provided

$$ \begin{align*}(p-1)(q-1)> \Big(1+\frac{2N}{\lambda_H}\Big)^2\left(\frac{q}{p}\right),\end{align*} $$

where

$\lambda _H$

is the best constant for the Hardy inequality on

$\Omega .$

We remark that the best constant

$\lambda _H$

for the Hardy inequality is just the characteristic of the domain, and is independent of the choices of p and

$q.$

For this reason, the aforementioned inequality plays a major role to prove the existence and multiplicity of non-radial solutions when the problem is fully symmetric. Our proofs use a variational formulation on appropriate convex subsets for which the lack of compactness is recovered for the supercritical problem.
Biological scaffold as potential platforms for stem cells: Current development and applications in wound healing
Authors: Xiang Jie-Yu , Kang Lin , Li Zi-Ming , Tseng Song-Lu , Wang Li-Quan , Li Tian-Hao , Li Zhu-Jun , Huang Jiu-Zuo , Yu Nan-Ze , Long Xiao
Published: April 2024

Wound repair is a complex challenge for both clinical practitioners and researchers. Conventional approaches for wound repair have several limitations. Stem cell-based therapy has emerged as a novel strategy to address this issue, exhibiting significant potential for enhancing wound healing rates, improving wound quality, and promoting skin regeneration. However, the use of stem cells in skin regeneration presents several challenges. Recently, stem cells and biomaterials have been identified as crucial components of the wound-healing process. Combination therapy involving the development of biocompatible scaffolds, accompanying cells, multiple biological factors, and structures resembling the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) has gained considerable attention. Biological scaffolds encompass a range of biomaterials that serve as platforms for seeding stem cells, providing them with an environment conducive to growth, similar to that of the ECM. These scaffolds facilitate the delivery and application of stem cells for tissue regeneration and wound healing. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current developments and applications of biological scaffolds for stem cells in wound healing, emphasizing their capacity to facilitate stem cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and paracrine functions. Additionally, we identify the pivotal characteristics of the scaffolds that contribute to enhanced cellular activity.
Erdafitinib and checkpoint inhibitors for first-line and second-line immunotherapy of hepatic, gastrointestinal, and urinary bladder carcinomas: Recent concept
Authors: Wishahi Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Cancer immunotherapy is administered for first-line, second-line, neoadjuvant, or adjuvant treatment of advanced, metastatic, and recurrent cancer in the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary tract, and other solid tumors. Erdafitinib is a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, and it is an adenosine triphosphate competitive inhibitor of FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and FGFR4. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies that block programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand that exert intrinsic antitumor mechanisms. The promising results of first-line treatment of advanced and metastatic urothelial carcinoma with PD-1 blockades with single or combined agents, indicate a new concept in the treatment of advanced, metastatic, and recurrent hepatic and gastrointestinal carcinomas. Cancer immunotherapy as first-line treatment will improve overall survival and provide better quality of life. Debate is arising as to whether to apply the cancer immunotherapy as first-line treatment in invasive carcinomas, or as second-line treatment in recurrent or metastatic carcinoma following the standard chemotherapy. The literature in the field is not definite, and so far, there has been no consensus on the best approach in this situation. At present, as it is described in this editorial, the decision is applied on a case-by-case basis.
Multifaceted roles of lymphatic and blood endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive review
Authors: Li Jing-Jing , Mao Jia-Xi , Zhong Han-Xiang , Zhao Yuan-Yu , Teng Fei , Lu Xin-Yi , Zhu Li-Ye , Gao Yang , Fu Hong , Guo Wen-Yuan
Published: April 2024

The tumor microenvironment is a complex network of cells, extracellular matrix, and signaling molecules that plays a critical role in tumor progression and metastasis. Lymphatic and blood vessels are major routes for solid tumor metastasis and essential parts of tumor drainage conduits. However, recent studies have shown that lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and blood endothelial cells (BECs) also play multifaceted roles in the tumor microenvironment beyond their structural functions, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This comprehensive review summarizes the diverse roles played by LECs and BECs in HCC, including their involvement in angiogenesis, immune modulation, lymphangiogenesis, and metastasis. By providing a detailed account of the complex interplay between LECs, BECs, and tumor cells, this review aims to shed light on future research directions regarding the immune regulatory function of LECs and potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
Expression and clinical significance of short-chain fatty acids in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: Ren Shuai-Jun , Feng Jia-Ting , Xiang Ting , Liao Cai-Lian , Zhou Yu-Ping , Xuan Rong-Rong
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver condition that typically arises in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), prominent metabolites of the gut microbiota, have significant connections with various pregnancy complications, and some SCFAs hold potential for treating such complications. However, the metabolic profile of SCFAs in patients with ICP remains unclear.

AIM

To investigate the metabolic profiles and differences in SCFAs present in the maternal and cord blood of patients with ICP and determine the clinical significance of these findings.

METHODS

Maternal serum and cord blood samples were collected from both patients with ICP (ICP group) and normal pregnant women (NP group). Targeted metabolomics was used to assess the SCFA levels in these samples.

RESULTS

Significant differences in maternal SCFAs were observed between the ICP and NP groups. Most SCFAs exhibited a consistent declining trend in cord blood samples from the ICP group, mirroring the pattern seen in maternal serum. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between maternal serum SCFAs and cord blood SCFAs [r (Pearson) = 0.88, P = 7.93e-95]. In both maternal serum and cord blood, acetic and caproic acids were identified as key metabolites contributing to the differences in SCFAs between the two groups (variable importance for the projection > 1). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that multiple SCFAs in maternal blood have excellent diagnostic capabilities for ICP, with caproic acid exhibiting the highest diagnostic efficacy (area under the curve = 0.97).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the NP group, significant alterations were observed in the SCFAs of maternal serum and cord blood in the ICP group, although they displayed distinct patterns of change. Furthermore, the SCFA levels in maternal serum and cord blood were significantly positively correlated. Notably, certain maternal serum SCFAs, specifically caproic and acetic acids, demonstrated excellent diagnostic efficiency for ICP.
Prospective study of hepatitis B and D epidemiology and risk factors in Romania: A 10-year update
Authors: Iacob Speranta , Gheorghe Liana , Onica Mirela , Huiban Laura , Pop Corina Silvia , Brisc Ciprian , Sirli Roxana , Ester Carmen , Brisc Cristina Mihaela , Diaconu Sorina , Rogoveanu Ion , Sandulescu Larisa , Vuletici Deiana , Trifan Anca
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The global burden of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection represents a major medical challenge and a public health crisis worldwide. However, there is a lack of accurate data on the epidemiology and risk factors for HDV. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HDV coinfection causes the most severe form of viral hepatitis, leading to a higher cumulative incidence of liver-related events compared with HBV monoinfection, including the need for liver transplantation and death.

AIM

To investigate the epidemiology, natural history, risk factors and clinical management of HBV and HDV coinfection in Romanian patients.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted between January and July 2022 in six tertiary gastroenterology and hepatology referral centres in Romania. All consecutive adults admitted for any gastroenterology diagnosis who were HBV-positive were enrolled. Patients with acute hepatitis or incomplete data were excluded. Of the 25390 individuals who presented with any type of gastroenterology diagnosis during the study period, 963 met the inclusion criteria. Testing for anti-HDV antibodies and HDV RNA was performed for all participants. Demographic and risk factor data were collected by investigators using medical charts and patient questionnaires. All data were stored in an anonymized online database during the study.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HBV was 3.8%; among these patients, the prevalence of HBV/HDV coinfection was 33.1%. The median age of the study population was 54.0 years, and it consisted of 55.1% men. A higher prevalence of HBV/HDV coinfection was observed in patients 50–69 years old. Patients with HBV/HDV coinfection were significantly older than those with HBV monoinfection (P = 0.03). Multivariate multiple regression analysis identified female gender (P = 0.0006), imprisonment (P < 0.0001), older age at diagnosis (P = 0.01) and sexual contact with persons with known viral hepatitis (P = 0.0003) as significant risk factors for HDV.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that HDV infection among those with HBV remains endemic in Romania and updates our understanding of HDV epidemiology and associated risk factors. It emphasizes the need for systematic screening for HDV infection and collaborative initiatives for controlling and preventing HBV and HDV infection.
Fuel Flow Rate Measurement System
Authors:   A-4FLW Fuel Flowmeters
Published: April 2024

This SAE Aerospace Standard (AS) defines minimum performance standards (MPS) for fuel flowmeters, fuel flow indicators, and fuel flow transmitters. The fuel flow indicators and transmitters are intended for use in 14 CFR Part 23, 25, 27, and 29 aircraft equipped with reciprocating and turbine engines. Multiple function displays are not within the scope of this SAE Aerospace Standard (refer to AS6296).
Rivets, Blind, Corrosion Resistant Alloy 67Ni - 31Cu Procurement Specification For
Authors:   E-25 General Standards for Aerospace and Propulsion Systems
Published: April 2024

This procurement specification covers tubular, blind rivets fabricated from a corrosion resistant nickel-copper alloy of the type identified under the Unified Numbering System as UNS N04405, and of 52 ksi minimum shear strength for self-plugging style rivets.
Liquid Leak Tightness Evaluation Methodology for EV Battery Packs Informational Report
Authors:   Battery Standards Testing Committee
Published: April 2024

This technical information report (IR) presents a methodology to evaluate battery pack liquid leak tightness attributes to be used in a production line to satisfy the functional requirement for IPX7, water ingress requirement, and no sustainable coolant leakage for coolant circuits. The Equivalent Channel Method is used as a suggested production leak tightness requirement for a given battery pack design that will correlate and assure that the battery pack meets or exceeds its functional requirement. Obtaining the specific geometry of the Equivalent Channel (EC) for a given battery pack is done analytically and empirically in consideration of the product design limitations. This document is a precursor to J3277-1, which will present the practices to qualify that product leak tightness is equal or better than the maximum allowed EC for that product using applicable and commercially available leak test technologies.

This document may be applied to EV and HEV battery packs as tested during production, without harnesses or other accessories installed by the OEM during vehicle assembly.
Determination Procedure of Ecotoxicologically Acceptable Cu Concentration in River Considering the Change of Environmental Factors
Authors: Yoon Sang-Gyu , Kim Woo Hyun , Kwak Ihn-Sil , An Jinsung
Published: April 2024

Objectives : In this study, considering the changes in the concentration of metal/metalloid and environmental factors over time of the target water system and the toxic effects of metals on various aquatic organisms, determined procedure of ecotoxicologically acceptable metal/metalloid concentration based on a biotic ligand model (BLM) was proposed in detail. As an application example, the ecotoxicologically acceptable Cu concentration for the Numedalslågen river in Norway was calculated.Methods : The Cu concentration and environmental factor time series data of the target water system were collected, and EC50[Cu]T, the total concentration of Cu in the water system showing a toxic effect of 50% on the target aquatic organisms, was calculated through BLM. In addition, the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) was obtained from the species sensitivity distribution using the acute-chronic ratio and adjustment factor, and the ecotoxicologically acceptable Cu concentration of the target water system was determined through the fixed monitoring benchmark (FMB).Results and Discussion : Ecotoxicologically acceptable Cu concentration of the target water system was determined as 1.15 μg/L. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) showed the highest linear relationship with EC50[Cu]T (R2 = 0.94-0.98) compared to various environmental factors, and the Cu toxicity effect on aquatic organisms tended to decrease as the DOC concentration increased. Ca showed a low linear relationship with EC50[Cu]T (R2 < 0.04), which is presumed to be due to the decrease in Ca2+ concentration due to the complexese formation of DOC and Ca2+, which reduced the competitive effect with Cu2+.Conclusion : The proposed procedure provides a useful method for calculating ecotoxicologically acceptable metal concentrations for the protection of aquatic organisms in water systems. In addition, it is expected that it can be used to calculate site-specific metal concentrations that can protect aquatic organisms in the target water system by reflecting the timing of sediment resuspension, which can cause rapid changes in the concentration of metals and environmental factors in the water system, and specific time points such as storm and flood seasons.
Palaeoflood chronology of blocked-valley lakes in eastern South Africa.
Authors:   , Wood Jamie
Published: April 2024

Relatively few studies have examined blocked-valley lakes as potential palaeoenvironmental archives and until now radiometric chronologies for these geomorphic features have been limited to 210Pb and radiocarbon dating. With a particular focus on chronicling palaeoflood events, this study aimed to evaluate quartz optically stimulated luminescence dating (OSL) as a technique for dating of clastic sediment within blocked-valley lake deposits upon the Mfolozi catchment, eastern South Africa. A flood chronology was produced for sediments collected from a blocked-valley lake basin on the southern margin of the Mfolozi floodplain, using a combination of OSL, 14C AMS dating and Bayesian modelling. This was complemented by OSL flood chronologies produced for an avulsion channel and a crevasse splay situated on the central and northern areas of the floodplain respectively. The suitability of OSL for dating blocked-valley lake deposits was dependent on the mode of De acquisition. Ages calculated for multi-grain aliquots of fine silt tended to overestimate age owing to partial bleaching, whilst adoption of single-grain OSL enabled De modelling and calculation of appropriate ages. The Mfolozi flood chronologies extended to a maximum of c. 7.2 ka and displayed close relation to regional climatic observations. During phases of climatic warming flood frequency appeared to increase, whilst for climatic cooling flood occurrences decreased until ceasing at lowstands, such as the mid-Holocene neoglacial and Little Ice Age (LIA). Further to the work upon blocked-valley lake sediments, this study investigated the Hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching of quartz grains within the 180-250 μm fraction and the impact of varying treated sample mass and etching time upon naturally-dosed single-grain De distributions. Adoption of strict rejection criteria highlighted sample-dependent systematic changes in overdispersion (OD) with increased HF treatment time whilst De distribution appeared to normalise when treated sample mass was reduced. No variations in central De values were detected across each of the treatment scenarios and it is suggested that the α-component either has a negligible impact upon central De or can not be effectively removed using HF.
ПРОЦЕСНИЙ ІНЖИНІРИНГ РОЗВИТКУ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ ЖИТТЄЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ МІСТ
Authors: Хайло Яна Миколаївна , Хайло Владислав Олександрович
Published: April 2024

В книзі розглянуті особливості сучасних уявлень про процесну природу стратегії розвитку системи управління підприємствами життєзабезпечення міст, у т.ч. з позицій диверсифікації послуг, підприємницьких і інноваційних аспектів. Запропоновано понятійні уточнення змісту технології і системи управління підприємств. Розглянуто методи процесного інжинірингу в питаннях реформування сталої системи управління і організаційно-економічної трансформації підприємств.
MITO COMO ACONTECIMENTO DE MUNDO
Authors: Costa André
Published: April 2024

Uma das potências da poética de Murilo Mendes é sua articulação com mito. Mito corresponde a um modo próprio de compreensão e constituição de realidade que atravessa as sociedades: a leitura criativa do mundo, em jogo com o ser humano, este apenas mais um de seus elementos. A poética muriliana propõe, justamente, compreender a palavra como partícipe e atuante na criação, conforme o acontecimento da linguagem como mito, e não mero vetor de comunicação ou signo vazio. Além de indicações da própria obra poética, articularemos provocações de pensadores como Octavio Paz, Manuel Antonio de Castro, Emmanuel Carneiro Leão e Mircea Eliade.
NA ENUNCIAÇÃO LITERÁRIA DE O JOGO DA CARONA
Authors: RODRIGUES CARRIJO Fabiana
Published: April 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo problematizar a enunciação literária em um dos contos constituintes da obra Risíveis Amores, de Milan Kundera (1985). Tem ainda como um dos seus aportes teóricos a noção de interpelação na acepção dada por Pêcheux (2008). Trata-se de uma análise teórica a partir de um corpus literário: o conto O jogo da carona. Nesse sentido, estamos circunscritos na Análise do Discurso, de base francesa e objetivamos realizar, neste texto, um trabalho em interface, onde um dos flancos de análise – base teórica vinculada às notações temáticas da AD, de vertente francesa, e de outro lado, desta interface – corpus de base literária, a saber, o conto intitulado O jogo da carona.
Totalitarismo na Distopia A Segunda Pátria, de Miguel Sanches Neto
Authors: Moises de Souza Meicielen , Aissa José Carlos
Published: April 2024

Este artigo buscou caracterizar o funcionamento de regimes totalitários e analisou a transposição teórica sobre o totalitarismo para o romance A Segunda Pátria, de Miguel Sanches Neto. Sendo assim, o questionamento que norteou a pesquisa foi “Como se dá a caracterização de um regime totalitário na narrativa distópica de A Segunda Pátria?”. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa básica, qualitativa e de abordagem indutiva. Ademais, a principal base teórica utilizada para o desenvolvimento da análise foram os estudos da filósofa política Hannah Arendt (2013;1999). Por fim, foi possível correlacionar a tipificação do totalitarismo com o governo descrito na obra.
FILOSOFIA E LITERATURA
Authors: Petronilio Correia Paulo
Published: April 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar a complexa dança que existe entre a filosofia e a literatura. Para estabelecer essa simbiose teremos como ponto de partida a Filosofia da Diferença dos pensadores franceses Gilles Deleuze (2002) e Michel Foucault (2005), pois ao pensarem a relação entre a filosofia e as artes nos despertaram para problematizar a máquina literária e seus múltiplos signos. Foucault é considerando, juntamente com Deleuze-Guattari, o pensador da diferença ao encarar a filosofia como uma arte de criar, de inventar conceitos. Escrever sobre literatura e filosofia envolve uma certa dança com a própria linguagem como criação e reinvenção da vida. E é essa dança que traremos aqui.
Tradução: "L´ Attente, L´ Oubli" de Maurice Blanchot, 1962, parte 1.
Authors: Ferraz Adriano
Published: April 2024

Tradução de "L´ Attente, L´ Oubli" de Maurice Blanchot, 1962, parte 1.
»Der Aufsatz […] war gar nicht so ›sexy‹ wie das Bild.«
Authors: Städtler Lisa
Published: April 2024

TThe present essay features Das Magazin, a popular East German monthly magazine that appeared in the GDR for the first time in 1954. The author analyzes the photographic depiction of women in issues of the 1950s. This analysis starts with the magazine’s prominent and well-researched nude photographs, but later focuses on other images of female bodies, i.e. in photo montages, to explore the different variations in which women were depicted in Das Magazin. A close examination of the images in question, their position and contextualization within Das Magazin allows for a look beyond the pages of the printed product and sheds light on the work of the layout artists. In doing so, the author argues that its creators revived certain visual strategies that had already been cultivated by the popular press in the interwar period and which were also existent beyond the boundaries of the GDR press. Thus, the notion of GDR magazines’ production practices can be enriched by transnational and historical perspectives.
GREEN SYNTHESIS OF TITANIUM OXIDE (TIO2) NANOPARTICLES USING Phyllanthus Niruri AND ASSESSMENT OF ITS PHYSIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Authors: Yunusa H. , Omoniyi K. I. , Abechi S. E. , Sani S. D. , Ugwoke A. O. , Imam N.
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the green synthesis of titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, NPs and assessment of its physiochemical parameters in wastewater treatment. The methanol plant extract of Phyllanthus niruri was utilized for the biosynthesis of titanium oxide NPs. The preliminary phytochemical screening carried out on Phyllanthus niruri plant extract was conducted to identify the bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, anthraquinones, glycosides and steroids which may be responsible for stabilizing the nanoparticles synthesized. In the treatment of the industrial wastewater sample; the result indicated that the use of the synthesized titanium oxide nanoparticles led to percentage reduction of 67.21%, 58.96%, 91.19%, 75.56% and 94.67% for BOD, COD, turbidity, oil and grease and phosphate respectively, in the raw wastewater; and was more effective than the use of commercial titanium oxide NPs. The study indicates that synthesis of titanium oxide NPs using Phyllanthus niruri is a better alternative to chemical synthesis of NPs, the green synthesized material is eco-friendly and can serve as a treatment for industrial effluents.
CHARACTERIZATION OF FATTY ACID ETHYL ESTER BIODIESEL (CWO100) PRODUCED FROM COMPOSITE WASTE OILS, ETHANOL AND KOH
Authors: Taiwo A. G. , Shoyemi O. , Adepoju M. A. , Ibikunle A. A.
Published: April 2024

There is an urgent need to convert Composite waste oils (CWOs) from domestic and industrial sources using circular system thinking approach due to the growing concern of their socio-economic, environmental and governance effects and impacts of increased human anthropogenic activities. CWO was first pre-treated by sieving, heated to reduce moisture/water concentration and the acid value lowered with the addition of sufficient KOH, then base transesterification reaction with ethanol (1:1), 1% KOH at 700C for 2 h. The physio-chemical and fuel properties of the CWO100 was analyzed using standard analytical methods, and the data statistically using SPSS version 20.0. CWO100 (FAEE) has lowest value of water and sediment, acid value, free fatty acid, carbon residue and sulphur, and the highest values for viscosity, specific gravity, density, colour, flash point, iodine. Most of its parameters are within the ASTM/EN standards except in CWOs that requires pre-treatment. CWO100 is better than petroleum diesel and can be applied in diesel engines, plants with little or no modification as a major alternative now and thereafter.
Niveles de Regulación motivacional y motivos hacia la práctica de actividad física en estudiantes Universitarios
Authors: Chávez Coronel Bryan Alexander , Torres Palchisaca Zoila Guillermina
Published: April 2024

Los tipos de motivación que existe puede determinar la conducta de las personas en distintas actividades cotidianas, una de ellas es la realización de actividad física por lo que se estableció plantear el objetivo de: Identificar los niveles de regulación motivacional y motivos hacia la práctica de actividad física que se encuentran en estudiantes Universitarios de la carrera de Pedagogía de la Actividad Física y Deporte de la Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo. Se realizó un estudio transversal, con un enfoque cuantitativo y un muestreo por conveniencia de n = 243 estudiantes universitarios matriculados en el ciclo octubre 2023 - febrero 2024, distribuidos de la siguiente manera: sexo masculino n = 183, sexo femenino n = 60, con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 39 años. Para evaluar los niveles de regulación motivacional se utilizó el Cuestionario de Regulación de la Conducta en el Ejercicio Físico, BREQ-3 y para determinar los motivos hacia la práctica de la actividad física se utilizó el cuestionario de la escala de medición de los motivos de actividad física MPAM-R. Se determinó que en nuestra muestra prevalece una motivación autorregulada como es la regulación intrínseca y el motivo al que más se asocian es el de fitness. Se concluye que los estudiantes de la carrera PAFD poseen un tipo de motivación autorregulada marcada por la regulación intrínseca por el tipo de formación que poseen enfocada en la actividad física comprendiendo los beneficios para poseer un estilo de vida saludable.