bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implicaturas escalares como implicaturas de compatibilidade
Authors: Vieira Renato Caruso
Published: October 2022

Implicaturas escalares são tradicionalmente definidas como interpretações upper-bound de termos escalares fracos, nas quais estes assumem a máxima força informacional de suas escalas, negando termos mais informativos (e.g. "somente alguns mas não todos") por obra da primeira submáxima de Quantidade de Grice. Aderimos a Noveck & Sperber (2007) que, em sua abordagem baseada na Teoria da Relevância, sugerem ser a maioria dos casos tratados como implicaturas escalares apenas explicaturas de estreitamento conceitual (portanto, nem implicaturas e nem escalares). Porém, ao contrário de Noveck & Sperber (2007), acreditamos que nem mesmo negações implicadas, por termos fracos, de termos fortes cuja adequabilidade contextual seja posta em dúvida devam ser consideradas implicaturas escalares. Propomos um modelo de derivação de tais implicaturas que não se sustenta sobre as relações escalares estabelecidas entre os conceitos mas, sim, na compatibilidade percebida pelos interlocutores entre os sentidos comparados. Procuramos demonstrar que nada além de processos de ajuste conceitual por explicatura em conjunção com regras dedutivas de tipo modus ponens seja necessário para extração de implicaturas de compatibilidade. Assim, o modelo proposto é capaz de explicar uma gama de fenômenos pragmáticos mais vasta do que aqueles classificados como implicaturas escalares, recorrendo a princípios comuns à interpretação geral de enunciados e, no caso das inferências dedutivas, também à interpretação de estímulos não-linguísticos.
Entre o fideísmo cético de Montaigne e a sociedade aberta de Popper
Authors: Vieira Daniel Mota
Published: October 2022

Neste artigo, buscaremos aproximar dois autores distanciados por quatro séculos: Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) e Karl Popper (1902-1994). O primeiro procede em consonância com a adaptação pirrônica às tradições e costumes sociais aliada a uma defesa adogmática do catolicismo tradicional. O segundo procede pela defesa adogmática dos ideais do cristianismo primitivo enquanto molas propulsoras da tradição liberal-democrática. Para tanto, iniciaremos com uma exposição do fideísmo de Montaigne e da referida adaptação pirrônica. Em seguida, exporemos o modo de Popper lidar com a tradição, colocando-a como principal vetor da ordem social. Ademais, mostraremos como a tradição cristã influenciou o seu pensamento a ponto de o filósofo concebê-la como um dos principais ingredientes da sociedade aberta. Concluímos ressaltando que, apesar das diferenças entre os dois autores, ambos estão unidos tanto na crítica das pretensões cognitivas humanas quanto na consideração das tradições como um fator de estabilidade social.
Open innovation
Authors: Borges Renata Simões Guimarães e , Silva Gilvan Augusto
Published: October 2022

The objective of this research is to understand how startups and established companies perceive the factors that are critical to the cooperation between them in the context of corporate incubation programs. We interviewed innovation managers, analysts, and project leaders from three large companies and the entrepreneurs of the startups that interacted with these companies. The results show that established companies and startups have different perceptions regarding insufficient dedication to the program and cultural differences, although both considered these factors to constrain the collaboration. Regarding motivation and incentives and autonomy, the findings were to some extent different. Implications include the difference in the perceptions of the startups and employees of the established companies directly involved in the program and the two factors identified as critical—dedication to the program and cultural differences—due to their potential to risk the incubation program. To practitioners, this research offers empirical results that can guide decision-making to manage corporate incubation programs.
Labor Market in the Digital Economy – Prospects for Regulation
Authors: Sadovaya E.
Published: October 2022

The article examines the social problems that arise due to the lack of legal mechanisms for regulating social and labor relations in a digitalizing labor market. The author emphasizes that the main result of the formation of the digital economy was the organizational restructuring of the labor market. The consequence of this is the transformation of traditional enterprises that hire staff on the terms of an employment contract into crowd-working platforms that “serve” an unlimited number of employers and provide them with the “services” of workers for the implementation of certain technological operations. The resulting relations are increasingly fragmented and atomized in comparison with the traditional social and labor relations. The legal form of exercising the employees’ right to work is changing – from hired labor into self-employment. As a result of the ongoing transformations, labor relations are deprived of a social component based on the joint responsibility of employers and employees for the social well-being of the latter. Thus, the main legal and at the same time socioeconomic problem in the context of digitalization of the labor market is the “disappearance” (in the legal sense) of the subject that is responsible for the payment of insurance social contributions of digital (platform) workers. This is one of the main social challenges of the digital economy: it is becoming more difficult to fill social funds in the same volumes, to provide insurance for the employed against major social risks, which ultimately threatens the implementation of the social function of the state. The author emphasizes that the deterioration of the social situation is by no means due to the legal or technological complexity of creating effective mechanisms for regulating the labor market in the context of digitalization, it is an objective phenomenon. The crisis that has developed in the world economy prevents the resolution of legal conflicts arising in the field of employment. The problems of regulation of labor relations and the formation of mechanisms for the implementation of social policy in the context of a digitalizing labor market must be perceived only as separate “mosaic pieces” in a single canvas of social problems of modern society in the period of its transformation. When solving this problem, we can talk about choosing from two possible options: either about the return of relations in the sphere of labor to the field of social relations in the legal sense, or about recreating the state system of social protection of the population, taking into account the possibilities of its customization of the functions of public administration, which are given by the universal digitalization.
Starting the Second Century. CPC: From Economic Reforms to Political One
Authors: Vinogradov A.
Published: October 2022

The history of the People’s Republic of China over the past four decades is associated with successful economic reforms that have brought China to one of the most influential countries in the world, have become a symbol of the new rise of the East and the advent of the Asia-Pacific region in world geopolitics. Throughout this time, the only area where changes in China were not recorded was the political system and the state system. Hopes that the market economy would create a democratic system corresponding to itself, democratic principles of public life were not justified, the contradiction between a dynamic economy and a conservative political system persisted. The anti-corruption campaign, which marked the inauguration of Xi Jinping, became a major event in the party and political life of China, revealing deep and serious problems in the Chinese state. Its direct consequence was the strengthening of authoritarian tendencies and the beginning of the process of reforming the state system of the People’s Republic of China, the creation of a controlling power, which violated the previous tradition of redistribution of power between generations of leaders and within a generation. The focus of Chinese modernization shifted from the economic to the political system, which became the central part of the Chinese model of socialism and the core of the new theoretical system.
Surpassing Einstein’s Relativity: Breaking a Dogma in Physics
Authors: Niemz Markolf H. , Stein Siegfried W.
Published: October 2022

Today’s concepts of space and time trace back to Albert Einstein’s theories of relativity. In special relativity, he derives relations of how a “moving observer” experiences space and time with respect to an “observer at rest”. In general relativity, he derives relations of how mass and energy are affecting space and time. Both theories have been very successful, but fail to solve fundamental mysteries such as competing values of the Hubble constant, dark energy, the wave–particle duality, and quantum entanglement. Here we show that this failure is due to prioritizing a “system at rest”: In Einstein’s relativity, there is no superordinate reference frame that would treat objects at rest and moving objects alike. We replace Minkowski spacetime with Euclidean spacetime (ES) and claim that reality is formed by projecting ES to 3D space. Alternative models of Euclidean relativity run into geometric paradoxes as they claim reality to be in ES. Our theory profits from two new concepts: “distance” (space and time in one) and “wavematter” (electromagnetic wave packet and matter in one). In Cartesian ES coordinates, it is not predefined for all objects alike which axial distance relates to time. Time is a subordinate quantity: covered distance divided by the speed of light. Wavematter is a generalized concept of energy: Each object is wave from an external view, but matter from its internal view. Length contraction, time dilation, acceleration, and gravitation are geometric effects. We even derive a Theory of Everything in ES. Matching the symmetry simplifies physics.
On the Omnidimensional Convex Polytopes and n-Balls in Negative, Fractional and Complex Dimensions
Authors: Łukaszyk Szymon
Published: October 2022

The study shows that the recurrence relations defining volumes and surfaces of omnidimensional convex polytopes and n-balls are continuous and defined for complex n, whereas in the indefinite points their values are given in the sense of a limit of a function. The volume of an n-simplex is a bivalued function for n < 0, and thus the surfaces of n-simplices and n-orthoplices are also bivalued functions for n < 1. Applications of these formulas to the omnidimensional polytopes inscribed in and circumscribed about n-balls reveal previously unknown properties of these geometric objects in negative, real dimensions. In particular for 0 < n < 1 the volumes of the omnidimensional polytopes are larger than the volumes of circumscribing n-balls, while their volumes and surfaces are smaller than the volumes of inscribed n-balls. Specific products and quotients of volumes and surfaces of the omnidimensional polytopes and n-balls are shown to be independent of the gamma function.
Synchronizing Cancer Research Worldwide, a Way of Overcoming Resistance to Anti-angiogenic Drugs
Authors: Swamy Kumara
Published: October 2022

Multiple biological pathways manifest and latent, meant for human survival, become a liability in cancer cure. With an increasing understanding of innumerable complex paths, cancer progression and development of resistance is no surprise. For the three “vasculature-immune-phenotypic” fundamental changes, hypoxia is the maestro orchestrating the whole gamut of changes (through the master manipulator - HIF-1 α), simultaneously transactivating hundreds of pro-angiogenic genes. Such a complex molecular bio-network begs the question, “Is our cancer research caught in such a tangled web that we have lost sight of the Spider?”. Hypoxia is this Spider weaving compensatory webs with every intervention/ obstruction. Anti-angiogenic (AAG) research has been conducted mainly in silos – exploring independent paths. This review conceptualizes a convergence of a multitude of research worldwide to a single theme of normalizing vasculature as a primary baseline for overcoming resistance to AAGs or their combinations.
Goldbach Conjecture and the Trichotomy Law
Authors: Sharma Aribam Uttam
Published: October 2022

This paper asserts that the falsity of Goldbach Conjecture results in the breakdown of Trichotomy Law. Assuming that Goldbach Conjecture breaks down at an even integer 2n, where n ≥ 3, we note that the differences of 2n with the odd primes in the interval (1, n) are composite integers. We form a product δ of the collection of the least prime factors of these composite integers. We show that for a base case this product breaks Trichotomy Law. With the inductive hypothesis that such is the case with 2n, we prove that for all even integers the breakdown of Goldbach Conjecture entails the breakdown of Trichotomy Law.
A Model Selection Algorithm for Complex Multi-Domain Cnn Systems Based on Feature-Weights Relation in Deep Learning
Authors: Alsaghir Eyad , Shi Xiyu , De Silva Varuna
Published: October 2022

Object recognition is an essential element of machine intelligence tasks. However, one model cannot practically be trained to identify all the possible objects it encounters. An ensemble of models may be needed to cater to a broader range of objects. Building a mathematical understanding of the relationship between various objects that share comparable outlined features is envisaged as an effective method of improving the model ensemble through a pre-processing stage, where these objects' features are grouped under a broader classification umbrella. This paper proposes a mechanism to train an ensemble of recognition models coupled with a model selection scheme to scale-up object recognition in a multi-model system. An algorithmic relationship between the learnt parameters of a trained classification model and the features of input images is presented in the paper for the system to learn the model selection scheme. The multiple models are built with a CNN structure, whereas the image features are extracted using a CNN/VGG16 architecture. Based on the models' excitation weights, a neural network model selection algorithm, which links a new object with the models and decides how close the features of the object are to the trained models for selecting a particular model for object recognition is developed and tested on a five-model neural network platform. The experiment results show the proposed model selection scheme is highly effective and accurate in selecting an appropriate model for a network of multiple models.
Molecular Characterization of the Stress Response of the Holothurian Central Nervous System
Authors: Cruz-González Sebastián , Quesada-Díaz Eduardo , Miranda-Negrón Yamil , García-Rosario Raúl , Ortiz-Zuazaga Humberto , García-Arrarás José Enrique
Published: October 2022

Injury to the central nervous system (CNS), in most vertebrate animals, results in permanent damage and lack of function, due to their limited regenerative capacities. In contrast, echinoderms can fully regenerate their radial nerve cord (RNC) following transection, with little or no scarring. Investigators have associated the regenerative capacity of some organisms with the stress response and inflammation produced by the injury. Here we explore the gene activation profile of the stressed holothurian CNS. To do this, we performed RNA sequencing on isolated RNC explants submitted to the stress of transection and enzyme dissection and compared them to explants kept in culture for 3 days following dissection. We describe stress-associated genes, including members of heat-shock families, ubiquitin-related pathways, transposons, and apoptosis that were differentially expressed. Surprisingly, the stress response does not induce apoptosis in this system. Other genes associated with stress in other animal models, such as hero proteins and those associated with the integrated stress response, were not found to be differentially expressed either. Our results provide a new viewpoint on the stress response in the nervous system of an organism with an amazing regenerative capacity. This is the first step to deciphering the molecular processes that allow echinoderms to undergo fully functional CNS regeneration while also providing a comparative view for students of the stress response in other organisms.
Phases Transition in Carbon-doped Silver Iodide
Authors: Correa Gallego Hernando , Peña Lara Diego , Mosquera-Vargas Edgar
Published: October 2022

Silver iodide (AgI) is a system prototype allowing the flow of ions through its structure and has a phase transition at 420 K, characterized by an abrupt change in conductivity and a high ionic conductivity. Introducing low concentrations of graphite (C) into the AgI structure produces a new material with a mixed conductivity (ionic and electronic) which increases with increasing temperature. The experimental results of the logarithm of the ionic conductivity as a function of the inverse of temperature for the (AgI)x–C(1−x) system for low carbon concentrations 0.97 ≤ x ≤ 0.99 were well fitted using a phenomenological model with a probability distribution for the charge carriers based on the carrier density
Electrocardiogram, Echocardiogram and NT-proBNP in Screening for Thromboembolism Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients after Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Dzikowska-Diduch Olga , Kurnicka Katarzyna , Lichodziejewska Barbara , Dudzik-Niewiadomska Iwona , Machowski Michał , Roik Marek , Wiśniewska Małgorzata , Siwiec Jan , Staniszewska Izabela Magdalena , Pruszczyk Piotr
Published: October 2022

Background: The annual mortality of patients with untreated chronic thromboembolism pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is approximately 50% unless a timely diagnosis is followed by adequate treatment. In pulmonary embolism (PE) survivors with functional limitation the diagnostic work-up starts with echocardiography. It is followed by lung scintigraphy and right heart catheterization. However, noninvasive test providing diagnostic clues to CTEPH, or ascertain this diagnosis as very unlikely, would be extremely useful since the majority of post PE functional limitations is caused by deconditioning. Methods: Patients after acute PE underwent a structured clinical evaluation with electrocardiogram, routine laboratory tests including NT-proBNP and echocardiography. The aim of study was to verify whether the parameters from echocardiographic or perhaps electrocardiographic examination and NT-proBNP concentration best determine the risk of CTEPH. Results: A total (n = 261, male n = 123) patients after PE were included into the study, in group of 155 patients (59.4%) with reported functional impairment 13 patients (8.4%) had CTEPH and 7 PE survivors had chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) (4,5%). Echo parameters differed significantly between CTEPH/CTEPD cases and other symptomatic PE survivors. Patients with CTEPH/CTEPD had also higher level of NT-proBNP (p = 0.022) but concentration of NT-proBNP above 125 pg/ml did not differentiate patients with CTEPH/CTEPD (p>0.05). Additionally, proportion of patients with right bundle brunch block registered in ECG was higher in group with CTEPH/CTED (23.5% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.034) but there were no differences between other ECG characteristics of right ventricle overload. Conclusion: Screening for CTEPH/CTEPD should be performed in patients with reduced exercise tolerance compared to pre PE period, It is not effective in asymptomatic PE survivors. Patients with CTEPH/CTED had predominantly abnormalities indicatingchronic thromboembolism in the echocardiographic assessment. NT-proBNP and electrocardiographic characteristics of right ventricle overload proved to be insufficient in predicting CTEPH/CTEPD development.
Philosophy of Science Base Theory Orem Self Care of Stroke Patients
Authors: Feriani Pipit , Glorino Rumambo Pandin Moses
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: High blood pressure is one of the symptoms of stroke, the Self Care Deficit theory by Dorothea Orem focuses on a person's ability to care for himself independently so that the ability to maintain his health and well-being is achieved. There are currently 600 million hypertensive patients worldwide, of which 3 million die every year. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to a 7-fold increase in the chances of stroke. The existence of this condition can be minimized in patients through several innovative interventions, one of which is foot massage. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of stretching and foot massage with lavender oil in stabilizing high blood pressure in stroke patients.(2) Methods: The method used in this research is descriptive. The subjects of this case study were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the journal Evidence-Based. Subjects included intervention patients and control patients. Foot massage therapy with lavender oil is done 2 times a day for 10-15 minutes using the effleurage technique after showering in the morning and evening. Stretching is done 2 times a day every 10-15 minutes.(3) Results: The results of the analysis showed that there was a change in blood pressure after the application of stretching and foot massage with lavender oil. From the initial examination, the results showed that the blood pressure of 170/100 mmHg decreased to 140/90 mmHg and the pain scale decreased from 4 to 0.
Polio Eradication or Comeback? Outcome Reporting Bias in the 1954 Poliomyelitis Vaccine Field Trial
Authors: Brown Ronald B.
Published: October 2022

Recent wastewater testing suggests the poliovirus is reemerging, raising questions about the efficacy of the current inactivated polio vaccine and mass vaccination to eradicate poliomyelitis. The present study reassessed reported outcomes from the placebo-control study of the 1954 Salk inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine field trial, which studied a population of 1,829,916 U.S. school children from the first three grades. The placebo-control study of the trial reported that the polio vaccine was 80% to 90% effective in reducing cases of laboratory confirmed paralytic poliomyelitis, 60% to 70% effective against type 1 of the virus, and greater than 90% effective against types 2 and 3 of the poliovirus. However, these outcomes are reported as relative risk reductions, and the absolute risk reductions of the 1954 polio vaccine field trial were never reported to the public. The present paper’s analysis reveals to the public for the first time that the inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine's absolute risk reduction of laboratory confirmed paralytic poliomyelitis in the placebo-control study is 0.01% to 0.02%, an extraordinarily low clinical effect that impugns the Salk polio vaccine’s reported effectiveness. Furthermore, absolute risk reductions for the three poliovirus types are 0.01%, 0.00%, and 0.01%, respectively. Outcome reporting bias in the 1954 inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine field trial casts doubt on eradication of the poliovirus through mass vaccination.
Ophthalmic Manifestations of Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infracts and Leucoencephalopathy
Authors: Modrzejewska Monika , Woźniak Patrycja , Kaniewski Adam
Published: October 2022

Abstract Aim of the study: Presentation of ophthalmic symptoms of Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infracts and Leucoencephalopathy (CADASIL). Material and methods: Clinical presentation of female patient with diagnosed CADASIL, manifested by transient loss of vision, migraine, convergence insufficiency, diplopia, increased deep tendon reflexes of upper left limb, subcortical infarcts, mood disturbances and dementia. Results: Confirmed NOTCH3 gene mutation (p.Cys212Gly), and presence of granular osmiophilic material (GOM) in cutaneous small vessel wall in immunohistochemistry laboratory test (IHC). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed bilateral focal vasogenic lesions in white matter of cerebral hemisphere with single micro-focal infarct in the left external capsule. Furthermore, a left eye exophoria, a bilateral peripheral visual field loss of 20 degrees and a loss of nasolabial fold was confirmed during ophthalmic tests. An eye fundus examination as well as a fluorescein angiography (FA) revealed vessel constriction of retinal arteries and a peripheral retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy with focal drusen in the left eye. The doppler ultrasonography (USG) confirmed a decreased blood flow and an increased vascular resistance of the extraocular vessels. The pattern electroretinogram (PERG) revealed a reduced P50 wave amplitude in the patient’s left eye. Conclusions: intermittent blindness, migraine, convergence failure, diplopia with specific MRI signs, NOTCH3 mutation, and the presence of GOM in the skin of small blood vessels in a young or middle-aged patient suggests CADASIL. New observations include: atrophic changes in the RPE, hemodynamic disturbances in blood flow in the short posterior ciliary arteries and in the central retinal artery, single drusen in the retina, and a reduced amplitude of the P50 wave in PERG.
Characteristics of the Fracture Process Zone for Reservoir Rock with Various Heterogeneity
Authors: Chen Hongran , Niu Jingrui , Zhai Mengyang
Published: October 2022

Hydraulic fracturing for oil-gas and geothermal reservoir stimulation is closely related to the generation and propagation of Mode I crack. Nonlinear deformation due to rock heterogeneity occurs at such crack tip, which causes the fracture process zone (FPZ) to form before the crack propagates unsteadily. However, the relationship between the FPZ characteristics and rock heterogeneity still remain elusive. We used three rock types common in reservoir for experimental investigation, and each of them includes two subtypes with different heterogeneity due to grain size or microstructural characteristics. Drawing on the experiment results, we calculated the FPZ size in each cracked chevron notched Brazilian disk, and we reproduced the formation process of the FPZ in marble by discrete element method. We showed that strong heterogeneity is favorable to large FPZ size, can enhance the ability of crack generation and complicate crack morphology. Coupling the Weibull distribution with fracture mechanics, the dependence of the FPZ size on heterogeneity degree can be theoretically explained, which suggests that inherent heterogeneity of rocks set physical foundation for formation of FPZ. These findings can improve our recognition to formation mechanism of the Mode I crack and provide useful guidelines for evaluating reservoir fracability.
Semi-automatic Pineapple Harvester for Mechanization of Pineapple Harvesting in North East Hill (NEH) Regions of India
Authors: Singh Mayanglambam Aarbindro , Lande Satish Devram , Mishra Indra Mani , Prakash Jai , Khura Tapan Kumar Kumar , Sarkar Susheel Kumar
Published: October 2022

The pineapple (Ananas Comosus) is one of the most valuable commercial fruits in the world. Harvesting of pineapple is a major operation in pineapple cultivation and is laborious, and energy-intensive involving 306 man-hours per acre approximately. Manual harvesting by sickle is always injury-prone, which reduces the harvesting efficiency because the pineapple consists of long-pointed leaves usually needle-tipped and generally bearing sharp, up-curved spines on the margins. The maximum displacement of the outer skin of the pineapple due to compression force (70N) was observed at 10.63 mm on the Kew cultivar and 9.19 mm on Queen Cultivar. The maximum cutting energy and force of pineapple stalk were obtained as 1243.313 mJ and 168.15375 N respectively for the Queen cultivar and 2037.511 mJ and 190.91 N respectively for the Kew cultivar. A prototype of a semi-automatic pineapple harvester consisting of a grabbing unit with a linear actuator, cutting unit (cutting blade & DC motor), handle and the battery was designed and developed. The harvester was powered by a 12V 7Ah lead acid battery and had the capacity to harvest 200 fruits per hour. The harvesting time of the semi-automatic pineapple harvester is 30% higher than that of manual harvesting.
Detection of Human Case of Sylvatic Dengue Virus 2 During Routine Surveillance of Fever in Senegal, Kolda 2021
Authors: Dieng Idrissa , Sagne Samba Niang , Ndiaye Mignane , Barry Mamadou Aliou , Talla Cheikh , Mhamadi Moufid , Balde Diamilatou , toure Cheikh Talibouya , Diop Boly , Sall Amadou Alpha , Fall Gamou , Loucoubar Cheikh , Faye Oumar , Faye Ousmane
Published: October 2022

A human case of dengue virus 2 was detected from a febrile patient living in the Sare yoba, Kolda region (Southern Senegal). Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial sequence of the NS5 gene reveals that the virus belongs to the DENV2 Sylvatic genotype and is closely related to a strain (JF260983/ 98.98% identity) detected in Spain from a tourist who travelled to Guinee Bissau (bordering Kolda region) in 2009. This highlights a potential recent underreported circulation of sylvatic Dengue in the southern part of Senegal and calls for re-enforced integrated surveillance among humans, non-human primates and arboreal mosquitoes throughout a one-health approach.
Mechanical Responses of Underground Unparallel-Fissured Rocks Subjected to Coupled Static-Dynamic Loading
Authors: Du Hongbo , Wang Haoran , Feng Peng , Tian Renjie , Wang Yi
Published: October 2022

Preexisting fissures within a natural rock mass significantly affect the mechanical responses of underground engineering rocks when subjected to coupled static-dynamic loads. Understanding the dynamic mechanical responses of prestressed fissured rocks is beneficial for optimizing the stability of rock engineering structures. Based on the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) device, a series of coupled static-dynamic compression tests were systematically performed to investigate the mechanical properties, the failure behaviors, the fragment characteristics, and the energy dissipation of unparallel-fissured rocks. Results show that the coupled dynamic strength increases with the applied strain rate for a given static prestress, while the elastic modulus does not exhibit any clear loading rate dependence. Under the given strain rate, the fissured sandstone has the highest strength under the static prestress of 0.6 uniaxial compressive strength (σs), followed by the static prestress of 0.4 σs, 0.2 σs, and 0.8 σs. The failure modes of fissured sandstone highly depend on the dynamic strain rate, and the ultimate failure pattern gradually changes from the mixed tensile-shear failure mode to the shear failure dominant mode with increasing strain rate. With an increasing dynamic strain rate, fissured rocks should absorb more energy in a short time, which results in more crack formation in the failure process. A higher static prestress can induce greater energy dissipation density and energy utilization efficiency when the static prestress is less than 0.8 σs. In addition, the relationships between energy dissipation and mechanical response of fissured sandstones under coupled static-dynamic loads are established and discussed.
Hepatic venous pressure gradient and rebleeding risk of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis after variceal bleeding
Authors: Shi Yiqi , Shen Wenyong , Xu Gang , Wang Xunzheng , Ning Bo
Published: October 2022

Background & Aims
Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) has a strong predictive value for variceal rebleeding in cirrhotic patients, but the accuracy of an HVPG may be compromised in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of HVPG and portal pressure gradient (PPG) for predicting rebleeding in NASH cirrhosis after acute variceal bleeding.
Patients and Methods
Thirty-eight NASH cirrhosis patients and 82 hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis patients with acute variceal bleeding were included in this study. All patients recived transjugular intrahepatic portalsystemic shunt (TIPS). The prognostic value of HVPG and PPG for variceal rebleeding was evaluated.
Results
Compared with HBV cirrhosis, NASH cirrhosis demonstrated a lower portal pressure (26.3 ± 6.1 vs. 30.1 ± 4.7; P <0.001), lower wedge hepatic venous pressure (24.1 ± 5.3 vs. 27.6 ± 5.5; P = 0.001) , lower HVPG (15.3 ± 3.8 vs. 18.0 ± 4.8; P = 0.003) and lower PPG (18.0 ± 3.7 vs. 20.0 ± 3.4; P = 0.005). HVPG (AUC = 0.82; P = 0.002) and PPG (AUC = 0.72;P = 0.027) had promising prognostic value among NASH cirrhosis patients. The optimal threshold of HVPG and PPG for predicting rebleeding in NASH cirrhosis was 17 mmHg and 20 mmHg. At multivariate analysis, an HVPG ≥17 mmHg was a significant predictor of variceal bleeding (HR 9.40; 95% CI 1.85-47.70; P = 0.007).
Conclusions
Patients with NASH cirrhosis had lower HVPG and lower PPG than those with HBV cirrhosis. However, the prevalence of rebleeding was similar between two groups. HVPG measurement is still an accurate way to assess the risk of variceal rebleeding in NASH cirrhosis.
Prevalence, Indications and Fetal Outcome of Operative Vaginal Delivery in Sub-saharan Africa, Systematic Review, and Meta-analysis
Authors: Temesgen Tesfaye , Getnet Addius , Ahimed Abbas , Alemu Asrat , Mebratu Andualem , Figa Zerihun
Published: October 2022

Background
Operative vaginal deliveries are the mode of the deliveries accomplished with either a vacuum device or forceps to the fetal head and outward traction generating a force that augments maternal pushing to deliver the fetus vaginally. As a result, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence, indications, and fetal outcome of operative vaginal delivery in sub-Saharan Africa.
Method
Search for relevant articles was done by using online databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, HINARI and Web of Science, African OnLine, and other gray and online repositories of Universities in Africa. The JOANNA Briggs Institute standard data extraction format was used to extract and appraise high-quality articles before being included in this study. The heterogeneity of the studies was tested by the Cochran Q test and I2 statistical test. The publication bias was tested by a Funnel plot and Egger’s test. The overall pooled prevalence, indications, and fetal outcome of operative vaginal delivery along a 95% CI using forest plots and tables.
Result
The overall pooled prevalence of operative vaginal delivery in sub-Saharan Africa was 7.98% (95% CI; 5.03–10.65; I2 = 99.9%, P < 0.001). The indications of operative vaginal delivery in sub-Saharan African countries include the prolonged second stage of labor 32.81%, non-reassuring fetal heart rate 37.35%, maternal exhaustion 24.81%, big baby 22.37%, maternal cardiac problem 8.75%, and preeclampsia/eclampsia 2.4%. Regarding the fetal outcome, favourable fetal outcomes was 55% (95CI: 26.04, 84.44), p = < 0.56, I2: 99.9%). From those births with unfavorable outcomes, the need for the resuscitation of new-born was highest 28.79% followed by poor 5th minute Apgar score, NICU admission, and fresh stillbirth, 19.92%, 18.8%, and 3.59% respectively.
Conclusion
The overall prevalence of OVD in sub-Saharan Africa was slightly higher compared to other countries. The prolonged second stage of labor (PSSOL), maternal exhaustion, maternal cardiac problem, preeclampsia and eclampsia, fetal asphyxia, and a big baby (> 4000g) were the indications for operative vaginal delivery. Poor 5th minute Apgar score 19.92%, admission to NICU 18.8%, need of the new-born resuscitation 28.78%, and fresh new-born 3.59% were unfavourable fetal outcomes after application of OVD. To reduce increased applications and adverse fetal outcomes of OVD, capacity building for obstetrics care providers and drafting guidelines are required.
Evolution of the Eocene shallow carbonate platform in Tunisia: Carbon isotopes stratigraphy and petroleum implications
Authors: Messaoud Jihede Haj , Thibault Nicolas , Aljahdali Mohammed H. , Yaich Chokri
Published: October 2022

This study aims to comprehend how the SW Neo-Tethys carbonate platform responded to Eocene global warming events and the possible relations with developing the middle Eocene carbonate oil reservoir (Reneiche member). The Eocene deposits of the Southern Neo-Tethys margin (Tunisia) are NW-SE-oriented facies belts with evident variations in thickness and facies. Along a homoclinal ramp, the Cherahil Formation's shallow carbonate platform facies progressively shift into the Souar Formation's globigerinids-clays. Major controls have been exerted on the central Tunisia platform by synsedimentary tectonics, sea-level oscillations, and warming events. Ten facies were identified and are attributed to at least three sedimentary models. The middle-upper Eocene sedimentary environments are wave dominant, influenced by storms and tide in a shallow water depth, passing during the Oligocene into a sandy fluvial and estuarine environment. Sequence stratigraphic analysis points towards shallowing upward trend interrupted during the lower Bartonian by a significant transgression. This sea-level rise coincides with a shift towards a short maximum nummulite carbonate production absent since the nummulitic limestones of the El Garia Formation (Ypresian). Proximal facies of dominant lumachellic marls shift to a thickening-upward sequence of transgressive facies culminating in a maximum nummulitic carbonate production during the middle Eocene transgression and coincides broadly at the global scale with the occurrence of the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO). Previous biostratigraphic studies confirm the position of the Reneiche/Siouf member and here by the bulk carbon isotope record (δ13C) characterized by a negative carbon isotope excursion in the middle of the Siouf member followed by a positive excursion at the top of this member, which is comparable to the δ13C record through the MECO in the reference sections. In response to the MECO, the early Bartonian is recognized as crucial for the large benthic foraminifera in various shallow-marine settings along the Tethys margins.
Study on adsorption of NOx/SO₂ with coconut shell activated carbon in simulated flue gas
Authors: Xu Qing , Lu Jianyi , Sun Chenxi
Published: October 2022

Adsorption is used to simultaneously remove SO2 and NOx from flue gas because of its easy operation, low energy consumption and easy practical application. In this paper, coconut shell activated carbon (AC) was used as the adsorption matrix for simultaneous desulfurization and denitrification. The AC was modified and characterized using a physical followed by chemical approach, and orthogonal tests were designed to conduct experiments on the simultaneous adsorption of SO2 and NOx from modified activated carbon in simulated flue gas. The adsorption experiments showed that the modified coconut shell AC had high-performance adsorbent conditions for the simultaneous removal of SO2 and NOx. The optimal modification conditions were as follows: the physical pore size of the AC was adjusted in an air atmosphere at 400°C for 2h, then modified by reduction in 3% KOH solution, followed by impregnation using 6% cerium nitrate solution, respectively. When the minimum concentration of SO2 in flue gas is 1000ppm and the minimum adsorption temperature is 50℃, its average desulfurization and denitrification efficiency can reach more than 95% and 40% respectively. As an excellent adsorbent, coconut shell AC has good application prospects for simultaneous desulfurization and denitrification of flue gas.
Construction of miRNAs and gene expression profiles associated with ischemic cardiomyopathy: Bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Dinh PhongSon , Peng Jun-Hua , Tran ChauMyThanh , Tran ThanhLoan , Pan Shang-Ling
Published: October 2022

Background
Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) has ranked as the most common cause morbidity and mortality in the elderly over the past decades. One of the most important reasons for this is that its exact underlying mechanism remains poorly understood.
Methods
Five datasets were downloaded from the GEO database. Differential gene expression (DGE) was identified by the R RobustRankAggreg package. Differential miRNA expression was evaluated by the Limma package. Gene potential functions were then determined by the clusterProfiler database. The miRNA-DGE regulatory network was predicted by cyTargetLinker. Then, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed by STRING tool, MCODE, and BiNGO tool.
Results
91 miRNAs and 274 potential genes were identified. Of these, COL1A1, IGF1 and CCND1 were found to be involved in many signaling pathways; and miR-9-5p was found to play critical roles in ICM.
Conclusion
Our study has unraveled the potential key genes and miRNAs as well as the possible underlying molecular pathogenesis of ICM, which is a crucial step leading to a new avenue for the early intervention of this disorder.
Evaluation of cardiac adverse events with nivolumab using a Japanese real-world database
Authors: Kanbayashi Yuko , Shimizu Tadashi , Anzai Miku , Kawai Rika , Uchida Mayako
Published: October 2022

The present study aimed to determine the risk of nivolumab-induced cardiac adverse events (AEs), time to onset, incidence rates, and post hoc outcomes using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database. We analyzed data for the period between April 2004 and March 2021. Data on cardiac AEs were extracted and relative risk of AEs was estimated using the reporting odds ratio (ROR). We analyzed 1,772,494 reports and identified 18,721 reports of AEs caused by nivolumab. Of these, 409 reports involved cardiac AEs. Signals were detected for four cardiac AEs: myocarditis; pericardial effusion; pericarditis; and immune-mediated myocarditis. Among these, myocarditis was the most frequently reported (35.0%) and included fatal cases. A histogram of times to onset showed nivolumab-associated AEs occurring 41–127 days after starting administration, with outlier cases of myocarditis or pericardial effusion occurring after more than one year, both with catastrophic consequences. This study focused on cardiac AEs caused by nivolumab as post-marketing AEs. Myocarditis and pericardial effusion could potentially result in serious outcomes after administration of nivolumab. Patients should be monitored for signs of onset for these AEs, not only at the start of administration, but also over an extended period after nivolumab administration.
Occurrence features of Intermediate descending layer and Sporadic E observed over the higher mid-latitude ionospheric station of Moscow
Authors: Oikonomou Christina , Leontiou Theodoros , Haralambous Haris , Gulyaeva Tamara L. , Panchenko Valery A
Published: October 2022

Nine years of ionograms from a higher mid-latitude ionospheric station (Moscow) are analyzed, by applying the ‘height–time–intensity’ (HTI) technique along with Spectrum (Lomb periodogram) analysis with the aim to investigate the daily and seasonal variability of sporadic E (Es) and intermediate descending layers (IDLs). Es and IDL traces are observed over Moscow which are characterized by a 12-hour periodicity prevailing throughout the year. Shorter periodicities in IDL and Es occurrence are also observed. A 6-hour periodicity in Es and IDL dominates during winter, while an 8-hour periodicity is found mainly in winter for IDL and in summer for Es. These periodicities are most probably induced by the semi-, quarter- and terdiurnal thermospheric tides respectively. Our results also establish the systematic and widespread manifestation of shorter-scale (4.8- and 4-hour) periodicities observed mainly for IDL and less frequently for Es only during winter, in the nine years considered, which is most probably linked to higher-order solar tides.
Elasomeran (mRNA1273) Vaccine: The Journey from Preclinical Research to Clinical Trials, Authorization, and FDA Approval
Authors: Khehra Nimrat , Padda Inderbir , Mahtani Arun , Rehman Obaid , Jaferi Urooj , Kipker Nathaniel , Parmar Mayur S
Published: October 2022

The rapid spread of COVID-19 worldwide resulted in critical illness and mortality. Supportive measures have been the center stage for therapy. One crucial question since the onset of the deadly SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was the development of a vaccine. Developed by Moderna, the mRNA1273 vaccine, Elasomeran contains a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) that encapsulates a nucleoside-modified messenger RNA (modRNA), which encodes the spike (S) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This vaccine is administered as a dual dose regimen 28 days apart (1 month). Seven days following Pfizer's BNT162b2 vaccine, mRNA1273 received FDA-Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on December 18, 2020, making it the second candidate. During the randomized, placebo-controlled, observer-blinded, phase 3 clinical trials, the mRNA1273 vaccine demonstrated 94.1% efficacy. Clinical trials in children aged 5–12 and adolescents also received FDA-EUA. The Moderna vaccine is also the second vaccine following Pfizer's BNT162b2 vaccine to receive full FDA approval on January 31, 2020, for use in individuals aged 18 and above for COVID-19 prevention. Real-world outcomes have been profoundly positive, reflecting its effectiveness in reducing hospitalization rates, infections, and mortality. This review article encompasses Moderna's vaccine journey, summarizing the mRNA1273 vaccine's preclinical studies, phase 1, phase 2, phase 3 clinical trials, dosages, immune response, adverse effects, FDA-EUA, FDA approval, and real-world outcomes discussing the overall effectiveness of the vaccine in healthy individuals, individuals with pre-existing underlying medical conditions, single-dose effects, delayed second dose, SARS-CoV-2 variants, and mix and match vaccines.
FN1, Collagen, MMP-2, and Lumican Associated with ECM Organization with Multiple Signaling Pathways Dysfunction in Schizophrenia Pathogenesis by Network Biology Approaches
Authors: Bhuiyan Piplu , Khan Md. Arif , Sun Zhaochu , Qian Yanning
Published: October 2022

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a chronic and devastating mental illness that affects around 20 million individuals worldwide. Cognitive deficits and structural and functional changes of the brain, abnormalities of brain ECM components, chronic neuroinflammation, and devastating clinical manifestation during SZ are likely etiological factors shown by affected individuals. However, the pathophysiological events associated with multiple regulatory pathways involved in the brain of this complex disorder are still unclear. This study aimed to develop a pipeline based on bioinformatics and machine learning approaches for identifying potential therapeutic targets involving possible biological mechanisms from SZ patients and healthy volunteers. 420 overlapping DEGs from three RNA-seq datasets were identified. GO, and pathways analysis showed several biological mechanisms enriched by the commonly shared DEGs, including ECM organization, collagen fibril organization, integrin signaling pathway, inflammation mediated by chemokines and cytokines signaling pathway, and GABA-B receptor II and IL4 mediated signaling. 15 hub genes (FN1, COL1A1, COL3A1, COL1A2, COL5A1, COL2A1, COL6A2, COL6A3, MMP2, THBS1, DCN, LUM, HLA-A, HLA-C, and FBN1) were discovered by comprehensive analysis, which was mainly involved in the ECM organization and inflammatory signaling pathway. Furthermore, the miRNA target of the hub genes was analyzed with the random-forest-based approach software miRTarBase. In addition, the transcriptional factors and protein kinases regulating overlapping DEGs in SZ, namely, SUZ12, EZH2, TRIM28, TP53, EGR1, CSNK2A1, GSK3B, CDK1, and MAPK14, were also identified. The results point to a new understanding that the hub genes (fibronectin 1, collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and lumican) in the ECM organization and inflammatory signaling pathways may be involved in the SZ occurrence and pathogenesis.