bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Past, Present, and Future of Management Consulting: Findings from A Global Survey
Authors: Güngör Huseyin
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT This article summarizes the developments in Management Consulting (MC) over the last century and explores several questions frequently appearing in MC research: Does MC add value? Does MC accelerate innovation? How digitization and advanced technologies will impact MC? What is the level of trust that business professionals put in MC? Although research questions are derived mainly from scholarly research, answers are sought from a managerial point of view based on a global survey with 122 participants. Results showed a positive tendency about MC among participants, where consultants are slightly more optimistic about their influence; also, the impact of advanced technologies, such as AI, on MC is confirmed, possibly explaining the high growth rate of technology-driven consulting over the last few years. Keywords: Management consulting; MC research; Artificial Intelligence; Machine Learning
L’itinéraire comme portrait de pays : la traversée de la France en automobile dans les années 1930
Authors: Callens Anne-Céline
Published: February 2024

En 1931, les Éditions Firmin-Didot publient La route de Paris à la Méditerranée. Le texte est confié à Paul Morand et les illustrations à plusieurs photographes, parmi lesquels Germaine Krull, qui réalise la majorité des images. L’ouvrage décrit la route entre Paris et la Côte d’Azur en mettant à l’honneur plusieurs stations étapes. À travers la description géographique, historique et des habitudes de vie des habitants de ces lieux d’intérêt, l’ouvrage propose un portrait de la France davantage qu’un récit de voyage. L’automobile qui est utilisée par l’auteur et la photographe pour relier la capitale à Nice conditionne leur voyage, tout comme le récit et les images qui en sont faites. À partir de l’analyse de La route de Paris à la Méditerranée, nous verrons que le voyage est prétexte à dresser un portrait phototextuel de pays et que la technique automobile et photographique influence fortement la réalisation de ce portrait.
La collection « Petite Planète » (Seuil) sous la direction de Chris Marker (1954-1958)
Authors: Nerinckx Quentin
Published: February 2024

À l’instar de toute une série de portraits phototextuels de pays, la collection « Petite Planète » commence à être éditée par les Éditions du Seuil dans une période que Jean Fourastié a nommée les Trente Glorieuses, dans un contexte de développement du tourisme de masse et d’apparition du livre de poche moderne. La personnalité de son directeur — le jeune Chris Marker qui fait alors ses premiers pas dans le monde du livre, de la photographie et du cinéma —, son format de poche, l’originalité de ses couvertures, son accent sur le présent des pays étudiés et leur population, ou encore la recherche et l’expérimentation dans l’utilisation d’une illustration riche et abondante sont autant d’aspects qui font que « Petite Planète » va se démarquer, dès son lancement, des séries concurrentes et affirmer sa singularité dans le paysage éditorial francophone de l’époque.
Book Worlds as a Window to Analyze the Extreme Right Wing in Argentina
Authors: Saferstein Ezequiel , Goldentul Analia
Published: February 2024

This paper examines how certain contemporary books and authors contributed to the formation of an extreme right political option in Argentina. The paper focuses on Nicolás Márquez and Agustín Laje, two authors who have achieved unprecedented visibility, which is reflected in the circulation and sales of their books, in the number of their followers on social networks, and in the magnitude of their events and conferences. In 2016, the publication ofEl libro negro de la nueva izquierda.Ideología de género o subversión cultural[The Black Book of the New Left: Gender Ideology or Cultural Subversion] established both authors as figures with “authority” in right-wing culture, and enabled the formation of communities of young readers from the promotional circuit of the work. Having attended different events and conducted a series of in‑depth interviews with young readers, we explore the forms of sociability and political subjectivation enabled by these authors and this book in the space of circulation of right-wing ideas in Argentina today.
The Great Forgetting
Authors: diZerega Gus
Published: February 2024

Why did the modern world enter into a “great forgetting” about the more-than-human world so many indigenous peoples took for granted? Second, how can this previous knowledge be reacquired without rejecting the very real accomplishments of the modern mentality? Many deep ecological writers have done extraordinary work on this second question. I will focus on the first, and use its analysis to add some insights regarding the second.

Central to the argument I will make is how language both empowers us and to some degree separates us from direct experience of the other-than-human world. Western languages are particularly prone to reinforcing this separation. Equally central will be a discussion of how media of communication rooted in language further distances us from direct encounter. Also important will be work in contemporary biology and ecology exploring how deeply interconnected all life forms are. The traditional Western idea of individuals, be they plants and animals or human beings, are ultimately irreducibly distinct from their environment has been shown to be mistaken. Individuals have been shown to be made up of simpler individuals who, in relationship with one another, enable emergent qualities to arise at ever greater levels of complexity. Further, while genuinely individual, they cannot be understood without reference to relationships outside what are normally considered individual boundaries.

By seeking the foundations of morality and other values in theology, reason, or will, many moderns are blinded to the fact values supporting morality and beauty exist immanently within the natural world. There is no need to import them from elsewhere. By way of conclusion, I reverse direction and describe one method available to the reader how a ‘remembering’ can come about experientially. This remembering will reconnect with an indigenous and sometimes shamanic perception of the world as alive and connected.
Las cooperativas en la tramitación parlamentaria de la Ley de Asociaciones de 30 de junio de 1887
Authors: Pino Abad Miguel
Published: February 2024

La Ley de Asociaciones de 1887 fue esencial para el desarrollo del cooperativismo. El Consejo de Ministros, en su sesión de 29 de junio de 1886, asumió la necesidad de regular las asociaciones con un criterio liberalizador. Al mes siguiente, el ministro de la Gobernación leyó el proyecto de ley en el Congreso de los Diputados. El día 14 se constituyó la comisión que habría de dictaminarlo. Tras varios meses, el 1 de marzo de 1887 comenzó la discusión del dictamen, prolongándose hasta el 15, mientras en el Senado, después de nombrar la oportuna comisión dictaminadora, se desarrollaron los debates entre el 2 y 22 de abril. Días después se nombró una comisión mixta de diputados y senadores, donde destacó el papel de Santamaría de Paredes, quien propuso que se incluyera un nuevo párrafo en el artículo 1º dedicado, entre otros, a las cooperativas de producción, crédito o consumo. El 21 de mayo se aprobó el nuevo dictamen en el Congreso y más tarde en el Senado. Sólo restaba la firma de la ley, que se produjo el 21 de junio.
Desconsideração da personalidade jurídica e cooperativas – uma abordagem preliminar de um caso específico
Authors: Ribeiro Maria de Fátima
Published: February 2024

O artigo 96.5 do Código Cooperativo português estabelece que se os prejuízos do exercício de uma cooperativa forem superiores ao montante da reserva legal a diferença pode, por decisão da assembleia geral, ser exigida aos cooperadores, proporcionalmente às operações realizadas por cada um deles – não impondo aos membros da cooperativa essa participação na cobertura das perdas, que podem discricionariamente deliberar. Caso não o deliberem, os montantes correspondentes aos ganhos que esses membros tenham indevidamente auferido através das transacções realizadas com a cooperativa, à custa do património desta, serão muito provavelmente suportados pelos credores da cooperativa. Neste artigo, analisa-se a possibilidade de o recurso à desconsideração da personalidade jurídica da cooperativa poder constituir solução para a tutela dos seus credores – e, ainda, se essa será a melhor solução.
Key issues and solutions affecting efficiency and stability of perovskite/heterojunction tandem solar cells
Authors: Yao Mei-Ling , Liao Ji-Xing , Lu Hao-Feng , Huang Qiang , Cui Yan-Feng , Li Xiang , Yang Xue-Ying , Bai Yang ,   Cannovation Low Carbon New Energy Technology Co., Ltd, Changzhou 213000, China,   Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China
Published: February 2024

Efficient and stable perovskite/heterojunction tandem solar cells (PTSC) are a direction of joint exploration in both academia and industry. Achieving efficient solar energy utilization by assembling structural layers with different bandgaps in an optical sequence is the original design strategy for PTSC. Through the reasonable distribution of the absorption spectra of each layer, the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of PTSC can theoretically be increased to more than 40%. At present, the efficiency advantage of small-area PTSC is well-established, but there are still many challenges in the commercialization of solar cell efficiency and stability. Therefore, in this work, the two-terminal (2T) and four-terminal (4T) stacking methods are regarded as the main structural routes, and the optimal design of the key structural layers of PTSC, bandgap adjustment, additive regulation, optimization of interlayer transport, and optimization of the module interconnection and encapsulation methods are focused on. Based on the existing research results, the key problems and solutions affecting the efficiency and stability of PTSC are summarized and outlooked, aiming to provide directional solutions to the key problems in the structural design of PTSC. In addition, from the application perspective, it is proposed that before the stability problem of the perovskite is fundamentally solved, the 4T PTSC is more likely to achieve product iteration and industrial efficiency improvement, with the expectation of taking the lead in commercialization. This work emphasizes the popularization and practical application of commercialization, with a perspective that is more in line with the market trend and close to the industrial demand, and is expected to provide an important reference for the commercialization of PTSC in the academic circles.
Growth and surface structrue of hydrogen terminal diamond thin films
Authors: Ma Meng-Yu , Yu Cui , He Ze-Zhao , Guo Jian-Chao , Liu Qing-Bin , Feng Zhi-Hong ,   The 13th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, Shijiazhuang 050051, China,   National Key Laboratory of Solid-State Microware Devices and Circuits, Hebei Semiconductor Research Institute, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
Published: February 2024

The conductivity of hydrogen-terminated diamond is a limiting factor in its application in field-effect transistor devices. The traditional preparation process hinders the improvement of the electrical properties of hydrogen-terminated diamond due to impurity elements in the diamond bulk and surface damage caused by processing near the diamond surface. To overcome this, researchers have explored the epitaxial growth of a high-purity and flat-surfaced diamond thin film on a diamond substrate. However, this approach still faces challenges in film characterization and achieving high surface smoothness. In this study, microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition technology is used to epitaxially grow a sub-micron thick diamond film on a nitrogen-doping chemical vapor deposition diamond substrate of 10 mm × 10 mm × 0.5 mm in size. The influence of methane concentration on the growth and conductivity of diamond film is investigated. The test results reveal that the growth thickness of the diamond film ranges from 230 to 810 nm, and the nitrogen concentration in the epitaxial layer is lower than 1×1016 atom/cm3. Three growth modes are observed for the homoepitaxial growth of the diamond thin film under different methane concentrations. A methane concentration of 4% enables two-dimensional planar growth of diamond, resulting in a smooth and flat surface with a roughness of 0.225 nm (10 μm×10 μm). The formation of different surface morphologies is attributed to the growing process and etching process of diamond. Surface low-energy electron diffraction testing indicates that the surface of the diamond film undergoes a structural transition from oxygen terminal (1×1: O) to hydrogen terminal (2×1: H) when grown for a short period of time. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals an extremely low ratio of oxygen element to nitrogen element, giving the grown diamond film P-type conductivity characteristics. The Hall test results demonstrate that the hydrogen-terminated diamond film grown with a methane concentration of 4% exhibits the highest conductivity, with a square resistance of 4981 Ω/square and a hole mobility of 207 cm2/(V·s). This enhanced conductivity can be attributed to the lower defect density observed under these specific conditions. The findings of this study effectively improve the electrical properties of hydrogen-terminated diamond, and contribute to the development and practical application of high-power diamond devices.
Universal Basic Income
Authors: Widerquist Karl
Published: February 2024

An accessible introduction to the simple (yet radical) premise that a small cash income, sufficient for basic needs, ought to be provided regularly and unconditionally to every citizen.

The growing movement for universal basic income (UBI) has been gaining attention from politics and the media with the audacious idea of a regular, unconditional cash grant for everyone as a right of citizenship. This volume in the Essential Knowledge series presents the first short, solid UBI introduction that is neither academic nor polemic. It takes a position in favor of UBI, but its primary goal remains the provision of essential knowledge by answering the fundamental questions about it: What is UBI? How does it work? What are the arguments for and against it? What is the evidence?

Karl Widerquist discusses how UBI functions, showing how it differs from other redistributional approaches. He summarizes the common arguments for and against UBI and presents the reasons for believing it is a tremendously important reform. The book briefly discusses the likely cost of UBI; options for paying for it; the existing evidence on the probable effects of UBI; and the history of UBI from its inception more than two hundred years ago through the two waves of support it received in the twentieth century to the third and largest wave of support it is experiencing now. Now more than ever, conditions in much of the world are ripe for such enthusiasm to keep growing, and there are good reasons to believe that this current wave of support will eventually lead to the adoption of UBI in several countries around the world—making this volume an especially timely and necessary read.
A binding site for phosphoinositides described by multiscale simulations explains their modulation of voltage gated sodium channels
Authors: Lin Yiechang , Tao Elaine , Champion James P , Corry Ben
Published: February 2024

Voltage gated sodium channels (Na
v
) are membrane proteins which open to facilitate the inward flux of sodium ions into excitable cells. In response to stimuli, Na
v
channels transition from the resting, closed state to an open, conductive state, before rapidly inactivating. Dysregulation of this functional cycle due to mutations causes diseases including epilepsy, pain conditions and cardiac disorders, making Na
v
channels a significant pharmacological target. Phosphoinositides are important lipid cofactors for ion channel function. The phosphoinositide PI(4,5)P
2
decreases Na
v
1.4 activity by increasing the difficulty of channel opening, accelerating fast inactivation and slowing recovery from fast inactivation. Using multiscale molecular dynamics simulations, we show that PI(4,5)P
2
binds stably to inactivated Na
v
at a conserved site within the DIV S4-S5 linker, which couples the voltage sensing domain (VSD) to the pore. As the Na
v
C-terminal domain is proposed to also bind here during recovery from inactivation, we hypothesise that PI(4,5)P
2
prolongs inactivation by competitively binding to this site. In atomistic simulations, PI(4,5)P
2
reduces the mobility of both the DIV S4-S5 linker and the DIII-IV linker, responsible for fast inactivation, slowing the conformational changes required for the channel to recover to the resting state. We further show that in a resting state Na
v
model, phosphoinositides bind to VSD gating charges, which may anchor them and impede VSD activation. Our results provide a mechanism by which phosphoinositides alter the voltage dependence of activation and the rate of recovery from inactivation, an important step for the development of novel therapies to treat Na
v
-related diseases.Voltage-gated sodium channels form pores in the membrane to mediate electrical activity in nerve and muscle cells. They play critical roles throughout the human body and their dysfunction leads to diseases including epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias and pain disorders. Membrane lipids called phosphoinositides have recently been shown to reduce the activity of a voltage-gated sodium channel, but the molecular basis of this mechanism is not known. Here we use simulations to reveal where these lipids bind to the channels and how they reduce channel activity by making it harder for the pores to open and slower to subsequently recover to the closed resting state.
Articular cartilage corefucosylation regulates tissue resilience in osteoarthritis
Authors: Homan Kentaro , Onodera Tomohiro , Hanamatsu Hisatoshi , Furukawa Jun-ichi , Momma Daisuke , Matsuoka Masatake , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the glycan structural changes that occur before histological degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA) and to determine the mechanism by which these glycan conformational changes affect cartilage degeneration. An OA model was established in rabbits using mannosidase injection, which reduced high-mannose type N-glycans and led to cartilage degeneration. Further analysis of glycome in human OA cartilage identified specific corefucosylated N-glycan expression patterns. Inhibition of N-glycan corefucosylation resulted in unrecoverable cartilage degeneration, while cartilage-specific blocking of corefucosylation led to accelerated development of aging-associated and instability-induced OA models. We conclude that α1,6 fucosyltransferase is required postnatally to prevent preosteoarthritic deterioration of articular cartilage. These findings provide a novel definition of early OA and identify glyco-phenotypes of OA cartilage, which may distinguish individuals at higher risk of progression.
A distinct subpopulation of adipocytes in adult perirenal adipose tissue arises through brown-to-white conversion but reverts to a thermogenic phenotype upon cold exposure
Authors: Zhang Houyu , Li Yan , Ibáñez Carlos F. , Xie Meng
Published: February 2024

Perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT) is a unique visceral depot that contains a mixture of brown and white adipocytes. The origin and plasticity of such cellular heterogeneity remains unknown. Here, we combine single-nucleus RNA sequencing with genetic lineage tracing to reveal the existence of a distinct subpopulation of
Ucp1
-
/
Cidea
+
adipocytes that arises from brown-to-white conversion during postnatal life in the peri-ureter region of mouse PRAT. Cold exposure restores
Ucp1
expression and a thermogenic phenotype in this subpopulation. These cells have a transcriptome that is distinct from subcutaneous beige adipocytes and may represent a unique type of cold-recruitable adipocytes. These results pave the way for studies of PRAT physiology and mechanisms controlling the plasticity of brown/white adipocyte phenotypes.
Impact of protein and small molecule interactions on kinase conformations
Authors: Kugler Valentina , Schwaighofer Selina , Feichtner Andreas , Enzler Florian , Fleischmann Jakob , Strich Sophie , Schwarz Sarah , Wilson Rebecca , Tschaikner Philipp , Troppmair Jakob , Sexl Veronika , Meier Pascal , Kaserer Teresa , Stefan Eduard
Published: February 2024

Protein kinases act as central molecular switches in the control of cellular functions. Alterations in the regulation and function of protein kinases may provoke diseases including cancer. In this study we investigate the conformational states of such disease-associated kinases using the high sensitivity of the kinase conformation (KinCon) reporter system. We first track BRAF kinase activity conformational changes upon melanoma drug binding. Second, we also use the KinCon reporter technology to examine the impact of regulatory protein interactions on LKB1 kinase tumor suppressor functions. Third, we explore the conformational dynamics of RIP kinases in response to TNF pathway activation and small molecule interactions. Finally, we show that CDK4/6 interactions with regulatory proteins alter conformations which remain unaffected in the presence of clinically applied inhibitors. Apart from its predictive value, the KinCon technology helps to identify cellular factors that impact drug efficacies. The understanding of the structural dynamics of full-length protein kinases when interacting with small molecule inhibitors or regulatory proteins is crucial for designing more effective therapeutic strategies.
Uncovering the BIN1-SH3 interactome underpinning centronuclear myopathy
Authors: Zambo Boglarka , Edelweiss Evelina , Morlet Bastien , Negroni Luc , Pajkos Matyas , Dosztanyi Zsuzsanna , Ostergaard Soren , Trave Gilles , Laporte Jocelyn , Gogl Gergo
Published: February 2024

Truncation of the protein-protein interaction SH3 domain of the membrane remodeling Bridging Integrator 1 (BIN1, Amphiphysin 2) protein leads to centronuclear myopathy. Here, we assessed the impact of a set of naturally observed, previously uncharacterized BIN1 SH3 domain variants using conventional in vitro and cell-based assays monitoring the BIN1 interaction with dynamin 2 (DNM2) and identified potentially harmful ones that can be also tentatively connected to neuromuscular disorders. However, SH3 domains are typically promiscuous and it is expected that other, so far unknown partners of BIN1 exist besides DNM2, that also participate in the development of centronuclear myopathy. In order to shed light on these other relevant interaction partners and to get a holistic picture of the pathomechanism behind BIN1 SH3 domain variants, we used affinity interactomics. We identified hundreds of new BIN1 interaction partners proteome-wide, among which many appear to participate in cell division, suggesting a critical role of BIN1 in the regulation of mitosis. Finally, we show that the identified BIN1 mutations indeed cause proteome-wide affinity perturbation, signifying the importance of employing unbiased affinity interactomic approaches.
The effects of selected sedatives on basal and stimulated serum cortisol concentrations in healthy dogs
Authors: Hunt Adam , Olin Shelly , Whittemore Jacqueline C. , Esteller-Vico Alejandro , Springer Cary , Giori Luca
Published: February 2024

Background

Hormone assessment is typically recommended for awake, unsedated dogs. However, one of the most commonly asked questions from veterinary practitioners to the endocrinology laboratory is how sedation impacts cortisol concentrations and the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Butorphanol, dexmedetomidine, and trazodone are common sedatives for dogs, but their impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of butorphanol, dexmedetomidine, and trazodone on serum cortisol concentrations.

Methods

Twelve healthy beagles were included in a prospective, randomized, four-period crossover design study with a 7-day washout. ACTH stimulation test results were determined after saline (0.5 mL IV), butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg IV), dexmedetomidine (4 µg/kg IV), and trazodone (3–5 mg/kg PO) administration.

Results

Compared to saline, butorphanol increased basal (median 11.75 µg/dL (range 2.50–23.00) (324.13 nmol/L; range 68.97–634.48) vs 1.27 µg/dL (0.74–2.10) (35.03 nmol/L; 20.41–57.93); P < 0.0001) and post-ACTH cortisol concentrations (17.05 µg/dL (12.40–26.00) (470.34 nmol/L; 342.07–717.24) vs 13.75 µg/dL (10.00–18.90) (379.31 nmol/L; 275.96–521.38); P ≤ 0.0001). Dexmedetomidine and trazodone did not significantly affect basal (1.55 µg/dL (range 0.75–1.55) (42.76 nmol/L; 20.69–42.76); P = 0.33 and 0.79 µg/dL (range 0.69–1.89) (21.79 nmol/L; 19.03–52.14); P = 0.13, respectively, vs saline 1.27 (0.74–2.10) (35.03 nmol/L; 20.41–57.93)) or post-ACTH cortisol concentrations (14.35 µg/dL (range 10.70–18.00) (395.86 nmol/L; 295.17–496.55); (P = 0.98 and 12.90 µg/dL (range 8.94–17.40) (355.86 nmol/L; 246.62–480); P = 0.65), respectively, vs saline 13.75 µg/dL (10.00–18.60) (379.31 nmol/L; 275.86–513.10).

Conclusion

Butorphanol administration should be avoided prior to ACTH stimulation testing in dogs. Further evaluation of dexmedetomidine and trazodone’s effects on adrenocortical hormone testing in dogs suspected of HPA derangements is warranted to confirm they do not impact clinical diagnosis.
From legal to illicit drugs: early childhood education as a preventive potential
Authors: De Paiva Eliane Aparecida Faria , Mafra Sandriely Morais , Da Silva Rosa Maria Frugoli , Guimarães Michelle Firmino
Published: February 2024

This article analyzed the potential of early childhood education regarding compliance with the harmfulness of legal drugs for the use of illicit drugs. It was based on a qualitative approach based on a literature review. As a result, it was confirmed that the school has been expanding its role in social inclusion, however, it is unprepared to deal with issues related to drugs and that its partnership with families, the community and other collaborating agents are fundamental in preventing drug use. drugs, therefore in promoting physical and mental health, which must be treated in the context of pedagogical practice.
O papel do consórcio nordeste para enfrentamento das mudanças climáticas no Brasil: um estudo exploratório no contexto dos ODS
Authors: Dos Santos Rosinaldo Ribeiro , De Souza André Luis Rocha
Published: February 2024

A presente pesquisa analisa o papel do Consórcio Nordeste no enfrentamento dos desafios ambientais e na promoção do desenvolvimento sustentável, alinhado aos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU). Para atingir o objetivo proposto, a pesquisa adotou uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando dados bibliográficos e documentais para compreender as estratégias e ações do Consórcio Nordeste na mitigação e adaptação da região às mudanças climáticas, assim como no estímulo à inovação e tecnologia verde. Os resultados da pesquisa evidenciam que o Consórcio Nordeste atua como uma iniciativa inovadora de integração regional, fortalecendo a identidade, a articulação política e a atração de investimentos na região. Além disso, destaca-se na abordagem das mudanças climáticas, alinhando suas ações com os ODS da Agenda 2030 da ONU. A pesquisa conclui que o Consórcio Nordeste tem potencial para se tornar um promotor de políticas públicas voltadas ao desenvolvimento sustentável e à adaptação climática na região, mas enfrenta desafios políticos, econômicos e institucionais.
Diagnostic Performance and Comparative Analysis of Conventional Drug Susceptibility Testing, Line Probe Assay, and GeneXpert in Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Cases: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Authors: Jamwal Ashima , Swami Anjali , Mohanty Ankita , Baveja Sujata
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB), a known threat to mankind for ages, causes a significant burden on healthcare worldwide. The alarming rise of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) has led healthcare professionals to opt for molecular diagnostics. Despite the availability of rapid diagnostics, conventional culture Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) is still considered the gold standard in diagnosing TB. Aim: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of culture DST which is considered the gold standard. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 150 suspected EPTB patients and was conducted over a period of one year (September 2018 to August 2019) at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and Sion Hospital (LTMMC), a tertiary care hospital in central Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The hospital is located adjacent to Dharavi, the largest slum area with a high population density, which contributes to the majority of patients attending clinics. Patients attending the pulmonary medicine Outpatient Department (OPD) with extrapulmonary manifestations and suspected cases of EPTB were enrolled in the study. Samples, excluding sputum, were sent to the Department of Microbiology, LTMMC, Sion Hospital for GeneXpert analysis. The samples were further evaluated by microscopy, GeneXpert, and culture DST to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and drug susceptibility, respectively. Patients positive for Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) were excluded from the study. Categorical variables were described using percentages. A Chi-square test was applied, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS statistical software (IBM SPSS version 26.0, Armonk, N.Y.). Results: Out of the 150 extrapulmonary samples, 23 (15.33%) samples were culture positive for M. tuberculosis and were subjected to DST using the 1% proportion method and GeneXpert assay. The MDR isolates were tested using the firstline Line Probe Assay (LPA). Eleven (47.8%) showed resistance to first-line antitubercular drugs. Among the 12 new cases, only 2 (16.7%) showed resistance compared to 9 (81.8%) in previously treated cases. A discordance of 8.7% was observed between DST with GeneXpert and LPA. Additionally, a discordance of 8.7% was observed between DST and LPA for rifampicin resistance and 4.3% for isoniazid resistance. Conclusion: The paucibacillary nature of extrapulmonary samples contributes to the challenging diagnosis of EPTB cases, leading to increased drug resistance. Highlighting the importance of the conventional solid culture DST method, this study strongly recommends the use of conventional DST accompanied by LPA for extrapulmonary cases.
Mathematical Modeling of Bird Harvesting in Intensive Poultry System
Authors: Sunday Udofia, Ekere , Dominic Akpan, Ubong , Ijeoma Uwakwe, Joy , Sylvester Thomas, Henry
Published: February 2024

This work, presents a formulation of mathematical model of bird harvesting in an intensive poultry system, under the assumption that under a favourable environmental atmosphere and good management system, the birds have logistic growth. The model is analysed using methods from dynamical system theory and theory of calculus. It was established that the system has two steady state, the two equilibrium state are both locally asymptotically stable. The first one is stable if there is a bound on the harvest rate of the birds, which is proportional to the growth rate of the birds. The second equilibrium state is locally asymptotically stable (LAS)  if  k < \(\frac{r(C+y)}{p}\) that is if the carrying capacity is less than   the ratio of the sum of and Per unit tax on the bird to that of Per unit price of the birds. Further analysis indicates that the limiting population of bird, that is the maximum population of birds that the available resources in the system can sustain and also ensures harvesting profitability is given as
Understanding the Japanese University Students’ Motivation and Demotivation in Attending EFL Classes
Authors: Ed. D. Faramarz Samifanni
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to identify the motivation and demotivation of Japanese university students in attending English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes. The participants included 455 students who took English courses for the first semester of 2023 from two private universities in Japan. The data was collected using a five-point Likert scale motivation and demotivation survey comprised of 24 items and two open-ended questions through an online questionnaire. The results from the quantitative and qualitative strands indicated that the motivation of the respondents towards attending EFL classes is mainly extrinsic. The basis of extrinsic motivation comprised getting credit, getting good grades, and knowing the tips for the exam. In addition, Japanese university students showed low demotivation towards attending EFL classes based on teacher-related, class content-related, and personal factors. The thematic analysis revealed that the students have low expectations for success and lack of self-discipline. From a cultural perspective, these findings reveal that the Japanese tend to blame themselves rather than point fingers at others to maintain harmony even in their academic life. The findings of this study can be used by EFL instructors, school administrators, and curriculum developers to offer interventions intended to motivate the demotivated EFL students to improve class attendance and help Japanese university students achieve academic success.
How Pedagogues Support Inclusion in Denmark: Experiences, Barriers, and Recommendations
Authors: Gulløv Cristina , Murawski Wendy W.
Published: February 2024

Danish school reform around inclusive practices became more prevalent in 2014, and efforts to address the needs of children with disabilities increased. One of the primary ways to meet students' needs in an inclusive setting was to move pedagogues out of their traditionally after-school social settings into the general education classroom to co-teach with content teachers. This qualitative study followed groups of pedagogues and classroom teachers in Denmark for two years, using interviews and observations to ascertain the challenges and successes of co-teaching between pedagogues and teachers. The results mirror in many ways the current research on co-teaching in other countries and with other collaborating professionals. The challenges, barriers, and successes experienced by pedagogues and teachers who were expected to co-teach due to Danish school reform on inclusion are shared. Recommendations build on existing literature and address the unique role that Danish pedagogues can play in moving inclusive practices forward and how their experiences can be applied to co-teachers in other countries and settings.
Stochastic Sensing of TNT with a Genetically Engineered Pore
Authors: Guan Xiyun , Gu Li‐Qun , Cheley Stephen , Braha Orit , Bayley Hagan
Published: August 2005

Engineered versions of the transmembrane protein pore α‐hemolysin (αHL) can be used as stochastic sensing elements for the identification and quantification of a wide variety of analytes at the single‐molecule level. Until now, nitroaromatic analytes have eluded detection by this approach. We now report that binding sites for nitroaromatics can be built within the lumen of the αHL pore from simple rings of seven aromatic amino acid side chains (Phe, Tyr or Trp). By monitoring the ionic current that passes through a single pore at a fixed applied potential, various nitroaromatics can be distinguished from TNT on the basis of the amplitude and duration of individual current‐blocking events. Rings of less than seven aromatics bind the analytes more weakly; this suggests that direct aromatic–aromatic interactions are involved. The engineered pores should be useful for the detection of explosives and, in combination with computational approaches and structural analysis, they could further our understanding of noncovalent interactions between aromatic molecules.
Psychological responses to cancer recurrence
Authors: Andersen Barbara L. , Shapiro Charles L. , Farrar William B. , Crespin Timothy , Wells‐DiGregorio Sharla
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND

There is a dearth of knowledge regarding the psychological responses to a diagnosis of cancer recurrence.

METHODS

An ongoing randomized clinical trial provided the context for prospective study. Women with Stage II/III breast carcinoma (N = 227) were initially assessed after their diagnosis/surgery and before adjuvant therapy and then reassessed every 6 months. Eight years into the trial, 30 patients had recurred (R) and were assessed shortly after receiving their second diagnosis. Their data were compared with a sample of trial patients who had no evidence of disease (disease free [DF]; n = 90). The groups were matched on study arm, disease stage, estrogen receptor status, menopausal status, and time since initial diagnosis.

RESULTS

As hypothesized, patients' cancer‐specific stress at recurrence in the R group was higher (P < 0.05) than stress levels for the DF group at the equivalent point in time. Importantly, the R group reported stress for their recurrent diagnosis equivalent to that reported for their initial diagnosis. Identical results were found for measures of health status and symptomatology. In contrast, analyses for emotional distress and social functioning showed no pattern of disruption for the R group at cancer recurrence and levels equivalent to that of the DF group.

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors' knowledge, this was the first controlled, prospective psychological analysis of patients' responses to cancer recurrence. The findings were consistent with a learning theory conceptualization of the cancer stressor. Patients' stress was “compartmentalized” and did not, at least in the early weeks, result in diffuse emotional distress and quality of life disruption, underscoring the resilience of patients when confronted with cancer recurrence. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Impact of brachytherapy on regional, racial, marital status, and age‐related patterns of definitive treatment for clinically localized prostate carcinoma
Authors: Copeland Laurel A. , Elshaikh Mohamed A. , Jackson James , Penner Louis A. , Underwood Willie
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND

The impact of the increased use of permanent prostate brachytherapy compared with other treatment modalities (such as radical prostatectomy and external‐beam radiation therapy [EBRT]) for the treatment of clinically localized prostate carcinoma, and the previously reported regional, racial, and age‐related variations in prostate carcinoma treatment, have not been well characterized to date. Therefore, the authors evaluated the impact of permanent prostate brachytherapy on the relative rates of the use of specific prostate carcinoma treatment modalities over time.

METHODS

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry data from 1995 to 2000 were analyzed in a longitudinal, observational study utilizing bivariate and multivariate techniques.

RESULTS

Differential changes in the use of specific definitive treatment modalities were noted by region, age group, racial/ethnic group, and marital status. Increasing use of permanent prostate brachytherapy, with and without concomitant EBRT, was proportional to the decreasing use of radical prostatectomy alone and EBRT alone over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study revealed that permanent prostate brachytherapy appears to be replacing other treatment modalities in increasing numbers of clinically localized prostate carcinoma cases. Persistent regional, racial/ethnic, marital status, and age‐related differences in the use of permanent prostate brachytherapy merit further investigation. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Nasopharyngeal intracavitary brachytherapy
Authors: Leung To‐Wai , Tung Stewart Y. , Wong Victy Y. W. , Sze Wing‐Kin , Lui Collin M. M. , Wong Frank C. S. , Lee Ann‐Shing , O Sai‐Ki
Published: August 2005

BACKGROUND

Locally persistent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) carries an increased risk of local failure if additional treatment is not given. It has been shown that intracavitary brachytherapy is effective in the treatment of patients with T1 and T2a NPC, although its role in the treatment of T2b disease had remained uncertain. The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the outcomes of patients with T2b, locally persistent NPC who were treated with high‐dose‐rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy and to explore whether routine brachytherapy boost could improve the local control of patients who had T2b NPC at initial diagnosis.

METHODS

Thirty‐four patients with locally persistent NPC who were treated during 1992–2000 with HDR intracavitary brachytherapy were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had T2b disease at initial diagnosis. They were treated with HDR intracavitary brachytherapy at doses of 22.5–24.0 grays (Gy) in 3 weekly sessions. To compare the efficacy of brachytherapy, another 403 consecutive patients with nonmetastatic T2b NPC who were treated with curative intent by external radiotherapy (ERT) during the same period were evaluated.

RESULTS

An improvement in the 5‐year actuarial local failure‐free survival rate (brachytherapy group vs. ERT group: 96.9% vs. 81.5%; P = 0.024), the disease‐specific survival rate (84.5% vs. 68.1%; P = 0.021), and the overall survival rate (78.3% vs. 63.1%; P = 0.034) was demonstrated in the group that had locally persistent NPC who were salvaged with brachytherapy. In assessing local control, the addition of brachytherapy was just short of statistical significance on multivariate analysis (P = 0.054). The complication rates were comparable between the brachytherapy group and the ERT group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that patients with T2b NPC who have locally persistent disease can be salvaged effectively with brachytherapy. Their local control was even better than that achieved by patients who had clinical remission of local disease at the completion of ERT. Furthermore, it is possible that routine brachytherapy boost, after the completion of ERT, may improve local control in patients who have T2b disease at initial diagnosis. However, its exact benefit can be elucidated only by prospective, randomized studies. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Pyridine‐Ring Alkylation of Cytotoxic r‐1,c‐3,c‐5‐Tris[(2‐pyridylmethyl)amino]cyclohexane Chelators: Structural and Electronic Properties of the MnII, FeII, NiII, CuII and ZnII Complexes
Authors: Childers Matt L. , Su Fan , Przyborowska Ann M. , Bishwokarma Bimjhana , Park Gyungse , Brechbiel Martin W. , Torti Suzy V. , Torti Frank M. , Broker Grant , Alexander Jacob S. , Rogers Robin D. , Ruhlandt‐Senge Karin , Planalp Roy P.
Published: August 2005

Effects of pyridyl‐ring alkylation on complexation of MnII, FeII, NiII, CuII and ZnII by chelators based on r‐1,c‐3,c‐5‐triaminocyclohexane (tach) have been studied. The chelators studied are N,N′,N′′‐tris[(x‐alkyl‐2‐pyridyl)methyl] derivatives of tach, where the ring substituents are 3‐Me, 4‐Me, 5‐Me, 6‐Me or 6‐MeO (“tach‐x‐Rpyr”). Dicationic complexes were synthesized for most combinations of the above five metals and five chelators, using ClO4−, NO3−, Cl−, or CF3SO3− as counterions. Their bonding, structure, and aqueous lability were analyzed by UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy, magnetic moment determination, HPLC, and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The striking features are seen in the 6‐alkylated complexes, where steric repulsions between the 6‐substituents at the threefold axis of the pseudo‐octahedral coordination sphere result in a substantially weakened metal–ligand interaction. In the [M(tach‐6‐Rpyr)]2+ series of divalent Mn, Ni, Cu and Zn, effects of these repulsions include bond angle and length distortions, decrease of the coordination number to five, shifts of d‐d electronic transitions to lower energies, and spin‐free complexes of the bound metal ion. Aqueous lability studies by HPLC agree with the spectroscopic findings. The bonding properties of the other tach‐x‐Mepyr chelators (x = 3, 4, 5) closely resemble the unalkylated parent tachpyr in solution. Similarly in the X‐ray studies, [Zn(tach‐3‐Mepyr)]2+ resembles [Zn(tachpyr)]2+. The cytotoxicities of the chelators toward human breast cancer cells (MCF7) at a fixed chelator concentration of 16 µM show time‐dependent induction of cell death in the order tach‐3‐Mepyr >≈ tach‐4‐Mepyr > tach‐5‐Mepyr > tachpyr, whereas tach‐6‐Mepyr and tach‐6‐MeOpyr had no effect on the cells. The depressed cytotoxicities of the latter two are attributed to inability to bind FeII or ZnII strongly. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Formation and Characterization of Pt Nanoparticle Networks
Authors: Wen Fei , Waldöfner Norbert , Schmidt Wolfgang , Angermund Klaus , Bönnemann Helmut , Modrow Stephanie , Zinoveva Svetlana , Modrow Hartwig , Hormes Josef , Beuermann Lars , Rudenkiy Sergiy , Maus‐Friedrichs Wolfgang , Kempter Volker , Vad Thomas , Haubold Heinz‐Günter
Published: August 2005

Nanoparticle networks can be synthesized by the self‐assembly of arrays of metal colloid particles linked by spacer molecules of different sizes. The particles are linked through reactive aluminum sites in a metal–organic shell around the metal particles. Rigid spacer molecules with functional groups at each end are used to bind at these reactive sites. The resulting networks have been characterized by various methods such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), sorption analysis, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAFS), anomalous small angle X‐ray scattering (ASAXS), metastable impact electron spectroscopy (MIES), and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). These investigations showed that the metal nanoparticles form aggregated networks with average distances between the metal particles that are determined by the sizes of the spacer molecules applied. In this way, porous as well as nonporous networks have been obtained. Whether accessible pores are formed depends on the type of spacer molecule. Furthermore, the properties of the metal particles have proved to be sensitive towards the reaction of the aluminum in the protective shells with the linker molecules. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Continuous Homogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Müller Christian , Nijkamp Marije G. , Vogt Dieter
Published: August 2005

This review article illustrates possible aspects for molecular‐weight enlargement and immobilisation of transition‐metal complexes that have been developed for bridging the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The recycling of homogeneous catalysts can be performed using different types of supports, such as dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers, nanostructured materials or stabilized nanoparticles in combination with suitable filtration methods and equipments. Continuous homogeneous catalysis is ideally performed in a continuously operated membrane reactor. A general overview of molecular‐weight enlargement along with selected examples and recent developments in continuous homogeneous catalysis is provided. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)