bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Structural Carbohydrate Composition of ‘Hass’ Avocado Fruit Is Affected by Maturity, Storage, and Ripening
Authors: Burdon Jeremy , Billing David , Bowen Judith , Boldingh Helen
Published: August 2024

Avocado fruits are considered unusual because of the large amounts of oil and seven-carbon (7-C) carbohydrates (mannoheptulose and perseitol) in the fruit’s flesh and skin. The fruit may be held on the tree unripe until required for marketing, and in some producing regions, this may extend past the next flowering period. This prolonged period on the tree is associated with increased oil content and decreased 7-C carbohydrates. There has been relatively less research into soluble hexose sugars and starch. In this research, the inter-relationships between fruit maturation, storage, and ripening have been investigated for both 7-C and six-carbon non-structural carbohydrates using ‘Hass’ fruit harvested from the same trees between 11 and 14 months after flowering. Significant differences were identified in both fruit flesh and skin for most compounds, affected by maturity, storage, and ripening. It is concluded that the non-structural carbohydrate composition of ‘Hass’ fruit is variable, with significant changes occurring associated with maturation, storage, and ripening. The compositions of the flesh and skin tissues are not consistently proportionate. Maturation provides the initial baseline composition from which any further change through storage or ripening can occur. The changes with maturation appear to be associated with the tree’s phenology, with tree-to-tree differences in the timing or degree of change.
Liquidity Risk Mediation in the Dynamics of Capital Structure and Financial Performance: Evidence from Jordanian Banks
Authors: Al-Nimer Munther , Arabiat Omar , Taha Rana
Published: August 2024

Maximising financial performance while maintaining adequate liquidity is a crucial and ongoing challenge for bank management, particularly in emerging markets. This study focuses on the relationship between capital structure and financial performance in Jordanian banks, with the mediating role of liquidity risk. Using panel data from 13 central Jordanian banks over the 2015–2022 period, we employ structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse how capital structure ratios (equity-to-asset, debt-to-loan, and deposit-to-asset) influence financial performance metrics (return on assets and net income-to-expenditure ratio). Our findings reveal a significant positive association between capital structure and financial performance. However, liquidity risk fully mediates this effect. Capital structure primarily impacts performance by influencing a bank’s liquidity risk profile. Furthermore, the strength of this mediating effect is noteworthy—capital structure exhibits a statistically more robust association with liquidity risk than its direct impact on performance. This highlights the crucial role of managing liquidity risk within the complex dynamics of bank operations. This research makes a significant contribution to the existing literature by demonstrating the positive impact of capital structure on performance using the underlying mechanism through which this effect occurs. The insights of this research provide several implications for practice in the context of banking industries.
Multiple Non-Destructive Approaches to Analysis of the Early Silurian Chain Coral Halysites from South China
Authors: Ren Xinyi , Hu Yazhou , Liu Peiyu , Liang Yue , Chen Feiyang , Qiu Hao , Strotz Luke C. , Liang Kun , Zhang Zhifei
Published: August 2024

Cnidarians are among the most important diploblastic organisms, elucidating many of the early stages of Metazoan evolution. However, Cnidarian fossils from Cambrian deposits have been rarely documented, mainly due to difficulties in identifying early Cnidarian representatives. Halysites, a tabulate coral from Silurian reef systems, serves as a crucial taxon for interpreting Cambrian cnidarians. Traditionally, the biological characteristics of Halysites have been analyzed using methods limited by pretreatment requirements (destructive testing) and the chamber size capacity of relevant analytical instruments. These constraints often lead to irreversible information loss and inadequate data extraction. This means that, to date, there has been no high-resolution three-dimensional mineralization analysis of Halysites. This study aims to introduce novel, non-destructive techniques to analyze the internal structure and chemical composition of Halysites. Furthermore, it seeks to elucidate the relationship between coral organisms and biomineralization in reef settings and to compare Silurian Tabulata with putative Cambrian cnidarians. Techniques such as micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (micro-XRF), micro-X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed in this research. With the help of high-resolution micro-CT scanning, we identify the growth pattern of Halysites, showing both lateral and vertical development. The lateral multiple-branching growth pattern of Halysites corals is first established herein. The flaggy corallite at the initial stage of branching is also observed. The micro-XRF mapping results reveal the occurrence of septa spines for Halysites, a trait previously thought rare or absent. Additionally, the ratio of coral volume to the surrounding rock was assessed, revealing that Halysites reefs were relatively sparse (volume ratio = ~30%). The cavities between Halysites likely provided more space for other organisms (e.g., rugose corals and bryozoans) when compared to other coral reef types. Additionally, we provide a comparative analysis of post-Cambrian colonial calcareous skeletons, offering insights into the structural features and growth patterns of early skeletal metazoans across the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary.
Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Fatima Alian , Abuhijleh Shahd A. , Fatah Abdul , Mohsin Mariam M. , Kar Subhranshu Sekhar , Dube Rajani , George Biji Thomas , Kuruba Manjunatha Goud Bellary
Published: August 2024

Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder affecting 1:1,000,000 children. It results from pathogenic variants in the PLA2G6 gene located on chromosome 22q13.1. The onset of symptoms usually occurs between 6 and 18 months, causing developmental regression leading to debilitating symptoms such as muscle weakness, dementia, and loss of basic skills. Eventually, it progresses to life-threatening symptoms, including breathing difficulties, which limit the life expectancy to 5–10 years. While potential genetic therapies for treatment are being developed, they are yet to be approved for use, and management remains essentially supportive. This case report is about a nine-year-old Pakistani girl with INAD. She presented with recurrent chest infections, developmental regression, loss of speech, paralysis, hypertension, and eventually breathing difficulties. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis. This case posed diagnostic challenges in view of its overlapping clinical presentation. Through this report, we aim to raise awareness about this condition among practitioners, outline the importance of genetic counseling in susceptible couples, and suggest potential areas of further research.
Challenges and Advances in Interventional Cardiology for Coronary Artery Disease Management
Authors: Lugo-Gavidia Leslie Marisol , Alcocer-Gamba Marco Antonio , Martinez-Cervantes Araceli
Published: August 2024

The development of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been one of the greatest advances in cardiology and has changed clinical practice for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite continuous improvements in operators’ experience, techniques, and the development of new-generation devices, significant challenges remain in improving the efficacy of PCI, including calcification, bifurcation, multivascular disease, stent restenosis, and stent thrombosis, among others. The present review aims to provide an overview of the current status of knowledge of endovascular revascularization in CAD, including relevant trials, therapeutic strategies, and new technologies addressing particular scenarios that can impact the prognosis of this vulnerable population.
Evaluating the Behavior of Bauxite Tailings Dewatering in Decanter Centrifuges
Authors: Moura Camila Botarro , Chaves Arthur Pinto , Felipe Rafael Alves de Souza , Júnior Homero Delboni
Published: August 2024

Depending on the ore quality, a washing process can be conducted with the bauxite, which basically consists of scrubbing the ore and screening in order to increase the available alumina grade, i.e., the alumina extractable using the Bayer Process, and reduce the impurity content. Tailings are usually disposed of in a tailings dam in the form of a slurry, which is a mixture of solid particles and liquid, consisting mainly of ultra-fine kaolinite, making the dewatering operation challenging. To reduce the environmental impact, mining companies are studying alternative methods to dewater the tailings, and different dewatering methods are available worldwide. The use of new technologies to dewater the tailings has contributed to facing the challenges of achieving sustainable development with their disposal. The decanter centrifuges are already an option for operations for the Canadian oil sands, gold ore in Peru, and nickel in New Caledonia; they are also being tested for iron ore in Brazil. In the present work, bauxite dewatering using the decanter centrifuge was evaluated to understand more about the behavior of these materials and to investigate the effects of various process parameters on the solid recovery and solid content of the flows, using three different kinds of equipment. The results indicated that decanter centrifuges can be used to achieve a high concentration of solids in the cake, with values ranging from 60% to 80% solids per weight and a great clarification in the liquid phase (centrate) from 0 to 6% solids per weight, values which mean the solid phase is suitable for reutilization in the processing circuit. Additionally, the present work provides a better understanding of how different solid contents feed can affect the behavior of the equipment.
An Examination of Chemical Tools for Hydrogen Selenide Donation and Detection
Authors: Hankins Rynne , Lukesh John
Published: August 2024

Hydrogen selenide (H2Se) is an emerging biomolecule of interest with similar properties to that of other gaseous signaling molecules (i.e., gasotransmitters that include nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide). H2Se is enzymatically generated in humans where it serves as a key metabolic intermediate in the production of selenoproteins and other selenium-containing biomolecules. However, beyond its participation in biosynthetic pathways, its involvement in cellular signaling or other biological mechanisms remains unclear. To uncover its true biological significance, H2Se-specific chemical tools capable of functioning under physiological conditions are required but lacking in comparison to those that exist for other gasotransmitters. Recently, researchers have begun to fill this unmet need by developing new H2Se-releasing compounds, along with pioneering methods for selenide detection and quantification. In combination, the chemical tools highlighted in this review have the potential to spark groundbreaking explorations into the chemical biology of H2Se, which may lead to its branding as the fourth official gasotransmitter.
The Asymmetric Total Synthesis of the Female-Produced Sex Pheromone of the Tea Tussock Moth
Authors: Sun Zhi-Feng , Liu Hao , Li Yi-Fan , Duan Yan-Ping , Jin Ling-Xia , Ji Xiao-Hui , Dai Hui-Ping , Lu Jiu-Fu
Published: August 2024

The tea tussock moth is a pest that damages tea leaves, affecting the quality and yield of tea and causing huge economic losses. The efficient asymmetric total synthesis of the sex pheromone of the tea tussock moth was achieved using commercially available starting materials with a 25% overall yield in 11 steps. Moreover, the chiral moiety was introduced by Evans’ template and the key C-C bond construction was accomplished through Julia–Kocienski olefination coupling. The synthetic sex pheromone of the tea tussock moth will facilitate the subsequent assessment and implementation of pheromones as environmentally friendly tools for pest management.
Case Study from Máza Brickyard (SW-Hungary): Paleoecology and Sediment Accumulation Changes in the Southern Part of the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Molnár Dávid , Makó László , Molnár Mihály , Sümegi Pál
Published: August 2024

The loess–paleosol profile of Máza brickyard in SW Hungary was investigated through multivariate analyses of malacofauna and sedimentological analyses. The aim was to reconstruct the complex developmental history of both sediment and malacofauna. Three age–depth models were calculated, and the best-fit model, the OxCal P-sequence, was chosen for further analysis. The profile overlays the MIS3 and MIS2, beginning at approximately 45,000–50,000 cal BP and ending at the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary. The accumulation rates were two periods of intensive accumulation, equal to those observed in the Bácska Loess Plateau in Hungary, and two periods of decreased accumulation. Between ~38,000 and 31,000 cal BP, a decreased accumulation period was observed in Máza and other profiles from the Bácska Loess Plateau, indicating a common weak accumulation period at the end of MIS3. Correspondence and cluster analyses provided a higher-resolution paleoecological reconstruction, revealing a more detailed picture of the evolution of the studied section. The presence of thermophilous gastropod species with a high contribution to the correspondence analysis was significant in the sections. Although Granaria frumentum, Helicopsis striata, Chondrula tridens, and Pupilla triplicata were not significant species in the Máza malacofauna as a whole, their presence was associated with warming periods and the emergence of open vegetation.
Design of Anti-Eccentric Load Sensor for Engineering Operation Early Warning Based on Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Yu Kaile , Ren Weizheng , Zhang Yiran , Ge Yutong , Li Yuxiao
Published: August 2024

The accuracy of aerial work platform weighing is essential for safety. However, in practice, the same weight placed at different locations on the platform can yield varying readings, which is a phenomenon known as eccentric load. Measurement errors caused by eccentric loads can lead to missed detections and false alarms in the vehicle safety system, seriously affecting the safety of aerial work. To overcome the influence of eccentric load, the current engineering practice relies on multiple measurements at multiple points and averaging the results to eliminate the eccentric load, which greatly increases the work intensity of workers. To address the aforementioned issues, this paper proposes a three-dimensional force/torque shear force compensation scheme based on bending torque and torsional torque for pressure. The goal is to ensure that the sensor on the aerial work vehicle platform can accurately measure the anti-eccentric load under single-point measurement conditions. A three-box structure anti-eccentric load-weighing sensor for the aerial work platform was designed. Its structure has the advantages of high mechanical strength and no radial effect, ensuring the safety of aerial work, improvement of measurement sensitivity, and enabling of real-time and accurate acquisition of force/torque in three directions. In order to further improve the measurement accuracy of 3D force/torque compensation, a particle swarm optimization algorithm was adopted to optimize the 3D force/torque shear force compensation, thereby improving the safety of engineering operations. Through the verification of a self-made testing platform, the anti-eccentric load sensor designed in this study can ensure that the measurement error of objects at any position on the platform is less than 1.5%, effectively improving the safety of high-altitude platform engineering operations.
Techno-Economic Assessment of Bifacial Photovoltaic Systems under Desert Climatic Conditions
Authors: Ayadi Osama , Rinchi Bilal , Al-Dahidi Sameer , Abdalla Mohammed E. B. , Al-Mahmodi Mohammed
Published: August 2024

The decaying prices and improving efficiency of bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies make them most promising for harnessing solar radiation. Deserts have a high solar potential, but harsh conditions like high temperatures and dust negatively affect the performance of any proposed solar system. The most attractive aspect of deserts is their long-term sustainability, as they are free from urban and agricultural expansion. In this work, the System Advisor Model (SAM) software version 2023.12.17 was used to model a 100 MW PV plant and evaluate the techno-economic performance of fixed, 1-axis, and 2-axis bifacial systems under the climatic conditions of six deserts from around the world. This study explores technical parameters such as the performance ratio, specific yield, and capacity factor. Additionally, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) indicator was used to compare the economic performance of the different systems. Results showed high specific yield: the averages for the three systems in six deserts were 2040, 2372, and 2555 kWh/kWp, respectively. Economic analysis found that an LCOE below 4 ¢/kWh is achievable in all deserts, reaching a minimum of 2.45 ¢/kWh under favorable conditions. These results emphasize the high potential of utility-scale PV projects in deserts to advance a green, sustainable energy future.
Under the ESG Dome of China
Authors: Yang Binbin , Park Sang Do
Published: August 2024

Implementing ESG is crucial for China’s modernization journey and corporate sustainability. To deeply understand the current standing of ESG in China, this study leverages online data richness using text mining techniques, specifically Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and ego network analysis. LDA is utilized to identify prevalent discussion topics on ESG, while ego network analysis is applied to examine the relationships and influences among key stakeholders. The scientific aim of this research is to identify prevalent ESG discussion topics, examine the relationships and influences among stakeholders, and determine core ESG focus areas on Chinese society. The findings highlight popular discussion topics such as ESG investment, the ESG notion, green finance transformation, and ESG rating. These topics underscore China’s growing concern for environmental protection and social responsibility. The core discussion areas focus on sustainable development, company social responsibility, and eco-friendliness, framing harmonized progress across economic, social, and environmental realms. Interestingly, governance discourse is sparse; the reasons are analyzed. Through the analysis of online discussions on China’s ESG, this study aims to enhance policymakers’ and participants’ understanding of the true status of China’s ESG, being of practical significance for policy formulation and appropriate ESG strategies.
Evaluation and Prediction of the Coordination Degree of Coupling Water-Energy-Food-Land Systems in Typical Arid Areas
Authors: Ren Dongfeng , Hu Zeyu , Cao Aihua
Published: August 2024

As a typical arid region in China, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is severely constrained by the resource and environmental conditions it faces. In order to promote the balance between regional resource supply and demand and environmental sustainability, this study uses the drive-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) model to establish its water-energy-food-land (WEFL) evaluation indicator system. The coupling coordination relationship of WEFL is analyzed quantitatively using the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model. Comparative analysis is carried out on the impact of land on the coupled coordination of water-energy-food (WEF) systems from the perspective of coupled and coordinated time-series development as well as land-use changes. Finally, the future coupling coordination of the composite system is predicted using a PSO-BP (Particle Swarm Optimization–Back propagation) model. The results show the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the composite evaluation index (CEI) of the WEFL system has been increasing, the coupling levels are all high-quality coupling, and the coupling coordination grades goes through three stages: low coordination, moderate coordination and well coordination. (2) The inclusion of the land subsystem is good for improving the coupling coordination of the whole WEF system. (3) An increase in the areas of cropland, forest land and built-up land improves the dysfunctional decline of the WEF system. An increase in the area of grassland has a negative effect on the development of the WEF system coupling coordination. (4) Forecasts indicate that the Xinjiang WEFL system coupling coordination will maintain a well level of coordinated development in 2021–2025.
Prioritization of Critical Success Factors in Industrial Waste Management by Environmental Engineers and Employees
Authors: Yüregir Hacire Oya , Ekşici Fatma
Published: August 2024

Today, with the increase in population, technological developments, industrialization and urbanization, problems related to waste management (WM) have become increasingly important to a sustainable and global clean environment. The gradual deterioration of the quality of environmental elements and the increase in environmental problems have caused societies to focus more on environmental problems. Waste management is a form of management that includes the prevention, non-prevention, reuse, recovery, and disposal of domestic, medical, hazardous, and non-hazardous wastes. This study aims to prioritize critical success factors (CSFs), via the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), in industrial waste management and to determine the most important critical success factor. The four main criteria and 23 sub-criteria were scored by the AHP method according to the opinions of five environmental engineers. After determining critical success factors, survey questions were prepared to make employees rank these factors. While the “national/local waste management strategies and policies” factor was the most important critical success factor according to environmental engineers, the most important critical success factor for employees was “enterprise waste management strategies and policies”. In addition, differences in the priorities of CSFs were found in the opinions of employees in different sectors.
Do Teenagers Believe in Anthropogenic Climate Change and Take Action to Tackle It?
Authors: Seker Sema , Sahin Elvan , Hacıeminoğlu Esme , Demirci Sinem
Published: August 2024

Regardless of their nationality, all children are unfortunately at risk since nations across the world are not doing enough to reduce the impacts of climate change. However, teenagers in developing countries face more severe challenges as a consequence of climate change. This research portrays teenagers living in a rural area in terms of their awareness, beliefs, attitudes, and actions relevant to climate change. Beliefs regarding climate change are reflected in the context of skepticism about the existence, causes, and impacts of climate change as well as belief in climate change mitigation. We also magnify ecocentrism and anthropocentrism, as a socio-psychological factor, and gender, a demographic variable, when exploring their power as the antecedents of climate change-related actions. The data were gathered from 650 students attending a middle school selected from a rural area located in the inner west region of Türkiye. The results indicated that less than half of the teenagers believed in the notion that something could be done to tackle climate change. According to discriminant analysis, female teenagers tend to believe in climate change more and have stronger ecocentric attitudes compared to males. Furthermore, female teenagers seemed to engage in climate change-related actions more than males. This study provided further evidence on the role of beliefs and attitudes in relation to this issue. To be more specific, teenagers believing that anthropogenic factors lead to climate change and that we, as humans, should therefore do our bit to reduce climate change, also tend to take the necessary actions to combat climate change. Furthermore, these individuals, valuing the natural environment for its own sake, engage in actions for climate change mitigation. By examining the awareness, beliefs, attitudes, and actions of teenagers in rural areas towards climate change, this research underscores the critical role of the quality of formal education in equipping teenagers to effectively engage with climate change issues.
Postoperative Multimodal Approach to Pain Control in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Autograft Surgery: A Single-Center Series
Authors: Cheykin Alexey , Goncharov Evgeniy Nikolaevich , Koval Oleg Aleksandrovich , Goncharov Nikolay , Bezuglov Eduard , Vetoshkin Aleksandr , Encarnacion Ramirez Manuel De Jesus , Montemurro Nicola
Published: August 2024

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are prevalent and represent a significant socioeconomic burden, as ACL injuries account for nearly 60% of all knees joint traumas. The purpose of this study is to emphasize the role of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and the challenges in postoperative pain management. Methods: This study involved 90 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction, categorized into three groups receiving different pain management protocols. The focus was on evaluating the efficacy of multimodal analgesia using lidocaine and magnesium sulfate. The main outcome was pain assessment using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: Patients receiving fentanyl, lidocaine, and magnesium sulfate (FLM) reported significantly lower pain scores in the postoperative period. Minimal use of additional opioids was observed, suggesting effective pain management with the multimodal analgesia regimen. Conclusions: The study showed that multimodal analgesia, including FLM, effectively manages postoperative pain following ACL reconstruction. This study showed significantly lower pain scores with FLM, highlighting its potential in early postoperative pain relief. Future research should consider long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive evaluations of multimodal analgesia’s impact.
Practical Suggestions for Assessing Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 Risk to Endangered Native Lagomorphs in North America and Southern Africa
Authors: Cooke Brian
Published: August 2024

A new form of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus, RHDV2, first observed in European rabbits, has spread widely among different species of hares in Europe, jackrabbits and cottontails in North America, and hares in southern Africa. However, only limited surveillance studies have been undertaken so far. It is suggested that methods developed for controlling the disease in farmed rabbits in Europe and studying the efficacy of RHDV as a biological control agent in Australia could facilitate epidemiological research on those recently affected lagomorph species. This would enable the assessment of the risk of RHDV2 to native lagomorphs, including endangered species, and the determination of the main host species of RHDV2. Because RHDV2 has not spread equally through all lagomorph species, epidemiological studies could give insights into factors important for determining host susceptibility.
Femenino y liminal. Los mitos amazónicos en el anecúmene: Iberia y el Ponto septentrional
Authors: Sanchez Sanz Arturo
Published: August 2024

La cerámica ática se convirtió muy pronto en uno de los principales productos de exportación destinados a impulsar las redes comerciales mediterráneas establecidas desde el Periodo Micénico. El incremento de la competencia en los mercados tradicionales y la búsqueda de recursos propiciaron los primeros viajes exploratorios más allá del mundo conocido, y los testimonios de estos aventureros muy pronto posibilitaron la apertura de nuevos mercados en lugares que, hasta entonces, solo existían en la tradición mítica. En estas líneas trataremos de comparar el interés por este tipo de piezas que mostraron culturas consideradas por los helenos como liminales, asentadas en ambos extremos de la ecúmene, en el caso especial de las piezas con decoración amazónica. Son consideradas como sociedades ajenas, bárbaras, sin contacto entre ellas que, a pesar de sus diferencias, manifestaron un interés similar por estos bienes de prestigio. Ambos mundos opuestos ocupaban un lugar común en el imaginario colectivo heleno, y ese espacio de encuentro puede rastrearse también en cuanto a la percepción del arte, de un interés consciente más allá de lo puramente material, que intrinca con sus tradiciones y concepción del mundo.
La milicia de la Confederación Etolia y su problemática (siglos V-II a.C.)
Authors: Ruiz Sánchez Antonio
Published: August 2024

Esta investigación examina el papel que, en paralelo a la adopción de las instituciones federales, desempeñó la milicia en el auge de la Confederación Etolia, uno de los actores más relevantes de la Grecia Helenística. Se analiza su evolución entre los siglos V y II a. C., planteándose a partir de la misma una propuesta relativa a la organización de sus contingentes. El estudio detecta una manipulación de la asociación literaria entre los pueblos etolios y las armas por parte de los enemigos de la Confederación. Del mismo modo, pese a sus limitaciones demográficas, confirma la doble vocación disuasoria y defensiva de los ejércitos confederales, garantes de la actividad política y la integridad territorial en un contexto dominado por potencias de capacidad militar muy superior. Respecto a la estructura de las fuerzas etolias, existen elementos que sugieren cierto nivel de especialización. No obstante, se identifican patrones evolutivos recurrentes en el mundo griego de estas centurias, tanto en lo referente a la cadena de mando como a la táctica militar. Finalmente, se aporta un acercamiento preliminar a la controversia relativa a la posesión de una flota de guerra plenamente constituida, defendiendo su operatividad en paralelo al empleo de recursos marítimos de terceros.
Violencia política y medidas de excepción en la crisis de la República romana: De Cicerón a Guantánamo
Authors: Duplá-Ansuategui Antonio
Published: August 2024

En este trabajo se analiza la violencia presente en la República romana tardía en términos directamente políticos, como resultado de los enfrentamientos políticos de la época. En ese marco se repasan las distintas “medidas de excepción” (senatus consultum ultimum, declaración de hostis, tiranicidio) como producto extremo de esos enfrentamientos. Finalmente se plantea un ejercicio comparativo entre la antigua Roma y la actualidad en torno al llamado Derecho Penal del enemigo, con el debate sobre la vigencia absoluta (o no) de los derechos como ciudadano y como ser humano ante cualquier situación política o judicial.
Política y espíritus celestes en el siglo XVI: los vínculos entre la apología imperial y la magia angélica radical en las prácticas de John Dee
Authors: Tribuzzio Juan
Published: August 2024

Este trabajo propone estudiar la relación entre dos elementos destacados de la obra de John Dee (1527-1608/9): su rol como apologista en la corte de Isabel I y su curiosa práctica esotérica de invocación de ángeles. A pesar de que ambas facetas han recibido atención por parte de la historiografía especializada y han sido exploradas con cierto grado de profundidad, estos análisis se han realizado de manera aislada. El presente trabajo analiza las representaciones políticas presentes en las (supuestas) conferencias con espíritus celestes. Con este fin, se considera como fuente central los diarios manuscritos de Dee (BL, Sloane MS 3188), en los que este último dejó registro escrito de las presuntas conversaciones con los entes celestiales.
Avaliação dos efeitos de longo prazo da exposição pré-natal ao tabaco no desenvolvimento infantil
Authors: Toscano Daniela Bezerra de Menezes , Lima Luiza Dias de Andrade , Queiroz Luiz Eduardo Xavier , Rocha Rafaela Dias , Gonçalves Raphaella Franco Fidelis , Câmara Júlia Pereira , Wanderley Fernando Farias , Rocha Maria Eduarda Amaro Ferreira , Andrade Philipe Fernandes Batista de , Figueiredo Juliana Freire Caetano de , Almeida Ana Laura Santos de , Tavares Yasmin Maria Sátiro Cruz , Oliveira Georgia Nóbrega de , Rodrigues João Gabriel de Araújo , Simão Paula Filgueiras Barbosa , Aguiar Lucas Queiroz de
Published: August 2024

O tabagismo durante a gestação tem implicações significativas sobre a saúde fetal. Sabe-se que cerca de 12% das gestantes fumam, condição que prejudica gravemente a saúde e desenvolvimento do bebê em gestação, devido à nicotina e outros componentes tóxicos do tabaco. A nicotina é capaz de atravessar a barreira transplacentária e interferir no crescimento e desenvolvimento fetal, causando vasoconstrição nos vasos uterinos e placentários, reduzindo o fluxo de sangue, oxigênio e nutrientes para o feto, além de ocasionar danos permanentes por toda a vida. A exposição pré-natal ao tabagismo, tanto ativo quanto passivo, está associada a uma série de complicações no desenvolvimento infantil. Ao nascimento, pode ocasionar baixo peso ao nascer e prematuridade, além de aumentar o risco de sibilância e asma na infância, devido a alteração da função pulmonar. Também está associado a comorbidades a longo prazo, como doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, doença inflamatória intestinal e anormalidades neurocomportamentais, com um aumento do risco de TDAH, comprometimento cognitivo e depressão. Conscientizar sobre esses danos é essencial para prevenir a exposição ao tabaco durante e após a gravidez. Esses resultados enfatizam a necessidade urgente de intervenções para reduzir o tabagismo durante a gravidez, visando proteger a saúde fetal e infantil a curto e longo prazo.
Sífilis gestacional: um estudo ecológico sobre o panorama da sífilis em gestante do ano de 2009 a 2023 no Brasil
Authors: Lucio Anabela Limma , Moita Fernando Ériton Aguiar , Santolim Mirella Simini , Frazao Nicolas Inkei Chiba , Madruga Maria Teresa da Fonseca
Published: August 2024

Considerando que as Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis (ISTs) representam um grave problema de saúde pública, este estudo aborda a sífilis gestacional (SG) no Brasil entre 2009 e 2023. Objetiva-se identificar o perfil das mulheres diagnosticadas com SG nesse período. Para tanto, procede-se a um estudo epidemiológico ecológico transversal, utilizando dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), analisando variáveis como faixa etária, escolaridade e raça. Observa-se que, dos 605.149 casos registrados, a maioria das gestantes afetadas tinha entre 20 e 39 anos (73,59%), eram pardas (50,27%) e possuíam ensino médio completo (20,33%). O estudo revela um aumento progressivo dos casos até 2022, com um decréscimo significativo em 2023. Este perfil e os resultados destacam a necessidade de reestruturar as políticas públicas para combater a SG de forma mais eficaz. Conclui-se que as atuais estratégias não são suficientes para conter a disseminação da sífilis gestacional, sendo essencial um direcionamento mais assertivo dos recursos para melhorar a prevenção e tratamento dessa infecção.
Uso da toxina botulínica no tratamento do bruxismo
Authors: Ferreira Neto José Alexandre , Rodrigues Renan Giffoni , Pinto Beatriz Capanema , Deckers Ana Júlia Aparecida , Ferreira Larah Garcia Campos
Published: August 2024

Introdução: o Bruxismo é uma condição caracterizada pelo apertamento excessivo e/ou ranger dos dentes de forma involuntária e inconsciente. Pode causar desgaste dental e disfunção temporomandibular, além de estar associado a várias doenças neurológicas. A toxina botulínica inibe a liberação de acetilcolina, causando efeito paralisante e o enfraquecimento temporário da atividade muscular, reduzindo o tônus muscular, sem que haja outros efeitos colaterais. Portanto, este artigo busca avaliar o uso da toxina botulínica do tipo A como uma alternativa para o tratamento do bruxismo. Metodologia: revisão integrativa da literatura nas bases de dados PubMed e Scielo, utilizando os descritores “Botulinum toxin”, “bruxism”. Foram selecionados 7 artigos, de 2010 e 2024. Artigos disponibilizados na íntegra e que utilizassem somente o botox como tratamento, disponibilizados em português, inglês e espanhol foram incluídos. Estudos anteriores a 2010, que disponibilizavam somente o resumo, ou que eram publicados em periódicos de baixo fator de impacto, e metodologias inconclusivas foram excluídos. Discussão: ensaios clínicos randomizados e metanálises indicam que a toxina botulínica pode proporcionar alívio sintomático do bruxismo ao reduzir a atividade muscular excessiva. Conclusão: embora os resultados sejam promissores, a evidência ainda é limitada e baseada em amostras pequenas. São necessários mais estudos de larga escala e a longo prazo para confirmar a eficácia e a segurança do tratamento do bruxismo com toxina botulínica.
Immunoregulation in Skull Defect Repair with a Smart Hydrogel Loaded with Mesoporous Bioactive Glasses
Authors: Yuan Shiguo , Zheng Boyuan , Zheng Kai , Lai Zhiheng , Chen Zihang , Zhao Jing , Li Shaoping , Zheng Xiaofei , Wu Peng , Wang Huajun
Published: August 2024

Skull defect repair is a complex and critical medical challenge, and there is an urgent need to develop multifunctional tissue engineering scaffolds for skull regeneration. The success of bone tissue engineering depends on the construction of scaffolds that can regulate the immune microenvironment of bone regeneration and mimic the liquid crystal and viscoelastic properties of natural bone extracellular matrix. Hence, a smart hydrogel (PEGDA5/AM15/CLC-BMP-4@MBG) with good biocompatibility and the ability to modulate the wound immune microenvironment has been developed for the repair of skull defects. The hydrogel consists of chitin liquid crystal hydrogel (PEGDA5/AM15/CLC) and mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4). The liquid crystal hydrogel not only offers the necessary biological support and mechanical properties but also maintains the stability of the liquid crystal state, facilitating adhesion and regeneration of surrounding bone tissue. In addition, BMP-4@MBG intelligently regulates the release rate of BMP-4 in response to changes in wound microenvironment, thus effectively promoting the transformation of macrophages from M1 to M2 macrophages. At the same time, Ca
2+
and Si
4+
released by MBG degradation and BMP-4 synergically promote bone repair process. The PEGDA5/AM15/CLC-BMP-4@MBG hydrogel shows excellent immunomodulatory and osteogenic properties of bone microenvironment and is a promising scaffold material for bone tissue engineering.
The Application Of Social Marketing In Increasing Blood Donation Among Donors And Non Donors: The Case Of Third Level Students.
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Healy John
Published: August 2024

"In today’s society, blood donation is dependent on the goodwill of people to voluntarily donate blood without financial reward. There is a continuous need for new blood donors, because the demand for donor blood is increasing, whereas the supply of blood is declining. Three thousand blood donations are needed in Ireland every week. Maintaining an adequate supply is the biggest challenge. Only 3.6% of the population in the Republic of Ireland donate blood. This leaves an enormous potential blood donor base, which if tapped into and maintained could lead to an adequate reserve of donations to meet the transfusion needs of this country. This thesis examined the role of social marketing advertising in increasing blood donations at a third level college in Cork. Focus groups with students, and interviews with key personnel involved in the blood donation process in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland were conducted. The thesis reveals that altruism is still the biggest reason why third level students donate blood. These people have high pro-social motives, having been encouraged to donate blood by their parents and friends. The key role of donors as recruitment agents for the blood sector is highlighted. For donors, donating blood is an intrinsic motivation and any attempt to compensate donors for this donation should be avoided. Advertisements that this segment found effective were ones that stressed the altruistic nature of donating blood. Non-donor participants were unaware of the whole area of blood and were not aware of its uses or the process of donation. This extended from a lack of knowledge of what their own blood type was to where they could donate. They were characterised by complacency regarding possible blood shortages and a lack of knowledge of blood that blood organisations should find worrying, as they assumed that blood would always be available. The advertisements that they found effective, were the rational-based fear advertisements that challenged their excuses and their complacency and urged them to donate. Blood service organisations should target the third level sector (donors and non-donors) as they represent the future of blood donation due to their life-time value and potential to donate blood. They also have high pro-social tendencies. Waiting times, queues, location of fixed clinics and promotion of mobile blood clinic visits were all cited as pivotal factors to increase donation. This will all aid in the recruitment, reward and retention of blood donors"
Identification And Molecular Characterisation Of Mycobacteriophages And Their Lysis Proteins
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Henry Marine
Published: August 2024

"Given their potential as specific and natural biocontrol agents, bacteriophages and their associated proteins have become the focus of renewed interest over the last decade. This study reviews the current state of mycobacterial diseases control worldwide and presents how phage therapy and the production of recombinant bacteriophage lysis proteins can be applied as novel biocontrol strategies for mycobacteria. Chapter 11 presents an overview of the predicted LysA and LysB proteins in all the mycobacteriophages sequenced to date and proposes an in silico 3D predictive model of the lysin B of a recently isolated and characterised mycobacteriophage. Our data also confirms the high diversity of the lysins, especially for LysB proteins which were examined both at the sequence [20] and structural [predicted 3D] levels. The in silico prediction of the mycobacteriophage lysins is followed by a technical chapter where the cloning of active mycobacteriophages lysins is described as well as the extensive optimisation of the different steps of cloning, expression and purification of the lysins. The genes predicted to encode for Lysin A and B proteins were identified, cloned in E.coli using pQE60 vector, and expressed following IPTG induction. An optimised purification procedure by affinity chromatography is presented and activity testing was carried out to demonstrate the peptidoglycan degrading activity of TM4 LysA and the lipolytic activity of D29 LysB proteins. The study then focused on a novel single mycobacteriophage, Ardmore, isolated in Co. Waterford in November 2006 whose 52,141bp genome was fully sequenced and annotated. This resulted in the identification of 88 ORFs of which 34 were assigned predicted functions. Finally, the last section of this work presents a brief characterisation of this phage, and describes the cloning, expression and purification of its predicted lysis genes lysA and lysB."
The Influence Of Hydrogen Peroxide On The Static And Fatigue Properties Of Palacos-r Bone Cement
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Guerin John
Published: August 2024

Aseptic loosening is a very costly complication of joint arthroplasty, both in terms of patient quality of life and financially. One potential contributing factor in its development - namely the use of hydrogen peroxide as an effervescent haemostatic agent - was investigated in this study. Clean bone cement samples and samples contaminated with 6% hydrogen peroxide were manufactured and stored either in room air or normal saline prior to testing. Thus four sample types were tested (clean stored wet or dry and contaminated stored wet or dry). Static (tension to failure) and fatigue testing was performed. Analysis was carried out using Stata 8.2 and alternate models compared using a Likelihood Ratio test with statistical significance defined as p
The Potential For Gaseous Biofuels In Ireland
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Kenneally Darren
Published: August 2024

"According to the EU Renewables Directive 2009/28/EC, 20% of the energy across Europe needs to be renewable by 2020. This is inclusive of the energy utilised in the transport sector where 10% of this energy needs to be renewable. In order for Ireland to meet the targets set in the Renewables Directive various changes need to be applied. The utilisation of gaseous biofuels produced from the anaerobic digestion of various feedstocks will aid Ireland in meeting this directive. In this study biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) and energy crops are analysed as potential feedstocks for the production of biomethane. This biomethane can be utilised as a transport fuel. The use of BMW as a feedstock will aid Ireland in meeting the EU Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC as this directive sets out limits for the quantity of BMW going to landfill for 2010, 2013 and 2016. The diversion of BMW away from landfill to be utilised in the production of biomethane as a transport fuel thus complies with these two directives. A combined approach is deemed the optimal approach which includes 22 facilities and is capable of fuelling 122,469 ears, making approximately €200 million revenue and saving over 1.3 million tC02 annually. Various energy crops are analysed to determine the optimal energy crop. Barley, oats and grass silage are investigated. These crops are co-digested to determine the optimal crop rotation. The optimal crop rotation is grass silage on its own on an 875ha land area and is capable of fuelling 5.36 ears per hectare, making €156,562 revenue and saving 7,802 tC02 annually. The production of hydrogen gas and biogas is also examined in a two phase process known as the dark fermentation process. Hydrogen gas is produced in the initial fermentation phase. The effluent from this phase is utilised as substrate in the second phase and biogas is thus produced. These two fuels can be used as a transport fuel. BMW and the optimal crop (grass silage) are investigated as a potential feedstock for this process. BMW can potentially fuel a total of 8,592 ears, make a revenue of €13,681,789 and save 57,990tCO2 annually for the 75,000tpa facility while grass silage can fuel 4,388 cars, make a revenue of €715,753, however this process produces 1,754 tC02 for the 875ha land area."