bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpha-fetoprotein and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin can predict the objective response of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving durvalumab plus tremelimumab therapy
Authors: Saeki Issei , Shimose Shigeo , Tomonari Tetsu , Ito Takanori , Tani Joji , Takeuchi Yasuto , Yoshioka Naoki , Naito Takehito , Takeuchi Mamiko , Kakizaki Satoru , Hatanaka Takeshi , Sasaki Kyo , Yasunaka Tetsuya , Sakata Masahiro , Iwamoto Hideki , Itano Satoshi , Shirono Tomotake , Tanabe Norikazu , Yamamoto Takafumi , Kanayama Yuki , Naganuma Atsushi , Nishina Sohji , Otsuka Motoyuki , Kobara Hideki , Kawashima Hiroki , Takayama Tetsuji , Kawaguchi Takumi , Yamasaki Takahiro , Takami Taro ,   Hepatology InVestigator Experts in Japan (HIVE-J) Study Group
Published: September 2024

Durvalumab plus tremelimumab (Durva/Treme) combined immunotherapy is the first-line therapy recommended for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Since sequential therapy is more effective in improving prognosis, tumor markers have been used as predictive biomarkers for response to systemic therapy. This study aimed to investigate the predictive ability of objective response (OR) by tumor markers for Durva/Treme therapy against HCC. In this multicenter study, 110 patients with HCC who received Durva/Treme therapy were retrospectively enrolled. The OR rate was 15.5%. To aid early decision-making regarding OR, we evaluated the predictors contributing to OR in two steps: before (first step) and 4 weeks after (second step) treatment induction. Changes in tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin [DCP]) from baseline to 4 weeks after treatment (ΔAFP/ΔDCP) were included as the input factors. In the first step, multivariable analysis identified only the baseline AFP level (odds ratio 3.497,p= 0.029) as a predictor of OR. Patients with AFP ≥ 400 ng/mL had a significantly higher OR rate than those with < 400 ng/mL (28.2 vs. 8.5%,p= 0.011), and there was no significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS) between the two groups. When AFP/DCP response was defined as a ≥10% reduction from baseline, multivariable analysis showed that AFP response (odds ratio 6.023,p= 0.042) and DCP response (odds ratio 11.657,p= 0.006) were both independent predictors of OR in the second step. The PFS of patients with AFP or DCP response was significantly longer than that of patients without AFP or DCP response. The study demonstrated that the use of AFP and DCP can predict the OR of patients with HCC receiving Durva/Treme therapy.
Feasibility of Vis-NIR spectroscopy approach to predict soil biological attributes in arid land soils
Authors: Hosseini Elias , Zarei Mehdi , Moosavi Ali Akbar , Ghasemi-Fasaei Reza , Baghernejad Majid , Mozaffari Hasan
Published: September 2024

Visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) reflectance spectroscopy has recently emerged as an efficient and cost-effective tool for monitoring soil parameters and provides an extensive array of measurements swiftly. This study sought to predict fundamental biological attributes of calcareous soils using spectral reflectance data in the Vis-NIR range through the application of partial least square regression (PLSR) and stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) techniques. The objective was to derive spectrotransfer functions (STFs) to predict selected soil biological attributes. A total of 97 composite samples were collected from three distinct agricultural land uses, i.e., sugarcane, wheat, and date palm, in the Khuzestan Province, Iran. The samples were analyzed using both standard laboratory analysis and proximal sensing approach within the Vis-NIR range (400–2500 nm). Biological status was evaluated by determining soil enzyme activities linked to nutrient cycling including acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dehydrogenase (DEH), soil microbial respiration (SMR), microbial biomass phosphorus (Pmic), and microbial biomass carbon (Cmic). The results indicated that the developed PLSR models exhibited superior predictive performance in most biological parameters compared to the STFs, although the differences were not significant. Specifically, the STFs acceptably accurately predicted ACP, ALP, DEH, SMR, Pmic, and Cmic with R2val (val = validation dataset) values of 0.68, 0.67, 0.65, 0.65, 0.76, and 0.72, respectively. These findings confirm the potential of Vis-NIR spectroscopy and the effectiveness of the associated STFs as a rapid and reliable technique for assessing biological soil quality. Overall, in the context of predicting soil properties using spectroscopy-based approaches, emphasis must be placed on developing straightforward, easily deployable, and pragmatic STFs.
Framework assessment of sustainability: Methodology for evaluating the conformance of fishery and aquaculture management systems to FAO guidelines
Authors: Walsh Michelle L. , Thorbjørnsen Thoren L. , Jones Robert C.
Published: September 2024

Sustainability is about meeting the needs of current generations without compromising those of future generations. For fished and aquacultured products, sustainability is often gauged on an individual fishery or farm basis but can be driven by a well-designed and implemented regulatory management system, or set of laws, rules, and policies promulgated by a governmental entity. To achieve global coverage via current assessment approaches requires enormous effort and resources due to the sheer number of individual operating units. System assessments are well established in assuring seafood safety, but much less so in regard to sustainability. This paper presents a tool to measure sustainability based on the prevailing regulatory management system and invites other researchers and practitioners to gauge the applicability of the methodology to new contexts. Evaluating how management systems support sustainable practices is key for assessing current reality and planning change. The methodology presented is based on international criteria for sustainability set forth in United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines for the ecolabelling of fish and fishery products as well as aquaculture certification. The assessment tools are the distillation of qualitative criteria found within the FAO guidelines into simple propositions called “Topics of Pertinence” that enable a straightforward cross-checking of whether the requirements and provisions of regulatory management systems reflect broadly accepted sustainability criteria in fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Assessments document what management systems aim to do via laws, regulations, and policies, and verify mechanisms within the systems that support implementation and compliance. While other sustainability assessments exist, the methodology described here is unique in that it is the only process that provides a system-based approach targeting higher management levels, which can increase global coverage of sustainability assessment from the current lower-tiered approach of certifying at individual production entities.
Pedagogical considerations: Facilitating agency in the vocal recording of early career singer-songwriters
Authors: Hughes Diane , Bayley Amanda
Published: September 2024

Audio recording is a much anticipated and integral component in the career trajectories of contemporary singers. This article discusses research undertaken through three in-depth case studies, each of which focused on the recording of original songs by early career singer-songwriters. The research examined the ways that recording techniques, associated technologies and studio interactions affect vocal performance during the recording processes. Participants were purposively sampled for their early career interest in songwriting and recording. The findings identified specific educational considerations relevant to those involved in vocal pedagogy, and in artist training and development. The outcomes detail pedagogical parameters and features designed to facilitate agency in the recording of contemporary vocalists.
Discurso y Sociedad: Una nueva revista digital
Authors: Van Dijk Teun A.
Published: September 2024

Discurso y Sociedad: Una nueva revista digital.
Caro Colega: Exclusão lingüística e invisibilidade
Authors: Caldas-Coulthard Carmen Rosa
Published: September 2024

Este trabalho tem o objetivo discutir a questão do uso lingüístico e suas implicações ideológicas. Para analistas críticas do discurso, a linguagem não é só um instrumento de comunicação, mas uma poderosa arma, já que por ser um sistema simbólico profundamente arraigado em estruturas sociais, não só reflete como também enfatiza ideologias discriminatórias. Meu propósito aqui é o de focalizar a questão da referência genérica gramatical e lexical em Português. As práticas sociais patriarcais dão prioridade, em termos lingüísticos, não simplesmente a uma subclasse de substantivos e escolhas gramaticais, mas também a um sexo. Pretendo, portanto, discutir o problema da invisibilidade de mulheres em textos e refletir sobre o papel da mudança lingüística nas práticas sociais brasileiras.
Discurso y (des)cortesía
Authors: Cepeda Gladys
Published: September 2024

La cortesía verbal es una estrategia discursiva que facilita la negociación interactiva en el logro de la meta pragmático-comunicativa de los interactantes por medio del refuerzo de los lazos de afiliación y solidaridad. En oposición, la descortesía involucra el uso de estrategias que refuerzan la distancia de las diferencias jerárquicas o de poder entre los interactantes con el propósito de imponerse por sobre el interlocutor. El análisis de un corpus de entrevistas clínico-terapéuticas hechas a mujeres en situación de violencia intrafamiliar en Valdivia, Chile, muestra evidencia del uso de estrategias de cortesía positiva y negativa (Brown y Levinson, 1987) y de los aspectos semióticos de la realización lingüística de ellas (Haverkate, 1990) a través de un sistema de polifonía pragmático-discursiva (las voces médica, educativa y empática de la profesional de la salud y las voces informativas, de acuerdo y empática de la paciente), el sistema de toma de turnos y el control del contenido temático textual dentro del género de entrevista, y los marcadores pragmalingüísticos de las formas de tratamiento, modo y modalidad (actos de habla, moralizadores verbales, adverbiales, y adjetivos) del texto discursivo y sus funciones. Los resultados de este análisis crítico discursivo indican tendencias de uso que permiten relacionar las categorías pragmalingüísticas de atenuación (Briz, 1998, 2005) e intensificación (Albeada Marco, 2005; Kaul, 2005). La atenuación se asocia con las estrategias de cortesía negativa y la intensificación con las estrategias de cortesía positiva, en su aspecto de negociación por solidaridad y afiliación, y con las estrategias de descortesía en su aspecto de negociación por autonomía exacerbada o por coerción.
Reseña del libro: La construcción del consenso. Gestión de la comunicación gubernamental
Authors: Serra Piana Marcela A.
Published: September 2024

Luciano H. Elizalde, Damián Fernández Pedemonte y Mario Riorda. La construcción del consenso. Gestión de la comunicación gubernamental. Buenos Aires: La Crujía Ediciones. 2006. 320 p. ISBN 987-601-013-1.
La mujer en el discurso didáctico escrito de Ginecología en el siglo XX. Estudio exploratorio con libros de texto publicados en español
Authors: Morales Oscar Alberto , Rincón García Ángel Gabriel
Published: September 2024

Este artículo analiza, desde la perspectiva del análisis crítico del discurso, la representación de la mujer en tres libros de textos de Obstetricia y Ginecología utilizados en la enseñanza de esta disciplina médica al inicio, a mediados y a finales del siglo XX. Se encontró que la función reproductora de la mujer es la macroestructura en estos textos. En los dos primeros, se considera a la mujer como un ser predestinado para la reproducción; todo su entorno, las actividades culturales, deportivas y de formación que realice y su alimentación, debe mantener el aparato genital óptimo para el embarazo y la maternidad. Esto excluye al sexo para obtener placer. Así mismo, se considera que la mujer es de naturaleza afectiva, emocional, frígida, pasiva y poco inteligente. Debe prepararse y educarse para la maternidad y para satisfacer sexual y socialmente al esposo. A finales de siglo XX, algunos de esos prejuicios y estereotipos desaparecen; el sexo por placer, sin fines reproductivos no está proscrito. En conclusión, aunque el sexismo, la discriminación y los prejuicios hacia la mujer hayan disminuido en el discurso de la Ginecología en el transcurso del siglo XX, es necesario eliminar esta ideología del discurso didáctico, y representar a la mujer en su dimensión real, sin limitar sus capacidades.
Los Estudios del Discurso en Venezuela y América Latina. Un compromiso social, político y académico. Entrevista a la Dra. Adriana Bolívar
Authors: Londoño Zapata Oscar Iván
Published: September 2024

Los Estudios del Discurso en Venezuela y América Latina. Un compromiso social, político y académico. Entrevista a la Dra. Adriana Bolívar.
Resende, Viviane de Melo e Ramalho, Viviane. Análise do Discurso Crítica. São Paulo: Contexto, 2006, 158 páginas. ISBN 85-7244-333-9.
Authors: Bento André Lúcio
Published: September 2024

Resende, Viviane de Melo e Ramalho, Viviane. Análise do Discurso Crítica. São Paulo: Contexto, 2006, 158 páginas. ISBN 85-7244-333-9.
Identifikasi Kematangan Buah Pisang Berdasarkan Variasi Jarak Menggunakan Metode K-Nearest Neighbor
Authors: Ananda Rizky Putu , Liantoni Febri , Prakisya Nurcahya Pradana Taufik
Published: September 2024

This research aims to identify the level of ripeness of kepok bananas based on the color of their skin using the K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN) method. Bananas are an important commodity in Indonesia, and various ripeness levels need to be identified. The current process of identifying banana ripeness is still done manually, which requires a lot of labor and tends to be subjective. The K-NN method is used to classify bananas based on their skin color. This research involves the collection of banana images with three ripeness levels (raw, ripe, and overripe) and the extraction of RGB color features from these images. Three distance methods, namely Euclidean, Minkowski, and Manhattan, are also employed to compare accuracy results. The evaluation results of this research show that the accuracy value for the Euclidean distance method is 84%, the Minkowski distance method is 82%, and the Manhattan distance method is 80%. Thus, the findings indicate that the K-NN method and the Euclidean distance method provide good results in identifying the ripeness level of bananas. By implementing the K-NN algorithm, this research attempts to address the weaknesses of the time-consuming and subjective manual identification process, with the hope of providing a more accurate and efficient solution for the banana industry. The results of this research can be used to automate the identification process of banana ripeness levels and improve efficiency in banana sorting. It is expected that this research can provide practical benefits to the community and serve as a basis for further research in this field.
Estimasi Pengukuran Panjang Udang Litopenaeus Vannamei Menggunakan Algoritma Yolov8 Dan Perhitungan Jarak Euclidean
Authors: Adriono Erwin , Auliya Novita , Septiana Risma
Published: September 2024

Cultivation of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp is an important fishery commodity in Indonesia. Providing the right amount of feed is crucial for optimal shrimp growth. The amount of feed given greatly depends on the measurement of shrimp length. The aim of this research is to develop an image processing-based program for measuring the length of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp using the YOLOv8 algorithm through Euclidean distance calculation. YOLOv8 detects shrimp objects within a defined distance. The obtained images are used to estimate the length using Euclidean distance calculation. The results show that this program can detect and measure shrimp length with an accuracy of 96.8%. Based on the detected shrimp length, the program can calculate the Mean Body Weight (MBW) and Feeding Ratio (FR) with an average error below 5%.  Budidaya udang Litopenaeus Vannamei merupakan komoditas perikanan yang penting di Indonesia. Pemberian pakan yang tepat jumlah sangat penting untuk pertumbuhan udang yang optimal. Jumlah pemberian pakan sangat bergantung pada pengukuran panjang udang. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengembangkan sebuah program berbasis pengolahan citra panjang udang Litopenaeus Vannamei dengan algoritma YOLOv8 melalui perhitungan jarak euclidean. YOLOv8 melakukan deteksi terhadap objek udang yang sudah dibatasi jarak. Gambar yang diperoleh akan dihitung estimasi panjangnya menggunakan perhitungan jarak euclidean. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan program ini dapat mendeteksi dan mengukur panjang udang dengan akurasi 96,8%. Berdasarkan panjang udang yang terdeteksi, program dapat menghitung nilai MBW (Mean Body Weight) dan FR (Feeding Ratio) dengan error rata-rata di bawah 5%.
Militarizing and Colonizing Outer Space as a Video Game. Ender’s Game and Astroculture
Authors: Kempna-Pieniążek Magdalena
Published: September 2024

The author of the article analyzes Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game, focusing her attention on the relationship between the key motif of the novel – gaming – and the tendency to militarize and colonize outer space highlighted by astrocultural scholars. Card’s novel follows the astrocultural pattern of setting future wars in space, but introduces an important novelty: games of various kinds, including video games, become a mediating element between the characters and the real experience of space war. The theoretical framework for the analysis is provided by the insights of astrocultural scholars such as Alexander Geppert, Tilmann Siebeneichner and Alice Gorman. In analyzing Ender’s Game and, to some extent, its 2013 film adaptation, the author examines the protagonists’ relationship to space, which is shaped by the game’s setting. It is here that military and colonial themes are most prevalent. The first part of the paper presents the main contexts of the motif of the militarization of outer space and its close relationship with video games. These contexts provide an important background for the analysis of the motifs of games and outer space in Ender’s Game. Selected reflections from the field of ludology are helpful in interpreting Card’s use of video games not only as a theme, but also as a structural principle of his novel’s settings. In the last part of the paper, the author considers the transformation of the militant motif taking place in the novel’s finale into a narrative focused on the colonization of outer space, as well as the transformation of this narrative that occurred in Gavin Hood’s film adaptation. The goal of such an interpretation is to show the story created by Orson Scott Card as entangled in a dynamic relationship with the video game medium that was developing at the time of its creation and with the changing trends of astroculture.
Turning Points in the Croatian Information Environment: From the 1980s to 2023
Authors: Willer Mirna , Katić Tinka
Published: September 2024

The article deals with the development of standards and library information systems in Croatia from the late 1970s to 2023. Despite the turmoil of the dissolution of former Yugoslavia, the National and University Library in Zagreb (NUL) was able to continue its operations and was central to initiatives aimed at adapting national needs to international developments until the early 2000s, when it switched to a commercial system. The publication of the National Content Standard in 2021 has given the NUL the opportunity to assume again its central role in the Croatian bibliographic ecosystem.
The Experience of the Bibliothèque nationale de France
Authors: Sanson Jacqueline
Published: September 2024

The article is based on the experiences of the author, who worked for 42 years in various positions at the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), most recently as Director-General. The transformational changes at the library are described: the new building, the process of modernisation, the opening to data processing, the redesign of the historic buildings for new focal points of work, and the changes in user attitudes.
Mechano-responses of quadriceps muscles evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Zakaria Zafirah , Mazlan Mazlina , Chung Tze Yang , Selvanayagam Victor S. , Temesi John , Magenthran Vhinoth , Hamzaid Nur Azah
Published: September 2024

Mechanomyography (MMG) may be used to quantify very small motor responses resulting from muscle activation, voluntary or involuntary. The purpose of this study was to investigate the MMG mean peak amplitude (MPA) and area under the curve (AUC) and the corresponding mechanical responses following delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the knee extensors. Fourteen adults (23 ± 1 years) received single TMS pulses at intensities from 30–80 % maximum stimulator output to elicit muscle responses in the relaxed knee extensors while seated. An accelerometer-based sensor was placed on the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle bellies to measure the MMG signal. Pearson correlation revealed a positive linear relationship between MMG MPA and TMS intensity for RF (r=0.569; p<0.001) and VL (r=0.618; p<0.001). TMS intensity of ≥60 % maximum stimulator output produced significantly higher MPA than at 30 % TMS intensity and evoked measurable movement at the knee joint. MMG MPA was positively correlated to AUC (r=0.957 for RF and r=0.603 for VL; both p<0.001) and knee extension angle (r=0.596 for RF and r=0.675 for VL; both p<0.001). In conclusion, MMG captured knee extensor mechanical responses at all TMS intensities with the response increasing with increasing TMS intensity. These findings suggest that MMG can be an additional tool for assessing muscle activation.
Synovial fluid D-lactate – a pathogen-specific biomarker for septic arthritis: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Karbysheva Svetlana , Morovic Paula , Bellova Petri , Berger Marvin Sven , Stiehler Maik , Meller Sebastian , Kirschbaum Stephanie , Lindenlaub Philippe , Zgraggen Armin , Oberle Michael , Fuchs Michael , Perka Carsten , Trampuz Andrej , Conen Anna
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The performance of synovial fluid biomarker D-lactate to diagnose septic arthritis (SA) and differentiate it from crystal-induced arthritis (CA), other non-infectious rheumatic joint diseases (RD) and osteoarthrosis (OA) was evaluated.

Methods

Consecutive adult patients undergoing synovial fluid aspiration due to joint pain were prospectively included in different German and Swiss centers. Synovial fluid was collected for culture, leukocyte count and differentiation, detection of crystals, and D-lactate concentration. Youden’s J statistic was used to determine optimal D-lactate cut-off value on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve by maximizing sensitivity and specificity.

Results

In total 231 patients were included. Thirty-nine patients had SA and 192 aseptic arthritis (56 patients with OA, 68 with CA, and 68 with RD). The median concentration of synovial fluid D-lactate was significantly higher in patients with SA than in those with OA, CA, and RD (p<0.0001, p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively). The optimal cut-off of synovial fluid D-lactate to diagnose SA was 0.033 mmol/L with a sensitivity of 92.3 % and specificity of 85.4 % independent of previous antimicrobial treatment. Sensitivity and specificity of synovial fluid leukocyte count at a cut-off of 20,000 cells/µL was 81.1 % and 80.8 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Synovial fluid D-lactate showed a high performance for diagnosing SA which was superior to synovial fluid leukocyte count. Given its high sensitivity and specificity, it serves as both an effective screening tool for SA and a differentiator between SA and RD, especially CA.
Sanskrit scholars in Nazi Germany
Authors: Vigasin Alexei
Published: September 2024

German Sanskrit scholars from the beginning of the 19th century addressed the problem of the kinship between the ancient Germans and Aryans – while romantic patriotism was gradually replaced by militant nationalism. After World War I racism, widespread not only in Germany, but also in other Western countries, became the essential element of the ideology of National Socialism. In the 30s all German scholars were forced to make compromises under the pressure of totalitarian power. However, only a few Sanskrit scholars can be called active supporters of the regime. They have different motives: from the frank careerism of Walter Wüst to the cautious conformism of Ludwig Alsdorf. Religious scholar Jakob Wilhelm Hauer claimed to be the prophet of the “Aryan Worldview”, and Bernhard Breloer was passionate about plans of building a new social and political system, in which the individual is completely subordinate to the state. The anti-Semitic policies and political persecutions of the Nazi period had disastrous consequences for classical German Indology.
Effect of post-oxidation times in the nitrocarburizing process on the wear behavior of an AISI 4140 steel
Authors: Yilmaz Ummihan T. , Erkan Ayse , Akar Neset , Kilicli Volkan
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the influence of post-oxidation duration on the wear performance and microstructural features of AISI 4140 steel subjected to nitrocarburizing followed by post-oxidation. For this aim, the quenched and tempered AISI 4140 samples were nitrocarburized (NC) and post-oxidized (PO) at various times (45–180 min) under low vacuum. Microstructural features were investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum analysis (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and microhardness test. Wear behavior was evaluated using a ball-on-disk tribometer. Experimental results showed that the structures consisting of nitride layer (ε-Fe2–3N) and γ′-Fe4N + iron oxide (Fe3O4) were obtained at the top surfaces of the samples. Increasing post-oxidation times resulted in a notable enhancement in the thickness of the Fe3O4 layer. The growing Fe3O4 layer has induced the closing of micro porosities for further post-oxidizing times, leading to decreased surface roughness of the samples. It was determined that the post-oxidation times have no significant effect on the hardness profiles of NC + PO samples. The highest (0.375) and lowest (0.276) mean coefficient of friction was obtained in the post-oxidation times of 150 and 180 min, respectively. The best wear rate was obtained in the post-oxidized sample for 150 min.
Ionic surfactants critical micelle concentration prediction in water/organic solvent mixtures by artificial neural network
Authors: Soria-Lopez Anton , García-Martí María , Barreiro Enrique , Mejuto Juan C.
Published: September 2024

Critical micellar concentration (CMC) is a key physicochemical property of surfactants used to study their behaviour. This property is affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, pH, the type of organic solvent/water mixture, the chemical structure of the surfactants and the presence of electrolytes. Most of the existing studies in the literature have predicted the CMC under fixed conditions based on the chemical parameters of the surfactant. In this study, a machine learning approach using artificial neural network (ANN) models was used to estimate the CMC of some ionic surfactants. These models considered variables defining both the organic solvent-water mixture (T, molecular weight, molar fraction and log P) and the chemical structure of the surfactant (number of atoms of each element). A database consisting of a total of 258 CMC values for 10 ionic surfactants was collected from the literature. The ANN architecture consisting of an input layer with 12 neurons, an intermediate layer with 25 neurons and one neuron in the output layer is proposed. According to the results, the normalized ANN models provided the best statistical adjustments for the CMC prediction. These ANN models could be a promising method for CMC estimation.
GAP43 Located on Corticostriatal Terminals Restrains Novelty-Induced Hyperactivity in Mice
Authors: Maroto Irene B. , Costas-Insua Carlos , Montero-Fernández Carlos , Hermoso-López Alba , Lebouc Margaux , Bajo-Grañeras Raquel , Álvaro-Blázquez Alicia , Blázquez Cristina , Cannich Astrid , Marsicano Giovanni , Martín Ricardo , Baufreton Jérôme , Rodríguez-Crespo Ignacio , Bellocchio Luigi , Guzmán Manuel
Published: September 2024

Growth-associated protein of 43 kDa (GAP43) is a key cytoskeleton-associated component of the presynaptic terminal that facilitates neuroplasticity. Downregulation of GAP43 expression has been associated to various psychiatric conditions in humans and evokes hippocampus-dependent memory impairments in mice. Despite the extensive studies conducted on hippocampal GAP43 in past decades, however, very little is known about its roles in modulating the excitatory versus inhibitory balance in other brain regions. We recently generated conditional knock-out mice in which theGap43gene was selectively inactivated in either telencephalic glutamatergic neurons (Gap43fl/fl;Nex1Cremice, hereafter Glu-GAP43−/−mice) or forebrain GABAergic neurons (Gap43fl/fl;Dlx5/6Cremice, hereafter GABA-GAP43−/−mice). Here, we show that Glu-GAP43−/−but not GABA-GAP43−/−mice of either sex show a striking hyperactive phenotype when exposed to a novel environment. This behavioral alteration of Glu-GAP43−/−mice was linked to a selective activation of dorsal-striatum neurons, as well as to an enhanced corticostriatal glutamatergic transmission and an abrogation of corticostriatal endocannabinoid-mediated long-term depression. In line with these observations, GAP43 was abundantly expressed in corticostriatal glutamatergic terminals of wild-type mice. The novelty-induced hyperactive phenotype of Glu-GAP43−/−mice was abrogated by chemogenetically inhibiting corticostriatal afferences with a Gi-coupled “designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs” (DREADDs), thus further supporting that novelty-induced activity is controlled by GAP43 at corticostriatal excitatory projections. Taken together, these findings show an unprecedented regulatory role of GAP43 in the corticostriatal circuitry and provide a new mouse model with a delimited neuronal-circuit alteration for studying novelty-induced hyperactivity, a phenotypic shortfall that occurs in diverse psychiatric diseases.
INVESTIGATION OF CONVENTIONAL AND MICROWAVE COMBINED ROASTING EFFECT ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL, TEXTURAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF SUNFLOWER SEED
Authors: Rayman Ergün Ahsen
Published: September 2024

In this study, conventional, microwave, and also a combination of these two methods were applied to compare the quality properties of sunflower seeds. Alternative to conventional roasting at 160°C, microwave roasting at two different powers (300W and 600W) and also microwave with conventional roasting treatment (300 W+160°C, 600 W+160°C) were applied to raw sunflower seeds during 5 and 10 min. for each group. The moisture content of roasted seeds was found to be lower than 6%. The results show that the highest protein and fat content were found in the group of combined methods as 21.09±6.64 and 40.55±0.345% respectively. Additionally, the color values were found to be higher, and hardness and sensory characteristics were protected better after roasting compared to the control (unroasted) group. Roasting of microwave at 600W power for 5 min at 160°C was found to be advantageous for the roasting process of sunflower seed via these properties.
Anterior approach in the surgical management of multiple lumbar fractures (clinical case)
Authors: Ostrovskij Vladimir V. , Tolkachev Vladimir S. , Bazhanov Sergey P. , Shulga Aleksey Е. , Shuvalov Stanislav D.
Published: September 2024

Lumbar fractures are an urgent medical problem. They are often feature the compression of dural sac and roots followed by neurological deficit. This case study presents the anterior approach surgery as the method of choice for the management of multiple fractures with damage to the A and В columns ensuring optimal decompression of the spinal canal and deformity correction and avoiding multi-stage interventions.
Küreselleşme sonrası Türkiye’de dış ticaret açığının reel efektif döviz kuru ve dış ticaret hadleriyle modellenmesi: NARDL yaklaşımı
Authors: Sağır Murat , Baysal Durmuş , Çalış Nazif
Published: September 2024

Fluctuations in the real effective exchange rate and changes in the terms of trade can cause predictable or unpredictable changes in the overall economy. The most important consequences of these fluctuations and changes are the effects of regional or global economic crises on macroeconomic variables (employment, unemployment, inflation, GDP, balance of payments, foreign trade deficit). Anticipating the consequences of the dynamic effects of these changes is crucial for policymakers. This study analyzes the effects of changes in CPI-based real effective exchange rates and terms of trade on the trade deficit in 1994-2022. Since the impact of CPI-based real effective exchange rate and terms of trade changes on the trade deficit is likely to be asymmetric, the Nonlinear Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) method is used in this study, and it is concluded that the factor that affects the trade deficit the most is the decline in the terms of trade. One of the most important reasons why the foreign trade deficit does not decrease at the desired level, even in periods of depreciation of the TL, is the decline in the country’s terms of trade.
Considerando la adopción efectiva de sistemas agrícolas en el diseño de esquemas para la promoción en el cultivo de árboles, Costa Rica
Authors: Meza-Picado Víctor , Romero-Mora Monserrat , De Camino-Velozo Ronnie , Barrantes-Rodríguez Alfonso
Published: September 2024

[Introduction]: The current cultivation of trees is insufficient to cover the national demand for wood, in this way small producers become an alternative solution to this situation, since despite having small areas, in the country there are abundant farms with these conditions; However, the current forest management scheme does not meet adequate standards for the incorporation of these small producers. [Objective]: To present an adaptive forest management scheme (AFMS) to the needs of the small farmer, in addition, to demonstrate the institutional availability to change according to expert criteria. [Methodology]: 1) the factors that influence the decision to adopt an agricultural or forestry production system were identified. 2) a profile of an ideal productive system that met the interests and preferences of the small producer was made, which was compared with the characteristics of agricultural and forestry production. 3) the proposal of an EMFA adjusted to the preferences and interest of the producer was made, which was also compared with the ideal profile. 4) three proposed change actions were presented to experts, obtaining different degrees of possibility of changes in the EMFA. [Results]: The discrepancy of the forest management scheme for the cultivation of trees with the perspective that a small producer has on an ideal production system was evidenced, as well as the substantial improvement that an EMFA would have in the valuation of the small producer and the institutional availability to change the EMFA according to the perspective of the small producers. [Conclusions]: The adjustment of the forest management scheme allows a greater adoption of the activity by the small producer, but it was recognized that any proposal that is made would be successful only if forest governance makes it more flexible and allows change.
IMPROVING COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) YIELD WITH GREEN SYNTHESIZED MGO NANOPARTICLES USING Jatropha tajonensis LEAF EXTRACT
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. Nigeria, Michael Fayomi Omotola
Published: September 2024

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles of Jatropha tajonensis leaf extract on the growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.). Materials and Methods. The preparation and planting of the cowpea seeds; The extraction of extract of Jatropha tajonensis leaves in aqueous solution. The synthesis of MgO nanoparticles from the extract, followed by characterization to confirm the formation — UV-VIS, FTIR, SEM-EDX and PXRD. The effects of MgONPs on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) plants were surveyed under field conditions to assess its uses in improving growth and yield of cowpea. Results. The results showed that different doses of MgONPs applied to cowpea plant significantly affected all measured parameters of cowpea plantlets under the field condition in a positive way. The best results in growth, yield and the phonological parameters were cowpea plants treated with high MgONP applications (100 mg/L). It has been observed that different MgONPs applications have significant effects on vegetative growth and yield parameters of cowpea. A significant increase in the number of vegetative parameters was observed in the pots with different doses of nano-20, 40, 60, 80 and 100/MgONPs applications compared to the control. Different MgO (with or without NPs) treatments led to significant differences in shoot formation (P < 0.01). According to the effect of different doses of magnesium NPs applied to the cowpea, plant height varied between 18.88 ± 2.51 and 21.35 ± 3.25. The highest value in the height was obtained from nano-100 mg/L MgONPs application with 21.35 ± 3.25 and the lowest value was obtained from the salt 17.48 ± 3.83 mg/L MgONPs application. Conclusion. This study found that MgONPs greatly influenced the plantlets’ growth parameters and other measured traits; in addition. There was an indication that the efficiency of growth and yield of cowpea could be improved by increased application of MgO in the form of nanoparticles. Also, highlighted was the possibility of using MgONPs in increasing another crop yield to cater for the evergrowing world population.
Новий механізм антиоксидантного захисту клітини за участі коензиму А
Authors: Філоненко Валерій Вікторович
Published: September 2024

У доповіді наведено результати досліджень вчених Інституту молекулярної біології і генетики НАН України щодо з’ясування нових, досі невідомих функцій коензиму А (КоА) — одного з ключових кофакторів численних метаболічних процесів у клітині. Встановлено новий тип модифікації протеїнів за участю коензиму А, названий КоАлюванням. Доведено, що КоАлювання виконує в клітині регуляторну функцію, впливаючи на активність та стабільність білків. Крім того, в умовах оксидативного чи метаболічного стресу КоАлювання захищає протеїни від переокиснення і, як наслідок, перешкоджає їх інактивації й деградації, а отже, виконує антиоксидантну функцію. КоАлювання білків відіграє також важливу роль у патогенезі захворювань, пов’язаних з оксидативним стресом, зокрема й у розвитку нейродегенеративних захворювань людини.
Інституційна спроможність України в умовах війни
Authors: Зеленько Галина Іванівна
Published: September 2024

У доповіді наголошено, що інституційна спроможність держави під час війни забезпечується поєднанням адекватної реакції органів державної влади на різноманітні виклики воєнного часу і мобілізації суспільства. Однак для підтримання дієвості такого поєднання необхідною умовою є створення ефективних інститутів суспільного залучення, які ґрунтуються на довірі громадян до державних органів різних рівнів — від інституту президента до органів місцевого самоврядування, здатності державних інституцій бути ефективними та їх спроможності гарантувати безпеку.
Determinants of External Debt in Developing Countries: The Case of Algeria
Authors:   Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Mila, Algeria, Fettouche Fatma , Khoualed Aboubaker ,   BadjiMokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria
Published: September 2024

Background: Developing countries seek to eliminate external debt problems towards financial obligations with a view of alleviating the debt burden to avert economic volatility in the context of debt accumulation. Since the beginning of the 1970s, developing countries, including Algeria, have experienced rapid growth in external debt accumulation in an effort to finance domestic deficits and not enter into economic recession. All these reasons ignore the topic of external debt as an interesting topic of study. This study attempts to analyse and measure some of Algeria's external debt indicators during the study period. Purpose: This research paper focuses on identifying the determinants of external debt in Algeria. Methods: The study utilized the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and cointegration test to analyze both short- and long-term relationships among the study variables from 1990 to 2021. Results: The findings show that the exchange rate and government spending significantly and positively impact external debt in the long run, whereas GDP per capita and foreign direct investment are significantly negatively correlated with external debt. The short-term results align with those of the long term. Conclusions: The paper advises that the Algerian government and other developing countries should assess their foreign debts, rationalize government spending, diversify their economies, and enhance their investment climates.
Két újabb kőládasír Szentendre késő római temetőjéből
Authors: Bózsa Anikó , Sáró Csilla , Kelemen Zsófia
Published: September 2024

A dolgozatban Szentendre késő római temetőjében előkerült két újabb kőládasírban feltárt tárgyi emlékanyagot mutatjuk be. A jellegzetes 4. századi viseleti elemek és mellékletek tipokronológiai elemzése mellett beszámolunk a sírok rítusbeli sajátosságairól, amelyek többek között újabb adatot szolgáltatnak pl. a viseleti elemek sírokban nem rendeltetésszerű helyen történő elhelyezésének, illetve a sírnál tartott megemlékezések során tett étel-/italfelajánlás szokásáról.
Pengaruh Aspek Teknis Pukat Cincin Terhadap Hasil Tangkapan Ikan Pada Kmn. Audy Maega Dalle Yang Berlabuh Di Ppi Oeba Kupang Nusa Tenggara Timur
Authors: Sugiono Sugiono , Rajab Resky Amalia , Mau Yesaya , Olbata Yandri Ishakh
Published: September 2024

Aspek teknis merupakan salah satu faktor yang secara teknis operasional yang mempengaruhi keberhasilan pengoperasian alat tangkap Pukat Cincin dan perolehan hasil tangkapan ikan,  beberapa aspek teknis tersebut antara lain,  durasi  waktu penyinaran lampu pengumpul ikan,  durasi waktu pelingkaran jaring dan  durasi waktu penarikan tali kerut.    Penelitian dilaksanakan pada tanggal 15 Maret 2023 sampai 23 Mei  2023 di KMN. Audy Maega Dalle   berpangkalan di Pangkalan Pendaratan Ikan (PPI) Oeba Kupang. Analisis deskriptif digunakan   mendeskripsikan tentang teknik penangkapan dengan alat tangkap purse seine, pada waktu pelingkaran alat tangkap, penarikan tali kerut dan penggunaan alat bantu lampu pengumpul ikan.  Pengaruh aspek teknis pukat cincin terhadap hasil tangkapan. Yaitu lama pelingkaran sebesar 34,12 %. Lama penarikan tali kerut sebesar 40,48%. Lama waktu penyinaran  sebesar 0,38%, artinya setiap penambahan 1 menit dalam dua perlakuan tersebut akan terjadi penurunan hasil tangkapan sedangkan pengaruh penyinaran apabila berkurang 1 menit akan terjadi penurunan hasil tangkapan. Dengan demikian,   semakin cepat durasi waktu pelingkaran jaring, waktu penarikan tali kerut dan semakin lama durasi waktu penyinaran lampu pengumpul ikan,  maka hasil tangkapan ikan yang diperoleh akan semakin besar.
Domestic Animals in Cameroon
Authors: Fomine Forka Leypey Mathew
Published: September 2024

This article looks at the use of domesticated animals as a source of food in Cameroon. The ethnic groups in this study include Bakweri, Mbo, Bamun, Wawa, Doowaayo, Guidar and Kotoko.
Three Stories
Authors: Gross Jan
Published: September 2024

Short stories featuring cooking and meals.
Social Enterprises in Poland in the Face of Recent Crises
Authors: Gardziński Tomasz
Published: September 2024

Background: The research problem addressed in this study concerns the activities of social enterprises (SEs) within the framework of the social market economy (SME) in Poland during the crises triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Research objectives: The article aims to verify the hypothesis that SEs situated within the SME can mitigate the negative effects of crises by undertaking additional actions for recipients during the pandemic and Ukrainian refugees. Research design and methods: An interdisciplinary research model helped examine the stated problem. It synthesizes both the concepts of SME and SE. Moreover, part of the research was a nationwide quantitative study using the CAWI method supported by the CATI method and Dilman’s prompting method (mixed mode). Results: During the pandemic in Poland, 56% of SEs took additional actions for recipients, even though the situation worsened for 41% of them. During the war in Ukraine, 68% of SEs took action for refugees, while the situation worsened for 29% of SEs. Conclusions: Social enterprises experiencing the consequences of crises are also able to minimize their effects. Simultaneously, to an equal extent, they support environmental issues and sustainable development.
Espérance Bridge, London, UK
Authors: Groskin Ezra , Addy Ben , Hooton Martin , Fercocq Solene , Thompson Ross
Published: September 2024

Espérance Bridge is one of the final infrastructure elements to be delivered on the King’s Cross estate in central London. The 25 m footbridge spans over Regent’s Canal to connect major railway stations and Pancras Square in the south with shopping and eating hotspots in the north. As part of the original King’s Cross masterplan, the bridge strengthens the link between the two halves of the site, enabling visitor flow and giving residents better access to public transport. The bridge also enlivens the canal corridor, providing a platform to observe Camley Street Natural Park to the west and the ghat steps to the east. Designed and constructed during the Covid-19 global pandemic and opening in the summer of 2021, the bridge is an innovative take on a traditional Warren truss bridge that uses tapering and folded steel plates to create an elegant and sculptural form. The bold pomegranate-red carbon steel plates set against the diagonal stainless steel tension ties illustrate the structural behaviour of the Warren truss. Reuse of existing foundations to support the bridge ensured a seamless integration of the abutments into the setting, while also providing cost and carbon benefits.