bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Healthy Hearts Project: Development and evaluation of a website for cardiovascular risk assessment and visualisation and self-management through healthy lifestyle goal-setting
Authors: Rogers Imogen , Grice-Jackson Tom , Ford Elizabeth , Howat John , Salimkumar Remya , Frere-Smith Kat , O’Connor Nicola , Bastiaens Hilde , van Marwijk Harm
Published: November 2023

Materially deprived communities in the UK have excess morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) but are less likely to engage with formal care pathways. Community engagement and e-health may be more effective ways to promote risk-reducing lifestyle change. The “Healthy Hearts Project” website was designed for use by community health workers (CHWs) for cardiovascular risk assessment and lifestyle goal setting, or for independent use by community members. This paper describes the website’s development and evaluation. The website was developed using interactive wire frame prototypes in a user-led approach. Qualitative evaluation of the completed website’s usability and acceptability was conducted using the “Thinking Aloud” method in a purposive sample of 10 participants (one voluntary sector employee, three CHWs, two community members and four healthcare professionals). Thinking Aloud interview transcripts were thematically analysed using an inductive approach. A separate quantitative evaluation of usability and the effect of using the website on CVD knowledge and beliefs was conducted. A random sample of 134 participants, recruited using the online platform Prolific, completed the “Attitudes and Beliefs About Cardiovascular Disease” (ABCD) questionnaire before and after using the website, along with the System Usability Scale (SUS). Qualitative evaluation—Four key themes were identified: 1) Website functionality and design—participants generally found the website easy to use and understood the risk communication graphics and the feedback and goal-setting features,; 2) Inclusivity and representation—most participants considered the website inclusive of a range of users/cultures; 3) Language and comprehension–participants found the language used easy to understand but suggested reducing the amount of text; 4) Motivation and barriers to change–participants liked the personalized feedback and empowerment offered by goal-setting but commented on the need for self-motivation. Quantitative evaluation–The mean score across all domains of the ABCD questionnaire (from 2.99 to 3.11, p<0.001) and in the sub-domains relating to attitudes and beliefs around healthy eating and exercise increased after using the website. The mean(sd) score on the SUS was 77.5 (13.5). The website’s usability was generally rated well by both quantitative and qualitative measures, and measures of CVD knowledge improved after use. A number of general recommendations for the design of eHealth behaviour change tools are made based on participants’ suggestions to improve the website.
A dynamic population of prophase CENP-C is required for meiotic chromosome segregation
Authors: Fellmeth Jessica E. , Jang Janet K. , Persaud Manisha , Sturm Hannah , Changela Neha , Parikh Aashka , McKim Kim S.
Published: November 2023

The centromere is an epigenetic mark that is a loading site for the kinetochore during meiosis and mitosis. This mark is characterized by the H3 variant CENP-A, known as CID in Drosophila. In Drosophila, CENP-C is critical for maintaining CID at the centromeres and directly recruits outer kinetochore proteins after nuclear envelope break down. These two functions, however, happen at different times in the cell cycle. Furthermore, in Drosophila and many other metazoan oocytes, centromere maintenance and kinetochore assembly are separated by an extended prophase. We have investigated the dynamics of function of CENP-C during the extended meiotic prophase of Drosophila oocytes and found that maintaining high levels of CENP-C for metaphase I requires expression during prophase. In contrast, CID is relatively stable and does not need to be expressed during prophase to remain at high levels in metaphase I of meiosis. Expression of CID during prophase can even be deleterious, causing ectopic localization to non-centromeric chromatin, abnormal meiosis and sterility. CENP-C prophase loading is required for multiple meiotic functions. In early meiotic prophase, CENP-C loading is required for sister centromere cohesion and centromere clustering. In late meiotic prophase, CENP-C loading is required to recruit kinetochore proteins. CENP-C is one of the few proteins identified in which expression during prophase is required for meiotic chromosome segregation. An implication of these results is that the failure to maintain recruitment of CENP-C during the extended prophase in oocytes would result in chromosome segregation errors in oocytes.
Effects of two types of numerical problems on the emotions experienced in adults and in 9-year-old children
Authors: Liverani Maria Chiara , Kalogirou Eleni , Rivier Catherine , Gentaz Edouard
Published: November 2023

It is widely acknowledged that emotions and cognition are closely related, and that negative emotions are detrimental on school achievement, especially on mathematical performance. On the other hand, positive emotions have a positive impact on motivation and cognitive abilities underlying the learning processes. Nevertheless, studies about the effects of experienced emotions on problem solving, a specific type of mathematical activity, are sparse. The present research focuses on experienced epistemic and achievement emotions after the resolution of two types of numerical word problems: the application problems, that requires the use of a specific and expected algorithm to be solved and are regularly proposed at school; and the non-application problems, which cannot be solved directly but using different solving strategies. This type of numerical word problems appears less frequently in French school curricula. In experiment 1, 105 adults (M = 24.4 years), of which the majority was university students, were involved in an online experiment with APs and NAPs problems and were asked to rate their experienced emotions after the resolution of the problems. In experiment 2, 65 children aged 9-year-old were asked to individually solve APs and NAPs problems with age-appropriate difficulty and then rate their associated emotions. The adults’ sample reported higher epistemic and achievement positive emotions towards APs compared to NAPs. In both adults and children NAPs were more associated to surprise than APs. In children anxiety was more experienced after resolution of NAPs than APs. Results suggest the importance of varying the types of problems proposed in school curricula so that children become accustomed to using different solving strategies. This approach could be useful in decreasing negative emotions toward mathematics such as anxiety, which begins to settle as early as elementary school.
Effective tax rates of multinational corporations: Country-level estimates
Authors: Garcia-Bernardo Javier , Janský Petr , Tørsløv Thomas
Published: November 2023

Effective tax rates (ETRs) estimated from the income statement data of multinational corporations (MNCs) are useful for comparing MNCs’ corporate income taxation across countries. In this paper, we propose a new methodological approach to estimate ETRs as reliably and for as many countries as possible using Orbis’ unconsolidated data for the 2011–2015 period. We focus on countries with at least 50 available companies, which results in a sample of 47, mostly European, countries. We estimate the ETR of a country as the ratio of corporate income tax to gross income for all affiliates of MNCs in that country, weighted by gross income. We propose four ETR estimations, including lower and upper bounds, which differ by gross income calculation. We find that ETRs substantially differ from statutory tax rates for some countries. For example, we show that despite similar statutory rates of 28% and 29%, MNCs in Luxembourg paid as little as 1–8% of gross income in taxes, while those in Norway paid as much as 46–67%. Despite being the best available, existing data is still imperfect. We therefore call for better data in the form of MNCs’ unconsolidated, public country-by-country reporting data.
Reconciling chemical flame retardant exposure and fire risk in domestic furniture
Authors: Whaley Paul , Wattam Stephen , Bedford Clare , Bell Nia , Harrad Stuart , Jones Nicola , Kirkbride Thomas , Naldzhiev Dzhordzhio , Payne Elena , Wooding Elli-Jo , Hull T. Richard
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Evidence suggests that standards for resistance of furniture to ignition may lead to an increase in use of chemical flame retardants (CFRs). This is motivating the development of new approaches that maintain high levels of fire safety while facilitating a reduction in use of CFRs. However, reconciling potential fire risk with use of CFRs in relation to specific policy objectives is challenging.

Objectives

To inform the development of a new policy in the UK for the fire safety of furniture, we developed for domestic furniture quantitative models of fire risk and potential for CFR exposure. We then combined the models to determine if any lower fire risk, higher CFR exposure categories of furniture were identifiable.

Methods

We applied a novel mixed-methods approach to modelling furniture fire risk and CFR exposure in a data-poor environment, using literature-based concept mapping, qualitative research, and data visualisation methods to generate fire risk and CFR exposure models and derive furniture product rankings.

Results

Our analysis suggests there exists a cluster of furniture types including baby and infant products and pillows that have comparable overall properties in terms of lower fire risk and higher potential for CFR exposure.

Discussion

There are multiple obstacles to reconciling fire risk and CFR use in furniture. In particular, these include a lack of empirical data that would allow absolute fire risk and exposure levels to be quantified. Nonetheless, it seems that our modelling method can potentially yield meaningful product clusters, providing a basis for further research.
Design of vacuum annealing furnace temperature control system based on GA-Fuzzy-PID algorithm
Authors: Meng Jintao , Gao Haitao , Ruan Mixue , Guo Hai , Zhou Xiaojie , Zhang Di
Published: November 2023

As is well known, the metal annealing process has the characteristics of heat concentration and rapid heating. Traditional vacuum annealing furnaces use PID control method, which has problems such as high temperature fluctuation, large overshoot, and long response time during the heating and heating process. Based on this situation, some domestic scholars have adopted fuzzy PID control algorithm in the temperature control of vacuum annealing furnaces. Due to the fact that fuzzy rules are formulated through a large amount of on-site temperature data and experience summary, there is a certain degree of subjectivity, which cannot ensure that each rule is optimal. In response to this drawback, the author combined the technical parameters of vacuum annealing furnace equipment, The fuzzy PID temperature control of the vacuum annealing furnace is optimized using genetic algorithm. Through simulation and comparative analysis, it is concluded that the design of the fuzzy PID vacuum annealing furnace temperature control system based on GA optimization is superior to fuzzy PID and traditional PID control in terms of temperature accuracy, rise time, and overshoot control. Finally, it was verified through offline experiments that the fuzzy PID temperature control system based on GA optimization meets the annealing temperature requirements of metal workpieces and can be applied to the temperature control system of vacuum annealing furnaces.
Validation of a highly sensitive HaloTag-based assay to evaluate the potency of a novel class of allosteric β-Galactosidase correctors
Authors: Rudinskiy Mikhail , Pons-Vizcarra Maria , Soldà Tatiana , Fregno Ilaria , Bergmann Timothy Jan , Ruano Ana , Delgado Aida , Morales Sara , Barril Xavier , Bellotto Manolo , Cubero Elena , García-Collazo Ana María , Pérez-Carmona Natalia , Molinari Maurizio
Published: November 2023

Site-directed Enzyme Enhancement Therapy (SEE-Tx®) technology is a disease-agnostic drug discovery tool that can be applied to any protein target of interest with a known three-dimensional structure. We used this proprietary technology to identify and characterize the therapeutic potential of structurally targeted allosteric regulators (STARs) of the lysosomal hydrolase β-galactosidase (β-Gal), which is deficient due to gene mutations in galactosidase beta 1 (GLB1)-related lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). The biochemical HaloTag cleavage assay was used to monitor the delivery of wildtype (WT) β-Gal and four disease-related β-Gal variants (p.Ile51Thr, p.Arg59His, p.Arg201Cys and p.Trp273Leu) in the presence and absence of two identified STAR compounds. In addition, the ability of STARs to reduce toxic substrate was assessed in a canine fibroblast cell model. In contrast to the competitive pharmacological chaperone N-nonyl-deoxygalactonojirimycin (NN-DGJ), the two identified STAR compounds stabilized and substantially enhanced the lysosomal transport of wildtype enzyme and disease-causing β-Gal variants. In addition, the two STAR compounds reduced the intracellular accumulation of exogenous GM1 ganglioside, an effect not observed with the competitive chaperone NN-DGJ. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the SEE-Tx® platform is a rapid and cost-effective drug discovery tool for identifying STARs for the treatment of LSDs. In addition, the HaloTag assay developed in our lab has proved valuable in investigating the effect of STARs in promoting enzyme transport and lysosomal delivery. Automatization and upscaling of this assay would be beneficial for screening STARs as part of the drug discovery process.
Combining finite element and reinforcement learning methods to design superconducting coils of saturated iron-core superconducting fault current limiter in the DC power system
Authors: Kim Chang Soon , Dao Van Quan , Park Jinje , Jang Byungho , Lee Seok-Ju , Park Minwon
Published: November 2023

A saturated iron-core type superconducting fault current limiter (SI-SFCL) can effectively restrict the magnitude of the fault current and alleviate the strain on circuit breakers in DC power systems. Design of a superconducting coil (SC), which is one of the key tasks in the SI-SFCL design, requires guaranteeing a sufficient magnetic field, ensuring optimization of the shape and size, minimizing the wire cost, and satisfying the safety and stability of operation. Generally, finite element method (FEM) is used to calculate and evaluate the operating characteristics of SCs, from which it is possible to determine their optimal design parameters. When the coil is complex and large, the simulation time may range from hours to days, and if input parameters change even slightly, the simulations have to be redone from scratch. Recent advances in deep learning represent the ability to be effective for modeling and optimizing complex problems from training data or in real-time. In this paper, we presented a combination of the FEM simulation and deep Q-network (DQN) algorithm to optimize the SC design of a lab-scale SI-SFCL for a DC power system. The detailed design process and options for the SC of SI-SFCL were proposed. In order to analyze the characteristics related to the electromagnetic properties and operational features of the SC, a 3D FEM model was developed. Then, a DQN model was constructed and integrated with the FEM simulation for training and optimizing the design parameters of the SC in real-time. The obtained results of this study have the potential to effectively optimize the design parameters of large-scale SI-SFCL development for high-voltage DC power systems.
Assessing the fish fauna diversity and abundance at Aegean and Ionian seas, with emphasis on certain NIS fish species via Scientific diving and Visual Census
Authors: Kampouris Thodoros E. , Pappou Sofia , Erga Zinovia , Kouloumperis Vasilis , Batjakas Ioannis E.
Published: November 2023

The Mediterranean Sea and its exceptional biodiversity suffer from non-indigenous (NIS) and invasive species. These result from Lessepsian migration and human activities. Species with the highest negative impact include Pterois miles, Lagocephalus sceleratus and Fistularia commersonii. The current study assessed the distribution and abundance of these three species in the Aegean and Ionian Seas in the context of the regional diversity of ichthyofauna. Using Scientific Diving and Visual Census, we focused on NIS fish fauna, and surveyed most of the areas where the occurrence or establishment of NIS had been documented. Emphasis was given to regions with limited available data. This study assessed the homogeneity of diversity and abundance of the fish species at the diving sites; assessed the most dominant species per region; and calculated relevant biodiversity indexes. Our results suggest that the south and east parts of the Aegean Sea are the most affected by the establishment of NIS. Samos Island is concluded to be an important region for the expansion of NIS to the northern parts of the Aegean Sea. Also, both the Saronikos Gulf and the whole area of the Peloponnese seem to have a pivotal role in the expansion of distribution of NIS from the east Mediterranean sub-basin to the west sub-basin. The genus Siganus seems to have very high abundances and population densities in certain areas, and therefore its establishment could have negative impacts in these regions. We conclude that scientific diving is not appropriate for monitoring the population status of L. sceleratus and we propose more appropriate methodologies such as the use of baited cameras and ROV’s to be used in the future.
Traditional Chinese Medicine studies for Alzheimer’s disease via network pharmacology based on entropy and random walk
Authors: Wu Xiaolu , Cao Shujuan , Zou Yongming , Wu Fangxiang
Published: November 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease having complex pathogenesis, approved drugs can only alleviate symptoms of AD for a period of time. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) contains multiple active ingredients that can act on multiple targets simultaneously. In this paper, a novel algorithm based on entropy and random walk with the restart of heterogeneous network (RWRHE) is proposed for predicting active ingredients for AD and screening out the effective TCMs for AD. First, Six TCM compounds containing 20 herbs from the AD drug reviews in the CNKI (China National Knowledge Internet) are collected, their active ingredients and targets are retrieved from different databases. Then, comprehensive similarity networks of active ingredients and targets are constructed based on different aspects and entropy weight, respectively. A comprehensive heterogeneous network is constructed by integrating the known active ingredient-target association information and two comprehensive similarity networks. Subsequently, bi-random walks are applied on the heterogeneous network to predict active ingredient-target associations. AD related targets are selected as the seed nodes, a random walk is carried out on the target similarity network to predict the AD-target associations, and the associations of AD-active ingredients are inferred and scored. The effective herbs and compounds for AD are screened out based on their active ingredients’ scores. The results measured by machine learning and bioinformatics show that the RWRHE algorithm achieves better prediction accuracy, the top 15 active ingredients may act as multi-target agents in the prevention and treatment of AD, Danshen, Gouteng and Chaihu are recommended as effective TCMs for AD, Yiqitongyutang is recommended as effective compound for AD.
Loss of Aspm causes increased apoptosis of developing neural cells during mouse cerebral corticogenesis
Authors: Tonosaki Madoka , Fujimori Akira , Yaoi Takeshi , Itoh Kyoko
Published: November 2023

Abnormal spindle-like microcephaly associated (ASPM) is a causative gene of primary autosomal recessive microcephaly. Microcephaly is considered to be a consequence of a small brain, but the associated molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we generated brain-specific Aspm knockout mice to evaluate the fetal brain phenotype and observed cortical reduction in the late stage of murine cortical development. It has been reported that the total number of neurons is regulated by the number of neural stem and progenitor cells. In the Aspm knockout mice, no apparent change was shown in the neural progenitor cell proliferation and there was no obvious effect on the number of newly generated neurons in the developing cortex. On the other hand, the knockout mice showed a constant increase in apoptosis in the cerebral cortex from the early through the late stages of cortical development. Furthermore, apoptosis occurred in the neural progenitor cells associated with DNA damage. Overall, these results suggest that apoptosis of the neural progenitor cells is involved in the thinning of the mouse cerebral cortex, due to the loss of the Aspm gene in neocortical development.
Prime editing-mediated correction of the CFTR W1282X mutation in iPSCs and derived airway epithelial cells
Authors: Li Chao , Liu Zhong , Anderson Justin , Liu Zhongyu , Tang Liping , Li Yao , Peng Ning , Chen Jianguo , Liu Xueming , Fu Lianwu , Townes Tim M. , Rowe Steven M. , Bedwell David M. , Guimbellot Jennifer , Zhao Rui
Published: November 2023

A major unmet need in the cystic fibrosis (CF) therapeutic landscape is the lack of effective treatments for nonsense CFTR mutations, which affect approximately 10% of CF patients. Correction of nonsense CFTR mutations via genomic editing represents a promising therapeutic approach. In this study, we tested whether prime editing, a novel CRISPR-based genomic editing method, can be a potential therapeutic modality to correct nonsense CFTR mutations. We generated iPSCs from a CF patient homozygous for the CFTR W1282X mutation. We demonstrated that prime editing corrected one mutant allele in iPSCs, which effectively restored CFTR function in iPSC-derived airway epithelial cells and organoids. We further demonstrated that prime editing may directly repair mutations in iPSC-derived airway epithelial cells when the prime editing machinery is efficiently delivered by helper-dependent adenovirus (HDAd). Together, our data demonstrated that prime editing may potentially be applied to correct CFTR mutations such as W1282X.
The long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on financial insecurity in vulnerable families: Findings from the Born in Bradford Covid-19 longitudinal study
Authors: Reece Sian , Dickerson Josie , Kelly Brian , McEachan Rosemary R. C. , Pickett Kate E.
Published: November 2023

There is growing recognition that the public health measures employed to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic had unintended consequences on socioeconomic security and health inequalities, having the greatest impact on the most vulnerable groups. This longitudinal study aims to explore the medium to long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent public health measures on financial security for families living in the deprived and ethnically diverse city of Bradford. We collected data at four time points before and during the pandemic from mothers who participated in one of two prospective birth cohort studies in Bradford. The findings demonstrate that the risk of experiencing financial insecurity rose sharply during the pandemic and has not returned to pre-COVID-19 baseline levels. Several individual characteristics were found to be possible predictors of financial insecurity, including homeowner status, free school meal eligibility and not working. Protective factors against financial insecurity include: living in more affluent areas; greater levels of educational attainment; and families with two or more adults in the household. Notably, families of Pakistani Heritage were found to have the greatest risk of experiencing financial insecurity throughout the pandemic. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that there were strong associations between financial insecurity and maternal health and wellbeing outcomes, with mothers experiencing financial insecurity being more likely to report unsatisfactory general health and clinically important symptoms of depression and anxiety. The findings of this study highlight that the impact of financial insecurity experienced by mothers and their families throughout the pandemic was severe, wide ranging and affected the most vulnerable. In the wake of the pandemic, the emerging cost of living and energy crisis emphasises the urgent need for policy makers to act to support vulnerable families to prevent further widening of existing health and social inequalities.
Enactive approach to social interactions in religious media ecologies
Authors: Navarro Mariano , Briedis Mindaugas
Published: November 2023

In this article we examine the role of the body in constituting specific social interactions via religious media ecologies from the perspective of the enactive embodied cognition. Religious media ecologies give affordances for conversation and interaction which amplify not only religious but also social beliefs and turn subjective judgements into an intersubjective reality. Hence, despite the traditional emphasis on rational, verbal forms of social interaction, we consider the human body to be something of a cognitive pattern or map, representing important social senses and relations. Thematizing the proximity between embodied cognition and religious media ecologies can bring together philosophy and sociology, while addressing a range of prominent thinkers in an original way.
The role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) towards community welfare in Medan City
Authors: Parluhutan Sinaga Anton Atno , Sitorus Sunday Ade
Published: November 2023

In pursuit of a prosperous life, individuals possessing the capacity to create business opportunities often play a pivotal role in meeting the fundamental needs of their communities. One of the prominent channels through which such endeavours manifest is the establishment and operation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This research is dedicated to comprehensively examining the profound impact of MSMEs on the community's welfare. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, the study was conducted within the MSME sector of Medan City. The outcomes of this study underscore the profoundly positive influence of MSMEs on various facets of the community's well-being, including healthcare, education, income levels, housing conditions, and access to communication technology. The results affirm the crucial role of MSMEs in fostering economic growth and elevating the quality of life for the residents of Medan. This research sheds light on the multifaceted contributions of MSMEs to enhancing community welfare, demonstrating their significance as agents of positive change in pursuing a prosperous society.
Communication strategies for municipal success: Insights from KwaZulu–Natal, South Africa
Authors: Sineke Ntombizandile Victoria , Potwana Nobubele , Chikosha Felix
Published: November 2023

Communication is the adhesive that binds people irrespective of their backgrounds. It is the skill of passing information from one person to another. However, effective communication deals with understating emotions and intentions behind the information. Therefore, managers in leadership positions need to understand the manner in which the best effort can be obtained from the workforce, following which communication systems management should be reviewed to ensure it is effective. The aim of the study is to establish whether communicating effectively with employees could improve employee performance in a municipality. In this regard, the study ascertained the extent to which the sharing of ideas creates openness among municipal employees, in addition to whether regular feedback contributes to improved municipal employee performance. Furthermore, the study also investigated whether open channels of communication mitigate misunderstandings and whether the recognition of employee opinions increases employee performance. To establish the stated objectives, the study used a mixed method research approach, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected from the uBuhlebezwe Municipality, where a sample size of 80 respondents was obtained by using a simple random sampling technique. For the qualitative research, 10 employees were gathered by means of convenience sampling, through a focus group at the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality. The results from both methods showed that effective communication was the best tool to change employee performance in municipalities, acting as a catalyst. However, this is largely dependent on the effectiveness and availability of channels of communication. The main recommendations to municipal managers and heads of departments are that they should use effective communication as a strategic tool and appreciate all employee opinions, regardless of their positions in an organisation. Managers in a municipal setting should also involve employees in decision-making, most importantly during policy formulation. It is further important that municipal employees are provided with sufficient resources to be able to perform their day-to-day duties, as inadequate resources lead to poor performance and lack of communication. The provision of regular and honest feedback to employees with regard to their strengths and weakness could additionally improve employee performance and increase productivity. Conversely, lack of communication could lead to misunderstandings and incorrect interpretation of information messages by employees.
PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AND IRIDOIDS OF THE AERIAL PART OF LEONURUS DEMINUTUS V. KRECZ. (LA-MIACEAE)
Authors: Sokolova Yana Vadimovna , Mirovich Vera Mikhaylovna , Olennikov Daniil Nikolayevich , Dudareva Lyubov' Vissarionovna
Published: November 2023

In the Siberian region, the genus Leonurus is represented by 7 species, in the territory of the Irkutsk region Leonurus deminutus V. Krecz. is widespread. This plant is used in folk medicine in the form of infusion, tincture, juice for anxiety disorders, irritability, insomnia, hypertension and is promising for introduction into pharmaceutical practice. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to study the composition and content of the main biologically active substances (flavonoids, phenylpropanoids and iridoids) of the aerial part of L. deminutus. HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS method was used for the analysis. According to the results of the study, the presence of 20 phenolic compounds in the aerial organs of L. deminutus was determined, of which 11 substances were isolated and identified for the first time: 4-O-Caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid, caffeoylmalic acid (isomer 9), rutin, nicotiflorin, isoquercitrin, leonosides A and B, astragalin, apigenin-5-O-glucoside, genkwanin-5-O-glucoside. The quantitative determination of the established phenolic compounds was carried out by the MC-HPLC-UV method. It was found that in the aerial part of L. deminutus contains amounts of flavonoids in the amount of 13.76 mg/g and phenylpropanoids 75.4 mk/g. The analysis of the iridoid profile of L. deminutus was carried out using the HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS method. For the first time, the following iridoids were discovered and established for the aerial part of L. deminutus: harpagid, the isomer of ayugol, 8-acetylgarpagid and ayugoside. According to the literature, these substances are characteristic of other representatives of the genus Leonurus, which was confirmed by us by comparative analysis of alcohol extracts of L. deminutus and L. cardiaca by TLC.
Blockchain Revolution: How Decentralization will Change the World
Authors: Kuku David
Published: November 2023

Blockchain technology has been gaining momentum in recent years as a potential disruptor of traditional centralized systems. Its decentralized nature, immutability, and security features have the potential to revolutionize various industries, from finance to healthcare, supply chain management, and beyond. This article explores how blockchain technology works, its core features, and how it can enable decentralization. It also examines some of the key benefits of blockchain, such as increased transparency, security, and efficiency, and highlights some of the challenges and limitations that need to be addressed for widespread adoption. Finally, the article provides insights into how blockchain technology is already being used in real-world applications and its potential to transform society as we know it
Teacher Certification during Multiple Pandemics in the Epicenter of it All
Authors: Greenblatt Deborah
Published: November 2023

Teacher certification exams were put on hold as New York City became the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis in March of 2020. State officials closed testing centers and school buildings, and teacher candidates began to panic as administrators at their student teaching placements worked feverishly to adjust. This changed teacher candidates’ ability to complete the performance assessment required for certification (edTPA). Concurrently, COVID-19 was disproportionally affecting the Black community (Phillips et al., 2020) and areas with limited financial resources. Based on the demographics of students at The City University of New York, there were extensive health challenges for many of its Black and low-income teacher candidates and their families. Prior to the pandemic, there were already concerns about its challenges and costs both for teacher candidates and for schools of education may be a barrier to entry for those already underrepresented in the teaching profession (Davis, 2015).
Atrioesophageal Fistula: A Rare but Dangerous Complication From Catheter Ablation
Authors: Ventre Scott , Dellatore Peter , Patel Anish Vinit
Published: November 2023

Atrioesophageal fistula is a rare complication of catheter ablation. It can be discovered on computerized topography of the chest. It is a difficulty entity to diagnose and treat and carries a mortality between 67% and 100%. Management options include surgical repair and esophageal stenting. We report here a rare case of an atrioesophageal fistula that presented with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hemiparalysis.
Role of Training in The Successful Implementation of Hospital Information Systems
Authors: Buyantur Oyuntungalag , Tumurchudur Sumjidmaa , Ochirbat Munkhzul , Mashlai Zaya
Published: November 2023

The adoption of HIS has many benefits including reduced waiting time, errors, less paperwork and errors, and easy data retrieval and reporting. The research aims to define whether the training provided by the IT department has an effect on the successful implementation of HIS at the hospital. System and information qualities were significantly associated with the benefit of HIS. Data taken from 296 hospital employees of Mongolian Japan Hospital is used to assess the effect of the implementation of HIS on employee satisfaction and individual benefit. Training had a mediating role in enhancing the effects of system and information quality effects on net benefits perceived by employees. Assessing individual training results may lead to the effective administration of training at the hospitals.
STUDY OF LED LIGHTS FOR ILLUMINATION OF MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Aleksandrov A. A. , Gorbunov A. A. , Mikaeva S. A.
Published: November 2023

The article is devoted to the study of the characteristics and features of a luminaires for lighting medical institutions. Lighting in health facilities is an integral part where patients should feel comfortable, lighting should not negatively affect their condition. In medical institutions, each room has its own lighting requirements. Two experimental samples, a LGT-Med-AirTube-20 lamp and a LGT-Med-Rondo-20 lamp, were taken for the study. The authors present the technical, electrical and light characteristics of LED lamps. According to the results, measurements of the characteristics of LED lamps for medical institutions can be said that the LED lamp LGT-Med-Rondo-20 has better characteristics than the LGT-Med-AirTube-20 lamp.
METHOD FOR CALCULATING TECHNOLOGICAL PARAMETERS FOR CONSTRAINED EXTRUSION OF RECTANGULAR BRACKETS. Part 2
Authors: Vorontsov A. L. , Karpov S. M.
Published: November 2023

The continuation of the methodology for calculating the technological parameters of the process of constrained extrusion of rectangular brackets under conditions of plane deformation in the general case of misalignment of the punch and die is outlined. The calculation of limiting cases of asymmetric extrusion, which, on the one hand, is reduced to a symmetrical extrusion, and, on the other hand, to a complete overlap of a small outflow gap, is considered. The above formulas make it possible to determine such important parameters of the stamping process as the total and specific deforming forces, as well as the heights of the walls formed as a result of extrusion.
Consequences of capital drain among EU member states
Authors: Deďo Peter , Hána David
Published: November 2023

The aim of this article is to analyze the capital drain among individual European Union (EU) member states and its cohesive and political consequences. Since the capital drain has not yet been calculated at the individual country level, the methodological part of this article delves into this calculation in more detail. Between 1999 and 2018, Ireland and Luxembourg had the highest capital drain due to their tax haven policies. Apart from these extremes, Czechia experienced the largest capital drain during this period. Inequalities among EU member states were gradually decreasing in terms of gross domestic product and gross national disposable income, suggesting that the EU’s cohesion policy has partially been successful in reducing inequalities among EU countries. However, capital drain and its populist interpretations may become a significant political problem for the most negatively affected countries.
Effect of temperature on presepsin pre-analytical stability in biological fluids of preterm and term newborns
Authors: D’Adamo Ebe , Botondi Valentina , Falconio Luigi , Giardinelli Giustina , Di Gregorio Patrizia , Caputi Sergio , Sinjari Bruna , Trubiani Oriana , Traini Tonino , Gazzolo Francesca , Strozzi Maria Chiara , Maconi Antonio , Gazzolo Diego
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Thermostability is one of the pre-requisites for the reliability of analytes in clinical practice and biomedical research. Although presepsin represents a promising new biomarker for the early diagnosis of sepsis in newborns, data on its stability under different storage conditions are lacking. We aimed to investigate presepsin thermostability in blood, urine and saliva samples after thawing at 4 predetermined monitoring time-points in a cohort of preterm and term infants.

Methods

We conducted an observational study, where each case served as its own control, in 24 preterm and term infants. Blood, urine and saliva samples were stored at −80 °C for 18 months, and presepsin measured in different biological fluids at thawing (T0), 24 (T1), 48 (T2) and at 72 (T3) hours after thawing.

Results

No significant differences (p>0.05, for all) in presepsin levels were observed at T0–T3 in the different biological fluids. Furthermore, no differences at T0–T3 were observed in presepsin levels between blood and saliva fluids, whilst urine levels were significantly higher (p<0.05, for all) than blood and saliva at T0–T3.

Conclusions

Results on presepsin pre-analytical thermo-stability in different biological fluids after long-term refrigeration support the reliability of this biomarker in the diagnosis and monitoring of perinatal sepsis.
Global classical solution of the Cauchy problem to the 3D Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Burgers-type equation with nonlocal control constraints
Authors: Wu Wenbing
Published: November 2023

This article focuses on the Cauchy problem of the Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Burgers (BBMB) equation with nonlocal control constraints in

ℝ
3

{\mathbb{R}^{3}}

. We employ the Phragmén–Lindelöf decomposition method and Green’s function to investigate global classical solutions and their long-term behaviors, including optimal estimates for finite density initial perturbation. Additionally, optimal solutions near the minimal mass ground state are analyzed.
On a two-dimensional Dirichlet type problem for a linear hyperbolic equation of fourth order
Authors: Kiguradze Tariel , Alhuzally Reemah
Published: November 2023

For a linear hyperbolic equation of fourth order, a Dirichlet type boundary problem in an orthogonally convex domain is investigated. Sharp sufficient conditions guaranteeing solvability and well-posedness of the problem under consideration are established.
Powdered activated carbon adsorbent for eosin Y removal: modeling of adsorption isotherm data, thermodynamic and kinetic studies
Authors: Mameri Yazid , Belattar Sara , Seraghni Nassira , Debbache Nadra , Sehili Tahar
Published: November 2023

An investigation was conducted to examine the adsorption of eosin Y (EY) from aqueous solution using Powdered Activated Charcoal (PAC) obtained from Biochem Chemopharma (Quebec, Canada) with a surface area of 270 mg/g using the methylene blue method. The adsorption experiments showed that a contact time of 60 min resulted in a high removal efficiency of 98.25 % for EY at a concentration of 10 ppm. The study also offered insights into the effectiveness of different treatment processes and described the main physicochemical processes involved. Various parameters such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, substrate concentration, and pH were evaluated, and the data were analyzed using Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin isotherms. The study found that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided a better fit to the experimental data compared to the pseudo-first-order model. To optimize the process parameters and enhance overall efficiency, contour plots were employed in the experimental design, considering variables such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, and pH levels. These plots visually represented the relationship between the variables and the removal efficiency of EY, enabling the identification of optimal operating conditions. The investigation’s findings contribute valuable insights into the adsorption of EY using PAC and offer practical implications for improving the efficiency of EY removal in various applications. The use of contour plots in experimental design was highlighted as a crucial tool for refining adsorption process parameters.
Exploring the role of language ideology in disaster contexts: case study of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Authors: Uekusa Shinya , Lee Sunhee
Published: November 2023

During/after disasters, language communication (or the lack thereof) can be a matter of life or death, particularly for “Indigenous/Tribal, Minority and Minoritized languages and peoples” (ITMs). Disaster and language studies have identified language barriers as critical because some ITMs do not understand basic risk communication, evacuation warnings, and recovery information. There are three major approaches to lowering these barriers in disaster contexts: (1) disseminating warnings and critical information in multilingual formats; (2) using bi/multilingual translators/interpreters and automated translator; and (3) using simplified language(s). However, this top–down approach is insufficient because ITMs need more than just selective information to cope with adversities. The basic communication rights to know, “talk about it,” and express one’s feelings after a traumatic event should not be a taken-for-granted privilege for speakers of the majority languages. The root causes of disaster linguicism, which focuses on the unique social vulnerabilities confronted by ITMs, have not been properly addressed. Drawing from our qualitative research, this article explores the role of Japanese language ideology in relation to the experiences of ITMs in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.
Predictors of gastrointestinal complaints in patients on metformin therapy
Authors: Raičević Branislava , Janković Slobodan
Published: November 2023

Although being very effective in the treatment of diabetes and a few other conditions, metformin (MTF) cannot be tolerated by many patients due to gastrointestinal (GI) complaints. A number of risk factors for intolerance were identified, but many are still controversial or uninvestigated. The aim of this study was to further investigate possible risk factors for the occurrence of GI complaints in patients on MTF therapy. A cross-sectional design was used for this multicentric study on adult patients visiting 50 community pharmacies in Montenegro. The patients were surveyed by semi-structured questionnaire after a service of a pharmacist was delivered, and their drugs dispensed. Uni- and multi-variate regression methods were used for processing the data.

In total 330 patients participated in the study. A higher body mass index (OR = 1.113, p = 0.003), living at a higher altitude (OR = 1.725, p = 0.000), anaemia (OR = 4.221, p = 0.008), and intestinal infection in the last 3 months (OR = 2.801, p = 0.006) increased the risk of GI complaints in patients on MTF therapy, while the use of statins was protective (OR = 0.204, p = 0.016). Each case of MTF intolerance should be carefully investigated for risk and protective factors, which could be potentially eliminated or augmented, respectively, and MTF withdrawal avoided.
Risk assessment of computer network information using a proposed approach: Fuzzy hierarchical reasoning model based on scientific inversion parallel programming
Authors: Feng Weihua
Published: November 2023

Background

Computer networks are involved in many fields such as business, education, marketing, government, and tourism in several forms. Technologies related to security protection and improvement of information integrity are used and developed for computer networks intruded on by unauthorized people and help save their confidentiality.

Methods

To improve the risk identification of computer networks, this manuscript combined a fuzzy hierarchical reasoning model with the scientific inversion parallel programming method to study the risk of computer networks. Moreover, this article defined and analyzed a d-order neighborhood message propagation algorithm. A d-order neighborhood parallel message propagation algorithm using the Gaussian graph model was proposed.

Results

The risk of the computer network was analyzed using the proposed method resulting in better protection effectiveness.

Conclusion

The simulations showed that the proposed algorithm could effectively detect risks and improve the security of the computer network.
»[V]nnd yhr wort das frisset vmb sich wie der krebs«
Authors: León-Villagrá Diego
Published: November 2023

Martin Luther’s 1522 translation of 2. Tim 2,17a, »vnnd yhr wort das frisset vmb sich wie der krebs«, is depicted as a paradigm shift in the history of cancer metaphors. This study aims to outline this turning point from a philological perspective by tracing this translation, its embedding in theological discourse, and its sources (especially the metaphor of ›creeping‹ cancer - »ut cancer serpit« in the Latin Vulgate, dominant in antiquity and the Middle Ages, and first introduced as a quotation from Ovid’s Metamorphoses -, and a sermon by Johannes Geiler von Kaysersberg). Furthermore, the article also traces its transmission into medical discourse and the English language in the 16thcentury, demonstrating how the primarily protestant and German metaphor of ›devouring‹ cancer becomes interdenominational, interdiscursive and translingual in just one century, being ultimately included in the 1611 King James Bible as »[a]nd their word will eat as doth a canker«.