bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community pharmacists’ perspectives on cardiovascular disease pharmaceutical care in the United Arab Emirates: a questionnaire survey-based analysis
Authors: Jairoun Ammar Abdulrahman , Al-Himyari Sabaa Saleh , Shahwan Moyad , Al Ani Mina , Habeb Mustafa , Jairoun Maimona , Zyoud Sa’ed H. , Alkhanani Mustfa Faisal , Alhasani Reem Hasaballah , Hakami Alqassem Y. , Ainousah Bayan A. , Alshehri Fahad S. , Alorfi Nasser M. , Suliman Abdulhaq
Published: September 2023

Background: Community pharmacists play an intermediary role between prescribing physicians and patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and thus are responsible for ensuring that patients receive optimal cardiovascular disease (CVD) pharmaceutical care.

Methods: we used a cross-sectional design to assess the perceptions and practices of community pharmacists concerning pharmaceutical care for patients with CVD. A trained researcher visited randomly selected community pharmacies and used a structured questionnaire to conduct in-person interviews with pharmacists. The questionnaire collected demographic data and information on perceptions and practices regarding CVD pharmaceutical care.

Results: Five hundred and fifty-one participants were recruited. The average participant age (mean ± SD) was 35 ± 2.7 years. The average perception score regarding CVD prevention and management was 75.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 77.1%–74.2%), and the average practice score for CVD prevention and management was 87.1% (95% CI 76.5%–79.6%). Bivariate analysis revealed that gender (p = 0.001), education level (p < 0.001), pharmacy position (p = 0.004), work experience (p < 0.001), number of patients served per day (p < 0.001) and being trained on CVD prevention and management (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with perceptions about the prevention and management of CVD. Better practice scores were seen among older participants (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1–1.019), postgraduates (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.66–1.89), workers at chain pharmacies (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.11–1.39), pharmacists in charge (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.01–1.47), pharmacists with >10 years of experience (OR 11.3; 95% CI 6.01–15.62), pharmacists with 6–10 years of experience (OR 4.42; 95% CI 3.90–5) and pharmacists trained on CVD prevention and management (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.15–1.46).

Conclusion: Pharmacy practitioners working in community pharmacies in the UAE actively engage in delivering pharmaceutical care to patients, playing a role in CVD management and prevention. However, they showed low levels of involvement in other healthcare services, specifically in screening and measuring patients’ weight, glucose levels, and blood pressure, monitoring treatment responses, maintaining medical records, and reviewing medication refill histories. Activities such as educating patients, providing medication counseling, offering support for treatment adherence, and fostering collaborative relationships with other healthcare providers should be encouraged among UAE community pharmacists to ensure the provision of high-quality patient care.
Reproducibility of cerebral blood flow, oxygen metabolism, and lactate and N-acetyl-aspartate concentrations measured using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy
Authors: Madsen Signe Sloth , Lindberg Ulrich , Asghar Sohail , Olsen Karsten Skovgaard , Møller Kirsten , Larsson Henrik Bo Wiberg , Vestergaard Mark Bitsch
Published: September 2023

In humans, resting cerebral perfusion, oxygen consumption and energy metabolism demonstrate large intersubject variation regardless of methodology. Whether a similar large variation is also present longitudinally in individual subjects is much less studied, but knowing the time variance in reproducibility is important when designing and interpreting longitudinal follow-up studies examining brain physiology. Therefore, we examined the reproducibility of cerebral blood flow (CBF), global cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), global arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference (A-V.O2), and cerebral lactate and N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) concentrations measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) techniques through repeated measurements at 6 h, 24 h, 7 days and several weeks after initial baseline measurements in young healthy adults (N = 26, 13 females, age range 18–35 years). Using this setup, we calculated the correlation, limit of agreement (LoA) and within-subject coefficient of variation (CoVWS) between baseline values and the subsequent repeated measurements to examine the longitudinal variation in individual cerebral physiology. CBF and CMRO2 correlated significantly between baseline and all subsequent measurements. The strength of the correlations (R2) and reproducibility metrics (LoA and CoVWS) demonstrated the best reproducibility for the within-day measurements and generally declined with longer time between measurements. Cerebral lactate and NAA concentrations also correlated significantly for all measurements, except between baseline and the 7-day measurement for lactate. Similar to CBF and CMRO2, lactate and NAA demonstrated the best reproducibility for within-day repeated measurements. The gradual decline in reproducibility over time should be considered when designing and interpreting studies on brain physiology, for example, in the evaluation of treatment efficacy.
Defining durum wheat ideotypes adapted to Mediterranean environments through remote sensing traits
Authors: Gracia-Romero Adrian , Vatter Thomas , Kefauver Shawn C. , Rezzouk Fatima Zahra , Segarra Joel , Nieto-Taladriz María Teresa , Aparicio Nieves , Araus José Luis
Published: September 2023

An acceleration of the genetic advances of durum wheat, as a major crop for the Mediterranean region, is required, but phenotyping still represents a bottleneck for breeding. This study aims to define durum wheat ideotypes under Mediterranean conditions by selecting the most suitable phenotypic remote sensing traits among different ones informing on characteristics related with leaf pigments/photosynthetic status, crop water status, and crop growth/green biomass. A set of 24 post–green revolution durum wheat cultivars were assessed in a wide set of 19 environments, accounted as the specific combinations of a range of latitudes in Spain, under different management conditions (water regimes and planting dates), through 3 consecutive years. Thus, red–green–blue and multispectral derived vegetation indices and canopy temperature were evaluated at anthesis and grain filling. The potential of the assessed remote sensing parameters alone and all combined as grain yield (GY) predictors was evaluated through random forest regression models performed for each environment and phenological stage. Biomass and plot greenness indicators consistently proved to be reliable GY predictors in all of the environments tested for both phenological stages. For the lowest-yielding environment, the contribution of water status measurements was higher during anthesis, whereas, for the highest-yielding environments, better predictions were reported during grain filling. Remote sensing traits measured during the grain filling and informing on pigment content and photosynthetic capacity were highlighted under the environments with warmer conditions, as the late-planting treatments. Overall, canopy greenness indicators were reported as the highest correlated traits for most of the environments and regardless of the phenological moment assessed. The addition of carbon isotope composition of mature kernels was attempted to increase the accuracies, but only a few were slightly benefited, as differences in water status among cultivars were already accounted by the measurement of canopy temperature.
Gender heterophily and equality: a contribution to gender equality in the Chilean scientific sector
Authors: Espinosa-Cristia Juan Felipe , Vega-Muñoz Alejandro , Cerda-Suarez Luis Manuel , Leyton-Johns Luis
Published: September 2023

Women’s insertion or consolidation in science has been thoroughly researched. Such discussion could be particularly relevant concerning sustainable development goal five (SDG 5) on Gender Equality advancement. However, the debate is focused on women percentages inserted into scientific labor, leaving the issue of symbolic experience for women in research unaddressed and with little empirical support. The data come from a survey developed under a FONDECYT project, which studied knowledge production in Chile. Researchers obtained contacts through invitations on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn and databases containing scientists’ emails working in Chile. The non-probabilistic sample collected 583 cases, with participants residing in 15 of the 16 country regions. As a result, this document presents the findings of a study on symbolic experience using an instrument to determine whether there are any homophily patterns. It aims to determine if scientists tend to cite others as referents only when they encounter a situation like their own. The findings reveal a clear way scientists estimate the effect of others in terms of their gender homophily. This intervening factor could be crucial in reproducing the disparities and asymmetries that characterize Chile’s scientific field.
On choosing the vehicles of metaphors 2.0: the interactive effects of semantic neighborhood density and body-object interaction on metaphor production
Authors: Al-Azary Hamad , Katz Albert N.
Published: September 2023

In a metaphor, such as language is a bridge, two distinct concepts known as the topic (i.e., language) and vehicle (i.e., bridge) are juxtaposed to produce figurative meaning. Previous work demonstrated that, when creating metaphors, participants choose vehicles that are concrete, rather than abstract, and are also a moderate semantic distance away from the topic. However, little is known about the semantic representations underlying metaphor production beyond topic-vehicle semantic distance and vehicle concreteness. Here, we studied the role of two semantic richness variables in metaphor production – semantic neighborhood density (SND), which measures the proximity of a word and its associations in semantic space, and body-object interaction (BOI), which reflects the ease with which a human body can motorically interact with a word’s referent. In each trial, participants were presented with an abstract topic, such as miracle, and were instructed to make an apt and comprehensible metaphor by choosing a vehicle word (e.g., lighthouse). All of the topics were abstract but half were high-SND (from dense semantic neighborhoods) and half were low-SND (from sparse semantic neighborhoods). Similarly, half of the potential vehicle words were either high or low in SND and also differed on BOI such that half were high-BOI (e.g., bicycle), whereas half were low-BOI (e.g., rainbow). We observed a three-way interaction such that participants selected low-BOI, rather than high-BOI, vehicle words when topics or vehicles were high-SND. We interpret this finding to suggest that participants attempt to reduce the overall semantic richness of their created metaphors.
Randomized pilot trial of the “Mom Power” trauma- and attachment-informed multi-family group intervention in treating and preventing postpartum symptoms of depression among a health disparity sample
Authors: Jester Jennifer M. , Riggs Jessica L. , Menke Rena A. , Alfafara Emily , Issa Meriam , Muzik Maria , Rosenblum Katherine L.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Perinatal depression, a common complication related to childbearing, impacts mothers, children, and families. Efficacious interventions reduce perinatal depression symptoms; effort is needed to prevent the onset of perinatal depression. To determine feasibility and preliminary efficacy in reducing perinatal depression, we conducted a community-based, randomized parallel open pilot trial of Mom Power, a group-based intervention to improve mental health and parenting in mothers with young children.

Methods

Mom Power consists of 10 group sessions, focused on parenting, child development and self-care and three individual sessions, to build rapport and provide personalized referrals. Control group participants received psychoeducational mailings. Computer-based urn randomization assigned mothers with experiences of interpersonal violence, depression, or other traumatic experiences to Mom Power (68) or control (54).

Results

At 3-months post-treatment, the 31 retained women assigned to Mom Power were half as likely to meet criteria for probable depression (26%) as the 22 women retained in the control group (55%), with treatment predicting lower incidence of probable depression (OR = 0.13, p = 0.015). Moreover, among the 23 women who did not meet criteria for depression diagnosis at baseline, no women in the treatment group developed depression (n = 0, 0%) compared to control group women (n = 3, 30%). Logistic regression controlling for selective attrition confirmed the treatment effect on preventing new onset of depression (OR = 0.029, p = 0.012).

Conclusion

These findings support the use of Mom Power for both treatment and prevention of perinatal depression.

Clinical trial registration

https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01554215, NCT01554215.
The Columbia-suicide severity rating scale: validity and psychometric properties of an online Spanish-language version in a Mexican population sample
Authors: Austria-Corrales Fernando , Jiménez-Tapia Alberto , Astudillo-García Claudia Iveth , Arenas-Landgrave Paulina , Xochihua-Tlecuitl Tonatiuh , Cruz-Cruz Copytzy , Rivera-Rivera Leonor , Gómez-García José Alberto , Palacios-Hernández Bruma , Pérez-Amezcua Berenice , Toledano-Toledano Filiberto , Richards Jenelle , Galynker Igor
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and psychometric properties in a Mexican sample of a Spanish-language online version of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Data were collected between May and October 2021 from 3,645 participants aged 18 years and over, who agreed to complete the questionnaire. Reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and psychometric properties were calculated using a two-parameter model. The results showed a reasonable level of reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.814, and evidence of unidimensionality, and construct validity for suicide risk at three risk levels: low, medium, and high. Analysis of the items suggests that they are consistent with the proposed theoretical model. Our results also demonstrate that the parameters are stable and able to efficiently discriminate individuals at high risk of suicide. We propose the use of this version of the C-SSRS in the Spanish-speaking population, since it is a multifactorial assessment of suicide risk and the inclusion of other clinical and risk factor assessments for a more comprehensive evaluation.
Perspectives of public health organizations partnering with refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities for comprehensive COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing
Authors: Dawson-Hahn Elizabeth , Fredkove Windy , Karim Sayyeda , Mohamed Farah , Abudiab Seja , de Acosta Diego , Ebengho Sabrina , Garcia Yesenia , Hoffman Sarah , Keaveney Megan , Mann Erin , Thomas Christine , Yu Kimberly , Yun Katherine
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To understand public health organizations’ experiences providing comprehensive COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing, and related promising practices with refugee, immigrant and migrant communities.

Methods

We interviewed public health professionals (September 2020 to February 2021) from local and state health departments using a geographically stratified, purposive sampling approach. A multidisciplinary team at the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants (NRC-RIM) conducted a thematic analysis of the data.

Results

Six themes were identified: understanding community and public health context, cultivating relationships, ensuring linguistic and cultural concordance, communicating intentionally, evolving response, and implementing equity. The interconnection of themes and promising practices is explored.

Conclusion

As public health continues to learn from and build upon COVID-19 response experiences, the thematic findings and potential promising practices identified in this project may foster proactive, community-engaged solutions for public health, and other organizations working and partnering with refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities. Implementing these findings with COVID-19 into current and future public health crisis responses may improve public health, collaborations with refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities, and staff wellbeing.
Nurse burnout before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic comparative review
Authors: Rizzo Amelia , Yıldırım Murat , Öztekin Gülçin Güler , Carlo Alessandro De , Nucera Gabriella , Szarpak Łukasz , Zaffina Salvatore , Chirico Francesco
Published: September 2023

Introduction

This review aimed to compare available evidence examining burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) in nurses before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The specific objective was to compare nurse burnout scores in terms of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted for studies on nurses' burnout using the MBI published between 1994 and 2022. In total, 19 studies conducted prior to the pandemic and 16 studies conducted during the pandemic were included and compared using the criteria from the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool.

Results

Surprisingly, the results indicated that nurses' burnout scores did not differ significantly before (N = 59,111) and during (N = 18,629) the pandemic. The difference observed was qualitative rather than quantitative.

Discussion

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an already critical situation, and while COVID-19 may serve as an additional triggering factor for staff mental illness, it cannot solely explain the observed burnout levels. These findings underscore the need for long-term clinical and preventive psychological interventions, suggesting that psychological resources should not be limited to emergencies but extended to address the ongoing challenges faced by nurses.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=399628, identifier: CRD42023399628.
Promises and challenges of a decentralized CAR T-cell manufacturing model
Authors: Shah Manan , Krull Ashley , Odonnell Lynn , de Lima Marcos J. , Bezerra Evandro
Published: September 2023

Autologous chimeric antigen receptor-modified T-cell (CAR T) products have demonstrated un-precedent efficacy in treating many relapsed/refractory B-cell and plasma cell malignancies, leading to multiple commercial products now in routine clinical use. These positive responses to CAR T therapy have spurred biotech and big pharma companies to evaluate innovative production methods to increase patient access while maintaining adequate quality control and profitability. Autologous cellular therapies are, by definition, manufactured as single patient batches, and demand has soared for manufacturing facilities compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations. The use of a centralized production model is straining finite resources even in developed countries in North America and the European Union, and patient access is not feasible for most of the developing world. The idea of having a more uniform availability of these cell therapy products promoted the concept of point-of-care (POC) manufacturing or decentralized in-house production. While this strategy can potentially decrease the cost of manufacturing, the challenge comes in maintaining the same quality as currently available centrally manufactured products due to the lack of standardized manufacturing techniques amongst institutions. However, academic medical institutions and biotech companies alike have forged ahead innovating and adopting new technologies to launch clinical trials of CAR T products produced exclusively in-house. Here we discuss POC production of CAR T products.
Civil inattention—On the sources of relational segregation
Authors: Arminen Ilkka A. T. , Heino Anna S. M.
Published: September 2023

The article employs ethnomethodological conversation analysis (CA) and experimental video analysis to scrutinize the gaze behavior of urban passersby. We operationalize Goffman's concept of civil inattention to make it an empirical research object with defined boundaries. Video analysis enabled measurement of gaze lengths to establish measures for “normal” gazes within civil inattention and to account for their breaches. We also studied the dependence of gazing behavior on the recipient's social appearance by comparing the unmarked condition, the experimenter wearing casual, indistinctive clothes, to marked conditions, the experimenter wearing either a distinct sunhat or an abaya and niqab. The breaches of civil inattention toward marked gaze recipients were 10-fold compared to unmarked recipients. Furthermore, the analysis points out the commonality of hitherto unknown micro gazes and multiple gazes. Together the findings suggest the existence of subconscious monitoring beneath the public social order, which pre-structures interaction order, and indicates that stigmatization is a source for relational segregation.
Age, sex, endurance capacity, and chronic heart failure affect central and peripheral factors of oxygen uptake measured by non-invasive and continuous technologies: support of pioneer work using invasive or non-continuous measures
Authors: Brochhagen Joana , Coll Barroso Michael T. , Baumgart Christian , Wasmus Daniel T. , Freiwald Jürgen , Hoppe Matthias W.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

It is known that maximum oxygen uptake depends on age, sex, endurance capacity, and chronic heart failure. However, due to the required invasive or often applied non-continuous approaches, less is known on underlying central and peripheral factors. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of age, sex, endurance capacity, and chronic heart failure on non-invasively and continuously measured central and peripheral factors of oxygen uptake.

Methods

15 male children (11 ± 1 years), 15 male (24 ± 3 years) and 14 female recreationally active adults (23 ± 2 years), 12 male highly trained endurance athletes (24 ± 3 years), and 10 male elders (59 ± 6 years) and 10 chronic heart failure patients (62 ± 7 years) were tested during a cardiopulmonary exercise test on a cycling ergometer until exhaustion for: blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, cardiac power output, vastus lateralis muscle oxygen saturation, and (calculated) arterio-venous oxygen difference. For the non-invasive and continuous measurement of stroke volume and muscle oxygen saturation, bioreactance analysis and near-infrared spectroscopy were used, respectively. A two-factor repeated measure ANOVA and partial eta-squared effect sizes (ηp2) were applied for statistical analyses at rest, 80, and 100% of oxygen uptake.

Results

For the age effect, there were statistically significant group differences for all factors (p ≤ .033; ηp2≥.169). Concerning sex, there were group differences for all factors (p ≤ .010; ηp2≥.223), except diastolic blood pressure and heart rate (p ≥ .698; ηp2≤.006). For the effect of endurance capacity, there were no group differences for any of the factors (p ≥ .065; ηp2≤.129). Regarding chronic heart failure, there were group differences for the heart rate and arterio-venous oxygen difference (p ≤ .037; ηp2≥.220).

Discussion

Age, sex, endurance capacity, and chronic heart failure affect central and peripheral factors of oxygen uptake measured by non-invasive and continuous technologies. Since most of our findings support pioneer work using invasive or non-continuous measures, the validity of our applied technologies is indirectly confirmed. Our outcomes allow direct comparison between different groups serving as reference data and framework for subsequent studies in sport science and medicine aiming to optimise diagnostics and interventions in athletes and patients.
Mental Health Status, Risk and Protective Factors for Healthcare Staff Prior to the First Major COVID-19 Outbreak in Western Australia
Authors: Newnham Elizabeth A. , Mergelsberg Enrique L. P. , Tearne Jessica , McEvoy Peter , Stanley Susanne , Celenza Antonio , Kavanagh Hyranthi , Stevenson Teresa , Mavaddat Nahal , Demore Gavin , Hood Sean
Published: September 2023

Objectives: Western Australia’s unique public health response delayed the first wave of community COVID-19 transmission for 2 years. We aimed to determine the status of post-traumatic stress (PTSS), depressive, and anxiety symptoms among healthcare staff in major tertiary hospitals, together with associated risk and protective factors prior to the first substantial outbreak of COVID-19.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 431 healthcare staff immediately prior to the Western Australian border re-opening in 2022. Staff were recruited via notices in email newsletters, at four tertiary hospitals and a public mental health clinic in metropolitan Perth. Validated and original questionnaires were administered via Qualtrics.

Results: Moderate levels of PTSS (22.3%), depression (21.9%), and anxiety (25.9%) were reported. Pathway analyses indicated that sleep difficulties, workplace stressors, and infectious disease training were associated with higher PTSS, depression and anxiety symptoms, and younger age was associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. Nursing roles were associated with higher PTSS. Social support and workplace support were associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety but were not associated with PTSS.

Conclusion: The findings illustrate high levels of resilience, but indicate a need for structural supports within the health system to foster staff mental health prior to the onset of emergencies.
Challenges in Job Seeking and the Integration of Ukrainian War Refugee Healthcare Workers Into the Polish Healthcare System: Facebook Content Analysis
Authors: Gotlib Joanna , Cieślak Ilona , Wawrzuta Dominik , Jaworski Mariusz , Theofanidis Dimitris , Wójcik Grażyna , Małkowski Piotr , Panczyk Mariusz
Published: September 2023

Objectives: The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in a refugee crisis. The terms of employment of Ukrainian Refugee background Medical Professionals (UKR-MPs) in the Polish healthcare system were liberalised. The aim of the study was to identify challenges in job seeking and the integration of Ukrainian war refugee healthcare workers into the Polish healthcare system.

Methods: A qualitative, descriptive study based on content thematic analysis of Facebook content. We analyzed 1,700 posts published on two public Facebook groups intended for UKR-MPs.

Results: The most common problems encountered by UKR-MPs were: 1) lack of easy-to-understand information about the list of documents necessary to apply for a work permit, 2) lack of feedback from those responsible for handling individual cases, and 3) long waiting time for the decision issued by the Ministry of Health.

Conclusion: Despite the promptly implemented solutions enabling access to the job market by UKR-MPs, the refugees have encountered considerable administrative difficulties, as well as those arising from insufficient knowledge of the regulations on working as medical professionals in Poland under the EU law.
Ku semantyce i sieciom społecznym. Ogólna teoria systemów Anatola Rapoporta i jej implikacje dla współczesnych badań nad systemami politycznymi
Authors: Żukiewicy Przemysław
Published: September 2023

The aim of this article is to reconstruct the basic assumptions of Anatol Rapoport’s (1911–2007) general systems theory. An in-depth study of his works and the unique materials collected in the archives of the University of Toronto served to achieve the goal. Additionally, the archival search made it possible to supplement his biography with previously unexplored information. The analysis proved that A. Rapoport highlighted two important themes that find application potential in contemporary political systems research. These are semantics and the network structure of the system.
Spór o granice kompetencji Unii Europejskiej – uwagi na tle orzecznictwa TSUE
Authors: Olechno Artur , Przywora Bogusław , Zaleśny Jacek
Published: September 2023

The text concerns the legal basis of the CJEU judgment of 15 July 2021 in case C 791/19 1European Commission v. The Republic of Poland. In this judgment, the Court adjudicated regarding the EU compliance of the national regulations governing the system of the organs of judicial authority. Against this background, it is argued that the system of the organs of judicial authority in any EU Member State does not fall within the competence granted to the EU, but remains solely within the competence of the Member State. The CJEU is empowered to adjudicate only within the scope of competences conferred upon the EU. The CJEU is not competent to take over the competences of the organs of state power of Member States or to thereby force them to adopt particular legal solutions. Any action taken by the CJEU without a proper legal basis has but the appearance of adjudication. In the authors’ opinion, the CJEU judgment raises many doubts as to its compliance with EU law.
Udział parlamentu w wyborach Prezydenta RP – tradycje i uwagi de lege ferenda
Authors: Słomka Tomasz
Published: September 2023

The article concerns a potential change in the method of electing the President of the Republic of Poland, consisting in abandoning the universal and direct elections in force since 1990 and introducing elections using the method of an extended parliament. The study verifies the hypothesis that forms of electing the president with the participation of the parliament are present in the Polish tradition. The second research assumption relates to the relationship between the constitutional role of the head of state and the over-normative legitimacy resulting from the general election.
Pathological and Therapeutic Significance of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Cell Migration and Metastasis
Authors: Liguori Giovanna L. , Kralj-Iglič Veronika
Published: September 2023

The infiltration of primary tumors and metastasis formation at distant sites strongly impact the prognosis and the quality of life of cancer patients. Current therapies including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are limited in targeting the complex cell migration mechanisms responsible for cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis. A better understanding of these mechanisms and the development of new therapies are urgently needed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-enveloped particles involved in inter-tissue and inter-cell communication. This review article focuses on the impact of EVs released by tumor cells, specifically on cancer cell migration and metastasis. We first introduce cell migration processes and EV subtypes, and we give an overview of how tumor-derived EVs (TDEVs) may impact cancer cell migration. Then, we discuss ongoing EV-based cancer therapeutic approaches, including the inhibition of general EV-related mechanisms as well as the use of EVs for anti-cancer drug delivery, focusing on the harnessing of TDEVs. We propose a protein-EV shuttle as a route alternative to secretion or cell membrane binding, influencing downstream signaling and the final effect on target cells, with strong implications in tumorigenesis. Finally, we highlight the pitfalls and limitations of therapeutic EV exploitation that must be overcome to realize the promise of EVs for cancer therapy.
Atypical Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia—The Current Status
Authors: Robak Tadeusz , Krawczyńska Anna , Cebula-Obrzut Barbara , Urbaniak Marta , Iskierka-Jażdżewska Elżbieta , Robak Paweł
Published: September 2023

A diagnosis of typical chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) requires the presence of ≥5000 clonal B-lymphocytes/μL, the coexistence of CD19, CD20, CD5, and CD23, the restriction of light chain immunoglobulin, and the lack of expression of antigens CD22 and CD79b. Atypical CLL (aCLL) can be distinguished from typical CLL morphologically and immunophenotypically. Morphologically atypical CLL cells have been defined mainly as large, atypical forms, prolymphocytes, or cleaved cells. However, current aCLL diagnostics rely more on immunophenotypic characteristics rather than atypical morphology. Immunophenotypically, atypical CLL differs from classic CLL in the lack of expression of one or fewer surface antigens, most commonly CD5 and CD23, and the patient does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of any other B-cell lymphoid malignancy. Morphologically atypical CLL has more aggressive clinical behavior and worse prognosis than classic CLL. Patients with aCLL are more likely to display markers associated with poor prognosis, including trisomy 12, unmutated IGVH, and CD38 expression, compared with classic CLL. However, no standard or commonly accepted criteria exist for differentiating aCLL from classic CLL and the clinical significance of aCLL is still under debate. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the morphological, immunophenotypic, and genetic abnormalities of aCLL.
Is Time’s Asymmetry Related to Irreversible Processes and the Second Law?
Authors: Ben-Naim Arieh
Published: September 2023

In this article, we start by describing one of the most characteristic properties of time: “time can never decrease”. From this property, numerous authors have concluded that irreversible processes, that always proceed in one direction, must be related to time’s arrow. It is shown that while time’s decrease can never occur, irreversible processes can be reversed, although with extremely low probability. Similarly, it is argued that both entropy and the Second Law are timeless, i.e., have nothing to do with either time or with time’s arrow.
Water-Cut Measurement Techniques in Oil Production and Processing—A Review
Authors: Kamal Bushra , Abbasi Zahra , Hassanzadeh Hassan
Published: September 2023

Water cut is a vital monitoring and surveillance parameter with great significance in oil production operations and processing. Water-cut measurements are also challenging due to the significant variations and the harsh measurement environment. The objective of this article is to review the current water-cut measurement techniques and suggest future areas that are expanding to overcome existing measurement challenges. Commercially available online methods such as capacitance-based sensors, tomography techniques, gamma densitometry, ultrasonic meters and infrared meters, and the traditional laboratory offline methods, are discussed, along with their principle of operation, detection range, and sensing resolution. Also, the discussed techniques are summarized, highlighting their main advantages and limitations. Furthermore, future trends and research areas, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), soft computing, Metamaterials, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), which are integrated with water-cut measurements, are briefly mentioned. The current research hotspots are directed toward integrating full-range measurements with multi-parameter detection, high sensitivity, and reliability.
Analysis of Fluid-Solid Coupling Radial Heat Transfer Characteristics in a Normal Hexagonal Bundle Regenerator under Oscillating Flow
Authors: Wang Yajuan , Zhang Jun’an , Lu Zhiwei , Liu Bo , Dong Hao
Published: September 2023

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the heat transfer mechanism of a new type of regenerator with a low temperature difference and low current resistance under oscillatory flow at room temperature. Taking the single tube of the regenerator as the research object, the exact analytical solution of the radial heat transfer characteristics of the regenerator is obtained by studying its analytical model. The factors affecting the heat transfer characteristics are analyzed, and then the regenerator is optimized to improve the performance and efficiency of the regenerator system. In this study, we systematically analyzed the radial heat transfer characteristics of a regenerator under isochoric process conditions. A closed-system physical model of the incompressible isochoric process under oscillating flow was established. Then, the radial analytical solutions of pressure fluctuation, fluid velocity, fluid-solid temperature, and heat were derived in the complex number field. Furthermore, the fluid velocity, fluid-solid coupling wall temperature, heat, and equivalent heat transfer coefficient were assessed. Furthermore, the influences of frequency, inner diameter R1 of the regenerator, and different working medium and materials on the above parameters were discussed. It was found that the analysis and evaluation of fluid velocity, fluid-structure coupling wall temperature, heat, and equivalent heat transfer coefficient are helpful in understanding the dynamic characteristics of radial heat transfer in a regenerator system. Through the study of radial heat transfer under oscillating flow, it was found that the working medium, frequency, inner diameter of the regenerator, and material quality of the regenerator are helpful for the design optimization of the regenerator. Furthermore, our investigations established that the variation law of wall fluid-solid coupling temperature amplitude could be divided into three parts: the unidirectional flow part; the low-frequency part, where the temperature amplitude falls rapidly with increasing frequency; and the high-frequency part, where the temperature amplitude increases with the frequency. In addition, the variation of radial heat transfer of the fluid-solid coupling surface is similar to the changes in the temperature amplitude. We also discovered that the equivalent heat transfer coefficient of the fluid-solid surface is related to thermal conductivity of the material. Specifically, larger thermal conductivity values result in greater equivalent heat transfer coefficients. Based on the research into the radial heat transfer characteristics, the new regenerator has great application potential in the Stirling air conditioning system at room temperature.
Electrical Power Generation Forecasting from Renewable Energy Systems Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Abdul Baseer Mohammad , Almunif Anas , Alsaduni Ibrahim , Tazeen Nazia
Published: September 2023

Renewable energy (RE) sources, such as wind, geothermal, bioenergy, and solar, have gained interest in developed regions. The rapid expansion of the economies in the Middle East requires massive increases in electricity production capacity, and currently fossil fuel reserves meet most of the power station demand. There is a considerable measure of unpredictability surrounding the locations of the concerned regions where RE can be used to generate electricity. This makes forecasting difficult for the investor to estimate future electricity production that could be generated in each area over the course of a specific period. Energy production forecasting with complex time-series data is a challenge. However, artificial neural networks (ANNs) are well suited for handling nonlinearity effectively. This research aims to investigate the various ANN models capable of providing reliable predictions for sustainable sources of power such as wind and solar. In addition to the ANN models, a state-of-the-art ensemble learning approach is used to improve the accuracy of predictions further. The proposed strategies can forecast RE generation accurately over short and long time frames, relying on historical data for precise predictions. This work proposes a new hybrid ensemble framework that strategically combines multiple complementary machine learning (ML) models to improve RE forecasting accuracy. The ensemble learning (EL) methodology outperforms long short-term memory (LSTM), light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), and sequenced-GRU in predicting wind power (MAE: 0.782, MAPE: 0.702, RMSE: 0.833) and solar power (MAE: 1.082, MAPE: 0.921, RMSE: 1.055). It achieved an impressive R2 value of 0.9821, indicating its superior accuracy.
Characteristics of Explosion Hazards in Methane–Air Mixtures Diluted by Hydrogen
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Yu Danyang , Li Ping , Sun Xuxu , Chen Xianfeng
Published: September 2023

The combustion efficiency of methane can be effectively enhanced with the occurrence of hydrogen. However, the combustion characteristic of premixed methane/hydrogen/air is not fully understood. In this study, the effect of the amount of hydrogen addition on the explosion risk of premixed CH4/air combustion was fully investigated through experiments and simulations. The explosion overpressure of premixed CH4/air combustion with various hydrogen additions was measured in a standard 20 L spherical closed vessel. Meanwhile, the microscopic flame structures for the same cases were simulated using 2022 Chemkin-Pro software. The results showed that hydrogen could increase the explosion risks of premixed CH4/air combustion. The rate of key elementary reactions R38: H + O2 <=> O + OH and R84: OH + H2 <=> H + H2O in the system could be accelerated by hydrogen. The peak explosion overpressure in the closed chamber is boosted and the arrival time of peak overpressure rise rate is shortened, which raises the danger. Especially under lean and rich combustion conditions, hydrogen could potentially lead to more dangerous situations. With the increase in hydrogen concentration, the reaction rate of key elementary reactions accelerates faster, the peak explosion overpressure increases more, and the peak overpressure rise rate arrives earlier.
Enhancing Microgrid Stability and Energy Management: Techniques, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Safder Muhammad Umair , Sanjari Mohammad J. , Hamza Ameer , Garmabdari Rasoul , Hossain Md. Alamgir , Lu Junwei
Published: September 2023

Microgrid technology offers a new practical approach to harnessing the benefits of distributed energy resources in grid-connected and island environments. There are several significant advantages associated with this technology, including cost-effectiveness, reliability, safety, and improved energy efficiency. However, the adoption of renewable energy generation and electric vehicles in modern microgrids has led to issues related to stability, energy management, and protection. This paper aims to discuss and analyze the latest techniques developed to address these issues, with an emphasis on microgrid stability and energy management schemes based on both traditional and distinct approaches. A comprehensive analysis of various schemes, potential issues, and challenges is conducted, along with an identification of research gaps and suggestions for future microgrid development. This paper provides an overview of the current state of the field and proposes potential areas of future research.
Exploring Model-Based Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency Scenarios with PROMETHEUS and TIAM-ECN
Authors: Fragkos Panagiotis , Longa Francesco Dalla , Zisarou Eleftheria , Zwaan Bob van der , Giannousakis Anastasis , Fattahi Amir
Published: September 2023

This study provides a quantitative analysis of future energy–climate developments at the global level using two well-established integrated assessment models (IAMs), PROMETHEUS and TIAM-ECN. The research aims to explore the results of these IAMs and identify avenues for improvement to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. The study focuses on the effects of varying assumptions for key model drivers, including carbon prices, technology costs, and global energy prices, within the context of stringent decarbonization policies. Diagnostic scenarios are utilized to assess the behavior of the models under varying exogenous assumptions for key drivers, aiming to verify the accuracy and reliability of the models and identify areas for optimization. The findings of this research demonstrate that both PROMETHEUS and TIAM-ECN exhibit similar responses to carbon pricing, with PROMETHEUS being more sensitive to this parameter than TIAM-ECN. The results highlight the importance of carbon pricing as an effective policy tool to drive decarbonization efforts. Additionally, the study reveals that variations in technology costs and global energy prices significantly impact the outcomes of the models. The identified sensitivities and responses of the IAMs to key model drivers offer guidance for policymakers to refine their policy decisions and develop effective strategies aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. By understanding the behavior of the models under different assumptions, policymakers can make informed decisions to optimize decarbonization pathways and enhance the likelihood of meeting global climate goals.
Recent Advances in the Development of Automotive Catalytic Converters: A Systematic Review
Authors: Robles-Lorite Laura , Dorado-Vicente Rubén , Torres-Jiménez Eloísa , Bombek Gorazd , Lešnik Luka
Published: September 2023

Despite the current boost in the use of electric vehicles to reduce the automotive sector’s footprint, combustion vehicles are and will be present in our cities in both the immediate and long term. In this sense, catalytic converters, which are exhaust gas post-treatment systems for vehicle emission control, are critical for complying with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. This work proposes a systematic review to identify the most relevant knowledge regarding the parameters (materials, geometries, and engine conditions), conditions (cold start, oxygen storage, and deactivation), and mathematical models to consider in the design of catalytic converters. The Scopus database contains 283 records related to this review’s objective. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 65 reports were retrieved for evaluation. A table was created to present the results and prepare this manuscript. The evaluation revealed that the following topics were active: the study of non-noble catalyst materials, as well as new substrate materials and geometries, for designing more compact and cost-effective catalytic converters; the development of strategies to improve conversion during cold starts; and the development of accurate and fast estimation models.
Preparation of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cells Using a Green Solvent
Authors: Cheng Jiajie , Yan Jiahao , Wang Jiaming , Jiang Yufan , Xing Jie , Liu Hao , Hao Huiying , Dong Jingjing
Published: September 2023

An increasing number of researchers are interested in studying CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to their high stability. However, the use of methanol during the spin-coating process is extremely hazardous, both to humans and the environment. CsBr is very soluble in water, but owing to its high specific heat capacity, water causes uneven crystallization and the creation of pores, which negatively impact the performance of CsPbBr3 devices. In this paper, water is introduced as the solvent for CsBr in place of methanol to prepare CsPbBr3 films and ethanol is used as the surface treatment solvent. The morphology and crystal quality of CsPbBr3 films are improved by varying the concentration and spin-coating cycles of the CsBr/H2O solution and adding ethanol post-treatment. The results show that high-quality CsPbBr3 films with reduced grain boundaries and high phase-purity were obtained by spin-coating 100 mg/mL CsBr/H2O solution three times and using ethanol as a post-treatment. The CsPbBr3 solar cells yielded a maximum efficiency of 7.65% and demonstrate long-term stability over 1100 h.