bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Transitioning to Remote Working in Patients Affected by Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ambrosio Luca , Vadalà Gianluca , Russo Fabrizio , Donnici Leonardo , Petrucci Giorgia , Tecco Cristina Di , Iavicoli Sergio , Papalia Rocco , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: June 2023

Objective: To assess the effect of transitioning to remote working during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in a population of adults affected by chronic low back pain (cLBP).Methods: An online questionnaire was sent by email to teleworkers affected by cLBP. Demographic data, remote working features and tasks, and LBP burden were analyzed. The psychological burden of remote working was evaluated with the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2. LBP severity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. LBP-related disability was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index. The effect of LBP on working capacity was examined with the Occupational Role Questionnaire. Independent risk factors related to LBP worsening were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model.Results: During remote working, LBP severity was significantly higher compared to previous in-person working (p < 0.0001), as well as average weekly work hours (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the risk of LBP worsening was associated with higher depression scores (odds ratio [OR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.91; p = 0.048), increased stress levels (OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.04–8.65; p = 0.042), and being divorced (OR: 4.28, 95% CI: 1.27–14.47; p = 0.019). Conversely, living with others (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07–0.81; p = 0.021), and reporting unchanged stress levels (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08–0.65; p = 0.006) were associated with a lower risk of LBP worsening.Conclusion: Our findings highlight key factors to consider for improving remote workers’ physical and mental wellbeing and decrease their LBP burden.
Presumptive Border Collie collapse in a dog: serial clinical observation and successful management
Authors: Lee Ji-Young , Lee Jeong-Min , Kim Jin-Young , Song Kun-Ho , Song Joong-Hyun
Published: June 2023

A 6-month-old female Border Collie presented with a history of collapse after strenuous exercise. The dog was normal between episodes but experienced loss of focus and ataxia after exercise. This is particularly noticeable under hot weather conditions. No remarkable findings were observed in the diagnostic tests. Based on these results, the patient was tentatively diagnosed with Border Collie collapse (BCC). After exercise restriction, the dog had no episode of collapse and remained clinically well with no signs until the follow-up period of 8 months was complete. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of BCC in South Korea.
MR Imaging Findings and Texture Analysis of Pure and Mixed Mucinous Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Song Myung Won , Lim Hyo Soon , Lee Hyo-jae , Park Min Ho , Lee Ji Shin
Published: June 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and texture features to differentiate between pure and mixed subtypes of mucinous breast carcinoma.Methods: This retrospective study included 136 patients who were surgically diagnosed with mucinous breast carcinoma and underwent pre-treatment breast MRI between January 2008 and December 2020. All clinicopathological and MRI features were reviewed. For texture analysis, regions of interest of the tumors were drawn manually on T2-weighted images and first-subtraction T1-weighted images. Texture feature extraction and analysis were conducted using open-source 3D slicer software. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify significant MRI findings and texture features to differentiate between the two subtypes. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the texture features, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted.Results: Among the MRI findings, very high signal intensity on T2-weighted images was significantly associated with pure mucinous breast carcinoma (odds ratio=5.23, p=0.001). The homogeneity and skewness texture features from T2-weighted imaging showed statistically significant differences between pure and mixed subtypes, and the areas under the receiver operating curve were 0.749 and 0.815, respectively.Conclusion: Signal intensity and texture features on T2- weighted images derived from breast MRI can assist in the differential diagnosis of pure and mixed types of mucinous breast carcinoma.
Comparison of Clinicopathologic Features and Outcomes Between Synchronous and Metachronous Bilateral Breast Cancer
Authors: Kim Jun Hyung , Won Tae Wan
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Bilateral breast cancer (BBC) can be divided into two concurrent lesions, depending on the time of occurrence of primary cancer and secondary tumors after treatment of the primary cancer. This study aimed to compare the clinicopathological characteristics and results of synchronous BBC (SBBC) and metachronous BBC (MBBC).Methods: Data of patients diagnosed with breast cancer at Wonkwang university Hospital between October 1991 and October 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Data of 3,259 patients who were diagnosed with malignant neoplasm of the right or left breast were reviewed. The tumor was defined as SBBC when another cancer was identified as BBC simultaneously or within six months after the primary breast cancer, and as MBBC when another cancer was identified after six months. Among patients with BBC, 31 had SBBC and 32 had MBBC.Results: In SBBC patients, the median age was 59.9 years, and the condition was diagnosed 3.3 years later compared with MBBC. The primary and secondary tumors of SBBC had lower disease stage, even when diagnosed late. Except for tumor, node, and metastasis stage, MBBC showed more invasive ductal carcinoma, while SBBC showed relatively more ductal carcinoma in situ in both primary and secondary tumors compared with MBBC. In addition, SBBC showed lower hormone receptor positivity rates and Ki-67 levels compared with MBBC. MBBC patients showed a higher survival rate compared with SBBC patients. MBBC is associated with higher overall survival rate compared with SBBC, and its prognosis is not worse compared with that of unilateral breast cancer. In the case of secondary tumor that develops in the contralateral breast without evidence of metastasis, the survival rate is similar to that of unilateral breast cancer, while the treatment is similar to that of primary tumor.Conclusion: As those with SBBC have a worse survival, these patients will require more medical attention; meanwhile, MBBC requires an active treatment approach that is equivalent to that for unilateral breast cancer.
Giant Axillary Ectopic Breast in a Male Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Sung Ki Pyo , Kim Choong Hyeon
Published: June 2023

Axillary masses have diverse origins and require systematic diagnosis and treatment. Among various diseases, ectopic breast tissue occurs when the regression of primitive mammary tissue fails in a location other than the pectoral breast. Ectopic breast tissue was significantly rarer in men, accounting for 5.3% of all cases. We report the case of a 57-year-old male patient who presented with a large axillary mass. Surgical excision and pathological biopsy were performed after comprehensively considering the rapidly increasing size, discomfort in daily life, and radiological findings that could not exclude sarcoma. Total excision of the mass was performed, and a 15×14×4 cm mass was extracted. The mass was histologically confirmed to be ectopic male breast tissue. We report a case of total excision of a rare giant axillary mass classified as ectopic breast tissue in a male patient and suggest the need to reconsider the possibility of various diseases rarely reported in men and the need for further research.
The Economics of Force Majeure: The Price of ‘Financial Stability’
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Minakir Pavel
Published: June 2023

In this paper, it is shown that, despite a tremendous number of sanctions that significantly modify the conditions of financial and economic equilibrium in Russia, the basic mechanisms, priorities and construction of the goals of the financial and economic policy have not changed. This is especially true for monetary and fiscal policy. The analysis of the parameters and results of budget planning for 2022–2023 has been carried out. Although there are no catastrophic failures of macroeconomic indicators according to the Ministry of Finance in 2022 and the official projections of the 2023 budget do not promise an increase in problems, the discrepancy between the actual possibilities to increase revenues and the imperative requirements to increase budget expenditures signal a serious deterioration of the budget situation, which requires urgent and adequate solutions. The author discusses the prospect of the state budget deficit turning into a permanent phenomenon accompanying the country’s economic development for a long period, due to the indefinite period of revenue suppression and acceleration of state budget expenditures, the reasons of which are long military expenditures and the duration of restructuring the structure and mechanisms of global and subglobal financial and economic interactions. In this paper, estimates of the budget deficit, which are alternative to the official data, have been made; estimates of real sizes and dynamics of budget deficits are proposed; and the concept of hierarchy and target concentration of budget expenditures is argued. The main tools for financing budget deficits (the National Welfare Fund, ruble devaluation, money emission, government borrowings) are analyzed, the possibilities and potential limits of their use are shown. It is shown that all of them, except domestic government borrowings, give a short-term effect and at the same time have a negative impact on macroeconomic equilibrium. The possibilities, direct and indirect consequences of the policy of reduction of budget expenditures are considered
Russia’s Gold Mining Industry: Sanctions Shocks
Authors:   North-East Interdisciplinary Scientific Research Institute n. a. N.A. Shilo FEB RAS (NEISRI FEB RAS), Galtseva Natalya , Sharypova Olga ,   North-East Interdisciplinary Scientific Research Institute n. a. N.A. Shilo, FEB RAS (NEISRI FEB RAS)
Published: June 2023

The deliberate fragmentation of the world market as a result of the establishment of a global sanctions regime provoked a complete transition of both the Russian and the entire world economy to non-stationary modes of operation, one of the fundamental features of which are the deformations of the global monetary and financial system, which only two years ago seemed to have no alternative to the one based on the US dollar. One of the consequences of these events is the objective strengthening of the role of gold as the basis for the stability of national reserves and a single base in the transition to a plurality of global means of payment. The only source of replenishing gold reserves is gold mining, especially for modern Russia, which Western sanctions have effectively cut off from the world trade in gold. Russia has traditionally been one of the world leaders in terms of gold reserves and resources, ranking third in world production. Gold production in Russia increased by a factor of 1.5 in 2012–2021, facilitated by the growth rate of the Russian gold price relative to the global price due to the rise in the dollar exchange rate after 2014. At the same time, the share of gold in Russia’s gold and foreign exchange reserves is three times smaller than that of developed countries. This article discusses the problems of production localised in the regions of the Russian Far East and Siberia, its impact on the socio-economic development of these regions and the role of gold in the country’s economy. The impact of sanctions on the circulation of precious metals, including gold, is assessed. The authors assess the effects of external sanctions and the macroeconomic policy of the Russian Central Bank in terms of replenishing gold reserves and the volatility of the Russian ruble on gold production, the structure of gold consumption, and the economic situation in the gold mining industry
Alterations in Seizure Frequency in Patients with Epilepsy Following Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Seyedhosseinzadeh Negin , Saeedi Nikoo , Hashemi Anahita , Homam Seyed Mehran
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose: During the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, a considerable number of studies have focused on the difficulties for accessing the medical services and telemedicinerelated issues. However, it is not clear whether COVID-19 affects the clinical course of epilepsy. Therefore, in the current study we aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 infection on seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy (PWE).Methods: We evaluated PWE who consecutively referred to the neurology clinics of 22 Bahman and Qaem hospitals, who had experienced a recent polymerase chain reaction-confirmed-COVID-19 infection. Data were collected through a pre-defined electronic questionnaire.Results: A total of 104 patients were included. Females represented 52% of the population. The mean age of the patients was 36.73±17.87. Thirty-six patients (34%) reported increased seizure frequency. The mean age of the patients who had exacerbated seizure frequency was significantly lower than the non-exacerbated group (27.50±9.8 vs. 40.14±18.39; p=0.005). The number of the male patients were significantly higher in the exacerbated group (52% vs. 25%; p=0.014). The majority of exacerbated group had a history of drug resistance (44.4% vs. 8.5%; p=0.022). The number of epileptic seizures before COVID-19 infection was higher in the exacerbated (p=0.04).Conclusions: About 34% of PWE experienced exacerbated epileptic seizures after COVID-19 infection. Male patients, young patients, patients with the history of drug resistance, and the patients who had higher seizure frequency were at increased risk for seizure exacerbation. Our results highlight the importance of screening, early diagnosis, and treatment in PWE.
An ion beam system for calibration of space low-energy ion detectors
Authors: Guifen Shi , Yiren Li , Bin Miao , Kai Liu , Xinjun Hao , Zonghao Pan , Meng Guan
Published: June 2023

Low-energy ion detection in space is one of the most important interests of space exploration. An accurate calibration of this type of instrument is necessary to ensure the effectiveness and scientificness of the obtained data. And the ion source is the most critical equipment in a calibration facility. In this study, an ion beam system based on Kaufman ion source is designed, which can meet the ground calibration of space low-energy ion detection instrument in the low-energy range of 100–1,000 eV. The experimental research shows that when the beam intensity of the ion source is about 100 mA, the Faraday Cup collects about 1 mA of current, and the generated ion beam fluctuates less than 5% within 60 min, which can meet the ground calibration requirements of space low-energy ion detection instruments.
Language change and the actuation problem: grammaticalization in Vedic Sanskrit
Authors: Keydana Götz
Published: June 2023

One of the structures denoting the future in Sanskrit is the so-called-tā́-future, based on an agent noun and a present tense copula. Typologically, this grammaticalization path is unique. In this paper, this astonishing fact is tied to another unique feature of hysterotone-tŕ̥-nouns, their situative semantics, which forces a presupposition relating the event depicted by the noun to another event taken from the context. In ambiguous contexts, this relation could be (re-)interpreted by hearers as one between the event and the speech act itself. The grammaticalization, then, is hearer-based and triggered by semantic reanalysis. The process is essentially identical to phonemicization. The scenario developed in this paper thus further strengthens the position that grammaticalization is ontologically not distinct from other types of language change based on speaker–hearer interaction.
Walking Through Everyday Life: Tensions and Disruptions within the Ordinary
Authors: Conceição Nélio
Published: June 2023

Bringing together a genealogy of authors, concepts, and aesthetic case studies, this article aims to contribute to the discussion on ordinary aesthetics by focusing on the tensions that are intrinsic to walking as a fundamental embodied action in everyday urban life. These tensions concern the movement of walking itself and its relation to one’s surroundings, but it also concerns a certain complementarity between home (familiarity) and wandering. Experiencing space and thresholds that disrupt one’s relationship with home and the everyday can be understood as part of a modern “anti-home” tendency that lies at the core of several artistic and aesthetic practices. On the other hand, the study of walking and its relationship with the ordinary has also been enhanced and complexified by the mediation of images and technologies of reproduction. Approaching the paradoxes and ambiguities of everydayness from the perspective of walking allows us to better understand the ordinary as an in-between concept composed of evidence and mystery, familiarity and strangeness. Walking itself, as an ordinary element of life, is an unstable stabilisation, an unconsciousness that may become awareness, an immersive action that knows interruptions, a way of repeating paths that can also lead to detours and discoveries.
Investigation of cross-sensitivities of the potential drop method for structural health monitoring of civil structures
Authors: Schneegans Erik , Hug Joachim , Rembe Christian
Published: June 2023

Currently, structural health monitoring (SHM) systems are not in widespread use for monitoring civil structures because of low defect sensitivity and high cross-sensitivities of most SHM techniques available. The potential drop method (PDM), commonly used in material testing, is a possible method for SHM of large metallic civil structures combining high defect sensitivity and high area monitoring capability. The current state of the art lacks experimental evidence of the applicability to large specimens under the demanding operating conditions of SHM. Here, we investigated the PDM as an SHM system experimentally by analyzing the cross-sensitivity to temperature changes and performed a temperature compensation. We present an optimized method for suppressing the unwanted influence of mechanical loads and increasing the defect sensitivity. The temperature influence was separated from the defect-induced impedance change and effectively suppressed by compensation. Thus, cross-sensitivity does not limit PDM in SHM for large metallic civil structures with temperature compensation. PDM is a promising technique for SHM which could facilitate the widespread use of SHM of conductive civil structures.
Border control and accident rate of irregular immigration in the route to the Canary Islands (Spain) during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mesa-Pérez Carmelo Ulises , Parreño-Castellano Juan Manuel , Domínguez-Mujica Josefina
Published: June 2023

Throughout the first decades of the 21st century, the maritime borders of the European Union have witnessed a growing and increasingly complex mobility of an irregular nature. Moreover, the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on many African countries revealed the weakness of the maritime border and its permeability, as well as its increased danger. This research aims to study these irregular migration flows by sea during 2020 and 2021, through the Atlantic border between the Canary Islands and Africa. The so-called “Canary route” is one of the most dangerous maritime routes in the world due to the ocean conditions, the distances that must be covered and the way in which migrants move. Our analysis will therefore focus on one of the central aspects of this crossing, its danger and associated accident rate, which can be measured in terms of the number of shipwrecks, deaths, and missing persons. The objectives of this paper are: i) to show the spatial location of those wrecks; ii) to give an estimate of data on missing persons and deaths; iii) to focus on the study of those persons affected; iv) to delve into the underlying causes; and v) to analyse the border control actions developed during the pandemic. With this aim, information has been compiled from different national and international sources: official records, contrasted data provided by some NGOs and the IOM, and testimonies of the agents involved. This material is used to reflect on the normalization of border control as a factor that inevitably leads to deaths and disappearances. It suggests that this event should be a central element in European migration policy, contributing to designing border control actions that go beyond containment, thereby preventing the loss of human lives.
Solarz, M.W. (ed.): Atlas of Poland’s Political Geography. Poland in the Modern World: 2022 Perspective
Authors: Farkas György
Published: June 2023

-
Absence of a molecular circadian clock in the preimplantation embryo is a conserved characteristic in the mammal
Authors: Stanton Daniel L , Graf Alexander , Maia Tatiane S , Blum Helmut , Jiang Zongliang , Hansen Peter J
Published: June 2023

In brief

It is not known when a functional circadian clock is established in the developing embryo. Lack of expression of key genes involved in the clock mechanism is indicative that a functional circadian clock mechanism is absent in the mammalian preimplantation embryo through the blastocyst stage of development.

An embryonic circadian clock could conceivably organize cellular and developmental events temporally and in synchrony with other circadian rhythms in the mother. The hypothesis that a functional molecular clock exists in the preimplantation bovine, pig, human, and mouse embryo was tested by using publicly available RNAseq datasets to examine developmental changes in expression of the core genes responsible for the circadian clock – CLOCK, ARNTL, PER1, PER2, CRY1, and CRY2. In general, the transcript abundance of each gene decreased as development advanced to the blastocyst stage. The most notable exception was for CRY2, where transcript abundance was low and constant from the two-cell or four-cell to the blastocyst stage. Developmental patterns were generally the same for all species although there were some species-specific patterns such as an absence of PER1 expression in the pig, an increase in ARNTL expression at the four-cell stage in human, and an increase in expression of Clock and Per1 from the zygote to two-cell stage in the mouse. Analysis of intronic reads (indicative of embryonic transcription) for bovine embryos indicated an absence of embryonic transcription. Immunoreactive CRY1 was not detected in the bovine blastocyst. Results indicate that the preimplantation mammalian embryo lacks a functional intrinsic clock although specific components of the clock mechanism could conceivably play a role in other functions in the embryo.
Experiencia de implementación de currículo por competencia con el eje Introducción a los desempeños ciudadanos y profesionales
Authors: Sergueyevna Golovina Natalia
Published: June 2023

The implementation of the competency-based curriculum with the introductory axis is a response to the country's needs for a qualitative change in first-year students, who need to become familiar with both the university and the competency-based curriculum, which began to be applied in the universities in Nicaragua in 2021. The systematization of the experiences was done with the purpose of finding the strengths and weaknesses both in the new curriculum and in the process of its implementation. The article is the result of the pedagogical practice developed in 35 first-year groups of different modalities and shifts of the Regional Multidisciplinary Faculty, Matagalpa of the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, Managua (UNAN-Managua). The research was carried out with the mixed approach, developing the survey techniques for teachers and direct observations. The analysis of the results of the implementation of the axis with its four components was applied through the systematization of the experiences in each classroom. It is concluded that a high level of performance will be improved, an enriching experience of teamwork, student interest in the career, appropriation with UNAN Managua, interest in learning to learn, applying creativity, developing innovations and undertaking.
Ebla, Siria y el Antiguo Egipto: Reflexiones sobre unas relaciones y contactos hasta el Bronce Reciente
Authors: Pérez Largacha A.
Published: June 2023

ISIMU
Rice husk lignin to vanillin: IonoSolv as a way forward for value-added biomass depolymerization
Authors: Zakaria Siti Mastura , Idris Azila , Chandrasekaram Kumuthini , Darji Dazylah , Alias Yatimah
Published: June 2023

The depolymerization of natural biomass-based lignin is a definitive challenge, as it involves the integral breakdown of complex and well-constructed natural structures. A sustainable method called ‘ionoSolv pretreatment’ employs ionic liquids in biomass processing. In this study, Bronsted acidic IL (BAIL); 1-methyl-3-(3-sulfopropyl)-imidazolium chloride, [C3SO3HMIM]Cl was synthesized and commendably used to both assist the depolymerization of lignin under mild reaction conditions as well as to benefit from the commercially valuable vanillin. About 68% degree of depolymerization (DD) of lignin was achieved under optimized conditions (120 °C, 60 min), yielding ca. 43% of tetrahydrofuran (THF) soluble products. The influence of BAIL on the depolymerization was investigated using chromatographic (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectroscopic techniques (Fourier transform infrared). The HPLC analysis of the depolymerized lignin detected the clear presence of 12% of vanillin was obtained from 2 wt.% of rice husk’s lignin.
Synthesis and characterization of cellulose-silica composite fiber in ethanol/water mixed solvents
Authors: Jia Ning , Li Shu-Ming , Ma Ming-Guo , Zhu Jie-Fang , Sun Run-Cang
Published: June 2023

Cellulose-silica composite fiber samples have been successfully synthesized using cellulose solution, tetraethoxysilane, and NH3•H2O in ethanol/water mixed solvents at room temperature for 24 h. The cellulose solution was previously prepared by the dissolution of microcrystalline cellulose in a solvent mixture of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc)/lithium chloride (LiCl). The effect of the tetraethoxysilane concentration on the product was investigated. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential scanning calorimetric analysis (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), and cross polarization magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) solid state 13C-NMR. The morphology of the cellulose-silica composite fiber was investigated by SEM, while their composition was established from EDS measurements combined with the results of FT-IR spectral analysis and XRD patterns. The XRD, FT-IR and EDS results indicated that the obtained product was cellulose-silica composite fiber. The SEM micrographs showed that the silica particles were homogeneously dispersed in the cellulose fiber. The CP/MAS solid state 13C-NMR results indicated that the silica concentration had an influence on the crystallinity of the cellulose. This method is simple for preparation of cellulose-based composites.
Determination of moisture diffusion coefficient of larch board with finite difference method
Authors: Zhou Qiaofang , Cai Yingchun , Xu Yan , Zhang Xiangling
Published: June 2023

This paper deals with the moisture diffusion coefficient of Dahurian Larch (Larix gmelinii Rupr.) by use of the Finite Difference Method (FDM). To obtain moisture distributions the dimensional boards of Dahurian Larch were dried, from which test samples were cut and sliced evenly into 9 pieces in different drying periods, so that moisture distributions at different locations and times across the thickness of Dahurian Larch were obtained with a weighing method. With these experimental data, FDM was used to solve Fick’s one-dimensional unsteady-state diffusion equation, and the moisture diffusion coefficient across the thickness at specified time was obtained. Results indicated that the moisture diffusion coefficient decreased from the surface to the center of the Dahurian Larch wood, and it decreased with decreasing moisture content at constant wood temperature; as the wood temperature increased, the moisture diffusion coefficient increased, and the effect of the wood temperature on the moisture diffusion coefficient was more significant than that of moisture content. Moisture diffusion coefficients were different for the two experiments due to differing diffusivity of the specimens.
Influence of torrefaction on some chemical and energy properties of maritime pine and pedunculate oak
Authors: Pierre Floran , Almeida Giana , Brito José Otávio , Perré Patrick
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the influence of heat treatment on the chemical composition and energy properties of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur). Samples were treated in a new experimental device at 220, 250, or 280 °C for 1 or 5 hours. Chemical and energy analyses were performed using standard methods. Our results clearly demonstrated an increased degradation of the material due to the combined effects of temperature and treatment duration. This mass loss was basically due to degradation of acid-soluble materials. The energy analysis showed that the fixed carbon content and higher heating value increased, for both species, whereas the volatile matter content decreased with increased extent of treatment (cumulated effects of temperature and time). In the range of temperature and duration studied here, the dimensionless energy properties for both species obeyed the same functions of overall mass loss. The relationships obtained allow quantification of the increase in wood energy concentration due to torrefaction. Mass loss is an excellent indicator of treatment extent. Analytical expressions allowing the prediction of energy and chemical properties as a function of overall mass loss, within the range of treatment extents studied here, are provided.
Decolorization of inkjet ink and deinking of inkjet-printed paper with laccase-mediator system
Authors: Nyman Katariina , Hakala Terhi
Published: June 2023

The emergence of novel high-speed inkjet printing technology has been hindered because of claims of poor deinkability of the printed product. Based on our results the decolorization of inkjet inks with the laccase-mediator system is a possible approach to improve the deinkability of inkjet-printed paper. The commercial Myceliophtora thermophila and Trametes versicolor laccases (1 U/mL) and a mediator compound acetosyringone (0.1 mM) decolorized water-soluble textile and inkjet ink dyes by up to 94% and aqueous dye-based inkjet inks by 40 to 98%. M. thermophila laccase decolorized magenta and black inks effectively even at pH 9.0. Acetosyringone was a better mediator compared to ABTS and violuric acid because of its high efficiency and low inherent color. The enzymatic decolorization of inkjet ink was also achieved in deinking experiments with inkjet-printed paper. A treatment with M. thermophila laccase (2 U/g of paper) and acetosyringone (0.02% of paper weight) improved ISO-brightness of the pulp by 5%.
Production of novel alkali-thermo-tolerant cellulase-poor xylanases from Coprinopsis cinerea HK-1 NFCCI-2032
Authors: Kaur Harjeet , Dutt Dharm , Tyagi C. H.
Published: June 2023

Culture conditions of a newly isolated basidiomycetous strain were optimized for the enhanced production of extracellular alkali-thermo-tolerant cellulase-poor xylanase using wheat bran as the sole carbon source under solid state fermentation (SSF). SEM and ITS sequencing confirmed it as Coprinopsis cinerea HK-1 NFCCI-2032. Among various inexpensive agro-residues, wheat bran (carbon source) came up as the most potent enzyme inducer under SSF, and resulted in 54% higher xylanase activity compared to that in submerged fermentation mode. The strain grew well even at 47 ºC. The highest xylanase (695.8 IU/mL) titer was recorded at a substrate:moisture ratio of 1:3 after 7 days of incubation at 37 oC at pH 6.4 along with 0.541 IU/mL of poorly associated cellulase activity. The xylanase exhibited remarkable stability and retained 50% of its activity at pH 8.0 on incubation at 55 ºC for 15 min and 78, 43, and 23% of its activity at temperatures 65, 75 and 85 oC, respectively, demonstrating an approximately 50% alkali-thermo-tolerant nature, which is suitable for biobleaching.
Chitosan-coated cellulose/soy protein membranes with improved physical properties and hemocompatibility
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Chang Peter R. , Li Zonghuan , Wang Hui , Liang Hui , Cao Xiaodong , Chen Yun
Published: June 2023

A series of cellulose/soy protein membranes (CSM) was coated with chitosan to improve the mechanical properties, cytocompatibility, and hemocompatibility. The original CSM and chitosan-coated CSM (CH/CSM) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle testing, and tensile testing. CH/CSM had a smoother surface microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties as compared to the corresponding CSM. The cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility of CSM and CH/CSM were evaluated by cell culture, MTT assay, in vitro platelet adhesion testing, plasma recalcification time (PRT) measurement, and hemolysis assay. The higher cell adherence and improved cytocompatibility of CH/CSM were mainly ascribed to the coated composition and the altered surface microstructure of CSM. CH/CSM also showed lower platelet adhesion, longer PRT, and a lower hemolysis rate, all resulting from the good hemocompatibility of chitosan and the smoother membrane surface after chitosan coating. Undoubtedly, surface coating with chitosan improved the microstructure, mechanical properties, cytocompatibility, and hemocompatibility, thus widening the possible range of applications for cellulose/soy protein-based biomaterials.
Multifunctional changes in the athletes’ body during the formation of autonomic regulations’ overstrain under the influence of training load
Authors: Guzii Oksana , Mahlovanyi Anatolii , Romanchuk Oleksandr
Published: June 2023

Purpose: the purpose of this study was to generalize polysystemic changes that occur in the body of highly qualified athletes with signs of autonomic regulation overstrain under the influence of training load and during the recovery period after it.

Material & Methods: test subjects were qualified male athletes (N=202) aged 22.6±2.8 years, who were examined by means of spiroarteriocardiorhythmography (SACR) and computerized motion meter (CMM). In accordance with the design the examinations with the aid of SACR and CMM were carried out three times: in the morning, on an empty stomach, in a sitting position on the day of training (G1), immediately after training (during the first 5-7 minutes) (G2) and the next day in the morning after sleep (G3).

Results: according to the data of the examination of athletes in the dynamics of recovery after the training load, options of changes in HRV indicators were determined, which indicated the formation of sympathetic and parasympathetic overstrain in athletes. Two groups were created. The first included 10 athletes, the second included 9 athletes. The analysis of changes in indicators, the research methods used, allowed us to establish differences in their dynamics during the formation of sympathetic and parasympathetic overstrain. Differences were noted among 18 indicators. Among them are indicators of HRV – ABI (c.u.), SRAI (c.u.), ARI (c.u.), RMSSD (ms), VLF (ms2), LFHF (ms2/ms2); variability of arterial pressure – LFSBPn (n.u.), HFSBPn (n.u.), LFHFSBP (mmHg2), TPDBP (mmHg2), LFDBP, (mmHg2), ICDBP (mmHg2/mmHg2); hemodynamics – CO (dm3), GPVR, (dyn/s/cm−5), CI (dm3/m2); respiratory variability – TPR (L×min–1)2; of sensorimotor function – SCSleft (s), SMleft (%).

Conclusions: the obtained results on the formation of sympathetic and parasympathetic overstrain under the influence of intense physical activity indicate that changes in the autonomic regulation of the heart rate, which determine the type of heart rate regulation, are accompanied by a number of changes in hemodynamics, autonomic regulation of the pumping function of the heart, vascular tone, respiratory regulation, and sensorimotor function. The determined differential dynamics of changes in cardiorespiratory and sensorimotor indicators will allow further algorithmization of the assessment of the functional state of the athletes’ body in order to detect early states of non-functional overstrain and overtraining.
Bedeutung und Potenziale studentischer Partizipation
Authors: Schrader Saskia
Published: June 2023

Durch Partizipation erhalten Studierende die Möglichkeit Studium und Lehre mitzugestalten und Mitverantwortung für ihr Studium und die Lehre zu übernehmen. Anders als in der Hochschulpolitik sowie der studentischen Selbstverwaltung scheint die studentische Partizipation in Bezug auf Studium und Lehre bisher weniger verbreitet. Dieser Artikel thematisiert zunächst auf theoretischer Basis Bedeutung und Potenziale von studentischer Partizipation in Studium und Lehre sowohl für Hochschulen als auch für Studierende. Anschließend wird auf die vom Projekt KOMWEID an der HAW Hamburg durchgeführte Befragung der Studierenden zum Thema studentische Partizipation eingegangen. Es werden erste Ergebnisse, sowie Schlussfolgerungen und Handlungsempfehlungen zu den Fragen „Wollen Studierende partizipieren und wenn ja, wissen sie, wo dies möglich ist?” und „Welche Hindernisse halten Studierende von einer Beteiligung ab und wie können diese möglicherweise aus dem Weg geräumt werden?”, thematisiert.
Designing formulations of bio-based, multicomponent epoxy resin systems via machine learning
Authors: Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , Rothenhäusler Florian , Ruckdäschel Holger
Published: June 2023

Petroleum-based epoxy resins are commonly used as a matrix in fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Bio-based epoxy resin systems could be a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional epoxy resins. In this work, novel formulations of multicomponent, amino acid-based resin systems exhibiting high or low glass-transition temperatures ($$T_{{\text{g}}}$$Tg) were designed via Bayesian optimization and active learning techniques. After only five high-$$T_{{\text{g}}}$$Tgexperiments, thermosets with$$T_{{\text{g}}}$$Tgalready higher than those of the individual components were obtained, pointing out the existence of synergistic effects among the amino acids used and confirming the efficiency of the theoretical design. Linear and nonlinear machine learning (ML) models successfully predicted$$T_{{\text{g}}}$$Tgwith a mean absolute error of 3.98$$^{\circ }{\text{C}}$$∘Cand$$R^2$$R2score of 0.91. A price reduction of up to 13.7% was achieved while maintaining the$$T_{{\text{g}}}$$Tgof 130$$^{\circ }{\text{C}}$$∘Cusing an optimized formulation. The LASSO model provided information about the dependence of$$T_{{\text{g}}}$$Tgon the number of active hydrogen atoms and aromaticity. This study highlights the importance of Bayesian optimization and ML to achieve a more sustainable development of epoxy resin materials.

Impact statement

This article shows how the sustainability of epoxy resin systems (ERSs) can be significantly improved by combining experimental and theoretical strategies. First, amino acids are used as curing agents in multicomponent formulations to produce bio-based ERSs. Second, the number of trial-and-error experiments required to obtain formulations with high or low glass-transition temperatures (Tg) is greatly reduced using machine learning (ML) strategies to design all experiments. Not only is it shown howTgcan be maximized in only five new theoretically designed formulations, but the economic advantages of the proposed approach are also discussed. The trends betweenTgand the type of optimized biocomponents are discussed based on the unambiguous interpretation of the best-trained ML model. The results presented in this study pave the way for the theoretical design of more sustainable polymeric materials.

Graphical abstract
Scrutinizing Islamic Higher Education Institutions in Indonesia
Authors: Hamdani Nizar Alam
Published: June 2023

In the era of globalization, Islamic higher education institutions (HEI) encounter obstacles concerning human resources, infrastructure, and technological proficiency. Based on the existing literature, empirical evidence and theoretical insights show that dynamic capability can enhance the performance of higher education in the era of digital transformation. The aim of this study is to examine Islamic HEI in Indonesia by comprehensively scrutinizing dynamic capacity, knowledge management, and information technology in improving the institutionsâ€™ performance. The research methodology employed is a quantitative approach utilizing descriptive and verification methods. There are 34 Islamic HEI served as the sample. Data analysis is conducted using the SEM-PLS technique. The findings of the study indicate that Islamic HEI in Indonesia possess preparedness in implementing knowledge management and demonstrated sufficient infrastructure to anticipate changes.Â
The Making of Evaluation Instrument Based on HOTS with Wondershare Quiz Creator on Ion Balance and Buffer Solution pH
Authors: Noer Asmadi M. , Pebrianti Puji , Holiwarni Betty , Sunarti Sunarti
Published: June 2023

The ability of students to solve problems is still low; therefore, a Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)-based evaluation instrument through media is needed. This study aims to produce an evaluation instrument based on HOTS using Wondershare Quiz Creator (WQC) implemented to a valid ionic balance and pH buffer solution subject according to material and media experts. This research uses research and development (R&D) with the Plomp model. Besides, the research subjects are three teachers and 30 students in 11th grade from SMAN 8 Pekanbaru, SMAN 2 Pekanbaru, and MAN 1 Pekanbaru. Literature studies and field studies were carried out as the data collection techniques. The research data is obtained from the validation results of two material validators, two media validators, and user trials. The validation result to material validators has obtained the average based on the material aspect 96.00%, construction aspect 93.10%, and language aspect 99.00%. According to media validators, based on the content aspect 90.00%, learning design 84.00%, display (visual communication) 85.00%, and software utilization 95.71%. The analysis of the questions showed that ten questions were valid, had very high reliability, a medium difficulty level of five questions, and a difficult category of five questions and had good distinguishing power. User response scores are 88.00% by teachers and 95.23% by students with very good criteria.
Recurrent Pneumothorax Caused by an Unexpected Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: A Case Report
Authors: Seok Yangki
Published: June 2023

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare disease characterized by the proliferation of atypical smooth muscle cells. Recurrent pneumothorax is a frequent complication of lymphangioleiomyomatosis. We present the case of a 41-year-old woman who presented with recurrent pneumothorax. Video-assisted thoracic surgery was performed. We did not suspect the possibility of lymphangioleiomyomatosis because of the presence of very few cysts on chest computed tomography.
Bone Biopsy Confirmed Imatinib-Induced Bone Marrow Necrosis in Patient with Gastrointestinal Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Han Jo
Published: June 2023

Imatinib mesylate is an effective, small-molecule, selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which inhibits BCR-ABL in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, c-kit in patients with gastrointestinal tumor (GIST), and platelet-derived growth factors in hypereosinophilic syndrome. Above all, bone marrow necrosis is a rare complication of imatinib usage. If newly developed increased opacity bone lesions are seen in patients with metastatic GIST, it is usual to consider those lesions as bone metastasis. Also, it is true that making a differential diagnosis between bone marrow change (bone marrow necrosis) and disease progression (bone metastasis) is both clinically and radiologically difficult. Because it may alter treatment options according to early distinguish bone metastasis and imatinib related-bone necrosis, a bone biopsy is recommended. Here, we report a case that a biopsy confirmed bone marrow necrosis due to imatinib, even though investigations such as magnetic resonance imaging, and whole-body bone scan indicated more favor to the metastatic lesion.
Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome: A Report of a Case with a Novel DNMT3A Mutation Presented Hemihypertrophy
Authors: Kim Mi Le , Lee Jeongho
Published: June 2023

Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome (TBRS) is a relatively new congenital anomaly syndrome manifesting overgrowth and a broad spectrum of intellectual disability. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A) gene, mainly de novo inheritance. Overgrowth, mild-to-severe intellectual disability, and other clinical features of TBRS may affect the quality of life of patients and their family members. Thus, early diagnosis by genetic testing and management of these symptoms is critical. We report a case of a 17-year-old male patient with hemihypertrophy who suffered back pain since school age, diagnosed with TBRS-identified DNMT3A gene mutation.
Asexual propagation for sustainable utilization of Greek indigenous germplasm of common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea L.), a neglected but noteworthy ornamental and nutraceutical species
Authors: KARAPATZAK Eleftherios , PAPANASTASI Katerina , KYRKAS Dimitris , YFANTI Paraskevi , NIKISIANIS Nikos , MALOUPA Eleni , PATAKIOUTAS Giorgos , KRIGAS Nikos
Published: June 2023

The common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea L., Cornaceae) across the European continent represents a species with validated ornamental and nutraceutical value that has been utilized by humans for thousands of years but has been abandoned during modern times. It still represents however, a valuable but neglected native germplasm resource. The development of an asexual propagation protocol as a first step towards utilization of Greek C. sanguinea germplasm is presented herein for the first time. Plant material was collected from C. sanguinea‘s natural habitat during winter dormancy (hardwood cuttings) as well as during early vegetative growth (softwood cuttings). The propagation protocol was developed through preliminary trials for the successful propagation of the material sourced directly from the wild to establish enough starting material (ex situ adapted mother plants); consecutively, cutting propagation experiments over a two-year period coupled with early plant growth and survival assessment were conducted. The results showed that the use of external indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) rooting hormone application between 2,000 and 4,000 ppm delivered very high rooting rates (80-100%) via the use of primary softwood, leafy cuttings with minimum amount of lignification under mist. The proposed protocol is considered fast, reliable, easy to implement and economically viable. The study provides first time data on domestication and propagation of Greek C. sanguinea germplasm and at the same time paves the way for further research on the sustainable utilization of this species.