bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethanol production ecosystem in India: Exploring enabling factors of sustainable policy regime
Authors: Arora Kapil , Singh Ram
Published: January 2024

In recent years, policy-makers and researchers have paid close attention to sustainable energy resources. Biofuel has emerged as a viable option among available alternatives in countries with excess agricultural production. India is also ramping up ethanol production. However, there is limited research available on enablers that can help boost production for enhanced blending, thereby assisting in the achievement of energy security and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Furthermore, India can capitalize on its excess agri-production for long-term energy security, increase farmer income, reduce import bills and foreign exchange outflows, encourage local business participation and accelerate its overall economic development while lowering its carbon footprints. The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach is used in this article to investigate the enablers for implementing a policy regime for increased ethanol production. The findings are important for policy-makers in India to identify areas for policy interventions, and they also lay the groundwork for future similar research on this evolving industry in the global markets.
La represión sobre la comunidad educativa en el distrito universitario de Salamanca
Authors: Blanco Rodríguez Juan Andrés
Published: January 2024

El tema de la represión como consecuencia de la Guerra Civil española de 1936-1939 y la dictadura que se deriva de ella viene constituyendo uno de los campos donde más ha incidido la historiografía en las últimas décadas. La represión ejercida sobre la comunidad educativa, muy en espacial sobre el Magisterio, ha sido una de las temáticas donde se ha incidido con más profusión e intensidad. La Cátedra de Memoria Democrática «Josefina Cuesta» de la Universidad de Salamanca, creada oficialmente en 2022, tiene como una de sus finalidades fundamentales la investigación sobre esa represión ejercida sobre la comunidad de su distrito universitario. Una de sus actividades primeras ha sido la celebración de un Encuentro académico en noviembre de 2022 centrado en el análisis del estado de la cuestión sobre ese campo de investigación, contando con los especialistas más reconocidos en el tratamiento de esa temática. El presente libro recoge el resultado científico de dicho Encuentro.
Blockchain Enabled Hadoop Distributed File System Framework for Secure and Reliable Traceability
Authors: Gupta Manish Kumar , Dwivedi Rajendra Kumar
Published: January 2024

Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) is a distributed file system that allows large amounts of data to be stored and processed across multiple servers in a Hadoop cluster. HDFS also provides high throughput for data access. HDFS enables the management of vast amounts of data using commodity hardware. However, security vulnerabilities in HDFS can be manipulated for malicious purposes. This emphasizes the significance of establishing strong security measures to facilitate file sharing within Hadoop and implementing a reliable mechanism for verifying the legitimacy of shared files. The objective of this paper is to enhance the security of HDFS by utilizing a blockchain-based technique. The proposed model uses the Hyperledger Fabric platform at the enterprise level to leverage metadata of files, thereby establishing dependable security and traceability of data within HDFS. The analysis of results indicates that the proposed model incurs a slightly higher overhead compared to HDFS and requires more storage space. However, this is considered an acceptable trade-off for the improved security.
Monokauzalitás és pszeudointencionalitás
Authors: Mellmann Katja
Published: January 2024

A történetmondást mindeddig a magyarázatra való kognitív hajlamra
vezették vissza. Jelen tanulmányban a magyarázat kognitív műveletét az ok
intuitív azonosításaként értelmezzük, amely Peirce "abdukció" fogalmával
egyenértékű. Evolúciós szempontból ez a fajta következtetés igényesebb,
mint az indukció (amely a tapasztalati tanulás minden formájában jelen
van), és kevésbé igényes, mint a dedukció (amely az általános elvek
explicit ismeretét igényli). A történetek e három modell bármelyike szerint
felépülhetnek: szerveződhetnek a példa (dedukció), az eset (indukció) vagy
a "detektív" elbeszélés (abdukció) szerkezetének megfelelően. Ezek a
narratív struktúrák azonban nem feltétlenül tükrözik a történetek tényleges
kialakulását. Amint azt az úgynevezett városi legendák mutatják, a
történetek igen gyakran nem "abduktív módon" keletkeznek, azaz nem egy
tényleges esetből indulnak ki, amelynek okát azután elbeszélik, hanem
"deduktív módon" egy általános tudásból indulnak ki, és így egy lehetséges
esemény bekövetkezését mesélik el. A városi legendák példája továbbá azt
mutatja, hogy az elbeszélői kauzalitás általában monokauzális, valamint
hogy a fizikai kauzalitást gyakran felváltja egy morális kauzalitás, amely
egy felettes intencionalitást (például "istent" vagy "sorsot") feltételez.
E tendenciák mindegyike evolúciósan magyarázható: a monokauzális
gondolkodás annak ellenére, hogy megbízhatatlan, statisztikailag sikeresebb
lehet a döntéshozatalban, mint az összetett, többtényezős ok-okozati
összefüggések időigényes mérlegelése; a költői igazságosság
ál-intencionalitása pedig az Ernst Topitsch által "szociomorfizmusnak"
nevezett veleszületett diszpozícióra vezethető vissza, melynek a csoportos
lét és a társadalmi hierarchiák kontextusában van jelentősége.
A Análise Bioenergética através de Grupos Psicoterapêuticos online: Esboço para um estudo de caso
Authors: Pacheco Guilherme Bomfim
Published: January 2024

Este artigo pretende comentar os dados preliminares para um estudo de caso sobre o uso da abordagem corporal no contexto de grupos online. Para tal, comentaremos quatro fragmentos colhidos de três grupos distintos oferecidos pela Clínica Social Maria Zeneide Monteiro da Sociedade Brasileira de Análise Bioenergética (SOBAB) em São Paulo durante o ano de 2023. O objetivo deste breve estudo está calcado primordialmente na pergunta: Como facilitar um grupo psicoterapêutico online de forma que ele seja fiel aos princípios norteadores da Análise Bioenergética contemporânea?
Informalidad y desempeño económico: una aproximación inicial desde la percepción de los empresarios en la región Lima, Perú
Authors: Baldeos Ardian Luis Alberto , Neri Ayala Abrahan Cesar , Ramos y Yovera Santiago Ernesto , Villanueva Cadenas Dalila Irene , Ching Campos Gleny Amelia , Collantes Collantes Ronie Angel
Published: January 2024

Introduction/Objective: The informal economy is often presented as a gateway to entrepreneurship, where the only objective for entrepreneurs is to get ahead, bypassing the laws imposed in the country. The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of traders on the relationship between the informality of businesses in the Lima Provinces region and the performance of the Peruvian economy. Methodology: A quantitative study was developed, with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design and correlational scope. A questionnaire was prepared and administered to the owners of 380 informal enterprises located in the Lima Provinces region, with a margin of error of 5 % and a confidence level of 95 %. Results: Using Spearman’s non-parametric Rho statistic, a negative and significant correlation of −0.415 (p < 0.05) was found for the perception of business informality and the economy. Conclusions: It was found that as the perception of traders in the Lima Provinces Region regarding business informality increases, their evaluation of the economy tends to decrease.
Effectiveness of home-based video exercise programmes on physical fitness in older adults – systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Říhova Marcela , Jandová Tereza , Větrovský Tomáš , Machačová Kateřina , Kramperová Veronika , Jaklová Dytrtová Jana , Šteffl Michal , Holmerová Iva
Published: January 2024

Background: Home-based video exercise programmes might be a suitable alternative to traditional physi¬cal activity in older adults to preserve muscle health. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effects of home-based video exercise programmes on physical fitness in older adults. Methods: A systematic review and robust variance estimation meta-analysis with meta-regression were carried out according to the recommendations and criteria outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results: Thirteen studies involving 1,056 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed statistically significant positive changes in balance (p = 0.023), upper extremity strength (p = 0.049, and strength overall (p = 0.042), there was also statistically significant positive effect based on all the 28 outcomes in eight studies, including 696 participants (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that home-based video exercise programmes positively affect essential components of physical fitness, such as balance and strength, to prevent falls in older adults. Promoting home-based video exercise in clinical practice and ideally sup¬porting it through supervision is vital to effectively combat the age-related physical decline, especially for those in home isolation.
Optimized quantum drift diffusion model for a resonant tunneling diode
Authors: Muscato Orazio , Nastasi Giovanni , Romano Vittorio , Vitanza Giorgia
Published: January 2024

The main aim of this work is to optimize a Quantum Drift Diffusion model (QDD) (V. Romano, M. Torrisi, and R. Tracinà, “Approximate solutions to the quantum drift-diffusion model of semiconductors,” J. Math. Phys., vol. 48, p. 023501, 2007; A. El Ayyadi and A. Jüngel, “Semiconductor simulations using a coupled quantum drift-diffusion schrödinger-Poisson model,” SIAM J. Appl. Math., vol. 66, no. 2, pp. 554–572, 2005; L. Barletti and C. Cintolesi, “Derivation of isothermal quantum fluid equations with Fermi-Dirac and bose-einstein statistics,” J. Stat. Phys., vol. 148, pp. 353–386, 2012) by comparing it with the Boltzmann-Wigner Transport Equation (BWTE) (O. Muscato, “Wigner ensemble Monte Carlo simulation without splitting error of a GaAs resonant tunneling diode,” J. Comput. Electron., vol. 20, pp. 2062–2069, 2021) solved using a signed Monte Carlo method (M. Nedjalkov, H. Kosina, S. Selberherr, C. Ringhofer, and D. K. Ferry, “Unified particle approach to Wigner-Boltzmann transport in small semiconductor devices,” Phys. Rev. B, vol. 70, pp. 115–319, 2004). A situation of high non equilibrium regime is investigated: electron transport in a Resonant Tunneling Diode (RTD) made of GaAs with two potential barriers in GaAlAs. The range of the suitable voltage bias applied to the RTD is analyzed. We find an acceptable agreement between QDD model and BWTE when the applied bias is low or moderate with a threshold of about 0.225 V over a length of 150 nm; it is found out that the use of a field dependent mobility is crucial for getting a good description of the negative differential conductivity in such a range. At higher bias voltages, we expect that QDD model loses accuracy.
Transcriptome analysis of effects of Tecrl deficiency on cardiometabolic and calcium regulation in cardiac tissue
Authors: Lin Shujia , Chen Shun , Lin Qiuping , Xiao Tingting , Hou Cuilan , Xie Lijian
Published: January 2024

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a hereditary heart disease characterized by bidirectional or polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Although trans-2,3-enoyl-CoA reductase like (TECRL) is a newly reported pathogenic gene leading to CPVT that can influence intracellular calcium regulation, the unidentified mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of TECRL deficiency-mediated CPVT remains mainly elusive. In the present study, Tecrl knockout (KO) mice were established and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were investigated by RNA-sequencing from the heart tissues. In addition, 857 DEGs were identified in Tecrl KO mice. Subsequently, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis was conducted to discern the pivotal pathways implicated in the Tecrl-mediated regulatory network. Moreover, pathway mapping analyses demonstrated that essential metabolism-related pathways were significantly enriched, notably the fatty acid metabolic process and calcium regulation. Collectively, the data suggested a synergistic relationship between Tecrl deficiency and cardiometabolic and calcium regulation during the development of CPVT. Therefore, further studies on the potential function of TECRL in cardiac tissues would be beneficial to elucidate the pathogenesis of CPVT.
Mechanical properties of elevator ropes and belts exposed to corrosion and elevated temperatures
Authors: Sekmen Hüseyin , Onur Yusuf Aytaç
Published: January 2024

Safety in elevators is extremely important phenomenon. Elevator accidents occurring today are at a level that seriously threatens the safety of life and property, and especially elevator ropes and belts have a very important place in these systems in order not to endanger human life. As with every mechanism, stress, fatigue and deformations occur in elevator parts and equipments such as ropes and belts over time causing impairment and reduce their strength. In this study, artificial defects were given to the 8 × 19 Warrington steel wire rope and polyurethane coated elevator belt to examine the effects of different type of corrosion and elevated temperature deterioration on mechanical properties and their comparisons were made. Results indicate that the percent reduction in lifting capacity of the elevator belt investigated was lower than that of the 8 × 19 Warrington rope in all degradation types examined.
Fe2B layer growth kinetics on ASTM A307 steel evaluated by two diffusion models
Authors: Ortiz-Domínguez Martin , Keddam Mourad
Published: January 2024

In this study, we implemented two simple models to simulate the growth of the Fe2B layer on ASTM A307 steel through boriding. The first model considered steady-state boron diffusion, while the second model incorporated transient regime effects. In the steady-state model, the boron concentration profile within the Fe2B layer exhibited linearity. By correlating the boron chemical potential with the inward mass flux at the (Fe2B/substrate) interface, we confirmed the parabolic nature of layer growth. Both models were employed to determine the boron activation energies, yielding the same value of approximately 164 kJ mol−1. Experimental validation of the two models was conducted under two additional boriding conditions (1323 K for 1.5 and 2 h). Finally, the simulated layer thicknesses matched with the experimental values.
The crystal structure of 2,5-bis[(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)amino]cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione, C28H26N6O4
Authors: Smith Mark G. , Lemmerer Andreas
Published: January 2024

C28H26N6O4, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 13.0398(4) Å, b = 7.1786(2) Å, c = 14.9824(5) Å, β = 112.642(2)°, V = 1294.37(7) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0458, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1133, T = 173 K.
Discernment2 and Discernment1: does historical politeness need another binary?
Authors: Paternoster Annick
Published: January 2024

Historical politeness scholars use Discernment as a second-order metaterm for compulsory social behaviour that is scripted according to circumstances and rank difference. However, in Renaissance courtesy books the Italian verb discernere ‘to discern’ has a first-order meaning: to individually work out appropriate behaviour when the fit of rules to circumstances is unclear. Discernment1 and Discernment2 appear to contradict each other. This paper addresses a theory gap: a theory of Discernment2 must unravel the link with Discernment1, given that Discernment1 functions as a metaterm in prescriptive politeness sources from a historical period for which scholars believe social practices are determined by Discernment2. Using a self-built corpus of ca. one hundred nineteenth-century etiquette books in US-UK English, French, Italian and Dutch, I conduct a semantic analysis of discern* (92 hits) and its collocate “tact”, tact, tatto, takt (575 hits), which point to a practical type of reasoning, to carry out a careful assessment of the unique and complex situation at hand before deciding on a course of action. However detailed etiquette scripts are, discernment (tact) is needed to process the complexity of real-life circumstances. Hence, Discernment1 and 2 appear complementary.
The Relationship Between Isometric Midthigh Pull Force-Time Characteristics and 2-km Load-Carrying Performance in Trained British Army Soldiers
Authors: Nevin Jonpaul , Bowling Kim , Cousens Charles , Bambrough Robert , Ramsdale Michael
Published: January 2024

Nevin, JP, Bowling, K, Cousens, C, Bambrough, R, and Ramsdale, M. The relationship between isometric midthigh pull force-time characteristics and 2-km load-carrying performance in trained British army soldiers. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 360–366, 2024—Load carriage is a fundamental military occupational task. As such, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship between isometric force-time characteristics and loaded march performance. Furthermore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between isometric force-time characteristics and standing long jump (SLJ) performance. Thirty-nine, full-trained, male British Army infantry soldiers (age 31 ± 6.1 years; height 176 ± 7.3 cm; body mass 85.8 ± 11.5 kg) performed three isometric midthigh pull trials, three SLJ trials, and a 2-km loaded march carrying an external load of 25 kg. Both the isometric midthigh pull test (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.965) and SLJ (ICC 0.916) demonstrated excellent reliability. Relationships between all variables were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Isometric peak force (r = −0.059), relative peak force (r = −0.135), and rate of force development (r = −0.162) displayed a small correlation with loaded march time to completion. However, isometric relative peak force displayed a large relationship with SLJ performance (r = 0.545; p = <0.01). Our data demonstrate that isometric lower-limb strength measures account for <2% of the total variance observed in 2-km loaded march performance. As such, the use of isometric lower-limb force-time characteristics as a proxy measure of load-carrying ability should be questioned. However, relative isometric strength seems to demonstrate a significant relationship with SLJ performance. As such, isometric testing may have utility in regard to assessing explosive strength, monitoring neuromuscular fatigue, and assessing training readiness in military populations.
A Novel Case Study Approach to the Investigation of Leg Strength Asymmetry and Rugby League Player's Multidirectional Speed
Authors: Helme Mark , Emmonds Stacey , Low Chris , Till Kevin
Published: January 2024

Helme, M, Emmonds, S, Low, C, and Till, K. A novel case study approach to the investigation of leg strength asymmetry and Rugby League player's multidirectional speed. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023—Leg strength and multidirectional speed qualities have repeatedly been linked with increased performance during Rugby League (RL) match play and associated with career attainment. However, very little of this evidence for strength has been gained through unilateral measurements with no study available that has examined the impact of strength asymmetry, in this population, on speed qualities in RL players. Therefore, this study examined the association between unilateral strength, and as a novel development, the subject with the most extreme asymmetry was identified for further analysis. Fifty RL players undertook the rear foot elevated split squat 5 repetition maximum, 20-m linear sprint, and modified 505 change of direction test. The mean leg strength for the group was 88.92 ± 12.59 kg; when divided by body mass, the mean relative strength (REL) was 1.03 ± 0.17 kg·kg−1, and the mean asymmetry was 3.21 ± 5.70%. The subject with the greatest asymmetry (subject A) had an imbalance of 33% and a mean leg strength of 75 kg (REL = 0.78 kg·kg−1) and a body mass 1 SD above the group mean. Analysis of the group's data and that of subject A did not indicate that leg strength asymmetry was either frequent or harmful, with respect to speed performance. However, relative leg strength was associated with both improved linear and multidirectional speed. Practitioners are recommended to prioritize the development of relative leg strength and disregard the aspiration for between leg performance symmetry.
Testosterone deficiency in type 2 diabetes mellitus with varying degrees of carbohydrate metabolic compensation
Authors: Esaulenko Dmitry I. , Rozhivanov Roman V. , Shishkina Viktoria V. , Zakurdaev Vladimir A.
Published: January 2024

Objective: to evaluate total testosterone level in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and varying degrees of carbohydrate metabolic compensation.
Materials and Methods. The continuous cross-sectional non-interventional screening study included 100 men 45 [43; 48] years of age with newly diagnosed type 2 DM. The study continued from February through May of 2021. The level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and total blood testosterone were determined. Group comparisons were performed via Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test and Fisher’s exact test. The differences were assumed statistically significant at p<0.05.
Results. When comparing patients with different HbA1c content, we discovered that in patients with HbA1c from less than 6.5 to 9.9%, total testosterone levels as well as testosterone deficiency prevalence did not differ statistically significantly. At HbA1c >12%, the prevalence of testosterone deficiency increased statistically significantly (p<0.001), and testosterone levels decreased (p<0.001). Comparison of patient groups with HbA1c levels from less than 6.5 to 9.9% and from 10 to 11.9% did not yield statistically significant differences in the testosterone deficiency prevalence and testosterone content. However, there was a trend towards worse parameter values in the latter group, especially because patients with HbA1c levels from less than 6.5 to 9.9% were older.
Conclusion. Total testosterone levels in type 2 DM patients are associated with carbohydrate metabolic compensation. Negative impact on testosterone production was detected in patients with HbA1c content of ≥10%.
Using neural network for restoring the lost surface of skull bones
Authors: Mishinov Sergey V.
Published: January 2024

Objective: To assess the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of a digital algorithm based on convolutional neural networks used for restoring the lost surface of the skull bones.
Materials and methods. The neural network was trained over 6,000 epochs on 78,000 variants of skull models with artificially generated skull injuries. The key parameters of the algorithm were assessed on 222 series of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of patients with defects of the skull bones, presented in DICOM format.
Results. For the group as a whole, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates were 95.3%, 85.5%, and 79.4%, respectively. Multiple experiments were conducted with a step-by-step elimination of 3D models in order to find the underlying cause of unsatisfactory outcomes of the skull lost surface restoration. Incorrect identification of the defect zone most often occurred in the area of the facial skeleton. After excluding series with the presence of artifacts, the mean increase in metrics was 2.6%. Conclusion. The accuracy of identifying the reference points (specificity) on a 3D model of the skull by the algorithm had the greatest impact on the ultimate accuracy of repairing the lost surface. The maximum accuracy of the algorithm allowing the use of the resulting surfaces without additional processing in a 3D modeling environment was achieved in series without the presence of artifacts in computed tomography (83.5%), as well as with defects that did not extend to the base of the skull (79.5%).
Cases of folliculogenesis in the rat's thyroid gland in norm and under experimental conditions
Authors: Morozov Vitaly  N.
Published: January 2024

Objective: identification and characterization of the stages of formation of new follicles, as well as the frequency of folliculogenesis in various parts of the thyroid gland in the norm and in the experiment. Material and methods. The experiment was carried out on 36 mature white rats divided into three groups: control (I), 60-day exposure to sodium benzoate at a dose of 1000 mg/kg (II) and administration of mexidol at a dose of 50 mg/kg against the background of 60-day administration sodium benzoate (III). The stages of folliculogenesis were studied using light microscopy followed by a statistical analysis of its frequency. Results. The formation of a new follicle begins with the proliferation of thyrocytes on the wall of the mature follicle, after which a cavity is formed between the cells, into which they begin to secrete the colloid. In the process of follicle growth, the height of thyrocytes decreases, and the size of its cavity and the amount of colloid increase. In group II, signs of folliculogenesis were detected in the center of the organ by 1,7 and 1,4 times, and on the periphery — by 2 and 1,2 times less than in group I, and in group III — by 1,3 and 1,6 times more often in the center and 1,3 and 1,3 times in the periphery, compared with group II on the days 3 and 24 of the experiment. Conclusion. In the process of folliculogenesis in the thyroid gland, focal proliferation of thyrocytes develops in the wall of one of the follicles with further formation of the cavity of the newly formed follicle and its growth. In norm the frequency of new follicles formation is higher in the centre of the organ than in the periphery and decreases in both zones in the group of rats with sodium benzoate administration. In the group of rats where sodium benzoate administration was corrected by mexidol administration, the number of cases with the formation of young follicles increased, but the indicators did not reach the control figures.
To the anniversary of Professor Svetlana I. Belyanina
Authors: Andronova Tamara A. , Durnova Natalia A.
Published: January 2024

The article is devoted to the description of the life and creative path of the Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor of the Department of General Biology, Pharmacognosy and Botany of the Saratov State Medical University n. a. V.I. Razumovsky Svetlana Ivanovna Belyanina. Professional activity of S. I. Belyanina is associated with cyto-genetics and entomology. The range of her scientific interests is fundamental cytogenetic problems, in particular, the organization of interphase giant chromosomes and their functional activity in eukaryotic organisms — on the example of dipteran insect larvae — chironomids.
Efficacy and safety of pralsetinib in Chinese advanced RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer patients
Authors: Zheng Xiangqian , Fang Meiyu , Fan Yun , Sun Yuping , Sun Meili , Yang Ankui , Zhang Bin , Liu Qinjiang , Liu Hui , Zhou Xiaohong , Huang Tao , Qin Jianwu , Wang Zhaohui , Qin Mengmeng , Shen Zhenwei , Yao Sheng , Yang Jason , Wang Yu , Gao Ming
Published: January 2024

Pralsetinib has demonstrated efficacious activity in various solid tumors, including medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), as observed in the phase 1/2 global ARROW study (BLU-667-1101; NCT03037385). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of pralsetinib in Chinese patients with advanced RET-mutant MTC. In the extension cohort of ARROW, adult patients with advanced MTC, who had not received systemic therapy (except for cytotoxic chemotherapy), were treated with pralsetinib (400 mg once daily, orally). The primary endpoints were blinded independent central-reviewed (BICR) objective response rate (ORR) and safety. Between October 9, 2019, and April 29, 2020, 34 patients were enrolled at 12 centers across China. Among them, 28 patients tested positive for RET mutations in the central laboratory, and 26 of these, with measurable disease at baseline per BICR, were included in the analysis set for tumor response. As of April 12, 2021 (data cutoff), the ORR was 73.1% (95% CI: 52.2–88.4), and the median duration of response was not reached. The most common (≥15%) grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) in the 28 patients with RET-mutant MTC were neutrophil count decreased (8/28, 28.6%), blood creatine phosphokinase increased (6/28, 21.4%), and lymphocyte count decreased (5/28, 17.9%). Serious TRAEs were reported by six patients (21.4%), with the most common event being pneumonia (3/28, 10.7%). No patient discontinued treatment or died from pralsetinib-related adverse events. Pralsetinib demonstrated broad, deep, and durable efficacy, as well as a manageable and acceptable safety profile in Chinese patients with advanced RET-mutant MTC.
Follicle-stimulating hormone accelerates osteoclast migration by enhancing methyltransferase-like 3-mediated m6A methylation of cathepsin K
Authors: Li Xiaosa , Fan Chao , Wang Jiale , Li Ping , Xu Xingyan , Guo Ruixin , Wei Jinzhi , Cheng Yang , Lin Huiping , Fu Xiaodong
Published: January 2024

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) accelerates osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, while the underlying mechanism remains uncharacterized. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most important regulations in the development of osteoporosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of FSH in m6A modification and osteoclast function. Here, we showed that FSH upregulated m6A levels in osteoclasts via stimulating methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) protein expression. FSH enhanced osteoclast migration, while the knockdown of METTL3 eliminated this enhancement. Both MeRIP-seq and RNA sequencing identified that cathepsin K (CTSK) is the potential downstream target of METTL3. Knockdown of CTSK reduced FSH-upregulated osteoclast migration. Furthermore, silencing METTL3 decreased CTSK mRNA stability. Finally, FSH induced phosphorylation of cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), while silencing of CREB attenuated the effects of FSH on the promoter transcriptional activity of Mettl3 and CTSK/METTL3 protein. Taken together, these findings indicate that FSH promotes osteoclast migration via the CREB/METTL3/CTSK signaling pathway, which may provide a potential target for suppressing osteoclast mobility and postmenopausal osteoporosis therapy.
Morphological analysis of the human sperm tail during the early post-fertilization stage
Authors: Kai Yoshiteru , Iseki Hachiro , Matsui Takeshi , Yamashita Naoki
Published: January 2024

After fertilization, the human sperm tail lost its fibrous sheath at the pronuclear stage to become coiled and then attached to one of the first mitotic spindle poles. The tip of the sperm tail was branched and its degree did not change from the pronuclear stage to the second mitosis.
Rapid and accurate detection of genetically manipulated soybean using polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Kianfar Niloofar , Heydarifard Maryam
Published: January 2024

Background: It is controversy over the GM products consumption around the world. However, the limitations of food supplies and population growth have forced the posterity to use transgenic products. Accurate strategies for consumption and use of proper diagnostic methods are crucial in this regard. Materials and methods: The soybean commercial samples were purchased as a control from supermarkets located in Tehran. Considerable attention was paid to collecting samples from different brands. In this investigation, in order to identify the soybean oil in products, randomly, 25 raw oil and soybean oil samples were collected and numbered. An equivalent of 50 g of each sample was prepared for testing. In order to determine the transgenic soya samples, the specific primers for the 35S promoter region of mosaic virus CaMV35S and nephaline synthase (NOS) transcription terminator were designed from Agrobacterium. The sequence of the CaMV35S promoter and the NOS terminator were obtained according to that of Lipp and Brodmann investigation. The PCR product size for 35S and NOS primers was 195 and 180 bp, respectively. Results: By PCR technique the specific Soybean (164bp), GMONOS180 (180bp) and GMO35S (195bp) genes were amplified. Among the 25 tested oils, 9 (36%) were GM, being a high percent and of these nine transgenic cases, two had CaV-35s, and also were nos-positive, indicating of their transfusion certainty (GM). This high percentage of transgenic oils is possibly due to the lack of awareness of the producers. Conclusion: The microbiological and chemical methods alone cannot control the quality of food products, and detect the presence of transgenes. Therefore, the use of PCR technique is important in controlling the quality of this product. In cases where manufacturers and importers of products prepare and distribute transgenic products without labeling, they can be easily prevented from misuse and thus PCR as complementary and helpful to determine the composition and quality of the product.
Investigating customer’s perspective of service quality management
Authors: Kwan Ming , Lam Terry , Kong Anthony
Published: January 2024

Using the properties management in Park Island, Hong Kong, as a case study, the purpose is to focus on investigating customer’s perspective of service quality management. Design/Methodology/Approach: The feedbacks from respondents were analyzed by using SERVQUAL model. Authors conducted twenty in-depth semi-structured interviews. Findings: The SERVQUAL model presented here, the result demonstrate the significance of tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy in service quality management. Practical implications: Based on the insights gained from respondents, providing service quality management can exceed customers’ expectations and enhance the trusting relationship between customers and properties management companies. Originality/value: This paper urges for the significance of investigating customer’s perspective of service quality management. The aim of such an episode is to arouse all the properties management companies to strive the best to provide exceptional quality services in daily properties management.
La Pequeña Edad de Hielo y las políticas de abastecimiento de grano de las ciudades en los reinos de Castilla e Indias, 1505-1759
Authors: Varo López Manuel Francisco
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: estudiar la vinculación entre la variabilidad climática que caracterizó a la Pequeña Edad de Hielo y las políticas de abastecimiento de grano de las ciudades bajo la Monarquía Hispánica. Metodología: tras un análisis exhaustivo de las actas del cabildo de México desde 1524 a 1630, se presentan los patrones de comportamiento ante la falta de granos por problemas meteorológicos y se compara estos patrones con otros documentos y actas de cabildos de 1505 a 1759, pertenecientes a los reinos de Castilla e Indias. Originalidad: las políticas frumentarias suelen ser analizadas en un marco temporal de corta duración, como, por ejemplo, durante un motín del pan. Asimismo, se centran en una ciudad o en una región de los dominios de la Monarquía Hispánica. Este trabajo analiza estas políticas con una perspectiva temporal de larga duración y abarcando el máximo posible de estos territorios. Conclusiones: todos los cabildos disponían de las mismas siete políticas a implementar cuando había falta de grano por problemas climatológicos. Estas políticas buscaban evitar motines abasteciendo de grano, trigo y maíz, a los precios más baratos. No había diferencias sustanciales entre las ciudades, a no ser que fuesen impuestas por la propia orografía y climatología. Estas no fueron modificadas desde 1505 hasta 1759. Cómo se aplicaban estas políticas dependía de múltiples factores (persistencia del problema climático, precios de los granos, reservas en la ciudad, etc.) que hacían que no fueran empleadas como una receta.
Catástrofe, miedo y asombro. Testimonios de la erupción del volcán Cosigüina (Nicaragua), 1835
Authors: Méndez Rojas Diana Alejandra , Urquijo Torres Pedro Sergio
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: analizar la erupción del volcán Cosigüina en 1835 relacionando la historia del clima y el estudio de las emociones en el marco interdisciplinario de la historia ambiental, un ángulo pertinente para entrelazar las vivencias individuales y colectivas con el paisaje. Metodología: a la luz de perspectivas historiográficas recientes, se examinan cinco testimonios sobre la erupción y se otorgan elementos para ampliar el entendimiento histórico de las manifestaciones extremas de la naturaleza y las respuestas de las sociedades. Al mismo tiempo, se contextualiza el evento vulcanológico ocurrido en el estado de Nicaragua en el marco de la Pequeña Edad de Hielo y se presenta el entramado social del golfo de Fonseca donde se generaron los relatos. Originalidad: aunque el estallido del Cosigüina ha sido examinado por la vulcanología recurriendo a testimonios, el recuento de los acontecimientos no se ha problematizado desde la investigación histórica, a la que sumamos con este artículo que además incorpora un testimonio inédito. Conclusiones: estableciendo un diálogo entre las historias del clima y de las emociones, centrarse en el miedo y el asombro ante los fenómenos de la naturaleza permite una revaloración creativa en la historia ambiental.
Crisis hidráulicas ante variabilidad climática en los valles de Lima colonial, 1691-1731
Authors: Molina Gutiérrez Miller Hans
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: explicar la manera como la distribución del agua, en el modelo hispánico implementado en 1614 en los valles de Lima, se desborda a fines del siglo XVII, por la variabilidad climática, causante de una crisis hidráulica en el Virreinato del Perú. Metodología: la historia del clima estudia, entre otros temas, los pleitos de aguas y las principales inundaciones que destruyen la infraestructura hidráulica agraria (canales de riego, bocatomas y tajamares), para diferenciarlos de causas antrópicas, como la manipulación en la distribución del agua; para ello analiza, en este caso, los destrozos causados que generan crisis e inseguridad hídrica en los valles de Lima. Originalidad: la construcción de indicadores climáticos relacionados con la medición del caudal hídrico en las inundaciones es un tema poco explorado en la historia del clima de América Latina; en particular, no se había estudiado el rol de las inundaciones como parte de una crisis más dilatada en el sector de la infraestructura hidráulica agraria, denominada crisis hidráulica. Conclusiones: la crisis hidráulica en los valles de Lima fue producto de la variabilidad climática y conllevó el monopolio en la distribución del agua por parte de hacendados, los cuales disponían de las partes superiores del canal; adicionalmente, la crisis se agravó aún más por la falta de mantenimiento y la prolongada destrucción de la infraestructura hidráulica.
Francisco Javier Flórez Bolívar. La vanguardia intelectual y política de la nación. Historia de una intelectualidad negra y mulata en Colombia, 1877-1947. Bogotá: Planeta, 2023. 383 páginas.
Authors: Velandia Pedro J.
Published: January 2024

El libro de Javier Flórez Bolívar es una apuesta por desenmascarar un silencio en la historiografía colombiana. En La vanguardia intelectual y política de la nación encontramos un juicioso trabajo histórico en el que se rastrean las trayectorias de intelectuales negros y mulatos que en un espacio de 70 años (1877-1947) se formaron como “la auténtica vanguardia” que participó activamente en las discusiones que buscaban dar forma a un relato nacional.
Design and Manufacturing of a Low-Cost Prosthetic Foot
Authors: Ali Saad Mahmood , Shurooq Mahmood
Published: January 2024

Below-knee prosthetics are used to restore the functional activity and appearance of persons with lower limb amputation. This work attempted to design and manufacture a low-cost, novel, comfortable, lightweight, durable, and flexible smart below-knee foot prosthesis prototype. This prosthesis foot was designed according to the natural leg measurement of an adult male patient. The foot is composed of rigid PVC layers interspersed with elastic strips of PTFE, and the axis of the ankle joint is flexible and consists of metal layers and a composite of polymeric damping strips with different mechanical properties, making it flexible and allowing it to absorb shocks and store and release energy. The design, modeling, and simulation of the manufactured prosthetic foot were performed via the ANSYS 18.0 software and the finite element method (FEM), where a large number of parallel and oblique planes and sketches were created. This work included four adult patients weighing 50, 75, 90, and 120 kg with different walking cycles. The results show that the highest equivalent von Mises stress and total deformations for the prosthetic limb occur at the beginning of the walking step, while the highest equivalent elastic strains and strain energy release rates are observed at the end of the walking step, regardless of the weight. This prototype can satisfactorily perform the biomechanical functions of a natural human foot, and it can be produced in attractive sizes, models, and shapes to suit different levels of below-knee amputations for different ages and weights, especially for patients with limited income.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: Assessment of Soil Organic Carbon Stock in a Colombian Oxisol
Authors: Fernández Martínez Felipe , Camacho Tamayo Jesús Hernán , Rubiano Sanabria Yolanda
Published: January 2024

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a property known for its influence on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soils, which are essential when assessing their quality. SOC stock (SOCS) monitoring is a key task in climate change mitigation studies. However, the resources necessary to obtain the information required by these studies tend to be high. The objective of this study was to develop a model for estimating the SOCS of a Colombian oxisol using near-infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. In a sampling scheme of 70 points distributed over 248 ha, 313 soil samples were collected in five defined depth intervals of 10 cm each, from 0 to 50 cm. SOC was determined through an elemental analyzer, and bulk density (BD) by means of sampling cylinders. A NIRFlex spectrometer was used to acquire spectral signatures in the NIR range from the processed soil samples, and, together with the data measured in the laboratory, a statistical analysis was performed using partial least squares regression (PLSR) in order to calibrate the spectral models. Based on the residual prediction deviation (RPD), the root mean square error (RMSE), and the coefficient of determination (R2) of the validation groups, a highly representative model was achieved for the estimation of SOCS (R2 = 0,93; RMSE = 2,12 tC ha-1; RPD = 3,69), which was also corroborated with geostatistical interpolation surfaces and depth splines. This research showed NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to be a viable technique for SOCS estimation in the study area.
Rio Jaguaribe: ciência, estado territorial e a seca como uma questão nacional
Authors: Brito Anderson Camargo Rodrigues
Published: January 2024

Este artigo analisa a década de oitenta do século XIX como um momento de intensas transformações na ordem do pensamento sobre os sertões e no conjunto de ações do estado territorial em formação nas dominâncias do Rio Jaguaribe, no Estado do Ceará, — na região que veio a se constituir como o Nordeste brasileiro—. A conjunção do esgotamento ecológico da estrutura social montada pela diversificação produtiva, a instituição da propriedade privada e a transição da economia pecuária para os cultivos de algodão, associadas a um conjunto significativo de pesquisas científicas no campo da geografia, implicaram em intensas transformações na formação territorial. As mudanças de ordem qualitativa que culminaram na formação do estado territorial transfiguradas nas políticas hídricas como instrumentos de controle populacional, arranjadas na formulação política e analítica solução hidráulica, estão dadas na forma de rascunho e ideação geográfica nas pesquisas científicas e ações pontuais e integradas do estado territorial nesse momento. Aqui analisa-se esse conjunto de transformações territoriais como a construção de um estatuto de nascimento científico dos sertões que requalifica sua condição de um problema nacional e adensam o entendimento da sua constituição com vistas à formação de uma geografia oficial sobre o Brasil.
La territorialidad en el enfoque de los distritos industriales. Una revisión teórica-metodológica desde la periferia
Authors: Trucco Ignacio Tomás
Published: January 2024

Las investigaciones sobre la naturaleza y el rol de la territorialidad en los sistemas industriales locales se intensificaron desde fines de la década de los sesenta cuando fue recuperada la noción marshalliana de distrito industrial (DI), que la introdujo como una doble realidad, geográfica y cultural, con un papel tan decisivo como difícil de definir. En este marco el trabajo se propone, por un lado, analizar la evolución de la territorialidad como dimensión inherente a los DI. Se desarrolla su metamorfosis conceptual a partir de las dificultades que emergieron en su articulación con las relaciones capitalistas de producción. Por otro lado, se busca contribuir a una reelaboración de esta cuestión a partir de los DI en espacios periféricos. Se intenta mostrar cómo, en la especificidad de la periferia, el DI debió abrirse a la influencia de relaciones extra locales, y expuso la necesidad de una redefinición de la territorialidad en calidad de relación social productora de múltiples escalas, articuladas con el despliegue a-espacial de las relaciones capitalistas de producción. La noción de DI es reelaborada en dicho contexto como una formación socioeconómica específica y cualitativamente diferente, relativa al proceso de acumulación y su articulación escalar.
Factores clave y tendencias en los sistemas acuapónicos: revisión de literatura.
Authors: Cifuentes A. A. , Leguizamón A. K. , Zambrano J. A. , Landines M. A.
Published: January 2024

La acuaponía es un sistema de producción que integra la acuicultura y la hidroponía, se destaca por su capacidad de producir alimentos de forma sostenible, promoviendo el reciclaje de nutrientes, el uso eficiente del agua y generando alimentos de alta calidad e inocuidad. Por ese motivo, el objetivo de este artículo de revisión fue compilar los conceptos más relevantes y avances alcanzados en la aplicación de esta técnica productiva mediante la exploración y sistematización de investigaciones publicadas en bases de datos de revistas indexadas durante la década 2012-2022. Los resultados obtenidos se organizaron en cuatro grandes categorías: 1. La acuaponía desde una perspectiva biológica; 2. viabilidad y rentabilidad del sistema acuapónico; 3. desarrollos ingenieriles, nuevas tendencias y tecnologías en acuaponía; y 4. aspectos ambientales y sociales de la acuaponía. La información científica y tecnológica compilada permitirá conocer el potencial, la viabilidad y adaptabilidad de los sistemas acuapónicos en un contexto de cambios ambientales, sociales y económicos. En ese sentido, la bibliometría, realizada con 55 publicaciones seleccionadas, permite identificar que el año de mayor producción científica en sistemas acuapónicos fue 2020, con 23% de la producción total en la década analizada, y que el 63% de las investigaciones se publicó en los últimos cinco años (2018 a 2022). Finalmente, por área temática, se encontró que el 44% de las investigaciones realizadas corresponden a la categoría “desarrollos ingenieriles, nuevas tendencias y tecnologías”, seguido por la “perspectiva biológica” y “aspectos ambientales y sociales” con 28% y 20% respectivamente.