bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDY OF THE PERFORMANCE OF METAL STRUCTURES IN THE PRESENCE OF CRACKS IN THEM
Authors:   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Rakivnenko V. , Kyrychenko О. ,   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine
Published: February 2023

The article discusses the urgent problem of the bearing capacity of structural elements that have defects in the form of cracks, which negatively affects the performance of the object. There is premature, sometimes sudden destruction even under the action of minor loads, cracks can be technological: occur during casting, forging, welding, as well as acquired; during installation of the object or operation (from overload), the occurrence of cracks also depends on the type of load:static, alternating and dynamic; from the type of deformation: tensile-compression, displacement, torsion, bending, as well as from the physical and mechanical characteristics of the material and the geometry of the object. Practice shows that the presence of a crack does not mean the loss of the bearing capacity of the structure: up to the critical size of the crack, damage can be safe if it is possible to detect and track the development of a defect, which will be the justification for the further operation of the valuable object. Taking into account the complexity of the problem under consideration, the solution is carried out by the method of energy balance. Its essence is as follows. Elastic bodies in the process of deformation accumulate the potential of mechanical energy. It cannot disappear without a trace, and in the presence of a crack, it accumulates on the surfaces of its banks, more precisely in the deformation of the tension of these banks, leading to the development of a crack. The critical state of crack resistance is determined by the ratio between the intensity coefficients of stresses (KIN), which reflect the size of the crack and the acting stresses. In this case, the design will be inoperable, or such that the process of destruction can be prolonged in time.
Kaili traditional classification: the customs influence on Kaili Kingdom’s authority in Palu Valley
Authors: Sadi Haliadi , Septiwiharti Dwi , Mutawakkil Mutawakkil
Published: February 2023

This article aims to analyze the influence of adat on the sustainability of the patanggota system in Kaili Land. This article focuses on the traditional classification of the Kaili people in the Palu Valley who adhere to the patanggota system, namely the kingdoms of Tavaeli, Palu and Tatanga. This research was conducted using historical methodology through an anthropological approach. The main sources of this research are royal documents, while the secondary sources are journals and books made by local Kaili humanists, as well as interviews with traditional leaders and Kaili nobility. These sources are criticized and interpreted, then written in the form of research articles. This article discusses the assumption that the principles of traditional Kaili society are static, especially the cultural values ​​of leadership in the kingdom, as expressed by local culturalists from the perspective of cultural anthropology such as Suaib Djafar, Masyhuddin Masyhuda, and Jaruddin Abdullah. Meanwhile, other local humanists such as Mattulada and Haliadi who focus on the perspective of cultural history state that these principles are already dynamic because they accept new changes.
Životní úroveň v krajích České republiky – změny za dvě desetiletí jejich existence
Authors:   Univerzita Pardubice, Kadlec Adam , Kraftová Ivana ,   Univerzita Pardubice
Published: February 2023

Living standards in the regions of the Czech Republic - changes in two decades of their functioning The aim of the article is to present the changes that have occurred in the standard of living in the regions of the Czech Republic established in 2000, during their twenty years of functioning. The means for this comparative evaluation is a model in the 3*4 format, i. e. four relevant indicators in three main areas. The result of the analysis is to capture changes in the position of individual regions in each of the selected indicators, in each area of evaluation and in the overall assessment of the achieved standard of living. It shows that while the variability taken together is decreasing, this is not always the case in the individual indicators assessed. The findings presented can provide an impulse for managing the strengths and weaknesses affecting the standard of living at both the regional and national levels. URL: https://vsas.fvs.upjs.sk/
Китайско-американские отношения в политической сфере в 1969—1993 гг.
Authors: Мэн Ли
Published: February 2023

В статье рассматриваются китайско-американские политические отношения в 1969—1993 гг. В 1969 г. КНР приняла решение об улучшении китайско-американских отношений, которое стало началом политического сотрудничества между двумя странами во время «холодной войны». В 1993 г. правительства Китая и США достигли консенсуса по развитию стабильных политических отношений, что стало первым значительным прорывом в двусторонних отношениях после окончания «холодной войны». Ввиду этого выбранные хронологические рамки имеют особое значение для исследования истории китайско-американских политических отношений. Анализируются обмены визитами и подписанные соглашения, указываются факторы, влияющие на двусторонние политические отношения. Автор приходит к выводу о том, что процесс развития китайско-американских политических отношений в 1969—1993 гг. был достаточно сложным, однако имел положительные тенденции. Взаимодействие между Китаем и США в политической сфере непрерывно расширялось, также повышался уровень дипломатического сотрудничества. С 1972 по 1982 г. три совместных коммюнике, подписанные Китаем и США, стали руководящими документами по развитию двусторонних отношений. Обе стороны постепенно достигли консенсуса по тайваньскому вопросу.
КОНЦЕПЦИЯ МОЛДОВЕНИЗМА В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ МОЛДОВА
(1989—2009 гг.)
Authors: Косяк Никита
Published: February 2023

В статье исследуется феномен концепции молдовенизма в укреплении молдавской идентичности. Ключевое внимание обращается на соперничество двух концепций по вопросу государственного устройства: молдовенизма и унионизма. Рассматривается их теоретическая составляющая. Подчеркивается роль молдовенизма в политике памяти Молдовы через призму молдавской идентичности. Автор предлагает периодизацию основных этапов развития концепции молдовенизма в 1989—2009 гг. Значительное внимание уделяется политическим партиям, поддерживающим один из вариантов концепции. Подчеркивается роль Партии коммунистов Республики Молдова в развертывании концепции молдовенизма. Делается вывод о том, что молдовенизм в истории молдавского народа на современном этапе выступает объединяющим фактором для консолидации общества внутри государства, тем самым показывая независимость от румынской идеи государственности.
Detection and Early Lifestyle Intervention in Those at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Edwardson Charlotte L. , Gray Laura J. , Yates Thomas , Barber Shaun R. , Khunti Kamlesh , Davies Melanie J.
Published: January 2023

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has reached epidemic proportions in recent years. It is now widely recognised that T2DM is a highly preventable disease. This article highlights the evidence to date for the prevention of T2DM. In order to prevent or delay the onset of T2DM, people at high risk of developing the condition need to be identified and treated using evidenced-based and cost-effective approaches. Risk scores offer a quick, simple way of identifying those at high risk for invitation to screening programmes without the need for initial invasive tests. Best practice guidance, including those from National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK and the European wide IMAGE project, recommend that a two-stepped approach whereby the identification of a high-risk status through risk score technology is confirmed by a blood test. Once identified, those at high risk can be offered a lifestyle intervention programme. Landmark diabetes prevention studies show that lifestyle intervention, focusing on increases in physical activity, improvements in diet, and reductions in weight, reduces the risk of progression to T2DM by 30-60% and can have lasting benefits after the active intervention ceases. Recent pragmatic prevention programmes also demonstrate encouraging results. However, research targeted to the prevention of T2DM must continue to be expanded to find the most effective methods of T2DM prevention in various societies and cultural settings. There is also a need for research focusing on young people at high risk and novel approaches, such as targeting a reduction in sitting and use of technology, to support behaviour change.
Coronary Stent Evolution – From Pathology to Clinic
Authors: Sanchez Oscar D. , Sakakura Kenichi , Otsuka Fumiyuki , Yahagi Kazuyuki , Virmani Renu , Joner Michael
Published: January 2023

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathogenesis of CAD relates to the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries, which are today most frequently treated by percutaneous coronary intervention. Initially, plain old balloon angioplasty demonstrated feasibility of dilating atherosclerotic coronary lesions; however, the high rate of acute-vessel recoil, restenosis, and dissection resulted in high acute closure rates and restenosis, which lead to the introduction of coronary stents, improving clinical outcome. However, in-stent restenosis (ISR) became the Achilles heel of bare metal stents owing to sustained neointimal (NI) growth. Drug-eluting stents (DES) were developed to reduce ISR, improving clinical outcomes and reducing the need for target vessel revascularisation. However, late and very late stent thrombosis emerged as a new problem compromising long-term results of DES, along with late catch-up of NI growth. Better materials, especially more biocompatible polymers, contributed to the refinement of DES technology, which substantially reduced stent thrombosis rates in second-generation DES. The idea of eliminating the foreign material after temporary scaffolding using fully bioresorbable scaffolds may hold great potential to revisit the interventional approach of treating CAD. This article will review the evolution of coronary artery intervention from clinical application to pathology, and will discuss current status and potential future directions of the newer therapeutic approaches.
A Study on Metaverse Trends and the Possibility of Development as Metaverse Performance through Big Data Analysis
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Jihyun
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to study the trends of metaverse through big data analysis and to gauge the possibility of the development of metaverse performances in the field of culture and arts as a practical study of convergence science in the future. To this end, big data analysis was performed on Textom using metaverse as a keyword. Data were extracted and collected from portals and SNS that can be analyzed within Textom such as Naver, Daum, and Google. The data analysis period was divided into two periods, and the first period was set from October 13, 2020 to October 13, 2021, and the second period from November 14, 2021 to November 14, 2022. It was confirmed that metaverse, which was concentrated only in the game industry, is affecting companies, space, time, market, investment, and education, which are real-world companies. Through the UCINET matrix, it was found that the keywords related to metaverse performance, “Virtual Avatar” and “Entertech,” are emerging new topics related to metaverse, and through detailed sensitivity analysis, they are gradually increasing their favorability, but they are also rejected and skeptical.
A Study on the Awareness of the Age and Alternatives in the TV Drama “Gold Spoon”
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Wen Wei
Published: February 2023

Today, in our society, the hierarchical status structure implied in the theory of spoon class is becoming fixed. These indicators of the times create pessimistic perceptions of reality and become a negative factor for future prospects. The TV drama “Gold Spoon,” which reflects this social reality, allows us to examine the current situation where the theory of spoon class prevails.
“Gold Spoon” is set in the background of events that occur when a child from a poor family accidentally gets a 'Gold Spoon' that can change his status with a rich friend, and using this 'Gold Spoon.' Against this background, “Gold Spoon” reproduces the critical view of mammonism as it is by tragically capturing the desires and conflicts for wealth, and cost of desires. “Gold Spoon” seeks a solution with disciplinary action against mammonism. The solution lies in the otherness’s 'other' and 'love'. And furthermore, the wealth we should admire is no longer defined as “money,” but as “belief,” “love,” and “people.”
A Study on Cultural Criticism Discourse of “Squid Game” from the Perspective of Korean Culture Education
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Eom Jinju , Yun Daeseok , Park Yuhyun
Published: February 2023

This article explores the direction of Korean culture education by analyzing overseas critical articles on “Squid Game,” which has recently gained worldwide popularity. To this end, previous studies about Korean culture education and intercultural education were examined, and the framework of analysis was derived as “universality,” “specificity,” and “individuality”. Based on this, cultural factors appearing in 50 English articles on “Squid Game” were analyzed. Then a discourse analysis was conducted by selecting 19 articles corresponding to cultural criticism. As a result, overseas perspectives on “Squid Game” were divided into identity-centered interpretation, difference-centered interpretation, and analogical interpretation. Through the significance and limitations of each interpretation, suggestions for the future direction of Korean cultural education were derived.
A Comparative Study on the Representation of the Disabled in Korean and Japanese Video Media Based on the Same Original Work: Focused on the Movie Marathon and the Drama Marathon
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Nam Sehyun , Kim Seryoung
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the representation of people with autistic spectrum disability in video media from the perspective of cultural studies, and to present the desirable tasks of disability and inclusion in disability studies through a comparative study on the representation of people with autistic spectrum disability in the Korean movie Marathon and the Japanese drama Marathon based on the same original work. Therefore, the narrative of growth through communication and perception of disability and inclusion were compared between them. The one is progressive in that it emphasizes self-reliance and nothing about us without us, seeks communication and change in society, and highlights an active female image. But It shows the task of inclusion through the reality of the prejudice and conflicts of society towards people with the autistic disabled and education or vocational training that is separated from people without disabilities. The other reproduces a social foundation that is more advanced than Korea in terms of harmony with people with autistic spectrum disability and integrated workplaces, but emphasizes family love and self-denial, revealing the limitations of the individual model that disabilities must be overcome through individual efforts.
The Effects of Dividend Announcements on the Stock Prices: Focusing on the Culture Contents Industry in Korea
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Namgon , Kim Jeehyun
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the effects of dividend announcements of culture contents companies on stock prices from the perspective of the dividend signaling hypothesis, focusing on the recent data from 2016 to 2021. The empirical tests reveal that, compared to the extant literature, stock price reactions surrounding the dividend date in the culture contents industry are negative rather than positive. In addition, these negative effects are observed even before the dividend announcement. These results suggest that the dividend signaling hypothesis in prior research does not hold in the culture contents industry, delivering important implications for decision making of firm managers and investors in this industry. We expect this paper to enhance understanding of the culture contents industry from a financial veiwpoint.
An Exploratory Study on the Establishment of a Policy Platform for the Vitalization of Healing Agriculture: Applying the Delphi Method
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Choi Inkyu
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is to present the importance of establishing a healing agriculture policy platform and to derive and present it through Delphi analysis to find a specific practice program. As a result of the analysis, first, the healing agriculture business model and industrialization should be improved. Second, utilization should be strengthened to lead to the improvement of healing agriculture infrastructure. Third, the linkage of healing agriculture programs such as promotion and spreading consensus should be strengthened. . As a result, the importance of establishing a healing agriculture platform is emphasized, and while pointing out that there is a tendency to be recognized as a future industry that can grow, it is emphasized that it should be activated as a productive policy platform for active follow-up measures and linkage with healing agriculture.
A Case Study on the Operation of Smart Education Using Authoring Tools for Beauty Major College Students
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Pyo Yeonhee , Jeon Yeonsug
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is to propose a new digital-based education model in the area of beauty design by presenting the operation cases of beauty design smart education and the results of learner satisfaction analysis. The beauty design smart education of this study is a team project-based beauty app development education operated mainly by learner participation. Accordingly, online beauty design-based smart education was conducted for 58 students from S University in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do and K University in Chungbuk. The average satisfaction with learner education was 4.91 points, and it was confirmed that the entire process of education was enjoyable (4.59), and smart education was very helpful to the learner himself (4.52). Therefore, smart beauty education conducted in this study is meaningful in that it can be used as a basic material for the transition of a new educational paradigm in the beauty field in the future and lay the foundation for online beauty smart education.
Variation of liquation cracking susceptibility for over–aged 247LC superalloy repair weld heat–affected zone
Authors: Jeong Hye-Eun , Seo Seong-Moon , Chun Eun-Joon
Published: February 2023

In this study, the liquation cracking temperature range (LCTR) of over-aged 247LC superalloy repair welds was quantitatively evaluated using spot-Varestraint testing, especially for application in the repair weld heat-affected zone (HAZ). The metallurgical mechanism of the evaluated liquation cracking susceptibility and variation of the LCTRs of the over-aged 247LC superalloys was clarified by analyzing the microstructural characteristics at the liquation cracking surface, and using thermodynamic calculations. From the spot-Varestraint tests of the over-aged materials, the LCTR was quantitatively evaluated to be 410 and 620 K for the 500 and 1000 h over-aged specimens, respectively. These results demonstrate that the over-aged 247LC superalloys face significant and serious liquation cracking susceptibility in repair weld HAZ. Based on local element distributions at the liquation cracking surface, analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and the Thermo-Calc calculations, the underlying metallurgical mechanism of high LCTRs of overaged materials could be attributed to the precipitation of fine MC and M6C carbides during the over-aging treatment. The carbides promote local liquation at the interface between the gamma phase at temperatures lower than the equilibrium solidus (1530 K) of the 247LC. The estimated liquation initiation temperatures at the MC/γ and γ/M6C interfaces were 1125 and 1420 K, respectively.
PENGARUH PERTUMBUHAN PENJUALAN, CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONBILITY, INTENSITAS ASET TETAP, DAN INTENSITAS PERSEDIAAN TERHADAP TAX AVOIDANCE
Authors: Alif Videya Anas , Irawati Wiwit
Published: February 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menguji secara empiris pengaruh pertumbuhan penjualan, corporate social responsibility, intensitas aset tetap, dan intensitas persediaan terhadap tax avoidance dengan studi empiris pada perusahaan indek saham LQ 45 yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia pada tahun 2016-2020. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif yang bersifat asosiatif. Populasi pada penelitan ini menggunakan 45 Perusahaan. Metode pengambilan sampel pada penelitian ini menggunakan metode purposive sampling sehingga diperoleh sebanyak 27 sampel perusahaan yang digunakan dalam peneltian ini. Data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan data sekunder yang di ambil dari laporan tahunan perusahaan dan laporan keuangan perusahaan sebanyak 135 data obeservasi. Untuk Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi data panel. Pengolahan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan bantuan aplikasi Eviews 10. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa variabel pertumbuhan penjualan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap tax avoidance. Corporate social responsibility berpengaruh signifikan terhadap tax avoidance. Dan intensitas persediaan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap tax avoidance. Sedangkan untuk variabel intensitas aset tetap tidak berpengaruh terhadap tax avoidance.

 

Kata kunci : tax avoidance, pertumbuhan penjualan, corporate social responsibility, intensitas asset tetap, intensitas persediaan
In vitro to in vivo acetaminophen hepatotoxicity extrapolation using classical schemes, pharmacodynamic models and a multiscale spatial-temporal liver twin
Authors: Dichamp Jules , Cellière Geraldine , Ghallab Ahmed , Hassan Reham , Boissier Noemie , Hofmann Ute , Reinders Joerg , Sezgin Selahaddin , Zühlke Sebastian , Hengstler Jan G. , Drasdo Dirk
Published: February 2023

In vitro to in vivo extrapolation represents a critical challenge in toxicology. In this paper we explore extrapolation strategies for acetaminophen (APAP) based on mechanistic models, comparing classical (CL) homogeneous compartment pharmacodynamic (PD) models and a spatial-temporal (ST), multiscale digital twin model resolving liver microarchitecture at cellular resolution. The models integrate consensus detoxification reactions in each individual hepatocyte. We study the consequences of the two model types on the extrapolation and show in which cases these models perform better than the classical extrapolation strategy that is based either on the maximal drug concentration (Cmax) or the area under the pharmacokinetic curve (AUC) of the drug blood concentration. We find that an CL-model based on a well-mixed blood compartment is sufficient to correctly predict the in vivo toxicity from in vitro data. However, the ST-model that integrates more experimental information requires a change of at least one parameter to obtain the same prediction, indicating that spatial compartmentalization may indeed be an important factor.
Technological parameter optimization for walnut shell-kernel winnowing device based on neural network
Authors: Li Hao , Tang Yurong , Zhang Hong , Liu Yang , Zhang Yongcheng , Niu Hao
Published: February 2023

The detection method for technological parameter is outdates as the traditional test cycle is long as well as the measurement error and the test amount are huge. Moreover, it is difficult to disclose the operation mechanism of devices as the operation is time-consuming and laborious. Therefore, numerical simulation was used in this study to reveal the mechanism of the walnut shell-kernel winnowing device. Moreover, the influence of baffle opening combinations, inlet wind velocity and inlet angle on cleaning rate and loss rate was predicted by the neural network model. The results demonstrated that inlet wind velocity was the primary influencing factor of cleaning rate, followed by baffle opening and inlet angle. Besides, inlet wind velocity was the primary influencing factor of loss rate, followed by inlet angle and baffle opening. The winnowing device performed best (79.91% cleaning rate, 14.37% loss rate) when the baffle opening, inlet wind velocity and inlet angle were 7.01 cm, 24.36 m/s, and 9.47°. In addition, 1/8 walnut shells and 1/4 walnut kernels were incorrectly classified due to the increase in inlet wind velocity. The inlet wind velocity was considered the major cause behind the deteriorating winnowing performance of the device. Finally, the bench test and simulation optimization results were compared. The cleaning rate and loss rate relative error during the simulation test was lower than 1.06%, which ascertained the feasibility and validity of the neural network as well as the combined numerical simulation method. This study could be useful for future research and development of shell-kernel winnowing devices for hard nuts.
Mortalin: Protein partners, biological impacts, pathological roles, and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Esfahanian Niki , Knoblich Cole D. , Bowman Gaven A. , Rezvani Khosrow
Published: February 2023

Mortalin (GRP75, HSPA9A), a heat shock protein (HSP), regulates a wide range of cellular processes, including cell survival, growth, and metabolism. The regulatory functions of mortalin are mediated through a diverse set of protein partners associated with different cellular compartments, which allows mortalin to perform critical functions under physiological conditions, including mitochondrial protein quality control. However, alteration of mortalin’s activities, its abnormal subcellular compartmentalization, and its protein partners turn mortalin into a disease-driving protein in different pathological conditions, including cancers. Here, mortalin’s contributions to tumorigenic pathways are explained. Pathology information based on mortalin’s RNA expression extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) transcriptomic database indicates that mortalin has an independent prognostic value in common tumors, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancer (CRC). Subsequently, the binding partners of mortalin reported in different cellular models, from yeast to mammalian cells, and its regulation by post-translational modifications are discussed. Finally, we focus on colorectal cancer and discuss how mortalin and its tumorigenic downstream protein targets are regulated by a ubiquitin-like protein through the 26S proteasomal degradation machinery. A broader understanding of the function of mortalin and its positive and negative regulation in the formation and progression of human diseases, particularly cancer, is essential for developing new strategies to treat a diverse set of human diseases critically associated with dysregulated mortalin.
Personalized surgical planning for coronary bypass graft configurations using patient-specific computational modeling to avoid flow competition in arterial grafts
Authors: Chaudhuri Krish , Pletzer Alexander , Waqanivavalagi Steve W. F. R. , Milsom Paget , Smith Nicolas P.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Flow competition between coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) and native coronary arteries is a significant problem affecting arterial graft patency. The objectives of this study were to compare the predictive hemodynamic flow resulting from various total arterial grafting configurations and to evaluate whether the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models capable of predicting flow can assist surgeons to make better decisions for individual patients by avoiding poorly functioning grafts.

Methods

Sixteen cardiac surgeons declared their preferred CABG configuration using bilateral internal mammary and radial arteries for each of 5 patients who had differing degrees of severe triple vessel coronary disease. Surgeons selected both a preferred 'aortic' strategy, with at least one graft arising from the ascending aorta, and a preferred “anaortic” strategy which could be performed as a “no-aortic touch” operation. CT coronary angiograms of the 5 patients were coupled to CFD models using a novel flow solver “COMCAB.” Twelve different CABG configurations were compared for each patient of which 4 were “aortic” and 8 were “anaortic.” Surgeons then selected their preferred grafting configurations after being shown predictive hemodynamic metrics including functional assessment of stenoses (instantaneous wave-free ratio; fractional flow reserve), transit time flowmetry graft parameters (mean graft flow; pulsatility index) and myocardial perfusion.

Results

A total of 87.5% (7/8) of “anaortic” configurations compared to 25% (1/4) of “aortic” configurations led to unsatisfactory grafts in at least 1 of the 5 patients (P = 0.038). The use of the computational models led to a significant decrease in the selection of unsatisfactory grafting configurations when surgeons employed “anaortic” (21.25% (17/80) vs. 1.25% (1/80), P < 0.001) but not “aortic” techniques (5% (4/80) vs. 0% (0/80), P = 0.64). Similarly, there was an increase in the selection of ideal configurations for “anaortic” (6.25% (5/80) vs. 28.75% (23/80), P < 0.001) but not “aortic” techniques (65% (52/80) vs. 61.25% (49/80), P = 0.74). Furthermore, surgeons who planned to use more than one unique “anaortic” configuration across all 5 patients increased (12.5% (2/16) vs. 87.5% (14/16), P<0.001).

Conclusions

“COMCAB” is a promising tool to improve personalized surgical planning particularly for CABG configurations involving composite or sequential grafts which are used more frequently in anaortic operations.
Pore characteristics and preservation mechanism of over-6000-m ultra-deep shale reservoir in the Sichuan Basin
Authors: Xie Guoliang , Jiao Kun , Deng Bin , Hao Weiduo , Liu Shugen
Published: February 2023

Investigation of pore characteristics and their preservation mechanism of over 6000 m ultra-deep shale reservoirs is of significance for shale gas exploration and development in the Sichuan Basin. In this study, the pores structure and multifractal characteristics of pores for the Longmaxi shale and Qiongzhusi shale in the Sichuan Basin are well studied by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), gas adsorption and multifractal analysis. The results show that: (1) Extremely strong mechanical compaction resulting from ultra-deep burial depth can lead to the homogenization of pore structure, which is characterized by the change of bubble-like OM pores to silt or fracture shape pores and the higher average pore diameter (APD) value. (2) The Longmaxi shale and Qiongzhusi shale reservoirs have the obvious multifractal nature for different pore sizes. Samples from the Longmaxi shale and Qiongzhusi shale in well CS#1 demonstrate the higher average H values and smaller average ΔD values compared with those samples in well MS#1, indicating that shale reservoir in over-pressure condition has higher connectivity and less heterogeneity. The pore preservation in over 6000 m ultra-deep shale reservoirs are influenced by several geological factors, including 1) quartz is beneficial for the preservation of pores especially for OM pores due to its supporting effect; 2) the shale reservoirs in over-pressure show many more OM pores and higher surface porosity than those in normal pressure; 3) the direct floor of Qiongzhusi shale is likely the critical geological factor affecting the pores preservation. Therefore, the Longmaxi shale with both over-pressure condition and high quartz content is likely the best target zone for deep shale gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin.
Model test study on the dynamic response of high-speed railway subgrade crossing ground fissure zone
Authors: Wang Zuochen , Huang Qiangbing , Xie Qingyu , Xue Liming , Kang Xiaosen , Gou Yuxuan
Published: February 2023

Ground fissure is a typical geohazard widely developed in China, which brings serious geological challenges to the construction and safe operation of the Chinese high-speed railways. However, the dynamic response mechanism of high-speed railway natural subgrade crossing the ground fissure zone is unclear. In this study, a new trainload excitation equipment that can simulate moving train loads was developed. The model test was carried out on the dynamic responses of the natural subgrade of high-speed railway crossing ground fissure zone under moving train loads. The results show that the ground fissure had a great influence on the acceleration response of the subgrade across the ground fissure zone, and the average peak acceleration value of the subgrade in the hanging wall was greater than the footwall. Along the longitudinal direction of the railway, the dynamic Earth pressure of the subgrade in the hanging wall was significantly greater than that in the footwall of the ground fissure and is about 2.5 times than that in the footwall, demonstrating a typical hanging wall amplification effect. The displacement amplitude on the subgrade and ground surface in the hanging wall was larger than that in the footwall of ground fissure. The attenuation rate of peak acceleration, dynamic velocity, and displacement in the hanging wall along the depth direction was more evident than that of the footwall of ground fissure. For the natural subgrade of high-speed railway crossing ground fissure zone, the critical influence depth of moving train load was about 12 m below the subgrade surface.
Identifying reflective modes in pre-service teachers’ written reflections on the implementation of project-based learning during the school practicum
Authors: Kaldi Stavroula , Zafeiri Stella
Published: February 2023

This study deals with written reflections from final-year undergraduate pre-service teachers on the implementation of project-based learning (PjBL) during the school practicum. The research focuses on highlighting undergraduate pre-service teachers’ meaning through reflexive thematic analysis as well as highlighting modes of expressing positions—according to a specific model categorizing these modes—on the implementation of child-centered instructional approaches such as Pj-BL. The research methodology included written reflections by 40 undergraduate student teachers in a 4-year university BA of preparing primary school teachers by applying the convenient sampling strategy. The participants were attending their final school teaching practice component of their studies. The study identifies prospective teachers’ positive points, concerns, and challenges when applying Pj-BL. The findings also indicate that prospective teachers need to further develop their reflective thinking skills to provide explanations and solutions and identify areas of personal improvement when they produce written reflective reports.
The functioning of academic employees in a dynamic South African higher education environment
Authors: ChaaCha Thapelo D. , Oosthuysen Elrie
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The higher education sector is experiencing changes in the profile of employees and stakeholders. Current employees are expected to function effectively and efficiently in institutions to achieve individual and organisational goals. The functioning aspect of the capability approach presents the opportunity to investigate how academic employees function in the current work environment. The study aimed to investigate the functioning of academic employees in the current work environment. Understanding how academic employees function in their current work environment provides the opportunity to develop relevant talent management practices to motivate, retain, support, develop, and lead academic employees.

Methods

A qualitative research approach and a critical realism perspective was utilised to explore social relations in the sample environment. Purposive sampling was employed to identify appropriate participants for the study. Nine online semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the participants.

Results

The findings of the study show that academic employees function effectively when they experience support and relationships at work as well as when autonomy and technology are available among various aspects of work. Talent management strategies require proactive reviewing to meet academic employees’ needs to enhance performance.

Discussion

Human resource practitioners and leaders in the institution have the responsibility to explore the functioning of academics in their environment to understand how they can enhance their performance and develop and retain these employees to meet institutional goals. The study adds some insights to the current literature related to the functioning of academic employees using the capability approach. The institution can develop new mechanisms to enhance the performance of these employees in a dynamic environment through talent management practices.
Burosumab for X-linked hypophosphatemia in children and adolescents: Opinion based on early experience in seven European countries
Authors: Mughal M. Zulf , Baroncelli Giampiero I. , de Lucas-Collantes Carmen , Linglart Agnès , Magnolato Andrea , Raimann Adalbert , Santos Fernando , Schnabel Dirk , Shaw Nick , Nilsson Ola
Published: January 2023

Given the relatively recent introduction of burosumab in the management of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), there is limited real-world data to guide its use in clinical practice. As a group of European physicians experienced with burosumab treatment in clinical practice, we convened with the objective of sharing these practice-based insights on the use of burosumab in children and adolescents with XLH. We attended two virtual meetings, then discussed key questions via Within3, a virtual online platform. Points of discussion related to patient selection criteria, burosumab starting dose, dose titration and treatment monitoring. Our discussions revealed that criteria for selecting children with XLH varied across Europe from all children above 1 year to only children with overt rickets despite conventional treatment being eligible. We initiated burosumab dosing according to guidance in the Summary of Product Characteristics, an international consensus statement from 2019 and local country guidelines. Dose titration was primarily guided by serum phosphate levels, with some centers also using the ratio of tubular maximum reabsorption of phosphate to glomerular filtration rate (TmP/GFR). We monitored response to burosumab treatment clinically (growth, deformities, bone pain and physical functioning), radiologically (rickets and deformities) and biochemically (serum phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, urine calcium-creatinine ratio and TmP/GFR). Key suggestions made by our group were initiation of burosumab treatment in children as early as possible, from the age of 1 year, particularly in those with profound rickets, and a need for clinical studies on continuation of burosumab throughout adolescence and into adulthood.
Effect of maternal periconceptional undernutrition in sheep on cortisol regulation in offspring from mid-late gestation, through to adulthood
Authors: Oliver Mark H. , Jaquiery Anne L. , Connor Kristin L. , Phua Hui Hui , Harding Jane E. , Thorstensen Eric B. , Bloomfield Frank H.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Maternal periconceptional undernutrition (PCUN) alters fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) function and placental glucocorticoid metabolism in sheep. The effects of PCUN on HPAA function in adult life are not known. We investigated the effects of PCUN on fetal adrenal development across gestation and on cortisol regulation in adult offspring.

Methods

Ewes were undernourished from 61 days before to 30 days after conception (‘PCUN’) or fed ad libitum (‘N’). mRNA expression in the fetal adrenal gland of ACTH receptor (ACTHR), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1), 11beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type 2 (11βHSD2), insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF2), and in the fetal hippocampus of 11βHSD1, 11βHSD2, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was determined at 50 (adrenal only), 85, 120 and 131 days of gestation (term=148 days). In adult offspring (≥ 3 years, N; 10 female, 5 male, PCUN; 10 female, 10 male) a combined arginine vasopressin (AVP, 0.1 μg/kg) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH, 0.5 μg/kg) challenge and a metyrapone (40 mg/kg) challenge were undertaken. mRNA expression of ACTHR, STAR and CYP17A1 were determined in adult adrenals.

Results

Fetal adrenal STAR, CYP17A1 and IGF2 mRNA expression were not different between groups in early gestation but were higher in PCUN than N at 131 days’ gestation (all p<0.01). PCUN reduced fetal hippocampal MR and GR mRNA expression by 50% at 85 day, but not in later gestation. Adult offspring plasma cortisol responses to AVP+CRH or metyrapone were not different between groups. Plasma ACTH response to AVP+CRH was lower in PCUN males but ACTH response to metyrapone was not different between groups. Adult adrenal ACTHR, STAR, and CYP17A1 mRNA expression were not affected by PCUN.

Conclusions

We conclude that the effects of PCUN on fetal HPAA function that became apparent in late gestation, are not reflected in adrenal cortisol secretion in mid-adulthood.
Does the green credit policy promote the technological innovation of clean energy enterprises? Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Gu Xuesong , Tian Zehua
Published: February 2023

The technological innovation of clean energy enterprises is conducive to the transformation of energy structure, and the green credit policy is just a potential opportunity for clean energy enterprises to seek financing convenience. This paper constructs quasi-natural experiments during two different lengths of period (2008–2015 and 2008–2020) based on the 2012 Green Credit Guidelines, selecting a group of A-share listed clean energy enterprises and non-clean energy enterprises as samples. The aim is to examine the impact of green credit policies on the technological innovation of clean energy enterprises. This paper further conducts mechanism tests as well as heterogeneity analysis on the basis of the results. The results show that green credit policies can promote technological innovation for clean energy enterprises, and this effect is reinforced with the accumulation of years following policy implementation. The mechanism test indicates that green credit policies affect the level of technological innovation of clean energy enterprises through credit cost and financing constraints. The heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the impact of green credit policies is more significant in the non-state-owned enterprises and economically developed regions. The results provide insights for the promotion of green credit policy and the ultimate transformation of China’s energy structure, thus providing reference for developing countries and emerging economies. The formulation of green credit policy should take into account the long-term effect, reduce the burden of enterprises from the perspective of credit cost and financing constraints, and also expand the influence of the policy in state-owned enterprises and underdeveloped areas.
Impact of carbon emission difference on the dual-channel fresh produce supply chain with capital constraints
Authors: Bai Shizhen , Jia Xuelian
Published: February 2023

The difference in carbon emissions has an important impact on the decision-making of dual-channel fresh produce supply chain financing. We set up a Stackelberg game model of a dual-channel supply chain under the financing strategy of banks and retailers to study the optimal operation decision and financing strategy selection. Our analysis results show that when the retailer’s interest rate and the carbon emission difference met certain conditions, the supplier always chooses the financing strategy of retailers.
Accelerations of public transport vehicles: A method to derive representative generic pulses for passenger safety testing
Authors: Keller Arne , Krašna Simon
Published: January 2023

Investigating the postural balance and stability of standing passengers of public transport in laboratory or numerical tests requires generic test pulses, which replicate the acceleration/deceleration characteristics of common public transport vehicles such as buses or trams. We propose a method to generate such test pulses based on measured acceleration time series. The method consists of an automated splitting algorithm, an expansion in Legendre polynomials and a weighted mean to obtain average pulses which are not dominated by the events of highest magnitude. As a demonstration, the method is applied to acceleration time series obtained on public buses in normal operation, resulting in scalable generic pulse shapes. These can be used as the basis of a standardised framework for physical and virtual testing addressing the standing passenger problem.
A novel, non-neuronal acetylcholinesterase of schistosome parasites is essential for definitive host infection
Authors: Skelly Patrick J. , Da’dara Akram A.
Published: January 2023

Schistosomes are long-lived parasitic worms that infect >200 million people globally. The intravascular life stages are known to display acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity internally as well as, somewhat surprisingly, on external tegumental membranes. Originally it was hypothesized that a single gene (SmAChE1 in Schistosoma mansoni) encoded both forms of the enzyme. Here, we demonstrate that a second gene, designated “S. mansoni tegumental acetylcholinesterase, SmTAChE”, is responsible for surface, non-neuronal AChE activity. The SmTAChE protein is GPI-anchored and contains all essential amino acids necessary for function. AChE surface activity is significantly diminished following SmTAChE gene suppression using RNAi, but not following SmAChE1 gene suppression. Suppressing SmTAChE significantly impairs the ability of parasites to establish infection in mice, showing that SmTAChE performs an essential function for the worms in vivo. Living S. haematobium and S. japonicum parasites also display strong surface AChE activity, and we have cloned SmTAChE homologs from these two species. This work helps to clarify longstanding confusion regarding schistosome AChEs and paves the way for novel therapeutics for schistosomiasis.
Genetic differences between smokers and never-smokers with lung cancer
Authors: Kuśnierczyk Piotr
Published: February 2023

Smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer, therefore lung cancer epidemiological trends reflect the past trends of cigarette smoking to a great extent. The geographic patterns in mortality closely follow those in incidence. Although lung cancer is strongly associated with cigarette smoking, only about 15% of smokers get lung cancer, and also some never-smokers develop this malignancy. Although less frequent, lung cancer in never smokers is the seventh leading cause of cancer deaths in both sexes worldwide. Lung cancer in smokers and never-smokers differs in many aspects: in histological types, environmental factors representing a risk, and in genes associated with this disease. In this review, we will focus on the genetic differences between lung cancer in smokers versus never-smokers: gene expression, germ-line polymorphisms, gene mutations, as well as ethnic and gender differences. Finally, treatment options for smokers and never-smokers will be briefly reviewed.