bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoid toxicity index in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (preliminary data)
Authors: Ermolaeva E. V. , Aseeva E. A. , Nikishina N. Yu. , Popkova T. V. , Lila A. M. 
Published: February 2024

Objective: to investigate the contribution of glucocorticoids (GC) to the development of irreversible organ damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using the GC toxicity index (GTI).Material and methods. The study included 65 patients with SLE who met the 2012 SLICC classification criteria. GTI, disease activity according to the SLEDAI-2K index and the SLICC damage index (DI) were determined in all patients, and standard laboratory and immunological tests were performed.Results and discussion. Patients were predominantly female (n=56, 86%), median disease duration was 76 [2; 288] months, SLEDAI-2K – 8.8 [0; 26], DI SLICC – 1.0 [0; 5], DI SLICC >0 was found in 28 (43%) patients. The median duration of GC therapy during the disease period was 66.0 [0; 288] months, maximum dose of GC – 32.7 [0; 80] mg, median of total GC dose during intravenous administration was 2942 [0; 17 812.5] mg, GTI at the time of enrolment in the study – 19 [0; 37] points. GTI >0 was present in 47 (72%) of 65 patients. GTI correlated with disease duration (r=0.33; p<0.008); maximum dose of oral GCs (r=0.31; p><0.012); duration of GC use (r=0.35; p><0.005); DI SLICC (r=-0.43; p><0.0001). In patients with an average disease duration of more than 3 years, GTI>˂0.008); maximum dose of oral GCs (r=0.31; p˂0.012); duration of GC use (r=0.35; p˂0.005); DI SLICC (r=-0.43; p˂0.0001). In patients with an average disease duration of more than 3 years, GTI was significantly higher than in patients with a disease duration of 1–3 years (p=0.023).Conclusion. An GTI>0 was found in 72% of SLE patients, which increased significantly with disease duration. The GTI value was influenced by the duration of SLE, the duration of GC treatment and the maximum GC dose during the disease period. A statistically significant correlation was found between the GTI and the SLICC DI, allowing the GTI value to be used as an additional component in the assessment of the contribution of GCs to the development of irreversible organ damage in patients with SLE. It is recommended that GTI is assessed in all patients with SLE receiving long-term GC treatment for the purpose of dose adjustment.
Analysis of clinical manifestations and spectrum of pharmacotherapy in Moscow and St. Petersburg cohorts of patients with adult-onset Still's disease
Authors: Zotkina K. E. , Torgashina A. V. , Myachikova V. Yu. , Maslyansky A. L. 
Published: February 2024

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a systemic autoinflammatory disease of unknown etiology characterized by clinical manifestations such as fever, non-stable maculopapular rash, arthritis and/or arthralgias and leukocytosis with neutrophilia.Objective: to analyze the spectrum of clinical manifestations of AOSD and pharmacotherapy in real clinical practice.Material and methods. A cross-sectional study included 111 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AOSD according to the Yamaguchi criteria, who were treated in two large Russian centers from 2019 to 2022: V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology (Moscow) and Almazov National Medical Research Centre (Saint Petersburg).Results and discussion. We analyzed the spectrum of clinical manifestations throughout the course of the disease. The spectrum of clinical manifestations of AOSD in our study was shown to be similar to the results of other studies. It was found that the frequency of the different clinical manifestations did not differ significantly.The majority of patients (74%) in our cohort received glucocorticosteroids (GC) in combination with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs). Monotherapy with GC was used in only 9% of patients. Up to 80% of patients received methotrexate (MTX) at various stages of the disease. For the treatment of patients refractory to GC and MTX therapy, bDMARDs were prescribed (44% of cases), most frequently interleukin-6 inhibitors (34%). In the St. Petersburg cohort, 13 (31.7%) of 41 patients were taking colchicine, which enabled control of disease manifestations and a reduction in the need for GC in 9 of them.Conclusion. Thus, we can draw a preliminary conclusion about the presence of steroid dependence in patients with AOSD. Up to 79.3% of AOSD patients are forced to take GC for a long period of time, which is associated with the risk of complications. Further studies on the optimal profile of bDMARDs are needed, as well as the role of colchicine as a potential therapeutic option for certain clinical and immunological subtypes of AOSD.
Modern imaging techniques in the diagnosis of axial spondylitis: similarities and differences between axial psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Sukhinina A. V. , Lila A. M. , Smirnov A. V. , Korotaeva T. V. 
Published: February 2024

Involvement of axial skeletal in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is often associated with inflammatory changes in peripheral joints and is asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, and changes in the spine and sacroiliac joints are often found only on X-ray. The article, which is based on numerous studies, compares the characteristics of axial skeletal lesions in patients with the axial form of psoriatic arthritis (axPsA) and in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and discusses the possibilities of their diagnosis using radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including modern methods such as diffusion-weighted imaging, contrast-enhanced dynamic scanning and whole-body MRI.The main difficulty in diagnosing axPsA is that there is no universally accepted terminology or standardized diagnostic criteria, making it difficult to clearly distinguish axPsA from other forms of axial spondyloarthritis. Determining the first symptoms of axPsA not only helps to make a timely diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment, but also to monitor the activity of the disease and the dynamics of structural changes, which allows appropriate adjustment of the therapy needed to improve the quality of life of patients.
On a nonlinear Robin problem with an absorption term on the boundary and L
1 data
Authors: Pietra Francesco Della , Oliva Francescantonio , León Sergio Segura de 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We deal with existence and uniqueness of nonnegative solutions to:

−
Δ
u
=
f

(

x

)

,

in

Ω
,

∂
u

∂
ν

+
λ

(

x

)

u
=

g

(

x

)

u

η

,

on

∂
Ω
,

\left\{\begin{array}{ll}-\Delta u=f\left(x),\hspace{1.0em}& \hspace{0.1em}\text{in}\hspace{0.1em}\hspace{0.33em}\Omega ,\\ \frac{\partial u}{\partial \nu }+\lambda \left(x)u=\frac{g\left(x)}{{u}^{\eta }},\hspace{1.0em}& \hspace{0.1em}\text{on}\hspace{0.1em}\hspace{0.33em}\partial \Omega ,\end{array}\right.

where

η
≥
0

\eta \ge 0

and

f
,
λ

f,\lambda

, and

g

g

are the nonnegative integrable functions. The set

Ω
⊂

R

N

(

N
>
2

)

\Omega \subset {{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}\left(N\gt 2)

is open and bounded with smooth boundary, and

ν

\nu

denotes its unit outward normal vector. More generally, we handle equations driven by monotone operators of

p

p

-Laplacian type jointly with nonlinear boundary conditions. We prove the existence of an entropy solution and check that, under natural assumptions, this solution is unique. Among other features, we study the regularizing effect given to the solution by both the absorption and the nonlinear boundary term.
Materials-based drug delivery approaches: Recent advances and future perspectives
Authors: Pei JinJin , Yan Yuqiang , Palanisamy Chella Perumal , Jayaraman Selvaraj , Natarajan Prabhu Manickam , Umapathy Vidhya Rekha , Gopathy Sridevi , Roy Jeane Rebecca , Sadagopan Janaki Coimbatore , Thalamati Dwarakesh , Mironescu Monica 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Materials-based drug delivery approaches have garnered substantial attention in recent years due to their potential to revolutionize pharmaceutical interventions. This abstract provides a concise overview of recent advancements and future prospects in this rapidly evolving field. Materials such as nanoparticles, liposomes, polymers, and hydrogels have emerged as versatile carriers for drug delivery. These materials facilitate precise control over drug release kinetics, enabling targeted and sustained therapeutic effects. Smart materials with responsiveness to external stimuli or physiological conditions have further enhanced drug delivery precision. Personalized medicine approaches are gaining traction, tailoring drug delivery systems to individual patient profiles and needs. The horizon for materials-based drug delivery is bright. Ongoing research is focused on refining material design, streamlining production processes, and ensuring safety profiles. Collaborative efforts among researchers, clinicians, and industry stakeholders are crucial for translating these advancements into clinical practice. Additionally, the convergence of drug delivery with diagnostics and imaging holds immense potential for personalized and efficient healthcare solutions. As materials-based drug delivery continues to evolve, it stands poised to reshape the landscape of pharmaceuticals, offering the promise of more effective and patient-centered therapies for a wide range of medical conditions.
Review of iris segmentation and recognition using deep learning to improve biometric application
Authors: Rasheed Hind Hameed , Shamini Sara Swathy , Mahmoud Moamin A. , Alomari Mohammad Ahmed 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBiometric recognition is essential for identifying people in security, surveillance, and mobile device authentication. Iris recognition (IR) biometrics is exact because it uses unique iris patterns to identify individuals. Iris segmentation, which isolates the iris from the rest of the ocular image, determines iris identification accuracy. The main problem is concerned with selecting the best deep learning (DL) algorithm to classify and estimate biometric iris biometric iris. This study proposed a comprehensive review of DL-based methods to improve biometric iris segmentation and recognition. It also evaluates reliability, specificity, memory, andF-score. It was reviewed with iris image analysis, edge detection, and classification literature. DL improves iris segmentation and identification in biometric authentication, especially when combined with additional biometric modalities like fingerprint fusion. Besides, that DL in iris detection requires large training datasets and is challenging to use with noisy or low-quality photos. In addition, it examines DL for iris segmentation and identification efforts to improve biometric application understanding. It also suggests ways to improve precision and reliability. DL may be used in biometric identification; however, further study is needed to overcome current limits and improve IR processes.
City images in transnational travel vlogs from a multimodal perspective: an investigation of 20 port cities worldwide
Authors: Chen Sitian , Zang Yinglei , Yang Ping 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This paper aims to analyze how vloggers use interactions of different modalities in transnational travel vlogs on YouTube to draw audiences’ attentions, as well as the impact of the socio-cultural context on the discourse of these vlogs and the represented city images.

Design/methodology/approach
This research project adopts a multimodal approach by using a new analytical framework based on provenance symbols in semiotics, appraisal systems, and visual grammar in linguistics as theoretical foundations.

Findings
Our research findings show that there are four dominant themes, including nature enjoyment, landmark visiting and street wandering, food tasting, and infrastructure evaluation in these vlogs. North American full-time vloggers with advanced skills and rich experience are the main contributors, which may lead to a fixed and biased representation of city images. The mechanism of city image formation, from cities’ physical existence to foreign viewers’ perception via transnational travel vlogs, has also been illustrated.

Implications
The city image exists in a dynamic landscape where online opinion leaders also hold significant discourse power. Though becoming more visible, cities are facing challenges related to the increasing homogenization of mediated images. The research findings also have practical implications for redefining approaches to the international communication of city images to diverse stakeholders including city administrators and travel vloggers.

Originality/value
This paper expands the scope of research on urban communication by adopting a comparative and global perspective. The new analytical framework can serve as a reference for future studies on new media content. Furthermore, the systematic mechanism of city image formation presented contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of new media in the international communication of city images.
Mediating role of leadership and group capital between human capital component and sustainability of horticultural agribusiness institutions in Indonesia
Authors: Akbar Akbar , Salam Muslim , Arsyad Muhammad , Rahmadanih Rahmadanih 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Farmers’ institutions are currently more cultural and primarily oriented only to getting government facilities. Farmers’ institutions have not been directed at utilizing access to various technological information, capital, and markets needed to develop horticultural agribusiness. Nevertheless, almost all farmers’ institutions exist in rural areas, but not all existing institutions can survive and carry out their functions sustainably. The research objective was to examine the impact of human capital through leadership and group capital on the sustainability of horticultural agribusiness institutions. The study was carried out at Uluere District, Bantaeng Regency, which is designated as a horticulture agribusiness development zone in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The sample selection was conducted using a simple randomized method, where 10% of the overall population was chosen. This method resulted in a sample size of 233 respondents for this study. The data gathering was done during September and November of 2022. Moreover, to acquire findings about the effect of human capital on the long-term viability of institutional agribusiness horticulture, we conducted an analysis using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. The findings indicated that individual capability, individual motivation, organizational climate, and workgroup effectiveness were key factors of human capital that directly impact institutional strengthening. These factors were found to have positive and statistically significant connections. In addition, leadership and group capital connected the many aspects of human capital to the sustainability of horticultural agribusiness. The results of this study will significantly enhance ongoing efforts to formulate a plan aimed at mitigating rural development challenges, especially in Indonesia.
Badiou and Agamben Beyond the Happiness Industry and its Critics
Authors: de Boer Ype 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Modern continental thought is skeptical toward happiness and no longer easily reconciles its pursuit with a desire for justice, the good, and truth. Critical theory has unmasked happiness as a commodity within an industry, an ideological tool for control, and a sedative to, justification of, and distraction from social injustice. This article argues that these diagnoses make it all the more important that philosophy, rather than taking leave of happiness, once again turns it into a serious object of thought. Employing the work of Badiou and Agamben as case studies, it asks what a critically informed yet affirmative philosophy of happiness should entail at a structural level. Assessing their philosophical models of happiness, this article 1) recognizes in their work a revival of the ancient ideal of a true, just, and happy life, 2) opens up a new way of evaluating their work, and 3) articulates basic requirements of a contemporary, affirmative philosophy of happiness beyond the happiness industry and its critics.
Investigating the effects of late sign language acquisition on referent introduction: a follow-up study
Authors: Gür Cansu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The present study investigates the effects of late sign language acquisition on the linguistic strategies used in the first introductions of inanimate objects through comparisons between narrations produced by deaf signers exposed to sign language after early childhood (i.e., late signers) and those of deaf signers acquiring sign language from birth (i.e., native signers). According to the results, late sign language acquisition has no hindering effect on the acquisition of the linguistic strategies used in the first introductions of inanimate objects. In addition, both native and late-signing children do not display adult-like patterns. This study suggests that the acquisition of referent introduction seems to be resilient to the effects of late sign language exposure. It also highlights the necessity of more research on different domains to gain insights into the narrative skills of late signers.
Portland Cement Specifications: Performance, Prescription, and Prediction
Authors: Hill ED , Frohnsdorff G 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A major driving force for specification development, whether for a cement or other material, is a need for enhanced and more predictable performance. A prescriptive specification reduces the risk of poor performance by keeping the composition and other conveniently measurable characteristics of a product close to those of a product which has performed well. Although it is harder to develop and apply, a performance specification can be a valuable complement to a prescriptive one; apart from being less restrictive, its development focuses attention explicitly on the definition and the measurement of performance.
Neither prescriptive nor performance specifications necessarily require scientific understanding of factors affecting performance, and so a third approach is proposed—a predictive specification based on scientific understanding. In the case of cement and concrete, it can be foreseen as a result of the continued strengthening of the materials science base of the technology combined with developments in computer simulation of the behavior of cementitious systems. While these developments arc taking place, improvements must continue to be sought in the prescriptive and performance specifications to make sure they are as good as they can be. The desired improvements and the research needed to achieve them must be defined, and support for the research must be provided. For the near term, some suggestions for improving the existing portland cement specifications, ASTM C 150, are offered. They concern minimum strength levels, strength uniformity, and improvement of compound composition calculations.
Why Performance Standards for Hydraulic Cement?
Authors: Gebhardt RF 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
There is currently a significant trend toward performance-oriented specifications for hydraulic cements. A performance specification is one which primarily or exclusively defines what its object does rather than what it is, how it is made, or what it looks like. Performance specifications for cement are not new phenomena; they have been with us from the earliest stages of standards development. The goal has always been what the cement does, but the “trend” to performance “accelerated” in the mid-1970s, driven partly by antitrust considerations.
A performance-oriented specification for blended cements has almost completed the ASTM process and should appear soon in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. It is a “pure” performance specification, intended to exist in parallel with the current hybrid specification, Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements (C 595). ASTM C 595 prescribes that a blended cement may contain only a limited suite of materials and then applies property (performance) requirements to the resulting product. Many existing blended cements with long histories of commercial acceptance, such as product cements (block, pipe, precast, etc.), are not now included in ASTM specifications. The new specification eliminates the restriction on constituents and composition, but requires that any blended cement be demonstrated to meet specified criteria for the primary performance attributes that can reasonably be measured. A similar performance specification for portland cement is nearing the point of Committee ballot. Can masonry cement be far behind?
Importance of Precision Statements in Developing Performance Standards for Cement
Authors: Patzias T 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
ASTM, by being a participant in the U.S. National Standards Policy, favors performance rather than recipe or design standards. There is a need to increase the performance of cement and, in the final analysis, the performance of concrete. From a producer's point of view, this can be done under certain conditions and options by adhering to performance specifications for the product.
ASTM requires that all test methods contain sections on precision and bias. In the case of test methods for construction materials, precision is estimated using ASTM Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Test Program to Determine the Precision of Test Methods for Construction Materials (C 802). which involves interlaboratory cooperative testing. With the unique resource of the voluntary consensus system, the ISR, and the expertise of the technical committees, ASTM has the capability to produce the performance standards needed in the coming years.
Ti Roll-Clad Plate: More Cost-Effective Plate Products for Utilizing Titanium and Zirconium Alloys in Chemical Processes
Authors: Schutz RW 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A new family of hot roll-bonded composite reactive metal plate products, known as Ti Roll-Clad Plate, was developed and offers significant cost savings over solid Ti Grade 7, Zr 702, Ni Cr-Mo, and Ni-Mo alloy plate for construction of chemical process equipment. Favorable economics with these plate products stem from more efficient reactive metal utilization, a simple plate manufacturing process, and applicability of conventional fabrication/welding methods. Numerous cladding metal and backer alloy combinations are possible for these plates, permitting optimization in alloy corrosion resistance and economics for process equipment used in the chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutic industry.