bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in rapid plasma reagin titers in patients with syphilis before and after treatment: A retrospective cohort study in an HIV/AIDS referral hospital in Tokyo
Authors: Ikeuchi Kazuhiko , Fukushima Kazuaki , Tanaka Masaru , Yajima Keishiro , Saito Makoto , Imamura Akifumi 
Published: September 2023

Introduction
Although the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test is used to determine treatment efficacy for syphilis, animal studies show that it decreases gradually after an initial increase even without treatment. Pre-treatment changes in RPR titer in humans and its relationship with post-treatment changes in RPR titer are not well known.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of syphilitic patients who underwent automated RPR (Mediace) testing twice before treatment (i.e., at diagnosis and treatment initiation) within 1–3 months at an HIV/AIDS referral hospital in Japan between 2006 and 2018. The RPR values were expressed as the ratio to the value at treatment initiation. The mean monthly relative change in the RPR after treatment was calculated on the log2 scale for each patient and analyzed by multivariable linear regression.

Results
Sixty-eight patients were identified. The median age was 45 (interquartile range [IQR], 38–50), 98.5% (67/68) were men, and 97.1% (66/68) had HIV. The median RPR titer ratio at treatment initiation/diagnosis was 0.87 (IQR, 0.48–1.30). The RPR titer decreased more than twofold in 26.5% (18/68) and more than fourfold in 10.3% (7/68) before treatment. In the multivariable analysis, higher age (predicted monthly RPR relative change on the log2 scale 0.23/10 years [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.090–0.37]), history of syphilis (0.36 [95% CI, 0.07–0.65]), and a lower ratio of RPR at treatment initiation/diagnosis (−0.52/every 10-fold increase [95% CI, −0.81 to −0.22]) were associated with a slower RPR decrease after treatment.

Conclusions
In a mostly HIV patient population, RPR titer can show more than four-fold spontaneous increase or decrease within 1–3 months. Pre-treatment spontaneous decrease of RPR titer was associated with a slower decrease in post-treatment RPR titer.
Students’ Social Initiatives as A Prerequisite for Sustainable Development of Social Entrepreneurship: A Case Study in Bulgaria
Authors: Kyurova Vyara , Koyundzhiyska-Davidkova Blagovesta 
Published: October 2023

Social entrepreneurship is an important source of economic growth and a driver of the social economy. An important condition for its development and the creation of a business in this sphere is the participation of the individual in social initiatives. Summarizing the scientific ideas shows that the issue of social entrepreneurship is relatively well understood, while that of social initiatives is very poorly addressed. Considering this fact, the authors seek to obtain more information regarding the essence of social initiatives and the readiness of students to participate in its. The aim of the present study is to determine the desire and opportunities among students for their involvement in social initiatives and their attitudes towards starting a social entrepreneurial business. To achieve the goal, students from Bulgarian higher education institutions were surveyed using the respondent method. The application of this method is appropriate because of its adequacy in terms of the specificity of both the subjects studied and the data to be obtained. The survey used in the study contains close-ended questions aimed at ascertaining students' participation in social initiatives, as well as their views on starting a social entrepreneurial business. The findings of the study show that there are certain problems related to the organization of social initiatives and in terms of starting a social entrepreneurial business. A significant result of the study is that the enabling environment for the development of social entrepreneurship significantly influences the possibility of creating student social initiatives at the university. The study can be used as a model for analysis of the relationship between social entrepreneurship and students’ social initiatives.
Keywords: social entrepreneurship, social initiatives, students, Bulgaria
The Role of Tax Policies in Sustainable Economic Growth. Evidence From Dynamic Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Liko Elida , Shahini Ledjon 
Published: October 2023

This paper analyses the role of tax policies in supporting economic growth, based on the dynamic panel data model, for twenty-four Eastern European and Asian countries, divided in EU countries and non-EU countries, for the period from 2008 to 2022. Both, global financial crisis and Covid -19 Pandemic, imposed challenges for optimal tax policies that countries applied. The paper examines the main tax policies changes undertaken to support economic activity and estimates the expected effect on growth.
The study has found evidence of a positive effect of total taxes and indirect taxes on economic growth, strong and significant. Our results do not support the theory that direct taxes are harmful to growth. The impact of direct taxes is positive bot not statistically significant in most of the estimated regressions.
Keywords: Tax structure, sustainable development, panel data
ARGE HARCAMALARI VE DIŞ TİCARET HADDİNİN EKONOMİK BÜYÜME ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİLERİ: TÜRKİYE ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: YANTUR Pelin 
Published: September 2023

Faktör birikimi ve üretkenliğin artışındaki en önemli rol olan iktisat politikalarının nasıl şekillenmesi gerektiği akademik araştırmaların önemli gündem maddesini oluşturmaktadır. 1980’li yıllardan itibaren özellikle uzun dönemli “Ekonomik büyümenin belirleyicileri nelerdir?” sorusu araştırma soruları arasında öne çıkarken önemli sorunsalları beraberinde getirmiştir. Bu nedenle ekonomik büyümenin belirleyicilerinin çalışılması yatırım harcamalarının verimli şekilde gerçekleştirilmesine fayda sağlayabilir.
Bu çalışmanın amacı, 2007-2022 dönemi çeyreksel bazda verileri dikkate alarak 61 gözlem içeren zaman serisi analizi ile Türkiye’de Ar-Ge harcamalarının, reel efektif döviz kurunun ve dış ticaret haddinin büyüme üzerindeki etkisini analiz etmektir. Çalışmada, Türkiye’nin gayri safi yurt içi hasıla çeyreklik yüzdesel değişimi, Tübitak Ar-Ge ödenekleri, ÜFE bazlı reel efektif döviz kuru ile dış ticaret haddi değişkenleri analize dahil edilmiş olup %1 anlamlı (önemli) düzeyde istatistiksel olarak uzun dönem için denge ilişkisine sahip olduğu bulgulanmıştır. Ar-Ge harcamaları ve ilişkili olan ÜFE bazlı reel efektif döviz kuru değişkeninin büyüme değişkeni üzerinde önemli ve pozitif bir etkisi gözlemlenirken dış ticaret haddinin büyüme üzerinde önemli ve negatif bir etkisinin olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
The Correlation Between English and French Proficiency of Chinese Trilingual Learners
Authors: Yang Yang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In the context of globalization, multilingual learning and teaching have become more and more popular in China. The phenomenon of cross-linguistic influence is more complex in L3 acquisition than in L2 acquisition. Does the previously learned L2 affect L3 acquisition? From the perspective of trilingual acquisition, the English and French national test proficiency scores of 112 French major students in Chinese universities were selected as the research data to explore the potential relationship between English (L2) proficiency and French (L3) learning. The research results showed a positive correlation between English and French proficiency among Chinese learners, and a predictable equation was established through regression analysis. In addition, the study reveals that a threshold level of English (L2) is essential to generate a significant correlation. The threshold level is roughly equivalent to the level of IELTS 5.5. According to the results, the analogical teaching method is advocated.
The Regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCAR): Landmark Codification, or First Step of Many, or Both?
Authors: Maume Philipp 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

243On 29 June 2023, the long-awaited Regulation on markets in crypto-assets (MiCAR) came into force. It is the first comprehensive framework for DLT-based units (tokens or crypto-assets) in the world. This article tries to shed some light on the drivers of its creation and the remarkable speed of the parliamentary process. It discusses its key definitions and rulesets, and identifies some interesting policy decisions made by EU lawmakers. However, despite its speed and boldness, MiCAR perpetuates the existing structures of EU financial markets regulation, including some of its weaknesses such as its emphasis on national enforcement. The idea to “copy and paste” existing regulation might also lead to problems in the future because the inconsistencies between crypto-asset regulation and financial markets regulation will probably become more significant. The big question is if and how MiCAR will approach the remaining gaps, such as the regulation of decentralised finance.
Negative Implications of Greater Access to the Courts in the Takeover Process
Authors: Mukwiri Jonathan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

358
Recent judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union involving Austria and Italy raises the question of whether greater access to the courts makes ineffective the duty of supervisory authorities in enforcing the mandatory bid rule. This question is discussed in the context of provisions in the Takeover Bid Directive that enables Member States to avoid disruptive greater access to the courts. The overarching argument advanced in this article is that a system of takeover regulation that provides parties the ability to challenge regulatory decisions in courts is bound to cause delays and uncertainty in the takeover process. In the UK, the Takeover Bid Directive was implemented in a way that limits greater access to the courts for parties that are required to comply with the ruling of the supervisory authority. The article suggest that the UK approach may provide a benchmark for reform in EU countries.
359
Study on the stabilization mechanism of aeolian sandy soil formation by adding a natural soft rock
Authors: Cao Tingting , Zhang Haiou , Zhang Yang , Chen Tianqing , Yang Chenxi , Wang Yingguo , Zhou Hang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The study of the distribution of cementitious materials in soil aggregates is important for understanding the formation of aggregates in soil due to the addition of soft rock rich in clay. Soft rock and sand in the ratios of 1:1(C1), 1:2(C2), 1:5(C3), and 1:0(CK) were collected in a test field, and the wet sieve method was used to separate large water-stable soil aggregates. The microstructures of the aggregates and the amounts of iron–aluminum compounds and clay minerals were measured. The result shows that the addition of soft rock improves the ability to create effective soil formations in sand. The order of the amounts of >0.5 mm sized water-stable aggregates based on the different treatments is C1 > C3 > C2 > CK. In the later stages of improvement, iron–aluminum oxides, clay minerals, and calcareous cements in modified soil were important for the formation of water-stable aggregates. The enhancing effect of minerals gradually increases, among which amorphous alumina and complexed iron oxide promote the formation of large water-stable aggregates in improved sandy soil. It is concluded that the engineering technique of compounding soft rock and sand is a new technology that can promote sand-forming soil and permanently change the properties of aeolian sand soil.
Exploring the spatial dynamics of cultural facilities based on multi-source data: A case study of Nanjing’s art institutions
Authors: Jiang Zhifeng 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Examining the spatial characteristics and accessibility of cultural facilities, such as art institutions, is crucial for understanding the lifestyles of citizens. With the increasing utilization of multi-source data in geographical studies, new opportunities have arisen for investigating the development of cultural facilities in urban areas. Consequently, this article investigates the spatial dynamics of art institutions in urban development, using Nanjing, a historic city, as a case study. The study obtained a total of 260,392 points of interest data for Nanjing in 2018 and 2022 from the GaoDe map API console. By employing network analysis and the two-step floating catchment area method, the geostatistical findings reveal that the distribution of art institutions in Nanjing has become more balanced over time. For instance, the research indicates that the proportion of residents able to reach art exchange institutions within a 30-min travel time increased from 75% in 2018 to 90% in 2022. However, the distribution of art training institutions remains more concentrated compared to art exchange institutions. Furthermore, the spatial arrangement of art institutions does not entirely align with the distribution of demand points, indicating the potential for further optimization. In conclusion, this study has significant implications for understanding the accessibility, social justice, and urban planning in Nanjing. The government should pay attention to the cultural demands of marginalized communities, promote social justice and cultural inclusiveness by increasing the accessibility of cultural facilities.
Fabrication, swift heavy ion irradiation, and damage analysis of lanthanide targets
Authors: Meyer Carl-Christian , Artes Ernst , Bender Markus , Brötz Joachim , Düllmann Christoph E. , Haese Constantin , Jäger Egon , Kindler Birgit , Lommel Bettina , Major Marton , Rapps Maximilian , Renisch Dennis , Trautmann Christina , Yakushev Alexander 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
One limiting factor in progress in the discovery and study of new superheavy elements (SHE) is the maximum achievable thickness and irradiation stability of current generation actinide targets. The desired thickness of targets, using full excitation function widths, cannot be achieved with current target technology, especially the widely used molecular plating (MP). The aim of this study was to transfer progress in the electrochemistry of lanthanides and actinides to the production of targets. Here, we report on the production of lanthanide targets using anhydrous electrochemical routes. In a first irradiation series, thulium thin films with areal densities up to 1800 μg/cm2 were produced using anhydrous triflate compounds and subjected to irradiation tests, using 6.0 MeV/u 48Ca ions at a fluence of 3.9 × 1014 ions/cm2 and 8.6 MeV/u 197Au ions at fluences in the range of 3.0 × 1011 to 1.0 × 1013 ions/cm2. The thin films were characterised before and after the irradiations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
Orígenes del mosaísmo pedagógico en Galicia: la obra de Casto Blanco Cabeza
Authors: Vázquez-Ramil Raquel , Porto Ucha Ángel Serafín 
Published: October 2023

La inquietud por crear museos pedagógicos y escolares se nota en España y América a partir del último cuarto del siglo XIX, cuando se crean los grandes museos pedagógicos nacionales; el de España nació en 1882, con fuerte sesgo institucionista, y realizó una notabilísima labor hasta la guerra civil.
Pero se necesitaban museos próximos a los maestros y a las propias escuelas. La legislación educativa contempló reiteradamente la apertura de museos pedagógicos en las escuelas normales, aunque no siempre se consiguió abrirlos y, sobre todo, mantenerlos. Un ejemplo es el de la Escuela Normal de Maestros de Santiago de Compostela, impulsado por el director del centro, Casto Blanco Cabeza, en 1903. Analizamos la trayectoria vital y formativa de Blanco Cabeza, maestro, profesor de las Escuelas Normales de Santiago y de Madrid, y consejero de Instrucción Pública en los años 20, para contextualizar este proyecto. Finalmente, ofrecemos datos sobre otras iniciativas, como el museo pedagógico regional de A Coruña y sus vicisitudes.
Clinical Significance of Sphingosine 1-phosphate Receptor 2 and Takeda G Protein-coupled Receptor 5 in Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Patients
Authors: Kim Hayeon , Kim Hyo Jung , Park Yang Tae , Kim Jae Seon 
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims: In biliary epithelial cells, two bile acid receptors, sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) and Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) have been reported to trigger cell proliferation, as well as neoplastic cell invasiveness. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of S1PR2/ TGR5 expression in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients.
Methods: Patients who underwent surgical resection of extrahepatic CCA at Korea University Guro Hospital between 2002 and 2018 were included. Data on immunohistochemical staining and H-score of S1PR2 and TGR5 were evaluated using digital image analysis.
Results: A total of 115 cases of invasive CCA were analyzed. The H-score of S1PR2 showed a decrease in invasive CCA (p=0.052) but that of TGR5 showed a significant increase (p=0.02). Overall survival and disease-free survival were significantly lower in the low S1PR2 expression group (p<0.05) than in the control group; however, TGR5 expression was not significant (p=0.096). In multivariate analysis, low S1PR2 was only significant for poor prognosis.
Conclusion: Low S1PR2 level was the only independent poor prognostic factor in patients with resected extrahepatic CCA.
Исследование влияния величины питающего напряжения и длины ли-нии электропередачи на абсолютную погрешность расчета совокупных потерь активной мощности в системе электроснабжения
Authors: Ливенцов Вячеслав Сергеевич , Костинский Сергей Сергеевич , Троицкий Анатолий Иванович 
Published: October 2023

Введение. Предложен способ расчета совокупных потерь в оборудовании системы электроснабжения, учитывающий в целом совокупность элементов системы электроснабжения и нагрузки, связанных общим режимом работы. Поставлена задача оценки влияния величины питающего напряжения и длины линии электропередачи на величину абсолютной погрешности расчета потерь отдельно по составляющим и по виду оборудования, в сравнении с данными по величине потерь, полученными с помощью математической модели системы электроснабжения.
Методы и результаты. В целях обоснования диапазона изменения величины питающего напряжения выполнен анализ совокупности данных о его изменении, полученных в результате проведенных измерений на секциях шин с номинальным напряжением 6 (10) кВ подстанций, осуществляющих питание распределительных городских сетей, крупных административных объектов и промышленных предприятий. Установлено, что для сетей с номинальным напряжением 6 (10) кВ как отрицательные, так и положительные отклонения напряжения не превышают 10 %, что соответствует требованию ГОСТ 32144-2013. Анализ протяженности линий электропередачи был выполнен на основе данных о городских электрических сетях г. Новочеркасска. Сделано заключение, что протяженность подавляющего большинства исследуемой совокупности линий электропередачи не превышает 3 км, а минимальное и максимальное значения исследуемой совокупности длин линий электропередачи составляют соответственно 0,25 и 5,95 км. На основании выполненных расчетов и приведенных графических зависимостей сделан вывод, что максимальная абсолютная погрешность расчета потерь по разработанному способу незначительно изменяется в заданных диапазонах величин питающего напряжения и протяженности линии электропередачи, и ее максимальное значение составляет 0,07 %. В то же время максимальная абсолютная погрешность расчета величины потерь при использовании способа расчета потерь отдельно по составляющим и по виду оборудования, в тех же диапазонах исследуемых величин, составляет 0,18 %, что в 2,5 раза больше предлагаемого способа.
Impact of interpregnancy interval on maternal and perinatal outcomes
Authors: Jani Heta T. , Sud Shalini , Jeyaseelan Shanti 
Published: September 2023

Background: Inter-pregnancy interval (IPI) refers to the duration between the birth of one baby and the conception of the next pregnancy. In developing countries, a short inter-pregnancy interval (SIPI) poses a significant challenge, leading to higher risks of maternal and neonatal mortality. Aim was to determine the impact of SIPI on maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Methods: This prospective observational comparative study was carried out from October 2020 to May 2022. Non-probability convenient sampling was used, and the minimum sample size was calculated to be 140. Primigravida, multiple gestations, molar pregnancies, and those with major complications were excluded. The study compared two groups: cases (70 women with IPI ≤18 months) and controls (70 women with IPI between ≥19 months to ≤59 months). A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Higher proportion of younger mothers had lower IPI as compared to those who were older. Higher proportion of mothers with short IPI had anaemia (p value- 0.017) while lower proportion had pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) (p value- 0.001). On logistic regression analysis, patients with SIPI had lesser risk of PIH (p value- 0.036, OR: 0.266), higher risk of obstetric cholestasis (p value- 0.006, OR: 4.186) and higher risk of scar dehiscence/tenderness (p value- 0.003, OR: 10.666).
Conclusions: Mothers with a short interpregnancy interval of 18 months or less experienced significant morbidity and adverse perinatal outcomes, such as scar dehiscence and obstetric cholestasis. However, the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) was notably lower in this group.
Laparoscopic resection and repair of caesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Elsayed Mostafa A. , Elbohoty Shereen Barakat 
Published: September 2023

The presented work is case series over 2 years of caesarean scar pregnancy over 2 years from January 2020 to January 2022 in Zinat Alhayat hospital of maternity in Benha city Egypt. Cases recruited from those attending Zeinat Alhayat maternity hospital in Benha and all case proved to have caesarean scar pregnancy by ultrasonography and quantitative HCG the total number of cases were 15 over a period of two years, most of patients complained about abnormal uterine bleeding in the first trimester with abnormal abdominal pain, all cases prepared for laparoscopy in Zinat Alyayat hospital in Benha and a written consent taken then with general anesthesia pelvis and abdomen explored by laparoscopy and the site of the scar opened with a hook with the aid of a traumatic grasper and then sac evacuated and the old scar resected by laparoscopic scissor. Regarding epidemiological data of patients there were no statistically significant difference in age body weight age or the amount of pain by facial analogue scale of pain. All patients saved and laparoscopy done with an average time of 45 min with no operative or postoperative complications, only one of the cases with severe bleeding required blood transfusion of 2 units of blood because HB was 7.8 g/dl, so laparoscopic treatment of caesarean scar pregnancies is a good option for patients with short operative time and good outcomes without complications.