bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between free β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and total hCG assays in adults with testicular cancer
Authors: Pretorius Carel J. , Wilgen Urs , Klingberg Sandra , Zournazi Anna , Sanders Linda , Ungerer Jacobus P.J. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objectives
We tested the hypothesis that the free-β subunit (βhCG) is diagnostically more sensitive with total hCG assays (hCGt) not detecting all tumours secreting βhCG. The effects of sex, age, and renal failure were investigated as secondary objectives.

Methods
We compared βhCG with hCGt in 204 testicular cancer patients (99 seminomas, 105 non-seminonatous germ cell tumours). The effects of sex and age were determined in 125 male and 138 female controls and that of renal failure was investigated in 119 haemodialysis patients. Biochemical assessment of gonadal status was performed with LH, FSH, oestradiol and testosterone.

Results
Discordant results were common with isolated increases of hCGt observed in 32 (15.7 %) and βhCG in 14 (6.9 %) patients. Primary hypogonadism was the most common cause of isolated hCGt increases. After therapeutic interventions βhCG decreased below its upper reference more rapidly than hCGt. We observed unequivocal false negative results in two patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumours. Both occurred in patients with clinical tumour recurrences; in one instance we observed a false negative hCGt while in the second false negative βhCG’s were documented in serial samples.

Conclusions
The similar false negative rates did not support the hypothesis that βhCG will detect more patients with testicular cancer than hCGt. In contrast to hCGt, βhCG was unaffected by primary hypogonadism which is a predictably frequent complication in testicular cancer patients. We therefore recommend βhCG as the preferred biomarker in testicular cancer.
Model-based evaluation of heat of combustion using the degree of reduction
Authors: Shokrkar Hanieh , Ebrahimi Sirous 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In this study, the degree of reduction has been proposed to evaluate the heat of combustion in eight structural groups. The degree of reduction is commonly used in microbiology as a valuable tool to calculate the stoichiometry of process reactions. The degree of reduction model provides a simple, direct, and single-step technique for calculating the heat of combustion. The results from the degree of reduction model revealed that predicted values are in good agreement with results obtained using bond energies, with an average error of less than 2 %. Also, the computational method applied in this study can calculate the heat of combustion for other organic compounds and even unknown chemical compounds by measuring chemical oxygen demand (COD).
The Dynamic Capabilities of High-Turbulent Markets: Indonesian Start-Up Cases During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Handoko Indria , Tjaturpriono Hendro Adiarso 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This study explores how start-ups manage high-turbulent markets during the first six-months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how dynamic capabilities are operationalized in that situation. A multiple-case study approach was employed to investigate eight start-up cases in Indonesia. Indonesia was chosen to represent an emerging economy with a tremendous growing number of start-ups. The data are presented based on the evolving circumstances of the COVID-19 crisis. The research findings illustrate how dynamic capabilities are operationalized simultaneously with the validation of adjusted business models through simple-experiential routines, iterative executions, and action-oriented processes amidst the high-turbulent markets. Dynamic capabilities that operate in full combination by sensing, seizing, and transforming capabilities potentially can facilitate the creation of values for firms faster than otherwise. This study also identifies specific elements and alignment mechanisms incorporated in the dynamic capabilities.
Power of testing for exposure effects under incomplete mediation
Authors: Zhou Ruixuan R. , Zucker David M. , Zhao Sihai D. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Mediation analysis studies situations where an exposure may affect an outcome both directly and indirectly through intervening variables called mediators. It is frequently of interest to test for the effect of the exposure on the outcome, and the standard approach is simply to regress the latter on the former. However, it seems plausible that a more powerful test statistic could be achieved by also incorporating the mediators. This would be useful in cases where the exposure effect size might be small, which for example is common in genomics applications. Previous work has shown that this is indeed possible under complete mediation, where there is no direct effect. In most applications, however, the direct effect is likely nonzero. In this paper we study linear mediation models and find that under certain conditions, power gain is still possible under this incomplete mediation setting for testing the null hypothesis that there is neither a direct nor an indirect effect. We study a class of procedures that can achieve this performance and develop their application to both low- and high-dimensional mediators. We then illustrate their performances in simulations as well as in an analysis using DNA methylation mediators to study the effect of cigarette smoking on gene expression.
Influence of different visible LED light sources on photo-degradation of red cabbage extract
Authors: Thasak Sirinapa , Arellano Camella Anne , Khumsap Tabkrich , Nguyen Loc Thai 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This study elucidated the effect of wavelength, radiant fluence, and pH on the photobleaching of red cabbage extracts (RCE). Light-induced degradation of anthocyanins (ACN), color, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity of RCE was evaluated. Blue light was found to have the most detrimental effect on red cabbage ACN, followed by white and green lights. The photo-degradation increased with pH and radiant fluence. The highest loss of ACN was estimated at pH 7, being about 91 %, 76 %, and 54 % under blue, white, and green light, respectively. Color attributes and antioxidant activity of the samples showed similar trends. The photo-degradation quantum yield was higher under blue light (pH 3: 0.46 × 10−4 mol einstein−1; pH 5: 4.5 × 10−4 mol einstein−1; pH 7: 4.5 × 10−4 mol einstein−1) than under other irradiations. The findings can help industrial processors devise suitable strategies to minimize the degradation of ACN under LED illumination.
Image-schema-based-instruction enhanced L2 construction learning with the optimal balance between attention to form and meaning
Authors: Hwang Hyun-Bin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of L2 instruction on the learning of English caused-motion constructions (e.g., Jane put the balls into the box, Harry swam Peter to the beach). Korean EFL high school students (N = 156) were randomly assigned to three instructional conditions and one control group. While the metalanguage group relied on explicit uses of grammar jargon, the input flood group read narrative stories in which the instances of a prototypical verb were presented with higher frequency than other verbs. The image-schema group, which adopted a balanced approach to form and meaning attention, studied the core meaning of the target construction. Mixed-effects logistic regressions on Korean-to-English translation tests revealed that the image-schema group was most effective in terms of learnability and generalizability. The benefits of image-schema-based instruction were attributed to simultaneous attention to form and meaning, which might lead to deeper processing. Image-schema-based-instruction is discussed as a viable alternative for L2 construction learning.
A multi-crop disease identification approach based on residual attention learning
Authors: Kirti  , Rajpal Navin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In this work, a technique is proposed to identify the diseases that occur in plants. The system is based on a combination of residual network and attention learning. The work focuses on disease identification from the images of four different plant types by analyzing leaf images of the plants. A total of four datasets are used for the work. The system incorporates attention-aware features computed by the Residual Attention Network (Res-ATTEN). The base of the network is ResNet-18 architecture. Integrating attention learning in the residual network helps improve the system's overall accuracy. Various residual attention units are combined to create a single architecture. Unlike the traditional attention network architectures, which focus only on a single type of attention, the system uses a mixed type of attention learning, i.e., a combination of spatial and channel attention. Our technique achieves state-of-the-art performance with the highest accuracy of 99%. The results show that the proposed system has performed well for both purposes and notably outperformed the traditional systems.
Influence of pre-deformation on fatigue life of high strength steels by means of micromagnetic Barkhausen noise
Authors: Sarafraz Yashar , Brink Malte , Baak Nikolas , Koch Alexander , Walther Frank 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The micromagnetic Barkhausen noise as a nondestructive testing method was employed in this work to analyze the fatigue behavior of high-strength steels by subjecting them to multi-stage load increase fatigue tests. The micromagnetic Barkhausen noise energy (MBNEnergy) was measured during fatigue tests and coupled with digital image correlation to evaluate the effect of static and cyclic stress as well as local surface strain on MBNEnergy. The test samples were prepared from the forged bainite 18MnCrMoV6 and two ferrite-pearlite 38MnVS6 and 46MnVS5 steels. A part of the specimens was pre-strained before cyclic loading to analyze the effect of pre-deformation on cyclic strength considering measured MBNEnergy. A significant increase in MBNEnergy was observed by increasing the cyclic load on 18MnCrMoV6 specimens with bainite phases while this increase of MBNEnergy was not significant or was not changed for ferrite-pearlite steels 38MnVS6 and 46MnVS5.
Parametric simulation of hybrid nanofluid flow consisting of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with second-order slip and variable viscosity over an extending surface
Authors: Murtaza Saqib , Kumam Poom , Bilal Muhammad , Sutthibutpong Thana , Rujisamphan Nopporn , Ahmad Zubair 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This study explores the unsteady hybrid nanofluid (NF) flow consisting of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) and copper (Cu) nano particulates with natural convection flow due to an expanding surface implanted in a porous medium. The Cu and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) are added to the base fluid water to synthesize the hybrid NF. The effects of second-order velocity slip condition, chemical reaction, heat absorption/generation, temperature-dependent viscosity, and Darcy Forchheimer are also assessed in the present analysis. An ordinary differential equation system is substituted for the modeled equations of the problem. Further computational processing of the differential equations is performed using the parametric continuation method. A validation and accuracy comparison are performed with the Matlab package BVP4C. Physical constraints are used for presenting and reviewing the outcomes. With the increase in second-order velocity slip condition and unsteady viscosity, the rates of heat and mass transition increase significantly with the variation in Cu and Fe2O4 NPs. The findings suggest that the uses of Cu and Fe2O4 in ordinary fluids might be useful in the aerodynamic extrusion of plastic sheets and extrusion of a polymer sheet from a dye.
Garment buttons from a Hallstatt period tumulus
Authors: Haubner R. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
A Hallstatt period burial mound (tumulus) in Schandorf, Burgenland, Austria, was opened and archaeologically investigated in 2021. Not only numerous pottery fragments, but also some garment buttons were found, one of which was provided for metallographic examinations, aiming at identifying the method of manufacture: soldering, riveting, casting? Prior to the metallographic examinations, micro-computed tomography (μm CT) was carried out at a resolution of 5 μm. The Figures show that large areas are oxidized. It was, however, found that metallic portions still existed. The overall appearance suggests investment casting as the manufacturing method. Analytical measurements revealed that the material is tin bronze. Despite severe corrosion, the metallographic sections still exhibit a clearly recognizable cast structure. There are presumably two types of corrosion: first, high temperature corrosion, which resulted in the formation of bronze oxides in the grain boundary areas during the cremation, and, second, corrosion in an aqueous environment, during which malachite formed.
So far, no comparable studies can be found in the literature.
A new sphingoid derivative from Acacia hockii De Wild (Fabaceae) with antimicrobial and insecticidal properties
Authors: Anagued Haman Edwige , Moumbon Valéry Paul , Fadimatou spce Abdourahman , Momeni Jean , Ngameni Bathelemy 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In Cameroon, several species of the genus Acacia are traditionally used for protection in granaries of stored foodstuffs such as cowpeas, maize and millet. The literature review on Acacia hockii made it possible to detect that few studies were carried out on this plant which would traditionally have the properties we seek. The objective of this work is to extract and isolate the active principles and then evaluate the insecticidal and antifungal activities of the extracts and compounds isolated from the fruits of A. hockii. The maceration method was used to obtain hexane, acetone and methanol extracts of A. hockii fruits which were used against adults of Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), a pest of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). The most active extract was fractionated by column chromatography and the compounds were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The well-scattering method was used for evaluating the antifungal activity. The results show that all extracts were active against adults of C. maculatus and that the acetone extract was the most active with a 100% mortality rate at the concentration of 0.500 mg/mL and an LD50 of 0.06 g per gram of cowpea. The antifungal activity test of the acetone extract showed sensitivity against all tested strains Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum with MIC of 0.0625; 0.500 mg/mL, respectively. Fractionation of this extract led to the isolation of four compounds, among β-stigmasterol and β-sitosterol, β-stigmasterol-3β-O-D-glucopyranoside and N-((2S,3S,4R,14E)-1,3,4-trihydroxyicos-14-en-2-yl)palmitamide, a new sphingolipid with insecticidal and moderate antibacterial activities. A. hockii fruits can be considered a potential source for the production of biopesticides.
The transcriptional co‐activator Yap1 promotes adult hippocampal neural stem cell activation
Authors: Fan Wenqiang , Jurado‐Arjona Jerónimo , Alanis‐Lobato Gregorio , Péron Sophie , Berger Christian , Andrade‐Navarro Miguel A , Falk Sven , Berninger Benedikt 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMost adult hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) remain quiescent, with only a minor portion undergoing active proliferation and neurogenesis. The molecular mechanisms that trigger the transition from quiescence to activation are still poorly understood. Here, we found the activity of the transcriptional co‐activator Yap1 to be enriched in active NSCs. Genetic deletion of Yap1 led to a significant reduction in the relative proportion of active NSCs, supporting a physiological role of Yap1 in regulating the transition from quiescence to activation. Overexpression of wild‐type Yap1 in adult NSCs did not induce NSC activation, suggesting tight upstream control mechanisms, but overexpression of a gain‐of‐function mutant (Yap1‐5SA) elicited cell cycle entry in NSCs and hilar astrocytes. Consistent with a role of Yap1 in NSC activation, single cell RNA sequencing revealed a partial induction of an activated NSC gene expression program. Furthermore, Yap1‐5SA expression also induced expression of Taz and other key components of the Yap/Taz regulon that were previously identified in glioblastoma stem cell‐like cells. Consequently, dysregulated Yap1 activity led to repression of hippocampal neurogenesis, aberrant cell differentiation, and partial acquisition of a glioblastoma stem cell‐like signature.
Case–Study as One of the Innovative Educational Technologies and Its Use in Biology Classes
Authors: Gniezdilova Victoria , Mykytyn Tetiana 
Published: April 2023

Today, the Ukrainian education system is undergoing important large-scale transformations. Students of modern schools are required, as the main result of education, to master a set of universal learning activities that allow them to set and solve the most important life tasks that they may face directly in adult life. So, for example, in relation to different sections of biology, students must understand: what the subject teaches them, why they need biology, how the studied concepts are related to practical tasks and everyday life.
In this regard, a new approach to the construction of the content of education, as well as to the use of modern educational technologies of learning, is envisaged. As you know, one of such effective technologies is life-situational learning using the case-study method. Active use of case-study in education began relatively recently, and now this approach has become one of the most effective learning technologies. This method confirms the didactic significance and relevance of the use of case technology in the process of teaching biology as an effective means of increasing students' biological knowledge. Teachers highlight a number of advantages of the case-study compared to traditional teaching methods: practical orientation, interactive format, development of soft skills of students. Scientists have developed several classifications of cases. But, despite the variety of cases, they all have a typical structure, which includes: a plot part, a methodological part, and an informational part.
The article examines the features of the case-study and the possibilities of its application at biology lessons. Samples of cases from the "Human Anatomy" course are also offered.
Sex Trading Among Adolescent Cisgender Boys
Authors: Martin Lauren , McMorris Barbara J. , Rider G. Nic 
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVES
Cisgender girls and boys report trading sex for something of value at roughly equal proportions; yet, boys are understudied and underserved. We compare boys who reported trading sex to those who never traded sex to address this gap in knowledge and practice.

METHODS
The study is a secondary analysis of the Minnesota Student Survey, a triannual, census-style survey. The sample included 32 311 cisgender boy students in ninth and 11th grades who answered a question about sex trading. Bivariate descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic models were used to identify associated factors and determine the odds of trading sex on the basis of specific experiences.

RESULTS
We found that 1.2% of boys reported trading sex. In bivariate analyses, boys who reported trading sex were more likely than those who did not to: identify as Black or Indigenous; report a marginalized gender identity or sexual expression; have had sexual intercourse; have experienced sexual harassment and harassment on the basis of sexual identity and race, ethnicity, and national origin; and to have experienced homelessness, food insecurity, foster care, and substance treatment (P &lt; .001). In multivariate models, we found increased odds of trading sex for some variables, including a marginalized sexual identity, identifying as Black, and experiences of unstable housing, foster care, substance treatment, sexual harassment, and harassment based on gender (P &lt; .001).

CONCLUSIONS
These findings contribute new knowledge about boys who trade sex using a large, population-based sample and counter false assumptions and stereotypes. These data suggest new avenues of research, intervention, and prevention.
The effect of Home Visit during the first six weeks of postpartum on the quality of life of primiparous women referred to Shiraz health centers of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Yazdani Khadije , Ghodsbin Fariba , Jahanbin Iran , Keshavarzi Sareh 
Published: April 2023

Objective. To evaluate the effect of home visitation programs during the first six weeks of postpartum on the quality of life of primiparous women.
Methodology. Controlled clinical trial. The 52 primiparous women who were referred to healthcare centers of the University of Shiraz (Iran) were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 26) or a control group (n = 26). An instrument was applied including demographic information and the Specific Postnatal Quality of Life (SPQOL) scale (30 items with Likert-type response options ranging from 0 to 4, the higher the score the better the quality of life). The intervention conducted during the first six weeks of postpartum consisted of an educational program developed during four sessions from 30 minutes to one hour, dealing with topics of nutrition, physical support, ways of having appropriate relations with the spouse, and exercises for the postpartum. During weeks 0 and 6, the SPQOF was applied in both study groups.
Results. Both groups were similar regarding the socio-demographic variables. The difference between SPQOL scores from the first and second evaluations was 39.6 in the intervention group versus 6.2 in the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion. The results from this study indicate that the home visitation program was related to improved quality of life of primiparous women during the first six weeks of postpartum.
FACTORS RELATED TO NURSING STAFF JOB SATISFACTION IN A MEDICAL AND SURGERY HOSPITAL
Authors: Molina Linde Juan Máximo , Avalos Martínez Francisco , Valderrama Orbegozo Laura Juliana , Uribe Rodríguez Ana Fernanda 
Published: April 2023

Objective: to analyze the degree of job satisfaction of staff nurses working in a medical and surgical hospital, and to establish the socio-demographics and professional factors related to their job satisfaction.
Methodology: cross-sectional and performed on seventy five persons of the nursing staff of the medical and surgery hospital (total: 510) of Ciudad Sanitaria Virgen de las Nieves of Granada (Spain), by means of a self-administered and anonymous survey. The questionnaire has two parts: the first one is Font-Roja test (it measures the job satisfaction) and the second one are the socio-demographic and labor variables.
Results: the average age of the staff who answered the survey was 42.9 years; 72% women, married 64.9%; permanent staff; 58.7% hospitalization staff and a 67.6% have rotating turns. The Font-Roja degree of global satisfaction was medium (69.92 ± 10.48), range from 24 to 120. The best valued dimension is “interpersonal relation with the workmate” (3.82 ± 0.86) and the worse one is “professional promotion” (2.28 ± 0.75). The work place is a predicting element of the job satisfaction (ß=-0,297, p=0,018).
Analysis and discussion: a work place guaranteeing more job satisfaction for the nursing staff would improve the quality of care received by the patients of this type of personnel.