Minor Ones Research Articles

Natural disturbance history regime and the development of the dark coniferous forest in the Southern Sikhote-Alin

Age shifts in fir–spruce forests and the potential influence of ongoing climate changes upon them are pressing issues. The study focuses on a stand of undisturbed fir–spruce forest located in the southern Sikhote-Alin at an altitude of 530 m a.s.l. A permanent sample plot was established there in 2001, and a revision was conducted in 2022–2023 with wood samples (cores) obtained. The research has revealed significant deviations in the stand development from the previously described pattern of age shifts in virgin fir–spruce forests. Firstly, it was established that there have been no major stand disturbances over the last 242 years, and only minor ones occurring in 1831–1850 and 1931–1950 were identified. About 50% of Jezo spruce trees survived at least 2 minor disturbances during their development. Secondly, it is shown that Jezo spruce does not form a single-age generation within the studied stand. It was also found that at the time of revision, the stand was in a situation preceding a new stand disturbance. An important result obtained is that a stable trend of decreasing growth has been observed in 75% of Jezo spruce trees since 2001. This trend might not be associated with age shifts within the stand but could be attributed to the spruce’s response to global climate changes. Such a trend could significantly impact the age shifts in fir– spruce forest stands.

Spatial and Temporal Variations in Offshore Crude Oil Transportation: Insights From China's Coastal Ports

ABSTRACTAnalyzing the spatial and temporal variations of offshore crude oil transportation at China's coastal ports is critical for the country's energy security. The automatic identification system provides high‐resolution real‐time data on China's offshore crude oil transportation, offering more precise spatial and temporal insights than existing statistical studies. In this study, we propose a novel method for calculating offshore crude oil transportation volumes by considering the operational status of crude oil tankers as “empty” or “full.” This approach enhances reliability and provides detailed port‐level transport data. Our findings reveal notable similarities between the centrality measures of maritime oil transportation and oil tanker networks, but significant differences in community divisions. Specifically, in the tanker networks, Chinese ports are categorized into three regions, with one region being dominant and the other two regions containing only four ports. In contrast, the oil flow networks show China divided into two major regions and two minor ones. This study offers valuable contributions to strengthening energy security in China and supports informed policy development and implementation.

Numerical analysis of flow and heat transfer characteristics in Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille flow utilizing Large Eddy Simulation method

The flow and heat transfer characteristics within the Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille configuration induced by supercritical carbon dioxide flowing through the gap between the turbine shaft and the stationary casing were studied using Large Eddy Simulation. Wavelet analysis was used to calculate pressure fluctuations across various frequencies. Computational assessments were carried out to evaluate changes in the field synergy angle and inertial perturbations within the annular gap. A new theory was introduced to seamlessly integrate temperature, pressure, and velocity fields. Additionally, entropy generation in the Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille flow regime was thoroughly examined. The study revealed the emergence of vortices at the rotating wall, indicating a dynamic process in which large-scale vortices dissolve and more minor ones form. As frequency increases, pressure fluctuations grow. Increasing the mass flow rate can reduce the twisting vortex at the rotating wall and delay the onset of temperature fluctuations. Additionally, increasing the mass flow rate enhances the cooling effect on the rotating shaft. In the radial direction, as r increases, the field synergy angle and the inertial disturbance both show a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. The heat transfer performance is best when r = 0.6 and decreases significantly when r = 0.95. The synergy between the temperature gradient field, pressure gradient field, and velocity field shows a trend opposite to the field synergy angle and the inertial disturbance. As one moves from the rotating wall toward the stationary wall, temperature and velocity entropy production rates decrease, with noticeable fluctuations near the rotating wall.

Reassessing the Risk of Severe Parvovirus B19 Infection in the Immunocompetent Population: A Call for Vigilance in the Wake of Resurgence.

Despite Parvovirus B19 (B19V) generally causing mild or asymptomatic infections, and only certain high-risk groups such as hematological or immunocompromised patients and pregnant women tending to develop complications, several factors challenge the assumption of a "benign" clinical course in immunocompetent adults and adolescents. A significant proportion of the population may harbor undiagnosed health conditions or genetic predispositions that could render them more susceptible to severe B19V complications. These could include mild hematological disorders, immune dysregulation not resulting in overt immunodeficiency, or underlying cardiac conditions. Concurrent infections with other pathogens, even seemingly minor ones, could synergistically increase the severity of B19V infection, leading to more pronounced clinical manifestations. While not definitively proven, the possibility of emerging B19V strains with increased virulence or altered tissue tropism cannot be entirely discounted. Additionally, the period of pandemic-related restrictions likely led to reduced B19V circulation, potentially resulting in a cohort of young adults with limited natural immunity, making them more vulnerable to infection. Potential clinical consequences include atypical and severe presentations, even in individuals without known risk factors. The traditional focus on B19V primarily as a pediatric concern might lead to underdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis in adults, potentially hindering timely intervention and management. A surge in B19V-related complications, even if individually mild, could collectively strain healthcare resources, particularly in settings with limited capacity or pre-existing pressures. Possible recommendations are to heighten clinical awareness with a high index of suspicion for B19V infection in adults and adolescents presenting with compatible symptoms, even in the absence of classic risk factors. Additionally, expanding testing criteria and enhancing public health surveillance efforts would be prudent.

Evolution of the (Energy and Atmosphere) credit category in the LEED green buildings rating system for (Building Design and Construction: New Construction), from version 4.0 to version 4.1

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a certification program for quantitatively assessing the qualifications of homes, non-residential buildings, or neighborhoods in terms of sustainability. LEED is supported by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit membership-based organization. Worldwide, thousands of projects received one of the four levels of LEED certification. One of the five rating systems (or specialties) covered by LEED is the Building Design and Construction (BD + C), representing non-residential buildings. This rating system is further divided into eight adaptations. The adaptation (New Construction and Major Renovation) or NC applies to newly constructed projects as well as those going through a major renovation. The NC adaptation has six major credit categories, in addition to three minor ones. The nine credit categories together have a total of 110 attainable points. The Energy and Atmosphere (EA) credit category is the dominant one in the NC adaptation, with 33 attainable points under it. This important credit category addresses the topics of commissioning, energy consumption records, energy efficiency, use of refrigerants, utilization of onsite or offsite renewable energy, and real-time electric load management. This study aims to highlight some differences in the EA credit category for LEED BD + C:NC rating system as it evolved from version 4 (LEED v4, 2013) to version 4.1 (LEED v4.1, 2019). For example, the updated version 4.1 includes a metric for greenhouse gas reduction. Also, the updated version 4.1 no longer permits hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in new heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems (HVAC & R). In addition, the updated version 4.1 classifies renewable energy into three tiers, differentiating between onsite, new-asset offsite, and old-asset offsite types.

Acute flaccid paralysis on 11 years old child in Bali: a case report

Introduction: As medical professionals, we need to be aware of cases of acute flaccid paralysis, known as the current outbreak of polio infections in Indonesia. Polio is a highly contagious illness that primarily affects children under five. It can result in death (2-10% of those who were paralyzed) or lifelong paralysis (about 1 in 200 infections). The virus spreads from person to person mostly by the fecal-oral pathway. Contaminated foods and water are also less common routes of transmission. After the virus grows in the gut, it can enter the nerve system and paralyze people. Though it may vary from 4 to 35 days, the duration of incubation is typically 7 to 10 days. Approximately ninety percent of infected individuals either show no symptoms at all or have minor ones, hence the illness is typically not diagnosed. The purpose of this case report is to describe a case of acute flaccid paralysis and increase our awareness about the current polio outbreak. The Case: Eleven-year-old Korean child weighing 41 kg arrived to the clinic complaint of weakness in both limbs for the past five days. It happened throughout the day, particularly during the morning, and was felt abruptly. He also had instability when walking and trembling in both legs. He also experienced three episodes of watery diarrhea that day. In addition, he reported having puked twice in the two days before his clinic appointment. His calves had a motoric grade of 3 and a grade of 5 on his soles, indicating that his calves were weaker than his soles. It was discovered that the muscular tone was weak. No evidence of muscular atrophy was present. Positive tripod indication was seen. There were no abnormalities in sensibility. He was diagnosed with acute flaccid paralysis et causa suspected poliomyelitis dd Guillain Barre Syndrome dd hypokalemia paralysis et causa diarrhea and vomiting. Conclusion: Facing the polio outbreak in Indonesia, this case would serve as an example to raise awareness of acute flaccid paralysis cases, enabling early detection, differential diagnosis exclusion, and effective surveillance.

Highly efficient Cu(II) coordination polymer catalyst for the conversion of hazardous volatile organic compounds

Three novel coordination polymers (CPs), namely [Cu(μ-1κO,2κN-L)2]n (1), [Zn (μ-1κO,2κN-L)2(H2O)2]n (2) and [Cd (μ-1κOO’,2κN-L)2]n (3) [where HL = 4-(pyrimidin-5-ylcarbamoyl)benzoic acid], were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ATR-IR, TGA, XPS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Despite having the same organic ligand, the various metal cations had an impact in the subsequent frameworks. Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed to investigate the intermolecular interactions and to examine the stability of the crystal structures of the three polymers. Their catalytic performances were screened for the peroxidative oxidation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), with toluene and p-xylene selected as model substrates. Tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH or TBHP) (aq. 70 %) was employed as the oxidant. The catalytic oxidation of toluene yielded benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde and benzoic acid. The copper CP 1 exhibited the highest total yield for toluene oxidation, reaching approximately 36% in an aqueous medium. For p-xylene oxidation, tolualdehyde, methylbenzyl alcohol, and toluic acid were produced as the primary products, accompanied by minor ones. The experiments were conducted under diverse conditions, manipulating key parameters such as the choice of solvent (water or acetonitrile), type of oxidant (t-BuOOH or H2O2), the concentration of the oxidant and reaction temperature. In the presence of catalyst 1, a maximum total yield of ca. 80% was achieved for p-xylene oxidation.

CYP74B34 Enzyme from Carrot (Daucus carota) with a Double Hydroperoxide Lyase/Epoxyalcohol Synthase Activity: Identification and Biochemical Properties.

The lipoxygenase cascade in plants is a source of oxylipins (oxidized fatty acid derivatives), which play an important role in regulatory processes and formation of plant response to stress factors. Some of the most common enzymes of the lipoxygenase cascade are 13-specific hydroperoxide lyases (HPLs, also called hemiacetal synthases) of the CYP74B subfamily. In this work, we identified and cloned the CYP74B34 gene from carrot (Daucus carotaL.) and described the biochemical properties of the corresponding recombinant enzyme. TheCYP74B34 enzyme was active towards 9- and 13-hydroperoxides of linoleic (9-HPOD and 13-HPOD, respectively) and α-linolenic (9-HPOT and 13-HPOT, respectively) acids. CYP74B34 specifically converted 9-HPOT and 13-HPOT into aldo acids (HPL products). The transformation of 13-HPOD led to the formation of aldo acids and epoxyalcohols [products of epoxyalcohol synthase (EAS) activity] as major and minor products, respectively. Atthe same time, conversion of 9-HPOD resulted in the formation of epoxyalcohols as the main products and aldo acids as the minor ones. Therefore, CYP74B34 is the first enzyme with a double HPL/EAS activity described in carrot. The presence of these catalytic activities was confirmed by analysis of the oxylipin profiles for the roots from young seedlings and mature plants. In addition, we substituted amino acid residues in one of the catalytically essential sites of the CYP74B34 and CYP74B33 proteins and investigated the properties of the obtained mutant enzymes.

Usefulness of the 1H NMR Multisuppression Approach for the Global Characterization of Monovarietal Extra-Virgin Olive Oils.

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the most appreciated vegetable oils worldwide, but its high price makes it prone to suffer adulteration with lower quality oils. Therefore, it is important to have methodologies able to study EVOO composition as a whole in a simple and fast way, in order to guarantee its quality and safety. For this purpose, in this study, commercial samples of five Spanish olive cultivars (Arbequina, Arroniz, Cornicabra, Hojiblanca, Picual) were studied by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, using standard and multisuppression pulses. The aim was to explore the possibility of 1H NMR use to characterize in a single run and in a global way the composition of these monocultivar oils, regarding not only their main components (fatty acids supported on triglycerides) but also minor ones (squalene, sterols, diterpenic wax esters of phytol and geranylgeraniol, phenolic and secoiridoid derivatives, like tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, oleacein, oleocanthal, and lignans, among others, and aldehydes). The use of univariate and multivariate statistical analyses confirmed the presence of compositional features that were specific to some olive varieties. The Arbequina and Arroniz oils showed the most characteristic features that allowed for clearly differentiating them from the others. In contrast, the discrimination between the Cornicabra, Hojiblanca and Picual oils was not so easily achieved.

Using near misses, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to predict maritime incidents: A U.S. Coast Guard case study.

Two recent trends made this project possible: (1) The recognition that near misses can be predictors of future negative events and (2) enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools that make data analytics accessible for many organizations. Increasingly, organizations are learning from prior incidents to improve safety and reduce accidents. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) uses a reporting system called the Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE) database. Because many of the incidents that appear in this database are minor ones, this project initially focused on determining if near misses in MISLE could be predictors of future accidents. The analysis showed that recent near-miss counts are useful for predicting future serious casualties at the waterway level. Using this finding, a predictive AI/ML model was built for each waterway type by vessel combination. Random forest decision tree AI/ML models were used to identify waterways at significant accident risk. An R-based predictive model was designed to be run monthly, using data from prior months to make future predictions. The prediction models were trained on data from 2007 to 2022 and tested on 10 months of data from 2022, where prior months were added to test the next month. The overall accuracy of the predictions was 92%-99.9%, depending on model characteristics. The predictions of the models were considered accurate enough to be potentially useful in future prevention efforts for the USCG and may be generalizable to other industries that have near-miss data and a desire to identify and manage risks.

Cultural Clash: Investigating How Entrepreneural Characteristics and Culture Diffusion affect International Interns’ Competency

The world today is highly interconnected. To address the manpower shortage in Japan and the surplus in Indonesia 30 years ago, both countries developed an internship program, "Ginou Jisshu." During the internship, participants with Indonesian culture-based individual characteristics are exposed to Japanese work culture. This study aimed to investigate how interns' individual characteristics and their assimilation of Japanese work culture improve their competency and competitiveness, considering self-efficacy as a moderating factor. Using a quantitative research method, data from 400 internship alumni across 38 provinces in Indonesia were collected through Google Form questionnaires and analyzed using PLS-SEM. Out of 10 proposed hypotheses, all direct effect hypotheses were accepted, and 3 of the moderation hypotheses were accepted, while 2 were rejected. This study introduces a novel paradigm where any positive effect, regardless of statistical significance, is considered beneficial. It suggests that resolving issues, even minor ones, can amplify positive effects and mitigate negative effects. The findings reveal that individual characteristics and Japanese work culture positively affect competency and competitiveness, and competency further enhances competitiveness. Self-efficacy strengthens the impact of individual characteristics and Japanese work culture on competency, as well as the impact of Japanese work culture and competency on individual competitiveness. However, it weakens the effect of individual characteristics and competency on individual competitiveness.

Palladium and platinum minerals in Au-Pd ores of the Chudnoe deposit (Subpolar Urals, Russia)

Research subject. Minerals of palladium, platinum, and native gold, localized mainly in the veins of chromium-containing mica (fuchsite) in rhyolites. Aim. Clarification of the localization features of platinum group minerals, their species diversity, determination of the composition of minerals, relationships between precious metal minerals, establishment of the sequence of formation. Methods. Polished sections from ore samples and concentrates of heavy minerals mounted in epoxy resin were studied using optical and electron microscopes. The composition of minerals was determined using a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive spectrometer. Results. The main Pd minerals of the deposit are isomertieite/pseudomertieite and mertieite, the minor ones are ateneite and the unnamed Pd6BiSe mineral, and the platinum mineral is sperrylite. Isomertieite/pseudomertieite forms intergrowths with gold of any composition and structure, while mertieite occurs only with relatively low-copper gold of a homogeneous structure; therefore, significant areas of ore zones are characterized by the presence of one of the palladium arsenoantimonides. In some areas of ores, the replacement of isomertieite/pseudomertieite by mertieite wass established. Conclusions. The formation of fuchsite veinlets and the native gold, palladium minerals, and sperrylite contained therein is associated with one stage of mineral formation. Cr, Au, Pd, and Pt in ores form a single geochemical association, which indicates a common source of these elements. This source is most likely to be derivatives of basite-hyperbasite magmatism.

Device Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect: A Retrospective Study at Pediatric Cardiac Unit, Pediatrics Hospital, Ain Shams University

Abstract Background The ventricular septal defect (VSD) accounts for 20% of all isolated congenital heart conditions. Nowadays, transcatheter closure is considered a feasible method of therapy for different types of VSDs. Objective To do a statistical analysis of VSD patients' data who underwent interventional cardiac catheterization to evaluate safety and outcome of transcatheter closure of VSDs. Methods This retrospective cohort study included review of files of 35 patients with VSDs who underwent interventional cardiac catheterization at the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Unit, Children’s Hospital, Ain Shams University during the period from first of January 2018 to the end of January 2021.Data were extracted from patients’ medical records, either through medical history, physical examination, pre- and post-intervention investigations, or procedural data. Results In our study, 35 VSD cases had attempts for device closure. Perimembranous VSD was present in 19 cases (54.3%), muscular VSD was present in 12 cases (34.3%), and basal muscular VSD was present in 4 cases (11.4%). Amplatzer Duct Occlude II (ADOII) was used in 17 patients (48.6%), a Muscular Amplatzer VSD device was used in 8 patients (22.9%), a PDA device was used in 8 patients (22.9%), and Amplatzer Duct Occlude I (ADOI) was attempted in 2 patients (5.7%). The most common complications in our study group were minor ones, such as mild tricuspid regurgitation, which occurred in 5 patients (14.3%), hemolysis, and blood transfusion in 1 patient (2.9%). There were no major complications such as aortic regurgitation, heart block, residual VSD, arrhythmia, device embolization, thrombus or clot at the device site, or hemolysis requiring surgical removal of the device. There was also no mortality in the study group. There was a statistically significant increase in the percentage of ADOI devices in complicated patients compared with non-complicated patients (p-value = 0.001), while no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the percentages of PDA, ADOII, and Muscular Amplatzer devices. The VSDs of all 35 patients were effectively closed, achieving a success rate 100%. Conclusion transcatheter closure is a safe and practical technique for VSDs with different morphologies. The outcomes of transatheter closure of VSDs done in our relatively new center were satisfactory and approximated to results of other international pediatric cardiac catheterization centers as regards complications, mortality, and success rate.

Integration of Lipofilling with Blepharoplasty to Optimize Periorbital Rejuvenation: A Retrospective Study

Background: Surgical blepharoplasty has traditionally been used to rejuvenate the periorbita by removing excess tissue. While this often enhances appearance, it does not address the volume loss associated with aging. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers have been used to address volume loss; however, issues such as the Tyndall effect, chronic edema, and the cost of repeated injections make them less than ideal. Advances in contemporary surgery have made autologous fat a natural alternative for filling volume loss in the periorbita. Fat grafting, whether using macrofat, microfat, or nanofat, can provide excellent results, but a separate procedure is required to harvest the fat from the patient. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze and describe complications and patient satisfaction by comparing blepharoplasty alone with blepharoplasty combined with lipofilling. Methods: A retrospective review of a single surgeon's private practice cases was performed on 45 consecutive patients who underwent surgical blepharoplasty alone and 64 patients who had surgical blepharoplasty combined with lipofilling from 2002 to 2021. Complications, pain scores, and patient satisfaction reports were assessed. Results: Upon comparing the blepharoplasty alone group to the blepharoplasty with lipofilling group, the 109 patients did not differ significantly in age. Both groups were predominantly female. There were no major complications, only minor ones, and though the blepharoplasty alone group had a higher complication rate, this was not statistically significant. Lipofilling added approximately 30 minutes to the 60-minute blepharoplasty procedure, but pain scores were higher in the combination group. However, pain dissipated quickly and, while statistically significant, was not clinically significant. Patient satisfaction with the additional lipofilling was high, which resulted in lipofilling being added to all blepharoplasty procedures. Conclusions: Traditional surgical blepharoplasty can be combined with fat grafting techniques to address tissue loss and descent. Lipofilling integrated with blepharoplasty is a safe procedure. It is well tolerated by patients and provides high satisfaction with good aesthetic outcomes. The use of autologous fat offers an economical and effective advantage for patients.

Minor/Major Congenital Malformations and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children Prenatally Exposed to Levetiracetam, Lamotrigine, and Carbamazepine Monotherapy.

The relationship of older antiseizure drugs with congenital malformations has been known for many years. Studies are mostly limited to major malformations and few studies have investigated minor malformations. In recent years, the long-term cognitive and behavioral effects of these drugs have also come to the fore. The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of major and minor congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children prenatally exposed to levetiracetam (LEV), lamotrigine (LTG), and carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy. This was a prospective observational study conducted in two university hospital epilepsy centers. It included 32 pregnant women who were continuously treated with LEV, LTG, or CBZ from conception throughout pregnancy. Children were followed up from birth until 18 months. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Denver Developmental Screening Test. Eighteen of the patients were on LEV, 10 were on LTG, and 4 were on CBZ. Diaphragmatic hernia was detected in a child. At least one minor anomaly was observed in 58.1% of the patients. More than 80% of children were normal in the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. The risk of major congenital malformations is lower with newer antiseizure drugs. We found a high incidence of minor ones. However, because the population prevalence of minor malformations is also variable, more studies are needed to confirm the results. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were favorable with LTG and LEV and slightly unfavorable with CBZ. Longer-term follow-up with large groups of children is required to reach more reliable results.

CAFs-Associated Genes (CAFGs) in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and Novel Therapeutic Strategy.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive cancer with striking fibrosis, and its mortality rate is ranked second across human cancers. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a critical role in PDAC progression, and we reviewed the molecular understanding of PDAC CAFs and novel therapeutic potential at present. CAFs-associated genes (CAFGs) were tentatively classified into three categories by stroma specificity representing stroma/epithelia expression ratios (SE ratios). The recent classification using single cell transcriptome technology clarified that CAFs were composed of myofibroblasts (myCAFs), inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs), and other minor ones (e.g., POSTN-CAFs and antigen presenting CAFs, apCAFs). LRRC15 is a myCAFs marker, and myCAFs depletion by diphtheria toxin induces the rapid accumulation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and therefore augment PDL1 antibody treatments. This finding proposes that myCAFs may be a critical regulator of tumor immunity in terms of PDAC progression. myCAFs are located in CAFs adjacent to tumor cells, while iCAFs marked by PDPN and/or COL14A1 are distant from tumor cells, where hypoxic and acidic environments being located in iCAFs putatively due to poor blood supply is consistent with HIF1A and GPR68 expressions. iCAFs may be shared with SASP (secretion-associated phenotypes) in senescent CAFs. myCAFs are classically characterized by CAFGs induced by TGFB1, while chemoresistant CAFs with SASP may dependent on IL6 expression and accompanied by STAT3 activation. Recently, it was found that the unique metabolism of CAFs can be targeted to prevent PDAC progression, where PDAC cells utilize glucose, whereas CAFs in turn utilize lactate, which may be epigenetically regulated, mediated by its target genes including CXCR4. In summary, CAFs have unique molecular characteristics, which have been rigorously clarified as novel therapeutic targets of PDAC progression.

Mechanistic-empirical assessment of axle load legal limits on Brazilian roadways

This paper presents a comprehensive mechanistic-empirical assessment of axle load legal limits policy on Brazilian roadways, considering the intricate balance between enhanced freight transportation and potential pavement deterioration. Focusing on the prevailing flexible pavements, the study explores factors such as asphalt concrete stiffness, thickness, and axle-load increments, accounting for variations in tire-load and pressure. The analysis reveals complex relationships between these factors and their impact on pavement distress mechanisms, particularly fatigue cracking and rutting. The investigation highlights the substantial influence of axle load legal limits adjustments, even seemingly minor ones, on pavement damage, ride quality, safety, and operational efficiency. A calibrated model for assessing mechanistic-empirical load equivalency factors (LEFs) was developed, offering insights into the disparities between the model and existing empirical equations used in the Brazilian Pavement Design Guide (BPDG). This comparison underscores the potential underestimation of axle load legal limits adjustments in the current approach, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making in transportation policy. In conclusion, this study provides critical insights for policymakers and engineers while considering axle load policy adjustments. The findings emphasize the significance of accurate engineering considerations to sustainably balance economic growth, road safety, and efficient freight transportation within Brazil’s evolving road network.

Lithologic Relationship and Structural Features of Crystalline Rocks in Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria: A Geological Report on the Basement Complex

This paper investigates and report field relationship and structural features of the basement rocks in Ekiti, southwestern Nigeria. Systematic geological mapping reveals that Ekiti is underlain by migmatite-gneiss, quartz schist, quartzite, granite, and charnockite. These lithologies were intruded by series of aplite, dolerite, and pegmatite dykes. Structural deformations attributable to polycyclic orogenic activities manifested in all the basement rocks. Migmatite and its gneissic subunits form the country rock and exhibits complex folds, abundant quartz veins and haphazardly emplaced dykes. Foliation and lineament are oriented N-S, strike values range between N5oE -N18oE with westerly dip of 72º to 84º. Quartzite and quartz schist exhibits distinctive joint and fracture system which runs parallel to one another while minor ones are oblique. The polymetamorphic terrain has older tectonic fabrics massively overprinted by younger ones. The gneiss units are porphyroblastic to granoblastic, xenoliths of varying sizes are embedded within the granite bodies indicating the magmatic liquid was forcefully injected into the country rock. The presence of parallel fractures in fine-grained granite indicate Ekiti area is a shear zone. The occurrence of dykes of heterogenous lithologies on single granite outcrop suggests pluton assemblage occur as discrete pulses during the intrusive phases. Contact relationship indicate age decreases from migmatite to granite-charnockite to microgranite while dykes are the youngest. Deformation, metamorphism, and intrusive phases are the dominant geodynamic features of Ekiti area while the regional and local changes in rocks resulted from environmental constraints of pressure, temperature, and fluid activity. The plutonic activities which accompanied orogenic events resulted in deformation which is genetically related to evolution and geodynamic setting of Ekiti area.

Cochlear Implant Complications in Children: Libyan Scenario and Experience

cochlear implant (CI) is considered a safe procedure; however, complications may happen, either due to the presence of the implant itself which act as a foreign body or the presence of congenital anomalies of the ear. One hundred eighty-two children implanted by cochlear implant team in Specialty surgical center (SSC)/Benghazi-Libya between May 2012 to December 2021 were recruited in this study. Demographic data: about name, age and sex, vaccination history, audiological and radiological assessment in form of CT scan temporal bone and MRI brain, surgical procedure and any difficulties encountered during the operation, are recorded. Complications encountered were grouped as major and minor ones. one hundred eighty-two patients were studied; age range was from seventeen months to twelve years. The major complications that need hospitalization or surgical interventions were seen 3.29% whereas minor complications that do not need hospitalization but they resolve spontaneously or treated in out-patient department; accounts for 13.7%. Accidental trauma was the major risk factor that seen in both major and minor complications. Cochlear implantation in children continues to be reliable and safe in experienced hands, with a low percentage of severe complications as long as long-term medical follow up is there. Major Complications of CI in children in SSC are related to trauma and hematoma formation as a major factor.

Интертекстуальные включения в графическом романе А. Мура «Лига выдающихся джентльменов»

The article considers intertextual elements of graphic novel “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” by A. Moore. These elements are autotextual/paratextual (syntagmatics) and intextual / architextual (paradigmatics) ones. The study of intertextuality, which is richly presented in the novel under analysis, helps establish layering and mixing of many different English-language Victorian novels’ contexts in “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”. Thus, we can fully understand the story of the graphic novel (there are practically no characters created by A. Moore, even minor ones are taken from somewhere) and catch non-obvious details for a Russian reader. For instance, they refer to such novels as “The Blue Dwarf” by P.B. St. John and “Varney the Vampire” by T.P. Prest and J.M. Rymer. The choice of “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” as material of investigation and A. Moore as an author is proven by extremely high popularity of A. Moore’s works in the modern popular art and literature.