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Lost-wax glass casting, an esteemed yet technically demanding art form, traditionally relies on specialized, costly kiln equipment, presenting significant barriers to artists regarding equipment affordability, energy efficiency, and the technical mastery required for temperature control. Therefore, this study introduces an innovative approach by
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Lost-wax glass casting, an esteemed yet technically demanding art form, traditionally relies on specialized, costly kiln equipment, presenting significant barriers to artists regarding equipment affordability, energy efficiency, and the technical mastery required for temperature control. Therefore, this study introduces an innovative approach by integrating a microwave kiln with standard household microwave ovens, thus facilitating the lost-wax glass casting process. This methodological adaptation allows artists to employ readily available home appliances for glass creation, significantly reducing the process’s cost and complexity. Our experimental investigations reveal that, by using a 500W household microwave oven for heating, the silicon carbide (SiC) in microwave kilns can efficiently absorb microwave energy, allowing the kilns to reach temperatures exceeding 700 °C, a critical threshold for casting glass softening. We further demonstrate that by adjusting the number of heating cycles, producing high-quality, three-dimensional(3D) glass artworks is feasible, even for large-scale projects. In addition, the microwave kiln can be used as an effective cooling tool to uniformly cool the formed casting glass. This study presents a possible alternative to conventional kiln technology and marks a paradigm shift in glassmaking, offering a more accessible and sustainable avenue for artists and practitioners.
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Background: To achieve zero leprosy cases in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, we designed a community-based active detection and provision of single-dose rifampicin post-exposure prophylaxis (SDR-PEP) to household contacts with new leprosy patients. Methods: From July to August 2021, we assessed the current knowledge, attitude,
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Background: To achieve zero leprosy cases in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, we designed a community-based active detection and provision of single-dose rifampicin post-exposure prophylaxis (SDR-PEP) to household contacts with new leprosy patients. Methods: From July to August 2021, we assessed the current knowledge, attitude, and practices through structured interviews and focus group discussions with community representatives and health staff. This was followed by sensitization sessions, the training of health staff, and the reinforcement of referral mechanisms. Teams, including health staff and community volunteers, visited all new leprosy patients detected in 2021–2023 and household contacts. Results: Among 115 community representatives, knowledge about leprosy etiology was attributed to non-biological factors (74%); fear accounted for 77%, and access to care was perceived as weak (74%), but the outlook was improved by SDR-PEP (80%). Among the 217 health staff interviewed, the programmatic barriers identified were a lack of referral feedback (67%), limited supplies for diagnosis and prevention, and ineffective training (64%). We visited 70 new patients and 258 household contacts. The median age in household contacts was 25 years old; 49% were women, 98% were eligible for SDR-PEP, and all who were eligible accepted it. Those who were non-eligible included one tuberculosis patient and six newly detected leprosy patients (23‰). Conclusions: A community-based intervention was successful in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Misbeliefs and a lack of knowledge were identified as barriers. Programmatic components should be reinforced for SDR-PEP extension.
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Background: In Nigeria, most children with tuberculosis (TB) present at primary health clinics where there are limited personnel skilled in collecting appropriate respiratory specimens from those who cannot produce sputum. KNCV Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Control Program, implemented a modified
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Background: In Nigeria, most children with tuberculosis (TB) present at primary health clinics where there are limited personnel skilled in collecting appropriate respiratory specimens from those who cannot produce sputum. KNCV Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Control Program, implemented a modified simple, one-step (SOS), stool-based Xpert MTB/RIF method for diagnosis of TB in children who cannot expectorate sputum. We evaluated the impact of its implementation on childhood TB diagnosis. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted across 14 selected states using secondary data of children presumed to have TB. Stool was collected from children presumed to have TB and processed using Xpert. Result: Out of 52,117 presumptive TB cases, 52% were male and 59.7% were under 5 years old. A total of 2440 (5%) cases were diagnosed with TB, and 2307 (95%) were placed on treatment. Annual TB notifications increased significantly after the introduction of the stool-based Xpert test when compared to those in the pre-implementation period. Increasing contributions from stool testing were observed throughout the implementation period, except in 2020 during the COVID-19 era. Overall, stool Xpert testing improved childhood TB notification in the studied states. Interventions aimed at awareness creation, capacity building, and active case finding improved the performance of the test.
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This article draws on case studies or ‘microhistories’ from the author’s own research to explore the ethical responsibility of family historians to represent the experiences of those whose lives have been ‘hidden from history’, and in particular the lives of one’s female ancestors,
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This article draws on case studies or ‘microhistories’ from the author’s own research to explore the ethical responsibility of family historians to represent the experiences of those whose lives have been ‘hidden from history’, and in particular the lives of one’s female ancestors, as a way of correcting the omissions and erasures of official histories. It also discusses the ethical dilemmas posed by the discovery that one’s ancestors were involved in activities that are now regarded as morally suspect, such as profiting from the ownership of slaves. Finally, the article debates ethical arguments about respecting the rights of the dead to privacy.
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Giulia Girolimetti, Iulia Andreea Pelisenco, Leonardo Henry Eusebi, Claudio Ricci, Beatrice Cavina, Ivana Kurelac, Tiziano Verri, Matteo Calcagnile, Pietro Alifano, Alessandro Salvi, Cecilia Bucci and Flora Guerra
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive neoplasia, characterized by early metastasis, low diagnostic rates at early stages, resistance to drugs, and poor prognosis. There is an urgent need to better characterize this disease in order to identify efficient diagnostic/prognostic
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Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive neoplasia, characterized by early metastasis, low diagnostic rates at early stages, resistance to drugs, and poor prognosis. There is an urgent need to better characterize this disease in order to identify efficient diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to oncogenesis and metastasis formation in PDAC, they are considered potential candidates for fulfilling this task. In this work, the levels of two miRNA subsets (involved in chemoresistance or with oncogenic/tumor suppressing functions) were investigated in a panel of PDAC cell lines and liquid biopsies of a small cohort of patients. We used RT-qPCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to measure the amounts of cellular- and vesicle-associated, and circulating miRNAs. We found that both PDAC cell lines, also after gemcitabine treatment, and patients showed low amounts of cellular-and vesicle-associated miR-155-5p, compared to controls. Interestingly, we did not find any differences when we analyzed circulating miR-155-5p. Furthermore, vesicle-related miR-27a-3p increased in cancer patients compared to the controls, while circulating let-7a-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-23b-3p and miR-193a-3p presented as dysregulated in patients compared to healthy individuals. Our results highlight the potential clinical significance of these analyzed miRNAs as non-invasive diagnostic molecular tools to characterize PDAC.
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Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have the potential to increase the bioavailability and reduce the side effects of docetaxel (DTX). However, only a small fraction of nanoparticles given intravenously can reach a solid tumor. In situ-forming gels combined with nanoparticles facilitate local administration and
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Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have the potential to increase the bioavailability and reduce the side effects of docetaxel (DTX). However, only a small fraction of nanoparticles given intravenously can reach a solid tumor. In situ-forming gels combined with nanoparticles facilitate local administration and promote drug retention at the tumor site. Injectable hydrogels based on poloxamer 407 are excellent candidates for this hybrid nanoparticle–hydrogel system because of their thermoresponsive behavior and biocompatibility. Therefore, this work aimed to develop injectable poloxamer hydrogels containing NLCs for intratumoral delivery of DTX. To ensure sterility, the obtained hydrogels were autoclaved (121 °C for 15 min) after preparation. Then, the incorporation of NLCs into the poloxamer hydrogels and the impact of steam sterilization on the nanocomposite hydrogels were evaluated concerning sol–gel transition, injectability, and physicochemical stability. All formulations were extruded through the tested syringe–needle systems with acceptable force (2.2–13.4 N) and work (49.5–317.7 N·mm) of injection. Following steam sterilization, injection became easier in most cases, and the physicochemical properties of all hydrogels remained practically unchanged according to the spectroscopical and thermal analysis. The rheological evaluation revealed that the nanocomposite hydrogels were liquid at 25 °C and underwent rapid gelation at 37 °C. However, their sterilized counterparts gelled at 1–2 °C above body temperature, suggesting that the autoclaving conditions employed had rendered these nanocomposite hydrogels unsuitable for local drug delivery.
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Edgar Fajardo-Puerto, Nerea López-García, Abdelhakim Elmouwahidi, Esther Bailón-García, Francisco Carrasco-Marín, Lilian D. Ramírez-Valencia and Agustín F. Pérez-Cadenas
Carbon xerogel spheres co-doped with nitrogen and eco-graphene were synthesized using a typical solvothermal method. The results indicate that the incorporation of eco-graphene enhances the electrochemical properties, such as the current density (JK) and the selectivity for the four transferred electrons
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Carbon xerogel spheres co-doped with nitrogen and eco-graphene were synthesized using a typical solvothermal method. The results indicate that the incorporation of eco-graphene enhances the electrochemical properties, such as the current density (JK) and the selectivity for the four transferred electrons (n). Additionally, nitrogen doping has a significant effect on the degradation efficiency, varying with the size of the carbon xerogel spheres, which could be attributed to the type of nitrogenous group doped in the carbon material. The degradation efficiency improved in the nanometric spheres (48.3% to 61.6%) but decreased in the micrometric-scale spheres (58.6% to 53.4%). This effect was attributed to the N-functional groups present in each sample, with N-CNS-5 exhibiting a higher percentage of graphitic nitrogen (35.7%) compared to N-CMS-5 (15.3%). These findings highlight the critical role of sphere size in determining the type of N-functional groups present in the sample. leading to enhanced degradation of pollutants as a result of the electro-Fenton process.
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The diversity of alcohol beverage microorganisms is of great significance for improving the brewing process and the quality of alcohol beverage products. During the process of making alcoholic beverages, a group of microorganisms, represented by yeast and lactic acid bacteria, conducts fermentation. These
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The diversity of alcohol beverage microorganisms is of great significance for improving the brewing process and the quality of alcohol beverage products. During the process of making alcoholic beverages, a group of microorganisms, represented by yeast and lactic acid bacteria, conducts fermentation. These microorganisms have complex synergistic or competitive relationships, and the participation of different microorganisms has a major impact on the fermentation process and the flavor and aroma of the product. Strain selection is one of the key steps. Utilizing scientific breeding technology, the relationship between strains can be managed, the composition of the alcoholic beverage microbial community can be improved, and the quality and flavor of the alcoholic beverage products can be increased. Currently, research on the microbial diversity of alcohol beverages has received extensive attention. However, the selection technology for dominant bacteria in alcohol beverages has not yet been systematically summarized. To breed better-quality alcohol beverage strains and improve the quality and characteristics of wine, this paper introduces the microbial diversity characteristics of the world’s three major brewing alcohols: beer, wine, and yellow wine, as well as the breeding technologies of related strains. The application of culture selection technology in the study of microbial diversity of brewed wine was reviewed and analyzed. The strain selection technology and alcohol beverage process should be combined to explore the potential application of a diverse array of alcohol beverage strains, thereby boosting the quality and flavor of the alcohol beverage and driving the sustainable development of the alcoholic beverage industry.
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In this study, we investigated the structural properties and digestibility of wheat starch treated with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA). For the experiment, the samples were reacted with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% OSA (pH 8.5–9.0) for 2 h. A light micrograph showed
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In this study, we investigated the structural properties and digestibility of wheat starch treated with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA). For the experiment, the samples were reacted with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% OSA (pH 8.5–9.0) for 2 h. A light micrograph showed that there was no difference in the morphology and Maltese cross between native and OSA-treated starch. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the native and OSA-treated starches showed typical A-type diffraction. In addition, the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum showed a distinct carbonyl peak at approximately 1730 cm−1, indicating the stretching vibration of the C=O bond of the ester group. The degree of substitution (DS) and content of resistant starch (RS) increased with increasing concentrations of treated OSA because of the increase in ester bonds. In particular, RS was thermostable compared to the RS content in uncooked and cooked starch. Blood glucose levels and response in vivo decreased as the OSA concentration increased. Treatment of wheat starch with 8% OSA concentration produced 35.6% heat-stable resistant starch. These results suggest that starch modified with OSA can be used to produce functional foods for diabetes.
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In a rapidly changing world with increasing environmental and health issues, it is necessary to steer research in an appropriate direction while keeping our health in mind [...]
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In recent years, there has been a concerning surge in waste generation, with agri-food waste emerging as a significant issue across various stages of the food supply chain [...]
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A straightforward, fast and efficient analytical method was developed which utilizes a magnetic composite called three-dimensional graphene (3D-G@Fe3O4) as an adsorbent to recover nitrite ions (NO2−) from environmental water samples. The investigation into the synthesized adsorbent
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A straightforward, fast and efficient analytical method was developed which utilizes a magnetic composite called three-dimensional graphene (3D-G@Fe3O4) as an adsorbent to recover nitrite ions (NO2−) from environmental water samples. The investigation into the synthesized adsorbent contained an examination of its morphology, chemical composition, structural attributes, and magnetic properties. This comprehensive analysis was conducted using various instrumental techniques, including Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The adsorbent surface was activated by adding cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to the sample solution. To improve the selectivity and sensitivity of the method, nitrite ions were reacted with sulfanilic acid and chromotropic acid sequentially. An orange-red azo-dye complex was formed in the presence of nitrite ions with a clear absorbance peak at 514 nm. The effect of the main experimental parameters such as the pH of the sample solution, adsorbent dosage, and CTAB dosage was explored, and the optimization process was performed using a central composite design (CCD). The linear dynamic range (20–100 ng mL−1) was determined under optimal experimental circumstances, yielding a reasonable determination coefficient (R2, 0.9993), a detection limit of 5.12 ng mL−1, an enrichment factor of 167, and precision values of 1.0% intraday and 2.9% inter-day. The methodology successfully identified minute nitrite ions in environmental water samples with relative recoveries that varied between 96.05 and 101.6 ng mL−1.
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Prospective environmental and technological assessment of emerging chemical processes is necessary to identify, analyze and evaluate the technologies that are highly imperative in the transition towards climate neutrality. The investigation of the environmental impacts and material and energy requirements of the processes at
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Prospective environmental and technological assessment of emerging chemical processes is necessary to identify, analyze and evaluate the technologies that are highly imperative in the transition towards climate neutrality. The investigation of the environmental impacts and material and energy requirements of the processes at the low technology readiness level (TRL) is important in making early decisions about the feasibility of adapting and upscaling the process to the industrial level. However, the upscaling of new chemical processes has always been a major challenge; and in this context, there is no general methodological guidance available in the literature. Hence, a new comprehensive methodological framework for upscaling of novel chemical processes is designed and presented based on thermodynamic process modeling and simulation. The practical implementation of the proposed methodology is extensively discussed by developing a scaled-up novel carbon capture and utilization (CCU) process comprised of sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) from blast furnace gas with a capacity of 1000 liter per hour (L/h) using methanol and its utilization as a precursor to produce methane (CH4). It was found that thermodynamic process modeling and simulations based on the perturbed-chain statistical associating (PC-SAFT) equation of state (EOS) can precisely estimate the CO2 solubility in methanol and conversion to CH4 at various temperature and pressure conditions. The achieved thermophysical property and kinetics parameters can be employed in process simulations to estimate scaled-up environmental flows and material and energy requirements of the process.
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This article focuses on the analysis of dynamics emerging in a network of Hodgkin–Huxley reaction–diffusion equations. The network has three levels. The three neurons in level 1 receive a periodic input but do not receive inputs from other neurons. The three neurons in
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This article focuses on the analysis of dynamics emerging in a network of Hodgkin–Huxley reaction–diffusion equations. The network has three levels. The three neurons in level 1 receive a periodic input but do not receive inputs from other neurons. The three neurons in level 2 receive inputs from one specific neuron in level 1 and all neurons in level 3. The neurons in level 3 (all other neurons) receive inputs from all other neurons in levels 2 and 3. Furthermore, the right-hand side of pre-synaptic neurons is connected to the left-hand side of the post-synaptic neurons. The synchronization phenomenon is observed for neurons in level 3, even though the system is initiated with different functions. As far as we know, it is the first time that evidence of the synchronization phenomenon is provided for spatially extended Hodgkin–Huxley equations, which are periodically forced at three different sites and embedded in such a hierarchical network with space-dependent coupling interactions.
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Waddington envisioned stem cell differentiation as a marble rolling down a hill, passing through hierarchically branched valleys representing the cell’s temporal state. The terminal valleys at the bottom of the hill indicate the possible committed cells of the multicellular organism. Although originally proposed
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Waddington envisioned stem cell differentiation as a marble rolling down a hill, passing through hierarchically branched valleys representing the cell’s temporal state. The terminal valleys at the bottom of the hill indicate the possible committed cells of the multicellular organism. Although originally proposed as a metaphor, Waddington’s hypothesis establishes the fundamental principles for characterizing the differentiation process as a dynamic system: the generated equilibrium points must exhibit hierarchical branching, robustness to perturbations (homeorhesis), and produce the appropriate number of cells for each cell type. This article aims to capture these characteristics using a mathematical model based on two fundamental hypotheses. First, it is assumed that the gene regulatory network consists of hierarchically coupled subnetworks of genes (modules), each modeled as a dynamical system exhibiting supercritical pitchfork or cusp bifurcation. Second, the gene modules are spatiotemporally regulated by feedback mechanisms originating from epigenetic factors. Analytical and numerical results show that the proposed model exhibits self-organized multistability with hierarchical branching. Moreover, these branches of equilibrium points are robust to perturbations, and the number of different cells produced can be determined by the system parameters.
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The cause(s) of missing inflectional morphology in obligatory contexts by adult speakers of second language (L2) English is subject to ongoing discussion. Whatever the specific theory, however, the apparent asymmetrical production of the morpheme ‘-s’ in the marking of number on plural nouns
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The cause(s) of missing inflectional morphology in obligatory contexts by adult speakers of second language (L2) English is subject to ongoing discussion. Whatever the specific theory, however, the apparent asymmetrical production of the morpheme ‘-s’ in the marking of number on plural nouns versus that on third person singular agreement has to be accounted for. This study adopts the theoretical approach put forward by the Prosodic Transfer Hypothesis, whereby the prosodic representation of inflectional morphology in the first language (L1) can, to some extent, account for differences in the suppliance of inflectional morphology in L2 English within and across L1s. It is in this context that the production of third person singular agreement, and, for contrastive purposes, number on plural nouns, by L1 Bengali speakers of L2 English, is are considered in relation to available prosodic representation in the L1, as well as against phonological processes attested in L1 acquisition. More specifically, covert contrasts. An inspection of spectrograms from instances of the omission of inflection by L1 Bengali speakers of L2 English at Beginner to Intermediate proficiency levels does not, however, indicate that learners are covertly supplying agreement on the third person singular (or plural number on nouns). This finding does not necessarily rule out the occurrence of covert contrasts in L2 production of inflectional morphology; alternative techniques may detect a systematic difference between bare verbs and non-audible (to the listener) inflection.
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The purpose of this study is to present the state of the art of recent research on nonverbal communication in L2 classroom interaction, in particular on teachers’ and students’ gestures, and then focus on a case of gestures in an L2 Italian classroom.
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The purpose of this study is to present the state of the art of recent research on nonverbal communication in L2 classroom interaction, in particular on teachers’ and students’ gestures, and then focus on a case of gestures in an L2 Italian classroom. A corpus of video-recorded interactions (CLODIS) were analyzed to answer the following research question: How do L2 Italian native teachers behave when addressing international students? Are there differences with what has been observed in other foreign language (L2) teaching contexts? Both previous data-based research on multimodality in L2 classes and the analysis on CLODIS show that teachers select and coordinate multiple semiotic modes as interactional resources to complete various teaching tasks. Furthermore, Italian native teachers use not only the typical pedagogical gestures (both iconic and metaphorical), but also culturally specific emblems that may cause misunderstandings or inappropriate mirroring effects. For these reasons, it is important that L2 teachers develop a good multimodal awareness, especially if they teach their mother tongue to foreign students and if they belong to a “contact culture”, as is the case observed in L2 Italian classes.
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Cultural philosophies, belief systems and experiences serve as superordinate cultural concepts that are reconceptualised and expressed using metaphorical personal names in Mabia languages. Metaphorical personal names are ‘vehicles’ that transport the worldviews of speakers of Mabia languages to the target audiences. Every metaphorical
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Cultural philosophies, belief systems and experiences serve as superordinate cultural concepts that are reconceptualised and expressed using metaphorical personal names in Mabia languages. Metaphorical personal names are ‘vehicles’ that transport the worldviews of speakers of Mabia languages to the target audiences. Every metaphorical personal name shares properties of a superordinate umbrella concept such that even newly created metaphorical names fall within an already existing cultural philosophy. This study argues that there is a corresponding relationship between a metaphorical personal name, the source domain, and its superordinate umbrella philosophical concept, the target domain. The study uses data from four Mabia ‘sister’ languages of West Africa: Dagbani, Kusaal, Likpakpaln, and Sisaali. The findings show that the source domains of these names include the name-bearer and the personal name itself, and the name-giver, whilst the target domains include flora and fauna terms, belief systems, innuendos and proverbs, experiences of name-givers, ‘death prevention’ labels, among others. The article also establishes that both sociocultural and ethnolinguistic factors influence the use of metaphorical personal names in the cultures under study. The Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) is employed for the analysis of data in this research. The work uses the qualitative method and data are sourced from semi-structured interviews, from school registers and other previous studies on personal names in the selected languages.
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According to the Phase Impenetrability Condition (PIC), phasal domains are opaque to further syntactic operations. Some researchers claim that the PIC applies in the phonological component of grammar (i.e., at PF). Others, however, claim that there is no PIC at PF. I use
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According to the Phase Impenetrability Condition (PIC), phasal domains are opaque to further syntactic operations. Some researchers claim that the PIC applies in the phonological component of grammar (i.e., at PF). Others, however, claim that there is no PIC at PF. I use data from Turkish to provide new arguments against the PIC-at-PF view and conclude that the PIC can only possibly hold in syntax. I show that the PIC-at-PF view is too restrictive, as it makes incorrect predictions about variable prosodic domain formation and optional prosodic variation in Turkish.
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Background: Little is known about morphogenetic changes in the umbilical cord during the maturation process. Extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, progenitor activity, and immunomodulation are represented by specific markers; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2),
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Background: Little is known about morphogenetic changes in the umbilical cord during the maturation process. Extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, progenitor activity, and immunomodulation are represented by specific markers; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP2), CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and human β-defensin 2 (HBD2) in preterm and full-term human umbilical cord tissue. Methods: Samples of umbilical cord tissue were obtained from 17 patients and divided into two groups: very preterm and moderate preterm birth umbilical cords; late preterm birth and full-term birth umbilical cords. Routine histology examination was conducted. Marker-positive cells were detected using the immunohistochemistry method. The number of positive structures was counted semi-quantitatively using microscopy. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS Statistics 29 program. Results: Extraembryonic mesenchyme cells are the most active cell producers, expressing MMP2, TIMP2, VEGF, and HBD2 at notable levels in preterm and full-term umbilical cord tissue. Statistically significant differences in the expression of CD34, MMP2, and TIMP2 between the two patient groups were found. The expression of VEGF was similar in both patient groups, with the highest number of VEGF-positive cells seen in the extraembryonic mesenchyme. The expression of HBD2 was the highest in the extraembryonic mesenchyme and the amniotic epithelium, where mostly moderate numbers of HBD2-positive cells were detected. Conclusions: Extracellular matrix remodeling in preterm and term umbilical cords is strongly regulated, and tissue factors MMP2 and TIMP2 take part in this process. The expression of VEGF is not affected by the umbilical cord’s age; however, individual patient factors can affect the production of VEGF. Numerous CD34-positive cells in the endothelium of the umbilical arteries suggest a significant role of progenitor cells in very preterm and moderate preterm birth umbilical cords. Antimicrobial activity provided by HBD2 is essential and constant in preterm and full-term umbilical cords.
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This work presents two mixed-integer programming models that intend to minimize the costs of the picking and storage operation through better planning and organization of the places occupied by the products in the warehouse. A large customer that stores frozen goods in a
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This work presents two mixed-integer programming models that intend to minimize the costs of the picking and storage operation through better planning and organization of the places occupied by the products in the warehouse. A large customer that stores frozen goods in a Portuguese cold chain logistics company was selected for the analysis of the allocation of the products in the warehouse and of the corresponding outbound movements. Data with 8525 movements that occurred during 2021 were collected for 228 different product references. For this case study, the products that had a picking place in the initial scenario now have pallets with all the goods in the reserve area, and vice versa. The mathematical models were permitted to obtain savings for the logistics operator costs of around 30.9%. The proposed models can, in the future, be applied in other warehouse scenarios to companies in completely different sectors of activity.
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Population migration continues to reshape the spatial pattern of China’s population and regional economic development. During this internal migration process, production and consumption patterns often change, ultimately leading to changes in green total factor productivity. This paper, based on the Chinese population census
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Population migration continues to reshape the spatial pattern of China’s population and regional economic development. During this internal migration process, production and consumption patterns often change, ultimately leading to changes in green total factor productivity. This paper, based on the Chinese population census data and 1% sampling survey data from 2005 to 2015, utilizes social network analysis methods to measure the labor mobility network indicators of 284 prefecture-level cities. Further, this paper analyzes the impact and mechanisms of regional network status on green total factor productivity using a panel fixed effects model. We find that as network density increases, the interpersonal connections between regions become closer, and the network exhibits a clear pattern of “concentrated inflows” and “dispersed outflows”, with the trend of forming strong alliances becoming increasingly apparent. Regions positioned centrally either in terms of network in-degree or out-degree exhibit higher green total factor productivity. Among these, the labor mobility network plays a crucial role in enhancing green total factor productivity through the channel of technology diffusion effects, which improve investment efficiency via knowledge exchange and material capital accumulation. The promotive effect of labor network status on green total factor productivity is more pronounced in the eastern regions, where talent quality is higher, and in areas with fewer restrictions from the household registration system.
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The healthcare industry is confronted with the challenge to offer an increasing variety of healthcare services while in the meantime controlling rapidly increasing healthcare costs. Mass customization has been proven to be an effective strategy to fulfill customers’ individual specific needs with high
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The healthcare industry is confronted with the challenge to offer an increasing variety of healthcare services while in the meantime controlling rapidly increasing healthcare costs. Mass customization has been proven to be an effective strategy to fulfill customers’ individual specific needs with high efficiency and low cost in the manufacturing industry. This paper investigates the theoretical feasibility and practical applicability of adopting mass customization as a conceptual framework for designing a healthcare service delivery system. The nature of healthcare delivery systems and their evolution are discussed relative to those of manufacturing systems. Recent research in personalized medicine, consumer-driven healthcare, consumer healthcare informatics, and integrated healthcare delivery is reviewed as enabling technologies towards mass customization of healthcare services. By synthesizing these scattered efforts in different streams of literature, this paper concludes that mass customization can contribute to the redesign of healthcare service systems, and delineates a roadmap for future research.
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