Corporate Social Responsibility in Controversial Industries or How to Fail Spectacularly

The present study is a critical appraisal of corporate social responsibility(CSR)and the certain type of the industry players who manage to conceal their detrimental core businesses behind CSR fa?ade.Accordingly,the paper explores existing controversies between theoretical understanding and practical implementation of CSR,as well as the failure of the legal framework concerning CSR reporting.The paper suggests the following as a remedy for the existing problems:denotational refinement of CSR from versatile to explicit,inclusion of constructive criticism through NGOs,the inception of common framework vis-à-vis CSR reporting,and ranking/monitoring of companies by third-party organizations.

Nogo-A and its functions beyond axonal inhibition: the controversial role of Nogo-A in Parkinson's disease

Nogo-A belongs to the reticulon family（RTN4）and is generally assumed to be one of the most potent myelin associated neurite outgrowth inhibitors in the central nervous system（CNS）.Together with other inhibitors such as the myelin associated glycoprotein（MAG）,oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein（OMgp）,

Conducting Discussions on Controversial Issues in College Classrooms

Student identity,their dichotomous logical framework,and teachers' beliefs constitute the major obstacles in conducting classroom discussion on controversial issues. This essay analyzes these obstacles and provides suggestions for teachers in tackling the problems,so that classroom discussions on controversial issues may exert beneficial outcomes.

Deciphering controversial results of cell proliferation on TiO2 nanotubes using machine learning

With the rapid development of biomedical sciences,contradictory results on the relationships between biological responses and material properties emerge continuously,adding to the challenge of interpreting the incomprehensible interfacial process.In the present paper,we use cell proliferation on titanium dioxide nanotubes(TNTs)as a case study and apply machine learning methodologies to decipher contradictory results in the literature.The gradient boosting decision tree model demonstrates that cell density has a higher impact on cell proliferation than other obtainable experimental features in most publications.Together with the variation of other essential features,the controversy of cell proliferation trends on various TNTs is understandable.By traversing all combinational experimental features and the corresponding forecast using an exhausted grid search strategy,we find that adjusting cell density and sterilization methods can simultaneously induce opposite cell proliferation trends on various TNTs diameter,which is further validated by experiments.This case study reveals that machine learning is a burgeoning tool in deciphering controversial results in biomedical researches,opening up an avenue to explore the structure-property relationships of biomaterials.

Non-operative management of rectal cancer: Highlighting the controversies

There remains much ambiguity on what non-operative management(NOM)of rectal cancer truly entails in terms of the methods to be adopted and the best algorithm to follow.This is clearly shown by the discordance between various national and international guidelines on NOM of rectal cancer.The main aim of the NOM strategy is organ preservation and avoiding unnecessary surgical in-tervention,which carries its own risk of morbidity.A highly specific and sensitive surveillance program must be devised to avoid patients undergoing unnecessary surgical interventions.In many studies,NOM,often interchangeably called the Watch and Wait strategy,has been shown as a promising treatment option when undertaken in the appropriate patient population,where a clinical complete res-ponse is achieved.However,there are no clear guidelines on patient selection for NOM along with the optimal method of surveillance.

Controversies regarding transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have tantalized regenerative medicine with their therapeutic potential,yet a cloud of controversies looms over their clinical tran-splantation.This comprehensive review navigates the intricate landscape of MSC controversies,drawing upon 15 years of clinical experience and research.We delve into the fundamental properties of MSCs,exploring their unique immuno-modulatory capabilities and surface markers.The heart of our inquiry lies in the controversial applications of MSC transplantation,including the perennial debate between autologous and allogeneic sources,concerns about efficacy,and lingering safety apprehensions.Moreover,we unravel the enigmatic mechanisms surro-unding MSC transplantation,such as homing,integration,and the delicate balance between differentiation and paracrine effects.We also assess the current status of clinical trials and the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.As we peer into the future,we examine emerging trends,envisioning personalized medicine and innovative delivery methods.Our review provides a balanced and informed perspective on the controversies,offering readers a clear understanding of the complexities,challenges,and potential solutions in MSC transplantation.

科技是福还是祸?

Ever since Neanderthal1man first rubbed2dry sticks to make fire or figured out that wheels work better when round,mankind has sought progress.It’s just another formof evolution：Darwin should be proud.However,the greater our advances,the more controversial they can become;to the extent that many might question whether they are＂progress＂at all.When progress ameliorates3life,that is one thing;but when it simply improves lifestyle,that is something else entirely.

四、六级难句攻关(53)

翻译：也许最重要的一个例子发生在上月底,德克萨斯州的一名联邦法官阻止该州实行一项有争议的法律，该法律要关闭该州一半的人流诊所。

Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Suppresses Gliomas Growth by Decreasing the Microvessels

Although 5-aminolevulinic acid（5-ALA）-mediated photodynamic therapy（PDT） has been demonstrated to be a novel and effective therapeutic modality for some human malignancies, its effect and mechanism on glioma are still controversial. Previous studies have reported that 5-ALA-PDT induced necrosis of C6 rat glioma cells in vitro. The aim of this study was to further investigate the effect and mechanism of 5-ALA-PDT on C6 gliomas implanted in rats in vivo. Twenty-four rats bearing similar size of subcutaneously implanted C6 rat glioma were randomly divided into 3 groups： receiving 5-ALA-PDT（group A）, laser irradiation（group B）, and mock procedures but without any treatment（group C）, respectively. The growth, histology, microvessel density（MVD）, and apoptosis of the grafts in each group were determined after the treatments. As compared with groups B and C, the volume of tumor grafts was significantly reduced（P〈0.05）, MVD was significantly decreased（P〈0.001）, and the cellular necrosis was obviously increased in group A. There was no significant difference in apoptosis among the three groups. The in vivo studies confirmed that 5-ALA-PDT may be an effective treatment for gliomas by inhibiting the tumor growth. The mechanism underlying may involve increasing the cellular necrosis but not inducing the cellular apoptosis, which may result from the destruction of the tumor microvessels.

Biventricular Repair versus Uni-ventricular Repair for Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventrical Septum:A Systematic Review

The management of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum（PA/IVS） remains controversial. The goal of separating systematic and pulmonary circulation can be achieved by biventricular or uni-ventricular（Fontan or one and a half ventricle repair） strategies. Although outcomes have been improved,these surgical procedures are still associated with high mortality and morbidity. An optimal strategy for definitive repair has yet to be defined. We searched databases for genetically randomized controlled trials（RCTs） comparing biventricular with uni-ventricular repair for patient with PA/IVS. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed following the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration. Primary outcome measures were overall survival,and secondary criteria included exercise function,arrhythmia-free survival and treatment-related mortality. A total number of 669 primary citations were screened for relevant studies. Detailed analysis revealed that no RCTs were found to adequately address the research question and no systematic meta-analysis would have been carried out. Nevertheless,several retrospective analyses and case series addressed the question of finding right balance between biventricular and uni-ventricular repair for patient with PA/IVS. In this review,we will discuss the currently available data.

Self-renewal memory of tumor-repopulating cells

Tumor-initiating cells(TICs)are a highly tumorigenic subpopulation of solid tumor cells that play a critical role in the initiation of cancer~[1].These tumorigenic cells resist conventional chemotherapeutic drug treatment and are assumed to be playing major roles in cancer relapses after chemotherapy~[2].However,the notion of TICs has been rather controversial.A report shows that a high percentage(】25%)of human melanoma cells can generate a tumor in a NOD-SCID interleukin-2 receptor gamma chain null mouse~[3],suggesting that there is no clonal development of solid tumors,refuting the idea of TICs.We recently developed a method of isolating TICs from cancer cell lines by culturing single individual cells of B16-F1(a melanoma cell line)into 3D soft fibrin gels~[4].In addition to being able to generate local tumors in a

ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF ACUTE STAGE PERIPHERAL FACIAL PARALYSIS

The use of electro-acupuncture in treatingperipheral facial paralysis during the acute stagehas been a controversial issue among acupunc-turists.Since 1970,100 cases of acute stage peri-pheral facial paralysis(1-10 days after onset)have been treated with electro-acupuncture witha curs rate of 84% and an effective rate of 100%,no cases showing aggravation of symptoms aftertreatment.Electro-acupuncture is therefore usefulin the treatment for acute stage peripheral facialparalysis.

Effects of amlodipine-based therapy on cognitive function in high-risk hypertensive patients

Objective Recent evidence has indicated that hypertension is associated with impaired cognitive function. However, the prevention of cognitive disorders with antihypertensive therapy remains controversial.The trial provided evidence to compare the efficacy on cognitive function with the combination of amlodipine with diuretics or angiotensin II receptor blocker.

WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF(February 16-29)

The UN Security Council ended its debate on the South Korean Airliner crash on February 17 after a 2-day meeting without agreeing. to take any action on the controversial matter. The 2nd direct talks between the Nicaraguan Government and the Contras which began on February 18 in. Guatemala City. were suddenly broken next day.

The Taxonomic History and Original Literatures Arrangements of Living <i>Cephalotaxus</i>(Cephalotaxaceae)

Living Cephalotaxus (plum yews) occurs mainly in East Asia and North of Indo-China peninsula. The study of original taxonomic literatures found that, in early days, the plum yews had ever been described as palnts of Taxus (Taxaceae). Since after the genus name Cephalotaxus Sieb. & Zucc. was firstly cited (from inedited and unpublished Flora Japonica) by Endlicher in 1842, most taxonomist thought which is the earliest time of the genus Cephalotaxus Sieb. & Zucc. was set. However, the genus Cephalotaxus Sieb. & Zucc. was formally effective and valid published by Sieb. & Zucc. in Flora Japonica in 1870 so that there exists some confusions in chronological order. Originally as a genus, Cephalotaxus was included in family Taxaceae and Neger (1907) separated Cephalotaxus from Taxaceae and set family Cephalotaxaceae. Later, Fu (1984) divided Cephalotaxus up into two sections of Cephalotaxus Sieb. & Zucc. sect. Pectinatae L. K. Fu and Cephalotaxus Sieb. & Zucc. sect. Cephalotaxus L. K. Fu on the bases of C. oliveri Masters differ significantly from other taxa of Cephalotaxus in morphological characteristics. Although the plum yews was a little genus of conifers, up to now, about 77 taxa have still been published by taxonomist in different countries or regions. Among them, C. tardiva Sieb. ex Endl. (1847), C. umbraculifera Sieb. ex Endl. (1847), C. sumatrana Miq. (1856) and C. celebica Warb. (1900) have been combined to Taxus, and C. argotaenia (Hance) Pilger (1903) has been combined to Amentotaxus. And at the same time, those taxa existing in Cephalotaxus courently which were accepted by most taxonomist in different countries was also cited in acticle. Lastly, the paper thought presently there still exists many debates about binary classification of Cephalotaxus and the nomenclature of this genus still particularly confusing. Based on some controversial problems, we also point out some taxonomically researching directions at creating some order out of the chaos.

Ethical Perceptions and Moral Values of Public Relations Practitioners in the United Arab Emirates

This paper investigates the perceptions, values, and considerations of ethics among public relations practitioners in the United Arab Emirates （UAE）. A questionnaire was distributed to 372 practitioners in various private and government organizations. Practitioners were asked how influential and relevant public relations ethical factors were on the practitioner＇s perception of ethics. Findings suggest that the daily practice of public relations day-by-day professionally practice learning, senior practitioners, senior executives, and managers along with religion play a major role in shaping the meaning, philosophy, and conception of the practitioner＇s ethics. Respondents were asked to describe the level of support they would give to the controversial public relations practices that may generate some ethical problems. The majority of the respondents did not agree on the use of ＂spreading rumors＂, ＂providing false information to satisfy the public＂, ＂misinformation and manipulation＂, ＂giving false promises＂, and ＂would not approve favoring personal interest over public interest＂.

The Legendary Figure in Greek Mythology——Helen of Troy

Helen of Troy has been depicted in many ways by different writers, from Homer onwards. She was both mortal and immortal. And she was involved in battles for many times, especially, the Trojan War. Both her birth and her life are legendary and mysterious, which cause many conflicting views and arguments.

Different Views on the Historical Status of Song Dynasty

The purpose of this research is to identify the historical status of Song Dynasty of China.The historical status of Song Dynasty has been a controversial topic for a long time.Song Dynasty has been remembered in different ways in China and in the West at different times.This study will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Song Dynasty and evaluate Song Dynasty real istically and fairly.

The Evolution of Stinging Hairs and Other Characters in Nettle Family

Urticaceae Juss.is a large cosmopolitan family and taxonomically difficult group,partly because it encompasses a broad range of morphological diversity and many of the diagnostic characters（e.g.flower,achene.stipule,bract）require a microscope for accurate determination.Meanwhile,most Uriiceae species have stinging hairs which make them more difficult to collect and identify.As a result,the infra-familial classification of Urticaceae has been controversial for more than a century.A research group led by Prof.