bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of Fmo5-/- mice reveal roles for flavin-containing monooxygenase 5 (FMO5) in NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response, unfolded protein response, lipid homeostasis, and carbohydrate and one-carbon metabolism
Authors: Phillips Ian R. , Veeravalli Sunil , Khadayate Sanjay , Shephard Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2023

Flavin-containing monooxygenase 5 (FMO5) is a member of the FMO family of proteins, best known for their roles in the detoxification of foreign chemicals and, more recently, in endogenous metabolism. We have previously shown that Fmo5-/- mice display an age-related lean phenotype, with much reduced weight gain from 20 weeks of age. The phenotype is characterized by decreased fat deposition, lower plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and cholesterol, higher glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and resistance to diet-induced obesity. In the present study we report the use of metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of livers of Fmo5-/- and wild-type mice to identify factors underlying the lean phenotype of Fmo5-/- mice and gain insights into the function of FMO5. Metabolomics was performed by the Metabolon platform, utilising ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy. Transcriptomics was performed by RNA-Seq and results analysed by DESeq2. Disruption of the Fmo5 gene has wide-ranging effects on the abundance of metabolites and expression of genes in the liver. Metabolites whose concentration differed between Fmo5-/- and wild-type mice include several saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, complex lipids, amino acids, one-carbon intermediates and ADP-ribose. Among the genes most significantly and/or highly differentially expressed are Apoa4, Cd36, Fitm1, Hspa5, Hyou1, Ide, Me1 and Mme. The results reveal that FMO5 is involved in upregulating the NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response, the unfolded protein response and response to hypoxia and cellular stress, indicating a role for the enzyme in adaptation to oxidative and metabolic stress. FMO5 also plays a role in stimulating a wide range of metabolic pathways and processes, particularly ones involved in lipid homeostasis, the uptake and metabolism of glucose, the generation of cytosolic NADPH, and in one-carbon metabolism. The results predict that FMO5 acts by stimulating the NRF2, XBP1, PPARA and PPARG regulatory pathways, while inhibiting STAT1 and IRF7 pathways.
Can the soil seed bank of Rumex obtusifolius in productive grasslands be explained by management and soil properties?
Authors: Suter Matthias , Klötzli Julie , Beaumont Deborah , Kolmanič Aleš , Leskovšek Robert , Schaffner Urs , Storkey Jonathan , Lüscher Andreas
Published: June 2023

Rumex obtusifolius is a problematic weed in temperate grasslands worldwide as it decreases yield and nutritional value of forage. Because the species can recruit from the seed bank, we determined the effect of management and soil properties on the soil seed bank of R. obtusifolius in intensively managed, permanent grasslands in Switzerland (CH), Slovenia (SI), and United Kingdom (UK). Following a paired case-control design, soil cores were taken from the topsoil of grassland with a high density of R. obtusifolius plants (cases) and from nearby parcels with very low R. obtusifolius density (controls). Data on grassland management, soil nutrients, pH, soil texture, and density of R. obtusifolius plants were also collected. Seeds in the soil were germinated under optimal conditions in a glasshouse. The number of germinated seeds of R. obtusifolius in case parcels was 866 ±152 m-2 (CH, mean ±SE), 628 ±183 m-2 (SI), and 752 ±183 m-2 (UK), with no significant difference among countries. Densities in individual case parcels ranged from 0 up to approximately 3000 seeds m-2 (each country). Control parcels had significantly fewer seeds, with a mean of 51 ±18, 75 ±52, and 98 ±52 seeds m-2 in CH, SI, and UK, respectively, and a range between 0 and up to 1000 seeds m-2. Across countries, variables explaining variation in the soil seed bank of R. obtusifolius in case parcels were soil pH (negative relation), silt content (negative), land-use intensity (negative), and aboveground R. obtusifolius plant density (positive). Because a large soil seed bank can sustain grassland infestation with R. obtusifolius, management strategies to control the species should target the reduction in the density of mature plants, prevention of the species’ seed production and dispersal, as well as the regulation of the soil pH to a range optimal for forage production.
Testing persuasive messages about booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines on intention to vaccinate in Australian adults: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Steffens Maryke S. , Bullivant Bianca , Kaufman Jessica , King Catherine , Danchin Margie , Hoq Monsurul , Marques Mathew D.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Achieving high COVID-19 vaccine booster coverage is an ongoing global challenge. Health authorities need evidence about effective communication interventions to improve acceptance and uptake. This study aimed to test effects of persuasive messages about COVID-19 vaccine booster doses on intention to vaccinate amongst eligible adults in Australia.

Methods

In this online randomised controlled trial, adult participants received one of four intervention messages or a control message. The control message provided information about booster dose eligibility. Intervention messages added to the control message, each using a different persuasive strategy, including: emphasising personal health benefits of booster doses, community health benefits, non-health benefits, and personal agency in choosing vaccination. After the intervention, participants answered items about COVID-19 booster vaccine intention and beliefs. Intervention groups were compared to the control using tests of two proportions; differences of ≥5 percentage points were deemed clinically significant. A sub-group analysis was conducted among hesitant participants.

Results

Of the 487 consenting and randomised participants, 442 (90.8%) completed the experiment and were included in the analysis. Participants viewing messages emphasising non-health benefits had the highest intention compared to those who viewed the control message (percentage point diff: 9.0, 95% CI -0.8, 18.8, p = 0.071). Intention was even higher among hesitant individuals in this intervention group compared to the control group (percentage point diff: 15.6, 95% CI -6.0, 37.3, p = 0.150). Conversely, intention was lower among hesitant individuals who viewed messages emphasising personal agency compared to the control group (percentage point diff: -10.8, 95% CI -33.0, 11.4, p = 0.330), although evidence in support of these findings is weak.

Conclusion

Health authorities should highlight non-health benefits to encourage COVID-19 vaccine booster uptake but use messages emphasising personal agency with caution. These findings can inform communication message development and strategies to improve COVID-19 vaccine booster uptake.

Clinical trial registration: Registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622001404718); trial webpage: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622001404718.aspx
Effect of habitual reading direction on saccadic eye movements: A pilot study
Authors: Lyu Anqi , Abel Larry , Cheong Allen M. Y.
Published: June 2023

Cognitive processes can influence the characteristics of saccadic eye movements. Reading habits, including habitual reading direction, also affect cognitive and visuospatial processes, favouring attention to the side where reading begins. Few studies have investigated the effect of habitual reading direction on saccade directionality of low-cognitive-demand stimuli (such as dots). The current study examined horizontal prosaccade, antisaccade, and self-paced saccade in subjects with two primary habitual reading directions. We hypothesised that saccades responding to the stimuli in subject’s habitual reading direction would show a longer prosaccade latency and lower antisaccade error rate (errors being a reflexive glance to a sudden-appearing target, rather than a saccade away from it). Sixteen young Chinese participants with primary habitual reading direction from left to right and sixteen young Arabic and Persian participants with primary habitual reading direction from right to left were recruited. All subjects spoke/read English as their second language. Subjects needed to look towards a 5°/10° target in the prosaccade task or look towards the mirror image location of the target in the antisaccade task and look between two 10° targets in the self-paced saccade task. Only Arabic and Persian participants showed a shorter and directional prosaccade latency towards 5° stimuli against their habitual reading direction. No significant effect of reading direction on antisaccade latency towards the correct directions was found. Chinese readers were found to generate significantly shorter prosaccade latencies and higher antisaccade directional errors compared with Arabic and Persian readers for stimuli appearing at their habitual reading side. The present pilot study provides insights into the effect of reading habits on saccadic eye movements of low-cognitive-demand stimuli and offers a platform for future studies to investigate the relationship between reading habits and eye movement behaviours.
POLÍTICA CRIMINAL E NEOLIBERALISMO: A INFLUÊNCIA DA LÓGICA ECONÔMICA NO SISTEMA DE JUSTIÇA CRIMINAL LATINO-AMERICANO
Authors: Macêdo Ribeiro Marcelo Herval , Melo Marcos Eugênio Vieira , Moura Roberto Barbosa de
Published: June 2023

Contextualização do tema: O trabalho aqui exposto se propõe a investigar a influência da racionalidade econômica neoliberal no sistema de justiça criminal latino-americano, notadamente considerando as particularidades e experiências próprias à realidade brasileira.
Objetivos: Partindo do pressuposto de que o neoliberalismo consiste em uma lógica econômica altamente heterogênea e capilarizada, com elevado potencial de influenciar os mais diversos segmentos da vida em sociedade, não escapando destes influxos a atuação do Estado diante do fenômeno criminal, pretende-se aqui verificar de que forma o neoliberalismo engendrou a formação de uma política voltada aos interesses mercadológicos, e como tal política conduziu ao fenômeno do encarceramento massivo no Brasil.
Metodologia: Para tanto, desenvolver-se-á uma pesquisa fundamentalmente bibliográfica e qualitativa, com a utilização de métodos predominantemente históricos, genealógicos e comparativos.
Resultados: Conclui-se das reflexões desenvolvidas neste trabalho, corresponde a uma racionalidade econômica que influencia diretamente na forma como o Estado responde ao fenômeno criminal. Nesse sentido, do ponto de vista criminológico, verificou-se que o neoliberalismo se aproxima da perspectiva do neorrealismo de direita, edificando um conjunto de premissas voltadas à maximização do controle social e à formulação de uma política de tolerância zero, baseada nos preceitos da lei e ordem (law and order).
ENTRE A OMC E A OIT: A QUEM COMPETE A REGULAMENTAÇÃO DAS PLATAFORMAS DIGITAIS DE TRABALHO À NÍVEL GLOBAL?
Authors: Cardoso Squeff Tatiana de A. F. R. , Ambo Okusiro Izabela
Published: June 2023

Contextualização do tema: Atualmente, existe uma crescente negligência internacional no que tange a precarização laboral promovida pela proliferação das empresas de aplicativo, as quais provocam o surgimento de um novo formato de trabalho que desconsidera muitos dos tradicionais direitos dos indivíduos. Nesse escopo, surge a necessidade de se pensar padrões comuns protetivos ao trabalhador nesse ambiente 4.0, sobressaindo-se a Organização Mundial do Comércio (OMC) e a Organização Internacional do Trabalho (OIT) como potenciais locus.

Objetivos: A presente pesquisa visa analisar a (falta de) regulamentação à nível global do crescente fenômeno da uberização do trabalho, evidenciando, sobretudo, o papel potencial da OMC e da OIT para o desenvolvimento da proteção do trabalhador.

Metodologia: Segue-se o método dedutivo de abordagem para o desenvolvimento do texto, os métodos histórico e descritivo-explicativo de análise de objetivos, e as técnicas bibliográfica e documental de procedimento de pesquisa, selecionadas desde as palavras-chave e utilizando-se de critérios qualitativos.

Resultados: Conclui-se que a cooperação entre elas seria o melhor caminho para o combate às condições laborais dos trabalhadores de plataforma, na medida em que a OMC, de um lado, poderia legitimar sanções econômicas às empresas de aplicativo que violassem os direitos laborais mínimos e, de outro, a OIT poderia exercer a sua regulamentação na domesticidade dos países através da elaboração de uma Convenção ou Recomendação.
LEI GERAL DE PROTEÇÃO DE DADOS E A REVISÃO DE DECISÕES AUTOMATIZADAS: OS MECANISMOS DE REGULAÇÃO BASEADOS EM UMA INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL ÉTICA
Authors: Rutowitsch Beck Cesar Augusto Moacyr , Manzoni Boff Murilo , Covatti Piaia Thami
Published: June 2023

Contextualização: Esse artigo discute como a previsão da LGPD pode ser uma prerrogativa para regulação em inteligência artificial, através de mecanismos de prestação de contas que inclua auditorias baseadas em ética, Oversight Board e autorregulação setorial, após uma avaliação dos riscos para definir o escopo da empresa e a natureza do tratamento de dados.

Objetivos: Esse artigo tem como objetivo geral analisar propostas para regulação sobre sistemas de decisões automatizadas, com base na regulação prevista na Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD) para pedidos de revisão de decisões automatizadas. Os sistemas de inteligência artificial possuem camadas de opacidade, em especial aqueles que tomam decisões sem a interferência de seres humanos. Em alguns sistemas, não é possível oferecer precisão absoluta sobre os caminhos que o algoritmo faz para determinada decisão. A LGPD previu a possibilidade de que o indivíduo requeira direito à explicação sobre essas decisões totalmente automatizadas.

Metodologia: Consiste numa pesquisa cuja metodologia adotada é a de revisão bibliográfica com base no método dedutivo.

Resultados: Sugere-se que os comitês de supervisão Oversight Board são organizações independentes ideais para sistemas automatizados que representam alto risco de violação de direitos ou padrões inadequados de decisões. Para outros níveis de risco, sugere-se que a autorregulação setorial pode ser utilizada para uma combinação de responsabilidade, ética e custo-benefício dividido entre as empresas.
INSTITUIÇÕES DE PAGAMENTO E REQUISITOS MÍNIMOS DE PATRIMÔNIO: CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE SEU RISCO SISTÊMICO
Authors: Klein Vinicius , Farias Rodolfo Rodrigues da Costa
Published: June 2023

Contextualização do tema: O avanço tecnológico proporcionou a criação de novas instituições no Sistema de Pagamentos Brasileiro. Essas inovações impactam a regulação deste mercado. Afinal, este crescimento acelerado demanda atenção com o risco sistêmico que estas entidades, quando não integrantes de conglomerados prudenciais, podem apresentar ao Sistema Financeiro Nacional (“SFN”), uma vez que elas possuem regulação diferente da aplicável Conglomerados Financeiros liderados por Instituições Financeiras tradicionais, entendidas neste estudo como os Bancos Múltiplos e Comerciais, ou mesmo as Sociedades de Crédito, Financiamento e Investimento (“SCFI”, popularmente conhecidas como Financeiras), em relação ao tratamento e requisitos de capital. A partir dessa abordagem distinta, parte-se da premissa que há algumas implicações negativas, diante do aspecto concorrencial e em relação ao risco à estabilidade do SFN decorrente do arranjo regulatório destinado às Instituições de Pagamento.
Objetivos: O presente artigo analisa a regulação incidente sobre as atividades de Instituições de Pagamento dentro do Sistema de Pagamentos Brasileiro no que tange aos requisitos mínimos de patrimônio para adequação à regulação prudencial aplicável.
Metodologia: Adota-se a técnica de revisão bibliográfica e o método hipotético-dedutivo para analisar com profundidade as regras previstas na Lei 12.865/2013 para proteção da higidez do Sistema Financeiro Brasileira.
Resultados:  Conclui-se que se faz necessária a adequação de regras que tratam de requisitos mínimos de patrimônio, dada a especificidades de atividades realizadas por Instituições de Pagamento em contraposição às Instituições Bancárias.
O REARRANJO DAS FORÇAS POLÍTICAS INTERNACIONAIS A PARTIR DA GUERRA NA UCRÂNIA – O FUTURO DO ESTADO DEMOCRÁTICO DE DIREITO
Authors: Neves Matsushita Mariana Barboza Baeta
Published: June 2023

Contextualização: a proposta do texto consiste em fazer uma digressão histórica nos antecedentes da Guerra da Ucrânia e na construção do Estado Democrático de Direito no século XX, tendo em vista a relevância da contextualização histórica e institucional da Guerra.

Objetivo: o presente artigo tem por objetivo a análise do rearranjo das forças políticas internacionais a partir da Guerra na Ucrânia, com vistas a vislumbrar os desafios que o Estado Democrático de Direito enfrentará após a Guerra.

Metodologia: a metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa bibliográfica da literatura sobre o tema e análise de notícias que tratam sobre a Guerra na Ucrânia.

Resultado: verificou-se que o Estado Democrático de Direito enfrentará relevantes desafios para a sua manutenção e desenvolvimento, tendo em vista o surgimento de o rearranjo das forças políticas internacionais.
Existence and asymptotic behavior of nontrivial solution for Klein–Gordon–Maxwell system with steep potential well
Authors: Wen Xueping , Chen Chunfang
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we consider the following nonlinear Klein–Gordon–Maxwell system with a steep potential well

{

−
Δ
u
+
(
λ
a
(
x
)
+
1
)
u
−
μ
(
2
ω
+
ϕ
)
ϕ
u
=
f
(
x
,
u
)
,

in

R

3

,

Δ
ϕ
=
μ
(
ω
+
ϕ
)

u
2

,

in

R

3

,

where
ω
>
0
is a constant,
μ
and
λ
are positive parameters,
f
∈
C
(

R

3

×

R

,

R

)
and the nonlinearity
f
satisfies the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition. We use parameter-dependent compactness lemma to prove the existence of nontrivial solution for
μ
small and
λ
large enough, then explore the asymptotic behavior as
μ
→
0
and
λ
→
∞
. Moreover, we also use truncation technique to study the existence and asymptotic behavior of positive solution of Klein–Gordon–Maxwell system when
f
(
u
)
:=

|

u

|

q
−
2

u

where
2
<
q
<
4
.
Comparative Evaluation of Rotational Thrombectomy and Vacuum Aspiration for Management of Chronic Thrombosis
Authors: Stibbs Peter
Published: June 2023

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters have been instrumental in decreasing the incidence of pulmonary embolism, particularly in patients with contraindications to anticoagulation or following major surgeries (1). However, these filters pose potential complications such as thrombosis, filter migration, and caval penetration (2). The management of thrombus formation, particularly the collagenized or chronic thrombus, is challenging due to its intrinsic characteristics (3). This case study introduces an innovative approach utilizing rotational thrombectomy to manage chronic thrombosis and underscores its effectiveness compared to conventional vacuum aspiration.
Knowledge attitudes and practice to sanitation facilities among secondary students in Sokoto Mtropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Osatogbe Jacob Abiodun , Ahmad Abdulrahaman
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Sanitation is vital to a community's health, lifespan, and economy. It's essential to a healthy community. Sanitation practises including toilets, latrines, and mechanical wastewater treatment contain or dispose of human excreta (and grey water) to protect human and environmental health. "Upgraded" sanitation access was renamed "basic" in 2015. "Upgraded" sanitation includes water cisterns, VIPs, trenches, soak away, and septic tanks that keep "human excreta from human touch" in a "healthy manner." Only contemporary, private restrooms provide safe sanitation. This study evaluates students' environmental sanitation knowledge, attitudes, and actions. A cross-sectional survey, structured observation, and in-person interviews assessed participants' sanitation and hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practises. Simple random sampling, which draws from a population of entities in which each entity has the same probability of selection and different entities are selected individually, gives each entity an equal chance (a probability greater than zero) of being selected in the sample. A probability sample gave us better accuracy than a random pick. This analysis shows that X2 is more than 3.84 with one degree of freedom and a 0.05 level of significance. Students' sanitation knowledge and attitudes correlated strongly, disproving the no-correlation null hypothesis. It's apparent that children are aware of bathrooms, yet their attitudes and behaviours towards using them remain unfavourable, producing major environmental concern. Proper hygiene should be taught and promoted to pupils. Educating and engaging pupils need greater creativity.
Epistasis and Gene Linkage in Modern Genomics: Unraveling Complex Genetic Interactions
Authors: Adedibu Peter Adeolu
Published: June 2023

The field of genomics has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent decades, enabling researchers to delve deeper into the complexities of the genome. Among the fundamental aspects of genetic inheritance, epistasis and gene linkage have emerged as critical factors that influence the inheritance patterns and phenotypic outcomes. Epistasis refers to the interaction between different genes, while gene linkage describes the tendency of certain genes to be inherited together due to their physical proximity on the same chromosome. Understanding these phenomena is crucial for unraveling the genetic basis of complex traits and diseases. This article provides a comprehensive overview of epistasis and gene linkage in modern genomics, exploring their mechanisms, significance, and implications for various fields of study. We explore the impact of epistasis and gene linkage on phenotype prediction, disease susceptibility, and evolutionary dynamics. Additionally, we delve into the applications of epistasis and gene linkage analysis in personalized medicine, crop improvement, and synthetic biology. Finally, we highlight current challenges and future directions in this rapidly evolving field, a network of complex genetic interactions that shape the diversity of life.
Natural Shocks and Internal Labor Migration: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Afzal Mir
Published: June 2023

Pakistan is among the hardest hit countries by natural disasters, particularly floods, earthquakes, and droughts. The study examines the impact of floods, earthquakes, and droughts on Pakistan's internal labor migration. Using the probit model, we determine whether the labor migration decision will differ in shock-affected and other districts in Pakistan. The findings show that internal labor migration likely decreases in shock-affected districts compared to other districts. We analyze the data separately for the rural and urban, male and female, and employed, unemployed and not-in-labor force for the robustness check. Urban region evidence is consistent with baseline results. However, for rural regions, the coefficient of natural shocks is statistically insignificant in the whole sample and across subsamples meaning that natural shocks have no significant impact on internal labor migration in the rural region.
Notes from the Editors, June 2023
Authors: Editors -
Published: June 2023

As the Pentagon gains approval for yet another record-breaking budget, the editors examine a perennial question: Why does the United States oligarchy need such an outsized military machine in the modern era? The answer is found in the current era of naked imperialism, accompanied, as always with deadly militarism.
The Myth of 1968 Thought and the French Intelligentsia
Authors: Rockhill Gabriel
Published: June 2023

In popular thought, the youth and student movements of France May 1968 have been linked with the thinkers of what is known as French theory. Gabriel Rockhill considers the actual, less-than-revolutionary actions of these popular philosophers in the student revolts, then turns our attention to a deeper question: Who benefits from drawing these tenuous connections?
Significados de docentes de educación para jóvenes y adultos en Chile y España, sobre el abandono escolar
Authors: Contreras-Villalobos Tabata , López Verónica , Lalueza José Luis
Published: June 2023

El Abandono Escolar (AE) es un proceso complejo, marcado por la desigualdad y exclusión, que sufren quienes no cumplen con ritmos y aprendizajes esperados. Es la Educación Para Jóvenes y Adultos (EPJA) quien acoge a estas personas. Sin embargo, su labor es invisibilizada, dificultando con ello la posibilidad de dar solución y respuesta a los múltiples desafíos que afrontan. Al respecto, encontramos dos países que han bajado sus cifras de AE, pero que no cuentan con el reconocimiento político y económico que les apoye. Son los y las docentes quienes podrían estar ejerciendo un rol clave para revertir el fenómeno. Por tanto, se plantea como objetivo comprender los significados de docentes EPJA en Chile y España sobre el AE, para dilucidar abordajes de acción. A través de una metodología cualitativa y estudio de caso múltiple, se analizaron 25 entrevistas correspondientes a docentes EPJA. Como resultado, existe una lectura sistémica de AE indicando que es el sistema educativo quien abandona, definiendo una identidad docente particular que sufre también el AE y que enfrenta el fenómeno a través del vínculo y acompañamiento. Elementos coherentes con una lógica de cuidado, literacidad crítica y justicia social que busca transformar y mejorar el sistema educativo.
Epidemiology of Leprosy
Authors: Richardus Jan Hendrik , Ignotti Eliane , Smith W Cairns S
Published: June 2023

Epidemiology of Leprosy
Rodent Models in Leprosy Research
Authors: Lenz Shannon M , Collins J Hunter , Lahiri Ramanuj , Adams Linda B
Published: June 2023

Rodent Models in Leprosy Research
The Bioarchaeology of Leprosy: Learning from the Past
Authors: Roberts Charlotte
Published: June 2023

The Bioarchaeology of Leprosy: Learning from the Past
Pathogenesis and Pathology of Leprosy
Authors: Scollard David M
Published: June 2023

Pathogenesis and Pathology of Leprosy
Treatment of Leprosy
Authors: Lockwood Diana NJ
Published: June 2023

Treatment of Leprosy
Innate Immunity
Authors: Moraes Milton Ozório , Silva Leonardo Ribeiro Batista , Pinheiro Roberta Olmo
Published: June 2023

Innate Immunity
Descriptive Pathology of Nerves in Leprosy
Authors: Shetty Vanaja P , Rambhia Kinjal D , Khopkar Uday S
Published: June 2023

Descriptive Pathology of Nerves in Leprosy
Pseudoholomorphic curves on the LCS-fication of contact manifolds
Authors: Oh Yong-Geun , Savelyev Yasha
Published: June 2023

For each contact diffeomorphism ϕ : (Q, ξ) → (Q, ξ) of (Q, ξ), we equip its mapping torus Mϕ
with a locally conformal symplectic form of Banyaga’s type, which we call the lcs mapping torus of the contact diffeomorphism ϕ. In the present paper, we consider the product Q × S
1 = M
id (corresponding to ϕ = id) and develop basic analysis of the associated J-holomorphic curve equation, which has the form

∂
ˉ

π

w
=
0
,

w

∗

λ
∘
j
=

f

∗

d
θ

$$\bar{\partial}^{\pi} w=0, \quad w^{*} \lambda \circ j=f^{*} d \theta$$

for the map u = (w, f) :

Σ
˙

→
Q
×

S

1

$\dot{\Sigma} \rightarrow Q \times S^{1}$

for a λ-compatible almost complex structure J and a punctured Riemann surface

(

Σ
˙

,
j
)
.

$(\dot{\Sigma}, j).$

In particular, w is a contact instanton in the sense of [31], [32].We develop a scheme of treating the non-vanishing charge by introducing the notion of charge class in

H

1

(

Σ
˙

,

Z

)

$H^{1}(\dot{\Sigma}, \mathbb{Z})$

and develop the geometric framework for the study of pseudoholomorphic curves, a correct choice of energy and the definition of moduli spaces towards the construction of a compactification of the moduli space on the lcs-fication of (Q, λ) (more generally on arbitrary locally conformal symplectic manifolds).
In the fold of the manifold: a reflection onBloomsbury Semiotics
Authors: Lacková Ľudmila
Published: June 2023

This is a short overview of the newly published four-volume anthology edited by Jamin Pelkey et al. titledBloomsbury Semiotics, with a critical reflection upon the disciplinary status of general semiotics today. The paper proposes methods and principles for future semiotic research and observes the overall trajectory of semiotics during the age of the business model of university life and the marginalization of the humanities. The paper supports the major position ofBloomsbury Semiotics, which is to conceive of semiotics as the most effective platform for revitalizing the humanities in cooperation with hard science, and the reintegration of Peirce and Saussure as the theoretical bedrock of general semiotics.
Vorschläge für eine situierteForschungsperspektive auf Gewalt(freiheit) im Kontext sozialer Mobilisierung
Authors: Grimm Jannis , Salehi Mariam , Franzki Hannah
Published: June 2023

Welche Rolle spielen Disruption und Gewalt mit Blick auf den Erfolg von sozialer Mobilisierung und wie können sie legitimiert werden? Wo endet ziviler Ungehorsam und beginnt radikaler Protest? Potenzielle wissenschaftliche Antworten auf diese umstrittenen Fragen sind gebunden an ontologische, normative und epistemologische Vorannahmen, ebenso wie Versuche der definitorischen Grenzziehung zum Gewaltbegriff. Dies verdeutlicht der einleitende Beitrag anhand einer Rekonstruktion aktueller empirischer und theoretischer Forschungsdiskurse zum Nexus Gewalt(freiheit) und Widerstand. Statt zu versuchen eine objektive Bestimmung politischer Grenzbegriffe vorzunehmen werden Perspektiven für die Selbstverortung derer aufgeworfen, die gewaltförmige Phänomene in ihren sozialen, temporalen, relationalen und diskursiven Zusammenhängen zu beschreiben suchen. Der Beitrag plädiert für eine explizit situierte Forschung zu Gewalt(freiheit) im Kontext sozialer Mobilisierung.
A Paradigm Shift for Hong Kong’s National Security Constitution – A Comparative Study of the Impact of Its National Security Law
Authors: Lin Feng , Fei Mengtian
Published: June 2023

The Chinese national legislature has enacted a national security law (NSL) for Hong Kong. This paper applies the theory of national security constitution as developed by Professor Koh to examine the impact of the NSL upon four core constitutional principles in Hong Kong’s mini-constitution which underly its national security constitution and to evaluate the nature of the impact. The paper argues that the NSL has, instead of applying and supplementing the existing underlying constitutional principles in the mini-constitution, changed them to various degrees, and the pre-NSL bifurcated national security system for Hong Kong and mainland China has been replaced by an integrated national security system under the NSL. The impact caused by the NSL is so significant as to amount to a permanent paradigm shift to a new post-NSL national security constitution. The paper also argues that the theory of national security constitution has its limitation in its application to subnational Hong Kong because its mini-constitution and the underlying principles therein can be modified by national legislation, such as the NSL, of its sovereign, China. Through a comparative study with the USA, the paper proposes that the theory of national security constitution needs to be modified by adding that different effects may occur to a sub-national national security constitution depending on the source of the framework national security legislation. Hong Kong’s failure in its constitutional duty to enact national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law has led to the enactment of the NSL by China. Such legislation from the sovereign has changed the underlying constitutional principles and is fundamentally different from sub-national framework legislation that only implements and supplements those principles. However, a comparative study with Macau indicates that the theory of national security constitution is still applicable to a sub-national entity such as Macau so long as China as sovereign exercises self-restraint and any framework national security legislation is enacted at the sub-national level.
The semantics and pragmatics of impure direct/mixed quotation
Authors: Pavone Luigi
Published: June 2023

This paper argues that impure direct/mixed quotation – that is, translated (or repaired, improved) direct or mixed quotation – has something interesting to tell us about how quotations ordinarily function. It forces us to focus on two general quotational features. (i) Quotation is not a purely verbal phenomenon, its intuitive content exceeds the limits of what is linguistically articulated; (ii) it presupposes a cooperation between two human beings: the quoter, who performs a quotation, and the addressee of that quotation. In the framework of an inscriptional analysis of direct and mixed quotation, inspired by Goodman’s approach to pure quotation, such a cooperation is described in terms of a pragmatic process of specification of the conventional meaning of a quotation, which consists of interpreting ostensively defined quotation predicates.
Exploring (un)translatability in pragmatics: Chinese and English forms of address in subtitles
Authors: Renna Dora
Published: June 2023

The alleged universality of classic pragmatic paradigms has long been put into question (cf. Kecskés, István. 2014. Intercultural pragmatics. Oxford: Oxford University Press), especially given its scarce applicability to cultures based on completely different sets of values: crucial components of social interaction such as face and politeness maxims cannot be taken for granted. Against this background, the aim of this paper is to use a comparative perspective to explore the differences in terms of forms of address used in Mandarin and English. First, the analysis will compare Anglo and Chinese pragmatics in the fields that are relevant to the choice of appropriate forms of address. Then, a selection of Chinese and English forms of address from a Chinese TV series available on YouTube will be examined to explain how they are deeply enrooted in the respective cultures and pragmatic systems, to what extent they can be translatable, and what this (un)translatability may entail for an international audience using English translation as their only reference.
RES-KELM fusion model based on non-iterative deterministic learning classifier for classification of Covid19 chest X-ray images
Authors: Husain Arshi , Vishvakarma Virendra P.
Published: June 2023

In this research, a novel real time approach has been proposed for detection and analysis of Covid19 using chest X-ray images based on a non-iterative deterministic classifier, kernel extreme learning machine (KELM), and a pretrained network ResNet50. The information extraction capability of deep learning and non-iterative deterministic training nature of KELM has been incorporated in the proposed novel fusion model. The binary classification is carried out with a non-iterative deterministic learning based classifier, KELM. Our proposed approach is able to minimize the average testing error up to 2.76 on first dataset, and up to 0.79 on the second one, demonstrating its effectiveness after experimental confirmation. A comparative analysis of the approach with other existing state-of-the-art methods is also presented in this research and the classification performance confirm the advantages and superiority of our novel approach called RES-KELM algorithm.
Persons, Agents and Wantons
Authors: Lampert Matthew
Published: June 2023

In this essay, I argue that any competent group agent must be a wanton. The impetus for this claim is an argument Arthur Applbaum makes in Legitimacy: The Right to Rule in a Wanton World that a formal institution (in this case, a government) can, under the right conditions, function as a free moral group agent. I begin by explaining Harry Frankfurt’s classic account of wantonism—not just for the benefit of readers who might not be familiar with the concept, but also to emphasize aspects of the concept relevant for the consideration of group agency. I then draw on the contemporary literature on group agency to argue that any successful group agent will be a wanton. I then turn to Applbaum’s account of group agency to argue that his proposed mechanisms for free moral group agency do not successfully overcome the challenge of wantonism. I close the essay by briefly addressing some of the ramifications of my argument for Applbaum’s larger project in Legitimacy. I argue that, after rejecting the flawed account of free moral group agency, we can productively recover some of Applbaum’s key insights within a revised account of political legitimacy.
Active deep learning for segmentation of industrial CT data
Authors: Michen Markus , Rehak Markus , Haßler Ulf
Published: June 2023

This contribution proposes an approach and the respective tool that uses Active Deep Learning (ADL) to segment industrial three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) data. The general approach is application-independent and includes an iterative human-in-the-loop Active Learning (AL) process that produces labeled training data and a trained Deep Learning (DL) model for semantic segmentation. The model is continuously improved during iterations such that manual labeling effort is reduced. In addition, the user can minimize user interaction with the aid of a random forest-based classifier and focus on unclear or invalid segmentation results. The complete workflow is implemented within one single Python tool. The approach is demonstrated in detail for two industrial use cases: Single fiber analysis and plant segmentation. For plant segmentation, the method is compared to a baseline and a classic image processing algorithm.
Sex-Specific Reliability of Lower-Limb Corticospinal Excitability and Silent Periods
Authors: Pagan Jason I. , Harmon Kylie K. , Girts Ryan M. , MacLennan Rob J. , Beausejour Jonathan P. , Hernandez-Sarabia Jesus A. , Coker Nicholas A. , Carr Joshua C. , Ye Xin , DeFreitas Jason M. , Stock Matt S.
Published: June 2023

Pagan, JI, Harmon, KK, Girts, RM, MacLennan, RJ, Beausejour, JP, Hernandez-Sarabia, JA, Coker, NA, Carr, JC, Ye, X, DeFreitas, JM, and Stock, MS. Sex-specific reliability of lower-limb corticospinal excitability and silent periods. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1882–1887, 2023—Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a research tool that has potential to provide new insights into strength training–induced adaptations. However, using TMS to study the lower limbs is challenging, and sex-specific reliability has yet to be reported. We examined the reliability of corticospinal excitability and silent periods for the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and biceps femoris in both sexes. Thirteen males and 14 females reported to the laboratory twice. During both trials, a double cone coil was used to deliver 20 pulses to the rectus femoris hotspot with a stimulator output of 130% of active motor threshold. Motor-evoked potential peak-to-peak amplitude, which reflects corticospinal excitability, and silent period duration were quantified. Our results offer 4 novel findings. First, corticospinal excitability and silent period demonstrated higher reliability for the females. Second, regardless of sex and muscle, the silent period was more reliable than corticospinal excitability. Third, reliability was highest for our target muscle (rectus femoris), with lower reliability for the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris, suggesting that these methods cannot be used to study coactivation. Fourth, active motor threshold showed less variability than corticospinal excitability and silent period but increased at trial 2 in females. Many of the intraclass correlation coefficients were excellent (≥0.90), although we attribute this finding to variability between subjects. Reliability of lower-limb TMS measures may be sex, muscle, and variable dependent. Our findings suggest that both males and females should be included in lower-limb TMS research, although combining data between sexes should be approached cautiously.
2MDR, a Microcomputer-Controlled Visual Stimulation Device for Psychotherapy-Like Treatments of Mice
Authors: Jauch Isa , Kamm Jan , Benn Luca , Rettig Lukas , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Tesarz Jonas , Kuner Thomas , Wieland Sebastian
Published: June 2023

Post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental disorders can be treated by an established psychotherapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In EMDR, patients are confronted with traumatic memories while they are stimulated with alternating bilateral stimuli (ABS). How ABS affects the brain and whether ABS could be adapted to different patients or mental disorders is unknown. Interestingly, ABS reduced conditioned fear in mice. Yet, an approach to systematically test complex visual stimuli and compare respective differences in emotional processing based on semiautomated/automated behavioral analysis is lacking. We developed 2MDR (MultiModal Visual Stimulation to Desensitize Rodents), a novel, open-source, low-cost, customizable device that can be integrated in and transistor–transistor logic (TTL) controlled by commercial rodent behavioral setups. 2MDR allows the design and precise steering of multimodal visual stimuli in the head direction of freely moving mice. Optimized videography allows semiautomatic analysis of rodent behavior during visual stimulation. Detailed building, integration, and treatment instructions along with open-source software provide easy access for inexperienced users. Using 2MDR, we confirmed that EMDR-like ABS persistently improves fear extinction in mice and showed for the first time that ABS-mediated anxiolytic effects strongly depend on physical stimulus properties such as ABS brightness. 2MDR not only enables researchers to interfere with mouse behavior in an EMDR-like setting, but also demonstrates that visual stimuli can be used as a noninvasive brain stimulation to differentially alter emotional processing in mice.
Public Services Versus Covid-19: Participation of Villagers in Public Service based on E-Government in Pandemic
Authors: Mukminto Eko , Martitah Martitah , Damayanti Ratih , Wedhatami Bayangsari , Mardhiyana Rezka
Published: June 2023

This article aims to show how to improve public services' capability and accessibility through e-government for villagers to reduce the rate of spread and infection of Covid-19 and as community participation in alternative ways of getting public services, Electronic Government (e-Gov) or digital government exists.  Electronic government (e-Gov) itself provides information and public services, business affairs, services related to governance, et cetera by using information technology tools. However, the obstacles in this e-government-based public service are in applying the information system and the knowledge and access to information on this e-government-based public service. The digital divide is found in rural communities, often uninformed and reluctant to experience new technologies. Therefore, a community service program is needed, namely Improving Community Capability and Accessibility in Utilizing E-Government Public Services for villagers in the Middle of the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak in Semarang Regency.
The Growth Mindset and Student Social and Emotional Skill Development: An Empirical Analysis Based on the OECD’s SSES
Authors: Huang Zhongjing , Shang Kaiyue , Zhang Jing
Published: June 2023

The mindset is a crucial factor influencing the behavior of individuals. This study aims to evaluate the growth mindset of 10- and 15-year-old adolescents and the relationship between their mindsets and social and emotional skills from the viewpoints of students, parents, and teachers, using OECD’s SSES 2019 data from Suzhou City. The research results show that the growth mindset of students is affected by their socioeconomic status; and that the growth mindset of students, parents, and teachers can significantly and positively predict student social and emotional skills.
Impact of Pet Companionship on Student Development: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Peixuan , Yao Jijun , Xu Yifan , Zhou Fangru
Published: June 2023

Animal companionship has been found to have a positive influence on human well-being, and the presence of pets can have a subtle yet significant impact on the healthy development of students. Pet companionship takes various forms across different fields in China and other regions worldwide, and the impact of such companionship remains uncertain. Hence, it is imperative to investigate the impact of diverse forms of companionship and animals on multiple facets of student growth and development. This study employed meta-analysis methodologies to examine 47 effect sizes derived from 12 domestic and international studies on pet companionship. The aim was to investigate the overall trends of the influence of pet companionship on student development as well as the effects of diverse types of companionship and pets on different aspects of student development, including physical and mental health, social-emotional abilities, and academic performance. The objective was to enhance the exploration of approaches for maximizing the utilization of various forms of pet companionship. Furthermore, this research suggests a systematic and incremental approach to enhancing the function of pets within households, educational institutions, and medical facilities. Adequate content and organization are essential for scientific advancement and the development of students. In this particular context, it is possible to optimize the impact of pet companionship on the development of students.
Sports Governance durch Kartellrecht am Beispiel der Zulassung neuer Sportwettbewerbe
Authors: Heermann Peter W.
Published: June 2023

Sportverbände sind regelmäßig einerseits regulatorisch als Verwalter sowie andererseits operativ als kommerzieller Vermarkter ihrer Veranstaltungen tätig. Diese Doppelrolle führt unweigerlich zu Interessenkonflikten, wenn der Sportverband selbst darüber entscheiden kann, ob und – wenn ja – unter welchen Voraussetzungen neue Wettbewerbe in der betreffenden Sportart inner- oder außerhalb der Verbandsstrukturen zugelassen werden und unter welchen Umständen die den Verbandsstatuten unterworfenen Athleten oder Sportclubs daran teilnehmen dürfen. Zuletzt sind angesichts der von Sportverbänden errichteten Marktzutrittsschranken für neue Sportwettbewerbe und der davon ausgehenden wettbewerbsbeschränkenden Auswirkungen wiederholt Defizite in der Sports Governance beklagt worden. Der Beitrag untersucht, inwieweit diese Defizite durch eine rechtliche Trennung der beiden Aufgabenbereiche und damit durch eine Aufhebung der von Sportverbänden ausgeübten administrativen und operativen Doppelrolle (sog. unbundling), durch ein Einschreiten des europäischen Gesetzgebers de lege ferenda oder durch die Entscheidungspraxis der EU-Kommission, des EuGH und EuG sowie der nationalen Kartellbehörden und staatlichen Gerichte beseitigt werden können.
Organosilane-modified wood materials: A review of research and applications
Authors: Liu Honghai , Zhou Ting , Sun Xinlu , Zong Guanggong
Published: June 2023

This review article discusses the use of organosilane (OS) compounds and their derivatives to modify wood materials. The emphasis in this work is on trialkoxysilanes and effects of their reactions with hydroxyl groups at wood surfaces. The versatile properties of OS make them ideal for improving the water resistance, weather resistance, antibacterial properties, and dimensional stability of wood. This article provides an overview of recent techniques and methods used to modify wood substrates with OS, highlighting the main findings and advancements in the field. Additionally, the article suggests future research directions, including innovative modification mechanisms, strategies to control the pollution caused by biomaterial-based silanes, and the investigation of the influence of wood permeability on silane modification.