bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular targeted optical theranostics: enhanced photoplethysmography imaging of laser-induced singlet oxygen effects
Authors: Makovik I. , Volkov M. , Eratova L. , Dremin V.
Published: January 2024

The work considers a theranostic system that implements a multimodal approach allowing the simultaneous generation of singlet oxygen and visualization of the various parameters of the vascular bed. The system, together with the developed data processing algorithm, has the ability to assess architectural changes in the vascular network and its blood supply, as well as to identify periodic signal changes associated with mechanisms of blood flow oscillation of various natures. The use of this system seems promising in studying the effect of laser-induced singlet oxygen on the state of the vascular bed, as well as within the framework of the theranostic concept of treatment and diagnosis of oncological diseases and non-oncological vascular anomalies.
Third harmonic generation due to free carrier in InSb using a terahertz free electron laser
Authors: Khoa Phan Thanh Nhat , Tomoki Shimizu , Wang You Wei , Kato Kosaku , Agulto Verdad C. , Isoyama Goro , Fujioka Shinsuke , Nakajima Makoto
Published: January 2024

We report on the third harmonic generation (THG) in InSb semiconductor irradiated by a terahertz (THz) free electron laser (FEL). The conversion of 4 THz (wavelength 70 µm) FEL outputs into its third harmonic 12 THz was observed. We found that by tuning the sample temperature to 360 K, high conversion efficiency up to 1% can be obtained and is the highest in the THz and FIR regions below 10 THz. We also discuss the observed intensity dependence of the THG with the nonlinear order lower than 3 when the pumping intensity was high.
Microscopic nonlinear optical activities and ultrafast carrier dynamics in layered AgInP2S6
Authors: Wang Zixin , Dong Ningning , Mao Yu , Chen Chenduan , Chen Xin , Xu Chang , Yan Zhouyuan , Wang Jun
Published: January 2024

Since the emergence of graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, and black phosphorus, two-dimensional materials have attracted significant attention and have driven the development of fundamental physics and optoelectronic devices. Metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (MPX3), due to their large bandgap of 1.3–3.5 eV, enable the extension of optoelectronic applications to visible and ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. Micro-Z/I-scan (μ-Z/I-scan) and micro-pump-probe (μ-pump-probe) setups were used to systematically investigate the third-order nonlinear optical properties and ultrafast carrier dynamics of the representative material AgInP2S6. UV-visible absorption spectra and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed a quantum confinement effect, in which the bandgap decreased with increasing thickness. The two-photon absorption (TPA) effect is exhibited under the excitation of both 520 and 1040 nm femtosecond pulses, where the TPA coefficient decreases as the AgInP2S6 thickness increases. In contrast, the TPA saturation intensity exhibits the opposite behavior that the TPA saturation is more likely to occur under visible excitation. After the valence band electrons undergo photon transitions to the conduction band, the non-equilibrium carriers relax through non-radiative and defect-assisted recombination. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the optical response process of AgInP2S6 and are a valuable reference for the development of optoelectronic devices.
Evaluation of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Full-thickness Skin Grafts in Mice
Authors: Tjust Anton Erik , Hellman Urban , Giannopoulos Antonios , Winsnes Annika , Strigård Karin , Gunnarsson Ulf
Published: January 2024

Abdominal hernia is a protruding weakness in the abdominal wall. It affects abdominal strength and life quality and can lead to complications due to intestinal entrapment. Autologous full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) has recently become an alternative material for reinforcement in the surgical repair of large abdominal hernias instead of synthetic mesh. FTSG eventually integrates with the abdominal wall, but the long-term fate of the graft itself is not fully understood. This has implications as to how these grafts should be optimally used and handled intraoperatively. This study investigates the remodeling of FTSG in either the onlay or the intraperitoneal position 8 weeks after FTSG transplantation in an experimental mouse model. There was a significant presence of fibroblasts, indicated by vimentin and S100A4 staining, but there were significant variations among animals as to how much of the graft had been remodeled into dense connective tissue. This correlated significantly with the proportion of vimentin-positive cells in the dense connective tissue. We also found that collagen hybridizing peptide staining intensity, a marker of active remodeling, was significantly associated with the proportion of S100A4-positive cells in the dense connective tissue of the FTSG.
Challenges in the maintenance of an open hospital-based cancer registry system in a low-to-middle-income country (LMIC): 2017–2022 experience
Authors: Tiangco Beatrice , Daguit Shanaia Esthelle Joy , Astrologo Nicole Cathlene , Flores Leo , Parma Ric Nonato , Celi Leo Anthony
Published: January 2024

Hospital-based cancer registries (HBCRs) record data on all patients diagnosed and/or treated for cancer at healthcare facilities and evaluate the burden of the disease and the quality of healthcare services at that hospital, helping improve patient care, and providing an assessment of healthcare quality. The CARE PH app was created as a tool to facilitate a system of hospital-based cancer registries in the Philippines, a lower middle-income country. From 2017 to 2022, a total of 60,021 cancer registrants from 44 CARE PH hospitals were entered into the database. Breast cancer was the most common primary site, accounting for 17,660 cases (29.4%). This was followed by colorectal cancer at 11.1%, cervical cancer at 6.2%, head and neck cancer at 5.9%, and prostate and other male genital cancer at 5.1%.Among the 30 data fields collected, 17 exhibited 0–20% missing data, eight displayed 21%-90% missing data, while five depicted 91%-100% missing data. Most of the data fields with missing data are in the treatment and follow-up modules, which are stored in separate forms in a patient’s record. Digital transformation of hospitals from paper-based charts to electronic medical records, and the integration of the HBCR to the EMR and hospital information system, will likely be the best solution for these limitations. It is recommended that the creation and maintenance of HBCRs nationwide must be harmonized, and embedded in all relevant national programs and legislations. The development of an information technology process that is based on a cancer patient’s journey, should be built on an open system embedded in a well designed enterprise architecture, functioning under the guidance of a strong leadership and governance team. All these must be present in order to create and maintain a robust HBCR that is useful for furthering cancer registry and research in the country.
Ambient air pollution and consumer spending: Evidence from Spain
Authors: Brandt John , Goyal Nihit , Moroney Matthew , Janaskie Sophie , Hsu Angel
Published: January 2024

Research on the economic burden of air pollution has focused primarily on its macroeconomic impact. However, as some studies have found that air pollution can lead to avoidance behavior–for example, reducing the time spent outdoors–we hypothesize that it can also influence consumer spending activity. We combine high frequency data on ozone and fine particulate pollution with daily consumer spending in brick-and-mortar retail in 129 postal codes in Spain during 2014 to estimate the association between the two. Using a linear fixed effects model, we find that a 1-standard deviation increase in ozone concentration (20.97 μg/m3) is associated with 3.9 percent decrease in consumer spending (95% CI: -0.066, -0.012; p<0.01). The association of fine particulate matter with consumer spending is, however, not statistically significant (β: 0.005; 95% CI: -0.009, 0.018; p>0.10). Further, we do not observe a sufficiently strong bounce-back in consumer spending in the day–or even the week–following higher ozone concentration. Also, we find that the relationship between ozone concentration and consumer spending is heterogeneous, with those aged below 25 and those aged 45 or above exhibiting stronger negative association. This research informs policymakers about a plausibly unaccounted cost of ambient air pollution, even at concentrations lower than the WHO air quality guideline for short-term exposure.
Who are optimal candidates for primary tumor resection in patients with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma? A population-based study
Authors: Song Xue , Xie Yangyang , Lou Yafang
Published: January 2024

Background

The research aimed to construct a novel predictive nomogram to identify specific metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma (mGAC) populations who could benefit from primary tumor resection (PTR).

Method

Patients with mGAC were included in the SEER database and divided into PTR and non-PTR groups. The Kaplan-Meier analysis, propensity score matching (PSM), least absolute shrink and selection operator (LASSO) regression, multivariable logistic regression, and multivariate Cox regression methods were then used. Finally, the prediction nomograms were built and tested.

Results

3185 patients with mGAC were enrolled. Among the patients, 679 cases underwent PTR while the other 2506 patients didn’t receive PTR. After PSM, the patients in the PTR group presented longer median overall survival (15.0 vs. 7.0 months, p < 0.001). Among the PTR group, 307 (72.9%) patients obtained longer overall survival than seven months (beneficial group). Then the LASSO logistic regression was performed, and gender, grade, T stage, N stage, pathology, and chemotherapy were included to construct the nomogram. In both the training and validation cohorts, the nomogram exhibited good discrimination (AUC: 0.761 and 0.753, respectively). Furthermore, the other nomogram was constructed to predict 3-, 6-, and 12-month cancer-specific survival based on the variables from the multivariate Cox analysis. The 3-, 6-, and 12-month AUC values were 0.794, 0.739, and 0.698 in the training cohort, and 0.805, 0.759, and 0.695 in the validation cohorts. The calibration curves demonstrated relatively good consistency between the predicted and observed probabilities of survival in two nomograms. The models’ clinical utility was revealed through decision curve analysis.

Conclusion

The benefit nomogram could guide surgeons in decision-making and selecting optimal candidates for PTR among mGAC patients. And the prognostic nomogram presented great prediction ability for these patients.
Burden of delayed discharge on acute hospital medical wards: A retrospective ecological study in Rome, Italy
Authors: Vinci Antonio , Furia Giuseppe , Cammalleri Vittoria , Colamesta Vittoria , Chierchini Patrizia , Corrado Ornella , Mammarella Assunta , Ingravalle Fabio , Bardhi Dorian , Malerba Rosa Maria , Carnevale Edoardo , Gentili Susanna , Damiani Gianfranco , De Vito Corrado , Maurici Massimo
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Delayed discharge represents the difficulty in proceeding with discharge of patients who do not have any further benefit from prolonged stay. A quota of this problem is related to organizational issues. In the Lazio region in Italy, a macro service re-organization in on the way, with a network of hospital and territorial centers engaged in structuring in- and out- of hospital patient pathways, with a special focus on intermediate care structures. Purpose of this study is to quantify the burden of delayed discharge on a single hospital structure, in order to estimate costs and occurrence of potential resource misplacement.

Material and methods

Observational Retrospective study conducted at the Santo Spirito Hospital in Rome, Italy. Observation period ranged from 1/09/2022, when the local database was instituted, to 1/03/2023 (6 months). Data from admissions records was anonymously collected. Data linkage with administrative local hospital database was performed in order to identify the date a discharge request was fired for each admission. Surgical discharges and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) discharges were excluded from this study. A Poisson hierarchical regression model was employed to investigate for the role of ward, Severity of Disease (SoD) and Risk of Mortality (RoM) on elongation of discharge time.

Results

1222 medical ward admissions were recorded in the timeframe. 16% of them were considered as subject to potentially elongated stay, and a mean Delay in discharge of 6.3 days (SD 7.9) was observed.

Discussion and conclusions

Delayed discharge may cause a “bottleneck” in admissions and result in overcrowded Emergency Department, overall poor performance, and increase in overall costs. A consisted proportion of available beds can get inappropriately occupied, and this inflates both direct and indirect costs. Clinical conditions on admission are not a good predictor of delay in discharge, and the root causes of this phenomenon likely lie in organizational issues (on structure\system level) and social issues (on patient’s level).
A new oviraptorosaur (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the end-Maastrichtian Hell Creek Formation of North America
Authors: Atkins-Weltman Kyle L. , Simon D. Jade , Woodward Holly N. , Funston Gregory F. , Snively Eric
Published: January 2024

Caenagnathidae is a clade of derived, Late Cretaceous oviraptorosaurian theropods from Asia and North America. Because their remains are rare and often fragmentary, caenagnathid diversity is poorly understood.Anzu wylieiis the only caenagnathid species currently described from the late Maastrichtian Hell Creek Formation of the USA and is also among the largest and most completely preserved North American caenagnathids. Smaller, less complete caenagnathid material has long been known from the Hell Creek Formation, but it is unclear whether these are juvenile representatives ofAnzuor if they represent distinct, unnamed taxa. Here, we describe a relatively small caenagnathid hindlimb from the Hell Creek Formation, and conduct osteohistological analysis to assess its maturity. Histological data and morphological differences fromAnzu wylieiand other caenagnathids allow us to conclude that this specimen represents a new species of caenagnathid from the Hell Creek Formation, with a smaller adult body size thanAnzu. This new taxon is also distinct from other small caenagnathid material previously described from the area, potentially indicating the coexistence of three distinct caenagnathid species in the Hell Creek Formation. These results show that caenagnathid diversity in the Hell Creek ecosystem has been underestimated.
Spatial effect of carbon neutrality target on high-quality economic development—Channel analysis based on total factor productivity
Authors: Cui Yiniu , Zhong Cheng , Cao Jianhong , Guo Mengyao , Zhang Meng
Published: January 2024

This study utilizes panel data from 30 provinces in mainland China from 2011 to 2020 to investigate the impact of carbon-neutral development on economic high-quality development by constructing an economic high-quality development index and a carbon-neutral development index. Firstly, the study examines the effects of carbon-neutral development on economic high-quality development using baseline regression and spatial Durbin regression. The results indicate that carbon-neutral development has a positive direct effect on economic high-quality growth, but there are negative spatial spillover effects. Secondly, this study employs total factor productivity (TFP) as an intermediate variable in the mediation model regression. The findings demonstrate that carbon-neutral development significantly improves TFP, and the significant improvement in TFP promotes high-quality economic growth. Lastly, the study conducts regional heterogeneity analysis and finds a significant promoting effect of carbon-neutral development on economic high-quality development in the eastern and central regions of China, while it is not significant in the western region. Therefore, it is recommended that China, in the process of achieving carbon-neutral growth, consider the geographical connections between different regions to prevent negative spillover effects. Additionally, regional heterogeneity should be taken into account when formulating relevant policies to promote economic high-quality development.
The semantics, sociolinguistics, and origins of double modals in American English: New insights from social media
Authors: Morin Cameron , Grieve Jack
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we analyze double modal use in American English based on a multi-billion-word corpus of geolocated posts from the social media platform Twitter. We identify and map 76 distinct double modals totaling 5,349 examples, many more types and tokens of double modals than have ever been observed. These descriptive results show that double modal structure and use in American English is far more complex than has generally been assumed. We then consider the relevance of these results to three current theoretical debates. First, we demonstrate that although there are various semantic tendencies in the types of modals that most often combine, there are no absolute constraints on double modal formation in American English. Most surprisingly, our results suggest that double modals are used productively across the US. Second, we argue that there is considerable dialect variation in double modal use in the southern US, with double modals generally being most strongly associated with African American Language, especially in the Deep South. This result challenges previous sociolinguistic research, which has often highlighted double modal use in White Southern English, especially in Appalachia. Third, we consider how these results can help us better understand the origins of double modals in America English: although it has generally been assumed that double modals were introduced by Scots-Irish settlers, we believe our results are more consistent with the hypothesis that double modals are an innovation of African American Language.
Agriculture land use transformation: A threat to sustainable food production systems, rural food security, and farmer well-being?
Authors: Li Meiyi , Li Junrong , Haq Shamsheer ul , Nadeem Muhammad
Published: January 2024

The acquisition of agricultural land is a crucial aspect of survival for numerous rural communities, serving as a fundamental tool for combating poverty and food insecurity and promoting equitable sustainable economic progress. The expropriation of land offers a promising prospect for remedying past inequities and promoting both economic progress and food sufficiency. Limited research has examined the association between land expropriation and food security, livelihood shocks, and the well-being of rural households worldwide. Therefore, this research explores the implications of land expropriation on food security, livelihood shocks, and well-being of land lost rural communities. The data were collected from 384 farmers selected through stratified sampling techniques using face-to-face surveys in rural China. The data were analyzed using descriptive and logit regression models. The descriptive findings showed that land expropriation has detrimental effects on the livelihood, food security, and well-being of the farmers. Furthermore, these impacts are more harmful among land-expropriated households with a lower educational level, a large family size, and women farmers in less developed rural communities. The econometric results evinced that gender, age, education level, marital status, family size, and negative changes in income all significantly affect the impact of land expropriation on the food security of farmers. Similarly, the findings revealed that farmers with lower education levels were more likely to be affected by land loss as compared to farmers with medium and high education levels. Farmers with complete land loss were 1.70 times more likely to suffer livelihood shocks than those with partial land loss. The results also evinced that the well-being of all farmers was not affected equally, and some farmers’ well-being was affected more than others due to various socioeconomic backgrounds. Therefore, this study suggests the implementation of public policies that provide support to farmers who have been marginalized due to land acquisition.
Maternal body mass index and necrotizing enterocolitis: A case-control study
Authors: Stumpf Katherine , Sharma Priya , Brown L. Steven , Brion Luc P. , Mirpuri Julie
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Our aim was to determine if maternal body mass index (BMI) is associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in a large urban delivery center.

Methods

This single center retrospective case-control study included 291 infants under gestational age of 33 weeks admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during a 10-year period. Cases of stage 2 and 3 NEC were matched at a ratio of 2 controls (n = 194) to 1 case (n = 97). Maternal BMI was categorized as normal (≤24.9), overweight (25–29.9) and obese (≥30). Chi-square and stepwise logistic regression were used for analysis. A power analysis was performed to determine if sample size was sufficient to detect an association.

Results

Stepwise logistic regression demonstrated no association between NEC and maternal obesity. Maternal hypertension, pre-eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, maternal exposure to antibiotics, placental abruption and gestational diabetes were not associated with NEC. Power analysis showed the sample size was sufficient to detect an association of NEC with maternal BMI in three groups analyzed. In this case-control study, there was an association between NEC and maternal overweight but not obesity at delivery.

Discussion

Our results did not show a significant association of NEC with maternal obesity. The percent of overweight and obese mothers prior to pregnancy and at delivery was significantly higher in our population than the national average and may be responsible for the limited ability to reveal any association between maternal obesity and NEC.
Lifestyle interventions delivered by eHealth in chronic kidney disease: A scoping review
Authors: Curtis Ffion , Burton James O. , Butt Ayesha , Dhaliwal Harsimran K. , Graham-Brown Matthew M.P. , Lightfoot Courtney J. , Rawat Rishika , Smith Alice C. , Wilkinson Thomas J. , March Daniel S.
Published: January 2024

A method of overcoming barriers associated with implementing lifestyle interventions in CKD may be through the use of eHealth technologies. The aim of this review was to provide an up-to-date overview of the literature on this topic. Four bibliographical databases, two trial registers, and one database for conference proceedings were searched from inception to August 2023. Studies were eligible if they reported a lifestyle intervention using eHealth technologies. A narrative synthesis of the findings from the included studies structured around the type of eHealth intervention was presented. Where a sufficient number of studies overlapped in terms of the type of intervention and outcome measure these were brought together in a direction of effect plot. There were 54 included articles, of which 23 were randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The main component of the intervention for the included studies was mobile applications (n = 23), with the majority being in the dialysis population (n = 22). The majority of eHealth interventions were reported to be feasible and acceptable to participants. However, there was limited evidence that they were efficacious in improving clinical outcomes with the exception of blood pressure, intradialytic weight gain, potassium, and sodium. Although eHealth interventions appear acceptable and feasible to participants, there is insufficient evidence to make recommendations for specific interventions to be implemented into clinical care. Properly powered RCTs which not only demonstrate efficacy, but also address barriers to implementation are needed to enhance widespread adoption.
Research on the mechanical properties of EPS lightweight soil mixed with slag
Authors: Mei Lifang , Xiang Dali , Huang Yiwen
Published: January 2024

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) bead lightweight soil composites are a new type of artificial geotechnical material with low density and high strength characteristics that can be widely used in engineering projects. To promote the wide application of EPS bead lightweight soil in engineering, when slag is used to replace part of the cement as a binding agent, it can better improve the effect of soil and reduce engineering costs. The mechanical properties of EPS lightweight soil mixed with slag were analyzed by conducting an unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test and triaxial test on lightweight soil with different EPS bead contents and slag contents. The particle sizes of the EPS beads are 1~3 mm, the EPS contents are 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%, and the slag-cement composite binding agents are 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. The results show that the UCS decreases significantly with increasing EPS bead content at different EPS bead contents and slag contents; the UCS of the specimen with 30% slag content is the largest; and the UCS of lightweight soil without slag is comparable to that of lightweight soil with a slag content of approximately 60%. The peak stress in triaxial increases with increasing confining pressure, and the modulus of deformation decreases linearly with increasing EPS bead content. the slag-cement composite binding agent has a significantly better reinforcing effect than single mixed cement. The stress‒strain curves of EPS lightweight soil mixed with slag exhibits hardening and softening characteristics. EPS bead content and slag content determine the stress‒strain characteristics of the EPS lightweight soil mixed with slag. The macromechanical properties based on the microscopic mechanism of the EPS lightweight soil mixed with slag shows that different slag contents affect the failure pattern of EPS lightweight soil mixed with slag. The research results can provide a reference for engineering design and application.
Mice, rats, and guinea pigs differ in FMOs expression and tissue concentration of TMAO, a gut bacteria-derived biomarker of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases
Authors: Maksymiuk Klaudia M. , Szudzik Mateusz , Samborowska Emilia , Chabowski Dawid , Konop Marek , Ufnal Marcin
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Increased plasma trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) is observed in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, originating from the gut microbiota product, trimethylamine (TMA), via flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs)-dependent oxidation. Numerous studies have investigated the association between plasma TMAO and various pathologies, yet limited knowledge exists regarding tissue concentrations of TMAO, TMAO precursors, and interspecies variability.

Methods

Chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was employed to evaluate tissue concentrations of TMAO and its precursors in adult male mice, rats, and guinea pigs. FMO mRNA and protein levels were assessed through PCR and Western blot, respectively.

Results

Plasma TMAO levels were similar among the studied species. However, significant differences in tissue concentrations of TMAO were observed between mice, rats, and guinea pigs. The rat renal medulla exhibited the highest TMAO concentration, while the lowest was found in the mouse liver. Mice demonstrated significantly higher plasma TMA concentrations compared to rats and guinea pigs, with the highest TMA concentration found in the mouse renal medulla and the lowest in the rat lungs. FMO5 exhibited the highest expression in mouse liver, while FMO3 was highly expressed in rats. Guinea pigs displayed low expression of FMOs in this tissue.

Conclusion

Despite similar plasma TMAO levels, mice, rats, and guinea pigs exhibited significant differences in tissue concentrations of TMA, TMAO, and FMO expression. These interspecies variations should be considered in the design and interpretation of experimental studies. Furthermore, these findings may suggest a diverse importance of the TMAO pathway in the physiology of the evaluated species.
‘It is not about beauty … or is it?’ Fashion, body positivity and authenticity in micro-celebrities affective practices online
Authors: Tralli Lucia
Published: January 2024

This article focuses on Italian micro-celebrities and their engagement with body positivity within the framework of affective labour and authenticity performances online, specifically through Instagram. The body positivity discourse has been embraced by very different subjects, negotiating sometimes conflicting ideals such as empowerment, social liberation, commercial exploitation and neo-liberal individualistic co-optation of the same values. Among many, I will focus on two accounts: influencer/content creator Muriel (@murielxo) and content creator Denise D’Angelilli (@dueditanelcuore). Muriel and Denise D’Angelilli are two different examples of how many young female micro-celebrities discuss issues such as beauty standards, harmful stereotypes against non-conforming bodies and female empowerment, mostly starting from their own experiences, sharing intimate accounts of their lives and images of their bodies. This type of sharing can be framed as a specific type of affective labour performed by creators negotiating their online presence and self-branding through a performance of authenticity. Moreover, the article focuses on their adoption of peculiar fashion practices and fashion choices and how these practices contribute to their ongoing narrative around authenticity and body positivity. While in the case of Muriel we have a ‘professional’ content creator who builds her online persona through the more institutional co-optation of fashion language, sponsored content and modelling jobs, @dueditanelcuore is insistently using her apparent lack of interest in fashion as a marker of an authentic self. Far from being genuinely opposite, I argue that both strategies are part of a constant negotiation between ‘authentic’ empowerment and post-feminist individualism that permeates online conversations around body positivity.
The scholarly journal as puzzle: On time, collaboration and closure
Authors: Fraser Benjamin
Published: January 2024

As the Journal of Urban Cultural Studies (JUCS) closes its tenth year of publication, this second instalment of a two-part editorial turns towards questions regarding the nature of scholarly journals. Building from Part 1’s exploration of comics artist Chris Ware’s tactile puzzle Building Stories: Vortex of Anamnesis, the central metaphor of journal as an intellectual puzzle is considered. Specific aspects of time and collaboration are addressed as fundamental concerns for the puzzle of journal editing. After considering, in passing, challenges to editing in the twenty-first century, final comments address the notion of closure, drawn from comics theory.
On subaltern urban historiography: Locating Nona Fernández’s Mapocho between decolonization and urban social movements
Authors: Woods Maxwell
Published: January 2024

This article makes a triple intervention into discussions about the relationship between subaltern collective memory, urban historiography and urban social movements. First, and more theoretically, I argue that grassroots urban social movements require a corresponding history to unite people into a collective urban social agent. In short, there are no urban social movements without a shared urban history to bring them together. The cultural struggle over defining a city’s urban meaning is waged not only by material political fights, but also over how we represent the past of our cities. Second, I argue that ruling urban classes circulate and popularize their own urban history in order to disrupt autonomous grassroots urban history formation. Third, and lastly, said historiographical struggle manifests itself in how we represent the pasts of Indigenous peoples in the cities of the Americas. I make this argument through a critical reading of Nona Fernández’s representation of the Indigenous past of Santiago de Chile in her 2002 novel Mapocho.
Seeing the city through the lens of newspaper poetry: An analysis of Milwaukee, 1967–731
Authors: Paniagua Guzman Antonio
Published: January 2024

There is a strong connection between cities and literature; they inhabit and shape each other. Sociologists have studied the relationship between them, looking at how literary meaning is developed and how it shapes urban and social milieus. While there is a large body of poetry-based research, newspaper poetry remains largely unexplored in the United States. Drawing on discourse and content analysis of a new and never-used set of poems published in Milwaukee’s two major alternative newspapers between 1967 and 1973, this article analyses poetic representations of Milwaukee’s social, institutional and urban dimensions. Additionally, it examines variability and continuity in the focus of these poems, as well as the factors that might shape these patterns. The results show multiple technical and rhetoric mechanisms used by poets when representing that historical period poetically and reveal that even in periods of intense social upheaval, ‘love’ and ‘death’ appear to be the primary themes in which poets focus on. This article also devotes particular attention to the relationship between poetry and the urban space, and the implications of platforms of distribution and consumption in poetic representations of cities’ historical periods and change building on literature on the connections between local environment and cultural production.
Anarchiving the Anthropocene: Waste and relationality
Authors: Wist Allie E. S.
Published: January 2024

The archive produces a linear time that reaches towards ‘what could be’ by asserting ‘what has been’, providing us reassurance of our existence through the assertion of a reliably past past. But the Anthropocene is an era of uncontained material ramifications, where the past juts into the future and temporality warps as change accelerates unexpectedly. As an ecological and geologic epoch, documentation of the Anthropocene inherently has a relationship to natural history museums and archives. These institutions, however, troublingly rest on what Elaine Graham calls ‘ontological hygiene’ – the separateness of the human subject from ‘nature’. The Anthropocene however, challenges the western post-Enlightenment binary of man vs. nature, as it (supposedly) naturalizes humans into an earth systems force. As such, documentation of this epoch might resist ontological sanitation. This article outlines an artistic research practice to create artefacts of the Anthropocene – one that invites material idiosyncrasies, objects-in-becoming, ephemerality, and decay. I suggest that artistic ‘anarchices’ prioritize process over objects, and resist linear and static representation in lieu of material, embodied and sensory artefacts. These include relational encounters with waste materials, reworked forms of ‘geology’, edible artefacts and multimedia works at landfills and feral sites. The anarchives are interpolated by a rejection of hegemonic logic, positivism and ‘objective’ truths about environmental phenomena; Situated, ambiguous and material knowledges are inwrought into the so-called Anthropocene (and any alternatives to this term). By focusing on waste as an analytical category, I explore some of the ontological breakdowns present in the Anthropocene and question how to unorder systems and disturb materiality.
Suzanne Ciani: The diva of the diode
Authors: Boon Hussein
Published: January 2024

The world of synthesizers and synthesists is historically male-dominated. Women in synthesis tend to be obscured by males, and their contribution suffers from erasure. This article considers Suzanne Ciani within the contexts of art, technology, science and culture and her work in composition, performance and media. In particular, her National Endowment for the Arts report of 1976 is a groundbreaking document detailing her composition and performance process using synthesizers. Her composition approach has parallels with techniques drawn from serialism, performed and improvised live using machines. Her performances utilize quadraphonic techniques for spatialized performance as part of the composition and performance. She was the first woman to score a major Hollywood film in 1981. Her work in media and technology highlights a space that women have always worked in but have frequently not been acknowledged as doing so. Ciani’s story reveals tenacity in the face of bias and rejection. It is a tale of someone who always has to claim her credentials, always legitimate her mode of expression, and always counter the assumption that somewhere in her work, there is a man.
Women’s agency in art and science
Authors: Honorato Dalila , Westermann Claudia
Published: January 2024

Women in the field of art and science have an unquestionable presence worldwide that exceeds their visibility in the general visual art scene. When cataloguing women’s range of practices and exploring their agency in art and science, a new model of inclusivity and access to the public sphere for all individuals working in art emerges. First, these are contributions reflecting on projects being carried out by women in the broadest interpretation of the term – individuals who identify themselves as women, cisgender, non-cisgender, transgender, gender fluid and independent of their sex and gender. Second, these are contributions that reflect on research methodologies, collaboration strategies, knowledge sharing, as well as public vs. personal, embodiment and materiality.
The combined effect of ultrafine particles of cobalt and manganese oxides and Origanum vulgare herb extract on ruminal digestion in vitro
Authors: Kamirova Aina Maratovna , Sizova Elena Anatolyevna , Shoshin Daniil Evgenievich , Ivanishcheva Anastasia Pavlovna
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim: At present, detailed studies are being conducted to confirm the safety of the use of metal-containing ultrafine particles (UFP) in animal feeding, preventing the possibility of negative effects on productive qualities and physiological state, as well as on the environment and final consumer, that is, humans. Thus, the purpose of this research was to study the safety of cobalt- and manganese-containing UFP (UFP Co3O4, Mn2O3 UFP) together with Origanum vulgare (PB) herb extract in a bioluminescence inhibition test, as well as the effect of this composition on ruminal digestion in vitro.

Materials and Methods: The safety of the studied samples was determined using a multifunctional microplate analyzer TECAN Infinite F200 (Tecan Austria GmbH, Austria), recording the luminescence value of the bacterial strain Escherichia coli K12 TG11 (Ecolum, JSC NVO Immunotech, Russia). Dry matter (DM) digestibility studies were performed using the in vitro method on an “artificial rumen” model using an ANKOM Daisy II incubator unit (AD II; USA). The number of protozoa in ruminal fluid was counted in a Goryaev chamber. The bacterial mass was assessed by differential centrifugation followed by drying. This method is based on differences in the sedimentation rate of particles that differ in size and density.

Results: UFP Co3O4 and Mn2O3 at concentrations above 1.5 × 10-5 and 1.9 × 10-3 mol/L, respectively, have a pronounced bactericidal effect, suppressing more than 50% of the luminescence of E. coli K12 TG1. The combined use of UFP metals and plant extract increases the luminescence of the test object, indicating its safety. The combined use of UFP and PB increases the digestibility of feed DM in vitro and the number of protozoa in 1 mL of ruminal fluid; however, the combination of UFP Mn2O3 + PB (13.8%) yielded the best result, which is recommended for further in vivo research.

Conclusion: Origanum vulgare extract reduces the toxicity of UFP Co3O4 and Mn2O3 in vitro, indicating that their combined use is safer.

Keywords: Co3O4, digestibility, luminescence, Mn2O3, Origanum vulgare, plants, ultrafine particles.
DETERMINATION OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN LIQUID EXTRACT OF PLANTS POLYGONUM HIDROPIPER L., BURSA PASTORIS, CALENDULAE OFFICINALIS AND URTICA DIOICA L.
Authors: Yuldasheva Shokhidakhon Saitovna , Yunushodjaeva Nodira Abdulkhamitovna , Esanov Rakhmat Sulton ugli , Abdulladjanova Nodira Gulomzhanovna , Matchanov Alimzhan Davlatbaevich
Published: January 2024

Methods have been developed for the quantitative determination of biologically active compounds - flavonoids and vitamin K1 in the liquid extract "Extradent" obtained from the aerial part of the knotweed (Polygonum hidropiper L.), shepherd's purse (Bursa pastoris), calendula flowers (Calendulae officinalis) and nettle leaves (Urtica dioica). L.), by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). As a result, components corresponding to the retention time of standard samples of robinin, rutin, and quercetin were found on the chromatogram of the extract. It was revealed that the content of robinin was 0.37%, rutin 0.014%, quercetin 0.00045%, and vitamin K1 0.005%. The same method of mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) was used to determine the quantitative content of macro- and microelements of the liquid extract "Extradent". The highest content of macroelements is in the proportion of potassium (0.65%), phosphorus (0.2%), and among the microelements of iron is 15.716 mg/l, selenium – 0.046 mg/l. The content of heavy metal salts in the liquid extract is within the normal range and totals 1.155 mg/l. Of these, the main content is zinc and copper.
TECHNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF OBTAINING OF FOOD ADDITIVE FROM BUCKWHEAT HUSK
Authors: Korpacheva Svetlana Mikhailovna , Sapozhnikov Aleksandr Nikolayevich , Lomovsky Igor Olegovich
Published: January 2024

The paper shows technological aspects of obtaining of biologically active food additive from buckwheat hull. Husk is the main secondary raw material resource emerged during buckwheat processing. Its yield varies from 20 to 22%. Despite several studies, it is not used in subsequent processing for food and other purposes. At the same time, buckwheat husk is a source of polyphenolic compounds, which are presented by flavonoids (2.2 mg/g), and dietary fibers (45.6%). As a result of the experimental studies, it was found that it is advisable to process buckwheat husk into powder using mechanochemical treatment. The parameters of processing were determined during research. It is also advisable to add sodium bicarbonate in the amount of 5% from the powder during mechanochemical treatment. This amount allows to achieve maximum yield of melanin pigment (14.3%) and maximum improvement in the antioxidant activity of the finished product (3.5 times). It has been established that mechanochemical treatment of buckwheat husk coarse powder changes the availability of its ingredients. Mass fraction of soluble substances increases in 2.2 times. The yield of biologically active substances also increases in 3.6 times for flavonoids and in 1.9 times for melanin. This is what determines the increase of nutritional value of finished product. The obtained fine powder is recommended to be used as an additive in producing of new types of food products, including public catering production.
CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE SAUSSUREA SALICIFOLIA L. POLYSACCHARIDE COMPLEX AND ITS NO-STIMULATING PROPERTIES
Authors: Gulina Yekaterina Igorevna , Zykova Anastasiya Vasil'yevna , Ligacheva Anastasiya Aleksandrovna , Danilets Marina Grigor'yevna , Trofimova Yevgeniya Sergeyevna , Selivanova Natal'ya Sergeyevna , Sherstoboev Evgeniy Yur'yevich , Gorobec Yelizaveta Aleksandrovna , Krivoshchekov Sergey Vladimirovich , Belousov Mikhail Valer'yevich
Published: January 2024

A polysaccharide complex (PSC) from the aboveground part of Saussurea salicifolia L. (SS) was isolated and studied. SS PSC contains 54.99±0.53% hexose, 12.99±0.26% uronic acids, 5.24±0.04% protein, neutral monosaccharides are represented by glucose, galactose, xylose and rhamnose (molar ratios: 1,67 : 1,00 : 1,20 : 1,42). Five main components were isolated using ion exchange chromatography. The structure of the obtained polysaccharides (PS) 1-5 was characterized using physicochemical methods, such as IR spectroscopy, high-efficiency exclusive and gas-liquid chromatography, reactions with congo red. All PS are characterized by a different content of hexoses (from 32.46±2.63 to 83.64± 5.93%), uronic acids (from 2.56± 0.17 to 20.07± 3.70%) and a slight admixture of protein (from 0.75±0.13 to 2.28± 0.17%). The polysaccharides obtained are highly homogeneous samples, different in monomeric composition. The major component of SS-1 PS is represented by galactose, SS-2, 3, 4 PS – rhamnose, and SS-5 PS – glucose and xylose. The triple helix structure is installed for SS PSC and PS SS-5. All isolated PS stimulated NO synthase of peritoneal macrophages at control level 2 (LPS), and samples 3, 4 and 5 showed endotoxin-independent activity.
Rapid Development of Achalasia After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis of Esophageal Muscle Tissue
Authors: Samo Salih , Hamo Falak , Hamza Ameer , Yadlapati Rena , Kahrilas Peter J. , Wozniak Ann
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Achalasia has been linked to viruses. We have observed cases of rapid-developing achalasia post–coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS:

We aimed to prospectively evaluate esophageal muscle for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) from patients with rapid-onset achalasia post–COVID-19 and compare them with achalasia predating COVID-19 and achalasia with no COVID-19.

RESULTS:

Compared with long-standing achalasia predating COVID-19 and long-standing achalasia with no COVID-19, the subjects with achalasia post–COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of messenger RNA for the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein, which correlated with a significant increase in the inflammatory markers NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain–containing 3 and tumor necrosis factor.

DISCUSSION:

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is a possible trigger for achalasia.
The effect of perceived green organizational support on employee green behavior
Authors: Kerse Gökhan
Published: January 2024

Purpose: The present study examines the effect of perceived green organizational support on employee green behavior in the manufacturing sector. The study also attempted to determine whether long-term orientation has a moderating role in this effect.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study uses a quantitative research design. Data were obtained from employees working in the manufacturing sector using the convenience sampling and survey methods. Analyses such as confirmatory factor, reliability, correlation and regression (Model 1) analyses were carried out.
Results: The findings have shown that perceived green organizational support positively affects employee green behavior, and that long-term orientation plays a moderating role in this effect.
Research Limitations: Limitations include the data being obtained cross-sectionally from a single sector (manufacturing) and the only variables in consideration being perceived green organizational support, long-term orientation and employee green behavior. 
Practical implications: The findings reveal that managers in the manufacturing sector should turn to green organizational support practices because green behaviors (in-role and extra-role) increase with employees' perceptions of these support practices. The findings also revealed that employees with low long-term orientation levels (compared to those with medium and high levels) exhibit more green employee behavior as their perception of green organizational support increases.
Originality / Value: The present study focuses on employee green behavior, which is important for Industry 4.0. It is also the first study to examine the relationship between perceived green organizational support and employee green behavior within the context of long-term orientation.