bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulating Gender Diversity: Evidence from California Senate Bill 826
Authors: Allen Abigail , Wahid Aida Sijamic
Published: June 2023

Do gender diversity quotas enhance firm value? This broad question has sparked significant debate because, whereas diversity is generally thought to improve board functioning, prior research in international settings suggests mandating diversity may have adverse consequences if it moves firms away from market equilibrium. Exploiting the political events leading up to the passage of California Senate Bill (SB) 826 as an exogenous shock to assess the market implications of board gender composition, we document either significantly positive or insignificant two-day abnormal returns for California firms across a variety of model specifications. Importantly, this finding contradicts the strong claims of contemporary studies of SB 826 that the California mandate was value-destructive. We reconcile these findings by providing critical evidence that contemporaneous results lack robustness to alternative model specifications and provide an incomplete picture by failing to comprehensively examine a broader set of event dates or account for mixed messaging on the final event date. We also provide some evidence of significant negative abnormal returns to litigation milestones that threaten to overturn SB 826 with the magnitude increasing in the size of board gender deficits. Finally, we provide evidence that there is no observable decline in newly appointed female director quality following the implementation of SB 826 relative to either preregulation or male director appointments. Collectively, our results suggest nonnegative (if not positive) consequences to California firms arising from SB 826 and directly counter assertions that mandated gender diversity is detrimental to firm value.

This paper was accepted by Brian Bushee, accounting.

Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge research funding from Brigham Young University and the University of Toronto.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4825 .
Upaya Sertifikasi Halal Produk Minuman pada UMKM untuk Mempermudah Kewirausahaan Mandiri
Authors: Rohmanuddin Tubagus Noor , Sulistijono Sulistijono , Susanti Diah , Abdul Fakhreza , Nurdiansyah Haniffudin , Ramadhani Mavindra
Published: June 2023

Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan dengan latar belakang untuk mendorong perkembangan dan pertumbuhan ekonomi Indonesia terutama pengembangan ekonomi syariah di tingkat nasional, dan untuk membantu dan mempermudah kewirausahaan mandiri atau UMKM untuk menjual produknya dan meningkatkan ekonominya sesuai masterplan ekonomi Syariah Indonesia. Kegiatan ini dilaksanakan dengan dimulai dari mengikuti pelatihan sertifikasi halal yang diadakan oleh ITS Tekno Sains. Proses sertifikasi halal dilakukan bertahap dengan kontak UMKM masing-masing yang bertotalkan 6 UMKM yaitu Hanadona Eatery, Hasna Juice, STMJ Pak Tedjo, Coboocha, Zen’s Honey, Dariteh dari dibantu pembuatan NPWP, NIB, pengajuan izin pengedaran BPOM dan terakhir sertifikasi halal. Seluruh UMKM tersebut pada akhirnya berhasil mendapatkan sertifikat halal.
TÜRK HALK MÜZİĞİNDE VERSİYON (BENZER METİN) TERİMİNİN NEŞET ERTAŞ’A AİT İKİ ESER ÜZERİNDEN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: CAMGÖZ Nafiz
Published: June 2023

Sözlü kültür ortamında aktarılan anonim ve ferdi yaratmalar folklorik oluşum süreci içinde çeşitlenebilmektedir. Bu çeşitlenmeler halkbilimi ürününün az ya da çok değişmesi anlamına gelmektedir. İleri düzeyde görülen bu farklılıklar için varyant (eş metin); aynı halkbilimi ürününün tekrarı sırasında oluşan küçük farklılıklar için ise versiyon (benzer metin) terimleri kullanılmaktadır. Neşet Ertaş’ın eserlerine versiyon terimi çerçevesinden bakıldığında, Ertaş’ın, aynı eseri farklı zamanlarda, farklı biçimlerde icra ettiğine rastlamaktayız. Bu farklılıklar eserin tümüne hâkim olan farklılıklar olmayıp, bazı müzik cümlelerinde ve eserin ara nağme (saz bölümü) kısımlarında görülmektedir. Bu küçük farklılıklar eserin kimliğini değiştirmediği gibi dinleyicide de farklı bir eser dinliyormuş hissiyatı uyandırmaz. Bu çalışmada, aynı kaynak kişinin, aynı eserinin farklı zamanlardaki ve farklı biçimlerdeki icrasını tanımlamak için versiyon (benzer metin) terimi kullanılmış olup Neşet Ertaş’a ait iki örnek eserin söz bölümlerinde yaptığımız müzikal karşılaştırmalar neticesinde versiyon teriminin somutlaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Bu doğrultuda Neşet Ertaş’a ait “Zülüf Dökülmüş Yüze” adlı eserin iki versiyonu; “Neredesin Sen” adlı eserin ise dört versiyonu olduğu tespit edilmiştir. İncelenen örnek eserlerin sözlerinde bir değişikliğin olmadığı; sadece melodik ve ritmik yapılarında küçük farklılıkların olduğu görülmüştür ancak bu değişiklikler eserin bütününe hâkim olmadığı bir diğer ifadeyle eserin başkalaşmasına sebep olmadığı için versiyon terimi ile ifade edilmiştir.

Çalışmada, araştırma konusuyla ilgili önceden yapılmış çalışmalar incelenerek literatür taraması yapılmış ve dijital ortamdaki ses-görüntü kayıtları karşılaştırma yapılarak incelenmiştir.
New leaf fall disease in rubber-pathogen characterization and rubber clone resistance evaluation using detached leaf assay
Authors: DAROJAT MUHAMAD RIZQI , ARDHIE SINTHO WAHYUNING , OKTAVIA FETRINA , SUDARSONO SUDARSONO
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Darojat MR, Ardhie SW, Oktavia F, Sudarsono. 2023. New leaf fall disease in rubber-pathogen characterization and rubber clone resistance evaluation using detached leaf assay. Biodiversitas 24: 1935-1945. Leaf fall disease (LFD) has become a significant issue for rubber plantations worldwide. Over the last four years, a newly emerging LFD has posed an alarming problem in natural rubber production. The most efficient way to control LFD is to use resistance rubber clones. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the pathogen causing the newly emerging LFD and evaluate rubber clone resistance to the pathogen using detached-leaf assay. The fungal pathogens were isolated from 32 F1 progenies of PB 260 x SP 217 crosses, and the fungi were characterized and identified based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. The results showed that the isolated pathogen causing LFD was Neopestalotiopsis sp. Although they were all pathogenic, the arrays of isolated fungi exhibited various degrees of virulence, and P-212 was the most virulent fungal isolate. The resistance evaluation showed that rubber clones, isolates, and rubber clones by isolate interactions had a significant (p<0.05) effect on the lesion-symptom diameters. Based on the lesion diameter responses, the IRR 112 and RRIC 100 rubber clones were resistant to Pestalotiopsis sp. since they only showed less than 10 mm lesion diameters. The IRR 39 and PB 260 rubber clones were susceptible and showed more than 20 mm lesion diameters. The detached-leaf assay can easily screen rubber clones' responses to the fungi causing LFD. The resistance evaluation results can assist future rubber breeding strategies for the newly emerged LFD-resistant characters.
Work-Based Learning Experiences and Students With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Rooney-Kron Magen , Dymond Stacy K.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to describe the extent to which students with intellectual disability participate in work-based learning experiences and determine whether student characteristics (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, grade level, and support needs) relate to student participation in these activities. An online questionnaire was emailed to high school special education teachers in four states who had a state-issued teaching license in intellectual disability. A total of 266 teachers completed the questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to answer the research questions. Students participated in a variety of work-based learning experiences, with more students participating in school experiences than community experiences. The majority of work experiences were in one of three career clusters: (a) hospitality and tourism; (b) business, management, and administration; or (c) general work skills. Amount of time spent in work experiences varied greatly, with students spending more time in school experiences than community experiences. Student support needs and grade level were related to participation in community experiences. Grade level was also related to the amount of time students spent in school and community experiences.
Analysis of electromagnetic scattering from array of time-modulated graphene ribbons
Authors: Rahmanzadeh Mahdi , Rejaei Behzad , Khavasi Amin
Published: June 2023

An accurate and fast method is presented for the analysis of scattering of electromagnetic waves from an array of time-modulated graphene ribbons. We derive a time-domain integral equation for induced surface currents under subwavelength approximation. Using the method of harmonic balance, this equation is solved for a sinusoidal modulation. The solution of the integral equation is then used to obtain the transmission and reflection coefficients of time-modulated graphene ribbon array. The accuracy of the method was verified through comparison with results of full-wave simulations. In contrast with previously reported analysis techniques, our method is extremely fast and can analyze structures with a much higher modulation frequency. The proposed method also provides interesting physical insights useful for designing novel applications and opens up new vistas in the fast design of time-modulated graphene-based devices.
General design algorithm for stray light suppression of a panoramic annular system
Authors: Liao Yiqi , Gao Shaohua , Bai Jian , Wang Kaiwei
Published: June 2023

In this work, a universal algorithm for designing a panoramic annular lens (PAL) system free from stray light is proposed. The impact of a given stray light path to the optical system could be estimated without running a full stray light analysis process, which allows designers to eliminate troublesome stray light paths by optimizing lens parameters at an early stage of optical design. A 360° ×(40°-100°) PAL system is designed and implemented to verify the proposed method. Simulation shows that the point source transmittance (PST) decreases by 2 orders of magnitude at a specific field-of-view (FoV) range after optimizing the system. Experimental results show perfect consistency with the simulation predictions, which indicate that two types of stray light are totally eliminated in the demonstrated system. This stray light analysis and suppression method provides a promising approach for the research and development of ultra-wide angle high performance optical systems.
Estimating fine age structure and time trends in human contact patterns from coarse contact data: The Bayesian rate consistency model
Authors: Dan Shozen , Chen Yu , Chen Yining , Monod Melodie , Jaeger Veronika K. , Bhatt Samir , Karch André , Ratmann Oliver ,   on behalf of the Machine Learning & Global Health network
Published: June 2023

Since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), large-scale social contact surveys are now longitudinally measuring the fundamental changes in human interactions in the face of the pandemic and non-pharmaceutical interventions. Here, we present a model-based Bayesian approach that can reconstruct contact patterns at 1-year resolution even when the age of the contacts is reported coarsely by 5 or 10-year age bands. This innovation is rooted in population-level consistency constraints in how contacts between groups must add up, which prompts us to call the approach presented here the Bayesian rate consistency model. The model can also quantify time trends and adjust for reporting fatigue emerging in longitudinal surveys through the use of computationally efficient Hilbert Space Gaussian process priors. We illustrate estimation accuracy on simulated data as well as social contact data from Europe and Africa for which the exact age of contacts is reported, and then apply the model to social contact data with coarse information on the age of contacts that were collected in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic from April to June 2020 across five longitudinal survey waves. We estimate the fine age structure in social contacts during the early stages of the pandemic and demonstrate that social contact intensities rebounded in an age-structured, non-homogeneous manner. The Bayesian rate consistency model provides a model-based, non-parametric, computationally tractable approach for estimating the fine structure and longitudinal trends in social contacts and is applicable to contemporary survey data with coarsely reported age of contacts as long as the exact age of survey participants is reported.
A mutation-level covariate model for mutational signatures
Authors: Kahane Itay , Leiserson Mark D. M. , Sharan Roded
Published: June 2023

Mutational processes and their exposures in particular genomes are key to our understanding of how these genomes are shaped. However, current analyses assume that these processes are uniformly active across the genome without accounting for potential covariates such as strand or genomic region that could impact such activities. Here we suggest the first mutation-covariate models that explicitly model the effect of different covariates on the exposures of mutational processes. We apply these models to test the impact of replication strand on these processes and compare them to strand-oblivious models across a range of data sets. Our models capture replication strand specificity, point to signatures affected by it, and score better on held-out data compared to standard models that do not account for mutation-level covariate information.
Assessing vector competence of mosquitoes from northeastern France to West Nile virus and Usutu virus
Authors: Martinet Jean-Philippe , Bohers Chloé , Vazeille Marie , Ferté Hubert , Mousson Laurence , Mathieu Bruno , Depaquit Jérôme , Failloux Anna-Bella
Published: June 2023

West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are two arthropod-borne viruses that circulate in mainland France. Assessing vector competence has only been conducted so far with mosquitoes from southern France while an increasingly active circulation of WNV and USUV has been reported in the last years. The main vectors are mosquitoes of the Culex genus and the common mosquito Culex pipiens. Here, we measure the vector competence of five mosquito species (Aedes rusticus, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles plumbeus, Culex pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata) present in northeastern France. Field-collected populations were exposed to artificial infectious blood meal containing WNV or USUV and examined at different days post-infection. We show that (i) Cx. pipiens transmitted WNV and USUV, (ii) Ae. rusticus only WNV, and (iii) unexpectedly, Ae. albopictus transmitted both WNV and USUV. Less surprising, An. plumbeus was not competent for both viruses. Combined with data on distribution and population dynamics, these assessments of vector competence will help in developing a risk map and implementing appropriate prevention and control measures.
Schistosoma japonicum Tyrosine Hydroxylase is promising targets for immunodiagnosis and immunoprotection of Schistosomiasis japonica
Authors: Piao Xianyu , Duan Jiamei , Jiang Ning , Liu Shuai , Hou Nan , Chen Qijun
Published: June 2023

Identification of promising schistosome antigen targets is crucial for the development of anti-schistosomal strategies. Schistosomes rely on their neuromuscular systems to coordinate important locomotory behaviors. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is critical in the initial rate-limiting step in biosynthesis of catecholamine, the important neuroactive agents, which promote the lengthening of the worm through muscular relaxation and are therefore of great importance to the movement of the organism both within and between its hosts. THs from both Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum and their enzyme activities have been discovered; however, the role of these proteins during infection have not been explored. Herein, a recombinant protein of the nonconserved fragment of S. japonicum TH (SjTH) was produced and the corresponding polyclonal antibody was generated. The expression and antigenicity of SjTH were detected by qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence assays, and ELISA. Mice immunized with the recombinant SjTH were challenged with cercariae to evaluate the immunoprotective value of this protein. Our results showed SjTH not only distributed in the head associated with the central nervous system, but also expressed along the tegument and the intestinal intima, which are involved in the movement, coupling and digestion of the parasites and associated with the peripheral nervous system. This protein can effectively stimulate humoral immune responses in mammalian hosts and has high potential as a biomarker for schistosomiasis immunodiagnosis. Furthermore, immunization with recombinant SjTH showed to reduce the worm and egg burden of challenged mice, and to contribute to the systemic balance of the Th1/Th2 responses. Taken together, these results suggest that SjTH is an important pathogenic molecule in S. japonicum and may be a possible target for anti-schistosomal approaches.
Effectiveness of ozone-laser photodynamic combination therapy for healing wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in mice
Authors: Astuti Suryani Dyah , Pertiwi Wahyu Intan , Wahyuningsih Sri Puji Astuti , Permatasari Perwira Annissa Dyah , Nurdin Dezy Zahrotul Istiqomah , Syahrom Ardiansyah
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim: According to 2013 data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, there were 8.2% more wounds than typical in Indonesia; 25.4% were open wounds, 70.9% were abrasions and bruises, and 23.2% were lacerations. A wound is defined as damage or loss of body tissue. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of wound healing using red-laser therapy (650 nm, 3.5 J/cm2), blue-laser therapy (405 nm, 3.5 J/ cm2), ozone therapy, red-laser therapy (650 nm, 3.5 J/cm2) with ozone, and blue-laser therapy (405 nm, 3.5 J/cm2) with ozone.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and twelve mice were given incision wounds and infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study used a factorial design with two factors: The type of therapy (n = 7) and irradiation time (days 1, 2, 4, and 6). The mice were divided into seven therapy groups: Control group with NaCl, control with Sofra-tulle® treatment, red-laser therapy (650 nm, 3.5 J/cm2), blue-laser therapy (405 nm, 3.5 J/cm2), ozone therapy, red-laser therapy (650 nm, 3.5 J/cm2) with ozone, and blue-laser therapy (405 nm, 3.5 J/cm2) with ozone. This therapy was performed using irradiation perpendicular to the wound area. The photosensitizer used was curcumin 10 mg/mL, which was applied to the wound area before exposure to a laser and ozone. The ozone concentration was 0.011 mg/L with a flow time of 80 s. The test parameters were the number of collagens, bacterial colonies, lymphocytes, monocytes, and wound length measurement to determine their acceleration effects on wound healing. Data were analyzed by a two-way (factorial) analysis of variance test.

Results: Acceleration of wound healing was significantly different between treatments with a laser or a laser-ozone combination and treatment using 95% sodium chloride (NaCl) and Sofra-tulle®. On day 6, the blue-laser with ozone treatment group had efficiently increased the number of bacteria and reduced the wound length, and the red-laser treatment with ozone increased the amount of collagen. In addition, the red-laser also reduced the number of lymphocytes and monocytes, which can have an impact on accelerating wound healing. Blue-laser therapy was very effective for increasing the number of epithelia.

Conclusion: The blue- and red-laser combined with ozone treatments effectively accelerated the healing of incisional wounds infected with MRSA bacteria.

Keywords: blue-laser, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, ozone therapy, red-laser.
Adhesion factors and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli strains associated with colibacillosis in piglets in Colombia
Authors: Pabón-Rodríguez Omar V. , López-López Karina , Casas-Bedoya Gloria A. , Mogollón-Galvis José D. , Serna-Cock Liliana
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim: The pathogenicity of Escherichia coli is determined by the presence of genes that mediate virulence factors such as adherence capacity and toxin production. This research aimed to identify the adhesion factors and antibiotic resistance capacity of E. coli strains associated with diarrhea in piglets in Colombia.

Materials and Methods: Presumptive E. coli strains were isolated from the rectal swabs of piglets in swine farms between 4 and 40 days of age with evidence of diarrhea. Presumptive E. coli strains were tested for antibiotic resistance. The hemolytic capacity of presumptive E. coli strains was measured and molecularly identified. Strains confirmed as hemolytic E. coli was evaluated for the presence of five adhesion factors (F4, F5, F6, F18, and F41) and resistance to 11 antibiotics.

Results: Fifty-two putative E. coli strains were isolated, six of which showed a hemolytic capacity. The hemolytic strains were molecularly identified as E. coli. Adhesive fimbriae were found in five of six β-hemolytic E. coli isolates. Combinations of the adhesion factors F6–F18 and F6–F41 were linked to antibiotic resistance capacity.

Conclusion: The phenomenon of E. coli strains resistant to multiple antibiotics on pig farms represents a constant risk factor for public health and pig production.

Keywords: adhesive fimbriae, piglet diarrhea, enteroaggregative heat-stable toxin 1, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, hemolytic capacity.
Postnatal Dynamics and Clinical Associations of Fecal Calprotectin in Very Preterm Infants: Implications for Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Feeding Intolerance
Authors: Hong Luyang , Huang Yihuang , Jiang Siyuan , Han Junyan , Li Shujuan , Zhang Lan , Zhou Qi , Cao Xincheng , Yu Weiyin , Yang Yi , Cao Yun
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

To elucidate the postnatal dynamics and clinical associations of fecal calprotectin (FC) in very preterm infants, with a focus on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and feeding intolerance (FI).

Methods:

We performed a prospective observational cohort study in infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks or birth weight <1500 g with weekly feces collection. The relationships between FC, NEC, and FI were investigated, adjusting for demographic and clinical factors.

Results:

A total of 1,086 fecal samples were collected from 194 preterm infants. Postnatal FC levels of non-NEC infants were highly variable and followed an age-dependent patterned progression. FC levels were elevated in NEC patients before and at NEC onset, distinguishing them from non-NEC infants and those at sepsis onset. Among infants without NEC or sepsis, those with FI exhibited lower FC concentrations throughout hospitalization and displayed a significant delay in reaching high FC levels after meconium compared to non-FI infants. The age to reach the first high non-meconial FC levels was positively associated with the time to achieve full enteral feeding.

Conclusion:

Postnatal FC dynamics among premature infants followed a patterned progression but were disturbed in patients with NEC and FI. Due to the high variations, the use of FC levels in NEC diagnosis should be implemented with caution in clinical practice. FC may help understand FI and feeding progression in very preterm infants. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the potential clinical applications of FC in this population.
A CQR-M Study on School Counselors' Perceptions of the Difficulties, Required Competencies, and Support Plans in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Counseling
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Jo Hang , Kim Sinae , Keum Changmin
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the difficulties, required competencies, and supportplans experienced by school counselors in the non-suicidal self-injury counseling scene. Methods: Our study conducted a survey of tirty-nine professional counseling teachers or professionalcounselors who had experience in counseling non-suicidal self-injurious students in school, and thecollected data were analyzed by a consensus team of three professors in counseling by applying amodified consensual qualitative research (CQR-M). Results: The results of this study are as follows. First, six categories of counseling internal situationsand four categories of counseling external situations were derived that were difficult for school counselorsto cope with in non-suicidal self-injury counseling. Second, for the non-suicidal self-injury counselingcompetency required of school counselors, four competency factors were derived for each area ofknowledge, skill, and attitude. Third, for external and environmental support for effective non-suicidalself-injury counseling, three support plans for clients and four support plans for counselors were derived. Conclusion: Based on our results, we suggest specific improvement plans for professional counselingteachers’training courses and continuing education to strengthen their non-suicidal self-injury counselingcompetencies.
A Qualitative Study on the Role of Leaders’ Mindfulness on Corporate Social Responsibility in Pakistani Industries
Authors: Abbas Rameesha
Published: June 2023

Not altogether unlike CSR, an in-depth background study provides less than a clear and concise definition of mindfulness leadership; nevertheless. Although an economic and social case for adopting CSR has clearly emerged, many organizations and leaders are finding it challenging to establish meaningful and sustainable CSR policies and practices. Hence, by investigating the top-management expertise in designing and implementing CSR initiatives among small and medium enterprises are important concepts to explore. The primary data was collected qualitatively using personal interviews with 28 top-management level employees working in different SMEs of Pakistan. The results found that leaders’ mindfulness is important at all levels from designing to execution of CSR initiatives to achieve desire results such as sustained competitive advantage and along with community development. This study provides researchers an opportunity to gain understanding as to the application of mindfulness leadership as an effective framework for organizations to better achieve their social responsibility goals.
The Influence of Picture Book Teaching on Children’s Aesthetic Ability: The Mediating Role of Teachers’ Aesthetic Imagination Cognition
Authors: Fang Mengyan , Zhong Shuxian
Published: June 2023

Picture book teaching is one of the important ways to improve children's aesthetic ability. Teachers' aesthetic cognition of picture book teaching is the prerequisite for developing children's aesthetic ability. This study aims to explore the current situation of teachers' cognition of children's aesthetic ability in picture book teaching and further examine the relationship between teachers' cognition of children's aesthetic ability in various dimensions. The results found that teachers' overall cognition of children's aesthetic ability in picture book teaching is at a moderately low level; teachers' cognition of children's aesthetic ability and its various dimensions are significantly positively correlated; teachers' cognition of aesthetic creation can directly predict aesthetic ability cognition; teachers' aesthetic imagination in picture book teaching has a mediating effect on aesthetic creation and aesthetic ability. Teachers should improve their aesthetic quality, fully explore the aesthetic resources of picture books, and promote the development of children's aesthetic abilities.
The History of European Stereotypes and Allegories of Representation of North Africans: Continuity Narratives and Shifting Paradigms
Authors: El Aatefi Khalid
Published: June 2023

The representational politics of European cinema and literature were effectively determinant in shaping and reflecting the values and the ideologies of the dominant parties in dealing with encounters and representing cultural difference. Conditioned by the synchronous historical and political contexts, the work of stereotyping has persisted and Continued in deploying almost the same tropes and metaphors of representation that have been in operation since the medieval ages, constructing a logic of binarization of encounters on asymmetrical grounds. This article explores the genealogy of representation of North Africans in European cinema and literature, focusing on the metamorphosis of its dominant tropes and stereotypes over centuries. It addresses the ways fictional representation of North Africans, especially Moroccans, reinforce the orientalizing discourse of power, domination, and hegemonic construction of cultural difference on stereotypical and judgmental basis. It suggests that the visual and literary representation of North Africans has constantly kept appearing, disappearing, shifting and redefining in response to the prevailing political and historical contexts that shaped encounters between Europeans and North Africans. To track the mutation of the stereotype, its intertextuality and its hierarchical structures of power, Edward Said’s colonial discourse analysis and Homi Bhabha’s conceptualization of the stereotype will be used as theoretical frameworks in this article.
Transcutaneous spinal stimulation in people with and without spinal cord injury: Effect of electrode placement and trains of stimulation on threshold intensity
Authors: Finn Harrison T. , Bye Elizabeth A. , Elphick Thomas G. , Boswell‐Ruys Claire L. , Gandevia Simon C. , Butler Jane E. , Héroux Martin E.
Published: June 2023

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSS) is purported to improve motor function in people after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, several methodology aspects are yet to be explored. We investigated whether stimulation configuration affected the intensity needed to elicit spinally evoked motor responses (sEMR) in four lower limb muscles bilaterally. Also, since stimulation intensity for therapeutic TSS (i.e., trains of stimulation, typically delivered at 15–50 Hz) is sometimes based on the single‐pulse threshold intensity, we compared these two stimulation types. In non‐SCI participants (n = 9) and participants with a SCI (n = 9), three different electrode configurations (cathode–anode); L1‐midline (below the umbilicus), T11‐midline and L1‐ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine; non‐SCI only) were compared for the sEMR threshold intensity using single pulses or trains of stimulation which were recorded in the vastus medialis, medial hamstring, tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius muscles. In non‐SCI participants, the L1‐midline configuration showed lower sEMR thresholds compared to T11‐midline (p = 0.002) and L1‐ASIS (p < 0.001). There was no difference between T11‐midline and L1‐midline for participants with SCI (p = 0.245). Spinally evoked motor response thresholds were ~13% lower during trains of stimulation compared to single pulses in non‐SCI participants (p < 0.001), but not in participants with SCI (p = 0.101). With trains of stimulation, threshold intensities were slightly lower and the incidence of sEMR was considerably lower. Overall, stimulation threshold intensities were generally lower with the L1‐midline electrode configuration and is therefore preferred. While single‐pulse threshold intensities may overestimate threshold intensities for therapeutic TSS, tolerance to trains of stimulation will be the limiting factor in most cases.
Curvature of gastrocnemius muscle fascicles as function of muscle–tendon complex length and contraction in humans
Authors: Heieis Jule , Böcker Jonas , D'Angelo Olfa , Mittag Uwe , Albracht Kirsten , Schönau Eckhard , Meyer Andreas , Voigtmann Thomas , Rittweger Jörn
Published: June 2023

It has been shown that muscle fascicle curvature increases with increasing contraction level and decreasing muscle–tendon complex length. The analyses were done with limited examination windows concerning contraction level, muscle–tendon complex length, and/or intramuscular position of ultrasound imaging. With this study we aimed to investigate the correlation between fascicle arching and contraction, muscle–tendon complex length and their associated architectural parameters in gastrocnemius muscles to develop hypotheses concerning the fundamental mechanism of fascicle curving. Twelve participants were tested in five different positions (90°/105°*, 90°/90°*, 135°/90°*, 170°/90°*, and 170°/75°*; *knee/ankle angle). They performed isometric contractions at four different contraction levels (5%, 25%, 50%, and 75% of maximum voluntary contraction) in each position. Panoramic ultrasound images of gastrocnemius muscles were collected at rest and during constant contraction. Aponeuroses and fascicles were tracked in all ultrasound images and the parameters fascicle curvature, muscle–tendon complex strain, contraction level, pennation angle, fascicle length, fascicle strain, intramuscular position, sex and age group were analyzed by linear mixed effect models. Mean fascicle curvature of the medial gastrocnemius increased with contraction level (+5 m−1 from 0% to 100%; p = 0.006). Muscle–tendon complex length had no significant impact on mean fascicle curvature. Mean pennation angle (2.2 m−1 per 10°; p < 0.001), inverse mean fascicle length (20 m−1 per cm−1; p = 0.003), and mean fascicle strain (−0.07 m−1 per +10%; p = 0.004) correlated with mean fascicle curvature. Evidence has also been found for intermuscular, intramuscular, and sex‐specific intramuscular differences of fascicle curving. Pennation angle and the inverse fascicle length show the highest predictive capacities for fascicle curving. Due to the strong correlations between pennation angle and fascicle curvature and the intramuscular pattern of curving we suggest for future studies to examine correlations between fascicle curvature and intramuscular fluid pressure.
Characterization of Hofbauer cell polarization and VEGF localization in human term placenta from active and inactive pregnant individuals
Authors: Goudreau Alexandra D. , Everest Catherine , Tanara Layli , Tzaneva Velislava , Adamo Kristi B.
Published: June 2023

Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is associated with parental and fetal health benefits; however, the mechanisms through which these benefits arise are yet to be fully understood. In healthy pregnancies Hofbauer cells (HBCs) comprise a heterogenous population containing CD206+ and CD206− phenotypes. In healthy pregnancies, CD206+ represent the majority, while dysregulations have been associated with pathological conditions. HBCs have also been identified as potential drivers of angiogenesis. As PA induces changes in macrophage polarization in non‐pregnant populations, this novel study examined the relationship between PA and HBC polarization and to identify which HBC phenotypes express VEGF. Participants were classified as active or inactive, and immunofluorescence cell‐labelling was used to quantify total HBCs, CD206+ HBCs, and the proportion of total HBCs expressing CD206. Immunofluorescent colocalization assessed which phenotypes expressed VEGF. Protein and mRNA expression of CD68 and CD206 were measured in term placenta tissue using Western blot and RT‐qPCR, respectively. Both CD206+ and CD206− HBCs expressed VEGF. The proportion of CD206+ HBCs was elevated in active individuals; however, CD206 protein expression was observed to be lower in active participants. Combined with a lack of significant differences in CD206 mRNA levels, these findings suggest potential PA‐mediated responses in HBC polarization and CD206 translational regulation.
Exploring Tibetan residents’ everyday language practices in Danba county, Southwest China: a case study
Authors: Ai Bin , Ma Siwei , Liu Xia
Published: June 2023

In this case study, seventy Tibetan residents selected from two Tibetan villages in Danba county, Southwest China, were invited to participate in an investigation of their everyday use of Tibetan, standard Chinese, and English, as well as their expectations of future multilingual practices. It was found that there are intergenerational differences in the participants’ use of these languages. This paper, in the context of neoliberal ideology and rural development, suggests that attention should be given to support local Tibetan residents’ language learning and improve their multilingual competence, thus enabling the conversion of their linguistic/human capital to economic capital. The study contributes to understandings of how local multilingual resources can be exploited for the betterment of living standards and opportunities, and it calls for governments to address the issues regarding poverty reduction, rural development, and language preservation by improving the quality of multilingual education in ethnic minority areas.
Microstructural evolution and dynamic recrystallization model of extruded homogenized AZ31 magnesium alloy during hot deformation
Authors: Yan Zehua , Zhou Jingkai , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2023

Using a thermal simulation testing machine, hot compression experiments were carried out on extruded homogenized AZ31 magnesium alloy, and the hot deformation behavior was analyzed. Based on this, the constitutive equation of the alloy is constructed to explore the evolution law of microstructure during hot deformation of the alloy, which could provide theoretical guidance for the reasonable selection of parameter ranges during hot compression of extruded homogenized AZ31 magnesium alloy. The experimental result indicated that the flow stress of the alloy during the hot deformation decreases with increasing temperature, increases with the strain rate increasing, and the real stress–strain curves during deformation show dynamic recrystallization curves. According to the experimental results, the deformation activation energy Q is 126.882 kJ mol−1 and the stress exponent n is 4.36 calculated by the constitutive equation under the given parameters, which confirmed that the glide and climb of dislocations in the climb-controlled regime is the deformation mechanism in this work. Decreasing the compression temperature and increasing the strain rate are helpful to reduce the Zener–Hollomon parameter, control the dynamic recrystallization occurring, and refine grain size to improve the mechanical properties effectively. Moreover, the dynamic recrystallization model of the alloy was constructed using the work hardening rate method and regression method, including dynamic recrystallization critical condition model, dynamic model and grain size model.
Revisiting areal and lexical diffusion: the case of Viennese Monophthongization in Austria’s traditional dialects
Authors: Vergeiner Philip C. , Luttenberger Jan , Bülow Lars , Wallner Dominik , Britain David
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates the geographical and structural diffusion of “Viennese Monophthongization” (VM). By means of a new numerical measure to assess and compare formant movement in 18 lexical items, we provide evidence that VM is an ongoing, regular sound change transforming [aɛ̯] and [aɔ̯] gradually into [æː] and [ɒː]. Data are based on direct dialect recordings of 76 speakers in two age groups in 19 eastern and central Austrian rural locations. Results indicate that VM is diffusing from Vienna in a wave-like fashion. Even though VM is reported to have been established in other bigger cities for more than 30 years, the data show no evidence of diffusion from these cities. There are also other factors affecting the degree of formant movement: The phonetic-phonological environment (stress and the following consonant) explains most of the variance in the data, whereas no frequency effects could be found. Social identity, cultural space, and gender-related network structures are discussed as additional social factors.
Circular RNA Circ_0038467 promotes the maturation of miRNA-203 to increase lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes
Authors: Gou Zhongkun , Wu Quanling , Jiang Changqing , Dong Wei
Published: June 2023

Circ_0038467 and miR-203 exert important functions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation, which contributes to osteoarthritis (OA). Our preliminary deep sequencing analysis revealed altered expression of Circ_0038467 and miR-203 in OA and a close correlation between them. This study was therefore to explore crosstalk between them in OA. The expression of Circ_0038467, mature miR-203, and miR-203 precursor in OA patients and controls was determined using RT-qPCR. An overexpression assay was performed to explore the role of Circ_0038467 in regulating the expression of mature miR-203 and miR-203 precursor. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by cell apoptosis assay. Circ_0038467 was upregulated in OA and positively correlated with mature miR-203 but not that of miR-203 precursor. In chondrocytes, increased expression levels of both Circ_0038467 and miR-203 were observed after LPS treatment. In chondrocytes, overexpression of Circ_0038467 increased the expression levels of mature miR-203 but not that of miR-203 precursor. Overexpression of Circ_0038467 and miR-203 increased cell apoptosis. Then, the miR-203 inhibitor reversed the effects of overexpression of Circ_0038467 on cell apoptosis. Interestingly, Circ_0038467 was detected in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Circ_0038467 directly interacted with the precursor miR-203. Therefore, Circ_0038467 is highly expressed in OA and it may promote the production of mature miR-203 to increase apoptosis of chondrocytes induced by LPS.
Does total hip arthroplasty result in intercostal nerve injury? A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Zhengming , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Rui , Chen Quanquan , Tong Peijian , Zhan Hongsheng , Lv Shuaijie
Published: June 2023

Neuropathy in surgical-related locations has received concerns after total hip arthroplasty (THA), while the contralateral intercostal nerve (ICN) injury has not been reported. A 25-year-old female patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 17.9 kg/m2 visited the orthopedic outpatient clinic with complaints of progressive left hip pain for 20 days. She was diagnosed with left end-stage hip osteoarthritis and developmental dysplasia of the bilateral hips after radiographs and a detailed history-taking. After painstaking consideration, a cementless THA with the standard posterolateral approach was performed under general anesthesia. The procedure was difficult but successful. Unexpectedly, the numbness and slight tingling in the skin of the right breast, lateral chest wall, and axilla cropped up on the first postoperative day. Following the clinical features and the conclusion of the multidisciplinary discussion, we assume that ICN neuropathy is the diagnosis in this case due to compression of the lateral decubitus position during the operation. Her symptoms completely disappeared after using mecobalamin injection (0.5 mg, intramuscular injection, every other day) for 11 days. The Harris left hip score improved from 39 to 94, and the visual analogue scale from 7 was reduced to 2 on the day of discharge. There were no other complications within the first year after the operation. For THA, we should pay attention to some unexpected complications by virtue of the special position, especially in thin and low-BMI people, which suggested that further comprehensive perioperative nursing measures and the beneficial surgical position and anesthesia type were called for.
The crystal structure of (E)-N′-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-2-naphthohydrazide monohydrate, C19H18N2O4
Authors: Zhang Sheng-Ting , Zou Fei , Lai Ni , Yuan Lin , Li Zhong-Yan
Published: June 2023

C19H18N2O4, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 8.375(2) Å, b = 22.018(6) Å, c = 9.237(3) Å, β = 

106.271

(
3
)

∘

$106.271{(3)}^{\circ }$

, V = 1635.1(8) Å3, Z = 4,

R

g
t

${R}_{gt}$

(F) = 0.0427,

w
R

r
e
f

${wR}_{ref}$

(F
2) = 0.1185, T = 296(2) K.
Residues of carcinogenic pesticides in food: a systematic review
Authors: Sadighara Parisa , Mahmudiono Trias , Marufi Nilufar , Yazdanfar Najmeh , Fakhri Yadolah , Rikabadi Ali Khalili , Khaneghah Amin Mousavi
Published: June 2023

Most agricultural products are exposed to pesticides. Organochlorine (OCPs) insecticides have been banned for years due to their persistence in the environment and lipophilic properties. On the other hand, some carcinogenic organophosphates are used in high amounts. Therefore, this systematic review was performed with the keywords; pesticide, carcinogenic, carcinogen, residue, contamination, pollution, and food to determine the type of food and pesticide. 663 manuscripts were found by searching in databases. After initial screening and quality assessment of full text, 26 manuscripts were selected. In this study, by reviewing selected manuscripts, about 13 pesticides were associated with carcinogenic effects. These pesticides were Chlorothalonil, Glyphosate, Tetrachlorvinphos, Parathion, Malathion, Diazinon, heptachlor, Hexachlorobenzene, aldrin, dieldrin, DDT, chlordane, Lindane. Most of these pesticides were organochlorine. The organochlorine pesticides are primarily detected in foods of animal origin. In some studies, the amount of carcinogenic organochlorine was higher than the permissible levels. From the carcinogenic herbicide, Glyphosate. An important finding of this systematic review is that carcinogenic organochlorines are still a threat to cancer incidence.
Morphological analysis of alienability contrast in Nuer: an atypical typical case
Authors: Monich Irina
Published: June 2023

This article presents evidence that alienable versus inalienable possession is distinguished in the morphology of Nuer, a West Nilotic language. Although the distinction in possession type is subtle due to Nuer morphology being mostly non-segmental and is additionally obfuscated by numerous exceptions, we show that Nuer conforms to the well-established typological observation that alienable possessive constructions involve more structural complexity than inalienable ones. We argue that alienable possession is marked on the possessum with a non-segmental suffix owing to the presence of PossP structural layer; in contrast, inalienable possession involves a simple juxtaposition of the possessum and the possessor, which are in a head-complement configuration. These structural assumptions account for several morphological patterns where possessed nouns behave differently based on possession type. We also suggest that the exceptional patterns can be dealt with under a presumption that another non-segmental morpheme – the linker – intervenes between the possessum and the possessor when one of them is larger than a monosyllable.
Successful Treatment of Pasteurella multocida-Related Invasive Infections with a Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor-Sparing Combination Antibiotic Regimen: A Case Series
Authors: Mastroianni Antonio , Vangeli Valeria , Mauro Maria Vittoria , Manfredi Roberto , Greco Sonia
Published: June 2023

Pasteurella multocida, a Gram-negative, penicillin-sensitive coccobacillus that is frequently a member of the normal respiratory microbiota of different animals, remains a clinically important pathogen with the ability to cause severe disease. Few case reports have involved P. multocida infections without animal bites. Moreover, few reports have identified P. multocida as the causative agent of septic shock, which usually occurs in patients with cirrhosis and/or immunocompromised patients. To our knowledge, a human submandibular salivary gland abscess caused by P. multocida has not been reported. Pasteurella spp. are resistant to benzylpenicillin, and human isolates of beta-lactamase-producing resistant strains of P. multocida resistant have also been documented. The noteworthy findings of the current study were as follows: (i) the combination of ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin successfully treated two patients infected with P. multocida; (ii) the first reported case of a septicemic patient with no history of animal bites and a submandibular P. multocida infection; and (iii) an immunocompetent patient in septic shock due to a P. multocida systemic infection.