bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytopathology Practice in Nigeria
Authors: Folaranmi Olaleke O. , Olayiwola Oladunni I. , Ibiyeye Kehinde M. , Buhari Mikhail O. , Ibrahim Olatunde K. , Ighodalo Ehigie J. , Balogun Abdulquadri
Published: December 2024

Cytopathology is a cost‐effective diagnostic method crucial for investigating suspected neoplastic lesions, particularly in Nigeria's healthcare system, where non‐communicable diseases, especially with increasing rates of cancer. This review highlights the evolution of cytopathology practice in Nigeria, detailing its historical development, current methodologies, and the challenges faced within the healthcare framework. Despite advancements in diagnostic techniques such as immunocytochemistry and molecular diagnostics globally, conventional methods remain essential due to their affordability and accessibility. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has gained acceptance for its diagnostic accuracy; however, significant disparities exist in the availability of cytological services across various regions. The lack of trained personnel and inadequate infrastructure further complicate the effective implementation of cytopathology practices. The findings highlight the urgent need for specialized training programs and improved resource allocation to enhance cytopathology services in Nigeria. We advocate for strategic interventions aimed at optimizing cytopathology's potential to improve cancer diagnosis and patient outcomes in resource‐limited settings across the country.
An Augmented Lagrangian Trust‐Region Method With Inexact Gradient Evaluations to Accelerate Constrained Optimization Problems Using Model Hyperreduction
Authors: Wen Tianshu , Zahr Matthew J.
Published: December 2024

We present an augmented Lagrangian trust‐region method to efficiently solve constrained optimization problems governed by large‐scale nonlinear systems with application to partial differential equation‐constrained optimization. At each major augmented Lagrangian iteration, the expensive optimization subproblem involving the full nonlinear system is replaced by an empirical quadrature‐based hyperreduced model constructed on‐the‐fly. To ensure convergence of these inexact augmented Lagrangian subproblems, we develop a bound‐constrained trust‐region method that allows for inexact gradient evaluations, and specialize it to our specific setting that leverages hyperreduced models. This approach circumvents a traditional training phase because the models are built on‐the‐fly in accordance with the requirements of the trust‐region convergence theory. Two numerical experiments (constrained aerodynamic shape design) demonstrate the convergence and efficiency of the proposed work. A speedup of (for all computational costs, even costs traditionally considered “offline” such as snapshot collection and data compression) relative to a standard optimization approach that does not leverage model reduction is shown.
Morphological, Anatomical, and Histochemical Study of Cordia diffusa K.C. Jacob—A Steno Endemic Plant
Authors: Haritha M. , Leena Lavanya D. , Muthukumar T.
Published: December 2024

Cordia diffusa K.C. Jacob, known as Sirunaruvili, belonging to the family Boraginaceae, is a rare endemic species. The study aimed to document the morpho‐anatomical and histochemical characteristics of C. diffusa to facilitate its identification, as it is a highly threatened steno‐endemic plant. The plant is an evergreen, woody shrub with brownish‐gray, lenticellate stems and oblong‐oblanceolate with pubescent leaves. Flowers are yellowish‐white, tubular, fragrant, and arranged in umbellate cyme. Fruits and drupe, turning from green to orange when ripe, with viscid edible pulp. Flowering and fruiting occur year‐round. The anatomical results showed that the adaxial surface of leaves had more stomata than the abaxial leaf surface. The pubescent plant surface was due to unicellular trichomes in the leaf's epidermal layer, and some of the epidermal cells had cystoliths. Petioles and stems had ridges, unicellular trichomes, and collateral vascular bundles with prominent water storage cells. Root exhibited radial vascular arrangements, cortical region, endodermis, and exarch xylem, with secondary growth forming periderm layers. Sclerenchymatous fibers and lignin accumulation were observed in the stem and roots. The histochemical study showed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, acidic and neutral lipids, phenolic compounds, lignified cell walls, and alkaloids in various regions of the plant cell. The micro‐morphological properties of the plant exhibited several unique aspects for accurate taxonomic identification and species delimitation, and this work offers many valuable details to plant taxonomists for future research.
A Performance Evaluation of CMIP6 Wind Fields for Robust Forcing in Indian Ocean Wave Climate Studies
Authors: Sreejith Meenakshi , Remya P. G. , Sreelakshmi S. , Praveen Kumar B. , Malavika S. , Balakrishnan Nair T. M. , Srinivasa Kumar T.
Published: December 2024

The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase Six (CMIP6) lacks wave climate projections, emphasising the critical need to select the most accurate CMIP6 model winds for projecting wave climate. This study focuses on evaluating and selecting the optimal CMIP6 model wind fields for the Indian Ocean wave climate projections. A 35‐year (1980–2014) wind‐wave climate simulation of the Indian Ocean (IO) using the third‐generation wave model WAVEWATCH‐III (WW3), forced with seven CMIP6 Global Climate Models (BCC‐CSM2‐HR, EC‐Earth3, CMCC‐CM2‐SR, GFDL‐ESM4, CNRM‐CM6‐1‐HR, HadGEM3‐GC31‐MM and MPI‐ESM1‐2‐HR), is generated and validated against in situ buoy observations and ERA5 reanalysis data. Statistical analyses revealed that MPI, BCC and EC are the most accurate in representing wave characteristics in the IO, exhibiting strong correlations with observations and effectively capturing inter‐annual variability. Extreme wave analysis shows that MPI, BCC and EC model wind‐forced wave simulations match well with ERA5 data. The top three models (MPI, BCC and EC) are then selected for the composite analysis to assess their capability to reproduce the climate mode impacts on IO wave climate. EC performs best in capturing wave fields under El‐Nino Southern Oscillation, Southern Annular Mode, and Indian Ocean Dipole influences, followed by BCC and MPI. Thus, the study identifies BCC, MPI and EC as the optimal CMIP6 models for the Indian Ocean wave projections.
Effects of biological fertilizers on physiological traits and bioactive compounds in saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
Authors: Abdoshah Shima , Bakhshi Davood , Farhangi Mohammad Bagher
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Relatively few studies have explored the impact of biofertilizers on the qualitative and quantitative yield of saffron despite its global agricultural and medical importance. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and phytochemical responses of saffron to potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and iron‐zinc (Fe‐Zn) biofertilizers over 2 consecutive years (2022–2023). The treatments included single and combined applications of K, P, and Fe‐Zn biofertilizers containing active bacterial inoculum, along with a control group, resulting in a total of eight treatments. Biofertilizers were applied at a rate of 0.5 L per hectare by fertigation in mid‐February. Flowering began in mid‐November in both 2022 and 2023, lasting approximately 3 weeks, during which data were collected.

RESULTS

The highest flower count (3.5 times greater than the control group), longest flowering duration (2.4 times longer than the control group), greatest stigma dry weight (3.2 times higher than the control group), and highest flowering rate (1.2 times greater than the control group) were recorded in the second year application of the K + Fe‐Zn treatment. The K + Fe‐Zn treatment also enhanced quality traits significantly, including total phenolic content (1.11 g kg−1; an increase of 1.1 times relative to the control), anthocyanin (977 mg kg−1, an increase of 8.4 times), crocin (126.9 g kg−1, an increase of 1.2 times), picrocrocin (59.8 g kg−1, an increase of 1.2 times), and safranal (1.8 g kg−1, an increase of 3.3 times).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the 2 year application of K + Fe‐Zn solubilizing bacteria as biofertilizer improved both the qualitative and quantitative traits of saffron markedly, underscoring its potential importance in sustainable saffron cultivation in mineral‐fortified soils. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Association Between A1c and Cutaneous Dermatophytosis: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Ufkes Nicole , Hopkins Zachary , Westerdahl John Skylar , Florell Scott R.
Published: December 2024

Background

Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of certain dermatophytoses. However, less is known about dermatophyte infections in pre‐diabetic patients, or how A1c impacts risk.

Objectives

Assess the relationship between recent (< 1 year) HgbA1c status and odds of cutaneous dermatophyte infection.

Methods

Case–control study of patients seen at the University of Utah Dermatology Department between January 1, 2015 and December 21, 2022. Tinea cases were identified by ICD‐10 codes and required the diagnosis be made by a dermatologist. Controls included patients seen in the dermatology department but who had no known diagnosis (past or current) of dermatophyte infection and were seen in a context where tinea could have been identified (i.e., no surgical visits, suture removals, spot checks, and cosmetic visits) and did not have a potentially confounding condition (inflammatory rashes). The primary exposure examined was averaged HgbA1c 1 year before index visit. Secondary exposures included HgbA1c 3 months, 3–6 months, and 6–12 months before visit as well as 3 months after the visit. Sensitivity analysis was performed using categorised Hgb A1c and historical diagnosis of diabetes.

Results

There was a 1.16‐fold increase in the odds of tinea per point increase in averaged pre‐visit A1c (odds ratio [OR] 1.16; confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.22). The odds of tinea for a given HgbA1c were higher for cutaneous tinea as compared to onychomycosis and tinea capitis. The odds of tinea were attenuated when adjusting for age and sex but remained significant (OR = 1.09; CI 1.03–1.15).

Conclusions

There was an association between averaged HgbA1c over the year before a visit and odds of tinea infection. This association was similar for individual A1c periods and was more pronounced for tinea infections outside of onychomycosis and tinea capitis. These data may support HgbA1c screening in patients with new dermatophytoses, or conversely may increase the suspicion of cutaneous dermatophytosis if HgbA1c is elevated.
Gaps in Evidence‐Based Recommendations for Low Back Pain: Analysis of the Accuracy of the Care Pathway in Primary Care
Authors: Junior Denis Macleam Cunha e Silva , Goes Ana Vitória Araújo , de Castro Shamyr Sulyvan , de Jesus‐Moraleida Fabianna Resende , Nunes Ana Carla Lima
Published: December 2024

Background

Primary health care is the gateway to low back pain (LBP) management. Effective management of LBP can reduce disability and socioeconomic burden. Standardised, accurate, and evidence‐based information for assertive decision‐making in care pathways for LBP has the potential to improve health service efficiency.

Objective

To describe and analyse the accuracy of the information on the care pathway for the management of LBP in primary care provided by the Ministry of Health from Brazil.

Methods

Descriptive study of the accuracy of information on the care pathway for LBP in primary care based on an official protocol of the Ministry of Health from Brazil. Information on non‐pharmacological and pharmacological treatment, as well as health education, was extracted from the treatment protocol. The information was then compared with recent international guidelines for accuracy analysis. Each management recommendation was analysed by two independent researchers and classified as accurate, partially accurate, inaccurate or not mentioned according to the clarity and precision of the information.

Results

The analysis revealed that 43% of the management recommendations were accurate, 30% were partially accurate, and 26% of the recommendations presented in the investigated guidelines were not mentioned in the Ministry of Health's care pathway. Pharmacological recommendations showed 50% accuracy, non‐pharmacological recommendations 60%, and health education recommendations 14%. Additionally, the care pathway appears to be outdated in recommending educational guidance that is not aligned with current clinical guidelines.

Conclusion

The results indicate that, although there some aspects of the information provided by the Brazilian official management protocol align with international clinical guidelines, there are substantial gaps, especially in the areas of health education and non‐pharmacological interventions. This study may contribute to making more accurate information available on LBP, bringing primary care professionals in Brazil closer to evidence‐based recommendations.
Euler–Heisenberg Black Hole Surrounded by Quintessence in the Background of Perfect Fluid Dark Matter: Thermodynamics, Shadows, and Quasinormal Modes
Authors: Hamil Bilel , Lütfüoğlu Bekir Can
Published: December 2024

Current observations show that a significant fraction of the Universe is composed of dark energy and dark matter. In this paper, the simultaneous effects of these dark sectors on the Euler–Heisenberg black hole are investigated, using the quintessence matter field and perfect fluid to model them. In particular, the black hole's thermodynamics, shadows, and quasinormal modes are studied, and detailed discussions are provided on how these properties change with relatively large or small dark sector components.
Phytoestrogens: Pharmacological Potential and Therapeutic Insights for Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: He Mengzhen , Yin Yisheng , Yu Gan , Zhou Hui
Published: December 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are exceptionally common in postmenopausal female or patients with diabetes mellitus or nephrolithiasis, carrying substantial burden on patients and healthcare system. Increasing proportion and ongoing spread of antibiotic‐resistant pathogens have further debilitated the condition in battlefield against the UTIs. Lack of estrogen may contribute to high inclination of UTIs after menopause and hormone replacement therapy can mitigate symptoms of hot flashes, vaginal dryness and UTIs, rationalizing the usage of estrogen and analogues in treatment and prophylaxis of UTIs. Phytoestrogens which comprise flavonoids, coumerins, stilbenes, and lignans, are natural botanical compounds with estrogen structural similarity and biochemical features. Phytoestrogens have emerged as adjuvant remedy and prophylaxis for uropathogenic bacteria even for multidrug‐resistant ones, with the multifaceted mechanisms such as inhibition of adhesion and invading ability of bacteria, destruction of biofilms, synergistically enhancement of antibiotics activity. It is plausible to propose phytoestrogens as potential agents or combination with other strategies to ameliorate the challenge of multi‐drug resistance in UTIs.
Semidefinite Program for One‐Shot Dilution of Quantum Coherence
Authors: Zhu Yikang , Su Zhaofeng
Published: December 2024

Quantum coherence is one of the fundamental properties of quantum mechanics and also acts as a valuable resource for a variety of practical applications, which includes quantum computing and quantum information processing. Evaluating the dilution of coherence is a basic problem in the framework of resource theory. The coherence dilution problem is considered in the one‐shot scenario. A semidefinite program of one‐shot coherence dilution of pure state under maximally incoherent operation is identified. A similar but not semidefinite program form is provided under dephasing‐covariant incoherent operation. Moreover, it is proved that the known lower bound of the one‐shot dilution is strict. This numerical experiment clearly demonstrates that the maximally incoherent operation and dephasing‐covariant incoherent operation have different power in the coherence dilution.
Expanding the scope of mast cell disease: Does mast cell‐derived TNF play a role in immune‐mediated chronic illness and autoimmunity?
Authors: Gorman Rachel da Silveira , Syed Iffath Unissa
Published: December 2024

Increasing evidence underscores the vital significance of diverse mast cell mediators in inflammatory illness, yet diagnostic criteria for mast cell activation syndrome still focus predominantly on a solitary mediator, tryptase. Therapeutic interventions, conversely, tend to prioritize histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. This article, via a review of both experimental and clinical findings, spotlights the mechanisms of action of an important mast cell mediator – tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and elucidates the intricate linkages between mast cell dysfunction, chronic illness, and autoimmunity. After providing an overview of the role of mast cell‐derived TNF in inflammatory illnesses and viral infections, we hypothesize the interplay between mast cell‐derived TNF and mitochondrial dysfunction, microglial activation, and the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis and the pathways of action on mast cells of treatments such as high‐dose melatonin and low‐dose naltrexone.
Event‐Triggered Model‐Free Neuroadaptive Iterative Learning Control via Controller Dynamic Linearization and Application to Impact Load Frequency Regulation
Authors: Hou Rui , Jia Li , Bu Xuhui , Peng Chen
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the problem of energy‐efficient learning control for unknown repetitive nonlinear discrete‐time systems. Traditional event‐triggered model‐free iterative learning control (ILC) relies on data‐based approximation models to construct the controller optimization criterion, which is susceptible to model identification errors and the curse of dimensionality. To mitigate this limitation, we propose a novel direct‐type high‐order ILC algorithm that includes online learning capabilities. The control output is derived by directly applying iterative dynamic linearization to an ideal virtual nonlinear learning controller, with learning gains being automatically calibrated in real‐time using a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN). Furthermore, this strategy integrates an adaptive, relative threshold‐based, event‐triggered protocol that is dynamically updated based on the trained neural weights and tracking errors. This approach offers significant advantages over existing strategies. Theoretical proofs demonstrate the convergence of learning gains and tracking errors, and the theoretical results are applied to the frequency regulation of active power impact loads on an experimental platform for steel industry microgrids, validating the effectiveness and applicability of our scheme.
Greener Synthesis of Novel 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydropyrimidine Derivatives Using Ionic Liquid for Targeting Plasmodium falciparum DHFR
Authors: Saiyad Shaffiqali Y. , Prajapati Arvind N. , Patel Tarosh S. , Kataria Vipul B. , Dixit Bharat C. , Dixit Ritu B.
Published: December 2024

The efficient synthesis of 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrimidine derivatives in N,N‐Diisopropylethylammonium acetate (DIPEAc) ionic liquid demonstrates a notable advancement in sustainable chemistry. The use of DIPEAc as a greener solvent enabled a highly efficient Biginelli‐type reaction, significantly reducing the environmental impact by eliminating the need for hazardous organic solvents. Our extensive screening and computational studies have identified these compounds as potential Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pf‐DHFR) inhibitors. The favorable ADME descriptors, suggesting promising pharmacokinetics, and the robust 3D‐QSAR model reveal strong structure–activity relationships, instilling confidence in the potential of these compounds for developing effective antimalarial treatments.
Potential Specific Adsorption of Electrolyte Components Induced by Point Defected Graphene in EDLCs: A DFT Research
Authors: He Manwei , Yi Zonglin , Han Mengsha , Jia Wanru , Su Fangyuan , Zuo Zhijun
Published: December 2024

Carbon‐based materials are widely used as electrodes in commercial electrochemical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs). However, zero‐dimensional or point defects that unavoidably appear in the carbon materials may change the electrical double‐layer (EDL) structure in EDLCs, especially the solvent layer, which has not been accurately simulated for a long time. In this study, we investigate the adsorption behavior of solvent molecules and ions in organic electrolytes on graphene with various point defects using DFT calculations. Our results show that electrolyte ions adsorb more strongly on defected graphene through non‐specific adsorption, which could enhance charge storage in EDLCs. Among the different types of defected graphenes, single vacancy (SV) defected substrates exhibit chemical adsorption behavior with acetonitrile (ACN) molecules, which could disrupt the uniformity of the EDL structure and even lead to the conversion from non‐Faraday to Faraday process in the EDL interface. Detailed electronic structure analysis further confirms that N─C and C─C covalent bonds are formed between ACN molecules and SV defected substrates for their frontier molecular orbital satisfies the bonding condition. This work proves the potential specific adsorption of SV defected graphene due to its unique electronic structures and offers theoretical insights for designing high‐performance materials to further optimize EDLCs.
High‐Yield Synthesis of Sustainable γ‐Valerolactone from Biomass‐Derived Product Levulinic Acid by Hydrogenation in Fixed Bed Continuous Reactor
Authors: Andola Suresh Chandra , Pandey Ankit , Poddar Mukesh Kumar , Malik Rajdeep , Singh Ajay , Maity Samir Kumar , Bal Rajaram
Published: December 2024

The transformation of biomass‐derived feedstocks into valuable chemicals is crucial for the sustainable development of our society. Extensive applications of γ‐valerolactone give wide attention to synthesis. We have prepared a Pt‐hydrotalcite (Pt‐HT) catalyst by the sol‐gel method and determined that this catalyst shows superior performance for the precise hydrogenation of levulinic (LA) gg acid into γ‐valerolactone (GVL), where 100% GVL selectivity was achieved with LA conversion of ∼98% at 300 °C and 10 bar pressure using a fixed bed continuous down‐flow reactor. The physiochemical characterization of the catalyst was identified as done by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, BET, XPS, and TPR. The incorporated Pt metal has high dispersion in the presence of a basic medium of MgO and an acidic medium of Al2O3 of hydrotalcite (HT). The acidity of alumina is responsible for C─O bond cleavage to form an angelica‐lactone intermediate, which is further converted to form GVL over Pt, positioning it as a highly promising catalyst for the practical production of γ‐valerolactone. Highly dispersed Pt located between the interlayer spacing of support hydrotalcite is the active species, and the catalyst was stable even after a 24 h time‐on‐stream run without changing the conversion and selectivity.
From 2D AgTe Monolayer to 1D AgTe Nanowires: Tellurium Concentration Modulated Structural and Electronic Properties Transformation
Authors: Yang Yuhang , Niu Gefei , Lu Jianchen , Geng Xi , He Ruizhi , Zhang Yong , Li Shicheng , Zhang Yi , Sun Li , Gao Lei , Cai Jinming
Published: December 2024

Controllably modulating the structure of transition‐metal chalcogenides (TMCs) from 2D to 1D and tuning their electronic properties has drawn particular attention currently due to their remarkable properties and potential applications. In this work, by precisely controlling the chemical concentration of Te atoms, the transformation from the 2D honeycomb AgTe monolayer to high‐quality and well‐defined 1D AgTe nanowires on the Ag(111) substrate has been successfully achieved. The combination of scanning tunneling microscopy measurements and first‐principles calculations has confirmed that the mechanism underlying the entire dimensional transformation lies in the directional movement of Ag atoms in the 2D AgTe monolayer regulated by the concentration of Te atoms. The scanning tunneling spectroscopy results reveal that the bandgap of as‐synthesized 1D AgTe nanowires is 0.9 eV. Additionally, between the 2D honeycomb AgTe monolayer and the 1D AgTe nanowires, a 1D well‐defined and sharp interface has emerged, with a 1D interface state existing at this interface due to charge accumulation. This work may provide valuable guidance for the preparation of 1D nanowires within TMCs, the exploration of novel physical properties, as well as the development of future quantum devices.
Effect of Tempering Temperature on the Strength and Ductility of a Low‐Activation Martensitic Steel
Authors: Li Zhenshuai , Tian Yang , Cheng Jiwen , Zhou Jinhua , Jiang Yifu , Wu Yuchao , Wang Zuncheng , Wang Xin
Published: December 2024

In this article, a China low‐activation martensitic (CLAM) steel is prepared with layered grains through hot rolling and different tempering process. Testing the room‐temperature tensile properties of steel shows that the room‐temperature yield strength of the 730 °C tempered CLAM steel is 685 MPa, with a maximum elongation of 19% and these values are respectively 600 MPa and 19.5% for the 760 °C tempered CLAM steel. It indicates that, compared to the 760 °C tempered steel, the 730 °C tempered steel exhibits a better strength and ductility matching. Observation of the microstructure of steel shows that the grain structure of 730 °C tempered steel is layered, and its subgrain boundaries and M23C6 carbide sizes are relatively small. In the 760 °C tempered steel, the layered grain structure disappears, and the size of subgrains and carbides significantly coarsens. Analysis shows that the higher yield strength of 730 °C tempered steel compared to 760 °C tempered steel is due to the refinement of grain and subgrain. The excellent tensile ductility of 730 °C tempered steel is due to the layered grains promoting the propagation of tensile layered cracks and increasing the necking area of the steel.
Theoretical study and numerical test for a delayed thermoelastic porous system with microtemperatures
Authors: Mesmouli Mouataz Billah , Khochemane Houssem Eddine
Published: December 2024

This research paper aims to investigate a one‐dimensional thermoelastic porous system with microtemperatures effects in the presence of discrete time delay in internal feedback without frictional damping to control the delay term. First, we establish the well‐posedness of the system using semigroup theory. Then, based on the energy method we show an exponential stability result of the solution, under a smallness condition on the delay, irrespective of the wave speeds of the system or any other condition on the coefficients. Finally, we give numerical experiments to validate our theoretical result by carrying out an Euler scheme for time discretization and the classical finite difference method for the spatial discretization. The existing findings have been enhanced and present novel advancements compared to the established results in the literature.
Colonialism, Decolonization, and Global Health
Authors: Seetah Krish
Published: December 2024

This chapter serves as a bridge between the social sciences and humanities, and clinical research. It identifies the utility of anthropological and historical perspectives for the purposes of decolonizing global health, demonstrating the relevance of multidisciplinary approaches for the discipline. The chapter illuminates the historical trajectory of global health from its roots in colonial medicine, tracing the negative legacies that now impact former-colonial nations, and the modern discipline of global health. Using the case of Mauritius, the chapter presents how the processes of colonialism led to poor health in the past, disenfranchisement, and high mortality in laboring peoples. Lines are then drawn between the historical and modern context, urging the reader to consider how the heterogenous nature of colonialism must now be accounted for during the ongoing process of decolonization, particularly regarding global health partnership.
Transforming the Planetary Health Crisis Through an Indigenous Land-Based Meta-Narrative
Authors: Redvers Nicole , Menzel Kelly
Published: December 2024

Our current biodiversity, pollution, climate change, and pandemic crises are deep and complex yet have similar underpinnings and a clear road map out. Indigenous Peoples have long asserted the importance of their enduring and dynamic relationship to ancestral lands, seas, waterways, and wildlife as a protective road map for people and the planet. As we are all dynamic beings with the potential for direct kinship relationships to all planetary elements ranging from the micro to the macro level, it leaves open the possibility of large-scale and emergent positive change. This means that as action-based planetary relatives, we can all enact great change around us by precipitating these emergent processes within our own bodies and in the environment around us. Therefore, we provide an interconnected narrative that centers Land and Country, our Ancestors, and story as we consider the path we need to walk going forward. We premise that the story we need to co-walk is an ecologically derived one with the complexity of the world expressed through the simplicity of being of Nature.
Courageous Authenticity: Bringing Our Inner Wisdom to Our Work, Partnerships, and Communities
Authors: Tyler Amie , LaBeaud A. Desiree
Published: December 2024

To create the innovative solutions global health demands, we rely heavily on scientific knowledge, the scientific method to test hypotheses, and observable measurable data. However, we can also incorporate additional ways of knowing into our process, to fully honor and receive wisdom from all aspects of our humanity and to foster meaningful and impactful outcomes. We can learn to value our imagination and intuition as useful tools for innovative problem-solving. We can learn to honor ancestral viewpoints and incorporate learnings from the community, their experiences, and their land. We can learn to partner as people first, to manifest infinite possibilities of common ground and open ourselves to more connection points than scientific purpose alone. As we do this, we can become extremely fulfilled as we find deeper purpose in our work, our calling. Here, we offer ideas for global health practitioners and researchers to explore introspection to aid in deeper partnerships and engagement. First, we delve into deliberate introspection to foster greater awareness of our inner and outer landscapes. Second, we invite other ways of knowing to broaden our perspective and bring greater creativity to our global health research process. Third, we pause to consider the calling of a global health career. Finally, we approach ways to engage with others to heal collective trauma and to see ourselves as activists and healers in our capacity to build a more just, equitable and healthy world. Although it takes time to build relationships this way with oneself, our global health partners, and the work itself, this expansive way of working can be transformative. We invite you to acknowledge and honor all aspects of yourself and weave them into your global health work, partnerships, and vision.
Role of Social Science in Infectious Disease Research: A Case Study of Partnering with Communities in Vector Control in a Kenyan Village
Authors: Kibe Lydiah W. , LaBeaud A. Desiree
Published: December 2024

Partnering with communities is a vital component of public health research. Terms such as community participation, community engagement, and citizen participation have been used to denote community partnerships that aim to re-distribute power through negotiation between citizens and researchers and enable co-creative processes that bring non-researchers in as core partners. These citizen-researcher partnerships go beyond informed consent, voluntary participation, and intervention adherence but instead constitute a means by which shared planning, design, implementation, dissemination, and decision-making take place. In this case study, we describe our intervention study in coastal Kenya that included homeowners, schools, schoolchildren, and other stakeholders to increase people’s awareness of vectors and vector-borne diseases and catalyze their participation in vector control. The partners for this work included researchers from local and international universities, social scientists, non-governmental organizations, officials from the ministries of health and education, and the community members themselves. We trialed new strategies to deeply engage adult and child community members to promote vector control activities at home and in the community. Strengthening community involvement and establishing prolonged interaction of community representatives with control services, municipalities, and other public actors were shown to be time-consuming and costly at the beginning but rewarding during the process and with excellent potential for sustainability. In this case study, we also investigate the concepts of gender norms and patriarchy and underscore how they interact with other forms of culture to impact decision-making processes, power imbalance and dominance, and vulnerability to ill health at our study site in Kenya. We highlight social science’s contribution to enhancing a deeper understanding of the social constructs that underlie power structures and concepts of disease and health in the Kenyan village, thus fostering successful partnerships with the community and enhancing research outcomes. The key tenets from this case study are relevant to community-based research conducted in similar contexts.
Globale Strukturen von mündlichen und schriftlichen Argumentationen
Authors: Abels Nele
Published: December 2024

In diesem Kapitel werden die globalen Strukturen der rekonstruierten Argumentationen betrachtet, neu gefundene Strukturen beschrieben und charakterisiert. Das Kapitel schließt mit einer Übersicht über alle Merkmale der Strukturen, durch die deutliche Unterschiede zwischen den globalen Strukturen aufgezeigt werden.
Fazit dieser Arbeit
Authors: Abels Nele
Published: December 2024

Dieses Kapitel fasst die Arbeit und ihre Resultate zusammen und gibt knapp weitere mögliche Forschung wie auch mögliche Konsequenzen für die Lehramtsausbildung an.
Ambiguität und Subversion in Übersetzungsszenen bei Johann Michael Moscherosch und Johann Valentin Andreae
Authors: Werle Dirk
Published: December 2024

This article analyses translation scenes in seventeenth-century German literature using the example of texts by Johann Michael Moscherosch and Johann Valentin Andreae. The concept of the translation scene is loosely based on the concept of the writing scene established in literary studies. It shows that and how reflections on the purposes and limits of translation can be found in literary translation scenes. Moscherosch and Andreae present translation as a process that is prone to disruption, which is certainly suitable for bringing about linguistic understanding, but often leaves the understanding of the underlying problems untouched.
Unveiling the neglected role of the intensity of acute stress disorder in the prediction of full- and sub-threshold posttraumatic stress disorder: looking beyond the diagnosis
Authors: Karam Elie G. , Al Barathie Josleen , Dimassi Hani , Mascayano Franco , Slim Andre , Karam Aimee , Karam George , Keyes Katherine M. , Susser Ezra , Bryant Richard
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Exposure to traumatic events may lead to the development of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) within the first month post-trauma in some individuals, while others may not exhibit ASD symptoms. ASD was introduced as a potential early indicator to identify those at higher risk of developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), however, PTSD can occur in some individuals even without prior ASD. Assessing ASD post-trauma can assist in identifying those who would most benefit from intervention to prevent later PTSD, yet the predictive power of ASD varies across studies, with intensity of ASD symptoms and subthreshold PTSD often less considered.

Methods

A prospective cohort study on 426 health workers exposed to the Beirut Port Blast assessed DSM-5 ASD and symptom intensity using self-report questionnaire at two distinct time points: 9–15 and 21–27 days post blast. DSM-5 PTSD was assessed afterwards at 6–7 months via self-report questionnaire post-exposure. Probit models predicted full and subthreshold PTSD.

Results

Using ASD diagnosis alone, the sensitivity 9–15 days after trauma was better than 21–27 days after trauma (75.68% vs. 58.06%); when stratified by intensity, however, sensitivity increased from 41.66% among those with low intensity to 92% among those with high intensity. Specificity, however, was better 21–27 days after trauma (77.82%) compared with 9–15 days (60.98%). Positive Predictive Value of ASD increased, and Negative Predictive Value decreased, with time since exposure and when adding intensity with diagnosis. ASD diagnosis plus intensity achieved better prediction of PTSD and subthreshold PTSD.

Conclusion

Screening for PTSD should include ASD and its intensity, improving predictive ability for later PTSD, incorporatingfull threshold and subthreshold PTSD. Specificity increases with time since exposure, suggesting a high rate of false positives when assessing ASD soon after trauma. This highlights the need to prioritize individuals for early preventive measures after trauma.
Sex-Selective Abortions and Fatal Neglect of Young Girls
Authors: Echavarri Rebeca
Published: December 2024

A significant portion of female neonatal, infant and child mortality could be avoided. These girls form part of the phenomenon known as missing women. Previous literature has examined whether families that prevent unwanted (female) pregnancies from reaching term provide greater care to the surviving daughters, but it reports mixed results. An avenue that has received limited attention is the possibility that explicit discrimination against girls legitimates otherwise non-realized behaviors, leading to additional fatal neglect. This paper contributes to the literature, going a step further in the causal identification of aggregate prenatal discrimination effects on postnatal discrimination by comparing the survival outcomes of brothers and sisters who were exposed to different levels of prenatal discrimination around the time of their births. The sample of siblings is reconstructed from the birth history of women in the Indian National Family Health Survey (2016–2017). Prenatal discrimination is measured by the male to female sex ratio at birth (SRB), computed by backward induction from the Census of India (2011). Results show that the greater the difference between the SRB in the birthyears of sisters and the SRB in the birthyears of brothers, the greater the difference in mortality between sisters and brothers. This finding lends support to the idea that prenatal discrimination legitimized otherwise latent discrimination. Furthermore, the excess female mortality associated with this mechanism is found in rural areas, but not in urban ones, and this relationship is more intense for infant girls born in high parities and therefore more likely to belong to families that did not resort to sex-selective abortions to control family sex-composition. This paper contributes to the problematization of the intertwining dimensions of discrimination, providing a better understanding of the missing women phenomenon.
A new form of soft supersymmetry breaking?
Authors: Chapman Scott
Published: December 2024

Starting with a supersymmetric $$U(N) \times U(N)$$

U
(
N
)
×
U
(
N
)

gauge theory built in $$N=1$$

N
=
1

superspace, a nonsupersymmetric theory is obtained by “twisting” the gauginos into a different representation of the group than the gauge bosons. Despite the fact that this twisting breaks supersymmetry, it is still possible to construct an action that is holomorphic and invariant to local “twisted” gauge transformations in superspace. It is conjectured that these two properties may allow the theory to be free of quadratic divergences to all orders, despite a lack of supersymmetry. An explicit calculation shows that the theory is free of quadratic divergences to at least the two-loop order.
Variations in the Management of Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma of the Ovary: A Global Survey
Authors: Dash Biswajit , Bhandoria Geetu , Gulia Seema , Patil Akshay , Maheshwari Amita
Published: December 2024

Objective

Low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSOC) constituting < 15% of ovarian or peritoneal serous carcinomas differs distinctly from high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). This global survey investigates the variations in managing LGSOC, acknowledging its unique characteristics and the absence of a consensus on optimal management.

Methods

A voluntary non-incentivized global survey gathered responses from 203 practitioners across 50 countries and 7 continents. Approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee, it encompassed 21 questions focusing on demographics, diagnosis, and management practices. Descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test analyzed the data.

Results

Demographically diverse responses were obtained with the majority from India (39.9%) and Colombia (5.4%). Gynecologic oncologists predominated (73.10%), with varied practice settings. Most practitioners considered LGSOC distinct (95.57%). Diagnosis criteria showed institutional variations. In managing apparent inoperable stage III C LGSOC approaches varied: neoadjuvant chemotherapy (54.78%), upfront surgery (35.69%), and neoadjuvant hormone therapy (8.54%). Adjuvant management demonstrated heterogeneity. Notably, there was no significant association between the continent and the offered adjuvant treatment for optimally cytoreduced stage III C LGSOC (p = 0.556; Fisher’s exact test). For recurrent disease, hormonal therapy (30.54%) and chemotherapy (27.59%) were common choices. MEK inhibitors were infrequently used. Fertility preservation was favored (71%), and HIPEC was not widely considered (81.28%). Genetic testing opinions varied: routine testing (28.7%), no recommendation (45.32%), and testing in recurrent settings (16.75%).

Conclusion

This survey exposes global disparities in LGSOC management, highlighting the need for standardized guidelines to address challenges in diagnosis and management. International collaboration is advocated to enhance uniformity in healthcare practices for LGSOC.
Calculus
Authors: Habib Amber
Published: December 2024

Calculus is important for first-year undergraduate students pursuing mathematics, physics, economics, engineering, and other disciplines where mathematics plays a significant role. The book provides a thorough reintroduction to calculus with an emphasis on logical development arising out of geometric intuition. The author has restructured the subject matter in the book by using Tarski's version of the completeness axiom, introducing integration before differentiation and limits, and emphasizing benefits of monotonicity before continuity. The standard transcendental functions are developed early in a rigorous manner and the monotonicity theorem is proved before the mean value theorem. Each concept is supported by diverse exercises which will help the reader to understand applications and take them nearer to real and complex analysis.
A new lichen and lichenicolous fungus from Larix laricina in patterned fens of boreal North America
Authors: Thor Göran , Gockman Otto , McMullin R. Troy , Selva Steve , Goyette Spencer , Huereca Alejandro , Spribille Toby
Published: December 2024

Calicium poculatum and Ramboldia canadensis are described as new species occurring on Larix laricina. Calicium poculatum, currently known from four Canadian provinces and the US state of Minnesota, is characterized by its short-stalked black ascomata, short ascospores and occurrence as a parasite on Lecanora caesiorubella subsp. saximontana. Based on DNA sequence data, its nearest relative is the likewise parasitic Calicium episcalaris. Ramboldia canadensis, currently known only from dead wood of Larix laricina snags in Canada, engages in a fully developed lichen symbiosis with Trebouxia simplex and is characterized in statu symbiotico by having a rimose to verrucose-areolate, greyish creamy sorediate thallus with dark brown to blackish soredia that begin on the margins, and the occurrence of a secondary metabolite similar to barbatolic acid. Phylogenetic analysis recovers it as sibling to a clade of the genus heretofore known only from the Southern Hemisphere and the lower latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. We also report Lecidella xylophila as new to North America.
The Effects of Changing Environments, Abiotic Stresses, and Management Practices on Cropland Evapotranspiration: A Review
Authors: Qiu Rangjian , Katul Gabriel G. , Zhang Lu , Qin Shunjing , Jiang Xuelian
Published: December 2024

The significance of crop evapotranspiration (ETa) to climate science, agronomic research, and water resources is not in dispute. What continues to draw attention is how variability in ETa is driven by changing environments, abiotic stresses, and management practices. Here, the impacts of elevated CO2 concentration (e[CO2]), elevated ozone concentration (e[O3]), warming, abiotic stresses (water, salinity, heat stresses), and management practices (planting density, irrigation methods, mulching, nitrogen application) on cropland ETa were reviewed, along with their possible causes and estimation. Water and salinity stresses, e[O3], and drip irrigation adoption generally led to lower total growing–season ETa. However, total growing–season ETa responses to e[CO2], warming, heat stress, mulching, planting density, and nitrogen supplement appear inconsistent across empirical studies. The effects of e[CO2], e[O3], water and salinity stresses on total growing–season ETa are attributed to their influence on stomatal conductance, root water uptake, root and leaf area development, microclimate, and potentially phenology. Total growing–season ETa in response to warming is affected by variations in ambient growing–season mean air temperature and phenology. The differences in crop ETa under varying planting densities are due to their differences in leaf area. The responses of ETa to heat stress, mulching, and nitrogen application represent trade–off between their opposite effects on transpiration and evaporation, along with possibly phenology. Modified ETa models currently in use can estimate the response of ETa to the many aforementioned factors except for e[O3], heat stress, and nitrogen application. These factors offer a blueprint for future research inquiries.