bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uso do laser de baixa potência no tratamento de alterações neurosensoriais pós-cirurgia ortognática: estudo piloto
Authors: Dias Fares Raissa , Barros Gomes Ellena , Morais Moreira Julia , Felipe Azevedo da Costa Luiz , Luiz Costa De-Moraes Sylvio , Ribeiro da Silva Jonathan
Published: July 2024

Introdução: O manejo cirúrgico no complexo maxilofacial, em procedimentos de reconstrução ou cirurgias ortognáticas, pode causar parestesia dos nervos mentual, infraorbital e alveolar inferior. A parestesia é uma das complicações pós-operatórias mais comuns, e pode ser justificada pelo posicionamento anatômico dessas estruturas nervosas, externamente aos ossos faciais. Entre os tratamentos oferecidos para regeneração nervosa, a laserterapia de baixa potência tem apresentado bons resultados terapêuticos na literatura. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o uso de lasers de baixa potência na melhora de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia maxilofacial. Métodos: Todos os pacientes foram organizados em um mesmo grupo de estudo (Cirurgia Ortognática) e submetidos à laserterapia pós-operatória utilizando o aparelho MMO DUO (MMOptics, São Carlos, Brasil) com luz infravermelha percorrendo o trajeto dos nervos alveolar inferior, infraorbital e mentual. Conclusão: A partir deste estudo, espera-se que as funções sensoriais dos nervos afetados pela osteossíntese se recuperem mais rapidamente com o laser, reduzindo assim o desconforto pós-operatório dos pacientes.
Análise da resistência horizontal de três tipos de placas e parafusos de titânio utilizados para ancoragem ortodôntica: estudo biomecânico
Authors: Marotta Araújo Marcelo , Sebastião Celegatti Filho Toride , de Souza Moura Larissa , Ricardo Loureiro Sato Fabio
Published: July 2024

Introdução: O tratamento ortodôntico é frequentemente limitado pela gravidade das más oclusões e pelas limitações dos dispositivos ortodônticos existentes. O uso de placas e parafusos tem se mostrado uma excelente opção de ancoragem ortodôntica no tratamento desses casos complexos. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar três diferentes configurações de placas de ancoragem ortodôntica. Métodos: Três configurações de placas de titânio foram testadas e comparadas entre si: placa reta de 3 furos, placa 'T' de 3 furos e placa 'T' de 5 furos, todas da marca Tóride® (Mogi Mirim/SP). Um bloco de teste foi fixado em um torno de bancada para o teste biomecânico na máquina EMIC DL-1000. Com o intuito de se determinar a magnitude inicial da deformação elástica, foram aplicadas cargas compressivas de 50 Kgf no sentido horizontal, a um ritmo de 12,7 mm/min. Após o ciclo de cargas para avaliação das respostas elásticas, as placas foram submetidas ao teste de limite de resistência (carga para deformação permanente e/ou fratura), usando uma carga máxima de 420 N. As médias e os desvios-padrão de cada um dos grupos amostrais foram comparados e submetidos ao teste estatístico de Kruskal-Wallis, com nível de significância p < 0,05. Resultados: O grupo de placa reta apresentou uma média de 146,84 ± 86,46 N; o grupo de placa 'T' de 3 furos, 142,42 ± 53,28 N; e o grupo de placa 'T' de 5 furos, 216,17 ± 67,92 N. No teste estatístico de Kruskal-Wallis, não houve diferença entre os grupos (p < 0,05). Conclusão: O bloco de teste modelo 15PCF-CP3 se mostrou adequado para a realização dos testes biomecânicos. As três configurações de placas para ancoragem ortodôntica testadas apresentaram resistência à deformação, sem diferença estatística entre elas.
Effect of copper nanoparticles green-synthesized using Ocimum basilicum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice lung infection model
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Liping , Han Zhiying
Published: July 2024

The frequency of lung infection induced by multi-drug resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has significantly risen, primarily due to the inadequate effectiveness of powerful chemotherapeutic methods. This study demonstrates that the Ocimum basilicum aqueous extract and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-infectious properties under in vivo conditions. To analyze the characteristics of the CuNPs synthesized from the reaction between copper nitrate solution and the aqueous O. basilicum extract, various techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and transmission electron microscopy were employed. The in vivo study encompasses the assessment of P. aeruginosa lethal dose in mice and the disease manifestation analysis, which comprises reduction in body weight, hypothermia, bacteremia, and other parameters, over a 48 h infection period. The infected mice exhibited a notable decrease in body temperature, measuring at 25°C after 48 h, compared to the initial temperature of 39°C. Additionally, a 30% reduction in weight was seen at the conclusion of the study. To assess the effectiveness of CuNPs on lung infection caused by the calculated lethal dose and bacteremia, histopathology analysis was employed. The bacterial load in the CuNPs group was determined to be 0.5 Log10CFU/mL on Day 8, indicating a notable decrease from the initial measurement of 1.5 Log10CFU/mL on Day 1. The histopathological findings revealed a widespread and sporadic buildup of alveolar space inflammatory cells, with infiltrates observed throughout all lung sections in infected mice. Enhanced lung histology was observed in the group of animal treated with reduced exudates noted at 200 µg/kg. CuNPs demonstrated inhibitory effects on the growth of P. aeruginosa at 8 µg/mL, while at 16 µg/mL, they effectively eradicated P. aeruginosa. The research unequivocally demonstrates the efficacy of CuNPs extract in combating lung infections induced by P. aeruginosa at 200 µg/kg. The recent survey aims to further explore the biomedical characteristics of these CuNPs in order to develop a powerful treatment against this dangerous pathogen.
IUPAC and Wikipedia: A Story with Upsides, Downsides, Lessons & Rewards
Authors: Chalk Stuart J. , Raos Guido , Topham Paul D. , Walker Martin A.
Published: July 2024

A random person on the street may have never heard of IUPAC, but it is very likely that they have some familiarity with Wikipedia. This is extraordinary, as a sign how much the world has changed over the last twenty years, but it is not surprising.
Secondary storyworld possible selves: narrative response and cultural (un)predictability
Authors: Ghasseminejad Melina , Martínez María-Ángeles
Published: July 2024

Narrative experiencers frequently report broadly differing narrative responses. Literary scholarship customarily addresses those shared by communities of readers as pertaining to implied and rhetorical readers. However, empirical reader-response research shows that flesh-and-blood readers and audience members often show idiosyncratic narrative responses based on individual experience. Storyworld Possible Selves Theory (Martínez 2014. Storyworld possible selves and the phenomenon of narrative immersion: Testing a new theoretical construct. Narrative 22(1). 110–131, 2018. Storyworld possible selves. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter) provides an analytical toolkit for the study of both culturally predictable and completely individual responses to narratives, drawing on the frameworks of cognitive narratology, cognitive linguistics, and social psychology. This study discusses the affordances and shortcomings of this framework when addressing the bearing of hegemonic cultural models on narrative response and introduces the concept of “secondary storyworld possible selves” to account for responses predictable in communities sharing non-hegemonic cultural models. This renders cultural (un)predictability as a graded category and facilitates its qualitative and quantitative exploration.
Supporting nursing faculty to teach veteran’s care: a mixed method, multi-intervention study
Authors: Elliott Brenda , Chargualaf Katie A. , Patterson Barbara
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to (a) describe nurse educators’ attitudes towards veterans after workshop participation, (b) evaluate the effectiveness of the workshop and timed digital interventions (TDI) on nurse educators’ integration of veteran-centered content into their courses and curricula, and (c) describe nurse educators’ experiences with transferring learning from the workshop to teaching practice.

Methods

A longitudinal multi-intervention, multi-method pilot study was conducted using pre- and post-workshop surveys and interviews.

Results

Twenty-six nurse faculty reported a neutral attitude toward working with veterans during the pre-workshop survey period. TDIs kept veteran-centered content fresh on faculty minds, yielding evidence of integration into nursing courses.

Conclusions

Nursing faculty preparation and development is crucial to effectively integrate specific veteran care content into nursing education to ensure a competent and culturally sensitive workforce. Integrating TDIs using widely accessible technologies is a cost-effective way of increasing engagement with new information and bridge implementation gaps associated with traditional professional development activities.
Resuming topics and foci: Anyi, Baule and microvariation in Kwa languages
Authors: Skopeteas Stavros , Ahoua Firmin , Adou Marie Laure Koffi Bla , Koffi Mambo Beatrice
Published: July 2024

Left peripheral topics and foci often differ with respect to resumption: in languages such as Italian, Tzotzil Maya, and Warlpiri, while fronted topics may be co-indexed with a pronominal form in the corresponding argument position, fronted foci correspond to a gap. However, this contrast does not universally apply. In languages such as Anyi and Baule, two Kwa languages of Côte d’Ivoire, subjects and animate objects must be resumed by a pronoun whenever they appear in the left periphery – independent of information structure. The question is whether this instance of cross-linguistic variation arises through differences in the syntax of left peripheral positions in various languages or in the conditions of resumption. The present study examines data from Kwa languages and concludes that the difference lies in the conditions of resumption, which are orthogonal to the syntactic differences between topics and foci. Resumptives have a dual nature in these languages, serving as anaphoric constants (true resumptives) in topicalization and as bound variables (apparent resumptives) in focus constructions. A survey of the relevant facts in further Kwa languages reveals that resumption is determined by factors that are independent from information structure and relate to the recoverability of empty argument positions.
Recurrent Neural Network GO-GARCH Model for Portfolio Selection
Authors: Burda Martin , Schroeder Adrian K.
Published: July 2024

We develop a hybrid model of multivariate volatility that uses recurrent neural networks to capture the conditional variances of latent orthogonal factors in a GO-GARCH framework. Our approach seeks to balance model flexibility with ease of estimation and can be used to model conditional covariances of a large number of assets. The model performs favourably in comparison with relevant benchmark models in a minimum variance portfolio (MVP) scenario.
Ponticulus posticus and skeletal malocclusion: A pilot study in a Southern Italian pre-orthodontic court
Authors: Lombardo Claudia , Roggio Federico , Caltabiano Rosario , Maugeri Grazia , D’Amico Grazia Agata , Lo Giudice Antonino , Musumeci Giuseppe , Loreto Carla
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Ponticulus posticus (PP) is a bony protrusion located between the posterior portion of the superior articular process and the posterolateral portion of a posterior arch of the atlas vertebrae in the cervical spine. The aim of this study is to verify the presence of different types of PP in a Southern Italian pre-orthodontic cohort to understand its correlation with skeletal class and maturity.

Methods

A case–control retrospective study was conducted, utilizing 212 latero-lateral telecranium radiographs to analyze skeletal maturity according to the cervical vertebral maturation method, the Angle’s classification of malocclusion (I, II, or III), and the presence or absence of the PP, whether complete (c-PP) or partial (p-PP). A total of 212 lateral cephalograms were analyzed.

Results

Of the 72 male patients, 67 (93%) exhibited PP, and 116 (88%) were PP. The chi-square value was 0.001, while Cramer’s V was 0.270, indicating a significant correlation between age groups and PP presence, and a very strong association overall. Out of the 41 complete PP cases, class I was notably more prevalent than classes II and III.

Conclusion

Orthodontists should carefully consider PP when assessing and treating individuals with or without skeletal discrepancies and dental anomalies.
Food service management perspectives on reducing sodium content in foods served: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Reyes Mariana A. , Robles Brenda , Wickramasekaran Ranjana N. , Regos-Stewart Dalia , Barragan Noel C. , Kuo Tony
Published: July 2024

Between Fall 2017 and Spring 2018, the Los Angeles County Sodium Reduction Initiative interviewed food service management leaders and staff from eight public and private institutions in Southern California (three universities, four hospitals, and one senior meal program) to identify opportunities and challenges in reducing sodium content for the foods they sell, serve, and produce. Interviews were transcribed, collated, and analyzed using content analysis with thematic sorting and coding. Interviewees identified several opportunities: (1) group purchasing through a large organizational membership; (2) a supportive organizational culture; (3) organized strategies to replace high-sodium products; and (4) access to software resources to manage food inventories. Challenges included (1) negative customer/staff receptivity to low-sodium options; (2) lack of kitchen infrastructure/equipment; (3) low availability of healthy foods; and (4) limited program evaluation capacity. Collectively, these findings provide practice-based insights into how these factors contributed to sodium reduction efforts in these institutions.
Clinical courses and predictors of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in systemic sclerosis: A cohort study
Authors: Werakiat Jakrapan , Pussadhamma Burabha , Mahakkanukrauh Ajanee , Suwannaroj Siraphop , Foocharoen Chingching
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is a cardiac involvement that is the leading cause of death among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). We aimed to define the clinical course and predictors of LVSD among SSc patients.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study among adult patients with SSc who were followed up from 2013 to 2020. Semiparametric Cox regression analysis with robust clustering by cohort identification number was used to evaluate the predictors of LVSD.

Results

Among the 3, 987 person-years, LVSD was defined in 35 of 419 SSc patients for an incidence of 0.88 per 100 person-years. The median duration of the disease was 8.5 (interquartile range (IQR) 4.9–12.9) years. Every 1-point increase in the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) and salt and pepper skin were strong predictors of LVSD, with a respective adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.05 and 3.17. During follow-up, 26 cases (74.3%) had unimproved LVSD. The strong predictors of the unimprovement of LVSD were every 1-point increase in mRSS (HR 1.05), every 1 mg increase in prednisolone treatment (HR 1.05), and every 1 U/L increase in creatine kinase (CK) (HR 1.001). Mycophenolate treatment was a protective factor against the unimprovement of LVSD in SSc (HR 0.15).

Conclusions

LVSD was frequently found in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc, and in most cases, it remained unimproved during follow-up. High mRSS, steroid use, and high CK levels were predictors of unimproved LVSD, whereas mycophenolate treatment might prevent the progression of LVSD. Steroids should be prescribed with caution in patients with longer disease duration.
Outcomes of myocarditis in systemic sclerosis: A 3-year follow-up
Authors: Mahakkanukrauh Ajanee , Foocharoen Chingching , Chaosuwannakit Narumol , Suwannaroj Siraphop , Pongkulkiat Patnarin , Onchan Tippawan , Pussadhamma Burabha
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

The clinical course, the outcomes of myocarditis, and the imaging progression of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) are still unknown. We aimed at defining changes in cardiac MRI findings, the clinical course, and the outcomes of SSc patients previously defined as having myocarditis by cardiac MRI. Methods: This prospective cohort study included SSc patients, who had previously been diagnosed with myocarditis through cardiac MRI at the Scleroderma Clinic of Khon Kaen University, between 2018 and 2020 and had had annual follow-ups of cardiac MRI for at least 3 years. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, cardiac MRI findings, treatment regimens, and outcomes were collected. Serial cardiac MRI on a yearly basis was analyzed to assess changes in myocardial involvement over the 3-year period.

Results

Ten SSc patients diagnosed with myocarditis via cardiac MRI were included. Most belonged to the diffuse cutaneous subset with a mean age of 58.3±8.6 years and were mildly symptomatic. Initial cardiac MRI findings showed myocardial edema and hyperemia in all patients and eight patients had had pre-existing myocardial scars, suggesting disease chronicity. Treatment for concomitant interstitial lung disease involved steroids with either cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil in 6 patients. Outcomes of myocarditis were stable, improving, and worsening in 4, 4, and 2 patients, respectively. There was no complete resolution of the cardiac MRI indices for myocarditis, and none had had major cardiac events.

Conclusion

Although SSc myocarditis on cardiac MRI may improve or show stability, the changes remained persistent. Among patients with SSc and mildly symptomatic myocarditis, the efficacy of steroids and immunosuppressive therapy is inconclusive. Over a 3-year follow-up, the prognosis had been acceptably good with no cardiac events.
Functional status of Indian children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Datta Debadyuti , Khatun Moksuda , Bankura Biswabandhu , Sarkar Mihir , Hazra Avijit , M D Ivan , Nandy Manab , Mondal Rakesh
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

The functional disability status of Indian children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis is unidentified. In this cross-sectional study functional capacity of 60 juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients was assessed by the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire.

Methods

A total of 60 juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients aged ranges from 1 to 12 years were recruited from a teaching hospital in eastern India. A childhood health assessment questionnaire was used to assess the functional health of children. Pain, patient’s/parent’s global assessment of general well-being, and physician’s global assessment were assessed.

Results

Childhood health assessment questionnaire disability index for oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis differed significantly from polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (P < 0.001), systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (P = 0.018) and undifferentiated juvenile idiopathic arthritis (P < 0.001). There was a good to a strong positive correlation between the childhood health assessment questionnaire disability index with pain score, patient’s/parent’s global assessment score, and physician global assessment score for the total juvenile idiopathic arthritis cohort. regarding juvenile idiopathic arthritis subtypes, significant correlations were noted between the childhood health assessment questionnaire disability index with the patient’s/parent’s global assessment and physician’s global assessment (except for enthesitis-related arthritis).

Conclusions

Assessment and documentation of the functional health status of juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients will improve the management of the disease.
The Evolution of Small Town Spa Resorts in the Global South: The Historical Pathway of Montagu, South Africa
Authors: Christian M. Rogerson ,   School of Tourism & Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, Jayne M. Rogerson ,   School of Tourism & Hospitality, University of Johannesburg
Published: July 2024

An important resource for small town tourism is maximising the local advantage of natural mineral springs. Only a small international literature exists on the evolution of spa resorts with scant writings for the Global South. For small town South Africa the histories of spa tourism mostly are unrecorded. This article addresses this knowledge gap by investigating the historical development of one spa tourism resort, namely Montagu in the Western Cape. Archival and documentary sources are utilised to analyse the tourism development of this small town from its formal establishment in the early 1850s to the closing apartheid years during the late 1980s. It is shown that Montagu’s rise was part of the wider growth of South Africa as a health destination which was anchored upon its assets of climate and mineral springs. The thermal springs of Montagu put the town on the tourist map resulting in its declaration as a health resort and emergence as a popular holiday destination. By the time of the apartheid period Montagu was becoming a more leisure-tourism dominated and a less health focussed destination.
Early-Life Resource Scarcity in Mice Does Not Alter Adult Corticosterone or Preovulatory Luteinizing Hormone Surge Responses to Acute Psychosocial Stress
Authors: Gibson Amanda G. , Moenter Suzanne M.
Published: July 2024

Early-life stressors can affect reproductive development and change responses to adult stress. We tested if resource scarcity in the form of limited bedding and nesting (LBN) from postnatal days (PND) 4 to 11 delayed sexual maturation in male and female mice and/or altered the response to an acute, layered, psychosocial stress (ALPS) in adulthood. Contrary to the hypotheses, age and mass at puberty were unaffected by the present application of LBN. Under basal conditions and after ALPS, corticosterone concentrations in males, diestrous females, and proestrous females reared in standard (STD) or LBN environments were similar. ALPS disrupts the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in most mice when applied on the morning of proestrus; this effect was not changed by resource scarcity. In this study, the paucity of effects in the offspring may relate to a milder response of CBA dams to the paradigm. While LBN dams exited the nest more often and their offspring were smaller than STD-reared offspring on PND11, dam corticosterone concentrations were similar on PND11. To test if ALPS disrupts the LH surge by blunting the increase in excitatory GABAergic input to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons on the afternoon of proestrus, we conducted whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings. The frequency of GABAergic postsynaptic currents in GnRH neurons was not altered by LBN, ALPS, or their interaction. It remains possible that ALPS acts at afferents of GnRH neurons, changes response of GnRH neurons to input, and/or alters pituitary responsiveness to GnRH and that a more pronounced resource scarcity would affect the parameters studied.
Assembling a Coculture System to Prepare Highly Pure Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons at Late Maturation Stages
Authors: Akter Masuma , Sepehrimanesh Masood , Xu Wu , Ding Baojin
Published: July 2024

Generation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived motor neurons (MNs) offers an unprecedented approach to modeling movement disorders such as dystonia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, achieving survival poses a significant challenge when culturing induced MNs, especially when aiming to reach late maturation stages. Utilizing hiPSC-derived motor neurons and primary mouse astrocytes, we assembled two types of coculture systems: direct coculturing of neurons with astrocytes and indirect coculture using culture inserts that physically separate neurons and astrocytes. Both systems significantly enhance neuron survival. Compared with these two systems, no significant differences in neurodevelopment, maturation, and survival within 3 weeks, allowing to prepare neurons at maturation stages. Using the indirect coculture system, we obtained highly pure MNs at the late mature stage from hiPSCs. Transcriptomic studies of hiPSC-derived MNs showed a typical neurodevelopmental switch in gene expression from the early immature stage to late maturation stages. Mature genes associated with neurodevelopment and synaptogenesis are highly enriched in MNs at late stages, demonstrating that these neurons achieve maturation. This study introduces a novel tool for the preparation of highly pure hiPSC-derived neurons, enabling the determination of neurological disease pathogenesis in neurons at late disease onset stages through biochemical approaches, which typically necessitate highly pure neurons. This advancement is particularly significant in modeling age-related neurodegeneration.
Sounds and Memories from Distant Worlds
Authors: Mariucci Andrea
Published: July 2024

In this paper, I explore the topics of cultural memory, transnational flows of media artifacts, and Japan as experienced through popular culture. In particular, I take the case of a short ethnographic scene where the song “To Zanarkand” from Final Fantasy X is imposed over an Italian player’s dramatic performance in a Fabula Ultima campaign. Through this narrative, I explore the dissonance between my initial intention to analyze the scene in terms of cultural memory and transnational flows, and the actual circumstances of the players’ reactions to the event.

I initially provide an account of the scene in terms of the Italian reception of games produced in Japan by considering the context of Fabula Ultima – a game produced in Italy marketed as a Table-Talk Japanese Role-Playing Game (TTJRPG) – and its organic interaction with “To Zanarkand” during gameplay. To do this, I refer to the notion of cultural memory, paired with considerations of the way in which pop media are produced and consumed. My analysis of the scene and interviews with the players reveal a more complex network of interactions between players, game, and song, which detach the song and the game from their context of production and resituate it as a part of a certain infrastructure of experience that is unique to each player’s history of interacting with the game. Ultimately, I argue not only that interrogating the space between the large-scale phenomena that provide the conditions for these individualized interactions, and the interactions themselves, is necessary, but also that the interaction between music, players, and gameplay opened up space for such an analysis in this case.
The Bard’s Life
Authors: Johnson Nicholas
Published: July 2024

Tabletop role-playing games have experienced a surge of popularity in recent years, as games such as Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) now boast over fifty million active players worldwide. Several of these games include options for players to choose characters with deep connections to music, the best known being the iconic Bard, often portrayed as a mischievous lutenist and storyteller, singing their way into and out of problems. A musical Bard was not always the standard, however, as an examination of the fifty-year history of D&D reveals a character originally modeled on a rogue that steadily grew in its dependence on music. Instead of relying on weapons or thievery, modern Bards primarily utilize music to accomplish their goals through charismatic performances. Similar to Roger Moseley’s framing of what it means to “play” in musical ways in video games, Bards now grant gamers the experience of “performing” magical music, bolstering a sense of otherworldliness in the game environment. Unlike video games, however, the music created by a Bard is usually silent. Players are directed to give vivid descriptions of their performances, and then roll dice to determine quality and effectiveness, but sounding music is rarely required.

This essay explores how the Bard has evolved in D&D and considers the question of what that change says about music as a non-sounding tool in gameplay. Building on ludomusicological theories of music performance, as well as neurological studies of the brain’s response to internal imagining of musical stimuli, I contend the development of the Bard in D&D reflects a desire for expanded social gameplay, and creates opportunities for creative problem solving and deeper immersion in a shared collective imagination. I argue that musical imagery, like sounding music, has the ability to shape a gamer’s experience and helps create a richly decorated imagined fantasy world.
Optical and radiation shielding characteristics of Dy2O3 doped B2O3–TeO2–BaO glasses
Authors: Farhan S. H. ,   Applied Sci. Department, University of Technology, Iraq, college of sci., Al-Mustansiriya University, Iraq, Al Dabbagh B. M. , Aboud H. ,   Applied Sci. Department, University of Technology, Iraq, college of sci., Al-Mustansiriya University, Iraq,   Applied Sci. Department, University of Technology, Iraq, college of sci., Al-Mustansiriya University, Iraq
Published: July 2024

Glass samples with varying compositions was prepared by standard approach. The composition of the samples was (50-x) B2O3–25TeO2–25BaO-xDy2O3, with x ranging from 0 to 1.25 mol%. XRD profiles confirmed that the samples were amorphous, as there were no long-range lattice arrangements observed. The successful preparation of amorphous samples was further confirmed by the absence of sharp lines & peaks. The optical properties of the obtained samples were analyzed. That a decrease in Eopt values resulted in a higher value of the refractive index (n) for the glasses. However, when the concentration of Dy2O3 exceeded certain levels (0.75, 1, and 1.25 mol%), the refractive index (n) decreased due to an increase in Eopt values. Experimental measurements using a NaI(Tl) detector were conducted to determine the radiation shielding parameters (LAC and MAC), as well as the (HVL), (TVL), & (MFP) of the glasses against gamma rays emitted by 137Cs and 60Co isotopes at energies of 0.662, 1.173, and 1.333 MeV. Excellent agreement was observed when comparing the experimental results with theoretical calculations using Phy-x/PSD software program. This suggests that the fabricated glasses have great potential for various applications in the field of optics and can effectively shield against radiation.
Effects of ion beam on the electrical conductivity and surface characteristics of flexible PVA/TiO2 polymeric nanocomposites films
Authors: Altuijri R. ,   Department of Physics, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia, El-Aassar M. R. , Atta A. , Abdelhamied M. M. ,   Chemistry Department, College of Science, Jouf University, P.O. Box: 2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia,   Physics Department, College of Science, Jouf University, P.O. Box: 2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia,   Radiation Physics Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
Published: July 2024

The present research examined the impacts of oxygen beam bombardment on PVA/TiO2 composites using cold cathode source with fluencies (3×1016, 6×1016 and 9×1016 ions/cm2 ). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) is verified the successful fabrication of PVA/TiO2 composites. In addition, surface free energy, work of adhesion, and contact angles were evaluated for both pure and treated PVA/TiO2 films. The drop in water contact angle from 68.37º to 52.12º was caused by an increase in ion beam fluence from 3×1016 ions/cm2 to 9×1016 ions/cm2 . And the surface energy increases from 41.45 to 55.97 mJ/m2 , with a rise in the adhesion work from 98.75 mJ/m2 to 116.33 mJ/m2 . In addition, the electrical conductivity of PVA/TiO2 was measured within the frequency range of 50-106 Hz. After the samples subjected to 9×1016 ions/cm2 , the conductivity of the PVA/TiO2 composite rose from 0.32×10-6 to 4.3×10-6 S/cm. The outcomes data showed that the electrical conductivity of the irradiated films were improved, which is important for different devices such batteries and supercapacitors.
Synthesis, characterization, and photodegradation assessment of Ni and Cd-doped TiO2 nanocrystals via sol-gel method for methylene blue under sunlight
Authors: Irfan M. ,   Department of Physics, University of Okara, 3600, Okara, Pakistan, Khan M. I. , Al Huwayz M. , Alwadai N. ,   Department of Physics, The University of Lahore, 53700, Pakistan,   Department of Physics, College of Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia,   Department of Physics, College of Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
Published: July 2024

Pristine TiO2, Ni-doped, and Cd-doped TiO2 nanocrystals were successfully synthesized by utilizing a single-step sol-gel process. The average particle size (D) of pristine TiO2 was found to be 10.64 nm, while with the addition of Cd and Ni content (0.1) w%, the crystallite size steadily dropped to (10.39 to 8.44) nm. The band gap energies of (0.1) w% Cd and nickel-doped TiO2 are determined (3.20 and 3.07) eV, respectively, which are smaller than that of 3.29 eV for the pristine TiO2. The assessment of the photosensitive activity under visible light irradiation was conducted using the Methylene blue (MB) degradation rate.
Synthesis and sintering of 1D Al2O3@MWCNTS ceramic composite with excellent mechanical and electrical properties for advanced engineering applications
Authors: Chand K. ,   Key Laboratory of In-Fiber Integrated Optics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China, Mustafa T. , Shah A. H. ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), Quetta, 87300, Pakistan,   Department of Textile Engineering, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta, 87300, Pakistan
Published: July 2024

A novel strategy was exploited to synthesize one-dimensional (1D) Al2O3 ceramic by using MWCNTs as a template. The prepared amorphous alumina [Al(OH)3] was annealed at high temperatures to convert it into corundum Al2O3. Homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs was obtained by the deposition of Al2O3 on the MWCNTs surface. Then, the calcined 1D Al2O3@MWCNTs hybrid powder was sintered at 70 MPa and 1300 ˚C for 10 min using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The microstructure analysis confirmed the uniform distribution of MWCNTs in Al2O3 ceramic. The compressive residual stresses on MWCNTs lead to a much stronger grain boundary as well as higher interfacial shear strength between the outer wall of MWCNT and Al2O3 ceramic. As a result, by the addition of only ∼1.27 wt.% MWCNTs, the flexural strength and fracture toughness along with higher electrical conductivity (315 S/m) were simultaneously enhanced up to ∼70% and ∼73%, respectively, with respect to monolithic Al2O3.
Optical parameters extraction of zinc oxide thin films doped with manganese using an innovative technique based on the dragonfly algorithm and their correlation to the structural properties
Authors: Settara K. ,   Laboratory of Research on Physico-Chemistry of Surface and Interface (LRPCSI), University of 20 August 1955 Skikda, BP 26, Road El Hadaiek, Skikda, 21000, Algeria, Lekoui F. , Akkari H. , Garoudja E. , Amrani R. , Filali W. , Oussalah S. , Hassani S. ,   Ionized Media & Laser Division (IMLD), Center for Development of Advanced Technologies (CDTA), Cité 20 Août 1956, Baba Hassen, Algiers, 16081, Algeria,   Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University Batna 2 Chahid Mostefa Ben Boulaid, Rue Chahid Boukhlouf M. El Hadi, Batna, 05001, Algeria,   Micro-manufacturing Technology Platform, Center for Development of Advanced Technologies (CDTA), Cité 20 Août 1956, Baba Hassen, Algiers, 16081, Algeria,   Department of Material Sciences, University of Algiers Ben Youssef Ben Khadda, 2 Rue Didouche Mourad, Algiers, 16000, Algeria,   Micro-manufacturing Technology Platform, Center for Development of Advanced Technologies (CDTA), Cité 20 Août 1956, Baba Hassen, Algiers, 16081, Algeria,   Microelectronic & Nanotechnology Division, Center for Development of Advanced Technologies (CDTA), Cité 20 Août 1956, Baba Hassen, Algiers, 16081, Algeria,   Ionized Media & Laser Division (IMLD), Center for Development of Advanced Technologies (CDTA), Cité 20 Août 1956, Baba Hassen, Algiers, 16081, Algeria
Published: July 2024

Pure zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films, along with manganese (Mn) doped counterparts, were produced using rapid thermal evaporation technique on ordinary glass substrates. Postannealing treatments resulted in the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structures in the deposited layers. The Raman results unveiled the presence of A1(LO) and LVM vibration modes in each sample that were doped. Interestingly, the undoped sample lacked the LVM mode while showcasing the emergence of LA + TO combined phonons. Employing a novel approach reliant on the Dragonfly Algorithm, optical parameters were extracted, revealing a drop in the bandgap energy of the films from 3.95 eV to 3.79 eV.
Identificação papiloscópica em vítima de acidente aéreo – relato de caso e discussão da técnica utilizada
Authors: Da Silva Aldeir José , Dos Santos Fernando Carvalho , Almeida Marcelo de Souza , Dionísio Alexander Santos , Coelho Polyanna Helena , Bordoni Leonardo Santos
Published: July 2024

Vítimas de acidentes aéreos constituem um grande desafio pericial para sua identificação, uma vez que os corpos podem apresentar extensa fragmentação e carbonização. Os principais métodos de identificação nesta situação são o datiloscópico, o odonto-legal, o antropológico e o genético. Mesmo em segmentos corporais carbonizados a identificação papiloscópica deve ser a primeira opção, caso viável. Entretanto, os diversos mecanismos de trauma envolvidos e a intensa perda de água pelos tecidos avulsionam, endurecem e enrugam a pele, dificultando a comparação datiloscópica. Vários são os métodos necropapiloscópicos disponíveis nesta situação, mas como há particularidades, quanto maior o arsenal técnico disponível, maiores as chances de obtenção de um registo adequado. No caso deste relato, apesar da extensa fragmentação do corpo, havia preservação de parte da mão direita, o que permitiu a investigação papiloscópica. A maioria das técnicas necropapiloscópicas em situações especiais visa as impressões epidérmicas. Mas no caso em tela a epiderme não pôde ser utilizada e a obtenção do registro datiloscópico foi feita na derme. A técnica exposta é simples, rápida e de baixo custo, o que permite sua aplicação mesmo em locais com pouca estrutura. Também pode ser realizada em quaisquer casos nos quais a epiderme esteja inviável para a coleta. Espera-se que este relato contribua para a utilização da necropapiloscopia dentro da prática forense, estimulando seus estudos e aprimoramentos.
DNA barcoding e mini-barcoding na rotina forense: avaliação da viabilidade e da eficácia das técnicas na identificação de espécies animais em amostras degradadas
Authors: Costa Nelice , Gianni Eduarda , Salignac Araújo de Faria Rômulo , Benigno Vieira de Carvalho Carlos
Published: July 2024

Apesar de os protocolos e técnicas de identificação genética de espécies animais terem avançado muito rapidamente no meio acadêmico, sua aplicação pelos órgãos oficiais de criminalística brasileiros ainda é restrita. A fim de avaliar a viabilidade e a eficácia das técnicas de DNA barcoding e mini-barcoding na identificação genética de espécies animais no contexto forense, 23 amostras antigas, degradadas ou armazenadas de forma não ideal, de identidade conhecida, foram selecionadas para este estudo. As etapas de extração do DNA, amplificação e sequenciamento foram realizadas de forma linear e sem repetições para cada uma das duas técnicas. Foram utilizados primers universais de barcode e de mini-barcode do gene citocromo c oxidase I (COI), que permitissem ampla abrangência dos diversos grupos de vertebrados. As sequências obtidas foram confrontadas com aquelas depositadas no banco de dados do Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). As técnicas permitiram a identificação de aproximadamente 78% (18 de 23) das amostras. A taxa de identificação correta foi mais elevada com o uso dos mini-barcodes, embora a eficácia das técnicas tenha variado de acordo com o tipo de material analisado. Os resultados obtidos contribuem para mostrar a viabilidade de incorporação das técnicas testadas nas rotinas dos laboratórios forenses brasileiros, uma vez que os equipamentos e grande parte dos insumos são os mesmos utilizados para a já habitual identificação humana.
Determinação da área de impacto em atropelamentos
Authors: Didyk Nortthon , Toresan Jr. Wilson
Published: July 2024

As técnicas para reconstrução de acidentes de trânsito na modalidade de atropelamento de pedestre dependem principalmente da distância de projeção do pedestre para serem viáveis, desde o impacto até a posição final de repouso. A posição final de repouso é de determinação trivial em grande parte dos casos. No entanto, a determinação da área de impacto, que é igualmente importante, exige mais atenção e dedicação do perito de acidentes de trânsito devido à escassez de vestígios e à sua sutileza intrínseca. Este artigo apresenta técnicas forenses para a determinação da área de impacto, possibilitando assim a completa reconstrução dos acidentes de trânsito da modalidade de atropelamento de pedestre.
Valoração de danos ambientais por condução de veículos pesados com Sistema de Redução Catalítica Seletiva (SCR) adulterado
Authors: Lopes de Barros Lucas Vincent , Pinheiro Vieira João Pedro , Shoiti Shiraishi Igor
Published: July 2024

A problemática das emissões atmosféricas de origem veicular é antiga e abrangente, estando diretamente relacionada ao comprometimento de recursos financeiros na saúde pública, em decorrência de problemas cardiorrespiratórios em humanos, e a danos ao ambiente, que acarretam desde fenômenos extremos mais intensos, até mudanças graduais e nocivas à vida em nossa atmosfera. O presente estudo apresenta uma metodologia inovadora para valoração de danos ambientais associados à condução de veículos a diesel com Sistema de Redução Catalítica Seletiva (SCR) adulterado. O método apresenta sugestão de cálculos para as parcelas de Valor de Uso Direto (VUD) e Valor de Uso Indireto (VUI), baseadas na “economia” decorrente do não uso de ARLA32 e na poluição marginal ocasionada pela emissão de substâncias acima do limite tolerado, especialmente os óxidos de nitrogênio. Apresenta-se, ainda, um estudo de caso demonstrando a aplicação e validade da metodologia, com resultados adequados e coerentes com a realidade de uma fonte móvel unitária, podendo ser replicada por outros peritos criminais que atuam na área de meio ambiente.
A Medicina Veterinária Forense na investigação de um crime contra um cão doméstico – Relato de caso
Authors: Dallabrida Vanessa Eloisa , Ananias Barreiros Silva Rodrigo , Aparecida Silva Thaís , Dalazen dos Santos Luciana , Weinert Nadia Cristine , De Oliveira Torres Carrasco Adriano , Peres Jayme Augusto , De Barros Bandarra Márcio
Published: July 2024

A medicina veterinária forense pode ser entendida como a aplicação dos conhecimentos científicos relacionados à saúde animal, com o intuito de aplicação de leis colaborando com as atividades judiciárias. Quando do óbito, seja natural, intencional ou por imprudência, lança-se mão da tanatologia, um ramo da patologia que se preocupa com a morte somática e as alterações cadavéricas. Identificar se uma lesão foi acidental ou não acidental, ou seja, se ela indica crime, exige a análise integrada de todos os resultados do exame, considerando o contexto da história, a cena do incidente e as conclusões da investigação resultantes dos exames médico-veterinários. Neste contexto, descreve-se no presente relato o caso de uma perícia conduzida por médicos veterinários em colaboração com a polícia civil, relacionada a um cão sem raça definida (SRD), suspeito de ter sido vítima de maus-tratos. O tutor acionou a polícia sob a suspeita de que o animal tivesse sido criminosamente carbonizado. Ao longo do exame pericial completo, envolvendo exame de corpo de delito, virtópsia e necropsia forense, algumas suspeitas foram levantadas e descartadas. A avaliação completa dos órgãos foi impossibilitada devido ao avançado estado de putrefação, mas foi suficiente para descartar a possibilidade de carbonização do animal. Não foram encontrados sinais de disparos de arma de fogo, traumas mecânicos ou indícios de queimaduras. No entanto, a detecção do tóxico Aldicarb no trato gastrointestinal sugere que a causa da morte foi intoxicação exógena. Assim, a realização do exame necroscópico, mesmo em cadáveres em avançado estado de autólise e putrefação, é crucial para investigar as circunstâncias da morte e fornecer subsídios essenciais na elucidação de crimes.
Clinical Case Of Rare Mitochondrial Disease In A Child
Authors: Gumeniuk Olga I. , Yanin Karim R. , Fisun Anna V. , Chernenkov Yuriy V. , Stepanov Aleksander A.
Published: July 2024

We describe a clinical case of Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome in a child with polyneuropathy, myopathy and epileptic seizures, the development of toxic hepatitis with a fatal outcome after the use of valproic acid as an antiepileptic drug. The need for early differential diagnosis of Alpers syndrome and molecular genetic testing in cases of damage to the nervous system with various symptoms in order to select optimal therapy is shown.
«Остается еще людская память». Многоголосие «маленьких» свидетелей истории в романе-документе Анатолия Кузнецова Бабий Яр
Authors: Bortnowski Antoni ,   Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu
Published: July 2024

The article is devoted to the specificity of the perception of the events of World War II in Kiev, including the tragedy of Babi Yar. The genocide of the Jews in Kiev becomes the focal point of Anatoly Kuznetsov’s documentary novel and part of a broader reflection on the nature of totalitarian systems (Nazi and Soviet). Babi Yar as an ego - documentary shows the cruelty of war from the perspective of ordinary people, focusing on its local dimension. The greatest emphasis in the article is placed on the analysis of the specificity of the narrative in the documentary novel (роман -документ) Babi Yar, in which we deal with the voice of a mature narrator, the perspective of a small boy and the stories of war victims integrated into the structure of the novel. They create a characteristic polyphony in the novel, which becomes not only the testimony of one person, but also, in accordance with the clearly formulated idea of the writer himself, the “voice” of the “little people”, an appeal for them to be remembered in the face of the “great” history that overshadows the tragedy of an individual.
Współczesny moralitet, czyli komedia Четыре человека, два ангела Wiktora Szenderowicza
Authors: Jastrzębska Katarzyna ,   Uniwersytet Jagielloński
Published: July 2024

The subject of the article is the analysis of Four People and Two Angels, a play by Russian satirist Victor Shenderovich (2001). The main conclusion of this analysis is that this play refers to psychomachia as one of the oldest literary motifs. However, the difference between classical realisation of the psychomachic motif and its realisation in Shenderovich’s play is noticeable: while the classical psychomachia reveals through seriousness and sublimity, Four People and Two Angels is an example of the realisation of this motif in a comedic convention. It becomes possible mainly due to how the author creates the mysterious figures of angel Stroncylov and the sinner Ivan Pashkin. References to the literary works of Lev Tolstoy, Nikolai Erdman or Mikhail Bulgakov provide additional justification for the claim that the play written by the Russian satirist raises existential problems, but the way it does so is definitely far from the classical literary depictions of the motif of struggle for the human soul.