bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antarctica Storytelling: Creating Interactive Story Maps for Polar Regions with Graphic-Based Approach
Authors: Wang Liangwei , Wang Zhan , Zhao Xi , Tsung Fugee , Zeng Wei
Published: February 2024

Although story maps have gained popularity for storytelling related to spatial information, existing story maps authoring tools often fall short in delivering diverse narrative forms and struggle to accurately render polar regions due to the limitations of tile-based mapping. In this work, we introduce a graphic-based method to address these challenges, developing a framework specifically designed for creating story maps for polar regions.Our key contribution lies in offering heuristic strategies for story map design, emphasizing their role in effectively visualizing and disseminating polar culture.This paper outlines essential design tasks for story map creation and introduces three pivotal narrative strategies: attention cue, linkage of map with other visual elements, and cartographic interaction. Additionally, we emphasize the significance of storyboard design, focusing on aspects such as logical sequencing, temporal order, map scale and granularity, and interactive design.To validate the effectiveness of our story map design framework, we develop several story map cases centered around the exploration history of Antarctica.These examples highlight the diversity and interactivity in the story maps produced through our methodology. Finally, we explore the challenges and limitations encountered in the process of creating story maps, and from these observations, we identify prospective areas for further research.
Role of Low-pressure Negative Pleural Suction in Patients With Thoracic Trauma - a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Priyadarshi Amit , Gupta Sahil , Priyadarshini Pratyusha , Kumar Abhinav , Alam Junaid , Bagaria Dinesh , Chaudhary Narendra , Sagar Sushma , Gupta Amit , Mishra Biplab , Pandey Shivam , Kumar Subodh
Published: February 2024

Background: Thoracic trauma frequently includes a pneumothorax, hemothorax, or hemopneumothorax, which may necessitate an Intercostal drainage (ICD) for air and fluid evacuation to improve breathing and circulatory function. It is a simple and life-saving procedure; nevertheless, it carries morbidity, even after its removal. Efforts have been made continuously to shorten the duration of ICD, but mostly in non-trauma patients. In this study, we evaluated the impact of negative pleural suction over the duration of ICD.
Methods: This study was a prospective randomized controlled interventional trial conducted at Level 1 Trauma Centre. Thoracic trauma patients with ICD, who met the inclusion criteria (sample size 70) were randomized into two groups, the first group with negative pleural suction up to -20 cm H2O, and the second group as conventional, i.e. ICD connected to underwater seal container only. The primary objective was to compare the duration of ICDs and the secondary objectives were the length of hospital stay and various complications of thoracic trauma.
Results: Duration of ICD was measured in median days with minimum & maximum days. For the negative suction group, it was 4 days (2-16 days); for the conventional group, it was also 4 days (2-17 days). There was also no significant difference among both groups in length of hospital stay.
Conclusion: The beneficial effect of negative pleural suction to ICD could not be demonstrated over the duration of ICD and hospital stay. In both groups, there was no significant difference in complication rates like recurrent pneumothorax, retained hemothorax, persistent air leak, and empyema.
Level of evidence: Therapeutic Study, Level II
Evaluation of the MMI Symani® Robotic Microsurgical System for coronary-bypass anastomoses in a cadaveric porcine model
Authors: Rusch Melanie , Hoffmann Grischa , Wieker Henning , Bürger Matthias , Kapahnke Sebastian , Berndt Rouven , Rusch René
Published: February 2024

Objective The MMI Symani® is a recently approved robotic microsurgical system for surgical procedures in adults. The system enables the surgeon to create microanastomoses. Clinical applications so far include lymphatic vessels surgery and the creation of special flap plastics. The use of the system in coronary arteries has not yet been assessed. The aim of this preclinical study was to evaluate the applicability of the Symani® surgical system in the creation of coronary anastomoses a cadaveric porcine model.Design and Methods A total of 12 anastomoses were performed by three senior cardiovascular surgeons on the left main coronary artery of three porcine hearts. Artificial bypasses (diameter 1 mm) were performed to the left main trunk. The anastomoses were performed with the Symani® surgical system. Evaluation included procedure times and anastomosis leakage.Results All anastomoses could be successfully performed. The procedure time decreased due to the learning curve between the first anastomosis 47:28 ± 5:30 min and the last anastomosis 22:37 ± 3:25 min. The final evaluation of the anastomoses showed excellent results with low leakage. The quality of the anastomosis also improved in relation to the increasing learning curve.Conclusion The Symani® surgical system could be used to create coronary anastomoses in an acceptable time frame and without technical failures. Hence, the system appears feasible for conventional coronary surgery. Further studies in animal models are mandatory prior to clinical application.
A Survey on Multi-modal Emotion Detection Techniques
Authors: Chatterjee Chintan , Shah Nihir , Bhatt Sahil , Chandi Smit
Published: February 2024

The utilization of emotion detection and recognition technologies has revolution- ized human-computer interactions in various fields such as sentiment analysis, health monitoring, education, and automotive interfaces. Previously, traditional systems relied on single-channel affect sensing, which limited their ability to cap- ture the complexity of human emotions. However, humans naturally combine multiple cues such as facial expressions, speech, gestures, and contextual factors when expressing their emotions. As a result, there has been a growing inter- est in multi-modal emotion frameworks that integrate different sensory streams to obtain more comprehensive emotion assessments. These holistic perspectives allow for the capture of nuanced affective information that would otherwise be difficult to represent. In this survey paper, we delve into the latest advancements in emotion recognition systems, examining fusion techniques, feature engineer- ing methods, and classification architectures that leverage inputs from various modalities such as vision, audio, and text. Our focus is to showcase innova- tive interventions throughout the entire pipeline, from preprocessing raw signals to predicting emotion labels, in order to enable robust multi-modal analysis. Through detailed theoretical discussions and practical case studies, this paper aims to inspire further research by providing insights into the current state-of- the-art, highlighting open challenges, and exploring promising avenues in emotion detection through cross-modal learning.
Comparison of Ventricular and Atrial Geometry and Functions in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Isler Aysenur Ceylan , Kaya Cansin Tulunay , Akbulut Muge , Kumru Gizem , Eren Sayeste Akkan , Sengul Sule , Ates Kenan , Kutlay Sim
Published: February 2024

Purpose
There are few studies comparing echocardiography in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) although, comparison of cardiac changes between the two groups provides important prognostic information.
Methods
In 47 PD and 58 HD patients with no known cardiovascular disease, we performed pulse wave Doppler, tissue Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography. We studied HD patients both before and after HD.
Results
Mitral E, mitral E/A, medial e', lateral e', mean E/e', tricuspid E/A, tricuspid s', tricuspid e', and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were lower in PD patients compared to HD patients before HD (p:0.000, p:0.000, p:0.001, p:0.032, p:0.008, p:0.000, p:0.027, p:0.028, p:0.002, respectively). Medial a’, tricuspid E, tricuspid A, tricuspid DT, and TAPSE were significantly higher in PD patients compared to HD patients after HD (p = 0.02, p = 0.009, p = 0.023 and p = 0.001, respectively). GLS LV, LAVmax, LAVmin, and LAVI levels after HD were lower compared to levels seen in PD patients (p:0.001, p:0.000, p:0.041, p:0.000, respectively). In HD patients, mitral E, mitral A, mitral E/A, medial e', mean E/e', tricuspid E, tricuspid E/A, tricuspid e', tricuspid a', and TAPSE decreased after HD (p:0.000, p:0.000, p:0.001, p:0.001, p:0.000, p:0.000, p:0.000, p:0.000, p:0.021, p:0.000, respectively). Deterioration was observed in GLS-LV, GLS-RV, FWS-RV, SR, and S-CD after HD (p:0.000, p:0.000, p:0.000, p:0.030, p:0.002, respectively).
Conclusion
Strain values worsen both in PD and HD patients. HD deteriorates systolic and diastolic functions. The negative effect of dialysis on systolic function is higher in HD compared to PD.
The zebrafish gut microbiome influences benzo[a]pyrene developmental neurotoxicity
Authors: Stagaman Keaton , Alexiev Alexandra , Sieler Michael , Hammer Austin , Kasschau Kristin D. , Truong Lisa , Tanguay Robyn L. , Sharpton Thomas J.
Published: February 2024

Early-life exposure to environmental toxicants like Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is associated with several health consequences in vertebrates (i.e., impaired or altered neurophysiological and behavioral development). Although toxicant impacts were initially studied relative to host physiology, recent studies suggest that the gut microbiome is a possible target and/or mediator of behavioral responses to chemical exposure in organisms, via the gut-brain axis. However, the connection between BaP exposure, gut microbiota, and developmental neurotoxicity remains understudied. Using a zebrafish model, we determined whether the gut microbiome influences BaP impacts on behavior development. Embryonic zebrafish were treated with increasing concentrations of BaP and allowed to grow to the larval life stage, during which they underwent behavioral testing and intestinal dissection for gut microbiome profiling via high-throughput sequencing. We found that exposure affected larval zebrafish microbiome diversity and composition in a manner tied to behavioral development: increasing concentrations of BaP were associated with increased taxonomic diversity, exposure was associated with unweighted UniFrac distance, and microbiome diversity and exposure predicted larval behavior. Further, a gnotobiotic zebrafish experiment clarified whether microbiome presence was associated with BaP exposure response and behavioral changes. We found that gut microbiome state altered the relationship between BaP exposure concentration and behavioral response. These results support the idea that the zebrafish gut microbiome is a determinant of the developmental neurotoxicity that results from chemical exposure.
Inhibition of Epsilon Toxin-Producing Clostridium perfringens with a Juice-Based Probiotic Medical Food for Dietary Management of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kamarei A. Reza , Robins Howard F. , Finkelstein Eric
Published: February 2024

Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease in young adults, with symptom onset generally occurring between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Worldwide, there are 2.8 million people with MS, and in the United States, nearly 1 million. Currently, nine oral medications are FDA-approved for MS, each of which has its own undesirable side effects. The root cause of MS remains unknown, but epsilon toxin-producing C. perfringens is implicated as the trigger. Proving this trigger requires the ability to eliminate the bacteria or their toxic effect. As an element of the gut microbiome, epsilon toxin-producing C. perfringens may be managed through dietary interventions, but there is no specific dietary supplement or medical food currently available for this purpose.
Materials and Methods
The aim of this in vitro research project was to develop a juice-based probiotic medical food for the dietary management of multiple sclerosis by inhibiting the growth of epsilon toxin-producing C. perfringens.
For the probiotics, we used a proprietary blend of five strains of Bifidobacteriumand ten strains of Lactobacillus (“Doctor’s Biome Signature Probiotic Blend”). For the excipient, we used a proprietary blend of organic green fruit and vegetable juices. The probiotics were added to sterilized excipient at 60 billion colony-forming units per two fluid ounces, yielding a medical food for multiple sclerosis (MF-MS). Two strains of epsilon toxin-producing C. perfringens, ATCC 3626 (type B) and ATCC 3631 (type D), were used as the target microorganisms.
Results
Over six days of culture, the control samples (RCM broth) showed drastic population growth of both strains, while the test samples (MF-MS) demonstrated complete inhibition of growth for both strains of epsilon toxin-producing Clostridium perfringens.
Conclusion
We have developed a patent-pending, juice-based probiotic medical food for the dietary management of MS that inhibits the growth of both type B and type D epsilon toxin-producing Clostridium perfringens, which, according to the most recent published clinical findings, are thought to be the cause or trigger of MS. To our knowledge, this is the first in vitro study in which such an effect has been clearly demonstrated.
The Role of Nurses, Midwives, and Doulas in Breastfeeding Education and Rates: Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dhaurali Shubhecchha , Shrestha Shikhar
Published: February 2024

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered maternal healthcare delivery, including breastfeeding practices. Our study investigated the influence of nurses, midwives, and doulas on breastfeeding education and rates, with a specific focus on changes that transpired during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods Using a cross-sectional design, we performed a secondary data analysis on a stratified systematic sample of forty-six U.S. states and New York City respondents who completed the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Phase 7 (2012–2015) and Phase 8 (2016–2020) surveys (n = 193,068). Descriptive analyses and adjusted multivariable logistic regression models reporting adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess associations between the provision of breastfeeding guidance to mothers from nurses, doulas, or midwife healthcare professionals; breastfeeding/pumping rates; and the COVID-19 pandemic.Results Our findings revealed that participants who received breastfeeding guidance from nurses, midwives, or doulas were twice as likely to have engaged in breastfeeding or milk pumping for their infants than participants who did not receive breastfeeding education (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.89–2.11, p ≤ 0.0001). Additionally, participants who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic were notably less likely to receive breastfeeding education from a nurse, midwife, or doula than were those who gave birth before the pandemic (aOR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88–0.96, p ≤ 0.0001).Conclusion Our study underscores the vital role that healthcare professionals play in educating, advocating for, and promoting breastfeeding behaviors. This further highlights the pressing need for sustained efforts to support breastfeeding initiatives and address disparities in maternal and child health, particularly in the context of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elevated heterotrophic activity in hydrothermal plumes influences deep-sea carbon cycling
Authors: Joye Samantha , Montgomery Andrew , Zhuang Guang-Chao , Zhou Zhichao , Marinelli Zachary , Choi Hannah , Hunter Kimberly , Anantharaman Karthik , Teske Andreas
Published: February 2024

Hydrothermal plumes are deep-sea extreme environments that support dynamic microbial metabolisms. Chemoautotrophic production coupled to the oxidation of reduced energy-laden substrates has been considered the primary metabolism in plumes. Recently, sequencing data suggested organic carbon cycling may also be important. However, the biogeochemical fate of organic carbon in hydrothermal plumes remains unconstrained. Here, we used an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the metabolisms of a suite of organic substrates and constrain the impacts of hydrothermal plumes on deep-sea carbon cycling. Acetate and methanol were detected throughout the water column, and both were rapidly metabolized in the Guaymas Basin. Heterotrophic production rates from acetate and methanol, up to 7.69 µg C L-1 d-1, greatly exceeded chemoautotrophic production, often by orders of magnitude. Functional genes encoding enzymes associated with heterotrophic production, such as acetyl-CoA or citrate synthetases, were abundant throughout Guaymas Basin, demonstrating the influence of hydrothermal inputs on deep-sea microbiology. Elevated rates of microbial activity coincided with a distinct plume signature, indicating that microbial communities quickly responded to hydrothermal inputs. Our results illustrated that organic carbon is differentially cycled within hydrothermal plumes, suggesting that heterotrophic production near hydrothermal vents may profoundly impact metabolic activity and carbon cycling in these deep-sea habitats.
Regional downscaling of CMIP6 climate projections for the Vancouver coastline
Authors: Kristiansen Trond , Miller Jordan , Makonnen Samuel
Published: February 2024

This report contains enhanced resolution climate projections of ocean temperature for the Vancouver coastline.
The projections in this report rely on assumptions of future carbon outputs, multiple 3rd party models with their own assumptions, and further downscaling assumptions. Actea includes metrics of climate model variance in this report, to help users understand the uncertainties in these projections. As with any forward-looking projections, this report is not a guarantee of future outcomes and undue reliance should not be placed on it. Forward-looking projections necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual climate outcomes to differ materially from the projections within this report.
Study about Physical and Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (HYRSCC)
Authors: Sowmya S , Jeyaseela J , Hameed Shahul
Published: February 2024

This study is relative exploratory on property study on self-compacting concrete with hybrid fiber under pressure and split tractable stacking. The shape compressive strength and chamber split rigidity of regular concrete and half breed fiber built up not set in stone in the lab. The M35grade of substantial blend and mono fiber of length 120mm for volume portion of 0.0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and pleated steel fiber of length 13mm and its width 0.25mm at volume of 0.0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and adding a mineral admixture silica flour were utilized in the exploration. Every one of the examples were tried at restoring period of 7days and 28 days. It was proposed to concentrate on the compressive strength, split elasticity for all examples with various blends and different level of strand.
The Relationship of Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers and Cognitive Performance in Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Cayir Salih , Sadabad Faranak Ebrahimian , Mecca Adam , Matuskey David , Zadeh Arman Fesharaki
Published: February 2024

Objective: Currently available literature on the relationships between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and cognitive performance in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is very limited and inconclusive. In this study, we investigated the association of cognition, as measured with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), with CSF levels of total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated tau at threonine 181 (p-tau181), and amyloid β 1–42 (Aβ1–42) in a group of patients with FTD and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with participants selected from the electronic records of patients seen at Yale New Haven Hospital’s Memory Clinic, CT, USA. We included 61 patients, 28 with FTD (mean age=64.1) and 33 with AD (mean age=66.8).
Results: T-tau levels negatively and significantly correlated with total MoCA scores as well as the different MoCA index scores in both the FTD (r=-0.469, p<0.05) and AD (r=-0.545, p<0.01) groups. There were no significant associations with MoCA scores and p-tau181 levels in patients with FTD (r=-0.224, p>0.05), unlike patients with AD, who exhibited significant correlations (r=-0.549, p<0.01). Also, Aβ1–42 levels were not significantly correlated with MoCA scores in either of the FTD and AD groups.
Conclusion: CSF concentrations of t-tau are inversely correlated to cognitive performance in patients with FTD and both t-tau and p-tau181 in AD. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between clinical cognitive performance and tau-related pathology in FTD.
Modeling of the viscoelastic behavior of polymer-modified asphalts
Authors: Medina-Torres Luis , Núñez-Ramírez Diola Marina , González-Laredo Rubén Francisco , González-Lozano Miguel Angel , Alonso Salvador , Zitzumbo Roberto , Gallegos-Infante José Alberto
Published: February 2024

An analysis and modelling of the linear viscoelastic behavior of maltenes (M) blended with styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) are presented in this study. M were mixed with different amounts of SBS (Elastomer, E) (0.25 to 80 wt.%) to investigate the effect of polymer concentration on linear viscoelastic response of the blends; storage and loss moduli were obtained from small amplitude oscillatory shear tests (SAOS). Time-temperature superposition master curves were analyzed by a Maxwell multimodal model with up to nine relaxation times. Han, Cole-Cole and Van Gurp-Palmen diagrams were prepared from the rheological data. Two different responses were observed: At low E contents, a dispersed system rheological response was observed and verified by microscopy with elastomer as the dispersed phase and maltenes as the matrix, while at high E content the response was that of a co-continuous system. Mixtures with E > 2 wt % exhibited change in their thermomechanical properties with a phase inversion at E > 50 wt. %. Furthermore, at low E concentration resins stabilize the dispersed phase by diminishing the magnitude of the viscoelastic moduli, conversely, at high E concentration a swelled polymer-rich phase creates a network that significantly influences of the viscoelastic properties.
Unpacking the Nexus between Climate Change and Maize Production in Nigeria: A Bound Test Approach to Integration
Authors: Ajala Seun Boluwatife , Chagwiza Clarietta
Published: February 2024

The dilemma of decreasing agricultural production in the face of rapid population growth in Nigeria is being made worse by the growing threat of climate change. This suggests that food security and rural sustainability are at risk. Given that various crops have varying climate needs, specific crop analyses are necessary. This study therefore used time-series data between 1979 and 2020 to examine the connection between climate change and maize production in Oyo State, Nigeria. The relevant data were collected and analyzed using a bound testing (autoregressive distributed lag) approach. The results confirmed the long-term equilibrium between maize yield and temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity. The results revealed that climatic variables are vital to maize productivity in Oyo State and Nigeria. Therefore, the findings are relevant for designing coping interventions (long-term and short-term) to address the impact of climate change on maize yield in Oyo State and Nigeria overall.
¿Cuál es el alcance del artículo 7.1.k del estatuto de roma que consagra como crimen de lesa humanidad otros actos inhumanos en relación con el principio de legalidad en Colombia?
Authors: Ochoa Arias Jonathan , Rodriguez Urrego Carlos Andres , Sepulveda William Andres
Published: February 2024

El presente trabajo investigativo tiene como objeto central, la exposición clara e íntegra del marco que envuelve los denominados Delitos de lesa humanidad, así como su influencia en el desarrollo del derecho penal internacional, tanto en la doctrina como la jurisprudencia; para poder analizar el texto del Art. 7 núm. 1 Literal K. Para ello, el trabajo se reparte en un estudio del contexto histórico y, los hechos más relevantes que contribuyeron al  desarrollo de estos tipos penales. También se hace un análisis del delito de lesa humanidad, así como de sus elementos. Debido a la importancia que tiene para la cultura jurídica occidental el principio de legalidad y de tipicidad; y por su influencia en la formación del tipo penal internacional, también se realizan exámenes del mismo, para contrastar mejor la temática con la problemática. Finalmente se expone la propuesta central de los investigadores, con las cual se motiva la razón de ser del trabajo investigativo; y lo que busca el mismo.
Interrelationship Between Macroeconomic Variables With Insurance Premiums and Claims – Lessons For Indonesia & ASEAN
Authors: Rohman Ibrahim Kholilul , Ronaldo Rizky , Siregar Reza Yamora
Published: February 2024

The insurance sector plays a crucial economic role by helping individuals and businesses manage risks and uncertainties. By transferring some of their risks to insurance companies, individuals and companies can reduce the likelihood of bankruptcy compared to bearing the risks themselves. This role has become increasingly important in recent decades, particularly due to climate change, financial crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to greater volatility in macroeconomic indicators. Understanding these potential risks is key to ensuring the future sustainability and growth of the insurance sector in both Indonesia and ASEAN. The research objective is to examine the relationship between macroeconomic variables and insurance and claims. Using annual panel data regression analysis, we examine the relationship between macroeconomic indicators and insurance gross premiums in a sample of 63 countries from 2010 to 2019. The macroeconomic indicators used in the model are real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates. The results suggest that macroeconomic variables play a significant role in determining the performance of gross premiums and claims. Lessons learned include that real GDP, inflation, and real interest rates show a positive and significant relationship with gross premiums, while exchange rates show a negative relationship. However, the lasting impact of these macroeconomic variables on gross premiums varies from one to the other. In fact, only two variables, real GDP and inflation, have a lasting impact. The results suggest that market players should provide strong and comprehensive risk management systems to address macroeconomic turbulence. Surveillance and monitoring macroeconomic indicators are essential, especially in a macro-dependent sector.
Connecting Soft Power, Message Framing, and Political Actors’ Involvement in Online Media: The Case of ASEAN
Authors: Intentilia Anak Agung Mia , Holzhacker Ronald L.
Published: February 2024

The research aims to examine media message framing in the selected Southeast Asia countries (Indonesia and the Philippines) surrounding events focusing on ASEAN’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The research explores the relations between media framing and ASEAN’s soft power, taking an interdisciplinary research approach combining political communication studies and international relations. The concept of soft power is divided into (a) strategic narrative and message framing and (b) state and non-state actors’ involvement in the communication process. The research uses qualitative content analysis and utilizes Atlas.ti software to conduct the coding process of online news items as the primary data. The main findings are as follows. First, ASEAN is portrayed with a rather positive tone on economic and socio-cultural issues. Second, ASEAN is portrayed on balance in a negative tone on political-security issues. Third, ASEAN state actors deliver more positive statements about ASEAN. Fourth, ASEAN non-state actors depict more negative statements about ASEAN. This research argues that positive news about economic and socio-cultural issues will likely enhance ASEAN’s soft power. On the other hand, communication with a negative tone about political-security issues may hinder the development of the institution’s soft power. ASEAN’s soft power is influenced by the communication of both state and non-state actors.
DEFINING THE SAME LEXEMES IN ONLINE DICTIONARIES: A CASE STUDY OF THREE POPULAR MONOLINGUAL ENGLISH DICTIONARIES
Authors: Тодоровић Милан Д. , Спасић Наташа А.
Published: February 2024

In this paper we presented the different ways in which three monolingual online English dictionaries (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online, Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries and Merriam-Webster Dictionary) define the same lexemes that belong to different language levels (from A1 to B2). Aside from the formal elements present in all of the (online) dictionaries – part of speech, pronunciation, examples, register, pictures and synonyms, we highlighted the very nature of the definitions. We studied two lexemes for each of the language levels. When analising individual examples we employed the descriptive method, while the comparison method was used to point out the key differences in which these dictionaries define concepts such as: artist, government, immortal, meanwhile, etc. The aim of the analysis and comparison was to highlight which of the aforementioned dictionaries would be suitable for high school students to use when learning English as a foreign language. We came to the following conclusions – Longman and Oxford dictionaries break down the more complex meanings into digestible instances and use language that is appropriate for the language level of the desired lexeme. Webster’s dictionary is more formal and often uses sentence patterns and words that are above the language level of the target lexeme.
THE PREPOSITION UM IN GERMAN AND ITS TRANSLATION EQUIVALENTS IN SERBIAN BASED ON THE EXAMPLES FROM NOVELS HERZTIER AND AMOKLÄUFER
Authors: Pilić Ana
Published: February 2024

In this thesis we investigated the possibilities of translating the preposition um from German to Serbian. While reading a translated text, we usually do not ask questions about the translation equivalents. But how many are there actually? Do they have to be the same part of speech? This work has shown the most common and popular solutions, but without neglecting the rare ones. It was proven that the most common translation equivalent of the preposition um is also a preposition in Serbian, namely the preposition u. In addition, there are other prepositions and structures, as well as other parts of speech. For some examples it was not possible to identify an equivalent. The method used in this article is contrastive analysis.
WOMEN IN THE AGE OF MEXICAN REVOLUTION FRANCISCO ROJAS GONZÁLEZ’S LA NEGRA ANGUSTIAS
Authors: Stevanović Svetlana V.
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the role of women in the Mexican Revolution starting from the novel La Negra Angustias written by the Mexican writer Francisco Rojas González. The research is based on the assumption that the protagonist of the novel, Angustias Farrera, symbolically represents a powerless and downtrodden part of the Mexican population that, after centuries of suffering oppression, rises up in arms demanding a respect of basic human rights. We point out that in the period of the Mexican Revolution (1910– 1920), Angustias gets the opportunity to transform from a marginalised and passive mulatto peasant woman into an active social factor that tends to change the social system. As the military officer that forms part of the Liberation Army of the South, guerrilla force led by Emiliano Zapata, one of the most famous Mexican revolutionaries, Angustias stands up for the vulnerable part of the Mexican population, primarily women, demanding the right to freedom, independence and education. Her initial enthusiasm, however, gradually weakens under the influence of the teacher with whom she falls in love. The teacher Manuel in this Novel of the Mexican Revolution plays the role of an opportunistic intellectual who joins the Mexican Revolution in order to gain material benefit. By getting married with a greedy opportunist, Angustias abandons the revolution, and betrays her friends and ideals. From an active military officer, Angustias once again becomes a passive woman whose role in the context of the patriarchal Mexican culture is reduced to a self-sacrificing wife and mother. Therefore, following the fate of this revolutionary woman from childhood to adulthood, we try to follow the course of the Mexican Revolution in terms of armed rebellion, from the initial excitement, through the heated struggles to a status quo return.
Viral MicroRNAs in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Pathobiology
Authors: Naqvi Raza Ali , Valverde Araceli , Yadavalli Tejabhiram , Bobat Fatima Ismail , Capistrano Kristelle J. , Shukla Deepak , Naqvi Afsar R.
Published: February 2024

Simplexvirus humanalpha1 (Herpes simplex virus type 1 [HSV-1]) infects millions of people globally,
manifesting as vesiculo-ulcerative lesions of the oral or genital mucosa. After primary infection, the virus
establishes latency in the peripheral neurons and reactivates sporadically in response to various environmental
and genetic factors. A unique feature of herpesviruses is their ability to encode tiny noncoding RNAs called
microRNA (miRNAs). Simplexvirus humanalpha1 encodes eighteen miRNA precursors that generate twentyseven
different mature miRNA sequences. Unique Simplexvirus humanalpha1 miRNAs repertoire is expressed
in lytic and latent stages and exhibits expressional disparity in various cell types and model systems, suggesting
their key pathological functions. This review will focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the regulation
of host-virus interaction by HSV-1 encoded viral miRNAs. Numerous studies have demonstrated sequence-
specific targeting of both viral and host transcripts by Simplexvirus humanalpha1 miRNAs. While these
noncoding RNAs predominantly target viral genes involved in viral life cycle switch, they regulate host
genes involved in antiviral immunity, thereby facilitating viral evasion and lifelong viral persistence inside the
host. Expression of Simplexvirus humanalpha1 miRNAs has been associated with disease progression and resolution.
Systemic circulation and stability of viral miRNAs compared to viral mRNAs can be harnessed to utilize
their potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers. Moreover, functional inhibition of these enigmatic
molecules may allow us to devise strategies that have therapeutic significance to contain Simplexvirus humanalpha1
infection.
Traditional Chinese Medicine-based Treatment in Cardiovascular Disease: Potential Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Li Lanlan , Ran Yutong , Wen Jiao , Lu Yirui , Liu Shunmei , Li Hong , Cheng Min
Published: February 2024

:

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and death worldwide
and has become a global public health problem. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been
used in China to treat CVD and achieved promising results. Therefore, TCM has aroused significant
interest among pharmacologists and medical practitioners. Previous research showed that
TCM can regulate the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis (AS), ischemic heart disease,
heart failure, myocardial injury, and myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting vascular endothelial
injury, inflammation, oxidant stress, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and myocardial remodeling. It
is well-known that TCM has the characteristics of multi-component, multi-pathway, and multitarget.
Here, we systematically review the bioactive components, pharmacological effects, and
clinical application of TCM in preventing and treating CVD.
Adapting a Dutch Web-Based Intervention to Support Family Caregivers of People With Dementia in the UK Context: Accelerated Experience-Based Co-Design
Authors: Scheibl Fiona , Boots Lizzy , Eley Ruth , Fox Christopher , Gracey Fergus , Harrison Dening Karen , Oyebode Jan , Penhale Bridget , Poland Fiona , Ridel Gemma , West Juniper , Cross Jane L
Published: February 2024

Background

Around 700,000 family caregivers provide unpaid care for 900,000 people living with dementia in the United Kingdom. Few family caregivers receive support for their own psychological needs and funding for community respite services has declined. These trends are seen across Europe as demographic and budgetary pressures have intensified due to public spending cuts arising from the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization has prioritized the need to expand the provision of support for caregivers and families of people with dementia by 2025. Web-based interventions have the potential for development as they require modest investment and can be accessed by family caregivers at home. Further cost benefits can be realized by adapting existing interventions with demonstrated effectiveness for new contexts. This paper reports initial findings from the CareCoach study, which is adapting Partner in Balance (PiB), a web-based coaching intervention developed in the Netherlands, for family caregivers in the United Kingdom.

Objective

This study aims to work with unpaid family caregivers and staff in adapting the Dutch web-based support tool PiB to improve its acceptability and usability for use in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Accelerated Experience-Based Co-Design (AEBCD) was used with caregivers, staff, and core stakeholders. Interviews, workshops, and stakeholder consultations were conducted. Data were analyzed iteratively. Recommendations for the redesign of PiB for use across the United Kingdom were adjudicated by the study Adaptation Working Party.

Results

Sixteen caregivers and 17 staff took part in interviews. Thirteen caregivers and 17 staff took part in workshops. Most (n=26) participants were White, female, and retired. All except 4 caregivers (2 male and 2 female) found the PiB’s offer of web-based self-help learning acceptable. Caregivers identified complexity and lack of inclusivity in some wording and video resources as problematic. The staff took a stronger perspective on the lack of inclusivity in PiB video resources. Staff and caregivers coproduced new inclusive wording and recommended creating new videos to adapt PiB for the UK context.

Conclusions

AEBCD methods facilitated the engagement of caregivers and staff and advanced the adaptation of the PiB complex intervention. An important addition to the AEBCD method in this process was the work of an Adaptation Working Party, which adjudicated and agreed to new wording where this could not be established in consultation with caregivers and staff.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN12540555; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12540555
Remote Evaluation of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: Protocol for a Feasibility and Acceptability Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Gabb Victoria Grace , Blackman Jonathan , Morrison Hamish Duncan , Biswas Bijetri , Li Haoxuan , Turner Nicholas , Russell Georgina M , Greenwood Rosemary , Jolly Amy , Trender William , Hampshire Adam , Whone Alan , Coulthard Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

Background

Sleep disturbances are a potentially modifiable risk factor for neurodegenerative dementia secondary to Alzheimer disease (AD) and Lewy body disease (LBD). Therefore, we need to identify the best methods to study sleep in this population.

Objective

This study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of various wearable devices, smart devices, and remote study tasks in sleep and cognition research for people with AD and LBD.

Methods

We will deliver a feasibility and acceptability study alongside a prospective observational cohort study assessing sleep and cognition longitudinally in the home environment. Adults aged older than 50 years who were diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to probable AD or LBD and age-matched controls will be eligible. Exclusion criteria include lack of capacity to consent to research, other causes of MCI or dementia, and clinically significant sleep disorders. Participants will complete a cognitive assessment and questionnaires with a researcher and receive training and instructions for at-home study tasks across 8 weeks. At-home study tasks include remote sleep assessments using wearable devices (electroencephalography headband and actigraphy watch), app-based sleep diaries, online cognitive assessments, and saliva samples for melatonin- and cortisol-derived circadian markers. Feasibility outcomes will be assessed relating to recruitment and retention, data completeness, data quality, and support required. Feedback on acceptability and usability will be collected throughout the study period and end-of-study interviews will be analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Recruitment started in February 2022. Data collection is ongoing, with final data expected in February 2024 and data analysis and publication of findings scheduled for the summer of 2024.

Conclusions

This study will allow us to assess if remote testing using smart devices and wearable technology is a viable alternative to traditional sleep measurements, such as polysomnography and questionnaires, in older adults with and without MCI or dementia due to AD or LBD. Understanding participant experience and the barriers and facilitators to technology use for research purposes and remote research in this population will assist with the development of, recruitment to, and retention within future research projects studying sleep and cognition outside of the clinic or laboratory.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/52652
Responding to the Return of Influenza in the United States by Applying Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Surveillance, Analysis, and Modeling to Inform Understanding of Seasonal Influenza
Authors: Borchering Rebecca K , Biggerstaff Matthew , Brammer Lynnette , Budd Alicia , Garg Shikha , Fry Alicia M , Iuliano A Danielle , Reed Carrie
Published: February 2024

We reviewed the tools that have been developed to characterize and communicate seasonal influenza activity in the United States. Here we focus on systematic surveillance and applied analytics, including seasonal burden and disease severity estimation, short-term forecasting, and longer-term modeling efforts. For each set of activities, we describe the challenges and opportunities that have arisen because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, we highlight how collaboration and communication have been and will continue to be key components of reliable and actionable influenza monitoring, forecasting, and modeling activities.
Association of fat mass and obesity associate (FTO) single nucleotide polymorphisms in the first intron and obesity risk among Indonesians
Authors: Benedikta Diah Saraswati  , Luluk Yunaini  , Dwi Anita Suryandari
Published: February 2024

Obesity is one of the global pandemics characterized by an excessive fat buildup due to disruption of energy homeostasis in the body. As obesity is a risk factor for many other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease, it is crucial to understand the risk factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity. Although obesity is mainly caused due to unhealthy lifestyles, genetic predisposition also plays a part in the pathogenesis of obesity. Individuals who carry risk alleles for genes that control energy balance in the body have a greater risk of developing obesity. Fat mass and obesity associate (FTO) is a gene strongly correlated with obesity and is widely expressed in the hypothalamus. This gene is predicted to have 89 common variations that affect obesity-related phenotypes. Among Indonesians, the three most studied single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the first intron of the FTO gene are rs1421085, rs17817449, and rs9939609. They are strongly associated with obesity’s related traits such as weight gain, fat mass, body mass index (BMI), waist, and hip sizes. rs993609 is the most studied among diverse ethnicities in Indonesia, with AA genotype and allele A as a risk allele.
Characteristics of patients associated with antibiotic use among gastrointestinal surgery at the Academic Hospital, Universitas Gadjah Mada
Authors: Saskiya Pingki Arum , Taufiqurohman  , Wiedyaningsih Chairun
Published: February 2024

Digestive surgery is a treatment for diseases of the parts of the body involved in digestion, which has a fairly high risk of infection. The study aimed to obtain a description of the types and specific characteristics of patients and the rationality of antibiotic use among digestive surgery patients. This study was conducted using observational analysis. Data on antibiotic use was collected prospectively from medical records of digestive surgery inpatients at the Academic Hospital Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) from January to March 2023. The Gyssens method was used to evaluate qualitatively the use of antibiotics. A total of 76 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. No significant difference between the number of male and female patients was identified. The results showed that 24 (31.58%) acute appendicitis patients are the primary diagnosis most often encountered in patients undergoing digestive surgery. The most frequently used prophylactic antibiotics for digestive surgery patients were ceftriaxone (53.85%) and cefazolin (41.03%). Meanwhile, the most frequently used therapeutic antibiotics were ceftriaxone (41.94%) and levofloxacin (29.03%). The Gyssens analysis shows that large irrational use of antibiotics is still observed.
Migration Policy in the Era of Trumpism and Media Spectacle: What a 2024 Trump [or other] Presidency Could Mean for Mexico-U.S. Relations
Authors: Garrett Terence
Published: February 2024

Donald Trump may be the Republican presidential nominee for the 2024 election and is facing multiple indictments for alleged crimes committed during his presidency. If convicted, this would make a Trump election victory unlikely, although he is the master of the media spectacle and populist authoritarianism – essential components of Trumpism. I focus on U.S. migration policy consequences affecting Mexico and other states in the Americas if Trump wins in 2024. With a Republican win, the migration policy could revert back to a Title 42 migrant expulsion scenario, with attempts to harden the border using more personnel, infrastructure, and surveillance technology. President Biden, if reelected, is on a course towards increased militarization of the southwest border that is a long-term bipartisan trend with globalization – accelerated by Trumpism down to the U.S. state level. Analyzing these scenarios, the border securocracy theoretical concept is employed in keeping with Trumpism migration policies.
Paradojas del Trumpismo, la Crisis del Fentanilo y la guerra contra los Cárteles
Authors: Correa-Cabrera Guadalupe
Published: February 2024

El presente artículo analiza la construcción de un fundamento clave del movimiento (o ideología) al que se le ha denominado “trumpismo” y que se relaciona con la política de drogas de Estados Unidos y su relación con México. En primer lugar, se describen los orígenes de una estrategia antinarcóticos y de seguridad fronteriza planteada por el expresidente Donald Trump en 2017 y amplificada por políticos afines y simpatizantes que consideran una posible intervención militar en México como estrategia electoral en el 2024. El presente análisis destaca los elementos de desinformación y propaganda de la estrategia trumpista y retoma el uso de operaciones psicológicas—planteadas desde la perspectiva de los manuales del ejército estadounidense y la Agencia Central de Inteligencia (CIA, por sus siglas en inglés)—como instrumento de persuasión y mercadotecnia electoral.