bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe weather disasters to epidemics in China during low and high solar activities from 1 to 1911 Common Era
Authors: Liu Jann-Yenq , Chen Yuh-Ing , Lee Po-Han
Published: March 2024

Historical records truthfully document human life and activities associated with climate and environmental changes. Based on the official historical records for the years 1–1911 Common Era (i.e., a period of 1911 years), we examine how the 408 epidemic events, occurring in 282 years, are related to solar activity, geographical locations, seasons, and natural disasters of anomalous temperature and irregular precipitation, in China. The epidemics occur more frequently during the low solar activity period. The inland area and area north to the climate boundary of Qinling–Huaihe Line along 35° geographic latitude, in particular, suffer epidemics more often during low solar activity periods. In fact, 45% or more epidemics occurred in summer, while less than 9% occurred in winter. The infection is highly related to social distancing, and therefore the epidemics also occur likely in areas with high-density population or heavy traffic. Statistical tests further demonstrate that natural disasters owing to anomalous temperature and irregular precipitation act as mediators which significantly cause the epidemics in ancient China.
Pathogenicity, infection process, physiological and biochemical effects of Metarhizium rileyi against Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae
Authors: Yang Xiaomeng , Zhang Yanli , Zhou Jincheng , Dong Hui , Bai Xuejing , Liu Wei , Gu Zumin
Published: March 2024

Background

Metarhizium rileyi is an important entomopathogenic fungus which has a wide range of host pests. In this work, the virulence of M. rileyi EFNL-08 against 3rd instar larvae of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was quantified. Additionally, the infection process and aspects of the host immunological response were described in the laboratory.

Results

Bioassay results proved that M. rileyi was highly virulent to 3rd instar S. frugiperda larvae with 98.33% mortality at 1 × 108 conidia/ml. Scanning electron microscopy was used to monitor morphological aspects of the infection process. When hyphal bodies (Hbs) of M. rileyi were injected into the hemocoel of host, they were not recognized by the host’s immune system as invaders. There were nonsignificant differences in the hemocytes and phenoloxidase activity between the infected and control larvae at the initial 30 h, indicating that fungus successfully avoids the attack from the immune system. However, it inhibited the enzyme activity at the latest stage when Hbs reached a high density. After infection with M. rileyi, the activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) of S. frugiperda larvae presented a significant upward trend, while the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) initially increased, followed by a decrease, and eventually stabilized. However, the activity of both detoxification enzymes in the control group showed slight fluctuations in the initial stage, and then stabilized at a low level.

Conclusion

Obtained results provided new insights into the virulence and potential physiological responses of M. rileyi. This provides ideas for further development of novel and efficient entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) for pest control.
Biocontrol efficacy of native protease-producing bacterial isolates against the olive leaf moth, Palpita unionalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Kobisi A. A. , Imam A. I. , Mansour A. N.
Published: March 2024

Background

The olive leaf moth (OLM), Palpita unionalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), poses a significant threat to olive cultivation. This study focused on isolating protease-producing bacteria from moribund field strains of P. unionalis larvae and assessing their larvicidal efficacy against laboratory strains through estimated LC30, LC50, and LC90 values. Additionally, the long-lasting impacts of LC50 values on pupal and adult stages were evaluated.

Results

Three entomopathogenic bacteria, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Pseudomonas putida, and Bacillus subtilis, were isolated. The larvicidal efficacies of these isolates varied, as B. subtilis exhibiting greater efficacy at LC30 and LC50 values, while P. putida showed the most potent effect at the LC90 value. Conversely, B. amyloliquefaciens demonstrated the lowest larvicidal potentialities at LC50 and LC90 values, with P. putida being the least effective at the LC30 value. The toxicity regression lines indicated increased larval lethality with each unit increase in concentration, as evidenced by the positive slope values. Chi-square (χ2) values suggested a better fit and supported the reliability of the estimated lethal concentrations. Exposure to LC50 values s resulted in significant elongation of larval duration and reduction in weight, whereas pupal lifespan, adult emergence, and sex ratio showed non-significant differences compared to untreated controls.

Conclusions

The study highlights the promising role of these biological candidates in pest control programs as eco-friendly alternatives, potentially enhancing safe plant production. The varied larvicidal efficacies of the bacterial isolates, along with their proteolytic capabilities, underscore their potential as biocontrol pathogens against OLM, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
Prognosis and immunological characteristics of HDAC family in pan-cancer through integrative multi-omic analysis
Authors: Chen Changsheng , Wang Ke , Zhang Yu , Qi Yixin , Shen Chong , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Zongliang , Yang Han , Hu Hailong
Published: March 2024

Background

The histone deacetylase (HDAC) family plays a significant role in a variety of biological processes related to cancer, such as metabolism and cancer progression, and recognized as a target of anti-cancer drugs. Nevertheless, there has been limited systematic research available regarding HDAC family in human cancers using multi-omics approaches.

Objective

To evaluate the prognostic implications and immunological features of the HDAC family across multiple cancer types through comprehensive multi-omics analysis.

Methods

We studied the associations of HDAC activity and a variety of factors, encompassing immune checkpoint genes, the tumor microenvironment (TME), instability of microsatellites (MSI), inherited mutations, variation in copy number, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and sensitivity to drugs in a variety of cancer types. Moreover, we analyzed the link between the degree of HDAC activity and the effectiveness of immunotherapy in several cohorts, providing significant details about the possible impact of HDACs on immunotherapeutic responses. Furthermore, we explored potential signaling pathways of HDACs in bladder cancer (BC) using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Immune infiltration analysis in bladder cancer was performed based on HDACs expression, copy number or somatic mutations. Furthermore, the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) dataset has been used to validate the expression of the HDACs protein in BC.

Results

The HDACs expression exhibits significant heterogeneity across different cancer types and is significantly correlated with patient prognosis, clinical traits, mutations, TME, TMB, MSI, immune checkpoint genes, and objective responses in immunotherapy. The drug sensitivity of cancers was found to be correlated with the gene expression of specific HDAC familial members. In BC, GSEA demonstrates enrichment of multiple immune-related functions and pathways; moreover, there are significant associations between genomic variations in HDACs and the degree of typical immunological cell recruitment. Furthermore, findings from differential expression analysis in BC are validated by protein expression analysis obtained from the HPA database.

Conclusions

These findings reveal the significance of HDAC family in survival prognosis and treatment guidance of human cancers, and some of them have the potential to be used as immunotherapy biomarkers.
Assessment of left atrial function by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease
Authors: El Sharkawy Sara I. , Aboulenien Yousra , Elnagar Basma , Elkhalawany Walaa , Badawi Rehab
Published: March 2024

Background

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and cardiovascular diseases have mutual risk factors that contribute to pathogenic processes, increasing mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate variations in left ventricular (LV) structure and diastolic function among different subtypes and severity degrees of MAFLD patients, allowing early identification, intervention, and prevention of severe cardiac outcomes in high-risk populations.

Results

The cross-sectional study included 142 MAFLD patients and 142 non-MAFLD participants as a control group. All participants underwent abdominal ultrasound, transient elastography, transthoracic echocardiography, tissue Doppler, and strain imaging. The results showed a significant impairment in the diastolic left ventricular function, as assessed with tissue Doppler, and the left atrial (LA) function, as evaluated with strain imaging, in the MAFLD group. Additionally, the left atrial stiffness was significantly higher in the MAFLD group.

Conclusion

The use of strain imaging facilitated the detection of subtle impairments of the left atrial reservoir, contraction, conduit function, and left ventricular diastolic function in MAFLD patients.
The Planar Cell Polarity Protein Fat1 in Sertoli Cell Function
Authors: Bu Tiao , Wang Lingling , Wu Xiaolong , Gao Sheng , Li Xinyao , Yun Damin , Yang Xiwen , Li Linxi , Cheng Chuen Yan , Sun Fei
Published: March 2024

Fat (FAT atypical cadherin) and Dchs (Dachsous cadherin–related protein) in adjacent Sertoli:Sertoli, Sertoli:spermatid, and spermatid:spermatid interfaces create an important intercellular bridge whose adhesive function is in turn supported by Fjx1, a nonreceptor Ser/Thr protein kinase. This concept is derived from earlier studies of Drosophila, which has been confirmed in this and earlier reports as well. Herein, we use the approach of knockdown of Fat1 by RNAi using primary cultures of Sertoli cells that mimicked the blood–testis barrier (BTB) in vivo, and a series of coherent experiments including functional assays to monitor the Sertoli cell tight junction (TJ) permeability barrier and a functional in vitro TJ integrity assay to assess the role of Fat1 in the testis. It was shown that planar cell polarity (PCP) protein Fat1 affected Sertoli cell function through its modulation of actin and microtubule cytoskeletal function, altering their polymerization activity through the Fat1/Fjx1 complex. Furthermore, Fat1 is intimately associated with β-catenin and α-N-catenin, as well as with Prickle 1 of the Vangl1/Prickle 1 complex, another PCP core protein to support intercellular interactions to confer PCP. In summary, these findings support the notion that the Fat:Dchs and the Vangl2:Fzd PCP intercellular bridges are tightly associated with basal ES/TJ structural proteins to stabilize PCP function at the Sertoli:Sertoli, Sertoli:spermatid, and spermatid:spermatid interface to sustain spermatogenesis.
Risks, Patterns, and Preventive Measures in the Analysis of Snowboarding Injuries
Authors: Kotowicz Zuzanna , Pabiś Jakub , Podgórski Piotr , Górecka Sandra , Olszański Miłosz , Bogusz Aleksander , Kwiatkowski Oskar , Kołodziej Anna , Król Anita
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Snowboarding is an activity that appears to be gaining popularity among people who are interested in winter sports. The dynamic evolution of the method of snowboarding comes with it the risk of injuries, the consequences of which can be catastrophic. As a result of the fact that this sporting activity is distinguished by a diverse riding technique and calls for the use of specialized equipment, the mechanism of damage is also distinct from that which is known in, for instance, skiing. In addition, comparable to skiing, snowboarding has a sub-discipline that is linked with the execution of tricks and jumps. In a disproportionate manner, this raises the probability of an accident occurring. Wrist, shoulder, and ankle joints are among the most often injured structures in the body. Trauma to the brain and spine are remarkably uncommon, nonetheless, they are the ones that have the most serious repercussions. It is imperative that special attention be made to the avoidance of these incidents, which is why both medical professionals and proprietors of ski resorts stress the need of people wearing helmets and other protective gear, such as wrist guards. It is anticipated that the implementation of these techniques will lead to a decrease in the occurrence of the most common and serious forms of injuries, as well as a reduction in the strain placed on the organization that provides medical care.

Aim of the study

This review aims to characterize the most common injuries acquired during snowboarding, analyze their mechanism and to show methods of prevention.

Material and method

This article presents the current state of knowledge on snowboarding injuries, their mechanisms and prevention in various scientific articles. Publications describing injuries that occur while snowboarding were reviewed using the PubMed platform. The search included the keywords 'snowboard', 'injuries', 'fracture', ‘trauma’.
Implementation of differentiated guidance and counseling services at junior high school
Authors: Hatmoko Agus Dwi , Khasanah Ratna Hidayati , Handaka Irvan Budhi
Published: March 2024

This research aims to determine the implementation of differentiated guidance and counseling services at SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Yogyakarta, one of private junior high schools in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This research was carried out by taking a sample of 4 classes, namely 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d. The methods used in this research are observation and study literature to strengthen the research argument. Apart from that, we also used a qualitative descriptive approach in answering the questions in this research. SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Yogyakarta implements differentiated guidance and counseling services by distributing questionnaires to determine students' learning needs and characteristics. From the results of the questionnaire, a service implementation plan was prepared as a guideline for implementing guidance and counseling services in the classroom.
Role of teacher in handling the bullying behavior in students of elementary school
Authors: Muchlish Imam Jauhar , Indriani Faras , Mardefi Novmiasti Sela , Hernadi Tri
Published: March 2024

This research aims to describe the role of teachers in dealing with bullying behavior in students in grades I to VI at SD Negeri Balirejo, one of public elementary schools in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative approach. Subjects in this research include teachers and students at school. The data collected in this research are processed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. Based on the research results, the role of class teachers in dealing with bullying, namely (1) as a mediator and facilitator, by cultivating positive relationships, encouraging good social behavior, and seeking learning resources; (2) as a guide by providing explanations and actions when bullying occurs; (3) as an advisor by providing advice; and (4) giving sanctions, put up posters of positive habits.
Common errors analysis in solving problems of fractional number reviewed from Newman's theory
Authors: Priwantoro Soffi Widyanesti , Monica Vina , Fauzia Nabila Atika , Larasati Larasati
Published: March 2024

This research aims to describe common mistakes made by students in calculating fractional numbers, especially in comparing fractional numbers. For this reason, an analysis of the mistakes made by students is required. The subjects in this research were three students of SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Godean who were taken after fulfilling the requirements for selecting research subjects. Test and observation methods are the methods for collecting data. The data analysis technique used in this research is Newman's theory, of which there are 5 stages, namely: (1) reading stage, (2) understanding stage, (3) transformation stage, (4) process skills stage, and (5) Answer Writing Stage. This research shows that the errors made by students in general are: (1) Errors in reading and understanding questions, (2) Errors in reading mathematical comparison symbols, (3) Errors in changing the form of images presented to fractional numbers, and (4) Errors in calculating the LCM value between two denominators.
Analyzing students’ errors in solving HOTS mathematics problems based on Newman theory
Authors: Melania Tika Eri , Nurnugroho Burhanudin Arif
Published: March 2024

This research is motivated by the existence of the 2013 curriculum, students are required to have the ability to solve problems independently. In supporting this, the strategy in the 2013 curriculum is learning to apply HOTS type questions. This is also applied in the Muhammadiyah Boarding School Pleret. However, when students worked on HOTS questions, it was seen that students still made many mistakes in working on HOTS questions. This study aims to: (1) Know the types of errors made by students of class XI MBS Pleret in solving Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Mathematics questions based on Newman's error analysis (2) Know the factors that cause errors in class XI MBS Pleret students in solving problems Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Mathematics. This type of research is descriptive qualitative. The subjects of this study were students of class XI MBS Pleret, while the object of this research was HOTS (High Order Thinking Skill) type questions. Data collection methods are conducting tests and interviews with students. The instruments used in this study were test questions, interviews and documentation. The analytical method used in this study is data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of this study were (1) Types of errors made by students of class XI MBS Pleret in solving HOTS questions on trigonometry equation material based on Newman's error analysis consisting of reading errors, understanding errors, transformation errors, skills errors, and errors in writing the final answer. Based on the student error percentage table, the most students made mistakes in the process skills of 98.8% and the errors in writing the final answer was 98.8%. Then for the transformation error of 90.4%, the error in understanding is 67.3% and the smallest error is a reading error which is 66.67%. (2) The causal factors are that students do not know the α symbol (reading errors), students are not used to writing and are known and asked questions other than story questions (comprehension errors), students forget the formula to work on HOTS questions (transformation errors), the result of previous mistakes students made process skill errors and mistakes in writing the final answer.
How is Student Entrepreneurial Motivation at Ahmad Dahlan University?
Authors: Sugiharto Gatot , Bhakti Caraka Putra , Fajri Choirul , Anwar Astrid Nabilah , Ariyani Dian
Published: March 2024

This study aims to describe the entrepreneurial motivation of students who have taken entrepreneurship courses. The technique used in this research is purposive sampling and accidental sampling. This research was conducted at Ahmad Dahlan University, with several respondents of 801 students. The instrument used is an entrepreneurial motivation scale adapted by Nugroho (2017) using the motivational aspects developed by Vanesaar et al. (2006), namely the aspects of ambition for freedom, self-Realisation, and pushing factors. Test this validity by comparing the r count's value with the r table, then by calculating the r count (rxy) for each item using the CORREL formula in excel. Reliability is calculated using the Cronbach alpha formula. It is found that student entrepreneurship motivation is in the high category. The highest aspect is in the Ambition for Freedom aspect, and the lowest is in Self Realisation. The Ambition for Freedom aspect with details strongly agrees with a frequency of 218 (27.22%), and the agree category with a frequency of 518 (64.67%). Aspects of Self Realisation with respondents' answers in the strongly agree category with a frequency of 153 (19.10%), the agree category with a frequency of 357 (44.57%), the category disagrees with a frequency of 291 (36.33%).
The Labyrinth of The Iron Cage of Educational Capitalism: The Reflection of Siri Na Pacce in Strengthening Educational Leadership
Authors: Nadeak Bernadetha , Wiryadinata Halim
Published: March 2024

This study aims to demonstrate that the Indonesian local culture, Siri Na Pacce, becomes the construction of educational leadership in the era of educational capitalism. The Indonesian constitution upholds the availability of human resources to be educated for social change. The advancement of educational facilities creates inequality among human resources in accessing a better education. This inequality creates social reproduction through the educational system. The iron cage of the educational system chains the production of potential leaders for social change. The sociological method is conducted to analyze andevaluate the root of the problem to bring in the emic perspective. This method accesses books, articles, journals, and academic writing. This research aims to align local cultural values, Siri Na Pacce, to construct leadership values in generating an accessible educational system. To conclude, the construction of educational leadership is based on the solid value of Siri Na Pacce to build the character of being with others.
The Leadership Role Of School Principals In Setting The Direction To Develop Resilience In Schools
Authors: Yuda Saputra Handika , Hidayati Dian
Published: March 2024

This research was motivated by the school's situation in developing school resilience by setting the direction of school practice. The purpose of this study was to analyze and describe the leadership practices of principals in setting the direction extensively to improve school resilience.
This study used qualitative research through data collection, such as observation and interview techniques with four informants, and documentation with data analysis techniques employing description, analysis, and interpretation.
The findings of this study suggest that by performing the principal leadership role, namely setting the direction, a school could develop resilience adequately.
Posture analysis of the workers of railway maintenance unit
Authors: Maharani Ade Tria , Hariyono Widodo
Published: March 2024

Maintenance of railways is done periodically by the railway maintenance unit. The work activities executed in uncertain weather and with the use of relatively heavy equipments are done in a quick manner. Therefore, work posture examination is required using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Nordic Body Map (NBM) methods. This study aimed to find out the work posture of the workers in the railway maintenance unit of Resort IV.6 Ketapang, North Lampung. The study was qualitative in nature using a case study approach. The data were collected through interviews and observation using Nordic Body Map (NBM) forms. Data collection from informants was conducted using purposive sampling with 1 key informant and 4 triangular informants, with the characteristics of already working for more than 3 years and also being the workers in the railway raising projects. The results of the study showed that, based on REBA calculation, the score obtained upon the observation of the informants’ working posture was 10, which was categorized as high. As such, immediate identification is required regarding the informants’ working posture. Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that working postures of the workers in the railway maintenance unit have effects on the pain in the muscle parts of the workers. Therefore, Improvement on working postures should be made immediately. In addition, during their work using working equipments, they should do short stretching to reduce the pain complained.
Work Posture and Smoking Habits in Relation to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDS) Complaints Among Construction Workers at Dewi Sinta Residence Housing Project, Gunung Kidul Regency
Authors: ZulArdi Subhan , Sari Retno Purnama
Published: March 2024

Inadequate ergonomic conditions at work can lead to the development of muscle and skeletal ailments, such as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The construction sector, for instance, is a common setting where these MSDs occur due to non-ergonomic practices. Several factors, including work posture and smoking habits, play a role in influencing the onset of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Construction workers may experience MSDs as a consequence of unfavorable work postures that lack ergonomic considerations. The aim of this investigation is to explore the interconnections between work posture, smoking habits, and complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among the construction workers at the Dewi Sinta Residence housing project in Gunung Kidul Regency.This study employs a cross-sectional quantitative approach and was conducted at the Dewi Sinta Residence housing project in Gunung Kidul Regency, involving 60 participants. Data collection utilized the Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaire and the REBA worksheet. Data analysis involved univariate and bivariate analyses as well as the Chi-Square statistical test. The research findings indicate that work posture (p value = 0.00 < 0.05) and smoking habits (p value = 0.003 < 0.05) are associated with complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).This study reveals a significant correlation between work posture and smoking habits and the occurrence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), they should do short stretching to reduce the pain complained.
Disaster preparedness for tourist village organizers in disaster prone area of Merapi Yogyakarta
Authors: Wijaya Oktomi
Published: March 2024

Background: A number of tourist villages in Sleman Regency are located in Disaster Prone Area (DPA). To minimize the risks of disasters, preparedness efforts are required. Some of the components of preparedness are: knowledge of disaster risks, polices and guidelines in relation to the preparedness to anticipate the occurrence of natural disaster, emergency plan for natural disasters, disaster alert system, and resources mobilization. Tourist Villages of Pentingsari, Nganggring, and Tunggularum are located in Merapi Disaster Prone Area (DPA). These three tourist villages were selected due to their high vulnerability and risk potential of Merapi eruption due to their locations in DPA III and DPA II. Methods: This is a qualitative study with case study design. The subjects of the study were tourist village organizers who had knowledge and understanding of tourist villages with the criteria of their positions in the tourist village organization. The sample taking technique applied to the subjects was the purposive sampling technique. Results: The level disaster preparedness in terms of knowledge parameter among some tourist village organizers was limited since only few things were understood. In terms of policy and guidelines parameter, these components were not available for the tourist village organizers. With regard to the parameter of emergency plan for the organizers, this component was limited since there were some lack of preparation in a number of components. In relation to the parameter of disaster alert system for the tourist village organizers, this aspect was found to be good. With regard to the parameter of resource mobilization for the tourist village organizers, it was found that this aspect was unavailable since there were not enough decent facilities. Conclusions: the level of disaster preparedness in the disaster prone area of Merapi Yogyakarta was still limited in dealing with the threats of Mount Merapi eruption disaster.
Configuring the digital relationship landscape: a feminist new materialist analysis of a couple relationship app
Authors: Witney Tom , Gabb Jacqui , Aicken Catherine , Di Martino Salvatore , Lucassen Mathijs
Published: March 2024

Digital technologies play an increasing role in intimate couple relationships, prompting new approaches to better understand the contemporary digital relationship landscape. This article uses feminist new materialist assemblage thinking to explore the functioning and processes of a relationship support app, Paired. Deploying diffractive analysis, it presents three composite narratives that explore the temporality of couple relationships, relationship work and situated practices of coupledom. Composite narratives retain the emotional truth of original accounts through combined participant voices, enabling attention to be focused on the user–relationship–app assemblage. Findings suggest that routinised app notifications prompt meaningful everyday relationship maintenance behaviours. Human–technology intra-actions thus generate positive relationship health and wellbeing behaviours which may have lasting benefits. This article’s contributions are therefore largely methodological and conceptual, with analysis of supplementary primary interview data (n=20) derived from a mixed-methods evaluation, including brief longitudinal surveys over three months (n=440) and a detailed survey (n=745).
Living with oral appliances: consumption, health and oral care practices
Authors: Gibson Barry John , Jackson David , Sweet Oliver , Alavi Anousheh
Published: March 2024

There has been a growing interest in the connection between consumption and health, particularly in relation to consumerism in healthcare services and consumption’s impact on population health. Initially the idea of the ‘healthcare consumer’ was met with extreme scepticism, as it was argued that this idea was a misnomer and that the concept was threatening to fragment healthcare. Yet more recent empirical work into consumption practices and health has shown that the relationship is much more nuanced than previously thought. This article takes the case of daily care for oral devices and seeks to further unpack the relationship between consumption and health. The results are based on analysis of data collected in 2019 from the Philippines and Russia. The analysis focuses on how adjustments are made to the relationships between the body, consciousness and everyday life when living with oral devices (dentures, aligners and mouthguards). It examines the daily practices associated with care for such devices, examining the spaces, materials and practices involved in daily oral care. The findings demonstrate that in Russia and the Philippines several ‘bundles’ of consumption practices exist, reflecting quite different teleoaffective structures for consumption practices. The study also uncovers the ‘distributed agency’ of oral devices examining how they shape daily life.
Navigating social work practice research challenges: collaboration, participant rights and ethics
Authors: Gleeson Helen , Allain Lucille , Hingley-Jones Helen
Published: March 2024

In this article, we discuss the challenges in engaging with research participants from marginalised communities, including from some minority communities where there are interconnecting issues of poverty, racism, school exclusion, family breakdown and sometimes youth crime. This is aligned with experiences of developing research partnerships with local services in evaluation work. Two research case studies, from evaluation research with child and family social work and the youth justice system, discuss experiences of researching within inner-city areas, navigating researcher–practitioner relationships and maintaining ethical research standards. In both cases, entering the research field presented challenges related to sensitivities and distress experienced by participants. Our case-study discussions demonstrate how the researchers responded to risk and unwitting involvement with young people in conflict, in prison and experiencing family bereavement. Highlighted is the vital importance of local agencies providing accurate information about the families and young people that the researchers are asked to contact in order to ensure that respect and research ethics are upheld and no trauma is caused. Planning and building trust are key to ensuring that time is given for respectful engagement and that agencies are ready for ongoing support and follow-up as needed. The article will explore how these methodological considerations can be taken forward.
The Necrotemporality of the Contemporary French Workplace: Death and Time in Alexandre Lacroix’s L ’ Homme qui aimait trop travailler
Authors: Mulhall Anne M.
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: The French office novel is unique in emphasizing the irregular and destructive experience of time in corporate life. One of the more distinctive aspects of this genre is its obsession with death and dying. Treating these two obsessions together, this article introduces a new concept, necrotemporality . Necrotemporality is a mode for conveying the urgent ways in which time may be felt as a propulsive, corrosive slide towards annihilation. With this in mind, the article reads Alexandre Lacroix’s L ’ Homme qui aimait trop travailler as a novel that illustrates the entanglements between time and death in contemporary French fiction d’affaires .
Unfair by Design: The War on Drugs, Race, and the Legitimacy of the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Bobo Lawrence D. , Thompson Victor
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: Over the past 30 years federal and state policies have increasingly pursued a harsh, "tough on crime" position. With the "war on drugs" and allied changes in sentencing practices and policing policies, the US has witnessed a sharp increase in the proportion of citizens incarcerated or under some form of supervision by the state. This transformation has fallen with special severity on African Americans, especially low-income black males. To many analysts, the deepening racialization of the chances of criminal incarceration was at least a foreseeable, if not predictable and intended, consequence of these policy changes. The purpose of this essay, based on new focus group research and newly designed national sample survey data, is to assess the perceptions and consequences of these changes for African Americans' judgments about the legitimacy of the criminal justice system.
Is Politics "Practicable" without Religion?
Authors: Bernstein Richard J.
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: I challenge the "presupposition strain" in political theology—the thesis that politics needs religion, that politics presupposes religion, and that we cannot make sense of politics without an appeal to transcendent theological concepts. I do this by critically examining Simon Critchley's claim that politics is not practicable with religion. Critchley shares a common framework with Carl Schmitt; it is this framework of political theology that needs to be exposed, questioned, and criticized.
Revisiting God's Authority
Authors: Margalit Avishai
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: This is an essay in political theology, namely the theological underpinnings of politics. It is centered on the idea of the authority of God and its current implications in radical political Islam. There is a tension between two attributes of God as the source of authority: the will and reason. The will stresses God's absolute decisionism as the source of his authority among the radical Islamists. The Messenger (Muhammad) who conveys God's will is not a postman, although he hands over to the believes God's book. Yet his exemplary life as told by authentic stories should be taken as authoritative, as part of God's message.
The Refugee as Invasive Other
Authors: Ignatieff Michael
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: A liberal politics is, in moral principle at least, a universalist politics: a politics that assumes that there is no "other"; there is only "us," all entitled to equal treatment. This ideal inspired the 1951 Refugee Convention, which now faces a crisis of consent in Western societies because of the sheer numbers of people claiming refugee protection. Public opinion is also turning against the universalist premise. Citizens ask why they should extend citizenship rights to strangers and why their state shouldn't be able to exclude whom it wants from its borders. How to respond to this crisis of consent? By defending the universalist right of persons in distress to seek asylum, but also by appealing to citizens to reconceive their relationship to strangers as a gift: they give welcome to strangers as a gift that confers obligations on the beneficiary, namely the obligation to live by the rules of the society that made the gift of asylum.
Unleashed
Authors: Sunstein Cass R.
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: Social change often comes from unleashing hidden preferences and constructing novel preferences. Under the pressure of social norms, people sometimes falsify their preferences. Once norms are weakened or revised, it becomes possible to discover preexisting preferences. Because those preferences were concealed, large-scale movements are both possible and difficult to predict. Revision of norms can also construct rather than uncover preferences. Once norms are altered, people come to hold preferences they did not hold before. These points bear on the rise and fall of discrimination and help illuminate the dynamics of social cascades and the effects of social norms on diverse practices and developments.
When Feeling Out of Sight: Philosophy's Special Relationship with Unknowability
Authors: Goldstein Rebecca Newberger
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: Though all fields of inquiry have to struggle with their own unwelcome truths regarding unknowability, philosophy's relationship with unknowability is special. But philosophy's woes regarding unknowability are all of our woes, since what philosophy reveals as unknowable are pivotal presumptions that are implicated in the general conceptual framework we all presume in pursuing our lives with some minimum degree of coherence. When philosophical reflection reveals that we are not entitled to these presumptions, then our entire grip on coherence seems to loosen. Unknowability then seems not to be localized within some highly specialized field but rather to engulf us globally.
This Is What Evil Looks Like: Toward a Phenomenology of Evil in Postmodern Form
Authors: Shore Marci
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: This essay draws on phenomenological and psychoanalytical insights to explore, comparatively, manifestations of evil during the twentieth-century totalitarianism and the post-truth present. The regimes of Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and Alexander Lukashenko provide contemporary examples. Special attention is paid to the genre of performative confession in Stalinist times and in the present. Authors mentioned include: Anne Applebaum, Hannah Arendt, Anton Chekhov, Nathan Englander, Sigmund Freud, René Girard, Jan Tomasz Gross, Irena Grudzińska Gross, Robert Hamerton-Kelly, Edmund Husserl, Leszek Kołakowski, Ivan Krastev, Marcin Król, Stanisław Jerzy Lec, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Czesław Miłosz, Jan Patočka, Tadeusz Słobodzianek, and Tomas Venclova.
CuI Promoted Efficient Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Substituted 8,8-Dimethyl-5-phenyl-2-(pyrazin-2-yl)-5,7,8,9-tetrahydro-6H-[1,3,4]thiadiazolo[2,3-b]quinazolin-6-one
Authors: Khadgamala N. Sridevi , Rao V. Narasinga , Apparao K. , Durgarao B.V , Diwakar B.S. , Rao N. Krishna
Published: March 2024

In present study, an efficient synthesis of substituted 5,7,8,9-tetrahydro-6H-[1,3,4]thiadiazolo[2,3-b]quinazolin-6-one compounds promoted by CuI as catalyst was carried out. These derivatives were obtained from 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine, dimedone and substituted aromatic aldehyde in presence of CuI in ethanol as solvent at 70 ºC. Initially, 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine was synthesized from pyrazine-3- carboxylic acid reacted with thiosemicarbazide in the presence of 50% H2SO4 in acetonitrile at 70 ºC. All the newly obtained derivatives  were evaluated by the spectroscopic techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR and LCMS and structural determination of titled analogous  were analyzed by elemental analysis. The antibacterial activities of the newly synthesized compounds were also screened.
Density, Speed of Sound and Derived Properties of Binary Mixtures Propiophenone + Butoxyethanol at T = (303.15, 308.15, 313.15 and 318.15) K
Authors: Durga Bhavani M. , Kavitha Ch. , Narendra K. , Bhavani P.
Published: March 2024

The current study reports the experimental density (ρ) and sound speed (u) values for binary mixes of liquids propiophenone + 2-butoxyethanol at atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa) and T = (303.15, 308.15, 313.15 and 318.15) K for the full spectrum of composition.  densities and sound speed measurements from experiments have been used to estimate excess isentropic compressibility (κsE), excess molar volume (VEm), excess molar isentropic compressibility (KEs,m), excess isobaric thermal expansivity (αEp) and excess sound speed (uE). The Redlich-Kister polynomials were used to correlate excess parameters. Excess partial molar volume quantities (VEm,1 and VEm,2) at infinite dilution and their limiting values (V0Em,1 and V0Em,2) have been analytically determined using Redlich-Kister polynomials from the experimental density data. The results have been analyzed in light of strength and interactions among molecular entities scope and extent prevalent in these mixtures.
Magnesium Powder-Catalyzed, Highly Efficient, Solvent-Free Synthesis of Amides through N-Acetylation of Amines and their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Bajracharya Najma , Shrestha Sunita , Bajracharya Gan B.
Published: March 2024

Magnesium powder was found to be an efficient catalyst for the acetylation of amines (1) with Ac2O affording corresponding amides (2) in excellent yields (> 99%). This green synthetic protocol has utilized 2.5 mol% of magnesium powder and a stoichiometric amount of Ac2O (1.2 equiv.). Amides 2a-k were synthesized within a short reaction time (2-3 min) at an ambient temperature under solvent free condition. The products were screened against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacterial strains. N-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)acetamide (2f) was found most active against Gram-positive S. aureus and S. epidermidis indicating its efficacy in treating skin diseases.
Design, Synthesis, Characterization and Antitubercular Activity of Novel Benzimidazole Mannich Base Derivatives
Authors: Gopi Chandravadivelu , Dhanaraju Magharla Dasaratha , Pranusha Konatham , Deepan Thiyagarajan , Magesh AR , Kavitha Dhanaraju
Published: March 2024

In present work, the newly synthesized benzimidazole Mannich base derivatives were design, synthesized and evaluated the in silico and in vitro antitubercular activity. These compounds were synthesized by condensation reaction between 1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)ethanone and aliphatic/aromatic amines. The synthesized compound structures were identified by FTIR, 13C NMR, 1H NMR and mass spectroscopies. The results indicated that these derivatives have significant antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) cell wall enzyme enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA), EthR regulatory protein in H73Rv strain. The results found in the in vitro study are firmly similar to the in silico study. Among the synthesized compounds, 3d and 3e exhibited the highest activity due to the connection of the electron-donating group to the Mannich base. Therefore, these compounds deserve the development of new antitubercular agents.
Synthesis of Quinoline-based New Organic Chemosensors and its Application in Fluorophoric Detection of Metal-ions in Environmental Samples and Confirmation of Results using Molecular Modelling: A Complete Study
Authors: Thakare M.S. , Yadav A.K. , Domyati D. , Joshi K.K. , Patel M.S. , Talismanov V.S. , Sundari G.S. , Prakash V. , Sehlangia S.
Published: March 2024

Quinoline-based two new ligands have been synthesized (QL1 and QL2) by reacting 8-quinoline carboxylic acid with derivatives of L-valine under a condensation reaction. The synthesized ligands were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as 1H NMR, UV, IR, HRMS and CHNS. The 3D structures of both ligands were optimized for the lowest energy and the HOMO-LUMO orbitals were developed. The photoluminescence analysis of both ligands showed the fluorescence emission wavelengths on 492 and 508 nm, respectively for QL1 and QL2. The substituents on the quinoline ring influence the change in fluorescence emission wavelengths. Synthesized ligands acted as selective fluorescence turn-off chemosensors for Cu2+ ions and demonstrated the sensitive detection of Cu2+ ions in different water samples at the nanomolar scale. The interaction between metal ion and ligands were also studied by developing DFT structures.
Computer Vision Syndrome in Medical Students - Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP) Study
Authors: Aishwarya Patil  , Niharika Shetty
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The use of computers and visual display devices has become an integral part of our lives. As a result, a large number of people around the world are suffering from various ocular symptoms, including dry eyes, ocular strain, eye irritation, and ocular redness. All of these ocular symptoms are commonly called computer vision syndrome. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, community knowledge, and pathophysiology of computer vision syndrome, as well as the factors associated with and preventing CVS.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 medical students and the data was collected through a structured, web-based, and self-administered questionnaire, which was pre tested and pre-validated.

RESULTS

In this study, 38.7% had a pre-existing knowledge on CVS. 94.67% of the respondents reported having mild to moderate symptoms of dry eyes. It is found that people use screens mostly for social media and entertainment. Long hours spent on the small screen led to sleep disturbances in about 56% of the students. According to our survey, 54% of the students used spectacles and frequent change of spectacles was present. About 40% of the students used topical eye drops prescribed by ophthalmologist.

CONCLUSIONS

The increasing use of digital screen and prevalence of computer vision syndrome. When combined with increased screen time, dry eyes and good quality sleep can lead to serious health problems like learning difficulties and operative errors, which may pose a challenge in the modern era. Right education, attitude and practice regarding CVS are required to all the medical students due to their increased dependency on digital devices. Proper practice and preventive measures are necessary for a doctor /surgeon for health benefit of the patients and community.
Hyperacute Restenosis after Carotid Endarterectomy – A Rare Entity and Its Management
Authors: Skandeshwaran P.  , Hrushikesh Kharosekar  , Vernon Velho
Published: March 2024

We report an interesting case of restenosis coming on in the early postoperative period after successful carotid endarterectomy at the site of endarterectomy. The patient was admitted and managed at Neurosurgery Department of Grant Government Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai.
Chondroid Syringoma of the Upper Eyelid in an Elderly Female
Authors: Aishwarya Bhattacharya  , Debolina Banerjee  , Debasmita Nandi  , Akholu Vadeo  , Swati Majumdar
Published: March 2024

Chondroid syringoma is a rare benign mixed skin tumour. Though head and neck region is commonly involved, we report a rare case of a 55-year-old female who presented with a slow growing, painless swelling over the left upper eyelid and history of surgical excision of 2 such swellings in the arm 3 years back. FNAC and excision biopsy revealed Chondroid syringoma. Considering the chances of malignant transformation and recurrence, chondroid syringoma should always be a differential diagnosis in eyelid masses and total excision with long term follow-up should be done.