bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Printing Manufacturing Techniques, Materials, and Applications: An Overview
Authors: Srinivasan D. , Meignanamoorthy M. , Ravichandran M. , Mohanavel V. , Alagarsamy S. V. , Chanakyan C. , Sakthivelu S. , Karthick Alagar , Prabhu T. Ram , Rajkumar S.
Published: December 2021

3D printing, also called additive manufacturing (AM), is a method of creating 3D solid parts from a digital document. By utilizing additive routes, the fabrication of 3D‐printed objects can be made. These layers can be viewed as a gently cut level cross‐area of the manifest object. 3D printing is somewhat in obstruction to subtractive manufacture, which is expelling/discharging out a touch of metal or plastic for the occurrence of a milling machine. 3D printing authorizes creating multifarious profiles employing fewer materials than conventional fabrication systems. This review article provides the general idea of 3D printing production techniques, materials used, and applications in the aircraft and automobile industry and biomedical fields.
Application of Artificial Intelligence and Collaborative Knowledge for Manufacturing Design
Authors: Luo Tingting , Li Guangyao , Yu Naijiang
Published: December 2021

With the rapid development of science and technology, digital technology has brought the world economy and management into a new stage. Collaborative design can realize product design process by cross-regional and cross-industry designers and share and exchange product information through network. With the rapid development of big data and artificial intelligence, knowledge services have gradually developed into multirole collaborative design activities based on artificial intelligence decision support. Traditional manufacturing industry has gradually transformed into modern manufacturing service industry after integrating information technology means such as Internet, communication, computer, and modern management methods. This article focuses on artificial intelligence decision support systems and the complex product manufacturing industry. We present a detailed analysis of how to integrate the knowledge generated by the product life cycle in the era of big data. We calculate the influence coefficient and sensitivity index of four different industries and propose a metadata architecture to improve the value of products as a whole. The findings of the research study imply that a knowledge-based collaborative platform should be designed by the enterprises and industries and a platform-based construction approach for economical, practical, and reliable production. We also present a detailed discussion about other factors such as the network cost of symmetric services, raw data and forecast data, and the number of nodes and the processing complexity.
A Literature‐Based Update on Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.: Traditional Uses, Nutraceutical, and Phytopharmacological Profiles
Authors: Islam Muhammad Torequl , Quispe Cristina , El-Kersh Dina M. , Shill Manik Chandra , Bhardwaj Kanchan , Bhardwaj Prerna , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Martorell Miquel , Hossain Rajib , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Al-Rawahi Ahmed , Butnariu Monica , Rotariu Lia Sanda , Suleria Hafiz Ansar Rasul , Taheri Yasaman , Docea Anca Oana , Calina Daniela , Cho William C.
Published: December 2021

Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae) is an annual climbing plant, native to Asia with multiple therapeutic uses in traditional medicine. This updated review is aimed at discussing the ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological properties, and molecular mechanisms highlighted in preclinical experimental studies and toxicological safety to evaluate the therapeutic potential of this genus. The literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, Science Direct, and database was analyzed using the basic keyword “Benincasa hispida.” Other searching strategies, including online resources, books, and journals, were used. The taxonomy of the plant has been made by consulting “The Plant List”. The results showed that B. hispida has been used in traditional medicine to treat neurological diseases, kidney disease, fever, and cough accompanied by thick mucus and to fight intestinal worms. The main bioactive compounds contained in Benincasa hispida have cytotoxic, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Further safety and efficacy investigations are needed to confirm these beneficial therapeutic effects and also future human clinical studies.
Examination of Structures Built with Tunnel Formwork in Terms of Strength and Cost according to the Earthquake Regulations of 2007 and 2018
Authors: Dilek Yilmaz , Karasin Abdulhalim
Published: December 2021

Turkey has always been exposed to active fault lines passing through and unpredictable seismic activities. These ground movements have always been one of the important issues in our country, which have led to great destruction and loss of lives and property in its past. For this reason, our earthquake regulations, which aim to design more accurately against earthquake movements, are continuously made improvements. In this study, the analysis of structures built with tunnel formwork system which is popular today with the new earthquake regulations entered into force in 2018, and the strength and cost according to the old earthquake regulation in terms of what differences will occur. In addition to the study, we investigated how the number of floors and regular floor plans affects the results. For this purpose, two types of structures were covered with 5, 10, and 15 storey models created, first in the 2007 earthquake regulation; then, in the 2018 earthquake regulation, design analysis was carried out. As a result, the new earthquake regulation, which came into force in 2018, led to more realistic results as it provides more accurate environmental inputs used in design analysis. Earthquake loads affecting floors increased by 3.9% for 5 storey in regular structures, decreasing by 38.4% for 10 stories and 43.3% for 15 stories. More irregular structures increased 7.3% for 5 storey, 10‐storey structures decreased by 38.9%, and 15‐storey structures decreased by 43.6%. In terms of cost, there was a 0.07% increase in total cost in 5‐storey buildings, 2.45% in 10‐storey buildings, and a 3.91% reduction in 15‐storey buildings. In addition to these results, an empirical formula that estimates m2 prices depending on the number of floors was obtained.
Construction of Type 2 Poly-Changhee Polynomials and Its Applications
Authors: Muhiuddin Ghulam , Khan Waseem Ahmad , Younis Jihad
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we introduce type 2 poly-Changhee polynomials by using the polyexponential function. We derive some explicit expressions and identities for these polynomials, and we also prove some relationships between poly-Changhee polynomials and Stirling numbers of the first and second kind. Also, we introduce the unipoly-Changhee polynomials by employing unipoly function and give multifarious properties. Furthermore, we provide a correlation between the unipoly-Changhee polynomials and the classical Changhee polynomials.
Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction-Mediated Inhibition of Livin Expression Accelerates Ovarian Cancer Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Xu Xiaolin , Yu Shuqin , Liu Xiaoyuan , Feng Ying
Published: December 2021

Objective. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) technique has recently been developed as a nonviral delivery of gene therapy. This study aimed at investigating the survival and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cell line OVCA-433 by inhibiting Livin expression through ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction. Methods. We synthesized a targeted microbubble agent for UTMD-mediated shRNA against Livin gene in human ovarian cancer OVCA-433 cells. Lipid microbubbles were conjugated with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog (LHRHa) by an avidin-biotin linkage to target the ovarian cancer OVCA-433 cells expressing LHRH receptors. The microbubbles were mixed with the recombinant plasmid harboring shRNA-Livin. shRNA-Livin was transfected into OVCA-433 cells upon exposure to 1 MHz pulsed ultrasound beam (0.5 W/cm2) for 8 s. Cell survival was measured by the MTT assay, cell apoptosis by flow cytometry using annexin V/PI double staining, and cell ultrastructure by using the transmission electron microscope. The mRNA and protein expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8 were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Results. UTMD-mediated delivery of shRNA-Livin remarkably reduced the survival of OVCA-433 cells but promoted the apoptosis compared with shRNA-Livin alone, shRNA-Livin plus nontargeted microbubbles, and shRNA-Livin plus LHRHa-conjugated microbubbles containing shRNA-Livin with or without exposure to ultrasound pulses. It was also found that UTMD-mediated delivery of shRNA-Livin notably declined the mRNA and protein expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8 in OVCA-433 cells compared with shRNA-Livin alone, shRNA-Livin plus nontargeted microbubbles, and shRNA-Livin plus LHRHa-conjugated microbubbles containing shRNA-Livin with or without exposure to ultrasound pulses. Conclusion. Our experiment verifies the hypothesis that ultrasound mediation of targeted microbubbles can enhance the transfection efficiency of shRNA-Livin in ovarian cancer cells.
Research on Virtual Reality Interactive Teaching under the Environment of Big Data
Authors: Yin Ziyan , Tsai Sang-Bing
Published: December 2021

After decades of progress in virtual reality, the key technologies among them have reached the foundation to support the development of the virtual reality industry. Immersive virtual reality classroom is a bold attempt to combine present-day information science and technology with innovative teaching concepts, which inherits the characteristics of existing online education such as short and compact, large-scale, and free and open. Combined with immersive virtual reality technology, virtual reality classrooms will present strong. The virtual reality classroom will present a strong sense of immersion, interactivity, and conceptualization. This paper elaborates on the development history of virtual reality and its future development direction from the technical perspective and educational perspective, respectively. Taking Civic Science course as an example, after analyzing the feasibility and development significance of immersive virtual reality interactive teaching classroom in detail, the design scheme of immersive virtual reality classroom is proposed, the characteristics and advantages of virtual immersive virtual reality classroom are discussed, and the application of immersive virtual reality technology to classroom teaching is explored. Combined with the constructed virtual reality classroom, the testing, analysis, and evaluation work should be completed and corresponding improvements should be made to better meet the personalized learning needs of learners.
Butyrate Inhibits Osteoclast Activity In Vitro and Regulates Systemic Inflammation and Bone Healing in a Murine Osteotomy Model Compared to Antibiotic-Treated Mice
Authors: Wallimann Alexandra , Magrath Walker , Pugliese Brenna , Stocker Nino , Westermann Patrick , Heider Anja , Gehweiler Dominic , Zeiter Stephan , Claesson Marcus J. , Richards R. Geoff , Akdis Cezmi A. , Hernandez Christopher J. , O’Mahony Liam , Thompson Keith , Moriarty T. Fintan
Published: December 2021

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the gut microbiota have previously been demonstrated to play a role in numerous chronic inflammatory diseases and to be key mediators in the gut-bone signaling axis. However, the role of SCFAs in bone fracture healing and its impact on systemic inflammation during the regeneration process has not been extensively investigated yet. The aim of this study was to first determine the effects of the SCFA butyrate on key cells involved in fracture healing in vitro, namely, osteoclasts and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and second, to assess if butyrate supplementation or antibiotic therapy impacts bone healing, systemic immune status, and inflammation levels in a murine osteotomy model. Butyrate significantly reduced osteoclast formation and resorption activity in a dose-dependent manner and displayed a trend for increased calcium deposits in MSC cultures. Numerous genes associated with osteoclast differentiation were differentially expressed in osteoclast precursor cells upon butyrate exposure. In vivo, antibiotic-treated mice showed reduced SCFA levels in the cecum, as well as a distinct gut microbiome composition. Furthermore, circulating proinflammatory TNFα, IL-17a, and IL-17f levels, and bone preserving osteoprotegerin (OPG), were increased in antibiotic-treated mice compared to controls. Antibiotic-treated mice also displayed a trend towards delayed bone healing as revealed by reduced mineral apposition at the defect site and higher circulating levels of the bone turnover marker PINP. Butyrate supplementation resulted in a lower abundance of monocyte/macrophages in the bone marrow, as well as reduced circulating proinflammatory IL-6 levels compared to antibiotic- and control-treated mice. In conclusion, this study supports our hypothesis that SCFAs, in particular butyrate, are important contributors to successful bone healing by modulating key cells involved in fracture healing as well as systemic inflammation and immune responses.
Experimental Study and Proposal to Improve the EWM Design of Cold‐Formed Steel Lipped Channel Columns with Circular Holes under Axial Compression
Authors: Yao Xingyou
Published: December 2021

The cold‐formed steel (CFS) lipped channel section with circular holes has been widely used in low‐rise and multistory building structures as the column. However, the circular hole in the web makes the lipped channel column become susceptible to buckle. A total of 54 CFS lipped channel axial compression columns with and without circular holes were used to study the buckling behavior and the effective width design method. The interaction of the local buckling and the distortional buckling were observed for the short and intermediate columns, while the slender columns were controlled by the interaction of the local buckling, distortional buckling, and flexural buckling or flexural‐torsional buckling. The experimental failure loads were gradually decreased with the increase in the diameter of the circular hole for the specimens with the same section. The failure loads of the specimens with two holes were lower than those of the specimens with one hole with same section and same diameter of holes. Then, the experimental results were used to validate a nonlinear finite element model (FEM) previously developed by the authors. The validated FEM was subsequently used to obtain additional 36 numerical failure results concerning the effects of the length, the section, and the diameter and the number of the circular holes. Furthermore, the proposal to calculate the distortional buckling coefficient of the CFS lipped channel section with circular holes were put forward based on numerical analysis considering the reduction of effect of holes. Finally, a proposal to improve the effective width method (EWM) design approach for CFS lipped channel sections with circular holes under axial compression was presented. The comparisons between experimental and numerical capacities and their calculations provided by the proposed EWM design method illustrate a great application of the proposed approach.
The Establishment and Evaluation Method of Prefabricated Building Construction Quality Evaluation Index System Taking into Account Multimedia Sensor Network Nodes
Authors: Guo Yankun
Published: December 2021

Through in-depth analysis of the characteristics of the quality evaluation stage of prefabricated buildings, the quality evaluation of prefabricated buildings can be divided into three stages: before, during, and after construction. According to the detailed design content of the prefabricated building construction stage, we construct the prefabricated construction quality evaluation index system, use the multimedia sensor network node method to obtain the weight of each evaluation index, comprehensively evaluate the construction quality of the prefabricated building, and finally show through the case analysis results that the multimedia sensor network node method can be of high practical value in the process of prefabricated building construction quality evaluation, and it has improved the domestic prefabricated building construction quality evaluation index system and evaluation quality and has certain reference value.
Numerical Study on the Entrance Effect of Penetration into Concrete Targets
Authors: Yang Huawei , Luo Ji-wei , Zhang Jie , Zhang Pei-wen
Published: December 2021

Investigation on penetration into concrete targets is of great importance as concrete is widely used as the fundamental construction material. To achieve a more accurate prediction of penetration depths of concrete targets, a further study was conducted to explore the entrance effect by using AUTODYN hydrocode in this study. The numerical results on both deceleration-time history and depth of penetration of projectiles are in good agreement with experimental data, which demonstrate the feasibility of the numerical model in these conditions. A new target model was established with a predrilled hole around the symmetry axis to simulate the entrance effect of the crater phase on the penetration process. Compared with the regular target, the predrilled target enters the peak of acceleration earlier, leading to the reduction of the depth of penetration. In addition, simulation results indicated that nose shape significantly influenced crater region depth, while the depth was independent of the impact velocity and the target strength. Based on the simulation of entrance effect, a modified formula of penetration depth has been proposed and validated in terms of different nose shapes. The crater region depths obtained from the simulations can improve the accuracy of the predictions of the penetration depths for the penetration of concrete targets.
Bariatric Surgery as the One Route to Achieving Donor Heart Transplantation in a Patient with a Left-Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Boeker Clara , Hakami Ibrahim A. , Mall Julian , Reetz Christian , Yamac Kamil , Koehler Hinrich
Published: December 2021

Bariatric and metabolic surgery is currently the most effective procedure of achieving and maintaining weight loss. In the case under discussion, a 48-year-old male patient with heart insufficiency and an implanted left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) wanted to reduce his high BMI (48.6 kg/m2), so as to qualify for the heart transplant waiting list. According to the guidelines, he underwent all the required preoperative testing, which included psychosomatic clarifications, determination of endocrinological causes, and a nutritional consultation. During laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a cardiac technician was present to support the anesthetist. After inserting 3 trocars with no complications, the greater curvature was mobilized using Medtronic’s bipolar electrothermal vessel-sealing instrument, LigaSure™. The resection was performed with an Ethicon™ endostapler. Postoperative monitoring showed no signs of hemorrhage. The patient’s BMI on the day of surgery was 46.8 kg/m2 and consecutively fell to 26.7 kg/m2 1 year after the procedure. Follow-up appointments revealed that the patient was fit and in good health. Thus, the patient’s aim of being listed on the transplant list was fulfilled, and at the time of this writing, he is ready to be matched with an organ donor. Because high-BMI patients with inserted LVADs are less likely to receive a donor graft and must remain longer on transplant waiting lists than normal-weight patients, bariatric and metabolic weight loss surgery may lead to a speedier resolution for these high-risk patients.
Dermoscopic Nevus Patterns Associated with Melanoma Patients
Authors: Prieto Herman Reinehr Clarissa , Marchiori Bakos Renato
Published: December 2021

Background: The quantitative and qualitative presence of melanocytic nevi is considered a significant risk factor for melanoma. Little is known whether patients showing any of the recognized global dermoscopic nevus patterns might also be considered at increased risk for the disease. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the frequency of global dermoscopic patterns of common nevi among melanoma patients and compare them to controls, as well as the dermoscopic patterns of atypical nevi between the groups. Methods: We included consecutive melanoma patients and age- and sex-matched controls who presented to our Department with at least 10 melanocytic nevi. Total body examination was performed, and all nevi had their dermoscopic pattern described. Global dermoscopic patterns of nevi were compared between groups, as well as atypical nevus patterns. Finally, nevus patterns were stratified by their location and also compared between groups. Results: We included 120 melanoma patients and 120 controls. Melanoma patients presented a larger number of common (p = 0.002) and atypical melanocytic nevi (p < 0.001) and more variability of dermoscopic nevus patterns (p < 0.001). No difference in the global dermatoscopic pattern of common nevi was observed between groups. The complex pattern of atypical nevi was associated with melanoma (OR = 2.87). Melanoma patients also showed more common nevi with a reticular pattern on the back (p = 0.014) and lower limbs (p = 0.041) as well as atypical nevi on the back with reticular pattern (p = 0.01), with reticular-homogeneous pattern (p = 0.001), and with reticular-globular pattern (p = 0.048) than controls. Nevi with multifocal pigmentation were also more frequent among melanoma patients (OR = 2.61). Conclusion: Melanoma patients tend to present a higher number of common reticular nevi on the back and lower limbs, as well as atypical nevi with a complex pattern, especially reticular, reticular-homogeneous, and reticular-globular on the back.
Effects of Weight Loss on Adipose and Muscular Neuropilin 1 mRNA Expression in Obesity: Potential Implication in SARS-CoV-2 Infections?
Authors: Soll Dominik , Beer Finja , Spranger Leonard , Li Linna , Spranger Joachim , Mai Knut
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Neuropilin 1 (NRP-1) is a novel co-receptor promoting SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. Animal data indicate a role in trans-endothelial lipid transport and storage. As human data are sparse, we aimed to assess the role of NRP-1 in 2 metabolic active tissues in human obesity and in the context of weight loss-induced short- and long-term metabolic changes. Methods: After a standardized 12-week weight reduction program, 143 subjects (age >18; body mass index ≥27 kg/m2, 78% female) were randomized to a 12-month lifestyle intervention or a control group using a stratified randomization scheme. This was followed by 6-month follow-up without any intervention. Phenotyping was performed before and after weight loss, after 12-month intervention and after subsequent 6 months of follow-up. Tissue-specific insulin sensitivity was estimated by HOMA-IR (whole body and mostly driven by liver), insulin sensitivity index (ISI)Clamp (predominantly skeletal muscle), and free fatty acid (FFA) suppression during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (FFASupp) (predominantly adipose tissue). NRP-1 mRNA expression was measured in subcutaneous adipose tissue (NRP-1AT) and skeletal muscle (NRP-1SM) before and after weight loss. Results: NRP-1 was highly expressed in adipose tissue (7,893 [7,303–8,536] counts), but neither NRP-1AT nor NRP-1SM were related to estimates of obesity. Higher NRP-1AT was associated with stronger FFASupp (r = −0.343, p = 0.003) and a tendency to higher ISIClamp (r = 0.202, p = 0.085). Weight loss induced a decline of NRP-1AT but not NRP-1SM. This was more pronounced in subjects with stronger reduction of adipose ACE-2 mRNA expression (r = 0.250; p = 0.032) but was not associated with short- and long-term improvement of FFASupp and ISIClamp. Conclusion: NRP-1AT is related to adipose insulin sensitivity in obesity. Weight loss-induced decline of NRP-1AT seems not to be involved in metabolic short- and long-term improvements after weight loss. However, weight loss-induced reduction of both NRP-1AT and ACE-2AT indicates a lower susceptibility of adipose tissue for SARS-CoV-2 after body weight reduction.
Stages and Processes of Change for Weight Loss in Acute Stroke or TIA Patients Living with Obesity
Authors: Wilson Mitch , Orgass Hailey , Dearborn-Tomazos Jennifer
Published: December 2021

Background: Obesity is associated with an increased prevalence of vascular risk factors and incidence of stroke. As such weight loss is recommended for patients living with obesity in the secondary prevention of stroke. Few studies, however, have examined the stages and processes of change for weight loss in stroke patients living with obesity. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the stages and processes of change for weight loss in patients living with obesity who have had a recent stroke or TIA. Methods: Using a validated questionnaire, we assessed each patient’s stage of behavioral change according to the transtheoretical model (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance). We also examined 4 processes of behavioral change, which quantify activities and experiences that patients undergo on the way to behavioral change: emotional reevaluation (EMR), weight management action (WMA), weight consequence evaluation, and supporting relationships. Processes scores were compared between patients in the action and maintenance stages and those in the precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages. Results: Out of 49 patients who provided informed consent, 44 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Of these 44 patients, 6 (14%) were in the precontemplation stage of change, 7 (16%) were in contemplation, 2 (5%) were in preparation, 13 (30%) were in action, and 16 (36%) were in maintenance. Those in the action and maintenance stages accounted for the majority of participants (n = 29, 66%). Patients in the action and maintenance stages (N = 29) had higher EMR scores (mean 79, SD 13 vs. mean 68, SD 19, t = 2.0, p = 0.03) and WMA scores (mean 69, SD 13 vs. mean 59, SD 19, t = 2.0, p = 0.03) as compared to those in the precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages (N = 15). Conclusions: Our results suggest that without counseling or specific intervention, approximately two-thirds of stroke/TIA patients living with obesity are in the action or maintenance stage of behavior change with respect to weight loss and therefore more likely to succeed in intensive lifestyle-based interventions targeted towards weight loss. Patients who score higher in EMR and WMA are more likely to be in the action or maintenance stage of change.
A onipresente arte da aniquilação: ironia e ideal em Rilke
Authors: Auras Nina
Published: December 2021

Traçando um paralelo entre uma certa concepção de arte presente na obra de Rainer Maria Rilke e aquela apresentada por Hegel em seus Cursos de estética (1820-29), o artigo pretende analisar o modo como o problema da ironia parece se colocar para Rilke e os desdobramentos dessa forma na produção poética do século XX.
Pedra sobre pedra: terra, trabalho e consciência na perspectiva literária-mundial
Authors: Lazarus Neil
Published: December 2021

A história de um(a) jovem que vem das províncias à cidade em busca de trabalho - este é um dos topoi centrais da ficção moderna. Romance após romance, vemos a força centrípeta da cidade. A transformação incessante, irregular e incessante da cidade por meio da modernização é então sobredeterminada nessas narrativas literárias de campo a cidade por ser representada sob o signo do choque do novo, à medida que os protagonistas rurais são levados a confrontar seu ritmo, tamanho, intensidade, aspereza e insensível impessoalidade. A cidade é evidentemente o locus dominante de modernização no sistema-mundo capitalista, em contrapartida, com muito menos representação, o campo, menos presente, é representado como matriz esgotada, cada vez menos capaz de sustentar a vida, não apenas afetiva ou experiencialmente, mas também muitas vezes literariamente.
World-Literature, Commodity Frontiers, and Aesthetic Form
Authors: Niblett Michael
Published: December 2021

This article speaks of a literary comparativism provided by the environment-making dynamics of commodity frontiers. How is world-literature imbricated in these movements? How do texts mediate the logic of commodity frontiers and how might this mediation be differently inflected by the specific political ecologies of sugar, coffee, oil, or rubber? To approach literature from this angle clearly resonates with Patricia Yaeger’s call to attend to the energy resources that make texts possible (2011). By responding to this call through the optic of the commodity frontier, I seek to underscore the necessity of understanding those resources in terms of the systemic logic and structural relations of capitalism as a world-ecology.
O arranjo cultural: capital, gênero e os tempos de estudos americanos
Authors: Shapiro Stephen
Published: December 2021

Franco Moretti (2005) afirma que as formas narrativas a que chamamos de gêneros têm longevidades perceptíveis, devido ao seu uso relativo e valor de troca como mercadorias culturais. Concentrando-se no romance europeu pós-1800, ele argumenta que gêneros específicos têm um ciclo de vida de cerca de 25-30 anos antes de sua eficácia no mercado se desgastar. Por que, no entanto, os gêneros não apenas têm um padrão ondulatório de ascensão e queda, mas também diminuem (ou reaparecem) em aglomerados em pontos de inflexão, como "final de 1760, início de 1790, final de 1820, 1850, início de 1870 e meados da década de 1880”? Esse movimento em grupo significa, para Moretti, a presença de uma “explicação causal [que] deve ser externa aos gêneros e comum a todos: como uma mudança repentina e total de seu ecossistema. Ou seja, uma mudança em seu público. Livros sobrevivem se são lidos e desaparecem se não o são: e quando todo um sistema genérico desaparece de uma vez, a explicação mais provável é que seus leitores desapareceram de uma vez ”. O desaparecimento de gêneros agregados marca o tempo de vida de uma "geração", uma duração do "clima mental" particular dos leitores.
N‐Terminal Pro‐B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide as a Biomarker for the Severity and Outcomes With COVID‐19 in a Nationwide Hospitalized Cohort
Authors: O’Donnell Christian , Ashland Melanie D. , Vasti Elena C. , Lu Ying , Chang Andrew Y. , Wang Paul , Daniels Lori B. , de Lemos James A. , Morrow David A. , Rodriguez Fatima , O’Brien Connor G.
Published: December 2021

Background

Currently, there is limited research on the prognostic value of NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) as a biomarker in COVID‐19. We proposed the a priori hypothesis that an elevated NT‐proBNP concentration at admission is associated with increased in‐hospital mortality.

Methods and Results

In this prospective, observational cohort study of the American Heart Association’s COVID‐19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry, 4675 patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 were divided into normal and elevated NT‐proBNP cohorts by standard age‐adjusted heart failure thresholds, as well as separated by quintiles. Patients with elevated NT‐proBNP (n=1344; 28.7%) were older, with more cardiovascular risk factors, and had a significantly higher rate of in‐hospital mortality (37% versus 16%;
P
<0.001) and shorter median time to death (7 versus 9 days;
P
<0.001) than those with normal values. Analysis by quintile of NT‐proBNP revealed a steep graded relationship with mortality (7.1%–40.2%;
P
<0.001). NT‐proBNP was also associated with major adverse cardiac events, intensive care unit admission, intubation, shock, and cardiac arrest (
P
<0.001 for each). In subgroup analyses, NT‐proBNP, but not prior heart failure, was associated with increased risk of in‐hospital mortality. Adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors with presenting vital signs, an elevated NT‐proBNP was associated with 2‐fold higher adjusted odds of death (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.23; 95% CI, 1.80–2.76), and the log‐transformed NT‐proBNP with other biomarkers projected a 21% increased risk of death for each 2‐fold increase (adjusted OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.08–1.34).

Conclusions

Elevated NT‐proBNP levels on admission for COVID‐19 are associated with an increased risk of in‐hospital mortality and other complications in patients with and without heart failure.
The Doing of Justice and the Priority of Acting from Virtue
Authors: Fernandez Patricio A.
Published: December 2021

Aristotle famously distinguishes between merely doing a virtuous action and acting in the way in which a virtuous person would. Against an interpretation prominent in recent scholarship, I argue that ‘acting virtuously,’ in the sense of exercising a virtue actually possessed, is prior to ‘virtuous action,’ understood generically. I propose that the latter notion is best understood as a derivative abstraction from the former, building upon a reading of a neglected distinction between per se and coincidentally just action in Nicomachean Ethics 5, and thus shed light on the meaning and philosophical significance of the priority of acting from virtue.
Fascists, Freedom, and the Anti-State State
Authors: Toscano Alberto
Published: December 2021

Most theorisations of fascism, Marxist and otherwise, have taken for granted its idolatry of the state and phobia of freedom. This analytical common sense has also inhibited the identification of continuities with contemporary movements of the far Right, with their libertarian and anti-statist affectations, not to mention their embeddedness in neoliberal policies and subjectivities. Drawing on a range of diverse sources – from Johann Chapoutot’s histories of Nazi intellectuals to Ruth Wilson Gilmore’s theorisation of the anti-state state, and from Marcuse’s explorations of fascist competitive individualism to debates on neoliberal authoritarianism – this essay sketches the counter-intuitive but disturbingly timely image of a fascism enamoured of freedom and at odds with the state.
Transmission et tribulations.Sur l’historiographie de la contagion cancéreuse à la Renaissance
Authors: Droixhe Daniel
Published: December 2021

Divers auteurs ont attribué la plus ancienne attestation de l’imputation du cancer à une infection à Amatus Lusitanius (1511-1568) à propos du cas de trois enfants atteints d’un cancer du sein après avoir partagé le lit de leur mère elle-même atteinte de cette tumeur. On reconstruit ici l’écheveau d’informations qui a abouti à ces imputations. Des confusions apparaissent. Ainsi une histoire approfondie et philologique de l’histoire de la médecine à la Renaissance reste à mener à bien.
Guardian of Eden, Guardian of the City: The Lost Mosaic of the Archangel Michael in Hagia Sophia of Constantinople
Authors: Torno Ginnasi Andrea
Published: December 2021

This contribution aims to shed light on the lost mosaic of the Archangel Michael with a drawn sword once set, according to Niketas Choniates, in a πρόναος of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. After an overview of previous hypotheses, I will argue for a position just outside of the south-west vestibule of the church in the 10th century. Such a location and dating would be in line with the connotation of the Archangel as defender of a sacred space, perceived as a sort of Eden in Byzantine textual and visual sources. The spread of similar representations confirms the role of a reference point that the mosaic soon acquired by virtue of its position at the ceremonial entrance of the most important church of the Empire, not to mention its political importance. The ideological character of the Archangel went a step further during the last centuries of the Empire. A unique use of the First Arab Siege of Constantinople as a stage for St. Michael’s role as sword-wielding guardian in a 14th century Serbian painting is more broadly reflective of a theme throughout Byzantine artistic tradition in varied media. This representation reflected the duty of the Archangel not just as guardian of Hagia Sophia, but also of the emperor, Constantinople and the Empire in a broader sense.
Reinventing the Capital: The Ideological Use of Monumental Architecture in Michael VIII Palaiologos’ Constantinople (1261–1282)
Authors: Varsallona Jessica
Published: December 2021

After the recapture of Constantinople (1261), Michael VIII Palaiologos (1259–82) re-shaped the city through extensive building activities. Though scholars have previously considered the involvement of Emperor Michael in the urban restoration of the capital, no attention has been devoted to the links between the different aspects of this programme of renewal. This paper advocates for the presence of an ambitious and systematic urban plan behind Michael VIII’s commissions focussed on the restoration of the southern shore of Constantinople and related to the political, religious, ideological, and aesthetic policies of this emperor.
1. Changing Times for Women (1950–2000)
Authors: Graham Philip
Published: December 2021

Mary Warnock and Margaret Thatcher, though they probably never met there, were contemporary undergraduates in wartime Oxford. Their careers diverged after they left university, with Margaret Thatcher going on to a stellar career in politics, culminating in her election as the first female Prime Minister. Mary Warnock spent her first seventeen years as an Oxford philosophy don, teaching undergraduates and postgraduates, writing a significant text on ethics and a number of books on existentialism while bringing up five children. She was then appointed headmistress of Oxford High School for Girls before chairing two government committees, one on special education and one on assisted reproduction which produced reports which have remained significant to this day. The careers of both of these women spanned a half-century in which, though gender equality was far from achieved, there were massive improvements in the opportunities available especially to middle-class white women. These are described in some detail. Mary Warnock was not radical in her views, describing herself as a ‘conservative feminist’, but she was immensely encouraging to ambitious women and was herself a role model for many. In contrast, Margaret Thatcher, while articulating a feminist position, did nothing to promote the careers of women even when it was in her power to do so. In her memoir, written at the end of the century, Mary devoted a chapter to Margaret Thatcher, whose values she loathed. Margaret Thatcher had a massive impact on the national and international scene, and it is appropriate that there should be numerous biographies of her. The life and work of Mary Warnock, whose contributions made a significant contribution towards creating a more decent society, is so far unrecorded. This book aims to fill the gap.
10. Art and Nature
Authors: Graham Philip
Published: December 2021

After education, art and nature were the two main themes in Mary Warnock’s writing and public life. Early in her life she was exposed to and developed a love for sacred music. Her interest in classical music derived from her older brother, Duncan and her teaching at Prior’s Field school. She herself played the flute and viola. Her encouragement of music at the OHSG has already been described. From 1973 to 1982, she was an articulate and forceful member of the Independent Broadcasting Authority. While she was a member, Channel Four and Breakfast TV were launched. In 1985, she gave a lecture on Social Responsibility and the Broadcasting Media. In 1988 she was interviewed on Desert Island Discs with a revealing set of choices of music. In 1991 she chaired an Arts Council working party on the finances and management of the Royal Opera House which published a controversial report. In 2000, she co-edited with the artist Mark Wallinger a book called Art for All?, which considered the role of government support for the arts.

Mary’s love of nature was instilled into her by her nanny in her early years. In her teens, she loved horse-riding. From 1978 to 1982 she was a member and then chair of the Home Office Committee on Animal Experimentation. She wrote against those, such as Peter Singer, who attacked ‘speciesism’, the assumption of human superiority, leading to the exploitation of other animals. From 1979 to 1986 she was a member of the Standing Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution. She found this a highly enjoyable experience but felt she had little impact on its deliberations. However, her membership of the commission stimulated her interest in philosophical perspectives on environmental issues. In Critical Reflections on Ownership (2015), she discussed the degree to which possessive pride brings a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Throughout her life she had a great love of gardens, both public and her own. In 2015, she was interviewed for the radio programme Fantasy Festival and created her own Glastonbury on Tanera Mor, an uninhabited island off the West Coast of Scotland, revealing once again her attachment to the Romantic poets.
Central banks and civil war termination
Authors: Garriga Ana Carolina
Published: December 2021

The ability to finance conflict likely affects the odds of sustaining a war and succeeding in it. Recent literature explores rebel group funding, but far less is known about how states finance their own war efforts. This article posits that the design of central banks should affect civil war termination. In particular, it argues that central bank independence affects civil war termination through two channels. First, financial markets consider central bank independence as a good signal in terms of macroeconomic stability and debt repayment. In this way, independent central banks enhance the ability of the government to access credit to finance and end a civil war. Second, central bank independence is associated with lower inflation. Inflation control reduces one source of additional grievances that the civil war may impose on citizens. On a sample of civil wars between 1975 and 2009, central bank independence is associated with a substantial increase in the likelihood of war termination. When the form of termination is disaggregated, (higher) central bank independence is associated with a higher probability of government victory, relative to continued conflict and to other outcomes. Additional tests provide support for the argued mechanisms: during civil wars, countries with more independent central banks access international credit markets in better conditions – i.e. they pay lower interest rates, and receive longer grace and maturity periods on new debt. Furthermore, in countries experiencing civil wars, central bank independence is associated with lower inflation.
Work Engagement: A meta-Analysis Using the Job Demands-Resources Model
Authors: Mazzetti Greta , Robledo Enrique , Vignoli Michela , Topa Gabriela , Guglielmi Dina , Schaufeli Wilmar B
Published: December 2021

Although the construct of work engagement has been extensively explored, a systematic meta-analysis based on a consistent categorization of engagement antecedents, outcomes, and well-being correlates is still lacking. The results of prior research reporting 533 correlations from 113 independent samples ( k = 94, n = 119,420) were coded using a meta-analytic approach. The effect size for development resources ( r = .45) and personal resources ( r = .48) was higher than for social resources ( r = .36) and for job resources ( r = .37). Among the outcomes and well-being correlates explored, the effect size was highest for job satisfaction ( r = .60) and commitment ( r = .63). Furthermore, moderation analysis showed that (a) concerning the occupational role, work engagement finds a low association with turnover intention among civil servants, volunteer workers, and educators; (b) collectivist cultural environments reported a greater association of feedback with engagement than individualistic environments; (c) the relationship between personal resources and engagement was stronger among workers with university degrees than workers with high school diplomas. Furthermore, the absorption dimension showed a lower effect with all variables under investigation than vigor and dedication.
Moringa oleifera hydorethanolic leaf extract induced acute and sub-acute hepato-nephrotoxicity in female ICR-mice
Authors: Aliyu Abdullahi , Shaari Mohd Rosly , Ahmad Sayuti Nurul Syahirah , Reduan Farhan Hanif , Sithambaram Shanmugavelu , Mohamed Mustapha Noordin , Shaari Khozirah , Hamzah Hazilawati Binti
Published: December 2021

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) Lam belongs to the family Moringaceae. It is an important multipurpose tree that is largely distributed globally and has been used almost in every aspect of traditional medicine for the treatment of various illnesses including cancers, diabetes mellitus, asthma, arthritis, etc. This study investigated the effects of oral acute and sub-acute administration of M. oleifera hydroethanolic leaf extract (MOHE) in ICR-mice. Its major phenolic compounds were also determined. Ten (10) female, 8-week old mice were grouped into control and treatment groups for acute toxicity study. A dose of 2000 mg/kg MOHE was given once to the treatment group via oral gavage. However, for the sub-acute toxicity study, 25 mice were grouped into groups A (control), B (125 mg/kg), C (250 mg/kg), D (500 mg/kg) and E (1000 mg/kg). MOHE was given via oral gavage to groups B, C, D and E daily for 28 days. Group A received only distilled water. The mice were sacrificed at the end of the experiments and samples were collected for evaluation. The results of the chemical profiling of MOHE revealed the presence of glucomoringin, niaziminine, quercetin and kaempferol as the major compounds. The treated mice in the acute toxicity study were slightly anaemic and showed evidence of stress leukogram. Moreover, a slight increase in creatinine, significant increases in AST and CK, hepatic degeneration and necrosis, none-obstructive sinusoidal dilatation, renal tubular necrosis, interstitial nephritis and renal interstitial oedema were observed. It is concluded that the LD50 of MOHE is higher than 2000 mg/kg. However, oral administration of MOHE causes acute mild anaemia and moderate hepato-nephrotoxicity in ICR-mice. Its major phenolic compounds are glucomoringin, niaziminine, quercetin and kaempferol.
Intergenerational Caregiving Patterns, Living Arrangements, and Life Satisfaction of Adults in Mid and Later Life in China
Authors: Liu Jingwen , Chen Feinian
Published: December 2021

While the health implications of intergenerational caregiving have been broadly investigated in the aging literature, less is known about caregivers in four-generation families and their living arrangements. Using 2011 and 2013 waves of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study ( N = 12,914 obs.), we document enhanced life satisfaction of grandchild caregivers and sandwich caregivers caring for both grandchildren and parents than non-caregivers. When further taking living arrangements into consideration, we find that parent caregivers also benefit from care provision when not living with their parents and sandwich caregivers only have an advantage when co-residing with care recipients with adult children present in households. By contrast, grandchild caregivers living with grandchildren show substantially higher life satisfaction no matter adult children are present or not. The subgroup comparison suggests that females and rural residents enjoy psychological advantages over their male counterparts and urban counterparts in grandparenting within skipped-generation households and sandwich caregiving.