bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transmission and lesion progression of treponeme-associated hoof disease in captive elk (Cervus canadensis)
Authors: Robinson Zachary B. , Shah Devendra H. , Taylor Kyle R. , Wild Margaret A.
Published: August 2023

Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) is a debilitating disease of free-ranging elk (Cervus canadensis) in the northwestern U.S. While treponemes are associated with lesions, the etiology and transmissibility between elk are unknown. Our objective was to determine whether the disease can be environmentally transmitted to captive elk. Four individually housed treatment elk and 2 control elk were challenged with soil mixed with inoculum prepared from free-ranging elk hooves from TAHD-positive elk or autoclaved hooves from normal elk, respectively. The inoculum for each group was applied to the interdigital space and added to pre-existing soil in each pen. Eight challenges were conducted at 1–4-week intervals and lesion development was assessed during a 138-day challenge period that was followed by a 170-day monitoring period to document lesion progression. All treatment elk, but no control elk, developed gross and histologic lesions consistent with TAHD. Treponema phylotypes similar to those in bovine digital dermatitis in cattle were detected using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing from lesions in all treatment elk, but no control elk, during the challenge period. Lesions progressed from ulcerations in the interdigital space to extensive ulceration and underrunning of the hoof capsule by 35 and 173 days following the initial inoculation, respectively. Lameness in treatment elk was correlated with lesion development (R = 0.702, p≤0.001), and activity of infected elk was reduced during the challenge (p≤0.001) and monitoring periods (p = 0.004). Body condition was significantly lower in treatment than control elk 168 days following the initial inoculation (p = 0.05) and at each individual elk’s study endpoint (p = 0.006). Three of 4 treatment elk were euthanized when they reached humane endpoints, and one elk recovered. These results provide direct evidence that TAHD is a transmissible infectious disease in elk. As such, actions that reduce transmission risk can support disease management and prevention.
Self-harm in 5-to-24 year olds: Retrospective examination of hospital presentations to emergency departments in New South Wales, Australia, 2012 to 2020
Authors: Torok Michelle , Burnett Alexander C. R. , McGillivray Lauren , Qian Jiahui , Gan Daniel Z. Q. , Baffsky Rachel , Wong Quincy
Published: August 2023

There is some evidence that self-harm presentations in children and young people have increased over the past decade, yet there are few up-to-date studies examining these trends. This study aims to describe trends in the rates and severity of emergency department self-harm presentations for youth aged 5–24 years in New South Wales, Australia between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2020. We analysed self-harm hospital presentations using join point analysis to compare quarterly growth in rates and urgency of presentation since 2012 by age group and sex. Binomial logistic modelling was used to identify risks for re-presentation for self-harm, including age group, sex, country of birth, mode of arrival, inpatient status, triage category, rurality, and socio-economic disadvantage. In total, 83,111 self-harm presentations for 51,181 persons were analysed. Overall rates of self-harm among those aged 5–24 years increased by 2.4% (p < .001) per quarter in females and 1.6% (p < .001) per quarter in males, with statistically significant average quarterly increases observed across all age groups. Overall and age-specific self-harm triage urgency rates increased statistically significantly for potentially serious, and potentially- and immediately life-threatening categories. A higher likelihood of re-presentation to any emergency department for self-harm was associated with younger age, female, residing in a regional area, arriving by ambulance, admitted as an in-patient, and a more severe index self-harm presentation. Hospital self-harm presentations have been growing steadily over the past decade, with the greatest growth in the youngest people. Understanding the reasons for these sustained upward trends is a priority for suicide prevention.
Abundance and prevalence of ESBL coding genes in patients undergoing first line eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Gudra Dita , Silamikelis Ivars , Pjalkovskis Janis , Danenberga Ilva , Pupola Darta , Skenders Girts , Ustinova Maija , Megnis Kaspars , Leja Marcis , Vangravs Reinis , Fridmanis Davids
Published: August 2023

The spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in nosocomial and community-acquired enterobacteria is an important challenge for clinicians due to the limited therapeutic options for infections that are caused by these organisms. Here, we developed a panel of ESBL coding genes, evaluated the abundance and prevalence of ESBL encoding genes in patients undergoing H. pylori eradication therapy, and summarized the effects of eradication therapy on functional profiles of the gut microbiome. To assess the repertoire of known beta lactamase (BL) genes, they were divided into clusters according to their evolutionary relation. Primers were designed for amplification of cluster marker regions, and the efficiency of this amplification panel was assessed in 120 fecal samples acquired from 60 patients undergoing H. pylori eradication therapy. In addition, fecal samples from an additional 30 patients were used to validate the detection efficiency of the developed ESBL panel. The presence for majority of targeted clusters was confirmed by NGS of amplification products. Metagenomic sequencing revealed that the abundance of ESBL genes within the pool of microorganisms was very low. The global relative abundances of the ESBL-coding gene clusters did not differ significantly among treatment states. However, at the level of each cluster, classical ESBL producers such as Klebsiella sp. for blaOXY (p = 0.0076), Acinetobacter sp. for blaADC (p = 0.02297) and others, differed significantly with a tendency to decrease compared to the pre- and post-eradication states. Only 13 clusters were common across all three datasets, suggesting a patient-specific distribution profile of ESBL-coding genes. The number of AMR genes detected in the post-eradication state was higher than that in the pre-eradication state, which could be attributed, at least in part, to the therapy. This study demonstrated that the ESBL screening panel was effective in targeting ESBL-coding gene clusters from bacterial DNA and that minor differences exist in the abundance and prevalence of ESBL-coding gene levels before and after eradication therapy.
The embodied typist: Bimanual actions are modulated by words’ implied motility and number of evoked limbs
Authors: Rolán Katia , Sánchez-Borges Iván , Kogan Boris , García-Marco Enrique , Álvarez Carlos J. , de Vega Manuel , García Adolfo M.
Published: August 2023

The planning and execution of manual actions can be influenced by concomitant processing of manual action verbs. However, this phenomenon manifests in varied ways throughout the literature, ranging from facilitation to interference effects. Suggestively, stimuli across studies vary randomly in two potentially relevant variables: verb motility and effector quantity (i.e., the amount of movement and the number of hands implied by the word, respectively). Here we examine the role of these factors during keyboard typing, a strategic bimanual task validated in previous works. Forty-one participants read and typed high and low motility items from four categories: bimanual, unimanual, and non-manual action verbs, as well as minimally motoric verbs. Motor planning and execution were captured by first-letter lag (the lapse between word presentation and first keystroke) and whole-word lag (the lapse between the first and last keystroke). We found that verb motility modulated action planning and execution, both stages being delayed by high (relative to low) motility verbs. Effector quantity also influenced both stages, which were facilitated by bimanual verbs relative to unimanual verbs and non-manual verbs (this effect being confined to high motility items during action execution). Accordingly, motor-language coupling effects seem sensitive to words’ implied motility and number of evoked limbs. These findings refine our understanding of how semantics influences bodily movement.
Outcomes of neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid pre and post 2015 NRP guideline implementation
Authors: Saint-Fleur Ashley L. , Alcalá Héctor E. , Sridhar Shanthy
Published: August 2023

A shift in the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines occurred in 2015 from routine intubation and endotracheal suctioning of all meconium-stained non-vigorous infants towards less aggressive interventions based on response to initial resuscitation. This study aims to examine the impact of this change on outcomes of non-vigorous infants born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid at a level III academic NICU encompassing years before and after the change in guideline. This single-center retrospective study compared NICU therapies and clinical outcomes of 117 non-vigorous newborns pre-guideline implementation to 106 non-vigorous newborns post-guideline implementation. Nearly two thirds of infants in the pre-guideline cohort received endotracheal suctioning with recovery of meconium compared to less than a third of infants in the post-guideline cohort (p<0.01). Though a higher proportion of the pre-guideline cohort were admitted to the NICU for respiratory issues compared to the post-guideline cohort, the two groups did not differ significantly with regard to morbidity and therapies. Despite a marked reduction in rates of intubation and endotracheal suctioning, there is no difference in outcomes between pre-guideline implementation vs post-guideline implementation in non-vigorous meconium-stained infants, supporting the recent NRP guideline change and highlighting the benefit of expectant management.
Feasibility, acceptability and potential helpfulness of the PROACTIVE intervention in Flanders, Belgium: A survey study
Authors: Wang Shanshan , de Almeida Mello Johanna , S. Mittelman Mary , Declercq Anja
Published: August 2023

Background/objectives

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of a Flemish adaptation of the New York University Caregiver Intervention (i.e., PROACTIVE intervention) modifying the recruitment and intervention content for informal caregivers of people with early cognitive decline, and across different subgroups. A feasibility study is necessary in order to reduce research waste for intervention adaptation and evaluation.

Methods

Researchers constructed, tested, and sent out a survey consisting of 43 questions on the following topics: awareness of symptoms of early cognitive decline, levels of cognitive performance using the updated Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS2), acceptability, and potential helpfulness of the intervention, and sociodemographic characteristics. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression with SAS 9.4©. Qualitative data were analyzed using an inductive content analysis.

Results

A total of 463 informal caregivers completed the survey (mean age 58.8 ± 11.8, 83.6% female). Among them, 230 respondents who cared for people with cognitive decline indicated they would probably or certainly participate in the study. Identified factors influencing the recruitment were cognition, co-habitation, education, and employment status. Over half of the target caregivers indicated almost all services from the intervention could satisfy their needs. A majority perceived the PROACTIVE intervention would be helpful (69.4%), especially the CPS2 = 3 (76.1%) and CPS2 = 4 (74.1%) subgroups.

Conclusion

The recruitment of target participants for a subsequent RCT evaluation study is feasible, and identified associated factors should be considered during the recruitment process. The PROACTIVE intervention and core components except ‘peer-group participation’ were perceived as helpful by most caregivers. The CPS2 = 3–4 subgroups were most accepting of the intervention and were most likely to benefit from the intervention.
Identification of monotonically expressed long non-coding RNA signatures for breast cancer using variational autoencoders
Authors: Wang Dongjiao , Gao Ling , Gao Xinliang , Wang Chi , Tian Suyan
Published: August 2023

As breast cancer is a multistage progression disease resulting from a genetic sequence of mutations, understanding the genes whose expression values increase or decrease monotonically across pathologic stages can provide insightful clues about how breast cancer initiates and advances. Utilizing variational autoencoder (VAE) networks in conjunction with traditional statistical testing, we successfully ascertain long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that exhibit monotonically differential expression values in breast cancer. Subsequently, we validate that the identified lncRNAs really present monotonically changed patterns. The proposed procedure identified 248 monotonically decreasing expressed and 115 increasing expressed lncRNAs. They correspond to a total of 65 and 33 genes respectively, which possess unique known gene symbols. Some of them are associated with breast cancer, as suggested by previous studies. Furthermore, enriched pathways by the target mRNAs of these identified lncRNAs include the Wnt signaling pathway, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and Rap 1 signaling pathway, which have been shown to play crucial roles in the initiation and development of breast cancer. Additionally, we trained a VAE model using the entire dataset. To assess the effectiveness of the identified lncRNAs, a microarray dataset was employed as the test set. The results obtained from this evaluation were deemed satisfactory. In conclusion, further experimental validation of these lncRNAs with a large-sized study is warranted, and the proposed procedure is highly recommended.
Crafting Luxury: Craftsmanship, Manufacture, Technology and the Retail Environment, Mark Bloomfield, Shaun Borstrock, Silvio Carta and Veronica Manlow (2022)
Authors: Arrington Deidra W.
Published: August 2023

Review of: Crafting Luxury: Craftsmanship, Manufacture, Technology and the Retail Environment, Mark Bloomfield, Shaun Borstrock, Silvio Carta and Veronica Manlow (2022)

Bristol: Intellect Ltd., 187 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78938-580-9, p/bk, $45.00
Fashioning the Afropolis: Histories, Materialities and Aesthetic Practices, Kerstin Pinther, Kristin Kastner and Basile Ndjio (eds) (2022)
Authors: Divita Lorynn
Published: August 2023

Review of: Fashioning the Afropolis: Histories, Materialities and Aesthetic Practices, Kerstin Pinther, Kristin Kastner and Basile Ndjio (eds) (2022)

London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 240 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-35017-952-3, h/bk, $103.50
An implicit system of delay differential algebraic equations from hydrodynamics
Authors: Kádár Fanni , Stépán Gábor
Published: August 2023

Direct spring operated pressure relief valves connected to a constantly charged vessel and a downstream pipe have a complex dynamics. The vessel-valve subsystem is described with an autonomous system of ordinary differential equations, while the presence of the pipe adds two partial differential equations to the mathematical model. The partial differential equations are transformed to a delay algebraic equation coupled to the ordinary differential equations. Due to a square root nonlinearity, the system is implicit. The linearized system can be transformed to a standard system of neutral delay differential equations (NDDEs) having more elaborated literature than the delay algebraic equations. First, the different forms of the mathematical model are presented, then the transformation of the linearized system is conducted. The paper aims at introducing this unusual mathematical model of an engineering system and inducing research focusing on the methodology to carry out bifurcation analysis in implicit NDDEs.
Risk factors associated with Surgical Site Infection in a Haitian teaching hospital: a case-control study
Authors: Joseph Thaïmye , Valsaint Christopher W. , Jonacé Gérald
Published: August 2023

Background.- This study’s objective is to analyzethe different risk factors associated with the occurrence of surgical site infections(SSI)in patients operated for acute abdomen atHôpital de l’Universitéd’Etatd’Haiti from January 2018 to December 2020.

Methods.- This is a unmatched case-control study. Were included: patients who had undergone surgery for acute abdomen and had developed a SSI. By measuring the association between each risk factor and the occurrence ofSSI, their implication in the occurrence ofSSIhas been determined.

Results.- Of the thirteen risk factors identified, in the 87 files selected, a high incidence (25.29%) ofSSIswas associated with the following risk factors: anemia, duration of interventions, NNIS index and reintervention.

Conclusion. - Anemia, duration of interventions, NNIS index and reintervention were the main risk factors strongly associated with the occurrenceofSSI.
Evaluación de capacidades de investigación en un grupo de investigación: estudio de caso
Authors: Botero-Suaza Luz Eugenia , Moncada-Acevedo Edwin Alexander
Published: August 2023

Introduction / objective: Taking into account the current dynamics, where globalization and economic openness play a fundamental role in the development of countries, it is necessary that higher education institutions contribute to this development with elements from research, technological development and innovation to solving business and social problems. In this sense, the research groups play a relevant role, therefore, the objective of this work is to evaluate the innovation capacities in the Research Group on Emerging, Sustainable and Intelligent Technologies (GITESI) of the Faculty of Engineering at the University Institution from Envigado. Methodology: The study corresponds to the qualitative approach with scope and descriptive design, exploratory character due to the collection of data in primary sources that was carried out in one of the phases of the investigation, the Innovation Capacities tool for CIGI Research groups and simple cross-sectional was used because it was characterized the weather situation in a specific period. The sample was: the leader and the coordinators of the research lines of the group, as well as some of the researchers associated with any of the lines. The information was collected through in-depth interviews. Results: An evaluation of the innovation capacities is obtained according to the categories defined in the CIGI model, these can be seen graphically using the Power BI tool, where the scores obtained are shown. Finally, an action plan is proposed to close the gaps. Conclusions: An evaluation of the innovation capacities is obtained according to the categories defined in the CIGI model, these can be seen graphically using the Power BI tool, where the scores obtained are shown. Finally, an action plan is proposed to close the gaps.
Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Adults With Premanifest and Manifest Huntington’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Browning Sasha , Holland Stephanie , Wellwood Ian , Bilney Belinda
Published: August 2023

Objective To systematically review and critically evaluate literature on spatiotemporal gait deviations in individuals with premanifest and manifest Huntington’s Disease (HD) in comparison with healthy cohorts.Methods We conducted a systematic review, guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute’s Manual for Evidence Synthesis and pre-registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Eight electronic databases were searched. Studies comparing spatiotemporal footstep parameters in adults with premanifest and manifest HD to healthy controls were screened, included and critically appraised by independent reviewers. Data on spatiotemporal gait changes and variability were extracted and synthesised. Meta-analysis was performed on gait speed, cadence, stride length and stride length variability measures.Results We screened 2,721 studies, identified 1,245 studies and included 25 studies (total 1,088 participants). Sample sizes ranged from 14 to 96. Overall, the quality of the studies was assessed as good, but reporting of confounding factors was often unclear. Meta-analysis found spatiotemporal gait deviations in participants with HD compared to healthy controls, commencing in the premanifest stage. Individuals with premanifest HD walk significantly slower (-0.17 m/s; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.22, -0.13]), with reduced cadence (-6.63 steps/min; 95% CI [-10.62, -2.65]) and stride length (-0.09 m; 95% CI [-0.13, -0.05]). Stride length variability was also increased in premanifest cohorts by 2.18% (95% CI [0.69, 3.68]), with these changes exacerbated in participants with manifest disease.Conclusion Findings suggest individuals with premanifest and manifest HD display significant spatiotemporal footstep deviations. Clinicians could monitor individuals in the premanifest stage of disease for gait changes to identify the onset of Huntington’s symptoms.
Incompressible limit for compressible viscoelastic flows with large velocity
Authors: Hu Xianpeng , Ou Yaobin , Wang Dehua , Yang Lu
Published: August 2023

We are concerned with the incompressible limit of global-in-time strong solutions with arbitrary large initial velocity for the three-dimensional compressible viscoelastic equations. The incompressibility is achieved by the large value of the volume viscosity, which is different from the low Mach number limit. To obtain the uniform estimates, we establish the estimates for the potential part and the divergence-free part of the velocity. As the volume viscosity goes to infinity, the dispersion associated with the pressure waves tends to disappear, but the large volume viscosity provides a strong dissipation on the potential part of the velocity forcing the flow to be almost incompressible.
Nachhaltiges Forschungsdatenmanagement gemeinsam umsetzen
Authors: Augsten Marie Theres , Fischer Patryk , Helbig Kerstin , Jacob Boris , Jäckel Denise , Kienbaum Janna , Lehmann Anna , Odebrecht Carolin , Paßmann Sven , Schreiber Stefanie , Söring Sibylle , Steinke Britta
Published: August 2023

Nach zwei Jahren Projektlaufzeit lud der DFG-geförderte Projektverbund FDNext zu einem zweiten Community-Workshop ein. Unter dem Motto „Nachhaltiges Forschungsdatenmanagement gemeinsam umsetzen“ wurde eine projektweite Ergebnisbilanz gezogen und im Rahmen einer Online-Veranstaltung vorgestellt. Einzelne Formate ermöglichten den Austausch und die Diskussion zur Vision des Kulturwandels und eines ganzheitlichen FDMs durch Initiativen wie die Nationale Forschungsdateninfrastruktur (NFDI) sowie die Möglichkeiten der Zusammenarbeit zwischen einzelnen Konsortien und Hochschulen. Dabei wurden Aufgaben identifiziert, welche nur gemeinsam mit der FDM- bzw. Wissenschafts-Community bearbeitet werden können.
Raum für Veränderung: Wie die Lernwerkstatt das Lernen im Austausch fördert
Authors: Krähling-Pilarek Maren
Published: August 2023

Seit zwölf Jahren ist die Badische Landesbibliothek in der Vermittlung von Informationskompetenz aktiv. Mit der Eröffnung der Lernwerkstatt im Frühjahr 2023 hat sie nicht nur einen neuen Lernort innerhalb der Bibliothek geschaffen, sondern auch ihr Programmangebot stark vergrößert. Die Lernwerkstatt ist ein Lernort, der mit seiner technischen und räumlichen Ausstattung sowie mit seinem Veranstaltungsprogramm das „Lernen im Austausch“ fördert. In diesem Artikel werden Konzeptionierung und Umsetzung dieses Lernortes vorgestellt.
Adiponectin inhibits TGF-β1-induced skin fibroblast proliferation and phenotype transformation via the p38 MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Xueling , Yan Xiaoting , Huang Fang , Wu Lijuan
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adiponectin (APN) on the proliferation and phenotypic transformation of human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) induced by TGF-β1. Primary fibroblast cultures were collected from prepuce surgery, and the cell viability and proliferative activity of HSFs were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and EdU assays. In addition, cell migration was detected by Transwell assay. The protein levels of related genes in HSF were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that the proliferation and migration abilities of HSF in the TGF-β1 group were significantly improved, and the relative protein expression levels of PCNA, α-SMA, and Collagen I in the TGF-β1 group were greatly increased. Furthermore, TGF-β1 stimulated the phosphorylation of p38 in HSF, while APN pretreatment significantly inhibited the TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of p38. Additionally, blocking the p38 MAPK signaling pathway relieved the injury in the HSF induced by TGF-β1 and enhanced the therapeutic effect of APN in the TGF-β1-treated HSF. In conclusion, APN inhibits TGF-β1-induced HSF proliferation and myofibroblast phenotypic transformation by activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. APN is expected to become a potential target for preventing and treating skin fibrosis and pathological scars.
The G protein-coupled receptor-related gene signatures for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in bladder urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Wan Zhengqiang , Wang Yinglei , Li Cheng , Zheng Dongbing
Published: August 2023

Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary tract with a high lethality rate, and its immunotherapy resistance and tumor recurrence have become a major challenge in its clinical treatment. G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPRs) are the largest family of receptors on the cell membrane surface, involved in multiple signaling pathways, and are excellent targets for oncology drug action. The transcriptome profile, single cell transcriptome profile, and clinical data of BLCA were extracted and integrated from TCGA and GEO databases, respectively. The GPR-related genes were obtained from GSEA-MSigDB database. The GPR-related gene signatures of 15 genes were constructed by using the methods of least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, multifactor Cox model. At the same time, tumor microenvironment (TME)-score signatures were constructed based on the immune microenvironment of BLCA, and GPR-TME-score signature was further constructed. The stability of this model was verified by using the external dataset GSE160693. We constructed risk groups by combining BLCA patient prognostic information, and with the help of BLCA scRNA transcriptome profiling, we explored differences in prognosis, immune scores, cell–cell interactions, tumor mutational burden, immune checkpoints, and response to immunotherapy in each risk group. We found that the GPR-TME-score signature was an independent prognostic factor for BLCA patients. the TME-score was a protective factor for the prognosis of BLCA patients. Among BLCA patients, GPR-high + TME-low risk group had the worst prognosis, while GPR-high + TME-high risk group had the best prognosis, and the latter had better immune score and immunotherapy response. The above differences in immune response among the subgroups may be related to the higher immune cell infiltration in the GPR-high + TME-high group. GPR-related gene signatures and TME are closely related to BLCA prognosis and immunotherapy, and GPR-related gene signature can be a useful tool to assess BLCA prognosis and immunotherapy response.
An exploration of the physical, optical, mechanical, and radiation shielding properties of PbO–MgO–ZnO–B2O3 glasses
Authors: Aloraini Dalal A. , Kumar Ashok , Almuqrin Aljawhara H. , Abualsayed Mohammad Ibrahim
Published: August 2023

This study presents the results of an investigation into the physical, optical, and mechanical characteristics of glasses prepared from a mixture of ZnO, MgO, B2O3, and PbO. It was found that increasing the concentration of PbO in the glasses led to an increase in both the density (ρ) and molar mass (M). The addition of PbO also affected the packing arrangement of oxygen atoms in the glass network, resulting in changes to the oxygen molar volume (V
o) and oxygen packing density. Furthermore, the investigation found that the optical basicity (Ʌ
th) of the glass elevated with increasing PbO concentration. Finally, the behavior of the average electronegativity (χav) and electronic polarizability (

α

o

−
2

{\alpha }_{{\rm{o}}}^{-2}

) with respect to the concentration of PbO in the glasses is discussed, whereby the addition of PbO affected the glasses’ mechanical characteristics as follows: (i) the addition of PbO increased the complexity of the glass network by enhancing the average cross-link density (

n

c

̅

\bar{{n}_{{\rm{c}}}}

) and the number of bonds per unit volume of the glasses (n
b); (ii) the glasses’ Young’s modulus (E), bulk modulus (B), and shear modulus (G) declined as the mol percent of the PbO increased; (iii) the longitudinal modulus (L) reduced but remained greater than G; (iv) the glass network cross-linking reduced the Poisson ratio (σ); (v) the glasses’ fractal bond connectivity (d) values indicated a three-dimensional network; and (vi) lead oxide hardened the glass, suggesting that a stronger structure manifests. These findings collectively demonstrate that PbO improves the rigidity and interconnectivity of glass. The gamma radiation-shielding characteristics of the glasses were evaluated using the Phy-X software in the 0.015–15 MeV energy range. The radiation-shielding properties of the studied glasses can be compared with other materials by introducing a new parameter known as the radiation coefficient ratio (R). It is observed that Q4 glass sample had superior shielding performance.
The study of solutions for several systems of PDDEs with two complex variables
Authors: Xu Yi Hui , Liu Xiao Lan , Xu Hong Yan
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this article is to describe the properties of the pair of solutions of several systems of Fermat-type partial differential difference equations. Our theorems exhibit the forms of finite order transcendental entire solutions for these systems, which are some extensions and improvement of the previous theorems given by Xu, Cao, Liu, etc. Furthermore, we give a series of examples to show that the existence conditions and the forms of transcendental entire solutions with finite order of such systems are precise.
Estimation of GPA at Undergraduate Level using MLR and ANN at Arab International University During the Syrian Crisis: A Case Study
Authors: al-Swaidani Aref M. , al-Hajeh Tamer
Published: August 2023

The aim of the current study is to estimate the graduation grade point average (GPA) at the Arab International University (AIU). The importance of this study is that it is the first of its kind in Syria, particularly under the conditions of the bitter war, which has not yet come to its end. The sample of the study consists of data collected from AIU registry system, which covers students of six faculties from both sexes over a period of 5 years, i.e., between 2014 and 2018. The variables of the study include the student’s high school GPA, the source of the student’s certificate, and the gender of the student (GR). MLR and ANN approaches were employed in the analytical study. The correlation coefficients and several statistical criteria were calculated to evaluate the developed models. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the male students were among the key factors affecting the output, i.e., GPA. In addition, ANN tool is more accurate when the estimation of GPA value is concerned. Further, re-evaluation of this study can be done in future particularly when the male student’ trepidation disappears as stability and safety return to the country.
Language pedagogies and late-life language learning proficiency
Authors: van der Ploeg Mara , Keijzer Merel , Lowie Wander
Published: August 2023

Late-life language learning has gained considerable attention in recent years. Strikingly, additional language (AL) proficiency development is underinvestigated, despite it potentially being one of the main drivers for older adults to learn an AL. Our study investigates whether Dutch older adults learning English for three months significantly improve their AL skills, and if explicit or implicit language instruction is more beneficial. Sixteen learners participated in online weekly group lessons, five days of 60-min homework, and pre-post-retention tests. Half were randomly assigned to the mostly explicit condition and half to the mostly implicit condition. Data includes language proficiency measures and 201 dense-data spoken homework samples. Results show improvements in several areas for both conditions. For structural errors in homework, we found implicitly taught participants to make significantly more mistakes. Our exploratory data show that older adults significantly develop AL proficiency after a short language training, and, as we only found differences between conditions on one construct, that teaching pedagogies do not play a substantial role.
Politicization of COVID-19 and Conspiratorial Beliefs Among Emergency & Public Health Officials
Authors: DeYoung Sarah E. , Farmer Ashley K.
Published: August 2023

In this research, we identified how political beliefs impact emergency manager’s perception of COVID-19 severity and risk. Specifically, we gathered data from people with a broad range of roles in emergency management including healthcare, mitigation, response, fire, rescue, and other areas. We asked respondents their beliefs about the severity of COVID-19, their belief in health conspiracy theories, and the public health measures associated with COVID-19 response. Quantitative results showed political affiliation was a predictor for belief in health conspiracies, as well as beliefs about social distancing as a proper mitigation measure for the spread of COVID-19, and that age and years in emergency management were not significant predictors for beliefs in health conspiracies. Qualitative results included several main themes, including frustration about the politicization of COVID-19 response and mitigation efforts, challenges in PPE (personal protective equipment) procurement, tension between public health and emergency management, misinformation about COVID-19, and lack of leadership at the federal level. These findings fill a gap in the literature regarding how political beliefs shape risk, trust, decision-making, and collaboration within emergency management.
A novel distance vector hop localization method for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Aldeen Yousra Abdul Alsahib S. , Kadhim Samira Naji , Kadhim Nahida Naji , Madni Syed Hamid Hussain
Published: August 2023

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) require accurate localization of sensor nodes for various applications. In this article, we propose the distance vector hop localization method (DVHLM) to address the node dislocation issue in real-time networks. The proposed method combines trilateration and Particle Swarm Optimization techniques to estimate the location of unknown or dislocated nodes. Our methodology includes four steps: coordinate calculation, distance calculation, unknown node position estimation, and estimation correction. To evaluate the proposed method, we conducted simulation experiments and compared its performance with state-of-the-art methods in terms of localization accuracy with known nodes, dislocated nodes, and shadowing effects. Our results demonstrate that DVHLM outperforms the existing methods and achieves better localization accuracy with reduced error. This article provides a valuable contribution to the field of WSNs by proposing a new method with a detailed methodology and superior performance.
Exploring professionals’ views regarding prenatal counselling in congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: De Groot Celeste R.S. , Konings Esther J.C. , de Boode Willem P. , Oerlemans Anke J.M. , Sikkel Esther , Botden Sanne M.B.I. , Merkus Peter J. , van der Lee Robin , Geurtzen Rosa
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a congenital malformation in which the diaphragm and lungs are underdeveloped, leading to cardiorespiratory and other problems. This study aimed to explore professionals’ views regarding prenatal counselling in CDH.

Methods

A qualitative study was performed among healthcare professionals involved in the care of CDH patients in Radboud university medical center Amalia Children’s Hospital. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until saturation was achieved. Transcripts were qualitatively analysed to gain insight into professionals’ views regarding counselling.

Results

Eighteen professionals with various backgrounds were included. The professionals agreed that the first counselling session should be soon after diagnosis and additional sessions should be offered. Concerning counselling content, participants considered explanation of the diagnosis, prognosis, short- and long-term consequences, treatment options and practical aspects important. As for decision-making about possible termination of pregnancy, all professionals emphasised the importance of the parental role, but the preferred parental involvement varied. Regarding practical aspects, preferred counsellors were a neonatologist, obstetrician, paediatric surgeon and/or medical social worker. Participants emphasised that the counselling should be adjusted to parents’ needs.

Conclusions

This study gained insight into professionals’ views regarding the timeline, content, decision-making process, and practical aspects of prenatal counselling in CDH.
New Insights Into the Water Management System at Tetzcotzinco, Mexico
Authors: Prusaczyk Daniel , Juszczyk Karolina , Gracida Araceli Rojas Martínez
Published: August 2023

This work presents the results of new archaeological research carried out in Tetzcotzinco, Mexico, with a special focus on its water management. Survey documentation at the site, with the use of 3D photogrammetry, offered new images and maps of water control features, namely, canals, reservoirs, and aqueducts. The integration of these data into a GIS database, as well as the complementation of information from previous archaeological research and colonial historical accounts, allowed further analysis of the flow, velocity, and quantity of water distributed at the site, and its possible connections with watercourses in its surroundings. This research studies the broader regional water sources and three possible courses of water in the area which could have provided the flow of liquid into Tetzcotzinco. This article is a contribution to a better understanding of the importance of water and its distribution not only in Tetzcotzinco but also in the Center of Mexico during pre-Hispanic times.
The in-group ritual of self-denigration in Iranian doctoral defense sessions: applied linguists’ attitudes, functions and perceptions in focus
Authors: Mayahi Nadia , Jalilifar Alireza
Published: August 2023

Drawing on a Symbolic Interactionist perspective and the Grounded Theory methodology, this study aimed to explore self-denigration from the perspective of Iranian applied linguists highlighting the significance of self-denigration as an in-group relational ritual in Iranian doctoral defense sessions. The data were obtained from rigorous coding of the transcripts of two focus groups and a questionnaire built on the findings of the focus group discussions. The findings indicated significant gender differences in terms of the participants’ attitudes toward the functions and meanings of self-denigration. Academic experience was also found to be an important factor in how the participants perceived self-denigration. Through a meticulous analysis of self-denigration in doctoral defense sessions, the present study sheds light on the norms and conventions of the academic discourse of defense sessions, thereby justifying the rights and obligations of the defense session participants.
Presidential System in Indonesia Semi-Presidential System in France: How is Democracy Reflected in the Government Systems of the Two Countries?
Authors: Zainurohmah Zainurohmah , Sabri Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad
Published: August 2023

In this world there are various countries with all the characteristics of the government they have. Even so, all government structures are created and implemented so that the goals of the state can be achieved. Government is a tool that guides society to achieve state goals through established policies and rules. The system of government is one of the determining factors in the life of the state. Some of the government systems that are widely used by countries in the world are presidential, parliamentary, quasi, and referendum systems. Each country uses one of the four government systems according to the needs of their respective countries. This article aims to broaden the reader's horizons of knowledge in the field of law, especially in comparative constitutional law. This article will analyze and compare the government systems used by the Indonesian and French governments in order to find out the similarities and differences in the government systems in the two countries. This research uses a normative juridical research method. The approach used is the statutory, conceptual, and comparative approach. The results of this study indicate that Indonesia uses a presidential system of government while France uses a semi-presidential system of government. There are similarities and differences in the distribution of power in the two countries. The main similarity lies in the three powers that exist in the two countries where the division of powers is based on the concept of the trias politica of Montesquieu. Even so, the two countries do not use the Montesquieu concept exactly but have their own characteristics. The striking difference between the two countries lies in the state leaders. In Indonesia, the president is the head of state and head of government, while in France the head of state is the president, but the head of government is the prime minister.
Implications of the Limits for Filing a Lawsuit to the State Administrative Court: Upholding Legal Certainty or Injuring Human Rights?
Authors: Akhmad Muhammad Zaidan Syafiqy
Published: August 2023

The State Administrative Court (PTUN), which has the jurisdiction to study, decide, and settle issues in the area of State Administration, is one of the executors of judicial power for those seeking justice for state administrative conflicts. If a state administrative disagreement arises, a State Administrative Decision (KTUN), which is specific, unique, and final in character and has legal ramifications for the person or civil legal organization, will be issued by a state administrative agency or authority. The receiver who feels wronged may file a lawsuit with the Administrative Court within the grace period of 90 (ninety) days as specified in Article 55 of the Law if the KTUN is believed by the recipient to be against the laws and regulations as well as the principles of good governance (UU PTUN). The 90 (ninety) day deadline for filing a lawsuit with the Administrative Court, however, sparked controversy among the general population. This is demonstrated by the fact that the constitutionality of the requirements set forth in Article 55 of the Administrative Court Law governing the deadline for bringing a lawsuit with the Administrative Court has been challenged four times (four) before the Constitutional Court. It would harm human rights rather than serve its intended purpose of ensuring legal certainty and preserving political stability. Through this straightforward essay, the author hopes to clarify and advance comprehension of the State Administrative Court's lawsuit filing deadline, normative legal research techniques, library law research, and data collection techniques.
The Debate on the Grace Period in Appealing Cases Against the State Administrative Court
Authors: Monica Lamira Sekar , Laan Jake van Der
Published: August 2023

The grace period of 90 days for cassation to the competent Administrative Court is very important. After the grace period ends, the TUN decision may not intervene even if it is in a state of serious damage. Article 55 of the Law on State Administrative Courts clearly stipulates the basic principles regarding the time limit for submitting a case application to the Administrative Court. The KTUN applies several variables to show that it provides the greatest opportunity for anyone to take legal action if the issued KTUN violates the laws and regulations and AAPB principles. But on the other hand, the limitation of the time limit for litigation in the Administrative Court which is contrary to the sense of justice can be considered as a limitation of human rights to protect their legitimate interests in court.
Legitimacy of Proof of Letters in the Era of the E-Litigation Proof System in the State Administrative Court
Authors: Bernadika Shannon Rosemary , Afriyie Frederick Appiah
Published: August 2023

In this research article, the author focuses on this discussion to review the validity of evidence on documentary evidence in the era of the e-Litigation evidentiary system at the State Administrative Court (PTUN). The disruption revolution of industry digital 4.0 which was marked by the use of the management of the justice system in Indonesia by the government into a new trial process, namely electronic justice (e-Litigation or e-Courts) has changed the process of proving procedures in PTUN trials to be electronic as well. In achieving the objectives to be discussed, the authors agree to apply a juridical-normative research method that is studied through a conceptual approach and a historical approach. As for the nature of this research is qualitative so that produce scientific and meaningful reseacrh. Source of data used to estamblisment of this reasearch are secondary data sources which include various written materials such a applicable regulations, literature, documents, and references relevant to this research. From the results of the research that has been carried out, the authors found that the paradigm of proceedings in court has entered a new era, from what was previously in the form of a conventional trial to an electronic trial which can only be carried out through the e-Litigation system. So that the process of proving documentary evidence to seek material truth in administrative disputes at PTUN has also been affected to be proven electronically by simply uploading a document to each other. This change in the e-Litigation evidentiary system has sparked debate due to the fact that it is still difficult to do and prove, especially in the first evidentiary process, namely written or written evidence due to several obstacles in it.