bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cryptotanshinone on Measures of Rat Cardiomyocyte Oxidative Stress and Gene Activation Associated with Apoptosis
Authors: Shi Gang , Wang Ying , Yang Jie , Liu Ting , Luo Fei , Jin Guoyin , Ma Yuan , Zhang Yongpeng
Published: June 2022

Background: Oxidative stress is a key factor that results in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiovascular diseases. Cryptotanshinone (CTS), one of the major bioactive constitutes extracted from the root of the plant Salvia miltiorrhizaBunge, has been widely studied for various disease treatments. However, the roles of CTS on cardiomyocytes remain unclear. Methods: In the present study, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were pretreated with CTS for 4 h before being exposed to H2O2. Cell viability for the cells with or without pretreatment with CTS before exposure to H2O2 was evaluated by the MTT assay. Production of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxides (GSH-Px) was quantified by corresponding detection kits. The mRNA levels of Bcl-2 antiapoptotic and Bax-like proapoptotic genes were quantified with RT-PCR. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was qualified and quantified with a dichlorofluorescein diacetate cellular ROS detection assay kit. The extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation were measured by Western blot. Results: Our results revealed that the CTS pretreatment could enhance cell viability and promote Bcl-2 antiapoptotic gene expression. Additionally, CTS could abolish the H2O2-induced production of NO, LDH, and PGE2. Consistent with these findings, CTS could inhibit ROS and MDA production and promote SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities. Mechanistically, CTS may achieve these processes by inhibiting ERK and NF-κB signal pathways. Conclusion: CTS protects cardiomyocytes against the H2O2-induced cellular injuries through ERK and NF-κB inactivation and ROS scavenging. Therefore, CTS is a promising reagent against ROS-induced cardiomyopathy.
Diagnostic Histopathological Findings on a Tick-Bite Lesion without the Presence of an Insect Body
Authors: Takada Tomoaki
Published: June 2022

Tick bite is detected when the insect’s body remains, and portions, such as the mouthparts, may be used to confirm the species and the potential for microbial infection. Moreover, a histopathological diagnostic standard for tick-borne illnesses has not yet been established. Thus, this study aimed to perform a histopathological examination of the lesion in a patient in whom a tick was not identified along with its bite. The patient was a 47-year-old man who presented with a lesion caused by a tick bite; the lesion was resected en bloc from the subcutaneous fat on the left side of the neck. Histopathological findings showed necrosis and thickening of the epidermis, ulceration, a strong periodic acid-Schiff stain-positive substance over the epidermis, extravascular exposure of erythrocytes in the dermis, thrombi, sclerosis of collagenous fibers, pseudolymphoma with a predominance of T cells, and marked infiltration of basophils extending from the epidermis to the subdermal sebaceous layer. Tick-bite lesions may be detected histopathologically, even if the presence of the insect body is not confirmed, as in this case, if the injection of tick saliva and local reaction of the salivary component are histologically evaluated.
Alimentação no Ambiente de Trabalho: efeitos sobre estado nutricional e nível de produtividade de tripulantes em uma companhia aérea brasileira
Authors: Sarti Flávia Mori , Saffioti Renata Felipe , Castilho Paula Fernandes
Published: June 2022

O artigo analisou dados de consumo alimentar entre tripulantes de aeronaves designados para voos nacionais em uma companhia aérea brasileira, buscando identificar efeitos da alimentação no ambiente de trabalho sobre estado nutricional e nível produtividade sob condições de trabalho com exigências específicas em atenção e segurança. O estudo foi desenvolvido por meio de coleta e análise quantitativa de dados sobre consumo alimentar, antropometria, condições de saúde e produtividade no trabalho de amostra de 40 tripulantes de aeronaves do setor de aviação civil brasileiro, incluindo comissários de voo e pilotos. A maioria dos tripulantes tinha problemas relativos a alterações de sono (67,5%) e proporção considerável dos participantes da pesquisa apresentava sobrepeso ou obesidade (57,5%). Verificou-se baixa adequação do valor nutricional da alimentação consumida em relação às recomendações nutricionais. A qualidade nutricional e sanitária da alimentação nos dias de trabalho foi inferior à qualidade da alimentação em dias de folga. O estado nutricional dos tripulantes da amostra foi influenciado pela qualidade nutricional da dieta; enquanto estado de saúde apresentou-se associado às condições de trabalho; e perdas produtivas no trabalho foram relacionadas ao estado nutricional dos tripulantes. As evidências apresentadas no artigo apontam para influência das condições de trabalho sobre consumo alimentar dos tripulantes na amostra, resultando em efeitos negativos sobre estado nutricional e nível de produtividade. Assim, ações em prol da melhoria da qualidade da alimentação no trabalho devem contribuir à promoção da saúde e à prevenção de doenças entre profissionais da área de aviação civil, em conjunção com aumento do nível de segurança dos voos realizados em território nacional.
Rodovia Transamazônica: o projeto de integração deu certo?
Authors: Oliveira Neto Thiago
Published: June 2022

A rodovia Transamazônica, construída inteiramente durante o regime militar, teve como proposito geopolítico a integração territorial por meio da interligação de porções territoriais, assim como o aumento demográfico de uma parte da Amazônia, proporcionado por meio de incentivos à migração das regiões nordeste, sul e sudeste. Essa política de integração alterou, substancialmente, uma fração territorial que foi entrecortada por esta grande rodovia, em decorrência da realização de diversas políticas públicas, que englobam desde a colonização de faixas de terras situadas nas margens da rodovia até a construção de usinas de beneficiamento, centrais hidrelétricas, atividades de mineração e demais atividades recentes, associadas ao circuito da produção de commodities. Nesse contexto, vale apontar uma breve história desse projeto de integração e seus respectivos desdobramentos.
Desafios à Docência no Ensino Superior em Tempos Neoliberais
Authors: Franchini Fernanda , Freitas Iara da Silva , Ennser Maria Cristina Bergonsini , Bozeda Mariana Giannattasio , Ferreira Mariana Rodrigues Festucci , Alexandre Victor de Sales
Published: June 2022

As transformações econômicas do mundo atual têm ocasionado mudanças em vários setores da sociedade, inclusive no setor da educação, levando a conflitos fundamentais com relação à atuação docente e a questionamentos até mesmo sobre o papel da própria educação. A lógica neoliberal que promove a quase total liberdade de mercado com mínima intervenção do Estado, ao ser aplicada à formação de pessoas dentro do sistema educacional vem trazendo grandes problemas para os profissionais docentes do Ensino Superior no Brasil. Este artigo pretende discutir a docência na Educação Superior em tempos neoliberais, com acúmulo de funções e o uso da tecnologia, bem como alertar para problemas na forma como são preparados os docentes para essa etapa do ensino, nos programas de pós-graduação da Universidade de São Paulo. Ao se pensar na educação como mercadoria dentro da lógica capitalista surgem inúmeros problemas para a profissão docente que busca uma educação que emancipa e não apenas contribui para a reprodução do que já está posto de antemão. Frente aos desafios que envolvem a formação docente, seu exercício e o modo como esses impactam a qualidade do ensino e a produção de conhecimento na universidade, sugere-se que a comunidade acadêmica, em conjunto com a sociedade, intensifique sua participação frente a políticas públicas para a educação.
Atitude: desdobramentos e confrontos do treinamento do ator no processo de criação do espetáculo Cidade Submersa
Authors: Donoso Marília , Azevedo Jorge Peloso de
Published: June 2022

O escopo deste artigo é delimitar o conceito de atitude como elemento do trabalho realizado pelos atores do grupo IMPULSO Coletivo durante o processo de criação do espetáculo Cidade Submersa. O texto apresenta-se como um relato de trabalho, no qual abordamos as diversas etapas que a ideia de atitude tomou durante o processo criativo, desde seu surgimento como uma metáfora durante o treinamento físico, até seu desdobramento como uma noção-chave que se expandiu para além das fronteiras do espaço fechado e do tempo predeterminado dos ensaios, na medida em que o processo de criação ampliou-se como uma proposta de ação política na comunidade da Vila Itororó, localizada no bairro da Bela Vista, São Paulo. A noção de atitude configurou-se como um conceito operante do processo de criação, definindo-se como uma postura ativa que funde aspectos éticos e técnicos no trabalho do ator com vistas a implicar-se de forma integral na experiência da criação.
Le travail de création et la formation du comédien chez les Meininger
Authors: Peslin Daniela
Published: June 2022

Phénomène exceptionnel dans l’histoire du théâtre moderne, la troupe des Meininger fut fondée en 1866 par le Duc Georg II de Saxe-Meiningen (1826 – 1914). L’ensemble parcourut l’Europe entière en exerçant une influence considérable pour des créateurs célèbres comme Stanislavski ou Antoine, ses spectacles représentant les premières manifestations de la mise en scène moderne. A partir d’un travail de recherche effectué dans les archives du Duc, à Meiningen, ainsi que des témoignages des anciens de la troupe grand-ducale, nous tenterons un regard modeste sur les fondements de cet ensemble mythique comme facteur décisif dans le travail de création artistique et la formation de l’acteur.
Por uma Teoria da Atuação
Authors: Romano Lucia Regina Vieira
Published: June 2022

Por uma teoria da atuação apresenta alguns aspectos do fazer atoral no teatro ocidental e propõe uma “teoria do ator e da atriz”, na qual se desenha um campo de estudos destacado da teoria geral do teatro. Ainda sem contornos claros, esse território poderia ser definido como sendo relacionado à prática do ator e da atriz, seus procedimentos e saberes, com reflexos em uma história do ator e da atriz. Sua estruturação implica na pesquisa de poéticas atorais, a partir de investigações bibliográfica e de campo; requerendo a constituição de modos de valoração crítica próprios, diversos dos constituídos a partir da dramaturgia e da encenação, ainda que em troca constante com as mesmas. A análise estende-se para a sugestão de metodologias de trabalho, em especial, a criação de um laboratório voltado para processos de criação, onde dialoguem a prática e a reflexão teórica, abrindo caminho para a investigação do ensino da interpretação, do treinamento atoral e da participação do(a) intérprete na criação espetacular.
Relatos poloneses ou Na Polônia e uma Laranja
Authors: Fuser Fausto
Published: June 2022

Depoimentos, testemunhos e opiniões de Fausto Fuser: um brasileiro na Escola de Cinema da Polônia, em Lodz, entre 1964 e 1970.
Dialéctica da periferia: formas de resistência na literatura-mundial
Authors: Medeiros Paulo de
Published: June 2022

O presente ensaio tem como objetivo principal uma tentativa de reconceptualisar a noção de literatura-mundial, partindo da enunciação proposta pelo Warwick Research Collective em Desenvolvimento Combinado e Desigual (2015; 2020), num movimento duplo de concentração e expansão.  Concentração devido a um foco específico na questão de resistência aos modelos neoliberais e neocoloniais de desumanização, expropriação e extinção. Expansão, na sugestão de se considerar o cinema-mundial enquanto texto como parte integrativa do conceito de literatura-mundial. A reflexão teórica assenta numa articulação entre as perspectivas críticas de Roberto Schwarz, Theodor Adorno, Fredric Jameson e do WReC.  Os textos submetidos a análise incluem um romance de Clarice Lispector, A Hora da Estrela (1977), e um filme, Yvone Kane de Margarida Cardoso (2014).
Review of Current Large Core Volume Stroke Thrombectomy Clinical Trials: Controversies and Progress
Authors: Ren Zeguang , Huo Xiaochuan , Kumar Jay , Jadhav Ashutosh P. , Costalat Vincent , Fiehler Jens , Bendszus Martin , Yoshimura Shinichi , Ma Gaoting , Tong Xu , Zhang Xuelei , Zaidat Osama O. , Jovin Tudor G. , Liebeskind David S. , Pereira Vitor Mendes , Miao Zhongrong
Published: June 2022

Large clinical trials have helped establish the benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion and small infarct core volume as determined by scores ≥6 on the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores. Several small studies have suggested that patients with large infarct core volume (LICV) may also benefit from EVT. Currently, at least 6 randomized clinical trials are examining the benefit of extending EVT to this population of patients with acute ischemic stroke. These trials were independently conceived and have significant differences in their inclusion criteria. Understanding these inclusion criteria and other differences in trial design is pivotal for the field to interpret the upcoming results of these trials. In this review, the designs of the 6 trials are summarized and compared. Specific differences are described, including (1) the rationale for EVT treatment in patients with LICV, (2) how to define LICV and the imaging modality used to identify LICV, (3) inclusion of an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score 0 to 5 versus 3 to 5, (4) use of the mismatch between blood flow and the size of infarct as an inclusion criterion, and (5) inclusion of early window and/or late window patients. The potential impact of these trial results on current guidelines for acute ischemic stroke is discussed. Differences in trial design as well as inclusion and exclusion criteria may influence trial outcomes. The implications of these trial results will likely be enhanced by a pooled analysis.
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin: a biochemical marker for acute kidney injury and long-term outcomes in patients presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Teo Kah Hui Brian , Lim Swee Han , Hao Ying , Lo Yin Keong Daryl , Lin Ziwei , Kaushik Manish , Tan Chieh Suai , Thajudeen Mohammed Zuhary , Wee Choon Peng Jeremy
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Creatinine has limitations in identifying and predicting acute kidney injury (AKI). Our study examined the utility of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in predicting AKI in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED), and in predicting the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality at three months post visit.

Methods:

This is a single-centre prospective cohort study conducted at Singapore General Hospital (SGH). Patients presenting to SGH ED from July 2011 to August 2012 were recruited. They were aged ≥21 years, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and had congestive cardiac failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome or required hospital admission. AKI was diagnosed by researchers blinded to experimental measurements. Serum NGAL was measured as a point-of-care test.

Results:

A total of 784 patients were enrolled, of whom 107 (13.6%) had AKI. Mean serum NGAL levels were raised (P < 0.001) in patients with AKI (670.0 ± 431.9 ng/dL) compared with patients without AKI (490.3 ± 391.6 ng/dL). The sensitivity and specificity of NGAL levels >490 ng/dL for AKI were 59% (95% confidence interval [CI] 49%–68%) and 65% (95% CI 61%–68%), respectively. Need for RRT increased 21% per 100 ng/dL increase in NGAL (P < 0.001), whereas odds of death in three months increased 10% per 100 ng/dL increase in NGAL (P = 0.028). No clear relationship was observed between NGAL levels and MACE.

Conclusion:

Serum NGAL identifies AKI and predicts three-month mortality.
Kenyan Muslims’ Minority Status: Theological Divisions, Ethno-Racial Competition and Ambiguous Relations with the State
Authors: Ndzovu Hassan Juma
Published: June 2022

On the surface, Islam in Kenya presents a continued competition between Sufi-oriented orders and the Salafi-minded Muslims. This article argues that the controversies between “traditional” and “modern” forms of Islam in the country is an indication of the plurality of ways in which Muslims, in a minority context, makes sense of their religious identities. Changing political circumstances in Kenya in the colonial and the post-colonial eras changed the conditions of Muslims in Kenya, thereby explaining their present attitude towards the state. Since the commencement of the war on terror in 2001, Kenyan Muslims have been confronted with rising radicalization amongst certain members of the community and increasing cases of kidnapping and extra judicial killing targeting members of the Muslim population. The result is a complex and problematic relationship with the state, characterised by Muslims’ continuous demands for justice and equal treatment as citizens by the state.
Ambiguous Positionings: The Politics and Experiences of Moral Learning at Gülen Movement Schools in Urban Tanzania
Authors: Mashimi Kristina
Published: June 2022

This article examines the ambiguous positionings of the Gülen Movement (gm) in the religiously mixed setting of urban Tanzania, particularly in education. It argues that the gm has capitalised on its identity as a not-explicitly-Muslim minority group within the privatised educational market in Tanzania, making its schools an option for Muslim and Christian families alike. Against the backdrop of Tanzania’s larger histories of religious inequalities and sentiments of injustice among the Muslim population, gm schools fill a significant gap through their elite orientation and inclination towards Islam. The article further argues that the moral education offered by gm schools binds them to the broader ideological mission of the movement. Foregrounding the experiences of female students, it shows that moral education at gm schools is a highly gendered and open-ended process that entails the embodiment of different and at times contradictory understandings of femininity, modesty, and shame.
The invasive land flatworm Obama nungara in La Réunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, the first report of the species for Africa
Authors: JUSTINE JEAN-LOU , MARIE AMANDINE DELPHINE , GASTINEAU ROMAIN , FOURCADE YOAN , WINSOR LEIGH
Published: June 2022

The land flatworm Obama nungara, a species originating from South America and already invasive in many European countries, is recorded from La Réunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean. This is the first record of O. nungara from this locality and also the first record of the species for Africa. Three specimens were collected in 2021 and 2022, in the communes of Saint Paul, Saint Joseph and Le Tampon, respectively; the three localities are widely separated, with two in the Western part and one in the South-eastern part of the island. This suggests that the species is already present in several locations in La Réunion, and it is likely that the species is already present since 2020. The specimen from Saint Paul had the same cox1 haplotype as specimens previously recorded from several countries of Europe; it is hypothesized that the species was imported from Europe, probably from France. We mapped climatic suitability of the species in La Réunion and found that O. nungara could potentially invade a large part of the island. One record was apparently associated with the transport of plates of travertine, a construction material which has numerous cavities thus suitable for the transport and survival of adult or cocoons of land flatworms.
A new subspecies of Ropalopus (Ropalopus) ungaricus (Herbst, 1784) from southern Spain, Ropalopus (Ropalopus) ungaricus occidentalis ssp. nov. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: LÓPEZ MARCOS A. , BAENA MANUEL
Published: June 2022

Ropalopus (Ropalopus) ungaricus occidentalis ssp. nov. is described, illustrated and compared with the other subspecies of Ropalopus (Ropalopus) ungaricus (Herbst, 1784). The new subspecies is close to Ropalopus (Ropalopus) ungaricus ossae Karpiński, Szczepański & Kruszelnicki, 2020. Data about the distribution, habitat and bionomy of the new subspecies and a keys to separation of the subspecies of Ropalopus (Ropalopus) ungaricus are given.
Vertical Mergers that Induce Exit
Authors: Balan David J.
Published: June 2022

It is well understood that vertical mergers can create an incentive for the merged firm to foreclose unintegrated rivals, and that one way this foreclosure can manifest itself is by driving an unintegrated rival below its minimum viable scale and causing it to exit. The central claims of this article are (1) that exit-inducing mergers are likely to be especially harmful because they result in the elimination of a competitor and (2) that even a modest amount of foreclosure can induce exit if the rival was not too far above its minimum viable scale before the merger. I argue that exit-inducing mergers merit explicit treatment in a revised version of the DOJ/FTC Vertical Merger Guidelines, both because they are harmful and because the possibility that they may occur with only modest foreclosure has important implications for how they should be investigated.
Optimal design of an improved X¯ and R control chart for joint monitoring of process location and dispersion
Authors: Wan Qiang , Zhu Mei
Published: June 2022

Enhancing the detection power of control charts for detecting small to moderate process changes is always the focus of attention in academia. To improve the detection ability of conventional [Formula: see text] and R control charts, an improved joint [Formula: see text] and R chart, which combines the ordinary [Formula: see text] and R charts with runs rules of the type ‘ r out of m’, is proposed to monitor the process location and dispersion simultaneously. A finite Markov chain imbedding approach is employed to develop the resulting control scheme. A comparative study is conducted to investigate the performance of the proposed chart in terms of the out-of-control average run length. The statistical performance of the suggested chart when the process parameters are estimated is also evaluated. The numerical results indicate that (1) the proposed chart improves the detection ability of traditional [Formula: see text] and R charts in detecting small to moderate process shifts; (2) the suggested scheme performs better than the EWMA and CUSUM schemes in detecting large process fluctuations. Furthermore, when specific values of r and m are selected, the statistical performance of the proposed chart for detecting small shifts is close to or even better than that of its competitors; (3) the run length performance of the proposed chart is greatly affected by parameter estimation, especially for small process shifts.
A neural-network-assisted method for flow-front estimation in resin transfer molding using pressure sensors
Authors: Zhu Junhong , Droste David , Dimassi Adli , Herrmann Axel S
Published: June 2022

The resin transfer molding (RTM) process shows considerable advantages in composite manufacturing. Nevertheless, the part quality manufactured by RTM is sensitive to material and process variations during the preform impregnation. To improve the process robustness and achieve better process control, a methodology for resin flow monitoring based on a combination of a sensing system and a neural network model is proposed, which can be easily implemented into a generic RTM process. Using pressure data provided by a limited number of sensors distributed over the mold surface, the proposed method allows the prediction of flow-front patterns at any impregnation time. The dataset for training is generated by physical-based simulations. Considering the permeability changes caused by uncertainty conditions, the permeability tensor is modeled with random variations. The network parameters are obtained by trial-and-error. Furthermore, the sensor distribution scheme and the dataset size are identified as the sensitive factors of the model. Finally, the predicted results are verified by numerical solutions. This method can be used to avoid the formation of voids and improve the final part quality.
Assembly of Ultralong Hydroxyapatite Nanowires into Enamel-like Materials
Authors: Wang Q.Q. , Wu L.P. , Zhang S. , Tao Y. , Li Y.Z. , Zhou Q.L. , Zheng S.L. , Cao C.Y. , Zhou Z. , Li Q.L.
Published: June 2022

To develop dental restorative materials with enamel-like structures, ultralong hydroxyapatite (HA) nanowires were synthesized by a hydrothermal method, followed by functionalization with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH-570). The mixture of HA nanowires, KH-570, and light initiator was stirred and centrifuged. The precipitate was vacuum filtered to remove excessive KH-570 and then pressured under cold isostatic pressing (10 MPa × 24 h). Finally, the block was polymerized by lighting. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that HA nanowires with aspect ratios >1,000 were assembled into enamel rod–like microstructures and evenly dispersed in the polymerized KH-570 silane matrix to form enamel-like structures. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the content of HA nanowires reached 72 wt% in the composite. The enamel-like composite showed a similar hardness, frictional property, and acid-etching property to those of enamel and a comparable or even better diametral tensile strength and compressive strength than some commercial composite resins in mechanical tests in vitro. In addition, the enamel-like composite had good cytocompatibility. Such enamel-like composites may have the potential to be used in biomimetic tooth restorations in the future.
The predicted heat strain model considering wet and dynamic thermal insulation for thermal protective clothing: Modification and validation analysis
Authors: Zhang Wenhuan , Huang Qianqian , Wang Yunyi , Li Jun
Published: June 2022

For guiding the setting of working time, it is necessary to develop a realistic clothing model with accurate thermal physical properties including the effects of human body activities and environments in the predicted heat strain model, especially for the high thermal insulation clothing ensembles and high-temperature conditions. In this study, realistic clothing models, including clothing wet thermal insulation ( Icl_w), dynamic thermal insulation ( Icl_vw), and convective heat transfer coefficient considering the temperature difference and walking speed ( hc_vw), were established. Then, we validated the modified predicted heat strain models combined with realistic clothing parameters. The results revealed that the core temperature of the predicted heat strain model combined with Icl_w, Icl_vw, and hc_vw (deviation of 0.1°C) was significantly more accurate than the original predicted heat strain model (variation of 1.5°C) in the environment of 40°C within 65 min of heat exposure. Our study emphasizes the necessity of ensuring the accuracy of clothing thermal physical properties in the predicted heat strain model to improve validity for the specific conditions investigated.
Novel composite yarn with a wavy-network structure produced by various delivery speed ratios and untwisting factors
Authors: Duo Xu , Can Ge , Chong Gao , Yingcun Liu , Ziyi Su , Changjin Ke , Keshuai Liu , Jian Fang , Weilin Xu
Published: June 2022

Yarn structure variation and property improvement have been widely investigated for applications in fancy fabric production. Thus, a novel composite yarn was fabricated by dynamically forcing strand migrations around filaments with varied tension control, regulating the geometric configuration between the filaments and staple fibers. The geometrical principle of wavy-network structure variations of novel composite yarns caused by tension interference and helical migrations between filaments and staple fibers was theoretically analyzed. Subsequently, the coordination of delivery speed ratios and untwisting factors was applied on a ring frame with a delivery roller to control the tensile difference and spiral trajectory, which oscillated the helical convergence between filaments and strands to conduct confirmatory tests.

The online observations of the convergent formation in the spinning-triangle zone were technically applied to evaluate the dynamic helical migrations between strands and filaments, and the spiral structural variations of the yarn were caused by various tension difference interference and twist tracks. Experimental results revealed that the novel composite yarn had a network structure with wavy-dense wrapping, and the yarn hairiness, irregularity, tensile, and snarling properties were successively measured to compare the yarn property improvements with other composite yarns.

Generally, the systematic tensile oscillation between strands and filaments in the yarn formation zone, which are produced by various delivery speed ratios and untwisting factors, are promising as a novel method for controlling the helical configurations and inter-stress between filaments and staple strands.
Globalising the ‘war on terror’? An analysis of 36 countries
Authors: Ide Tobias
Published: June 2022

The war on terror as a discourse assumes that terrorism is an essential threat of global proportions, is mostly perpetuated by Islamist networks, and requires a strong international response. This discourse had tremendous impacts on both domestic and international politics. Consequentially, a large number of studies analyse the assumptions underlying and the policies legitimised by the war on terror discourse. However, existing work mostly focusses on one or a few cases, predominantly in the global north. This article introduces a novel dataset containing information on the war on terror discourse in the school textbooks of 36 countries, representing around 64% of the world’s population, for the period 2003–2014. Based on this dataset, I present the first comprehensive analysis of the global diffusion of the war on terror discourse. The study finds that the discourse has by no means globalised but is mostly limited to wealthy countries in Europe and North America. There are hence clear limits to the USA’s soft power and the hyper-globalisation of terrorism discourses. Factors like terrorism intensity, armed conflict and authoritarian regime have little predictive power. This is despite clear incentives for challenged (authoritarian) regimes to adapt the war on terror discourse. Contrary to common assumptions in critical security and terrorism studies, the war on terror discourse is hardly associated with an emphasis on terrorists’ irrationality and hatred or with the marginalisation of socio-political grievances.
Reutilization of polyurethane-based shoe sole scrap as a reinforcing filler in natural rubber for the development of high-performance composites
Authors: Bashpa P , Bijudas K , Dileep P , Elanthikkal Silviya , Francis Tania
Published: June 2022

Reutilization of industrial waste is one of the emerging strategies to combat solid waste disposal for the protection of our environment. The present work describes a novel and economic approach to reutilize finely ground shoe sole scrap, a thermoset polyurethane-based waste (PUW) material generated during shoe sole production in footwear industries as an efficient reinforcing filler in natural rubber (NR). Shoe sole scrap was ground to fine powder and characterized by various analytical techniques. NR-PUW composites were prepared using 0–20 phr (parts per hundred of rubber) of PUW. The cure characteristics, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of prepared composites were studied. Composite with 5 phr PUW showed a remarkable improvement in tensile strength by 10% and modulus at 300% elongation increased by 9% compared to that of neat sample. A considerable increase in abrasion resistance and tear strength was also observed in 5 phr PUW loaded composites. Other mechanical properties like hardness, heat build-up and compression set showed a regular increase with further filler loading. To estimate the level of interfacial adhesion between the filler and the matrix, the experimental values of tensile strength were compared with Nicolais–Narkis (N–N), Lu, and Turcsányi–Pukànszky–Tüdõs (T–P–T) models and elastic modulus values with Einstein and Guth and Smallwood models. The tensile strength values are in agreement with T-P-T model (B = 4), up to 5 phr PUW proving the better adhesion between NR and PUW at lower filler loadings. At higher PUW loading, the experimental results are approaching Lu and N–N models indicating that this adhesion is collapsed. The incorporation of PUW as a filler in NR does not adversely impact the thermal stability of prepared composites. The results obtained are not only promising from a circular economy perspective, but also is contributive in production of high-performance, low-cost NR composites for various industrial applications.
The impact of job quality on organizational commitment and job satisfaction: The moderating role of socioeconomic status
Authors: Kim KonShik
Published: June 2022

This study analyzes the effects of each of three dimensions of job quality on organizational commitment and job satisfaction. The interactions between job quality and socioeconomic status also are examined to understand the relationship between job quality and organizational commitment and job satisfaction. This study found that all three dimensions of job quality – quality of income, job security, and working environment – have linear effects on organizational commitment and job satisfaction. In addition, the relationship between job quality as a whole and organizational commitment and job satisfaction varies depending on socioeconomic status. This study showed the dual role of socioeconomic status in that the relationship between job quality and organizational commitment and job satisfaction is more accelerated for workers with high socioeconomic status, while the effects of job quality and socioeconomic status on organizational commitment and job satisfaction offset each other where job quality is lower than average.
The paso del indio site (VB-4), Puerto Rico: A site for change
Authors: Barnes Mark R
Published: June 2022

The Paso del Indio site, discovered and partially mitigated in the midst of a major highway construction project, is the largest and deepest stratified, multi-component prehistoric site found to date on the island of Puerto Rico, and likely the entire Greater Antilles. The site exhibits a number of cultural occupation levels, separated by the deposition of sterile soil levels. This circumstance created a stratigraphic sequence of thousands of years of occupation, over 5 meters deep, representing the four prehistoric culture history periods known for Puerto Rico, as defined in the 1950s. This article is a summary of the work accomplished on this site thus far, analysis of selected material culture, and recent contributions of the site to Caribbean archaeology.
Vision impairment: To register or not to register? That is the question
Authors: Tooth Cirta , Cackett Peter
Published: June 2022

For patients to enjoy the benefits of vision impairment registration, they need to be certified by an ophthalmologist. There have been concerns about barriers and a lack of awareness of benefits and certification criteria among ophthalmologists leading to under-registration. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the certification process in terms of potential barriers, clinical decision-making, and understanding of current guidelines and registration benefits.

Ophthalmologists completed a survey on understanding registration benefits and barriers for certification ( n = 22) and a survey on clinical decision-making in certification ( n = 21). Furthermore, visual function and registration data were collected at a hospital Low Vision Clinic in Edinburgh from all new referrals ( n = 89) over a 4-month period from August to November 2020. Our study showed that the main barriers for vision impairment certification were insufficient awareness of registration benefits, uncertainty of when to certify, and a lack of time in clinic. Ophthalmologists were more confident about certification of ocular versus neurological visual impairment. In terms of clinical decision-making, the ophthalmologists’ survey placed most importance on visual-field assessments, followed by visual acuity. Very little importance was placed on contrast sensitivity. Our findings suggest that ophthalmologists would benefit from more education into the benefits of registration and more guidance when registering patients with neurological conditions affecting functional vision in particular. It may be beneficial to highlight the role of contrast sensitivity during the certification process to ophthalmologists.
A homogeneous treatment for non-DIPG diffuse midline glioma
Authors: Schiavello Elisabetta , Biassoni Veronica , Gattuso Giovanna , Podda Marta , Chiaravalli Stefano , Barretta Francesco , Antonelli Manila , De Cecco Loris , Pecori Emilia , Gandola Lorenza , Massimino Maura
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

The H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma (DMG) was first included in the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors in 2016, and confirmed in its fifth edition. The biological behavior and dismal prognosis of this tumor resemble diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG). Homogeneously-treated series are rarely reported.

Methods:

From 2016 onwards, we treated patients with DMG with radiotherapy and concomitant/adjuvant nimotuzumab/vinorelbine, plus re-irradiation at relapse, as already done for DIPG.

Results:

We treated nine patients, seven females, with a median age at diagnosis of 13 years. Tumor sites were: thalamic in five cases, pontocerebellar in two, pineal in one, and paratrigonal with nodular/leptomeningeal dissemination in one. Three patients were biopsied, and six had partial tumor resections. Central pathological review was always performed. The median time to local progression was 12.7 months, and the median overall survival was 17.8 months. Six patients died of tumor progression, one of cerebral bleeding at progression. Two were alive, one in continuous remission, the other after relapsing, at 38.6 and 46.3 months after diagnosis. Progression-free survival was 33.3% at one year. Overall survival was 88.9%, 33.3% and 22.2% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively.

Conclusions:

This is a small series of homogeneously-treated DMG patients. The results obtained are comparable with those of DIPG patients. Given the phenotypically- and molecularly-defined setting of DMG and severe outcome in this orphan population, they should be treated and included in registries and protocols of DIPG.
Civic Stewardship and Urban Climate Governance: Opportunities for Transboundary Planning
Authors: Caggiano Holly , Landau Laura F. , Campbell Lindsay K. , Johnson Michelle L. , Svendsen Erika S.
Published: June 2022

Using interview data with civic environmental stewardship groups in New York City ( n = 26), we identify strategies through which civic stewards engage in transboundary environmental governance and urban climate adaptation planning. Our findings articulate the diverse ways that civic stewards engage with planning in urban socio-ecological systems, as they (1) shape physical spaces, (2) broker partnerships, (3) disrupt the status quo, (4) build civic capacity, and (5) envision new futures. We contribute to the literature by embedding civic stewardship within urban planning discourse, suggesting partnerships between civic stewards and government planners that facilitate the co-production of innovative urban climate governance efforts.
Photobiomodulation associated with lipid nanoparticles and hyaluronic acid accelerate the healing of excisional wounds
Authors: Zaccaron Rubya Pereira , Barbieri Rusilania Tozi , Mendes Carolini , Venturini Ligia Milanez , Alves Naiara , Mariano Samara de Souza , de Andrade Thiago Antônio Moraes , Hermes de Araújo Pedro Henrique , Feuser Paulo Emílio , Thirupathi Anand , Machado-de-Ávila Ricardo Andrez , Lock Silveira Paulo Cesar
Published: June 2022

Objectives: This article aimed to investigate the effects of the association between photobiomodulation and hyaluronic acid incorporated in lipid nanoparticles in an epithelial lesion model in inflammatory parameters and oxidative stress. Methods: Eighty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: epithelial lesion group (EL); EL+PBM; EL+HA; EL+SLNs; EL+SLNs-HA; EL+PBM+HA; EL+PBM+SLNs; EL+PBM+SLNs-HA. The animals were anesthetized with 4% isofluorane after shaving and induced to an epithelial lesion. Topical treatment with a gel containing HA (0.9%) and/or SLNs (10 mg/mL) and with laser irradiation occurred daily for 1 week. Results: The results showed an increase in wound contraction on the seventh day in the LE + LBM + AH-NPL group, a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α), an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL- 4 and IL-10) and TGF-β. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and TGF-β also showed an increase in the LE + NPL-AH, LE + FBM + AH, LE + FBM + NPL and LE + FBM + NPL-AH groups. Regarding oxidative stress parameters, the levels of DCF and nitrite decreased in the combined therapy group when compared to the control group, as well as oxidative damage (carbonyl and sulfhydryl). In the antioxidant defense, there was an increase in GSH and SOD in the combination therapy group. Histological analysis showed a reduction in inflammatory infiltrate in the combination therapy group. The number of fibroblasts and the compaction of collagen fibers did not obtain significant responses. Conclusions: Results analyzed together showed that the combined therapy favored the repair process, and that studies can be carried out to enhance the histological analysis therapy favored the tissue repair process and that studies can be carried out to enhance the histological analysis.
Exploring Successful Breastfeeding Behaviors Among Women Who Have High Body Mass Indices
Authors: O’Reilly Sharleen L. , Conway Marie C. , O’Brien Eileen C. , Molloy Eva , Walker Hannah , O’Carroll Eimear , McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Women with high body mass indices are at risk of lower breastfeeding rates but the drivers of successful breastfeeding in this population are unclear.

Research Aim:

We aimed to (a) explore the barriers and enablers to breastfeeding among women with high body mass indices and (b) map specific behaviors suitable for intervention across the antenatal to postpartum periods.

Methods:

This was a prospective, cross-sectional qualitative study. We conducted semi-structured interviews with women with high body mass indices who successfully breastfed for 6 months or more ( n =20), partners ( n = 22), and healthcare professionals ( n =19) in Ireland during 2018. Interviews were audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were inductively coded using reflexive thematic analysis and deductively mapped within the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behavior model.

Results:

The three themes developed were knowledge, support, and self-efficacy. Knowledge supported a participant’s psychological and physical capability to engage in breastfeeding. Support was related to the social and physical opportunity to enable performance of breastfeeding behaviors. Self-efficacy influenced reflective and automatic motivation to perform breastfeeding behaviors. A multifactorial intervention design is needed to support successful breastfeeding.

Conclusion:

The barriers and enablers identified for participants with high body mass indices were similar to those for the broader population; however, the physicality and associated social bias of high body mass indices mean that additional support is warranted. Antenatal and postpartum breastfeeding services need a multifaceted, inclusive, and high-quality program to provide the necessary support to women with higher body mass indices.
Youth’s everyday environmental citizenship: An analytical framework for studying interpretive agency
Authors: Firinci Orman Turkan
Published: June 2022

When youth agency and climate change are understood in the context of Politics, they do not reflect young people’s everyday realities and their youthful engagement with climate change. Building on the performative understanding of citizenship, in this theoretical piece, I suggest a broader framing of youthful political agency and participation in the context of climate change and consumerism by referring to four basic lived political positionings: ‘victim’, ‘voter’, ‘rejecter’ and ‘interpreter’. I further argue that young people perform their interpretive agency by adopting everyday activism and green lifestyles while challenging adult-led conceptualisations of environmental ideologies.
Reporting the news: How Breitbart derives legitimacy from recontextualised news
Authors: Roberts Jason , Wahl-Jorgensen Karin
Published: June 2022

The alternative right-wing news website Breitbart has been a subject of increased academic scrutiny following the election of Donald Trump as U.S. President in 2016. Due to its prominence during the campaign, where it became the most significant news website within the conservative media sphere. Breitbart remains highly influential within the conservative media sphere, particularly as a result of its attacks on mainstream media actors and organisations, which remain a prominent feature of its coverage and represent an ongoing form of metajournalistic discourse in the struggle to define the boundaries of journalism. This paper seeks to examine how Breitbart builds journalistic authority and legitimacy amongst their readership as a result of attacks on liberal and conservative journalists alike, emotionally appealing to normative, ‘common-sense’ understandings of journalism. In particular, Breitbart frequently use recontextualised news as a method of attacking oppositional journalism whilst simultaneously bolstering their own journalistic credentials. We argue that in a media ecology in which emotional content is prioritised in order to commodify the anger of citizens, practices of recontextualisation will continue to play an important role in the battle over the boundaries of acceptable journalistic practice.
Leadership Effectiveness Among Women Entrepreneurs: The Influence of Entrepreneurial Stimulus and Industry Affiliation
Authors: Patil Prachita , Kulkarni Mohit , Deshpande Yogesh
Published: June 2022

Leadership effectiveness is an invariably crucial ingredient in the recipe for entrepreneurial success. Evidently, this fact warrants an assessment of the factors which presumably influence the degree of leadership effectiveness of women entrepreneurs. Among others, two such elements are the entrepreneurial stimulus and the industry affiliation of women entrepreneurs. This study tries to make a case for the variance in leadership effectiveness and group management traits, with respect to differing entrepreneurial stimuli and industry affiliations of women entrepreneurs, respectively. It develops on a questionnaire-based quantitative self-assessment of leadership effectiveness Style of 120 women entrepreneurs from Central India. The findings suggest that women entrepreneurs influenced by pull factors perceive their leadership to be more effective than those affected by push factors. Furthermore, those belonging to service-dominant sectors seem to recognise a greater quantum of group management traits than their counterparts from the manufacturing-dominant sectors. Eventually, this study furthers the results to an inquiry into the plausible reasons behind them, thereby, generating a guidepost for subsequent efforts into the arena of enhancing leadership effectiveness among women entrepreneurs.