bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-specific associations of serum testosterone with gray matter volume and cerebral blood flow in midlife individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Nerattini Matilde , Williams Schantel , Andy Caroline , Carlton Caroline , Zarate Camila , Boneu Camila , Fauci Francesca , Ajila Trisha , Jett Steven , Battista Michael , Pahlajani Silky , Berti Valentina , Andrews Randolph , Matthews Dawn C. , Dyke Jonathan P. , Brinton Roberta Diaz , Mosconi Lisa
Published: January 2025

Testosterone, an essential sex steroid hormone, influences brain health by impacting neurophysiology and neuropathology throughout the lifespan in both genders. However, human research in this area is limited, particularly in women. This study examines the associations between testosterone levels, gray matter volume (GMV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in midlife individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to sex and menopausal status. A cohort of 294 cognitively normal midlife participants, 83% female, ages 35–65 years, with an AD family history and/or Apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (APOE-4) genotype, underwent volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to measure GMV and MR-Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) for measurement of CBF. We used voxel-based analysis and volumes of interest to test for associations between testosterone (both total and free testosterone) and brain imaging outcomes, stratified by sex and menopausal status. Higher total and free testosterone levels were associated with larger GMV in men, with peak effects in frontal and temporal regions. Conversely, in women, higher testosterone levels correlated with higher CBF, with peak effects in frontal and limbic regions, subcortical areas and hypothalamus. Among women, associations between testosterone and GMV were observed at the premenopausal and perimenopausal stages, but not postmenopause, whereas associations of testosterone with CBF were significant starting at the perimenopausal stage and were more pronounced among hormone therapy non-users. Results were independent of age, APOE-4 status, midlife health indicators, and sex hormone-binding globulin levels. These findings indicate sex-specific neurophysiological effects of testosterone in AD-vulnerable regions in midlife individuals at risk for AD, with variations observed across sex and menopausal status. This underscores the need for further research focusing on the neuroprotective potential of testosterone in both sexes.
The mediating role of core self-evaluation in the association between perceived peer relationship quality and loneliness in university students
Authors: Tan Hongxiu , Xiao Wen
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the mediating role of core self-evaluation (CSE) in the relationship between the perception of peer relationship quality and loneliness among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted with 462 university students (mean age: 20.7 ± 1.56 years; age range: 18 to 25 years) using the Peer Relationships Satisfaction Scale, Core Self-Evaluation Scale, and UCLA Loneliness Scale. The results revealed a significant negative correlation between perceived peer relationship quality and loneliness, as well as between CSE and loneliness. Core self-evaluation accounted for 36.23% of the total effect of peer relationship quality on loneliness. Additionally, female students reported higher levels of loneliness than male students, and students from rural areas experienced greater loneliness than their urban counterparts. The study concluded that fostering high-quality peer relationships and enhancing core self-evaluation could be effective strategies for reducing loneliness among university students.
Extracting speech spectrogram of speech signal based on generalized S-transform
Authors: Jiashen Li , Xianwu Zhang
Published: January 2025

In speech signal processing, time-frequency analysis is commonly employed to extract the spectrogram of speech signals. While many algorithms exist to achieve this with high-quality results, they often lack the flexibility to adjust the resolution of the extracted spectrograms. However, applications such as speech recognition and speech separation frequently require spectrograms of varying resolutions. The flexibility of an algorithm in providing different resolutions is crucial for these applications. This paper introduces the generalized S-transform, and explains its fundamental theory and algorithmic implementation. By adjusting parameters, the proposed method flexibly produces spectrograms with different resolutions, offering a novel and effective approach to obtain speech signal spectrograms. The algorithm enhances the traditional Stockwell transform (S-transform) by incorporating a low-pass filtering function and introducing two adjustable parameters. These parameters modify the Gaussian window function of the basic S-transform, resulting with the generalized S-transform with customizable time-frequency resolution. Finally, this paper presents simulation experiments using both synthesized signals and real speech datas, comparing with the generalized S-transform with several commonly used spectrogram extraction algorithms. The experiments demonstrate that the generalized S-transform is feasible and effective, particularly when it is combined with the generalized fundamental frequency profile. The results indicate that this method is a viable and effective in obtaining spectrograms of speech signals, and has potential application in speech feature extraction and speech recognition. The pure speech dataset used in the experiments is sourced from a downloadable database and partially from a recorded speech set.
Paediatric sedation with intranasal dexmedetomidine: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nissen Katrine Dueholm , Moos Caroline Margaret , Wolf Andras , Strøm Thomas
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Sedation ensures a child remains motionless during a procedure and decreases anxiety. Several pharmacologic regimes exist for paediatric sedation. However, often, intravenous cannulation is required, causing distress for the child. Creating a low-stress environment for children during medical procedures is crucial. Intranasal dexmedetomidine offers a promising alternative by either removing the need for intravenous cannulation or significantly reducing stress and anxiety when cannulation is necessary. We aim to investigate the safety and efficiency of sedating children with intranasal dexmedetomidine.

Methods and analysis

We will systematically search MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), CENTRAL, Clinicaltrials.gov, and the WHO ICTRP portal. We will include all randomized controlled trials (RCT) that investigate the use of intranasal dexmedetomidine compared to alternative sedatives for premedication or sedation of children. Two researchers will independently screen title/abstract and full-text articles for eligibility using Covidence. Our primary outcome is sedation success rate. RCTs that meet the inclusion criteria will form the unit of analysis. Data extracted from each study will be presented in table format (S2 Table). Information on parameters that describe safety and efficiency outcomes will be extracted and analysed. Outcome data will be reported as risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes or mean and standardized mean differences with 95% CI for continuous outcomes. The assessment of statistical heterogeneity will be examined using Chi2- and I2-statistics. PROSPERO registration number CRD42024532993

Discussion

Sedation with intranasal dexmedetomidine is not common practice in all countries, though the medicament has the potential to provide a child-friendly approach to sedation and premedication. Reviews on the area are conflicting, and new RCT studies have been published. Our systematic review aims to comprehensively assess intranasal paediatric sedation, focusing on dexmedetomidine and guiding clinicians in daily decision-making for optimal paediatric sedation.
A new shortcut for competitive sports development? The purpose of and strategy for developing and introducing sepaktakraw in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Ding-Yi , Tan Tien-Chin , Wang Yan-Ting
Published: January 2025

A growing number of countries and regions have introduced emerging sports in recent years; however, few studies have been conducted to determine how and why they do so. This article focuses on why a new sport, sepaktakraw, was introduced in Taiwan and how strategies for achieving international sporting success were developed in a short period. The sports policy factors leading to the international sporting success model proposed by De Bosscher et al. were adopted as this study’s analytical framework. Data were obtained from official government and sport federation documents, media reports, and semistructured interviews with 18 key stakeholders. This study revealed three main reasons for the introduction of sepaktakraw in Taiwan: (1) low introduction costs, (2) breakthroughs to win medals at the Asian Games, and (3) advantageous entry into international sports organization leadership. Seven aspects are prioritized in Taiwan’s sepaktakraw development strategy: (1) obtaining government financial support; (2) institutionalizing organisational decision-making; (3) taking universities as a breakthrough point and then gradually shifting to promote popularization at the grassroots level; (4) selecting players on the basis of competition results; (5) using school badminton courts; (6) strengthening coach training; and (7) actively participating in and striving to host international tournaments. The findings could provide guidelines and examples for other countries or regions to follow when introducing new sports and moving towards the successful development of competitive sports.
Teacher voices matter: The role of teacher autonomy in enhancing job satisfaction and mitigating burnout
Authors: Ha Cheyeon , Pressley Tim , Marshall David T.
Published: January 2025

This study aims to explore variables associated with teacher burnout at the end of the 2021–2022 school year and shed light on teachers’ mental health issues related to psychological factors. We collected survey data from 824 United States teachers. Using a moderated mediation analytic model, the results of this study showed that teachers’ autonomy had considerable interaction effects on job satisfaction and burnout with other variables in this study (i.e., administrative support on job satisfaction and job satisfaction on burnout). Teachers with more experience and higher job satisfaction showed lower burnout scores. Furthermore, results showed significant relationships between key variables influencing burnout. These findings are key as teacher attrition grows across the United States, and school leaders should look to support teachers’ well-being.
Unexpected effects of pandemic-related changes on mental health: Evidence from a nationwide survey in South Korea
Authors: Kim Won-Hyoung , Kim Jonghun , Oh Jiyun , Lee Seolim , Chang Jihwan , Kim Younhee
Published: January 2025

Background

Substantial evidence indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected population mental health globally. However, most studies assumed a linear relationship where only negative pandemic-induced changes led to worse mental health outcomes, overlooking the complex relationship between COVID-19-related changes and mental health. This study examined how various types and magnitudes of pandemic-related changes relate to depression and suicidal thoughts in a large, nationwide adult population sample.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2021 Korean Community Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey of 229,213 adults. The study examined the association between mental health outcomes and three types of pandemic-related changes: daily life impact (scored 0–100), economic activities (employment and income changes), and health behaviors (physical activity, instant food consumption, alcohol consumption, and smoking). Complex sample multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess these associations, adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

Results

The relationship between pandemic-related changes and mental health showed non-linear patterns. Compared to those reporting moderate changes, individuals reporting either no change (depression: aOR 1.253, 95% CI 1.135–1.384; suicidal thoughts: aOR 1.355, 95% CI 1.236–1.486) or complete disruption (depression: aOR 1.895, 95% CI 1.667–2.155; suicidal thoughts: aOR 1.788, 95% CI 1.558–2.052) in daily life showed higher risks of poor mental health. Unexpectedly, positive changes such as improved working conditions (suicidal thoughts: aOR 1.419, 95% CI 1.200–1.677) and increased income (depression: aOR 1.304, 95% CI 1.139–1.493; suicidal thoughts: aOR 1.244, 95% CI 1.079–1.435) were also associated with adverse mental health outcomes.

Conclusions

This study reveals that both minimal and substantial changes in daily life, as well as both positive and negative changes in economic conditions and health behaviors, were associated with poor mental health outcomes during the pandemic. These findings suggest the need for comprehensive mental health interventions that consider various types and magnitudes of life changes during crisis situations.
Associations of RANKL levels and polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Young Ho , Song Gwan Gyu
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study examined the correlation between circulating receptor activator for nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) levels and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and investigated the association between polymorphisms in the RANKL gene and susceptibility to RA.

Method

We searched the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases for relevant publications up to September 2024. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess serum/plasma RANKL levels in patients with RA and controls, and to explore the relationship between RANKL rs9533156 and rs2277438 polymorphisms and RA susceptibility.

Results

Ten studies encompassing 1,682 RA patients and 1,288 controls were analyzed. RANKL levels were significantly higher in RA patients compared to controls (SMD = 0.665, 95% CI = 0.290–1.040, P = 0.001). Subgroup analysis affirmed these findings’ consistency across different sample sizes and publication years. RANKL levels were positively associated with rheumatoid factor (RF) and Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) (RF correlation coefficient = 0.157, 95% CI = 0.028–0.282, P = 0.018; DAS28 correlation coefficient = 0.151, 95% CI = 0.125–0.370, P < 0.001). Additionally, the meta-analysis revealed significant associations between the susceptibility to RA and the RANKL rs9533156 C allele (OR = 0.609, 95% CI = 0.520–0.714, P < 0.010) as well as the rs2277438 G allele (OR = 1.206, 95% CI = 1.003–1.451, P = 0.047). These associations were consistent across homozygote comparisons and different genetic models.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis underscores the elevated circulating RANKL levels in RA patients and their significant correlation with RF and DAS28. Additionally, the RANKL rs9533156 and rs2277438 polymorphisms were significantly associated with RA susceptibility.
Mutations in chikungunya virus nsP4 decrease viral fitness and sensitivity to the broad-spectrum antiviral 4′-Fluorouridine
Authors: Yin Peiqi , Sobolik Elizabeth B. , May Nicholas A. , Wang Sainan , Fayed Atef , Vyshenska Dariia , Drobish Adam M. , Parks M. Guston , Lello Laura Sandra , Merits Andres , Morrison Thomas E. , Greninger Alexander L. , Kielian Margaret
Published: January 2025

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic alphavirus that has re-emerged to cause large outbreaks of human infections worldwide. There are currently no approved antivirals for treatment of CHIKV infection. Recently, we reported that the ribonucleoside analog 4′-fluorouridine (4′-FlU) is a highly potent inhibitor of CHIKV replication, and targets the viral nsP4 RNA dependent RNA polymerase. In mouse models, oral therapy with 4′-FlU diminished viral tissue burdens and virus-induced disease signs. To provide critical evidence for the potential of 4′-FlU as a CHIKV antiviral, here we selected for CHIKV variants with decreased 4′-FlU sensitivity, identifying two pairs of mutations in nsP2 and nsP4. The nsP4 mutations Q192L and C483Y were predominantly responsible for reduced sensitivity. These variants were still inhibited by higher concentrations of 4′-FlU, and the mutations did not change nsP4 fidelity or provide a virus fitness advantage in vitro or in vivo. Pathogenesis studies in mice showed that the nsP4-C483Y variant caused similar disease and viral tissue burden as WT CHIKV, while the nsP4-Q192L variant was strongly attenuated. Together these results support the potential of 4′-FlU to be an important antiviral against CHIKV.
We have the technology
Authors: Larsen Kristian
Published: January 2025

This discussion reflects on obsolescence as a hauntology through the lens of an interdisciplinary, critical-creative, artistic practice of improvisation. The practice is grounded in contemporary dance, choreographic thinking, experimental sound and is distracted by relationships between the body and technology. The writing offers further exposition, speculating on and generating insights about improvisation in relation to dance and technologically mediated sound in live performance. Informed by cultural theorist Mark Fisher’s perspectives (2012) and French philosopher Jacques Derrida’s notion of hauntology (1994), this article reflects on relationships between hyper-capitalism and obsolescence. Those relationships are considered a terroir of affect acting constantly upon both practice and practitioner. Notions of improvision (not to be confused with the word ‘improvisation’ in this writing) are explored in relation to hyper-capitalism and obsolescence, revealing challenges around ageing, futurity and artistic production. Improvisation is itself proposed as a meta-resource for responding to issues that can emerge through improvising a dance–sound art form.

From these reflections, a critical framework is developed, which at times threatens to overshadow the practice. Within that critical framework, a process of renovation emerges along with novel perspectives and discoveries about pre-existing materials, skills, practitioner knowledge and hope.
A choreographic method of mis/fit in aerial dance
Authors: Stich Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

This article examines the disability studies concept of misfit applied to aerial dance choreography. Rosemarie Garland-Thomson defines a misfit as an incongruency between two things, as in a square peg and round hole. Thus, misfit is not a fixed attribute but rather arises from the interaction of those two things. In aerial arts, fit or misfit is located in the relationship between a particular dancer’s body and the aerial apparatus. The aerial hoop, a rigid metal circle, is rife with potential misfits. The dancers in this project are visibly non-disabled, yet Garland-Thomson explicitly invites a broad application of misfit, noting that it is an inherent aspect of all embodiment. The material reality of the aerial apparatus in relationship with each dancer’s particular embodiment reveals misfits that might otherwise go unnoticed, unacknowledged and unvalued in dance practices. In this practice-research, a misfit approach to choreography serves to re-examine virtuosity and highlight the context-specific abilities of the bodies involved. This method guided the research inquiry in three areas: movement invention, spatial design and costuming and provided insight into the particularities of embodiment and perceptions of virtuosity in dance and circus practices.
Editorial
Authors: Miller Lee , Ellis Simon
Published: January 2025

Lee Miller and Simon Ellis are artist–researchers who co-edit Choreographic Practices (along with Dani Abulhawa and Amaara Raheem). In this very short editorial (not much longer than an abstract), they discuss the web of practices and knowledges that underpin choreographic and artistic practice and its pivotal role in research.
Famílias em Coimbra nos séculos XVIII e XIX
Authors: Mota Guilhermina
Published: January 2025

Este artigo apresenta um quadro da cidade de Coimbra e das suas famílias nos séculos XVIII e XIX. O trabalho tem como fontes sobretudo listas de população de carácter eclesiástico. Estabelece comparações na organização das famílias nos diversos espaços da cidade e diversos grupos sociais.
Don Luigi Sturzo. A Man Through Many Seasons
Authors: Farrell-Vinay Giovanna
Published: January 2025

In 1891 Rerum Novarum led a Sicilian priest, Luigi Sturzo (1871-1959), towards Christian democracy. In 1919 he founded the Partito Popolare Italiano, a mass party. Italian Catholics entered national politics amid great instability. Fascism quashed the Popolari and the Vatican settled the Roman Question with Mussolini, sending Sturzo into exile. He lived in London from October 1924 to September 1940, when he moved to the US. He returned home in 1946. Aided by British Liberal intellectuals, Labourists and progressive Catholics, he established himselfas a scholar, political moralist and leading anti-Fascist. His US secret mission, agreed with British Intelligence to overturn Catholic isolationism, was partly wrecked by Italian diplomats and Catholic prelates who relegated him to Jacksonville. But St. Augustine's Bishop, Joseph Hurley, protected him. Sturzo co-operated with Hurley and with British and American Intelligence, first against Nazism, then against Communism. He prepared the ground for the post-war success of De Gasperi's Democrazia Cristiana, but back home became its fiercest critic.
La Frontera como Integración del Territorio en la Edad Media: la Raya Leonesa (Siglos XII-XIII)
Authors: Martín Viso Iñaki
Published: January 2025

El presente trabajo analiza el hecho fronterizo en la parte leonesa de la raya durante los siglos XII y XIII. Este fenómeno sirvió como elemento de integración del territorio en el sistema político de la monarquía feudal. Se parte de una realidad altomedieval (siglos VIII-XI) en la que permaneció la población, organizada en un modelo de sociedad descentralizada, donde los sitios de altura fueron un eje fundamental. La afirmación del poder regio leonés a partir de mediados del siglo XII se basó en la creación de instrumentos que permitieran la implementación de canales de diálogo entre los poderes locales y la autoridad central, como los concejos. Para dotar de contenido a la frontera se generaron vínculos de carácter feudal, donde la participación de grupos señoriales externos - monjes, órdenes militares, milites -fue una herramienta útil para integrar este espacio en el sistema político leonés. El resultado fue la creación de una identidad fronteriza dentro de la formación social, sin desarrollar una identidad nacional.
A Voz do Clero nas Cortes de Lisboa de 1455
Authors: Gomes Saul António
Published: January 2025

O Autor apresenta e edita os capítulos especiais do Clero apresentados nas Cortes de Lisboa de Março de 1455. Textos relativamente raros no conjunto das fontes portuguesas disponíveis para o estudo histórico da Igreja e dos seus agentes em tempos medievais, os capítulos de Cortes, em geral, e os que agora se editam em especial, permitem, pela sua originalidade discursiva e riqueza lexical, conhecer mais aprofundadamente o universo clerical, as suas ideias e preocupações no contexto político de uma intensa modernização do poder da Coroa real, como era aquele que se verificava em Portugal na segunda metade de Quatrocentos.
Escrita e Segredo. Correspondência amorosa de uma aristocrata nos primeiros anos da Guerra da Restauração
Authors: Araújo Ana Cristina
Published: January 2025

As cartas de amor impõem-se como género literário a partir do Renascimento. Dadas como autênticas, estas não deixavam de comportar uma certa margem de ilusão e falsidade, para os seus autores e leitores.
À margem do olhar literário, a verdadeira correspondência amorosa conserva as marcas do segredo, assinala um processo de enamoramento e evoca um quotidiano ausente, entrevisto apenas por um dos elementos do casal. Assim, as cartas de D. Joana de Vasconcelos de Meneses para o seu marido, em campanha militar no Alentejo, remetem para a tempestuosa conjuntura de inícios da Guerra da Restauração, dão a conhecer inúmeros aspectos curiosos da vida cortesã e respondem à exigência de definição de género, num quadro múltiplo de interacções familiares, sexuais e sociais.
Elemento fundamental de identidade cultural, a correspondência de D. Joana de Vasconcelos e Sousa demonstra que, na mesma época em que desponta a arte da galanteria e do amor galante, algumas mulheres nobres portuguesas gozam de efectiva liberdade em matéria de trocas amorosas e de um real protagonismo social e político, nos bastidores da Corte.
O Poder Político-Administrativo das Paróquias em Portugal (Séculos XIX-XX)
Authors: Catroga Fernando
Published: January 2025

Se, na historiografia portuguesa sobre os séculos XIX e XX, o papel de circunscrições administrativas como os Distritos e os Concelhos tem merecido a devida atenção, o mesmo não se pode afirmar acerca da Paróquia ou Freguesia. Ora, sopesar os problemas decorrentes, quer da secularização da Paróquia e da fixação do seu estatuto civil como Freguesia, quer da definição das suas competências, é indispensável para que possam ser melhor compreendidos não só os elos entre a Igreja e o poder político-administrativo, mas também, dentro deste, entre o seu centro e as suas periferias. E tudo isto terá ainda em vista surpreender a maneira como o panoptismo do Estado centralista-estrutura transversal aos vários regimes políticos aqui em causa (Monarquia Constitucional, República, Estado Novo) - agiu à escala mais "microscópica" e, como é que, concretamente, exerceu o domínio "policial" sobre as populações.
Cómo se organizan las máquinas. Una introducción a los sistemas distribuidos
Authors: Santamaría Rodrigo
Published: January 2025

El mundo moderno funciona gracias a la colaboración entre máquinas. Desde la sincronización de nuestros relojes hasta la descarga de música, varios ordenadores deben coordinarse para servir a nuestras necesidades.

En este libro recorremos los principales retos y aplicaciones que surgen de la colaboración entre máquinas. Aunque orientado a ingenieros y estudiantes, el libro cubre temas interesantes para el público en general, tales como las redes P2P, blockchain o el motor de búsqueda de Google, tratados de manera lo más amena posible, pero sin perder los detalles que permiten entender su funcionamiento.
Projeto “Cuide-se para cuidar”
Authors: Ribeiro Luana Paula de Faria , Barbosa Ana Luisa Dias , Silveira Carla de Paula , Takeshita Isabela Mie
Published: January 2025

A deficiência física e/ou intelectual é uma condição complexa que acomete grande parte da população brasileira, e, quando se trata de crianças, o papel da família é crucial na garantia de uma boa qualidade de vida. Sabe-se que as mães costumam ser a figura que assume maior responsabilidade, abdicando do próprio autocuidado para prover o cuidado necessário aos seus filhos. Este texto relata a experiência de duas acadêmicas da área da saúde em um projeto de extensão, que promove o autocuidado e a promoção de saúde de mulheres-mães de crianças com deficiência em uma associação filantrópica de reabilitação de Belo Horizonte. As ações foram realizadas quinzenalmente, em cinco encontros, tendo a participação ativa de, em média, oito mães por encontro. Abordou-se temas relacionados ao autocuidado, saúde mental e prevenção de câncer de mama. Durante os encontros observou-se uma grande interação entre as mães e as acadêmicas, promovida pelo contato humano e empatia, pilares importantes da boa formação profissional. Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura, para trilhar discussões e conclusões sobre o tema. O projeto desenvolvido destaca a importância de ações educativas e promoção de saúde para as mães de crianças com deficiência, evidenciando a capacidade de impactar positivamente suas vidas.
narrativas de uma extensão sentipensante
Authors: Tammela Ricardo
Published: January 2025

Ao caminhar à deriva pelas ruas e servidões do Vale do Carangola, não caminhamos ao acaso, mas motivadas ao encontro, no rumo e no tempo determinado por quem caminha e pelo cotidiano de onde caminhamos... os encontros não acontecem por acontecer, eles acontecem como resultado de uma interação, e se essa interação é recorrente, somos afetadas e nos acontecem mudanças e acontece a linguagem... que nos toca... e no toque, que pode ser sonoro, mas também físico, pelo abraço, acontece o afeto, acontece o amor... e no amor, acontece o compromisso, acontece a confluência. O texto vem contar a experiência de caminhar à deriva e de como somos afetadas por esse movimento. O se colocar à deriva é um conceito importante que, junto com o caminhar, o encontrar e o dialogar, a experiência, o paradigma indiciário e o sentipensante, fazem a trama do que viemos chamar de uma extensão sentipensante.
POLITICAL AND LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS IN MINERAL AND COAL MINING LAWS: A CRITICAL REVIEW
Authors: Natsir Muhammad , Ilahi Andi Hidayat Anugrah , Adnas Titien Pratiwi
Published: January 2025

The revision of Indonesia’s Mineral and Coal Mining Law (Law Number 3 of 2020) has generated significant debate and resistance, especially from 2019 through the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Significant concerns encompass heightened corruption risks, compromised environmental protections, dependence on foreign labor, reduced community rights in mining regions, and challenges to democratic and decentralized governance structures. This study rigorously analyses the legal and practical implications of the law, concentrating on its application within the nickel mining industry. This approach employs a juridical-normative framework, integrating literature reviews and observational methods to evaluate recent legal cases and the effects of policy changes. The findings indicate that although the law is designed to simplify licensing procedures and encourage investment, it also presents issues related to diminished regional autonomy, possible environmental harm, and social disparities. The highlighted issues reveal Indonesia’s dependence on extractive industries, which starkly contrasts the global movement towards sustainable practices. The research underscores the necessity for regulatory reforms that harmonize economic development with environmental sustainability and fair resource management, providing critical insights for policymakers, legal professionals, and industry participants.
Historical consulting for digital games: from general reflections to CEE game industries
Authors: Mochocki Michał , Kot Yaraslau
Published: January 2025

This is the first paper from the Historical Consultancy for Games project run by Games Research Association of Poland with grant funding from Centre for the Development of Creative Industries in Poland. In the first section, the paper conducts an overview of historical game consulting and relevant research from the early stage – up to 2015. Then, it comments on the current state of affairs in the 2020s, as can be assessed on the basis of (sparse) research published within HGS (historical game studies). The final section is a brief report from a preliminary survey carried out in GRAP’s project among people representing national gamedev associations or organisations in eight countries in Central and Eastern Europe: Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Estonia, and Serbia. Respondents from these countries name the most successful history-themed games and publishing companies known in their homeland, and comment on the status of historical consultancy in their local-national video game industries.
Does mental exertion during incremental exercise change substrate oxidation and cardiorespiratory outcomes in individuals with overweight?
Authors: Pourmirzaei Kouhbanani Samira , Setarehdan Seyed Kamaledin , Fayazmilani Rana
Published: January 2025

Given the growing concern over the impact of brain health in individuals with overweight, understanding how mental exertion (ME) during exercise affects substrate oxidation and cardiorespiratory outcomes is crucial. This study examines how ME impacts these outcomes during an incremental exercise test in adults with overweight. Seventeen adults who were overweight completed an incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer two times, with and without the Stroop task. Energy expenditure (EE), carbohydrate and fat oxidation, maximum heart rate (HRmax), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximum fat oxidation (MFO), and the intensity of exercise that elicited MFO (Fatmax) are measured by indirect calorimetry. ME did not change the EE, carbohydrate, and fat oxidation at any stages of the incremental test. However, ME resulted in significantly lower HRmax, VO2max, and MFO (p < 0.01) and increased NASA‐TLX scores but showed no change in Fatmax. These results show ME decreases the value of HRmax, VO2max, and MFO during the incremental exercise test. Due to the increased mental workload demonstrated by the NASA‐TLX test, adults with overweight are unable to complete the test to the same extent as they did in the test without ME according to maximal levels in this study.
Stability on 3D Boussinesq system with mixed partial dissipation
Authors: Lin Hongxia , Liu Sen , Guo Xiaochuan , You Ruiqi
Published: January 2025

In the article, we are concerned with the three-dimensional anisotropic Boussinesq equations with the velocity dissipation in

x

2

{x}_{2}

and

x

3

{x}_{3}

directions and the thermal diffusion in only

x

3

{x}_{3}

direction. When the spatial domain is the whole space

R

3

{{\mathbb{R}}}^{3}

, the global well-posedness and stability problem for the partially dissipated Boussinesq system remain the extremely challenging open problems. Attention here focuses on the periodic domain

Ω
=
R
×

T

2

\Omega ={\mathbb{R}}\times {{\mathbb{T}}}^{2}

. We aim at establishing the stability for the problem of perturbations near hydrostatic equilibrium and the large-time behavior of the perturbed solution. We first obtain the global existence of some symmetric fluids in

H

2

(

Ω

)

{H}^{2}\left(\Omega )

for small initial data. Then the exponential decay rates for the oscillations

u

˜

\widetilde{u}

and

θ

\theta

in

H

1

(

Ω

)

{H}^{1}\left(\Omega )

and the homogeneous Sobolev space

H

v

2

˙

(

Ω

)

\dot{{H}_{v}^{2}}\left(\Omega )

are also shown. The proof is based on a key observation that we can decompose the velocity

u

u

into the average

u

¯

\overline{u}

on

T

2

{{\mathbb{T}}}^{2}

and the corresponding oscillation

u

˜

\widetilde{u}

. This enables us to establish the strong Poincaré-type inequalities on

u

˜

\widetilde{u}

,

u

3

,
θ

{u}_{3},\theta

and some anisotropic inequalities, which ensure the establishment of the closed priori estimates. In addition, we also prove the oscillations in one direction

u

˜

(

2

)

,

u

˜

(

3

)

{\widetilde{u}}^{\left(2)},{\widetilde{u}}^{\left(3)}

in

H

1

(

Ω

)

{H}^{1}\left(\Omega )

decay to zero exponentially.
A comparative analysis of current С-peptide assays compared to a reference method: can we overcome inertia to standardization?
Authors: Rohlfing Curt , Petroski Gregory , Connolly Shawn M. , Hanson Steven , Little Randie R. , Kabytaev Kuanysh
Published: January 2025

Objectives

C-peptide is an equimolar by-product of insulin biosynthesis. It is used clinically to assess insulin secretion and differentiate types of diabetes. However, the lack of standardization across assays limits its broader application. This study aimed to examine discrepancies between the leading C-peptide measurement methods used in clinical laboratories and propose a solution to reduce them based on a complete traceability chain.

Methods

Two sets of serum samples were distributed to 10 manufacturers of C-peptide assays. The first set (A, n=20) was analyzed independently by each manufacturer, who then returned their results to us. Subsequently, we sent out the second set (B, n=20) along with the reference values for set A. For set B, each manufacturer provided both non-calibrated and recalibrated values for each sample. The recalibration was performed according to each manufacturer’s internal standard protocols. We assessed how recalibration affected agreement between methods and alignment with the reference method. Non-parametric statistical approaches, including Passing-Bablok regression, level of agreement, and standard deviation analysis, were applied to compare data from multiple perspectives.

Results

Despite most manufacturers using the same WHO C-peptide calibrator material, significant disagreement was observed between methods prior to recalibration. Recalibration with matrix-appropriate serum samples reduced the discordance among assays, bringing them closer to the reference method. Overall, recalibration reduced both systematic bias and individual assay disagreement.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the importance of appropriate calibration schemes to improve agreement across C-peptide assays, enhancing the accuracy of C-peptide testing for clinical practice.
Positive answer to the invariant and hyperinvariant subspaces problems for hyponormal operators
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Mecheri Salah
Published: January 2025

There is a resent paper claiming that every hyponormal operator which is not a multiple of
the identity (operator) has a nontrivial hyperinvariant subspace. If this claim is true, then every hyponormal operator has a nontrivial invariant subspace, and every subnormal operator which is not multiple of the identity has a nontrivial
hyperinvariant subspace. But we find out that the proof of the above claim goes wrong.
Thus, the invariant subspace problem of the hyponormal operator and the hyperinvariant problem of subnormal
operator remain unresolved. Moreover, it is well known that these are two important research topics in operator
theory that have not been solved for a long time, and that many researchers have been trying to solve these two problems.
So, it is very meaningful to clarify whether these two problems have been solved.
Infinite system of integral equations associated with birth-and-death stochastic process: A challenge to solve
Authors: Banaś Józef , Madej Justyna , Rzepka Beata
Published: January 2025

The paper is dedicated to formulate an open problem concerning the existence of solutions of an infinite system of nonlinear differential (or integral) equations which are obtained during the modelling of the so-called birth-and-death stochastic process. Namely, creating a model of the mentioned birth-and-death process and also taking into account nonlinear components which are usually deleted during standard considerations, we obtain an infinite system of nonlinear differential (or integral) equations on a bounded or unbounded interval. It turns out that the operator associated with that infinite system is unbounded in all known classical Banach or Fréchet spaces. This fact initiates an open problem which will be described and raised in the paper.
Knockdown of CCNB1 alleviates high glucose-triggered trophoblast dysfunction during gestational diabetes via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Xiao Biru , Zhang Wenmiao , Ji Nini , Chen Qiuyue
Published: January 2025

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), defined as glucose intolerance occurring or first detected during pregnancy, affects approximately 8% of pregnancies worldwide. The dysfunction of trophoblasts in pregnancies complicated by GDM is associated with changes in trophoblast cell functions, resulting in compromised proliferation and regulation of the cell cycle. Cyclin B1 (CCNB1), a pivotal controller of the start of mitosis, is crucial in these mechanisms. Nevertheless, the precise function of CCNB1 in trophoblast dysfunction related to GDM has not been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate CCNB1’s role in high glucose (HG)-triggered trophoblast. Herein, we revealed that in HG-stimulated HTR8/SVneo cells, CCNB1 is highly expressed. Knockdown of CCNB1 significantly promotes the growth of HG-stimulated HTR8/SVneo cells and suppresses inflammation (p < 0.05). Additionally, reducing CCNB1 expression significantly improves glucose uptake and inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HG-stimulated HTR8/SVneo cells (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the deletion of CCNB1 can alleviate trophoblast dysfunction induced by HG in GDM through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This suggests that CCNB1 may be a potential target for managing GDM. Although our results underscore the potential therapeutic benefits of reducing CCNB1 in mitigating trophoblast dysfunction, it is important to note that the study is limited by its reliance on a single cell line and the absence of in vivo validation.
New alkaline earth and rare earth representatives adopting the Ce2Al16Pt9-type structure
Authors: Engel Stefan , Janka Oliver
Published: January 2025

The M
2Al16Pt9 series with M = Ca, La–Nd and Sm–Gd was synthesized from the elements in analogy to the literature known compounds Ce2Al16Pt9 and Sr2Al16Pt9. All compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic crystal system with space group Immm and have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. For La2Al16Pt9 and Eu2Al16Pt9 also single-crystal investigations have been conducted. In all cases, Al3Pt2 as well as the members of the REAl5Pt3 series (YNi5Si3 type, space group Pnma) have been observed as side phases. Annealing led in all cases to an increase of the side phases, suggesting that the title compounds decompose peritectically. In the crystal structures, polyanionic [Al16Pt9]
δ– networks can be found with large fourfold capped hexagonal prismatic cavities (M@Al6Pt6Al4), which host the respective M atoms. As seen from the unit cell volumes, the La–Nd, Sm and Gd compounds exhibit a formally trivalent oxidation state while the Ca and Eu atoms in Ca2Al16Pt9 and Eu2Al16Pt9 are divalent.
High-pressure synthesis and crystal structure of Al3BO6
Authors: Widmann Ingo , Oberndorfer Thomas , Huppertz Hubert
Published: January 2025

Orthorhombic Al3BO6 was synthesized in a Walker-type multianvil apparatus under high-pressure/high-temperature conditions of 5 GPa and 1,200 °C, respectively. Its structure has been determined via single-crystal diffraction and is isotypic to M
3BO6 (M = Cr, Fe) and homeotypic to the natural mineral norbergite (Mg3SiO4(OH)2). Thereby, we could complement the first report of Al3BO6 by Capponi et al. in 1972 (Capponi, J.-J.; Chenavas, J.; Joubert, J.-C. Eur. J. Mineral.
1972, 95, 412–417.) by providing a precise structure description. Al3BO6 crystallizes in the space group Pnma (no. 62) with 4 formula units per unit cell and the lattice parameters a = 9.5060(5), b = 8.1058(4) and c = 4.2899(2) Å. Infrared spectroscopy (powder sample) and high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction further characterize the compound.
LiEu[BO3]: a lithium europium(II) ortho-oxoborate with a familiar crystal structure
Authors: Hoslauer Jean-Louis , Reckeweg Olaf , Lissner Falk , Schulz Armin , Schleid Thomas
Published: January 2025

Yellow, transparent single crystals of LiEu[BO3] were obtained by serendipity in a solid-state reaction with the educts Eu2O3, MgBr2 and Li[BH4] at 750 °C within an arc-welded niobium ampoule enclosed in an evacuated fused silica secondary jacket. LiEu[BO3] crystallizes isotypically to LiBa[BO3] and LiSr[BO3] in the monoclinic space group P21/n exhibiting the unit cell parameters a = 638.79(4) pm, b = 677.12(4) pm and c = 690.43(4) pm with a monoclinic angle of β = 110.648(3)° for Z = 4. Li+ is coordinated by five oxygen atoms from three triangular planar [BO3]3– anions, while Eu2+ has seven oxygen neighbors belonging to six ortho-oxoborate groups. A brief synopsis of the crystal structures of other LiM
+II[BO3] compounds is given and the Raman spectrum of LiEu[BO3] compares well with the infrared spectrum obtained from the non-isotypic LiCa[BO3].
C–S–H–PCE nanocomposites as hydration accelerator in calcined clay-limestone-blended low carbon cement
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Plank Johann
Published: January 2025

Recently, providing admixtures to improve the performance of the novel low-carbon-blended cement is needed to meet the requirement for environmentally friendly cements. In this study, calcium-silicate-hydrate (C–S–H) nanocomposites which are known as hydration accelerator for Portland cement were employed in such low-carbon cements. The investigation focused on the effect of polycarboxylate ether (PCE) possessing different side-chain lengths on the morphology of C–S–H nanocomposites synthesized from sodium silicate and calcium nitrate via chemical co-precipitation and on their performance (especially early strength enhancement) when applied in a calcined clay-blended cement (OPC substitution rate of 46 wt%). As observed by TEM, addition of PCE effectively controls the size of the C–S–H nanoparticles and delays the transition from C–S–H globules to foils. PCEs with short side-chain (23 EO units) exhibited the highest inhibition effect on the growth of the C–S–H nuclei, which was confirmed by particle size measurements. Additionally, incorporating such C–S–H–PCE nanocomposites into the calcined clay-blended cement (dosage 2.0 % by weight of cement) significantly improved fluidity of the cement pastes. Regarding compressive strength, pristine C–S–H produced only a minor improvement, whereas C–S–H–PCE nanocomposites yielded substantial enhancement, especially after 16 h and 1 day of curing. Remarkably, C–S–H–23PCE pronounced the strongest seeding and strength enhancing effect, owed to its particularly small particle size (d = 21.8 ± 0.3 nm). It also significantly accelerated the hydration of the silicate phases (C3S and C2S) in this blended cement, as was evidenced by isothermal heat flow calorimetry and XRD measurements.
Homo- and heteronuclear complexes derived from N-picoline-functionalized benzimidazolin-2-ylidene ligands
Authors: Jahnke Mareike C. , Hahn F. Ekkehardt
Published: January 2025

The transformation of gold(I) complexes of the type [AuCl(NHC)] (NHC = N-picoline-N′-R-functionalized benzimidazolin-2-ylidene ligand; R = Et, 1; R = n-Pr, 2; R = n-Bu, 3) into polynuclear complexes was studied. Chloride abstraction from [AuCl(NHC)] by treatment with silver tetrafluoroborate yielded the digold complexes [Au2(1)2](BF4)2–[Au2(3)2](BF4)2, featuring two gold atoms coordinated by an NHC carbon atom from one NHC ligand and a picoline nitrogen atom from the second NHC ligand each. Treatment of the gold complexes [AuCl(NHC)] (NHC = 1−3) with dicarbene silver complexes of type [Ag(NHC)2][AgBr2] (NHC = 1−3) in the presence of AgBF4 proceeded under transmetalation of the NHC ligand to gold and formation of discrete heterodinuclear di-NHC complexes [AgAu(1)2](BF4)2−[AgAu(3)2](BF4)2, where the two NHC donors bind to the gold atoms, while the two pyridine donors bind to the silver atom. Reaction of the gold(I) complex [AuCl(4)] (4 = N,N′-dipicoline-functionalized benzimidazolin-2-ylidene) with silver(I) complex [Ag(4)2][AgBr2] in the presence of AgBF4 yielded the trinuclear heterobimetallic complex [Ag2Au(4)2](BF4)3 featuring the gold atom coordinated by two carbene donors and the two silver atoms coordinated by the two pyridine donors from one ligand 4. The molecular structures were determined for the homonuclear digold as well as for the heteronuclear AgI/AuI and AgI
2/AuI complexes.