bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IDEST: International Database of Emotional Short Texts
Authors: Kaakinen Johanna K. , Werlen Egon , Kammerer Yvonne , Acartürk Cengiz , Aparicio Xavier , Baccino Thierry , Ballenghein Ugo , Bergamin Per , Castells Núria , Costa Armanda , Falé Isabel , Mégalakaki Olga , Ruiz Fernández Susana
Published: October 2022

We introduce a database (IDEST) of 250 short stories rated for valence, arousal, and comprehensibility in two languages. The texts, with a narrative structure telling a story in the first person and controlled for length, were originally written in six different languages (Finnish, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, and Turkish), and rated for arousal, valence, and comprehensibility in the original language. The stories were translated into English, and the same ratings for the English translations were collected via an internet survey tool (N= 573). In addition to the rating data, we also report readability indexes for the original and English texts. The texts have been categorized into different story types based on their emotional arc. The texts score high on comprehensibility and represent a wide range of emotional valence and arousal levels. The comparative analysis of the ratings of the original texts and English translations showed that valence ratings were very similar across languages, whereas correlations between the two pairs of language versions for arousal and comprehensibility were modest. Comprehensibility ratings correlated with only some of the readability indexes. The database is published in osf.io/9tga3, and it is freely available for academic research.
The polarizing impact of numeracy, economic literacy, and science literacy on the perception of immigration
Authors: Savadori Lucia , Dickson Maria Michela , Micciolo Rocco , Espa Giuseppe
Published: October 2022

Immigrants might be perceived as a threat to a country’s jobs, security, and cultural identity. In this study, we aimed to test whether individuals with higher numerical, scientific, and economic literacy were more polarized in their perception of immigration, depending on their cultural worldview orientation. We measured these variables in a representative sample of citizens in a medium-sized city in northern Italy. We found evidence that numerical, scientific, and economic literacy polarize concerns about immigration aligning them to people’s worldview orientations. Individuals with higher numerical, economic, and scientific literacy were less concerned about immigration if they held an egalitarian-communitarian worldview, while they were more concerned about immigration if they held a hierarchical-individualistic worldview. On the contrary, individuals with less numerical, economic, and scientific literacy did not show a polarized perception of immigration. Results reveal that citizens with higher knowledge and ability presented a more polarized perception of immigration. Conclusions highlight the central role of cultural worldviews over information theories in shaping concerns about immigration.
Evaluation of circulating microRNA profiles in Brazilian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A preliminary study
Authors: De Nardo Maffazioli Giovana , Baracat Edmund Chada , Soares José Maria , Carvalho Kátia Cândido , Maciel Gustavo Arantes Rosa
Published: October 2022

Objective

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrinopathy, which etiology encompasses complex genetic traits associated with epigenetic factors, including differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression in a variety of tissues. The circulating form of these molecules is raising attention in the syndrome not only as potential biomarkers of PCOS but also as possible therapeutic targets. The aim of this study was to explore the circulating miRNA profiles present in a cohort of Brazilian women with and without PCOS and to evaluate the potential role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of the syndrome.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of 36 well-characterized PCOS women and 16 healthy controls. Clinical, hormone and metabolic data were recorded and evaluated. The expression profile of the 201 circulating miRNA selected were analyzed by taqman quantitative real time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) using a customized Open Array platform. Statistical and bioinformatic analyzed were performed.

Results

Circulating miR-21-5p, miR-23a-3p and miR-26a-5p were upregulated, and miR-103a-3p, miR-376a-3p, miR-19b-3p and miR-222-3p were downregulated in women with PCOS compared to healthy normo-ovulatory controls. miR-21-5p, miR-103a-3p and miR-376a-3p levels correlated positively with androgen levels. These miRNAs, in combination, were related to pathways involved in insulin signaling, steroids biosynthesis and endothelial regulation as well as in folliculogenesis.

Conclusion

In this study, we identified a specific circulating miRNA signature in Brazilian women with PCOS. According to our data, circulating miR-21-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-26a-5p, miR-103a-3p, miR-376a-3p, miR-19b-3p and miR-222-3p may represent potential candidates for differential diagnosis of PCOS in the future.
Vegetation dynamics and soil nutrient availability in a temperate forest along altitudinal gradient of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya, India
Authors: Maletha Ajay , Maikhuri Rakesh Kumar , Bargali Surendra Singh , Sharma Ajay , Negi Vikram Singh , Rawat Lakhpat Singh
Published: October 2022

This study examined forest structure, composition, and regeneration patterns of two sites, Tolma-Lata-Raini (TLR) and Bhyundar-Ghangaria (BG). Both sites are located within the temperate zone along the altitudinal gradient between 2,800 to 3,400 m asl of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) in the Western Himalayan Region of India. We recorded a total of 223 species of vascular plants (Angiosperm, Gymnosperm, and Pteridophytes) within the study area. Of the recorded species, plants within the family Rosaceae were dominant (17.69%), followed by Asteraceae (14.97%) and Ranunculaceae (12.93%). Betula utilis had the highest tree density (724 and 324 individuals ha-1) and species cover (44% and 36%) at both TLR and BG sites, followed by Pinus wallichiana (24%) and Cedrus deodara (15%), respectively. In BG site, 56% of tree species showed fair regeneration (i.e., seedling density > sapling density ≤ adult density), 22% good (i.e., seedling density > sapling density > adult tree density), 11% exhibited poor (i.e., species survived only in the sapling stage but not in the seedling stage), and the remaining (11%) indicated no regeneration. Comparatively, at TLR site, 40% of the tree species showed fair regeneration, 40% good, and the remaining 20% showed no regeneration. Across the two sites, species richness and diversity significantly decreased as the altitudinal gradient increased. Vegetation structure and soil properties also revealed differences between the southern and northern aspects. The baseline information generated in this study is helpful in designing effective conservation and management measures for these ecologically sensitive and important ecosystems. To effectively monitor changes in vegetation structure, species composition, and regeneration, we suggest that permanent vegetation plots with meteorological stations be established across the region for long-term monitoring of forest dynamics in response to the changing climate and anthropogenic pressures.
Effects of atherogenic diet supplemented with fermentable carbohydrates on metabolic responses and plaque formation in coronary arteries using a Saddleback pig model
Authors: Wahl Lisa , Raschke Melina , Wittmann Johannes , Regler Armin , Heelemann Steffen , Brandsch Corinna , Stangl Gabriele I. , Vervuert Ingrid
Published: October 2022

Fermentable carbohydrates are gaining interest in the field of human nutrition because of their benefits in obesity-related comorbidities. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fermentable carbohydrates, such as pectin and inulin, in an atherogenic diet on metabolic responses and plaque formation in coronary arteries using a Saddleback pig model. Forty-eight healthy pigs aged five months were divided into four feeding groups (n = 10) and one baseline group (n = 8). Three feeding groups received an atherogenic diet (38% crisps, 10% palm fat, and 2% sugar with or without supplementation of 5% pectin or inulin), and one group received a conventional diet over 15 weeks. Feed intake, weight gain, body condition score, and back fat thickness were monitored regularly. Blood and fecal samples were collected monthly to assess the metabolites associated with high cardiovascular risk and fat content, respectively. At the end of 15 weeks, the coronary arteries of the pigs were analyzed for atherosclerotic plaque formation. Independent of supplementation, significant changes were observed in lipid metabolism, such as an increase in triglycerides, bile acids, and cholesterol in serum, in all groups fed atherogenic diets in comparison to the conventional group. Serum metabolome analysis showed differentiation of the feeding groups by diet (atherogenic versus conventional diet) but not by supplementation with pectin or inulin. Cardiovascular lesions were found in all feeding groups and in the baseline group. Supplementation of pectin or inulin in the atherogenic diet had no significant impact on cardiovascular lesion size. Saddleback pigs can develop naturally occurring plaques in coronary arteries. Therefore, this pig model offers potential for further research on the effects of dietary intervention on obesity-related comorbidities, such as cardiovascular lesions, in humans.
Living with primary brain calcification with PDGFB variants: A qualitative study
Authors: Takeuchi Tomiko , Aoyagi Hisami , Kuwako Yoshimi , Hozumi Isao
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Primary brain calcification (PBC) is a rare and intractable neurodegenerative disease. SLC20A2 and PDGFB are two major causative genes. As there is no effective treatment to avoid further progression or to prevent the onset of the disease, the patients may experience psychological distress. There is a qualitative study on the experiences of patients with primary brain calcification with SLC20A2 variants. However, the experiences of patients with PDGFB variants of the disease have not been explored. The purpose of this study is to identify the experiences of patients with PDGFB variants after diagnosis.

Materials and methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted once or twice a year for three years with five patients over the age of 21. The data were analyzed using inductive qualitative methods.

Results

Seven categories, 15 subcategories, and 129 codes were extracted. The seven categories are as follows: [Shock at hearing the term ‘brain calcification’ for the first time], [Anxiety regarding the risk of heredity], [Anxiety, along with severe headaches, and various other symptoms], [Gratitude for the family members who care], [Accepting the disease as a non-life-threatening illness], [Feeling alienated due to the rare intractable disease], and [Modifying lifestyle due to the illness].

Discussion

The most stressful aspect of the disease was the headache that persisted even with the use of analgesics, which was different from patients with the SLC20A2 variants. In addition, we found unique concepts such as anxiety regarding the risk of heredity and a feeling of alienation due to the rare and intractable disease.
Limited evidence of patient-to-patient transmission of Staphylococcus aureus strains between children with cystic fibrosis, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Biggs Sharon L. , Jennison Amy V. , Bergh Haakon , Graham Rikki , Nimmo Graeme , Whiley David
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Here we used whole genome sequencing (WGS) to understand strain diversity and potential for patient-to-patient transmission of Staphylococcus aureus among children with cystic fibrosis (CF) in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

S. aureus isolates (n = 401) collected between January 2018 and April 2019 from 184 patients with CF (n = 318 isolates) and 76 patients without CF (n = 83 isolates) were subjected to WGS and subsequent multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and a phylogeny was constructed from core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. The subsequent data was compared with available patient information.

Results

WGS revealed that patients with CF were essentially colonised by the same genotypes as those seen in patients without CF. Sequence types (ST) for our patients with CF were predominantly ST5 (20.1%), ST30 (7.3%), ST15 (6.3%) and ST8 (5.3%). Two Australian clones, ST93 and ST239, typically seen in skin infections and health-care settings, respectively, were notably absent from our patients with CF. Based on a SNP distance threshold of 14 SNPs, 20 cluster types involving 50/260 patients were evident; of these, 6 clusters contained only patients found to be siblings or otherwise living in the same household. Epidemiological relationships could not be determined for a remaining 14 cluster types involving 38 patients, comprising 2–7 (median 2) patients each. Multiple S. aureus genotypes were observed in 19/73 CF patients who provided more than one sample.

Conclusion

These results show that WGS is a useful tool for surveillance of S. aureus strains in children with CF and that the strains in our CF cohort were largely consistent with those circulating in patients without CF. Overall, this confirms previous findings and indicates that S. aureus acquisition in children with CF is similar to that of other patient groups, with limited evidence of potential patient-to-patient transmission within this patient group.
Absence of posterior pituitary bright spot in adults with CNS tuberculosis: A case-control study
Authors: G. Smitesh G. , Mannam Pavithra , Kumar Vignesh , George Tina , K. Murugabharathy , Prakash Turaka Vijay , Yadav Bijesh , Sudarsanam Thambu David
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Current diagnostic methods used in Central Nervous System Tuberculosis (CNS TB) are limited by the paucibacillary nature of this form of tuberculosis. Posterior pituitary bright spot (PPBS) refers to an area of T1 hyperintensity in the posterior pituitary in MR imaging of the brain. It is found in 80–90% of healthy children and adults. In children with CNS TB, nearly half have absence of PPBS. This finding has not been described in adults. Our study looked for absence of PPBS in MR imaging and its association with CNS tuberculosis.

Objective

To study prevalence of the absence of PPBS in patients with CNS tuberculosis when compared to a control group of normal patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective case-control study of 100 patients with CNS tuberculosis and 200 controls (matched in 1:2 ratio) of patients with normal MRI brain. The MRI images were presented to a blinded radiologist in a randomised sequence to report for absence of PPBS. The data was subsequently analysed to look for association of absence of PPBS with CNS tuberculosis.

Results

Absence of PPBS (cases (47%), controls (8.5%)) was significantly associated with CNS tuberculosis in (Odds ratio-7.90, 95%CI 4.04–15.44, P-value<0.0001). The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and positive likelihood ratio are 91.5%, 47%, 73.4% and 5.53 respectively. Adding of absence of PPBS as an additional radiological feature in diagnosis of CNS TB increased the sensitivity from 77% to 84%.

Conclusion

Absence of PPBS is significantly associated with CNS tuberculosis and could be a relatively simple diagnostic aid in the diagnosis of CNS tuberculosis.
Automated multi-class classification for prediction of tympanic membrane changes with deep learning models
Authors: Choi Yeonjoo , Chae Jihye , Park Keunwoo , Hur Jaehee , Kweon Jihoon , Ahn Joong Ho
Published: October 2022

Backgrounds and objective

Evaluating the tympanic membrane (TM) using an otoendoscope is the first and most important step in various clinical fields. Unfortunately, most lesions of TM have more than one diagnostic name. Therefore, we built a database of otoendoscopic images with multiple diseases and investigated the impact of concurrent diseases on the classification performance of deep learning networks.

Study design

This retrospective study investigated the impact of concurrent diseases in the tympanic membrane on diagnostic performance using multi-class classification. A customized architecture of EfficientNet-B4 was introduced to predict the primary class (otitis media with effusion (OME), chronic otitis media (COM), and ’None’ without OME and COM) and secondary classes (attic cholesteatoma, myringitis, otomycosis, and ventilating tube).

Results

Deep-learning classifications accurately predicted the primary class with dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 95.19%, while misidentification between COM and OME rarely occurred. Among the secondary classes, the diagnosis of attic cholesteatoma and myringitis achieved a DSC of 88.37% and 88.28%, respectively. Although concurrent diseases hampered the prediction performance, there was only a 0.44% probability of inaccurately predicting two or more secondary classes (29/6,630). The inference time per image was 2.594 ms on average.

Conclusion

Deep-learning classification can be used to support clinical decision-making by accurately and reproducibly predicting tympanic membrane changes in real time, even in the presence of multiple concurrent diseases.
Development of a self-report instrument for measuring online teaching practices and discussion facilitation
Authors: DeCamp Whitney , Horvitz Brian , Garza Mitchell Regina L. , Kowalske Megan Grunert , Singleton Cherrelle
Published: October 2022

Online learning in higher education has been increasing for many years. This is happening across all of higher education and it is happening more specifically within STEM fields. The growth of online learning has significantly accelerated the past couple of years during the COVID-19 pandemic as colleges and universities have sought ways to continue educating students while also keeping students, faculty and staff safe. As result, many college faculty and instructors across all fields of study including STEM fields have made and continue to make the transition to teaching online for the first time. Teaching in an online environment is different from traditional classroom teaching in many ways and presents a unique set of challenges to college instructors. This study documents the development of an instrument used for instructors to self-report their instructional techniques and practices. Data from 251 instructors is also used to examine how this instrument can be used to better understand particular practices, with a focus in this study on discussion facilitation. The results align with the Community of Inquiry framework, including indicating that teaching through discussion forums involves direct contribution and/or facilitation.
Cultural differences in vocal expression analysis: Effects of task, language, and stimulus-related factors
Authors: Zhang Shuyi , Pell Marc D.
Published: October 2022

Cultural context shapes the way that emotions are expressed and socially interpreted. Building on previous research looking at cultural differences in judgements of facial expressions, we examined how listeners recognize speech-embedded emotional expressions and make inferences about a speaker’s feelings in relation to their vocal display. Canadian and Chinese participants categorized vocal expressions of emotions (anger, fear, happiness, sadness) expressed at different intensity levels in three languages (English, Mandarin, Hindi). In two additional tasks, participants rated the intensity of each emotional expression and the intensity of the speaker’s feelings from the same stimuli. Each group was more accurate at recognizing emotions produced in their native language (in-group advantage). However, Canadian and Chinese participants both judged the speaker’s feelings to be equivalent or more intense than their actual display (especially for highly aroused, negative emotions), suggesting that similar inference rules were applied to vocal expressions by the two cultures in this task. Our results provide new insights on how people categorize and interpret speech-embedded vocal expressions versus facial expressions and what cultural factors are at play.
Verbal and psychological violence against women in Turkey and its determinants
Authors: Alkan Ömer , Serçemeli Ceyhun , Özmen Kenan
Published: October 2022

Verbal and psychological violence against women is considered an important sociological and legal problem and a serious threat within the context of basic human rights. The aim of this study was to detect the factors affecting verbal and psychological violence against women in Turkey, a developing country. The micro data set of the National research on domestic violence against women in Turkey, which was conducted by the Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies, was employed in this study. The factors affecting women’s exposure to verbal and psychological violence by their husbands or partners in Turkey were determined using binary logistic and binary probit regression analyses. Women whose husbands or partners cheated and used alcohol were more exposed to verbal and psychological violence compared to others. In addition, women who were exposed to physical, economic, and sexual violence were more exposed to verbal and psychological violence compared to others. Exposure to violence by first-degree relatives increases the possibility of exposure to verbal and psychological violence. More effective results can be achieved by prioritizing women likelier to be exposed to violence in policies aimed at preventing acts of verbal violence against women in our country. There are few studies on verbal and psychological violence against women. Therefore, it will be useful to conduct relevant studies from different perspectives.
Virtual 3D garment draping as a service
Authors: Almond Kevin
Published: October 2022

This research details a collaborative project jointly funded by Numerion Software and a Future Fashion Factory innovation challenge grant. The aim was to develop a pioneering, virtual 3D garment draping, cloud-hosted service that was fit for fashion industry needs and could be leveraged with ease. A focus group, consisting of leading fashion designers, brands, manufacturers, educationalists and fashion students, was sent a link to Numerion’s initial prototype together with a questionnaire. This asked participants how the software could be developed; how valuable the proposed service would be, exactly how would individual designers, brands and educationalists use the service; how they would prefer to interact with it and how would it integrate with their current workflow, etc. The data were used to improve and develop the prototype with the intention to trial this in real time with the focus group. The outcomes identified the challenges facing the fashion industry as they seek to embrace live 3D simulation. This influenced the development work required to address any concerns around functionality and frictionless operability to the software as well as to identify a solid path to commercialization for a 3D garment draping service.
Fashion retailing in the metaverse
Authors: Weiss Catharine
Published: October 2022

As fashion and retail technologies have become more sophisticated, consumers are vastly connected to the multiverse, both through the cloud and the integration of physical and digital spaces called phygital. This type of omnichannel commerce has become a requirement for brands to stay relevant. Developing parallel to the world of omnichannel has been digital gaming. Imagine these two worlds converged into one concept. Enter the metaverse. The idea of the metaverse or a virtual alternative reality is not new. With various iterations in pop culture, the concept of escaping into another dimension, whether dystopian or utopian, is part of the human psyche. Fast forward to a virtual post-pandemic society, the concept of the metaverse and the community it develops is timely. The metaverse allows the consumer to dive into a far more stimulating and immersive experience that have fashion brands collectively strategizing their deliveries. This article will conduct a discourse analysis on the metaverse and its gaming roots, how fashion and retail hope to build community and compelling applications of brand deliveries through these digital worlds. The article will review the adoption challenges that may arise with the consumer, applications that are kink free, privacy protection, regulation, payment systems, adoption of entrance devices and brand deliveries using NFTs or non-fungible tokens.
Environmental care communication in the Zero Waste Indonesia community: A case study of the #TukarBaju digital campaign
Authors: Noviyanti Vivi , Hidayat Debra , Hidayat Z.
Published: October 2022

The Zero Waste Indonesia community carried out a social media campaign with the hashtag #TukarBaju out of concern for textile waste. This study aims to analyse the social movement and environmental communication of the Zero Waste community through Instagram. Qualitative descriptive research was conducted with semiotic analysis to interpret the interactions, communications and transactions of sustainable values and knowledge sharing within and outside the community. The data were gathered from the community activities in two years (April 2019–March 2021), with a sample of 24 posted texts and visuals. Content analysis was carried out through coding according to the construct of the concepts covered in environmental communication. The results showed that the @tukarbaju community built eco-friendly awareness and has become its social movement awareness agent. The community digitally conducted women empowerment for environmental care and invited viewers to join the social movement to reduce textile waste and care for environmental sustainability. Knowledge sharing was done persuasively through digital visual and verbal campaigns. The campaigns with actionable hashtags are examples of collaborations. In addition, some of the content categories in the @tukarbaju Instagram account have been educational to build awareness for half a decade.
‘Out through the door and in through the window?’: Positioning colonial nostalgia for French India in Puducherry
Authors: Jørgensen Helle
Published: October 2022

The former French India has held a distinctive place in metropolitan French discourses and sentiments of colonial nostalgia which have been subject to sustained analysis. French India is thus part of a larger body of research exploring colonial nostalgia both as a general phenomenon and in a specific regional context. However, the corresponding imaginaries in what after its decolonization became the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry have remained marginalized in research. Yet regardless of the frequently naturalized expectation that the colonial metropoles should be its natural habitat, colonial nostalgia is not something that only occurs among the former colonial powers, and colonial nostalgia is in fact expressed in many ways in present-day Puducherry. This ethnographic study shows that if we are to understand the production and roles of colonial nostalgia we need to analyse it not merely from the perspective of the former colonial powers, but also as it occurs in the former colonies. Indeed, we should question how separate such discourses, imaginaries and sentiments of colonial nostalgia are, and redirect our attention to interrogating how they interact and may be coproduced in a broader, often ambiguous post/colonial field where postcolonial interests in the former colony are equally at stake.
Less is more: The paradox of minimalism in contemporary Indian fashion
Authors: Sandhu Arti
Published: October 2022

India’s fashion industry experienced spectacular growth in the decades after economic liberalization. The positive outlook brought about by liberalization led to the development of a culture of design built on the backs of textile crafts centred around material excess informed by re-orientalist viewpoints as well as selective references to India’s freedom movement. Most recently, however, a newer generation of designers shunned the visual exuberance that had become the hallmark of Indian couture. Yet even as they refrain from the visual stereotypes made popular by the preceding design fraternity, they continue to foreground Gandhian principles and the sartorial politics of Indian nationalism in their design statements and approach to craftivism. The difference, however, is in the way these are reframed to substantiate the cultural relevance, authenticity and purity of a more minimalist design product. This article closely examines the emergence of such minimalist fashion and highlights the paradoxes that emerge through anti-colonial, pre-colonial and postcolonial references that are evidence of the incomplete nature of the process of decolonization. This article will argue that such ambiguity is a natural outcome of neo-liberal market forces and the realities of creating exclusive luxury fashion while working with crafts in a philanthrocapitalist framework.
Adoption of international standard certification in ASEAN: The roles of R&D, exports and competition
Authors: Nguyen Van Dung
Published: October 2022

This paper examines whether R&D, exports, and competition affect the adoption of international standard certification in ASEAN. Although prior studies recognized the importance of R&D, exports, and competition in determining a firm’s decision to adopt international standards, they often focused on a single determinant of this activity. Hence, this study tries to incorporate three important internal and external factors in a comprehensive study. The current study investigates these questions by analyzing the data from a valid sample of appropriately 4,000 firms in the manufacturing industries in eight countries in ASEAN in 2015-2016. The study utilizes a multilevel mixed-effects logit model for estimation to take into account the hierarchical nature of our data set. The results show that firms with R&D activities tend to adopt more international standard certificates. We also find that exports are highly important, while competition from the informal sector does not show association with firms’ innovativeness. These findings remain valid after endogenous and robustness testing using the propensity score matching method.
Auditors maximising their utility: Economic analysis of the supreme audit institution
Authors: Dobrowolski Zbysław , Sułkowski Łukasz , Bařinová Dagmar
Published: October 2022

Despite several studies on the supreme audit institutions (SAIs), the research question of what maximises SAI auditors' utility remains unanswered. Since SAIs are key public suppliers of audit services, it is essential to determine how they perform their duties and obligations to the stakeholders. This paper follows the grounded theory paradigm using qualitative and quantitative methods. This study is pioneering in many ways because the motivation of SAI's auditors is rarely the subject of research. We formulate the model of SAI's utility and determine the SAI auditor's motivators. The study results prove that SAIs seek to impose their system of preferences through audits and derive usefulness from this. From a long-term perspective, this may lead to a negative autonomy of SAI. Additionally, the study reveals that auditors strive to maximise monetary income and perceive employment stability as a motivational factor. However, job stability could lead to lower auditors' engagement during the audits. The study proposes a pay-for-performance system, which does not reduce the auditor's motivation linked with job stability and simultaneously encourages auditors to achieve better job results. This study contributes to a better understanding of the problems associated with interactions of public officials inside the state.
Study of the Effect of Laser Ablation on the Structure of a BCC Crystal Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Gostevskaya A.N. , Markidonov A.V. , Gromov V.E. , Starostenkov M.D. , Lubanoy D.A.
Published: October 2022

An external high-energy impact on the surface of a solid, for example, by ultrashort ultra-high-power laser pulses, can lead to phase transitions, as a result of which the surface structure undergoes cardinal changes. This paper presents the results of molecular dynamics modeling of changes in the surface layer of the computational cell under a short-term high-energy impact. The model constructed and described in the paper, in which the temperature of the computational cell is distributed in accordance with the solution of the linear problem of heat conduction, made it possible to reveal a violation of the continuity of the surface layer, which consists in the localization of excess free volume in the form of a group of spherical pores. The sizes of these imperfections, as well as the duration of their existence, have differences when modeling different energy densities of laser radiation. Further research made it possible to reveal the conditions under which the pores remain stable throughout the entire simulation time, as well as to reveal the relationship between the crystallographic orientation of the "solid — liquid" interface and the sizes of the formed pores.
Nazwy cywilnej odzieży męskiej warstw niższych. Na materiale poznańskich listów gończych z lat 1816–1836
Authors: Müller Aneta
Published: October 2022

The article presents the lexical material concerning clothes vocabulary. The data was extracted from arrest warrants published from 1816 to 1836 in Publiczny Donosiciel ( Public Denunciator ) which was an annex to Dziennik Urzędowy Królewskiej Regencyi w Poznaniu ( Official Journal of the Royal Regency in Poznan ). The article presents the structure of the lexical and semantic field of NAMES OF CIVILIAN CLOTHES OF MEN’S FROM LOWER SOCIAL STRATA and its semantic and genealogical analysis. In this lexical and semantic field, 361 lexical items were classified, described and assigned to nine subfields which were then divided further. The genealogical analysis showed that a third of the vocabulary described are loanwords.
The structural underpinnings of multifunctionality and syncretism in non-finite forms in Irish
Authors: Bloch-Trojnar Maria
Published: October 2022

The paper proposes a constructionist analysis of two highly syncretic non-finite forms in Irish, traditionally referred to as the verbal noun (VN) and the verbal adjective (VA). The VN can fulfil the function of the infinitive, the ‘present participle’ in the periphrastic progressive, the argument supporting (AS) nominal and the R(eferential)-nominal. The VA can function as the passive participle in periphrastic passives/resultatives, the ‘passive’ adjective, the active participle (showing further syncretism with the genitive of VN) and the ‘active’ adjective. The basic idea is that the two syncretic forms receive a unified analysis (i.e. same structure). The VN is viewed as a kind of “elsewhere” realization of [vP[Root]] in all contexts except for [Tfin[VoiceP [vP [Root]]]]. VA spell-out is implemented when the morphosyntactic bundle carries no features that positively define the input as verbal or nominal. The height of affix attachment is indicative of the type of participle involved. Verbal passive/perfective participles and corresponding adjectives embed the external argument introducing projection (VoiceP), whereas active verbal participles and adjectives lack it. The extensive multifunctionality and syncretism in Irish seem to be closely linked to the lack of the AspP layer in the structure of non-finite verbs, nominals and adjectives as well as the lack of overt transitivizing morphology.
Experimental and kinetic studies of biogas production from petroleum oily sludge by anaerobic co-digestion with animals’ dung at thermophilic conditions
Authors: Jasim Hassan S. , Ismail Zainab Z.
Published: October 2022

Anaerobic co-digestion technology is widely used for biogas generation from organic wastes. In this study, co-digestion of petroleum oily sludge (POS) for biogas production in bench-scale anaerobic digesters at thermophilic conditions was investigated. The effects of inoculum type on the biogas production were considered. Three types of inoculums were examined individually for the co-digestion of POS which were; poultry manure, cattle manure, and cow dung. The results revealed that the biogas production from poultry manure, cattle manure, and cow dung exceeded its production from uninoculated POS by 64.6, 20.94 and 6.1% respectively. Effect of C/N on the co-digestion process was also considered in this study. Modified Gompertz model was applied to describe the kinetic of the co-digestion process. The predicted and experimental results of biogas generation were fitted well with coefficients of determination > 0.96 indicating appropriate conditions of the co-digestion process. Statistical analysis was performed to estimate if there were significant differences in terms of cumulative biogas yield. A significance level value of < 0.05 was obtained.
An overview of mechanical and corrosion properties of aluminium matrix composites reinforced with plant based natural fibres
Authors: Aliyu Isah , Sapuan Salit Mohd , Zainudin Edi Syams , Mohamed Yusoff Mohd Zuhri , Yahaya Ridwan , Aiza Jaafar Che Nor
Published: October 2022

Many researchers have become more interested in utilizing plant based natural fibre as reinforcement for the fabrication of aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) in recent time. The utilization of these environmentally friendly and cost effective plant based natural fibre is necessitated to avoid environmental pollution. The desire for cost-effective and low-cost energy materials in automotive, biomedical, aerospace, marine, and other applications, however, is redefining the research environment in plant based natural fibre metal matrix composite materials. As a result, the goal of this review study is to investigate the impact of agricultural waste-based reinforcements on the mechanical properties and corrosion behaviour of AMCs made using various fabrication routes. Processing settings can be modified to produce homogenous structures with superior AMC characteristics, according to the findings. Plant based natural fibre ash reinforcing materials such as palm kernel shell ash, rice husk ash, sugarcane bagasse, bamboo stem ash, and corn cob ash can reduce AMCs density without sacrificing mechanical qualities. Furthermore, efficient utilization of plant based natural fibre reduces manufacturing costs and prevents environmental pollution, making it a sustainable material. Brittle composites
, unlike ceramic and synthetic reinforced composites, are not formed by plant based natural fibre reinforcements. As a result of our findings, plant based natural fibre AMCs have a high potential to replace expensive and hazardous ceramic and synthetic reinforced-AMCs, which can be used in a variety of automotive applications requiring lower cost, higher strength-to-weight ratio, and corrosion resistance.
Modelling volatility dependence with score copula models
Authors: Alanya-Beltran Willy
Published: October 2022

I study score-driven models for modelling high persistence dependence between financial volatility series. I model this persistence dependence with two components, one for the long memory and the other for the short-term process. The addition of components offers a parsimonious solution for modelling high persistence and also allows for a short-term component for the transient shocks. I apply the model to emerging equities in the Americas. The estimates are robust to the advent of the pandemic. In addition, data resampling and marginal alternatives deliver similar parameter estimates. The proposed two-component model improves the in-sample diagnostics and generates more accurate out-of-sample forecasts.
Three-participant events in Romani
Authors: Schippling Melanie
Published: October 2022

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the morphosyntactic expression of three-participant events in Romani and situates Romani within a typological framework (Margetts & Austin 2007). It provides an inventory of attested strategies and first insights into their distribution across the dialects of Romani. My research indicates that three-place predicate and oblique/adjunct strategies are the principal means for encoding three-participant events in Romani, each applicable for several event types. However, dialectal differences become apparent. For each Romani dialect cluster, one variety is particularly focussed upon, namely: Kalderaš (Vlax), Arli (Balkan), East Slovak Romani (Central), Sinti (Northwestern), and Lithuanian Romani (Northeastern).
Deep stratigraphy of submerged Neolithic sites: a micro-geoarchaeological approach to the study of coastal settlements in the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Friesem David E. , Ogloblin-Ramirez Isaac , Zuckerman-Cooper Roni , Grono Elle , Galili Ehud
Published: October 2022

The authors discuss new sediment coring at the Early Neolithic submerged site of Atlit-Yam, Israel, that reveals stratified archaeological deposits 0.7–0.9m below the seabed. They demonstrate the potential of micro-geoarchaeological analysis to generate new chrono-stratigraphic data for the onset of Early Neolithic coastal occupation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Protective effects of ginsenoside CK against oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage, assessed with 1H-NMR-based metabolomics
Authors: Li Na , Zhang Yanhong , Lv Jingwei , Sun Dazhong , Lin Jianan , Pang Qihang , Li Hui , Cao Zhanhong , Liu Yaxin , Li Zhen , Fang Xingyu , Li Dianyu , Bai Haonan , An Yu , Jiang Junjie , Zhang Rui , Yang Qing
Published: October 2022

Oxidative stress is an important pathogenic mechanism in degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Although ginsenoside compound K (CK) is protective against neuronal oxidative damage, the underlying mechanism remains to be understood. In this study, the protective effects of ginsenoside CK against oxidative stress damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in HT22 cells were investigated with 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR)-based metabolomics. The optimal CK concentration for decreasing oxidative stress damage in nerves was determined with MTT assays. CK (8 μM) significantly increased the HT22 cell survival rate after the model was established. Cell lysates were subjected to 1H-NMR metabolomics, western blotting, and ATP assays for verification. Metabolic perturbation occurred in HT22 cells in the model group but not the control group. Twenty biomarkers were identified and used to analyze metabolic pathways. CK reversed metabolic changes in HT22 cells by altering taurine, glutamate, glycine, and glutathione metabolism. Subsequently, CK increased ATP content and the expression of components of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HT22 cells. These findings demonstrated that CK prevents oxidative stress damage and protects nerves by regulating energy-metabolism pathways, such as those of taurine, glutamate, and other amino acids, thus providing a rationale for the use of CK in Alzheimer’s disease treatment.
Perinatal Morphine Exposure Leads to Sex-Dependent Executive Function Deficits and Microglial Changes in Mice
Authors: Smith Brittany L. , Guzman Tess A. , Brendle Alexander H. , Laaker Collin J. , Ford Alexis , Hiltz Adam R. , Zhao Junfang , Setchell Kenneth D. R. , Reyes Teresa M.
Published: October 2022

Children exposed prenatally to opioids are at an increased risk for behavioral problems and executive function deficits. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala (AMG) regulate executive function and social behavior and are sensitive to opioids prenatally. Opioids can bind to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to activate microglia, which may be developmentally important for synaptic pruning. Therefore, we tested the effects of perinatal morphine exposure on executive function and social behavior in male and female mouse offspring, along with microglial-related and synaptic-related outcomes. Dams were injected once daily subcutaneously with saline (n = 8) or morphine (MO; 10 mg/kg;n = 12) throughout pregestation, gestation, and lactation until offspring were weaned on postnatal day 21 (P21). Male MO offspring had impairments in attention and accuracy in the five-choice serial reaction time task, while female MO offspring were less affected. Targeted gene expression analysis at P21 in the PFC identified alterations in microglial-related and TLR4-related genes, while immunohistochemical analysis in adult brains indicated decreased microglial Iba1 and phagocytic CD68 proteins in the PFC and AMG in males, but females had an increase. Further, both male and female MO offspring had increased social preference. Overall, these data demonstrate male vulnerability to executive function deficits in response to perinatal opioid exposure and evidence for disruptions in neuron–microglial signaling.
HASS AVOCADO LEAVES: OPTIMIZATION OF MICROWAVE-ASSISTED EXTRACTION PARAMETERS, PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITIES
Authors: KURT Nevriye , AYDIN Ebru , ÖZKAN Gülcan
Published: October 2022

Avocado leaves, typically considered as pruning residues, possess a significant amount of bioactive compounds. This research aimed to optimize the extraction of phenolic compounds from Hass avocado leaves using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and response surface method (RSM). The extraction yield and total phenolic content (TPC) were maximized by determining the optimal process conditions, which were found to be 47°C for 5 minutes and a solid/solvent ratio of 1.13 g dry leaf/100 mL, respectively. The predicted values of all models were found to be statistically significant (p <0.001). The aqueous extracts' antidiabetic and antioxidant activities were 64.59% and 235.6 mg TE/100 g, respectively. The amount of TPC was 591.76 μg GAE/g extract, and chlorogenic acid was the main phenolic component. These results indicated that MAE proved efficient with low energy consumption, yielding phenolic-rich avocado leaf extracts, which possess high antioxidant and antidiabetic activities.
CBP/p300 and HDAC activities regulate H3K27 acetylation dynamics and zygotic genome activation in mouse preimplantation embryos
Authors: Wang Meng , Chen Zhiyuan , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2022

Epigenome reprogramming after fertilization enables transcriptionally quiescent maternal and paternal chromatin to acquire a permissive state for subsequent zygotic genome activation (ZGA). H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac) is a well‐established chromatin marker of active enhancers and promoters. However, reprogramming dynamics of H3K27ac during maternal‐to‐zygotic transition (MZT) in mammalian embryos are not well‐studied. By profiling the allelic landscape of H3K27ac during mouse MZT, we show that H3K27ac undergoes three waves of rapid global transitions between oocyte stage and 2‐cell stage. Notably, germinal vesicle oocyte and zygote chromatin are globally hyperacetylated, with noncanonical, broad H3K27ac domains that correlate with broad H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and open chromatin. H3K27ac marks genomic regions primed for activation including ZGA genes, retrotransposons, and active alleles of imprinted genes. We show that CBP/p300 and HDAC activities play important roles in regulating H3K27ac dynamics and are essential for preimplantation development. Specifically, CBP/p300 acetyltransferase broadly deposits H3K27ac in zygotes to induce the opening of condensed chromatin at putative enhancers and ensure proper ZGA. On the contrary, HDACs revert broad H3K27ac domains to canonical domains and safeguard ZGA by preventing premature expression of developmental genes. In conclusion, coordinated activities of CBP/p300 and HDACs during mouse MZT are essential for ZGA and preimplantation development.