bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eruption of a Million-Kelvin Warm Magnetic Flux Rope on the Sun
Authors: Li Leping , Song Hongqiang , Peter Hardi , Chitta Lakshmi Pradeep , Cheng Xin , Li Zhentong , Zhou Guiping
Published: May 2024

Solar magnetic flux rope (MFR) plays a central role in the physics of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). It mainly includes a cold filament at typical chromospheric temperatures (∼10,000 K) and a hot channel at high coronal temperatures (∼10 MK). The warm MFR at quiescent coronal temperatures of a million Kelvin is, however, rarely reported. In this study, using multiwavelength images from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamic Observatory and Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUVI) on board the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory-A, we present an eruption of a warm channel that represents an MFR with quiescent coronal temperatures (∼0.6–2.5 MK). On 2022 May 8, we observed the failed eruption of a hot channel, with the average temperature and emission measure (EM) of 10 MK and 1.1 × 1028 cm−5, using AIA high-temperature images in the active region (AR) 13007. This failed eruption was associated with a C8.2 flare, with no CME. Subsequently, we observed a warm channel that appeared in AIA and EUVI low-temperature images rather than in AIA high-temperature images. It then erupted and transformed into a semicircular shape. An associated C2.1 flare, along with the signatures of magnetic reconnection in AIA high-temperature images, were identified. Additionally, we observed a CME associated with this event. Compared with the hot channel, the warm channel is cooler and rarer with the average temperature and EM of 1.7 (1.6) MK and 2.0 × 1026 (2.3 × 1026) cm−5. All the results suggest an unambiguous observation of the million-Kelvin warm MFR that erupted as a CME and fill a gap in the temperature domain of coronal MFRs.
Detection of Simultaneous Quasiperiodic Oscillation Triplets in 4U 1728-34 and Constraining the Neutron Star Mass and Moment of Inertia
Authors: Anand Kewal , Misra Ranjeev , Yadav J. S. , Jain Pankaj , Kumar Umang , Bhattacharya Dipankar
Published: May 2024

We report simultaneous detection of twin kHz and ∼40 Hz quasiperiodic oscillations (QPOs) in the time-resolved analysis of the AstroSat/LAXPC observation of the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary, 4U 1728-34. The frequencies of the multiple sets of triplets are correlated with each other and are consistent with their identification as the orbital, periastron precession, and twice the nodal precession frequencies. The observed relations, along with the known spin of the neutron star, put constraints on the mass and the ratio of the moment of inertia to the mass of the neutron star to be

M

⊙

*

=
1.92
±
0.01

and

I

45

/

M

⊙

*

=
1.07
±
0.01

under the simplistic assumption that the metric is a Kerr one. We crudely estimate that the mass and moment of inertia values obtained may differ by about 1% and 5%, respectively, if a self-consistent metric is invoked. Using the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equations for computing the moment of inertia of a neutron star in slow rotation approximation, having different equations of state, we find that the predicted values of neutron star parameters favor stiffer equations of state. We expect more stringent constraints would be obtained using a more detailed treatment, where the equation of state–dependent metric is used to compute the expected frequencies rather than the Kerr metric used here. The results provide insight into both the nature of these QPOs and the neutron star interior.
Log-Gaussian Distribution and Evolution of Minimum Variation Timescales for SGR J1550-5418
Authors: Xiao Shuo , Zhang Yan-Ting , Yang Jiao-Jiao , Hong Mei-Xin , Liao Tong-Lei , Luo Xi-Hong
Published: May 2024

The major observation of the X-ray burst (XRB) in association with the fast radio burst (FRB) FRB 200428 originating from SGR J1935+2154 on 2020 April 28 substantiates magnetars as one of the origins of FRBs. However, it is still unclear why only a few XRBs in association with FRBs have been observed solely in this magnetar. In this study, we investigate the minimum variation timescales (MVTs) of XRBs from SGR J1550-5418, an active magnetar similar to SGR J1935+2154, and conduct a comprehensive comparison of their MVT properties. Our analysis reveals that the distribution of the MVT for SGR J1550-5418 follows a lognormal Gaussian function with the mean 6.4 ± 0.4 ms. Interestingly, we detect an evolution in the MVTs, i.e., the fitted mean of the MVT distribution in 2008 October is about 3 times larger than that in 2009, indicating potential variations in radiation regions possibly attributed to changes in magnetic field topology. Besides, we do not find a significant correlation between the MVT and either duration or energy. Finally, there is no significant difference between the MVT distributions across different energy ranges for SGR J1550-5418 and SGR J1935+2154, which supports a common physical origin.
Multiband Nonthermal Radiative Study of PeVatron Candidate Pulsar Wind Nebula HESS J1849-000
Authors: Zhu Bo-Tao , Lu Fang-Wu , Zhang Li
Published: May 2024

Pulsar wind nebula HESS J1849-000 is one of the sources that may emit PeV γ-ray photons based on the recent measurement by the Tibet Air Shower Array and the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory. We use a time-dependent model to investigate the nonthermal radiative properties of HESS J1849-000. Observed multiband data are produced well by relativistic leptons through synchrotron radiation and inverse Compton processes, and the particle transport and cooling processes are analyzed. Our results show that the particle adiabatic loss dominates over the synchrotron loss and inverse Compton losses, and the particle advection dominates over diffusion for the low-energy band. On the other hand, the particle synchrotron loss dominates over the adiabatic loss and inverse Compton losses, and the diffusion dominates over advection for the high-energy band. Furthermore, particle transport would be playing a significant role in the low-energy band, whereas the particle cooling processes may play a more important role in the high-energy band. The current diffusion coefficient 3.4 × 1026 cm2 s−1 at an electron energy of 1 TeV is derived, which implies a slow diffusion mechanism may occur within the nebula. More importantly, our model suggests that the particle's maximum energy is 3.6 PeV, which makes HESS J1849-000 a PeVatron candidate.
Argopistes Motschulsky from Madagascar with descriptions of six new species (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini)
Authors: Biondi Maurizio , Iannella Mattia , D'Alessandro Paola
Published: May 2024

The revision of the flea beetle genus Argopistes Motschulsky, 1860 in Madagascar is provided. Six new species are described: Argopistes janakmoravecorumsp. nov., A. laterosinuatussp. nov., and A. vadoni from the northern area; A. jenisisp. nov., A. keiserisp. nov., and A. seyrigisp. nov. from the central area. A new synonym of Argopistes brunneus Weise, 1895 is established: A. sexguttatus Weise, 1895, syn. nov., since A. sexguttatus is shown to be a chromatic form of A. brunneus. A diagnostic key of the seven Malagasy Argopistes species is provided, with photographs of the habitus, median lobe of the aedeagus, and spermatheca. Finally, based on known occurrences, the current suitable areas for this flea beetle genus in Madagascar are estimated using Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) techniques.
Taxonomic revision of the cavefish genus Karstsinnectes (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae), with a description of a new species from Guangxi Province, China
Authors: Ge Jia-Yue , Nong Zheng-Quan , Yang Jian , Du Li-Na , Zhou Jia-Jun
Published: May 2024

The blind cavefish genus Karstsinnectes, established in 2023, is the subject of taxonomic revision in the present study. Five valid species are recognized, including one new species, Karstsinnectes longzhouensissp. nov., described from Guangxi, China, based on a combination of morphological evidence. Karstsinnectes longzhouensissp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners based on the presence of a lateral line, 11–12 branched pectoral fin rays, and five branched pelvic fin rays. Additionally, due to the loss of the type specimens, a neotype is designated for K. parvus. The lateral line of K. hyalinus is revised as lacking in this study. A key to all valid Karstsinnectes species is provided. Blind cavefish serve as a valuable natural framework for investigating convergent and adaptive evolutionary processes. The survival of cavefish is under significant threat due to human activities, climate change, water pollution, and invasive species. Thus, to preserve these valuable species, it is crucial to implement various conservation measures, such as habitat protection, artificial breeding, and fundamental research.
Drug retention of biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in Korean patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lee Bong-Woo , Lee Jennifer Jooha , Kim Wan-Uk
Published: May 2024

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term retention rates of biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) in Korean patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: This study was conducted with 1,538 treatment courses of 1,063 patients, including adalimumab (n = 332), etanercept (n = 369), infliximab (n = 146), abatacept (n = 152), tocilizumab (n = 299), tofacitinib (n = 136), and baricitinib (n = 104), in patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis who started b/tsDMARD treatment between 2008 and 2020 at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. Discontinuation 1 and 3 years after the first prescription of each drug was investigated. Kaplan– Meier estimates of time to discontinuation were calculated to compare the difference in drug retention rate for each drug. Patient-level predictors of drug discontinuation were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model.Results: The overall 1-year drug retention rate was from 60.1% for adalimumab to 90.0% for tofacitinib in the b/tsDMARD-naïve group, and from 55.2% for infliximab to 84.8% for tofacitinib in the b/tsDMARD-experienced group. The 3-year drug retention rate was from 36.9% for infliximab to 86.5% for tofacitinib in the b/tsDMARD-naïve group, and from 31.0% for infliximab to 65.4% for tocilizumab in the b/tsDMARD-experienced group. Drug discontinuation appeared to be affected by specific types of b/tsDMARDs.Conclusions: Tocilizumab and tofacitinib are less commonly discontinued compared to tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors at 1 and 3 years. Specifically, tofacitinib in the b/tsDMARD-naïve group and tocilizumab in the b/tsDMARD-experienced group showed the highest 3-year retention rates.
Literature review of non-pharmacological treatment for patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Yeo Jina , Seo Mi Ryoung , Park Jun Won , Lee Yeon-Ah , Lee Ju Ho , Kang Eun Ha , Ji Seon Mi , Baek Han Joo
Published: May 2024

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the sacroiliac joints and axial spine. Along with pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological interventions for axSpA are crucial and constitute the cornerstone of treatment. Here, we review the evidence for non-pharmacological treatment of axSpA as a basis for the 2023 Korean treatment recommendations for patients with axSpA. The effectiveness of the core non-pharmacological approaches, such as education, smoking cessation, and exercise, has been reaffirmed. High-quality research on surgical treatment is limited. However, total hip replacement is advised in patients with ongoing pain or disability and visible structural damage to the hip on imaging. Urgent spinal intervention should be considered in cases of acute spinal pain with neurological deficiency or concurrent unstable fractures. Evidence for complementary therapies, including spas and acupuncture, remains insufficient.
Analysis of a new dynamic capacity management approach in DDMRP: Application on a real industrial case
Authors: Dessevre Guillaume , Benali Maha
Published: May 2024

Purpose: Although the authors of the Demand Driven Material Requirements Planning (DDMRP) argue that the method DDMRP is the solution to the limitations of traditional production management methods, its capacity management system remains unclear. Since DDMRP operates at infinite capacity, it is important to consider a capacity management approach to avoid under- or overloading production workshops.Design/methodology/approach: We propose a new dynamic capacity management approach for the DDMRP method. Our approach is based on the calculation of the anticipated workload, using DDMRP stock buffers and considering customer order spikes. Considering a real industrial case, we compare the proposed approach to a static one and a dynamic approach from the literature.Findings: The analysis of the results, supported by a two-way ANOVA, indicates that the proposed capacity management approach outperforms the performance of the other two approaches by maximizing the resource loading rate while ensuring a high customer service level.Originality/value: The originality of the article comes on the one hand from the capacity adjustment module by calculating the anticipated workload, and on the other hand from the comparison of this approach with two others, one of which comes from the literature.
A new GM$ ^2(2,1) $ model based on a $ C^1 $ convexity-preserving rational quadratic interpolation spline
Authors: Chen Fengyi
Published: May 2024

In the process of grey prediction modeling, the accumulation of original non-negative sequences can enhance the inherent regularity of data and the smoothness of sequences. The estimated method of background values and derivative values greatly affects the prediction accuracy and adaptability of the model. On the basis of the traditional GM(2,1) model, the GM(2,1) model with the fractional order accumulation is obtained by introducing a fractional order operator, which can be written as GM$ ^r $(2,1) with r-AGO. In this work, we estimated the background values and derivative values based on a $ C^1 $ convexity-preserving rational quadratic interpolation spline, and thereby established a new GM$ ^2 $(2,1) model. Numerical examples showed that the new GM$ ^2 $(2,1) model had better prediction quality of data than the classical GM(2,1) and GM$ ^2 $(2,1) model and improved the precision of prediction in practice.
Measuring Illicit Financial Flows: New Data and Methods
Authors: Carbonnier Gilles , Mehrotra Rahul
Published: May 2024

A major source of illicit financial flows (IFFs) out of developing countries accrues from the under-invoicing of commodity exports. This erodes the tax base of resource-rich developing countries, and hence their capacity to mobilise domestic resources for development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015, specifically call on states to reduce IFFs and enhance domestic resource mobilisation. Yet a weak capacity to assess the magnitude and drivers of the phenomenon has limited the ability of developing countries to effectively curb IFFs. This has been compounded by a lack of consensus over IFF definitions together with poor data and weak methods. Drawing on six years of interdisciplinary research into commodity trade–related IFFs, this chapter examines novel data sources and recent methodological advances that researchers and regulators can draw upon to better capture and eventually reduce IFFs. It situates such advances within the fast-expanding literature on domestic resource mobilisation, taxation and IFFs, focusing on three major channels; namely, trade mispricing, abusive transfer pricing and tax evasion through wealth offshoring. The chapter concludes by discussing the scope for improved data collection and evidence generation. This, together with global taxation reform, can greatly contribute to effectively enhancing domestic resource mobilisation in developing countries.
Trade-Related Illicit Financial Flows in Southeast Asia: Evidence from Extractive and Agricultural Commodities in Laos
Authors: Sisouphanthong Viriyasack , Banchongphanith Latdaphone , Insisienmay Sthabandith , Songvilay Latdavanh
Published: May 2024

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has emerged as one of the fastest growing collective economies in Asia. This fast growth is, however, accompanied by various challenges, including the trade-related illicit financial flows (IFFs) that deplete the tax revenues of the Association’s Member States. This chapter aims to shed light on the status of the trade-related IFFs present in the scale of trade mispricing that occurs between the ASEAN community and its global trade partners. To better interpret its findings, the chapter provides a legal framework analysis that highlights gaps in efforts to address these financial challenges in the region. Notwithstanding these gaps, certain Member States with substantial non-tax revenue streams have reduced reliance on conventional taxation, allowing for unique fiscal strategies. A comparative analysis of readiness among ASEAN Member States, meanwhile, reveals disparities, with advanced economies demonstrating robust legal systems while developing countries face challenges in implementing complex tax regulation. The chapter also examines the vulnerability of countries that lack robust legal frameworks, using the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), a landlocked, least-developed country dependent on extractive resources and agricultural exports, as a case study. By estimating the magnitude of trade mispricing of selected mineral and agricultural product exports, the chapter tries to present the consequential impact on potential tax revenue erosion and the economy. Its findings underscore the critical role of legal foundations in addressing the issue of IFFs, including the importance of transfer pricing rules in preventing trade mispricing. Based on these findings, this study encourages less economically developed, tax-revenue-reliant nations like Lao PDR to continue developing a transparent legal system, improve current trade databases, and enhance cooperation with international bodies. This study also suggests such countries explore alternative methods, such as simplified approaches, of estimating tax liabilities and curbing trade mispricing.
Prescriptive Pricing and Stabilisation Clauses in Investment Agreements
Authors: Musselli Irene , Mariottini de Oliveira Victor S.
Published: May 2024

‘Prescriptive’ pricing methods, which employ reference prices and fixed margins for tax purposes, have gained prominence as a pragmatic approach to combatting commodity trade mispricing and tax evasion, especially for countries with limited tax administration capabilities. While these methods hold promise for facilitating enforcement, reducing administrative burdens, and curtailing abusive tax avoidance practices, concerns have arisen about their potential deviation from established international rules and principles. The perceived risk of legal liabilities and investor claims, including ‘unfair treatment’ under investment treaties, acts as a significant uncertainty factor in the adoption of such methods. Thus, the present chapter addresses the legal aspects of ‘prescriptive’ pricing methods within the parameters of international investment law, offering a multifaceted perspective on challenges involving the scope of defence arguments that states can mobilise under international investment law to justify such methods and exploring the right and duty of states to regulate corporate conduct and economic activities under human rights law, as well as the practical limitations to this approach in present lawmaking practices.
Daphné à l’opéra : merveilleux et intergénéricité dans les livrets italiens (1640-1679)
Authors: Piffaut Ludovic
Published: May 2024

Cette étude propose d’étudier les liens entre l’opéra italien du xviie siècle et l’intergénéricité en tant que geste artistique destiné à croiser des genres différents dans un même support. Les livrets d’opéra entre 1640 et 1679, témoins de la pensée artistique du poète, donnent un aperçu du travail d’écriture qui amène celui-ci à s’emparer d’un épisode mythologique pour lui adjoindre des références poétiques complémentaires. C’est en analysant plusieurs drames centrés sur le mythe de Daphné et d’Apollon que nous pouvons mesurer la complexité du processus créateur d’un livret d’opéra. Gli amori d’Apollo e di Dafne de Giovanni Francesco Busenello est notre point de départ. Représenté en 1640 dans le Théâtre San Cassiano de Venise, cette œuvre fait coexister en son sein un sujet mythologique provenant des Métamorphoses d’Ovide, l’univers pastoral de Guarini et le genre satirique cultivé par l’Accademia degli Incogniti, un cercle d’érudits auquel appartient Busenello. Contrairement à lui, Pio Enea degli Obizzi et Tommaso Stanzani choisissent d’autres voies (celles de la poésie lyrique et des ressorts dramatiques) plus aptes à exprimer la réalité des affects. Ils sèment les graines de l’opéra de la réforme arcadienne.
Le merveilleux : clé de voûte de l’architecture sui generis des Piacevoli notti (Les Nuits facétieuses, 1550-1553) de Giovan Francesco Straparola ?
Authors: Iounès-Vona Rosaria
Published: May 2024

Si le succès des Piacevoli notti (Les Nuits facétieuses) de Giovan Francesco Straparola n’est plus à démontrer, en Italie et ailleurs, depuis leur première publication à Venise, il est en revanche moins aisé de décider de l’appartenance de ce recueil à un genre littéraire précis, en raison de la concomitance, pour le moins originale dans le panorama de la littérature italienne du xvie siècle, de deux discours aux formes très différentes : les soixante-treize favole et autant d’enimmi paraissent en effet, de prime abord, comme deux corpus disparates, car l’hétérogénéité des récits, en prose, n’est pas vraiment contrebalancée par l’uniformité esthétique des énigmes, en huitain. En se focalisant sur le merveilleux en tant qu’émotion éprouvée tant par des personnages de la narration en prose que par le public auquel les énigmes sont destinées, cette étude pose les premiers jalons d’une hypothèse selon laquelle le merveilleux ainsi abordé pourrait constituer la clé de voûte d’une mosaïque narrative sui generis.
La Double Inconstance, ou le conte de fées congédié ?
Authors: Fréry Nicolas
Published: May 2024

Trois ans après la féerie d’Arlequin poli par l’amour, Marivaux confie à Flaminia, dans La Double Inconstance, un discours démystificateur sur l’illusion féerique. La parfaite passion n’aurait sa place que dans un conte ; dans la réalité de la Cour, l’amour est vulnérable et malléable. Si des composantes du conte de fées affleurent dans La Double Inconstance (cadre spatial, situations topiques, échos de Grisélidis), la tradition féerique y est subtilement détournée. C’est qu’à la transformation magique des corps se substitue une métamorphose des cœurs : si « baguette » il y a, c’est celle, symbolique, dont Marivaux fait l’éloge la même année dans ses journaux en analysant l’art de flatter habilement l’amour-propre. La Double Inconstance peut ainsi être lue comme une réécriture désenchantée d’Arlequin poli par l’amour, où un prodige prétendu (la passion inaltérable) cède la place à un autre prodige (celui de la vanité), sans pour autant que Marivaux fasse pleinement le deuil de la féerie.
Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy’s Eighteenth-Century Legacy: The Case of Hamilton and Caylus
Authors: Duggan Anne E.
Published: May 2024

In this study we focus on d’Aulnoy’s impact on Hamilton’s tale, Le Bélier (1730), or “The Ram”—a direct reference to d’Aulnoy’s ram tale, “Le Mouton”—not only in terms of general references he makes to her fairy-tale corpus, but also regarding the impact of the style and discourse generated by d’Aulnoy’s tales. We then turn to the early tales of Caylus, published in Féeries nouvelles (1741), which clearly bear the influence of d’Aulnoy, an influence that lasted throughout his career.
La place de l’EPS dans l’expertise des PEMF : un exemple en gymnastique rythmique dans le cadre d’une collaboration avec un didacticien de la discipline
Authors: Prevel Sandrine , Ouitre Florian
Published: May 2024

L’objectif de cet article est d’identifier la manière dont une professeure des écoles maître formateur (PEMF) s’empare des suggestions qui lui sont faites par un enseignant chercheur didacticien de l’Éducation Physique et sportive (EPS) dans le cadre d’un travail collaboratif. Ces suggestions sont référées au fonctionnement du système didactique dans un projet en Gymnastique Rythmique (GR) en maternelle. Nous envisageons le système didactique dans une perspective problématique. L’enseignant doit, pour faire la classe et permettre à tous les élèves d’apprendre et de progresser, assurer les rencontres entre les pôles aux logiques hétérogènes de ce système (Élèves-Savoir-École). La gestion de ces rencontres se traduit par des problèmes professionnels. Les suggestions de l’expert sont recueillies à partir de ses commentaires sur un document de préparation rédigé par la PEMF. Des vidéos de moments de classe et un entretien d’auto-confrontation donnent accès aux suggestions prises en compte par l’enseignante. Ils permettent aussi d’identifier celles qui sont étouffées et résistent, attitude qui s’explique par sa maîtrise du pôle du savoir et des opérations de transposition didactique inscrites dans le cadre de la polyvalence.
Hebridean Rowing Songs
Authors: Purser John
Published: May 2024

This paper considers a number of Hebridean rowing songs and the physical conditions which apply to them, including the type of vessel, cargo, and sea-state and how these might influence musical performance. The varied characteristics of the tunes are considered in their contexts. The paper concludes with a close study of a traditional rowing song which survives with only four couplets, and details how it might be extended to render it usable.
Analysis of the link between stress and cancer: implications for patient support
Authors: Spytska Liana
Published: May 2024

In a world where oncological diseases remain a serious problem for many people, the study of stress management and the provision of psychological support to prevent and treat oncological diseases are becoming increasingly relevant. The purpose of the article is to identify stress mechanisms that affect the human body and provoke the development of cancer.Additionally, it seeks to investigate the global scope of the stress-cancer connection. The methods used in the study include generalisation, analysis, synthesis, and systematisation. The study found that chronic stress can affect the immune system, neurological activity, and other processes contributing to cancer development. In addition, the study has managed to shed light on the mechanisms of stress impact on oncology, including oxidative stress and replication stress, as stimuli that threaten the normal functioning of the human body. A support program for patients with oncological diseases was developed, which included assessment, psychoeducation, methods of stress reduction, and post-treatment support for patients with oncological diseases or those predisposed to them. The study found that the introduction of stress reduction programs for cancer patients is an important step in improving their well-being and treatment outcomes.
Blended formulations of oregano-sage essential oils: antimicrobial, phytotoxic, and anti-quorum sensing investigations
Authors: Elshafie Hazem S. , Mang Stefania M. , Camele Ippolito
Published: May 2024

There is a growing interest in the potential use of essential oils (EOs) as a possible alternative to synthetic pesticides. The formulation of bioinsecticides with different EOs could improve their bioactivities through synergic mechanisms. This study aimed to evaluate the biological activities of three blended oil formulations (BOFs) derived from oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L.). The chemical composition of the individual EOs was investigated using GC-MS analysis. The BOFs were prepared as follows: i) 25% oregano EO + 25% sage EO (BOF-I); ii) 25% oregano EO + 5% sage EO (BOF-II); iii) 5% oregano EO + 25% sage EO (BOF-III). The BOFs were tested for their phytotoxic effects on Lepidium sativum, Solanum lycopersicum, and Lactuca sativa as well as their antimicrobial activity against some phytopathogens. The tested BOFs were evaluated for their possible anti-quorum sensing activity against Chromobacterium violaceum Schröter. GC-MS analysis revealed that the oregano EO is mainly composed of thymol (76%), p-cymene (5.7%) and carvacrol (3.2%). Whereas, the dominant constituents of sage EO were trans-thujone and camphor. The results demonstrated that all tested BOFs possess an antimicrobial effect higher than each parent EO. In particular, BOF-II showed the highest effect against all tested bacteria and fungi. In addition, the three BOFs showed notable phytotoxic effects against all tested plants, particularly BOF-I. Whereas, the single sage EO at 25% showed the lowest significant phytotoxic effect, indicating its possible use as a natural herbicide. All examined BOFs showed promising quorum quenching activity against C. violaceum, especially at a concentration of 100%.
Caring for patients and their disorders: Curiosities
Authors: Jobson Roy
Published: May 2024

No abstract available.
Quality use of medicines: The young 'pill’ user with poor cycle control
Authors: Harries Katy , Gray Andy
Published: May 2024

This review - the last in the present "Quality Use of Medicine" series - will again seek to demonstrate the applicability of the P-drug process in making a rational medicines choice in a typical family practice case. The patient in this instance is a woman in her early twenties, seeking contraceptive advice. Although she has been using a combined oral contraceptive (for argument's sake, Mercilon) for six months, she now indicates that she "would like to try something new". She mentions that she has read that monthly bleeding can be avoided by extending the traditional 21-day pill taking interval and would like to know more about this. A friend has recommended a new pill called "Yasmin", because she has heard it can help a woman lose weight. After careful probing she reveals that the actual reason for her visit is that she has experienced frequent breakthrough bleeding, which she describes as making her feel as though she is "bleeding more often than not". This has led to dissatisfaction with her contraceptive and her search for a method which will help her escape the nuisance of poor cycle control. First, though, a quick aside strictly speaking what she is swallowing is a tablet (made by compressing granules),not a pill (rolled and then cut), but the literature on the "Pill" generally refers to "pill-taking", so that convention will be retained.
The Academy through the lens of its new National Chairman
Authors: Mazaza Shadrick
Published: May 2024

No abstract available.
Parkinsonism amongst white missionary workers in Malawi: 1889- 1989
Authors: Retief F.P. , Blignaut C.J. , Retief G.M.
Published: May 2024

The study was launched in order to investigate a suspected increase of Parkinsonism among white Dutch Reformed Church(DRC) missionary workers in Malawi. Since the founding of a DRC mission in 1889 and up to 1989,562 adults joined the Mission in Central Malawi. Eleven cases of Parkinsonism occurred in this population(incidence of 1,960/o: 3 women and 8 men. Only 2 were diagnosed while in Malawi, aged 55 and 59 years. In the rest,the diagnosis was made 8-50 (mean 21,4)years after departure from the country,at the mean age of 63,7(43-80)years. The mean length of illness was 9 (4-18)years. Four patients are still alive today,with a mean survival time of 15,2 (7-19) years.The mean length of stay in Malawi, for all patients,was 20,8 (4-45) years. The vast majority of international Parkinsonism surveys record prevalence,and could thus not be compared with our incidence figures. In view of this, and our relatively small sample,it was not possible to show an overall increase of Parkinsonism among DRC missionaries. However,when individual stations were compared,a statistically significant increase of cases were found on 3, situated within a common radius of 50 km. No reason for this phenomenon is evident,and we suggest that an epidemiological study of Parkinsonism among indigenous Malawians in the Central District may reveal interesting collaborative information.
Is unemployment a major reason for firearm attacks in rural South Africa?
Authors: Ogunbanjo G.A. , Sotade B.O.
Published: May 2024

No abstract available.
Erectile dysfunction: A GP's guide to clinical assessment
Authors: Harden P.J.
Published: May 2024

No abstract available.
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): Why has EBP emerged?
Authors: Ebrahim N. , Ogunbanjo G.A.
Published: May 2024

No abstract available.
Quality use of medicines: The child with acute otitis media
Authors: Gray A.
Published: May 2024

Infectious diseases pose quite different challenges to those who seek to apply evidence-based guidelines, as they do to managers of Essential Medicines programmes. The first challenge is that of resistance - unlike the causes of non- infectious conditions, microbes can develop resistance to antimicrobials over time. This may render yesterday's guidelines, based on yesterday's resistance patterns, quite useless today. The second challenge is that of location, the prevalence of causative organisms may vary from site to site (as can resistance), but in addition, factors other than the microbe involved may alter outcomes and hence demand differences in treatment. This review will use acute otitis media (AOM) in children as an example of such a condition, in order to explore these challenges more closely.
The Association between Dietary Inflammatory Index with Risk of Coronavirus Infection and Severity: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Tavassoli Mohammad , Askari Gholamreza , Hadi Vahid , Zali Morad Esmaeil , Clark Cain C. T. , Mirghazanfari Sayid Mahdi , Hadi Saeid
Published: May 2024

Background:

Recently, several have evaluated the association between the components of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) score with the risk and severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). For the first time, we examined the association between DII® with risk of coronavirus infection and symptom severity through a case-control study in Iran.

Methods:

The present case-control study was conducted on COVID-19 cases (n = 100) and healthy control (n = 100) volunteer, aged from 18 to 65 years. Dietary intake, DII, body mass index, COVID-19 infection, and the severity of its symptoms were assessed for each participant. A multivariable logistic regression analysis test was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.

Results:

Our results demonstrated that COVID-19–infected patients were significantly older and had longer history of diabetes as compared to the healthy control group (P <.05). Furthermore, the participants with COVID-19 had a significantly greater intake of total fat (P =0.259), saturated fat (P =0.005), and dietary fiber (P = .004). In contrast, individuals in the healthy control group had a higher intake of carbohydrate (P = .005), sodium (P <.001), and iron (P <.001). However, there was no significant difference in DII score between COVID-19 and healthy controls (P =.259). In addition, we did not detect any specific association between DII score and risk of COVID-19 infection (odds ratio = 1.08, 95% confidence interval: 0.92 to 1.27; P =.294) and the severity of its symptoms (P >.05).

Conclusions:

There appears to be no specific association between DII score and risk of COVID-19 infection and the severity of its symptoms. More prospective cohort studies are necessary to confirm the veracity of our results.
Preventable Prenatal and Neonatal Risk Factors of Type 1 Diabetes in Childhood
Authors: Dalili Setila , Koohmanaee Shahin , Mirmonsef Seyyedeh Golnaz , Nemati Seyyed Amir Reza , Motamed Behrang , Tabrizi Manijeh , Zoroufi Mohammad Aghaeizadeh , Rad Afagh Hassanzadeh
Published: May 2024

Background:

Childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease which is increasing in incidence, but little is known about the events that trigger the autoimmune process. Most of the time, these processes begin in prenatal and natal periods; therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prenatal and neonatal risk factors of T1DM in childhood.

Methods:

This case-control study has been performed on children with T1DM who referred to the 17th Shahrivar children's hospital. The control group consisted of healthy siblings of the case group. Data were gathered using a form that included maternal and neonatal characteristics. Data were reported by descriptive statistics in SPSS 19. To investigate the effect of quantitative and qualitative variables on the development of T1DM, logistic regression and Chi-square tests were used, respectively.

Results:

Birth weight, birth height, and maternal weight gain during pregnancy had a significant relationship with T1DM (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23, 2.57, and 1.14, respectively). In addition, there was a significant relationship between gestational hypertension (OR = 5.27), neonatal jaundice (OR = 3.42), cesarean section (OR = 2.06), and being non–first-born child (OR = 2.32) and T1DM. Also, premature rupture of membrane, maternal urinary tract infection, and nonexclusive breastfeeding had a significant association with T1DM (OR = 4.37, 3.94, and 2.30, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between maternal age, sex, neonatal respiratory disease, prematurity, and neonatal infections and T1DM (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Prenatal and neonatal risk factors can have a significant role in the occurrence of TIDM. Therefore, considering these risk factors can have a preventive effect on T1DM.
The "P"-Value: The Primary Alphabet of Research Revisited
Authors: Das Debasish , Das Tutan
Published: May 2024

Each research roves around the P value. A value less than 0.05 is considered to be statistically significant. Very few researchers are aware of the history, real-world significance, statistical insight, and in-depth criticism about this monumental alphabet of research. This article will provide detailed insight into the most common molecule of research which will be rewarding for the young students and researchers in the primary world of research. It is not a simple value; it is the longest and broadest description of research squeezed to a number for the ground level worker to the principal investigator. The present review will provide a detailed and unique insight into the P value which would be rewarding for the primary care physicians toward translating research into their clinical practice.
Is There Any Link between Hyperphosphatemia, Hypoalbuminemia, and Hypocalcemia with Hospital Outcomes in COVID-19 patients?
Authors: Rezaeifar Atefeh , Tabatabaee Aliye , Siavash Mansour , Akbari Mojtaba
Published: May 2024

Background:

Disturbed biochemical factors have been observed in viral infections including SARS, Ebola virus, and now COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the association between Calcium axis' derangements and hospital duration, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death in patients with COVID-19.

Methods:

428 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were included in this study. On the first day of admission, the patients were extensively evaluated for biochemical and hormonal factors and followed up until discharge/death. The association between hyperphosphatemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypocalcemia and major outcomes, including hospital duration, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death, was investigated by logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Hyperphosphatemia and hypoalbuminemia were present in 27 (6.3%) and 59 (13.8%) cases, respectively in the study population. The results of the present study reveal the relation of these factors with worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients; such as hospital duration, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death. On the other hand, high frequency of hypocalcemia (59.1%, 253 subject) has no significant influence on the mentioned outcomes (All P values were greater than 0.05).

Conclusions:

Poor outcomes were associated with hyperphosphatemia and hypoalbuminemia. It seems that we should evaluate the patients for derangements of phosphate, albumin, and calcium and try to treat them for all COVID-19 patients.
The Prevalence of Migraine in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis the Prevalence of Migraine in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Olfati Hamide , Mirmosayyeb Omid , Hosseinabadi Ali Mahdi , Ghajarzadeh Mahsa
Published: May 2024

Background:

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suffer from a wide range of comorbidities such as migraine. In studies, the prevalence of migraine in cases with IBD was reported differently. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of migraine in IBD cases.

Methods:

Two researchers independently and systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and google scholar. They also searched the gray literature including references of the included studies and conference abstracts which were published up to May 2021. Cross-sectional studies were included.

Results:

The literature search revealed 840 articles, and after deleting duplicates, 650 remained. For the meta-analysis, 10 studies were included. Totally, 62,554 patients were evaluated. The pooled prevalence of migraine in patients with IBD was 19% (95% CI: 15–22%). The pooled prevalence of migraine in ulcerative colitis (UC) was 10% (95% CI: 4–15%) (I2 = 99.8%, P < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of migraine in the Crohn's disease (CD) group was 24% (95% CI: 17–30%) (I2 = 98.8%, P < 0.001). The pooled odds of developing migraine in IBD cases was 1.51 (95% CI: 1–2.27) (I2 = 90.8%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The result of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of migraine in patients with IBD was 19% (95% CI: 15–22%).
Effect of Clomid and Hormonal Priming on Maturation and Spawning of Labeo Rohita and Oreochromis Niloticus
Authors: Panda Bibekananda , Krishna O. Gopi , Verma Dhananjay Kumar , Samanta Luna , Routray Padmanav
Published: May 2024

Effect of priming on the maturation and spawning were tested in two fish species using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), carp pituitary homogenate (CPH) and clomiphene citrate (clomid). The fish were injected with a dose of GnRH, CPH and clomid, calibrated to contain 0.3ml/kg, 7 mg/kg and 70mg/kg respectively in three split doses (two priming doses and one final dose). Two priming doses enhanced the maturation and spawning in fish as evident from hormone assay, histology and gamete analysis. Among the inducing agents, two priming doses of GnRH showed 94% maturation and higher GSI (5.31♂;18.5♀) than CPH and clomid injected rohu. Subsequently, successful spawning recorded supported by elevated levels of FSH and LH in blood. Priming with CPH and clomid showed better maturation rate than GnRH injected Nile tilapia. The sperm count of tilapia administered with CPH and clomid was 3.7±0.72×109 and 4.1±0.86×109 respectively. The efficacy of hormonal priming in synchronising the gamete development in rohu and tilapia was further evident from the increased number of synchronised oocyte development. This study may help in developing strategies for broodstock and hatchery management of carps and tilapias.
Vehicle counting in drone images: An adaptive method with spatial attention and multiscale receptive fields
Authors: Liu Yu , Shen Hang , Wang Tianjing , Bai Guangwei
Published: May 2024

We propose an altitude‐adaptive vehicle counting method with an attention mechanism and multiscale receptive fields that optimizes the measurement accuracy and inference latency of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images. An attention mechanism is used to aggregate horizontal and vertical feature weights to enhance spatial information and suppress background noise. The UAV flight altitude and shooting depression angle are considered for scale division and image segmentation to avoid acquiring distance measurements. Based on the dilation rate, we introduce a receptive field selection strategy for the trained model to exhibit scale generalization without redundant calculations. A distribution‐aware block loss is optimized via roots to balance the loss of sparse and crowded regions by dividing the density map. Experiments on three authoritative datasets demonstrate that compared with CSRNet, the proposed method improves the mean absolute error by 29.4%–54.0% and mean squared error by 28.6%–41.2% while reducing the inference latency. The proposed method exhibits higher counting accuracy than lightweight models including MCNN and MobileCount.
Case Report: Ophthalmomyiasis Externa Caused by Cordylobia anthropophaga Masquerading as a Lid Abscess
Authors: Osaigbovo Iriagbonse I. , Ohanaka Ivuoma A. , Adebudo Samuel , Osahon Adesuwa I.
Published: May 2024

Myiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the larvae of dipterous flies. Cutaneous infestation is the predominant type documented in sub-Saharan Africa, and ocular involvement is uncommon. We report the rare occurrence of a case of eyelid ophthalmomyiasis caused by Cordylobia anthropophaga in a Nigerian female to raise awareness among practitioners in both tropical and nonendemic areas.
Türkiye'deki Üç Farklı Kuşağın Dil Eğilimi Üzerine Yapılmış Bir Durum Çalışması
Authors: Toksöz Sibel , Toksöz İsmet
Published: May 2024

Her kuşak kendi dönemine göre farklı ticari, ekonomik, teknolojik, siyasal ve sosyal gelişmelerden etkilenir. Bu alanlardaki gelişmeler o kuşağın bireylerine yeni kelimeler kazandırabilir ve bireyler bu kelimeleri sıklıkla kullanabilir. Bu nedenle, zamanla her kuşağın kendine has bir kelime dağarcığı oluşur. Bu makalede Türkiye’deki X, Y ve Z kuşağının dili kullanma ve kelime tercihleri üzerine yapılan bir araştırmanın bulguları ortaya konulmaktadır. Araştırmada, 10 X kuşağı, 10 Y kuşağı ve 10 Z kuşağı olmak üzere toplam 30 katılımcı yer almaktadır. Katılımcılar uygun veya erişilebilir örneklem yöntemi kullanılarak seçilmiştir. Araştırmanın veri toplama aracı 9 açık uçlu sorudan oluşan mülakatlardır. Veri analiz yöntemi olarak içerik analizi uygulanmıştır. Kuşaklar tarafından sıklıkla kullanılan kelimeler belirlenip Türk Dil Kurumu sözlüğünden faydalanılarak yorumlanmıştır. Elde edilen veriler bilhassa X ile Y-Z kuşaklarının kelime tercihlerinin farklı olduğunu göstermiştir. Yabancı kökenli kelime kullanımının Y ve Z kuşaklarında daha fazla olduğu görülmüştür. Bu, küreselleşmenin bir sonucudur. Her ne kadar, internet kullanımının, sosyal medyanın ve diğer dijital iletişim kanallarının İngilizce kelimelerin dile girişini hızlandırdığı bilinse de özellikle Y kuşağının kullandığı birçok kelimenin Fransızca kökenli olduğu görülmüştür. X kuşağında ise sayısı çok fazla olmamakla birlikte diğer kuşaklardan daha fazla Arapça kökenli kelime kullanıldığı tespit edilmiştir.