bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SINTAXE DAS CONSTRUÇÕES TOPICALIZADAS
Authors: Silva Yan
Published: May 2024

As similaridades das estruturas de sujeito e de construções tópico-sujeito levaram as perspectivas formais a focalizar seus estudos na diferenciação de tais artefatos linguísticos, bem como na promoção de uma interface com a Educação Básica, uma vez que esses fatos da língua são estudados no ensino primário. O trabalho tem como objetivo além de evidenciar as incoerências da Gramática Tradicional na conceituação do elemento sujeito, também propor uma análise de estruturas topicalizadas fundamentada no Programa Cartográfico de Gramática Gerativa (Rizzi, 1997). A hipótese é de que os conhecimentos metalinguísticos das teorias formais possam levar luz para explicações mais coerentes com o conhecimento interno do falante que passa pelo processo de escolarização. Ademais, propõem-se como metodologia práticas didáticas no ensino de sentenças que contenham tópico, com o arcabouço da Aprendizagem Linguística Ativa (Pilati, 2017), que promove o uso de materiais manipuláveis nas aulas de gramática, a fim de oferecer o exercício de metacognição no ensino de língua.
OPERADOR ARGUMENTATIVO “TANTO QUE”: DESCRIÇÃO FUNCIONAL E ATIVIDADE DE ENSINO DE GRAMÁTICA
Authors: Dos Santos Ana Cláudia Machado
Published: May 2024

Este trabalho investiga os padrões funcionais do elemento de conexão “tanto que”, atestando a emergência de seu uso como operador argumentativo, um tipo de conector textual-discursivo no âmbito da macrossintaxe, na sincronia do Português Brasileiro (PB). Identificamos as estratégias de articulação dos textos, partindo da ideia de que, para a pesquisa funcionalista, existe uma relação estreita entre as diversas motivações de ordem intra e extralinguísticas que forjam determinadas configurações e moldam modos específicos de dizer. Nesse cenário, elementos de conexão articulam porções textuais, auxiliando a tessitura textual, articulando predominantemente argumentatividade e (inter)subjetividade, sendo recrutados por gêneros discursivos/sequências tipológicas que colaboram para o projeto de texto do autor. Sendo assim, à luz da Linguística Funcional Centrada no Uso, este estudo tem como objetivo central apresentar esse novo uso de “tanto que” caracterizando-o enquanto microconstrução e descrevendo suas propriedades de forma-sentido. Valendo-nos de um corpus sincrônico do PB, composto pela modalidade escrita ou pela escrita como reprodução de fala do site Corpus do Português, realizamos uma análise quali-quantitativa dos dados na primeira etapa da pesquisa. Os resultados parciais apontam que “tanto que” é um operador argumentativo cuja estratégia é acrescentar uma possível comprovação da asserção apresentada na porção textual que o antecede. Por fim, apresenta-se uma proposta de atividade para o trabalho com “tanto que” a partir dos distintos padrões de uso em seus contextos específicos para aplicação no ensino de língua portuguesa no Ensino Médio a partir do eixo “Teorias linguísticas e ensino de gramática”.
O rap de autoria indígena: descolonizando currículos e saberes nas aulas de língua portuguesa
Authors: Fraguas Marcela Martins de Melo
Published: May 2024

No presente artigo, analisa-se o rap “Demarcação Já – Terra Ar Mar”, do rapper indígena  Owerá, com participação do rapper Criolo. Pretende-se que as discussões apresentadas contribuam para o ensino crítico,  reflexivo e descolonial de língua portuguesa. O videoclipe do rap também foi observado, de modo a destacar a importância de que outras formas de produção de sentido, não restritas ao emprego da norma padrão, verbal e escrita, socialmente valorizada, sejam consideradas. Adotou-se, além disso, a perspectiva da interculturalidade crítica, como forma de integração de sujeitos historicamente subalternizados nos currículos. Embasam teoricamente este estudo, as considerações acerca de modernidade/colonialidade trazidas por Mignolo (2017), Quijano (2005), Walsh (2009, 2013), de autoria indígena, por Portela e Nogueira (2016), do movimento cultural hip-hop, por Souza (2011), da identificação com o rap por grupos indígenas, por Nascimento (2014), entre outros. Os resultados evidenciam a relevância da inclusão das produções dos próprios autores nos currículos. Considera-se, portanto, que temas, gêneros textuais e autores, frequentemente, marginalizados devem ser postos em relevo, em prol de uma formação voltada para a descolonização de saberes e para a justiça social. 
 
Palavras-chave: Ensino de língua portuguesa. Descolonialidade. Autoria indígena. Rap.
Incontinence in people living with dementia
Authors: Aldridge Zena , Dening Karen Harrison
Published: May 2024

Dementia and incontinence are both prevalent in older age; yet, neither are an inevitable or normal part of ageing. It has been recognised that there is a skills and knowledge gap in professionals assessing and managing incontinence for people living with dementia. All too often, assumptions are made that incontinence is a symptom of dementia and that nothing can be done if a person living with dementia experiences episodes of incontinence. While dementia may impact on a person's ability to remain continent, it may not be the sole cause, and there may be treatments and strategies that can reduce the incidence in those affected. Therefore, a person-centred continence assessment should be undertaken to promote continence and reduce the impact of incontinence for people living with dementia and those who care for them. This paper will highlight some of the issues that are important for health and social care professionals to explore and identify, assess and manage incontinence to improve outcomes for families affected by dementia.
PATIENT-SPECIFIC TKA TWO-YEAR OUTCOME STUDY: VELYS VERSUS BRAINLAB VELYS ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SOLUTION (VRAS) VERSUS BRAINLAB 3 TKA. TWO-YEAR OUTCOME DATA STUDY
Authors: Clatworthy Mark
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The first VRAS TKA was performed in New Zealand in November 2020 using a Patient Specific Balanced Technique whereby VRAS enables very accurate collection of the bony anatomy and soft tissue envelope of the knee to plan and execute the optimal positioning for a balanced TKA

Method

The first 45 VRAS patients with idiopathic osteoarthritis of the knee was compared with 45 sequential patients who underwent the same TKA surgical technique using Brainlab 3 which the author has used exclusively in over 1500 patients. One and two year outcome data will be presented

Results

One year outcome dataVely Brainlab Significance Oxford 43.4 40.5 P=0.01 WOMAC 8.4 14.1P=0.02 Forgotten Joint Score 72.2 58.3 P=0.01 KOOS ADL91.3 85.8 P=0.04 Normal 83.3 74.2P =0.048 Activity Pain 8.6 18.4 P=0.009 ROM 127 124 P=0.01 Patient Satisfaction 98% 95% P=0.62 Operation again 100% 91% P=0.055 The two year data will be available for the ASM Conclusion: The one year outcome data shows a significantly better Oxford, WOMAC, Forgotten Joint score, KOOS ADL, Normal score and ROM scores and the activity pain is less compared to the authors extensive experience with Brainlab 3.
TIME TO SURGERY FOR NECK OF FEMUR FRACTURES IN SOUTHLAND FOR PATIENTS PRESENTING DIRECTLY TO A REFERRAL HOSPITAL VERSUS TRANSFERRAL FROM PERIPHERAL HOSPITAL: A MATCHED COHORT STUDY
Authors: Bolam S. M. , Matheson N. , Douglas M. , Anderson K. , Weggerty S. , Londahl M. , Gwynne-Jones D. , Navarre P.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The Te Whatu Ora Southern catchment area covers the largest geographical region in New Zealand (over 62,000 km2) creating logistical challenges in providing timely access to emergency neck of femur (NOF) fracture surgery. Current Australian and New Zealand guidelines recommend that NoF surgery be performed within 48 hours of presentation. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes for patients with NoF fractures who present directly to a referral hospital (Southland Hospital) compared to those are transferred from rural peripheral centres.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study identified 79 patients with NoF who were transferred from rural peripheral centres to a referral hospital for operative management between January 2011 to December 2020. This cohort was matched 1:1 by age and sex to patients with NoF who presently directly to the referral hospital over the same period. The primary outcome was to compare time to surgery between the groups and secondary outcomes were to compare length of hospital stay, complication rates and mortality rates at 30-days and 1-year.

Results

The mean delay in transfer time from peripheral centres was 11.5 ± 6.4 h. The mean time to surgery was higher, but not significantly different (p=0.155), for patients transferred from peripheral centres compared to patients presenting directly to the referral hospital (30.7 ± 16.5 h vs. 26.8 ± 17.2 h, respectively). However, rates of surgery within 48 h were similar between the patients transferred from peripheral centres and patients presenting directly to the referral hospital (8.8% vs 7.6%, p>0.999). There were no significant differences in complication rates, length of stay or 30-day or 1-year mortality between the groups.

Discussion and Conclusion

Significant delays in transfer from peripheral centres to the referral hospital were identified, averaging 11.5 h. There was a strong trend towards increased time to surgery for patients transferred from peripheral centres. Early transfer of patients with NoF to a referral hospital should continue to be made a high priority.
OUTCOMES FOLLOWING A TOTAL FEMORAL PLATING TECHNIQUE FOR MANAGEMENT OF PERIPROSTHETIC FRACTURES AROUND STABLE HIP AND KNEE IMPLANTS
Authors: Sandiford Nemandra A. , Atkinson Brad , Trompeter Alex , Kendoff Daniel
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Management of Vancouver type B1 and C periprosthetic fractures in elderly patients requires fixation and an aim for early mobilisation but many techniques restrict weightbearing due to re-fracture risk. We present the clinical and radiographic outcomes of our technique of total femoral plating (TFP) to allow early weightbearing whilst reducing risk of re-fracture.

Methods

A single-centre retrospective cohort study was performed including twenty-two patients treated with TFP for fracture around either hip or knee replacements between May 2014 and December 2017. Follow-up data was compared at 6, 12 and 24 months.

Primary outcomes were functional scores (Oxford Hip or Knee score (OHS/OKS)), Quality of Life (EQ-5D) and satisfaction at final follow-up (Visual Analogue Score (VAS)). Secondary outcomes were radiographic fracture union and complications.

Results

Mean OHS and OKS was 50.25, EQ-5D score was >4 for all modalities, VAS was 64.4/100. Radiographs demonstrated bony union in 58% at 3 months and 76% at 6 months. We identified no case of re-fracture however non-union occurred in 4 patients. No other operative complications were identified.

Conclusion

These results suggest that TFP may be a safe, viable option for management of periprosthetic fractures around stable implants allowing the benefit of early weightbearing, satisfactory outcomes and low re-fracture risk.
Walled Klein-4 Brauer algebras
Authors: Tamilselvi Annamalai , Shajahan Dhilshath
Published: May 2024

The new class of diagram algebras known as walled Klein-$4$ Brauer algebras, denoted by $\overrightarrow{\overrightarrow{D}}_{r,s}(l)$, where $r,s \in \mathds{N}$ and $l \in K$, is an indeterminate, is studied in this paper. The walled klein-$4$ Brauer algebras are explained in terms of generators and relations. The indexing set of the simple modules of the walled Klein-$4$ Brauer algebras was described. We established that walled Klein-$4$ Brauer algebras are iterated inflations of the group algebra of the group $(\mathds{Z}_{2}\times \mathds{Z}_{2})\wr \mathbf{S}_{r} \times (\mathds{Z}_{2}\times \mathds{Z}_{2})\wr \mathbf{S}_{s}$, and we concluded that $\overrightarrow{\overrightarrow{D}}_{r,s}(l)$ is cellular as a consequence.
Can Feminism Think Black Incapacity? On Resistance, Ambivalence, and the Ungendered Reading of Blackness and Sexuality: Revisiting Judith Butler and Hortense Spillers
Authors: Park Linette
Published: May 2024

Abstract: The article explores claims of resistance and ambivalence in discourses of feminisms. By contemplating these two terms as they are positioned in different feminist articulations (as well as in black critical theory, psychoanalysis, and literary studies), it argues that Blackness's negativity of the real gives rise to representations of race, gender, sexuality, and the body. Closely examining central works by Judith Butler and Hortense Spillers, the article further ruminates on how the incapacity of Blackness might yield an ungendered reading of these differences. In doing so, it pursues questions such as what might be the implications of such readings concomitant with the effects of trans - and Blackness's (non-)appearance in language and writing. The article visits meditations by Frantz Fanon and recent interventions in Afro-pessimism to consider an aporia that underlines the triangulation of Blackness, sexuality, and ungendering.
Color-appearance-matched data in high-dynamic-range luminance conditions
Authors: Hwang Jisoo , Baek Yeseul , Kwak Youngshin , Hong Yejin
Published: May 2024

We report color-appearance-matched data under high-dynamic-range luminance conditions. The experimental method and apparatus proposed in a previous study [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 36, 1940 (2019)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.36.001940] were used to measure perceptual color shifts in the R, G, B, Y, RB, BG, GY, and YR groups of 16 samples under four dual-illumination conditions at luminance levels of (300 and 4500cd/m2), (20 and 300cd/m2), (80 and 4500cd/m2), and (20 and 4,500cd/m2). We observed a decrease in lightness for all samples, and hue shifts toward blue in R, red in reddish YR, and green in BG samples when the luminance changed from low to high. Correlated changes in lightness and chroma, that is, an increase in lightness change and a decrease in chroma change under the highest luminance contrast (20 and 4500cd/m2), were observed for the Y, GY, and YR samples.
Accurate two-dimensional simulation model and experimental demonstration in ultraviolet picosecond laser scribing ablation
Authors: Xu Zhiying , Zhao Nan , Zhang Caijie , Cai Shixian , Wang Kai , Wang Kedong , Li Jiaming , Zhang Qingmao , Yan Xueqing , Zhu Kun
Published: May 2024

Laser patterning of copper thin films is essential for the electronics manufacturing industry. In this work, to efficiently and accurately describe the physics process of UV-ps laser ablating copper thin film, a two-temperature model (TTM) consisting of the electron-lattice system and phase explosion mechanism was proposed. The process of electron heating and electron-lattice heat transfer in single pulse ablation were revealed. The average relative errors (ARE) of simulated ablation depth and width were 6.24% and 4.82%, respectively. The process of laser scribing ablation presents the characteristics of repeated ablation in the overlapping ablation region and new ablation in the non-overlapping region. The physics essence of laser scribing is the multiple laser ablations with different energies on the cross-section. The laser scribing cross-section ablation was simulated on 2D TTM. Compared with 3D simulation, though the ARE of ablation depth and width of 2D simulation slightly increased from 15.81% and 5.69% to 18.96% and 8.76%, respectively, the average solving time decreased significantly, from 81960 s to 2140 s. This comprehensive study aims to offer some insights into the characteristics of UV-ps laser ablation of copper thin film.
Demonstration of temperature monitoring of the curing process in resin transfer moulding using integrated phase-shifted Bragg grating sensors
Authors: Syriopoulos Georgios , Kyriazi Evrydiki , Poulopoulos Giannis , Prousalidi Thenia , Poulimenos Aggelos , Szaj Michal , Lizaranzu Miguel , Núñez José Luis , Bourcier Franck , Maugis Sébastien , Missinne Jeroen , Steenberge Geert Van , Zervos Charalampos , Avramopoulos Hercules
Published: May 2024

Composite materials have increased in use across multiple industries due to their low weight, thermal stability and design flexibility. As applications grow, the importance of accurate process-monitoring techniques grows, with various research teams investigating a variety of in situ cure-monitoring sensors. Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) can be a feasible solution in tracking curing cycles due to their resistance to harsh conditions and ease of integration into the production tool. This paper demonstrates the integration and performance evaluation of an embedded phase-shifted Bragg grating solution, instead of commonly used fiber sensors, based on 220 nm height silicon-on-insulator platform for in-situ monitoring of the RTM-6 resin curing process in a composite tool. The embedded optical sensor presents high sensitivity (75 pm/°C) and linearity (R2=0.995) up to 120 °C, enabling precise temperature measurements throughout the curing cycle. The experimental results show consistency with previously reported simulations, throughout the calibration, dry run characterization and the curing process, up to 120 °C, allowing for accurate monitoring of the curing process.
Toward heralded distribution of polarization entanglement
Authors: Joseph Marcellino F. , Caspar Patrik , Brydges Tiff , Zbinden Hugo , Thew Rob
Published: May 2024

Distributing entangled states over potentially long distances provides a key resource for many protocols in quantum communication and quantum cryptography. Ideally, this should be implemented in a heralded manner. Starting with four single-photon states, we cascade two single-photon path-entangled states, coded in orthogonal polarizations, to distribute and herald polarization entanglement in a single quantum repeater link architecture. By tuning the input states to minimize (local) losses, the theoretically achievable fidelity to the target state without postselection approaches 1, while sacrificing heralding rates. We achieve a fidelity to the target state of over 95% after postselection, providing a benchmark for the experimental control and allowing a first demonstration of a device-independent quantum key distribution architecture capable of operation over relevant distances. We show that the fidelity of the heralded state without postselection scales predictably and also identify various practical challenges and error sources specific to this architecture, and model their effects on the generated state. While our experiment uses probabilistic photon-pair sources based on spontaneous parametric downconversion, many of these problems are also relevant for variants employing deterministic photon sources.
A study on the influence of perceived distance on China’s inbound Tourism and the interaction of non-economic distance: An analysis of dynamic extended gravity model based on 61 countries’ entry data (2004–2018)
Authors: Li Chengzhe , He Linya , Guo Wei , Wang Kewen , Tang Sen
Published: May 2024

In the post-epidemic era, the restart of China’s inbound tourism is imminent. However, there are gaps in our current understanding of how distance perception dynamically affects inbound tourism in China. In order to understand the past patterns of inbound tourism in China, we mapped the data of 61 countries of origin from 2004 to 2018 into a dynamic expanding gravity model to understand the effects of cultural distance, institutional distance, geographical distance, and economic distance on inbound tourism in China and revealed the dynamic interaction mechanism of non-economic distance perception on inbound tourism in China. Our research results show that cultural distance has a positive impact on China’s inbound tourism, while institutional distance has a negative impact. The significant finding is that the dynamic interaction of the above two kinds of perceived distance can still have a positive impact on China’s inbound tourism. Its practical significance is that it can counteract the influence of institutional distance by strengthening the cultural distance. Generally speaking, geographical distance and institutional distance restrict China’s inbound tourism flow, while cultural distance, economic distance, and interactive perceptual distance promote China’s inbound tourism flow.
Evidence of elevated situational awareness for active duty soldiers during navigation of a virtual environment
Authors: Enders Leah R. , Gordon Stephen M. , Roy Heather , Rohaly Thomas , Dalangin Bianca , Jeter Angela , Villarreal Jessica , Boykin Gary L. , Touryan Jonathan
Published: May 2024

U.S. service members maintain constant situational awareness (SA) due to training and experience operating in dynamic and complex environments. Work examining how military experience impacts SA during visual search of a complex naturalistic environment, is limited. Here, we compare Active Duty service members and Civilians’ physiological behavior during a navigational visual search task in an open-world virtual environment (VE) while cognitive load was manipulated. We measured eye-tracking and electroencephalogram (EEG) outcomes from Active Duty (N = 21) and Civilians (N = 15) while they navigated a desktop VE at a self-regulated pace. Participants searched and counted targets (N = 15) presented among distractors, while cognitive load was manipulated with an auditory Math Task. Results showed Active Duty participants reported significantly greater/closer to the correct number of targets compared to Civilians. Overall, Active Duty participants scanned the VE with faster peak saccade velocities and greater average saccade magnitudes compared to Civilians. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) response (EEG P-300) was significantly weighted more to initial fixations for the Active Duty group, showing reduced attentional resources on object refixations compared to Civilians. There were no group differences in fixation outcomes or overall CNN response when comparing targets versus distractor objects. When cognitive load was manipulated, only Civilians significantly decreased their average dwell time on each object and the Active Duty group had significantly fewer numbers of correct answers on the Math Task. Overall, the Active Duty group explored the VE with increased scanning speed and distance and reduced cognitive re-processing on objects, employing a different, perhaps expert, visual search strategy indicative of increased SA. The Active Duty group maintained SA in the main visual search task and did not appear to shift focus to the secondary Math Task. Future work could compare how a stress inducing environment impacts these groups’ physiological or cognitive markers and performance for these groups.
Feasibility and safety of in-bed cycling/stepping in critically ill patients: A study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wi Soohyun , Shin Hyung-Ik , Hyun Sung Eun , Sung Kwan-Sik , Lee Woo Hyung
Published: May 2024

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is one of the most common complications of post-ICU syndrome. It is the leading cause of gait disturbance, decreased activities of daily living, and poor health-related quality of life. The early rehabilitation of critically ill patients can reduce the ICU-AW. We designed a protocol to investigate the feasibility and safety of conventional rehabilitation with additional in-bed cycling/stepping in critically ill patients.

Methods

The study is designed as a single-center, single-blind, pilot, randomized, parallel-group study. After the screening, participants are randomly allocated to two groups, stratified by mechanical ventilation status. The intervention group will be provided with exercises of in-bed cycling/stepping according to the level of consciousness, motor power, and function in addition to conventional rehabilitation. In contrast, the control group will be provided with only conventional rehabilitation. The length of intervention is from ICU admission to discharge, and interventions will be conducted for 20 minutes, a maximum of three sessions per day.

Results

The outcomes are the number and percentage of completed in-bed cycling/stepping sessions, the duration and percentage of in-bed cycling/stepping sessions, and the number of cessations of in-bed cycling/stepping sessions, the interval from ICU admission to the first session of in-bed cycling/stepping, the number and percentage of completed conventional rehabilitation sessions, the duration and percentage of conventional rehabilitation sessions, the number of cessations of conventional rehabilitation sessions, the number of adverse events, level of consciousness, functional mobility, muscle strength, activities of daily living, and quality of life.

Discussion

This study is a pilot clinical trial to investigate the feasibility and safety of conventional rehabilitation with additional in-bed cycling/stepping in critically ill patients. If the expected results are achieved in this study, the methods of ICU rehabilitation will be enriched.

Trial registration

clinicialtrials.gov, Clinical Trials Registration #NCT05868070.
A novel code representation for detecting Java code clones using high-level and abstract compiled code representations
Authors: Quradaa Fahmi H. , Shahzad Sara , Saeed Rashad , Sufyan Mubarak M.
Published: May 2024

In software development, it’s common to reuse existing source code by copying and pasting, resulting in the proliferation of numerous code clones—similar or identical code fragments—that detrimentally affect software quality and maintainability. Although several techniques for code clone detection exist, many encounter challenges in effectively identifying semantic clones due to their inability to extract syntax and semantics information. Fewer techniques leverage low-level source code representations like bytecode or assembly for clone detection. This work introduces a novel code representation for identifying syntactic and semantic clones in Java source code. It integrates high-level features extracted from the Abstract Syntax Tree with low-level features derived from intermediate representations generated by static analysis tools, like the Soot framework. Leveraging this combined representation, fifteen machine-learning models are trained to effectively detect code clones. Evaluation on a large dataset demonstrates the models’ efficacy in accurately identifying semantic clones. Among these classifiers, ensemble classifiers, such as the LightGBM classifier, exhibit exceptional accuracy. Linearly combining features enhances the effectiveness of the models compared to multiplication and distance combination techniques. The experimental findings indicate that the proposed method can outperform the current clone detection techniques in detecting semantic clones.
Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by various ethnic tribes of Mizoram, India
Authors: Ralte Laldinfeli , Singh Y. Tunginba
Published: May 2024

Mizoram has a diverse range of ethnic and cultural groups, including the Lushai, Mara, Lai, Bawm, Hmar, Chakma, and Bru. Through practice and experience in their protracted battles with disease and the harsh natural environment, they have amassed rich folk medicine knowledge. The preservation of indigenous knowledge, identification of bioactive compounds, and the eventual discovery of novel medicinal plant species all depend on the documentation of the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Therefore, the present study was designed to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge related to the usage of medicinal plants in Mizoram, India. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was carried out in 17 villages of 5 districts in Mizoram between September 2022 and January 2023. A total of 128 informants (77 males and 51 females) were interviewed. Information was gathered through field observations, group discussions, and semistructured interviews. The data were presented using descriptive statistics. To assess the importance of medicinal plant species, quantitative indices such as the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), use value (UV), and cultural index (CI) was used. In our ethnobotanical investigation, 102 medicinal plant species from 95 genera and 58 families were recorded and documented. The majority of them (90 species) were obtained from wild habitats. The majority of the documented species were trees (48), followed by herbs (23 species) and shrubs (21 species). The most common method of preparation was decoction (67 species). Diabetes had the highest ICF value (0.81), followed by cancer, liver problems, and hypertension (0.8). The fidelity level (FL) of indigenous communities in the study area was evaluated to determine the dependability and consistency of herbal drug use. Indigenous knowledge and the variety of medicinal plant species that are used are of great values. The therapeutic applications of documented plants provide fundamental information for additional studies centered on pharmacological investigations and the preservation of the most significant species.
Illustrating the importance of edge constraints in backbones of bipartite projections
Authors: Neal Zachary P. , Neal Jennifer Watling
Published: May 2024

Bipartite projections (e.g., event co-attendance) are often used to measure unipartite networks of interest (e.g., social interaction). Backbone extraction models can be useful for reducing the noise inherent in bipartite projections. However, these models typically assume that the bipartite edges (e.g., who attended which event) are unconstrained, which may not be true in practice (e.g., a person cannot attend an event held prior to their birth). We illustrate the importance of correctly modeling such edge constraints when extracting backbones, using both synthetic data that varies the number and type of constraints, and empirical data on children’s play groups. We find that failing to impose relevant constraints when the data contain constrained edges can result in the extraction of an inaccurate backbone. Therefore, we recommend that when bipartite data contain constrained edges, backbones be extracted using a model such as the Stochastic Degree Sequence Model with Edge Constraints (SDSM-EC).
Shared decision-making in psoriasis care: Evaluation of how patients’ perception of clinicians’ delivery of care changes by age and sex
Authors: Kikuchi Robin , Kingston Paige , Hao Audrey , Sadrolashrafi Kaviyon , Yamamoto Rebecca K. , Tolson Hannah , Bilimoria Sara N. , Guo Lily , Yee Danielle , Ochoa Maria T. , Armstrong April W.
Published: May 2024

Background

Shared decision-making (SDM) refers to a collaborative process in which clinicians assist patients in making medically informed, evidence-based decisions that align with their values and preferences. There is a paucity of literature on SDM in dermatology.

Objective

We aim to assess whether male and female psoriasis patients evaluate their clinicians’ engagement in SDM differently across different age groups.

Methods

Cross-sectional study using data from the 2014–2017 and 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys (MEPS).

Results

A weighted total of 7,795,608 psoriasis patients were identified. SDM Scores ranged from 1 to 4, with 4 representing the most favorable patient evaluation of their clinicians’ engagement in SDM. We conducted multivariate linear regression to compare mean SDM Scores in male psoriasis patients versus female psoriasis patients across different patient age groups. Female patients ages 60–69 perceived significantly greater clinician engagement in SDM compared to age-matched male patients (female patient perception of SDM 3.65 [95%CI:3.61–3.69] vs. male patient perception of SDM 3.50 [95%CI:3.43–3.58], p<0.005). The same trend of older female patients evaluating their clinicians’ engagement in SDM significantly higher than their age-matched male counterparts exists for the age group >70 (p<0.005). No significant differences between male and female patients’ evaluations of their clinicians’ engagement in SDM were demonstrated in subjects younger than 60. All calculations were adjusted for demographic and clinical factors.

Conclusions

Compared to older male psoriasis patients, older female psoriasis patients evaluated their clinicians to be more engaged in shared decision-making.
Mode of delivery and birth outcomes before and during COVID-19 –A population-based study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: To Teresa , Zhu Jingqin , Terebessy Emilie , Borkhoff Cornelia M. , Gershon Andrea S. , Kendzerska Tetyana , Pakhale Smita S. , Vozoris Nicholas T. , Zhang Kimball , Licskai Christopher
Published: May 2024

There is lack of clarity on whether pregnancies during COVID-19 resulted in poorer mode of delivery and birth outcomes in Ontario, Canada. We aimed to compare mode of delivery (C-section), birth (low birthweight, preterm birth, NICU admission), and health services use (HSU, hospitalizations, ED visits, physician visits) outcomes in pregnant Ontario women before and during COVID-19 (pandemic periods). We further stratified for pre-existing chronic diseases (asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, diabetes, hypertension). Deliveries before (Jun 2018–Feb 2020) and during (Jul 2020–Mar 2022) pandemic were from health administrative data. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of delivery and birth outcomes, and negative binomial regression for adjusted rate ratios (aRR) of HSU. We compared outcomes between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Possible interactions between study periods and covariates were also examined. 323,359 deliveries were included (50% during pandemic). One in 5 (18.3%) women who delivered during the pandemic had not received any COVID-19 vaccine, while one in 20 women (5.2%) lab-tested positive for COVID-19. The odds of C-section delivery during the pandemic was 9% higher (aOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.08–1.11) than pre-pandemic. The odds of preterm birth and NICU admission were 15% (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.82–0.87) and 10% lower (aOR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.88–0.92), respectively, during COVID-19. There was a 17% reduction in ED visits but a 16% increase in physician visits during the pandemic (aRR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.81–0.84 and aRR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.16–1.17, respectively). These aORs and aRRs were significantly higher in women with pre-existing chronic conditions. During the pandemic, healthcare utilization, especially ED visits (aRR = 0.83), in pregnant women was lower compared to before. Ensuring ongoing prenatal care during the pandemic may reduce risks of adverse mode of delivery and the need for acute care during pregnancy.
Protocol for the crowdsourced image-based morbidity hotspot surveillance for neglected tropical diseases (CIMS-NTDs)
Authors: Chukwuocha Uchechukwu Madukaku , Oyamienlen Christopher Sule , Bosede Ayoola Oluwaseun , Dozie Ikechukwu Nosike
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Efficient NTDs elimination strategies require effective surveillance and targeted interventions. Traditional methods are costly and time-consuming, often failing to cover entire populations in case of movement restrictions. To address these challenges, a morbidity image-based surveillance system is being developed. This innovative approach which leverages the smartphone technology aims at simultaneous surveillance of multiple NTDs, enhancing cost-efficiency, reliability, and community involvement, particularly in areas with movement constraints. Moreover, it holds promise for post-elimination surveillance.

Methodology

The pilot of this method will be conducted across three states in southern Nigeria. It will target people affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases and members of their communities. The new surveillance method will be introduced to target communities in the selected states through community stakeholder’s advocacy meetings and awareness campaigns. The pilot which is set to span eighteen months, entails sensitizing NTDs-affected individuals and community members using signposts, posters, and handbills, to capture photos of NTDs manifestations upon notice using smartphones. These images, along with pertinent demographic information, will be transmitted to a dedicated server through WhatsApp or Telegram accounts. The received images will be reviewed and organized at backend and then forwarded to a panel of experts for identification and annotation to specific NTDs. Data generated, along with geocoordinate information, will be used to create NTDs morbidity hotspot maps using ArcGIS. Accompanying metadata will be used to generate geographic and demographic distributions of various NTDs identified. To protect privacy, people will be encouraged to send manifestation photos of the affected body part only without any identifiable features.

Evaluation protocol

NTDs prevalence data obtained using conventional surveillance methods from both the pilot and selected control states during the pilot period will be compared with data from the CIMS-NTDs method to determine its effectiveness.

Expected results and conclusion

It is expected that an effective, privacy-conscious, population inclusive new method for NTDs surveillance, with the potential to yield real-time data for the identification of morbidity hotspots and distribution patterns of NTDs will be established. The results will provide insights into the effectiveness of the new surveillance method in comparison to traditional approaches, potentially advancing NTDs elimination strategies.
Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 interferon gamma release assay in BNT162b2 vaccinated healthcare workers
Authors: Ramos Angélica , Martins Sandra , Marinho Ana Sofia , Norton Pedro , Cardoso Maria João , Guimarães João Tiago
Published: May 2024

To predict protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2, cellular immunity seems to be more sensitive than humoral immunity. Through an Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ) Release Assay (IGRA), we show that, despite a marked decrease in total antibodies, 94.3% of 123 healthcare workers have a positive cellular response 6 months after inoculation with the 2nd dose of BNT162b2 vaccine. Despite the qualitative relationship found, we did not observe a quantitative correlation between IFN-γ and IgG levels against SARS-CoV-2. Using stimulated whole blood from a subset of participants, we confirmed the specific T-cell response to SARS-CoV-2 by dosing elevated levels of the IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α. Through a 20-month follow-up, we found that none of the infected participants had severe COVID-19 and that the first positive cases were only 12 months after the 2nd dose inoculation. Future studies are needed to understand if IGRA-SARS-CoV-2 can be a powerful diagnostic tool to predict future COVID-19 severe disease, guiding vaccination policies.
Disturbance in the protein landscape of cochlear perilymph in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Fukuda Masatoshi , Okanishi Hiroki , Ino Daisuke , Ono Kazuya , Kawamura Satoru , Wakai Eri , Miyoshi Tsuyoshi , Sato Takashi , Ohta Yumi , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Inohara Hidenori , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Hibino Hiroshi
Published: May 2024

Hearing loss is a pivotal risk factor for dementia. It has recently emerged that a disruption in the intercommunication between the cochlea and brain is a key process in the initiation and progression of this disease. However, whether the cochlear properties can be influenced by pathological signals associated with dementia remains unclear. In this study, using a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we investigated the impacts of the AD-like amyloid β (Aβ) pathology in the brain on the cochlea. Despite little detectable change in the age-related shift of the hearing threshold, we observed quantitative and qualitative alterations in the protein profile in perilymph, an extracellular fluid that fills the path of sound waves in the cochlea. Our findings highlight the potential contribution of Aβ pathology in the brain to the disturbance of cochlear homeostasis.
A cyberpunk symphony of dystopian nightmares: Towards an archaeology of early digital comics1
Authors: Di Paola Lorenzo , Tirino Mario
Published: May 2024

This article analyses the social and technological contexts in which the first contact between comics and digital technologies occurs. The history of digital comics begins during the 1980s through the intersection of technocultural practices and innovations that had a major impact on the comics industry. Through the analysis of Michael Saenz’s Shatter (First Comics, 1985) and Iron Man: Crash (Marvel, 1988) and Pepe Moreno’s Batman: Digital Justice (DC Comics, 1990), we will try to reconstruct the media and cultural processes that paved the way for the technical and expressive modes of future digital comics. The objective of the article is to demonstrate the paradoxical co-presence, in these works, of optimism and pessimism towards the possibilities guaranteed by information technologies. Indeed, on the one hand, the authors of these works experimented with the opportunities offered by still rudimental PCs and software. On the other, they embodied worries about the sociocultural traumas triggered by the technological, which translated on the expressive level in the prefiguration of dystopian futures dominated by cyberpunk atmospheres.
La glotomímesis en la lengua española
Authors: Moreno Cabrera Juan Carlos
Published: May 2024

En la descripción gramatical y léxica del español se suele recurrir de forma esporádica o marginal a conceptos como el de onomatopeya o simbolismo fónico o, más raramente, ideófono. En este artículo voy a proponer que los fenómenos relativos a estos y otros términos están relacionados entre sí y afectan a todos los niveles de la lengua española. Todos ellos son manifestación de la mímesis lingüística o glotomímesis, la imitación lingüística del mundo no lingüístico, que afecta a todos los niveles de la lengua y que ha de considerarse como uno de los ámbitos característicos no solo de la lengua española en particular sino también de las lenguas en general.
Espíritus equivalentes
Authors: Sucksdorf Cristián
Published: May 2024

Este artículo intenta comprender un aspecto fundamental de la obra de León Rozitchner, en cierto modo relegado: la hermenéutica en que se sostiene su filosofía. Se trata de comprender el modo de leer (o releer) que la filosofía de Rozitchner pone en juego, y que implica más que un conjunto de glosas y relaciones eruditas el intento de una dis-torsión del sentido, algo como la refracción que produciría la significación cuando su sentido debe atravesar la propia vivencia para ser verificado. Sin embargo, esta hermenéutica no aparece en la obra de Rozitchner como una teoría explícita ni como un conjunto de técnicas, normas o métodos, por lo que para comprenderla será necesario explicitarla y sistematizarla. Para ello, y a modo de hipótesis de trabajo, usaremos como guía algunos aspectos de la reflexión hermenéutica que desarrolla Paul Ricoeur a propósito de su trabajo sobre Freud, especialmente los conceptos de restauración y sospecha.
Personas condenadas a prisión permanente revisable en España. Cuestiones penales y penitenciarias
Authors: Corral Maraver Noelia
Published: May 2024

La prisión permanente revisable es una pena de duración indeterminada y potencialmente perpetua que actualmente se configura como la pena máxima del ordenamiento jurídico español. Se trata de una sanción que ha despertado la abierta oposición de buena parte de los operadores jurídicos y cuya regulación ha sido objeto de numerosos estudios académicos que han contribuido a poner de manifiesto, entre otras cuestiones, su deficiente configuración legal o su falta de consonancia con determinados valores, principios legales y derechos fundamentales. El presente trabajo pretende ahondar en el estudio de la pena de prisión permanente revisable, pero desde una perspectiva práctica que pueda aportar alguna novedad al debate jurídico y doctrinal. Desde su introducción en julio de 2015 han trascurrido ya más de 8 años de vigencia, un tiempo ya suficiente para abordar el estudio de las condenas y los sujetos condenados a esta sanción en nuestro país. Hasta el momento de finalización de esta obra contábamos con un total 55 sentencias que imponían la pena de prisión permanente a un número de 62 personas. Del estudio de todos los casos hemos extraído una serie de datos relevantes, recogidos en un completo anexo final. Los diferentes capítulos de esta obra se dedican a desgranar y analizar dichos datos, así como a señalar nuevos aspectos, problemas y contradicciones que acompañan a esta denostada sanción.
Anti-Proliferative and Apoptotic Effects of Methanolic Extracts from Different Cladonia Species on Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Coskun Z. M. , Ersoz M. , Acikgoz B. , Karalti I. , Cobanoglu G. , Sesal C.
Published: May 2024

This study tries to elucidate the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of methanolic lichen extracts from Cladonia rangiformis and Cladonia convolute in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Lichen extracts (0–2 mg/ml) were added to MCF-7 cells for 24 h. Cell viability was tested using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell proliferation was observed using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) by immunocytochemistry. The TUNEL method was used for cell death detection. The effective dose (ED50) values of methanolic extracts from C. rangiformis and C. convolute were found to be 0.905 and 0.977 mg/ml, respectively. Treatment with C. rangiformis methanolic extract (0.2–0.8 mg/ml) dose-dependently inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 cells as detected by BrdU incorporation. The inhibition was started in 0.2 mg/ml concentration of C. convoluta methanolic extract. The percent of PCNA immunopositive cells showed a decrease in MCF-7 cells treated with two lichen extracts compared to control MCF-7. Both methanolic extracts showed a significant increase in percentage of apoptosis-positive cells. These results indicate that methanolic lichen extracts from C. rangiformis and C. convolute inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 cells and caused apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. The lichens may be novel natural agents for treating breast cancer disease.
The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Mancozeb-Induced Toxicity in Rat Thymocytes
Authors: Pavlovic Voja , Cekic S. , Kamenov B. , Ciric M. , Krtinic D.
Published: May 2024

Mancozeb, as a dithiocarbamate fungicide, has been found to exhibit toxicological manifestations in different cells, mainly by generation of free radicals which may alter antioxidant defence systems in cells. The effect of mancozeb on the cells of a primary lymphoid organ has not been studied. In the present study, the effects of mancozeb (0.2, 2 and 5 μg/ml) or mancozeb+ascorbic acid (100 μg/ml), or ascorbic acid alone or control medium alone on the levels of cell viability, apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species production (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP levels in rat thymocytes were examined in vitro. Cells treated with mancozeb displayed a concentration-dependent increase of hypodiploid cells and ROS production followed by markedly decreased viability of the cells, MMP and ATP levels. Application of ascorbic acid significantly reduced cytotoxicity in cell cultures treated with 0.2 and 2 μg/ml of mancozeb, together with significantly decreased ROS levels and increased MMP and ATP levels. In cells treated with 5 μg/ml of mancozeb, ascorbic acid failed to reduce toxicity while simultaneously increasing the apoptosis rate of thymocytes. These results suggest that ROS plays a significant role in mancozeb-induced toxicity, through alteration of mitochondrial function. Ascorbic acid administration reduced the toxicity rate in cells treated with lower mancozeb concentrations, while it may have the ability to shift cells from necrosis to apoptosis in the presence of highest mancozeb concentrations.