bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient plasma membrane disruption induced calcium waves in mouse and human corneal epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Zhong , Lu Xiaowen , Watsky Mitchell A.
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine transient plasma membrane disruptions (TPMDs) and TPMD-induced Ca++ waves (TPMD Ca++ Wvs) in human and mouse corneal epithelium (HCEC and MCEC). A multi-photon microscope was used to create laser–induced TPMDs in single cultured cells and in intact ex vivo and in vivo MCECs and ex vivo human cornea rim HCECs. Eye rubbing-induced TPMDs were studied by gentle rubbing with a cotton tipped applicator over a closed eyelid in ex vivo and in vivo MCECs. Ca++ sources for TPMD-induced Ca++ waves were explored using Ca++ channel inhibitors and Ca++-free media. TPMDs and TPMD Ca++ Wvs were observed in all cornea epithelial models examined, often times showing oscillating Ca++ levels. The sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca++ ATPase inhibitors thapsigargin and CPA reduced TPMD Ca++ Wvs. TRP V1 antagonists reduced TPMD Ca++ Wvs in MCECs but not HCECs. Ca++-free medium, 18α-GA (gap junction inhibitor), apyrase (hydrolyzes ATP), and AMTB (TRPM8 inhibitor) did not affect TPMD Ca++ Wvs. These results provide a direct demonstration of corneal epithelial cell TPMDs and TPMDs in in vivo cells from a live animal. TPMDs were observed following gentle eye rubbing, a routine corneal epithelial cell mechanical stress, indicating TPMDs and TPMD Ca++ Wvs are common features in corneal epithelial cells that likely play a role in corneal homeostasis and possibly pathophysiological conditions. Intracellular Ca++ stores are the primary Ca++ source for corneal epithelial cell TPMD Ca++ Wvs, with TRPV1 Ca++ channels providing Ca++ in MCECs but not HCECs. Corneal epithelial cell TPMD Ca++ Wv propagation is not influenced by gap junctions or ATP.
A deep learning-based dynamic deformable adaptive framework for locating the root region of the dynamic flames
Authors: Tao Hongkang , Wang Guhong , Liu Jiansheng , Yang Zan
Published: April 2024

Traditional optical flame detectors (OFDs) in flame detection are susceptible to environmental interference, which will inevitably cause detection errors and miscalculations when confronted with a complex environment. The conventional deep learning-based models can mitigate the interference of complex environments by flame image feature extraction, which significantly improves the precision of flame recognition. However, these models focus on identifying the general profile of the static flame, but neglect to effectively locate the source of the dynamic flame. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel dynamic flame detection method named Dynamic Deformable Adaptive Framework (DDAF) for locating the flame root region dynamically. Specifically, to address limitations in flame feature extraction of existing detection models, the Deformable Convolution Network v2 (DCNv2) is introduced for more flexible adaptation to the deformations and scale variations of target objects. The Context Augmentation Module (CAM) is used to convey flame features into Dynamic Head (DH) to feature extraction from different aspects. Subsequently, the Layer-Adaptive Magnitude-based Pruning (LAMP) where the connection with the smallest LAMP score is pruned sequentially is employed to further enhance the speed of model detection. More importantly, both the coarse- and fine-grained location techniques are designed in the Inductive Modeling (IM) to accurately delineate the flame root region for effective fire control. Additionally, the Temporal Consistency-based Detection (TCD) contributes to improving the robustness of model detection by leveraging the temporal information presented in consecutive frames of a video sequence. Compared with the classical deep learning method, the experimental results on the custom flame dataset demonstrate that the AP0.5 value is improved by 4.4%, while parameters and FLOPs are reduced by 25.3% and 25.9%, respectively. The framework of this research extends applicability to a variety of flame detection scenarios, including industrial safety and combustion process control.
Conduction velocity, G-ratio, and extracellular water as microstructural characteristics of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Newman Benjamin T. , Jacokes Zachary , Venkadesh Siva , Webb Sara J. , Kleinhans Natalia M. , McPartland James C. , Druzgal T. Jason , Pelphrey Kevin A. , Van Horn John Darrell ,   For the GENDAAR Research Consortium
Published: April 2024

The neuronal differences contributing to the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are still not well defined. Previous studies have suggested that myelin and axons are disrupted during development in ASD. By combining structural and diffusion MRI techniques, myelin and axons can be assessed using extracellular water, aggregate g-ratio, and a new approach to calculating axonal conduction velocity termed aggregate conduction velocity, which is related to the capacity of the axon to carry information. In this study, several innovative cellular microstructural methods, as measured from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are combined to characterize differences between ASD and typically developing adolescent participants in a large cohort. We first examine the relationship between each metric, including microstructural measurements of axonal and intracellular diffusion and the T1w/T2w ratio. We then demonstrate the sensitivity of these metrics by characterizing differences between ASD and neurotypical participants, finding widespread increases in extracellular water in the cortex and decreases in aggregate g-ratio and aggregate conduction velocity throughout the cortex, subcortex, and white matter skeleton. We finally provide evidence that these microstructural differences are associated with higher scores on the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) a commonly used diagnostic tool to assess ASD. This study is the first to reveal that ASD involves MRI-measurablein vivodifferences of myelin and axonal development with implications for neuronal and behavioral function. We also introduce a novel formulation for calculating aggregate conduction velocity, that is highly sensitive to these changes. We conclude that ASD may be characterized by otherwise intact structural connectivity but that functional connectivity may be attenuated by network properties affecting neural transmission speed. This effect may explain the putative reliance on local connectivity in contrast to more distal connectivity observed in ASD.
Perinatal mortality in German dairy cattle: Unveiling the importance of cow-level risk factors and their interactions using a multifaceted modelling approach
Authors: Zablotski Yury , Voigt Katja , Hoedemaker Martina , Müller Kerstin E. , Kellermann Laura , Arndt Heidi , Volkmann Maria , Dachrodt Linda , Stock Annegret
Published: April 2024

Perinatal mortality (PM) is a common issue on dairy farms, leading to calf losses and increased farming costs. The current knowledge about PM in dairy cattle is, however, limited and previous studies lack comparability. The topic has also primarily been studied in Holstein-Friesian cows and closely related breeds, while other dairy breeds have been largely ignored. Different data collection techniques, definitions of PM, studied variables and statistical approaches further limit the comparability and interpretation of previous studies. This article aims to investigate the factors contributing to PM in two underexplored breeds, Simmental (SIM) and Brown Swiss (BS), while comparing them to German Holstein on German farms, and to employ various modelling techniques to enhance comparability to other studies, and to determine if different statistical methods yield consistent results. A total of 133,942 calving records from 131,657 cows on 721 German farms were analyzed. Amongst these, the proportion of PM (defined as stillbirth or death up to 48 hours of age) was 6.1%. Univariable and multivariable mixed-effects logistic regressions, random forest and multimodel inference via brute-force model selection approaches were used to evaluate risk factors on the individual animal level. Although the balanced random forest did not incorporate the random effect, it yielded results similar to those of the mixed-effect model. The brute-force approach surpassed the widely adopted backwards variable selection method and represented a combination of strengths: it accounted for the random effect similar to mixed-effects regression and generated a variable importance plot similar to random forest. The difficulty of calving, breed and parity of the cow were found to be the most important factors, followed by farm size and season. Additionally, four significant interactions amongst predictors were identified: breed—calving ease, breed—season, parity—season and calving ease—farm size. The combination of factors, such as secondiparous SIM breed on small farms and experiencing easy calving in summer, showed the lowest probability of PM. Conversely, primiparous GH cows on large farms with difficult calving in winter exhibited the highest probability of PM. In order to reduce PM, appropriate management of dystocia, optimal heifer management and a wider use of SIM in dairy production are possible ways forward. It is also important that future studies are conducted to identify farm-specific contributors to higher PM on large farms.
Transcutaneous carbon dioxide suppresses skeletal muscle atrophy in a mouse model of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sasaki Aki , Takeda Daisuke , Kawai Hotaka , Tadokoro Yoshiaki , Murakami Aki , Yatagai Nanae , Arimoto Satomi , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Akashi Masaya , Hasegawa Takumi
Published: April 2024

Cancer cachexia causes skeletal muscle atrophy, impacting the treatment and prognosis of patients with advanced cancer, but no treatment has yet been established to control cancer cachexia. We demonstrated that transcutaneous application of carbon dioxide (CO2) could improve local blood flow and reduce skeletal muscle atrophy in a fracture model. However, the effects of transcutaneous application of CO2 in cancer-bearing conditions are not yet known. In this study, we calculated fat-free body mass (FFM), defined as the skeletal muscle mass, and evaluated the expression of muscle atrophy markers and uncoupling protein markers as well as the cross-sectional area (CSA) to investigate whether transcutaneous application of CO2 to skeletal muscle could suppress skeletal muscle atrophy in cancer-bearing mice. Human oral squamous cell carcinoma was transplanted subcutaneously into the upper dorsal region of nude mice, and 1 week later, CO2 gas was applied to the legs twice a week for 4 weeks and FFM was calculated by bioimpedance spectroscopy. After the experiment concluded, the quadriceps were extracted, and muscle atrophy markers (muscle atrophy F-box protein (MAFbx), muscle RING-finger protein 1 (MuRF-1)) and uncoupling protein markers (uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3)) were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining, and CSA by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The CO2-treated group exhibited significant mRNA and protein expression inhibition of the four markers. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining showed decreased MAFbx, MuRF-1, UCP2, and UCP3 in the CO2-treated group. In fact, the CSA in hematoxylin and eosin staining and the FFM revealed significant suppression of skeletal muscle atrophy in the CO2-treated group. We suggest that transcutaneous application of CO2 to skeletal muscle suppresses skeletal muscle atrophy in a mouse model of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
MMM and MMMSynth: Clustering of heterogeneous tabular data, and synthetic data generation
Authors: Kumari Chandrani , Siddharthan Rahul
Published: April 2024

We provide new algorithms for two tasks relating to heterogeneous tabular datasets: clustering, and synthetic data generation. Tabular datasets typically consist of heterogeneous data types (numerical, ordinal, categorical) in columns, but may also have hidden cluster structure in their rows: for example, they may be drawn from heterogeneous (geographical, socioeconomic, methodological) sources, such that the outcome variable they describe (such as the presence of a disease) may depend not only on the other variables but on the cluster context. Moreover, sharing of biomedical data is often hindered by patient confidentiality laws, and there is current interest in algorithms to generate synthetic tabular data from real data, for example via deep learning. We demonstrate a novel EM-based clustering algorithm, MMM (“Madras Mixture Model”), that outperforms standard algorithms in determining clusters in synthetic heterogeneous data, and recovers structure in real data. Based on this, we demonstrate a synthetic tabular data generation algorithm, MMMsynth, that pre-clusters the input data, and generates cluster-wise synthetic data assuming cluster-specific data distributions for the input columns. We benchmark this algorithm by testing the performance of standard ML algorithms when they are trained on synthetic data and tested on real published datasets. Our synthetic data generation algorithm outperforms other literature tabular-data generators, and approaches the performance of training purely with real data.
Clinical practice of continuous rhythm monitoring after embolic stroke of undetermined source
Authors: von Falkenhausen Aenne Solvejg , Wischmann Johannes , Keidel Linus M. , Kellnar Antonia M. , Thaler Raffael , Lackermair Korbinian , Estner Heidi L. , Höglinger Günter , Massberg Steffen , Kääb Stefan , Kellert Lars , Sinner Moritz F.
Published: April 2024

Aims

Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) accounts for up to 20% of ischemic strokes annually. Undetected atrial fibrillation (AF) is one important potential underlying cause. For AF, oral anticoagulation has evolved as the most preferable means of secondary stroke prevention. To detect unrecognized paroxysmal AF, long-term ECG monitoring is required, and implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) appear most suitable. Yet, ICMs are particularly costly, implantation is invasive, and remote monitoring places a personnel burden on health care providers. Here, we use data from a large cohort of ESUS patients to systematically analyze the effort of ICM remote monitoring for AF diagnosis and the strain on health care providers.

Methods and results

From a prospective, single-center, observational ESUS registry, we analyzed all ICM-equipped patients post-ESUS (n = 172) between January 1st, 2018, and December 31st, 2019. Through January 2nd, 2023, 48 patients (27.9%) were diagnosed with AF by ICM remote monitoring. During follow-up, a total of 29,180 remote monitoring episodes were transmitted, of which 17,742 were alarms for AF. A systematic estimation of workload revealed that on average, 20.3 trained physician workhours are required to diagnose one patient with AF.

Conclusion

ICM remote monitoring is useful to diagnose AF in cohort of post-ESUS patients. However, the number of ICM alarms is high, even in a cohort at known high risk of AF and in whom AF detection is therapeutically consequential. Improved automated event classification, clear recommendations for ICM interrogation after AF diagnosis, and a careful patient selection for ICM monitoring are warranted.
Complex drivers of geomorphic response and habitat formation revealed in multiyear monitoring of Cosumnes River experimental floodplain reconnection
Authors: Clifton Britne , Viers Joshua H.
Published: April 2024

In this study, we examine a novel levee breach experiment that reconnected a floodplain along the Cosumnes River, California to determine the decadal impact of removing 250 meters of levee and assess the recruitment of large wood. This is the latest study in an ongoing series of investigations 40 years in the making along the largest river on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada without a major dam. We present the findings of this multi-modal investigation here by first measuring the geomorphic alteration of the floodplain surface to quantify the depletion and accretion of sediment across the excavated site. We then identify and quantify the deposition of large wood. Results indicate initiation of anastomosing channel formation and distinct areas of large wood recruitment supporting a naturally evolving lateral levee. Accretion resulted in more than 25,000 m3 of sediment deposition within the original excavation site, the development of multiple sand splays, and natural recruitment of native riparian tree species. We conclude by discussing implications following other approaches to floodplain restoration as a Nature-based Solution. In episodic flow regimes, like in California’s Mediterranean-montane hydroclimatic regime, restoring lateral hydrologic connectivity facilitates ecosystem function. Large flood pulse events drive sediment dynamics and geomorphic heterogeneity while enriching biodiversity through biogeochemical fluxes and habitat creation on reconnected floodplains that store floodwaters and reduce peak discharge. These findings support the importance of long-term monitoring efforts of floodplain restoration.
Estonian blues: Natural dyes as enhancers of environmental, intergenerational and heritage bonds in fashion design education
Authors: Valle-Noronha Julia , Puppart Piret
Published: April 2024

This article investigates cultural sustainability through the case of the Ethno course, offered to students in the fashion design programme at the Estonian Academy of Arts. It discusses ways to enhance bonds with the environment, heritage and traditional knowledge in fashion design. Via narratives of traditional crafts and situated learning in a textile archive, the course focuses on contemporary craft applications within the various practices that compose fashion, with particular attention to local natural dyes. In this work, we discuss the structure of the course in one of its recent iterations focusing on blue-coloured pigments, its outcomes and possible implications to the field of fashion design practice and education. The findings build on both the final presented outcomes as well as students’ feedback analysed via open coding. The resulting works raise interest in a holistic approach to design concepts, reconnecting the students with nature and strengthening bonds with previous generations. They suggest that through historical narratives and hands-on engagement with nature, students developed a heightened awareness of personal and local heritage, as well as the natural environment of Estonia. In conclusion, the work discusses how this offering adds to the course’s legacy and looks into future developments in articulation with its present applications.
História providencial e política experimental
Authors: Dombrowski Osmir
Published: April 2024

Este ensaio apresenta uma introdução ao pensamento político de Joseph de Maistre colocando em evidência o conteúdo que faz deste nobre saboiano contemporâneo da Revolução Francesa um dos primeiros expoentes do pensamento conservador. No texto o leitor verá como se estrutura a crítica maistriana ao iluminismo e os principais argumentos usados por ele para desqualificar os princípios que alicerçam o moderno Estado Democrático de Direito. Por fim, o autor chama a atenção para o fato de que o discurso de Maistre continua ecoando ao longo do tempo e, passados mais de 200 anos, suas ideias ainda encontram entusiastas.
A LEI Nº 5.692/1971 E A FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES NA EDUCAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL:
Authors: Fernandes Aleksandra Nogueira de Oliveira , De Brito Fernandes Stenio , Menezes de Paiva Marlúcia
Published: April 2024

O presente estudo emerge de uma pesquisa desenvolvida no Doutorado em Educação de um Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação de um Instituto Federal (IF). Objetiva evidenciar a produção científica desenvolvida na pós-graduação do Brasil, sobre a Lei nº 5.692/1971, promulgada em 11 de agosto de 1971, no período de 1971 a 2021. A metodologia é de abordagem bibliografia, a partir de um levantamento do Estado do Conhecimento no Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). Como resultados, inferimos que dos 464 trabalhos encontrados, 28 deles possuem conexão com a Lei nº 5.692/1971, ao abordarem sobre sua implementação, formação docente em algum estado do Brasil e as mudanças curriculares ocorridas em detrimento dessa legislação. Entretanto, nenhuma das investigações, aborda especificamente, sobre a implementação da Lei nº 5.692/1971 e as ações do Estado para a formação docente no Ensino Profissionalizante.
A ONTOLOGIA DO SER SOCIAL MARXIANA-LUKASCIANA:
Authors: Farias de Sousa Marcel
Published: April 2024

O presente trabalho apresenta as características essenciais da ontologia do ser social tratado por György Lukács a partir do reconhecimento de que na obra de Marx e Engels se encontra uma teoria social explicativa sobre o ser humano-social. Através da abordagem ontológico-genética do filósofo húngaro e do estudo teórico-bibliográfico realizado na obra destes autores, encontram-se importantes apontamentos que possam contribuir para o debate contemporâneo na Educação Física sobre a questão do corpo, em especial, por oferecer fundamentos para uma ancoragem sobre a constituição da corporeidade enquanto expressão das relações sociais constituídas a partir do processo sociometabólico humano com a natureza, o trabalho.
EDUCAÇÃO PARA O PROGRESSO PAULISTA
Authors: Paulilo André Luiz
Published: April 2024

O artigo analisa a presença das fotografias da Escola Politécnica e da Escola Prática de Agricultura nos Álbuns da Secretaria de Agricultura, Comércio e Obras Públicas de São Paulo (SACOP). Na perspectiva da nova história cultural estuda as representações produzidas por essas imagens em três dimensões. Em primeiro lugar, o artigo descreve os álbuns da SACOP para circunscrever uma perspectiva geral de interpretação. Depois, o foco nas escolas cujas fotografias predominam nos Álbuns pretende mostrar a relevância da preparação técnica nas áreas da agricultura, das engenharias e das artes e ofícios na visão de progresso da SACOP. Por fim, explora as imagens da Escola Prática de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz” e da Escola Politécnica, sua composição e significado nos Álbuns da SACOP para interrogar a inteligibilidade das séries de fotografias dessas escolas.
MUSEU ESCOLAR DE MARRAZES E O PROTAGONISMO DOCENTE
Authors: Brites Rita , Ávila Virginia , Morouço Pedro
Published: April 2024

Este texto destaca o papel do Museu Escolar de Marrazes na divulgação do património histórico-educativo. Localizado numa freguesia urbana do município de Leiria, região centro de Portugal, foi criado por um grupo de professoras do 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico de Marrazes em 1992, resultado do projeto pedagógico “A Escola através dos tempos”. Devido ao volume do espólio reunido, com a participação ativa da comunidade, a Junta de Freguesia de Marrazes assumiu a sua conservação e exposição, abrindo o museu ao público a 16 de maio de 1997. Em 2001 passou a integrar a Rede Portuguesa de Museus. Na exposição permanente do museu destaca-se a réplica de uma sala de aula do Estado Novo, com as carteiras, lousas, ponteiros, canetas de aparo, orelhas de burro, régua, palmatória e as batas. É também possível visualizar uma coleção de brinquedos tradicionais, uma mostra sobre a Mocidade Portuguesa e os livros de Instrução Primária desde o século XIX. Com 25 anos de existência, o museu mantém um programa de atividades para as escolas da região e para o público em geral. No entanto, sofre as consequências da falta de recursos financeiros, de pessoal e de espaço físico adequado para o seu funcionamento. Neste sentido, pensar num museu mais interativo, inclusivo e social requer a responsabilidade da autarquia local com a manutenção deste importante património que está reunido em Leiria, mas que reflete a realidade nacional. O texto aborda estudos sobre a cultura material, a museologia e o património histórico-educativo.
DERRAMAMENTO DE PETRÓLEO E A REPRODUÇÃO SOCIAL DA SAÚDE DE PESCADORES ARTESANAIS NO NORDESTE BRASILEIRO
Authors: Oliveira João Paulo Gomes de , Bezerra Anselmo César Vasconcelos , Santos Solange Laurentino dos
Published: April 2024

O derramamento de petróleo ocorrido em 2019 no litoral do Nordeste Brasileiro teve um impacto significativo nas comunidades pesqueiras, incluindo a comunidade de Carne de Vaca, em Goiana, Pernambuco. Um estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de analisar os efeitos desse evento na reprodução social da saúde dos pescadores e pescadoras desta comunidade. Utilizando a perspectiva da reprodução social e sua relação com a saúde, o estudo adotou uma abordagem hierarquizada e complexa do fenômeno. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, revisão de literatura e análise sistêmica dos dados coletados. Embora Carne de Vaca não tenha sido diretamente atingida pelas manchas de petróleo, os impactos se estenderam pelos territórios pesqueiros de maneira uniforme. Os pescadores sofreram danos psicossociais devido à incerteza gerada pela falta de informações oficiais e dados imprecisos sobre a qualidade dos produtos do mar. As atividades de pesca foram interrompidas, causando perdas significativas de renda e segurança alimentar. As transformações socioambientais afetaram aspectos culturais, sociais, econômicos e políticos da comunidade. O estudo destaca a importância de abordagens sistêmicas para compreender problemas complexos. A falta de assistência e monitoramento da saúde agravou os efeitos negativos. Essas conclusões reforçam a necessidade de ações e políticas efetivas para proteger a saúde das comunidades pesqueiras afetadas por desastres ambientais.
The Russian Economy: A Strategic Vector of Development
Authors: Minakir Pavel
Published: April 2024

A synopsis of one of the open lectures of the outstanding Russian economist, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Economics, Professor Pavel Aleksandrovich Minakir (1947–2023), delivered by the author at the Far Eastern State Scientific Library (Khabarovsk) at the end of 2016, is published. In this topic from the series of lectures «The Complex Simplicity of Economics. Myths and Realities: The World, Russia, the Far East» examines the processes of economic transformations in Russia in 1991–2016; global waves of reforms in the transition from a centralized economy to a market economy are highlighted; trends of structural transformations in macroeconomic policy, monetary, financial and foreign trade regulation are discussed. The problems of choosing an economic model for Russia, formulated by the author, remain relevant at the present stage of development
Democracia liberal y derechos: desafíos y perspectivas
Authors: Fernández Salas Sergio Andrés
Published: April 2024

La democracia liberal como base fundamental de participación política de la sociedad en las decisiones públicas enfrenta importantes desafíos en la actualidad. El descontento de una parte significativa de la sociedad, las ideas populistas, la pandemia del covid-19, los avances tecnológicos cada vez más sofisticados y los conflictos armados internacionales y no internacionales son algunos de los motivos por los cuales este modelo de organización política está en constante cuestionamiento.
Measuring the Land Mafia in Indonesia: New Phenomenon of Extraordinary Crime
Authors: Wirawan Vani , Yusriyadi  , Silviana Ana , Widowaty Yeni
Published: April 2024

The recent actions of the land mafia in Indonesia, especially after the implementation of reforms, have increased significantly in the land sector, including individuals and many government institutions, disrupting the investment entry process and economic growth. This study aims to know and explore the idiosyncrasies of the land mafia’s modus operandi in Indonesia and its causes and factors, in addition to the official stance of the Indonesian government on eradicating the land mafia. This socio-legal research is descriptive and analytical. It provides a general picture of such idiosyncrasies: forgery of land papers, collusion with unscrupulous officials, fictitious buying and selling, fraud or embezzlement, and the seeking of legality in court. The causes of the land mafia’s emergence are the land’s high economic value, unintegrated land administration, a lack of unique proof of land rights, the land registration system’s negative publication, and weak law enforcement. Meanwhile, the factors that contribute to the land mafia consolidation are corruption and political connections, the absence of proper regulation, development still depending on investment, the loyalty of capital owners and capitalism, land speculation, social and economic inequality, urban growth and infrastructure development, and a lack of legal awareness. The official stance of the Indonesian government toward eradicating the land mafia is the formation of the Anti-Land Mafia Task Force, which is generally responsible for investigating, disclosing, and cracking down on land mafia practices that harm the community. The idiosyncrasies, causes, and factors of the rise of the land mafia and the government’s official stance on eradicating the land mafia are inseparable from changes in Indonesia’s economic, legal, political, and socio-cultural climate.
Reseña: Tratado Latinoamericano de Sociología Jurídica
Authors: Guio Barreto Valentina , Arévalo Chaparro Daniel Santiago , Moreno González Laura Victoria , Suárez Niño Juan Felipe , Cardozo Trujillo Ana Sophia
Published: April 2024

A propósito del Tratado latinoamericano de sociología jurídica, resulta pertinente iniciar poniendo de presente que se trata de un proyecto desarrollado por la Red Latinoamericana de Derecho y Sociedad, la cual reúne a pensadores de Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México, Perú, Uruguay y Venezuela en torno al estudio de la sociología jurídica. Con ese fin, el Tratado genera un dialogo entre diversos autores de origen latinoamericano que exponen y analizan los conocimientos sobre la sociología jurídica y sus problemas en el continente. Cabe agregar, además, que el Tratado se divide en dos grandes secciones: una general y una especial, motivo por el cual el propósito del presente escrito consiste en brindar al lector un recuento sucinto de lo propuesto por los autores con relación a la sociología jurídica.
Análisis dinámico de las fórmulas de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos sobre dignidad y autonomía
Authors: Lafferriere Jorge Nicolas
Published: April 2024

Este trabajo se propone reconstruir las líneas jurisprudenciales de las fórmulas usuales empleadas por la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos que reflejan una estrecha vinculación entre dignidad y autonomía. Para ello, se aplica un método dinámico de análisis jurisprudencial a partir de las sentencias en casos contenciosos y de las opiniones consultivas que permite identificar los documentos fundacionales de aquellas líneas y los subsiguientes que las componen. Se identificaron cuatro fórmulas que son utilizadas por la Corte como estándares argumentativos en al menos dos ocasiones. La primera aparición de las fórmulas sobre dignidad y autonomía se ubica en 2012; posteriormente, la sentencia “I.V. c. Bolivia” de 2016 resulta un hito significativo, pues en ella la Corte utiliza las cuatro fórmulas analizadas y es sentencia fundacional de tres de las fórmulas. Con relación a si la Corte realiza o no un análisis de la analogía entre los escenarios fácticos de las distintas sentencias que recurren a la fórmula, siguiendo una tipología diseñada por López Medina, se encontró que en dos de las cuatro líneas analizadas el tribunal recurre a sus propias sentencias sobre dignidad y autonomía como citas de conceptos comunes, sin hacer comparación de las plataformas fácticas al momento de recurrir a las fórmulas. En una de las líneas que vincula dignidad, autonomía y consentimiento informado, la Corte cita una sentencia anterior sobre la base de una analogía estricta entre los supuestos fácticos, mientras que en la otra línea hay casos de citas de conceptos comunes y analogía estricta. En general, las citas se realizan con precisión y fidelidad, aunque se advierten algunas inconsistencias de la Corte en el modo de citar sus propias sentencias anteriores.
La geopolítica en una zona de influencia a raíz del conflicto entre Rusia y Ucrania
Authors: Bermúdez-Tapia Manuel , Carvajal Villamizar Jaime Agustín , Mejía Azuero Jean Carlo
Published: April 2024

Las consecuencias de la guerra entre Rusia y Ucrania permiten evaluar una serie de elementos que incidirán en las acciones que desarrollen diferentes países en el ámbito de sus relaciones internacionales económicas, políticas, comerciales, bélicas y polemológicas. Evaluar un conflicto bélico en un ámbito geoestratégico y geopolítico no es admisible en un contexto en el cual la participación, presencia e intereses de terceros países se está vinculando al desarrollo de zonas de influencia y sobre las cuales el cambio de posiciones hegemónicas en el mundo permite proyectar una toma de posiciones en países como los iberoamericanos, porque estos dependen de las condiciones económicas y geopolíticas del comercio internacional. Ante este panorama se presenta un documento con una metodología cualitativa de diseño observacional y analítico que plantea el estudio de un escenario internacional para la toma de posiciones en el ámbito de la geopolítica de los países iberoamericanos.
Exchange of information as a form of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking
Authors: Ovsianiuk Dmytro , Ustymenko Olena
Published: April 2024

The global proliferation of drug trafficking represents a significant challenge to public health, safety, and national security. International cooperation is imperative to combat this transnational threat effectively. This study examines the role of information exchange as a cornerstone of collaborative efforts among nations in the fight against drug trafficking. Drawing on an extensive review of international agreements, legal frameworks, and operational practices, this article studies the mechanisms facilitating the sharing of intelligence, data, and expertise among law enforcement agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders. The analysis reveals that successful information exchange relies on the establishment of trust, the development of standardized protocols, and the harmonization of legal frameworks across jurisdictions. Additionally, the study underscores the critical role of technology in enhancing the speed and accuracy of information dissemination, enabling real-time coordination among international partners. The article highlights the importance of capacity-building initiatives to strengthen the capabilities of less resource-endowed nations to participate effectively in information exchange networks. In conclusion, this article demonstrates that information exchange serves in international efforts to combat drug trafficking. By leveraging technological advancements, fostering trust, and harmonizing legal frameworks, nations can enhance their collective capacity to disrupt and dismantle transnational drug networks. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and practitioners engaged in formulating and implementing strategies to address this pervasive global challenge.
Exploring Teenage Students’ Ideas of Bees Through Visual Representations
Authors: Yang Daihu , Zhou Minghui
Published: April 2024

The Next Generation Science Standards regard biological structures at both the micro and macro levels as a core idea of life sciences and expect students to understand animals have external structures that perform diverse functions. Using the common creature of bees as a case, this study aimed to ascertain teenage students’ ideas of bees through their visual representations. A total of 73 seventh-grade students aged approximately 13 years from two classes took part in a draw-bee(s) test (DBT), which requests them to create a drawing of a bee or bees. Then their completed drawings were scored against a tentative rubric of bees’ basic external structures. The results highlight that many students hold alternative ideas about bees. Notably, a high number of students fail to depict bees’ external structures scientifically, with some morphological features being most often missing, inaccurately numbered, inappropriately shaped, or disproportionately sized in their drawings. Based on these results, some implications are elucidated for improving students’ understanding of bees in biological teaching.
Fire and Lies: Did the Berkeley Fire of 1923 Contribute to the Tunnel Fire of 1991?
Authors: Tobias Michele M. , Sibbett Scott S.
Published: April 2024

The Berkeley fire of 1923 destroyed more than six hundred houses in the Northside district to the north of the UC Berkeley campus. Based on a comprehensive survey of newspapers, oral histories, archival documents, photographs, and video, this essay, Part 1 of a two-part series, describes the fire in detail, illustrating the horror and humanity of the event. Thus it sets the stage for Part 2, which details the efforts of industry lobbyists in 1923 and 1924. These efforts, we argue, contributed to the ferocity of the Oakland-Berkeley Firestorm of 1991 that killed twenty-five directly, and thirty-four indirectly.
Missing Love-scenes, Evasion, and the Inexpressible in Early Mahler
Authors: Franklin Peter
Published: April 2024

Given the openness to ideas about sexuality, not least in music, in post-Wagnerian turn-of-the-century Vienna, Mahler’s outwardly rather guarded and seemingly conservative approach to sexual experience is examined in the light of more recent biographical research (as in the German edition of Mahler’s letters to Anna von Mildenburg). Discussion focuses upon a reconsidered approach to the evidence of his first two extended musical works: Das klagende Lied (a copy of whose score he gifted to von Mildenburg at the end of their relationship and to Alma Schindler at the beginning of theirs) and the First Symphony. Aspects of the critical reception of both works—presented in Vienna for the first time by Mahler, in reverse order, in 1900 and 1901—revealed the disapproval of more conservative commentators and their implicitly anti-Semitic interpretation of the works’ questionable audience appeal in terms of a kind of mass-culture critique. The link between the evasion of or indulgence in musical representations of sexuality and changing attitudes toward musical taste and reception might heighten our awareness of how the complex modernity of those works was tending in a quite different direction to that of the nascent modernism of Mahler’s younger contemporaries.
A challenging case of a pituitary macroadenoma and toxic thyroid adenoma with inappropriate TSH secretion
Authors: Carides Michaela Despina , Mehta Ruchika , Louw Jaco , Mohamed Farzahna
Published: April 2024

Thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (TSHomas) are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all pituitary adenomas. We present a case of hyperthyroidism secondary to a likely TSHoma and coexisting functional thyroid adenoma. Laboratory errors and familial abnormalities in thyroid function tests were ruled out, and a diagnosis of the toxic thyroid adenoma was confirmed on a thyroid uptake scan. However, the triiodothyronine suppression test was contraindicated due to the patient’s cardiovascular disease, and the thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test, measurement of glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit, and genetic testing were unavailable. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a suprasellar pituitary macroadenoma measuring 40 mm × 20.3 mm × 17 mm. The patient was initiated on carbimazole; however, thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine levels remained elevated. The patient declined trans-sphenoidal surgery and was treated with radioactive iodine to manage the toxic thyroid adenoma, leading to reduced thyroxine levels and symptom improvement. Unfortunately, the patient passed away before long-acting somatostatin analogs became available. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges involved in managing thyrotoxicosis with dual etiology.

Learning points

Hyperthyroidism can have multiple etiologies, which can coexist in the same patient.

Persistent discordant thyroid function tests warrant further investigation.

The gold standard for diagnosis of TSHomas remains immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor tissue.
An adipocentric perspective of pancreatic lipotoxicity in diabetes pathogenesis
Authors: Risi Renata , Vidal-Puig Antonio , Bidault Guillaume
Published: April 2024

Obesity and diabetes represent two increasing and invalidating public health issues that often coexist. It is acknowledged that fat mass excess predisposes to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), with the increasing incidence of the two diseases significantly associated. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that obesity might also accelerate the appearance of type 1 diabetes (T1D), which is now a relatively frequent comorbidity in patients with obesity. It is a common clinical finding that not all patients with obesity will develop diabetes at the same level of adiposity, with gender, genetic, and ethnic factors playing an important role in defining the timing of diabetes appearance. The adipose tissue (AT) expandability hypothesis explains this paradigm, indicating that the individual capacity to appropriately store energy surplus in the form of fat within the AT determines and prevents the toxic deposition of lipids in other organs, such as the pancreas. Thus, we posit that when the maximal storing capacity of AT is exceeded, individuals will develop T2D. In this review, we provide insight into mechanisms by which the AT controls pancreas lipid content and homeostasis in case of obesity to offer an adipocentric perspective of pancreatic lipotoxicity in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Moreover, we suggest that improving AT function is a valid therapeutic approach to fighting obesity-associated complications including diabetes.
Sociocultural origins of money and the complementarity of the real and virtual space of the metaverse
Authors:   State Institution “Institute for Economics and Forecasting, NAS of Ukraine”, Lypov Volodymyr
Published: April 2024

Understanding the socio-cultural foundations of the institution of money, relying in interaction with donors on the deep, "silent", essential foundations of the functioning of the monetary system is an important prerequisite for success in ensuring the financial stability of a national economy. The purpose of the paper is to trace the evolution of the qualitative and quantitative components of the institution of monetary relations in the process of changing economic systems as an important prerequisite for financial support of Ukraine during the defense of its independence and post-war recovery. Attention is focused on the interdisciplinary nature of the study of the phenomenon of money as an institution that complementarily combines virtual and real economic components of the metauniverse. The conflicting relationship between the phenomenal and the essential, the sacred and the profane, the quantitative and the qualitative, is revealed in the institution of money. The evolution of forms of money from the archaic to the digital economy and the influence of sacred factors on it are traced. The author reveals the complementarity of monetary, religious, ideological, political, and legal institutions as a tool for ensuring the existence of society as a whole in the combination of its virtual and real components. Attention is given to the actualization of reciprocity relationships in the process of forming the digital economy. It is shown that the prerequisites for their formation are kinship, and closeness by social attitudes. Accordingly, relations of exchange (market) and redistribution (state) are complemented by system-forming institutions of gift. M. Godelier attributes to the conditions for the formation of "gift management" the following: the leading role of personal relationships in the creation of social ties, the interest of individuals and social groups in selflessness for social reproduction and their own existence, and the prevalence of traditions of mutual relations-obligations. "What creates the obligation to give is that the giving creates obligations" - this is how the scientist formulates this principle. Solidarity is based on the voluntary transfer of part of what you have. At the same time, accepting a gift puts the recipient in the position of debtor in relation to the donor. It is shown that preferential lending, provision of grant support, involvement in joint projects, in particular in the field of supporting Ukraine's defense capability and the development of the national economy, can be considered an example of a complementary combination of quantitative, real (purely economic exchange relations) and qualitative, virtual (reciprocal relations) components of the monetary system.
The Implementation of K-Means Clustering on E-Learning Feature Development for Outstanding Student Recommendation
Authors: Jannah Lubsul , Supriyono Supriyono
Published: April 2024

Schools still need to carry out the process of selecting outstanding students, which has several weaknesses. The data processing process takes a long time and tends to result in human decision-making errors. Although the selection of outstanding students is essential in giving awards and praise to students who excel, the school's current method could be more optimal. The process often takes a long time and requires a lot of human resources to collect and process student data, which can disrupt the school's daily operations. this research aims to group and select students as outstanding students by implementing the k-means clustering method and utilizing E-Learning features. The data used in this study are 30 samples of MIN 2 Malang City student grades, five criteria and grouped into 3 clusters. Experiments conducted are the best criteria weight, the best centroid, the best radius and the best number of clusters to obtain groups (clusters) of students according to the ability and assessment of students. The experimental results show that the best criterion weight is the 4th criterion weight with the percentage of criterion weights: K1 = 25%, K2 = 20%, K3 = 25%, K4 = 15% and K5 = 15%. The best centroid is the 1st test with a Percussion value of 97%, Recall of 98%, Specificity of 98% and Accuracy of 98% obtained in the 1st test. The best radius is obtained in the first and fifth tests with the farthest distance of 10.42. The best number of clusters from the trial results with division into three groups and four obtained is 3 clusters with Precision of 79%, Recall of 78%, Specificity of 89% and Accuracy of 87%. Then the implementation of the k-means method with the system resulted in grouping the highest scores (C1) in as many as 21 students, medium scores (C2) in as many as 5 students and low scores (C3) in as many as 4 students. C1 = 21 students with student data (2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30), C2 = 5 students with student data (9, 10, 20, 22, 23) and C3 = 4 students with student data (1, 3, 5, 11).