bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spirits with Morality: Social Criticism and Notions of a Good Life in Laos through theBangbotImaginary
Authors: Kleinod-Freudenberg Michael , Chanthavong Sypha
Published: February 2024

This article approaches notions of a good life in Laos via the imaginary of the bangbot  (literally: “hidden in the shade,” i.e., “invisible”), a benevolent forest spirit of high moral integrity. The bangbot live in observance of the monastic precepts of Lao Buddhism deep in the jungle, far from human settlements, tying morality to undisturbed, remote forests. The article argues that this connection of morality with deep forest enables criticism and narratives about the good life at a time when “turning land into capital” is materializing in rapid deforestation. We suggest that the potential of this imaginary for socioecological criticism and alternative visions depends on social structure and historical context. While bangbot were instrumental in violent anti-colonial revolt, lending political legitimacy to rural ethnic elites, in today's context of frontier plunder vs. conservation, they are tamed to lend legitimacy to emerging urban milieus with a socioecological orientation. Thus the cultural, sociological, and ecological dynamics of Lao's late socialism are entangled in the spirit-figure of the bangbot.
The Gender Gap in Confidence: Expected but Not Accounted For
Authors: Exley Christine L. , Nielsen Kirby
Published: February 2024

We investigate how the gender gap in confidence affects the views that evaluators (e.g., employers) hold about men and women. We find the confidence gap is contagious, causing evaluators to form overly pessimistic beliefs about women. This result arises even though the confidence gap is expected and even though the confidence gap shouldn’t be contagious if evaluators are Bayesian. Only an intervention that facilitates Bayesian updating proves (somewhat) effective. Additional results highlight how similar findings follow even when there is no room for discriminatory motives or differences in priors because evaluators are asked about arbitrary, rather than gender-specific, groups. (JEL D82, D83, D91, J16, J22, M51)
Satisfactory result of great saphenous vein endovenous laser ablation until below the knee on active venous leg ulcer: a case series
Authors: Taofan Taofan , Dakota Iwan , Kartamihardja Achmad Hafiedz Azis , Afandy Jonathan Edbert , Indriani Suci , Adiarto Suko
Published: February 2024

Background Active venous leg ulcer (VLU) is the most severe manifestation of chronic venous disease which not only affects patients’ health, but also decreases the quality of life, and delivers economic burdens. Treatment of superficial venous reflux with early endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) has been associated with reducing ulcer recurrence levels and promoting faster VLU healing. We reported three cases of patients with active VLU undergoing EVLA with different approaches. Case illustration Three patients came with complaint of leg ulcer, diagnosed with C6sEpAsdPr, with venous clinical severity scores (VCSS) of 15, 23, and 22 respectively. Severe great saphenous veins (GSV) reflux was found in all patients by duplex ultrasound examination. The second patient had undergone above-the-knee EVLA. All patients underwent EVLA using 1470-nano meter wavelength laser device and ELVeS radial fiber (Biolitec, Bonn, Germany). The laser energy protocol used was 6 W linear endovenous energy density (LEED) 50 J/cm for proximal until media ATK GSV ablation, 5 W LEED 40 J/cm for media ATK until proximal below-the-knee (BTK) GSV, and 2 W LEED 20 J/cm for proximal until distal BTK GSV. The third patient was also treated with EVLA for small saphenous vein severe reflux. Follow-up until 6 months post-EVLA showed significant healing of the ulcer with 14, 16, and 17 VCSS reduction consecutively without any complication. Conclusion We’ve reported three cases of patients with active VLU undergoing EVLA until BTK with significant results. The EVLA of GSV until BTK where there is still significant reflux is safe and provides satisfactory results in patients with VLU.
Сondition of pro-oxidant and antioxidant systems in guinea pigs’ lungs under the condition of immobilization stress.
Authors: Baida Mariana , Hot Iryna , Antonenko Yuliia
Published: February 2024

We have investigated the results of alterations in indices of pro-oxidant (conjugated diene and malondialdehyde ) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, ceruloplasmin, catalase) systems in guinea pigs’ lungs  under the conditions of immobilization stress. The experiment was conducted on 40 female guinea pigs weighing 0.18-0.20 kg. The animals were divided into 4 groups, each contained 10 guinea pigs: I – intact guinea pigs ( control), II–guinea pigs with model of IS on1st day of experiment;Ш–animals on 2nd  day  of experiment;IV- group of animals on 34th day of experimental model of IS.

The results of our experimental work showed a significant accumulation of lipid peroxidation products in the lung`s tissure in different periods ( on 1st, 2nd and 34th days) of immobilization stress. The state of antioxidant defence was characterized by moderate decrease of inzymes activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase and ceruloplasmin). disorders of balance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant systems couse oxidative stress development.
Nicaragua y la seguridad nacional: lecturas y actividades extraterritoriales de los militares argentinos frente a la “amenaza comunista” (1977-1980)
Authors: Molinari Lucrecia
Published: February 2024

La convulsionada situación nicaragüense de fines de los 70 constituyó un desafío significativo para los militares que lideraron la última dictadura militar en Argentina (1976-1983). Divididos en sectores muchas veces enfrentados, estos militares encontraron allí, tanto un espacio de difusión de su estrategia contrainsurgente como una oportunidad para mejorar su posicionamiento internacional. El presente artículo trata de aportar al debate sobre las actividades extraterritoriales argentinas durante la última dictadura, profundizando en los condicionantes de dichas actividades y discutiendo con aquellos trabajos que analizan sólo una causa –la persecución de exiliados argentinos en la Nicaragua revolucionaria- o sólo un sector de las Fuerzas Armadas –los llamados “duros”-. Lo hace a través de la técnica de análisis de contenido de una serie de documentos de muy reciente desclasificación, cuyo origen (archivos argentinos) y tipo (documentos oficiales) permite matizar algunas afirmaciones surgidas de investigaciones periodísticas o del análisis de fuentes únicamente norteamericanas.
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Authors: Mcgloin Claudia
Published: February 2024

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary.
Research progress in spasmodic torticollis rehabilitation treatment
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Zeng Ni , Wu Shuang , Wu Hui-Hui , Kong Mo-Wei
Published: February 2024

Spasmodic torticollis (ST) is a focal dystonia that affects adults, causing limited muscle control and impacting daily activities and quality of life. The etiology and curative methods for ST remain unclear. Botulinum toxin is widely used as a first-line treatment, but long-term usage can result in reduced tolerance and adverse effects. Rehabilitation therapy, with its minimal side effects and low potential for harm, holds significant clinical value. This article explores the effectiveness of adjunctive therapies, including exercise therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, shockwave therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, vibration therapy, electromyographic biofeedback, and acupuncture, in the treatment of ST. The aim is to provide clinicians with additional treatment options and to discuss the efficacy of rehabilitation therapy for ST.
Synthesis of Novel Indolylbenzothiazepines/Indolylbenzoxaziepines Substituted 2-Oxo/Thiobarbituric Acids as Potential Anticonvulsant Agents.
Authors: Archana Archana , Awasthi Abha , Chaudhary Sakshi
Published: February 2024

4-(2’-Oxo/thiobarbiturinyl acid) – 2 - (2”-halo-1”H-indolyl) - 2,3 - dihydro - -1,5-benzothiazepines (7-10) and 4-(2’-oxo/thiobarbiturinyl acid) – 2 - (2”-halo-1”H-indolyl) - 2,3 - dihydro - -1,5-benzoxazepines (11-14) undergoes Mannich reaction to afford compounds 4-(2’-oxo/thiobarbiturinyl acid) – 2 - (2”-halo-1”H-indolyl) – 3 - (substitutedphenyl aminomethylene) - 2,3 - dihydro - 1,5-benzothiazepines (15-22) and 4-(2’-oxo/thiobarbiturinyl acid) – 2 - (2”-halo-1”H-indolyl) – 3-( substitutedphenyl aminomethylene) - 2,3 - dihydro - 1,5-benzoxazepines (23-30) correspondingly. All the chemical framework of these newer drugs were elucidated by using elemental and IR and NMR spectroscopy. All these newly synthesized compounds were tested for antiepileptic effect against SMES experimental models and the results were collated with phenytoin sodium - standard drug. Results of antiepileptic profile showed promising effect in most of the derivatives synthesized. Activity equal to standard drug was shown by compounds 9 and 28. The most promising and active compound of this project was found to be 4-(2’- thiobarbiturinyl acid) – 2 - (2”-chloro-1”H-indolyl) – 3 - (chlorophenyl aminomethylene) - 2,3 - dihydro - 1,5-benzothiazepines, which elicited activity greater than the standard drug. All the antiepileptic drugs of the produced in this projects were also tested for ALD50.
Mejorando la autoeficacia hacia la inclusión del futuro profesorado de Educación Física. Una experiencia de aprendizaje-servicio
Authors: Abellán Jorge
Published: February 2024

El aprendizaje-servicio es una metodología relevante en la formación de futuros profesionales de la educación, ya que permite aprender contenidos formativos, mientras se presta un servicio a la comunidad. En este trabajo se presenta una experiencia de aprendizaje-servicio en la que tomaron parte 34 estudiantes de Grado en Maestro en Educación Primaria. Durante su formación en Educación Física prestaron un servicio a un grupo de 14 personas con discapacidad intelectual y pluridiscapacidad que vivían en una residencia gestionada por una asociación sin ánimo de lucro. Como parte del aprendizaje de los contenidos propios del Grado, en el aprendizaje-servicio debían diseñar y dirigir juegos de Educación Física y crear materiales adaptados a partir de materiales reciclados. Se utilizó la versión en castellano de la Self-Efficacy Scale for Physical Education Teacher Education Majors towards Children with Disabilities para evaluar el efecto que la participación en el aprendizaje-servicio pudiera tener en su percepción de preparación para atender al alumnado con discapacidad. Además, se empleó el Sonrisómetro para conocer el nivel de disfrute de los receptores del servicio respecto a las actividades propuestas. Los resultados mostraron mejoras significativas en la autoeficacia después del programa de intervención, tanto en el total de la escala como en las escalas de discapacidad intelectual y física. En conclusión, la experiencia de aprendizaje-servicio logró incrementar la percepción de preparación para atender a los estudiantes con discapacidad durante las clases de Educación Física a la vez que lograba valores positivos en el disfrute de los receptores del servicio.
ReptiLearn: An automated home cage system for behavioral experiments in reptiles without human intervention
Authors: Eisenberg Tal , Shein-Idelson Mark
Published: February 2024

Understanding behavior and its evolutionary underpinnings is crucial for unraveling the complexities of brain function. Traditional approaches strive to reduce behavioral complexity by designing short-term, highly constrained behavioral tasks with dichotomous choices in which animals respond to defined external perturbation. In contrast, natural behaviors evolve over multiple time scales during which actions are selected through bidirectional interactions with the environment and without human intervention. Recent technological advancements have opened up new possibilities for experimental designs that more closely mirror natural behaviors by replacing stringent experimental control with accurate multidimensional behavioral analysis. However, these approaches have been tailored to fit only a small number of species. This specificity limits the experimental opportunities offered by species diversity. Further, it hampers comparative analyses that are essential for extracting overarching behavioral principles and for examining behavior from an evolutionary perspective. To address this limitation, we developed ReptiLearn—a versatile, low-cost, Python-based solution, optimized for conducting automated long-term experiments in the home cage of reptiles, without human intervention. In addition, this system offers unique features such as precise temperature measurement and control, live prey reward dispensers, engagement with touch screens, and remote control through a user-friendly web interface. Finally, ReptiLearn incorporates low-latency closed-loop feedback allowing bidirectional interactions between animals and their environments. Thus, ReptiLearn provides a comprehensive solution for researchers studying behavior in ectotherms and beyond, bridging the gap between constrained laboratory settings and natural behavior in nonconventional model systems. We demonstrate the capabilities of ReptiLearn by automatically training the lizard Pogona vitticeps on a complex spatial learning task requiring association learning, displaced reward learning, and reversal learning.
RNA-mediated ribonucleoprotein assembly controls TDP-43 nuclear retention
Authors: dos Passos Patricia M. , Hemamali Erandika H. , Mamede Lohany D. , Hayes Lindsey R. , Ayala Yuna M.
Published: February 2024

TDP-43 is an essential RNA-binding protein strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cytoplasmic aggregates and loss of nuclear TDP-43. The protein shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm, yet maintaining predominantly nuclear TDP-43 localization is important for TDP-43 function and for inhibiting cytoplasmic aggregation. We previously demonstrated that specific RNA binding mediates TDP-43 self-assembly and biomolecular condensation, requiring multivalent interactions via N- and C-terminal domains. Here, we show that these complexes play a key role in TDP-43 nuclear retention. TDP-43 forms macromolecular complexes with a wide range of size distribution in cells and we find that defects in RNA binding or inter-domain interactions, including phase separation, impair the assembly of the largest species. Our findings suggest that recruitment into these macromolecular complexes prevents cytoplasmic egress of TDP-43 in a size-dependent manner. Our observations uncover fundamental mechanisms controlling TDP-43 cellular homeostasis, whereby regulation of RNA-mediated self-assembly modulates TDP-43 nucleocytoplasmic distribution. Moreover, these findings highlight pathways that may be implicated in TDP-43 proteinopathies and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Modeling the persistence of Opisthorchis viverrini worm burden after mass-drug administration and education campaigns with systematic adherence
Authors: Kamber Lars , Bürli Christine , Harbrecht Helmut , Odermatt Peter , Sayasone Somphou , Chitnis Nakul
Published: February 2024

Opisthorchis viverriniis a parasitic liver fluke contracted by consumption of raw fish, which affects over 10 million people in Southeast Asia despite sustained control efforts. Chronic infections are a risk factor for the often fatal bile duct cancer, cholangiocarcinoma. Previous modeling predicted rapid elimination ofO. viverrinifollowing yearly mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns. However, field data collected in affected populations shows persistence of infection, including heavy worm burden, after many years of repeated interventions. A plausible explanation for this observation is systematic adherence of individuals in health campaigns, such as MDA and education, with some individuals consistently missing treatment.

We developed an agent-based model ofO. viverriniwhich allows us to introduce various heterogeneities including systematic adherence to MDA and education campaigns at the individual level. We validate the agent-based model by comparing it to a previously published population-based model. We estimate the degree of systematic adherence to MDA and education campaigns indirectly, using epidemiological data collected in Lao PDR before and after 5 years of repeated MDA, education and sanitation improvement campaigns. We predict the impact of interventions deployed singly and in combination, with and without the estimated systematic adherence.

We show how systematic adherence can substantially increase the time required to achieve reductions in worm burden. However, we predict that yearly MDA campaigns alone can result in a strong reduction of moderate and heavy worm burden, even under systematic adherence. We predict latrines and education campaigns to be particularly important for the reduction in overall prevalence, and therefore, ultimately, elimination. Our findings show how systematic adherence can explain the observed persistence of worm burden; while emphasizing the benefit of interventions for the entire population, even under systematic adherence. At the same time, the results highlight the substantial opportunity to further reduce worm burden if patterns of systematic adherence can be overcome.
A haplotype-like, chromosome-level assembled and annotated genome of Biomphalaria glabrata, an important intermediate host of schistosomiasis and the best studied model of schistosomiasis vector snails
Authors: Zhong Daibin , Bu Lijing , Habib Mohamed R. , Lu Lijun , Yan Guiyun , Zhang Si-Ming
Published: February 2024

Schistosomiasis is one of the world’s most devastating parasitic diseases, afflicting 251 million people globally. The Neotropical snail Biomphalaria glabrata is an important intermediate host of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni and a predominant model for schistosomiasis research. To fully exploit this model snail for biomedical research, here we report a haplotype-like, chromosome-level assembled and annotated genome of the homozygous iM line of B. glabrata that we developed at the University of New Mexico. Using multiple sequencing platforms, including Illumina, PacBio, and Omni-C sequencing, 18 sequence contact matrices representing 18 haploid chromosomes (2n = 36) were generated (337x genome coverage), and 96.5% of the scaffold sequences were anchored to the 18 chromosomes. Protein-coding genes (n = 34,559), non-coding RNAs (n = 2,406), and repetitive elements (42.52% of the genome) were predicted for the whole genome, and detailed annotations for individual chromosomes were also provided. Using this genomic resource, we have investigated the genomic structure and organization of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) and fibrinogen-domain containing protein (FReD) genes, the two important immune-related gene families. Notably, TLR-like genes are scattered on 13 chromosomes. In contrast, almost all (39 of 40) fibrinogen-related genes (FREPs) (immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) + fibrinogen (FBG)) are clustered within a 5-million nucleotide region on chromosome 13, yielding insight into mechanisms involved in the diversification of FREPs. This is the first genome of schistosomiasis vector snails that has been assembled at the chromosome level, annotated, and analyzed. It serves as a valuable resource for a deeper understanding of the biology of vector snails, especially Biomphalaria snails.
MHC-I alleles mediate clearance and antibody response to the zoonotic Lassa virus in Mastomys rodent reservoirs
Authors: Olayemi Ayodeji , Schmid Dominik Werner , Fleischer Ramona , Wilhelm Kerstin , Heni Alexander Christoph , Mueller-Klein Nadine , Haikukutu Lavinia , Fichet-Calvet Elisabeth , Günther Stephan , Sommer Simone
Published: February 2024

West African Mastomys rodents are the primary reservoir of the zoonotic Lassa virus (LASV). The virus causes haemorrhagic Lassa fever and considerable mortality in humans. To date, the role of Mastomys immunogenetics in resistance to, and persistence of, LASV infections is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of Major Histocompatibility Complex class I (MHC-I) on LASV infection status (i.e., active vs. cleared infection, determined via PCR and an immunofluorescence assay on IgG antibodies, respectively) in Mastomys natalensis and M. erythroleucus sampled within southwestern Nigeria. We identified more than 190 and 90 MHC-I alleles by Illumina high throughput-sequencing in M. natalensis and M. erythroleucus, respectively, with different MHC allele compositions and frequencies between LASV endemic and non-endemic sites. In M. natalensis, the MHC allele ManaMHC-I*006 was negatively associated with active infections (PCR-positive) and positively associated with cleared infections (IgG-positive) simultaneously, suggesting efficient immune responses that facilitate LASV clearance in animals carrying this allele. Contrarily, alleles ManaMHC-I*008 and ManaMHC-I*021 in M. natalensis, and MaerMHC-I*008 in M. erythroleucus, were positively associated with active infection, implying susceptibility. Alleles associated with susceptibility shared a glutamic acid at the positively selected codon 57, while ManaMHC-I*006 featured an arginine. There was no link between number of MHC alleles per Mastomys individual and LASV prevalence. Thus, specific alleles, but not MHC diversity per se, seem to mediate antibody responses to viremia. We conclude that co-evolution with LASV likely shaped the MHC-I diversity of the main LASV reservoirs in southwestern Nigeria, and that information on reservoir immunogenetics may hold insights into transmission dynamics and zoonotic spillover risks.
Evaluation of hematological changes and immune response biomarkers as a prognostic factor in critical patients with COVID-19
Authors: Manaças Liliane Rosa Alves , Amorim Robson Luís Oliveira de , Aguila Alian , Novo Paloam Cardoso , Badin Rebeka Caribé
Published: February 2024

COVID-19 disease has been a challenge for health systems worldwide due to its high transmissibility, morbidity, and mortality. Severe COVID-19 is associated with an imbalance in the immune response, resulting in a cytokine storm and a hyperinflammation state. While hematological parameters correlate with prognosis in COVID patients, their predictive value has not been evaluated specifically among those severely ill. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the role of hematological and immune response biomarkers as a prognostic factor in critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit. From May 2020 to July 2021, a retrospective cohort study was conducted in a reference hospital in Manaus, which belongs to the Brazilian public health system. This study was carried out as single-center research. Clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed to evaluate the association with mortality. We also evaluated the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio (CLR). We gathered information from medical records, as well as from prescriptions and forms authorizing the use of antimicrobial medications. During the study period, 177 patients were included, with a mean age of 62.58 ± 14.39 years. The overall mortality rate was 61.6%. Age, mechanical ventilation (MV) requirement, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, high c-reactive protein level, NLR, and CLR showed a statistically significant association with mortality in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only MV (OR 35.687, 95% CI: 11.084–114.898, p< 0.001) and NLR (OR 1.026, 95% CI: 1.003–1.050, p = 0.028) remained statistically associated with the outcome of death (AUC = 0.8096). While the need for mechanical ventilation is a parameter observed throughout the hospital stay, the initial NLR can be a primary risk stratification tool to establish priorities and timely clinical intervention in patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the ICU.
Assigning the unassigned: A signature-based classification of rDNA metabarcodes reveals new deep-sea diversity
Authors: Barrenechea Angeles Inès , Nguyen Ngoc-Loi , Greco Mattia , Tan Koh Siang , Pawlowski Jan
Published: February 2024

Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals a vast genetic diversity of marine eukaryotes. Yet, most of the metabarcoding data remain unassigned due to the paucity of reference databases. This is particularly true for the deep-sea meiofauna and eukaryotic microbiota, whose hidden diversity is largely unexplored. Here, we tackle this issue by using unique DNA signatures to classify unknown metabarcodes assigned to deep-sea foraminifera. We analyzed metabarcoding data obtained from 311 deep-sea sediment samples collected in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, an area of potential polymetallic nodule exploitation in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Using the signatures designed in the 37F hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene, we were able to classify 802 unassigned metabarcodes into 61 novel lineages, which have been placed in 27 phylogenetic clades. The comparison of new lineages with other foraminiferal datasets shows that most novel lineages are widely distributed in the deep sea. Five lineages are also present in the shallow-water datasets; however, phylogenetic analysis of these lineages separates deep-sea and shallow-water metabarcodes except in one case. While the signature-based classification does not solve the problem of gaps in reference databases, this taxonomy-free approach provides insight into the distribution and ecology of deep-sea species represented by unassigned metabarcodes, which could be useful in future applications of metabarcoding for environmental monitoring.
Pro-SMP finder–A systematic approach for discovering small membrane proteins in prokaryotes
Authors: Hoffman Tara , Kinne Jeff , Cho Kyu Hong
Published: February 2024

Prokaryotic chromosomes contain numerous small open reading frames (ORFs) of less than 200 bases. Since high-throughput proteomics methods often miss proteins containing fewer than 60 amino acids, it is difficult to decern if they encode proteins. Recent studies have revealed that many small proteins are membrane proteins with a single membrane-anchoring α-helix. As membrane anchoring or transmembrane motifs are accurately identifiable with high confidence using computational algorithms like Phobius and TMHMM, small membrane proteins (SMPS) can be predicted with high accuracy. This study employed a systematic approach, utilizing well-verified algorithms such as Orfipy, Phobius, and Blast to identify SMPs in prokaryotic organisms. Our main search parameters targeted candidate SMPs with an open reading frame between 60–180 nucleotides, a membrane-anchoring or transmembrane region 15 and 30 amino acids long, and sequence conservation among other microorganisms. Our findings indicate that each prokaryote possesses many SMPs, with some identified in the intergenic regions of currently annotated chromosomes. More extensively studied microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, have more SMPs identified in their genomes compared to less studied microorganisms, suggesting the possibility of undiscovered SMPs in less studied microorganisms. In this study, we describe the common SMPs identified across various microorganisms and explore their biological roles. We have also developed a software pipeline and an accompanying online interface for discovering SMPs (http://cs.indstate.edu/pro-smp-finder). This resource aims to assist researchers in identifying new SMPs encoded in microbial genomes of interest.
Impact of interpregnancy weight changes and perinatal outcomes: A retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Masafumi , Aoki Shigeru , Shinoda Satoru , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Miyagi Etsuko
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have shown that interpregnancy weight fluctuations impact perinatal outcomes. In order to examine this in Japanese women, we analyzed the data of 2,861 women in their first and second pregnancies who delivered singletons between 2000 and 2022. We compared the second pregnancy perinatal outcomes of women whose interpregnancy body mass index (BMI) change was -1 to 1 unit with those of women whose BMI change was < -1 or ≥ 1 unit. An interpregnancy BMI change ≥ 1 unit was associated with an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–1.95) and delivering a large for gestational age neonate (aOR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.15–2.42) but a decreased risk of preterm birth (aOR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46–0.95). An interpregnancy BMI change < -1 unit was associated with a decreased risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (aOR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.31–0.85). In a subgroup analysis of three groups divided according to prepregnancy BMI, interpregnancy BMI changes ≥ 1 unit in women with a BMI of < 18.5 kg/m2 before their first pregnancy were associated with a remarkable risk reduction of developing preterm birth (aOR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.11–0.81). Interpregnancy BMI changes < -1 unit in women with a BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2 before their first pregnancy were associated with a remarkable risk reduction of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (aOR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12–0.88). Weight gain during interpregnancy period was related to an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and delivery of a large-for-gestational-age neonate, whereas weight loss was related to a decreased risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus. These results indicate the importance of interpregnancy weight control as part of preconception care; therefore, women considering additional pregnancies should be educated on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.
A case of alternative journalism in Egypt: Where are Facebook likes leading Mada Masr?
Authors: El-Sagheer Aly Heba
Published: February 2024

Mada Masr, an alternative online-only news medium, has continued to operate for more than nine years in Egypt. However, fascination with its mere existence as an alternative journalism in a harsh political climate has prevented researchers from evaluating its performance from an audience perspective. To fill in the gap, this study seeks to explore audience engagement on Mada Masr’s Arabic Facebook page by analysing posts that received the highest and lowest likes (reactions). Results show that posts with the most likes were those contesting the state’s performance and providing oppositional counter-mainstream media knowledge. This finding is consistent with the literature on the role of alternative media in different political contexts, one of political deliberation in western democracies and another of social mobilization in non-western transitional contexts where social change is sought. However, the elitist nature of many of Mada Masr’s posts questions the extent to which Mada Masr is willing to identify itself with the wider public.
O cidadão plasmado por aplicativos
Authors: Melo dos Santos Dionys
Published: February 2024

Resenha do livro
CANCLINI, Néstor Raúl García. Ciudadanos reemplazados por algoritmos. Bielefeld, Bielefeld University Press, 2020.
Do Water Access Inequalities Matter for Child Mortality? A perspective from low-and-middle-income countries
Authors:   , Bulgamaa Urangoo
Published: February 2024

Although the role of water is well known in child health, whether and how the distribution of water access affects child mortality and its economic transmission channels remain unclear. In particular, child mortality caused by diarrhea received insufficient attention, although diarrhea is the second leading cause of age under 5 mortality worldwide. The dissertation project addresses this gap by clarifying the theoretical /conceptual background of both child mortality and water access inequality, and by generating robust empirical evidence on whether water access inequality is a significant determinant of child diarrhea mortality in the context of low and-middle-income countries by applying a mixed methods approach. To this end, the study provides a theoretical background of the dissertation (objective 1) by setting a story for health and economic development through a political economy lens (i), clarifying the determinants of child mortality from a health economics perspective (ii), clarifying the concept of socioeconomic inequalities in water access from a welfare economics perspective (iii), highlighting a plausible economic transmission channel (iv), and selecting concentration index approach as a preferred method to quantify water access inequality (v). Building on this background, we constructed a water access inequality index in order to reveal its global trend and patterns (objective 2). Consequently, we assessed the likely effects of water access inequality on child mortality outcomes by utilizing a panel approach (objective 3). Finally, a further empirical chapter revealed how water access inequality affected the ‘success’ and ‘failure’ of the efforts reducing child diarrhea mortality in the selected cases of Liberia and Zimbabwe through a comparative case study approach (objective 4). In doing so, we combined real-world open-access datasets from various international sources. The key findings of the dissertation suggest that water access inequality matters for child mortality caused by diarrhea in the context of low-and-middle-income countries (i) and water access inequality may hinder progress towards reducing child diarrhea mortality (ii). We attempt to contribute a better 2 understanding of preventable child mortality, in which the role of distribution of water access is brought to the debate of global child mortality decline with robust evidence.
Suporte Psicossocial oferecido por oficinas online em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial durante a COVID-19
Authors: Villega Rios Monize , Dos Santos Mazini Gabrielly , Rodrigues Rocha Tiago Humberto
Published: February 2024

Com a pandemia da Covid-19, serviços oferecidos pelos CAPS tiveram de ser suspensos/adaptados ao modo remoto, incluindo as oficinas terapêuticas. Então, o presente relato tem como objetivo apresentar a experiência de estágio de discentes em oficinas online de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial e identificar se estas desempenharam papel de suporte psicossocial para seus usuários. O relato apresenta caráter qualitativo-descritivo e foram realizados encontros supervisionados em 2021, que contaram com a participação de discentes do curso de Psicologia de uma Universidade e psicólogas de um CAPS do interior de Minas Gerais. Como resultados, foram estabelecidos dois eixos temáticos: (1) impasses relacionados ao acesso às oficinas e (2) suporte psicossocial. Conclui-se que, em razão da pandemia, houve um aumento da demanda pelos serviços e agravamento dos sintomas dos usuários do CAPS. Evidencia-se a relevância das oficinas remotas, que enfrentaram alguns empecilhos, mas a instituição cumpriu com o papel de suporte psicossocial dos usuários.
O Tratamento Psicoterápico Fenomenológico em Pacientes Psicossomáticos: Uma Revisão Integrativa
Authors: Barcelos de Oliveira Luísa , Marquezi Ferro Luiz Roberto , Silva Baccelli Marcela , José de Oliveira Aislan , De Jesus Andrade Cristiano
Published: February 2024

O tema surgiu da problemática encontrada ao atuar na Clínica Psicoterápica. O referencial teórico aborda os aspectos da Fenomenologia e Psicologia Fenomenológica, bem como a Psicossomática, sua perspectiva histórica e leitura na clínica Fenomenológica. O objetivo principal é investigar as contribuições sobre a prática da abordagem Fenomenológica Existencial Humanista em casos de pacientes Psicossomáticos. Como objetivos específicos, visa compreender como os aspectos existenciais e a compreensão da essência do ser afetam os processos psicossomáticos. Analisar como realizar a intervenção psicoterápica fenomenológica em casos de pacientes psicossomáticos. Os resultados são apresentados em forma de fluxograma e tabela, bem como a discussão do conteúdo encontrado nos artigos. Considera-se relevante o aprimoramento dos estudos sobre a relação entre a Psicologia e a Fenomenologia, bem como a forma de utiliza-los como método de intervenção em Psicoterapia. Sugere-se o aprofundamento do tema.
PERBANDINGAN KINERJA METODE KLASIFIKASI K-NEAREST NEIGHBOR DAN SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINES PADA DATASET PARKINSON
Authors: Ridho Wahyu Anwar , Wuryandari Triastuti , Hakim Arief Rachman
Published: February 2024

The government program in the form of social assistance (bansos) is part of the effort to improve the welfare of the community and ensure basic needs and improve the standard of living of the recipients. However, there are often cases of mistargeting of social assistance programs by the government. Improper data management and Data Terpadu Kesejahteraan Sosial (DTKS) which are not used as the cause of the distribution of social assistance are not well targeted. The data can be analyzed using the classification method to determine whether or not the family accepts the ban from the government. This study classifies the SUSENAS data by comparing K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Support Vector Machines (SVM). The advantage of the KNN method lies in the level of accuracy to solve problems with large data while the SVM method has better performance in various fields of application such as bioinformacs, handwriting recognition, text classification and so on. Based on training data and testing data comparison 85%:15% showed that KNN method had a better classification performance than the SVM method. The accuracy value of KNN method is 80,95% higher than the accuracy value of SVM method is 78,79%.
ANALISIS SENTIMEN VAKSIN COVID-19 PADA TWITTER MENGGUNAKAN RECURRENT NEURAL NETWORK (RNN) DENGAN ALGORITMA LONG SHORT-TERM MEMORY (LSTM)
Authors: Maharani Chintya Ayu , Warsito Budi , Santoso Rukun
Published: February 2024

The Coronavirus, also known as the Covid-19 pandemic, has reached every country worldwide, including Indonesia. Covid-19 is still prevalent and has killed many people in Indonesia. This makes it impossible to stop Covid-19 from spreading. The government's attempt to stop the Covid-19 pandemic is acquiring the vaccine. The administration of the Covid-19 vaccine has generated much discussion on social media, particularly Twitter. Tweets displaying public opinion on Twitter can be used for sentiment analysis and categorizing public opinion on the Covid-19 vaccine. 20,000 tweets were collected by Twitter crawling between January 10 and January 15, 2022. 3.290 tweets were left after pre-processing and meaningless tweets were eliminated. The data were processed using the Recurrent Neural Network method with the Long Short-Term Memory algorithm to determine its accuracy and identify topics often discussed by the public on Twitter. The LSTM method is capable of storing old information/data. A model with 70% training data, a learning rate of 0.01, 100 LSTM units, 32 batch sizes, 100 epochs, a cross-entropy loss function, and Adam optimizers was used to build the classification in this study. The accuracy value obtained from the performance evaluation of the Long Short-Term Memory model research was 80.34%.
Desetiletá lhůta pro stanovení daně – vybrané otevřené otázky
Authors: Fuksová Jana
Published: February 2024

The article focuses on two current issues of the so-called ten-year period for tax assessment, or more precisely, the maximum ten-year period for tax assessment (Art. 148(5) of the Tax Code) with a significant impact on practice. Specifically, the questions of intertemporal effects of the new legislation of the Tax Code are addressed – whether and what is the effect of court proceedings initiated after 1 January 2011 on the maximum length of the tax determination period; and the question of the relationship between the special legislation on the tax determination period under the Income Tax Act (Section 38r of the Income Tax Act) and the rules of the Tax Code – is the maximum length of the tax determination period affected by the recognition of a tax loss or the use of a discount on account of investment incentives. The aim of the article is to find answers to the above questions, on which there are conflicting opinions in case law and literature, based on the analysis of the legislation, its interpretation using relevant interpretative methods, analysis of available literature and case law. Answering these questions is crucial for legal practice. The maximum length of the tax assessment period is a major milestone for both tax authorities and taxpayers. According to practical experience, these issues determine the outcome of a number of disputes between tax administrators and tax subjects.
Esenciální náklady v judikatuře Nejvyššího správního soudu
Authors: Hájek Pavel
Published: February 2024

Minimum necessary costs, often referred to as essential costs, are currently a highly debated topic in professional circles. The Supreme Administrative Court, in its resolution of 6 April 2022, No. 8 Afs 296/2020-106, concluded that there are contradictions in case law concerning the methods of tax assessment and the related allocation of essential costs. This article aims to propose an optimal solution to the current jurisprudential contradiction while preserving the idea of essential costs. In order to achieve this goal, an analysis of the Supreme Administrative Court’s case law on essential costs and a comparison of the approaches of the various chambers of the Supreme Administrative Court to the issue is made.
Wobec terapii. Pacjentki w najnowszej prozie kobiet
Authors: Ładoń Monika
Published: February 2024

Głównym celem artykułu jest interpretacja czterech współczesnych utworów prozatorskich autorstwa kobiet, poruszających zagadnienia terapii oraz pobytu w szpitalu psychiatrycznym. Tekst zawiera rozpoznania bazujące na historycznych sytuacjach kobiet: histerii, praktykach dyscyplinowania i wmawiania szaleństwa. Autorka artykułu przygląda się tekstom Aleksandry Zielińskiej, Olgi Hund, Agnieszki Jelonek i Justyny Wicenty, pytając o dokonane przez nie rekonstrukcje figury kobiecego szaleństwa. Zwraca przy tym uwagę nie tylko na tematyzowanie kryzysów i chorób psychicznych, ale również na narracyjne i stylistyczne strategie pisania o nich. Rozważania koncentrują się na obrazach szpitala psychiatrycznego oraz relacji między pacjentkami a terapeutami i psychiatrami. Przestrzeń szpitala traktowana jest w przywoływanych tekstach głównie ironicznie, nie staje się bowiem miejscem leczenia, ale opresji. Inaczej dzieje się w przypadku opisów terapii: interpretacje ujawniają stopniową rezygnację bohaterek/narratorek z dystansu na rzecz aktywnego uczestnictwa w sesjach psychoterapeutycznych.
NRF2 in kidney physiology and disease
Authors: Bondi Corry D. , Hartman Hannah L. , Tan Roderick J.
Published: February 2024

The role of NRF2 in kidney biology has received considerable interest over the past decade. NRF2 transcriptionally controls genes responsible for cellular protection against oxidative and electrophilic stress and has anti‐inflammatory functions. NRF2 is expressed throughout the kidney and plays a role in salt and water handling. In disease, animal studies show that NRF2 protects against tubulointerstitial damage and reduces interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, and may slow progression of polycystic kidney disease. However, the role of NRF2 in proteinuric glomerular diseases is controversial. Although the NRF2 inducer, bardoxolone methyl (CDDO‐Me), increases glomerular filtration rate in humans, it has not been shown to slow disease progression in diabetic kidney disease and Alport syndrome. Furthermore, bardoxolone methyl was associated with negative effects on fluid retention, proteinuria, and blood pressure. Several animal studies replicate findings of worsened proteinuria and a more rapid progression of kidney disease, although considerable controversy exists. It is clear that further study is needed to better understand the effects of NRF2 in the kidney. This review summarizes the available data to clarify the promise and risks associated with targeting NRF2 activity in the kidney.
Investigating the graphical IEC 61131-3 language impact on test case design and evaluation of mechatronic apprentices
Authors: Land Kathrin , Vogel-Heuser Birgit
Published: February 2024

Mechatronic on-site technicians are responsible for maintenance and thus adequate testing of automated production systems. Hence, they must derive test cases from the IEC 61131-3 control code, which requires systematic testing skills. But despite the industry’s high demand for such skills, testing is not established in mechatronic apprentices’ educational curriculum. For the design of a teaching strategy for mechatronic apprentices on testing, this paper investigates the impact of the IEC 61131-3 language on test case design and evaluation. Comparing Sequential Function Chart (SFC) and Function Block Diagram, a trend towards SFC in apprentices’ self-perceived and real competence is shown.
Strukturierter Ansatz für die automatisierte Erstellung von Enterprise Architecture Modellen
Authors: Horstkemper Dennis , Mülhausen Andreas , Hellingrath Bernd
Published: February 2024

Die Anwendung automatisierter Steuerungsansätze in der Fertigung erfordert die Dokumentation der Soft- und Hardware eines Unternehmens. Automatisierte Ansätze zur Modellierung der Enterprise Architecture dienen dazu, Informationen aus bestehenden Systemen zu extrahieren, strukturieren und visualisieren. Basierend auf einer Literaturrecherche wird in diesem Beitrag die Entwicklung eines strukturierten Ansatzes zur teilautomatisierten Erstellung neuer EA-Modelle aus bestehenden Datenquellen (am Beispiel von OPC UA) vorgestellt. Dies ermöglicht eine einfachere fallspezifische Implementierung.
Eine Bibliografie des Scheiterns im Bibliothekswesen
Authors: Kilian Andrej , Renn Oliver
Published: February 2024

Die Fragen, wie und warum Projekte im bibliothekarischen Umfeld scheitern und wie mit solchen Misserfolgen produktiv umgegangen werden kann, werden in Fachpublikationen immer wieder gestellt. Der Artikel beschreibt, warum es nicht ganz einfach ist, die Antworten darauf in Literaturdatenbanken zu finden, und mit welchen Suchstrategien dennoch zahlreiche relevante Ergebnisse gefunden werden konnten. Die Ergebnisse der Recherche werden in Form einer Bibliografie präsentiert.