bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Do Teacher Job Postings Tell Us About School Hiring Needs and Equity?
Authors: Goldhaber Dan , Falken Grace T. , Theobald Roddy
Published: May 2024

While decades of research document inequity in the distribution of teachers across schools, few studies consider the distribution of teacher vacancies and other school hiring needs. We use teacher job postings, a direct proxy of school hiring needs, to document how these hiring needs vary across districts, schools, and subject areas. We first validate job postings as an indicator of school hiring needs by showing that filled postings closely line up with eventual teacher hires. We then show that schools serving more students of color had greater hiring needs throughout the year and that hiring needs for special education and science, technology, engineering, and math positions were considerably higher than for elementary positions according to both the number and duration of job postings.
Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Dynamic Populations of Vascular Cells in Neointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Shi Guangzheng , Tong Xinran , Sun Weihong , Fang Zilong , Chen Wendong , Jiang Gonghao , Zhang Peili , Li Qun
Published: May 2024

Background: Neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) is the pathological basis of vascular injury disease. Vascular cells are the dominant cells in the process of NIH, but the extent of heterogeneity amongst them is still unclear. Methods: A mouse model of NIH was constructed by inducing carotid artery ligation. Single-cell sequencing was then used to analyze the transcriptional profile of vascular cells. Cluster features were determined by functional enrichment analysis, gene set scoring, pseudo-time analysis, and cell-cell communication analysis. Additionally, immunofluorescence staining was conducted on vascular tissues from fibroblast lineage-traced (PdgfraDreER-tdTomato) mice to validate the presence of Pecam1+Pdgfra+tdTomato+ cells. Results: The left carotid arteries (ligation) were compared to right carotid arteries (sham) from ligation-induced NIH C57BL/6 mice. Integrative analyses revealed a high level of heterogeneity amongst vascular cells, including fourteen clusters and seven cell types. We focused on three dominant cell types: endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs), and fibroblasts. The major findings were: (1) four subpopulations of ECs, including ECs4, mesenchymal-like ECs (ECs1 and ECs2), and fibro-like ECs (ECs3); (2) four subpopulations of fibroblasts, including pro-inflammatory Fibs-1, Sca1+ Fibs-2, collagen-producing Fibs-3, and mesenchymal-like Fibs-4; (3) four subpopulations of vSMCs, including vSMCs-1, vSMCs-2, vSMCs-3, and vSMCs-3-derived vSMCs; (4) ECs3 express genes related to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and cell migration, and fibro-like vSMCs showed strong chemokine secretion and relatively high levels of proteases; (5) fibro-like vSMCs that secrete Vegfa interact with ECs mainly through vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (Vegfr2). Conclusions: This study presents the dynamic cellular landscape within NIH arteries and reveals potential relationships between several clusters, with a specific focus on ECs3 and fibro-like vSMCs. These two subpopulations may represent potential target cells for the treatment of NIH.
The Role of Microglia with Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Its Therapeutic Prospects in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Li Tong , Chen Tiantian , Li Chunhua , Yu Wenhui , Xu Yunlong , Zeng Xuehui , Zheng Fuxiang
Published: May 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a primary cause of dementia, is rapidly emerging as one of the most financially taxing, lethal, and burdensome diseases of the 21st century. Increasing evidence suggests that microglia-mediated neuroinflammation plays a key role in both the initiation and progression of AD. Recently, emerging evidence has demonstrated mitochondrial dysfunction, particular in microglia where precedes neuroinflammation in AD. Multiple signaling pathways are implicated in this process and pharmaceutical interventions are potentially involved in AD treatment. In this review, advance over the last five years in the signaling pathways and pharmaceutical interventions are summarized and it is proposed that targeting the signaling pathways in microglia with mitochondrial dysfunction could represent a novel direction for AD treatment.
Measuring Human Auditory Evoked Fields with a Flexible Multi-Channel OPM-Based MEG System
Authors: Zhang Xin , Chang Yan , Wang Hui , Zhang Yin , Hu Tao , Feng Xiao-yu , Zhang Ming-kang , Yao Ze-kun , Chen Chun-qiao , Xu Jia-yu , Fu Fang-yue , Guo Qing-qian , Zhu Jian-bing , Xie Hai-qun , Yang Xiao-dong
Published: May 2024

Background: Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a non-invasive imaging technique for directly measuring the external magnetic field generated from synchronously activated pyramidal neurons in the brain. The optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) is known for its less expensive, non-cryogenic, movable and user-friendly custom-design provides the potential for a change in functional neuroimaging based on MEG. Methods: An array of OPMs covering the opposite sides of a subject’s head is placed inside a magnetically shielded room (MSR) and responses evoked from the auditory cortices are measured. Results: High signal-to-noise ratio auditory evoked response fields (AEFs) were detected by a wearable OPM-MEG system in a MSR, for which a flexible helmet was specially designed to minimize the sensor-to-head distance, along with a set of bi-planar coils developed for background field and gradient nulling. Neuronal current sources activated in AEF experiments were localized and the auditory cortices showed the highest activities. Performance of the hybrid optically pumped magnetometer-magnetoencephalography/electroencephalography (OPM-MEG/EEG) system was also assessed. Conclusions: The multi-channel OPM-MEG system performs well in a custom built MSR equipped with bi-planar coils and detects human AEFs with a flexible helmet. Moreover, the similarities and differences of auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) and AEFs are discussed, while the operation of OPM-MEG sensors in conjunction with EEG electrodes provides an encouraging combination for the exploration of hybrid OPM-MEG/EEG systems.
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder by Dynamic Local Graph-Theory Indicators Based on Electroencephalogram
Authors: Luo Hao , Yang Shuo , Zhang Nanxiang , Huang Leen , Ge Yingfeng , Chen Ang , Zhu Jianping , Zhang Jinxin
Published: May 2024

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopment disease characterized by impaired social and cognitive abilities. Despite its prevalence, reliable biomarkers for identifying individuals with ASD are lacking. Recent studies have suggested that alterations in the functional connectivity of the brain in ASD patients could serve as potential indicators. However, previous research focused on static functional-connectivity analysis, neglecting temporal dynamics and spatial interactions. To address this gap, our study integrated dynamic functional connectivity, local graph-theory indicators, and a feature-selection and ranking approach to identify biomarkers for ASD diagnosis. Methods: The demographic information, as well as resting and sleeping electroencephalography (EEG) data, were collected from 20 ASD patients and 25 controls. EEG data were pre-processed and segmented into five sub-bands (Delta, Theta, Alpha-1, Alpha-2, and Beta). Functional-connection matrices were created by calculating coherence, and static-node-strength indicators were determined for each channel. A sliding-window approach, with varying widths and moving steps, was used to scan the EEG series; dynamic local graph-theory indicators were computed, including mean, standard deviation, median, inter-quartile range, kurtosis, and skewness of the node strength. This resulted in 95 features (5 sub-bands × 19 channels) for each indicator. A support-vector-machine recurrence-feature-elimination method was used to identify the most discriminative feature subset. Results: The dynamic graph-theory indicators with a 3-s window width and 50% moving step achieved the highest classification performance, with an average accuracy of 95.2%. Notably, mean, median, and inter-quartile-range indicators in this condition reached 100% accuracy, with the least number of selected features. The distribution of selected features showed a preference for the frontal region and the Beta sub-band. Conclusions: A window width of 3 s and a 50% moving step emerged as optimal parameters for dynamic graph-theory analysis. Anomalies in dynamic local graph-theory indicators in the frontal lobe and Beta sub-band may serve as valuable biomarkers for diagnosing autism spectrum disorders.
DOES EXERCISE INFLUENCE CHRONIC INFLAMMATION IN BURNS >1 YEAR AFTER INJURY?
Authors: Osborne Mr Tyler , Rowe Dr Grant , Edgar Associate Professor Dale , Fear Associate Professor Mark , Wood Winthrop Professor Fiona , Fairchild Associate Professor Timothy , Galna Dr Brook , Wall Associate Professor Bradley , Kenworthy Pippa
Published: May 2024

A burn is one of the most traumatic injuries a person can sustain, and along with mental and physical scars, trigger a greater and more persistent inflammatory and metabolic response than other trauma cases, with hypermetabolic and hyperinflammation being reported >3 years post-burn. Exercise has been shown to positively influence inflammatory and metabolic function in both healthy and diseased cohorts, however little is known about the influence of exercise on chronic inflammation and metabolism in burn survivors. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an exercise intervention on inflammatory and metabolic markers in patients who had sustained a burn injury >1 year ago. In this study 15 participants were randomised in a cross over design into one of two conditions, either exercise-control, or control-exercise. The exercise condition comprised of six weeks of resistance and aerobic exercise, completed remotely or supervised in a hospital gym. A comprehensive battery of clinical and physiological assessments was completed at 0, 3 and 6 weeks of each exercise and control condition. The primary outcome measure for this study was TNF-alpha and how this changed in response to the exercise condition. Secondary measures included indirect calorimetry, metabolomic and lipidomic analysis, strength and aerobic fitness testing, body composition and questionnaires related to functional status and physical activity history. It is hoped that the results from this study will contribute to the future of post-burn rehabilitation and continue to develop the understanding surrounding the chronic post-response physiological response.
Social clustering of preference for female genital mutilation/cutting (FGMC) in South-Central Ethiopia
Authors: Myers Sarah , Gurmu Eshetu , Alvergne Alex , Redhead Daniel , Howard Janet , Gibson Mhairi Alexandra
Published: May 2024

Recent estimates indicate half of Ethiopian girls aged 15 to 19 have experienced female genital mutilation/cutting (FGMC). Establishing whether and how pro-FGMC norms are maintained through social transmission is a key priority for global eradication efforts. Here, we present the first large-scale socio-centric social network study estimating social influence and social selection on preference for cutting female relatives using data from 5163 Ethiopian Arsi Oromo adults. Bayesian modelling, which accounts for network dependence in cross-sectional data, finds signals of ‘contagion’ within chatting, respect, and money-borrowing networks. This indicates social influence contributes to FGMC maintenance. We find no clear evidence of social selection within marriage advice networks, suggesting these networks are not implicated in FGMC maintenance. Contrary to assumptions underpinning current eradication efforts, we find negligible evidence that FGMC is a social-coordination norm (with only 6.3% endorsement), or an empirical or normative expectation. We conclude by making intervention design recommendations.
Global assessment of directional effects in the inter-calibration of optical satellite instruments with the TRUTHS mission
Authors: Gorroño Javier , Piñol Solé Montserrat , Fox Nigel , Guanter Luis , August Thomas , Fehr Thorsten
Published: May 2024

Upcoming SI-Traceable Satellite (SITSat) missions such as TRUTHS aim to achieve an unprecented accuracy for SI-traceable measurements of the Earth-reflected radiation. These measurements will support the generation of low uncertainty climate records and significantly improve the calibration of other sensors. In such a context, the uncertainty will be limited by the calibration transfer process rather than the reference sensor. This study presents an end-to-end global inter-calibration simulator capable of assessing the potential uncertainty for multiple scenarios that considers the interrelation of different error sources and match-ups. We first define the sensor-to-sensor match-ups through an orbital analysis that is followed by a top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance modelling of each match-up. Finally, we calculate the radiometric uncertainty based on different error sources combined globally. In this first implementation we have calculated the match-ups of TRUTHS against observations by the Copernicus Sentinel-2A satellite over land areas throughout a year. We calculate the angular mismatch for both viewing differences and solar changes from different overpass time. We define multiple inter-calibration scenarios based on temporal, angular or cloud constraints. These first results show that considering overpasses up to 15 minute difference, low cloud probability and matching field-of-view (FoV), within 5°, we sample most land areas with a mean error <0.1% and bias regression <0.5%. We have also restricted the sun zenith angle (SZA) to 60° to minimise solar angle and viewing azimuthal dispersion over the poles. This also results in data-gaps of several months that might be complemented with dedicated manouevres or a dedicated processing of these polar-region match-ups.
Identification of a Potential Geothermal Resource in Colombia through the Application of Geoelectric Methods at the Aguas de Vichy Spring in the Municipality of San Andrés, Santander
Authors: Mejía-Fragoso Juan , Sanabria-Gómez José , Bernal-Olaya Rocio
Published: May 2024

The Aguas de Vichy thermal spring (SAN-001), identified by the Colombian Geological Service (SGC) and located in Santander, Colombia, represents a significant yet underexplored geothermal resource. This study is the first to conduct subsurface imaging of the geothermal system, employing Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Induced Polarization (IP) methods to investigate the hydrogeological framework. Geochemical analyses of the spring water indicate high salinity and elevated temperatures, suggesting a substantial energy capacity. The geological setting is characterized by north-south (N-S) and northeast-southwest (NE-SW) faults, intersecting Cretaceous and Precambrian formations, along with a Quaternary aquifer. Three ERT transects were conducted around the inferred fault, which was hypothesized to be the main conduit for geothermal fluids. Two transects crossing the fault revealed resistivity values ranging from near zero to over 1500 ohm-meters, suggesting the presence of zones of clay, groundwater accumulation, and geothermal fluids. High resistivity anomalies at depths of 5 to 10 meters indicate the lower boundaries of the Quaternary deposits. The third transect, situated within the Quaternary deposit but distant from the fault, exhibited elevated resistivities and a diminished prevalence of anomalies, indicating a possible clay deposit with reduced influence of water. IP measurements validated the presence of geothermal fluids and illuminated areas with elevated chargeability, suggesting the presence of clay levels within the aquifer. Our findings support the existence of a geothermal system where convection plays a significant role, alongside notable advective movements within the aquifer. This suggests a complex interaction of subsurface fluid dynamics, integrating both fault-mediated fluid transport and advection processes rather than being solely advection-dominated as suggested initially. The complexity observed in these findings underscores the necessity for further detailed studies to enhance our understanding of the geothermal system's dynamics and potential, which could make a valuable contribution to Colombia’s energy sustainability objectives.
Misconceptions in the application of the Arrhenius equation to plastics - environmental degradation of plastics unlikely below their glass transition temperature
Authors: Allen Steve , Comer-Warner Sophie , Allen Deonie , Kelleher Liam , Lynch Iseult , Krause Stefan
Published: May 2024

The term ‘’plastic’’ is derived from the Greek word ''plastikos'', meaning fit for moulding, highlighting the main feature that makes plastics so useful, i.e., their malleability during manufacture, allowing plastics to be formed into a variety of shapes such as bottles, bags and straws1. However, this malleability is temperature-dependent requiring the constituent polymers to be in the molten state and thus to flow over one another; upon cooling to room temperature the plastic becomes solid. Thus, plastics have three main temperature/property regimes: the glassy state, the rubbery state (above the glass transition temperature, Tg) and the malleable state (above the moulding temperature, Tm). It has recently been suggested that the Arrhenius equation can be used to extrapolate the rate of degradation of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) determined in test tubes at highly elevated pressure (>3MPa/26.9 atmospheres) and temperature (190-215 °C) to predict the rate of degradation under environmental conditions. It was suggested that oceans, with their high metal salt contents, could act as catalysts resulting in potential degradation hot-spots in limited pockets of the worlds’ oceans that reach 35 °C. We contest this on multiple grounds as described below, the most important being that the Arrhenius equation as implemented in this study applies only to the plastic in its molten state (>Tm), and that there will be separate rates and activation energies in the intermediate rubbery state (>Tg but >Tm) and for the plastic at temperatures
Enhancing Concrete Recycling in Iran: A Comprehensive Review of Strategies
Authors: Eshraghi Hesam , Alipouri Yaghoub
Published: May 2024

Concrete, the most-used construction material by weight, presents a significant environmental challenge due to its high production environmental footprint and huge quantities of demolition waste. Iran, with a thriving construction sector, faces escalating waste management issues. This paper provides a comprehensive review of strategies to increase concrete recycling in Iran. It explores the current state of concrete recycling practices, the environmental and economic benefits, and the existing barriers hindering wider adoption. The paper then analyzes various strategies across the concrete life cycle, including: demolition practices, collection and transportation systems, processing technologies, and market development for recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs). Several case studies are examined in order to identify best practices and strategies used by countries with successful concrete recycling programs that provide valuable insights about the factors contributing to their success which will be useful for implementation in Iran. Furthermore, the review concludes with recommendations tailored to the Iranian context, emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration between different stakeholders in Iran.
The State of Modeling Face Processing in Humans with Deep Learning
Authors: White David , Phillips P. Jonathon
Published: May 2024

Deep learning networks trained for facial recognition achieve accuracy equivalent to the highest-performing human participants. Recent evidence shows that they may also model some aspects of face processing in humans. This review compares the current understanding of deep learning networks with psychological models of the face processing system. Psychological models consist of two components: (i) a core system that extracts ‘face codes’ from retinal input encoding invariant and changeable properties of faces; (ii) an extended system linking these codes to personal information about a person and their social context. Studies of face codes in existing deep learning models have revealed some surprising results. For example, face codes in networks designed for identity recognition also encode expression information, which contrasts with psychological models that separate invariant and changeable properties. Deep learning can also be used to implement candidate models of the face processing system, such as comparing alternative cognitive architectures and information codes that might support interchange between core and extended face processing systems. After reviewing the current state of this emerging research topic, we summarise the implications for understanding the face processing system in seven lessons, and pose three questions for future research to address.
The Intelligence Technology and Big Eye Secrets: Navigating the Complex World of Cybersecurity and Espionage
Authors: Kareem Karwan Mustafa
Published: May 2024

"The Intelligence Technology and Big Eye Secrets: Navigating the Complex World of Cybersecurity and Espionage" is a comprehensive exploration of the intricate landscape of global intelligence and cyber security. It begins by dissecting the inner workings of intelligence and cyber security agencies, shedding light on their pivotal role in safeguarding national interests while balancing privacy concerns. The subsequent chapters delve into intelligence gathering tools, surveillance technologies, cybercrimes, and the dark side of cyberspace, unveiling the evolving threats and strategies employed by malicious actors. Furthermore, the book uncovers the influential cyber contractors shaping this domain and concludes with a discourse on cyber warfare, including defensive measures against digital threats. Whether you're a cybersecurity expert, government official, or simply a concerned individual, this book serves as an indispensable guide to understanding and navigating the complexities of cybersecurity and espionage.
Academic publishing business models: self-citations and the selectivity-reputation trade-off
Authors: Seeber Marco , Cattaneo Mattia , Birolini Sebastian
Published: May 2024

The growth in size of a scientific journal is constrained by a trade-off between selectivity and reputation. On the one hand, increasing a journal reputation increases the number of submissions, but high selectivity is often necessary to increase a journal reputation. On the other hand, lowering selectivity increases the number of published papers in the short term, but it also curbs the average quality, hampering the reputation of the journal, and reducing the number of submissions. Because of this trade-off, the growth rates of scientific journals tend to be moderate. However, in recent years some publishers based on the Article Processing Charge business model challenged this paradigm, by displaying staggering growth rates.In this paper, we explore whether self-citations helped journals from APC publishers to deceive the selectivity-reputation trade-off, serving as a mechanism to inflate the Journal Impact Factor. We investigate the citation flows of 8,360 journals from the 20 largest for-profit publishers included in the Journal Citation Report by Clarivate, over a period of 25 years (1997-2021). By means of a gravity model formulation predicting journal citation flows, we find compelling evidence of JIF inflation for the two largest APC publishers. First, their journals display extremely high self-citations rates specifically to articles that contribute to the calculation of the JIF. Second, in response to the fact that growth is generally conducive to decreased citation flows, which is in line with the selectivity-reputation-tradeoff, the intensity of self-citations for journals of these two publishers increases the greater their recent growth rate.
Repairing Broken Windows: A Framework to Counter Disinformation and Extremism in U.S. Law Enforcement
Authors: Syring Kenneth
Published: May 2024

Disinformation poses a significant threat to American law enforcement and, by extension, to democratic governance. Law enforcement officers, often exhibiting heightened levels of right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO), are particularly vulnerable to disinformation campaigns that undermine public trust and fuel political extremism. This paper proposes a comprehensive policy framework designed to mitigate the spread of disinformation and extremist beliefs among law enforcement officers through a combination of civics education and service-learning programs. Drawing on behavioral science research, it demonstrates how such interventions can reduce RWA and SDO traits, thereby enhancing officers’ critical thinking, empathy, and commitment to democratic principles.The proposed “Repairing Broken Windows” initiative reframes law enforcement as a form of national service, focusing on civic engagement and democratic literacy to build resilience against disinformation and restore public trust. This paper emphasizes the urgent need to inoculate law enforcement against disinformation, not only to reduce susceptibility to extremist ideologies but also to protect democratic institutions from being undermined by radicalized security forces. By fostering critical engagement and reinforcing the rule of law, this proposal offers actionable solutions for policymakers to safeguard democratic integrity within law enforcement.May 2022 (Revised March 2023; October 2024)
Making the EU fit for the permacrisis. A foresight analysis on social, economic and governance resilience.
Authors: Lausberg Philipp , Maurice Eric , Rayner Laura
Published: May 2024

The global pandemic of COVID-19 was a significant aspect of the permacrisis in which the European Union (EU) finds itself. Since 2008 and the global financial crisis, the EU has faced a series of crises that have often been interconnected, complex and unexpected. The results have repeatedly highlighted the structural nature of the problems that must be tackled. A post-pandemic EU has, therefore, to be envisioned in the perspective of current transformations and challenges, as well as through the lessons of previous and following crises, including, most importantly, the war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine.This foresight analysis investigates the EU’s resilience capacities in three areas most impacted by the COVID-19 crisis: health and social, economy and governance. It reviews the EU’s response to the pandemic, examines current and future challenges for the EU to address, and identifies ways to prepare the European institutions, policies and procedures to make the EU more resilient henceforth. It argues that the EU should develop a more holistic and foresight-oriented policymaking to better identify the linkages between the crises and transformations it faces, considering the necessary trade-offs between policies.
USE OF THE LIFE CYCLE APPROACH TO ANALYZE THE INDUSTRY SPECIFICS OF MANAGING A MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISE
Authors: YEPIFANOVA IRYNA , KASPIROVYCH ANTON
Published: May 2024

The article raises the issue of expanding the management toolkit for managers of manufacturing enterprises by structuring business development using the life cycle methodology. The author proposes to separate the life cycles of a product and an operational process for a manufacturing enterprise in order to analyze in more detail the industry specifics of the manufacturing enterprise management model. The authors describe the stages of the life cycle of a product and a production process separately, which allows to more accurately formulate the conditions under which the growth, development and decline of manufacturing enterprises occur. Thus, the presentation of the subject area of the study in the form of a "Process - Product" matrix allows analyzing the variability of approaches to managing the manufacturing business. The paper provides a certain algorithm for choosing an approach to management depending on the market situation and the current position of the enterprise in the competitive struggle. In other words, this tool allows structuring strategic alternatives for further steps of the business in the market. The authors also propose the stages of the life cycle of a manufacturing business, including a description of each stage according to the main characteristics of the management model. The paper provides a basic scenario of the enterprise's movement through the life cycle, taking into account the risks and financial efficiency of the business. Thus, this approach forms a roadmap for business development from a startup to a full-fledged business.  The most probable risks for management in making management decisions in the transition between stages are analyzed, the nature of their occurrence and the criteria for their manifestation are identified. Summarizing, it can be concluded that the proposed tools allow expanding the possibilities for the management of the enterprise to make timely and appropriate management decisions.
Constitutional Framework: A Comparative Analysis of Legal Systems in Pakistan and the United States
Authors: Rizwan Shahid
Published: May 2024

Constitution means that principles on which state regulate organized and determine relationship through their subjects of states. Constitution may in form of written and unwritten to some extend we can say that Constitution of Pakistan and America are written Constitutions but United Kingdom’s Constitution is unwritten Constitution. Constitution is a comprehensive code which consists on Preamble, introduction, parts that parts consist on chapter and Constitution also define the fundamental right of subjects of state, Principals of polices, mechanism of election and procedure of Amendment into the Constitution by legislation. Judicial Review is of one the impressive and incomparable silent feature of the Constitution. According to this principle no one use Excessive power regarding his authority.
Managing Pakistan's Criminal Justice System in Linkage with the SDGs: A Thematic Study
Authors: Hussain Syed Arif , Shahid Syed Usman , Ahmed Arfan
Published: May 2024

The primary objective of this study is to examine the manner in which the criminal justice system in Pakistan is influenced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Pakistan will be the principal location of focus for the investigation. The primary objective of this research is to examine the compatibility between the Sustainable Development Goals and the laws, procedures and approaches to law enforcement employed by the criminal justice system. One approach to achieve this goal is to calculate the likelihood that the two events will occur simultaneously. The aforementioned agreement structure imparts both favourable and unfavourable consequences with regard to equity, environmental sustainability, and societal justice. An investigation into these influences constitutes the objective of this study. The principal aim of this research endeavour will be to examine the consequences that are linked to this connection. Valuable insights can be derived from research that could potentially be implemented to enhance the criminal justice system in Pakistan.
Narrative Building by Baloch Separatist on X: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Inam Mahwish , Ashfaq Muhammad , Ali Sajjad
Published: May 2024

This research investigates the techniques applied to X by Baloch social media activists associated with separatist ideology. In this era of technology, 5th generation warfare is believed to create more ripples. This study analyses how particular issues are highlighted using tools of 5th-generation warfare for building desired narratives. Qualitative content analysis is adopted for this research. Content posted by X accounts of 10 activists affiliated with Baloch separatist ideology is selected for analysis. Contemporary data from 3 months is collected through an online tool (www.allmytweets.net). Codes/Themes are extracted from the data to understand the queries developed. This research discusses the issues that Baloch separatists select to present in media, the sentiments they attach to emotionalize them with intentions to gain audiences' attention and the media frames used by the activists to build a desired narrative. The research argues that the issues; are moulded around the violation of human rights and exploited to build anti Pakistan narrative. World powers and international organizations are urged to take action and help them for freedom from the forceful occupation.
Showcasing Women's Empowerment through Media Outlets of Pakistan
Authors: Khan Nasir , Aziz Faisal , Aslam Muhammad Jawed
Published: May 2024

The role of media in promoting women's empowerment is crucial, especially in Pakistan where media is considered the fourth pillar of democracy. This research explores the transformative potential of media in advancing women's empowerment in Pakistan, acknowledging its role in amplifying women's voices and addressing societal norms. Despite the country's linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity, media emerges as a vital tool for disseminating information and catalyzing positive societal change. The study utilizes a qualitative method to assess female perspectives on the media's role in women's empowerment, highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the media landscape. Through analysis and discussion, the research examines the influence of media campaigns, representation, and portrayal on women's empowerment, addressing challenges such as stereotyping, limited representation, and biased coverage. This paper provides insights into the potential of media as a catalyst for women's empowerment in Pakistan through a synthesis of theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence. The data is being collected through the interviews.
Hybridity and the Quest for Self-Identity: A Critical Analysis of Nadia Hashimi's "Sparks Like Stars" ( 2021)
Authors: Yasmin Samina , Ahmad Mumtaz
Published: May 2024

This study addresses the depiction of cultural hybridity and its ramifications on self-identity within Nadia Hashimi's "Sparks Like Stars" (2021), focusing on the protagonist's challenges and opportunities in navigating multiple cultural identities. The research problem centers on understanding the complex interplay between cultural hybridity and individual identity formation in a postcolonial context. Significantly, This approach adds to questions on how literary autobiographical narratives manage cultural hybridity in contemporary society. Employing Peter Morey's theoretical framework on cultural representation, the study aims to dissect the nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's journey towards self-identity, amidst the backdrop of inherited and acquired cultural influences. The novel's intricate exploration of cultural hybridity's impact on identity and the protagonist's struggle and growth as a postcolonial identity symbol.The study concludes by affirming the essential role of cultural hybridity in shaping complex individual identities, thereby enriching the discourse on postcolonial studies and multicultural literature.
A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Language Styles of Pakistani Teenage Instagram Users
Authors: Farid Aisha , Sabboor Hussain Muhammad , Malik Roheen
Published: May 2024

The objective of this research is to identify the language styles used by teenage Instagram users in Pakistan and their frequency. 'Style' refers to the language variation used based on the degree of formality or informality of the situation. To collect data, the researcher focused on the posts and stories of teenagers and pre-adult Instagram users and used a quantitative approach. The collected data was analyzed according to the theoretical framework provided by Indra, I., & Hamzah, H. (2018). The analysis revealed that the most common language style used by Instagram users in Pakistan is casual.
Trematodes and acanthocephalans associated with the yellow mojarra (Caquetaia kraussii) in a coastal lagoon system, San Onofre, Colombia
Authors:   Corporación Universitaria Remington, Gómez-Ruíz Daisy A. , Lenis Carolina ,   Universidad de Antioquia
Published: May 2024

In Colombia, ichthyozoonoses caused by helminths are little studied and remain neglected by the public health sector, representing an interaction to be explored regarding biodiversity and health. Caquetia kraussi is a native fish of Colombia and Venezuela that is economically important due to its high consumption by local communities. This research records the fauna of parasitic helminths associated with C. kraussi in a coastal lagoon system in the Colombian Caribbean. Thirty-two specimens of C. kraussi were captured and inspected in February and December 2020, resulting in the collection of 242 helminths at the metacercariae stage and adults. Parasites included metacercaria of the trematodes Clinostomum sp., Austrodiplostomum sp., two forms of Posthodiplostomum and adults of Oligogonotylus andinus, and adults of the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus sp. These results indicate that C. kraussii acts as a definitive host for O. andinus and Neoechinorhynchus sp., and as an intermediate host for Clinostomum sp., Posthodiplostomum spp. and Austrodiplostomum sp. This research reports for the second time a population of O. andinus in Colombia and the occurrence of a morphoespecies of the genus Neoechinorhynchus that could constitute a new record for Colombia. In addition to contributing to the knowledge of the diversity of fish-associated helminths, the results of this research will make it possible to generate recommendations for the management and control of helminthiasis in artificial fish farming systems that are supplied by natural tributaries, and favor the establishment of hosts and parasites.
Perlindungan Hukum Terhadap Konsumen dalam Penarikan Objek Jaminan Fidusia oleh Debt Collector Akibat Wanprestasi Pada Perusahaan Pembiayaan
Authors: Faniyah Iyah , Syurya Alhadi. A
Published: May 2024

Pasal 4 huruf e Undang-Undang Nomor 8 Tahun 1999 tentang Perlindungan Konsumen mengatur bahwa setiap konsumen berhak untuk mendapatkan advokasi, perlindungan, dan upaya penyelesaian sengketa perlindungan konsumen secara patut. Namun, dalam praktiknya banyak terjadi penarikan objek jaminan fidusia dari konsumen secara paksa saat konsumen tidak membayar kredit tepat waktu. Penelitian ini membahas Perlindungan Hukum Terhadap Konsumen Dalam Penarikan Objek Jaminan Fidusia dan kendala-kendala yang dihadapi untuk memperoleh perlindungan hukum tersebut. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah pendekatan yuridis normatif, dengan melakukan penelitian terhadap aturan-aturan hukum terkait penarikan jaminan fidusia oleh debt collector. Didukung pendekatan yuridis empiris, dengan melakukan penelitian untuk melihat bekerjanya aturan-aturan hukum tersebut dalam prakteknya pada penarikan jaimanan fiducia oleh debt collector pada Perusahaan pembiayaan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Pertama, perlindungan hukum terhadap konsumen dalam penarikan objek jaminan fidusia oleh debt collector akibat wanprestasi pada perusahaan pembiayaan mencakup: 1) Perlindungan hukum preventif adalah adanya POJK Nomor 6 /POJK.07/2022 dan Peraturan Bank Indonesia Nomor 23/6/PBI/2021  yang memuat ketentuan penagihan kredit oleh debt collector, yaitu: (1) menunjukkan identitas resmi; (2) memiliki sertifikat profesi; (3) adanya perjanjian tertulis penggunaan jasa debt collector; (4) Penagihan tidak boleh memakai ancaman, kekerasan atau mempermalukan debitur; (5) dilarang menggunakan kekerasan verbal; (7) dilarang meneror; b) Perlindungan hukum represif yaitu a) adanya sanksi pidana terhadap perusahaan pembiayaan yang sengaja memalsukan, mengubah, menghilangkan atau dengan cara apapun memberikan keterangan secara menyesatkan dalam perjanjian dengan konsumen; b) eksekusi atas objek jaminan fiduasia yang dilakukan dengan cara bertentangan dengan undang-undang dapat membatalkan perjanjian; c) Sanksi pidana terhadap perusahaan pembiayaan yang melakukan eksekusi objek jaminan fidusia secara paksa dari konsumen. Kedua, Kendala-kendala yang dihadapi konsumen dalam penarikan objek jaminan fidusia oleh debt collector akibat wanprestasi pada perusahaan pembiayaan  adalah: a) Ketentuan penarikan objek jaminan fidusia yang kontradiktif satu sama lain dan rumusannya tidak jelas serta tegas, b) Terlalu banyak peranan lembaga yang terlibat dalam penegakan hukum UUPK, c) Tidak ada Standar Operasional Perusahaan (SOP) terkait penarikan objek jaminan fidusia dalam perjanjian yang telah disepakati oleh konsumen dan perusahaan pembiayaan, d) Perusahaan pembiayaan tidak patuh terhadap aturan yang ada, e) perusahaan pembiayaan tidak melaksanakan putusan badan penyelesaian sengketa konsumen dengan sukarela, dan f) pengetahuan konsumen yang rendah terkait perlindungan hukum terhadap dirinya.
Multi-Center Assessment of Lymph-Node Density and Nodal-Stage to Predict Disease-Specific Survival in Patients with Bladder Cancer Treated by Radical Cystectomy
Authors: van Gennep Erik J. , Claps Francesco , Bostrom Peter J. , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Neuzillet Yann , Zlotta Alexandre R. , Trombetta Carlo , Eckstein Markus , Mertens Laura S. , Bussani Rossana , Burger Maximilian , Boormans Joost L. , Wullich Bernd , Hartmann Arndt , Mayr Roman , Pavan Nicola , Bartoletti Riccardo , Mir M. Carmen , Pouessel Damien , van der Hoeven John , van der Kwast Theo H. , Allory Yves , Zuiverloon Tahlita C.M. , Lotan Yair , van Rhijn Bas W.G.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

Prognostic tools in pathological-node (pN) patients after radical cystectomy (RC) are needed.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the prognostic impact of lymph node (LN)-density on disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with bladder cancer (BC) undergoing RC with pelvic lymph node dissection.

METHODS:

We analyzed a multi-institutional cohort of 1169 patients treated with upfront RC for cT1-4aN0M0 urothelial BCat nine centers. LN-densitywas calculated as the ratio of the number of positive LNs×100% to the number of LNs removed. The optimal LN-density cut-off value was defined by creating a time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in pN patients. Univariable and multivariable Cox’ regression analyses were used to assess the effect of conventional Tumor Nodes Metastasis (TNM) nodal staging system, LN-density and other LN-related variables on DSS in the pN-positive cohort.

RESULTS:

Of the 1169 patients, 463 (39.6%) patients had LN-involvement. The area under the ROC curve was 0.60 and the cut-off for LN-density was set at 20%, 223 of the pN-positive patients (48.2%) had a LN-density ≥ 20%. In multivariable models, the number of LN-metastases (HR 1.03, p = 0.005) and LN-density, either as continuous (HR 1.01, p = 0.013) or as categorical variable (HR 1.37, p = 0.014), were independently associated with worse DSS, whereas pN-stage was not.

CONCLUSIONS:

LN-density ≥ 20% was an independent predictor of worse DSS in BC patients with LN-involvement at RC. The integration of LN-density and other LN-parameters rather than only conventional pN-stage may contribute to a more refined risk-stratification in BC patients with nodal involvement.
High-speed tooth-coil permanent magnet synchronous machine for motorized spindle application
Authors: Zhu Zichong , Ge Wenjie , Deng Jun , Dong Jianning
Published: May 2024

The slender shape of the driving machine leads to a low rigidity and large axial thermal elongation of the motorized spindle, which deteriorates the machining precision. To solve these problems and pursue a more compact size, this paper investigates the feasibility of using a tooth-coil permanent magnet synchronous machine in a high-speed spindle, replacing the original motor that has the conventional distributed winding. Comprehensive performance and behavior of machines with distributed and tooth-coil windings are comparatively analyzed, in terms of the essential torque ripples, winding inductances, electromagnetic losses, rotor integrity, and heat dissipation of the spindle. Thorough numerical simulation results indicate that the newly designed tooth-coil winding solution shows significant advantages over the original design, regarding high rotor rigidity, low torque ripples, reduced electromagnetic losses, and reduced shaft thermal elongation. Prototypes and test setups for the high-speed tooth-coil machine are built, where preliminary measurements are carried out to validate the analysis results and system design.
In-vitro studies of relative intracellular alterations caused by three variants of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Khaneja Poorna , Angel Annette , Joshi Vinod , Angel Bennet , Buvvaji Shareef Mohammed , Mohan Sneha , Dheer Monika , Kumari Khusbhu , Joshi Ramesh , Thakur Rajesh , Barthwal Shilpa , Khan Ambreen Shafaat , Peer Nuzhat Maqbool , Singh Satendar Pal , Singh Neha , Sharma Bhawna , Chitransh Aarya , Chauhan Reshu , Tomar Komal , Yadav Kiran
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

The comparative understanding between cellular basis of transmission and clinical severities caused by Wuhan, Delta and Omicron strains of SARS-CoV-2 is important.

OBJECTIVE:

To conduct In-Vitro studies on cellular infection caused by different variants by performing cytotoxic assays and studying the live microscopic observations.

METHODS:

The swab samples positive for Wuhan, Delta and Omicron strains were inoculated in the Vero cell lines and their rate of infectivity and nature of cytopathy was observed.

RESULTS:

The study showed maximum inter cellular connectivity among cells infected by Delta variant, followed by Wuhan and least inter cellular connections in the cells infected by Omicron variant. The Delta strain causing highest mortality as per reported epidemiological trends, showed highest inter cellular connections and maximum cell damage supporting the fastest cell to cell spread of infection and causing most mortality among patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

The paper reports that numerous inter cellular connections is the cause of spread of infection among cells and maximum cell damage as the cause of clinical severities. The paper sensitizes the issue that 52 subunit of viral Spike Protein could act as fusion enzyme causing the numerous inter cellular connections. Study suggests that the S2 subunit of the viral Spike Protein could be the drug target for therapeutic intervention.
E-Health & Innovation to Overcome Barriers in Neuromuscular Diseases. Report from the 3rd eNMD Congress: Pisa, Italy, 29–30 October 2021
Authors: Schirinzi Erika ,   e-NMD group, Bochicchio Mario Alessandro , Lochmüller Hanns , Vissing John , Jordie-Diaz-Manerae  , Evangelista Teresinha , Plançon Jean-Philippe , Fanucci Luca , Marini Marco , Tonacci Alessandro , Mancuso Michelangelo , Segovia-Kueny Sandrine , Toscano Antonio , Angelini Corrado , Schoser Benedikt , Sacconi Sabrina , Siciliano Gabriele
Published: May 2024

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs), in their phenotypic heterogeneity, share quite invariably common issues that involve several clinical and socio-economical aspects, needing a deep critical analysis to develop better management strategies. From diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, the development of technological solutions can improve the detection of several critical aspects related to the diseases, addressing both the met and unmet needs of clinicians and patients. Among several aspects of the digital transformation of health and care, this congress expands what has been learned from previous congresses editions on applicability and usefulness of technological solutions in NMDs. In particular the focus on new solutions for remote monitoring provide valuable insights to increase disease-specific knowledge and trigger prompt decision-making. In doing that, several perspectives from different areas of expertise were shared and discussed, pointing out strengths and weaknesses on the current state of the art on topic, suggesting new research lines to advance technology in this specific clinical field.