bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the expression characteristics and clinical value of immune function indicators in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection
Authors: Wang Nannan , Zeng Ting
Published: October 2024

Objective: To explore the expression characteristics and clinical value of immune function indicators in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Methods: In this retrospective study, clinical data of 196 patients with HIV infection (observation group) and 196 health examinees (control group) admitted to our hospital from November 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in the observation group were further classified based on the staging as acute phase (n=53), asymptomatic phase (n=65), and acquired immunodeficiency (AIDS) phase (n=78). Levels of immune function indicators in the observation group and the control group were compared, and the correlation between immune function index levels and disease staging was analyzed.
Results: Levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, B cells, and NK cells were lower in the observation group (P<0.05), were significantly lower in asymptomatic patients compared with patients in the acute phase (P<0.05), and were significantly lower in patients with AIDS than those in asymptomatic patients (P<0.05). The results for CD8+ were in contrast to the above(P<0.05). Spearman analysis confirmed that levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, B cells and NK cells significantly negatively correlated, and levels of CD8+ significantly positively correlated with the stages of HIV (P<0.05).
Conclusions: The immune function indicators of patients with HIV infection are markedly abnormal, which is mainly manifested by the decreased levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, B cells and NK cells, and the increased levels of CD8+. The profile of the immune function indicators correlates with the progressive severity of the disease.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9895
How to cite this: Wang N, Zeng T. Analysis of the expression characteristics and clinical value of immune function indicators in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2233-2237. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9895
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The long-term impact of rehabilitation in upper limb plexopathies
Authors: Trofin Dan , Matei Daniela-Viorelia , Grosu Cristina , Trofin Daniela-Marilena , Onu Ilie , Iordan Daniel Andrei
Published: October 2024

The main objective of the research consists in providing evidence that a long-term rehabilitation protocol is favorable for the patient. In adult brachial plexus (BP) palsies, after several surgical attempts, the lack of results in the upper limb’s functionality leads to less compliance to rehabilitation therapy. The upper limb’s functionality of 22 patients with posttraumatic operated chronic BP paresis (either on the right or left, regardless the dominant limb) was assessed retrospectively. The patients were evaluated regarding MRC scaling, dynamometric tests and electroneuromyographic examination. All patients have gone through at least one rehabilitation interval (10 days) after an initial evaluation, and were evaluated again, by same methods, at a second session, at least 6 months later, but no more than one year.. Mild and inconstant improvements were obtained in a total of 9 patients, especially in better dynamometric results and improved amplitudes of motor and sensory action potentials. The electrodiagnosis correlates with dynamometric parameters (muscle strength) and slight amelioration of the motor deficit. Given the small sample size as a limitation, as well as no standardized therapeutic protocol, it should be noted that the 9 patients were the only ones who either attended more than one interval or did more procedures as frequency in time (more often meaning 3 times weekly for 6 months, in 6 patients). Although the most frequent procedures were neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), the results suggest that regardless of the techniques, the more active patients had better results. Proving the need for long-term rehabilitation, even contrary to the less visible results, can be the trigger point for future research and therapy strategies, as the results suggest central mechanisms involved, adding the cortical ongoing plasticity into the equation.
Παρουσίαση του περιοδικού Καινούργια Εποχή
Authors: Σακελλαρίου Μαρία
Published: October 2024

Η διδακτορική διατριβή μελετά το περιοδικό Καινούρια Εποχή (1956-1965, 1976-1986), ένα περιοδικό «λόγου και τέχνης» ή μια παγκόσμια επιθεώρηση πνευματικής καλλιέργειας όπως είναι ο ακριβής του υπότιτλος. Τα ερωτήματα που καλείται να απαντήσει η διατριβή αυτή είναι τρία. Η ύπαρξη ή μη συνέπειας στην τήρηση των προγραμματικών δηλώσεων, εάν υφίσταται σχέση του περιοδικού με τον εκδοτικό οίκο «Δίφρο» και κατά πόσο ο εκδότης του Γιάννης Γουδέλης διατήρησε και πέτυχε την πολιτική ουδετερότητα που τόσες φορές εξήγγειλε. Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο, έπειτα από την παρουσίαση της φυσιογνωμίας και του χαρακτήρα του περιοδικού, ξεδιπλώνεται η προσωπικότητα του εκδότη του μέσα από τη λογοτεχνική, κοινωνική και ευρύτερα πολιτική παρουσία του, καθώς επίσης και των βασικών συνεργατών της Καινούριας Εποχής. Στο κεφάλαιο αυτό μελετώνται επίσης η συνομιλία του περιοδικού με τα αντίστοιχα περιοδικά και εφημερίδες της εποχής του, η σχέση του με τον εκδοτικό οίκο «Δίφρος», ιδιοκτήτης του οποίου υπήρξε ο Γουδέλης, καθώς επίσης και η πολιτική του ταυτότητα. Στο δεύτερο μέρος της διατριβής η πλήρως αποδελτιωμένη ύλη του περιοδικού κατανέμεται σε θεματικές ενότητες και εξετάζεται εξονυχιστικά. Οι πλούσιες ανθολογήσεις, με πιο σημαντική την Ανθολογία της νεοελληνικής κριτικής, τα αφιερώματα, οι προδημοσιεύσεις των εκδόσεων του «Δίφρου» αντικατοπτρίζουν τα αισθητικά κριτήρια του εκδότη του, όπως επίσης και τις προσωπικές του προτιμήσεις. Σημαντικό κομμάτι του περιοδικού και κατά συνέπεια της διατριβής, αποτελεί η αποτύπωση και ο σχολιασμός της πνευματικής και πολιτιστικής ζωής καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια της κυκλοφορίας της Καινούριας Εποχής. Τέλος, η αποδελτίωση του περιοδικού αποτελεί ξεχωριστό τμήμα της διατριβής.
Επίδραση της υστεροσκοπικής διατομής του πυθμένα της μήτρας, με ψαλίδι, στο ποσοστό κύησης στις εμβρυομεταφορές με δωρεά ωαρίων
Authors: Πεϊτσίδης Νικόλαος
Published: October 2024

Σκοπός: Ο στόχος της μελέτης μας είναι να αξιολογήσει την πιθανή επίδραση του τεχνητού ιστικού τραυματισμού στον πυθμένα του ενδομητρίου με χρήση υστεροσκοπικού ψαλιδιού (EFI - Εndometrial Fundal Incision) κατά τη διάρκεια της υστεροσκόπησης 1-6 μήνες προ της εμβρυομεταφοράς στα αναπαραγωγικά αποτελέσματα σε έναν πληθυσμό ληπτριών ωαρίων. Υλικό & Μέθοδος: Μια τυχαιοποιημένη ελεγχόμενη προοπτική μελέτη διεξήχθη μεταξύ 2020 και 2023 στο Γ' Τμήμα Μαιευτικής και Γυναικολογίας, Ιατρική Σχολή, Σχολή Επιστημών Υγείας, του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης σε συνεργασία με την ΜΙΥΑ «Assisting Nature». Ο πληθυσμός της μελέτης αποτελούνταν από γυναίκες που υποβλήθηκαν σε υστεροσκόπηση τυχαία και κατανεμήθηκαν σε αναλογία 1:1 είτε με EFI (έναν έως έξι μήνες πριν από την εμβρυομεταφορά με ωάρια δότριας) είτε χωρίς παρέμβαση κατά τη διάρκεια της υστεροσκόπησης. Τα ποσοστά ζώντων γεννήσεων και αποβολών ήταν τα κύρια αποτελέσματα. Αποτελέσματα: Μετά τον αποκλεισμό των γυναικών με διεγχειρητικά διαγνωσμένη παθολογία του ενδομητρίου, συνολικά 124 γυναίκες υποβλήθηκαν σε τυχαιοποίηση. Το τεστ εγκυμοσύνης ήταν θετικό στο 79% (n=49/62) των γυναικών στις οποίες διενεργήθηκε EFI σε σύγκριση με το 59,7% (n=37/62) στην ομάδα όπου έλαβε χώρα απλά διαγνωστική υστεροσκόπηση (p=0,019). Η συχνότητα του ποσοστού ζώντων γεννήσεων δεν διέφερε μεταξύ των δύο ομάδων (58,1%· n=36/62 έναντι 51,6%· n=32/62· p=0,409). Επιπλέον, το ποσοστό αποβολών πρώτου τριμήνου ήταν υψηλότερο ωστόσο, μη στατιστικά σημαντικό στο EFI σε σύγκριση με την ομάδα όπου έλαβε χώρα απλή διαγνωστική υστεροσκόπηση (26.5% n=13/47 έναντι 10.8% n=3/37 p=0,069). Συμπέρασμα: Ο EFI κατά τη διάρκεια της υστεροσκόπησης φαίνεται να βελτιώνει στατιστικά τα ποσοστά εγκυμοσύνης σε λήπτριες ωαρίων χωρίς ενδομήτρια παθολογία, ενώ αυξάνει επίσης τα ποσοστά πρώιμων αποβολών. Τα ποσοστά ζώντων γεννήσεων βελτιώνονται αλλά δεν επηρεάζονται στατιστικά από τον EFI. Αυτά τα αποτελέσματα θα πρέπει να ερμηνεύονται με προσοχή πριν από την εφαρμογή του EFI στη συνήθη πρακτική εξωσωματικής γονιμοποίησης.
Ancient and contemporary use of open-air theatres
Authors: Χουρμουζιάδου Καλλιόπη
Published: October 2024

Αντικείμενο αυτής της έρευνας είναι οι αρχιτεκτονικές και ακουστικές ιδιότητες των αρχαίων θεάτρων, εστιάζοντας στη σύγχρονη χρήση τους και στην επίδραση του σχεδιασμού σκηνικών. Ενδιαφέρον παρουσιάζουν η απόδοση της παράστασης, η υλικότητα και η επίδραση των αρχιτεκτονικών χαρακτηριστικών και της εξέλιξης των θεάτρων στην ακουστική. Διερευνώνται πρότυπα σχέδια σκηνικών και παρέχονται οδηγίες για αρχιτέκτονες και σχεδιαστές σκηνικών. Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία είναι οργανωμένη σε δώδεκα κεφάλαια. Το 1ο κεφάλαιο είναι η εισαγωγή. Η βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση παρουσιάζεται στο 1ο μέρος και περιλαμβάνει τα κεφάλαια 2, 3 και 4. Περιγράφει την αρχιτεκτονική εξέλιξη χώρων παραστάσεων στην αρχαιότητα, βάσει αναγκών που σχετίζονται με το αρχαίο δράμα. Κατόπιν επικεντρώνεται στο κτίριο της σκηνής στο αρχαίο θέατρο, στην σύγχρονη αναβίωση του αρχαίου δράματος και στον σχεδιασμό και κατηγοριοποίηση σκηνικών. Επίσης, εξετάζεται η θεωρία του ήχου στην αρχαιότητα και σήμερα, οι επί του παρόντος χρησιμοποιούμενοι ακουστικοί δείκτες καθώς και λογισμικά σχεδιασμού και ακουστικής. Το 2ο μέρος αφορά στην μεθοδολογία και περιέχει τα Κεφάλαια 5 και 6. Το πρώτο παρουσιάζει την μεθοδολογία για την υποκειμενική αξιολόγηση της σύγχρονης χρήσης αρχαίων θεάτρων, εξετάζει τις κατάλληλες παραμέτρους ακουστικής προσομοίωσης, επιτόπιες μετρήσεις και μετρήσεις συντελεστών απορρόφησης. Το Κεφάλαιο 6 διερευνά τα φαινόμενα περίθλασης στα αρχαία θέατρα, τα οποία μπορούν να υπολογιστούν με ακρίβεια εφαρμόζοντας κατάλληλους συντελεστές σκέδασης.Το 3ο μέρος παρουσιάζει την κύρια ανάλυση σε τέσσερα κεφάλαια. Το Κεφάλαιο 7 εξετάζει την εξέλιξη του θεάτρου στην αρχαιότητα, αποκαλύπτοντας ότι το ακουστικό περιβάλλον βελτιώθηκε. Το Κεφάλαιο 8 συγκρίνει μετρήσεις, προσομοίωση και υποκειμενική αξιολόγηση για την Επίδαυρο, την Κνωσό και τους Φιλίππους και παρουσιάζει μετρήσεις συντελεστών απορρόφησης για πορώδη λίθο. Τα Κεφάλαια 9 και 10 διερευνούν τα αρχαία θέατρα της Μίεζας των Φιλίππων και του Δίου, όσον αφορά στην χρήση τους στην αρχαιότητα και την σημερινή τους κατάσταση, και παρέχει προτάσεις αποκατάστασης με ενσωμάτωση πρότυπου σχεδιασμού σκηνικού. Το Κεφάλαιο 11 προσφέρει κατευθυντήριες γραμμές για τη χρήση αρχαίων και σύγχρονων ανοικτών θεάτρων. Τέλος, το Κεφάλαιο 12 παρουσιάζει τα συμπεράσματα αυτής της μελέτης, τη συμβολή στη γνώση και προτάσεις για περαιτέρω έρευνα. Αυτή η μελέτη εισήγαγε και εξέτασε πρώιμες μορφές θεάτρου, ανέλυσε αρχιτεκτονικά την εξέλιξη του θεάτρου δίνοντας έμφαση στις ακουστικές βελτιώσεις και ανέδειξε τη χρησιμότητα των κτιρίων της σκηνής και στον σκηνικό χώρο.
Working Paper 53: Good governance and the just transition
Authors: Robinson Mark , De Vibe Maja
Published: October 2024

There is broad agreement that ensuring a just energy transition is key for achieving the trust and support from citizens needed to succeed with the green transition and the COP28 goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030.
This paper discusses the concept of a just transition, with a particular focus on the importance of achieving a transition that benefits both local communities and society at large. It examines the governance and corruption challenges that could jeopardise this goal and discusses how industry associations and companies in the renewable energy sector could step up its efforts to address these challenges to realise the ambition of a just transition.
The paper draws on lessons from the experience of tackling governance and corruption risks in the extractive sector and sets out proposals on how to accelerate collective action in the renewable energy sector. 
About this report
This is a guest Working Paper of the Basel Institute on Governance, ISSN: 2624-9650. You may share or republish the report under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence. The contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Basel Institute on Governance, University of Basel or funding organisations.
Suggested citation: de Vibe, Maja, and Mark Robinson. 2024. ‘Good governance and the just transition: Implications for renewable energy companies.’ Working Paper 53, Basel Institute on Governance. Available at: baselgovernance.org/publications/wp-53.
Features of the Educational Process for the Formation of Spiritual and Moral Values in Primary Schoolchildren (Part 2)
Authors: Vinogradova Natalya
Published: October 2024

The article discusses the problem of implementing the requirements for the construction of the educational process, during which Russian spiritual and moral values are formed in schoolchildren at the first level of school. The article reveals the state requirements for the education of civic feelings in primary schoolchildren, their acceptance of the spiritual and moral values of the multinational Russian state, reflected in the decrees of the President of the Russian Federation, as well as in the planned learning outcomes presented in the Federal State Educational Standard of Primary General Education (FSES PGE). Particular attention is paid to taking into account the psychological capabilities of children of primary school age and the conditions for creating a special educational environment in an educational organization.
The Subjective Attitude of Parents of Younger Students to School
Authors: Minaeva Elena , Voroshilova E.
Published: October 2024

The article analyzes the attitude of parents of younger students to school, taking into account the main structural elements of the school (teachers, students, educational process, premises and equipment). 38 parents of 4th grade students of a secondary school in Nizhny Novgorod took part in the experiment. Of these, 20 are mothers and 18 are fathers. The age of the respondents is in the range of 29-45 years. The following methods were used in the study: theoretical analysis of scientific sources on the research topic, a questionnaire for V.Ya. Yasvin's parents, methods of quantitative and qualitative processing and presentation of results, generalization, the Mann-Whitney method. This study is a pilot study.

Qualitative characteristics of parents' attitude to school were revealed. The attitude of parents towards school is more emotional in nature. Parents demonstrate a high emotional charge towards teachers and the educational process. Also, the attitude of parents towards school is heterogeneous and contradictory. Different structural components of the school have different significance for parents. The same component can be evaluated in different ways. Parents express their high willingness to help teachers. At the same time, information about the teacher is not important to them, help to the teacher is often expressed formally. It is important for parents to be informed about the education and upbringing of children. Parents show a good willingness to participate in the creation of comfortable, well-equipped school premises. The maximum interest is associated with the students. It is important for them to have complete and quick information on the success and difficulties of children in learning.
About the Technology of the Contest of Historical and Genealogical Research “My Family Tree” for Students of the Cluster of Non-Military Cossack Education, Cadet Corps and Other Educational Organizations
Authors: Kotovchihina N. , Rabadanova Raziyat
Published: October 2024

Statement of the problem. The article is devoted to one of the forms of patriotic education of schoolchildren — the holding of the Historical and genealogical Research Competition “My family Tree” and the final Educational and Research Conference «The fate of the family in the fate of the country: the Light of the Great Victory» for students of schools of the cluster of continuing Cossack education, cadet corps and other educational organizations. Regulatory documents. When writing this article, the authors relied on the Strategy for the Development of Education in the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025, approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated May 29, 2015 No. 996-R, as well as on the Strategy of State Policy of the Russian Federation in relation to the Russian Cossacks for 2021-2030, approved by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated August 9, 2020, No. 505. These Strategies take into account the Constitution of the Russian Federation, Federal laws, Decrees of the President of the Russian Federation, Resolutions of the Government of the Russian Federation, normative legal acts affecting the field of education aimed at protecting children's rights and forming a sense of patriotism among children, involvement in the historical and cultural life of the people and the fate of Russia. In the year of the family, we tried to emphasize the special importance of holding the Contest ”My family Tree”, which shows the role of the family, schools, universities in educating children and youth a sense of patriotism, pride in the Fatherland.

The purpose of the article. The article substantiates the effectiveness of using our proposed methodology for conducting historical and genealogical work on this Competition - "My family Tree" with further analysis of the students' works and subsequent exchange of experience at the Conference held annually at the Moscow State University of Technology and Management named after K.G. Razumovsky (PKU) "The fate of the family in the fate of the country: the Light of the Great Victory."

Conclusion. According to the authors, such a form of consolidating the results of the Competition is useful not only for students, but also for managers of children's projects.
Dynamics of Professional Identity of Agrarian College Students in the Process of Professional Training
Authors: Rogacheva M.
Published: October 2024

The study aimed to identify the dynamics of professional identity of students of an agricultural college in the process of their professional training. The study was carried out using the cross-sectional method. It involved students of the 1st (n = 42), 3rd (n = 38) and 4th (n = 36) years studying in the areas of agricultural education. To identify the features of the professional identity of respondents, the methodology of A.A. Ozerina was chosen, with the help of which the educational and professional plans of students studying in different years, their professional position, motivation, professional intentions, attitude to the acquired profession and its representatives, self-assessment of themselves as a future specialist were studied. It was revealed that professional training has a positive effect on the formation of professional identity in students of an agricultural college, which is reflected in its positive dynamics from the first to the third year. However, in the final year, due to the crisis of professional training, there is a decrease in the number of students ready to build a professional career in the agro-industrial complex. The study concludes that in the process of professional training of future specialists in the agro-industrial complex, it is necessary to develop and implement targeted programs to form their professional focus on work in the field of the acquired profession. The main areas of such programs should be the development of educational and professional motivation, subjective position, the formation of a positive attitude to the acquired profession through overcoming the stereotypical image of an agricultural worker, fixed in the mass consciousness, the ability and readiness of students to independently and maturely choose their professional future.
A Structural Topic and Sentiment-Discourse Model for Text Analysis
Authors: Chen Li , Mankad Shawn
Published: October 2024

We consider the common setting where one observes a large number of opinionated text documents and related covariates, such as the text of online reviews along with the date of the review and the author demographic information. In this setting it can be of interest to understand how the covariates determine the text composition, as well as the prevalence, sentiment, and/or discourse of various discussion themes. Yet, most topic modeling methods in the machine learning literature are designed to summarize the text for the purpose of exploratory analysis and not to perform this type of formal statistical inference. Further, topic modeling methods generally do not try to estimate the sentiment or discourse of discussion along separate topics that can be critical in business applications (e.g., for summarizing service or product quality). We develop a topic model called the structural topic and sentiment-discourse (STS) model that introduces a new document-level latent variable that captures the sentiment and/or discourse (termed as “sentiment-discourse”) for each topic, which modulates the word frequency within a topic. These latent topic sentiment-discourse variables are controlled by document-level covariates to allow for experimental control and regression analysis. We also introduce new computational methods to resolve scalability issues that have forced previous models to restrict to a small number of categorical covariates. We benchmark the STS model on three real-world data sets from surveys, blogs, and Yelp restaurant reviews around the COVID-19 pandemic. Our model recovers meaningful results including rich insights about how COVID-19 affects online reviews, demonstrating that the STS model can be useful for regression analysis with text data in addition to topic modeling’s traditional use of descriptive analysis.

This paper was accepted by Anindya Ghose, information systems.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.00261 . An updated version of the R package implementing the STS model is available at https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=sts .
Fast Convex Optimization via Time Scale and Averaging of the Steepest Descent
Authors: Attouch Hedy , Ioan Boţ Radu , Nguyen Dang-Khoa
Published: October 2024

In a Hilbert setting, we develop a gradient-based dynamic approach for fast solving convex optimization problems. By applying time scaling, averaging, and perturbation techniques to the continuous steepest descent (SD), we obtain high-resolution ordinary differential equations of the Nesterov and Ravine methods. These dynamics involve asymptotically vanishing viscous damping and Hessian-driven damping (either in explicit or implicit form). Mathematical analysis does not require developing a Lyapunov analysis for inertial systems. We simply exploit classical convergence results for SD and its external perturbation version, then use tools of differential and integral calculus, including Jensen’s inequality. The method is flexible, and by way of illustration, we show how it applies starting from other important dynamics in optimization. We consider the case in which the initial dynamic is the regularized Newton method, then the case in which the starting dynamic is the differential inclusion associated with a convex lower semicontinuous potential, and finally we show that the technique can be naturally extended to the case of a monotone cocoercive operator. Our approach leads to parallel algorithmic results, which we study in the case of fast gradient and proximal algorithms. Our averaging technique shows new links between the Nesterov and Ravine methods.

Funding: The research of R.I. Boţ and D.-K. Nguyen was supported by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), projects W 1260 and P 34922-N.
Making The Cut
Authors: Huber Christian
Published: October 2024

The rise of electromobility set the stage for the launch of Telsonic’s TelsoTerminal TT7. The product has now been upgraded with a range of features, including the ability to weld large cross-sections.
Synthesis and Characterizations of Silver Colloid Nanoparticles Stabilized by Dextran
Authors: S. Kavitha  , D. Geetha  , P. S. Ramesh
Published: October 2024

This study aims to investigate the influence of different concentration of silver nanoparticles in Dextran (Dx) suspension. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by chemical reduction method using reduction agents, Dextran (Dx) under moderate temperature at different concentration. Three different sample solutions were prepared viz., 0.4, g0.8 and 1.2% (w/v) Dx at a constant temperature (80ï‚°C). Silver nitrate (AgNO3) was taken as the metal precursor while Dx was used as the solid support and polymeric stabilizer. The formation of nano silver was identified by the color change from white precipitate to yellowish-brown color. Formation of Ag-NPs was determined by UVâ€“Vis spectroscopy where surface plasmon absorption maxima can be observed at 412-437 nm from the UV-Vis spectrum. The synthesized nanoparticles were also characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The peaks in the XRD pattern confirmed that the AgNPs possessed a face-centered cubic and peaks of contaminated crystalline phases were unable to be located. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum suggested the complexation present between Dx and AgNPs. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with EDX and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was applied to characterize the morphology, particle size distribution of the AgNPs. The average particle size of the stabilized samples ranged from 10-40 nm. It was demonstrated that this convenient method is versatile to produce silver nanoparticles with controlled size and shape.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles for Biological Applications
Authors: Peula Kumari  , Rachel  , Senthil Kumaran  , Santhanam  , Muthukumarasamy  , Agilan
Published: October 2024

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles have been synthesized by simple co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction studies indicated the formation of Face centered cubic (FCC) Silver nanoparticles with grain size of 38 nm. Surface morphology of Silver (Ag) nanoparticles has been studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Application of prepared silver nano particles for the treatment on the wounds of rabbits have been studied. It is inferred that both silver nanoparticle ointment and solution may be used as an alternate to antibiotics cream when antibiotic resistance is suspected. Keywords: Biological Study; Chemical method; Silver Nanoparticle; SEM; TEM.
Green Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of In-vitro Antioxidant & Anti-diabetic Activity of Nanoparticles from a Polyherbal formulation-Mehani
Authors: J .Sasidharan  , R. V. Meenakshi  , P. SureshKumar
Published: October 2024

Green synthesis of silver and iron nanoparticles was carried out using Polyherbal formulation Mehani and characterized through UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD and SEM respectively. The color change and strong peak at 465nm on UV-spec analysis initially conforms the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Peaks were not obtained for iron nanoparticles since it is zero valent in nature. The FTIR study reveals the phytochemicals responsible for the reduction of silver and iron nanoparticles. The crystalline nature of the presence of silver and iron nanoparticles was confirmed by XRD analysis by comparing with standard JCPDS file No. 89-3722, 75-0033. Surface morphology and size were identified using SEM analysis and it was found to be 60-80nm, 40-60nm respectively. Total phenol and flavonoid content were also estimated for the synthesized nanoparticles and found to be 2.91 and 1.93 (AgNPs), 3.71 and 5.185 (FeNPs). Antioxidant activities like DPPH, Nitric oxide, H2O2 scavenging activities and reducing power assays were performed. Anti-diabetic activity was performed using alpha amylase inhibition assay and the percentage of inhibition was found to be 65.45% (AgNPs), 70.48% (FeNPs) and 73.87% for standard ascorbic acid. The result clearly indicates that FeNPs possesses better antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity that can be used for the efficientfor the management of hyperglycemia.
Spectral and Thermal Studies on Bivalent Transition Metal Complexes of Oxalic Acid with Morpholine
Authors: C. Anbarasi  , S. Kokila  , K. Saravanan
Published: October 2024

Morpholinium transition metal oxalates of the formula (MorpH)2[MII(ox)2 (H2O)2].2H2O, where M = Co, Ni have been prepared by the reaction of respective metal nitrates with aqueous solution of morpholinium oxalate salts in appropriate mole ratios. These compounds have been characterized by various physico-chemical techniques like elemental analysis, conductance measurements, UV-Vis, IR, TG-DTA, XRD and SEM studies. The elemental analysis confirms the desired composition of the complexes. Conductance measurements show that all the complexes behave as 2:1 electrolytes, augmenting the non-coordination of morpholiniumcation. Thermal studies show the presence of two coordinated water molecules and two lattice water molecules. Based on the above results, geometry of the complexes is assigned as octahedral. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns of these compounds are similar to one another suggesting that they are isomorphous.Scanning electron micrographs are also observed to evaluate the morphology and particle size of the complexes.
Adsorption of Ni(II) Ion from Industrial Effluents Using a Low-Cost Adsorbent: Kinetic and Optimization Studies
Authors: S. Parthasarathy  , G. Ajithkumar
Published: October 2024

Nowadays water pollution raises a great attention since water constitutes a basic necessity in life and it is very essential to all living things. The aim of the present work was to analyse the removal of toxic metal Ni(II) in using available natural adsorbents, namely TectonaGrandis activated carbons. This study was carried out to examine the adsorption capacity of the low-cost adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal, Ni(II) from the industrial effluents. The influence of initial concentration, contact time, pH, adsorbent dose and temperature on the adsorption process also studied. Results revealed that the adsorption isotherms could be fitted well by the Langmuir model. The RL values in the present investigation was less than one, indicating the adsorption of Ni(II) ion is favourable in the above adsorbents. Results indicate the freely abundant, locally available, low-cost adsorbent, TectonaGrandisactivated carbons can be treated as economically viable for the treatment of metal ion from the industrial effluents.
Author Meets Critics: Advertising Revolutionary: The Life and Work of Tom Burrell
Authors: Chambers Jason P. , Boulton Christopher , Davis Judy Foster , Dillard Sydney , James J. P. , Myers Christina L. , Riggs Ericka , Timke Edward
Published: October 2024

Abstract: In this roundtable, Dr. Jason Chambers discusses his book Advertising Revolutionary: The Life and Work of Tom Burrell (University of Illinois Press, 2024), which focuses on Tom Burrell's influence on African American representation in advertising. Participants, including scholars and industry professionals, examine Burrell's leadership style, shaped by his experiences at agencies like Leo Burnett and Needham, where he faced imposter syndrome and challenges in getting his creative work recognized. These experiences inspired his approach to nurturing African American talent and fostering cultural sensitivity. Participants also detail Burrell's philosophy of "positive realism," which focused on authentic, positive portrayals of Black life versus stereotypical media depictions. Burrell's upbringing, particularly his relationship with his father and his mother's chronicling of his career, also influenced his determination and leadership. The conversation covers the generational shift in leadership at Burrell Communications and the ongoing challenges of diversity and authentic representation in the industry. The discussion concludes with advice for future image-makers focused on resilience, cultural understanding, and meaningful engagement with diverse audiences—all of which were keys to Burrell's success and legacy.
Branding Beyond the Rainbow: An Exploration of Authentic Advertising for Gen Z's LGBTQ+ Community
Authors: Turner Kaitlynn A. , Craig Clay M. , Brooks Mary E. , Villarreal Kara L.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Brand authenticity is difficult to define objectively and hard to execute effectively. Yet, it remains a requirement in winning the hearts of consumer audiences. Generation Z (Gen Z), the most diverse and openly LGBTQ+ generation, places high value upon authenticity and purpose-driven marketing. This requirement creates a challenge for advertisers as they adapt their messaging to the next big wave of spenders; brands must find a way to connect with Gen Z's LGBTQ+ audience without engaging in the pitfalls of the commodification of LGBTQ+ liberation through inauthentic corporate practices. While previous studies suggest there is no one-size-fits-all answer to authentic corporate messaging, this study expands upon our understanding of what is valued by an important subset of Gen Z through the lens of signaling theory. This quantitative research among Gen Z participants suggests that marketers should focus their messaging on LGBTQ+ representation, backed by corporate integrity and credibility through acts of corporate social activism with tangible benefits to the LGBTQ+ community.
Fugitive Motherhood, Maroon Revisions, and Otherwise Possibilities in William Wells Brown’s Clotel; or, The President’s Daughter
Authors: Winters Lisa Ze
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This essay contends the paratextual depiction of the eponymous heroine of William Wells Brown’s 1853 Clotel; or, The President’s Daughter invites a speculative reconsideration, grounded in Black feminist theoretical frameworks, of Brown’s exploration of the possibilities of freedom for the fugitive subject in the antebellum United States. Through this reassessment, Clotel emerges as a fugitive mother who theorizes the geographies of slavery, imagining a world for her and her child entirely different from the one that otherwise rules their possibilities.
Recovering Virginie Gireaudeau: Race, Language, and Representation on the American Stage
Authors: Braun Juliane
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This article recovers the life and career of Virginie Gireaudeau, one of the first African American actresses to appear in a major North American theater. Performing in New Orleans in 1826, she played the female lead in two tragedies, supported by a group of white professional actors and actresses from France. But despite Gireaudeau’s obvious significance for American theater historiography, her story has not yet found its way into theater criticism or history. The article suggests that Gireaudeau’s marginalization is symptomatic of an American “national” theater historiography that is largely focused on the anglophone stage. Drawing on a multilingual approach and the careful analysis of a range of newspaper accounts and notarial records, the article argues for the inclusion of non-English-language voices and materials. It demonstrates how broadening our perspective in this way can provide new insights into the life and work of underrepresented performers while enhancing our understanding of the complexity of early American theater as a whole.
Bristol Slave Trading in North America, 1684–1686: The Voyages of the Isabella and Hopewell to Pennsylvania and Maryland
Authors: Evans Alicia , Day Richard P.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: While slaves arrived in Pennsylvania aboard the ship Isabella in 1684, little detail of this venture has been described. We have discovered two English lawsuits detailing the voyage of the slave ship Hopewell to Maryland in 1685. As this ship was managed by the same group of Bristol Quakers responsible for the Isabella , we re-examined the documents pertaining to the Isabella in more detail. The two voyages together provide a better understanding of how the direct trading of slaves was illicitly practiced in the mid-Atlantic colonies by Bristol Quakers who could target specific markets and use designated agents.
“Ignorance ought to be destroyed all manner of ways”: Francis Daniel Pastorius and Education in Colonial Pennsylvania
Authors: Lambert Margo M.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This article examines the beginnings of educational systems in the colonies, focusing on Francis Daniel Pastorius’s establishment of Pennsylvania’s first sustained formal school. Pastorius, confronted with a starkly different world in a new colony versus settled European life, pursued realism over humanism as one of the colony’s first educators. He helped create Philadelphia’s first school along these lines, emphasizing practical education in the vernacular. He then returned to Germantown to repeat his Philadelphia success. Due to Germantown’s ethnic diversity, he also taught English as a second language, writing a primer designed specifically for such students. Pastorius also mentored and taught students outside of the formal setting, sharing his own humanist learning. One of these mentees, Lloyd Zachary, would in time help begin the College and Academy of Pennsylvania, alongside Benjamin Franklin—thereby establishing the colony’s first school of higher education, now known as the University of Pennsylvania. Pastorius’s early work with Pennsylvania’s first school in the 1690s would bear remarkable fruit by 1749. Pastorius’s decision to follow the more modern realism movement rather than the humanist movement helped further the transformation of education in the thirteen colonies.
«So Many Ways of Singing the World»: Reflections on Transborder Movement, Common Speech, and Care for the World with Arendt and Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Robaszkiewicz Maria
Published: October 2024

Hoy día, en tiempos en que se intensifica la movilidad migratoria en todo el mundo, y con ello, se multiplican y diversifican las lenguas habladas en las comunidades que habitamos y en sus márgenes, compartir una lengua es algo que cada vez se debe dar menos por supuesto. En este artículo, examino las prácticas de hablar unos con otros en condiciones de ausencia de lengua común, esto es, situaciones en las que no se dan las bases para la comunicación verbal, ni tampoco una comunicación translingüística que use la proximidad de las lenguas, así como el habla con intermediarios. Desde una aproximación teórica, me baso en la fenomenología del lenguaje de Merleau-Ponty y en las reflexiones existenciales y políticas de Hannah Arendt sobre el habla.
La evidencia de la πρόληψις epicúrea y su alcance práctico
Authors: Aoiz Monreal Javier , Boeri Carranza Marcelo D.
Published: October 2024

Este artículo examina la preconcepción epicúrea y diversos problemas relacionados con su adquisición y función, tanto en el ámbito teórico como en el práctico. Los autores ponen de relieve que en el modelo contractual epicúreo la justicia constituye una modalidad de lo útil y la preconcepción de lo justo opera como un canon para validar las leyes en las comunidades políticas. Examinan asimismo el vínculo entre el lenguaje y la justicia en el epicureísmo, centrándose primero en el papel del lenguaje en la genealogía epicúrea de la justicia y, luego, en las conexiones entre el aprendizaje del lenguaje y la prolepsis de lo justo en las comunidades políticas constituidas. Subrayan, para concluir, que el aprendizaje del lenguaje es un ingrediente relevante de la experiencia para comprender la génesis empírica de la preconcepción epicúrea
«Lo que quiero es comprender», notas sobre Hannah Arendt y Primo Levi
Authors: Birulés Fina
Published: October 2024

La comprensión y la narración pueden ser consideradas como el centro de gravedad de la obra de Hannah Arendt y de Primo Levi. A pesar de que ambos manejaban un aparato interpretativo diferente y partían de experiencias vitales distintas, este artículo pretende evidenciar los puntos de contacto entre el pensamiento de ambos autores, en particular por lo que se refiere a su acercamiento a la comprensión y a la responsabilidad, al lugar que ocupan en su obra pasiones como la indignación o la esperanza. Asimismo, intenta mostrar paralelismos y nexos entre el tipo de aproximación que los dos pensadores hacen del colapso moral producido por el nazismo.
On Butterflies and the Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa caffra): Perceived Ecological Roles and Description of Traditional Children’s Games in Mayotte (French island, Indian Ocean of East Africa)
Authors: Perichon Samuel
Published: October 2024

With over a million described species, insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth. Insects, particularly those responsible for pollination, play a major ecological role that is often overlooked or even ignored. Indeed, apart from honeybees, many species are not recognized for the services they provide. What is more, all pollinating insects do not attract the same affection. Some, such as butterflies, enjoy a very positive image, while others are feared or hated, often because they can sting. During a semi-structured interview study (N = 35) on the island of Mayotte, we confirmed these views. On the other hand, butterflies and one species of carpenter bee were the subject of many children’s play and games, which have now been abandoned. Those who played with them in the past, and more simply enjoyed watching children play, seem to bitterly regret it.
Assessment of Glucose and HbA1c Monitoring in a Pancreatic Cancer Surveillance Program for High-Risk Individuals
Authors: Meziani Jihane , de Jong Jedidja G.Y. , Fuhler Gwenny M. , Koopmann Brechtje D.M. , Levink Iris J.M. , Fockens Paul , Vleggaar Frank P. , Bruno Marco J. , Cahen Djuna L.
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Several studies suggest that new-onset diabetes mellitus is an early manifestation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Therefore, the International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening Consortium recommends glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) monitoring in high-risk individuals (HRIs) undergoing surveillance. However, evidence that such monitoring improves PDAC detection is lacking. Our aim was to investigate the association between serum glucose and HbA1c values and the development of PDAC in HRIs undergoing surveillance.

METHODS:

Participants were recruited from the familial pancreatic cancer surveillance cohort, which follows hereditary predisposed HRIs yearly by magnetic resonance imaging and/or endoscopic ultrasound and blood sampling. Those who underwent fasting glucose and/or HbA1c monitoring at least once were eligible candidates.

RESULTS:

Four hundred four HRIs met the inclusion criteria. During a median follow-up of 41 months (range 14–120), 9 individuals developed PDAC and 4 (without PDAC) were diagnosed with new-onset diabetes mellitus. Glucose levels ranged from 3.4 to 10.7 mmol/L (mean 5.6 ± 0.7) and HbA1c levels from 25 to 68 mmol/mol (mean 37.7 ± 4.1). The mean values did not differ significantly between PDAC cases and controls. The percentage of individuals with at least one elevated value were comparable between PDAC cases and controls for glucose (33% and 27%, P = 0.707) and HbA1c (22% and 14%, P = 0.623). No consistent glucose or HbA1c trends over time suggested a correlation with PDAC development.

DISCUSSION:

In this HRI surveillance cohort, measuring glucose and HbA1c values did not contribute to PDAC detection. Larger and longer-term studies are needed to determine the final role of glucose and HbA1c monitoring in PDAC surveillance.
A new species of Pythium hydnosporum as a pathogen associated with vine decline of melon (Cucumis melo L.) in Iraq
Authors: Mustafa Rebwar A. , Abdullah Samir K.
Published: October 2024

Several pathogenic fungi have become an important vine decline of cantaloupe melone (Cucumis melo L.). In 2021, root rot on cantaloupe was observed during the harvest phase in the fields in Penjwen and Shahrazoor in Sulaimani governorate of Northern Kurdistan region Iraq. This present study was conducted to isolate the causal agent of fungi in lesions of root rot of cantaloupe. A total of 16 fungal isolates were obtained of which isolates Monosporascus cannonballus, M. eutypoides, Acremonium vitellinium, Fusarium oxysporium, F. equiseti, Macrophomina phaseolina, Saccharomyces kudriavzevii, F. robinianum, Rhizopus arrhizus, Botrytis cinerea, Cytospora eucalypticola, F. falciforme, Pythium hydnosporum, Alternaria tenuissima, Rhizoctonia solani and Phytophthora colocasiae were obtained from root melon. Identification of all fungal isolates was based on using both morphological characteristics and molecular analysis, on internal transcribed spacer (ITS1, ITS4, LSU) are primers that are used for identification. DNA sequences of the fungal pathogen were identified as Pythium hydnosporum a new pathogenic fungi causal agent of cantaloupe vine decline. A pathogenicity test was conducted to verify Koch's postulates and P. hydnosporum was observed to cause root rot of melon, symptoms of the disease were similar to those seen in the field.
Enhancing rice aroma through innovative approaches
Authors: Jawahar Desigan  , Madhan Mohan M  , Parameswari C.  , Juliet Hepziba S.  , Geetharani P.  , Kavitha M.P  , Sudhakar G  , Arumugam Pillai M.  , Venkatesan K
Published: October 2024

Aromatic rice is used extensively in many different cuisines around the world for its wonderful aroma and cooking qualities. Aromatic rice varieties such as Basmati and non-Basmati fragrant rice have gained popularity in both domestic and foreign markets, despite their origins being predominantly in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The primary gene responsible for rice aroma is the fgr/Badh2/Os2-AP, situated on chromosome 8 and encodes betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (Badh2). Key aroma compounds are attributed to over 500 volatiles. The primary aromatic molecule in rice, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP), accumulates as a result of mutations in this gene and gives rice its distinctive scent. Aroma is not decided by single compound rather it is decided by volatile profile and also by environmental factors. The identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) linked to fragrance features on different chromosomes has improved our comprehension of the genetic processes behind rice scent. Advances in genetic engineering, particularly CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN have facilitated the manipulation of the Badh2 gene, enhancing aroma profiles in rice. Additionally, gene silencing and introgression techniques have also proven in increasing 2-AP content. The review explores the biochemical properties and advancement of aromatic rice, emphasizing its complex inheritance patterns and potential for breeding improvement.