bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ellipsis in Arabic and English
Authors: Al-Khawalda Mohammad
Published: January 2024

The term ellipsis, broadly construed, applies to syntactic structures that seem to host obligatory positions not filled with overt lexical materiaL More narrowly construed, the term refers to a hypothetical grammatical process that deprives lexical material of its phonetic content. So, ellipsis is a grammatical omission in contrast to other kinds of omission such as
phonological, morphological, or semantic (Quirk, 1985: 883). Ellipsis
can be distinguished by its recoverable nature, which means the insertion of grammatical elements results in a grammatical sentence (ibid., 885).
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Manner Adverbials in English And Arabic
Authors: Mukattash Lewis , ElhamKawar ElhamKawar
Published: January 2024

The broad objective of this paper is to compare, albeit briefly and informally, manner adverbials in English and Arabic. Manner adverbials in the two languages will be compared according to the following parameters: (i) Realizations, (ii) Status (in clause structure), and (iii) Co­ occurrence Restrictions.

The grammatical framework adopted in this paper draws heavily on Quirk, et. a!. (1972): A Grammar of Contemporary English. In particular, we adopt the authors' method of representing clause structure functionally; i.e. by means of the functions of the immediate constituents of the clause. Thus, following Quirk, et. a!. (1972), we recognize the following functions: (i) Subject (S), (ii) Verb (V), (iii) Object (0), (iv) Complement (C), and (v) Adverbial (ADV). Finally, in the course ofthis paper we shall borrow some of the examples cited in Quirk, et. al. (1972).

Before we proceed to compare manner adverbials in English and Arabic, it is expedient to draw attention to the fact that Arab grammarians (both traditional and contemporary) do not make a distinction between the function 'adverbial' and the category 'adverb' (as a word class). Secondly, they do not view the function adverbial as a grammatical function that has different realizations. This is due to the fact that, in their endeavour to classify language categories formally, in particular according to inflections, they group together elements/categories that are only superficially similar but functionally difterent. Another consequence of their reliance on inflections as a criterion for

classification was their inability to group together the different realizations which a certain function (e.g. adverbial) may have (see Section 3 below). However, in the course of this paper we shall avail ourselves of the insights of well-known Arab grammarians, notably, Sibawayhi, · lbn-Malik, Ibn-Hashim, Hassaan (1979), and Al­ Makhzoumi (1966) (see References for details). We shall also make use of some of the examples they cite.
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Lexicography and Translation:The Case of Bilingual Arabic-English Dictionaries
Authors: H. Heliel Mohamed
Published: January 2024

The paper aims at pinpointing the defects in three unabridged Arabic­ English dictionaries: Modern Written Arabic (MWA) ( 1961), al-Mawrid (1988) and the latest one al-Mughni (1999). My hope is to remedy certain defects and help produce a dictionary that may assist the Arabic-English translator. It is true that the three dictionaries do not specifically set out the targeted readers or the functions they serve. MWA states that the targeted readers are not only 'English and American users but also orientalists throughout the world who are more at home with English than with German'. Al-Mawrid is totally silent about the targeted reader and the purpose it serves. Al-Mughni "aims to help in teaching Arabic through English, to help the reader through equivalents understand the Arabic language" (the preface). Though none of the compilers thinks of "translator" as a category of users, the three dictionaries, in the absence of an Arabic-English dictionary specially tailored for translators, are the only tools available for Arabic-English translators, whether native or non-native speakers. To improve the quality of these dictionaries and to benefit from the long and rich experience of their compilers, we shall illustrate different types of translation problems encountered by Arab university students as well as by translators and how these dictionaries could be used to solve them. We shall also provide suggestions for the improvement of certain lexicographic features directly related to translation..
A Sociolinguistic Study of Language Choice Among Kurdish Students at Mosul University
Authors: Khidhir Sallo Ibrahim
Published: January 2024

This study attempts to find out some extra-linguistic variables governing the use of Arabic (A) or Kurdish (K) or a blend of both (A-K) in terms of the phenomenon of 'code-switching', (CS), by the Kurds in the city of Mosul. Following Fishman 's formula 'Who speaks what language to whom, where and when " it is expected that language choice by Kurdish bilinguals is not an arbitrary phenomenon but is a function of various socio-economic and psychological factors such as 'topic ', 'participants ', 'situation ', 'mood' and 'purpose'..
The Orient, the Other and the Novel *
Authors: Al-Dabbagh Abdulla
Published: January 2024

The Orient, the Other and the Novel *.
Investigating Control in English and Arabic*
Authors: J. Bakir Murtadha
Published: January 2024

This paper attempts to account for the syntactic phenomenon of control that obtains between the empty subject position of nonfinite subordinate clauses and an antecedent in the matrix clause. Both Arabic and English display such constructions. The paper discusses the standard mechanism proposed to account for control - i.e. positing the null element PRO in the empty position , which is bound to an antecedent via standard binding principles . This widely accepted analysis for English cannot be maintained for Arabic control constructions. It is argued that the pronominal pro is a more adequate candidate to fill the empty positioning this language if we take the phenomenon of control to belong to the semantics of the individual control predicates rather than a binding relation that should be accounted or on purely syntactic grounds..
The Acquisition of the Verbs of Saying by Arab EFL Learners
Authors: Fareh Shehdeh
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates the extent to which university Arab learners of English as a FL have acquired the verbs of saying, i.e., say, speak, talk, and tell at the two levels of linguistic competence: recognition and production. A~ attempt was made to answer the following questions: (i) How well have Arab learners of English acquired the English verbs of saying at the levels of both recognition and production? (ii) Can they recognize the similarities and differences in use between these verbs? (iii) Can they recognize the differences in collocations and idiomatic uses between these verbs? (iv) What are the major difficulties that these students encounter in handling these verbs? (v) What implications for teaching EFL can such a study provide? The data were elicited through two specially designed questionnaires: one f or recognition and one for production. It was found that the percentage of acquisition in both recognition and production for all verbs was 61%. It was also evident that the learners encountered a number of problems in acquiring the target verbs..
Women Crossing Borders of Experience and Genre
Authors: Abou El Naga Shereen
Published: January 2024

This paper argues through a reading of The Rebel (2003) by the Algerian francophone novelist Malika Mokeddem that the 'third world' feminist text has undergone a process of self-liberation through continual transgressions of genre and experience. The feminist text has crossed the borders of isolated scholarship and experience only to cloud the orthodox literary lens through which it was read and interpreted. However, rather than merely crossing the border from one space to another, this paper argues through the concepts of experience and gender, that the border is a special transgressive space that guarantees the displacement of the stereotypical woman's experience and visions, and it is a border that paradoxically frees the text from the traditional feminist taxonomy of second wave feminism by embracing contradiction, dislocation and change..
Power and the Radical Arab Intellectual: Three Case Studies
Authors: Al-Dabbagh Abdulla
Published: January 2024

This paper attempts to analyze the complexities of the relationship between the radical Arab intellectual and political power in modern times through the examination of three cases—those of Taha Hussain, Al-Jawahiry, and Edward Said. Spanning the course of the whole of the twentieth-century, the careers of these three key, radical Arab intellectuals offer illustrative and illuminating examples of the relationship between political power and intellectuals in the Arab world generally. Although there are important differences between the three key figures—with Taha Hussain being the major example of the pioneering Arab intellectual of the early decades of the twentiethcentury, the period of the Arab intellectual awakening, Al-Jawahiry, the exemplary political poet and intellectual and key leader in a mass political movement, and Edward Said, the exemplary Arab radical intellectual in exile who achieved international prestige and prominence—they share particularly illuminating similarities in the way they dealt or had to deal with political authority. While they largely reflect the changing historical conditions of early, middle, and late twentieth-century Arab socio-political and cultural conditions, the careers of these three figures also express, most deeply and extensively, themes that are common to generations of Arab intellectuals. In addition to the issue of coming to terms with political power, these themes include harmonizing local culture with international culture, the homeland and the attachment to place, and the issue of exile and identity. The paper will attempt, finally, to draw from the examination of these three cases, conclusions that may be of relevance to the study of the relationship between intellectuals and authority in Arab society generally, and perhaps even to the theoretical framework within which such relationships are usually studied. It is hoped that the deeper scrutiny of the specificity of the Arab situation may also help to expand the frontiers of theory..
Language Skills and Literary Skills: Some Pedagogical Implications of Considering Literature as Language
Authors: Moody James
Published: January 2024

In the context of an ongoing debate about the relation of literary study to English language teaching in universities in the Arab world, this paper begins from the assumption that literature is basically a use of language. From this it follows that aspects of linguistics and language—particularly pragmatics and discourse analysis—can profitably be applied to reading and teaching literature, with the result that both students’ ability to use the English language and their skills in analyzing literature will improve. Similarities between reading literature and other language skills are examined in terms of the nature of texts as discourse, the identity of the assumed reader, how the authority of a writer is asserted, and the phenomenon of intertextuality. Specific examples of literary and non-literary texts are considered as illustrations. Finally, some suggestions are made for how language and literary skills might be more effectively integrated in degree programs. ‘It would be a ludicrous mistake to identify literature as language.’ (Obeidat 1997:36) ‘Great poets can speak to us because they use the modes of thought we all possess.’ (Lakoff and Turner 1998; as quoted in Bailey 2003:2).
Patient’s Complaint Jigsaw Card (PCJC) to Teach Speaking Skill For Second Semester Nursing Students
Authors: Maharani Irka , Supriyono Supriyono , Fauzi Adin , Sutanti Nita
Published: January 2024

English is one of subject taught for diploma 3 of nursing students. The problem is low speaking skill and students need improvement on the media to learn patient’s complaint. The researcher combined Jigsaw method and card in teaching Patient’s Complaint, called Patient’s Complaint Jigsaw Card (PCJC). The research objective was to develop PCJC to Teach Speaking Skill for Second Semester Nursing Students. The researcher used simple random sampling. The subject of the research was the students of State Health Polytechnic of Malang (Blitar Campus) they were 25 students and 5 lectures. The technique of analyzing data used qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative data were taken from observation, interview, and documentations. The quantitative data were taken from online pre test, post test, speaking skill evaluation and behavior assessment. From the result of experimental trial, the product could improve students’ speaking ability. There were increase between pre test and post test. P value of T-test was 0.001 which < 0,05. The result of students’ and teachers’ perception toward the use of developed product was strongly agree (students 91% teacher 86%). The result of behavior evaluation, students strongly agree (87%) that by playing PCJC it can change their behavior in their speaking skill.
Stress affects the performance of nurses during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Widyayantiningsih Sri , Suci Lukyta , Feriani Nita , Muklis Miatul , Dwi Yeti , Susandiatman Anis
Published: January 2024

Various psychological disorders have been reported and publishedduring the Covid-19 outbreak, one of which is stress. Nurse stress can interfere with nurse performance if it is not quickly resolved. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between nurse work stress andnurse performance during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research is an analytic observational study with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study were 46 nurses in the inpatient room of Mas Mansur Building and the Emergency Room of RSU Aminah Blitar. The entire population is used as a sample, namely as many as 46 nurses. Nurse workstress was measured using a questionnaire from DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales_21) and nurse performance was measured using a questionnaire that had been preparedby the researcher.ρ = 0.000). It was concluded that the higher the work stress felt by the nurse, the lower the nurse's performance.
Effect of Hemoglobin Levels on the Process of Healing Post Sectio Caesarea Wounds
Authors: Setiawan Danis , Wulandari Ning Arti , Arsa Sandi Alfa Wega
Published: January 2024

The long healing of post sectio caesarea wounds has an impact on patients and their families.In addition to the additional burdensome costs, patients can experience trauma due to the wound healing process that lasts a long time.Hemoglobin is the main component that transports oxygen and nutrients needed for the wound healing process. This study aims to analyze the effect of hemoglobin levels on the healing process of post sectio caesarea wounds at Aminah Hospital Blitar.The research design uses a case control approach samples were taken using consecutive sampling techniques with research inclusion criteria of 89 respondents.Data on hemoglobin levels were taken from secondary data on preoperative hemoglobin levels of patients in medical record documents and data on the process of wound healing seen from the results of one-time observation when the patient controls the obstetric polyclinic between day 7 to day 10 post sectio caesarea.Data were analyzed using a simple linear regression test. The results showed that 62.9% of respondents had normal hemoglobin levels and 79.77% of respondents showed good wound healing processes.The results of the statistical test analysis showed a p value of 0.000 which was smaller than α of 0.05 with an R-square of 0.196.This means that there is an effect of hemoglobin levels on the wound healing process post sectio caesarea.So it is expected that pregnant women and their families pay attention to the value of hemoglobin levels during pregnancy and after delivery to ensure health and wound healing post sectio caesarea.Keywords:hemoglobin,wound,post sectio caesarea
ANALISIS KINERJA KEUANGAN PT. MUSTIKA RATU TBK SEBELUM DAN SELAMA PANDEMI COVID 19
Authors: S Suhendra , Nabila Nurul
Published: January 2024

This study aims to determine the financial performance of PT Mustika Ratu Tbk before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Company performance is measured by using financial ratios: liquidity ratio which is analyzed by Current Ratio (CR), activity ratio which is analyzed by total assets turnover (TATO), solvency ratio which is analyzed by debt to equity ratio (DER), and profitability ratio which is analyzed by net profit margin (NPM). This type of research is quantitative research with secondary data analysis. The analytical method in this research is quantitative descriptive analysis method. The results showed that: The results of the research show that: (1) Liquidity Ratio which is analyzed by Current Ratio. Overall, the Financial Performance of PT Mustika Ratu Tbk Based on the Current Ratio "Good" because it is above the industry average and although it has decreased, the performance is still in good condition because it is not far below the ratio standard. (2) Activity ratio analyzed by Total Assets Tumover.
ANALISIS KINERJA KEUANGAN PADA PERUSAHAAN INDUSTRI FARMASI TAHUN 2017-2021 YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA
Authors: Septiani Indri , A.M Andi Ismatul Aulia
Published: January 2024

This study aims to determine the financial performance of pharmaceutical companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2017-2021 period. The type of research used in this research is quantitative data analysis. Data collection uses secondary data obtained from financial statements taken through the Indonesian stock exchange. The population and samples were taken based on certain criteria or purposive sampling. The results of the study can be concluded that when viewed in terms of the Liquidity ratio, PT Kalbe Farma Tbk is the company with the best liquidity ratio when compared to other companies sampled in this study, from the solvency ratio, PT Darya Victoria Laboratoria, Tbk is the best and best in terms of profitability ratios PT Kalbe Farma, Tbk is the best in generating profits.
PENGARUH TEKNIK RELAKSASI GENGGAM JARI TERHADAP PENURUNAN INTENSITAS NYERI PASIEN POST OPERASI FRAKTUR DI RUMAH SAKIT BHAYANGKARA MAKASSAR
Authors: Satriani Andi Eka , Thahir Nuryanti , Rosnia Rosnia
Published: January 2024

Pain after surgery is caused by mechanical stimulation of the wound which causes the body toproduce pain chemical mediators. Pain after fracture surgery will have an impact on the endocrinesystem which will increase the secretion of cortisol, catecholamines, and other stress hormones(Kurniawan, 2015). The finger grip relaxation technique is one of the non-pharmacological painmanagement methods that aims to reduce pain by holding fingers, inhaling, and diverting thepatient's attention to other things such as imagining a very pleasant event for the individual. Thus, itcan tolerate the pain that is felt. This study aims to determine the effect of finger grip relaxationtechniques in reducing the pain intensity of postoperative fracture patients, identifying pain intensitypre / post therapy, and analyzing the effect of finger grip relaxation techniques. The method used isQuasi Experimental with One Group Pre-Post Test Design. The sample size was 18 postoperativefracture patients who were hospitalized at Bhayangkara Hospital Makassar. The t test method with asignificance level of 0.05. The results showed the effect of finger grip relaxation techniques onreducing pain intensity. The results of this test also show that the provision of therapy before andafter with a value of t count 7,000 t table 2.109 with a value of ρ 0.000 α 0.05. It is hoped thatpostoperative fracture patients can apply what has been taught so as to reduce pain. Keywords: Post Operation Fracture, Pain, Finger Grip Relaxation Technique
Analisis Dampak Dan Keamanan Alkaline Ionized Water Terhadap Pencegahan Transmisi Covid 19 Di Kota Makassar
Authors: Alamsyah Wasfaedy , Khumaidi Khumaidi
Published: January 2024

Saat ini, hampir semua negara di dunia, termasuk Indonesia, sedang menghadapi wabah pandemic COVID-19. Virus ini telah menginfeksi 26.437.852 orang di seluruh dunia hingga Bulan Agustus 2020. Propinsi Sulawesi Selatan termasuk wilayah dengan angka kematian dan  positif COVID-19 yang tinggi yang mencapai angka 14.982 kasus dengan 406 kasus kematian. Tujuan: untuk mengetahui dampak dan keamanan Alkaline Ionized Water  untuk terapi pencegahan covid 19 di Kota Makassar Metode: metode penelitian kuantitatif dengan rancangan penelitian cross sectional. Objek penelitian adalah Masyarakat Kota Makassar yang telah mengkonsumsi Air Alkaline Ionized Water dari Bulan Maret sampai September 2020. Jumlah sampel 100 orang. Teknik sampel dengan cara purposive sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan kuesioner yang diberikan sebelum dan setelah dilakukan perlakuan. Hasil: Hasil penelitian didapatkan sebanyak 78 orang (75%) responden mendapat informasi terbanyak dari teman) dan sosial media hanya 4 orang (3,8%) kemudian untuk responden dengan lama penggunaan 3 tahun untuk alkaline ionized water sebanyak 43 orang (41,3%) dan terbaru selama 1 tahun sebanyak 21 orang (20,2%) dan didapatkan seluruh responden memiliki tingkat pengetahuan yang baik tentang Alkaline Ionized Water sebanyak 100 orang (100%). Kesimpulan: Alkaline Ionized Water memiliki dampak positive Terhadap Pencegahan Transmisi Covid 19 Di Kota Makassar
ANALISIS FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KUNJUNGAN LANSIA SELAMA PANDEMI COVID-19 DI POSBINDU PTM KELURAHAN TIPULU UPTD PUSKESMAS BENU-BENUA KOTA KENDARI
Authors: Yusnayanti Cici , Firman Firman , Sari Ari Novita
Published: January 2024

Background: The number of the elderly population in Indonesia continues to increase while the health of the elderly is still relatively low. Thus, the government holds a special program, namely the Elderly Integrated Health Center, in certain areas that have been agreed upon and driven by the community where they can get health services. However, elderly visits to Integrated Health Center in several places are still low, with an average visit of around 41.76%. This is still far from the target that has been set by the Department of Health, which is 80%. Objective of the study: to analyze the factors related to elderly visits during the Covid-19 pandemic at Posbindu PTM, Tipulu Village, UPTD Benu-benua Public Health Center, Kendari City. Methods: The type of study used was analytic observational with a cross-sectional study design. The researcher used stratified random sampling as a sampling technique and found 78 people. The data collection was carried out using primary data questionnaires distributed to the elderly. The data analysis used univariate analysis and bivariate analysis. Results: The results of the study at the 95% confidence level (CI) obtained anxiety factors (X2 count = 41.693 and p-value 0.758), attitude (X2 count = 4.363 and p-value 0.266), and family support (X2 count = 15,462 and p-value 0.473). Conclusion: This study can be concluded that there is a strong relationship between anxiety and elderly visits during the Covid-19 pandemic at PTM Posbindu, there is a moderate relationship between attitudes and elderly visits during the Covid-19 pandemic at PTM Posbindu, and there is a moderate relationship between family support and elderly visits during the Covid-19 pandemic at Posbindu PTM, Tipulu Village, UPTD Benu-benua Public Health Center, Kendari City. Suggestion: It is recommended for health workers to provide counseling related to Covid-19 and using PTM Posbindu.
HYGIENE SANITASI DAN KUALITAS AIR MINUM ISI ULANG DI WILAYAH KERJA LUWUK TIMUR TAHUN 2022
Authors: Kanan Maria , Budong Nuriati , Dwicahya Bambang
Published: January 2024

Keberadaan DAMIU terus meningkat sejalan dengan dinamika keperluan masyarakat terhadap air minum walaupun tidak semua produk DAMIU terjamin keamanannya. Pemilihan depot air minum isi ulang sebagai alternatif air minum menjadi risiko yang dapat membahayakan kesehatan konsumen, bila  tidak memperhatikan keamanan dan kehigienisannya.Tujuan penelitian yaitu untuk dapat melihat gambaran Hygiene Sanitasi dan Kualitas Air minum isi ulang di Kecamatan Luwuk Timur Tahun 2022.Jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskritif, dengan total sampling sebanyak 9 DAMIU. Penilaian Higiene Sanitasi menggunakan formulir inspeksi higiene sanitasi berdasarkan Permenkes RI.No 43/2014 tentang Higiene Sanitasi Depot Air Minum. Pemeriksaan kualitas air berdasarkan parameter fisik, kimia dan bakteriologis berdasarkan Permenkes 492/MENKES/PER/IV/2010 Tentang Persyaratan Kualitas Air Minum. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan di 9 depot air minum yang ada di Kecamatan Luwuk Timur. Pemeriksaan kualitas air dilaksanakan di laboratorium Dasar FKM Untika Luwuk Banggai.Hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa Hygiene Sanitasi DAMIU di Wilayah Kerja Kecamatan Luwuk Timur Tahun 2022, dari 9 depot air minum 1 depot memenuhi syarat dan 8 depot yang tidak memenuhi syarat sesuai Permenkes RI.No 43/2014 tentang Higiene Sanitasi Depot Air Minum. Kualitas Fisik Air DAMIU semua depot memenuhi syarat, Parameter kimia semua depot memenuhi syarat,  parameter bakteriologis 7 depot memenuhi syarat, 2 depot tidak memenuhi syarat sesuai Permenkes 492/MENKES/PER/IV/2010 Tentang Persyaratan Kualitas Air Minum. Diharapkan agar pengelola DAMIU  untuk selalu memperhatikan Hygiene Sanitasi Depot Air Minum dan selalu memperhatikan kualitas air minum dari segi bakteriologis.
Optothermal shaping of lamb waves with square and spiral phase fronts
Authors: Rus Janez , Bossart Aleksi , Fleury Romain
Published: January 2024

We introduce a Lamb-wave medium with tunable propagation velocities, which are controlled by a two-dimensional heating pattern produced by a laser beam. We utilized it to demonstrate that waves in an appropriately designed medium can propagate in the form of concentric squares, in contrast to the circular patterns typically emitted by a point source in a homogeneous two-dimensional medium. In order to avoid the concentration of wave energy in the middle of the sides of the squares, we propose two alternatives: a square wave that either rotates or exponentially decelerates as it expands. Additionally, we present how circular waves can be transformed into spiral waves utilizing the same tunable medium. The described experimental platform offers a new tool to generate shaped pulses for ultrasonic applications, which has the potential to improve the efficiency of energy and information transport.
The possibility of clinical bonding between metal/ceramic brackets to zirconia: in vitro study
Authors: Hu Yichun , Gao Jiayang , Huang Xinyue , Li Yutong , Chen Ziyi , Zhan Desong , Sano Hidehiko , Carvalho Ricardo M. , Fu Jiale
Published: January 2024

Objective: The present study aimed to assess the bond strength and durability of six bonding agents concerning their application to metal or ceramic brackets and zirconia.

Materials and Methods: Six resin cement bonding agents (XT, XTS, RSBU, RGBU, SBPM, and GMP) were chosen for this investigation. Specimens were either stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h or subjected to 5,000 thermocycles before conducting a Shear Bond Strength (SBS) test. Statistical analysis of the SBS data was performed using three-way ANOVA and Games-Howell tests (α = 0.05). The Adhesive Remnant Index was examined, and the debonding surface details on brackets and zirconia were observed.

Results: For metal brackets, all groups demonstrated clinically acceptable bond strength, irrespective of storage conditions, except for the XT group. Regarding ceramic brackets, all groups displayed acceptable bond strength after 24 h of water storage. However, following thermocycling, a significant decrease in SBS was noted across all groups (p < 0.05), with SBPM exhibiting a higher bond strength. Three-way ANOVA analysis indicated that SBS values were notably influenced by each factor, and an interaction among the three independent variables was observed (p = 0.000).

Conclusion: The reliable bond strength between ceramic brackets and zirconia was significantly lower after thermocycling compared to that of metal brackets and zirconia. SBPM exhibited consistent and robust bond strength between ceramic/metal brackets and zirconia across various storage conditions. Furthermore, the HEMA-free adhesive demonstrated a potentially more consistent bonding performance compared to the HEMA-containing adhesive employed in this study.
Whose negative emissions? Exploring emergent perspectives on CDR from the EU's hard to abate and fossil industries
Authors: Brad Alina , Haas Tobias , Schneider Etienne
Published: January 2024

Net zero targets have rapidly become the guiding principle of climate policy, implying the use of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) to compensate for residual emissions. At the same time, the extent of (future) residual emissions and their distribution between economic sectors and activities has so far received little attention from a social science perspective. This constitutes a research gap as the distribution of residual emissions and corresponding amounts of required CDR is likely to become highly contested in the political economy of low-carbon transformation. Here, we investigate what function CDR performs from the perspective of sectors considered to account for a large proportion of future residual emissions (cement, steel, chemicals, and aviation) as well as the oil and gas industry in the EU. We also explore whether they claim residual emissions to be compensated for outside of the sector, whether they quantify these claims and how they justify them. Relying on interpretative and qualitative analysis, we use decarbonization or net zero roadmaps published by the major sector-level European trade associations as well as their statements and public consultation submissions in reaction to policy initiatives by the EU to mobilize CDR. Our findings indicate that while CDR technologies perform an important abstract function for reaching net zero in the roadmaps, the extent of residual emissions and responsibilities for delivering corresponding levels of negative emissions remain largely unspecified. This risks eliding pending distributional conflicts over residual emissions which may intersect with conflicts over diverging technological transition pathways advocated by the associations.
Can community and educational interventions designed from the ground-up promote social and emotional learning? Experimental and quasi-experimental impacts of a country-wide Portuguese initiative
Authors: Barata M. Clara , Alexandre Joana , Castro Catarina , Colaço Carla
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a powerful predictor of several outcomes throughout life, such as relationships, citizenship behavior, academic and job performance, and mental and physical health. The Portuguese Gulbenkian Academies for Knowledge supported the implementation and rigorous impact assessment of community and educational interventions aiming to promote SEL in participants 0 and 25 years of age.

Methods

This paper presents a secondary-data analysis of the experimental and quasi-experimental impacts of 40 Academies on the OECD Survey of Social and Emotional Skills. Eight Academies (N = 4,460 participants) implemented an experimental approach, while 32 Academies (N = 14,274 participants) employed a quasi-experimental approach.

Results

We found experimental and quasi-experimental evidence of significant positive results of the Academies for various skills, and consistent impacts from the perspective of child/youth participants and teachers, particularly for Curiosity and Assertiveness. Effect sizes were small.

Discussion

The impact evaluation of the Gulbenkian Academies for Knowledge has the potential to support considerable changes in the field of SEL interventions, nationally and internationally, by informing discussion of evidence-based SEL interventions, and offering a sustainable model of capacity building with long-lasting effect on practices of SEL professionals.
Examining the impacts of urban, work and social environments on residents’ subjective wellbeing: a cross-regional analysis in China
Authors: Fang Zhou , Liao Yuxin , Ma Chang , Wu Rong
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Urbanization has affected the quality of the living environments. It is important to improve residents’ living environments and promote their happiness.

Methods: We use a national and representative dataset targeting the labor force in China, collecting basic information about the work environments, the social environments, and the urban environments. This work employed a linear regression model to investigate the influencing factors of residents’ SWB.

Results: The three major findings are as follows: 1) At the national level, residents’ SWB exhibits a notable spatial variability, being higher in the northern regions and lower in the southern areas. 2) The dimensions of the urban environments (housing prices, POI density, NPP, land development intensity and the number of tertiary hospitals), the work environments (work pressure and job satisfaction), and the social environments (community trust, social justice and sense of security), along with sociodemographic characteristics, significantly influence SWB. 3) In China, the impacts on SWB exhibit pronounced regional heterogeneity. The relationship between environmental pollution and SWB is characterized by an inverted U-shaped pattern. Intriguingly, while housing prices negatively affect SWB in the eastern and central regions, the enforcement of housing purchase limits has been observed to enhance residents’ SWB in the western region.

Discussion: First, this work show the overall spatial level of SWB in China geographically. And second, this research found the SWB heterogeneity on a regional level (eastern, central, and western regions). Furthermore, this methodological framework provides a novel perspective among the urban, work and social environments on SWB. This work also contributes to inform policy to improve residents’ SWB in China.
A conceptual analysis of the public health-architecture nexus within rapidly developing informal urban contexts
Authors: Patrick Sean M. , Hugo Jan , Sonnendecker Paul , Shirinde Joyce
Published: January 2024

Background: The interactions between people and places can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of individuals, particularly in warm, arid countries such as South Africa. Coupled to this are the various risks that climate change poses to the development of communities, particularly in informal settlements. Several of these risks include the increasing prevalence of contaminants in water and land, as well as the challenges of managing the effects of climate change.

Objectives: This conceptual analysis aims to highlight the need for a transdisciplinary approach to investigating the interaction between informal urban living spaces, environmental and social determinants of health and further propose a framework that incorporates tools and strategies to improve health and wellbeing.

Discussion: Despite the various advantages of living in an urban environment, many people in informal settlements still lack access to adequate sanitation and water services. This is why it is important that we develop a comprehensive understanding of how these changes can be accommodated in the future. This can be done through the collection of data from the people who live in these communities. A comprehensive understanding of the environmental and social determinants of health, coupled with innovative monitoring systems, would provide a more holistic approach to suggesting a practical strategy for promoting health and wellbeing in communities while working towards developing safe and sustainable health-promoting living spaces.

Conclusion: Currently there is a paucity of information regarding access to water, sanitation and health services, coupled with environmental pollution and poor living conditions causing diseases affecting informal communities, furthermore practical and viable changes to address these concerns are similarly lacking. To ensure that healthier built environments are provided for children and adults, transdisciplinary approaches between researchers and collaboration with, communities within informal settlements and with policymakers to promote health advocacy is essential.
Production and characterization of single-chain variable fragment antibodies targeting the breast cancer tumor marker nectin-4
Authors: Liu Ching-Hsuan , Leu Sy-Jye , Lee Chi-Hsin , Lin Cheng-Yuan , Wang Wei-Chu , Tsai Bor-Yu , Lee Yu-Ching , Chen Chi-Long , Yang Yi-Yuan , Lin Liang-Tzung
Published: January 2024

Background

Nectin-4 is a novel biomarker overexpressed in various types of cancer, including breast cancer, in which it has been associated with poor prognosis. Current literature suggests that nectin-4 has a role in cancer progression and may have prognostic and therapeutic implications. The present study aims to produce nectin-4-specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies and evaluate their applications in breast cancer cell lines and clinical specimens.

Methods

We generated recombinant nectin-4 ectodomain fragments as immunogens to immunize chickens and the chickens' immunoglobulin genes were amplified for construction of anti-nectin-4 scFv libraries using phage display. The binding capacities of the selected clones were evaluated with the recombinant nectin-4 fragments, breast cancer cell lines, and paraffin-embedded tissue sections using various laboratory approaches. The binding affinity and in silico docking profile were also characterized.

Results

We have selected two clones (S21 and L4) from the libraries with superior binding capacity. S21 yielded higher signals when used as the primry antibody for western blot analysis and flow cytometry, whereas clone L4 generated cleaner and stronger signals in immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining. In addition, both scFvs could diminish attachment-free cell aggregation of nectin-4-positive breast cancer cells. As results from ELISA indicated that L4 bound more efficiently to fixed nectin-4 ectodomain, molecular docking analysis was further performed and demonstrated that L4 possesses multiple polar contacts with nectin-4 and diversity in interacting residues.

Conclusion

Overall, the nectin-4-specific scFvs could recognize nectin-4 expressed by breast cancer cells and have the merit of being further explored for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
OCT angiography indices and the choroidal vascularity index in wild-type transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTRwt)
Authors: Rinaldi Michele , Tranfa Fausto , Chiosi Flavia , Campagna Giuseppe , De Bernardo Maddalena , Gioia Marco , Natale Francesco , Caiazza Martina , Dongiglio Francesca , Verrillo Federica , Palmiero Giuseppe , Limongelli Giuseppe , Costagliola Ciro
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Retinal angiopathy represents a well-known ocular manifestation of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv). Until recently, there have been no reports on retinal changes in ATTRwt. In this retrospective observational clinical study, we aimed to determine whether vessel density (VD) indices and the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) could offer insights into retinal and choroidal vascular changes among patients affected by ATTRwt.

Methods

Eighteen patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ATTRwt underwent structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). We established a control group consisting of 16 healthy subjects for statistical comparisons. The 3D OCT and OCTA datasets were analyzed to assess retinal and choroidal thickness and VD. For measuring CVI, we obtained measurements for the total choroid area (TCA), luminal area (LA), and stromal area (SA).

Results

The mean VD exhibited a statistically significant reduction in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC) among the ATTRwt group in comparison to the control group (p < 0.0001). Notably, ATTRwt patients displayed decreased choroidal thickness (p = 0.08). Additionally, the median CVI was lower in the ATTRwt group than in the control group (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

The indices from OCTA and CVI have the potential to serve as non-invasive biomarkers for the quantitative evaluation of retinal and choroidal vascular involvement in patients with ATTRwt.
Modeling the effect of climatic conditions and topography on malaria incidence using Poisson regression: a Retrospective study in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Haq Ijaz Ul , Mehmood Zafar , Khan Gausal Azam , Kainat Bushra , Ahmed Bilal , Shah Jahan , Sami Amtul , Nazar Muhammad Subhan , Xu Jielian , Xiang He
Published: January 2024

Background

Malaria has been identified as a crucial vector-borne disease around the globe. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of malaria in the district of Bannu and its relationship with climatic conditions such as temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and topography.

Methods

Secondary data were obtained from the metrological office and government hospitals across the district for 5 years (2013–2017). A Poisson regression model was applied for the statistical analysis.

Results and discussion

The number of reported cases of malaria was 175,198. The regression analysis showed that temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall had a significant association (p < 0.05) with malaria incidence. In addition, the topographic variables were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with malaria incidence in the region. The percent variation in the odds ratio of incidence was 4% for every unit increase in temperature and 2% in humidity. In conclusion, this study indicated that the temperature, humidity, rainfall, and topographic variables were significantly associated with the incidence of malaria. Effective malaria control and interventions integrated with climatic factors must be considered to overcome the disease burden.
Early vaccination of laying hens with the live bivalent Salmonella vaccine AviPro™ Salmonella DUO results in successful vaccine uptake and increased gut colonization
Authors: Cawthraw Shaun A. , Goddard Adam , Huby Tom , Ring Isaac , Chiverton Louise , Mueller-Doblies Doris
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Salmonella Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium are the two most clinically important zoonotic Salmonella serovars and vaccination of breeding and laying hens affords effective Salmonella control. The use of live vaccines has proven beneficial for a number of reasons, including ease of application, protection from the first day of life onwards and initiation of a strong local immune response. Live vaccines can be applied in the drinking water from the first day of life onwards, but some rearers choose to wait until the end of the first week to ensure sufficient water consumption. However, this practice leaves the birds unprotected during the crucial first week of life, where they are most susceptible to colonization by field strains. The aim of this study was to determine if successful vaccine uptake is achieved when layer pullets are vaccinated as early as day one.

Methods

Three pullet flocks were vaccinated at 1, 2, 3 or 5 days-of-age with AviPro™ Salmonella DUO, a live vaccine containing attenuated strains of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium (Elanco Animal Health, Cuxhaven, Germany). The vaccine was administered via the drinking water following manufacturer’s instructions. Two days post-vaccination, 10 birds per flock were culled and caecal and liver samples taken, along with two pools of faeces per flock. Levels of vaccine strains were determined by quantitative and qualitative bacteriology.

Results

Vaccine strains were detected in all birds from all age groups indicating successful uptake of the vaccine. Levels of the S. Enteritidis vaccine were higher than levels of the S. Typhimurium vaccine, with the latter frequently only detectable following enrichment. There was an inverse correlation between age and caecal levels of vaccines, with the highest numbers seen in birds vaccinated at 1-day-of-age. Interestingly, S. Enteritidis vaccine strain levels in liver samples were highest when birds were vaccinated at 5 days-of-age.

Discussion

These results show that successful uptake of both vaccine strains was evident in all age groups. The earlier the chicks were vaccinated, the higher the vaccine levels in caecal contents. We therefore recommend vaccination of pullets as early as practicably possible to ensure protection against exposure to field strains.
No change in network connectivity measurements between separate rsfMRI acquisition times
Authors: Neal Elliot G. , Schimmel Samantha , George Zeegan , Monsour Molly , Alayli Adam , Lockard Gavin , Piper Keaton , Maciver Stephanie , Vale Fernando L. , Bezchlibnyk Yarema B.
Published: January 2024

The role of resting state functional MRI (rsfMRI) is increasing in the field of epilepsy surgery because it is possible to interpolate network connectivity patterns across the brain with a high degree of spatial resolution. Prior studies have shown that by rsfMRI with scalp electroencephalography (EEG), an epileptogenic network can be modeled and visualized with characteristic patterns of connectivity that are relevant to both seizure-related and neuropsychological outcomes after surgery. The aim of this study is to show that a 5-min acquisition time provides reproducible results related to the relevant connectivity metrics when compared to a separately acquired 5-min scan. Fourteen separate rsfMRI sessions from ten different patients were used for comparison, comprised of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy both pre- and post-operation. Results showed that there was no significant difference in any of the connectivity metrics when comparing both 5-min scans to each other. These data support the continued use of a 5-min scan for epileptogenic network modeling in future studies because the inter-scan variability is sufficiently low as not to alter the output metrics characterizing the network connectivity.
Brain-computer interface paradigms and neural coding
Authors: Tai Pengrui , Ding Peng , Wang Fan , Gong Anmin , Li Tianwen , Zhao Lei , Su Lei , Fu Yunfa
Published: January 2024

Brain signal patterns generated in the central nervous system of brain-computer interface (BCI) users are closely related to BCI paradigms and neural coding. In BCI systems, BCI paradigms and neural coding are critical elements for BCI research. However, so far there have been few references that clearly and systematically elaborated on the definition and design principles of the BCI paradigm as well as the definition and modeling principles of BCI neural coding. Therefore, these contents are expounded and the existing main BCI paradigms and neural coding are introduced in the review. Finally, the challenges and future research directions of BCI paradigm and neural coding were discussed, including user-centered design and evaluation for BCI paradigms and neural coding, revolutionizing the traditional BCI paradigms, breaking through the existing techniques for collecting brain signals and combining BCI technology with advanced AI technology to improve brain signal decoding performance. It is expected that the review will inspire innovative research and development of the BCI paradigm and neural coding.