bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mn2+ Substitution on Structural and Magnetic Properties of Co-Zn Ferrite
Authors: Rady K. E. , Reda Abd El-salam Asmaa , ELFadaly Ezzat A. , Aly M. H.
Published: October 2023

A series of Co0.8−x Mnx Zn0.2 Fe2O4 (x = 0.0 to 0.3 instep of 0.1) was prepared using the coprecipitation method. We investigated the structural and magnetic properties ascribed to the Mn+2 substitution. A single-phase spinel cubic ferrite nanoparticle with no extra peaks, supporting pure phase formation which confirmed by the X-ray analysis while the morphology studies has been examined using SEM, whose results showed an agglomeration to spherical shaped nanoparticles. The expected stoichiometry was confirmed by EDX analysis. By using VSM, the magnetic parameters measurements were performed at room temperature. The prepared samples exhibit soft ferrimagnetism from M–H loops. By increasing the Mn content, the saturation magnetization was found to decrease. Based on Neel’s two sublattice model of ferrimagnetism, and according to the cation distribution over A and B sites, the magnetic moments were estimated in all the samples from measured magnetic parameters. Based on the magnetic properties study which we obtained that revealed an enhancement in the magnetic properties of the prepared samples, that made them appropriate for practical applications in recording media and magnetic data storage ascribed to the Mn ions substitution.
Designing High-Density of PbO-Enriched Telluro-Borate Glasses for Improved Radiation Shielding: A Comprehensive Study of Attenuation Parameters
Authors: Thabit Hammam Abdurabu , Ismail Abd Khamim , Hashim S. , Sayyed M. I. , Naseer K. A. , Bassam S. A.
Published: October 2023

Several radiation shielding parameters for (75-x) B2O3−10TeO2−13SrCO3 −2ZnO-xPbO glasses were evaluated between 0.284 and 1.333 MeV. The PbO content in the glass has a positive relationship with the density of the glasses, leading to BTSZP0, the glass with no PbO, having the smallest density, while BTSZP5, which has 40 PbO mol%, has the greatest density. Radiation shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) and other related factors were computed, and relationships between PbO content, energy, and density are graphed. Linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) is reported and we evaluated the impact of density on the LAC values. By adding more PbO atoms, the density of the samples increased, leading to a higher LAC. The BTSZP0 sample has the highest HVL at all tested energies, with the BTSZP5 sample having the lowest HVL. Mean free path (MFP) has an inverse relationship with the density of each sample but increases with greater incoming photon energy. The effective atomic number (Zeff)values peak at low photon energies and rise significantly with increasing PbO content. The MFP and TVL of the BTSZP glasses are compared against previously tested glass samples at a set energy, and the values demosntrated the effectiveness of the BTSZP glasses.
Eyeball translations affect saccadic eye movements beyond brainstem control
Authors: Kirchner Johannes , Watson Tamara , Bauer Jochen , Lappe Markus
Published: October 2023

We found that saccades during blinks can massively overshoot their target when the eyeball is retracted. Our data imply that the overshoots are not part of the saccade plan prepared in the brainstem, but instead a consequence of the altered biomechanics resulting from concurrent eyeball translation and rotation. To our best knowledge, this is the first direct observation of dynamic properties of the oculomotor plant altering the execution of rotational eye movements.
Mitigating Thermal Focusing in Microwave Heating of Cylindrical Loads by Resonant Rings
Authors: Yang Fengming , Yan Xueting , Zhu Huacheng , Yang Yang , Huang Kama
Published: October 2023

Cylindrical loads are commonly found in microwave heating. However, cylindrical loads tend to have a thermal focus, leading to uneven microwave heating. In this paper, a novel microwave heating method was proposed by employing resonant rings to mitigate the thermal focus of cylindrical loads. Firstly, a multiphysics simulation model for microwave heating of a cylindrical tube is established, and the influence of the resonant ring around the cylindrical tube on the temperature distribution of load was analyzed. Subsequently, microwave heating experiments of agar gels with and without resonant rings were carried out. In agreement with the simulation results, the use of resonant rings reduces the coefficient of temperature variation (COV) from 1.064 to 0.793. In addition, the parameters affecting the heating uniformity of the cylindrical tube were discussed through simulations.
Aortic Thrombosis Associated with Three Types of COVID-19 Vaccine
Authors: de Godoy Jose Maria Pereira , Neto Fernando Reis , da Silva Gabriela Leopoldino , Santos Henrique Amorim , de Godoy Henrique Jose Pereira
Published: October 2023

Aortic thrombosis has been studied little in patients with COVID-19 and an association has recently been reported with the vaccine for this disease. The aim of the present study is to report five cases of aortic thrombosis at our institution within a three-month period associated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Five cases of aortic thrombosis were evaluated—three women and two men aged 29, 49, 51, 60, and 79 years. Four thrombi involved the thoracic aortic and one involved the abdominal aorta, with embolisms found in the kidneys, spleen, liver, upper limbs, and lower limbs. Embolectomy was performed on the limbs, and anticoagulant therapy was performed for the abdominal arteries. The patients recovered well and anticoagulant therapy was maintained. Aortic thrombosis is uncommon but was associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine in this case series.
Identifying Macrophage-Related Genes in Ulcerative Colitis Using Weighted Coexpression Network Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Hong Shaocheng , Wang Hongqian , Chan Shixin , Zhang Jiayi , Chen Bangjie , Ma Xiaohan , Chen Xi
Published: October 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease of unknown cause that typically affects the colon and rectum. Innate intestinal immunity, including macrophages, plays a significant role in the pathological development of UC. Using the CIBERSORT algorithm, we observed elevated levels of 22 types of immune cell infiltrates, as well as increased M1 and decreased M2 macrophages in UC compared to normal colonic mucosa. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify modules associated with macrophages and UC, resulting in the identification of 52 macrophage-related genes (MRGs) that were enriched in macrophages at single-cell resolution. Consensus clustering based on these 52 MRGs divided the integrated UC cohorts into three subtypes. Machine learning algorithms were used to identify ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), sodium- and chloride-dependent neutral and basic amino acid transporter B(0+) (SLC6A14), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2) in the training set, and their diagnostic value was validated in independent validation sets. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) revealed the main biological effects, and that interleukin-17 was one of several signaling pathways enriched by the three genes. We also constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (CeRNA) network reflecting a potential posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism. Expression of diagnostic markers was validated in vivo and in biospecimens, and our immunohistochemistry (IHC) results confirmed that HMGCS2 gradually decreased during the transformation of UC to colorectal cancer. In conclusion, ENPP1, SLC6A14, and HMGCS2 are associated with macrophages and the progression of UC pathogenesis and have good diagnostic value for patients with UC.
Five-Year Follow-Up of Repeated Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Macular Edema in a Pediatric Patient with Retinal Arteriovenous Malformation and Excellent Vision
Authors: Miller Andrew R. , Lee Ivan J. , Wright Zachary C. , Leys Monique
Published: October 2023

We report a case of a 9-year-old girl presenting with unilateral retinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with symptomatic macular edema. Over 5 years of follow-up includes optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus photographs, and fluorescein angiography at baseline and at follow-up. Systemic and neurologic workup was completed and negative for intracranial AVM. Vision has correlated with macular edema, ranging from 20/20 to 20/80. The patient has received nine injections of intravitreal bevacizumab and has not required an injection for the last couple of years. Follow-up is ongoing.
Stress-Induced Hyperglycemia is a Risk Factor for Surgical-Site Infections in Nondiabetic Patients with Open Leg Fractures
Authors: Cianni Luigi , Caredda Matteo , De Fazio Andrea , Basilico Mattia , Greco Tommaso , Cazzato Gianpiero , Perisano Carlo , Maccauro Giulio , Vitiello Raffaele
Published: October 2023

Background. Nondiabetic patients with open leg fractures who have elevated blood glucose levels on arrival in the emergency department have an increased risk of surgical-site infections (SSIs). Objective. This study evaluates the association between the incidence of SSIs in nondiabetic patients with an open leg fracture and blood glucose levels registered on arrival in the ER. We also analyzed the correlation between patients’ days of hospital stay and the incidence of SSIs and the time elapsed between the damage control with external fixation and final fixation and the incidence of SSI. Methods. We retrospectively studied nondiabetic patients admitted to our emergency unit from 2017 to 2021 with a diagnosis of open leg fracture consecutively treated. Based on the diagnosis of SSIs, all enrolled patients were divided into two groups based on the developed (group A) or not developed (group B) SSIs within 1 year after surgery. All patients enrolled in the study underwent damage control within 24 hours after admission to the ER. At stabilization of general clinical and local wound conditions, all patients underwent definitive surgery. Results. We enrolled 80 patients. In group A, glycemia on arrival in the ER was on average 148.35 ± 19.59 mg/dl, and in group B, it was 122.61 ± 22.22 mg/dl (

p

value: 0.0001). In group A, glycemia in the first postoperative day was on average 113.81 ± 21.07 mg/dl, and in group B, it was 99.02 ± 17.60 mg/dl (

p

value: 0.001). In group A, the average hospitalization was 57.92 ± 42.43 days, and in group B, it was 18.41 ± 14.21 days (

p

value: 0.01). Through Youden’s J, we therefore analyzed the value with the highest sensitivity and specificity which proved to be 132 mg/dl. Conclusion. Our findings show that nondiabetic patients with SIH have a significantly increased risk of SSIs compared to patients without SIH within 1 year after surgery. Patients with open leg fractures with SIH have a significantly higher average hospital stay than patients without SIH. Further studies are needed to confirm 132 mg/dl of blood glucose levels as a value to stratify the risk of SSIs in these patients.
Image Compression for Wireless Sensor Network: A Model Segmentation-Based Compressive Autoencoder
Authors: Bao Xuecai , Ye Chen , Han Longzhe , Xu Xiaohua
Published: October 2023

Aiming at the problems of image quality, compression performance, and transmission efficiency of image compression in wireless sensor networks (WSN), a model segmentation-based compressive autoencoder (MS-CAE) is proposed. In the proposed algorithm, we first divide each image in the dataset into pixel blocks and design a novel deep image compression network with a compressive autoencoder to form a compressed feature map by encoding pixel blocks. Then, the reconstructed image is obtained by using the quantized coefficients of the quantizer and splicing the decoded feature maps in order. Finally, the deep network model is segmented into two parts: the encoding network and the decoding network. The weight parameters of the encoding network are deployed to the edge device for the compressed image in the sensor network. For high-quality reconstructed images, the weight parameters of the decoding network are deployed to the cloud system. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed MS-CAE obtains a high signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) for the details of the image, and the compression ratio at the same bit per pixel (bpp) is significantly higher than that of the compared image compression algorithms. It also indicates that the MS-CAE not only greatly relieves the pressure of the hardware system in sensor network but also effectively improves image transmission efficiency and solves the deployment problem of image monitoring in remote and energy-poor areas.
Concordance and Clinical Significance of Genomic Alterations in Progressive Tumor Tissue and Matched Circulating Tumor DNA in Aggressive-variant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Ruiliang , Xu Qiufan , Guo Hanxu , Yang Guanjie , Zhang Jun , Wang Hong , Xu Tianyuan , Guo Changcheng , Yuan Jing , He Yanyan , Zhang Xiaoying , Fu Hongliang , Xu Guang , Zhao Binghui , Xie Jun , Zhao Tingting , Huang Longfei , Zhang Jiansheng , Peng Bo , Yao Xudong , Yang Bin
Published: October 2023

Sequencing of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a minimally invasive approach to reveal the genomic alterations of cancer; however, its comparison with sequencing of tumor tissue has not been well documented in real-world patients with aggressive-variant prostate cancer (AVPC). Concordance of genomic alterations was assessed between progressive tumor tissue and matched ctDNA by next-generation sequencing for 63 patients with AVPC. Associations of genomic alterations with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were investigated using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses. A total of 161 somatic mutations (SMs) and 84 copy-number variants (CNVs) were detected in tumors, of which 97 were also found in ctDNA, giving concordance of 39.6% (97/245) across all SMs and CNVs, 49.7% for SMs only and 20.2% for CNVs only. Across all patients with AVPC, chemotherapy was associated with significantly longer median PFS (6 vs. 0.75 months, P = 0.001) and OS (11 vs. 8 months, P < 0.001) than next-generation hormonal therapy (NHT). Among types of chemotherapy, additional platinum-based chemotherapy was associated with significantly longer median PFS and OS than docetaxel only in patients with TP53, RB1, or PTEN alterations, and in those with ctDNA% ≥ 13.5%. The concordance analysis first provides evidence for combining the sequencing of ctDNA and tumor tissue in real-world patients with AVPC. Chemotherapy is associated with significantly better survival than NHT, and the benefit of additional platinum-based chemotherapy may depend on the presence of alterations in TP53, RB1, or PTEN and on a sufficiently high proportion of ctDNA in patients with AVPC.

Significance:

AVPC is a highly malignant and heterogeneous disease. Sequencing of ctDNA is a minimally invasive approach to reveal genomic alterations. On the basis of the current real-world study, we found ctDNA does not fully recapitulate the landscape of genomic alterations from progressive tumor tissue in AVPC. We also revealed AVPC can benefit from chemotherapy, especially platinum-based regimens. TP53/RB1/PTEN alterations in ctDNA or tumor tissue could be biomarkers for platinum-based chemotherapy in this setting.
Cellular Senescence in Human Skin Aging: Leveraging Senotherapeutics
Authors: Wyles Saranya P. , Carruthers Jean D. , Dashti Parisa , Yu Grace , Yap Jane Q. , Gingery Anne , Tchkonia Tamara , Kirkland James
Published: October 2023

Background: As the largest organ in the human body, the skin is continuously exposed to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli that impact its functionality and morphology with aging. Skin aging entails dysregulation of skin cells and loss, fragmentation, or fragility of extracellular matrix fibers that are manifested macroscopically by wrinkling, laxity, and pigmentary abnormalities. Age-related skin changes are the focus of many surgical and nonsurgical treatments aimed at improving overall skin appearance and health. Summary: As a hallmark of aging, cellular senescence, an essentially irreversible cell cycle arrest with apoptosis resistance and a secretory phenotype, manifests across skin layers by affecting epidermal and dermal cells. Knowledge of skin-specific senescent cells, such as melanocytes (epidermal aging) and fibroblasts (dermal aging), will promote our understanding of age-related skin changes and how to optimize patient outcomes in esthetic procedures. Key Messages: This review provides an overview of skin aging in the context of cellular senescence and discusses senolytic intervention strategies to selectively target skin senescent cells that contribute to premature skin aging.
Diagnostic Performance of Bile Duct Brush Cytology with Risk of Malignancy of Standardized Categories in the Wake of World Health Organization Reporting System for Pancreaticobiliary Cytopathology: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rath Ashutosh , Pradeep Immanuel , Nigam Jitendra Singh
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The WHO Reporting System for Pancreaticobiliary Cytopathology revised the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology guidelines in alignment with the WHO classification of digestive system tumors, 5th edition. The current systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted to accurately assess the performance of bile duct brush cytology and report the risk of malignancy (ROM) of each standard category by following the guidelines of diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis. Methods: Medline/Pubmed and Cochrane databases were searched till June 8, 2023, with a strategy that included target site (pancreaticobiliary and related terms), diagnostic method (bile duct brushing and related terms), and keywords for diagnostic performance (for Cochrane database). Inclusion criteria included studies that have assessed bile duct cytology (BDC) for pancreaticobiliary duct stricture with a sample size of over 50, provided cytological diagnoses similar to the WHO system with details to deduce true positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives through subsequent final diagnoses (benign vs. malignant). The exclusion criteria were the fewer sample size, assessment through other cytological categories, limited data, and clinical setting. Two authors independently reviewed the result of the search strategy. The quality of the selected articles was assessed by the QUADAS-2 tool. Bivariate random-effects model was used to get the pooled sensitivity and specificity. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using I-squared statistics, and potential sources were found using meta-regression. Pooled and a range of ROM in each category was analyzed. Results: Thirteen studies were included with 4,398 bile duct brushings. The pooled sensitivity is 0.437 (95% CI: 0.371–0.504), and the pooled specificity is 0.972 (95% CI: 0.943–0.987). The ROM in various categories are as follows: inadequate/nondiagnostic: 23–100% (pooled: 50.15%), benign/negative for malignancy: 22–70% (38%), atypical: 0–95% (66%), suspicious for malignancy: 74–100% (89%), malignant: 91–100% (98%). Conclusion: Even with standard cytological categories, the sensitivity of BDC remains low. The review has analyzed and discussed potential causes of heterogeneity that will be helpful for future diagnostic studies.
KEBERDAYAAN DAN KETERLIBATAN PEREMPUAN DALAM PERTANIAN DI DESA MONCONGLOE BULU, KECAMATAN MONCONGLOE, KABUPATEN MAROS
Authors: Busthanul Nurbaya , Rukmana Didi , Mappatunru Wulan Ramadhani , Nadja Rahmawaty A , Saadah Saadah
Published: October 2023

Pertanian merupakan isu strategis di masa sekarang dan masa yang akan datang. Sebab, pertanian, baik dari sisi produksi, distribusi, maupun konsumsi, sangat erat kaitannya dengan dimensi sosial, ekonomi, dan politik rakyat. Salah satu pelaku pertanian yang posisinya kadang tersubordinasi dari kegiatan pertanian adalah perempuan. Keterlibatan perempuan memiliki peran yang besar dalam keluarga baik untuk kegiatan rumah tangga maupun kegiatan ekonomi yang menunjang pendapatan rumah tangga. Perempuan atau istri secara langsung maupun tidak langsung ikut terlibat dan bertanggung jawab dalam mengelola kegiatan usaha yang berhubungan dengan peningkatan kesejahteraan keluarga. Kondisi gender dalam masyarakat tani desa Moncongloe Bulu yaitu terdapat sebanyak 45% masyarakat tani perempuan yang aktif berperan dalam kegiatan pertanian. Hal ini melampaui target persentase capaian pada SDG’s yaitu sebanyak 36% partisipasi perempuan. Peningkatan peran dan keterlibatan perempuan dalam kegiatan produktif tertentu merupakan upaya peningkatan efisiensi pemanfaatan sumber daya lokal serta meningkatkan kekuatan perannya sebagai anggota keluarga. Jumlah sampel dalam penelitian ini yaitu 48 pasangan suami istri yang terlibat dalam kegiatan pertanian. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keberdayaan dan keterlibatan perempuan dalam pertanian di Desa Moncongloe Bulu, Kabupaten Maros. Penelitian ini menggunakan tiga domain; Produksi, Kepemimpinan, dan Waktu, pada 5 Domains and 10 Indicators dari Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (5DE of WEAI) dengan data yang akan dihasilkan yaitu berupa data kualitatif dan kemudian akan di lanjutkan dengan perhitungan IKKG atau Indeks Kesetaraan dan Keadilan Gender dengan data yang dihasilkan berupa data kuantitatif agar data yang dihasilkan dapat lebih terukur. Pada indikator pertama dalam domain produksi, pengambilan keputusan terkait produksi, semua responden suami dan 54,2% istri yang terberdayakan, dan nilai IKKG<1. Indikator kedua pada domain produksi, otonomi dalam produksi, sebanyak 93,8% suami dan 62,5% istri yang terberdayakan, dan nilai IKKG<1. Indikator pertama pada domain kepemimpinan, keterlibatan dalam kelompok sosial, sebanyak 79,2% suami dan 77,1% istri yang terberdayakan, dan nilai IKKG<1. Dan indikator kedua pada domain kepemimpinan, berbicara di depan umum, sebanyak 41,7% responden suami dan 19,1% responden istri yang terberdayakan dengan nilai IKKG<1. Sedangkan indikator pertama pada domain waktu, beban kerja, terdapat sebanyak 37,5% responden suami dan 60,42% responden istri yang terberdayan, dan pada indikator terakhir pada domain waktu, waktu luang, terdapat sebanyak 47,9% responden suami dan 72,9% responden istri yang terberdayakan dengan nilai IKKG>1 untuk kedua indikator pada domain waktu.
POSSIBILITY OF USING MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS TO MODERNIZE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN INDONESIA
Authors: Muditomo Arianto , Syamsari Syamsari
Published: October 2023

Even though many researchers and campuses have agricultural technology study programs, various technological and agricultural research in Indonesia still needs to be fully integrated. The author believes that technological advancements, particularly in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, provide substantial advantages in various industries, including agriculture. This paper will examine the opportunities for using machine learning algorithms in precision agricultural research to inspire Indonesian agricultural researchers.
Portfolio Diet Score and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Findings From 3 Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Glenn Andrea J. , Guasch-Ferré Marta , Malik Vasanti S. , Kendall Cyril W.C. , Manson JoAnn E. , Rimm Eric B. , Willett Walter C. , Sun Qi , Jenkins David J.A. , Hu Frank B. , Sievenpiper John L.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

The plant-based Portfolio dietary pattern includes recognized cholesterol-lowering foods (ie, plant protein, nuts, viscous fiber, phytosterols, and plant monounsaturated fats) shown to improve several cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in randomized controlled trials. However, there is limited evidence on the role of long-term adherence to the diet and CVD risk. The primary objective was to examine the relationship between the Portfolio Diet Score (PDS) and the risk of total CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke.

METHODS:

We prospectively followed 73 924 women in the Nurses’ Health Study (1984–2016), 92 346 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II (1991–2017), and 43 970 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986–2016) without CVD or cancer at baseline. Diet was assessed using validated food frequency questionnaires at baseline and every 4 years using a PDS that positively ranks plant protein (legumes), nuts and seeds, viscous fiber sources, phytosterols (mg/day), and plant monounsaturated fat sources, and negatively ranks foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol.

RESULTS:

During up to 30 years of follow-up, 16 917 incident CVD cases, including 10 666 CHD cases and 6473 strokes, were documented. After multivariable adjustment for lifestyle factors and a modified Alternate Healthy Eating Index (excluding overlapping components), comparing the highest with the lowest quintile, participants with a higher PDS had a lower risk of total CVD (pooled hazard ratio [HR], 0.86 [95% CI, 0.81–0.92];
P
trend
<0.001), CHD (pooled HR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.80–0.93];
P
trend
=0.0001), and stroke (pooled HR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.78–0.95];
P
trend
=0.0003). In addition, a 25-percentile higher PDS was associated with a lower risk of total CVD (pooled HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.89–0.95]), CHD (pooled HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.88–0.95]), and stroke (pooled HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.87–0.96]). Results remained consistent across sensitivity and most subgroup analyses, and there was no evidence of departure from linearity for CVD, CHD, or stroke. In a subset of participants, a higher PDS was associated with a more favorable blood lipid and inflammatory profile.

CONCLUSIONS:

The PDS was associated with a lower risk of CVD, including CHD and stroke, and a more favorable blood lipid and inflammatory profile, in 3 large prospective cohorts.
A half-century of global collaboration in science and the “Shrinking World”
Authors: Okamura Keisuke
Published: October 2023

Recent decades have witnessed a dramatic shift in the cross-border collaboration mode of researchers, with countries increasingly cooperating and competing with one another. It is crucial for leaders in academia and policy to understand the full extent of international research collaboration, their country’s position within it, and its evolution over time. However, evidence for such world-scale dynamism is still scarce. This paper provides unique evidence of how international collaboration clusters have formed and evolved over the past 50 years across various scientific publications, using data from OpenAlex, a large-scale open bibliometrics platform launched in 2022. I first examine how the global presence of top-tier countries has changed in 15 natural science disciplines over time, as measured by publication volumes and international collaboration rates. Notably, I observe that the United States and China have been rapidly moving closer together for decades but began moving apart after 2019. I then perform a hierarchical clustering to analyze and visualize the international collaboration clusters for each discipline and period. Finally, I provide quantitative evidence of a “Shrinking World” of research collaboration at a global scale over the past half-century. My results provide valuable insights into the big picture of past, present, and future international collaboration.
Erasmus and the Lady of Loreto
Authors: Fallica Maria
Published: October 2023

One could argue that a mass dedicated to the Virgin of Loreto is an unusual choice for Erasmus. His Liturgy of the Virgin Mother Venerated at Loreto (Virginis Matris apud Lauretum cultae liturgia, 1523, 1525, 1529) would prove such an argument wrong, as this overlooked text reveals much of Erasmus’ theory of accommodatio, his approach to liturgy and the cult of Mary, and his vision of the church and his spiritual exegesis, even in the midst of the Reformation’s turmoil. This article proposes a close reading of the 1525 edition, which will contextualize Erasmus’ portrait of Mary in her moral values and in the de-eroticization and purification of the medieval, Catholic model, which he re-affirms in the same years in which his controversy with Luther unfolded. Moreover, the sermon presents a rarefied and intellectual variant of the feminine imagery of the bride, which I will analyze as being systematically integrated into Erasmus’ theology of progress and ecclesiology.
Description of the pupa, female and male genitalia of Aedes (Howardina) guerrero Berlin and first record of Ae. (How.) guatemala Berlin (Diptera: Culicidae) in Puebla, Mexico
Authors: RIVERA-GARCÍA KARINA D. , MENDEZ-ANDRADE ALEJANDRO , DÍAZ-OSORIO ALICIA C. , IBÁÑEZ-BERNAL SERGIO , SANDOVAL-RUIZ CÉSAR ANTONIO
Published: October 2023

The pupa, female and male genitalia of Aedes (Howardina) guerrero Berlin, 1969 are described and illustrated for the first time. Additionally, the geographical distribution of Ae. (How.) guatemala Berlin, 1969 is extended. Valuable information on the distribution, larval habitats, taxonomy and keys to species within the Sexlineatus Section of the subgenus Howardina is provided.
The Use of Active Coagulation Whole Blood—An Innovative Treatment Strategy for Hard-To-Heal Wounds
Authors: Haim Nadav , Kaufman Jarrod P. , Gurevich Maxim
Published: October 2023

Background

Deep and tunneling wounds are a challenge to apply and maintain most advanced wound dressings to promote effective healing. An autologous whole blood clot is a topical treatment and has been found to be safe and effective in healing cutaneous wounds. The active coagulation whole blood (ACWB) clot treatment, using the patient’s own blood, is used to treat deep and tunneling wounds, by mixing the blood with coagulation components and applying it into the wound cavity allowing the clot to re-form inside the wound. We aimed to explore ACWB treatment in hard-to-heal wounds.

Methods

5 patients with multiple comorbidities, exhibiting surgical abdominal wound, chronic pilonidal sinus, stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer with exposed bone, post-amputation surgical site wound, and non-healing wound dehiscence at the site of a prior hip replacement, were all treated with the ACWB clot treatment.

Results

Complete wound healing was observed in 4/5 cases. In the fifth case, there was a 70% reduction in the depth and surface area of the abdominal surgical wound.

Discussion

The ACWB treatment was found to be effective in deep wounds with cavities and exposed structures. ACWB, in its flowable form, can effectively provide coverage of the deepest interstices of the wound’s cavities by virtue of its liquid properties, forming a fibrin matrix, mimicking the role of the extracellular matrix. The flowable formulation of ACWB treatment safely and efficiently provides coverage of the entirety of the wound surface to improve the time and process of complex wound surface healing.
Comparison of FDMed and compression molded biocomposites in polylactic acid and food flour waste
Authors: Papa Ilaria , Langella Antonio , Napolitano Francesco , Russo Pietro
Published: October 2023

Polylactic acid resins are some of the most largely used bioplastics, some characteristics still limit their use, such as in mixing with other polymers or inclusion of additives. Currently, additive manufacturing technologies are enlarging their application sectors because they allow more rational use of raw materials, limiting both production waste and onerous post-processing stages. In this framework, polylactic acid resins, particularly favoured by their slow crystallization rate and the large availability, are some of the most used to obtain commercial filaments for fused deposition modeling. This research is then focused on the processability of the compounds, based on a commercial PLA resin, additivated with 1, 3, and 5 wt% of food flour wastes. The comparison of the performance of the products obtained with conventional and innovative technologies, respectively compression molding and FDM, is the key point of this study. Mechanical and morphological properties, obtained by the two technologies, were evaluated for neat and additivated resins. Preliminary results emphasize that, through compression molded, it was possible to obtain homogeneous components and the natural infilled used acts as reinforcement improving mechanical performances. For the additive technology, the samples obtained show a lower mechanical behavior due to the technological issues of 3d printing.
Terror Management: The Effects of Mortality Salience on Desire for Money Among Singaporeans
Authors: Chew Peter K. H. , Danni Bryan , Koh Shi Yi , Tay Gracie M. S.
Published: October 2023

Terror management theory has been used to explain our penchant for materialism. While materialism includes both the desire for products and the desire for money, research has generally examined the former. Consequently, this article aimed to examine the effects of mortality salience on desire for money in Singapore. Study 1 found that mortality salience did not increase self-reported desire for money but increased the size of a drawn coin. Study 2 found that mortality salience did not increase the preferred selling price of a used laptop. Finally, Study 3 found that mortality salience did not increase the willingness to listen to unpleasant sounds in exchange for money. Furthermore, attitudes toward money did not moderate the effects of mortality salience on desire for money. The nonsignificant results could be due to data collection during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the use of a Singaporean sample. Future research directions include examining the effects of the pandemic on terror management theory research and examining both the desire for products and the desire for money concurrently as dependent variables.
Age estimation in the combined long bones and ribs by histomorphometry: Past, present, and future
Authors: Gumpangseth Treerat , Mahakkanukrauh Pasuk
Published: October 2023

Numerous age estimation methods in unidentified bone have been a long time developing for application in forensic anthropology. The histomorphometric technique is one of the alternative methods that relied upon the evaluation of the cortical bone microstructure over the lifespan as a result of the remodeling process in bone. Remodeling is a sophisticated event occurring from the coupled function of bone formation and resorption cells for maintaining mineral homeostasis and repairment of microdamage in bone tissue. Products derived from remodeling are primary changes in the osteon or haversian system in various regions in the cortical bone, including periosteum, endosteum, and trabecular bone. Throughout life, bone remodeling rate with osteon alteration can be predictable. In the forensic field, histological methods are getting more attention due to the unavailability of macroscopic methods. Histomorphometry approach can be accomplished in fragmentary or incomplete bone remains indicating the limited use of gross morphological methods. In addition, the microscopic methods can aid to increase the more accuracy of analyses and diminish the biased subjective assessment for determining age. Most histomorphometry method utilizes a cross-section of the midshaft of the long bones including the mandible, rib, and clavicle. This review provides the basic knowledge of bone biology and anatomy, several age-estimating methods of histology, and crucial factors for age methods. Studies regarding overall age determination methods from the past until now contribute to obtaining more benefits for developing methods of histomorphometry using human bone in forensic identification.
Improving interfacial shear strength of fique fibres using an acrylic coating
Authors: Vargas Johnattan , Jalalvand Meisam , Meza Juan Manuel
Published: October 2023

Natural fibres have proven to be a potential alternative to replace synthetic fibres in some composite materials applications. However, drawbacks such as impregnation difficulties and the poor fibre–matrix interface limit the use of natural fibres in high-performance applications. This work proposes using an acrylic resin to coat the fibre surface to enhance the interfacial compatibility among fique fibres and polyester resin. Pull-out tests revealed an improvement in the interfacial shear strength of about 110% for coated fibres. Furthermore, nanoindentation test, Micro Raman spectroscopy and scanning electronic microscopy indicated that the acrylic resin eliminates the gap at the fibre/matrix interface seen in the uncoated fibres. Observed behaviour could be attributed to a better chemical bonding between the fibre and matrix and is also hypothesised that the elastic characteristic of the coating helps to transfer loads effectively from the matrix to the fibre.
Educational Endeavours and Unheeded Tales: Mapping Trajectories of Dalit Women in a University
Authors: Renukuntla Anusha , Gundemeda Nagaraju
Published: October 2023

This article analyses the nature of the relationship between scientific research, gender, and caste questions. It aims to present the lived experiences of Dalit women scholars in science from a sociological perspective. Masculinist, self-fashioned gendered ideologies have dominated the scientific practice of natural sciences in general. The participation of Indian women in scientific research is a very recent phenomenon. Women students from marginalised communities are almost invisible in so-called egalitarian educational institutions. They are deprived of academic resources and opportunities and are subjected to constructive discrimination based on their intersectional identity. This study attempts to unfold the lived experiences of Dalit women scholars, particularly in the scientific laboratories, through a feminist perspective. The study is based on Dalit women scholars from a central university in South India. In-depth interviews have been employed as tool of data collection and observed through the lens of feminist perspective. The study found that women scholars from marginalised sections were meagrely represented in science research. The unique experiences of Dalit women scholars have been made visible, which entail discriminatory attitudes and exclusionary practices leading to a struggling academic journey. Interestingly, women scholars have their agency in dealing with the challenges encountered.
Movement meaning of money: Monetary mobilization in Hong Kong’s prodemocracy movement
Authors: Ho Ming-sho
Published: October 2023

The resource mobilization (RM) theory has long discovered the significance of money for protests; yet can this insight be applied to nowadays’ decentralized movements, characterized by the absence of organizational leadership and more creative and spontaneous participation from below? While the RM perspective is anchored in a political economy of organizational fundraising, it is time to bring in Viviana Zelizer’s economic sociology to understand how participants utilize the role of donors, consumers, savers, and investors for the movement purpose. Focusing on Hong Kong’s prodemocracy movement, this article theorizes the full panoply of ‘monetary mobilization’ to revise RM’s narrow conception. By offering a safer and anonymous channel of expression, monetary mobilization emerges as a substitute for in-person participation for risk-averse citizens with financial means. Money is always loaded with symbolic meanings and ethical considerations so that it also functions as a vehicle of the moral outrage and utopian aspirations. Participants are keen to establish a proper relationship between sponsors and beneficiaries by exercising diligent oversight to prevent its corruption. Contrary to the instrumentalist conception, money is per se not a fully fungible and all-purpose resource.
When leaders disappoint: rejection and denial of leadership roles in international politics
Authors: Friedrichs Gordon M. , Fellenz Áine
Published: October 2023

International leadership failure by states is an underdeveloped concept in International Relations. Existing approaches commonly equate leadership with hegemony, arguing that leadership success and failure are contingent on primacy or shared material interests among states. In this article, we introduce a role theoretical approach, which defines international leadership as a social role that emerges from shared expectations among states pertaining to leadership purpose, group cohesion and time horizon. Accordingly, leadership failure occurs when role expectations between states diverge and states are unable to generate commensurate role-taking via alter-casting. Four leader-follower constellations can be distinguished: leadership enactment, denial, rejection and vacuum. The paper utilizes this theoretical heuristic to understand two cases of leadership failure. The first case involves Brazil’s attempted leadership role in response to the Latin American migration crisis following the political crisis in Venezuela. The second case examines Indonesia’s attempted leadership role in the South China Sea dispute. The empirical findings contribute to existing work on hegemony and leadership in international relations theory by showing that leadership failure comes in different variants and these variants are contingent on shared role expectations and alter-casting capacity of states involved.
“Cat Ladies” and “Mama’s Boys”: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of the Gendered Discrimination and Stereotypes of Single Women and Single Men
Authors: Dupuis Hannah E. , Girme Yuthika U.
Published: October 2023

Do single women and single men differ in their experiences of “singlism”? This mixed-methods research examined whether single women and single men report quantitative differences in amounts of singlehood-based discrimination and explored qualitative reports of stereotypic traits associated with single women and single men. We recruited Canadian and American single adults across two Prolific studies (total N = 286). The results demonstrated that single female and male participants did not differ in their personal discrimination, but female participants perceived single women to experience more discrimination than single men. Furthermore, qualitative analyses revealed four overlapping “archetypes” of single women and men including: Professional (“independent,” “hard-working”), Carefree (“free,” “fun”), Heartless (“selfish,” “promiscuous”), and Loner (“lonely,” “antisocial”). Overall, single women and men may experience similar stereotypes and discrimination, but there are also important nuances that highlight the need for more research at the intersection of gender and singlehood.
Who Learns Fastest, Wins: Lean Startup and Discovery Driven Growth
Authors: McGrath Rita Gunther
Published: October 2023

Most entrepreneurial ventures fail. Most corporate ventures fail too, often more expensively. Against this backdrop, Lean Startup and Discovery-Driven Growth (DDG) are methods that emphasize rapid learning, resource parsimony, and an intense focus on validating assumptions as ways of reducing the cost and risk of failure. Lean Startup had its roots in and makes a contribution to entrepreneurship; Discovery-Driven Growth emerged instead from the study of corporate innovation efforts. Both acknowledge that planning methods based on low-uncertainty situations fall short when faced with high-uncertainty contexts. DDG suggests five design steps that interact: defining success, checking for realism, defining operations, documenting assumptions, and planning through checkpoints. Similar to Lean Startup, it emphasizes an experimental approach to learning. Different than Lean Startup, it is less prescriptive about the method and embraces wider uncertainties than Lean Startup's focus on product-market fit. In a context that has been described as an “innovation arms race,” both methods are a major advance over traditional planning processes because they both emphasize rapid learning. As is rapidly becoming clear, in more and more parts of the evolving digital economy, whoever learns the fastest wins.
“Losing the Maid” Contradictory Dynamics of Social Class, Race, and Gender in the Migration Experiences of Mexican Expat Wives
Authors: Bueno-Roldan Rocio , Röder Antje
Published: October 2023

This study analyzes and offers a novel perspective on the complex and, at times, contradictory dynamics of class, race, and gender in the context of high-skilled migration by unpacking the significance of losing la muchacha (the maid) in the migratory experiences of Mexican expat wives. When Mexican (upper) middle-class women migrate to Western countries, they are confronted with the loss of extensive domestic support that they had previously taken for granted, leaving them to deal with the domestic burden while their husbands develop their international careers. This not only deepens gendered inequalities within their families but also challenges their middle-class habitus because commanding help has been an essential part of their upbringing and social position. Using grounded theory methodology to analyze data from 37 in-depth interviews, we found that participants responded to this situation by either trying to reproduce the patronal relationship in their new country of residence or — often after many years of living there — by adjusting to what they considered a more “civilized,” “western,” or “European” mind frame, incorporating a lower reliance on domestic help into their understanding of middle-class status. These migrants never explicitly challenged the underlying power structures in terms of gender, race, and class but learned to navigate privileges by adapting racial and social class codes to those of their host countries while mourning the Mexican domestic service paradise.
Bilateral versus single internal mammary artery in diabetic patients: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Parissis Haralabos , Ahmed Suhaib , Al Nasir Jomanah , Khan Jamal , Ferwana Mazen
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Data on bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) versus single internal mammary artery (SIMA) on diabetics were analyzed; This is the only meta-analysis, the last 7 years.

Methods

Medline through PubMed/EMBASE/CINHAL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; 179 articles were studied; 19 studies deemed suitable and were included in the analysis.

Results

The mortality was 2.41% for BIMA versus 1.71% for SIMA (odds ratio [OR] =  0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74–1.22). Postoperative reopening for bleeding was higher at 3.75% for BIMA versus 2.91% for SIMA (OR =  1.49; 95% CI: 1.15–1.93). The incidence of MI was 0.87% for BIMA versus 0.83% for SIMA (OR =  0.73; 95% CI: 0.37–1.44). Deep sternal wound infection was 3.02% for BIMA and 1.95% for SIMA (OR =  1.57; 95% CI: 1.26–1.95). When skeletonized, the incidence of DSWI was 2.5% for BIMA versus 2.41% for SIMA. There was a significant difference at 5-year survival favoring the BIMA, 85.15% BIMA versus 80.77% SIMA (OR =  1.79; 95% CI: 1.60–2.01). The 10-year overall survival was 74.04% BIMA versus 61.57% SIMA (OR =  1.79; 95% CI: 1.61–1.98). The 15-year survival was 47.08% for BIMA versus 37.06% for SIMA (OR =  1.69; 95% CI: 1.52–1.88).

Conclusions

Postoperative bleeding was higher in BIMA group. Bilateral internal mammary artery in diabetic patients should be carried out in a skeletonize fashion, to reduce DSWI. There is a survival benefit of using BIMA in diabetics within 5 years of surgery; it remains significant up to 15 years.